bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Femtosecond-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis for high myopia correction: Long-term follow-up outcomes.
Authors: Vega-Estrada Alfredo , Alio Jorge L 
Published: March 2019

Objective: Report the outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for high myopia correction after long-term follow-up. Methods: Retrospective, consecutive, clinical study including 70 eyes that underwent LASIK using a 500 Hertz (Hz) repetition rate excimer laser and femtosecond technology for flap creation. Visual, refractive, corneal aberrations, and correlation among the variables were evaluated during 3 years. In addition, 34 eyes were followed during 5 years. Results: Significant improvement of 17 logMAR lines was observed in uncorrected vision at 5 years (p < 0.01). This was consistent with spherical equivalent reduction that came from mean preoperative –7.79 diopters (D) to 5 years postoperative –0.24 D (p < 0.01). Significant induction of primary spherical aberration and coma aberration was also found (p < 0.01) at 3 months with levels of 0.61 µm and 0.47 µm, respectively, with no further changes at 5 years (p > 0.05). Pearson correlation showed that the amount of high-order aberrations at 3 months postoperativeley was significantly correlated with the changes in the keratometry throughout the 5 years (delta K) (R2 0.242 p = 0.05). Finally, preoperative corneal asphericity showed an inverse correlation with the delta K (R2 –308 p = 0.01). Conclusions: Results from this study suggests that LASIK for high myopia correction using 500 Hz repetition rate excimer laser provides stable visual, refractive and aberrometric results after 5 years of follow-up. A more prolate cornea and the amount of higher-order aberrations induced after LASIK are factors that negatively impact in the long-term stability of the procedure.
An African American Perspective on Familial Notification of Becoming a Registered Organ Donor
Authors: DuBay Derek A. , Ivankova Nataliya V. , Herbey Ivan , Redden David T. , Holt Cheryl , Siminoff Laura , Fouad Mona N. , Morinelli Thomas A. , Martin Michelle Y. 
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Studies demonstrate that family notification is much less frequent in African Americans than in Caucasians. Familial notification of one’s decision to become a registered organ donor (ROD) is important to ensure adherence to the decedent’s donation decision and to disseminate prodonation attitudes. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of familial notification among recent African American RODs and to identify intervention strategies to overcome potential barriers to the notification process. Methods/Approach: The study used a qualitative focus group approach. An inductive thematic analysis identified common categories and themes in the recorded and transcribed discussions. Findings: The focus groups consisted of 50 African American participants who had recently visited Alabama Department of Motorized Vehicles and made the voluntary decision (yes or no) about becoming an organ donor. Three major themes describing the African American experiences with notifying their family members about their decision to become a ROD emerged. These themes were as follows: motivation for the notification, notification conversation, and promoting familial notification. Specific discussions centered upon the importance of and barriers to familial notification, information, and strategies needed for successful notification. Strategies identified were use of media and social networks to provide enhanced knowledge on the notification process and the importance of health-care, community-provided knowledge about the donation process. Discussion: Findings from this study provide a framework for future interventions designed to assist African American RODs in notifying family members of their status.
Salivary Biomarkers in Denture Stomatitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Khiyani M.F. , Ahmadi M. , Barbeau J. , Feine J.S. , de Souza R.F. , Siqueira W.L. , Emami E. 
Published: March 2019

Objective Denture stomatitis (DS) is an oral biofilm–associated inflammation of the denture-bearing mucosa. The objective of this review was to identify and evaluate the quality of evidence on the association between the levels of salivary biomarkers and DS among adults with and without palatal DS. Materials and methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials were searched for eligible studies from the beginning of the archives until December 2018. Experimental and observational studies with adult participants were included that had a control group or subgroup analysis and provided data on salivary biomarkers and DS. Articles in languages other than English or French were excluded. The level of evidence and grades of recommendation were established with the 2011 scale of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Additionally, the assessment of methodological quality was conducted with the STROBE statement (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) and graded according to the Olmos scale. Results: From 1,008 citations, 9 studies were included in the systematic review (8 observational, 1 clinical trial). Seven studies suggested a statistically significant difference in the levels of salivary cytokines (IL-6, CCL3, TGF-β, CXCL8, GM-CSF, and TNF-α) between participants with DS and controls ( P < 0.05). In contrast, 2 studies concluded that the difference in the levels of several salivary cytokines (IL2, IL12, IFN-g, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, and ICAM-1) between the groups was not statistically significant. The level of evidence for the majority of studies was 3, while the grade of recommendation for all the studies was B, interpreted as “favorable.” In terms of methodological quality, most studies met 50% to 80% of STROBE criteria and were graded B. Conclusion: Palatal inflammation in DS is significantly associated with the levels of salivary cytokines. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study identified altered levels of specific salivary biomarkers associated with denture stomatitis, which may aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Venetoclax plus R- or G-CHOP in non-Hodgkin lymphoma: results from the CAVALLI phase 1b trial
Authors: Zelenetz Andrew D. , Salles Gilles , Mason Kylie D. , Casulo Carla , Le Gouill Steven , Sehn Laurie H. , Tilly Herve , Cartron Guillaume , Chamuleau Martine E. D. , Goy Andre , Tam Constantine S. , Lugtenburg Pieternella J. , Petrich Adam M. , Sinha Arijit , Samineni Divya , Herter Sylvia , Ingalla Ellen , Szafer-Glusman Edith , Klein Christian , Sampath Deepak , Kornacker Martin , Mobasher Mehrdad , Morschhauser Franck 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Novel strategies, such as chemosensitization with targeted agents, that build on the success of standard immunochemotherapy show promise for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Here, we report a phase 1b study investigating dose escalation of the BCL2 inhibitor, venetoclax, in combination with rituximab or obinutuzumab and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-/G-CHOP) chemotherapy in B-cell NHL. Objectives included safety assessment and determination of a recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). Fifty-six patients were enrolled, most with follicular lymphoma (43%) or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL; 32%). Dose-limiting toxicities were reported in 3/14 patients at the first venetoclax dose (200 mg/d), after which dosing was changed from daily to 10 days per cycle and escalated to 800 mg. A further reduction to 5 days per cycle occurred at the 800-mg dose level in the G-CHOP arm. Cytopenias were predominant among grade 3/4 events and reported at a higher rate than expected, particularly in the G-CHOP arm; however, safety was manageable. Overall response rates were 87.5% (R-CHOP and G-CHOP combinations); complete response (CR) rates were 79.2% and 78.1%, respectively. Most double-expressor (BCL2+ and MYC+) DLBCL patients (87.5%; n = 7/8) achieved CR. Although the maximum tolerated dose was not reached, the RP2D for venetoclax with R-CHOP was established at 800 mg days 4 to 10 of cycle 1 and days 1 to 10 of cycles 2 to 8; higher doses were not explored, and this dosing schedule demonstrated an acceptable safety profile. This regimen is subsequently being evaluated in first-line DLBCL in the phase 2 portion of the study. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02055820.
Oncolytic immunotherapy and bortezomib synergy improves survival of refractory multiple myeloma in a preclinical model
Authors: Thirukkumaran Chandini M. , Shi Zhong Qiao , Nuovo Gerard J. , Luider Joanne , Kopciuk Karen A. , Dong Yuan , Mostafa Ahmed A. , Thakur Satbir , Gratton Kathy , Yang Ailian , Chin Alex C. , Coffey Matt C. , Jimenez-Zepeda Victor H. , Stewart Douglas , Chesi Marta , Bergsagel P. Leif , Morris Don 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
The oncolytic reovirus (RV) has demonstrated clinical efficacy and minimal toxicity in a variety of cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM). MM is a malignancy of plasma cells that is considered treatable but incurable because of the 90% relapse rate that is primarily from drug resistance. The systemic nature of MM and the antitumor immunosuppression by its tumor microenvironment presents an ongoing therapeutic challenge. In the present study, we demonstrate that RV synergizes with the standard-of-care MM drug bortezomib (BTZ) and, importantly, enhances its therapeutic potential in therapy-resistant human MM cell lines in vitro. Using the syngeneic Vk*MYC BTZ-resistant immunocompetent transplantable MM murine model, we also demonstrate that mice harboring BTZ-insensitive MM tumors respond to the RV/BTZ combination treatment in terms of decreased tumor burden and improved overall survival (P &lt; .00001). We demonstrate that BTZ augments RV replication in tumor-associated endothelial cells and myeloma cells, leading to enhanced viral delivery and thereby stimulating cytokine release, immune activity, apoptosis, and reduction of the MM-associated immune suppression. We conclude that combined RV/BTZ is an attractive therapeutic strategy with no safety signals for the treatment of MM.
High Beclin-1 and ARID1A expression corelates with poor survival and high recurrence in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a histopathological retrospective study
Authors: Bi Chao , Liu Mei , Rong Weiqi , Wu Fan , Zhang Yang , Lin Shengtao , Liu Yunhe , Wu Jianxiong , Wang Liming 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Background
Although surgical resection provides a cure for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), the risk of mortality and recurrence remains high. Several biomarkers are reported to be associated with the prognosis of ICC, including Beclin-1, ARID1A, carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), but results are inconsistent. Therefore, a histopathological retrospective study was performed to simultaneously investigate the relationship of these four potential biomarkers with clinicopathological parameters and their prognostic values in patients with ICC.

Methods
A total of 113 patients with ICC were enrolled from Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 1999 and June 2015. The expression of Beclin-1, ARID1A, IDH1 and CA9 were determined by immunohistochemical staining. The prognostic values of the four biomarkers were analyzed by Cox regression and the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results
Beclin-1, ARID1A, CA9 and IDH1 were highly expressed in ICC tumor tissues. Higher mortality was positively associated with Beclin-1 expression (HR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.09–5.24) and higher recurrence was positively associated with ARID1A expression (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.06–2.78). Neither CA9 nor IDH1 expression was significantly associated with mortality or disease recurrence. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that ICC patients with higher Beclin-1 and ARID1A expression had a lower survival rate and a worse recurrence rate than patients with low Beclin-1 and ARID1A expression (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
High Beclin-1 and ARIDIA expression are strongly associated with poor prognosis in ICC patients, and thus Beclin-1 and ARID1A should be simultaneously considered as potential prognostic biomarkers for ICC patients.
An evaluation system for the development of scaling off at earthen sites in arid areas in NW China
Authors: Cui Kai , Du Yumin , Zhang Yinghui , Wu Guopeng , Yu Li 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Earthen sites are valuable cultural heritage sites in arid regions of NW China, where a series of serious deteriorations have developed. Scaling off is a typical type of deterioration that greatly threatens the long-term preservation of earthen sites. To date, there are insufficient studies on the formation mechanisms and influence factors of scaling off, leading to a lack of a theoretical foundation for further consolidation research. Therefore, establishing a scientific evaluation system to explore the formation mechanisms of scaling off and assess its degree of development has become a very significant topic for earthen site conservation. In this study, we selected 18 earthen sites to survey scaling off in the field, and data from geotechnical tests and meteorology were then collected to fit the characteristic values to determine the influencing factors. Finally, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (Fuzzy-AHP) was applied to build a system to evaluate scaling off. The mechanisms of scaling off formation were explained by comparing and analyzing the porosity, shrinkage limit, particle size distribution of rammed earth and environmental factors combined with soluble salt contents in rammed earth. This research reveals the formation mechanisms and influencing factors of scaling off from a new perspective, which will lay a beneficial foundation for further consolidation research.
Research on using Six Sigma management to improve bank customer satisfaction
Authors: Zhuo Zhiyi 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
In the banking industry, which aims to serve customers, management level and service level are one of the criteria for measuring the core competitiveness of banks. An important indicator of management and service levels is to ensure customer satisfaction with the bank used. Six Sigma management is customer-centric, based on data and facts, adopting improvement measures for the process, focusing on preventive control, emphasizing borderless cooperation, continuous improvement, and the pursuit of quality and efficiency management mechanisms. In this paper, we empirically analyze the reasons why banks affect customer satisfaction and design the bank’s Six Sigma service process based on empirical analysis. Finally, in the “Conclusion and discussion” section, the research suggestions for improving bank customer satisfaction are given.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression in endometrial carcinoma: association with histopathologic parameters
Authors: Hashmi Atif Ali , Hussain Zubaida Fida , Irfan Muhammad , Naeem Maheen , Hashmi Shumaila Kanwal , Asif Huda , Baloch Samina , Faridi Naveen 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Background
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a cellular oncoprotein which is overexpressed in many human cancers including a subset of endometrial cancers. Immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of EGFR has been investigated in previous studies; Role of EGFR in endometrial carcinoma as a prognostic biomarker has not been studied in our population; therefore we aimed to evaluate the expression of EGFR in cases of endometrial carcinoma in loco-regional population and its association with histologic variables.

Methods
Total 89 cases of endometrial carcinoma were selected from records of pathology department archives. All patients underwent surgeries at Liaquat National hospital, Karachi from January 2012 till December 2017 over a period of 6 years. Slides of all cases were retrieved and reviewed by two senior histopathologists and pathologic characteristics were evaluated. Moreover, representative tissue blocks of all 89 cases were selected for EGFR immunohistochemistry.

Results
73% (65 cases) showed no EGFR expression, while 21.3% (19 cases) showed low EGFR expression and 5.6% (5 cases) revealed high EGFR expression. Significant association of EGFR expression was noted with histologic type. Serous carcinoma and carcinosarcoma showed high expression of EGFR. On the other hand, no significant association of EGFR with other histopathologic parameters was found.

Conclusion
Overall, we found a low EGFR expression in endometrial carcinoma in our population without any significant pathological association except for its high expression in serous carcinoma and carcinosarcoma; however, more large scale studies are warranted to validate these findings.
Characterization of PSA at death in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Authors: Bikkasani Krishna , Qin Qian , Lin Justin , Galsky Matt D. , Liaw Bobby Chi-Hung , Oh William K. , Tsao Che-Kai 
Published: March 2019

184 Background: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a valuable prognostic and predictive biomarker in prostate cancer (PC). Currently, the significance of PSA at death is undefined. In this single institution retrospective study, we aim to characterize the significance of PSA at death in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Methods: Using the Mount Sinai Genitourinary (GU) Cancer Biorepository, an IRB approved database containing all consented GU cancer patients seen between 2010-2018, we stratified patients into the following cohorts based on their PSA at death: < 10, 10-100, 100-1000, and > 1000 ng/ml. We excluded data of patients who had less than 3 visits to the Mount Sinai Hospital. A descriptive analysis was performed to assess clinical characteristics of disease, treatment response, and outcomes. Results: We identified 1097 PC patients, and 101 were found to be deceased following a diagnosis of mCRPC. Cohorts of higher PSA level at death were associated with: a lower Gleason score at diagnosis, a longer time to castration resistance, higher burden of metastatic disease at death (non-visceral and visceral), and longer OS in patients with mCRPC (see table). Conclusions: In this study, PSA at death is associated with several important clinical characteristics and outcome, including overall survival. These differences may be attributed to their underlying biologic behavior. These results are hypothesis generating, and larger studies will be needed to further assess the significance of these findings. [Table: see text]
Clinical outcomes in Caucasian (C), African American (AA) and Asian men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Authors: Halabi Susan , Dutta Sandipan , Chi Kim N. , Tangen Catherine M. , Petrylak Daniel Peter , Araujo John C. , Fizazi Karim , Quinn David I. , Higano Celestia S. , Tannock Ian , Small Eric Jay , Kelly William Kevin 
Published: March 2019

186 Background: We have previously shown in multivariable analysis that African American (AA) men had 19% lower risk of death than Caucasian (C) men with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with a docetaxel (D) prednisone (P) based regimen. The primary goal of this analysis was to compare progression-free survival (PFS) and PSA PFS in C men, AA men, and Asian men with mCRPC treated with a DP based regimen. Methods: Individual patient data from 8,820 mCRPC men randomized on nine phase III trials to a DP containing regimen were combined. Race used in the analysis was based on self-report. The endpoints were PFS and PSA PFS. Per protocol definition of PFS was used in the analysis while PSA PFS was defined per PCWG3 criteria. The proportional hazards model was used to assess the prognostic importance of race in predicting PFS and PSA PFS, adjusting for treatment arm and prognostic factors that were common across the trials (performance status, and sites of metastases). Results: Of 8,820 patients, 7,528 (85%) were C, 500 (6%) were AA, 424 (5%) were Asian and 368 (4%) had race unspecified. Men with race unspecified were excluded from the analysis, leaving 8,452 men. Median PFS was 8.3 months (m) (95% CI = 8.1-8.5), 8.2 m (95% CI = 7.4-8.8), and 8.3 m (95% CI = 7.6-8.8) in C, AA and Asian men, respectively. In multivariable analysis adjusting for risk factors, the pooled hazard ratios for AA vs. C was 1.04 (95% CI = 0.94-1.15, p-value = 0.461) and 1.08 (95% CI = 0.96-1.21, p-value = 0.192) for Asian vs. C. PSA data were available for 6,685 (89%) C, 456 (91%) AA and 412 (97%) Asian men. Median PSA PFS were 9.7 m (95% CI = 9.4-10), 8.5 m (95% CI = 7.6-10) and 10.0 m (95% CI = 9.5-11.8) in C, AA and Asian, respectively. In multivariable analysis, the pooled hazard ratios were 1.05 (95% CI = 0.94-1.16, p-value = 0.408) for AA vs. C and 1.00 (95% CI = 0.82-1.22, p-value = 0.996) for Asian vs. C. Conclusions: There were no differences in PFS and PSA PFS outcomes in C, AA, or Asian men with mCRPC enrolled on these phase III clinical trials with DP. Clinical trial information: NCT00004001.
Docetaxel in older patients for metastatic prostate cancer.
Authors: Mark Frances May , Pollard Adam , Thomson Alastair H 
Published: March 2019

187 Background: Docetaxel use has led to a significant prolongation in overall survival in metastatic prostate cancer (MPC). There is however limited information on treatment tolerance and outcomes in patients 80 years old and over in routine clinical practice. With the ever aging population it is becoming more important to assess outcomes in this age group. Methods: Patients diagnosed with MPC and treated with docetaxel from 2006 to 2016 were identified and their records retrospectively reviewed via electronic clinical and prescribing systems in a single centre in the UK. Data was assessed for prostate specific antigen (PSA) response, number of cycles and dosing of docetaxel and castrate resistant overall survival (OS). Results: 209 consecutive patients with MPC receiving docetaxel were reviewed. Three patient groups were identified; younger than 75 years old (n = 150, 37 early (as part of initial therapy) docetaxel), 75-79 years (n = 40, 2 early docetaxel) and 80 years or over (n = 19, no early docetaxel). When comparing mean OS excluding early docetaxel treatment, respective mean survival times for each of the three age groups, younger to older were 1001, 1045 and 1294 days, with between class difference being insignificant. The PSA response rates to docetaxel excluding first line use were compared between the age groups and did not show a significant difference at 39% in the youngest group, 38% in the intermediate age group and 42% for the oldest patients. There was a trend that the older the patient, the more likely docetaxel was the final systemic treatment given at 42% (80 years or over), 32% (75-79 years) and 23% (younger than 75 years). The 80 years or over group received fewer docetaxel cycles (3.8, p = 0.006) and less dose per course (226mg/m2, p = 0.004) than the group less than 75 years (5.8 cycles, 409mg/m2) and 75-79 years (5.1 cycles, 341mg/m2). Conclusions: In this group of patients, in routine clinical practice, the 80 years and over age group received fewer cycles of docetaxel in MPC and less dose per course, but nevertheless achieved similar PSA response rates and castrate resistant OS. Given these results, docetaxel should be considered as a treatment option in suitable patients of 80 years and over.