bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mineralogical, physical and chemical investigation of compacted Kunigel V1 bentonite in contact with a steel heater in the ABM test package 1 experiment, Äspö laboratory, Sweden
Authors: Sasamoto H. , Isogai T. , Kikuchi H. , Satoh H. , Svensson D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn many countries, compacted bentonite is a candidate engineering barrier material for safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste. The Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB) set up anin situexperiment (the ABM project) to compare the stability of different bentonites under the conditions of exposure to an iron source and to elevated temperature (up to 130°C) at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory, Sweden. Results for the Japanese bentonite (Kunigel V1) are summarized in the present study.Mineralogical investigation using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) suggested no transformation of smectite or neoformed clay phases. However, a distinct change in exchangeable cations of smectite was indicated (i.e.from Na type to Fe type and/or Ca type) in the bentonite in the vicinity of the steel heater.Measurements of hydraulic conductivity and swelling properties suggest that no significant changes occurred in the bentonite even in the vicinity of the steel heater. This is attributed to the limited portion of the bentonite affected by the iron–bentonite interactions and the incomplete ion-exchange reactions. The methylene blue cation exchange capacity and the determination of the exchangeable cations showed that the lateral distribution for these parameters was constant. However, the total exchangeable cation population has changed significantly compared to the initial sample.
Frequency of DNA repair gene mutations in localized and metastatic prostate cancer.
Authors: Dall'Era Marc , Glass Allison , Lara Primo , Hartmaier Ryan , deVere White Ralph , McPherson John 
Published: March 2017

10 Background: DNA repair gene mutations are important molecular alterations in prostate cancer pathogenesis. Germline mutations in DNA repair genes, particularly BRCA2, were recently recognized as associated with metastatic prostate cancer and may also be particularly sensitive to platinum based chemotherapy and PARP inhibitor therapy. We sought to characterize alterations in DNA repair pathway genes in both primary and metastatic prostate tumors. Methods: We studied the distribution of DNA repair gene mutations in 936 prostate cancers harvested from localized and metastatic tumors. Tumor DNA underwent hybrid capture for all coding exons of 395 cancer-related genes plus select introns from 19 or 31 genes frequently rearranged in cancer and sequenced to a median exon coverage depth of >500x using Illumina sequencing and were analyzed for base substitutions/insertions, copy number alterations and rearrangements. We utilized two described lists of genes involved in DNA repair : our own in-house list of 74 (UCD) and a list of 20 DNA repair genes associated with cancer predisposition syndromes utilized in a recent publication by Pritchard et al. We further stratified the frequency of mutations by tissue site (prostate versus metastases). Results: We identified 228/936 unique samples with at least one likely functional mutation in a DNA repair gene (24.4%). Mutations were identified in 20.1% of prostate tumors (13% UCD, 18.4% Pritchard et al.) and in 18.8% of bone metastases. The highest rates of DNA repair mutations were found in visceral metastases including brain, pelvis and liver, higher than either prostate tissue or bone sites (p=<0.01). The most commonly (≥1% of samples) mutated genes in the DNA repair pathways are: BRCA2 (11.43%), ATM (5.77%), MSH6 (2.46%), MSH2 (2.14%), ATR (1.60%), MLH1 (1.28%), and BRCA1(1.18%). Conclusions: DNA repair gene mutations are more common in metastatic than localized prostate tumors. Visceral metastases appear enriched for these mutations compared with localized tumors or bone metastases. Genomic profiling may identify prostate cancers potentially sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapy or PARP inhibition.
A circulating miRNA signature to help prognosticate at prostate cancer diagnosis.
Authors: Sita-Lumsden Ailsa Roberg , Leach Damien , Zivi Andrea , Waxman Jonathan , Winkler Mathias , Bevan Charlotte 
Published: March 2017

108 Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. Around 80% of PCas are diagnosed as early, localised stage yet a subset of these will metastasise and eventually prove fatal. Management decisions are based on risk stratification systems. However, these systems are not able to clearly distinguish indolent from aggressive PCa’s and as a result many patients with indolent cancers may be over treated. Circulating microRNAs (miRNA) may be an easily accessible, suitable biomarker to distinguish true indolent from clinically significant early prostate cancers (PCa) thus reducing overtreatments. Methods: Blood samples from 24 men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, n = 8), localised PCa (n = 8) or metastatic PCa (n = 8) were collected at time of diagnosis. All men had intact prostates and were naïve to any endocrine or other cancer therapy. A platform of circulating miRNAs were analysed in serum using Abcam Firefly technology. Data collected were independently verified using real-time qPCR (Exiqon). The miRNAs identified as being significantly different between groups were then analysed in a published dataset. Results: Serum levels of seven of the miRs examined were significantly different in patients with prostate cancer compared to control across both platforms (miR-10b, miR-125b, miR-210, miR-21, miR-378a, miR-483 and miR93 all with P values < 0.005). A further four miRNAs could differentiate between the benign and metastatic cohorts (miR-126 P = 0.008, miR-150 P = 0.05, miR375 P = 0.007). Kaplein-Meier analysis further identified that the serum levels of four miRNAs showed significant association with survival rates (miR-21 P = 0.032, miR-126 P = 0.032, miR-150 P = 0.032, miR-93 P = 0.019). On examination in a cohort of 280 men from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), four miRs from the cohort had significantly different expression in patients who eventually relapsed (miR-21 P = 0.048, miR-375 P = 0.021, miR-210 P = 0.0003, miR-93 P = 0.008) Conclusions: Our circulating miRNA based signature could be used to stratify men at prostate cancer diagnosis and help identify those who are likely to harbour micro metastases and would benefit more from an early radical treatment. The data is being validated in larger cohorts.
Feasibility of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in elderly patients: Comparative analysis of the perisurgical/oncological outcomes with younger patients.
Authors: Miura Noriyoshi , Arai Osuke , Watanabe Ryuta , Sawada Yuichiro , Asai Seiji , Noda Terutaka , Fukumoto Tetsuya , Yanahihara Yutaka , Miyauchi Yuki , Kikugawa Tadahiko , Saika Takashi , Nakajima Hirochika , Edamura Kohei , Ebara Shin 
Published: March 2017

111 Background: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has become one of standard treatments for localized prostate cancer. However, a feasibility of RARP in high elderly patients has not been clear yet. We performed a comparative analysis of peri-surgical / oncological outcomes for younger and elder patients underwent RARP. Methods: We reviewed and compared our 631 consecutive patients who underwent RARP from 9/2012 to 6/2016 for peri-surgical outcomes, including surgical times, blood loss, complications, pathological findings, continence recovery, and oncological outcomes stratified by age less than 75 and over 75 years. Results: In our cohort, 555 men were age less than 75 and 76 men were ≥75. Preoperative parameters (age, PSA, Gleason score) were similar in both younger and high elder groups. Operative time (median: 180 vs. 180 minutes) and estimated blood loss were similar in both groups. One of elder patients (1.4%) needed transfusion. Peri/post-operative complications over grade 3 were 0.9% in younger group and 1.4% in elder group. No case needed intra-operative open conversion. Surgical positive margin rates in organ-confined (pT2) disease were also similar (13.4%, younger vs. 17.9%, elder). Continence at 3 months was 73% in elder patients as opposed to 77% in younger patients. Biochemical recurrences in short follow-up period (median 11.1 vs. 11.0 months) were observed 7.9% in elder patients as opposed 8.3% in younger patients. Conclusions: In our study, although urinary continence recovery in high elderly patients might show a short delay, RARP in high elderly patients was relatively safe and yielded good oncologic results. RARP is feasible even in elderly patients.
The impact of Gleason pattern 4 ratio on recurrence following radical prostatectomy in Japanese patients with prostate cancer.
Authors: Kato Masashi 
Published: March 2017

114 Background: The 2014 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) classified the Gleason grade into five groups and the Gleason score (GS) 7 was divided into groups 2 (GS3+4) and 3 (GS4+3). The ISUP recommended recording the Gleason pattern (GP) 4 ratio. However, no data are available on Japanese patients, and no studies have reported any difference between GS3+3 and a part of GS3+4. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the GP 4 ratio on recurrence following radical prostatectomy in Japanese patients with prostate cancer and revealed the equivalent between GS3+3 and part of GS3+4. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 1,000 patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy at the author’s affiliated hospitals between 2005 and 2013. All prostatectomy specimen slides were reviewed by a single genitourinary pathologist according to ISUP 2014. Recurrence following radical prostatectomy was defined according to American Urological Association guidelines. The endpoint was defined as an increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Results: Median patient age was 67 years (range, 42–77 years). Median serum PSA level was 6.8 ng/mL (range, 0.4–82 ng/mL). Median follow-up period was 59 months (range, 0.2–134 months). PSA progression was observed in 13.9% of pT2, 39.5% of pT3a, and 59.5% of pT3b. There were 164 group 1 cases (GS6), 484 group 2 (GS3+4), 212 group 3 (GS4+3), 39 group 4 (GS8), and 95 group 5 (GS9–10) cases. PSA progression-free survival was significantly different among the five groups (log rank; P = 0.0001). A significant difference was observed among the four groups with regard to the proportion by which the GP4 ratio increased (P = 0.0001) when groups 2 and 3 were divided by the GP4 ratio ( < 20%, 236 cases; 20–50%, 240 cases; 51–80%, 188 cases; and 81–100%, 17 cases). On the other hand, no difference was detected between GS3+3 and GS3+4 (GS4 < 20%) (P = 0.481). Conclusions: An increase in the GP4 ratio was correlated with PSA progression following radical prostatectomy in Japanese patients with prostate cancer. In addition, no difference was observed between GS3+3 and GS3+4 (GP4 < 20%), and GS3+4 (GP4 < 20%) patients may be an indication for active surveillance.
Predictors for reclassification at repeat biopsy in active surveillance cohort for low-risk prostate cancer: From an interim analysis of PRIAS-JAPAN.
Authors: Sugimoto Mikio , Kakehi Yoshiyuki , Hirama Hiromi , Naito Seiji , Yamaguchi Akito , Koga Hirofumi , Shinohara Nobuo , Maruyama Satoru , Arai Yoichi , Mitsuzuka Koji , Egawa Shin , Sasaki Hiroshi , Homma Yukio , Fukuhara Hiroshi ,   PRIAS-JAPAN study group
Published: March 2017

118 Background: The Prostate Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance (PRIAS) study is a large international prospective observational AS study that commenced in 2006. Japan has participated in the study (PRIAS-JAPAN) since 2010, and recruitment remains ongoing. The objective of this study is to define clinical and pathological factors predicting reclassification at the time of 1-year repeat biopsy (re-Bx) based on a Japanese cohort forming part of the PRIAS study. Methods: The inclusion criteria for the PRIAS study are as follows: clinical stage T1c/T2, PSA ≤ 10 ng/ml, PSA density (PSAD) < 0.2 ng/ml per milliliter, one or two positive biopsy cores, and Gleason score (GS) ≤ 6 at initial diagnostic biopsy. Baseline clinical characteristics and prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSADT) at the time of re-Bx were analyzed via multivariate logistic regression with respect to reclassification on the 1-year re-Bx. Results: A total of 711 patients were enrolled in PRIAS-JAPAN by September 2016. Of these, 409 underwent re-Bx at 1-year. The re-Bx acceptance rate was 83.3%. A total of 122 (29.8%) was reclassified whereas 150 (36.7%) had no cancer. Older age, a higher PSAD, a higher positive core rate, and a shorter PSADT were significant predictors of reclassification. Among them, the positive core rate was the strongest predictor for pathological reclassification at 1-year after starting AS. The AS remaining rates at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years were 93.9%, 70.6%, 65.7%, 60.0% and 49.5% respectively Conclusions: An interim analysis of a Japanese AS cohort participating in PRIAS revealed that the positive core rate was strongly associated with reclassification at the 1-year re-Bx. Clinical trial information: UMIN000002874. [Table: see text]
Factors affecting the risk of erroneous interpretation of online surgeon rating websites among the general population.
Authors: Weight Christopher J. , Watson Brett , Labine Lucas , Albersheim-Carter Jacob , Konety Badrinath R. 
Published: March 2017

121 Background: Several websites present estimated individual surgeon complication rates for surgeons in both the United States and Great Britain. Though some researchers have raised questions as to the validity and appropriateness of these publicly displayed outcome measures, there remains very little research into how the general public may interpret these data to make health care decisions. Methods: We invited attendees of the 2016 Minnesota State Fair who met entry criteria, (adults > 18 years old, English speakers who were able to use a tablet computer) to complete our survey. Demographic data was presented along with various screen shots from online surgeon rating websites. Patients were then asked to interpret these graphics and report complication rates. Some graphics displayed complications rates for one surgeon alone, while others compared multiple surgeons side-by-side. Results: 392 participants completed the survey from a broad geographic distribution from the upper Midwest (179 unique zip codes). Median age was 49 (Interquartile range 28-61), the female:male ratio was 3:2, 57% had completed a college or graduate degree and 85% were Caucasian vs. 15% ethnic minorities. The majority of participants (76%) were able to correctly estimate complication rates when a single surgeon and his or her complication rates were shown, but when respondents were asked to compare/rank multiple surgeons, respondents overestimated complication rates by 5-7 fold, on average, for the lower ranking surgeons and only 15% of respondents could correctly identify the complication rate of the lowest performing surgeon. College graduates and those with a graduate degree were more likely to correctly estimate complication rates compared to participants with less education (odds ratio 1.98 95% CI 1.04-3.75, p = 0.035). Conclusions: Online surgeon rating websites that compare and rank surgeons may lead the general public to drastically overestimate the risk of postoperative complications. These errors in estimating complication rates appear to be reduced amongst those who are college educated and when viewing single surgeon outcomes in the absence of a comparison.
Development of a screening tool to assess prostate cancer health literacy.
Authors: Kotwal Ashwin A. , Master Viraj A. , Jani Ashesh B. , Fraser Gertrude , Wolf Andrew M , Wang Daniel Shin-Ping , Duncan Howard , Ewur Kwesi , Taber Angela Marie , Kilbridge Kerry L. 
Published: March 2017

127 Background: Poor comprehension of prostate cancer (PCa) related terms can create barriers to informed discussions on screening, treatment, and measuring outcomes, and contribute to disparities in African American (AA) men. We developed a screening tool to assess for low PCa-related health literacy. Methods: We assessed PCa-related literacy in a sample of 189 AA men, age >40 years from diverse socioeconomic status (SES) using a 27-item scale derived comprehension of commonly used terms for urinary, bowel and sexual function. Using item-response models we examined differential item functioning by education. We developed rapid screening tools based on understanding of 1 or 2 words to predict overall comprehension. Receiver operating characteristic curves assessed the sensitivity and specificity for individuals understanding less than a pre-specified threshold of 70% on the overall scale, defined as “low literacy.” Results are being tested in an independent sample of 110 AA men. Results: The 27-item scale had good internal reliability (Cronbach alpha = 0.93). 47% of the sample met criteria for low literacy. Lower education groups had relatively poor comprehension of sexual function terms compared to higher education groups. 1-item scales using comprehension of the term “rectal urgency” had a sensitivity of 95% for identifying low literacy, “erection” had a specificity of 98%, and “vaginal intercourse” had a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 81%. Combining “vaginal intercourse” and “rectal urgency” yielded a 2-item scale with strong characteristics (sensitivity 88%, specificity 89%), as did combining “vaginal intercourse” and “erection” (sensitivity 94%, specificity 81%). Conclusions: Rapid screening tools assessing PCa-related literacy performed well in a community sample of AA men with varied SES. Providers can use these tools to identify those at risk of poor comprehension to tailor outcome measurement and shared decision making. [Table: see text]
Is there a protective role of testosterone against high-grade prostate cancer? Incidence and severity of prostate cancer in 553 patients undergoing prostate biopsy in a prospective data register.
Authors: Yassin Aksam , Salman Mahmoud 
Published: March 2017

128 Background: Major concern regarding testosterone therapy (TRT) in middle-aged and elderly men is still prostate safety or cancer Methods: 553 prostate biopsies (2008-2013) were performed at our institute. 22 patients refused biopsy. We investigated incidence and severity of PCa in three groups: hypogonadal (T ≤ 350 ng/dl) men receiving TRT, hypogonadal untreated, and eugonadal men. All groups underwent similar screening intensity of at least once per year. Biopsies were performed when indicated according to EAU guidelines. Results: In 42 hypogonadal men receiving TRT, 7 (16.7%) had a positive biopsy. Of these, 5 had a Gleason score ≤ 6 (71.4%) and 2 subjects a Gleason score > 6 (28.6%). Predominant Gleason score was 3 in all 7 men (100%). Tumor grade was II in 6 (85.7%) and II-III in 1 (14.3%) men. 162 untreated hypogonadal men, 84 (51.9%) had a positive biopsy. Of these, 34 had a Gleason score ≤ 6 (40.5%) and 50 a Gleason score > 6 (59.5%). Predominant Gleason score was 3 in 65 (77.4%), 4 in 17 (20.2%) and 5 in 2 (2.4%) men. Tumor grade was II in 35 (41.7%), II-III in 10 (11.9%), III in 34 (40.5%) and IV in 5 (6.0%) men. In 349 eugonadal men, 132 (37.8%) had a positive biopsy. Of these, 56 had a Gleason score ≤ 6 (42.4%) and 76 a Gleason score > 6 (57.6%). Predominant Gleason score was 3 in 109 (82.6%), 4 in 22 (16.7%) and 5 in 1 (0.1%) men. Tumor grade was II in 59 (44.7%), II-III in 6 (4.5%), III in 63 (47.7%) and IV in 4 (3.0%) men. Conclusions: The incidence of positive prostate biopsies was lowest in hypogonadal men receiving TRT. The severity of PCa – in terms of Staging and Grading - was significantly lower in hypogonadal patients receiving TRT. TRT may protect against high-grade PCa. Protective role of TRT against PCa must be discussed and considered in larger studies.
A combination of both testosterone and white blood count as predictive factors of overall survival in localized prostate cancer.
Authors: Taussky Daniel , Soulieres Denis , Azoulay Laurent , Yin Hui , Bahig Houda , Bahary Jean-Paul , Delouya Guila 
Published: March 2017

129 Background: Low testosterone is generally associated with a higher overall mortality rate. We previously published that an increase in neutrophils is associated with lower overall survival in a large population of patients with localized prostate cancer. In this study, we tested a combination of both testosterone and neutrophils to predict for overall survival in a prospective cohort of patients treated with radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. Methods: 414 patients from our institutional database were enrolled prospectively in phase 2 or 3 studies. To be included in this present analysis, patients had to have a baseline testosterone and complete blood count before enrollment in their respective study. Thirty-three patients were excluded for missing data for a total of 381 (92%) patients were included for analysis. Multivariate cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the influence of white blood count (WBC = neutrophils + lymphocytes) and testosterone level on biochemical recurrence (Phoenix definition) and overall survival (OS). A cutoff level for testosterone of 10.4 nmol/l ( = 300ng/dL) was used as an indicator of hypogonadism and a WBC cutoff of 6.2 (109/L) representing the median value of this study population. Results were adjusted for cancer characteristics, comorbidities and androgen deprivation therapy. Results: Median age (range) was 71 (52-82) years. The median follow-up for biochemical recurrence and OS analysis were 72 and 78 months, respectively. WBC and testosterone were not predictive of biochemical recurrence, but CAPRA score 6-10 vs. ≤ 2 was (HR 5.39, 95% CI 1.19-24.45). WBC ≥ 6.2 alone was not associated with OS (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.30-1.46), but when combined with a testosterone > 10.3 nmol/l, it was associated with a HR of 2.96 (95%CI 1.45-6.06) when compared to a WBC < 6.2, P-interaction = 0.01. Conclusions: A combination of high WBC and normal testosterone levels seem to be associated with increased mortality in patients with localized prostate cancer. Validation in larger samples is needed and could help to identify patients with increased risk of mortality within the first 6-7 years post treatment.