bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanokit for single-cell electrochemical analyses
Authors: Pan Rongrong , Xu Mingchen , Jiang Dechen , Burgess Jame D. , Chen Hong-Yuan 
Published: September 2016

Significance
A nanokit was generated by filling a nanometer-sized capillary with a ring electrode at the tip with components from traditional kits, and it was applied to characterize the reactivity and concentrations of cellular compounds in single cells. The nanokit has adapted features of the well-established kits and integrated the kit components and detector in one nanometer-sized capillary, which avoids a complicated structural design or surface functionalization for the recognition of the analytes and could be applied to the analysis of cellular compounds that are challenging to measure using the current methods. The simple and low-cost device provides a specific strategy that should facilitate single-cell analyses.
DEF: an automated dead-end filling approach based on quasi-endosymbiosis
Authors: Liu Lili , Zhang Zijun , Sheng Taotao , Chen Ming 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Motivation
Gap filling for the reconstruction of metabolic networks is to restore the connectivity of metabolites via finding high-confidence reactions that could be missed in target organism. Current methods for gap filling either fall into the network topology or have limited capability in finding missing reactions that are indirectly related to dead-end metabolites but of biological importance to the target model.

Results
We present an automated dead-end filling (DEF) approach, which is derived from the wisdom of endosymbiosis theory, to fill gaps by finding the most efficient dead-end utilization paths in a constructed quasi-endosymbiosis model. The recalls of reactions and dead ends of DEF reach around 73% and 86%, respectively. This method is capable of finding indirectly dead-end-related reactions with biological importance for the target organism and is applicable to any given metabolic model. In the E. coli iJR904 model, for instance, about 42% of the dead-end metabolites were fixed by our proposed method.

Availability and Implementation
DEF is publicly available at http://bis.zju.edu.cn/DEF/.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Spine Metastasis Practice Patterns among Korean, Chinese, and Japanese Radiation Oncologists: A Multinational Online Survey Study
Authors: Yu Jeong Il , Park Hee Chul , Ahn Yong Chan , Gao Xian-Shu , Wang Jun-Jie , Zeng Zhao-Chong , Ito Yoshinori , Ohno Tatsuya , Nishimura Yasumasa 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
This online survey of practising radiation oncologists from Korea, China and Japan was conducted to investigate the current practices in radiotherapy (RT) for spine metastasis and to compare these practices across the three countries. The questionnaire included nine general information questions and two clinical scenarios (representing ‘typical’ and ‘good’ prognosis spine metastasis), with seven questions for each scenario. An anonymous web-based survey using Google Docs® was undertaken from 2 September 2014 to 9 April 2015. A total of 54 Korean, 107 Chinese and 104 Japanese radiation oncologists participated in the study. The first scenario involved a typical case of spine metastasis (~25% expected 1-year survival rate), and the preferred fractionation scheme was 10 fractions of 3 Gy, though the pattern was slightly different in each country. The second scenario involved a good prognosis case (&gt;50% expected 1-year survival rate), and 10 fractions of 3 Gy was the preferred practice in all three countries (however, use of a larger fraction dose with a smaller fraction number was more common in Korea). A more conformal RT technique was more prominent in China and Korea, especially for patients with a good prognosis. Avoidance of reirradiation was notable in China. In summary, a preference for multiple fractionation in RT for spine metastasis was observed in the majority of Korean, Chinese and Japanese radiation oncologists, although there were slight differences in practice preferences, especially for patients with a favorable prognosis.
Glycyrrhetinic acid alleviates radiation-induced lung injury in mice
Authors: Chen Jinmei , Zhang Weijian , Zhang Lurong , Zhang Jiemin , Chen Xiuying , Yang Meichun , Chen Ting , Hong Jinsheng 
Published: September 2016

AbstractRadiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common complication of thoracic radiotherapy, but efficacious therapy for RILI is lacking. This study ascertained whether glycyrrhetinic acid (GA; a functional hydrolyzed product of glycyrrhizic acid, which is extracted from herb licorice) can protect against RILI and investigated its relationship to the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smads signaling pathway. C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: a control group, a GA group and two irradiation (IR) groups. IR groups were exposed to a single fraction of X-rays (12 Gy) to the thorax and administered normal saline (IR + NS group) or GA (IR + GA group). Two days and 17 days after irradiation, histologic analyses were performed to assess the degree of lung injury, and the expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3 and Smad7 was recorded. GA administration mitigated the histologic changes of lung injury 2 days and 17 days after irradiation. Protein and mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3, and the mRNA level of Smad7, in lung tissue were significantly elevated after irradiation. GA decreased expression of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 in lung tissue, but did not increase Smad7 expression. GA can protect against early-stage RILI. This protective effect may be associated with inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.
Palliative and end-of-life care in glioblastoma: defining and measuring opportunities to improve care
Authors: Hemminger Lauryn E , Pittman Christine A , Korones David N , Serventi Jennifer N , Ladwig Susan , Holloway Robert G , Mohile Nimish A 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Background
American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) quality measures for terminal cancers recommend early advance care planning and hospice at the end of life. We sought to evaluate adherence to 5 palliative care quality measures and explore associations with patient outcomes in glioblastoma.

Methods
This is a retrospective analysis of 117 deceased glioblastoma patients over 5 years. Records were reviewed to describe adherence to palliative care quality measures and patient outcomes. Data regarding emotional assessments, advance directives, palliative care consultation, chemotherapy administration, hospice, location of death, and overall survival were collected.

Results
Median overall survival was 12.9 months. By the second oncology visit, 22.2% (26/117) had an emotional assessment completed. Advance directives were documented for 52.1% (61/117) by the third neuro-oncology visit (30/61 health care proxy), yet 26.5% (31/117) did not have any advance directive before the last month of life. With regard to other ASCO quality measures, 36.8% (43/117) had a palliative care consult; 94.0% (110/117) did not receive chemotherapy in the last 14 days of life; 59.8% (70/117) enrolled in hospice >7 days before death; and 56.4% (66/117) died in a home setting. Patients who enrolled in hospice >7 days before death were 3.56 times more likely to die in a home setting than patients enrolled <7 days before death or with no hospice enrollment (P = .002, [OR 3.56; 95% CI, 1.57–8.04]).

Conclusions
Late advance directive documentation, minimal early palliative care involvement, and the association of early hospice enrollment with death in a home setting underscore the need to improve care and better define palliative care quality measures in glioblastoma.
Outcomes of Node-positive Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Via Multicatheter Interstitial Brachytherapy
Authors: Kamrava Mitchell , Kuske Robert R. , Anderson Bethany , Chen Peter , Hayes John , Quiet Coral , Wang Pin-Chieh , Veruttipong Darlene , Snyder Margaret , Demanes David J. 
Published: September 2016

Objectives:
To report outcomes for breast-conserving therapy using adjuvant accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) with interstitial multicatheter brachytherapy in node-positive compared with node-negative patients.

Materials and Methods:
From 1992 to 2013, 1351 patients (1369 breast cancers) were treated with breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant APBI using interstitial multicatheter brachytherapy. A total of 907 patients (835 node negative, 59 N1a, and 13 N1mic) had >1 year of data available and nodal status information and are the subject of this analysis. Median age (range) was 59 years old (22 to 90 y). T stage was 90% T1 and ER/PR/Her2 was positive in 87%, 71%, and 7%. Mean number of axillary nodes removed was 12 (SD, 6). Cox multivariate analysis for local/regional control was performed using age, nodal stage, ER/PR/Her2 receptor status, tumor size, grade, margin, and adjuvant chemotherapy/antiestrogen therapy.

Results:
The mean (SD) follow-up was 7.5 years (4.6). The 5-year actuarial local control (95% confidence interval) in node-negative versus node-positive patients was 96.3% (94.5-97.5) versus 95.8% (87.6-98.6) (P=0.62). The 5-year actuarial regional control in node-negative versus node-positive patients was 98.5% (97.3-99.2) versus 96.7% (87.4-99.2) (P=0.33). The 5-year actuarial freedom from distant metastasis and cause-specific survival were significantly lower in node-positive versus node-negative patients at 92.3% (82.4-96.7) versus 97.8% (96.3-98.7) (P=0.006) and 91.3% (80.2-96.3) versus 98.7% (97.3-99.3) (P=0.0001). Overall survival was not significantly different. On multivariate analysis age 50 years and below, Her2 positive, positive margin status, and not receiving chemotherapy or antiestrogen therapy were associated with a higher risk of local/regional recurrence.

Conclusions:
Patients who have had an axillary lymph node dissection and limited node-positive disease may be candidates for treatment with APBI. Further research is ultimately needed to better define specific criteria for APBI in node-positive patients.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Arising in an Epidermal Cyst
Authors: Aljufairi Eman , Alhilli Fayek 
Published: September 2016

Abstract:
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare aggressive primary cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor. It is associated mostly with malignant skin lesions. Rare cases in the literature described its association with benign skin adnexal lesions. We present here an additional case of Merkel cell carcinoma arising from an epidermal cyst located in the left arm of a 57-year-old male. The tumor was composed of lobules of monotonous round cells with dusty chromatin. It was positive for cytokeratin 20 and neuroendocrine markers. Patient was treated with surgical resection and radiation to the axilla. He is well and free of disease after 5 years of follow-up.
Association of life events and depressive symptoms among early postmenopausal Chinese women in Hong Kong
Authors: Ho Suzanne C. , Liang Zhenzhen , Yu Ruby H.Y. , Sham Aprille 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Objective:
This study examined the occurrence of stressful life events (SLEs) and its association with the risk of developing depressive symptoms in midlife women.

Methods:
A total of 518 Hong Kong Chinese postmenopausal women aged 50 to 64 years were recruited through random telephone dialing. Information on sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle variables was obtained through face-to-face interviews at baseline, and at 3-year (T1) and 5-year (T2) follow-up. A Centre of Epidemiological Study Depression scale (CES-D) score ≥16 was used to indicate high depressive symptoms. At T2, SLEs were assessed by a 21-item life-event scale, adapted from the Holmes and Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale for Adults. Potential confounders were controlled for in the multivariable logistic regression analysis on the relation between SLEs and high depressive symptoms among 379 women without CES-D score ≥16 at T1.

Results:
87.6% had experienced SLEs since T1 and 11.9% had CES-D score ≥16 at T2. Compared with those without SLEs, women with one to three SLEs had 2.7-fold (95% CI, 0.6-12.1) increased risk of having CES-D score ≥16, whereas those with four to nine SLEs had 5.2-fold (95% CI, 1.1-25.4) increased risk. A dose-response relationship was observed (P for trend = 0.005). Each additional SLEs experienced was associated with a 28% (95% CI, 1.07-1.54) increased risk of high depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:
Hong Kong Chinese women encounter many SLEs at midlife. Multiple episodes of SLE had a cumulative effect on the onset of depressive symptoms. Our findings have important implications for the identification and management of midlife women with high depressive symptoms.
Disparities in Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation in the United States
Authors: Sun Enid Y. , Jadotte Yuri T. , Halperin William 
Published: September 2016

PURPOSE:
Phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a class I recommendation for all patients following an acute cardiac event or cardiac surgery according to the The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology Foundation. Studies have shown that there are differences in cardiac rehabilitation participation rates between sociodemographic groups. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analyses was to synthesize quantitative data on the relationship between outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (OCR) attendance and various sociodemographic factors.

METHODS:
We conducted a search of PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Dissertations & Theses A&I, and conference abstracts for observational studies conducted in the United States that fit our inclusion criteria. A total of 21 studies were included in our final review and meta-analyses.

RESULTS:
Our meta-analyses showed that overall, attenders were younger than nonattenders (mean difference=−3.74 years, 95% CI =−5.87 to −1.61) and the odds of participation were lower among females (OR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.51-0.69), individuals with a high school degree or less (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.50-0.91), and the uninsured or self-payers (OR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.14-0.71). Full- or part-time employees were more likely to participate than those not employed (OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.08-1.95).

CONCLUSIONS:
Our systematic review and meta-analyses showed that there are significant sociodemographic disparities in CR participation. On the basis of this knowledge, clinicians and policy makers should focus on identifying and eliminating barriers to participation.
Systematic Review of Postural Assessment in Individuals With Obstructive Respiratory Conditions
Authors: Lee Annemarie L. , Zabjek Karl , Goldstein Roger S. , Brooks Dina 
Published: September 2016

PURPOSE:
Changes in posture in individuals with an obstructive respiratory disease have been reported, but the extent of these deviations and their clinical significance is not well understood. This study aimed to systematically review the literature of the skeletal structural alignment in children and adults with an obstructive respiratory disease, describe the measurement techniques used, and determine the clinical relevance of any alternations.

METHODS:
Observational cohort or cross-sectional studies of postural assessment were identified, with 2 reviewers independently assessing study quality.

RESULTS:
A total of 18 studies were included, 12 in cystic fibrosis (CF), 5 in asthma, and 1 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The overall quality assessment rating was 12.6 out of 16. Increased thoracic kyphosis or scoliosis was found in both children and adults with CF. Increased shoulder protraction and elevation were evident in asthma and COPD, although changes in spinal curvature were variable. The clinical impact of postural changes was diverse, with an inconsistent influence on lung function. A mix of methods was applied for postural assessment.

CONCLUSIONS:
Skeletal structural malalignment appears to be present in some individuals with an obstructive respiratory disease, although the extent of alterations and its clinical impact is variable. Photogrammetry is used to provide a comprehensive assessment of posture in these populations.
Pancreatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Liu Zhen , Tian Yangzi , Xu Guanghui , Liu Shushang , Guo Man , Lian Xiao , Fan Daiming , Zhang Hongwei , Feng Fan 
Published: September 2016

Goals:
The present study aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of pancreatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

Background:
Reports on clinicopathologic features and prognosis of pancreatic GIST are limited due to the extremely rare incidence.

Study:
One case of pancreatic GIST from our center and 44 cases reported in MEDLINE were enrolled in this study. Clinicopathologic features and prognosis of pancreatic GISTs were analyzed and compared with 297 gastric GISTs from our center.

Results:
The most common location was head of pancreas (38.5%). The majority of pancreatic GISTs exceeded 5 cm (74.4%), displayed cystic or mixed imaging features (56.4%), and were high risk (85.7%). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival rates were 66.1% and 95.8%, respectively. Mitotic index was the only risk factor for DFS of pancreatic GISTs. The distribution of tumor size, histologic type and National Institutes of Health risk category were significantly different between pancreatic and gastric GISTs. The 5-year DFS rate of pancreatic GISTs was significantly lower than that of gastric GISTs. Multivariate analysis showed that location was an independent prognostic factor for DFS between pancreatic and gastric GISTs.

Conclusions:
The most common location was head of pancreas. The majority of pancreatic GISTs were large and highly malignant. Pancreatic GISTs differed significantly from gastric GISTs in respect to clinicopathologic features. The DFS of pancreatic GISTs was worse than that of gastric GISTs.
Fresh versus cryopreserved oocyte donation
Authors: Kushnir Vitaly A. , Gleicher Norbert 
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review
Utilization of cryopreserved instead of fresh donor oocytes has rapidly increased in recent years. Whether treatment outcomes are comparable has, however, remained controversial.

Recent findings
More than 24% of initiated oocyte donation cycles in the USA during 2013–2014 involved previously cryopreserved oocytes. The use of cryopreserved-donated oocytes may simplify logistics and lower costs per treatment cycle. Whether cryopreserved donor oocytes also lower costs per live birth is still undetermined as they result in lower live birth rates in comparison to fresh donor oocyte cycles. National data regarding the safety of donated oocytes, including miscarriage rates and neonatal health outcomes, are lacking.

Summary
Currently available data on cryopreserved-donated oocytes are incomplete and, therefore, still insufficient to claim equivalency between fresh and cryopreserved donor oocytes. Until sufficient data are available, patients should be advised about advantages and disadvantages of both methods of oocyte donation, and the use of cryopreserved oocytes should be considered only with caution and appropriate informed consent. Because banking of donated human oocytes facilities their commercial trade, it challenges basic ethical considerations, which have been the basis of oocyte donation since its inception.
Pharmacogenomic approaches to lipid-regulating trials
Authors: Bertrand Marie-Jeanne , Dubé Marie-Pierre , Tardif Jean-Claude 
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review
Randomized clinical outcome trials are costly, long, and often yield neutral or modestly positive results, and these issues have impeded cardiovascular drug development in the past decade. Despite the significant reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with statins, substantial residual risk of major cardiovascular events remains. This could be because of the difficulty of demonstrating benefits of new drugs in addition to the current standard of care in unselected populations as well as the interindividual variability in drug response. Pharmacogenomics is a promising avenue for the development of novel or failed drugs and for the repurposing of other medications.

Recent findings
Several variants were identified in genes that were associated with the effects of statins on plasma lipids. Genomic studies of mutations in genes that encode drug targets have the potential to inform on the link between drug therapy acting on those targets and clinical outcomes. Recently, ADCY9 gene variants were shown to be significantly associated with responses to dalcetrapib in terms of clinical outcomes, atherosclerosis imaging, cholesterol efflux, and inflammation, which provided support for the conduct of a new prospective clinical trial in a genetically determined population.

Summary
Pharmacogenomics hold great potential in future lipid trials to decrease failure rates in drug development and to identify patients who will respond with greater benefits and smaller risk.
The future of lipid guidelines
Authors: Robinson Jennifer G. 
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review
Factors influencing guideline development may result in paradigm shifts in treatment recommendations.

Recent findings
The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cholesterol guideline provides an example of how new methodology and findings from randomized clinical trials can result in a paradigm shift in the approach to cardiovascular prevention. This guideline moved away from a treat to cholesterol goal approach. Based on strong evidence of a net benefit in randomized clinical trials, statins were recommended to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in four groups of patients most likely to benefit. In addition, improved risk prediction equations and shared decision-making were recommended for guiding statin initiation in primary prevention patients with LDL cholesterol ≤190 mg/dl. Future guidelines will address the role of nonstatins for cardiovascular prevention. Improved risk prediction in statin-treated patients with and without cardiovascular disease, estimation of the potential for net benefit, and shared decision-making should be integral components of the next guideline.

Summary
Guidelines will continue to evolve as new data accumulate. New treatment paradigms will be needed to optimize patient outcomes.