bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor distribution type help distinguish the prognosis of HCC patients with multiple tumors in BCLC-A stage: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Ding Wenzhen , Tian Xueqin , Xu Haokai , Cheng Zhigang , Zheng Lin , Liu Fangyi , Yu Jie , Liang Ping 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with multiple tumors have a poor prognosis and need more attention. Therefore, we aim to find an easy-available radiologic indicator that can differentiate prognosis for BCLC-A patients with multiple tumors.
Methods:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients received thermal ablation, laparoscopic hepatectomy, or laparoscopic hepatectomy combined with thermal ablation from five tertiary hospitals were collected. Tumor distribution (TD) was classified into three types: same-segment, different-segments and different-lobes, and three junior doctors (< 5year-experience) were invited to classified classification. We compared disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) among different TD types, and performed pathological consistency and classification analysis to explicate. Six pathological indicators (tumor differentiation, AFP, Arg-1, HepPar1, CK-19 and VEGF) were included.
Results:
373 patients were included with a 36.0-month median follow-up. Fleiss' kappa among three doctors was 0.803. Patients with same-segment type had better DFS and OS than different-segments (p < 0.001) and different-lobes (p < 0.001) type, so same-segment was defined as concentrated distribution. Different-segments and different-lobes type had comparable DFS (p = 0.072) and OS (p = 0.83), and were defined as dispersed distribution. Patients in concentrated group had higher pathological consistency in tumor-differentiation (96.2%vs86.7%, p = 0.003), AFP (95.3%vs84.4%, p = 0.005), Arg-1 (96.7%vs83.3%, p = 0.001) and CK-19 (96.0%vs82.4%, p = 0.004), and better tumor-differentiation (23.3%vs41.7%, p < 0.001) and lower expression rate in AFP (36.8%vs49.5%, p = 0.035), CK-19 (9.3%vs24.3%, p = 0.008) and VEGF (17.0%vs39.3%, p = 0.004) than dispersed group.
Conclusion:
MRI can accurately classify tumor distribution type of multiple tumors for patients in BCLC-A stage, and patients with concentrated distribution tumors have better prognosis than patients with dispersed distribution.
Association of Upper Urinary Tract and Renal Vasculature Anatomical Variations: Evidence From Northern Nigeria
Authors: UMAR Ahmad Bashir , ISYAKU Kabir , AJI Sani A. , ISMAIL Anas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The knowledge of anatomical variations as they relate to the urinary system is valuable, especially in the proper evaluation and conduction of surgical as well as interventional procedures of the urinary tract. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and possible association between anatomical variations of the upper urinary tract and renal vasculature.
Methodology
: A total of 200 computed tomograms were generated with Toshiba Aquilion Prime 160-slice scanner and analyzed for the presence of potential anatomical variations using a Vitrea multimodality work station capable of image post processing by two expert radiologists.
Results
The most common anatomical variation of the upper urinary tract found on the right was extra-renal bifid pelvis at 25 (12.5%) while on the left it was baggy extra-renal pelvis at 27 (13.5%). Early branching hilar renal artery and accessory superior polar renal artery both at 19 (9.5%) were the most common renal vasculature variations on the right and left respectively. There was statistically significant association between anatomical variations of the upper urinary tract and renal vasculature with a p-value of < 0.001.
Conclusion
This study showed that anatomical variations of the upper urinary tract are commoner on the right side while for renal vasculature they are commoner on the left. There was a statistically significant association between the anatomical variations of the upper urinary tract and that of the renal vasculature indicating an increasing likelihood of one occurring if the other is present.
Efficacy of Ocrelizumab Versus Rituximab in Patients With Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Mounir Nesma , Shalaby Nevin , Hegazy Mohamed I. , Kishk Nirmeen , Shehata Hatem , Abdalgeleel Shaimaa abdalaleem , Abdulrahman Ahmed Mohammed , Merghany Nahla 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Ocrelizumab (OCR) and rituximab (RTX) are monoclonal antibodies binding to CD20, inducing B-cell depletion. The randomized controlled trials that compare their effectiveness in people with Multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are still ongoing. This study aims at comparing the efficacy of ocrelizumab (OCR) and rituximab (RTX) in treating pwMS.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) treated with either OCR or RTX. Patients were recruited from the Kasr Al-Ainy MS research unit (KAMSU) at Cairo University, Egypt. Data were collected at least one year of the first anti-CD20 infusion. The primary outcome was the time to 3-month confirmed disability worsening (3 month-CDW). Secondary outcomes were time to first relapse (TTFR), 3-month confirmed disability improvement (CDI), annualized relapse rate (ARR), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity.
Results
126 patients were included in the analysis: 64 (50.8%) received OCR, and 62 (49.2%) received RTX. There was no significant difference between patients receiving OCR and RTX in CDW (9.37% vs. 11.29%), CDI (21.87% vs. 30.64%), mean ARR (0.21 vs. 0.29). There was no significant difference in TTFR, cumulative hazard of relapses or time to 3 months-CDW between both groups.
Conclusion
No difference in efficacy between ocrelizumab and rituximab in treating RRMS
Serum Uric acid level as an estimated parameter predicts all-cause mortality in patients with hemodialysis
Authors: Niu Sheng-Wen , Kuo I-Ching , Zhen Yen-Yi , Chang Eddy Essen , Ting Cheng-Chung , Lin Hugo You-Hsien , Chiu Yi-Wen , Chang Jer-Ming , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Hung Chi-Chih 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Serum uric acid (UA) level in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is an important physiological index for nutrition and inflammation. Serum UA displays a U-shape associated with all-cause mortality in ESRD patients. In this study, we evaluated relevance of serum UA level with survival rate in ESRD patients according to Charlson comorbidity index (CCI).
Methods: Our cohort of2615 subjects suffer from ESRD with CCI < 4 and ≥ 4. Of the 2615 subjects, 1107 subjects are CCI < 4 and others are CCI ≥ 4. The two independent groups were individually marked by serum UA sextiles.
Results: With Cox regression, serum UA levels higher than 8.6 mg/dl in the ESRD with CCI < 4 denoted as risk factor for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 1.61, 95% CI: 1.01–2.38), compared to these subjects with UA of 7.1-7.7 mg/dl. In contrast, serum UA levels < 5.8 mg/dl represent risk factor for all-cause mortality in subjects with CCI ≥ 4 (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.20–1.95) compared with UA > 8.6 mg/dl.
Conclusion: Higher serum UA in ESRD subjects with high comorbidities is hardly a risk factor. Profoundly, low UA should be prevented in all ESRD patients.
Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant therapy with tislelizumab plus axitinib for nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Zhongjie , Liu Zhengsheng , Zhang Kaiyan , Li Wei , Zhang Lijian , Jiang Bingliang , Chen Bin , Xing Jinchun , Wang Xuegang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: In renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus, neoadjuvant therapy could alleviate the burden of tumor thrombus, enhance the safety and feasibility of surgical resection, and improve patient prognosis. The combination of tislelizumab and axitinib has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of advanced RCC. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety in the neoadjuvant therapy setting of tislelizumab and axitinib in RCC patients with IVC tumor thrombus.
Methods: In this retrospective study, seven patients of nonmetastatic RCC with IVC tumor thrombus who received 3 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy with tislelizumab plus axitinib at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from May 2020 to December 2023 were included. The main outcomes included objective response rate (ORR), reduction of tumor thrombus size and level, surgical outcomes, and adverse events (AEs).
Results: The median age was 66 (range, 50-72) years, and five (71.4%) patients were male. Five (71.4%) patients were diagnosed with clear cell carcinoma, and two (28.6%) patients were papillary type I carcinoma. Four (57.1%) patients had level II tumor thrombus and three (42.9%) patients had level III. The ORR of patients was 57.1%. The mean decrease in thrombus diameter and length was 5.8 (1.8-17.2) mm and 18.5 (4.4-41.5) mm, respectively. All patients showed a decrease in IVC tumor thrombus. The mean time from the end of neoadjuvant therapy to radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy was 31.7(range, 22-45) days. No intraoperative complications or postoperative Clavien-Dindo grade＞3 complications occurred. The most common AEs were all grade 1-2, and only one patient had grade 4 hepatic impairment. No AEs delayed the surgery schedule.
Conclusions: This study of RCC patients receiving neoadjuvant combination with tislelizumab and axitinib effectively reduced primary tumor and IVC tumor thrombus with the absence of serious AEs, demonstrating a promising neoadjuvant therapy.
Associations between multiple immune-response-related proteins and neonatal infection: A proximity extension assay based proteomic study using cord plasma of twins
Authors: Chen Ruoqing , Tan Weiri , Zheng Yeqi , Wu Feng , Ye Xiaomin , Liang Hui , Chen Youmei , Liu Xian , Fang Fang , Zhang Rui , Zhang Quanfu , Chen Xu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Neonates are highly susceptible to infection given their immature immune system. Previous studies on proteins related to neonatal infection mainly focused on certain antibodies or proteins, but without comprehensive studies on multiple immune-response-related proteins associated with neonatal infection. We conducted a nested case-control study within SZBBTwin cohort, 92 immune-response-related proteins in cord plasma of 149 twins (including 34 discordant twin pairs) were measured by proximity extension assay. All twins were followed for diagnoses of infection from birth until 27 days of age. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to determine differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), the predictive performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve, and their functions and pathways were annotated through enrichment analysis. Logistic regression was used to assess the associations between level of proteins and risk of neonatal infection. Five DEPs (ITGA11, FCRL6, DDX58, SH2D1A, and EDAR) were identified for neonatal infection, and the area under curve achieved 0.835, which were mainly enriched in the NF-κB pathway. A higher level of ITGA11 was associated with an increased risk of neonatal infection in both all twins and discordant twin pairs. This study suggests that multiple immune-response-related proteins in cord plasma, particularly ITGA11, are associated with neonatal infection in twins.
Reaction of a Molten Cr-Si-Base Alloy with Ceramics and a High Entropy Oxide
Authors: Pelchen Lucas , Schenker Manuel , Lepple Maren , Ulrich Anke Silvia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Due to their higher thermal and chemical stability than other high-temperature materials, chromium-silicon-base (Cr-Si-base) alloys are among the most promising materials for future gas turbines and other high-temperature applications operating under harsh conditions. To enable near-net-shape casting of Cr-Si-base alloys, a compatibility of the alloy melt with the ceramic crucibles and molds is necessary. Additionally, a metal-ceramic contact exists at the interface between thermal barrier coating (TBC) and alloy, where metallic may melts play a role in the case of coating failure and overheating. In this study, molten Cr92Si8 (in at. %) alloy is brought into contact with powders of ceramics commonly used for casting molds or crucibles (e.g. ZrSiO4, Al2O3, 3YSZ), to investigate liquid metal corrosion, interdiffusion, and stabilities. Additionally, the high entropy oxide (Sm0.2Gd0.2Dy0.2Er0.2Yb0.2)2Zr2O7 (HEO), a potential future TBC material, is investigated. Before melting using an electric arc furnace the powders of the investigated ceramics were mixed with pulverized Cr92Si8 and pressed to alloy-ceramic pairs, to maximize the contact area between molten metal and ceramic. For microstructural investigations and phase analysis the materials were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The widely used mold material ZrSiO4 and the coating BN were found to decompose, while reaction products of SiO2 and CoAl2O4 with the melt were detected. Al2O3, 3YSZ, and the HEO did not show decomposition or corrosion by the melt. Al2O3, 3YSZ, and the HEO are therefore considered as promising crucible, mold, and TBC materials for Cr-Si-base alloys.
Prevalence of problem drinking in the Swedish workforce: Differences between labour market industries based on gender composition and main job activity
Authors: Tareq Hasan , Nyberg Anna , Wennberg Peter , Redmalm David , Toivanen Susanna , Mensah Aziz 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Identifying problem drinking patterns across industries is essential for addressing drinking problems in the workforce. Still, it is not well understood how problem drinking differs across industries and whether it is associated with industry gender composition. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of problem drinking (PPD) across Swedish industries and investigate possible associations between gender-typed industries and problem drinking.
Methods: 9,155 current workers were selected from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH) data collected in 2020. Participants' work industries were identified through the Swedish Standard Industrial Classification (SNI) codes. Seven gender-typed industry categories were created based on gender composition and main job activity in each industry. Self-reported problem drinking was measured using a slightly modified Cut-Annoyed-Guilty-Eye (CAGE) questionnaire, and a cutoff score ≥2 was used to determine problem drinking. Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to investigate the association between gender-typed industries and problem drinking.
Results:PPD in the workforce was 6.6%. Men (8.5%) had a higher prevalence than women (5.3%). Across industries, PPD varied from 2.3% in Water supply and waste management to 15.4% in Mining and quarrying. The highest prevalence for men was in Mining and quarrying (18.2%), whereas for women it was in Construction (11.1%). Within gender-typed industries, the highest PPD was in male-dominated Goods and Energy Production (7.7%), and the lowest was in female-dominated Health and Social Care (4.7%). In the regression analysis, both Education (aPR: 1.39, p = 0.03) and Labour-intensive Services (aPR: 1.39, p = 0.02) had higher adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) compared with Health and Social Care. However, there was no significant difference in aPR among gender-typed industries when considering the gender composition of industries only.
Conclusions: PPD in the Swedish workforce varied significantly across industries, with differences observed between men and women. Problem drinking differed between industries when categorized by gender composition and main job activity, but not when categorized by gender composition only. Future research should investigate how industry-specific psychosocial factors influence individual alcohol consumption.
Benign Pericholecystic Regeneration Mimicking Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Potential Pitfall in Imaging of Cirrhosis
Authors: Borhani Amir A. , Patel Naishal , Patel Vedang , Haghshomar Maryam , Grimaldi Gregory , miller frank H. , McGinty Katrina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Several pseudolesions mimicking malignancy have been reported in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic livers. Pericholecystic regeneration is among those pseudolesions and can occasionally mimic malignancy. To our knowledge, this entity has not been previously described or systematically studied. Herein we present a case series comprised of 10 cirrhotic patients (majority due to alcoholic liver disease [ALD] or metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease [MASH]) with pericholecystic observations initially categorized as highly suspicious for HCC (LR-4 and LR-5) according to LI-RADS criteria which were later proven to be benign based on biopsy, transplantation or imaging criteria (stability of size and morphology on serial CT or MRI for > 2 years). These observations ranged 2-6.3 cm in size, were multiple in most patients and universally resulted in indentations of gallbladder. Arterial phase hyperenhancement and washout, features usually attributed to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), were seen in most patients. However, ancillary features of malignancy such as diffusion restriction, increased T2 signal, and hypointensity on hepatobiliary phase MRI were not present. Pericholecystic observations, in particular in the setting of ALD and MASLD, should be carefully assessed and possibility of pseudolesion should be considered especially when the observations are multiple, cause indentation of gallbladder, and lack ancillary features of malignancy.
Quantitative Assessment and Predictive Modelling for Treatment Response in Hodgkin's Lymphoma Using 18FDG PET/CT: A Novel Approach
Authors: Jajroudi Mahdie , Jamalirad Hossein , Roshanravan Vahid , Vosoughi Habibeh , Emami Farshad , Geramifar Parham , Eslami Saeid 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Assessing treatment response in Hodgkin's lymphoma using 18FDG PET/CT can be challenging due to the nature of false positive of uptaking. This study aims to employ quantitative assessments and create a predictive model for treatment response using newly suggested Criteria in Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients.
Methods
62 individuals diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and treated with chemotherapy were recruited for the research. Up to 6 lesions per patient were selected and delighted for evaluation, and the optimal cutoff was determined using Youden analysis. Predictive parameters for treatment response were identified using the LASSO model, and the new Criteria were evaluated by calibration plot and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results
The analysis of 229 lesions led to the development of novel criteria based on the deltaSUVmax, resulting in a NPV of 0.81 and a PPV of 0.86. The LASSO model achieved an AUC of 0.76, with gender, stage, weight, TMV, SUVmaxM, and SUVmeanL identified as significant predictive parameters. Comparative assessment using calibration plots and DCA revealed that the new Criteria delivered more precise outcomes than the conventional visual Criteria.
Conclusion
Precise evaluation is essential in clinical trials, and continuous efforts are being made to improve the accuracy of response assessment Criteria. Our study found that PET parameters showed a superior specificity to the Deauville Criteria for predicting recurrence/relapse in Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The Relationship Between 1,25(OH)2D3 Levels and Interleukin-32 (IL-32) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Levels in Endometriosis Cyst Tissue
Authors: Ismail Mirza , Syam Hanom Husni , Ritonga Mulyanusa Amarullah , Rachmawati Anita , Permadi Wiryawan , Anwar Ruswana , Widad Shofwal 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Endometriosis involves the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, driven by inflammatory pathways including elevated Interleukin-32 (IL-32) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). One potential anti-inflammatory agent is active vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3). This research investigates the correlation among 1,25(OH)2D3 levels, IL-32, and VEGF in 46 confirmed endometriosis cases. Tissue samples were collected from patients at several hospitals, and assays were conducted at the Clinical Pathology Laboratory of Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study revealed significant negative correlations between 1,25(OH)2D3 and both IL-32 (r= -0.346; p = 0.019) and VEGF levels (r= -0.316; p = 0.032). Conversely, there was a significant positive correlation between VEGF and IL-32 (r = 0.490; p = 0.001). These findings underscore the role of active vitamin D in mitigating inflammation associated with endometriosis by reducing IL-32 and VEGF, critical factors in inflammatory responses and blood vessel formation. Moreover, the positive association between VEGF and IL-32 highlights their collaborative role in the inflammatory processes underlying endometriosis. This study contributes to understanding how vitamin D may modulate key inflammatory pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of this condition.
Robotic Surgery versus Traditional Laparotomy: Surgical and Oncological Outcomes in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Bhati Priya , Garg Monal , Vuppu Divya Panyam , Nair Anjali S , VS Sheejamol 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

AIM:
This study aims to determine differences in surgical and survival outcomes for patients undergoing robotic surgeries versus laparotomies for early-stage endometrial cancer (EC).
METHODS:
This study was conducted retrospectively from 1st January 2015 to 30th June 2021 on all patients with stage I or stage II EC (FIGO 2023 Staging), irrespective of histology. Primary objective was to compare 3-year Overall Survival (OS) and Recurrence Free Survival (RFS) between robotic versus laparotomy group.
RESULTS:
In a study of 297 patients, 81.5% underwent robotic surgeries and 18.5% underwent open surgeries. Median age was 47.5 years. Majority (81%) of the patients had Endometroid histology. Seventy percent of the cases had stage I, and 29.6% had stage II EC. Robotic group had significantly shorter hospital stay, blood loss and operative time (p < 0.05). After a median follow-up period of 36 months, 9 deaths occured in robotic group and no deaths in laparotomy group leading to a 3-year OS of 95.4% in robotic group and 100% in laparotomy group. RFS rates of 92.5% and 86.1% in robotic and laparotomy groups, respectively (p = 0.6). However, median time to recurrence was significantly shorter in open group than robotic group (28 versus 38 months respectively, p = 0.01).
CONCLUSION:
No statistically significant differences between both groups were found in RFS and OS. Robotic surgeries have better surgical and equivalent oncological outcomes than open surgeries in stage I and II EC.