bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection and enzymatic characterization of human saliva amylase
Authors: Vey Chiara Theresa , Kaygusuz Viola , Kayser Josefa Sophia , Beyer Andreas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAs a rule, an experiment carried out at school or in undergraduate study courses is rather simple and not very informative. However, when the experiments are to be performed using modern methods, they are often abstract and difficult to understand. Here, we describe a quick and simple experiment, namely the enzymatic characterization of ptyalin (human salivary amylase) using a starch degradation assay. With the experimental setup presented here, enzyme parameters, such as pH optimum, temperature optimum, chloride dependence, and sensitivity to certain chemicals can be easily determined. This experiment can serve as a good model for enzyme characterization in general, as modern methods usually follow the same principle: determination of the activity of the enzyme under different conditions. As different alleles occur in humans, a random selection of test subjects will be quite different with regard to ptyalin activities. Therefore, when the students measure their own ptyalin activity, significant differences will emerge, and this will give them an idea of the genetic diversity in human populations. The evaluation has shown that the pupils have gained a solid understanding of the topic through this experiment.
Using green human resource management practices to achieve green performance: Evidence from Italian manufacturing context
Authors: Chiarini Andrea , Bag Surajit 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe effect of green human resource management (GHRM) practices on employees' environmental engagement, attitudes, and behaviors is well‐known. What is less known is which GHRM practices can have a positive influence on achieving green performance through the mediating role played by people's engagement. To address the research gaps, this study used mixed‐method research design. In Phase 1, this study focused on the advanced manufacturing context of Italy by surveying 540 managers to develop a multiple regression model and test six different GHRM practices as the hypotheses. In Phase 2, qualitative data analysis was analyzed. Our findings highlighted that GHRM practices connected with awards and compensations did not affect green performance. Conversely, a correlation was observed between achieving green performance and practices such as training, aligning management with the company's strategic environmental goals and objectives, involving managers in the process of defining the goals and objectives, and the green reputation of the company and the managers who can act as environmentally responsible leaders. This study extends social exchange theory and opens new avenues for further research and proposes several practical suggestions for practitioners.
Comparison of outcomes following surgical resection, percutaneous ablation or stereotactic body radiation therapy in early‐stage, solitary and small (≤3 cm) treatment‐naïve hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Maher A. M. , Shanker M. , Liu H. Y. H. , Lee Y. , Leggett D. , Hodgkinson P. , Pryor D. , Stuart K. A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionStereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is associated with high local control rates in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study reports the outcomes of SBRT compared to surgical resection (SR) and percutaneous ablation (PA) for treatment‐naïve, solitary HCCs ≤3 cm.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients with BCLC stage 0/A HCC with a single ≤3 cm lesion, treated with curative intent between 2016 and 2020. SBRT was used for patients considered unsuitable for SR or PA. The co‐primary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints were treatment‐related clinical toxicity rates and local control (LC) rates.ResultsThere were 112 patients included in this study. SBRT was delivered in 36 patients (32.1%), 51 had PA (45.5%) and 25 underwent SR (22.3%). Median follow‐up was 23 months (range, 3–60 months) from diagnosis. The 3‐year PFS and OS were 67% and 69% following SBRT, 55% and 80% following PA, and 85% and 100% following SR, respectively. Patients in the SR cohort had significantly better 3‐year PFS and OS compared to SBRT and PA groups (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). There was no significant difference in PFS (p = 0.15) or OS (p = 0.23) between SBRT and PA treated patients. The 3‐year LC rate for the entire cohort was 98%.ConclusionsIn patients with treatment‐naïve, early‐stage solitary HCCs ≤3 cm, SBRT was associated with comparable PFS, OS and LC outcomes to PA. SBRT should be considered as a curative intent therapy to avoid treatment stage migration in this favourable prognostic cohort of patients.
Low nuclear expression of HIF‐hydroxylases PHD2/EGLN1 and PHD3/EGLN3 are associated with poor recurrence‐free survival in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Luomala Lassi , Mattila Kalle , Vainio Paula , Nisén Harry , Pellinen Teijo , Lohi Jouni , Laajala Teemu D. , Järvinen Petrus , Koskenniemi Anna‐Riina , Jaakkola Panu , Mirtti Tuomas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundHypoxia inducible factors, HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α, and their main regulators, the prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins (PHDs), mediate cellular response to hypoxia and contribute to tumor progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). These biomarkers may improve the value of traditional histopathological features in predicting disease progression after nephrectomy for localized ccRCC and guide patient selection for adjuvant treatments.Patients and MethodsIn this study, we analyzed the associations of PHD2 and PHD3 with histopathological tumor features and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in a retrospective cohort of 173 patients who had undergone surgery for localized ccRCC at Helsinki University Hospital (HUH), Finland. An external validation cohort of 191 patients was obtained from Turku University Hospital (TUH), Finland. Tissue‐microarrays (TMA) were constructed using the primary tumor samples. Clinical parameters and follow‐up information from 2006 to 2019 were obtained from electronic medical records. The cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of PHD2, and PHD3 were scored based on immunohistochemical staining and their associations with histopathological features and RFS were evaluated.ResultsNuclear PHD2 and PHD3 expression in cancer cells were associated with lower pT‐stage and Fuhrman grade compared with negative nuclei. Patients with positive nuclear expression of PHD2 and PHD3 in cancer cells had favorable RFS compared with patients having negative tumors. The nuclear expression of PHD2 was independently associated with a decreased risk of disease recurrence or death from RCC in multivariable analysis. These results were observed in both cohorts.ConclusionsThe absence of nuclear PHD2 and PHD3 expression in ccRCC was associated with poor RFS and the nuclear expression of PHD2 predicted RFS regardless of other known histopathological prognostic factors. Nuclear PHD2 and PHD3 are potential prognostic biomarkers in patients with localized ccRCC and should be further investigated and validated in prospective studies.
Dismal outcome of refractory or relapsing patients with myelodysplasia‐related acute myeloid leukemia partially alleviated by intensive chemotherapy
Authors: Leroy Harmony , Gadaud Noémie , Bérard Emilie , Klein Emilie , Luquet Isabelle , Vial Jean‐Philippe , Rieu Jean‐Baptiste , Lechevalier Nicolas , Tavitian Suzanne , Leguay Thibaut , Largeaud Laetitia , Bidet Audrey , Delabesse Eric , Sarry Audrey , de Grande Anne‐Charlotte , Récher Christian , Pigneux Arnaud , Bertoli Sarah , Dumas Pierre‐Yves 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) with myelodysplasia‐related characteristics is a heterogeneous subset of AML that has been challenged throughout the history of myeloid malignancies classifications, considered to have similar outcomes as intermediate‐ or adverse‐risk AML depending on the subgroup. However, little is known about the fate of these patients in refractory or relapsed situation (R/R) after first line therapy.MethodsA large series of R/R AML patients, recorded in the French DATAML registry, have received either intensive chemotherapy (ICT), azacitidine (AZA) as single agent, or best supportive care (BSC). A cohort of 183 patients (median age 63‐year‐old) with what was called at the time AML‐MRC has been explored, and data are reported here.ResultsPatient status was refractory for 93, while 90 had relapsed. Respectively, 88, 34, and 61 were included in the three treatment arms. The median OS of the whole cohort was 4.2 months (95%CI: 3.1–5.6) with a mean 1‐year overall survival of 24% ± 3.2%. There was no significant survival difference between refractory and relapsed patients. The BSC group had overall a significantly worse outcome (p = 0.0001), and this remained true in both refractory (p = 0.01) and relapsed (p = 0.002) patients. Similar survivals were observed in both groups comparing ICT and AZA.ConclusionsThese data, reporting about an ill‐explored population, indicate the poor prognosis of this condition where both ICT and AZA can be proposed. The latter, which was demonstrated here to be a feasible option, should be added to new targeted therapies.
Are embryonic stem cell markers and ALDH1A1 relevant in the context of breast cancer estrogen positivity?
Authors: Mousa Noha A. , Hussein Amal , Elemam Noha M. , Mohammed Ghada , Elwany Mona , Basha Tasneem , AlHammadi Amal A. , Majzob Rana S. , Talaat Iman M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundEmbryonic pluripotency markers are recognized for their role in ER− BC aggressiveness, but their significance in ER+ BC remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of expression of pluripotency markers in ER+ BC and their effect on survival and prognostic indicators.MethodsWe analyzed data of ER+ BC patients from three large cancer datasets to assess the expression of three pluripotency markers (NANOG, SOX‐2, and OCT4), and the stem cell marker ALDH1A1. Additionally, we investigated associations between gene expression, through mRNA‐Seq analysis, and overall survival (OS). The prevalence of mutational variants within these genes was explored. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we examined the expression and associations with clinicopathologic prognostic indicators of the four markers in 81 ER+ BC patients.ResultsThrough computational analysis, NANOG and ALDH1A1 genes were significantly upregulated in ER+ BC compared to ER‐ BC patients (p < 0.001), while POU5F1 (OCT4) was downregulated (p < 0.001). NANOG showed an adverse impact on OS whereas ALDH1A1 was associated with a highly significant improved survival in ER+ BC (p = 4.7e‐6), except for the PR− and HER2+ subgroups. Copy number alterations (CNAs) ranged from 0.4% to 1.6% in these genes, with the highest rate detected in SOX2. In the IHC study, approximately one‐third of tumors showed moderate to strong expression of each of the four markers, with 2–4 markers strongly co‐expressed in 56.8% of cases. OCT‐4 and ALDH1A1 showed a significant association with a high KI‐67 index (p = 0.009 and 0.008, respectively), while SOX2 showed a significant association with perinodal fat invasion (p = 0.017).ConclusionPluripotency markers and ALDH1A1 are substantially expressed in ER+ BC tumors with different, yet significant, associations with prognostic and survival outcomes. This study suggests these markers as targets for prospective clinical validation studies of their prognostic value and their possible therapeutic roles.
Common and distinct risk factors that influence more severe and distressing shortness of breath profiles in oncology outpatients
Authors: Shin Joosun , Hammer Marilyn , Cooley Mary E. , Cooper Bruce A. , Paul Steven M. , Cartwright Frances , Kober Kord M. , Conley Yvette P. , Levine Jon D. , Miaskowski Christine 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundShortness of breath occurs in 10%–70% of oncology patients. Very little is known about interindividual variability in its severity and distress and associated risk factors. Using latent profile analyses (LPAs), purpose was to identify subgroups of patients with distinct severity and distress profiles for shortness of breath as single symptom dimensions. In addition, a joint LPA was done using patients' severity AND distress ratings. For each of the three LPAs, differences among the shortness of breath classes in demographic, clinical, symptom, stress, and resilience characteristics were evaluated.MethodsPatients completed ratings of severity and distress from shortness of breath a total of six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. All of the other measures were completed at enrollment (i.e., prior to the second or third cycle of chemotherapy). Separate LPAs were done using ratings of severity and distress, as well as a joint analysis using severity AND distress ratings. Differences among the latent classes were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric tests.ResultsFor severity, two classes were identified (Slight to Moderate [91.6%] and Moderate to Severe [8.4%]). For distress, two classes were identified (A Little Bit to Somewhat [83.9%] and Somewhat to Quite a Bit [16.1%]). For the joint LPA, two classes were identified (Lower Severity and Distress [79.9%] and Higher Severity and Distress [20.1%]). While distinct risk factors were associated with each of the LPAs, across the three LPAs, the common risk factors associated with membership in the worse class included: a past or current history of smoking, poorer functional status, and higher comorbidity burden. In addition, these patients had a higher symptom burden and higher levels of cancer‐specific stress.ConclusionsClinicians can use the information provided in this study to identify high‐risk patients and develop individualized interventions.
Prognostic factors in surgically treated tongue squamous cell carcinoma in stage T1‐2N0‐1M0: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Wang Wenxi , Wang Yuxiang , Zeng Wenhui , Xie Xubin , Li Chen , Zhou Qin , Shen Liangfang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeThe study aimed to retrospectively identify the prognostic factors of surgically treated primary tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) cases and assess the benefits of surgical neck lymph node dissection (LND) in early‐stage cancer.MethodsPatients with primary TSCC with pT1‐2N0‐1M0 stage without distant metastasis who were treated with surgery during 2014–2016 at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University were included. Univariate and multivariate Cox models were constructed to explore prognostic factors of overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), and local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS). Sub‐group analysis was used to assess the effect of adjuvant therapy and the prognostic value of LND for the early‐stage patients.ResultsIn total, 440 patients met the inclusion criteria. During the follow‐up period, the 5‐year OS, DFS, were 84.4% and 70.0%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that TNM stage, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and/or perineural invasion (PNI), pathological differentiation, etc. were significant predictors of OS and DFS. Multivariate analysis showed that TNM stage and the degree of pathological differentiation were independent prognostic factors for all outcomes. Besides, the number of cervical LND could independently predict both DFS and LRFS while LVI/PNI were associated with DFS. And high‐quality neck LND (≥30) significantly improved DFS and LRFS for patients of pT1cN0M0 or stage I as compared to those without LND.ConclusionsTNM stage and pathological differentiation were crucial prognostic factors for postoperative patients with TSCC. Notably, high‐quality cervical LND was beneficial for the improvement of DFS and LRFS for patients of pT1cN0M0 or stage I.
Cocaine use and head and neck cancer risk: A pooled analysis in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium
Authors: Zhang Mingyan , Chen Chu , Li Guojun , Koric Alzina , Lee Yuan‐Chin Amy , Morgenstern Hal , Schwartz Stephen M. , Sturgis Erich M. , Boffetta Paolo , Hashibe Mia , Zhang Zuo‐Feng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundCocaine is an illegal recreational drug used worldwide, yet little is known about whether cocaine inhalation (smoking/snorting) increases the risk of head and neck cancer (HNC).MethodsThe analyses were conducted by pooling data from three case–control studies with 1639 cases and 2506 controls from the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium. Epidemiologic data, including cocaine use histories, were obtained in face‐to‐face interviews. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using hierarchical logistic regression models.ResultsControlling for cumulative tobacco and alcohol use, we observed a weak positive association between cocaine use and HNC (ORever vs. never = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.90). In stratified analysis, while we did not detect associations among never tobacco or alcohol users due to the limited sample size, the association with cocaine use was observed among tobacco users and alcohol drinkers. ORs for ever and high cumulative use (>18 times) versus never use were 1.40 (95% CI: 0.98, 2.00) and 1.66 (95% CI: 1.03, 2.69) among tobacco users, and 1.34 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.92) and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.00, 2.51) among alcohol drinkers, respectively.ConclusionIn this pooled analysis, we observed a weak positive association between cocaine inhalation and HNC risk. Our findings provide preliminary evidence of the potential carcinogenic effect of cocaine on HNC. Because of study limitations, including limited number of cocaine users, confounding, and heterogeneity across studies, future investigations will require larger studies with more detailed information on cocaine use history.
Risk stratification of LA‐NPC during chemoradiotherapy based on clinical classification and TVRR
Authors: Tang Qianlong , Mei Chaorong , Huang Bei , Huang Rui , Kang Le , Chen Ailin , lei Na , Deng Pengcheng , Ying Shouyan , Zhang Peng , Qin Yuan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the correlation between tumor volume reduction rate (TVRR) and prognosis in patients with diverse clinical types of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing chemoradiotherapy, thereby aptly categorizing risks and directing the personalized treatment of NPC.Materials and MethodsA total of 605 NPC patients with varying clinical types were enrolled in this study and subsequently segregated into six subgroups based on their clinical types and TVRR. To accentuate the efficacy of grouping, Groups 1–6 underwent clustered analysis of hazard atio (HR) values pertaining to progression‐free survival (PFS), forming three risk clusters denoted as low, intermediate, and high. The log‐rank test was employed to discern differences, and R 4.1.1 was utilized for cluster analysis.ResultsAccording to survival rates, we classified the first (G2 and G4), second (G1 and G6), and third (G3 and G5) risk clusters as low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk, respectively. When comparing risk stratification with the 8th edition of the TNM staging system, our classification exhibited superior predictive prognostic performance. Subgroup analysis of treatments for each risk cluster revealed that the PFS in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) + concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) group surpassed that of the CCRT group significantly (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe reliance on clinical types and TVRR facilitates risk stratification of NPC during chemoradiotherapy, providing a foundation for physicians to tailor therapeutic strategies. Moreover, the risk cluster delineated for NPC patients during the mid‐term of chemoradiotherapy stands as an independent prognostic factor for progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), distantmetastasis‐free survival (DMFS), and local recurrence‐free (LRRFS) posttreatment. Additionally, individuals in the high‐risk cluster are recommended to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy after CCRT.
Survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy after resection of Stage I lung adenocarcinoma containing micropapillary components
Authors: Li Ying , Zhao Junfeng , Zhao Ying , Li Ruyue , Dong Xue , Yao Xiujing , Xia Zhongshuo , Xu Yali , Li Yintao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe usefulness of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma with micropapillary (MIP) components remains unclear. We analyzed whether postoperative ACT could reduce recurrence in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma with MIP components, thereby improving their overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS).MethodsData for patients with pathologically confirmed stage I lung adenocarcinoma with MIP components from January 2012 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. OS and DFS were analyzed in groups and subgroups.ResultsOverall, 259 patients were enrolled. Patients who received ACT in stage IA showed significantly better survival than did those with no‐adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT); (5‐year OS 89.4% vs. 73.6%, p < 0.001; 5‐year DFS 87.2% vs. 66.0%, p = 0.008). A difference was also observed for in‐stage IB patients (5‐year OS 82.0% vs. 51.8%, p = 0.001; 5‐year DFS 76.0% vs. 41.11 %, p = 0.004). In subgroup analysis based on the proportion of MIP components, patients with 1%–5% MIP components had a significantly better prognosis in the ACT group than in the NACT group (5‐year OS 82.4% vs. 66.0%, p = 0.005; 5‐year DFS 76.5% vs. 49.1%, p = 0.032). A similar difference was observed for patients with MIP ≥5% (5‐year OS 80.7% vs. 47.8%, p = 0.009; 5‐year DFS 73.11% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.007).ConclusionAmong patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma with MIP components, those who received ACT showed significant survival benefits compared to those without ACT. Patients with lung adenocarcinoma with MIP components could benefit from ACT when the MIP was ≥1%.