bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Role of VEGFR-2 Gene Amplification in Relation to Serum AFP Levels Among Liver-Transplanted Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Koksal Ulkuhan Iner , Saglam Sezer , Dayangac Murat , Dogusoy Gulen Bulbul , Akyildiz Murat , Buyukdogan Murat , Qipa Egzona 
Published: February 2023

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver neoplasia. Vascular endothelial factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) plays an important role in angiogenesis and it has been associated with poor survival in certain other tumor types. Although a recent study also suggested an association between VEGFR-2 expression and HCC, the relationship between VEGFR-2 amplification and HCC is still obscure. Aim To evaluate prognostic role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) amplification in relation to serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and tumor clinicopathological parameters among liver-transplanted patients with HCC. Study design Cohort study Methods A total of 54 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded and frozen HCC samples from patients who underwent liver transplantation between 2009 and 2015 were analyzed. VEGFR-2 amplification was determined via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method in tissue samples obtained during liver transplantation and analyzed with respect to serum AFP levels, tumor clinicopathological parameters, and oncological outcomes including recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Amplified VEGFR-2 gene was prominent in 27 (50.0%) patients, while AFP levels were ≥100 ng/mL in 14 (25.9%) patients. Presence of amplified VEGFR-2 gene was associated with significantly shorter RFS time (mean 72.8 vs 101.3 months for positive and negative patients respectively, P = .015), whereas had no significant impact on OS time (median 79.2 vs 93.1 months, respectively, P = .206). Presence versus absence of amplified VEGFR-2 gene was associated with significantly higher levels of AFP (mean±SD 266.6±405.8 vs 40.6±94.6 ng/mL, P = .016) and higher recurrence rate (81.8 vs 18.2%, P = .018), and significantly predicted the AFP levels ≥100 ng/ml (OR, 10.2, 95%CI 1.8-56.9, P = .008). Lymphatic invasion and vascular invasion emerged as independent predictors of poor OS (HR, 12.4 [95% CI, 2.7-57.3], P = .01) and RFS (HR, 8.3 [95% CI, 2.3-29.8], P = .01). Conclusion In conclusion, our findings revealed the presence of amplified VEGFR-2 gene and its association with serum AFP elevation for the first time in HCC. VEGFR-2 amplification was associated with significantly shorter RFS and it emerged as a significant predictor of elevated AFP. Accordingly, our findings seem to indicate the role of AFP elevation in VEGFR-2-mediated tumorigenesis as well as the likelihood of amplified VEGFR-2 gene and high AFP levels to determine the risk status and efficacy of VEGFR-2-inhibitors in HCC liver transplanted patients.
Constructing Aggregated Revealed Comparative Advantage Index of a Country
Authors: Chakrabartty Satyendra Nath 
Published: February 2023

The measures of revealed comparative advantage (RCA) with multiplicative specification and dependency on world trade of export items are incomparable across time and places. Intra-country comparisons by Balassa RCA and its variants are problematic, calling for a method of aggregating RCA of all sectors of a country reflecting the overall export potential of the country. Overall RCA of a country ([Formula: see text]) is necessary to know the country’s RCA of all the export items as a function of trade flows relative to a point of reference, that is, a base period. The article proposes geometric aggregation of the ratio of RCA at the current period over the base period for each sector to get [Formula: see text] by a continuous, monotonically increasing function of time, satisfying time-reversal test, formation of chain indices and generates time-series data. Progress path of [Formula: see text] and similar path of jth sector may help policymakers to decide on appropriate action for the economy and individual sectors. Distribution of [Formula: see text] will approach lognormal. Knowledge of distributions of [Formula: see text] for different countries helps to have a better inter-country comparison. The similarity of two RCA curves may be evaluated by similarity measures. An empirical illustration of the proposed method is given. JEL Codes: C43, F14
Hepatitis C micro-elimination through the retrieval strategy of patients lost to follow-up
Authors: Chen Cheng-Jen , Huang Yung-Hsin , Hsu Chao-Wei , Chen Yi-Cheng , Chang Ming-Ling , Lin Chun-Yen , Shen Yi-Hsien , Chien Rong-Nan 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background and aim
World Health Organization sets up an ambitious and attainable goal to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) by 2030. The previous diagnosed HCV patients lost to follow-up were considered as an important target group for HCV elimination. We conducted a call back program to retrieve the lost to follow-up HCV patients and link them to care in our hospital. By analyzing and comparing our result with that from other studies, we wish to improve our retrieval strategy and provide our experience to the general communities.

Methods
A list of the patients with a medical record showing seropositive for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV Ab) from 2004 to 2017 was retrieved by the department of intelligent technology of our hospital. Three dedicated staff members reviewed the patients’ electronic medical records (EMRs) and recruited the patient lost follow-up to the call back program. The staff members contacted the qualified patients by telephone and inquired about their opinions for treating their chronic HCV infection. We also informed the patients about the retrieval strategy and why we contact them. As our National Health Insurance request, we gave all patient one informed consent for hepatitis C treatment. Informed consents have been obtained from all patients. Referrals to our gastroenterology unit (GU) were arranged for the patients who would like to continue their chronic HCV care in our hospital.

Results
There were 31,275 anti-HCV positive patients. We included 11,934 patients (38.2%) into the call back system and contacted them by telephone. Based on the response to our call, we ascertained 1277 eligible cases (10.7%) for retrieval. The patients who were younger (< 55), lived in Taoyaun City or had tested positive for anti-HCV Ab at the department of internal medicine department had an increased rate of successful call back. There were 563 patients (44.1%) returning to our GU. Of them, 354 patients (62.9%) were positive for HCV viremia. 323 patients (91.2%) received the DAAs treatment. The SVR12 with Grazoprevir + elbasvir, Glecaprevir + pibrentasvir, Sofosbuvir + ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir + velpatasvir were 97.9%, 98.8%, 100% and 97.5%, respectively.

Conclusions
Call back system can expand our reach to those unaware or ignoring chronic HCV infection patients and link them to treatment.
Nomogram for predicting the overall survival of underweight patients with colorectal cancer: a clinical study
Authors: Bong Jun Woo , Na Younghyun , Ju Yeonuk , Cheong Chinock , Kang Sanghee , Lee Sun Il , Min Byung Wook 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
An underweight individual is defined as one whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is < 18.5 kg/m2. Currently, the prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) who are also underweight is unclear.

Methods
Information on South Korean patients who underwent curative resection for CRC without distant metastasis was collected from health insurance registry data between January 2014 and December 2016. We compared the overall survival (OS) of underweight and non-underweight (BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2) patients after adjusting for confounders using propensity score matching. A nomogram to predict OS in the underweight group was constructed using the significant risk factors identified in multivariate analysis. The predictive and discriminative capabilities of the nomogram for predicting 3- and 5-year OS in the underweight group were validated and compared with those of the tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) staging system in the training and validation sets.

Results
A total of 23,803 (93.6%) and 1,644 (6.4%) patients were assigned to the non-underweight and underweight groups, respectively. OS was significantly worse in the underweight group than in the non-underweight group for each pathological stage (non-underweight vs. underweight: stage I, 90.1% vs. 77.1%; stage IIA, 85.3% vs. 67.3%; stage IIB/C, 74.9% vs. 52.1%; and stage III, 73.2% vs. 59.4%, P < 0.001). The calibration plots demonstrated that the nomogram exhibited satisfactory consistency with the actual results. The concordance index (C-index) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the nomogram exhibited better discriminatory capability than those of the TNM staging system (C-index, nomogram versus TNM staging system: training set, 0.713 versus 0.564, P < 0.001; validation set, 0.691 versus 0.548, P < 0.001; AUC for 3- and 5- year OS, nomogram versus TNM staging system: training set, 0.748 and 0.741 versus 0.610 and 0.601; validation set, 0.715 and 0.753 versus 0.586 and 0.579, respectively).

Conclusions
Underweight patients had worse OS than non-underweight patients for all stages of CRC. Our nomogram can guide prognostic predictions and the treatment plan for underweight patients with CRC.
Implementing a home-based personalised cognitive rehabilitation intervention for people with mild-to-moderate dementia: GREAT into Practice
Authors: Clare Linda , Kudlicka Aleksandra , Collins Rachel , Evans Suzannah , Pool Jackie , Henderson Catherine , Knapp Martin , Litherland Rachael , Oyebode Jan , Woods Robert 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Evidence-based rehabilitative interventions, if widely implemented, could equip people with dementia and their families to manage life with the condition and reduce the need for health and care services. The aim of this translational study, building on evidence from the GREAT randomised controlled trial, was to develop a foundation for implementing the GREAT Cognitive Rehabilitation intervention in community-based services for people with mild-to-moderate dementia.

Methods
Key elements of the implementation strategy were identifying and supporting managerial and clinical leadership, conducting collaborative planning and target-setting, training and supporting practitioners, and providing external facilitation. We developed implementation plans with, and trained staff in, 14 organisations. We subsequently worked closely with 11 of these, 10 National Health Service organisations and one private home care provider, to support practitioners to deliver GREAT Cognitive Rehabilitation over a 12-month period. Outcome evaluation examined the perspectives of local steering group members, practitioners and service users, and the reach, effectiveness and cost of the intervention.

Results
Implementation was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but six organisations completed at least six months of intervention delivery. Forty-one practitioners, mainly occupational therapists, provided the intervention, and 54 people with dementia completed a course of GREAT Cognitive Rehabilitation. Goal attainment by people with dementia exceeded levels of improvement seen in the original trial. People with dementia, carers, practitioners and steering group members all evaluated the intervention positively, and economic analysis indicated that the intervention could be provided at modest cost. However, we identified a range of mainly organisational barriers that impeded implementation and limited the potential for sustainability.

Conclusions
GREAT Cognitive Rehabilitation benefits people with dementia, can be delivered effectively at modest cost in routine services, and is viewed positively by people with dementia, family carers and practitioners. To fully realise these benefits and achieve widespread and sustainable implementation, however, requires sufficient resources and a reorientation of service priorities towards preventive and rehabilitative approaches.

Trial Registration
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Central Portfolio Management System, registration number 38994.
Colorectal cancer survivors’ long-term recollections of their illness and therapy up to seven years after enrolment into a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Völkel Vinzenz , Steinger Brunhilde , Koller Michael , Klinkhammer-Schalke Monika , Lindberg-Scharf Patricia 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
As a consequence of effective treatment procedures, the number of long-term survivors of colorectal cancer is ever increasing. Adopting the method of a previous study on breast cancer patients, the goal of the present research was to investigate colorectal cancer patients’ recollections of their illness and treatment experiences up to seven years after they have been enrolled in a randomised controlled clinical trial on the direct improvement of quality of life (RCT DIQOL).

Methods
Colorectal cancer survivors in Bavaria, Germany were mailed a questionnaire on average 78·3 months after the start of their therapy and enrolment into RCT DIQOL. The questionnaire enquired about their worst experience during the colorectal cancer episode, positive aspects of the illness, and any advice they would give to newly diagnosed patients. Patient responses were categorised by two independent raters and cross-checked by a third independent rater. Frequencies of these categories were then quantitatively analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results
Of 146 remaining survivors initially enrolled in RCT DIQOL, 96 (66%) returned the questionnaire. The majority (33%) of statements regarding the worst experience was referring to “psychological distress”, followed by “indigestion and discomfort during defecation” (17%), and “cancer diagnosis” (16%). Among survivors with history of a stoma, the majority (36%) regarded “stoma” as their worst experience. With 45%, “change in life priorities” has been the most frequent positive category before “support by physicians/ nurses” (25%). 43% of the survivors deemed “fighting spirit” as most important advice to overcome the disease.

Conclusion
Even after many years, colorectal cancer survivors clearly remember experiences from the time of their illness. Echoing the results of the previous breast cancer survivors’ study, “psychological distress”, “change in life priorities” and “fighting spirit” emerged as prominent concepts. In addition, some aspects like the impact of a stoma are of specific importance for colorectal cancer survivors. These findings can be used to inform programmes to improve patient- and quality of life centred aftercare of tumour patients.

Clinical trial information
NCT04930016, date of registration 18.06.2021.
CXCL10 is a prognostic marker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma and tumor microenvironment remodeling
Authors: Nie Yuan , Liu Chao , Liu Qi , Zhu Xuan 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background:
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the progression of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). However, challenges remain regarding the role played by TME associated genes in the prognosis of PAAD.

Methods:
The scores of tumor infiltrating immune cells (TICs), the immune and stroma scores of 182 PAAD patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were determined using CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE calculations. The final genes were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and univariate Cox regression of differentially expressed genes. Finally, the correlation between gene expression and TCGA and clinical characteristics of patients in local hospital database was discussed. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), the association between CXCL10 expression and TICs components were conducted.

Results:
In TCGA database and local hospital data, CXCL10 expression was correlated with the survival rate and TNM classification of patients with PAAD. Immune-related activities were enriched in the CXCL10 high expression group, while metabolic pathways were enriched in the CXCL10 low expression group. The expression of CXCL10 correlated with the proportion of TICs. CXCL10 expression was correlated with the proportion of TICs.

Conclusion:
CXCL10 is a potential prognostic marker for PAAD and provide additional insights into the treatment of PAAD based on TME transformation. However, more independent experimentation with the CXCL10 is need.
Comparison of anterior sclera thickness in emmetropes and myopes
Authors: Zhou Jie , He Hai , Yang Qiang , Wang Jiang-Ying , You Zhi-Peng , Liu Li-Li 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to compare anterior scleral thicknesses (ASTs) in people with emmetropia and myopia to explore the effect of myopia on AST.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 93 participants (i.e., 93 eyes) with emmetropia and myopia underwent ocular imaging via anterior segment optical coherence tomography. We acquired raw B-scan OCT images along each of the four meridians (superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal), The AST was estimated from the limbus to a distance of 6 mm. The participants were aged between 20 and 50 years (mean age: 30.2 ± 8.8 years). The axial length (AL) was 22.50 ~ 33.04 mm (mean AL: 26.51 ± 2.65 mm), and the spherical equivalent (SE) was + 0.50 ~ 27.5 D (mean SE: −7.20 ± 6.5 D). The selected sample comprised 37 males and 56 females who were categorized as emmetropes, mild–moderate myopes, or high myopes. The four meridians of AST, AL, and refractive error were observed.

Results
The AL was significantly negatively correlated with the four meridians of AST (the r value ranged between − 0.511 and − 0.228, P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between age and inferior diameter (r = 0.113, P = 0.314), but age was positively correlated with the average AST of the superior, temporal, and nasal diameters (the r value ranged between 0.452 and 0.552, P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between sex and AST (the T value ranged between − 1.816 and − 0.130, P > 0.05). Except for the inferior diameters of 1 mm, 5 mm, and 6 mm and the temporal diameter of 1 mm, the four diameters in the emmetropia group and the high myopia group were statistically significant at a distance of 0 ~ 6 mm from the limbus (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The AST is negatively correlated with AL and positively correlated with age. Compared with emmetropic eyes, the AST is thinner in highly myopic eyes. Myopia affects AST, which may be useful for monitoring progression in cases of myopia.
Changes in aberrations and biomechanics after femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) in eyes with high astigmatism: a retrospective case control study
Authors: Li Na , Chen Tong , Tian Ge , Lin Yue , Meng Yuan , Gao Hua , Liu Mingna 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background:
To compare the 6-month changes in aberration and biomechanics after femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for high astigmatism.

Methods:
In this retrospective case control study, 47 eyes with high astigmatism (≥ 2.5 D, HA group) and 47 eyes with low astigmatism (≤ 1.0 D, LA group) underwent FS-LASIK. Preoperative and follow-up examinations included visual outcomes, higher order aberrations (HOAs) and biomechanics. Biomechanical parameters include a deformation amplitude ratio of 2 mm (DA ratio 2 mm), integrated inverse radius (IIR), stiffness parameter at first applanation (SP-A1), and ambrosio relational thickness through the horizontal meridian (ARTh).

Results:
Six months postoperatively, there was no significant difference in the efficacy and safety index (both P > 0.05) between the two groups, but the cylinder was higher in the HA group. The HOAs increased significantly after surgery in both groups (all P < 0.05). Six months postoperatively, the changes in spherical aberration and HOAs were larger in the HA group (both P < 0.005), but there was no significant difference between the changes in coma (P > 0.05). Significant decreases in SP-A1 and ARTh and significant increases in the IIR and DA ratio of 2 mm (all P < 0.05) were observed after surgery in both groups. The changes in the DA ratio 2 mm, IIR, SP-A1, and ARTh were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion:
FS-LASIK had relative comparable efficacy and safety in correcting high and low myopic astigmatism, with higher astigmatic under-correction in eyes with high astigmatism. High astigmatism in eyes after FS-LASIK could introduce larger corneal aberrations, but the impact on corneal stiffness was the same as that in eyes with low astigmatism.
Epidemiological analysis of Group A streptococcus infection diseases among children in Beijing, China under COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Li Hongxin , Zhou Lin , Zhao Yong , Ma Lijuan , Zhang Haihua , Liu Yan , Liu Xiaoyan , Hu Jin 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Group A streptococcus is human-restricted gram-positive pathogen, responsible for various clinical presentations from mild epidermis infections to life threatened invasive diseases. Under COVID-19 pandemic,. the characteristics of the epidemic strains of GAS could be different.

Purpose
To investigate epidemiological and molecular features of isolates from GAS infections among children in Beijing, China between January 2020 and December 2021. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiling was performed based on Cinical Laboratory Sandards Institute. Distribution of macrolide-resistance genes, emm types, and superantigens was examined by polymerase chain reaction.

Results
114 GAS isolates were collected which were frequent resistance against erythromycin (94.74%), followed by clindamycin (92.98%), tetracycline (87.72%). Emm12 (46.49%), emm1 (25.44%) were dominant emm types. Distribution of ermB, ermA, and mefA gene was 93.85%, 2.63%, and 14.04%, respectively. Frequent superantigenes identified were smeZ (97.39%), speG (95.65%), and speC (92.17%). Emm1 strains possessed smeZ, ssa, and speC, while emm12 possessed smeZ, ssa, speG, and speC. Erythromycin resistance was predominantly mediated by ermB. Scarlet fever strains harbored smeZ (98.81%), speC (94.05%). Impetigo strains harbored smeZ (88.98%), ssa (88.89%), and speC (88.89%). Psoriasis strains harbored smeZ (100%).

Conclusions
Under COVID-19 pandemic, our collections of GAS infection cutaneous diseases decreased dramatically. Epidemiological analysis of GAS infections among children during COVID-19 pandemic was not significantly different from our previous study. There was a correlation among emm, superantigen gene and disease manifestations. Long-term surveillance and investigation of emm types and superantigens of GAS prevalence are imperative.