bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Olaparib as a single agent treatment in pre-treated metastatic pancreatic cancer patient harboring BRCA2 mutation: What could we expect?
Authors: Garajová Ingrid , Balsano Rita , Gelsomino Fabio , Leonardi Francesco 
Published: October 2022

Background: Despite ongoing developments, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult tumors to treat. Even the most effective chemotherapy regimens, only marginally improve the outcome of Pancreatic cancer patients, which rarely exceeds one year. A small subset of Pancreatic cancer patients, carriers of germline variants of BRCA1/2, are clinically relevant as therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer, both for the first-line and maintenance therapy, as they are more responsive to platinum-based chemotherapy agents and PARP inhibitors. Though, a little is known about the efficacy of olaparib monotherapy in later lines, or in poor responders to platinum-based regimens. Methods: We describe a case of a patient with pancreatic cancer harboring BRCA2 mutation, treated with radical surgery, adjuvant treatment and three different palliative chemotherapy regimens at disease recurrence (FOLFOX in first line with progression-free survival of five months, gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in the second line with progression-free survival of six months and FOLFIRI in the third line with progression-free survival of three months) before olaparib off-label treatment. Results: Interestingly, the patient remained 10 months on olaparib treatment, without disease progression, and without any side effects from the treatment. Conclusion: In conclusion, this case highlights the clinically relevant progression-free survival with olaparib treatment in later line and the potential of better health-related quality of life in this small subset of Pancreatic cancer patients.
The Global Moment of Asian Studies in Turkey and the Case of Bogazici University
Authors: Esenbel Selçuk 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis paper outlines the development of Asian studies in Turkey from their early years to 2022. A particular focus is put on the development of academic programs at Bogazici University and on the international academic partnerships it entailed. The author argues that the end of the Cold War, the “rise of Asia” in public opinion, the new Asia initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the global attraction due to international employment opportunities, represent multiple factors that have accelerated interest in Asian Studies in Turkey.
Exposure to pesticides and pediatric Wilms’ tumor. A meta-analysis on pre-conception and pregnancy parental exposure with an IARC/WHO commentary
Authors: Khan A , Feulefack J , Sergi CM 
Published: October 2022

Background There are hereditary types of nephroblastoma or Wilms’ tumor associated with exposure of the germ cells of either parent to harmful environmental factors. Some studies have examined the exposure of compounds used pesticides and herbicides as a risk factor for Wilms’ tumor. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out on case-control studies to establish the potential link between exposure to these organic molecules and Wilms’ tumor occurrence in children rigorously. We examined the monographs on some organo-phosphate insecticides and herbicides issued by the International Association for the Research on Cancer (IARC) under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). PUBMED, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar studies (1960–2021) were identified and systematically reviewed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Subgroup analyses were conducted after stratification for occupational versus residential exposure and before birth (prenatal) vs. after birth (postnatal) exposure. In addition, we revised the monographs on chemical compounds issued recently by the IARC/WHO. Results Our findings seem to consolidate that parental pesticide exposure during the preconception or pregnancy period is correlated with an increased occurrence risk for Wilms’ tumor. We confirm the validity of the WHO essays on certain organophosphate herbicides and insecticides, which support these compounds, may be highly relevant in future cancer prevention policies. Conclusion Parental exposure to pesticides, particularly in household settings, is poorly emphasized in our society. There is a strong association between these organophosphate compounds and pediatric cancer. Public health agencies may need to take stronger action than in the past.
The Impact of Internet Banking on Performance and Branches: Crisis or Change in Practice?
Authors: Di Febo Elisa , Angelini Eliana 
Published: October 2022

Internet Banking has become an important alternative to traditional banks. This article studies how Internet Banking’s use influenced European banks’ profitability and if the phenomenon of the branches’ strong contraction (started in 2009 and consolidated from 2011 to 2016) depended on using these technologies or the economic crisis of the period. The exclusion of the COVID-19 crisis derived from the voluntariness to analyze the branches’ reduction in your primitive form and not as a consequence of the event’s extreme. The sample data comprises 3679 European banks from 2011 to 2016. The methodology used is the instrumental variables. This approach can control internal validity threats, such as confounding variables, measurement error, spuriousness, simultaneity and reverse causality. The results show that Internet Banking has positively influenced the net interest income and negatively affected the distribution of the branches, justifying the strong reduction. Surprisingly, the insignificance of GDP rates on the branch network, while the strong European prudential regulation had a negative impact. The study of Internet Banking’s impact on the branches is a new aspect and important for further developments. As transactions are handled online, branch offices will become more like service lounges rather than rows of tellers handling daily transactions.
Monitoring of Post-Brain Injuries By Measuring Plasma Levels of Neuron-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Hotta Naoshi , Tadokoro Takahiro , Henry John , Koga Daisuke , Kawata Keisuke , Ishida Hiroyuki , Oguma Yuko , Hirata Akihiro , Mitsuhashi Masato , Yoshitani Kenji 
Published: October 2022

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EV) released from neurons into the blood can reflect the state of nervous tissue. Measurement of neuron derived EV (NDE) may serve as an indicator of brain injury. Methods: A sandwich immunoassay was established to measure plasma NDE using anti-neuron CD171 and anti-EV CD9 ([CD171 + CD9+]). Plasma samples were obtained from commercial sources, cross-country (n = 9), football (n = 22), soccer (n = 19), and rugby (n = 18) athletes over time. Plasma was also collected from patients undergoing total aortic arch replacement (TAR) with selective cerebral perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass before and after surgery (n = 36). Results: The specificity, linearity, and reproducibility of NDE assay (measurement of [CD171 + CD9+]) were confirmed. By scanning electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking, spherical vesicles ranging in size from 150 to 300 nm were confirmed. Plasma levels of NDE were widely spread over 2 to 3 logs in different individuals with a significant age-dependent decrease. However, NDE were very stable in each individual within a ± 50% change over time (cross-country, football, soccer), whereas rugby players were more variable over 4 years. In patients undergoing TAR, NDE increased rapidly in days post-surgery and were significantly ( P = .0004) higher in those developing postoperative delirium (POD) (n = 13) than non-delirium patients (n = 23). Conclusions: The blood test to determine plasma levels of NDE was established by a sandwich immunoassay using 2 antibodies against neuron (CD171) and exosomes (CD9). NDE levels varied widely in different individuals and decreased with age, indicating that NDE levels should be considered as a normalizer of NDE biomarker studies. However, NDE levels were stable over time in each individual, and increased rapidly after TAR with greater increases associated with patients developing POD. This assay may serve as a surrogate for evaluating and monitoring brain injuries.
The concept of disease in the Norwegian National Insurance Court
Authors: Von Wachenfeldt Vegard , Hofmann Bjørn Morten 
Published: October 2022

Aims: The National Insurance Act administrates an important part of the welfare system in Norway by entitlements to benefits. Disease is an absolute requirement for many benefits, but the Act does not provide any definition of disease. The National Insurance Court is the normative body in management of the Act. In 1994, a consensus report was written on the concept of disease on behalf of the National Insurance Court, which subsequently became a guideline in the management of decisions. This study examined how the concept of disease has been interpretated in recent decisions in the National Insurance Court compared to the interpretation in the consensus report. Methods: The material consisted of anonymous decisions from the National Insurance Court in the period from September 2018 to August 2019. It was analysed by systematic text condensation and compared to the consensus report by a theory-driven content analysis. Results: The consensus report described disease as a value-laden condition with personal resources and external environment as decisive context, while the decisions express disease as a process with causal relationship to personal resources and external environment. Conclusions: The analysis of recent decisions showed that the interpretation of the concept of disease has moved in a value-neutral direction compared to the consensus report.
Identification of colorectal cancer using structured and free text clinical data
Authors: Redd Douglas F , Shao Yijun , Zeng-Treitler Qing , Myers Laura J , Barker Barry C , Nelson Stuart J , Imperiale Thomas F 
Published: October 2022

Colorectal cancer incidence has continually fallen among those 50 years old and over. However, the incidence has increased in those under 50. Even with the recent screening guidelines recommending that screening begins at age 45, nearly half of all early-onset colorectal cancer will be missed. Methods are needed to identify high-risk individuals in this age group for targeted screening. Colorectal cancer studies, as with other clinical studies, have required labor intensive chart review for the identification of those affected and risk factors. Natural language processing and machine learning can be used to automate the process and enable the screening of large numbers of patients. This study developed and compared four machine learning and statistical models: logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest, and deep neural network, in their performance in classifying colorectal cancer patients. Excellent classification performance is achieved with AUCs over 97%.
Amplatzer Vascular Plug With Endologix AFX Lining for Visceral Re-Entry Closure in a Patient With Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Watanabe Shuto , Saito Yoshiaki , Murata Kenyu , Kondo Norihiro , Minakawa Masahito 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To demonstrate the efficacy of a combination of Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP2) and Endologix AFX for a visceral entry closure. Case report: A 70-year-old woman with treated chronic type B aortic dissection was seen to have sac enlargement. An isolated residual tear was observed at the origin of the celiac artery. A 12 mm AVP2 was successfully deployed for the entry closure. Angiography after the plug deployment still demonstrated residual flow to the false lumen. Hence, an Endologix AFX VELA proximal endograft was deployed, covering the AVP membrane and leaving no endoleak. Conclusion: Deployment of a vascular plug with Endologix AFX lining was efficacious for securing complete closure of an entry tear at the origin of the celiac artery in our patient. Clinical Impact Vascular plugs are reported to be effective for closing small entries, although their effectiveness is limited when the entry site is not located on the flat intima, or in a high-flow situation. In the presented case, an isolated entry tear at the origin of the celiac artery was successfully closed with a vascular plug following Endologix AFX stent-graft lining of the true lumen.
Women experiencing homelessness in Dire Dawa city: Coping mechanisms and suggestions to stakeholder, 2021
Authors: Assegid Daniel Tadesse , Girma Meklit , Hailu Mickiale , Mohammed Aminu , Amsalu Sewmehon , Kasse Nigus , Weldamanuel Tadesse , Mellese Dawit , Solomon Milkiyas 
Published: October 2022

Background: In Ethiopia, the number of homeless girls and women is increasing, and the government has yet to devise a strategy to address the issue of teenage homelessness. They are influenced by numerous dimensions of health, including physical health, mental health, and social isolation. At all stages of homelessness, the stakeholders and homeless people must work together to address the issue. As a result, this study will be helpful to generate relevant data that may guide policymakers in designing solutions for this underserved group of people. Objectives: To explore coping mechanisms and suggestions to stakeholders among women experiencing homelessness in Dire Dawa city, eastern Ethiopia, 2021. Design: A community-based phenomenological qualitative study was conducted at Dire Dawa city. Methods: Data were collected from women experiencing homelessness and key informants through focus group discussion and in-depth interviews using a semi-structured tool. A total of 31 women experiencing homelessness (13 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussion with 6 participants in each) and 2 key informants participated in this study. Data were analyzed thematically using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software Atlas.ti 7. The thematic analysis follows six steps: familiarization, coding, generating themes, reviewing themes, naming themes, and writing up. Results: Two major themes were driven: coping mechanisms and suggestions to stakeholders. There are three subthemes under the coping mechanism (begging, survival sex, and child prostitution) while there are a total of seven subthemes under suggestions to stakeholders (integration and collaboration, special attention to children, family education, shelter and job, schooling, sexual education, and addiction rehabilitation). Conclusion: Child prostitution and survival sex are a very common coping mechanism which is practiced by women experiencing homelessness. Changing society’s mindset and paying special attention to children is critical. Furthermore, the government and various stakeholders should work together to develop a rehabilitation program for street children who have been exposed to substance use.
Comparison of fentanyl and nalbuphine as adjuvants to intrathecal 0.5% bupivacaine in lower limb surgeries: A randomised double-blind prospective study
Authors: Geetha Singam , Rudrakshala Sharanya , Kar Prachi , Durga Padmaja , Charitha Karra 
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Local anaesthetics used in spinal anaesthesia have a limited duration of action. To prolong postoperative analgesia, adjuvants, mainly opioids, are used. As µ agonist drugs have side effects, other receptor agonists are considered. Nalbuphine is a safe and effective kappa agonist adjuvant. Aim: To compare the analgesic efficacy between fentanyl and nalbuphine adjuvants added to 3 mL of 0.5% intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine. Materials and Methods: This prospective, double-blind, comparative study was conducted in 60 patients of either sex belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classes I and II aged 18–65 years undergoing lower limb surgery with entropy monitoring, randomly allocated into two groups. Group F (n = 30) received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (3 mL) + 25 µg (0.5 mL) fentanyl. Group N (n = 30) received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (3 ml) + 0.8 mg (0.5 mL) nalbuphine intrathecally. Hemodynamics, entropy, motor and sensory block characteristics, and complications were noted. Results: The nalbuphine group had a significantly longer two-segment regression time of sensory blockade and extended analgesia duration than the fentanyl group. Haemodynamics, entropy, time for onset of sensory and motor blockade and adverse effects were comparable in both groups. Conclusion: Nalbuphine prolongs sensory blockade and postoperative analgesia duration with minimal side effects and is a safe intrathecal adjuvant.
Prostate cancer-associated urinary proteomes differ before and after prostatectomy
Authors: Feng Yan , Liu Shengzhi , Zha Rongrong , Sun Xun , Li Kexin , Wu Di , Aryal Uma K. , Koch Michael , Li Bai-Yan , Yokota Hiroki 
Published: October 2022

Background: A wide range of disorders can be detected in the urine. Tumor-modifying proteins in the urine may serve as a diagnostic tool for cancer patients and the alterations in their profiles may indicate efficacies of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Methods: We focused on urinary proteomes of patients with prostate cancer and identified tumor-modifying proteins in the samples before and after prostatectomy. Protein array analysis was conducted to evaluate a differential profile of tumor-promoting cytokines, while mass spectrometry-based global proteomics was conducted to identify tumor-suppressing proteins. Results: The result revealed striking differences by prostatectomy. Notably, the urine from the post-prostatectomy significantly decreased the tumorigenic behaviors of prostate tumor cells as well as breast cancer cells. We observed that angiogenin, a stimulator of blood vessel formation, was reduced in the post-prostatectomy urine. By contrast, the levels of three cell-membrane proteins such as prostasin (PRSS8), nectin 2 (PVRL2), and nidogen 1 (NID1) were elevated and they acted as extracellular tumor-suppressing proteins. These three proteins, given extracellularly, downregulated tumorigenic genes such as Runx2, Snail, and transforming growth factor beta and induced apoptosis of tumor cells. However, the role of NID1 differed depending on the location, and intracellular NID1 was tumorigenic and reduced the percent survival. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that prostatectomy remarkably altered the profile of urinary proteomes, and the post-prostatectomy urine provided tumor-suppressive proteomes. The result sheds novel light on the dynamic nature of the urinary proteomes and a unique strategy for predicting tumor suppressors.
Tocilizumab for faster and safer remission of Takayasu’s arteritis
Authors: Liao Hua , Du Juan , Li Taotao , Pan Lili 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) is a large-vessel vasculitis. Glucocorticoids (GCs) combined with cyclophosphamide (CTX) is a common treatment option, but their efficacy is limited. The aim of this retrospective study was to study the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) in the treatment of TAK. Patients and methods: A total of 63 patients with TAK were divided into two groups according to different treatment strategies: 31 patients in the TCZ group and 32 patients in the CTX group. After 6 months of treatment, disease activity and side effects were evaluated and were compared between the two groups. Results: After 3 months of treatment, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) score ( p = 0.005), Indian Takayasu Clinical Activity Score (ITAS) 2010 ( p = 0.043), and the Indian Takayasu Activity Score with the Acute-Phase Response (ITAS.A; p = 0.036) were lower in patients treated with TCZ compared with those treated with CTX. In the TCZ group, the proportion of patients with NIH scores ⩽1 reached 50% after 1 month, 90% after 3 months, and 96% after 6 months of treatment, whereas in the CTX group, these proportion were 36%, 30%, and 78%, respectively. Thus, TCZ treatment of TAK is accompanied with a faster remission rate than CTX treatment. Moreover, the total cumulative incidence of adverse events was lower in the TCZ group than in the CTX group ( p = 0.035). Conclusion: TCZ was faster and safer in alleviating TAK.
Calling Your Aunt Bertha for Social Assets: Family Medicine and Social Determinants of Health
Authors: DeVetter Nick , Westfall John M. , Carrozza Mark , Westfall Erin 
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The sociopolitical determinants of health drive health outcomes and inequities in the United States. Primary care practices are, increasingly, expected by payers and policy makers to assess patients’ social needs. Resource referral platforms provide physicians with information and referral systems for community resources. One commonly used platform is Aunt Bertha/Find Help (AB/FH). The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Neighborhood Navigator (NN) tool allows physicians and laypeople to search for resources using AB/FH. We sought to describe what users were searching for and to identify patterns to inform resource allocation. Methods: This was a descriptive study of the AAFP’s NN tool. Searches of NN were analyzed to describe what users were searching for. Results: From 2018 to April 2022 there were 168 135 searches. The most common searches were for food and housing insecurity (22%, 21%) and health care referral (20.6%) with 22% more searches in the winter than the spring. There was a 119% increase in searches between 2018 and 2022, and a 47% increase in searches during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In the “Health” category the top 20 subcategories accounted for over 77% of searches. Conclusions: Family physicians and their patients use NN to search AB/FH for community resources to address adverse social determinants of health (SDOH). As expected, searches increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This type of analysis may help individual clinicians, practices, and health systems prepare for the most common social needs of their patients. Social resource platforms might serve as a robust measure for primary care practice screening and referral for SDOH.
Midterm Outcomes After Surgical Management for Mitral Valve Regurgitation in Infancy
Authors: Maeda Toshi , Fujiwara Keiichi , Yoshizawa Kosuke , Mori Otohime , Wakami Tatsuto , Shimoji Akio , Fukunaga Naoto , Okada Tatsuji , Tamura Nobushige , Sakazaki Hisanori 
Published: October 2022

Background Mitral valve repair is preferred for pediatric mitral valve disease. However, it is technically difficult because of complex lesions, poor surgical exposure, and tissue fragility, especially in infants. We investigated the midterm outcomes of mitral valve surgery for mitral regurgitation in infancy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients (aged <12 months old) undergoing mitral valve surgery for mitral regurgitation at our institution between October 2005 and March 2019. The patients had 10 acquired and 8 congenital valve lesions as follows: torn chordae ( n = 6), leaflet prolapse ( n = 4), posterior leaflet hypoplasia ( n = 3), anterior leaflet cleft ( n = 2), infective endocarditis ( n = 1), papillary muscle rupture ( n = 1), and hammock valve ( n = 1). Results All patients initially underwent mitral valve repair. There was no operative mortality, and 1 case of late death. The median follow-up period was 7 years and 9 months. Reoperation was performed in 3 patients, re-repair (twice) in 1 patient with a hammock valve, and mitral valve replacement in 2 patients. Fifteen patients had at most mild mitral regurgitation at the last follow-up. A transmitral mean pressure gradient of over 5 mm Hg was observed in 3 cases, including the patient with a hammock valve. Postoperative mitral annular diameter increased within the normal range in all patients. Survival and reoperation-free rates at 5 and 10 years were 94.4% and 83.0%, respectively. Conclusions Mitral valve repair for mitral regurgitation in infancy is safe and feasible with satisfactory midterm outcomes, even under serious preoperative conditions.