bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A retrospective analysis of the hemolysis occurrence during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a single center
Authors: Costantini Silvia , Belliato Mirko , Ferrari Fiorenza , Gazzaniga Giulia , Ravasi Marta , Manera Miriam , De Piero Maria Elena , Curcelli Antonio , Cardinale Alessandra , Lorusso Roberto 
Published: February 2022

Introduction Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)–associated hemolysis still represents a serious complication. The present study aimed to investigate those predictive factors, such as flow rates, the use of anticoagulants, and circuit connected dialysis, that might play a pivotal role in hemolysis in adult patients. Methods This is a retrospective single-center case series of 35 consecutive adult patients undergoing veno-venous ECMO support at our center between April 2014 and February 2020. Daily plasma-free hemoglobin (pfHb) and haptoglobin (Hpt) levels were chosen as hemolysis markers and they were analyzed along with patients’ characteristics, daily laboratory findings, and corresponding ECMO system variables, as well as continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) when administered, looking for factors influencing their trends over time. Results Among the many settings related to the ECMO support, the presence of CRRT connected to the ECMO circuit has been found associated with both higher daily pfHb levels and lower Hpt levels. After correction for potential confounders, hemolysis was ascribable to circuit-related variables, in particular the membrane oxygenation dead space was associated with an Hpt reduction (B = −215.307, p = 0.004). Moreover, a reduction of ECMO blood flow by 1 L/min has been associated with a daily Hpt consumption of 93.371 mg/dL ( p = 0.001). Conclusions Technical-induced hemolysis during ECMO should be monitored not only when suspected but also during quotidian management and check-ups. While considering the clinical complexity of patients on ECMO support, clinicians should not only be aware of and anticipate possible circuitry malfunctions or inadequate flow settings, but they should also take into account the effects of an ECMO circuit–connected CRRT, as an equally important key factor triggering hemolysis.
Electroacupuncture attenuates pulmonary vascular remodeling in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via the VEGF/PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Zhang Lanxi , Tian Yange , Zhao Peng , Jin Fanli , Miao Yufang , Liu Yang , Li Jiansheng 
Published: February 2022

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Pulmonary vascular remodeling is the main pathological feature of COPD. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the key regulator of angiogenesis, mediates activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, which regulates the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and plays important roles in pulmonary angiogenesis and remodeling in COPD. Here, the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) with respect to regulation of microvascular remodeling induced by VEGF/PI3K/Akt was evaluated in a rat model of COPD. Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to blank, COPD model, EA and sham acupuncture (SA) groups. Rats in the EA group received EA at GV14, BL13 and BL23 three times per week, while those in the SA group, as a control, received shallow and minimal electrostimulation at sites 5–10 mm away from the traditional acupuncture point locations. After 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, the optimal treatment duration was determined according to the results of lung function, lung pathology and inflammatory factor levels. Then, microvessel density, protein levels and mRNA expression of selected VEGF/PI3K/Akt pathway intermediates were determined by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, and mRNA qRT-PCR, respectively. Results: EA improved lung function and lung tissue histopathology, with the best effect after 8 weeks of treatment, as noted by reduced density of lung microvessels and expression of angiogenesis-related factors (VEGF and endothelin (ET)-1). EA-treated COPD rats exhibited reduced VEGF, VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), ET-1 mRNA and VEGF, VEGFR2, phosphorylated (p)-VEGFR2, PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p-mTOR at the protein level in comparison with untreated and SA-treated COPD model rats. Conclusion: EA had beneficial effects on COPD in this animal model including reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling via mechanisms possibly related to the VEGF/PI3K/Akt pathway.
Non-destructive near infrared spectroscopy externally validated using large number sets for creation of robust calibration models enabling prediction of apple firmness
Authors: Marečková Martina , Danková Veronika , Zelený Lubor , Suran Pavol 
Published: March 2022

Non-invasive flesh firmness prediction using near infrared spectroscopy has been perfected and validated on three apple varieties. Three novel calibration models were developed following three year's of repeated large-scale sampling of stored commercial apple varieties ‘Gala’, ‘Red Jonaprince’ and ‘Jonagored’. The spectroscopic results were compared directly with those obtained using the invasive method. Increased accuracy of calibration models was achieved with the newly established data collection model. The results exhibited coefficient of determination for calibration, R2, and ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) in excess of 0.91 and 2.3, respectively, thus enabling excellent prediction of flesh firmness via a non-invasive and fast spectroscopic approach. The highest R2 obtained was 0.94, RPD 2.6, root mean square error of calibration 5.87 N, and root mean square error of cross-validation (internal) 6.75 N for variety ‘Red Jonaprince’. Our complex long-term study provided excellent external validated calibration models and the approach can help developing calibration models for commercial sorting lines using near infrared spectroscopy.
New blends of acrylamide/chitosan and potato peel waste as improved water absorbing polymers for diaper applications
Authors: Moustafa Mahmoud , Abu-Saied M. A. , Taha Tarek H. , Elnouby Mohamed , El Desouky EA , Alamri Saad , Alrumman Sulaiman , Shati Ali , Al-Khatani Mohmed , Alghamdii Huda , Al-Qthanin Rahmah , Al-Emam Ahmed 
Published: February 2022

Valorization of environmental wastes into beneficial products is a global direction that is recently adopted. Potato peels are one of these wastes that are daily released to the environment in tremendous amounts. The current research is concerning by the extraction of starch polymer from potato peels waste and depending on its water uptake capacity to be used as a blending material in the currently applied diapers. Starch has been blended in different percentages with poly acrylamide (PAAM) and chitosan (CTS) polymers to increase their overall water capacity. The blended polymers were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy which confirmed the corresponding interaction among the three polymers depending on the detected functional groups. The thermal gravimetric analysis showed that the addition of starch to PAAM-CTS membrane increased the thermal stability and reduces the weight loss from 53.86% to 7.9%. The results of surface roughness were increased from 0.19 to 0.28 μm after the addition of starch which were highly matched with SEM images and suggesting the increasing of the swelling kinetics of the prepared membranes. Moreover, water uptake test as a physicochemical characterization revealed that the swelling ratio of PAAM-CTS membrane was around 48% which has been elevated to 92% after starch amendment. These results indicate that the addition of starch to polyacrylamide and chitosan blend can approximately duplicate their water-holding capacity which can repurpose it it to be widely applied in diapers applications.
Period 2 Suppresses the Malignant Cellular Behaviors of Colorectal Cancer Through the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation Process
Authors: Xiong Yubo , Zhuang Yifan , Zhong Mengya , Qin Wenjuan , Huang Boyi , Zhao Jiabao , Gao Zhi , Ma Jingsong , Wu Zhengxin , Hong Xuehui , Yue Zhicao , Lu Haijie 
Published: February 2022

Introduction The PER2 (Period circadian regulator 2) gene is related to the circadian clock, and it has been deemed as a suppressor gene in osteosarcoma and lung carcinoma. However, the part of PER2 in CRC (colorectal cancer) needs to be further determined. Methods First, we collected clinical samples to detect PER2 expression in CRC. Then, we used cell transfection to knock down PER2 expression in CRC cell lines and performed a series of functional experiments to elucidate the effects of PER2 on CRC cells. We next verified whether PER2 affects the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) process in CRC by conducting quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. Results In the research, we revealed that the expression of PER2 decreased in CRC clinical samples. In addition, knocking down PER2 expression caused CRC cells to acquire malignant biological features. Finally, we found that PER2 knockdown may activate the Snail/Slug axis through inhibiting p53, therefore promote the activation of the EMT pathway. Conclusion In conclusion, low PER2 expression reinforces migration and activates EMT in CRC, suggesting that PER2 is closely related to CRC development and could be used as a potential treatment site in the clinic.
Local Therapy Combined With First-Line EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Achieves Favorable Survival in Patients With EGFR-Mutant Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lu Xiaotong , Wang Jingbo , Wang Chunyu , Liang Jun , Zhou Zongmei , Chen Dongfu , Feng Qinfu , Xiao Zefen , Hui Zhouguang , Lu Jima , Zhang Tao , Liu Wenyang , Wang Jianyang , Wang Xin , Deng Lei , Zhai Yirui , Bi Nan , Wang Luhua 
Published: February 2022

Background: EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is recommended as the first-line therapy for patients with EGFR-mutant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Yet, resistance often occurs in 1 year after therapy and most progressions occur at the initial sites of disease. Addition of local therapy to the first-line TKI therapy may delay the progression and provide survival benefit to the patients. Methods: From 2010 to 2017, metastatic NSCLC patients with EGFR activating mutations who received first-line TKI and relatively radical local therapy (RRLT) were reviewed. RRLT was defined as local curative therapy to the main site or any intensity of local therapy to all sites of disease. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used for survival estimation and comparison. Results: A total of 45 patients were included in this retrospective study with a median follow-up of 48.0 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was 17.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.6-19.3) and 55.0 months (95% CI: 49.3-60.6), respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that age ⩽ 60 years ( P = .019), first-line TKI duration ⩾ 10 months ( P = .028), and accumulated TKI duration ⩾ 20 months ( P = .016) were significantly associated with favorable OS. Among the 36 patients who progressed during the follow-up, 55.8% of the progressions occurred at the new sites. RRLT combined with TKI did not show any severe toxicity to the patients. Conclusions: Combined application of RRLT and first-line TKI may improve the survival and alter the pattern of failure for metastatic NSCLC patients with EGFR activating mutations.
Risk of Pneumothorax Requiring Pleural Drainage after Drainless VATS Pulmonary Wedge Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Laven Iris E.W.G. , Daemen Jean H.T. , Janssen Nicky , Franssen Aimée J.P.M. , Gronenschild Michiel H.M. , Hulsewé Karel W.E. , Vissers Yvonne L.J. , de Loos Erik R. 
Published: February 2022

Objective Omitting pleural drainage after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for pulmonary wedge resections has been shown to be a safe approach to enhance recovery. However, major concerns remain regarding the risk of postoperative pneumothoraces requiring surgical interventions. Therefore, our objective was to provide conclusive evidence whether chest tube omission after VATS wedge resection is safe and does not increase the risk of pneumothoraces requiring pleural drainage. Methods Five scientific databases were searched. Studies comparing patients with (CT group) and without chest tube drainage (NCT group) after VATS wedge resection were evaluated. Outcomes included radiographically diagnosed pneumothoraces and pneumothoraces requiring pleural drainage, postoperative complications, hospitalization, and pain scores. Results Overall, 9 studies (3 randomized controlled trials) were included ( N = 928). Meta-analysis showed significantly more radiographically diagnosed pneumothoraces in the NCT group (risk ratio [RR] = 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56 to 4.29, P < 0.001; I 2 = 0%). However, no significant differences were found in postoperative pneumothoraces requiring pleural drainage (RR = 1.72, 95% CI: 0.63 to 4.74, P = 0.29; I 2 = 0%) or complications (RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.39 to 1.52, P = 0.46; I 2 = 0%). Furthermore, the NCT group showed significantly shorter hospitalization (mean difference = −1.26, 95% CI: −1.56 to −0.95, P < 0.001) with high heterogeneity ( I 2 = 58%, P = 0.02), and lower pain scores on postoperative day 1 (standard mean difference [SMD] = −0.98, 95% CI: −1.71 to −0.25, P = 0.009; I 2 = 92%) and postoperative day 2 (SMD = −1.28, 95% CI: −2.55 to −0.01, P = 0.05; I 2 = 96%) compared with the CT group. Conclusions VATS wedge resection without routine chest tube placement is suggested as a safe and less invasive approach in selected patients that does not increase the risk of a pneumothorax requiring pleural drainage.
Arthroplasty of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint With the TACTYS Prosthesis: Clinical and Radiographic Results With a Mean Follow-up of 5 Years
Authors: Philips Tim , Vanmierlo Bert , Goubau Jean F. 
Published: February 2022

Background: Degenerative arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the long fingers is a common disorder affecting mainly a female middle-aged population. Conservative treatment is often effective, but in some cases, pain can persist which can lead to invalidating function. Besides denervation and arthrodesis, arthroplasty is a valuable alternative treatment. The goal of this retrospective study was to determine the clinical and radiological outcomes of the TACTYS prosthesis with a mean follow-up of more than 5 years. Methods: Between October 2005 and August 2019 10 joints in 9 patients, one patient had two prostheses in two separate fingers (4 males and 6 women) were treated for painful degenerative arthritis of the long fingers with a TACTYS prosthesis (Stryker Inc, Kalamazoo, Michigan). Power grip and pinch force were tested preoperatively and postoperatively, and the functional outcome survey is performed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), recall QuickDASH, and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation standardized questionnaires scored of 100 and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10. Results: Mean follow-up was 65.70 months (range: 23-106). Mean age was 71.5 years (range: 64-83). QuickDASH score evolved from 68.43 to 41.92, range of motion from 37.5° to 45.1°, VAS from 6.65 to 1/10. Power grip and precision pinch evolved from 16.44 to 20.80 kg and 1.97 to 2.85 kg, respectively. Conclusions: TACTYS arthroplasty can be proposed for people who have been treated long enough with unsuccessful conservative treatment. Infection rate is still the highest complication, which can evolve in invalidating arthrodesis. It should be proposed exceptionally if the PIP joint arthritis causes invalidating functional pain.
Recurrent deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities as a result of compression of large horseshoe kidney cysts in double inferior vena cava - Successfully treatment with sclerotherapy
Authors: Mutavdzic Perica , Dragas Marko , Galun Danijel , Mašulović Dragan , Tomić Ivan , Sladojević Miloš , Zlatanović Petar , Davidovic Lazar 
Published: February 2022

Background Horseshoe kidney is a well-known congenital anomaly and the most common anomaly of the upper urinary tract. This condition is rarely associated with anomalous inferior vena cava (IVC). Polycystic horseshoe kidney is a very rare occurrence and however IVC anomalies common with polycistic disease are an increasingly recognized risk factor for iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis. Method We present a case of 75-year-old patient with recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of right leg as a result of compression of large horseshoe kidney cysts in double inferior vena cava. Results Large renal cyst were successful treated percutaneously punctured for the relief of compression and received injection of acidic solutions of 95% ethanol under ultrasound guidance for prevention against re-accumulation of cyst fluid. Conclusion Percutaneous aspiration with ultrasound guidance with injection of sclerosing solutions as a relatively simple procedure and can be the method of choice for treatment of renal cysts. Also, any recurrent deep vein thrombosis on lower extremity requires additional evaluation in the form of an ultrasound or multidetector computed tomography examination of the abdomen.
Neural correlates of cognitive control in women with a history of sexual violence suggest altered prefrontal cortical activity during cognitive processing
Authors: Sinko Laura , Regier Paul , Curtin Adrian , Ayaz Hasan , Rose Childress Anna , Teitelman Anne M 
Published: February 2022

Objective: Women’s experiences of sexual violence can be not only psychologically and physically traumatizing but may also have lasting effects on brain functions, including cognitive control relating to the inhibition and processing of emotion. Thus, the purpose of this pilot study is to explore underlying neural correlates of sexual violence’s impact on cognitive control in women. Methods: Thirty women (aged 21–30 years) participants underwent a quantitative survey along with an affect-congruent Go-NoGo task. Prefrontal activity was monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, a portable neuroimaging technology. An analysis of variance tested for main effects of the condition (Go versus NoGo), group (sexual violence versus no prior sexual violence), and potential interactions. Results: Fifteen of 30 women reported a history of childhood (n = 5) and/or adult (n = 12) sexual violence. Those with sexual violence histories reported significantly higher depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, as well as increased impulsivity compared to their peers. Behavioral performance did not differ between the groups; however, functional near-infrared spectroscopy data revealed a significant (group × condition) interaction in Optodes 13 and 16. Women with histories of sexual violence had a significantly lower response during the “NoGo” condition and a heightened response during the “Go” condition, in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Conclusion: These results suggest altered prefrontal cortical activity during cognitive processing in women with a history of sexual violence, showing hypoactivity during response inhibition and hyperactivity to the positive stimuli. These findings have strong translational promise for innovative assessment and prevention of untoward effects among women with sexual violence.
A population-based study in resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer aligned with CheckMate 577
Authors: Pape Marieke , Vissers Pauline A.J. , Beerepoot Laurens V. , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Lagarde Sjoerd M. , Mook Stella , Moehler Markus , van Laarhoven Hanneke W.M. , Verhoeven Rob H.A. 
Published: February 2022

Background: Results of CheckMate 577 show an improved disease-free survival for patients with resected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer treated with adjuvant nivolumab compared with placebo (22.4 versus 11.0 months). Population-based data can provide insights in outcomes from clinical practice. The aim of our study was to investigate disease-free and overall survival in a nationwide population aligned with the inclusion criteria of CheckMate 577. Patients and Methods: Resected patients with stage II/III esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer (2015–2016) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients with cervical esophageal cancer, irradical resection, or complete pathological response were excluded. Disease-free and overall survival were assessed from 12 weeks after resection using Kaplan-Meier methods. In addition, to adjust for differences in characteristics between CheckMate 577 and our population-based cohort, a matching-adjusted indirect comparison was performed for pathological lymph node status and pathological tumor status. Results: We identified 634 patients. Sixty percent of patients were diagnosed with recurrence or were deceased at the end of follow-up. Median disease-free survival was 19.7 months and median overall survival was 32.2 months. After the matching procedure, the median disease-free survival was 17.2 months and median overall survival was 28.2 months. Conclusions: Disease-free survival in our population-based study was considerably longer than the placebo population of CheckMate-577 (19.7 versus 11.0 months). Possible explanations are differences in characteristics, quality of esophageal cancer care, or differential strategies for evaluation of recurrence. In the Netherlands postoperative imaging is not part of the standard follow-up as opposed to the standard postoperative imaging in the CheckMate 577 trial. The difference in postoperative imaging could partially explain the longer disease-free survival observed in our study. Quality and optimization of current treatment modalities remain important aspects of esophageal cancer care.