bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT: A Randomized Phase II Study of Efficacy and Impact on Function of Two Doses of Nab-paclitaxel as First-line Treatment in Older Women with Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Biganzoli Laura , Cinieri Saverio , Berardi Rossana , Pedersini Rebecca , McCartney Amelia , Minisini Alessandro Marco , Caremoli Elena Rota , Spazzapan Simon , Magnolfi Emanuela , Brunello Antonella , Risi Emanuela , Palumbo Raffaella , Leo Silvana , Colleoni Marco , Donati Sara , De Placido Sabino , Orlando Laura , Pistelli Mirco , Parolin Veronica , Mislang Anna , Becheri Dimitri , Puglisi Fabio , Sanna Giuseppina , Zafarana Elena , Boni Luca , Mottino Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

BackgroundLimited data are available on nab-paclitaxel in older breast cancer patients, with this population being under-represented in clinical trial. A weekly schedule is recommended, but there is a paucity of evidence regarding the optimal dose. We evaluated the efficacy of two different doses of weekly nab-paclitaxel, with a specific focus on their corresponding impact on patient function, in order to address the lack of data specifically relating to the older population.MethodsEFFECT is an open-label, phase II trial wherein 160 women with advanced breast cancer aged ≥ 65 years were enrolled from 15 institutions within Italy. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive nab-paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 (Arm A) or 125 mg/m2 (Arm B) on days 1,8,15 on a 28-day cycle, as first-line treatment for advanced disease. The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS), wherein an event was defined as disease progression (PD), functional decline (FD) or death.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 32.6 months, 140 events were observed in 158 evaluable patients. Median EFS was 8.2 months (90% CI, 5.9-8.9) in Arm A, versus 8.3 months (90% CI, 6.2-9.7) in Arm B. Progression-free survival, overall survival and response rates were similar in both groups. A higher percentage of dose reductions and discontinuations due to adverse events (AEs) was noted in Arm B. The most frequently reported non-hematological AEs were fatigue (grade [G] 2-3 toxicity occurrence in Arm A versus B: 43% and 51%, respectively) and peripheral neuropathy (G2-3 Arm A versus B: 19% and 38%, respectively).ConclusionThe two weekly nab-paclitaxel regimens were comparable in all pre-specified outcomes. However, 100 mg/m2 was significantly better tolerated with fewer neurotoxicity-related events, representing a more feasible dose to be recommended for older patients with advanced disease.
Pretreatment Thrombocytosis as an Independent Predictive Factor for Chemoresistance and Poor Survival in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Nakao Sari , Minaguchi Takeo , Itagaki Hiroya , Hosokawa Yoshihiko , Shikama Ayumi , Tasaka Nobutaka , Akiyama Azusa , Ochi Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Koji , Satoh Toyomi
Published: February 2020

Background Thrombocytosis is related to tumor stage and survival of ovarian cancer in addition to common complications with malignant diseases, such as anemia and inflammation. The aim of our study was to clarify the precise prognostic impact of pretreatment thrombocytosis in epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 280 consecutive patients who were treated for epithelial ovarian cancer at our institution between 2001 and 2011. Results Pretreatment thrombocytosis was observed in 18.9% of all the patients, and was associated with advanced FIGO stage, primary treatment, operation achievement, histologic subtype, microcytic hypochromic anemia (MHA), and non-malignant inflammatory condition (p=0.0018, 0.0028, 0.00050, 0.034, 0.00090 and 0.0022). In the patients who relapsed after primary adjuvant chemotherapy (n=126), thrombocytosis was associated with shorter treatment-free interval (TFI) (p=0.0091). The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that thrombocytosis was independently associated with TFI and MHA (p=0.021 and 0.0091). Patients with thrombocytosis had worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than those without thrombocytosis (p<0.0001 and <0.0001). The multivariate analyses for prognostic factors demonstrated that thrombocytosis was significant for poor PFS and OS (p=0.0050 and p=0.022) independently of stage, histology, primary treatment, operation achievement, non-malignant inflammatory condition and MHA. Conclusions The current findings indicate that the detrimental survival impact of pretreatment thrombocytosis in epithelial ovarian cancer may be independent of tumor extent but rather attributed to chemoresistance, further supporting the therapeutic potential of targeting thrombopoietic cytokines in the disease.
Application of functional data analysis to classify communities according to the pattern of malaria incidence, to guide targeted control strategies.
Authors: DIENG Sokhna , Michel Pierre , Guindo Abdoulaye , Sallah Kankoe , Ba El-hadj , Cissé Badara , Carrieri Patrizia , Sokhna Cheikh , Milligan Paul , Gaudart Jean
Published: February 2020

Background Effective targeting of malaria control in low transmission areas requires identification of transmission foci or hotspots. We investigated the use of functional data analysis to identify and describe spatio-temporal pattern of malaria incidence in an area with seasonal transmission in west-central Senegal. Method Malaria surveillance was maintained over 5 years from 2008 to 2012 at health facilities serving a population of 500,000 in 575 villages in two health districts in Senegal. Smooth functions were fitted from the time series of malaria incidence for each village, using cubic B-spline basis functions. The resulting smooth functions for each village were classified using hierarchical clustering (Ward’s method), using several different dissimilarity measures. The optimal number of clusters was then determined based on four cluster validity indices, to determine the main types of distinct temporal pattern of malaria incidence. Epidemiological indicators characterizing the resulting malaria incidence pattern in terms of the timing of seasonal outbreaks, were calculated based on the slope (velocity) and rate of change of the slope (acceleration) of the incidence over time. Results Three distinct patterns of malaria incidence were identified. A pattern characterized by high incidence, in 12/575 (2%) villages, with average incidence of 114 cases/1000 person-years over the 5 year study period; a pattern with intermediate incidence in 97 villages (17%), with average incidence of 13 cases/1000 person-years; and a pattern with low incidence in 466 (81%) villages, with average incidence 2.6 cases/1000 person-years. Epidemiological indicators characterizing the fluctuations in malaria incidence showed that seasonal outbreaks started later, and ended earlier, in the low incidence pattern. Conclusion Functional data analysis can be used to classify communities based on time series of malaria incidence, and to identify high incidence communities. Indicators can be derived from the fitted functions which characterize the timing of outbreaks. These tools may help to better target control measures.
A Network Pharmacology-Based Study on Alzheimer disease prevention and treatment of Qiong Yu Gao
Authors: You Jieshu , Li Chen-yue , Chen Wei , Wu Xia-lin , Huang Li-jie , Li Ren-kai , Gao Fei , zhang Ming-yue , Liu Huan-lan , Qu Wei-ling
Published: February 2020

Background and objective: As the pathological mechanisms of AD is complex, increasing evidence have demonstrated Chinese Medicine with multi-ingredients and multi-targets may be more suitable for the treatment of diseases with complex pathogenesis. Therefore, the study was to preliminarily decipher the bioactive compounds and potential mechanisms of Qiong Yu Gao (QYG) for AD prevention and treatment by an integrated network pharmacology approach. Methods: Putative ingredients of QYG and significant genes of AD were retrieved from public database after screening. Then QYG ingredients target proteins/genes were obtained by target fishing. Compound-target-disease network was constructed using Cytoscape to decipher the mechanism of QYG for AD. KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analysis were performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms and pathways related to QYG for AD treatments. Results: Finally, 70 compounds and 511 relative drug targets were collected. In which, 17 representative direct targets were found. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the adenylate cyclase-inhibiting G-protein coupled acetylcholine receptor signaling pathway was the key biological processes and were regulated simultaneously by the 17 direct targets. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis found that three signaling pathways were closely related with AD treatment by QYG, including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathway and insulin resistance pathway. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that QYG exerted the effect of treating AD by regulating multi-targets with multi-components. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that a network pharmacology-based approach was useful for elucidation of the interrelationship between complex diseases and interventions of Chinese herbal medicines.
Increased risk of hyperlipidemia in patients with anxiety disorders: A population-based study
Authors: Chien I-Chia , Lin Ching-Heng
Published: February 2020

Objective This study examined the prevalence and incidence of hyperlipidemia among patients with anxiety disorders in Taiwan. Methods We used a large dataset containing random samples, and more than 766,000 subjects who were aged 18 years or older in 2005 were identified. Subjects who had more than one primary or secondary diagnosis of anxiety disorders were identified. Individuals who had a primary or secondary diagnosis of hyperlipidemia or medication treatment for hyperlipidemia were also identified. The prevalence rate of hyperlipidemia in patients with anxiety disorders with that of the general population in 2005 was compared. We then followed this cohort to monitor incident cases of hyperlipidemia in anxiety patients, and assessed whether a difference existed from the general population during the period 2006–2010. Results A higher prevalence rate of hyperlipidemia in patients with anxiety disorders was observed as compared with the general population (21.3% vs. 7.6%, odds ratio 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 2.07–2.22) in 2005. Additionally, a higher average annual incidence rate of hyperlipidemia in patients with anxiety disorders was also found as compared with the general population (5.49% vs. 2.50%, risk ratio 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.58–1.70) from 2006 to 2010. Conclusions Patients with anxiety disorders had higher prevalence and incidence rates of hyperlipidemia than the general population. Risk factors that were found to be associated with the higher incidence rate of hyperlipidemia among anxiety patients included a greater age, the female gender, and the presence of diabetes and hypertension.
Identification and validation of AKR1C1/2/3 as hepatocellular carcinoma risk modules via an integrated strategy
Authors: Xu Mingxing , Zhong Yuesi , Yang Fangji , Liu Kai , Zhuang Baoding , Xu Ruiyun , Ling Yunbiao , Lin Nan
Published: February 2020

Background The human aldo-keto reductase 1 (AKR1) C family comprises four enzymes, AKR1C1–AKR1C4. Lots of studies have investigated the function of AKR1Cs in tumors, however little is known in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Public databases were used to explore expression and role of AKR1Cs in HCC. Meanwhile, data of 134 HCC patients from Firebrowse website was used for validation. Results The results revealed that AKR1Cs expression was negatively correlated with the infiltration level of CD4+ T cells. Overexpression of AKR1C1/2/3 was significantly associated with tumor stage and pathological grade. Moreover, higher mRNA expression of AKR1C1/2/3 was related with shorter overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that AKR1C1/2/3 could be significant risk factors for HCC patients. Additionally, genetic alterations of AKR1Cs can significantly affect patient OS and PFS, and expression of AKR1Cs was linked to functional networks involving oxidation-reduction process, cellular hormone metabolic process and organic hydroxy compound metabolic process, as well as retinol metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, metabolic pathway and fatty acid degradation pathways. Conclusions In conclusion, we successfully elaborated the relationship between AKR1Cs expression and immune infiltrations, and identified AKR1C1/2/3 could be novel prognostic biomarkers for HCC patients.
Perspective of Healthcare Providers using Reproductive Smart Mobile Application in Jakarta: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Wiweko Budi , Riyanti Aida , Olivia Shanty , Priangga Muhammad , Silvana Vita , Zakirah Sarah Chairani , Pertiwi Ilonna Putri , Putro Anggi Lewis Reso , Wibawa Yohanes Satrya , Harzif Achmad Kemal , Pratama Gita , Sumapraja Kanadi , Muharam R. , Hestiantoro Andon
Published: February 2020

Objective : Our study aimed to evaluate the perspectives of health care providers of JAKPROS ( Jakarta Reproduksi Sehat ) application that is used to improve the maternal health service. This descriptive qualitative study engaged 16 healthcare providers from two sub-district hospitals. The participants were selected using purposive sampling and cross-sectional design. Participant were asked to fill the written informed consent.Data were collected by in-depth discussion of a list of selected questions in a focus group discussion. Results: Most health care providers used paper-based systems in their hospitals.They said that it was very helpful in helping them communicate with their patients and provide information. The application has many benefits that help doctors provide the best service for patients during pregnancy.The use and adoption of app is needed to make a further improvements in the healthcare system. This study will help improve the application for more widespread use in a greater number of hospitals. JAKPROS made healthcare provider easier to communicate and track patient’s health. This app also assist patients related to the doctor’s schedule, health information, and nearest hospital.
PDK2: a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for liver cancer
Authors: Liu Zhi-Cheng , Li Yan-Qing , Jiao Yan , Zhao Yue-Chen
Published: February 2020

Background: Liver cancer (LC) is a common malignancy with very high morbidity. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs) are regulators of mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase complexes (PDCs) and play an important role in regulating cellular energy metabolism. In this study, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to analyze the expression of PDK2 mRNA in LC, and to explore the value of PDK2 in the diagnosis and prognosis of LC.Methods: The TCGA database, containing the clinical data of 373 LC patients, includes information on PDK2 expression values. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of PDK2 was drawn to evaluate its diagnostic ability. Patients were divided into PDK2 high- and low-expressing groups by threshold levels. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate the correlation between PDK2 levels and clinicopathological characteristics. The Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox regression analysis were performed to assess the effect of PDK2 levels on survival outcomes.Results: PDK2 expression in LC tissue was lower than that in normal liver tissues. According to the area under the curve (AUC) value calculated by ROC, PDK2 has a considerable diagnostic value for LC prognosis. The decreased expression of PDK2 is associated with clinical parameters, such as histologic grade ( P =0.0001), radiation therapy ( P =0.0490), vital status ( P =0.0240), and overall survival (OS) ( P =0.0222). Multivariate analysis shows that decreased PDK2 level is an independent risk factor for predicting poor prognosis in LC.Conclusions: PDK2 has a significant impact on the prognosis of LC and is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of LC.
Altered Diversity and Composition of Gut Microbiota in Wilson's disease
Authors: Cai Xiangsheng , Deng Lin , Ma Xiaogui , Guo Yusheng , Feng Zhiting , Liu Minqi , Guan Yubin , Huang Yanting , Deng Jianxin , Li Hongwei , Sang Hong , Liu Fang , Yang Xiaorong
Published: February 2020

Background: Wilson’s disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder of chronic copper toxicosis with high mortality and disability. Recent evidence suggests a correlation between dysbiosis in the gut microbiome and metabolic disease. Therefore, the impact of intestinal microbiota polymorphism in WD need to be explore for seeking some microbiota benefit for WD patients. Methods: In this study, the 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on fecal samples from 14 patients with WD and were compared to the results from 16 healthy individuals. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiome in the WD group were significantly lower than those in healthy individuals. Results: The WD group presented unique richness of Gemellaceae , Pseudomonadaceae and Spirochaetaceae at family level in WD group, which were hardly detected in healthy controls The WD group had a markedly lower abundance of Acidobacteria , Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia , and a higher abundance of Bacteroidet es, Proteobacteria , Cyanobacteria and Fusobacteria than that in healthy individuals. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in the WD group was significantly lower than that of healthy control. The functional profile of the gut microbiome from WD patients showed a lower abundance of bacterial groups involved in the pathways of transcription factors and ABC-type transporters, compared to healthy individuals. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota may be influenced by the host metabolic disorders of WD such as signaling pathway of ABC-type transporters and multiple metabolic modules. Conclusions: This study provides a new understanding of the pathogenesis of WD and new possible therapeutic targets.
MMP-13 Enzyme and pH Responsive Theranostic Nanoplatform for Osteoarthritis
Authors: lan qiumei , Chen Haimen , Pang Yunfen , Xiong Feng , Shen Chong , Qin Zainen , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin
Published: February 2020

Stimulus-responsive therapy permits precise control of therapeutic effect only at lesion of interest, which determines it a promising method for diagnosis and imaging-guided precision therapy. The acid environment and overexpressed matrix metalloproteinases-13 (MMP-13) are typical markers in osteoarthritis (OA). However, stimulus-responsive therapeutic platform with high specificity for OA basing on the two markers has not been developed yet. We herein demonstrate a new stimuli-responsive theranostic strategy against OA based on a novel multifunctional nano-micelle which is rationally designed and yet readily synthesized. Such nanoplatform is incorporated with a motif specifically targeting on cartilage, a motif responsive to matrix metalloproteinases-13 to specifically report OA condition and biodynamics of nano-micelles, an anti-inflammatory drug (e.g., psoralidin (PSO)) from traditional Chinese medicine, and a biocompatible polymeric skeleton for sustainable drug release in response to the acidic OA condition. The high effectiveness of this targeted precision therapy is demonstrated comprehensively by both in vitro an in vivo evidences.
Evaluation of job security among operating room nurses of teaching hospitals, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Safari Yahya , Foroutanfar Fatemeh
Published: February 2020

Background: This study assessed job security among operating room nurses of teaching hospitals, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in Kermanshah, Iran.Methods: The population of this descriptive-analytical study included all operating room nurses (n=217) of teaching hospitals affiliated to Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in 2017, from whom 136 were chosen as study sample by simple random sampling and Kerjesi-Morgan table. Data were collected by Nissi’s job security questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed by Pearson’schi-square and one-way ANOVA tests.Results: The findings showed the job security of the majority of nursing staff was average in low job displacement (66.9%), job satisfaction (68.5%), emotional work environment (65.5%), sense of peace (71%), organizational commitment (44.4%) and organizational defense (55.6%) domains. However, their job security was high in concentration on job (89.5%) and choosing an appropriate job (90.3%) dimensions and poor in financial satisfaction (71.8%) domain. In general, 89.5% of nurses had a high job security. The results of Pearson’s chi-square test showed a significant association between job security and gender, age, education and income variables. However, the findings of one-way ANOVA indicated no significant difference among different hospitals regarding the mean job security.Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated 89.5% of the studied participants were reported to have job security. Also, among the studied hospitals, Mohammad Kermanshahi hospital was found to have the highest job security.
Seasonality and food security among smallholder rural households in eastern Ethiopia: evidence from panel data analysis
Authors: Aweke Chanyalew Seyoum , Sassi Maria , Lahiff Edward , Wordofa Muluken G.
Published: February 2020

Food insecurity remains one of the major challenges in Ethiopia. There is scanty empirical evidence regarding the contribution of seasonality to household food and nutrition security. This study was conducted in eastern Ethiopia with the aim of examining seasonal household food and nutrition security and factors influencing this seasonal variation. Data was gathered from randomly selected households during pre- and post-harvest seasons. A Random Effects Generalized Least Squares (GLS) regression was employed for analysis. The result indicated considerable variation between the two seasons in terms of dietary diversity and food security. Households producing more food groups, cultivating larger size of land, having higher household income, keeping more livestock, owning cell phone, having access to cooperatives, and having access to improved drinking water as well as education were more likely to be more food secure across seasons. However, households keeping livestock in their dwelling units and households who had access to credit were negatively associated with seasonal food insecurity. Future interventions aiming at ensuring food security should pay attention to seasonality and mechanisms of improving diversified food production and household income as well as expanding education opportunities and access to cooperatives, infrastructure (mobile telephone) and sanitation.
A cerebellar neurocytoma with an excellent response to radiotherapy: a case report
Authors: Chen Siwei , Duan Hongzhou , Liu Ran , Luo Jingjing , Wang Hui , Zhang Shuang , Jin Haiqiang , Bai Jing , Gao Feng , Zhao Guiping , Huang Yining
Published: February 2020

Background: Extraventricular neurocytoma (EVN) is a rare central neurocytoma with neoplasms occurring in the brain parenchyma outside the ventricular system with similar biological behaviours and histopathological characteristics. Cases of EVN reported in the brainstem and cerebellum are fairly rare. In addition, very few cases with radiotherapy as the only treatment have been reported, and their outcomes were unclear.Case presentation: We reported an EVN of the brainstem and cerebellum confirmed by pathology in a 43-year-old male presenting with unprovoked nausea and dizziness. The patient showed a favourable outcome with only radiotherapy during the 2-year follow-up.Conclusions: Patients who have EVN may have a favourable prognosis with radiotherapy without surgery.
The effect of duration time on the efficacy and safety during endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for choledocholithiasis treatment
Authors: Wang Yining , Hao Yuanzhen , Qi Miao , Zuo Wei , Hong Jun-Bo
Published: February 2020

Background Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) has been widely accepted as an alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) during therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for choledocholithiasis treatment. No consensus has been established to define the precise duration of EPBD. Methods The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library database were systematically searched up to 31 May 2019 for research comparing short duration (≤ 30 seconds) and long duration (≥ 1 minute) of EPBD. Results Seven studies demonstrated that EPBD with long duration was superior than short duration in the stone clearance rate during the first ERCP (OR 0.61, 95%CI [0.48, 0.77], P < 0.001). Long duration exhibited a trend of higher efficacy in total stone removal across all ERCP sessions (OR 0.98, 95%CI [0.73, 1.31], P = 0.89), less frequency of mechanical lithotripsy use (OR 1.22, 95%CI [0.79, 1.89], P = 0.37). Compared with long duration, short balloon time had lower rate of overall complications (OR 0.85, 95%CI [0.70, 1.04], P = 0.11) and post-ERCP pancreatitis (OR 0.81, 95%CI [0.63, 1.03], P = 0.09). No significance was identified in hemorrhage (OR 0.86, 95%CI [0.30, 2.44], P = 0.77), perforation (OR 0.54, 95%CI [0.14, 2.14], P = 0.38) and cholangitis (OR 1.15, 95%CI [0.80, 1.66], P = 0.44). Conclusion Long duration (≥ 1 minute) could significantly increase the efficacy of EPBD in stone removal rate during first ERCP session, manifesting higher rate of total CBD stone clearance and less mechanical lithotripsy. Short EPBD contributed to less overall complications than long EPBD but not significantly.
Public health insurance and cancer-specific mortality risk among patients with breast cancer: a prospective cohort study in China
Authors: Xie yuxin , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur A. , Wang Chengshi , Zhong XiaoRong , Gou Qiheng , Zheng Hong , Deng Ling , He Ping , Hu Kejia , Fall Katja , Fang Fang , Tamimi Rulla M. , Luo Ting , Lu Donghao
Published: February 2020

Background Little is known about how health insurance policies, particularly in developing countries, may influence breast cancer prognosis. We aimed to examine the association between individual health insurance plans and breast cancer-specific mortality among patients in China.Methods We included 7,436 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between January 1 st , 2009, and December 31 st , 2016, at West China Hospital, Sichuan University. The health insurance plan of each patient was classified as either urban or rural schemes and was also categorized as reimbursement rate (i.e., the covered/ total charge) below or above the median. Breast cancer-specific mortality was the primary outcome. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for cancer-specific mortality, contrasting rates among patients with a rural insurance scheme or low reimbursement rate to that of those with an urban insurance scheme or high reimbursement rate, respectively.Results During the median follow-up of 3.1 years, we identified 326 deaths due to breast cancer. Compared with patients covered by urban insurance schemes, patients covered by rural insurance schemes had a 29% increased cancer-specific mortality (95% CI 0% to 65%, P=0.046) after adjusting for demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment modes. Reimbursement rate below the median was associated with a 42% increased rate of cancer-specific mortality (95% CI 11% to 82%). Every 10% increase in the reimbursement rate is associated with a 7% (95% CI, 2% to 12%) reduction in cancer-specific mortality risk, particularly in patients covered by rural insurance schemes (26%, 95% CI 9% to 39%).Conclusions Our findings suggest that under-insured patients with breast cancer in China face increased breast cancer-specific mortality, which may provide fresh insights into the role of reimbursement rate in cancer health disparities.
Advanced T stage and thick rectus abdominis muscle triggers outlet obstruction and high-output stoma following ileostomy in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Komatsu Yasuhiro , Shigeyasu Kunitoshi , Mori Yoshiko , Takahashi Kazutaka , Hata Nanako , Takeda Sho , Kakiuchi Yoshihiko , Kikuchi Satoru , Yano Shuya , Kuroda Shinji , Kondo Yoshitaka , Teraishi Fuminori , Kagawa Shunsuke , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: February 2020

Background Ileostomy creation is an excellent approach to prevent leakage in patients undergoing low anterior resection for the treatment of rectal cancer. However, the two major complications of ileostomy are outlet obstruction and high-output stoma, and these complications remain unavoidable postoperative problems of ileostomy. Methods Risk factors associated with outlet obstruction and high-output stoma were retrospectively analyzed. The study included 83 patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgery. Of these patients, 34 underwent ileostomy creation. Results We found that outlet obstruction and high-output stoma were highly related (p = 0.03). Additionally, a thick rectus abdominis muscle and advanced T stage were the common risk factors of outlet obstruction (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.01, respectively) and high-output stoma (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions Our findings suggest that rectus abdominis muscle thickness and advanced T stage are predictive markers of outlet obstruction and high-output stoma.
In vitro antiviral activity of Echinaforce®, an Echinacea purpurea preparation, against common cold coronavirus 229E and highly pathogenic MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV
Authors: Signer Johanna , Jonsdottir Hulda R. , Albrich Werner C. , Strasser Marc , Züst Roland , Ryter Sarah , Ackermann-Gäumann Rahel , Lenz Nicole , Siegrist Denise , Suter Andreas , Schoop Roland , Engler Olivier B.
Published: February 2020

Coronaviruses (CoVs) were long thought to only cause mild respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms in humans but recent outbreaks of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV, and the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 have cemented their zoonotic potential and their capacity to cause serious morbidity and mortality, with case fatality rates ranging from 2 to 35%. Currently, no specific prophylaxis or treatment is available for CoV infections and therefore we investigated the antiviral potential of Echinacea purpurea (Echinaforce®) against human coronavirus (HCoV) 229E and the highly pathogenic MERS- and SARS-CoVs in vitro. We found that HCoV-229E was irreversibly inactivated when exposed to Echinaforce at 3.2µg/ml IC50. Pre-treatment of cell lines, however, did not inhibit infection with HCoV-229E and post-infection treatment had only a marginal effect on virus propagation at 50 µg/ml. However, we did observe a protective effect in an organotypic respiratory cell culture system by exposing pre-treated respiratory epithelium to droplets of HCoV-229E, imitating a natural infection. Finally, antiviral activity was not restricted to common cold coronaviruses, as the highly pathogenic SARS- and MERS-CoVs were inactivated at comparable concentrations. These results suggest that Echinacea purpurea preparations, such as Echinaforce, could be effective as prophylactic treatment for all CoVs, including newly occurring strains, such as SARS-CoV-2.
A Comparative Study of the Gut Microbiota Associated with Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy and Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: sun shiren , Dong Ruijuan , Bai Ming , Zhao Jin , Wang Di , Ning Xiaoxuan
Published: February 2020

Background The pathogenesis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and membranous nephropathy (MN) is characterized by immune dysregulation, which is related to gut dysbiosis. The aim of the study was to compare the gut microbiota of patients with IgAN and MN versus healthy controls. We used 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing to investigate the bacterial communities of 44 patients with kidney biopsy-proven IgAN, 40 patients with kidney biopsy-proven MN, and 30 matched healthy controls (HC). Results The abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Defluviitaleaceae_incertae_sedis were significantly higher in IgAN than in HC, whereas lower abundances were observed for Roseburia, Lachnospiraceae_ unclassified, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Fusobacterium . Furthermore, the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, Peptostreptococcaceae_incertae_sedis , Streptococcus, and Enterobacteriaceae_ unclassified increased, while that of Lachnospira, Lachnospiraceae_ unclassified, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Veillonella decreased in MN. The abundance of Megasphaera and Bilophila was higher, whereas that of Megamonas, Veillonella, Klebsiella, and Streptococcus was lower in patients with IgAN than in those with MN. Analysis of the correlations showed that in the IgAN group, Prevotella was positively correlated, while Klebsiella , Citrobacter, and Fusobacterium were negatively correlated with the level of serum albumin. Positive correlation also existed between Bilophila and Crescents in the Oxford classification of IgAN. In the MN group, negative correlation was observed between Escherichia-Shigella and proteinuria, Bacteroides and Klebsiella showed positive correlation with the MN stage. Conclusions Patients with IgAN and MN exhibited gut microbial signatures distinct from healthy controls. Our study suggests the potential of gut microbiota as specific biomarker and contributor in the pathogenesis of IgAN and MN.
Response functions and cross sections for inclusive neutrino scattering off $^2$H, $^3$H and $^3$He
Authors: Grassi Alessandro , Golak Jacek , Skibiński Roman , Topolnicki Kacper , Witała Henryk , Hiroyuki Kamada , Marcucci Laura Elisa
Published: February 2020

For several decades there has been an interest in studying neutrino
scattering on light nuclei, with the hope of increasing knowledge about
the theory of weak interactions and electroweak unification. A study of
several neutrino induced reactions on light nuclei
(^22H,
^33H
and ^33He)
is presented here. The cross section for these reactions is evaluated
using the nuclear response functions, which holds the information about
the nuclear interactions and structure. This approach has been tested
for break-up reactions on the deuteron before and is now extended to
three-nucleon break-up reactions.
Few-body reactions investigated with the Trojan Horse Method
Authors: Spartà Roberta , Rapisarda Giuseppe G. , Spitaleri Claudio , La Cognata Marco , Pizzone Rosario G. , Romano Stefano , Tumino Aurora
Published: February 2020

The Trojan Horse Method is an indirect method to measure reaction
cross sections at energies of interest for nuclear astrophysics,
exploiting the nuclei clustering properties. Here it is presented with
its general features and detailed for the case of the
^22H(d,p)^33H
and ^22H(d,n)^33He
measurements, where interesting results for astrophysics and energy
fusion power plants have been obtained.
Description of continuum structures in a discrete basis: Three-body resonances and two-nucleon decays
Authors: Casal Jesus , Rodríguez-Gallardo Manuela , Arias José M. , Gómez-Camacho Joaquín , Fortunato Lorenzo , Vitturi Andrea
Published: February 2020

Weakly bound and unbound three-body nuclei are studied by using the
pseudostate method within the hyperspherical formalism. After
introducing the theoretical framework, the method is applied first to
the \boldsymbol{^9}9Be
nucleus, showing a good agreement with the available data for its
low-lying dipole response. Then, recent results on the structure and
decay of the two-neutron emitters \boldsymbol{^{26}}26O
and \boldsymbol{^{16}}16Be
are presented. In particular, the role of the
\boldsymbol{n}𝐧-\boldsymbol{n}𝐧
correlation in shaping their properties is discussed.
Kaonic atoms experiment at the DAΦNE collider by SIDDHARTA/SIDDHARTA-2
Authors: Skurzok Magdalena , Amirkhani Abdollah , Baniahmad A. , Bazzi M. , Bosnar D. , Bragadireanu M. , Carminati M. , Cargnelli M. , Clozza A. , Curceanu Catalina , De Paolis L. , Del Grande Rafael , Fabbietti Laura , Fiorini C. , Guaraldo C. , Iliescu Mariana , Iwasaki M. , Levi Sandri P. , Marton Johann , Miliucci Marco , Moskal Pawel , Niedźwiecki Szymon , Okada Susumu , Pietreanu D. , Piscicchia Kristian , Scordo Alessandro , Silarski MIchal , Sirghi Diana , Sirghi F. , Spallone Antonio , Tüchler M. , Vazquez Doce Oton , Widmann Eberhard , Zmeskal Johann
Published: February 2020

The excellent quality kaon beam provided by the
DA\PhiΦNE
collider of LNF-INFN (Italy) together with SIDDHARTA/SIDDHARTA-2 new
experimental techniques, as very precise and fast-response X-ray
detectors, allow to perform unprecedented measurements on light kaonic
atoms crucial for a deeper understanding of the low-energy quantum
chromodynamics (QCD) in the strangeness sector. In this paper an
overview of the main results obtained by the SIDDHARTA collaboration, as
well as the future plans related to the SIDDHARTA-2 experiment, are
discussed.
Plastics: physical-and-mechanical properties and biodegradable potential
Authors: Glukhikh Viktor , Buryndin Pavel , Artyemov Artyem , Savinovskih Andrei , Krivonogov Pavel , Krivonogova Anna
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Processing agricultural waste into plant biodegradable plastics is a promising way for its recycling. This work featured the main physical-and-mechanical properties of plant plastics without adhesive substances obtained from millet husk and wheat husk and wood plastic obtained from sawdust, as well as their biodegradation potential.

Study objects and methods. Objects of the study were plastics without adhesives based on wood sawdust, millet husk, and wheat husk.

Results and discussion. We analyzed of the physical-and-mechanical parameters of the plant plastic based on millet husk, wheat husk, as well as wood plastic based on sawdust. The analysis showed that, in general, the strength characteristics of the wood plastics were higher than those of the plastics based on millet husk, especially flexural strength. Thus, the average value of the density of the wood plastic exceeded that of the plant plastic from millet husk by 10%, hardness by 40%, compression elasticity modulus by 50%, and flexural modulus by 3.9 times. It was found that wood and plant plastics obtained from sawdust, millet husk, and wheat husk without adhesives had a high biodegradation potential.

Conclusion. The plastics obtained can be used as an insulating, building, and decorative material in the steppe regions experiencing a shortage of wood and wood powder.
Specialized hypocholesterolemic foods: Ingredients, technology, effects
Authors: Vorobyeva Valentina , Vorobyeva Irina , Kochetkova Alla , Mazo Vladimir , Zorin Sergey , Sharafetdinov Khaider
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Overweight and obesity are leading risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MS). From 20 to 35% of Russian people have this condition, depending on their age. MS is a precursor of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Specialized foods (SFs) with hypocholesteremic effects are an important component of the diet therapy for MS patients. Creating local SFs to optimize the nutritional status of MS patients and prevent related diseases is a highly promising area of research. The aim of our study was to develop the formulation and technology of SFs and evaluate their effectiveness in MS treatment. Study objects and methods. The objects of the study were food ingredients and SFs. Safety indicators and micronutrient contents were determined by standard methods, whereas nutritional and energy values and amino acid contents were determined by calculation. Results and discussion. Based on medical requirements, we selected functional ingredients and developed a formulation and technology of SFs with an optimized protein, fat, and carbohydrate composition. The formulation included essential micronutrients and biologically active substances with a desirable physiological effect. Clinical trials involved 15 MS patients aged from 27 to 59. For two weeks, they had a low-calorie standard diet with one serving of SFs in the form of a drink instead of a second breakfast. The patients showed a significant improvement in anthropometric indicators. Blood serum tests revealed decreased contents of total cholesterol (by 16.9%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (by 15.3%), and triglycerides (by 27.9%). Conclusion. We developed technical specifications and produced a pilot batch of SFs. The trials showed an improvement of lipid metabolism in the MS patients who were taking SFs as part of their diet therapy.
Effects of encapsulated green coffee extract and canola oil on liquid kashk quality
Authors: Rahpeyma Elnaz , Sekhavatizadeh Seyed Saeed
Published: February 2020

In this study, we used a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion encapsulation technique to enhance green coffee extract in the novel kashk product and protect it against hot filling. Green coffee extracts (GCE) in free (1%, 0.5%, and 0.25%) and encapsulated form (EGCE) (5%, 2.5%, and 1.25%) were added to kashk during hot filling, and their physicochemical and sensory properties were investigated. The EGCE kashk had higher oxidative stability (0.43 h) than the control due to the extract’s high phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity (74%). Although a high concentration of GCE caused a higher pH (4.02), the latter declined in all the samples during the storage period. Further, the size of droplets in the emulsion varied from 3.20 to 8.51 μm, confirming the well-encapsulated GCE by Fourier transform infrared. In addition, palmitic acid and oleic acid were detected in GCE by gas chromatography as the main saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. All the treatments had similar rheological properties and the highest flow index was observed in the samples with EGCE 5% on day 60. The sensory evaluation showed that the assessors preferred the kashk formulated with 1% GCE. Finally, GCE encapsulation protected the color of the samples, and the b* value remained unchanged, whereas the lightness (L*) increased. We suggest that a W/O emulsion is a successful technique for GCE encapsulation in kashk and can offer the latter to consumers as an alternative type of flavored dairy product with a better shelf life and health benefits.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of oregano extract (Origani vulgaris herba L.)
Authors: Oleynikov Vladislav
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Some ingredients of plant origin possess both antioxidant and bacteriostatic properties. If used in the food industry, they can inhibit microbiological and oxidative damage, thus increasing the shelf life of meat products. Oregano extract is one of such substances, which means that it can be used as an antioxidant and preservative. Therefore, the study of this plant has a significant theoretical and practical potential for the food industry.

Study objects and methods. The present research featured ground trimmed beef. The samples with 20% of fat tissue were used to determine the microbiological parameters, while the samples with 30% of fat were used to obtain data on oxidative stability. The control sample contained no additional ingredients. The sample with food additives was pre-treated with acidity regulators and antioxidants, namely sodium acetate E262, ascorbic acid E300, sodium ascorbate E301, sodium citrate E331, and rosemary extract E392. The sample with oregano extract was pre-treated with oregano extract (Origani vulgaris herba L.) in the ratio of 5 g of extract per 1 kg of meat. The extract had been dissolved in 100 g of water. The samples were stored at 4 ± 2°C for 12 days. A CM5 spectrophotometer (Konica Minolta, Japan) was used to determine the color characteristics. The induction period of oxidative stability was determined using an Oxitest oxidative stability analyzer (Velp Scientifica, Italy). The studies were conducted in Austria, Linz.

Results and discussion. Oregano extract stabilized the redness rating. For the sample with oregano extract, the induction period of oxidative stability was twice as long as for the control sample and the sample with antioxidants. In addition, oregano inhibited the growth of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms.

Conclusion. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of oregano extract prolong the shelf life of ground beef, which makes it possible to reduce the amount of food additives.
Multiscale variability of streamflow in the Three Rivers Headwater Region, China, and links to large-scale atmospheric circulation indices
Authors: Tang Jian , Cao Huiqun
Published: February 2020

Exploring the relations between streamflow and large-scale atmospheric circulation systems can assist in identifying potentially useful indicators for the modeling of hydrological processes. With the help of ensemble empirical mode decomposition and the wavelet analysis method, this research explored streamflow variations and its links to large-scale atmospheric circulation indices during 1960–2012 in the Three Rivers Headwater Region (TRHR). A steady increasing trend was detected in the streamflow of the source region of Yangtze River (SYR), and a steady decreasing trend was detected in the streamflow of the source region of Lancang River (SLR). The streamflow of the source region of Yellow River (SYeR) had an increasing trend in the early years of the study period and subsequently exhibited a decreasing trend. The Tibetan Plateau monsoon (TPM), Arctic Oscillation (AO), and South Asia monsoon (SAM) are the key factors influencing streamflow changes in the SYR, SYeR, and SLR, respectively. At interannual time-scale variation with the period of about 3–9 years, an antiphase relationship exists between SYR streamflow and TPM indices, while in-phase relationships are detected between SYeR (SLR) streamflow and AO (SAM) indices.
Expression of Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Enterotoxin B Subunit in Centella (Centella asiatica (L.) Urban) via Biolistic Transformation
Authors: Loc Nguyen H. , Tung Nghiem V. , Kim Phan T.A. , Yang Moon S.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Heat-Labile enterotoxin B subunit (LTB) produced by Escherichia coli, a
non-toxic protein subunit with potential biological properties, is a powerful mucosal and parenteral adjuvant
which can induce a strong immune response against co-administered antigens.

Objective:

In the present study, LTB protein, encoded by the optimized ltb (also known synthetic ltb,
s-ltb) gene in centella plant (Centella asiatica) for use as an antigen, has been discussed.

Methods:

The s-ltb gene was cloned into a plant expression vector, pMYO51, adjacent to the CaMV
35S promoter and was then introduced into centella plant by biolistic transformation. PCR amplification
was conducted to determine the presence of s-ltb gene in the transgenic centella plant. The expression
of s-ltb gene was analyzed by immunoblotting and quantified by ELISA. In vitro activity of LTB
protein was determined by GM1-ELISA.

Results:

PCR amplification has found seven transgenic centella individuals. However, only five of
them produced LTB protein. ELISA analysis showed that the highest amount of LTB protein detected
in transgenic centella leaves was about 0.8% of the total soluble protein. GM1-ELISA assay indicated
that plant LTB protein bound specifically to GM1-ganglioside, suggesting that the LTB subunits
formed active pentamers.

Conclusion:

The s-ltb gene that was successfully transformed into centella plants by the biolistic
method has produced a relatively high amount of plant LTB protein in the pentameric quaternary structure
that has GM1-ganglioside binding affinity, a receptor on the intestinal epithelial membrane.