bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Spinal Arthrodesis on Health-Related Quality of Life for Patients with Nonambulatory Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Shaw K. Aaron , Reifsnyder Jeremy , Hire Justin M. , Fletcher Nicholas D. , Murphy Joshua S. 
Published: December 2019

» Scoliosis is common in patients with cerebral palsy, and its incidence increases with the severity of the cerebral palsy.» Although there are growing reports of improved outcomes with spinal arthrodesis for scoliosis in children with nonambulatory cerebral palsy, there is no evidence-based recommendation for the scoliosis treatment approach, either operative or nonoperative, that maximizes patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL) parameters in this subgroup.» Operative intervention for neuromuscular scoliosis improves patient and caregiver outcomes and satisfaction in children with nonambulatory cerebral palsy when compared with observational treatment.» There is insufficient evidence to suggest that spinal arthrodesis for scoliosis in children with nonambulatory cerebral palsy influences HRQoL parameters.
Comprehensive Gene Expression Analysis Reveals Factors that Influence the Progression, Occurrence and Development of AML-M4
Authors: Qu Ying , Zhang Shuying , Qu Yanzhang , Guo Heng , Wang Suling , Wang Xuemei , Huang Tianjiao , Zhou Hong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Acute myelomonocytic leukemia (M4), a special type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is a clonal malignant disease with poor prognosis and a low overall survival rate. Here, we aim to explore the molecular mechanism of AML-M4 development and progression using integrative bioinformatic analysis. Methods We used an integrative method to identify potential driven genes in AML-M4. We firstly identify DEGs using limma packages and annotated them by GO and KEGG. To avoid individual bias, GSEA was adopted to certify the results. Furthermore, we constructed the PPI network using WGCNA which was superimposed onto STRING database. We also assessed the correlation and mutation among hub genes to deeply explore the biological mechanism in AML-M4. Finally, we confirmed our results by experiments. Results The results show that FLT3, WT1 and TP53, which are involved in transcriptional misregulation were upregulated, while PPBP and CCR7, which regulate cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, as well as CD24, which acts as a protein marker of AML, were downregulated. 12 hub genes were found through the TCGA an Oncomain analysis, and the results also show that FLT3, CCR7 and MMP-9 can be potential targets for the detection and treatment of AML-M4. Conclusion The overall aim of this study was to identify critical pathways and genes associated with AML-M4, and to also provide potential therapeutic targets and new research ideas for the treatment and early detection of AML-M4.
Characterization of genome-wide genetic variations between two varieties of tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and development of InDel markers for genetic research
Authors: Liu Shengrui , An Yanlin , Tong Wei , Qin Xiuju , Samarina Lidia , Guo Rui , Xia Xiaobo , Wei Chaoling 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (InDels) are the major genetic variations and are distributed extensively across the whole plant genome. However, few studies of these variations have been conducted in the long-lived perennial tea plant. Results: In this study, we investigated the genome-wide genetic variations between Camellia sinensis var. sinensis ‘Shuchazao’ and Camellia sinensis var. assamica ‘Yunkang 10’, identified 7,511,731 SNPs and 255,218 InDels based on their whole genome sequences, and we subsequently analyzed their distinct types and distribution patterns. A total of 48 InDel markers that yielded polymorphic and unambiguous fragments were developed when screening six tea cultivars. These markers were further deployed on forty-six tea cultivars for transferability and genetic diversity analysis, exhibiting information with an average 4.02 of the number of alleles (Na) and 0.457 of polymorphism information content (PIC). The dendrogram showed that the phylogenetic relationships among these tea cultivars are highly consistent with their genetic backgrounds or original places. Interestingly, we observed that the catechin/caffeine contents between ‘Shuchazao’ and ‘Yunkang 10’ were significantly different, and a large number of SNPs/InDels were identified within catechin/caffeine biosynthesis-related genes. Conclusion: The identified genome-wide genetic variations and newly-developed InDel markers will provide a valuable resource for tea plant genetic and genomic studies, especially the SNPs/InDels within catechin/caffeine biosynthesis-related genes, which may serve as pivotal candidates for elucidating the molecular mechanism governing catechin/caffeine biosynthesis.
Impact of Eastern Congo Ebola Outbreak on Child Health Services Delivery: Decline of Routine Child Immunization and Need for Vaccine Supplementation
Authors: Michel-Kabamba Nzaji , Christophe-Luhata Lungoyo , Ngatu Nlandu Roger , Othepa Charlotte , Bertin-Lora Mwimba , Arsene-Kabwaya Mukola , Bateyi Stephane H. , Hoff Nicole A. , Leon-Kabamba Ngombe , Muzembo Basilua Andre , Wada Koji , Ikeda Shunya , Mukamba Elisabeth , Guillaume-Ngoie Mwamba , Oscar-Luboya Numbi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
An Ebola disaster, the deadliest in the history of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is unfolding in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. An interdisciplinary research team investigated the impact of the Ebolavirus disease (EVD) outbreak on vital health services delivery under the coordination of DRC National Vaccination Program, Ministry of Health. We report on the impact of the ongoing Eastern Congo EVD outbreak on routine child immunization in the EVD-affected in North Kivu province, DRC.
Methods
This was a retrospective longitudinal study consisting in a time-trend analysis that was conducted in 40 public health facilities that organize routine child immunization in four of the 34 ‘Health Zones’ of the North Kivu province, namely Beni, Butembo, Katwa and Mabalako. Data were collected during two distinct 3-month periods: the “pre-Ebola period” (1 May through July 2018) and the “Ebola period” (1 August through October 2018), to compare the vaccination trends. Mean number of vaccine doses administered in pre-Ebola and Ebola periods were compared (unpaired t test).
Results
Compared to the “pre-Ebola period”, overall monthly mean vaccines uptake dropped during the “Ebola period”: BCG (157.1 ± 150.3 vs. 227.5 ± 138.4; p<0.0001), Oral polio (OPV: 505.1 ± 474.6 vs. 631.3 ± 353.9; p<0.001), Measles vaccine (147.6 ± 126.7 vs. 184.7 ± 102.5; p<0.001), pneumoccocal vaccine (PCV13: 445.8 ± 395.5 vs. 554.3 ± 299.8; p<0.001) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV: 183.9 ± 141 vs. 153.9 ± 146.6; p<0.01). Furthermore, when considering the trend in child immunization in each of the four Health Zones during ‘Ebola period’, vaccine uptake shrank considerably in most health zones, whereas a complete disruption of vaccine delivery was observed in Mabalako health zone where the epicenter of this outbreak is located.
Conclusion
The ongoing Ebola outbreak has a negative impact on child health services, routine vaccination in particular. Supplementary immunization coupled with the strengthening of routine child vaccination services should be implemented to address gaps in immunity among children in affected provinces and reduce the risk of other infectious diseases outbreaks.
Keywords: Democratic Republic of Congo; Ebola virus disease; Child immunization;
Outbreak.
Dexmedetomidine protects human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury by inactivating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway
Authors: Zhai Mingyu , Han Mingming , Huang Xiang , Kang Fang , Yang Chengwei , Li Juan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The study was aimed to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of Dexmedetomidine (Dex) on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells. Methods: Human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells were divided into four groups: control group, Dex group, H/R group, and Dex + H/R group. After treatment, cell viability rate and cell apoptosis rate were measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Afterwards, the expressions of Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1α), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), caspase-12 and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by western blot. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity were determined by assay kits. Results: Compared with control group, the cell viability rate was decreased and cell apoptotic was increased in H/R group. Besides, cell viability rate was increased, and cell apoptotic rate of HK-2 cells was decreased in Dex + H/R group, compared with H/R group. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of HIF-1α was up-regulated, and the expressions of GRP78, CHOP, capase-12 and cleaved caspase-3 were down-regulated in Dex + H/R group. In addition, the concentrations of MDA in Dex + H/R group and H/R group were 1.68 ± 0.22 nmol/mgprot and 0.85 ± 0.16 nmol/mgprot, which showed a 49.4% decrease in Dex + H/R group. However, after Dex treatment, the SOD activity was rose to 121 ± 11 U/L, which was more than twice larger than that in H/R group (57 ± 10 U/L). Conclusions: Dex could inhibit cell apoptosis by up-regulating the expression of HIF-1α, reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress and regulating oxidative stress, thus ameliorating the H/R injury.
LncRNA and mRNA expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients
Authors: Peng Yu , Xuan Luo , Chen Yingying , Peng Linyi , Deng Chuiwen , Zhang Wen , Fei Yunyun , Zhao Yan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression profile and the potential role of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients. Methods RNA-seq technology was used to detect the differentially expressed LncRNAs and mRNAs between five paired pSS patients and healthy control PBMCs. The selected LncRNAs were detected in the validation study by RT-qPCR in 16 paired pSS patients and healthy controls. The GO, KEGG, co-localization, and co-expression analysis were performed to enrich the potential gene functions and pathways.Results In this study, 44 out of 1772 LncRNAs and 1034 out of 15424 mRNAs were expressed differentially in the PBMCs of pSS patients. LINC00426, TPTEP1-202, CYTOR, NRIR, and BISPR were validated as aberrantly expressed, and these LncRNAs strongly correlated with disease activity of pSS. GO and KEGG pathway analysis revealed the significant enrichment of biological processes, cellular components, and molecular function of the up and down-regulated mRNAs, which were mainly concentrated in the immune response and immune system processes. Co-localization and co-expression analysis also revealed that differentially expressed LncRNAs in the PBMCs of pSS were strongly correlated to the mRNA functioning associated with immune response and cell metastasis. Conclusions Numerous LncRNAs and mRNAs were found differentially expressed in the PBMCs of pSS patients, especially NRIR and BISPR; they interacted with the co-localized and co-expressed mRNAs, which might participate in the pathogenesis of pSS through the NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and other signaling pathways that regulate cell metastasis.
The extent of Knowledge and practice toward neonatal resuscitation among nurses and midwives in public hospitals of South Wollo, northeast Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study
Authors: biset gebeyaw , Bizuwork Ketema , Habte Teshome , Birkie Mengesha , Woday Abay 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The neonatal period is the most vulnerable time for child morbidity and mortality. Asphyxia due to poor resuscitation techniques contributed significantly to this vulnerability. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess the extent of knowledge and practice towards neonatal resuscitation among nurses and midwives in public hospitals of south Wollo northeast Ethiopia. Method: Institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed among 143 study participants selected by a simple random sampling method from each hospital. Self-administered questionnaire and interview-based guide were used to collect data. Data were coded and entered into EPI data software version 3.1 and was exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Logistic regression with backward LR method was performed to see the possible associations of factors with the outcome variables. Finally, p-values of less than 0.05 in multivariate analysis were declared having a significant association with the outcome variable. Result: One hundred and forty-three participants were included with a response rate of 100%. Only 32.9% and 24.5% of the participants had good knowledge and practice toward neonatal resuscitation respectively. After adjustment was made for covariates; lack of training (AOR: 3.44, 95% CI:1.54-7.68), absence of guideline (AOR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.68-8.58) and lack of supportive supervision (AOR: 2.49, 95% CI:1.1-5.6) were significantly associated with poor knowledge score, whereas absence of guidelines (AOR: 2.83, 95% CI:1.12-7.15) and lack of supportive supervision (AOR: 5.28, 95% CI: 1.86-14.96) were significantly associated with the poor practice of the participants. Specialization with neonatology (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.047-0.8) was associated with good practice level of neonatal resuscitation. Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of nurses and midwives toward neonatal resuscitation were suboptimal. The training was found to be a single predictor for knowledge while supportive supervision and availability of resuscitation guidelines were predictors for both knowledge and practice toward neonatal resuscitation. Therefore, regular training and supportive supervision need to be strengthened to fill the identified gaps. Other observational and qualitative studies are recommended to explore factors that contributed to poor knowledge and practice toward neonatal resuscitation.
The Change of GFAP or S100B Concentration in Serum Before and After Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Yuan Xiaofan , Yang Shu , Wang Duozi , Guo Lei , Wang Jianhong , Guo Fuqiang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
In this study we monitored the concentration change of the cerebral biomarkers Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100B Protein (S100B) in serum of the patients, who were performed with carotid artery stenosis before and after carotid artery stent implantation. In total, thirty patients with unilateral carotid stenosis who underwent carotid artery stenting and had no complications were enrolled in the carotid artery stenting (CAS) group. The blood samples of operation patients were collected on three different time points: T1: the day before operation; T2: one day after operation (24 hours); T3, three days after operation (72 hours). Thirty patients who were excluded for carotid artery stenosis by Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) were selected as the control group. The blood samples of patients in control group were collected at D1 (before DSA) and D2 (24 hours after DSA). The concentrations of GFAP and S100B in serum from patients of both groups were measured with ELISA. The results showed that the serum concentrations of GFAP and S100B in control group did not change significantly before and after DSA (P>0.05); while the serum concentrations of GFAP and S100B was higher in the CAS group before operation than those in DSA group（P<0.05）. In the operation group, GFAP and S100B increased significantly on the first day after operation (T2) and decreased gradually on the third day after operation (T3) but increased compared with that before operation (T1) with statistical significance (P < 0.05). For patients with symptomatic stenosis before operation, the concentrations of GFAP and S100B in serum were higher than those in patients without symptomatic stenosis, and there was statistical difference between them (P < 0.05), but there was no statistical significance between them after operation (P > 0.05). So we confirm the cerebral biochemical markers GFAP and S100B have a certain change trend after CAS, which can be used as the cerebral biochemical markers in the pre-operative evaluation and post-operative efficacy in monitoring of carotid stent implantation.
The association between ambient air pollution and scarlet fever in Qingdao, China, 2014-2018: a quantitative analysis
Authors: Hu Xiaowen , Wei Tao , Han Yalin , Jia Jing , Pan Bei , Jiang Fachun , Ni Wei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: We conducted a distributed lag non-linear time series analysis to quantify the association between air pollution and scarlet fever in Qingdao city during 2014-2018. Methods: A generalized additive Mixed Model (GAMM) combined with a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was applied to quantify the distributed lag effects of air pollutions on scarlet fever, with daily incidence of scarlet fever as the dependent variable and air pollutions as the independent variable adjusted for potential confounders. Results: A total of 6,316 cases of scarlet fever were notified, and there were 376 days occurring air pollution during the study period. Scarlet fever was significantly associated with air pollutions at lag 7 days with different RRs of air pollution degrees (1.172, 95%CI: 1.038-1.323 in mild air pollution; 1.374, 95%CI: 1.078-1.749 in moderate air pollution; 1.610, 95%CI: 1.163-2.314 in severe air pollution; 1.887, 95%CI: 1.163-3.061 in most severe air pollution). Conclusions: Our findings show that air pollution is positively associated with scarlet fever in Qingdao. Moreover, the risk of scarlet fever could be increased along with the degrees of air pollution. It contributes to developing strategies to prevent and reduce health impact from scarlet fever and other non-vaccine-preventable respiratory infectious diseases in air polluted areas.
Human cystic echinococcosis in southwest Iran: a 15-year retrospective epidemiological analysis of 501 consecutive hospitalized cases (2004-2018)
Authors: Shahriarirad Reza , Erfani Amirhossein , Eskandarisani Mehrdad , Rastegarian Mohammad , Taghizadeh Hajar , Sarkari Bahador 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is considered a neglected disease with significant mortality and morbidity in most of the developing countries. The current study aimed to retrospectively assess the epidemiologic and clinical features of human CE in a 15-year period in Fars province, southwestern Iran. Methods: Hospital records of patients undergone surgeries for CE in two main hospitals in Fars Province, southwestern Iran in a 15-year period (2004-2018) were reviewed and data concerning the patients' demographical and clinical features were retrieved from each record. Results: A total of 501 CE surgical cases were recorded during a 15-year period, giving an average annual incidence of 33.4 cases in which 242 (48.6%) were male and 256 (52.4%) were female. Patients' age ranged from 2 to 96 years, with a mean age of 34.92 (±19.87) years. A significantly higher rate of CE cases was noted in subjects ≥ 50 years of age. The highest frequency of cases (62: 12.5%) was recorded in the year 2017. The most commonly involved organs were liver (339 cases; 57.8%), and lung (279 cases; 47.6%). Concurrent involvement of two organs was seen in 58 (9.9%) cases of both lung and liver, 10 (1.6%) cases of lung and other locations (but not liver) and 23 (3.9%) cases of liver and other locations (but not lung). Recurrence was noted in 67 (13.37%) of the cases. The size of the lung hydatid cyst varied, ranging between 2 to 24 cm (mean = 7.33, SD= 3.737). The size of liver hydatid cysts ranged from 1 to 26 cm (mean: 9.04, SD= 4.275). Conclusion: The findings of the current study demonstrated a nearly constant prevalence of CE during the last 15 years in southern Iran. Further studies are needed to find out the reasons behind the recurrence of the disease, which is substantial, in surgically-treated patients.
Evolution of the Wx genotype combination in hybrid rice
Authors: Zhao bingran , Shao Ye , Peng Yan , Mao Bigang , Lv Qiming , Yuan Dingyang , Liu Xionglun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: With increased interest in the quality characteristics of hybrid rice, its quality traits have received a certain extent of improvement. However, comparisons to high-quality conventional rice, especially its eating quality, have revealed that more work is still required. Amylose content is a key determinant of the eating quality of rice, and Wx , the major gene controlling amylose content, has many allelic variants. A complete understanding of the Wx allelic variations in cultivated rice and the evolution process of the Wx genotype in hybrid rice are the premises for the rational utilization of rich genetic resources in the quality breeding of hybrid rice. Based on the 3K RGP re-sequencing data, we sought to analyse the allelic variation at the Wx locus and develop a set of Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR markers. Furthermore, we used the markers to analyse the evolution of a combination of the Wx genotype in hybrid rice.Results: Eight known alleles existing globally were identified, and their evident regional preferences and Indica - japonica background differences were revealed. An additional five non-synonymous mutations were identified in the coding region of the Wx gene for the first time, including a new functional site located in the active centre of OsGBSS1. By genotyping the basic hybrid parents obtained from 1976 to 2018, we found that only three Wx allelic variations existed. Wx lv was widely used in the female parents of the three-line hybrid rice, and Wx a was used in the female parents of early two-line hybrid rice; however, they were gradually replaced by Wx b .Conclusions: In this study, the Wx lv allele was found to be the cause of the poor eating quality of early hybrid rice. With the elimination of the Wx lv allele and introduction of Wx b in both parents, the eating quality of hybrid rice was generally improved. Only three allelic variations were present in the previous hybrid rice. For further eating quality improvement of hybrid rice, more Wx alleles should be introduced.
Bone-targeted PAMAM micelle to treat bone metastases of lung cancer
Authors: Bai Shao-bo , Cheng Ying , Liu Dao-zhou , Ji Qi-feng , Liu Miao , Zhang Bang-le , Mei Qi-bing , Zhou Si-yuan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Bone is a frequent site of metastasis in lung cancer patients. So far, the treatment in bone metastasis of lung cancer still has not achieved any satisfactory effects in clinic. In this paper, alendronate (ALN) was selected to be connected with PAMAM via pH sensitive cis-aconitine anhydride (CA) to prepare bone-targeted micelle (DTX@ALN-PAMAM) to treat bone metastasis of lung cancer. Results: It was discovered that DTX@ALN-PAMAM released docetaxel (DTX) and ALN in pH-dependent manner. Besides, DTX@ALN-PAMAM showed high bind affinity with bone matrix, and quickly desorbed from bone matrix in weak acidic medium due to the rupture of cis-aconitamide bond between ALN and PAMAM. The in vitro results showed that DTX@ALN-PAMAM significantly enhanced the antitumor activity of DTX and decreased bone resorption through inhibiting the formation of osteoclasts in in-vitro 3D bone metastases model of lung cancer. In addition, DTX@ALN-PAMAM accumulated at bone metastases tissues for a relatively long time in tumor-bearing nude mice, which significantly reduced the bone resorption, relieved the pain response of tumor-bearing nude mice, and delayed the growth of bone metastases. Eventually, the therapeutic effect of DTX was improved on bone metastases of lung cancer. Conclusion: ALN modified PAMAM is a new and an effective platform for the treatment of bone metastasis of lung cancer.