bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Total laparoscopic transabdominal-transdiaphragmatic approach for treating Siewert II tumors
Authors: Pang Wei , Liu Gang , Zhang Yan , Huang Yun , Yuan Xinpu , Zhang Chaojun , Zhao Zhanwei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Although the morbidity of gastric cancer has decreased, the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) is increasing. Furthermore, no consensus exists on which surgical approach should be applied for Siewert type II AEG. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the technical safety and feasibility of a new surgical approach. Methods: Sixty patients with Siewert type II AEG underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy with the total laparoscopic transabdominal-transdiaphragmatic (TLTT) approach, which needs an incision in the diaphragm. Results: The median operative time, reconstruction time and estimated blood loss were 214.8±41.60 mins, 29.40±7.09 mins and 209.00±110.27 ml, respectively. All of the patients had negative surgical margins. Conclusion: There were no intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery. Our surgical procedure provides a unique option for the safe application of laparoscopic lower mediastinal lymph node dissection and gastrointestinal reconstruction. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800014336. Registered 31 December 2017- Prospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=23111&htm=4.
ACTH4-10 protects the ADR-injuried podocytes by stimulating B lymphocytes to secrete IL-10
Authors: Wang Kun , Du Huaping , Chen Zhen , Xue Dong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: In the present study, we aimed to assess whether adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) could protect the podocytes from adriamycin (ADR)-induced injury by stimulating B lymphocytes to secrete the associated cytokines.Methods: The supernatant of B lymphocytes was respectively collected after B lymphocytes were intervened by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or ACTH4-10 (1 µg/L, 10 µg/L and 100 µg/L). Podocytes were randomly divided into the groups as follows: normal control group, adriamycin (ADR) group, the supernatant (1 µg/L, 10 µg/L, or 100 µg/L ACTH4-10)+ADR groups, ACTH4-10 (10 µg/L)+ADR group, and the supernatant (10 µg/L ACTH4-10)+anti-IL-10R+ADR group. Proliferation assay was used to assess the proliferation and activity of podocytes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to examine the secretion of IL-10 and IL-4. TUNEL apoptosis detection kit was used to detect podocyte apoptosis.Real-time PCR and western blotting were used to examine the mRNA and protein expression of nephrin and podocin.Results: Compared with the normal control group, the podocyte proliferation of ADR group was significantly inhibited. However, compared with the ADR group, the podocyte proliferation of the supernatant (1 µg/L, 10 µg/L or 100 µg/L ACTH4-10)+ADR groups was generally increased, and the proliferation effect of the supernatant containing 10 µg/L ACTH4-10 was the highest. Moreover, we found that after B lymphocytes were intervened by 10 µg/L ACTH4-10, the IL-10 level in the cell supernatant was significantly elevated (p <0.05). When anti-IL-10R was added, the podocyte proliferation of the supernatant (10 µg/L ACTH4-10)+ADR group was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, the supernatant of B cells stimulated with 10 µg/L ACTH4-10 could better decrease the apotosis rate of injuried podocytes and increase the mRNA and protein expression of nephrin and podocin by elevating the secretion of IL-10.Conclusions: Compared with ACTH4-10, the supernatant of B cells stimulated with ACTH4-10 could better protect the podocytes from ADR-induced injury by elevating the secretion of IL-10.
The Long-term Clinical Outcomes of Magerl's Technique Combined with Single Laminar Clamp Internal Fixation in Treatment of Reducible Atlantoaxial Dislocation
Authors: Wang Xiaoshuai , Wang Hua , Chen Guoliang , Cui Shangbin , Yu Lanzhe , Hong Dongchun , Wang Le , Pan Ximin , Sun Haixing , Liu Shaoyu , Wei Fuxin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background. To evaluate the long⁃term clinical outcomes of Magerl's technique combined with single laminar clamp internal fixation in treatment of reducible atlantoaxial dislocation.
Methods. Data of 21 patients diagnosed with reducible atlantoaxial dislocation underwent Magerl’s technique(C1-2 posterior transarticular screw fixation) combined with single laminar clamp internal fixation and fusion were retrospectively reviewed from January 2004 to September 2015.The clinical and radiological outcomes were investigated according to the Symonand Lavender clinical standard, the score of Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), and the imaging index space available for the cord (SAC), the atlas⁃dens interval (ADI), respectively. The perioperative complications, operative data, and status of bony fusion were also collected and analyzed.
Results. All the patients were followed up successfully. All the patients achieved substantially bone fusion according to the X-ray and CT scan. There were no intra-operative complications observed. The ADI was corrected significantly with the mean preoperative 6.13±1.84 mm, initial postoperative 1.62±0.77 mm, and the final follow-up 2.02±1.01 mm respectively(P<0.05).The SAC was also improved significantly with the mean preoperative 10.42±2.53 mm, initial postoperative 17.83±2.41 mm, and the final follow-up 16.91±2.02 mm respectively (P<0.05).The clinical recovery rate according to the Symonand Lavender clinical standard and the JOA recovery rate was 90.5% and 81.2% respectively, which showed significantly improved following surgery (P<0.05).
Conclusions. This study demonstrates that Magerl’s technique combined with single laminar clamp internal fixation is effective and reliable in management of reducible atlantoaxial dislocation, which can simplify the operative manipulation and decrease the risk of iatrogenic spinal cord injury.
Effects of low glycemic index&nbsp;and fat restriction diet&nbsp;on weight control and cardiovascular factors: a cohort study based on populations in Southwest China
Authors: Liu Yuping , Sun Ping , Shuai Ping , Qiao Qichuan , Li Tingxin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Evidence from trials about benefits and risks of low glycemic index diets to loss weight and modify cardiovascular risk factors is preliminary. It is unclear to health benefits of choosing a suitable food source and limiting fat. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the effect of low glycemic index and fat restriction diet on weight control and cardiovascular risk factors of overweight/obesity individuals in Southwest China.Methods: Overweight/obese men (n=101) and women (n =153) were received low glycemic index with fat restriction diet intervention, dietary advice consistent with dietary portfolio principles between February and July in 2019. Specific dietary intervention lasted 3 months. Changes in weight, body composition, and blood chemistry profile were obtained.Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, the physical indicators were significantly different at baseline and after 3-momth intervention. All detected indexes were not significantly different between the male and female individuals. Compared with baseline before intervention, participants showed varying degrees of improvement in body mass index, BMI, waist circumference, percentage of body fat, visceral fat, cholesterol and triglycerides.Conclusions: For overweight/obesity individuals in Southwest China, regardless of the gender, low glycemic index and fat restriction diet might be helpful to control weight and cardiovascular risk.Trial registration: CHiCTR, ChiCTR1900020934, Registered 22 January 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=35414&htm=4.
Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire: psychometric properties of the Persian Version
Authors: Nia Hamid Sharif , Behmanesh Fereshteh , Kwok Cannas , Firouzbakht Mojgan , Ebadi Abbas , Nikpour Maryam 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Backgrand: Cancer-related personal beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge can significantly determine cancer screening behaviors. Valid and reliable instruments are needed to assess such beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge. This study aimed to translate Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire into Persian and evaluate its psychometric properties among Iranian women.
Methods: In this methodological study, the twelve-item Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire was translated into Persian and filled out by 1256 Iranian women. Sampling was purposively done from June 2017 to March 2018. Face, content, convergent, and discriminant validity were evaluated and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed for construct validity evaluation. Reliability was also evaluated through calculating Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, Average inter-item correlation, and test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient and finally, composite reliability was estimated.
Results: Three factors were extracted in factor analysis which included screening attitude, screening knowledge and perception, and screening practice. These factors explained 55.71% of the total variance of breast cancer screening beliefs. This three-factor model was confirmed in confirmatory factor analysis based on model fit indices (PCFI = 0.703, PNFI = 0.697, CMIN/DF = 2.127, RMSEA = 0.30, GFI = 0.980, AGFI = 0.998, and CFI = 0.991). Convergent and discriminant validity were also confirmed. Composite reliability and test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient were more than 0.7.
Conclusion: With a three-factor structure, the Persian Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire has acceptable validity and reliability and hence, can be used to evaluate Iranian women’s breast cancer screening beliefs.
Characteristics of bacterial etiology in lower respiratory tract infection: a surveillance report from a Chinese large teaching hospital from 2015 to 2019
Authors: Tian Lei , Chen Zhongju , He Feng , Sun Ziyong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Lower respiratory tract infection (LRI) is a very common clinical disease. The etiological diagnosis of LRI often depends on the result of sputum culture. Sputum is the most common specimen type of LRI in China, but its cultivation result is easily confused by the bacteria colonized in the oral cavity and pharynx. It is very difficult to evaluate the clinical significance of sputum culture results both for clinicians and microbiologists. Fortunately, bronchoscope alveolus lavage fluid(BALF)is a good specimen, whose culture results can accurately reflect the situation of LRI. By analyzing the culture results and antimicrobial agents sensitivity data of BALF accumulated in this area, we can provide reference for clinicians to experience in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infection.Methods: The accumulated data of BALF culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test in our hospital from January 2015 to October 2019 were reviewed and analyzed.Results: The positive rate of BALF culture in our hospital was 18.3% (3467/18935) in 2015-2019. The most common pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.1%, 627/3467), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.9%, 587/3467) and Acinetobacter baumannii (14.0%, 485/3467). For the eight most common pathogens (K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Escherichia coli and S. pneumoniae), 40-70 years old was the highest age of distribution, but for E. coli and S. pneumoniae, 0-5 years old was also the higher age of distribution. The antibiotic resistance rate of K. pneumoniae to imipenem and meropenem was 30.6% and 30.8%, respectively. The sensitivity of P. aeruginosa to antibiotics other than minocycline and ticarcillin clavulanic acid was all more than 60%. However, the resistance rate of A. baumannii to antibiotics other than tegacyclin and minocycline was all more than 80%.Conclusions: 40-70 years old was the high incidence age of lower respiratory tract bacterial infection. K. pneumoniae resistant to carbapenems (CR-K. pneumoniae) and A. baumannii were a great challenge to clinical treatment and bacterial resistance control.
Influenza infection in immunosuppressed patients: clinical characteristics, risk factors and effect of antiviral therapy
Authors: Liu YaFen , Wang Yue , Chen YuanYuan , Liu BaiYi , Liu YiSi , Ji Ying , Cong Xu , Gao Yan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Influenza infection was a vital threat to immunosuppressed patients with longer viral shedding; however, data on these populations in China are still lacking. We analyzed clinical characteristics, risk factors for admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and death, and effect of antiviral therapy in these populations.Methods: We analyzed 73 immunosuppressed inpatients tested positive for influenza virus using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction during the 2018-2019 influenza season. Medical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistics analysis were used to identify risk factors. Results: The most common immunosuppression type was malignancies with chemotherapy 73.9% (54/73), then hematopoietic stem cell transplantation 19.2% (14/73). The most common presenting symptom was fever in 91.8% (67/73) patients, then cough 59.6% (34/57) and muscular soreness 35.1% (20/57). Complications and co-infections were found in 38.4% (28/73) and 17.8% (13/73) patients respectively, which significantly prolonged the hospital stay. Antiviral treatment after 48 hours was significantly associated with admission to ICU, mechanical ventilation and death. Combination and double dose of neuraminidase inhibitors did not significantly reduce the admission to ICU and death. 15.1% (11/73) patients were admitted to ICU and 8.2% (6/73) patients died. Risk factors for admission to ICU were long symptom onset (OR 5.60, P=0.018) and co-infection with other infections (OR 68.66, P=0.019), and presence of dyspnea was independently associated with death (OR 48.00, P=0.003) through multivariate logistics analysis. Seasonal influenza vaccination in preceding 12 months only took up 2.7% (2/73).Conclusion: Fever and other classical symptoms may be absent in immunosuppressed recipients, and conducting influenza virus detection at the first time is a good choice for early diagnosis. Antiviral treatment within 48 hours is of significance; however, patients may not benefit from combination and double dose of neuraminidase inhibitors. Immunosuppressed patients with dyspnea, long symptom onset and co-infection with other infections are of note needed, because these people have high-risk to severe cases. Inactivated influenza vaccination should be taken into account in immunosuppressed patients.
Empowerment and Problems in Health Care Access among Currently Married Women in Myanmar: A Secondary Data Analysis on MDHS 2015-16
Authors: Htun Nang Mie Mie , Hnin Zar Lwin , Khaing Win 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Women’s health outcomes are influenced by the lack of access to health care and their inability to make decisions for themselves. This study was conducted to identify the association between women's empowerment and the problems in assessing health care among currently married women aged 15-49 years. Method: A secondary analysis by using Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) (2015-16) data, which included all 15 regions of Myanmar. In the study, (7,759) eligible currently married women aged 15-49 years were included. Result: Among eligible women, 52.43% (95% CI: 0.51-0.53) had problems in accessing health care. Women with medium and high empowerment scores were less likely to experience problems in accessing health care compared to women who got low score (aOR=0.85, 95%CI: 0.73-0.98) (aOR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.47-0.65) respectively. Women from rural area (aOR=1.41, 95% CI:1.15-1.72) and women living in Chin State, one of the least developed states, (aOR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.38-2.46) had faced more problems in accessing health care, on the other hand, the problems were seen to be reduced in the case of women aged over 35 years (aOR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.47- 0.94), and those who had an educated husband (aOR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.66-0.86), a husband with a white collar job (aOR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.56-0.89), and those living with an extended family (aOR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.66-0.84). Conclusion: The study showed when the women are more empowered, they might have less problems in accessing health care. These finding would contribute to the policy formulation in reducing health inequity issues in terms of increasing women's empowerment by enabling women getting equal right to education and jobs. Key words: women's empowerment, problems in accessing health care, Demographic and Health Surveys, Myanmar, knowledge, decision power, beating, labour force
Diversity and seasonal fluctuation of tylenchid plant-parasitic nematodes in association with alfalfa in the Kerman Province (Iran)
Authors: Shokoohi Ebrahim , Mashela Phatu William , Iranpour Fahimeh 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The diversity and seasonal fluctuations of plant-parasitic nematodes (tylenchids) were investigated in five alfalfa fields in five counties of the Kerman Province of Iran during four consecutive seasons in 2013. Hundred soil samples were obtained per county, with 25 sub-samples per field being composited to five to represent five replicates per field per county per season. In total, 500 samples were analyzed during the study. Nematodes were extracted from soil samples using the modified tray method. In total, 11 plant-parasitic nematode genera and 12 species were recorded. According to prominence values, Ditylenchus (e.g. D. acutus, D. myceliophagus, D. terricolus and D. sarvarae), followed by Helicotylenchus pseudorobustsus, Pratylenchus neglectus and Meloidogyne javanica were the most prominent species. The season and the localities significantly affect the population densities of nematodes. Values for both the Shannon (H’) and Evenness (E) indices were the highest in Bam and the lowest in Jiroft counties. A significant, negative correlation existed between soil pH and mean population densities of Scutylenchus rugosus, while significant and positive correlations existed between soil electrical conductivity and Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus, Aphelenchoides sp., Amplimerlinius globigerus and Pratylenchus neglectus. In conclusion, diversity of plant-parasitic nematodes in Bam county was higher than other localities.
Pegylation and Cell Based Bioassay of Human Interferon-α2b Along its Docking Studies and Effect on Plasma Half-Life
Authors: Shahzadi Syeda Kiran , Qadir Muhammad Abdul , Mahmood Nasir , Ahmed Mehboob 
Published: February 2020

Background:
Interferon-α2b is FDA approved drug for the treatment of chronic HCV
and HBV, melanoma, AIDS-related KS, carcinomas, hairy cell leukemia and chronic myelogenous
leukemia. However, administration of interferon-α2b to patients takes place thrice in a week due to
short in vivo circulation half-life.

Objective:
To extend the circulation half-life of IFN-α2b, it is conjugated with polyethylene glycol
(PEG). However, PEGylation may results in reduction of its antiviral and antiproliferative activities
but on the other side, it results in prolonged plasma half-life.

Method:
Human interferon-α2b was PEGylated with linear 20kDa methoxypolyethlene glycol
(mPEG) Propionaldehyde (IFN-Ald20K), Y-Shaped 40kDa mPEG-Propionaldehyde (IFNAld40K),
linear 20-kDa mPEG-Succinimidyl Succinate (IFN-NHS20K), and Y shaped 40kDa
mPEG-Succinimidyl Succinate (IFN-NHS40K). Impact of PEG size, shape and PEGylation site
was studied to establish their relationship with antiprolifetaive activities and serum retention time
of PEGylated IFN-α2b.

Results:
RP-HPLC studies showed that larger PEGs (40kDa) increased the hydrodynamic volume
and increased the serum retention time while antiproliferative activity in HepG2 cell line was
decreased with increase in PEGylated interferon-α2b size. Molecular docking results also dictated
the same effect that increase in PEGylated interferon-α2b size results in steric shielding of the
receptor-binding site on interferon-α2b. IFN-Ald20K showed highest (45%) biological activity with
serum half-life 40 hours while IFN-NHS40K showed least (7%) biological activity with serum halflife
56 hours.

Conclusion:
Thus, IFN-Ald40K with 12% residual activity and 62 hours of serum half-life proved
to be a potent candidate for anticancer and antiviral effect with enhanced serum retention time.
The Experimentally Obtained Functional Impact Assessments of 5' Splice Site GT>GC Variants Differ Markedly from Those Predicted
Authors: Chen Jian-Min , Lin Jin-Huan , Masson Emmanuelle , Liao Zhuan , Férec Claude , Cooper David N. , Hayden Matthew 
Published: February 2020

Introduction:
5' splice site GT>GC or +2T>C variants have been frequently reported to
cause human genetic disease and are routinely scored as pathogenic splicing mutations. However, we
have recently demonstrated that such variants in human disease genes may not invariably be pathogenic.
Moreover, we found that no splicing prediction tools appear to be capable of reliably distinguishing
those +2T>C variants that generate wild-type transcripts from those that do not.

Methodology:
Herein, we evaluated the performance of a novel deep learning-based tool, SpliceAI, in
the context of three datasets of +2T>C variants, all of which had been characterized functionally in
terms of their impact on pre-mRNA splicing. The first two datasets refer to our recently described “in
vivo” dataset of 45 known disease-causing +2T>C variants and the “in vitro” dataset of 103 +2T>C
substitutions subjected to full-length gene splicing assay. The third dataset comprised 12 BRCA1
+2T>C variants that were recently analyzed by saturation genome editing.

Results:
Comparison of the SpliceAI-predicted and experimentally obtained functional impact assessments
of these variants (and smaller datasets of +2T>A and +2T>G variants) revealed that although
SpliceAI performed rather better than other prediction tools, it was still far from perfect. A key
issue was that the impact of those +2T>C (and +2T>A) variants that generated wild-type transcripts
represents a quantitative change that can vary from barely detectable to an almost full expression of
wild-type transcripts, with wild-type transcripts often co-existing with aberrantly spliced transcripts.

Conclusion:
Our findings highlight the challenges that we still face in attempting to accurately identify
splice-altering variants.