bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between macular edema recurrence and macular capillary network destruction in branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Jang Ji Hye , Kim Yu Cheol , Shin Jae Pil 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between changes in the macular capillary network and macular edema (ME) recurrence with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).Methods: We reviewed the data for 43 patients with treatment-naïve ME associated with BRVO. Patients who received intravitreal bevacizumab injection were divided into two groups based on ME recurrence at 6 months after edema resolution. The perifoveal capillary morphology and the macular capillary vessel density (VD) were retrospectively analyzed using en face SS-OCTA after ME resolution. Results: A broken the perifoveal capillary ring in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) was more common in the ME recurrence group (n=22) than in the no ME recurrence group (p = 0.047 and p = 0.002). Relative to the findings in the no ME recurrence groups, the destruction of the perifoveal capillary ring was more severe in the DCP (30.0° vs 87.3°, p = 0.001) than in the SCP (17.3° vs 69.5°, p = 0.006) in the ME recurrence group. The hemi-VD disparity between the affected and the unaffected areas in the SCP and DCP showed significant differences (p = 0.031 and p = 0.017), while macular VD showed no differences between the groups.Conclusions: Destruction of the perifoveal capillary ring and hemi-VD disparity could be related to ME recurrence in BRVO. Therefore, these factors may be helpful in predicting ME recurrence.
Transcriptome analysis reveals a molecular understanding of nicotinamide and butyrate sodium on meat quality of broilers under high stocking density
Authors: Wu Yuqin , Wang Youli , Yin Dafei , Mahmood Tahir , Yuan Jianmin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background In recent years, increased attention has been focused on breast muscle yield and meat quality in poultry production. Supplementation with nicotinamide and butyrate sodium can improve the meat quality of broilers. However, the potential molecular mechanism is not clear yet. This study was designed to investigate the effects of supplementation with a combination of nicotinamide and butyrate sodium on breast muscle transcriptome of broilers under high stocking density. A total of 300 21-d-old Cobb broilers were randomly allocated into 3 groups based on stocking density: low stocking density control group (L; 14 birds/m 2 ), high stocking density control group (H; 18 birds/m 2 ), and high stocking density group provided with a combination of 50 mg/kg nicotinamide and 500 mg/kg butyrate sodium (COMB; 18 birds/m 2 ), raised to 42 days of age. Results The H group significantly increased cooking losses, pH decline and activity of lactate dehydrogenase in breast muscle when compared with the L group. COMB showed a significant decrease in these indices by comparison with the H group ( P < 0.05). The transcriptome results showed that key genes involved in glycolysis, proteolysis and immune stress were up-regulated whereas those relating to muscle development, cell adhesion, cell matrix and collagen were down-regulated in the H group as compared to the L group. In contrast, genes related to muscle development, hyaluronic acid, mitochondrial function, and redox pathways were up-regulated while those associated with inflammatory response, acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and glycolysis pathway were down-regulated in the COMB group when compared with the H group. Conclusions The combination of nicotinamide and butyrate sodium may improve muscle quality by enhancing mitochondrial function and antioxidant capacity, inhibiting inflammatory response and glycolysis, and promoting muscle development and hyaluronic acid synthesis.
Prognostic value of pretreatment platelet counts in lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhong Hai , Ye Liang , Li Qian , Fang rong su , Gu Wei , Qian Ying ying 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : The prognostic value of elevated pretreatment platelet counts remains controversial in lung cancer patients. We performed the present meta-analysis to determine its precise role in these patients. Methods: We employed a multiple search strategy in the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases to identify eligible studies. Disease-free survival (DFS)/progression-free survival (PFS)/time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were used as outcomes with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity among the studies and publication bias were also evaluated. Results : A total of 40 studies including 16696 lung cancer patients were eligible for the analysis. Overall, the pooled analysis showed that compared with normal platelet counts, elevated pretreatment platelet counts were associated with poorer OS (HR= 1.54, 95% CI: 1.37-1.72, P<0.001) and poorer DFS/PFS/TTP (HR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.33-1.98, P<0.001) in patients with lung cancer. In subgroup analyses, elevated pretreatment platelet counts were also associated with poorer OS and DFS/PFS/TTP in most subgroups. There was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions : This meta-analysis revealed that elevated pretreatment platelet counts were an independent predictor of OS and DFS/PFS/TTP in lung cancer patients. Large-scale prospective studies and a validation study are warranted.
Antibiotic prescribing among patients with severe infectious diseases in two private sector hospitals in Central India – A time series analysis over 10 years
Authors: Damlin Anna , Sharma Megha , Marrone Gaetano , Lundborg Cecilia Stålsby 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background Antibiotic resistance is an emerging problem caused due to antibiotic use. In countries with high rates of infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance is a frequent cause of mortality. The aim was to analyse antibiotic prescribing practices between 2008 and 2017 in a teaching (TH) and a non-teaching (NTH) hospital, as typical hospitals of low- and middle-income countries, and to compare antibiotic prescribing for severe infectious indications for which empiric antibiotic treatment is recommended. Methods Data from adult patients registered at two Indian private-sector hospitals with one of the following indications: epiglottitis, pneumonia, peritonitis, pyelonephritis, cellulitis, erysipelas, septic arthritis, endocarditis, meningitis or sepsis; were included and analysed. Antibiotic prescription data was analyzed using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system and the Defined Daily Doses. Chi-square and linear regression were used to compare the data between groups. Time series analyses were conducted using linear regression. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. Results In total, 3,766 patients were included, 2,504 inpatients in the NTH and 1,262 in the TH, of which 92% and 89% patients, respectively, were prescribed antibiotics. Sixty-one percent of total prescriptions in the TH and 40% in the NTH comprised the access category of antibiotics (i.e. the first-choice of treatment according to the WHO). The WHO’s second-choice of treatment, the watch category, comprised 29% and 40% of total prescriptions in the TH and NTH, respectively. Prescribing of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of antibiotics was significantly higher in the NTH (18%) than in the TH (8%, P <0.05). Prescribing of watch antibiotics and FDCs increased significantly in both hospitals between 2008 and 2017 among patients with pneumonia, cellulitis and peritonitis (P <0.05). Conclusions Prescribing of watch antibiotics and FDCs of antibiotics increased over time at both hospitals, indicating under prescribing of access antibiotics and more prescribing of second-choice antibiotics. The results can be used to highlight the areas of improvement in similar settings. Implementing diagnostic routines and local prescribing guidelines could improve the prescribing practices.
Bromide impairs the circadian clock and glycolytic homeostasis via disruption of autophagy in rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes
Authors: Jiang Yicheng , Gu Yang , Xu Hai , Tian Xiaoyi , Zhang Xuefeng , Xu Xiaojin , Yan Wenting , Zhang Xiwen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Trace elements function as essential cofactors that are involved in various biochemical processes in mammals. Autophagy is vital for nutrient supplement, which is an important Zeitegber for the circadian homeostasis in heart. Here, we considered the possibility that autophagy, as well as the cardiomyocyte clock and glycolysis are interlinked. Detrimental effects were observed when cardiac system is exposed to bromine containing drugs. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of bromide on the circadian clock and glycolytic metabolism of H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Methods: H9C2 cardiomyocytes were incubated with sodium bromide at indicated doses for 24 hours, cell viability, mRNA expression of clock genes, glycolytic genes and autophagic genes were examined using various cellular and molecular approaches. Also, circadian oscillation rhythm of these genes was determined by serum shock with sodium bromide or equal amounts of sodium chloride. Results: Bromide does not affect cell viability and apoptosis of H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Bromide dampens the clock and glycolytic ( Hk2 and Pkm2 ) gene expression rhythmicity in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, bromide inhibits autophagic process in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. In contrast, rapamycin (an autophagy inducer) dramatically restores the inhibitory effect of NaBr on the mRNA expression levels of clock genes ( Bmal1 , Cry1 and Rorα ) and glycolytic genes ( Hk2 and Pkm2 ).Conclusions: Our results reveal that bromide represses the clock and glycolytic gene expression patterns, partially through inhibition of autophagy.
The effect of improved housing on indoor mosquito density and exposure to malaria in the rural community of Minkoameyos, Centre Region of Cameroon.
Authors: Nguela Rachel Laure , Bigoga Jude D. , Armel Tedjou N. , Esther Tallah Tayie Ngobiyo , Dongmo Line Lekou , Boris Njeambosay A. , Frederic Tchouine , Kazi Riksum , Williams Peter , Mbacham Wilfred F. , Leke Rose G. F. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background This study evaluated the effectiveness of improved housing on indoor residual mosquito density and exposure to infected Anophelines in Minkoameyos, a rural community in southern forested Cameroon. Methods Following the identification of housing factors affecting malaria prevalence in 2013, 218 houses were improved by screening the doors and windows, installing plywood ceilings on open eaves and closing holes on walls and doors. Monthly entomological surveys were conducted in a sample of 21 improved and 21 non-improved houses from November 2014 to October 2015. Mosquitoes sampled from night collections on human volunteers were identified morphologically and their parity status determined. Mosquito infectivity was verified through Plasmodium falciparum CSP ELISA and the average entomological inoculation rates determined. A Reduction Factor (RF), defined as the ratio of the values for mosquitoes collected outdoor to those collected indoor was calculated in improved houses (RFI) and non-improved houses (RFN). An Intervention Effect (IE=RFI/RFN) measured the true effect of the intervention. Chi-square test was used to determine variable significance. The threshold for statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.Results A total of 1113 mosquitoes were collected comprising Anopheles sp (58.6%), Culex sp (36.4%), Aedes sp (2.5%), Mansonia sp (2.4%) and Coquillettidia sp (0.2%). Amongst the Anophelines were Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) (95.2%), Anopheles funestus (2.9%), Anopheles ziemanni (0.2%), Anopheles brohieri (1.2%) and Anopheles paludis (0.5%). Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) was the only An. gambiae sibling species found. The intervention reduced the indoor Anopheles density by 1.8-fold (RFI=3.99; RFN=2.21; P=0.001). The indoor density of parous Anopheles was reduced by 1.7-fold (RFI=3.99; RFN=2.21; P=0.04) and that of infected Anopheles by 1.8-fold (RFI=3.26; RFN=1.78; P=0.04). Indoor peak biting rates were observed between 02am to 04am in non-improved houses and from 02am to 06am in improved houses.Conclusion Housing improvement contributed to reducing indoor residual anopheline density and malaria transmission. This highlights the need for policy specialists to further evaluate and promote aspects of house design as a complementary control tool that could reduce indoor human–vector contact and malaria transmission in similar epidemiological settings.
De novo transcriptome sequencing of Rhododendron molle and identification of genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites
Authors: Zhou Guolin , Zhu Ping 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Rhododendron molle (Ericaceae) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, its flower and root have been widely used to treat rheumatism and relieve pain for thousands of years in China. Chemical studies have revealed that R. molle contains abundant secondary metabolites such as terpenoinds, flavonoids and lignans, some of which have exhibited various bioactivities including antioxidant, hypotension and analgesic activity. In spite of immense pharmaceutical importance, the mechanism underlying the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites remains unknown and the genomic information is unavailable. Results: To gain molecular insight into this plant, especially on the pharmaceutically important secondary metabolic information, we conducted deep transcriptome sequencing for R. molle flower and root using the Illumina Hiseq platform. In total, 100,603 unigenes were generated through de novo assembly with mean length of 778 bp, 57.1% of these unigenes were annotated in public databases and 17,906 of those unigenes showed significant match in the KEGG database. Unigenes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were annotated, including the TPSs and CYPs that were potentially responsible for the biosynthesis of grayanoids. Moreover, 3,376 transcription factors and 10,828 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were also identified. Additionally, we further performed differential gene expression (DEG) analysis of the flower and root transcriptome libraries and identified numerous genes that were specifically expressed or up-regulated in flower.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to generate and thoroughly analyze the transcriptome data of both R. molle flower and root. This study provided an important genetic resource which will shed light on elucidating various secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways in R. molle, especially for those with medicinal value and allow for drug development in this plant.
Fasciotomy through Multiple Small Skin Incisions for the treatment of early acute osteofascial compartment syndrome in children
Authors: Yuan Xiaowei , Wu Jun , Qu Xiangyang , Li Ming , Jiang Linjun , Liu Xing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The purpose of the present study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of fasciotomy through multiple small skin incisions for the treatment of early osteofascial compartment syndrome in children.Methods From January 2009 to May 2017, 56 pediatric patients with early osteofascial compartment syndrome in their limbs were admitted into our department and treated with multiple small skin incisions for decompression at the early stage. The skin incisions, function and sensation of the limbs were followed up.Results The osteofascial compartment syndrome was diagnosed at 7.4±2.1 hours after injury, and then fasciotomy was performed at 1.4±0.4 hours later. The average procedure time of fasciotomy was 12.7±4.8 minutes. No postoperative incision infections or neurovascular injuries were observed in all the patients. The incisions completely healed in 7-10 days with an average healing time of 8 days without secondary suture. The patients were followed up for an average of 5.1 years. No Volkmann’s contractures in the injured climbs were found. The appearance, electromyography and nerve conduction velocity of the affected limbs were not significantly different from that of the contralateral limbs. All the patients were free of symptoms, were full recovery of sensation and function, being an “excellent” outcome at the latest follow-up. Conclusion Fasciotomy through multiple small skin incisions, which can be useful to decompress the compartment pressure with fewer complications, is a simple and effective strategy for the treatment of early osteofascial compartment syndrome in children.
Improving the diagnosis of common parotid tumors via the combination of CT image biomarkers and clinical parameters
Authors: Zhang Dan , Li Xiaojiao , Lv Liang , Yu Jiayi , Yang Chao , Xiong Hua , Liao Ruikun , Zhou Bi , Huang Xianlong , Liu Xiaoshuang , Tang Zhuoyue 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : Our study aims to develop and validate diagnostic models of the common parotid tumors based on whole-volume CT textural image biomarkers (IBMs) in combination with clinical parameters at a single institution. Methods: The study cohort was composed of 51 pleomorphic adenoma (PA) patients and 42 Warthin tumor (WT) patients. Clinical parameters and conventional image features were scored retrospectively and textural IBMs were extracted from CT images of arterial phase. Independent-samples t test or Chi-square test was used for evaluating the significance of the difference among clinical parameters, conventional CT image features, and textural IBMs. The diagnostic performance of univariate model and multivariate model was evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under ROC curve (AUC). Results: Significant differences were found in clinical parameters (age, gender, disease duration, smoking), conventional image features (site, maximum diameter, time-density curve, peripheral vessels sign) and textural IBMs (mean, uniformity, energy, entropy) between PA group and WT group (P＜0.05). ROC analysis showed that clinical parameter (age) and quantitative textural IBMs (mean, energy, entropy) were able to categorize the patients into PA group and WT group, with the AUC of 0.784, 0.902, 0.910, 0.805, respectively. When IBMs were added in clinical model, the multivariate models including age-mean and age-energy performed significantly better than the univariate models with the improved AUC of 0.940, 0.944, respectively (P＜0.001). Conclusions: Both clinical parameter and CT textural IBMs can be used for the preoperative, noninvasive diagnosis of parotid PA and WT. The diagnostic performance of textural IBM model was obviously better than that of clinical model and conventional image model in this study. While the multivariate model consisted of clinical parameter and textural IBM had the optimal diagnostic performance, which would contribute to the better selection of individualized surgery program.
Hospitalization and Definitive Radiotherapy in Lung Cancer: Incidence, Risk Factors and Survival Impact
Authors: Hazell Sarah Z. , Mai Nicholas , Fu Wei , Hu Chen , Friedes Cole , Negron Alex , Voong Khinh Ranh , Feliciano Josephine L. , Han Peijin , Myers Samantha , McNutt Todd R. , Hales Russell K. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Unplanned hospitalization during cancer treatment is costly, can disrupt treatment, and affect patient quality of life. However, incidence and risks factors for hospitalization during lung cancer radiotherapy are not well characterized. Methods: Patients treated with definitive intent radiation (≥45 Gy) for lung cancer between 2008 and 2018 at a tertiary academic institution were identified. In addition to patient, tumor, and treatment related characteristics, specific baseline frailty markers (Charlson comorbidity index, ECOG, patient reported weight loss, BMI, hemoglobin, creatinine, albumin) were recorded. All cancer-related hospitalizations during or within 30 days of completing radiation were identified. Associations between baseline variables and any hospitalization, number of hospitalizations, and overall survival were identified using multivariable linear regression and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models, respectively. Results: Of 270 patients included: median age was 66.6 years (31-88), 50.4% of patients were male (n=136), 62% were Caucasian (n=168). Cancer-related hospitalization incidence was 17% (n=47), of which 21% of patients hospitalized (n=10/47) had >1 hospitalization. On multivariable analysis, each 1 g/dL baseline drop in albumin was associated with a 2.4 times higher risk of any hospitalization (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-5.0, P=0.01), and baseline hemoglobin ≤10 was associated with, on average, 2.7 more hospitalizations than having pre-treatment hemoglobin >10 (95% CI 1.3-5.4, P=0.01). After controlling for baseline variables, cancer-related hospitalization was associated with 1.8 times increased risk of all-cause death (95% CI: 1.02-3.1, P=0.04).Conclusions: Our data show baseline factors can predict those who may be at increased risk for hospitalization, which was independently associated with increased mortality. Taken together, these data support the need for developing further studies aimed at early and aggressive interventions to decrease hospitalizations during treatment.
Pre-operative denosumab is associated with higher risk of local recurrence in giant cell tumor of bone: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Hairui , Zhu Shibai , Wang Yiou , Qian Wenwei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background In 2013, denosumab was introduced as peri-operative adjuvant treatment for giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone as it inhibits osteoclast activity. It is suggested that denosumab relives pain, facilitate curettage in lesions requiring resection initially. However, controversy remains whether denosumab increases the risk of local recurrence after surgery. Methods Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched in June 2019 to identify studies investigating the clinical outcome of GCT of bone with and without peri-operative denosumab after surgery. Data were gathered and a meta-analysis was conducted. Result Ten studies with 1082 cases (169 in denosumab group, 913 in control group) were included. Overall, denosumab was associated with significantly higher risk of recurrence(P<0.02) and inferior 5 year recurrence free survival(P=0.000). Denosumab and curettage has a relatively higher risk of recurrence comparing to curettage alone(P=0.07). The risk of recurrence is not significantly increased if denosumab was administered both preoperatively and postoperatively(P=0.24). Conclusion Administration of denosumab is associated with increased risk of recurrence due to a variety of reasons, though it is proven effective in relieving pain, enabling curettage and improved functional outcome. Post-operative denosumab is recommended as it continuously suppress/eliminate residue tumor cells.