bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cephalosporin Antibiotics Specifically Enhance Conventional Chemotherapy in Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: He Xiao-Qiong , Yao Qian , Song Zhong Yu , Fan Dan , You Yu Tong , Lian Wen Jing , Duan Ling , Zhou Zhang Ping 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Cephalosporin antibiotics can drastically upregulate the expression of HMOX1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. HMOX1 has dual role in cancer cells, and is involved in chemoresistance. Cephalosporin antibiotics are widely used in the treatment of bacteria infectious diseases in cancer patients. Whether they affect the efficacy of chemotherapy is unknown. Methods: Comparisons between cefotaxime and the combination of cefotaxime and cisplatin were carried out throughout the study. Cell viability was detected by MTT method. Influence on clone formation of cancer cells was investigated by plate clone formation assay. The in vivo anticancer effect was determined via cancer xenograft in mice. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the apoptosis. Microarray gene expression profiling was analyzed using Gene Ontology analysis, and the differential genes were validated by RT-qPCR. Results: Cefotaxime specifically, selectively and synergistically enhanced the anticancer efficacy of cisplatin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma both in vitro and in vivo without increasing the toxicity, but it inhibited the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin in other cancers. Combination of cefotaxime and cisplatin significantly regulated 5 genes in direction favoring the enhancement of anticancer efficacy; of which, THBS1 and LAPTM5 were upregulated; PPP3CB, STAG1 and NCOA5 were downregulated jointly. HMOX1 contributes to the anticancer efficacy in combination group. Upregulated genes significantly modulated 18 apoptotic pathways, downregulated genes mainly affected assembly of genetic materials. Conclusion: Cephalosporin antibiotics are excellent and safe sensitizers of conventional chemotherapy in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but should be carefully used in other cancers.
Efficacy and Safety Aiming at the Combined-Modality Therapy of External Beam Radiotherapy (40Gy) and Iodine-125 Seed Implantation for Locally Advanced NSCLC in the Elderly
Authors: Tian LiJun , Liu HongZhi , Zhang Qiang , Geng Dian-Zhong , Huo Yu-Qing , Xu Shou-Jian , Hao YanZhang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Our retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combined-modality therapy for tumor invading the chest wall of locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the elderly.
Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 21 elderly patients (aged ≥ 60 years) with locally advanced NSCLC diagnosed as tumor invading the chest wall. The prescription dose of the primary tumor adopting external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) was given 40 Gy which was supplemented with iodine-125 seed implantation, meanwhile the lymph nodes of mediastinum undergoing EBRT was given 60 Gy. Follow-up was conducted every 3 months postoperatively. The related analytic parameters were the change of tumor size, the objective response rate (ORR), the disease control rate (DCR), the degree of pain relief, the improvement of physical status and the toxicity.
Results

The combined-modality therapy could significantly inhibit the local growth of tumor (from 7.84 ± 1.20 to 4.69 ± 1.90 cm) (P < 0.0001), indicating a better validity with an ORR of 71.4% and DCR 90.5%, respectively at 1 year. The cancer-related pain was significantly relieved (P < 0.05) and the physical status were also significantly improved (P < 0.05). There was no procedure-associated death or grade > 2 irradiation-related adverse effect in our study.
Conclusions

The combined-modality therapy of EBRT with 40 Gy and permanent iodine-125 seed implantation is an efficacious and safe option and may be recommended as a treatment pattern for the elderly of locally advanced NSCLC with tumor invading the chest wall.
Transcriptomic Analysis of the Reproductive Effects on Immunity in the Clam Meretrix Petechialis During the Breeding Season
Authors: Wang Di , Liu Baozhong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Immune defense and reproduction are both physiologically demanding processes, therefore the trade-off is expected between them in breeding season. Although this balance strategy has been extensively studied in many species, it is still rarely noticed in mollusc. Moreover, summer mortality of marine bivalve often occurs during breeding season and reproduction is suspected to play a significant role for the mass death. Results: To address if spawning affects immunity to cause clam death, we performed transcriptome and gene expression analyses in the clam Meretrix petechialis pre-/post-spawning. DEGs enrichment analysis revealed important immune signaling pathways and key genes changed after spawning. Further analysis showed females up-regulated genes involved in apoptosis, TLR signal pathway and heat shock, whereas males down-regulated complement-related genes after spawning. Additionally, both genders of clams up-regulated its immune response level to against Vibrio infection after spawning revealed by the changes of four immune-related DEGs. Conclusions: The spawning indeed affected the clam immune resistance. The immune and defense related genes and pathways obtained here provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of physiological acclimation and immune response under reproduction-influence and offers some clues to explain the possible reason for clam summer mortality.
Subdivision of metastatic colorectal cancer for identifying patients who benefit more from primary tumor resection
Authors: Luo Dakui , Shan Zezhi , Liu Qi , Cai Sanjun , Li Qingguo , Li Xinxiang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are heterogeneous with distinctive clinicopathologic features and prognosis. Radical resection of primary tumor and distant metastases is associated with improved survival outcomes in metastatic CRC. The value of palliative primary tumor resection is controversial. The present study explored which subgroups benefited more from primary tumor resection in metastatic CRC.
Methods

Between 2004 and 2015, patients with metastatic CRC were identified using the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database. Uni- and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with decreased cancer-specific mortality. The subgroups were divided based on the independent prognostic factors.
Results

Age, marital status, race, serum CEA, histologic type, differentiation, tumor location, surgery of primary or metastatic lesion, site of metastases, number of metastatic sites, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors. Patients with non-white race, normal serum CEA, non-signet ring cell carcinoma, well or moderate differentiation, surgery of metastases, isolated liver metastasis, single metastasis, receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy presented more survival benefit from primary tumor resection.
Conclusion

Subgroup of metastatic CRC optimizes decision-making and selected patients will benefit more from primary tumor resection.
Short Reports Low Prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii DNA in the Fresh Milk of Cattle in China
Authors: Wang Yong-Liang , Meng QingFeng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: It is generally recognized that there is a risk for humans to acquire toxoplasmosis through consumption of raw milk from infected animals. Although several studies have been conducted to detect the seroprevalence of T. gondii in cattle in China, no study has been conducted to detect T. gondii DNA in milk of cattle in China. Thus, the present study was firstly conducted to explore the prevalence of T. gondii DNA in fresh milk of cattle in China. Results: A total of 2092 blood samples and fresh bovine milk were collected from six provinces between January 2018 and June 2019, respectively, and examined by ELISA and semi-nested PCR, respectively. In total, 123/2092 (5.88%) of the blood samples and 22/2092 (1.05%) of the milk samples were positive for T. gondii, respectively. Fifteen of these 22 positive milk samples (68.18%) were animals who also recorded serologically positive. Moreover, cattle and milk from family farming have significantly higher T. gondii prevalence than those from commercial farm. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. gondii DNA was found in the fresh milk of cattle in China, suggesting that the consumption of raw milk from seropositive cattle could be a potential source of human infection.
Implementation Research Training for Learners in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Evaluating Behavior Change after Participating in A Massive Online Open Course
Authors: Launois Pascal , Maher Dermot , Certain Edith , Ross Bella , Penkunas Michael J. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Implementation research (IR) can play a critical role in the delivery of disease control interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The growing demand for IR training has led to the development of a range of training programs and university courses, the majority of which can not be accessed by learners in LMICs. This article reports on the evaluation of a massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases hosted by the World Health Organization on the topic of IR with a focus on infectious diseases of poverty. This study followed Kirkpatrick’s Model to evaluate training programs with a specific focus on post-training changes in behavior.Methods: MOOC participants were invited to take part in an anonymous online survey examining their IR knowledge and how they applied it in their professional practice approximately 1-1.5 years after completing the MOOC. The survey contained 43 open-ended, multiple choice and Likert-type questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the quantitative data and responses to the open-ended questions were thematically coded.Results: A total of 748 MOOC participants responded to the survey. The demographic profile of the survey respondents aligned with that of the MOOC participants, with nearly 70% of respondents originating from Africa. Responses to the quantitative and open-ended survey questions revealed that respondents’ IR knowledge had improved to a large extent as a result of the MOOC, and that they used the knowledge and skills gained in their professional lives frequently. Respondents most often cited changes in their conceptual understanding of IR and understanding of the research process as substantial areas of change influenced by participating in the MOOC.Conclusions: These findings indicate that the MOOC was successful in targeting learners from LMICs, in strengthening their IR knowledge and in contributing to their ability to apply it in their professional practice. The utility of MOOCs for providing IR training to learners in LMICs, where implementation challenges are encountered often, makes this platform an ideal standalone learning tool or one that could be combined with other training formats.
How can we improve patients’ access to new drugs under uncertainties?: South Korea’s experience with risk sharing arrangements
Authors: Lee Boram , Bae Eun-Young , Bae SeungJin , Choi HyunJin , Son Kyung-Bok , Lee Young-Sil , Jang Suhyun , Lee Tae-Jin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: New drugs including cancer drugs and orphan drugs are becoming increasingly more expensive. Risk sharing arrangements (RSAs) could manage the risk based on both financial impact and the health outcome of new drugs if reimbursed. To improve patients’ access to new drugs under uncertainties, many developed countries have adopted RSAs. In this study, we aimed to understand the effects of RSAs in South Korea on patients’ access.Methods: We reviewed current status of RSA drugs in South Korea. The number of appraisals and time gap between market approval and reimbursement per RSA drug were considered to quantify improvement of patients’ access as they showed how rapidly decisions on reimbursement of RSA drugs were derived. Then, we applied a comparative analysis to determine whether the RSA drugs in South Korea were reimbursed in the UK, Italy, and Australia. Most data for this study were obtained from websites of the governmental department/agencies responsible for appraisal of drug reimbursement in each country. And literatures related to RSAs were investigated as well.Results: The eligibility for Korean RSAs had two key components - drugs for cancer and rare diseases and not having other alternative treatments. As of the first half of 2019, there were 39 RSA drugs reimbursed in South Korea, the majority of which were financial-based schemes. Refund and expenditure cap were the representative types (89.7%). After introduction of RSAs, the time gap and number of appraisals were decreased. Based on the indications of RSA drugs, the level of drug coverage in South Korea was found lower than Italy, similar to the UK, and higher than Australia.Conclusions: RSAs in South Korea significantly enhanced patients’ access to new drugs and led to the alleviation of patients’ out-of-pocket expenses. The drug coverage of South Korea had a level comparable to that of other countries. This study provides implications for countries that have a dual mission of containing pharmaceutical expenditure and improving access to new drugs.
Differences in Psychological Characteristics Between People With Knee Osteoarthritis From Japan and Australia
Authors: Uritani Daisuke , Campbell Penny K. , Metcalf Ben , Egerton Thorlene 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate differences in psychological characteristics between people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) from Japan and Australia.Methods A total of 62 adults from Japan and 168 adults from Australia aged over 50 years with knee pain were included. Japanese data were collected from patients with knee OA diagnosed by medical doctors. Australian data were baseline data from a randomized controlled trial. Psychological characteristics evaluated were depressive symptoms (depression subscale of the 21-item short-form of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale), fear of movement (Brief Fear of Movement Scale for Osteoarthritis), and pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale). Psychological characteristics were compared between the Japanese and Australian cohorts by calculating 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for difference of the mean. To test for equivalence of the average values of characteristics, the equivalence margin was set at 0.5 standard deviations (SD) of the mean, where these SDs were based on the Australian data. When the 95%CI for the difference of the mean value lay entirely within the range of equivalence margin (i.e. between -0.5 and 0.5 times the Australian SD), the outcome was considered equivalent.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups from Japan and Australia for depressive symptoms (mean ± SD; Japan 4.9±5.4, Australia 4.2±4.7) and fear of movement (11.7±3.8, 12.5±3.2, respectively). Mean (95%CI) between group differences were 0.75 (-0.79 to 2.28) for depressive symptoms and -0.77 (-1.77 to 0.22) for fear of movement. Based on the equivalence test, 95%CIs of mean difference between groups for depressive symptoms was within the range of equivalence margin (±2.35). However, the lower limit of the 95% CI of difference in mean for fear of movement (-1.77) was just outside the lower equivalence margin (-1.60). People from Japan with knee OA showed significantly higher pain catastrophizing (20.7±11.0) than those from Australia (14.8±9.6).ConclusionsPeople from Japan with knee OA showed higher pain catastrophizing than people from Australia. The level of depressive symptoms and fear of movement appeared to be equivalent between people from the two countries.
Perspectives on External Support to Low Level Private Health Facilities in Management of Childhood Infections in Mbarara District, Uganda: A Qualitative Study With Health Workers and Policy Makers
Authors: Mwanga-Amumpaire Juliet , Kalyango Joan Nakayaga , Källander Karin , Sundararajan Radhika , Owokuhaisa Judith , Obua Celestino , Alfvén Tobias , Ndeezi Grace 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: With the under-five child mortality rate of 46.4 deaths per 1000 live births, Uganda needs to accelerate measures to reduce child deaths in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3. While 60-70 % of frontline health services are provided by the private sector, many low level private health facilities are unregistered, unregulated, and often miss out on innovative strategies rolled out by the Ministry of Health. Low level private health facilities need support in order to provide quality health care. We explored the perspectives of health workers and policy makers on external support given to low level private clinics providing health care for children. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted from May to December 2019 with 43 purposively selected key informants. They included 30 health care professionals treating children in low level private clinics and 13 policy makers from Mbarara district and the Uganda Ministry of Health directly involved with ensuring quality of child health. The issues discussed included their views on the quantity, quality, factors determining support received and preferred modalities of support to low level private health facilities. Using an inductive approach, interview transcripts were coded to identify categories and themes.﻿Results: We identified three themes which emerged from the data 1) External support is needed to address socio-economic, regulatory and knowledge gap issues, 2) Current support is not optimal, and, 3) Ideal support underscores working together. While the Ministry of Health recognises its’ responsibility to provide support and guidance to public and private health facilities, it acknowledges lack of support for low level private health facilities currently. Health providers emphasised technical capacity building and more supportive supervisory visits but not simply policing and apportioning blame.Conclusion: The current support being given to low level private health facilities (LLPHF) is inadequate. The support needs to be tailored to the needs of the facility and health facilities have to proactively ask for support. Capacity building with emphasis on training and supportive supervision are key strategies for providing external support to LLPHF.
Trends of Road Traffic Injury in Ethiopia, 2014 to 2017: eHMI Based Data Analysis.
Authors: Hunduma Fufa , Leulseged Belayneh 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Road traffic injury (RTI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity globally. It accounts for more than 1.35 million deaths per year. It has multiple risk factors that contribute to its occurrence. Low and middle-income countries are affected severely, thus, Ethiopia is among the most affected countries. Aim of this assessment is to analyze three years of Electronic Health Management Information System (eHMIS) surveillance data of Road traffic injuries in Ethiopia as general to describe the trends of injury based on sex, age, place, and time. Methods: eHMIS Road Traffic accident data were reviewed retrospectively for three years period (2007 – 2009 Ethiopian calendar (E.C) / 2014 to 2017) and Analysis was done by Microsoft Excel. Result: The trend of injury in Ethiopia increased from 69882 to 100,628 and inpatient death increased from 125 to 265 over the last three years. Males were affected more, hence contributed to 63.64% of total cases. Those who were above 15 years of age contributed to 80.6% of total cases. Cases reached their peak during the dry season of regions. Harari region had the highest incidence of injury; more than 2000 cases per 100,000 over three years period. Conclusion: This analysis revealed that in Ethiopia burden of Road Traffic Injury (RTI) was increasing against the plan of the country. Being male and adult has a greater risk of RTI. Harari region and Dire Dawa has a much higher incidence than the national level. High-level political commitment, immediate decisions, and actions are needed to halt the problem.
Covid-19 in South America: Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics Among 381 Patients During the Early Phase of the Pandemic in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Rodriguez Macarena , Peters Anne , Perez Inia , Spencer Maria , Barbe Mario , Porte Lorena , Weitzel Thomas , Aylwin Mabel , Vial Pablo , Araos Rafael , Munita Jose M 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Understanding the characteristics of the Covid-19 pandemic in different geographical regions, ethnic and socioeconomic settings are of emerging importance. This study presents the demographic and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in a large private healthcare center in Santiago, Chile, during the first month of the pandemic.Methods: We analyzed the demographics, laboratory and clinical characteristics including severity and outcome of all patients diagnosed with Covid-19 during the first month of the pandemic. SARS-2-CoV infection was confirmed by RT-PCR in nosopharyngeal samples. The primary outcome was a composite of ICU admission or all-cause, in-hospital mortality. Clinical and laboratory parameters of hospitalized patients were analyzed regarding their association with the primary outcome. Results: From March 3 to April 4, 2020, 3679 individuals were tested for SARS-CoV-2 in our hospital. Of those, 381 had Covid-19 and were included into this analysis. Most patients (99.2%) were Chileans, 12% returning from recent travel. The median age was 39 years (IQR 31-49) and 52% were female. A total of 88 patients (23.1%) were hospitalized; 18 (3.7%) required ICU and/or died. The overall mortality was 0.7%. Increased body mass index (BMI) and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) were independently associated with ICU care or death.Conclusion: During the first weeks of the pandemic in Chile, most Covid-19 patients were young, with low rates of hospitalization, ICU requirement, and fatality. BMI and CRP on admission were predictors for severity. Our data provide important information on the clinical course and outcome of Covid-19 in a Latin American setting.
Impossible to go Beyond Beef? A Nutriomics Comparison
Authors: Vliet Stephan van , Bain James , Muehlbauer Michael , Provenza Frederick , Kronberg Scott , Pieper Carl , Huffman Kim , Kraus William 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Concerns regarding the effects of red meat on human and environmental health are prompting consumer interest in plant-based diets. As global food systems strive to meet the dietary needs of an estimated mid-century population of 10 billion, a new generation of plant-based meat alternatives—formulated to mimic the taste and nutritional composition of red meat—have attracted considerable consumer interest, research attention, and media coverage. We used untargeted metabolomics to provide an in-depth comparison of the nutrient profiles of grass-fed ground beef and a market-leading plant-based meat alternative. Metabolomics revealed a 90% difference in nutritional profiles beef and a popular plant-based meat, many of which can have important consumer health implications. This information could not be determined from their Nutrition Facts, which suggests nutritional similarity. Our findings indicate that beef and a popular plant-based meat should not be viewed as nutritionally interchangeable, but as complementary in terms of provided nutritional entities. As society aims to increase food production with ~ 60% by 2050, the meat and the plant-based meat industries will likely coexist and have to complement each other in order this reach this goal.