bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of pretreatment platelet count 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: February 2020

Abstract
Background : The prognostic value of pretreatment elevated platelet count remains controversial in lung cancer patients. We performed the present meta-analysis to determine the precise role of it in these patients. Methods: We performed a multiple search strategy in PubMed database, EMBASE and Cochrane Library to identify eligible studies. Disease-free survival (DFS) /Progress-free survival (PFS)/Time to progress (TTP) and Overall survival (OS) were used as outcomes with hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity among studies and publication bias were also evaluated. Results : A total of 40 studies including 16696 lung cancer patients were eligible in the analysis. Overall, the pooled analysis showed that pretreatment elevated platelet count was 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 compared with normal platelet count. In subgroup analyses, pretreatment elevated platelet count was 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 pretreatment elevated platelet count was an independent predictor of OS and DFS/PFS/TTP in lung cancer patients. Large scale prospective studies and a validation study are warranted.
Economic burden and mental health of primary caregivers of perinatally HIV infected adolescents from Kilifi, Kenya
Authors: Katana Patrick V , Abubakar Amina , Nyongesa Moses K. , Ssewanyana Derrick , Mwangi Paul , Newton Charles R , Jemutai Julie 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Eighty per cent of perinatally HIV infected (PHI) adolescents live in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA), a setting also characterized by huge economic disparities. Caregiving is crucial to the management of chronic illness such as HIV/AIDS, but the economic costs and mental disorders borne by caregivers of PHI adolescents often go unnoticed. In this study, we evaluated economic costs, coping strategies and association between economic cost and mental health functioning of caregivers of perinatally HIV infected adolescents in Kilifi, Kenya. Methods: We used a cost of illness descriptive analysis approach to determine the economic burden and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess the caregivers’ mental health. Cross-sectional data were collected from 121 primary caregivers of PHI adolescents in Kilifi using a structured cost questionnaire. Economic costs (direct and indirect costs) were measured from primary caregivers’ perspective. We used descriptive statistics in reporting the results of this study. Results: Average monthly direct and indirect costs per primary caregiver was Ksh 2,784.51 (USD 27.85). Key drivers of direct costs were transportation (66.5%) and medications (13.8%). Total monthly costs represented 28.8% of the reported caregiver monthly earnings. Majority of the caregivers borrowed resources to cope with high economic burden. About 10.7% of primary caregivers reported depressive symptoms. Caregivers with positive depression screen (PHQ-9 score ≥10) had high average monthly direct and indirect costs. However, this was not statistically different compared to costs incurred by caregivers who screened negative for depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Our study indicates that HIV/AIDS is associated with a significant economic burden for caregivers of adolescents living with HIV. Results underscore the need for developing economic empowerment and social support programmes that reduce the economic burden of caring for perinatally infected adolescent. These efforts may improve the mental health and quality of life of caregivers of adolescents living with HIV.
The Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium sseK3 induce cell apoptosis and enhance glycolysis in macrophages
Authors: Yu Chuan , Du Fuyu , Zhang Chunjie , Li Yinju , Liao Chengshui , He Lei , Cheng Xiangchao , Zhang Xiaojie 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is an important infectious disease pathogen. Recently, there are increasing researches about the relationship between apoptosis and glycolysis of cells. Previous studies have identified that S. Typhimurium secreted effector K3 (SseK3) is a novel translated and secreted protein. However, there is no study about the role of sseK3 in the relationship between apoptosis and glycolysis of cells infected with S. Typhimurium. It is unclear whether this protein exerts a significant role in the progress of apoptosis and glycolysis in macrophages. Results: The S. Typhimurium SL1344 wild-type (WT) group, ΔsseK3 mutant group and sseK3-complemented group were used to infect macrophages and the effects of sseK3 on apoptosis and glycolysis of macrophages were investigated. The adherence and invasion of ΔsseK3 mutant group for macrophages were similar to WT group and sseK3-complemented group, indicating that SseK3 did not play an important role in the adherence and invasion of S. Typhimurium for macrophages. However, the apoptosis percentage of the ΔsseK3 mutant group was much lower than WT group and sseK3-complemented group using flow cytometry. The caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 enzyme activity of the ΔsseK3 mutant group were decreased significantly compared with WT group and sseK3-complemented group, which suggested that sseK3 could improve the activities of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 enzyme. We also found that the pyruvic acid level did not significantly change among ΔsseK3 mutant group, WT group and sseK3-complemented group, but the lactic acid level of ΔsseK3 mutant group was much lower than WT group and sseK3-complemented group. The ATP level of ΔsseK3 mutant group was remarkably higher than WT group and sseK3-complemented group. These indicated that the sseK3 enhanced the level of glycolysis of macrophages infected by S. Typhimurium. Conclusions: Our data showed that the sseK3 of S. Typhimurium involved in promoting macrophages apoptosis and influencing glycolysis levels of macrophages. These results may give a better clue about the relationship between apoptosis and glycolysis in macrophages induced by S. Typhimurium sseK3.
The Contribution of Stem Cell Factor and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in Reducing Neurodegeneration and Promoting Neural Network Reorganization after Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: He Junchi , Russell Thomas , Qiu Xuecheng , Hao Fei , Kyle Michele , Chin Lawrence , Zhao Li-Ru 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in young adults worldwide. TBI-induced long-term cognitive deficits represent a growing clinical problem. Stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) are involved in neuroprotection and neuronal plasticity. However, the knowledge concerning reparative efficacy of SCF+G-CSF treatment in post-acute TBI recovery remains incomplete. This study aims to determine the efficacy of SCF+G-CSF on post-acute TBI recovery in young adult mice. The controlled cortical impact model of TBI was used for inducing a severe damage in the motor cortex of the right hemisphere in 8-week-old male C57BL mice. SCF+G-CSF treatment was initiated 3 weeks after induction of TBI.
Results
Severe TBI led to persistent motor functional deficits (Rota-Rod test) and impaired spatial learning and memory (Morris water maze test). SCF+G-CSF treatment significantly improved the severe TBI-impaired spatial learning and memory 6 weeks after treatment. TBI also caused significant increases of Fluoro-Jade C positive degenerating neurons in bilateral frontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus, and significant reductions in MAP2 + apical dendrites and overgrowth of SMI312 + axons in peri-TBI cavity frontal cortex and in the ipsilateral hippocampal CA1 at 24 weeks post-TBI. SCF+G-CSF treatment significantly reduced TBI-induced neurodegeneration in the contralateral frontal cortex and hippocampal CA1, increased MAP2 + apical dendrites in the peri-TBI cavity frontal cortex, and prevented TBI-induced axonal overgrowth in both the peri-TBI cavity frontal cortex and ipsilateral hippocampal CA1.
Conclusions
These findings reveal a novel pathology of axonal overgrowth after TBI and demonstrate a therapeutic potential of SCF+G-CSF in ameliorating TBI-induced long-term neuronal pathology, neural network malformation, and impairments in spatial learning and memory.
Neck Lymph Node Metastasis Detection in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma (DTC) in Long-Term Follow-up: a ¹³¹I-SPECT/CT Study
Authors: Spanu Angela , Nuvoli Susanna , Marongiu Andrea , Gelo Ilaria , Mele Luciana , Piras Bastiana , Madeddu Giuseppe 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The prognostic importance of neck lymph node (LN) metastases in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is controversial even if their presence at surgery often correlates with tumor recurrences that it is mandatory to identify. To this purpose, in the present study, we used 131I-SPECT/CT as a diagnostic imaging procedure.
Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 224 consecutive DTC patients already submitted to total thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy, all of them with ascertained neck radioiodine-avid foci at ¹³¹I-SPECT/CT during long-term follow-up; at surgery, 62 patients were classified at high risk (H), 64 at low risk (L) and 98 at very low risk (VL). All patients underwent ¹³¹I-Whole body scan (WBS) followed by SPECT/CT.
Results: In the 224 patients, 449 neck iodine avid foci were ascertained at SPECT/CT, while 322 were evidenced at WBS in 165/224 patients. WBS classified as residues 263/322 foci and as unclear 59/322 foci; among the former foci SPECT/CT correctly characterized 8 LN metastases and 3 physiologic uptakes and among the latter, it pinpointed 26 LN metastases, 18 residues, and 15 physiologic uptakes. SPECT/CT also classified 127 foci occult at WBS as 59 LN metastases and 68 residues. Globally, SPECT/CT identified 93 LN metastases in 59 patients (26 H, 20 L, 13 VL), while WBS evidenced 34 in 25 cases. All 13 VL patients, T1aN0M0, 5 of whom with LN near sub-mandibular glands, had thyroglobulin undetectable or <2.5 ng/ml. Globally, SPECT/CT obtained an incremental value than WBS in 45.5 % of patients, a more correct patient classification changing therapeutic approach in 30.3 % of cases and identified WBS false-positive findings in 8% of cases.
Conclusions: ¹³¹I-SPECT/CT proved to correctly detect and characterize neck LN metastases in DTC patients in long-term follow-up, improving WBS performance. SPECT/CT routine use is suggested; its role is particularly significant in patients with WBS inconclusive, VL, T1aN0M0 and with undetectable or very low thyroglobulin levels.
Keywords: Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), Neck lymph node metastases, Long-term follow-up, 131I-Whole body scan (WBS), 131I-SPECT/CT
Optimization of parasite DNA enrichment approaches to generate whole genome sequencing data for Plasmodium falciparum from low-parasitemia samples
Authors: Shah Zalak , Adams Matthew , Moser Kara A , Shrestha Biraj , Stucke Emily M , Laufer Miriam K , Serre David , Silva Joana C , Takala-Harrison Shannon 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Owing to the large amount of host DNA in clinical samples, generation of high-quality Plasmodium falciparum whole genome sequencing (WGS) data requires enrichment for parasite DNA. Enrichment is often achieved by leukocyte depletion of infected blood prior to storage. However, leukocyte depletion is difficult in low-resource settings and limits analysis to prospectively-collected samples. As a result, approaches such as selective whole genome amplification (sWGA) are being used to enrich for parasite DNA. However, sWGA has had limited success in generating reliable sequencing data from low parasitemia samples. In this study, we evaluated whether enzymatic digestion with MspJI prior to sWGA improved genome coverage compared to sWGA alone. We also examined the potential of sWGA to cause amplification bias in polyclonal infections.

Methods: DNA extracted from lab-created dried blood spots was treated with a modification-dependent restriction endonuclease, MspJI, and filtered via vacuum filtration. Samples were then selectively amplified using a previously reported sWGA protocol and subjected to WGS. Genome coverage statistics were compared between the optimized sWGA approach and the previously reported sWGA approach performed in parallel. Differential amplification by sWGA was assessed by comparing WGS data generated from lab-created mixtures of parasite isolates, from the same geographical region, generated with or without sWGA.

Results: MspJI digestion did not enrich for parasite DNA. Samples that underwent vacuum filtration (without MspJI digestion) prior to sWGA had the highest parasite DNA concentration and displayed greater genome coverage compared to MspJI+sWGA and sWGA alone, particularly for low parasitemia samples. The optimized sWGA (filtration + sWGA) approach was successfully used to generate WGS data from 218 non-leukocyte depleted field samples from Malawi. Sequences from lab-created mixtures of parasites did not show evidence of differential amplification of parasite strains compared to directly sequenced samples.

Conclusion: This optimized sWGA approach is a reliable method to obtain WGS data from non-leukocyte depleted, low parasitemia samples. The absence of amplification bias in data generated from mixtures of isolates from the same geographic region suggests that this approach can be appropriately used for molecular epidemiological studies.
Transcriptomic analysis of flower induction for long-day pitaya by supplementary lighting in short-day winter season
Authors: Xiong Rui , Liu Chengli , Xu Min , Wei Shuang-Shuang , Huang Jia-quan , Tang Hua 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Pitayas are currently attracting considerable interest as a tropical fruit with numerous health benefits. However, as a long-day plant, pitaya plants cannot flower in the winter season from November to April in Hainan, China. To harvest pitayas with high economic value in the winter season, it is necessary to provide supplementary lighting at night to induce flowering. To further explore the molecular regulating mechanisms of flower induction in pitaya plants exposed to supplementary lighting, we used de novo RNA sequencing-based transcriptomic analysis for four stages of pitaya plants subjected to light induction.
Results: We assembled 68113 unigenes in total, comprising 29782 unigenes with functional annotations in the NR database, 20716 annotations in SwissProt, 18088 annotations in KOG, and 11059 annotations in KEGG. Comparisons between different samples revealed different numbers of significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A number of DEGs involved in energy metabolism-related processes and plant hormone signaling were detected. Moreover, we identified many CONSTANS-LIKE , FLOWERING LOCUS T , and other DEGs involved in the direct regulation of flowering including CDF and TCP , which function as typical transcription factor genes in the flowering process. At the transcriptomic level, we verified 13 DEGs with different functions in the time-course response to light-induced flowering by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analysis.
Conclusions: The identified DEGs may include some key genes controlling the pitaya floral-induction network, the flower induction and development is very complicated, and it involves photoperiod perception and different phytohormone signaling. These findings will increase our understanding to the molecular mechanism of floral regulation of long-day pitaya plants in short-day winter season induced by supplementary lighting.
Evaluation of a Rapid Immunochromatographic test kit to the Gold Standard Fluorescent Antibody Test for Diagnosis of Rabies in Animals in Bhutan
Authors: Tenzin Tenzin , Lhamo Kelzang , Rai Purna B , Tshering Dawa , Gyamtsho Pema , Namgyal Jamyang , Wangdi Thrinang , Letho Sangay , Rai Tuku , Jamtsho Sonam , Dorji Chendu , Rinchen Sangay , Lungten Lungten , Wangmo Karma , Lungten Lungten , Wangchuk Pema , Gempo Tshewang , Jigme Kezang , Phuntshok Karma , Tenzinla Tenzinla , Gurung Ratna B , Dukpa Kinzang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Rabies kills approximately 59,000 people in the world each year worldwide. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of rabies is important for instituting rapid containment measures and for advising the exposed people for postexposure treatment. The application of a rapid diagnostic tests in the field can greatly enhance disease surveillance and diagnostic activities, especially in resource poor settings. A total of 179 brain tissue samples collected from different rabies suspect animal species (113 dogs, 50 cattle, 10 cats, 3 goats, 2 horses, and 1 bear) were selected and tested using both rapid immunochromatographic kit and the reference standard fluorescent antibody test (FAT). We evaluated the test sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of a rapid antigen detection test kit produced by BioNote, Inc. (Hwaseong-si, Korea) to a FAT for its fit-for-purpose for confirmation of clinical cases of rabies for early response, prevalence of infection (rabies surveillance), freedom for infection and eradication of rabies. ResultsAmong 179 samples examined in this study, there was a concordance in results by the rapid test and FAT in 115 positive samples and 54 negative samples. Test results were discordant in 10 samples which were positive by FAT, but negative (false negative) by rapid kit. The rapid test kit showed a sensitivity of 92% (95% CI: 85.9 – 95.6) and specificity of 100% (95% CI: 93.4 – 100) using FAT as the reference standard. The positive and negative predictive values were found to be 100% (95% CI:96.7 – 100) and 84.4% (95% CI: 73.6 – 91.3), respectively. Overall there was 94.4% (95% CI: 90 – 96.9) test agreement between rapid test and FAT (Kappa value = 0.874) with a positive percent agreement and negative percent agreement of 92 and 100%, respectively.Conclusions Our finding demonstrated that the rapid test kit (BioNote) can be used for confirming clinical case of rabies in animals for making rapid decisions including early medical intervention in human exposure and controlling rabies outbreaks in resource poor settings. Keywords: rabies virus; diagnostic test; fluorescent antibody test; rapid anigen test; rapid immunochromatographic test; Bhutan
Sexual And Reproductive Health Needs Of Street-Involved Young People: Findings From A Baseline Survey In Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Olaleye Atinuke O , Obiyan Mary O. , Folayan Morenike O. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background To achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3, street-involved young people (SIYP) require consideration in the strategies for ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. This study aims to determine the age- and sex-specific sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of SIYP in Nigeria. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that recruited 1,505 SIYP aged 10-24 years using respondent-driven and time-location sampling. Data were collected on socioeconomic characteristics, access to SRH information, contraceptive knowledge and use, sexual behavior and sexual practice using interviewer-administered questionnaires. The outcome variables were inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners and transactional sex. Binomial regression analysis models were developed to determine risk indicators for outcome variables. Results Though 968 (64.3%) participants were sexually active and 1,089 (72.4%) knew about modern contraception, only 300 (31.0%) sexually active respondents use modern contraceptives. Knowledge of modern contraception (AOR: 0.11; 95% C.I: 0.01-0.82, p=0.03) and being employed (AOR: 0.38; 95% C.I: 0.15-0.95, p=0.04) reduced the odds for inconsistent condom use among male SIYPs. For the female SIYPs, knowledge of modern contraception reduced the odds for inconsistent condom use (AOR: 0.26; 95% C.I: 0.08-0.90, p=0.03), while having access to SRH information significantly increased the odds for inconsistent condom use (AOR: 5.06; 95% C.I: 1.67-15.37, p=0.004). Conclusion There are age- and sex- related differences in the factors associated with risky sexual behaviors among SIYP. Addressing these differences in the delivery of targeted interventions to reduce sexual health risk of SIYP may be required.
Talking to teenagers regarding sexual and reproductive health: Exploration of parents/guardians’ views in Limpopo province, South Africa
Authors: Dilebo Matete E. , Lebese Rachel T. , Ramathuba Dorah U. , MAKHADO LUFUNO 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Sexual and reproductive health are sensitive topics that may not be easily discussed among different age groups in most cultures. Most parents are uncomfortable to communicate with their children about sexual and reproductive health. The rate of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections continues to rise as parents shift the responsibility of discussing sexual health to other members of the family or teachers. Many sexual and reproductive ill-health exists among teenagers as a result of poor communication with parents or elders. The aim of the study was to explore the views of parents/guardians regarding t the discussion of sexual and reproductive health issues with teenagers. Methods The study was conducted in Capricorn and Mopani Districts of Limpopo Province where teenage pregnancy rates were reported to be very high. A qualitative explanatory approach was used. The population comprised of parents/guardians to teenagers who were pregnant or having children. Data were collected through individual face to face interview guided by one central question. Data were analysed using Tesch's method. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical issues were ensured. Results Two themes emerged from the study: Views regarding discussing sexual and reproductive-related topics between parents and teenagers and Relationship of parents/guardians and their teenagers as an influence of discussions about SRH matters. Conclusion Parents/guardians still view discussing sexual and reproductive health issues with teenagers as taboo and difficult. However, discussing sexual and reproductive health issues with teenagers is seen as a beneficial practise as it might influence them positively and may decrease unwanted sexual risks such as teenage pregnancies and HIV infections.