bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal change in arterial stiffness after delivery in women with preeclampsia and normotension: a prospective cohort study
Authors: KIM Sehun , LIM Hyun Ja , KIM Jeung-Ran , OH Kyung Joon , HONG Joon-Seok , Suh Jung-Won 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is associated with increased arterial stiffness during pregnancy. However, data on the longitudinal change in arterial stiffness after delivery in women with preeclampsia are lacking. In this pilot study, we aimed to examine the longitudinal change in arterial stiffness using the cardio-ankle vascular index after delivery in women with preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies. Methods: We enrolled pregnant women with preeclampsia (n=37) and normotension (n=36) who gave birth at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between March 2013 and May 2016, and followed-up at day 1, 6 months, and 12 months after delivery. The longitudinal change in the cardio-ankle vascular index and other variables (blood pressure, lipid profiles, serum creatinine, and liver enzymes) were compared between the two groups using the mixed-effects model, and interactions among the main predictors were examined. Results: The longitudinal change in the cardio-ankle vascular index did not significantly differ between the two groups (β=0.11, 95% CI: -0.31–0.54, p=0.60). Predictors of the longitudinal change in the cardio-ankle vascular index includedage, time since delivery, body mass index, and diabetes mellitus. Women with preeclampsia showed significantly elevated blood pressure, lipid profiles, serum creatinine, and liver enzymes compared to women with normotension over the course of one year of follow-up. Conclusions: Preeclampsia is associated with unfavorable blood pressure and metabolic indices after delivery. However, we found no difference in the longitudinal change in arterial stiffness between women with preeclampsia and normotension over the course of one year after delivery. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on October 29, 2019 (NCT04142268).
A systematic review assessing the under-representation of elderly adults in COVID-19 trials
Authors: Prendki Virginie , Tau Noam , Avni Tomer , Falcone Marco , Huttner Angela , Kaiser Laurent , Paul Mical , Leibovici-Weissmann Yaara , Yahav Dafna 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic threatening millions of people worldwide. Yet studies specifically assessing the geriatric population are scarce. We aimed to examine the participation of elderly patients in therapeutic or prophylactic trials on COVID-19.Methods In this review, randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n=12) comparing therapeutic or prophylactic interventions registered on preprint repositories and/or published since December 2019 were analyzed. We searched in PubMed, leading journals websites, and preprint repositories for RCTs and large observational studies. We aimed to describe the age of included patients, the presence of an upper age limit and of adjusted analyses on age, any exclusion criteria that could limit participation of elderly adults such as comorbidities, cognitive impairment, limitation of life expectancy; and the assessment of long-term outcomes such as the need of rehabilitation or institutionalization. Mean participant ages were reported and compared with observational studies. Results Twelve RCTs assessing drug therapy for COVID-19 were included. Mean age of patients included in RCTs was 56.3 years. An upper age limit was applied in three published trials (25%) and in 200/650 (31%) trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov. One trial reported a subgroup analysis in patients ≥65. Patients were excluded for liver-function abnormalities in eight trials, renal disease in six, cardiac disease or risk of torsade de pointes in five, and four for cognitive or mental criteria, which are frequent comorbidities in the oldest patients. Only three trials allowed a family member to provide consent. Patients enrolled in RCTs were on average 20 years younger than those included in large (n≥1000) observational studies. Seven studies had as their primary outcome a clinical endpoint, but none reported cognitive, functional or quality of life outcomes or need for rehabilitation or long-term care facility placement.Conclusions Elderly patients are clearly underrepresented in RCTs, although they comprise the population hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-term outcomes such as the need of rehabilitation or institutionalization were not reported. Future investigations should target specifically this vulnerable population.
Mutational profiles of marker genes of cervical carcinoma in Bangladeshi patients
Authors: Sharmin Shahana , Zohura Fatima Tuj , Islam Md. Sajedul , Shimonty Anika , Khan Md. Abdullah-Al-Kamran , Perveen Rehana , Sharmin Foujia , Ahsan Chowdhury Rafiqul , Islam Abul BMMK , Yasmin Mahmuda 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is a gynecologic cancer type that develops in the cervix, accounting for 8% mortality of all female cancer patients. Infection with specific human papillomavirus (HPV) types is considered the most severe risk factor for cervical cancer. In the context of our socioeconomic conditions, an increasing burden of this disease and high mortality rate prevail in Bangladesh. Although several researches related to the epidemiology, HPV vaccination, and treatment modalities were conducted, researches on the mutation profiles of marker genes in cervical cancer in Bangladesh remain unexplored. Methods: In this study, five different genomic regions within the top three most frequently mutated genes (EGFR, KRAS and PIK3CA) in COSMIC database with a key role in the development of cervical cancers were selected to study the mutation frequency in Bangladeshi patients. In silico analysis was done in two steps: nucleotide sequence analysis and its corresponding amino acid analysis.Results: DNA from 46 cervical cancer tissue samples were extracted and amplified by PCR, using 1 set of primers designed for EGFR and 2 sets of primers designed for two different regions of both PIK3CA and KRAS gene. In total, 39 mutations were found in 26 patient samples. Eleven different mutations (23.91%), twenty-four different mutations (52.17%) and four mutations (8.7%) were found in amplified EGFR, PIK3CA and KRAS gene fragments, among which 1 (EGFR) was common in seven patient samples and 2 (PIKCA) were found in more than 1 patient. Our study shows that except for KRAS, the frequency of observed mutations in our patients is higher than those reported earlier in other parts of the world. Most of the exonic mutations were found only in the PIK3CA and EGFR genes.Conclusions: The study can be used as a basis to build a mutation database for cervical cancer in Bangladesh with the possibility of targetable oncogenic mutations. Further exploration needs to establish future diagnostics, personalized medicine decisions, and other pharmaceutical applications for specific cancer subtypes.
Correlating genomic copy number alterations with clinicopathologic findings in a case series of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Peng Gang , Chai Hongyan , Ji Weizhen , Lu Yufei , Wu Shengming , Zhao Hongyu , Li Peining , Hu Qiping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis has been used for detecting somatic copy number alterations (CNAs) in various types of tumors. This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of aCGH for a case series of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to evaluate the correlation between CNAs and clinicopathologic findings.Methods: Survival outcomes from this case series were analyzed based on Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer Stage (BCLC), Edmondson-Steiner grade (E-S), and recurrence status. aCGH was performed on 75 HCC cases with paired DNA samples from tumor and adjacent nontumor tissues. Correlation of CNAs with clinicopathologic findings was analyzed by Wilcoxon rank test and clustering vs. K means.Results: The survival outcomes indicated that BCLC stages and recurrence status could be predictors and E-S grades could be a modifier for HCC. The most common CNAs involved gains of 1q and 8q and a loss of 16q (50%), losses of 4q and 17p and a gain of 5p (40%), and losses of 8p and 13q (30%). Analyses of genomic profiles and clusters identified that losses of 4q13.2q35.2 and 10q22.3q26.13 seen in cases of stage A, grade III and nonrecurrence were likely correlated with good survival, while loss of 1p36.31p22.1 and gains of 2q11.2q21.2 and 20p13p11.1 seen in cases of stage C, grade III and recurrence were possibly correlated with worst prognosis. Conclusions: These results indicated that aCGH analysis could be used to detect recurrent CNAs and involved key genes and pathways in patients with HCC. Further analysis on a large case series to validate the correlation of CNAs with clinicopathologic findings of HCC could provide information to interpret CNAs and predict prognosis.
Perception and belief in oral health among Karen ethnic group living along Thai-Myanmar border, Thailand
Authors: Thu Sai Wai Yan Myint , Ngeonwiwatkul Yaowaluk , Maneekan Pannamas , Phuanukoonnon Suparat 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Utilization of oral health services has been low among rural populations in Thailand, especially for minority ethnicity populations living along the borders. The aim of this study was to increase understanding of the determinants of the underutilization of oral health services among these populations.Methods: A qualitative study using in-depth interview and semi-structured interview was conducted among participants of Karen ethnicity living in Mae Tan Sub-district, Thasongyang District, Tak Province, Thailand. The interviews focused on exploring the participants’ perceptions of oral health problems, oral health and hygiene, and oral health-seeking behaviors. The verbatim-transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: A total of 101 participants (50 adults and 51 children) with a Karen ethnic background took part in the interviews. Most participants could not identify oral health problems and did not perceive dental disease as a problem unless there was severe pain that could not be relieved by painkillers. The Karen ethnic community worked as subsistence farmers, and their busy daily activities consisted of farming, going to the forest to hunt and gather, performing housework, and taking care of their children. Dental health was given a lower priority compared with general health. The perceived value of primary teeth was low, which was identified as an underlying factor resulting in delayed oral health care seeking among this population. The participants had relied on self-care throughout their lifetimes, using either traditional medicines or modern painkillers to relieve toothaches. Fear of dental procedures among children was also described as a barrier to seeking dental health care.Conclusions: This study found that the lifestyle and traditions of Karen people living in this area influence their oral health care and hygiene activities as well as their health-seeking behaviors. Further research should emphasize how to improve oral health promotion by providing necessary services and health education appropriately to Karen ethnic populations living along the Thai-Myanmar border.
Molar Incisor Hypomineralization, prevalence, pattern and distribution in Sudanese children
Authors: Abdalla Hanna Elhassan , Abuaffan Amal Hussein , Kemoli Arthur Musakulu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) has serious impact on oral health-related quality of life for a child, due to its effects on tooth structure, aesthetics and behavior of the child. The current study was designed to determine the prevalence, pattern and distribution of MIH in school children in Sudan.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 568 children, aged 8-11 years from schools in Khartoum State. Following collecting their socio-demographic data, the children were examined for hypomineralization on the 12 MIH indexed teeth, and assessed on the MIH pattern and distribution. The data collected were analyzed to obtain descriptive statistics, and the results related to the socio-demographic and other dental-related factors of the children using chi-square test and Spearman Rank Correlation, with the significant level set at P<0.05.Results: The prevalence of MIH in the study population was 20.1%. The majority of cases had both permanent first molars (PFMs) and permanent incisors affected (12.5%). However, in 7.6% of the cases, only molars were affected. Even though more maxillary teeth were affected when compared to the mandibular teeth, there is no statistical significant difference between the occurrence of hypomineralization on mandibular and maxillary molars (P=0.22). Maxillary incisors were significantly more affected by MIH when related to the mandibular ones (P=0.00). Demarcated opacities were the commonest pattern of MIH defects (69.9%) in the experimental group.Conclusion: The prevalence of MIH in Sudanese children was 20.1%. In both dental arches, the permanent molars and incisors were frequently affected, with the demarcated opacity type of MIH being the most common form of defect. Further studies are recommended to better understand the possible etiologies of MIH in Sudanese children.
Trend and treatment outcomes of latent tuberculosis infection among migrant persons in Japan: retrospective analysis of Japan Tuberculosis Surveillance data
Authors: Kawatsu Lisa , Uchimura Kazuhiro , Ohkado Akihiro 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among migrant population has become a critical issue for many low tuberculosis (TB) burden countries. Evidence regarding effectiveness of LTBI programs are limited, however, partly because of paucity of national data on treatment outcomes for LTBI. In Japan, notification of LTBI is mandatory, and its treatment outcome is reported as part of Japan’s national TB surveillance system. We thus conducted a detailed analysis of LTBI among foreign-born persons, to update the epidemiological trend of newly notified LTBI between 2007 and 2018, and to examine the treatment regimen and outcome of those notified in 2016 and 2017, focusing specifically on the potential risk factors for lost to follow-up.Methods: We extracted and analyzed the data of newly notified LTBI patients from the Japan Tuberculosis Surveillance System to examine the overall trend of notification and by age groups and modes of detection between 2007 and 2018, and the cohort data for treatment regimen and outcomes of foreign-born persons notified with LTBI in 2016 and 2017. Trends and proportions were summarized descriptively, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify potential risk factors for lost to follow-up. Comparisons were made with the Japan-born patients where appropriate.Results: Both the number and proportion of LTBI among foreign-born persons have been constantly increasing, reaching 963 cases in 2018. Analysis of cohort data indicated that the proportion of those on shorter regimen was higher among the foreign- than Japan-born patients (5.5% vs. 1.8%, p<0.001). The proportion of those who have been lost to follow-up and transferred outside of Japan combined was higher among the foreign- than Japan-born patients (12.0% vs, 8.2%, p<0.001). Risk factors for lost to follow-up were being employed on a temporal basis, and job status unknown (adjusted odds ratios 3.11 and 4.09, 95% confidence intervals 1.34-7.26 and 1.60-10.48, respectively).Conclusions: Migrant population face greater risk of interrupting LTBI treatment, and interventions to improve adherence are a critical component of programmatic management of LTBI. Further studies are needed to explore the cultural and socioeconomic situation in which foreign-born persons undergo LTBI treatment in Japan.
Live birth rate and neonatal&nbsp;outcomes of&nbsp;different quantities and qualities of frozen transferred blastocyst in patients requiring whole embryo freezing stratified by age
Authors: Chen Shiping , Du Hongzi , Liu Jianqiao , Liu Haiying , Li Lei , He Yuxia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Multiple pregnancies are associated with significant complications and health risks for both mothers and infants. Single blastocyst transfer (SBT) is a logical and effective measure to reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Whether it is suitable for everyone undergoing SBT was inconclusive, in view of the consideration of embryo quality and patients’ age. Therefore, this study aimed to explore live birth rate (LBR) and neonatal outcomes of different quantities and qualities of blastocysts in patients stratified by age, using a cutoff of 35 years, who required whole embryo freezing and underwent a subsequent frozen thawed transfer (FET) cycle.Methods: A total of 3,362 patients were divided into five groups: group A (n=1569) received a single good-quality blastocyst, group B (n=1113) received two good-quality blastocysts, group C (n=313) received one good- and one average-quality blastocyst, group D (n=222) received two average-quality blastocysts, and group E (n=145) received one average-quality blastocyst.Results: For patients who received good-quality blastocysts, irrespective of age, the LBR of double blastocyst transfer (DBT) was about 50–65% and the multiple pregnancy rate (MPR) was 40–60%; however, the LBR of SBT was 40–55%, and the MPR was 3.5–6.3%. For patients who only had average-quality blastocysts, the MPR of double average-quality blastocyst transfer was as high as 30–50%. Moreover, about 70–90% of preterm births resulted from multiple pregnancies, and about 85–95% of low birth weight babies come from multiple pregnancies. The neonatal outcomes (gestational age, birth weight, and birth height) of DBT were significantly lower than those of SBT regardless of age, and this statistical difference disappeared if the patients were subgrouped by singleton or twin. There is no significant difference in neonatal outcomes between single good-quality blastocyst and single average-quality blastocyst transfer.Conclusions: SBT is a preferable option for patients regardless of age when good-quality blastocysts are available. For patients who only had average-quality blastocysts, they should be informed that DBT was associated with higher multiple pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes when compared with SBT regardless of age, suggesting that the practice of SBT is also feasible for these patients.
Identification of intestinal flora-related key genes and therapeutic drugs in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Jiayu , Zhang Huaiyu , Li Faping , Song Zheyu , Li Yezhou , Zhao Tiancheng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifactorial tumor and a leading cause of cancer-specific deaths worldwide. Recent research has shown that the alteration of intestinal flora contributes to the development of CRC. However, the molecular mechanism by which intestinal flora influences the pathogenesis of CRC remains unclear. This study aims to explore the key genes underlying the effect of intestinal flora on CRC and therapeutic drugs for CRC.Methods: Intestinal flora-related genes were determined using text mining. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CRC and normal samples were identified with the limma package of the R software. Then, the intersection of the two gene sets was selected for enrichment analyses using the tool Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. Protein interaction network analysis was performed for identifying the key genes using STRING and Cytoscape. The correlation of the key genes with overall survival of CRC patients was analyzed. Finally, the key genes were queried against the Drug-Gene Interaction database to find drug candidates for treating CRC.Results: 518 genes associated with intestinal flora were determined by text mining. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we identified 48 DEGs associated with intestinal flora, including 25 up-regulated and 23 down-regulated DEGs in CRC. The enrichment analyses indicated that the selected genes were mainly involved in cell-cell signaling, immune response, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed with 13 nodes and 35 edges. Moreover, 8 genes in the significant cluster were considered as the key genes and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8) correlated positively with the overall survival of CRC patients. Finally, a total of 24 drugs were predicted as possible drugs for CRC treatment using the Drug-Gene Interaction database.Conclusions: These findings of this study may provide new insights into CRC pathogenesis and treatments. The prediction of drug-gene interaction is of great practical significance for exploring new drugs or novel targets for existing drugs.
Metabolic Syndrome Components and Acute Pancreatitis: A Case-Control Study in China
Authors: Shen zhemin , Wang Xueqiao , Zhen Zili , Wang Yao , Sun Peilong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common inflammatory disorder of the pancreas. Recent evidence has shown that metabolic syndrome is positively correlated with the severity of AP. However, only a few studies have revealed the relationship between metabolic syndrome and the occurrence of AP. We therefore elucidated the association between the components of metabolic syndrome and the occurrence of AP. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted. A total of 705 patients admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to December 2018 were included in the study. Subjects were divided into case and control groups according to their diagnosis: (1) According to the revised Atlanta classification from 2012, patients diagnosed with AP were enrolled in the case group. (2) Patients without a history of AP or any disease related to metabolic syndrome were allocated into the control group. Controls were matched to cases individually by sex and age (control/case ratio=1). Results: The incidence rate of metabolic syndrome in AP patients was 30.9%, which was more frequent than that in controls (13.2%) (OR=2.837; 95% CI 1.873-4.298, p<0.001). In the multivariate regression analysis, a history of smoking or alcohol consumption and biliary stones were significantly associated with AP (OR=2.441; 95% CI 1.865-5.172, p<0.001; OR=1.777; 95% CI 1.060-2.977, p=0.029; OR=28.995; 95% CI 13.253-63.435, p<0.001). In addition, the occurrence of AP was significantly associated with total cholesterol (TC) (OR=1.992; 95% CI 1.246-3.183, p=0.004), triglyceride (TG) (OR=2.134; 95% CI 1.403-3.245, p<0.001), hyperglycaemia (OR=2.261; 95% CI 1.367-3.742, p=0.001), and low values of apolipoprotein A (Apo A) (OR=0.270; 95% CI 0.163-0.447, p<0.001). Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome and its components were associated with AP occurrence.