bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interim PET/CT Result Is The Sole Prognostic Factor Of Survival In Patients With Advanced-Stage Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma：A Prospective Trial
Authors: Jin Jia , Liu Yizhen , Zhang Qunling , Xue Kai , Xia Zuguang , Cao Junning , Hong Xiaonan , Guo Ye , Lv Fang-Fang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: We assessed whether interim positron emission tomography (iPET) had a prognostic value for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and whether PET-driven intensiﬁed therapy was needed. Methods: A prospective analysis of newly diagnosed stage III-IV DLBCL patients treated was conducted. The iPET scan was performed after 4 cycles of RCHOP (rituximab 375 mg/m2 d1; cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 d2; doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 d2; vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 [maximum 2 mg] d2; prednisone 100 mg orally daily d2-6) in all cases. Patients received 2 additional cycles when they achieved complete response. If they achieved partial response (PR), they received 4 additional cycles, and a final PET scan (fPET) was performed. If they had stable disease or progressive disease (PD), they were excluded from the study. The primary endpoint was 3-year progression-free survival (PFS), and secondary endpoints included 3-year overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR). The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT 01804127. Results: From 2013 to 2015, a total of 55 patients were enrolled and 53 with both baseline and iPET scans were analyzed for prognostic value. Thirty-nine patients had iPET-negative (iPET-) and 14 patients had iPET-positive (iPET+) scans (11 had PR and 3 had PD). The ORR was 94.3%. With a median follow-up time of 36.4 months, 3-year PFS was 65.7% and 3-year OS was 79.9% for the entire cohort (n=53), and the median PFS and OS were not yet reached. iPET- patients had a higher 3-year PFS rate (78.1%) than iPET+ patients (34.3%) with a P value lower than 0.01. A trend for improved OS was also observed, with 3-year OS of 87.1% versus 62.3% (P=0.03). All 11 patients who had iPET PR received another 4 cycles of RCHOP, and 10 underwent fPET. Six patients had fPET-negative (fPET-) and 4 had fPET-positive (fPET+) scans. The 3-year PFS did not differ significantly between the iPET- and fPET- patients. In the univariate analysis, iPET- was the sole independent prognostic factor for PFS. Conclusions: PET/CT has a good prognostic value in patients with advanced-stage DLBCL. There was little significant benefit to intensifying chemotherapy if the iPET scan was positive.
Time to Treatment Initiation and Clinical Outcomes in High-Grade Glioma Patients Admitted to Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Warren Kwanza , Liu Linxi , Liu Yang , Strawderman Myla S , Hussain Ali H , Ma Heather M , Milano Michael T , Mohile Nimish A , Walter Kevin A 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have demonstrated the functional benefit of rehabilitation in patients with high-grade gliomas (HGGs). However, patients who go to inpatient rehabilitation following surgery are vulnerable to treatment delays. The purpose of this study is to investigate the wait time (WT) between surgery and initiation of chemoradiation and overall survival (OS) in HGG patients who are admitted to inpatient rehabilitation compared to patients who are discharged home after surgery. Methods: 291 HGG patients treated from 2011-2017 were included. Patients were grouped by disposition following the hospital stay during which they had their initial surgical procedure. Results: 38 patients were admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation facilities (AIRFs), 20 patients were admitted to skilled nursing or long-term care facilities, 62 patients were discharged home with additional rehabilitation, and 171 patients were discharged home without services. Median length of hospital stay (LOS) was longer in AIRF patients (10 days) compared to patients discharged home without services (3 days) (p < 0.0001). AIRF admission was associated with higher odds of excessive treatment delay, defined as WT > 35 days (OR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.38 – 7.08). Median OS for AIRF patients was 42.9 weeks and 72.71 weeks for patients discharged home without services (p = 0.003). WT was not associated with OS even after adjusting for other prognostic factors (HR: 0.996, p = 0.6206). Conclusions: HGG patients who are discharged to rehabilitation facilities following initial surgery have longer LOS, longer WT, and shorter OS compared to patients who are discharged home.
Stakeholder perspectives of widening access initiatives to medical school in the UK: A scoping review
Authors: Wong Ernest , Glen John , Williams Sion 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Widening access initiatives to medical school (WAMS) have had mixed success. One reason may be the competing interests of different stakeholder groups involved. The aim of this scoping review was to explore stakeholder perspectives of widening access initiatives to medical school in the UK. Methods: Scoping review, including the use of data sources from published literature from 1998 to 2018, CINAHL, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, ProQuest Education Collection, PsychINFO, PubMed, key journals and citation tracking. Results: The review focused on the 12 papers which comprise 11 studies and can be categorised into: 8 studies on Widening Access initiatives done in the UK, 2 studies on stakeholder perspectives only and 1 generic review on “best practices” in WAMS. The 4 main areas targeted by the WAMS initiatives in this review include: outreach, selection, transition, retention and completion. They also display several key features which could have contributed to their success and sustainability, namely: committed personnel and resources, selection of suitable WAMS applicants, focused sessions based on needs of students, led and delivered by a combination of staff and medical students, utilisation of technology and social media and data collection and feedback. The stakeholders identified are as follows: students, parents, school teachers, medical schools’ admissions deans, WAMS facilitators, policy makers, hospital management and the public. Their interests and perspectives have been tabulated. Conclusions: WAMS in the UK have come a long way since their inception, but much remains to be done in achieving their desired results more broadly. As more resources are being allocated to WAMS around the country, a more thorough exploration of stakeholder perspectives and interests may be helpful in understanding how these programmes work.
Genetic dissection of photosynthetic performances in maize under drought-stressed and well-watered environments
Authors: Zhao Xiaoqiang , Lu Yantian , Bai Mingxing , Li Wenli , Zhang Dan , Li Guichen , Zhong Yuan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Maintaining photosynthetic capacities is a critical function that allows maize ( Zea mays L.) to adapt to drought stress. The elucidation of genetic controls of photosynthetic performances, and tightly linked molecular markers under water stress are thus of great importance in marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding. Meanwhile, little is known regarding their genetic controls under drought stress. Two F 4 populations were developed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and dissect the genetic variation underlying six photosynthetic-related traits, namely, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO 2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr), ribulose 1,5-biphosphate carboxylase activity (RuBP), and water use efficiency (WUE) under drought-stressed and well-watered environments. Results: For two populations, we detected 54 QTLs under drought-stressed and well-watered environments by single-environment mapping with composite interval mapping (CIM), approximately 81.8~100 % QTLs displayed non-additive effects, and 43 of the 54 QTLs were identified under drought-stressed environment. We also dissected 54 QTLs via joint analysis of all environments with mixed-linear-model-based composite interval mapping (MCIM), 24 QTLs involved in QTL × environment interactions (QEIs), approximately 87.5 % QEIs were identified under drought-stressed environments, as well as 14 pair epistasis exhibited dominance-by-additive/dominance (DA/DD) effects under constracting environments. We further identified 8 constitutive QTLs (cQTLs) across two populations by CIM/MCIM under multiple environments. Remarkably, bin 1.07_1.10 (cQTL2), bin 6.05 (cQTL5), bin 7.02_7.04 (cQTL6), bin 8.03 (cQTL7), and bin 10.03 (cQTL8) exhibited 5 pleiotropic cQTLs that were consistent with phenotypic correlations among all photosynthetic-related traits. Additionally, 17 candidate genes were validated in above cQTLs. Conclusions: Photosynthetic performances in maize were predominantly controlled by non-additive and QEIs effects, where more QEIs effects occurred in drought stress. 8 cQTLs affecting six photosynthetic-related traits could be useful for genetic improvement of these traits via QTL pyramiding, corresponding 5 QTLs clusters indicated tight linkage or pleiotropy in the inheritance of these traits, and 17 candidate genes involved in leaf morphology and development, photosynthesis, and stress reponse coincided with above corresponding cQTLs.
Evidence of pathogenic zoonotic tick-borne Rickettsia and Borrelia spp. &nbsp;in some communal farms in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Adelabu Olusesan Adeyemi , Iweriebor Benson Chuks , Okoh Anthony Ifeanyi , Obi Larry Chikwelu 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundThe abundance of tick populations in South Africa represents a probable risk for both animal and human health. Rickettsia and Borrelia are well-known significant agents of emerging human tick-borne infectious diseases throughout the world. Nevertheless, the epidemiology of their infections has been underreported in South Africa, Therefore, the aim of this study was to profile for zoonotic Rickettsia and Borrelia species from ticks infesting domesticated animals in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Morphological and molecular identification techniques were conducted on 1,200 tick samples collected from domestic animals before screening for the target bacterial pathogens. ResultsThe molecular identification of the tick samples was based on the amplification of the 12S rRNA mitochondrial DNA while detection of Rickettsia and Borrelia species were carried out by amplifying fragments of gltA, ompA and ompB genes for Rickettsia and flaB gene for Borrelia spp. Thereafter, the positive ticks, Borrelia and Rickettsia ompB amplicons were sequenced and further analysed. Eight species of ticks belonging to three genera; Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, and Haemaphysalis were identified. A total of 320 (27%) samples were confirmed positive for Rickettsia out of which 74 (23%) were positive for both ompA and ompB genes. Phylogenetic analysis of ompB revealed a high homology to rickettsial reference strains from GenBank, while there was no positive result for Borrelia. The generated sequences showed 99.1 to 100% homology with R. africae-KX227790 (100 %), R. parkeri - KY113111 (99.8 %), R .peacock (99.3 %) and R. slovaca - KJ675445, JX683122 (99.1 %) representative sequences in GenBank. ConclusionThe findings from this study revealed that ticks collected from domesticated animals were parasitized by Rickettsia species with possible zoonotic potential, which is detrimental to human health if bitten by infected ticks.
Screening and Identification of Key Genes for the Survival and Multiplication of Salmonella typhimurium in the Host
Authors: Sun Na , Song Yanying , Liu Cong , Dai Yu , Wang Peng , Liu Mengda , Yu Lanping , Feng Chenglian , Sun Shuhong , Shang Yingli , Wang Fangkun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundSalmonella typhimurium is an important intracellular pathogen that poses a health threat to humans. The key to studying the pathogenesis of Salmonella is to clarify the mechanisms responsible for its survival and reproduction in macrophages. In this study, RNA was extracted from S. typhimurium reference strain (ATCC 14028) and S. typhimurium isolated from the spleen of infected mice for RNA high-throughput sequencing analysis, based on the BGISEQ-500 platform.ResultsA total of 1,340 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened through quantitative gene analysis and various analyses based on gene expression. Of these, 16 genes were randomly selected for fluorescence quantitative PCR verification. Two pairs of primers, 16S and pyridoxol 5ʹ-phosphate synthase (pdxJ), were used as internal references. The coincidence rate was determined to be 93.75%, which was consistent with the RNA-seq data, proving the reliability of the RNA-seq data. Functional annotation revealed DEGs associated with regulation, metabolism, transport and binding, pathogenesis, and motility. Through data mining and literature retrieval, 26 of the 58 upregulated DEGs (FPKM >10) were not reported to be related to the adaptation to intracellular survival, and were classified as candidate key genes (CKGs) for survival and proliferation in vivo. Among the CKGs, five were biotin synthetic bio family proteins. BioF is one of the first enzymes in the protein synthesis pathway. To evaluate the potential role of bioF in survival and proliferation, bioF mutants of Salmonella were constructed, and the virulence/attenuation was evaluated in vivo. Through the infection of BALB/c mice, bioF deficiency was found to significantly reduce the bacterial load and the fatality rate of mice. ConclusionsOur results indicated that the bioF gene plays an important role in the survival and proliferation of S. typhimurium in vivo. These data contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms used by Salmonella to regulate virulence gene expression whilst replicating inside mammalian cells.
Construction of a high-density genetic map and identification of quantitative trait loci for nitrite tolerance in the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Zeng Digang , Chen Xiuli , Zhu Weilin , Peng Min , Yang Chunling , Liu Qingyun , Li Qiangyong , Wang Huanling , Liu Hong , Liang Jingzhen , Lin Yong , Chen Xiaohan , Zhao Yongzhen 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundNitrite is a major environmental toxin in aquaculture systems disrupting multiple physiological functions in aquatic animals. Although nitrite tolerance in shrimp is closely related to successful industrial production, few genetic studies of this trait are available. ResultsIn this study, we constructed a high-density genetic map of L. vannamei with 17,242 single nucleotide polymorphism markers spanning 6,828.06 centimorgans (cM) and an average distance of 0.4 cM between adjacent markers on 44 linkage groups (LGs). Using this genetic map, we identified 2 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in nitrite tolerance on two LGs explaining 8.42–10.31% of the phenotypic variance. We then sequenced the transcriptomes of the most nitrite-tolerant and the most nitrite-sensitive individuals from each of four genetically distinct L. vannamei families and found 2,002, 1,983, 1,954, and 1,867 differentially expressed genes in the four families, respectively. By integrating QTL and transcriptomics analyses, we identified a candidate gene associated with nitrite tolerance. This gene was annotated as solute carrier family 26 member 6 (SLC26A6). RNA interference (RNAi) analysis demonstrated that SLC26A6 was critical for nitrite tolerance in L. vannamei. ConclusionsThe present study increases our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying nitrite tolerance in shrimp, and provides a basis for molecular-marker-assisted shrimp breeding.
Community Acquired Multi-drug Resistant Clinical Strains from Tracheal Aspirates of Patients in Hospital Settings in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Sarkar Md Murshed Hasan , Afroz Jinia , Jubyda Fatema Tuz , Sharmin Sanzida , Faruq Md. Jobaid , Dey Amit Kumar , Ahmed Sabbir , Rahman Md Zamilur , Chowdhury Arfatun Nahar , Ibrahim Md. , Moniruzzaman Md , Farzana Tasmia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a multi-sectoral problem which poses a major threat in the treatment of infectious diseases especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria along with extremely drug resistant (XDR) bacteria have emerged as major clinical and therapeutic dilemma in the treatment of tracheal infections in hospitals here. Thus the aim of this study was to document the incidence of MDR and XDR producing β-lactamases in clinical isolates from tracheal aspirates of patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: Two hundred clinical isolates from tracheal aspirates were identified and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles were evaluated by using the VITEK 2 system following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Patient information on diagnosis, sex, age was obtained from hospital data. Results: Of 200 clinical, non-duplicate bacterial isolates obtained, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent pathogens (N=61/200, 30.5%) followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (N=58/200, 29%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (N=45/200, 22.5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (N = 15/200, 7.5%), Escherichia coli (N=10/200, 5%), Staphylococcus aureus (N=4/200, 2%), Proteus spp (N=3/200, 1.5%), Enterobacter spp (N=2/100, 1%), Citrobacter spp (1/200, 0.5%), Providencia spp (N=1/200, 0.5%). Of 20 different antibiotics tested, highest number of isolates (N=172/200, 86%) showed resistance to third generation cephalosporin cefixime, however least number of isolates showed resistance to polymixin antibiotics- colistin (N=25/200, 12.5%) and polymixinB (N=12/200, 6%) . The patients’ ages ranged between 1 month to 95 years with the gender distribution of 133 (66.5%) males and 67 (33.5%) females. The prevalence of infections was highest among the patients of age-group (old adults) ≥60 years (N=123/200, 61.5%). Of 200 clinical isolates, 43 (21.5%) were XDR and 125 (62.5%) were MDR bacteria. Of 200 clinical isolates, the synthesis of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and carbepenemase were detected in 59 (29.5%) and 98 (49%) strains respectively. Conclusion: Tracheal infections caused by MDR and XDR pathogens among patients are high at hospital settings in Bangladesh. Therefore, there is an urgent need for constant surveillance and interventions in Bangladesh in order to prevent further spreading of those resistant organisms.
A Novel FAND Nomogram to Predict the Risk of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia after Acute Ischemic Stroke with Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Ochete Belynda Owoya , Nyame Linda , Li Xiang , Zou Yang , Li XueMei , Huang Chaoping , Shan Yajie , Li Ming , Ibrahim Mako , Jie Qiong , Liu Yunxin , Ge Chun , Hu Jue , Zhao ZhiHong , Zou Jianjun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The timely prediction in the risk of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia（HAP）in Acute Ischemic stroke (AIS) patients after Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) treatment is of high priority, given the rise in AIS mortality as a result. Although prior extensive research has been conducted in HAP preventive management and therapeutics, ischemic stroke patients are still at serious risk of contracting In-hospital pneumonia infections following certain medical procedures like Mechanical thrombectomy, a care standard for AIS patients. The predictive accuracy of patients with higher infection risk and adjusting therapeutic strategies accordingly will not only provide an enhanced preventive measure perspective but also significantly improve patient outcomes. Hence, our study was aimed at the validation and development of a novel predictive tool for risk stratification and individualized predictions of HAP occurrence in AIS patients after MT therapy. Method: A multicenter retrospective study was executed with 405 AIS patients after undergoing MT treatment and admitted to the three Chinese stroke units. The major measure of outcome was to estimate the risk of HAP after MT through the integration of the following four predictors FBG, Age, NHISS, and Diastolic blood pressure (FAND) into a nomogram. Assessed on the multivariate logistic model, a nomogram was constructed, using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve to evaluate the discriminative performance and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test for risk prediction model calibration. Results: Age(OR:1039; 95%Cl 1.017-1.062; p=0.001), NIHSS(National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score on admission(OR:1.066; 95%Cl: 1.030-1.103); p< 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure(OR 1.023; 95% Cl 1.006-1.040: p=0.008), Fasting blood glucose(OR 1.1444; 95% Cl 1.029-1.271; p=0.013) remained independent predictors of HAP integrated into the FAND nomogram after AIS Chinese patients received MT treatment. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of fit-test expressed good calibration(p-value: 0.496) and Area under the curve of 0.737 was exhibited for functional impairment prediction. Conclusion: The FAND nomogram is a novel prognostic model developed and validated in Chinese AIS patients after MT treatment may aid in preventive measure strategies and predict poor patient outcomes.
Why Residents of South China live longer than those of North China?
Authors: huang yi , Wang Mengqi , Song Yanxin , Zhang Shuangping 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Since 1990, life expectancy and nonagenarian ratio in South China have been higher than those in North China.Methods: To determine the reason residents of South China live longer, we calculated age-specific mortality rates (per 100,000 people) in North and South China. We examined the associations between the provincial mortality rates due to major fatal diseases and life span indicator.Results: CVD is the leading cause of death in China. The proportion of CVD in all-cause mortality increases with age, and its mortality rate accounts for over 50% of all-cause mortalities in people aged over 80 years. Moreover, the mortality rate of CVD gradually decreases from north to south, indicating the main reason of difference in longevity between North and South China. This difference can be attributed to variations in temperature, salt consumption, selenium intake, air pollution, overweight and obesity between the two regions. Lower mortality rates of individuals aged 55–89 years in South China lead to higher longevity level. Provincial gravity centers of the proportion of longevity population move southward, and this shift is accelerated with increasing age.Conclusions: the mortality rate of CVD gradually decreases from north to south is the reason residents of South China live longer, and risk factors of CVD gradually decreases from north to south.