bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of IDO expression in solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Sen , Wu Jia , Shen Han , Wang Junjun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolism of tryptophan into kynurenine. It is considered to be an immunosuppressive molecule that plays an important role in the development of tumors. However, the association between IDO and solid tumor prognosis remains unclear. Herein, we retrieved relevant published literature and analyzed the association between IDO expression and prognosis in solid tumors. Methods: Studies related to IDO expression and tumor prognosis were retrieved using PMC, EMbase and web of science database. Overall survival (OS), time to tumor progression (TTP) and other data in each study were extracted. Hazard ratio (HR) was used for analysis and calculation, while heterogeneity and publication bias between studies were also analyzed. Results: A total of 31 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, high expression of IDO was significantly associated with poor OS (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.52–2.43, P <0.001) and TTP (HR 2.25 95% CI 1.58–3.22, P <0.001). However, there was significant heterogeneity between studies on OS (I 2 =81.1%, P <0.001) and TTP (I 2 =54.8%, P =0.007). Subgroup analysis showed lower heterogeneity among prospective studies, studies of the same tumor type, and studies with follow-up periods longer than 45 months. Conclusions: The high expression of IDO was significantly associated with the poor prognosis of solid tumors, suggesting that it can be used as a biomarker for tumor prognosis and as a potential target for tumor therapy.
Impact of low skeletal muscle mass index and perioperative blood transfusion on the prognosis for HCC following curative resection
Authors: Bekki Tomoaki , Abe Tomoyuki , Amano Hironobu , Hattori Minoru , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Nakahara Masahiro , Ohdan Hideki , Noriyuki Toshio 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to assess the prognostic factors including low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and perioperative blood transfusion for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following curative surgery. Methods: This study included 139 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between 2005 and 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results: Low SMI was significantly related with poor OS, while blood transfusion had a strong impact on RFS. The male ratio and body mass index in the low SMI group were significantly higher than those in the high SMI group. There were no significant differences in age, virus aetiology, laboratory data, liver function, tumor makers, and operative variables between the groups. Tumor factors such as tumor diameter, tumor number, poor differentiation, and intrahepatic metastasis (IM) did not significantly differ between the two groups. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss volume, and recurrence ratio were significantly higher in the blood transfusion group than in the non-transfusion group. IM was associated with poor OS and RFS.Conclusions: Low SMI and blood transfusion were independently related with long-term prognosis in patients with HCC following curative surgery.
The puzzling mitochondrial phylogeography of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), the commercially most important insect protein species
Authors: Ståhls Gunilla , Meier Rudolf , Sandrock Christoph , Hauser Martin , Zorić Ljiljana Šašić , Laiho Elina , Aracil Andrea , Doderović Jovana , Badenhorst Rozane , Unadirekkul Phira , Adom Nur Arina Binte Mohd , Wein Leo , Richards Cameron , Tomberlin Jeffery K. , Rojo Santos , Veselić Sanja , Parviainen Tuure 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae, Hermetia illucens) is renowned for its bioconversion ability of organic matter, and is the worldwide most widely used source of insect protein. Despite varying extensively in morphology, it is widely assumed that all black soldier flies belong to the same species, Hermetia illucens. We here screened about 600 field-collected and cultured flies from 39 countries and six biogeographic regions to test this assumption based on data for three genes (mitochondrial COI, nuclear ITS2 & 28S rDNA) and in order to gain insights into the phylogeography of the species. Results Our study reveals a surprisingly high level of intraspecific genetic diversity for the mitochondrial barcoding gene COI (divergences up to 4.9%). This level of variability is often associated with the presence of multiple species, but tested nuclear markers (ITS2 and 28S rDNA) were invariant and fly strain hybridization experiments under laboratory conditions revealed reproductive compatibility. COI haplotype diversity is not only very high in all biogeographic regions (56 distinct haplotypes in total), but also in breeding facilities and research centers from six continents (10 haplotypes: divergences up to 4.3%). The high genetic diversity in fly-breeding facilities is mostly likely due to many independent acquisitions of cultures via sharing and/or establishing new colonies from field-collected flies. However, explaining some of the observed diversity in several biogeographic regions is difficult given that the origin of the species is considered to be New World (32 distinct haplotypes) and one would expect severely reduced genetic diversity in the putatively non-native populations in the remaining biogeographic regions. However, distinct, private haplotypes are known from the Australasian (N=1), Oriental (N=4), and the Eastern Palearctic (N=4) populations. We reviewed museum specimen records and conclude that the evidence for introductions is strong for the Western Palearctic and Afrotropical regions which lack distinct, private haplotypes.Conclusions Based on the results of this paper, we urge the black soldier fly community to apply molecular characterization (genotyping) of the fly strains used in artificial fly-breeding and share these data in research publications as well as when sharing cultures. In addition, fast-evolving nuclear markers should be used to reconstruct the recent invasion history of the species.
Association between Aminotransferase/alanine Aminotransferase Ratio and Cardiovascular Disease mortality in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Feng Xiaoran , Wen Yueqiang , Peng FenFen , Wang Niansong , Zhan Xiaojiang , Wu Xianfeng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Elevated aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among the general population. However, an association between AST/ALT ratio and CVD mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) has received little attention. Methods A total of 2224 incident PD patients from multi-centers were enrolled from November 1, 2005, to June 30, 2017, in this retrospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was CVD mortality. Eligible patients were divided into high and normal groups according to the AST/ALT ratio cut-off for CVD mortality with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The associations between the AST/ALT ratio and CVD mortality were evaluated by the Cox regression model. Results Of eligible 1579 patients with a mean age of 49.3±14.6 years, 55.4% of patients were male, 18.1% of patients had diabetes, and 64.2% of patients had hypertension. The prevalence of a high AST/ALT ratio was 76.6% in the cohort population. During a follow-up period with 4659.6 patient-years, 316 patients died, of which 193 (61.1%) deaths were caused by CVD episodes. The incidence of CVD mortality in the high group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (13.1% versus 9.2%, P=0.024). Cumulative CVD mortality rates were significantly different between the two groups by Kaplan-Meier analysis [hazards ratio (HR)=1.50, 95% confidence index (CI) 1.09-2.07, P=0.014]. After adjusting for confounding factors, a higher AST/ALT ratio was independently associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality compared with their counterparts (HR=1.43, 95%CI 1.08-2.41, P=0.002). Conclusions PD patients with high baseline AST/ALT ratio levels may be at a significant risk of CVD mortality.
Phantom and clinical evaluation of bone SPECT/CT image reconstruction with xSPECT algorithm
Authors: Miyaji Noriaki , Miwa Kenta , Tokiwa Ayaka , Ichikawa Hajime , Terauchi Takashi , Koizumi Mitsuru , Onoguchi Masahisa 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Two novel methods of image reconstruction, xSPECT Quant (xQ) and xSPECT Bone (xB) that use an ordered subset conjugate gradient minimizer (OSCGM) for bone SPECT/CT have been proposed. The present study compares the performance characteristics of xQ, xB and conventional Flash3D (F3D) reconstruction using images derived from phantoms and patients. Methods A custom-designed body phantom for bone SPECT was scanned using a Symbia Intevo (Siemens Healthineers) and reconstructed xSPECT images were evaluated. The phantom experiments proceeded twice with different activity concentrations and sphere sizes. A phantom with 28-mm spheres containing a 99m Tc background and tumor-to-normal bone ratios (TBR) of 1, 2, 4 and 10, were generated and its convergence property was evaluated across 96 iterations. A phantom with four spheres (13-, 17-, 22-, and 28-mm diameters), containing a 99m Tc-background at TBR4, was also generated. The full width at half maximum of an imaged spinous process (10 mm), coefficients of variance (CV), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and recovery coefficients (RC) were evaluated after reconstructing images of a spine using Flash 3D (F3D), xQ and xB. Images from 20 patients with suspected bone metastases (male, n = 13) were acquired using 99m Tc-(H)MDP SPECT/CT, then CV and standardized uptake values (SUV) at the 4 th vertebral body (L4) were compared after xQ and xB reconstruction in a clinical setup. Results Mean activity concentrations with various TBR converged according to increasing numbers of iterations. Spatial resolution was improved in the order of xB, xQ and F3D regardless of the number of iterations during reconstruction. The CV and RC were better for xQ and xB than for F3D. The CNR peaked at 24 iterations for xQ and 48 iterations for F3D and xB, respectively. The RC between xQ and xB significantly differed at lower numbers of iterations but were almost equivalent at higher numbers of iterations. The SUV max and SUV peak in reconstructed xQ and xB images of clinical patients significantly differed. Conclusions The reconstructed xQ and xB images were more accurate than those reconstructed conventionally using F3D. Bone SPECT xB imaging offered essentially unchanged spatial resolution even when the numbers of iterations did not converge. The xB reconstruction further enhanced SPECT image quality using CT data. Our findings provide important information for understanding the performance characteristics of the novel xQ and xB algorithms.
Caloric restriction attenuates C57BL/6J mouse lung injury and extra-pulmonary toxicity induced by real ambient particulate matter exposure
Authors: Li Daochuan , Chen Shen , Li Qiong , Chen Liping , Zhang Haiyan , Li Huiyao , Yu Dianke , Zhang Rong , Niu Yujie , Lu Shaoyou , Ye Lizhu , Zeng Xiaowen , Dong Guanghui , Chen Rui , Aschner Michael , Zheng Yuxin , Chen Wen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Caloric restriction (CR) is known to improve health and extend lifespan in human beings. The effects of CR on adverse health outcomes in response to particulate matter (PM) exposure and the underlying mechanisms have yet to be defined.Results: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with a CR diet or ad libitum (AL) and exposed to PM for 4 weeks in a real-ambient PM exposure system located at Shijiazhuang, China, with a daily mean concentration (95.77 μg/m³) of PM2.5. Compared to AL-fed mice, CR-fed mice showed attenuated PM-induced pulmonary injury and extra-pulmonary toxicity characterized by reduction in oxidative stress, DNA damage and inflammation. RNA sequence analysis revealed that several pulmonary pathways that were involved in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytokine production, and inflammatory cell activation were inactivated, while those mediating antioxidant generation and DNA repair were activated in CR-fed mice upon PM exposure. In addition, transcriptome analysis of murine livers revealed that CR led to induction of xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification pathways, corroborated by increased levels of urinary metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and decreased cytotoxicity measured in an ex vivo assay.Conclusion: These novel results demonstrate, for the first time, that CR in mice confers resistance against pulmonary injuries and extra-pulmonary toxicity induced by PM exposure. CR led to activation of xenobiotic metabolism and enhanced detoxification of PM-bound chemicals. These findings provide evidence that dietary intervention may afford therapeutic means to reduce the health risk associated with PM exposure.
Oral health status and oral health-related quality of life among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United Arab Emirates: A matched case-control study
Authors: Khalifa Nadia , Rahman Betul , Gaintantzopoulou Marianna D , Amad Suhail Al , Awad Manal M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Nearly a quarter of the population in the UAE has type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and this medical condition is associated with poorer oral health. The effects on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), however, have not been examined in this population. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of oral health problems, such as caries and periodontitis, on OHRQoL among Arab patients with and without T2DM. Methods This matched case-control study included 88 diabetic and 88 non-diabetic participants recruited from University Dental Hospital Sharjah and University Hospital Sharjah, UAE. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, as well as the Oral Health Impact Profile short form (OHIP-14) which measures OHRQoL. Clinical examinations were conducted to assess participants’ dental caries status, using the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index, and periodontal condition, via clinical attachment loss (CAL) dichotomized to CAL < 3mm and CAL ≥ 3mm. Linear regression models were used to identify the association between OHIP domains, clinical attachment loss, DMFT scores, and diabetes status. Results The mean age of the participants was 43.0 years. A significantly (p = 0.01) higher proportion of diabetic patients (23%) had a CAL ≥ 3mm compared to non-diabetic patients (10%). No significant differences in OHIP scores were observed between patients with and without diabetes. The results of the linear regression suggested that, irrespective of diabetic status, DMFT scores were significantly associated with physical disability, physical pain, psychological discomfort, and psychological disability, as well as total OHIP scores. CAL was significantly associated with the handicap domain. Among non-diabetics, OHIP scores were significantly associated with DMFT scores in five OHIP domains (functional limitation, physical disability, physical pain, psychological discomfort, psychological disability), as well as total OHIP scores. Among diabetics, CAL was significantly associated with both the social disability and handicap domains, while only the handicap domain reached statistical significance among non-diabetics. Conclusions Participants who had decayed teeth, irrespective of their diabetic status, reported substantial physical and psychological impacts on OHRQoL. CAL also had a significant impact on OHRQoL, being primarily associated with the OHIP handicap domain in both groups.
Analysis of lifetime death probability for major causes of death among residents in China
Authors: Yuan Ping , Xiang Jianjun , Borg Matthew , CHEN Tiehui , Lin Xiuquan , Peng Xiane , ZHENG Kuicheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Cumulative mortality rate and cumulative mortality risk are the two commonly used indicators to measure the impact and severity of diseases. However, they are calculated during a defined life span and assume the subject does not die from other causes. This study aims to use a new indicator, lifetime death probability (LDP), to estimate the lifetime death probabilities for the top five leading causes of death in China and explore the regional differences and trends over time. Methods: LDPs were calculated using a probability additive formula and abridged life tables. Results: In 2014, LDPs for heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, malignancy, respiratory disease, and injury and poisoning were 24.4%, 23.7%, 19.2%, 15.5%, and 5.3%, respectively. The LDPs for heart disease and malignancy increased by 7.3% and 0.5%, respectively, compared to those from 2004 to 2005. In contrast, the LDPs for cerebrovascular and respiratory disease decreased by 1.0% and 3.9%, respectively, compared to those in 2004-2005. Across the eastern, central and western regions, malignancy had the highest LDP in the eastern region, cerebrovascular and heart diseases in the central region, and respiratory diseases, and injury and poisoning in the western region. Conclusions: LDP is an effective indicator for comparing health outcomes and can be applied for future disease surveillance. Heart disease and malignancy were the two most common causes of death in China, but with regional differences. There is a need to implement targeted measures to prevent diseases in different regions.
NaCl improves reproduction by enhancing starch accumulation in the ovules of the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa
Authors: Guo Jianrong , Du Ming , Lu Chaoxia , Wang Baoshan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Halophytes show optimal reproduction under high-salinity conditions. However, the role of NaCl in reproduction and its possible mechanisms in the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa remain to be elucidated. Results: We performed transcript profiling of S. salsa flowers and measured starch accumulation in ovules, sugar contents in flowers, and photosynthetic parameters in the leaves of plants supplied with 0 and 200 mM NaCl. Starch accumulation in ovules, sugar contents in flowers and ovules, and net photosynthetic rate and photochemical efficiency in leaves were significantly higher in NaCl-treated plants vs. the control. We identified 14,348 differentially expressed genes in flowers of NaCl-treated vs. control plants. Many of these genes were predicted to be associated with photosynthesis, carbon utilization, and sugar and starch metabolism. These genes are crucial for maintaining photosystem structure, regulating electron transport, and improving photosynthetic efficiency in NaCl-treated plants. In addition, genes encoding fructokinase and sucrose phosphate synthase were upregulated in flowers of NaCl-treated plants. Conclusions: The higher starch and sugar contents in the ovules and flowers of S. salsa in response to NaCl treatment are likely due to the upregulation of genes involved in photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism, which increase photosynthetic efficiency and accumulation of photosynthetic products under these conditions.
Inhibition of HIF1A-AS1 promoted starvation-induced hepatocellular carcinoma cells apoptosis by reducing HIF-1α/mTOR mediated autophagy
Authors: Hong Fenfen , Gao Yu , Li Yang , Zheng Linfeng , Xu Feng , Li Xianpeng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a major health burden in China considering its high incidence and mortality. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were found playing vital roles in tumor progression, suggesting a new way of diagnosis and prognosis prediction, or treatment of HCC. This study was designed to investigate the role of HIF1A-AS1 during the progression of HCC, and to explore its related mechanisms. Methods: The expression of HIF1A-AS1 was detected in 50 paired carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues by quantitative real-time PCR assay. HCC cells apoptosis was induced by nutrient-deficient culture medium, and detected by Cell Counting Kit‐8 and flow cytometer assays. HIF1A-AS1 inhibition in HCC cells was accomplished by small interfering RNA transfection. Results: HIF1A-AS1 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and was associated with tumor size, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Compared with low HIF1A-AS1 group, high HIF1A-AS1 group had a shorter overall survival and a worse disease-free survival. HIF1A-AS1 expression was significantly higher in HCC cell lines (7721 and Huh7) than that in normal hepatocyte cell line L02 under normal culture condition. However, under nutrient-deficient condition, HIF1A-AS1 expression was significantly increased in both HCC and normal hepatocyte cell lines, and was increased with the prolongation of nutrient-free culture. inhibition of HIF1A-AS1 promoted starvation-induced HCC cells apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of HIF1A-AS1 could also reduce starvation-induced HCC cells autophagy. The expression of HIF-1α and phosphorylated mTOR was significantly decreased in HCC cells after HIF1A-AS1 inhibition. Conclusions: HIF1A-AS1, overexpressed in HCC and associated with HCC prognosis, could regulate starvation-induced HCC cells apoptosis by reducing HIF-1α/mTOR mediated autophagy, promoting HCC cell progression. Trial registration: This research is retrospectively registered.
Optimized vs. Standard Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Regimens (OptiStAR): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Bergling Karin , de Arteaga Javier , Ledesma Fabián , Öberg Carl Mikael 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: It has been estimated that automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is currently the fastest growing renal replacement therapy in the world. However, in light of the growing number of diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), the unwanted glucose absorption during APD remains problematic. Recent results, using an extended 3-pore model of APD, indicated that large reductions in glucose absorption are possible by using optimized bi-modal treatment regimens, having “UF cycles” using a higher glucose concentration and “Clearance cycles” using a low concentration or, preferentially, no glucose. The present study is designed to test the theoretical prediction of a lower glucose absorption using these novel regimes.Methods: This study is a randomized single-center, open-label, prospective study. Prevalent PD patients between 18 to 75 years old without known catheter problems or recent peritonitis are eligible for inclusion. Patients are allocated to a first treatment session of either Standard APD (6 × 2 L 1.36% over 9 hours) or Optimized APD (7 × 2 L 2.27% + 5 × 2 L 0.1% over 8 hours). A second treatment session using the other treatment will be performed in a crossover fashion. Samples of the dialysis fluid will be taken before and after the treatment and the volume of the dialysate before and after the treatment will be carefully assessed. The primary endpoint is difference in glucose absorption between the Optimized and Standard treatment. Secondary endpoints are ultrafiltration, sodium removal, Kt/V urea and Kt/V Creatinine. The study will be closed when a total of 20 patients have successfully completed the interventions or terminated according to interim analysis. A Monte Carlo power analysis shows that the study has 80% power to detect a difference of 10 g (in line with that of theoretical results) in glucose absorption between the two treatments in 10 patients.Discussion: The present study is the first clinical investigation of optimized bi-modal treatments proposed by recent theoretical studies.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04017572. Registration date: 12/07/2019, retrospectively registered. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04017572