bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Worldwide incidence and mortality of ovarian cancer and human development index: an ecology study in 2018
Authors: Goodarzi Elham , Naemi Hasan , Darvishi Isan , Bechashk Seyyede Maryam , Khazaei Zaher 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer among women, accounting for about 4% of all cancers associated with women.Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study based on extraction of cancer incidence data and cancer mortality rates from the Global Cancer Data in 2018. The incidence and mortality rates and ovarian cancer distribution maps were drawn for World countries. To analyze data, correlation test and regression tests were used to evaluate the correlation between its incidence and mortality with HDI.Results: The results showed that there was a positive and significant correlation between ovarian cancer incidence (R = 0.409, P <0.0001) and mortality (R = 0.193, P <0.05) with HDI. The results showed that there was a positive and significant correlation between incidence with GNI ,MYS ,LEB and EYS ( P <0.0001). The results also demonstrated that there was a positive and significant correlation between mortality and GNI, MYS, LEB and EYS ( P <0.05).The linear regression model showed that a higher MYS [B = 0.2, CI95%: (- 0.03,0.5)] significantly increased the incidence of ovarian cancer and increased MYS [B = 0.2, CI95% (0.03, 0.4)] increased mortality.Conclusion: Given the positive and significant correlation between ovarian cancer incidence and mortality with HDI, attention to risk factors in these countries can be effective in curbing its incidence and mortality.
Identification of immune-based prostate cancer subtypes using mRNA expression
Authors: Song Jukun , He Song , Wang Wei , Su Jiaming , Yuan Dongbo , Chen Weihong , Zhu Jianguo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Immune infiltration of Prostate cancer (PCa) was highly related to clinical outcomes. However, previous works failed to elucidate the diversity of different immune cell types that make up the function of the immune response system. The aim of the study was to uncover the composition of TIICs in PCa utilizing the CIBERSORT algorithm and further reveal the molecular characteristics of PCa subtypes. Method In the present work, we employed the CIBERSORT method to evaluate the relative proportions of immune cell profiling in PCa and adjacent samples, normal samples. We analyzed the correlation between immune cell infiltration and clinical information. The tumor-infiltrating immune cells of the TCGA PCa cohort were analyzed for the first time. The fractions of 22 immune cell types were imputed to determine the correlation between each immune cell subpopulation and clinical feature. Three types of molecular classification were identified via R-package of “CancerSubtypes”. The functional enrichment was analyzed in each subtype. The submap and TIDE algorithm were used to predict the clinical response to immune checkpoint blockade, and GDSC was employed to screen chemotherapeutic targets for the potential treatment of PCa. Results In current work, we utilized the CIBERSORT algorithm to assess the relative proportions of immune cell profiling in PCa and adjacent samples, normal samples. We investigated the correlation between immune cell infiltration and clinical data. The tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the TCGA PCa cohort were analyzed. The 22 immune cells were also calculated to determine the correlation between each immune cell subpopulation and survival and response to chemotherapy. Three types of molecular classification were identified. Each subtype has specific molecular and clinical characteristics. Meanwhile, Cluster I is defined as advanced PCa, and is more likely to respond to immunotherapy. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that differences in immune response may be important drivers of PCa progression and response to treatment. The deconvolution algorithm of gene expression microarray data by CIBERSOFT provides useful information about the immune cell composition of PCa patients. In addition, we have found a subtype of immunopositive PCa subtype and will help to explore the reasons for the poor effect of PCa on immunotherapy, and it is expected that immunotherapy will be used to guide the individualized management and treatment of PCa patients.
Depression, Sexual Functioning and the Life Satisfaction of Pakistani Women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Shakil Muneeba , Wajid Amina , Ashraf Farzana 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: One hormonal disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been frequently diagnosed in Pakistani women of reproductive age in the last few years. This study was carried out to determine whether there were any differences in the levels of depression, sexual function and/or life satisfaction of Pakistani women with and without PCOS related to their demographic situation. It was hypothesized that significant differences would be identified. Method: A sample of 126 women of reproductive age between 18 – 45 years [63 diagnosed with PCOS by their gynaecologist (Mage = 27.86, SD = 4.58) and 63 not suffering from any hormonal or reproductive issues (Mage = 27.89, SD = 3.92)] was selected through purposive and convenient sampling techniques respectively from Lahore, Pakistan. The participants responded to a Self-Developed Demographic Information Form, Siddiqui Shah Depression (SSDS), Life Satisfaction Scale (LS) and Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI). Results: A cross sectional study design with 2× 3 (age × Education), MANOVA was carried out and the analysis revealed significant differences between the variables in relation to the demographic situation of the sample women with/without PCOS. Conclusion: This research adds to Pakistan’s health psychology literature on the phenomena researched. Future research endeavours in this understudied research area are also suggested.
Trends in antimicrobial resistance amongst pathogens isolated from blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures in Pakistan (2011-2015): a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Javaid Nida , Sultana Qamar , Rasool Karam , Gandra Sumanth , Ahmad Fayyaz , Chaudhary Safee Ullah , Mirza Shaper 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Only a few studies have presented long-term trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at a nationwide level in Pakistan. This study presents a comprehensive situational analysis of AMR trends among pathogens isolated from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures, between 2011 and 2015, in Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective analysis of AMR data on pathogens isolated from Blood and CSF over a five year period was carried out. Susceptibility data on these pathogens was obtained from Chughtai Laboratory (CL). Then, proportion of the resistant pathogens were calculated and analyzed. Results: Our results show that highest resistance rates against all tested antimicrobials were observed in Acinetobacter species. We observed a steep rise in carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter species from 50 to 95.5% between 2011 and 2015. Our results also highlight the emergence of third and fourth generation cephalosporins resistance in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi in Pakistan. While we observed a rise in AMR in other major pathogens, we unexpectedly found decreasing resistance trends in Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: Taken together, our results show an overall increase in AMR in pathogens isolated from blood and CSF cultures in Pakistan between 2011 and 2015.
β-glucan attenuates cognitive impairment via the gut-brain axis in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Shi Hongli , Yu Yinghua , Wang Qiao , Zheng Mingxuan , Zheng Peng , Zhang Peng , Hu Minmin , Pan Wei , Yang Xiaoying , Hu Tao , Tang Renxian , Zhou Feng , Zheng Kuiyang , Huang Xu-Feng 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: “Western” style dietary patterns are characterised by a high proportion of highly processed foods rich in fat and low in fibre. This diet-pattern is associated with myriad metabolic dysfunctions including neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment. β-glucan, the major soluble fibre in oat and barley grains, are fermented in the lower gastrointestinal tract, potentially impacting the microbial ecosystem and thus may improve elements of the gut-brain axis. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of β-glucan on the microbiota-gut-brain axis and cognitive function in an obese mouse model induced by a high-fat and fibre deficient diet (HFFD). Results: After chronic supplementation for 15 weeks, β-glucan prevented HFFD diet-induced cognitive impairment assessed behaviourally by object location and nesting building tests. In the hippocampus, β-glucan countered the HFFD-induced microglia activation and its engulfment of synaptic puncta, and up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) mRNA expression. Also in the hippocampus, β-glucan significantly promoted PTP1B-IRS-pAKT-pGSK3β-pTau signalling for synaptogenesis; improved the synaptic ultrastructure examined by transmission electron microscopy and increased both pre- and post-synaptic protein levels compared to the HFFD-treated group. In the colon, β-glucan reversed HFFD-induced gut barrier dysfunction: increased the thickness of colonic mucus (Alcian blue and mucin-2 glycoprotein immunofluorescence staining); increased the levels of tight junction proteins occludin and zonula occludens-1; and attenuated bacterial endotoxin translocation. The HFFD diet resulted in widespread microbiota dysbiosis, effects abrogated by chronic β-glucan supplementation, with the β-glucan effects on bacteroidetes and its lower taxa particularly striking. Importantly, acute study of β-glucan supplementation for 7 days demonstrated pronounced, rapid differentiating microbiota changes before the cognitive improvement, suggesting the possible causality of gut microbiota profile on cognition. In support, broad-spectrum antibiotic intervention to severely deplete gut microbiota colonisation, eliminated β-glucan’s effects on improving cognition, highlighting the role of gut microbiota to mediate cognitive behavior. Conclusion: This study provides the first evidence that β-glucan improves indices of cognition and brain function with major beneficial effects all along the gut microbiota-brain axis. Our data suggest that elevating consumption of β-glucan-rich foods is an easily implementable nutritional strategy to alleviate detrimental features of gut-brain dysregulation and prevent neurodegenerative diseases associated with Westernized dietary patterns.
The differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells was reprogrammed in advanced tumor-bearing mice
Authors: Du Jicong , Xia Penglin , Gao Yuan , Cheng Ying , Liu Ruling , Cui Jianguo , Gao Fu , Liu Hu , Liu Cong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Hematopoiesis and the differentiation of HSC have been proved to not only play important roles in cancer progression but also be changed or reprogrammed by the tumor microenvironment itself. In this study, we investigated the changes of HSCs differentiation in advanced tumor-bearing mice. Methods: The tumor-bearing mice model was established by subcutaneously inoculating with xenografts of B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells into the right back of male wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Hematopoietic stem cells and multilineage differentiation were evaluated using blood routine, HE-staining, flow cytometry assay and HSCs culture techniques. Results: The multilineage differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells was reprogrammed in vivo . Especially, the differentiations of megakaryocyte and erythrocyte were blocked , while myeloid cell and lymphoid cell differentiation was encouraged in advanced tumor-bearing mice. Conclusion: In this study we showed the potential mechanism of hematopoietic disorder in tumor condition from a respective of hematopoietic stem cell and multilineage differentiation, which provided new knowledge regarding cachexia.
Identification of Differentially Expressed microRNAs in Metastatic Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Gu Yang , Zhang Shulan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The molecular mechanisms of ovarian cancer (OC) remain unclear. We sought to comprehensively identify miRNAs that are aberrantly expressed in OC. Methods: Differentially expressed miRNAs were screened from six pairs of primary and metastatic OC tissues; their possible functions were then analyzed and target genes were predicted by bioinformatics. Then gene expression profiling results were established by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Target binding between miR-7-5p and TGFβ2 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: Fifteen miRNAs and 10 target mRNAs were differentially expressed in primary and metastatic OC tissues. ITGB3, TGFβ2 and TNC correlated to miRNA function in metastatic OC. Compared with primary OC, RNA levels of hsa-miR-141-3p, hsa-miR-7-5p and hsa-miR-187-5p in metastatic OC tissues were potently decreased ( p < 0.05). However, a statistically prominent difference in hsa-miR-584-5p level between the two groups ( p > 0.05) was not observed. Comparing to primary OC, TGFβ2 and TNC were markedly increased ( p < 0.05). Luciferase activity was remarkably decreased after co-transfection of a wild-type TGFβ2 3’-UTR plasmid and miR-7-5p compared with a control plasmid, but no remarkable change after co-transfection of mutant TGFβ2 3’-UTR and miR-7-5p was demonstrated. Conclusions: Fifteen miRNAs and 10 mRNAs were differentially expressed in metastatic OC tissues compared with primary OC tissues, which suggested that they may participate in invasive and metastatic processes. Hsa-miR-141-3p, hsa-miR-187-5p and hsa-miR-7-5p expression was prominently lower in metastatic OC than in primary OC, while TGFβ2 and TNC expression was markedly higher in metastatic OC tissues. Hsa-miR-7-5p may bind to the TGFβ2 3’-UTR to inhibit its expression.
Effect of Corneal Cross-linking on Endothelial Cell Density and Morphology in the Peripheral Cornea.
Authors: Goukon Hiroyasu , Kamiya Kazutaka , Takahashi Masahide , Shoji Nobuyuki 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: To compare the endothelial cell density and morphology in the peripheral cornea before and after corneal cross-linking (CXL).METHODS: This study evaluated twenty eyes of 20 patients who were treated with standard CXL for progressive keratoconus. Preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively, we compared the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), the coefficient of variation in cell size (CV), and the percentage of hexagonal cells (HEX), in the peripheral regions of the cornea, using a non-contact specular microscope (EM-3000, Tomey). RESULTS: All keratoconic eyes in this series were measurable in the peripheral regions. No significant differences were found in the peripheral ECD preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively at each point (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, superior, p=0.14, nasal superior, p=0.16, temporal superior, p= 0.35, inferior, p=0.27, nasal inferior, p=0.24, temporal inferior, p=0.10). The mean percentage of the ECD loss was 2.3%, 1.6%, 1.5%, 2.4%, 1.1%, and 2.2%, respectively. No significant differences in the peripheral CV or HEX were found preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively at each point.CONCLUSIONS: Standard CXL does not cause significant changes in endothelial cell density, polymegethism, or polymorphism, in the peripheral regions of the cornea. It is suggested that CXL is a less invasive surgical approach for progressive keratoconus, even in terms of peripheral endothelial cells.TRIAL REGISTRATION: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (000031162).
First report of Meloidogyne javanica (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae) infecting Scoparia dulcis, a medicinal plant in Brazil
Authors: Bellé Cristiano , Ramos Rodrigo Ferraz , de Brida Andressa Lima , Kaspary Tiago Edu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Medicinal plants Scoparia dulcis showing symptoms caused by root-knot nematodes were detected in the municipality of Cachoeira do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Based on the morphological, esterase phenotypes, and molecular analyses of the mitochondrial DNA region between the cytochome oxidase subunit II and 16S rRNA genes (mtDNA) and species-specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR), the causal agent of the observed symptoms was identified as Meloidogyne javanica. Pathogenicity was confirmed by fulfilling a modified version of Koch’s postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. javanica infecting S. dulcis in Brazil.
Nematicidal activity of fipronil against Pratylenchus zeae in sugarcane
Authors: Kawanobe Masanori , Toyota Koki , Seko Takashi , Gunjima Koshi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
No nematicide has been registered for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes in sugarcane in Japan. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the phenylpyrazole insecticide fipronil (0.3–0.45 kg a.i./ha) against the root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus zeae, which is an important plant-parasitic nematode species associated with sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) in Okinawa, Japan. Both experiments showed a reduction of P. zeae population densities in sugarcane roots to 27 to 56% of the non-treated control after 7 wk in the greenhouse experiment and 3 months in the field experiment (two trials). In contrast, P. zeae population densities in soil were not reduced by the fipronil treatment. At harvest, sugarcane yields in the field experiment were significantly increased by 6 to 8% in the fipronil treated plots compared to the non-treated control. The data showed that fipronil reduced numbers of P. zeae in sugarcane roots at the early stage of sugarcane seedling growth resulting in increased sugarcane yields. This is the first report of nematicidal activity of fipronil against P. zeae under field conditions.
Nitrogen inputs and irrigation frequency influence population dynamics of Mesocriconema xenoplax under grapevines
Authors: Forge Thomas , Hannam Kirsten , Neilsen Denise , Neilsen Gerry 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Nitrogen (N) fertilization and irrigation are critical for tree fruit and grape production in semi-arid regions of Western North America. Growers are increasingly considering more conservative fertilization and irrigation practices in order to optimize fruit quality while minimizing environmental impacts. The implications for pest populations of such shifts in production practices are not well known and warrant consideration. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of drip irrigation frequency (daily vs approximately every third day) and N fertilizer rate (ranging from 0 to 64 kg N/ha/year) on population densities of the ring nematode, Mesocriconema xenoplax, in a vineyard. The experiment was a split-plot randomized complete block design with irrigation frequency applied as whole-plot treatments and N input applied as subplot treatments. Nematode populations in root zone soils were assessed in spring, summer and fall of 2010 and 2011. There was a significant irrigation frequency × N input interaction, with M. xenoplax population densities increasing with N input under daily irrigation but not under low frequency irrigation. The data suggest that reductions in fertilizer N input and irrigation frequency, that have minimal impacts on fruit quality and yield, can also minimize M. xenoplax population buildup.
Prevalence and characterization of Escherichia coli in the Kelantan River and its adjacent coastal waters
Authors: Bong Chui Wei , Chai Siong Kiat , Chai Lay Ching , Wang Ai Jun , Lee Choon Weng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe presence of Escherichia coli in river and sea water may cause different levels of infections and constitutes a risk to public health. In this study, water samples were collected from 15 sites along the Kelantan River, estuaries and its adjacent coastal waters to investigate the prevalence and diversity of E. coli. A membrane filtration technique was used to enumerate E. coli and phylogenetic grouping was performed using triplex polymerase chain reaction. E. coli abundance ranged from 3.1 × 10 to 1.6 × 105 colony forming units 100 mL−1, and total suspended solids correlated significantly with E. coli abundance (r2 = 0.165, p &lt; 0.001) and rainfall (r2 = 0.342, p &lt; 0.001). Phylogenetic group B1 and A (59.4%) were the most prevalent, whereas groups B2 and D were least abundant. The higher abundance of phylogenetic group D at upstream sites of the Kelantan River suggested fecal contamination mainly of animal origin. Canonical-correlation analysis showed phylogenetic group B2, and phylogenetic groups A and D were greater in waters with higher inorganic nutrients (e.g. NH4, NO2 and NO3), whereas phylogenetic group B1 appeared to have better salinity tolerance between phylogenetic groups.
Modeling and advanced exergy analysis of integrated reverse osmosis desalination with geothermal energy
Authors: Yargholi R. , Kariman H. , Hoseinzadeh S. , Bidi M. , Naseri A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In this research, the integrated carbon dioxide power cycle with a geothermal energy source to supply the required reverse osmosis desalination power for freshwater production is defined. It is also a carbon dioxide power cycle, coupled with thermal energy recovery of infrared energy of liquid natural gas (LNG) to generate more power. A sodium hypochlorite generator is considered to prevent the brine water discharging. The brine water portion of the desalination outlet was the input to this generator. The cycling power is consumed by the desalination system and sodium hypochlorite generator. After modeling, the advanced exergy analyses are studied. By exergy analysis, it is observed that in this model the condenser has the highest exergy destruction rate, equal to 952 kW. Additionally, the unavoidable part of the exergy destruction of carbon dioxide turbine constitutes 88% of its exergy destruction that is equal to 301 kW. So this component is the best option to improve exergy destruction.
Development of a Novel Oral Delivery Vehicle for Probiotics
Authors: Enck Kevin , Banks Surya , Yadav Hariom , Welker Mark E. , Opara Emmanuel C. 
Published: February 2020

Background:
There is a significant interest in effective oral drug delivery of therapeutic substances.
For probiotics, there is a particular need for a delivery platform that protects the bacteria from destruction by the
acidic stomach while enabling targeted delivery to the intestine where microbiota naturally reside. The use of
probiotics and how they impact the gut microbiota is a growing field and holds promise for the treatment of a
variety of gastrointestinal diseases, including irritable bowel disease Crohn’s disease and C. diff and other diseases,
such as obesity, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Objective:
The aim of this research was to use our newly developed chemically-modified alginate hydrogel with
the characteristic feature of stability in acidic environments but disintegration under neutral-basic pH conditions
to design a novel system for effective targeted delivery of ingested probiotics.

Method and Results:
We have used the approach of encapsulation of bacterial cells in the hydrogel of the modified
alginate with in vitro studies in both simulated stomach acid and intestinal fluid conditions to demonstrate the
potential application of this novel platform in oral delivery of probiotics. Our data provide a proof-of-concept that
enables further studies in vivo with this delivery platform.

Conclusion:
We have demonstrated in the present study that our chemically modified alginate hydrogel is resistant
to acidic conditions and protects bacterial cells encapsulated in it, but it is sensitive to neutral-basic pH conditions
under which it disintegrates and releases its viable bacteria cell payload. Our data provide a proof-ofconcept
that enables further studies in vivo with this delivery platform for the efficacy of therapeutic bacteria in
various disease conditions.