bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of uncontrolled type-2 diabetes mellitus on the periodontal status of Saudi Arabian adults: A case-control study
Authors: Quadri Mir Faeq Ali , Fageeh Hammam , Ibraheem Wael , Inamdar Aadil , Jessani Abbas 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

The relationship between uncontrolled type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and periodontitis have been investigated among people from different nations. But, the current report is first from Saudi Arabia that utilized the gold standard measures to study the effect of uncontrolled T2DM on the periodontal status of ethnically similar Arab adults.
Methods

A case-control study was conducted, wherein cases were adults with clinically diagnosed periodontitis (clinical-attachment-loss ≥ 1 mm). Concurrent controls were recruited from the same dental facility; matched with age, sex, and location. Uncontrolled T2DM was recorded using HbA1c readings; and other health conditions including hypertension, epilepsy, bronchitis, thyroid disorders, and arthritis were retrieved from the participant’s medical records. Data on tobacco consumption and related products (smoking, khat/qat, sheesha, shammah) was gathered using a self-perceived questionnaire. Frequencies, percentages, p-values, crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were computed.
Results

Overall sample comprised of 166 cases and 332 controls with a mean age of 37.5 years. Multivariate analysis indicated uncontrolled T2DM as an important predictor for periodontitis among Saudi Arabian adults, and they had nearly three times greater odds (OR: 2.779; 95% CI: 1.425–5.419; p = 0.003) of being diagnosed with periodontitis in contrast to non-diabetics. Secondary findings revealed that cigarette ever-users were 2 times more likely to be suffering from periodontitis than never-users, and those brushing once per day or less had 5 times greater odds of developing periodontitis as compared to those brushing twice daily.
Conclusion

To conclude, the current case-control study is the first from Saudi Arabia to indicate that increased HbA1c level significantly effects periodontal status of Arab adults. An awareness of this association among health care providers and patients will contribute towards prevention of periodontitis in Saudi Arabia.
Identification of STAT5A as drug screening biomarker and immune checkpoint inhibitor in stomach adenocarcinoma via comprehensive bioinformatics analysis
Authors: lin tao , Wu Shuang , Wen Jianwen , Zhang Wentao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer is one of the fatal diseases and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Limited drugs or therapeutic methods could be applied for these patients, and their prognosis was poor median overall survival (OS) of about 10 months. Increasing evidences demonstrated STAT gene family as biomarkers for prognosis, immunotherapy and drug screening.Methods: The drug screening biomarker and immune checkpoint inhibitor among STAT family were explored with several online bioinformatics tools.Results: The level STAT1/3/5A were significantly increased in STAD tissues compared with normal tissues. Methylation could downregulate STAT family expression, except STAT4. STAT1/5A/5B/6 may functioned as biomarkers for the prognosis of STAD patients. amplification and mRNA high were the most common genetic alteration form, genetic alterations could affect the disease-free survival but not overall survival of STAD patients. STAT family were involved in the activation of apoptosis pathway, EMT pathway, and hormone ER pathways, and the inhibition of cell cycle pathway, and DNA damage response pathways. Moreover, STAT5A and STAT5B were related with the drug sensitivity. Immune infiltration revealed that STAT5A level showed significant correlation with the abundance of immune cells (CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, Macrophage, Neutrphils and Dendritic cells) and the level immune biomarkers. Somatic copy number alterations of STAT5A could significantly inhibit immune cell infiltration.Conclusions: STAT5A act as drug screening biomarker and immune checkpoint inhibitor in STAD.
Exenatide and renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease: a multi-center, randomized, parallel study
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Zhang Qian , Guan Meiping , Sheng Shuyue , Mo Wei , Zou Mengchen , Li Jimin , Bi Jianlu , Tang Xianyu , He Jiali , Xu Gugen , Li Ping , Zhang Huijie , Xue Yaoming 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: This trial aimed to assess the effects of exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), on renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD).Methods: We performed a randomized, parallel study conducted in 4 general hospitals. T2DM patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 mL/min/1.73m2 and macroalbuminuria, defined as 24-hour urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) >0.3 g/24-h, were randomized 1:1 to receive exenatide twice daily plus insulin glargine or insulin lispro plus glargine for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was percentage change in UAER after 24 weeks of intervention comparing to baseline measurement. Rates of hypoglycemia, adverse events and change in eGFR during the follow up were set as safety outcomes.Results: Between March 2016 and April 2019, 92 patients were randomized and took at least one dose of study drug. The mean age of the participants was 56 years. At baseline, the median UAER was 1512.0 mg/24-h, and mean eGFR was 70.4 mL/min/1.73 m2. After 24 weeks, exenatide reduced 29.7% of the UAER (p = 0.0255). Meanwhile, the body weight declined by 1.3 kg with exenatide (difference between groups was 2.7 kg, p = 0.0001). Comparing to the control group, lower frequency of hypoglycemia as well as more gastrointestinal adverse events were in intervention group. Conclusions: Exenatide plus insulin glargine for 24 weeks resulted in significant reduction of albuminuria in T2DM patients with DKD.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02690883. Registered 20 February, 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02690883
Identification of Genome-Wide DNA Variants and SNP Haplotypes Associated with Avirulence Genes of Leptosphaeria Maculans in Western Canada
Authors: Chen Qilin , Peng Gary , Kutcher Randy , Yu Fengqun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundBlackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is a serious disease of canola/ oilseed rape in many parts of the world. An integrated approach is needed to control the disease, with genetic resistance as a key component of the management strategy. Towards this goal, a reliable approach for L. maculans race structure assessment becomes essential to gain understanding of the frequency of avirulence genes and race groups of the pathogen, and provide guidance for deployment of resistant canola cultivars.ResultsA total of 162 representative isolates collected in western Canada were selected for genome re-sequencing with an Illumina platform. Assembly of the short reads against the reference genome of L. maculans 'brassicae' isolate v23.1.3 led to the discovery of 21,016 DNA variants (SNPs and InDels), 93% SNPs and 7% InDels, with a transition/transversion (Ts/Tv) ratio of 3.1 genome wide. InDels occurred mainly in GC-blocks and the Ts/Tv ratio of SNPs in AT-blocks was > 2 times higher than that in GC-blocks. The number of variants were positively correlated with supercontig size, GC-block size and gene numbers. DNA variants in most avirulence genes were SNPs, except a deletion in AvrLm1. The number of SNPs varied from 1–2 in AvrLm2, AvrLmJ1-5-9, AvrLm6, AvrLm10A, AvrLm10B and AvrLm11, 8 in AvrLm3 and 38 in AvrLm4-7. This study is the first report of triallelic SNPs in AvrLm2 and AvrLm4-7, and premature STOP codons in AvrLm4-7. Nine SNP haplotypes were identified in AvrLm4-7, however, only 2 ~ 3 haplotypes occurred in other avirulence genes, and in total 47 haplotype groups were identified from the isolates. The 47 SNP haplotype groups were translated into 44 protein haplotype groups and then isolates of L. macualns collected in western Canada were classified into10 races.ConclusionIn this study, we document the shortcoming of inferring races from SNP genotyping, and propose the use of SNP haplotyping for more reliable and informative analysis of L. maculans race structure.
Gender and key population disparities in tuberculosis programs in Cambodia: findings from a national assessment
Authors: Yi Siyan , Teo Alvin Kuo Jing , Sok Say , Tuot Sovannary , Tieng Sivanna , Khun Kim Eam , Choub Sok Chamreun , Pheng Sok Heng , Mao Tan Eang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Globally, the successes in tuberculosis (TB) programs are hampered by the challenges in new case identification, particularly in key and vulnerable populations. Identification of gaps in the programs in response to gender and key population sensitivity is crucial in reaching the un-identified cases. This study aims to define TB key populations, assess gender- and key population-specific issues, and identify successes and gaps in the national TB response in Cambodia.Methods This national assessment was conducted in 2018 through a consultative workshop and a validation workshop with representatives of multi-stakeholder groups, a desk review of documents from all levels of the national health system, and 19 in-depth interviews and 30 focus group discussions with policymakers, service providers, and representatives of key populations. Content analysis was conducted for qualitative interviews.Results We identified seven TB key populations to be prioritized for the national TB programs in Cambodia. Key themes that inhibit access to TB services included the lack of knowledge and awareness, distance to TB clinics, lack of time and financial means, and other systemic barriers such as inconsistencies in policy and guideline implementation at different levels of the health system and lack of financial and human resources required for effective program implementation. We did not find any indications of discriminatory practices against women and key populations. In general, community participation in the national TB response was encouraging. However, there were significant gaps in data and reporting system at all levels, which are required to understand the burden of TB and risk behaviors in genders and key populations.Conclusions Disparities in gender and key populations are well-recognized in Cambodia. Barriers to TB services faced by key populations ought to be addressed through consistent engagements with different stakeholders. Data availability is vital for enhancing the understanding of gender and key population gaps, and the existing data should be duly utilized. Mechanisms to ensure equality and inclusivity are necessary to end TB in Cambodia.
Impact of Pre-appointment contact and Short Message Service alerts in reducing ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA) rate on rapid access new breast clinics: A DGH perspective
Authors: Kiruparan Pasupathy , Kiruparan Nanthesh , Debnath Debasish 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Failure to attend the clinic without prior intimation, known as “Did Not Attend” (DNA) is a significant global issue. There have been no published studies attempting to reduce DNA rates in breast clinics. We aimed to assess the impact of contacting patients prior to clinic attendance and Short Message Service (SMS) reminder on DNA rates in rapid access new breast clinics, evaluate ‘Could Not Attend’ (CNA) rate, and explore any correlation between age, sex, clinic days and sessions.Methods: Initially, DNAs at the rapid access new breast clinic between 01/04/2018 and 31/03/2019 at a district general hospital in the North-West of England was assessed (Cycle 1). Changes were introduced in terms of contacting patients prior to offering appointments, followed by SMS reminders nearer the clinic dates. Subsequently, DNA was reassessed between 01/10/2019 and 31/03/2020 (Cycle 2). Results: Following implementation of changes, DNA rate reduced from 8.2% to 4.1% (p<0.00001). CNA rates were 0.9% (Cycle 1) and 1.1% (Cycle 2) [p=0.36]. Evening clinics had the lowest DNA rates throughout. DNA patients in cycle 2 were significantly older than those in cycle 1 (p=0.002). Conclusions: Contacting patients prior to clinic appointments and sending SMS reminders helped reduce DNA rates significantly in rapid access new breast clinics. Scheduling clinic sessions with least DNA rates, such as evening clinics, should be contemplated. One should be cautious of Mobile phone technology that conveys SMS, which can potentially disadvantage the older age group. This model could be considered across the board to improve DNA rates.
Efficacy and safety of simple exercise interventions for men with osteoporosis – a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Genest Franca Maria Natalie , Lindström Sarah , Scherer Sophia , Schneider Michael , Seefried Lothar 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Aging is associated with progressive loss of musculoskeletal performance. Exercise interventions can improve physical function in the elderly but there is a paucity of comparative assessments in order to understand what specific goals can be achieved particularly with less demanding exercise interventions readily accessible for untrained men. Methods: Prospective randomized, controlled, single center trial to compare efficacy and feasibility of four distinct exercise interventions for 6 months in men at risk for osteoporosis aged 65-90 years. Primary endpoint was change in isometric one repetition maximum force trunk strength for extension (TSE) and flexion (TSF) compared to baseline, secondary endpoints covered key parameters of geriatric functional assessment, including Handgrip Strength (HS), Chair-Rise-Test (CRT) Usual Gait Speed (UGS) and Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG).Results: Altogether 47 men (mean age 77 +/-6.1years) were randomized to Resistance Training (RT, n=11), Whole Body Vibration Exercise (WBV, n=13), Qi Gong (QG, n=10) and wearing a Spinal Orthosis (SO, n=13). RT lead to significant improvements for TSE (p=0.009) and TSF (p=0.013). Vibration exercise caused sign. Progress in TSE (p=0.014) and CRT (p=0.005), the Spinal Orthosis improved CRT (p=0.003) and Gait Speed (p=0.027), while the QG Group did not attain any sig. developments. Subgroup analyses revealed most pronounced musculoskeletal progress in vulnerable patients (age ≥80years, pre-sarcopenia, multimorbidity ≥3chronic diseases). Irrespective of the type of exercise, participants ≥80years experienced significant gain in TSE (p=0.029) and CRT (p=0.017). Presarcopenic subjects (Skeletal muscle Index (SMI) ≤10.75 kg/m²) improved in TSE (p=0.003), CRT (p=0.001) and UGS (p=0.016). Multimorbid participants achieved sig. gains in TSE (p<0.001), TSF (p=0.002), UGS (p=0.036) and HS (p=0.046).Conclusions: Simple exercise interventions are feasible in elderly men with specific efficacy, i.e. improvements are attained in those tasks addressed with the training. Consequently, exercise strategies in elderly men should comprise multiple modalities to comprehensively cover various deficits. For vulnerable patients, any simple training appears beneficial.
Hypertension and prehypertension: prevalence and predisposing factors in Gabonese Youth and Adolescents
Authors: BIVIGOU Elsa AYO , DITOMBI Bridy MOUTOMBI , NGUEMA Ornella MBANG , MOUTONGO Reinne , PONGUI Bedrich , EKOMI Bernadette Bernadette , MAWILI-MBOUMBA Denise Patricia , AKOTET Marielle Karine BOUYOU 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Early detection of hypertension is necessary to reduce subsequent morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension in a high school students from Libreville, the capital city of Gabon and to identify their predisposing factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and analytical study carried out on a population of students enrolled in two establishments in Libreville during the 2018-2019 year school. Information of family history of hypertension, eating habits, consumption of alcohol and/or tobacco, taking oral contraception, age, gender, body mass index and blood pressure were collected. The NHBP and European Cardiology Society 2013 classifications were used for the analysis of blood pressure in children and young adults respectively.Results: A total of 613 students with mean age of 20.3 ± 2.5 years were included. The sex ratio was 2.3. The prevalence of hypertension was 19.4% and the predisposing factors were: obesity (OR: 2.62, [1.30-5.27]), overweight (OR: 2.52, [1.30-4.89]), male sex (OR: 2.13, [1.29-3.52]) and age over 18 (OR: 13.5, [6.6-27.4]). The prevalence of prehypertension was 23.0% and the predisposing factors were: obesity (OR: 4.38, [1.03-18.6]), overweight (OR: 2.16, [1.03-4.53]), the male sex (OR: 1.72, [1.10-2.78]) and the age below 18 years (OR: 1.21, [0, 57 to 2.56]). Conclusions: Hypertension and prehypertension are frequent in school students from Libreville. Awareness on predisposing factors and screening campaigns within school establishments are necessary to reduce complications in adulthood.
The LIVE project: A Protocol for Rapid Living Reviews of HIV Implementation Research
Authors: Eshun-Wilson Ingrid , Ford Nathan , Stefan Baral , Schwartz Sheree , Geng Elvin H 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: HIV implemention research evolves rapidly and is often complex and poorly characterized, making synthesis of data on HIV implementation strategies inherently difficult. This is further compromised by prolonged data abstraction processes, restrictions on study design and delays in publication of review findings, at times resulting in outdated and irrelevant systematic reviews. The LIVE project aims to overcome some of these challenges by conducting rapid living systematic reviews and meta-analyses.Methods: The LIVE team will generate a series of systematic reviews exploring implementation strategies targeted at improving HIV cascade outcomes. We will search Embase and Medline databases for studies conducted after 2004, using predefined search terms to identify studies conducted in any age group or setting, and using implementation strategies - targeting policy makers, society, health organizations, health workers, and patients and their families - to prevent HIV, increase HIV testing, increase ART linkage and retention, and improve viral suppression rates and survival. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies will be identified through optimized searches conducted six-monthly and features of the implementation strategies and methodological quality will be assessed using recognized tools. Review teams will publish living systematic review protocols on PROSPERO. Review results will be presented on a publically facing dashboard, with review updates conducted on a six monthly basis, and publication in peer reviewed journals supporting living review processes.Discussion: Living reviews based on both pragmatic and explanatory HIV implementation research and supported by an ongoing data abstraction process will generate rapid reviews in the HIV field which are current, relevant and maximally useful to patients, health workers and policy makers.
Phospholipase A2 Isoforms in Benzo (α) Pyrene-Induced Molecular Changes in Colon Cancer Cells: A Plausible Therapeutic Target
Authors: Sharma Sanjeev K , Yadav Subodh K , Sharma Ujjawal , Avti Pramod , Rana SatyatiVati , Khanduja Krishan Lal 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer prevalent in men, and the second in women worldwide. The exact cause and pathogenesis of this disease remains unknown. In every cell multiple phospholipase A2 (PLA2) exists, but their contribution to the cell function has yet not been determined. The increased activity of these isoforms may be important in the generation of inflammatory mediators which finally are involved in the initiation of carcinogenesis. This study has explored the pathways involved in the differential response of HCT-15 and HT-29 colon cell lines during benzo(α)pyrene [B(α)P]-induced molecular changes.Methods: HT-29 and HCT-15 cells were used for the present study. Benzo(α)pyrene [B(α)P]-induced molecular changes were evaluated through cell viability using MTT assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement using 2,7 dichloro-dihydro-fluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA), The gene expressions of PLA2 isoforms were estimated by RT- PCR. Further, knockdown of PLA2 isoform in transfected cells was done with siRNA.Results: The cell viability decreased significantly after exposure with B(α)P in both cell lines. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after exposure with B(α)P was significantly induced in both types of colon cell lines. The gene expressions of PLA2 isoforms were also estimated. Three PLA2 isoforms such as IB and, IID, IVA were induced after exposure with B(α)P respectively in HT -29 and HCT-15 cell lines. Further, a significant knockdown of PLA2 isoform in transfected cells with siRNA, and B(α)P exposure was observed in HCT-15 and HT-29 cells. There was a significant induction of ROS in IVA transfected HCT-15 cells exposure with B(α)P.Conclusion: It is concluded that each cell line behaved differently, specific PLA2 siRNA are involved in controlling the cascades related ROS, depending upon the origin of the cells. Secretary phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) inhibitors are likely to have a therapeutic potential in colon pathologies.
A Survey of Characteristics and Potential Contribution of Registered Studies for 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Authors: Yang Ming , Shang Ya-xi , Tian Zi-yu , Xiong Min , Lu Chun-li , Jiang Yue , Zhang Yao , Zhang Ying-ying , Jin Xin-yan , Jin Qiu-bai , Zhang Ying , Willcox Merlin L. , Liu Jian-ping 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

The World Health Organization characterized the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic on March 11. Many clinical trials on COVID-19 have been registered, and we aim to review the characteristics of the trials and provide guidance for future trials to avoid duplicated effort.
Methods

All the studies on COVID-19 registered before Mar 3, 2020 on eight registry platforms worldwide were searched and the data of design, participants, interventions, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. The most promising trials were screened based on study design, rationale, and resource availability.
Results

393 studies registered were identified until Mar 3 2020 and 380 (96.7%) studies were from mainland China, while 3 in Japan, 3 in France, 2 in the US, and 3 were international collaborative studies. 363 studies (92.4%) recruited participants from hospitals and 266 studies (67.7%) aimed at therapeutic effect, others were for prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, etc. 202 studies (51.4%) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The average sample size was 1061 and ranged from 8 to 150,000 per study. 177 out of 266 therapeutic studies (66.5% ) tested Western medicines including antiviral drugs (17.7%), stem cell and cord blood therapy (10.2%), chloroquine and derivatives (8.3%), 16 (6.0%) on Chinese medicines, and 73 (27.4%) on integrated therapy of Western and Chinese medicines. 14 Chinese medicines had its clear rationale for evaluation of therapeutic effects. 31 studies among 266 therapeutic studies (11.7%) used mortality as primary outcome, while the most designed secondary outcomes were symptoms and signs (47.0%). 106 studies (27.0%) were funded by the government, and 268 (68.2%) demonstrated ethical approval. 45.5% studies (179 out of 266) had not started recruiting till Mar 3. Eight RCTs were evaluated as the most promising trials.
Conclusions

Majority of the studies focused on assessing therapeutics for COVID-19 but inappropriate outcome setting, delayed recruitment and insufficient numbers of new cases in China implied many studies may fail to complete. Strategies and protocols of the studies with robust and rapid data sharing from international collaboration are warranted for emergency public health events, helping to accelerate priority setting for timely evidence-based decision-making.