bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of children with hepatoblastoma who underwent liver resection at a tertiary hospital in China: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Li Jiahao , Li Huixian , Wu Huiying , Niu Huilin , Li Haibo , Pan Jing , Yang Jiliang , Tan Tianbao , Hu Chao , Xu Tao , Zhang Xiaohong , Zheng Manna , Li Kuanrong , Zou Yan , Yang Tianyou 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : To report the outcomes of hepatoblastoma resected in our institution. Methods: We diagnosed 135 children with hepatoblastoma at our institution between January 2010 and December 2017. Patients who underwent liver resection were included for analysis. However, patients who abandoned treatment after diagnosis were excluded from analysis, but their clinical characteristics were provided in the supplementary material. Results: Forty-two patients abandoned treatment, whereas 93 patients underwent liver resection and were included for statistical analysis. Thirty-six, 23, 3, and 31 patients had PRETEXT stages II, III, IV, and unspecified tumours, respectively. Seven patients had ruptured tumour; 9 had lung metastasis (one patient had portal vein thrombosis concurrently). Sixteen patients underwent primary liver resection; 22, 25, and 30 patients received cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and delayed surgery, preoperative transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and delayed surgery, and a combination of cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy, TACE, and delayed surgery, respectively. Forty patients had both PRETEXT and POST-TEXT information available for analysis. Twelve patients were down-staged after preoperative treatment, including 2, 8, and 2 patients from stages IV to III, III to II, and II to I, respectively. Ten patients with unspecified PRETEXT stage were confirmed to have POST-TEXT stages II (n=8) and I (n=2) tumours. Seven tumours were associated with positive surgical margins, and 12 patients had microvascular involvement. During a median follow-up period of 30.5 months, 84 patients survived without relapse, 9 experienced tumour recurrence, and 4 died. The 2-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 89.4±3.4%, and 95.2±2.4%, respectively; they were significantly better among patients without metastasis (no metastasis vs metastasis: EFS, 93.5±3.7% vs 46.7±19.0%, adjusted p =0.002. OS, 97.6±2.4% vs 61.0±18.1%, adjusted p =0.005), and similar among patients treated with different preoperative strategies (chemotherapy only vs TACE only vs Both: EFS, 94.7±5.1% vs 91.7±5.6% vs 85.6±6.7%, p =0.542. OS, 94.1±5.7% vs 95.7±4.3% vs 96.7±3.3%, p =0.845). Conclusion: The OS for patients with hepatoblastoma who underwent liver resection was satisfactory. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and TACE seemed to have a similar effect on OS. However, the abandonment of treatment by patients with hepatoblastoma was common, and may have biased our results.
Mono-segment fixation method versus short-segment fixation methods, in treatment of mono-segmental lumbar tuberculosis; using titanium mesh cage with interbody fusion retrospective case-control study.
Authors: Author) Hongqi Zhang(New Corresponding , Author) Daudi Romani Manini(Former Corresponding , Wang Yuxiang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background ： 1/3rd-2/3rd of the remaining vertebral height can hold and withstand the standard pedicle screws; some surgeons have adopted affected vertebral fixation to avoid the complications of both long and short segment fixation during surgical correction of lumbar tuberculosis (TB).This study aimed to compare efficacy of mono-segment-fixation versus the short-segment fixation methods with the use of titanium mesh-cage (TMCs) and interbody fusion in the treatment of mono-segmental lumbar spinal TB via single stage posterior-only approach. Methods ： A retrospective review was done among 34 lumbar spinal TB patients. These patients underwent debridement, interbody fusion with (TMCs) by either Mono-segment fixation or short-segment fixation methods. Eighteen patients underwent mono-segment fixation method, group (A). While 16 patients underwent short-segment fixation method, group (B). Fusion, deformity correction, and decompression were done within the affected segment in group (A), while for group (B) fusion extended one level above and below the affected vertebrae . Operation time, intra-operative blood loss, degree of deformity correction and neurological functions were analyzed. Results: Comparing group (A) vs (B), average operation time in minutes (mins) for group A was 144.2±16.5, group B was 170.3 ± 25.0 (P=0.001). Average intraoperative blood loss in milliliter (mls) was 502.8±151.9 for group (A) and 742.5±143.2 for group (B) (p ˂0.05). The mean cobb’s angle between group A versus group B; preoperative was 23.8 ± 6.5 0 vs 22.2±9.2 0 (p=0.6), immediate post operatively was 8.0±3.5 0 vs 8.3±5.7 0 (p=0.847) and at final follow-up was 8.9±3.1 0 vs 9.2 ± 5.9 0 (p=0.866) respectively. Correction rate between group (A) vs group (B) was 15.7±3.8 0 vs 13.9±5.5 0 (p=0.285) and loss of correction was 1.2±0.7 0 vs 1.1±0.7 (p=0.817) respectively. No significant differences in neurological recovery between the two groups were founds. Conclusion: Under precise conditions: mono-segment fixation method, debridement, interbody fusion with TMCs, and posterior instrumentation can effectively reconstruct the spine, maintain stability and correct kyphosis deformity similar to short-segment fixation method. Also, it can relieve pain and improve neurological symptoms. When used in combination with anti-TB chemotherapy in the treatment of mono-segmental lumbar TB via a single-stage posterior-only approach.
Clinical features in primary care electronic records before diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis: a nested case-control study.
Authors: Bashir Mohammed Talha , Iversen Lisa , Burton Christopher 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) often has a long period from first symptom presentation to diagnosis. We examined the occurrence of symptoms, prescriptions and diagnostic tests in primary care electronic records over time prior to a diagnosis of AS.

Methods Nested case-control study using anonymised primary care electronic health records from Scotland. Cases were 74 adults with a first diagnosis of AS between 2000 and 2010. Controls were matched for age, sex and GP practice: (a) 296 randomly selected adults (b) 169 adults whose records contained codes indicating spinal conditions or symptoms.

We extracted clinical features (symptoms, AS-related disorders, prescriptions and diagnostic tests). Conditional logistic regression was used to examine the association between clinical features (both individually and in combinations) and diagnosis of AS. We examined the associations between clinical features and diagnosis over time prior to diagnosis.

Results Several new composite pointers were predictive of AS: including distinct episodes of axial pain separated by more than 6 months (OR 12.7, 95% CI 4.7 to 34.6); the occurrence of axial pain with and tendon symptoms within the same year (OR 21.7, 95% CI 2.6 to 181.5); and the co-occurrence (within 30 days) of axial pain and a prescription for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (OR 10.4, 95%CI 4.9 to 22.1). Coded episodes of axial pain increased steadily over the three years before diagnosis. In contrast, large joint symptoms and enthesopathy showed little or no time trend prior to diagnosis.

Conclusions We identified novel composite pointers to a diagnosis of AS in GP records. These may represent valuable targets for diagnostic support systems.
PNO1 promotes cell proliferation in prostate cancer
Authors: Hu Jianpeng , Cui Feilun , Xv Zhipeng , Tan Jian , Wang Zhengyu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. The functions of PNO1 in yeasts were involved in regulating ribosome and proteasome biogenesis. However, its roles in PCa remained largely unclear. The present study for the first time demonstrated PNO1 was up-regulated in PCa samples compared to normal tissues. ShRNA mediated knockdown of PNO1 significantly suppressed PCa proliferation and clone formation, however, induced PCa apoptosis. Microarray analysis and bioinformatics analysis revealed PNO1 was involved in regulating multiple cancer related biological processes, such as regulation of DNA repair, single organismal cell-cell adhesion, translational initiation, RNA splicing, transcription, and positive regulation of mRNA catabolic process. OF note, in vivo results showed PNO1 knockdown remarkably reduced the PCa growth rate. Despite more in-depth research is still required, this study showed PNO1 could serve as a potential biomarker for PCa.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound May Be Useful for Detecting Pediatric Intussusception at an Early Stage
Authors: Lee Jeong-Yong , Kim Jung Heon , Choi Seung Jun , Lee Jong Seung , Ryu Jeong-Min 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to verify the usefulness of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by pediatric emergency physicians for detecting intussusception at an early stage. Methods: This retrospective study included 1-month- to 6-year-old children with clinically suspected intussusception, who underwent POCUS in the pediatric emergency department between December 2016 and February 2018. The criteria for performing POCUS were set to broader standards: presenting any one of intermittent abdominal pain/irritability or bloody stool, or ≥2 symptoms among nonspecific abdominal pain/irritability, abdominal mass/distension, vomiting, or lethargy. POCUS results were interpreted and categorized as “negative” or “suspicious,” and a radiologist performed confirmatory ultrasound in “suspicious” cases. Results: We analyzed 575 POCUS scans from 549 patients (mean age, 25.5 months). Among the 92 “suspicious” cases (16.0%), 70 (12.2%) were confirmed to have intussusception. POCUS showed 100% sensitivity, 95.6% specificity, and 97.8% accuracy. Patients with confirmed intussusception were mainly diagnosed in the early stages, with a mean symptom duration of 11.7 hours, and most patients (97.1%) were treated successfully via air enema reduction. Compared to the non-intussusception group, the intussusception group had more intermittent abdominal pain ( P < 0.001), but less vomiting ( P = 0.001); the other clinical features showed no intergroup differences. Conclusion: POCUS performed using the criteria set to broader standards by pediatric emergency physicians may be useful for detecting intussusception at an early stage, which may present with obscure clinical symptoms.
High frequency of benzimidazole resistance alleles in trichostrongyloids from Austrian sheep flocks in an alpine transhumance management system
Authors: Hinney Barbara , Schoiswohl Julia , Melville Lynsey , Ameen Vahel J. , Wille-Piazzai Walpurga , Bauer Karl , Joachim Anja , Krücken Jürgen , Skuce Philip J. , Krametter-Frötscher Reinhild 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Infections of small ruminants with trichostrongyloid nematodes often result in reduced productivity and may be detrimental to the host. Anthelmintic resistance (AR) against most anthelmintic drug classes is now widespread amongst the trichostrongyloids. Baseline establishment, followed by regular monitoring of the level of AR, is necessary for farmers and veterinarians to make informed decisions about parasite management. The detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is a sensitive method to detect AR against benzimidazoles (BZs), one of the most widely used anthelmintic classes. Alpine transhumance constitutes a special type of pasturing of sheep from many different farms, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of benzimidazole resistance alleles in this particular management system. Results: Sixteen sheep flocks in Styria and Salzburg in Austria were examined by pyrosequencing for SNPs at codons 167, 198 and 200 of the isotype-1 β-tubulin gene. The frequency of the resistance-associated exchange F200Y was 87–100% for H. contortus, 77–100% for T. colubriformis and <5–66% for T. circumcincta. Additionally, the F167Y polymorphism was detected in T. colubriformis from two farms at a frequency of 19% and 23% respectively. Conclusions: The high resistance allele frequency in H. contortus and T. colubriformis in the examined sheep population urgently calls for the development of new treatment strategies to sustainably control trichostrongyloid infections for this kind of pasturing, since the frequent mixing of flocks during the alpine summer grazing must be considered an important risk factor for the spread of resistant nematodes to a large number of farms.
Five Novel PRNP Gene Polymorphisms and Their Potential Effect on Scrapie Susceptibility in Three Native Ethiopian Sheep Breeds
Authors: Teferedegn Eden Yitna , Yaman Yalcin , Un Cemal 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Classical scrapie susceptibility in sheep has been linked to three polymorphisms at codon 136, 154, and 171 in the prion protein gene (PRNP) whereas atypical scrapie susceptibility is related to polymorphisms at position 141. Many other variants over the length of the PRNP have been reported. Some of the variants may play crucial roles in fighting against the emergence of a new form of scrapie disease. Scrapie surveillance, scrapie associated genotyping and PRNP characterization studies have been conducted across the globe. However, such in-depth studies have never addressed the African continent’s sheep breeds. Therefore, genotyping native Ethiopian sheep breed’s PRNP gene has socioeconomic and scientific merits. This study aimed to identify PRNP variants in three native Ethiopian sheep breeds and their potential effect on scrapie susceptibility. Results : Five novel variants were identified in the PRNP gene of three native Ethiopian sheep breeds. Four non-synonymous heterozygous substitutions i.e. H99Q (CAC-->CAA), H99L (CAC-->CTA), A116E (GCA-->GAA), A116T (GCA-->ACA), and one synonymous N103N (AAC-->AAT) were detected. In addition to the novel variants, polymorphisms at codon 126,127,138,142,146,231, and 237 were also identified. The haplotype ARR was observed in Menz and Afar breeds at frequencies of 0.02 and 0.05 respectively. Neither ARR/ARR nor VRQ/VRQ genotypes were identified in the population under study. Conclusion: Two of the novel variants at codon 99 and 103 that are placed closer to the proteinase K cleavage site and the variant at codon 116 in the palindrome region along with variants at codon 127 in glycine repeat domain may influence the conformational flexibility of prion protein. The rarity of ARR haplotype and the abundance of 141L variant demonstrated that the present study population was less resistant to classical scrapie and less predisposed to genotype associated atypical scrapie. This study provides a valuable dataset that can be potentially integrated into selective breeding strategies during interbreeding, crossbreeding and help to take precautionary measures against scrapie.
Hearing loss and cognitive function among Chinese older adults: The role of participation in leisure activities
Authors: Gao Jiamin , Armstrong Nicole M. , Deal Jennifer A. , Lin Frank R. , He Ping 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Hearing loss, a highly prevalent sensory impairment affecting older adults, is a risk factor for cognition decline. However, there were very limited studies on this association in low-resource countries. This study aimed to assess whether having hearing loss were associated with cognitive decline and engagement in leisure activities modified this association among Chinese elderly. Methods Using data from the nationally representative survey of China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) between 2011-2014, 9,710 individuals aged 65 years old or above with self-reported measures of hearing status and global cognition, as measured by the Modified Mini Mental Examination (MMSE), were included in this study. Fixed-effects models were used to estimate whether leisure activity engagement moderated the association of self-perceived hearing loss with global cognitive change in the overall sample and by sex. Results People with self-reported hearing loss was associated with cognitive impairment, with an odds ratio of 2.48 [1.22, 5.06]. Sex difference on the association of hearing loss and cognitive impairment was not found. Self-reported hearing loss was associated with cognitive function decline with 8% [-1.22, -0.39] increase in risk compared with those with normal hearing. Frequent engagement in leisure activities moderated the association between hearing loss and cognition. Actively participating in leisure activities modified the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline in males, while leisure activity engagement did not modify any associations among females. Conclusion Hearing loss was associated with cognitive decline, and leisure activities engagement moderated the association among males rather than females.
Preference of blood pressure measurement methods by primary care doctors in Hong Kong: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Lee Eric Kam Pui , Choi Ryan Chun Ming , Liu Licheng , Gao Tiffany , Yip Benjamin Hon Kei , Wong Samuel Yeung Shan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Hypertension is the most common chronic disease and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Its screening, diagnosis, and management depend heavily on accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement. It is recommended that the diagnosis of hypertension should be confirmed or corroborated by out-of-office BP values, measured using ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and home BP monitoring (HBPM). When office BP is used, automated office BP (AOBP) measurement method, which automatically provides an average of 3–5 BP readings, should be preferred. This study aimed to describe the BP measurement methods commonly used by doctors in primary care in Hong Kong, to screen, diagnose, and manage hypertensive patients.

Methods

In this cross-sectional survey, all doctors registered in the Hong Kong “Primary Care Directory” were mailed a questionnaire, asking their preferred BP-measuring methods to screen, diagnose, and manage hypertensive patients. Furthermore, we also elicited information on the usual number of office BP or HBPM readings obtained, to diagnose or manage hypertension.

Results

Out of the 1738 doctors in the directory, 445 responded. Manual measurement using a mercury or aneroid device was found to be the commonest method to screen (63.1%), diagnose (56.4%), and manage (72.4%) hypertension. There was a significant underutilisation of ABPM, with only 1.6% doctors using this method to diagnose hypertension. HBPM was used by 22.2% and 56.8% of the respondents to diagnose and manage hypertension, respectively. A quarter (26.7%) of the respondents reported using only one in-office BP reading, while 40% participants reported using ≥12 HBPM readings. Doctors with specialist qualification in family medicine were more likely to use AOBP in clinics and to obtain the recommended number of office BP readings for diagnosis and management of hypertension.

Conclusion

Doctors in Hong Kong primary care prefer to use manual office BP values, measured using mercury or aneroid devices, to screen, diagnose, and manage hypertension, highlighting a marked underutilisation of AOBP and out-of-office BP measuring techniques, especially that of ABPM. Further studies are indicated to understand the underlying reasons and to minimise the gap between real-life clinical practice and those recommended, based on scientific advances.
Small Auxin Up RNAs influence the distribution of indole-3-acetic acid and play a potential role in increasing seed size in Euryale ferox Salisb.
Authors: Huang Zhiheng , Bao Ke , Jin Zonghui , Wang Qian , Duan Huifang , Zhu Yayin , Zhang Sen , Wu Qinan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Aquatic Euryale ferox Salisb. is an economically important crop in China and India. Unfortunately, low yield limitations seriously hinder market growth. Here, we generated a new hybrid line (HL) by crossing South Gordon Euryale and North Gordon Euryale (WT). The hybrid showed significant heterosis, including a non-prickly, thin-coated, large seed. However, the functional genes and developmental mechanism involved in formation of the larger seed in HL is unclear.
Results: Both concentration and localization of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at two growth stages of fruits of WT and HL were detected by LC-MS and immunofluorescence. Although IAA content between the two lines did not differ, IAA distribution was significantly different. To elucidate the mechanism and to seek the key genes underlying this difference, RNA-seq was performed on young fruits at the two selected growth stages, and differentially expressed genes related to the auxin transduction pathway were selected for further analysis.
Conclusion: Hybrid Euryale ferox Salisb. expressed significant heterosis, resulting in non-prickly, thin-coated, large seeds, which accounted for the significantly larger yield of HL than that of WT. Our study indicated that Small Auxin Up RNA s (SAURs) -mediated localization of IAA regulates seed size in Euryale ferox Salisb. We found that some SAURs may act as a positive mediator of the auxin transduction pathway, thereby contributing to the observed heterosis.
Risk of multi-drug resistant Campylobacter spp. and residual antimicrobials at poultry farms and live bird markets in Bangladesh
Authors: Neogi Sucharit Basu , Islam Md. Mehedul , Islam SK Shaheenur , Akhter A.H.M. Taslima , Sikder Md. Mahmudul Hasan , Yamasaki Shinji , Kabir S. M. Lutful 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Understanding potential risks of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens from the booming poultry sector is a crucial public health concern. Campylobacter spp. are among the most important zoonotic pathogens associated with MDR infections in poultry and human. This study systematically examined potential risks and associated socio-environmental factors of MDR Campylobacter spp. in poultry farms and live bird markets (LBMs) of Bangladesh. Methods: Microbial culture and PCR-based methods were applied to examine the occurrence and MDR patterns of Campylobacter spp. in potential sources (n = 224) at 7 hatcheries, 9 broiler farms and 4 LBMs in three sub-districts. Antimicrobial residues in broiler meat and liver samples (n = 50) were detected by advanced chromatographic techniques. A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was conducted on socio-environmental factors. Results: Overall, 32% (71/ 224) samples were found contaminated with Campylobacter spp. In poultry farms, Campylobacter spp. was primarily found in cloacal swab (21/49, 43%), followed by drinking water (8/24, 33%), and meat (8/28, 29%) samples of broilers. Remarkably, at LBMs, Campylobacter spp. was detected in higher prevalence (p <0.05) in broiler meat (14/26, 54%), which could be related (p <0.01) to bacterial contamination of drinking water (11/21, 52%) and floor (9/21, 43%). Campylobacter isolates, one from each of 71 positive samples, were differentiated into Campylobacter jejuni (66%) and Campylobacter coli (34%). Alarmingly, 49% and 42% strains of C. jejuni and C. coli, respectively, were observed as MDR, i.e., resistant to three or more antimicrobials, including, tetracycline, amoxicillin, streptomycin, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides. Residual antimicrobials (oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin) were detected in majority of broiler liver (79%) and meat (62%) samples, among which 33% and 19%, respectively, had concentration above acceptable limit. Inadequate personal and environmental hygiene, unscrupulously use of antimicrobials, improper waste disposal, and lack of health surveillance were distinguishable risk factors, with local diversity and compound influences on MDR pathogens. Conclusion: Potential contamination sources and anthropogenic factors associated with the alarming occurrence of MDR Campylobacter, noted in this study, would aid in developing interventions to minimize the increasing risks of poultry-associated MDR pathogens under ‘One Health’ banner that includes poultry, human and environment perspectives.