bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technical Tips for Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy: a three-step maneuver for puncture and early clinical experience
Authors: Liang Ze Yan , Chen Shao Xiong , Wang Rui , Chen Chunmei 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: With respect to percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED), safe and accurate needle puncture is a key element for determining the difficulty of surgery and can also influence clinical outcomes. The transforaminal puncture method currently employed in PTED depends on a constant distance from the midline and estimated angles in anteroposterior and craniocaudal directions. TSMP is an alternative concept of puncture based on Kambin’s triangle. TSMP references the natural anatomy of patients to progressively advance the needle to target. We herein discribed a three-step maneuver for puncture (TSMP) in PTED, which is possible to introduce the needle more safely and gain easy access to the herniated disc.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 30 patients who underwent PTED using TSMP for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and met inclusion criteria from January 2018 to September 2018. The primary outcome, leg or back pain, was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patient surgical satisfaction was measured at 12 months post surgery using a five-point Likert scale. Potential prognostic factors measured were demographic characteristics, duration of symptom (DOS), and involved levels. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test and t-test..Results: Preoperative mean VAS was 7.6 ± 1.19, which decreased to 1.4 ± 0.97 at12 months following treatment (P < .0001). Rates of surgical satisfaction per Likert scale were as follows: very satisfied and satisfied in 26 patients (86.7%). VAS scores at 12 months varied significantly between L4-L5 level surgery and L5-S1 level surgery groups (P < .01).Conclusion: TSMP is a reliable technique for puncture into the intervertebral foramen.
Serum homocysteine may related to colorectal adenoma number: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Jing-Wei , Wang Ya-Dan , Wu Jing , Dong Feng-Xiao , Lin Lin , Liu Hong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEarly detection of high-risk adenomas is crucial for the prevention of colorectal cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of serum biomarkers in characterizing the histological features of colon adenomas and predicting the progression of high-risk adenomas to colorectal cancer.MethodsPatients diagnosed with colorectal adenoma in Beijing Shijitan Hospital between Jan 2013 and Dec 2015 were recruited to the study. Patients were classified into low-, moderate-, and high-risk according to the adenoma scores. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), clinical biochemistry, serum homocysteine (HCY) levels, and serum tumor markers were determined. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression. The correlation between the serum biomarkers and basic characteristic of the adenomas was analyzed.ResultsThe serum levels of HCY (OR=0.06, 95% CI 0.01-1.52), CA724 (OR=0.03, 95% CI 0.00-0.97), and ESR (OR=0.01, 95% CI 0.00-0.44) were positively correlated with the risk of colon adenomas developing into colorectal cancers. High serum level of HCY was related with the development of multiple (>3) adenomas (OR=0.25, 95% CI 0.11-0.56). Higher ESR was related to the occurrence of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (OR=0.06, 95% CI 0.00-0.73) and villous adenomas (OR=0.20, 95% CI 0.04-0.98).ConclusionSerum levels of HCY, ESR and CA724 may be valuable indicators for predicting the risk of colon adenomas, among them, ESR may be more related to specific pathology types, HCY is more related to the number of adenomas and development of colorectal cancer.
Policy changes and impact rises: Erythropoietin Payment Policy on Cardiovascular Outcomes of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Lai I-Chun , Hou Ying-Hui , Lin Shih-Pi , Wan Thomas T.H. , Yang Feng-Jung , Chang Ray-E 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background and Purposes The change in reimbursement policy of erythropoietin application to peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients by Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) system provided a natural experimental venue to examine whether cardiovascular risk differs while keeping hematocrit (Hct) below 30% or over 30%. This study intended to analyze the impact of loosening erythropoietin payment criteria for PD patients on their cardiovascular outcomes. Methods Two cohorts of incident PD patients before and after the relaxation of NHI’s erythropoietin payment criteria were identified as Cohort 1 and Cohort 2, respectively, and further matched by propensity scores and then followed up for cardiovascular events. There were 1,759 patients in Cohort 1 and 2,981 patients in Cohort 2. After propensity score matching, 1,754 subjects were selected from each cohort. The outcome measures were cardiovascular events and were analyzed through Cox regressions. Findings and Conclusion For the composite cardiovascular endpoint, Cohort 2 patients had significantly lower risk than Cohort 1. The risk reduction was observed only in diabetic patients. After loosening erythropoietin payment criteria, less cardiovascular risks were observed, particularly for diabetic patients. It is concluded that for diabetic PD patients, maintaining a Hct level higher than 30% is crucial for reducing the cardiovascular risk.
A improved posterior approaches in treating benign primary spinal tumor: a preliminary retrospective report.
Authors: Li Ping , Cao Yong , Deng Zhansheng , Rong Zijie 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Primary spine tumors are rare, accounting for fewer than 5% of all tumors of the spine. Unlike metastatic spine tumors, primary tumors localized to a single location offer the potential for true cure, so a minority of the primary benign lesions will require surgical treatment. Although the development of surgical techniques and instrumentation, few literatures had reported transpedicluar lateral debridement ,bone grafting ,and posterior instrumentation for primary spinal tumors. In the current study, we evaluate the efficacy of posterior instrumentation after transpedicular lateral debridement and bone grafting in patients with primary spinal tumors at a single institution.Methods: 21 patients (13 males and 8 females; average age 30 years) with primary spinal benign tumor underwent transpedicular lateral debridement, bone grafting, and instrumentation. The average follow-up period was 29.5 months (range 12–48months). The medical records and radiographic findings of the patients were reviewed.Results: all patients who had involvement of one vertebra. Before surgery, there were one patients with Frankel grade B, three with grade C, six with grade D, and eleven with grade E. During the last follow-up examination, in ten patients with neurological deficit, one patients improved one grade, seven patients improved two grades, and the neurologic status remained unchanged in two patients. Stable bone union was observed in all cases and the average time required for fusion was 6.5 months. The kyphosis Cobb angle improved from the preoperative average of 18.61 (range 0–48) to a average of 3.9(range 13 to 0) during the follow-up period. During the follow-up period, there were no grafts or instrumentation-related stabilization problems. There was no other recurrence of tumorsConclusions: transpedicluar lateral debridement ,bone grafting ,and posterior instrumentation are safe and effective methods in the surgical management of primary spine benign tumors.
SLC16A1 SNPs and leisure-time physical activity in young Brazilian adults
Authors: Hartwig Fernando Pires , Martins Rafaela , Horta Bernardo Lessa , Rombaldi Airton , Ekelund Ulf , Gigante Denise Petrucci , Hallal Pedro Curi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Physical inactivity is a pandemic risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Investigating its determinants is critical to inform effective interventions. However, little is known about genetic determinants of physical activity. Methods: Adults from 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort were investigated. Five SLC16A1 SNPs were assessed for association with physical activity measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: At a mean age of 22.8 years, rs1049434-AT and TT genotypes (compared to AA) were associated with 4.9 (95% CI: -32.8; 41.5) and 20.6 (-29.1; 69.4) more minutes per week of self-reported leisure-time physical activity in males, respectively. rs3849174-AT and TT males reported 7.9 (95% CI: -43.1; 27.3) and 41.6 (95% CI: -111.5; 28.2) less minutes per week compared to AA, respectively. At a mean age of 30.2 years, the results for the rs1049434 in males were very similar. Effect estimates of 22.6 (95% CI: 53.8; 8.6) and 28.7 (95% CI: -90.8; 33.4) less minutes were observed for rs3849174-TG and GG males, respectively. Results were inconsistent for the rs17493313 SNP and for females. Conclusion: Our results suggest that rs1049434 and rs3849174 SNPs may be genetic determinants of physical activity. However, our findings need replication in larger samples with more precise measures of physical activity.
Perceptions and barriers toward sexual reproductive health services accessibility, availability and quality among adolescents in selected cities of Rwanda
Authors: Ndayishimiye Pacifique , Dine Roseline Dzekem , Dukuze Aline , Kubwimana Isabelle , Nyandwi Jean Baptiste , Biracyaza Emmanuel 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: A fifth of the global population is made up of adolescents. Sexual reproductive health needs for young people is largely ignored by existing health, education and other social programs. In Rwanda, there is still an increase in teen pregnancies, HIV/ STIs as well as reports on the lack of access to accurate SRH information. The study aimed to explore the perceptions and barriers toward sexual reproductive health services accessibility, availability and quality among adolescents in the second cities of Rwanda.Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in six selected cities of Rwanda. In-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires among 121 adolescents aged 10-19 years old living in six selected cities.Results : Majority of the participants were female 62.8% and aged between 15-17 years old 32.8%. Females adolescents were more aware, and adolescents with primary school level 62.5% were not aware about SRH services provision at health facilities. Adolescents were mostly aware about the availability of HIV testing and circumcision services at 102 ( 86.4%). Results indicate that utilization of SRH services remains low (34.7%) among adolescents. A recent utilization of a particular service was linked to a use in the past: “I am aware of my HIV status because I was tested when I was going to receive a transfusion at a hospital” (Female participant, Rwamagana). Family, socio-cultural, religious influences and lack of privacy, high costs for the services, unavailability of some services at private facilities as well as lack of comfortable separated rooms, were the barriers reported by adolescents that prevented them from utilising SRH services.Conclusion : Accessibility to SRH services for adolescents remains low and SRH services provision doesn’t offer confidentiality to adolescents who seek services at health facilities. Family influences, socio-cultural stigma and religious barriers remain a burden to adolescents’ SRH services utilization. Increasing community outreach and adolescent’s engagement is needed to enable access to accurate SRH information. Multidisciplinary stakeholders should collaborate and cooperate to address the stigma associated with access to SRH services for adolescents.
Carbon nanoparticles for identification of metastatic lymph nodes around the superior mesenteric artery in transverse colon cancer
Authors: Xu YuXin , Chi Pan , Huang Ying , Wang XiaoJie , Ye DaoXiong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Accurate identification of metastatic lymph nodes around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), with or without metastasis, is vital for surgeons when dissecting lymph nodes in patients with transverse colon cancer. In the current study, we evaluated the prospect of using carbon nanoparticles in identification of lymph nodes around SMA. Methods We recruited a total of 220 patients, with transverse colon cancer, and divided them into two groups. The first group (n=51) was carbon nanoparticle (CN) while the other (n=169) had no carbon nanoparticle (NCN) group. Intraoperative and post-operative data were compared between the groups. Results We found that 117 patients were negative for D1 lymph nodes, while 3.4% were positive for D2 lymph nodes. Additionally, 169 patients were negative for D2 lymph nodes while 10.7% of patients were positive for D3 lymph nodes. Laparoscopy easily identified black-dyed lymph nodes in the CN group. Significantly higher numbers of positive station D3 lymph nodes (0.63 ± 2.43 vs 0.29 ± 1.03, p = 0.006), number of positive station 214 nodes (0.10 ± 0.13 vs 0.08 ± 0.17, p = 0.004), the number of positive lymph nodes (2.69 ± 5.38 vs 1.90 ± 4.22, p = 0.037), and the number of total lymph nodes (39.67 ± 19.33 vs 34.50 ± 18.99, p = 0.037) were found in the CN compared to NCN group. However, we found no significant differences between CN and NCN groups with regards to the number of positive station D1 and D2 lymph nodes. Conclusions We successfully identified metastases 214 LNs around SMA in transverse colon cancer using carbon nanoparticles. These particles have potential to significantly increase the number of positive and negative lymph nodes.
Deltex1 promotes cell proliferation and invasion and associated with clinical characteristics of breast cancer
Authors: Liu Xiaoyi , Hu Jianxia , Che Kui , Chi Jingwei , Fu Zhengju , Liu Xiangping , wang haibo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Deltex1 (DTX1) was found to play its role in the development of several kinds of cancer. The association between DTX1 and breast cancer was unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between DTX1 expression and clinical characteristics of breast cancer, further explore the possible mechanisms of DTX1 on the development of breast cancer. Methods We determined level of DTX1 expression by qRT-PCR, analyzed association between DTX1 and clinical characteristics of breast cancer by student’s test and ANOVA test. The possible mechanisms of DTX1 on the development of breast cancer were explored with breast cancer cell lines in vitro. Results Levels of DTX1 in breast cancer tissues were lower compared to FCD tissues and peri-neoplastic breast tissues (P<0.01). Lower expression of DTX1 was associated with advanced tumor grade (grade III, P=0.002), advanced clinical TNM stage (III-IV stage, P=0.017), positive lymph node metastasis (P=0.034) and high Ki-67 index (P=0.031). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that DTX1 expression was recognized as an independent prognostic factor for MFS in breast cancer. Elevated levels of Notch1, Jagged1 and HES1 in NOTCH pathway and p-Akt/PKB in PI3K/AKT pathway were found in breast cancer cells with lower DTX1 expression. GSI treatment could inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation and migration through NOTCH/DTX1/PI3K/AKT pathways. Conclusion Lower DTX1 in breast tissues was associated with advanced condition, prognosis and metastasis of breast cancer. Lower DTX1 might promote breast cancer cell proliferation and migration via NOTCH/DTX1/PI3K/AKT pathways. DTX1 might be useful as a marker to select new therapy for breast cancer.
Leisure-time physical activity and gastric cancer risk: a pooled study within the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project
Authors: Stojanovic Jovana , Giraldi Luca , Johnson Ken C , Hu Jinfu , Torre Antonio Molina de la , Fernández-Tardón Guillermo , Zaridze David , Maximovich Dmitry , Negri Eva , Vecchia Carlo La , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Kurtz Robert C , Pelucchi Claudio , Rota Matteo , Pastorino Roberta , Boccia Stefania 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Physical activity (PA) has been recognized as a protective factor against several types of cancer, though robust evidence related to Gastric Cancer (GC) are lacking. This study aimed to establish whether leisure-time PA can prevent GC using data from a large pooled analysis of case-control studies within the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project.Methods Five case-control studies from StoP project collected data on PA, for a total of 2,415 cases and 9,722 controls. Subjects were classified into three leisure-time PA categories, either none/low, intermediate or high, based on study-specific tertiles. We used a two-stage approach. Firstly, we applied multivariable logistic regression models to obtain study-specific odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Afterwards, we used a random-effect models for estimating pooled effect estimates. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using Q and I 2 statistics. We performed stratified analyses according to demographic, lifestyle and clinical covariates.Results The pooled ORs for GC risk were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.13) for intermediate, and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.91) for high levels of leisure-time PA. There was no evidence of significant heterogeneity in outcome estimates ( I 2 = 49.7%; p=0.094 for intermediate; I 2 = 42.9%, p=0.135 for high levels of exposure). GC risk estimates did not differ across strata of selected covariates.Conclusions Our study is the largest pooled analysis that provides insights about protective effects of high levels of recreational PA on GC risk. Although our results should be confirmed from large cohort studies, the implications have relevant public health significance.
The novel coronavirus infection pneumonia in Zhejiang province, China: early transmission dynamics, the government measures, and current situation of diagnosis and treatment
Authors: junwen Shen , yu Chen , jianer Tang , rongjiang Wang , zhihai Fang , jianxiang Yao , bingyao Liu , ying Zhou , zhanqing shi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective: to analyze the early transmission dynamics, the government measures, and current situation of diagnosis and treatment for novel coronavirus infection pneumonia in Zhejiang province, china.Methods: We collected the daily number of newly confirmed novel coronavirus infection pneumonia (NCP) patients and the number of discharge patients by February 8 in Zhejiang province. We analyzed the characteristics, exposure history, and the clinical symptoms of NCP patients.Results: there were 1075 confirmed NCP patients and 173 discharge patients in Zhejiang province by February 8. The daily number of newly confirmed NCP patients got decreased since January 29 (27 patients on February 8), while the daily number of newly discharge NCP patients was increasing (46 patients on February 8). Before February 1, the imported NCP patients contained the most significant part of total NCP patients. And the local infection of NCP patients occupied the main reason. 77 patients needed to stay in ICU. 26 of 77 patients had greater life danger. Fortunately, no patient was dead, and no health care worker got the infection. At the same time, the government of Zhejiang province strictly restricted the movement of people to prevent the NCP from further spread.Conclusion: The early spread of NCP in Zhejiang province was speedy. After the government of Zhejiang province took strict measures to restrict the movement of people, the difficult situation of NCP got noticeable relief in Zhejiang province since February 1.
Swelling capacity of mixed talc-like/stevensite layers in white/green clay infillings (“deweylite”/ “garnierite”) from serpentine veins of faulted peridotites, New Caledonia
Authors: Fonteneau Lionel , Caner Laurent , Petit Sabine , Juillot Farid , Ploquin Florian , Fritsch Emmanuel 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWhite (Mg-rich) and green (Ni-rich) clay infillings (“deweylite”/ “garnierite”) found in serpentine veins of faulted peridotite formations from New Caledonia consist of an intimate mixture of fine-grained and poorly ordered 1:1 and 2:1 layer silicates, commonly referred to as non-expandable serpentine-like (SL) and talc-like (TL) minerals. New data on the swelling and shrinking capacity of these layer silicates were gathered from X-ray diffraction (XRD) after saturation of the clay fractions with different cations (Ca2+, Li+, K+), ethylene glycol (EG) solvation, and heat treatments. Simultaneously, layer charge distribution and vacancy density, respectively, were investigated by FTIR spectroscopy on NH4-saturated clay fractions and XRD on Li-saturated clay fractions before and after heating (Hofmann Klemen treatment). Five clay infillings, with dominant 2:1 layer silicates and variable Ni contents, were selected for this study, from a large set of veinlets, according to their swelling capacity. The crystal chemistry of these samples was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and bulk chemical analyses.The swelling ability of the clay infillings is attributed to the 2:1 layer silicates. It does not seem to be affected by the relative fraction of Mg and Ni in their octahedral sheets. In XRD patterns, the swelling ability is reflected by slight shifts of the basal reflection of the 2:1 layer silicates toward low angles for bulk samples and by splitting of the peak into two contributions for clay fractions saturated with Ca (or Li) and solvated with EG. The split increases with the swelling capacity of the sample. It originates mainly from octahedral-layer charge generated by vacant sites. Such results lead us to consider the 2:1 layer silicates of the infillings as an intimate mixture of non-expandable (TL) and expandable (stevensite) phases. In agreement with previous studies that suggested a contribution of hydrothermal processes in the alteration of serpentine species into 2:1 layer silicates, we propose that the proportion of expandable phases in the clay infillings (or vacancy sites in the octahedral sheets of the 2:1 layer silicates) could be used as an efficient means for assessing the temperature of their formation. Clay infillings mostly made of stevensite would have formed at ambient temperatures, whereas those consisting mainly of non-expandable TL would have formed at higher temperatures.
Phylogenomic Analysis of R2R3 MYB Transcription Factors in Sorghum and their Role in Conditioning Biofuel Syndrome
Authors: Singh Vinay , Kumar Neeraj , Dwivedi Anuj K. , Sharma Rita , Sharma Manoj K. 
Published: March 2020

Background :
Large scale cultivation of sorghum for food, feed, and biofuel requires concerted
efforts for engineering multipurpose cultivars with optimised agronomic traits. Due to their vital
role in regulating the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid-derived compounds, biomass composition,
biotic, and abiotic stress response, R2R3-MYB family transcription factors are ideal targets for improving
environmental resilience and economic value of sorghum.

Methods:
We used diverse computational biology tools to survey the sorghum genome to identify
R2R3-MYB transcription factors followed by their structural and phylogenomic analysis. We used inhouse
generated as well as publicly available high throughput expression data to analyse the R2R3 expression
patterns in various sorghum tissue types.

Results:
We have identified a total of 134 R2R3-MYB genes from sorghum and developed a framework
to predict gene functions. Collating information from the physical location, duplication, structural
analysis, orthologous sequences, phylogeny, and expression patterns revealed the role of duplications
in clade-wise expansion of the R2R3-MYB family as well as intra-clade functional diversification.
Using publicly available and in-house generated RNA sequencing data, we provide MYB candidates
for conditioning biofuel syndrome by engineering phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and sugar signalling
pathways in sorghum.

Conclusion:
The results presented here are pivotal to prioritize MYB genes for functional validation
and optimize agronomic traits in sorghum.