bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distant Survival for Patients Undergoing Surgery Using Volatile versus IV Anesthesia for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus:A Retrospective study.
Authors: Meng Xiao-Yan , Zhang Xiu-Ping , Wang Hong-Qian , Yu Weifeng 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Whether anesthesia type is associate with the surgical outcome of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) remains to be determined. This study aims to investigate the impact of volatile inhalational anesthesia (INHA) versus total IV anesthesia (TIVA) on the survival outcomes in HCC patients with PVTT. Methods A cohort of in-patients whom were diagnosed of HCC with PVTT in Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China, from January 1, 2008 to December 24, 2012 were identified. Surgical patients receiving the INHA and TIVA were screened out. The overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and several postoperative adverse events were compared according to anesthesia types. Results A total of 1513 patients were included in this study. After exclusions are applied, 263 patients remain in the INHA group and 208 in the TIVA group. Patients receiving INHA have a lower 5-year overall survival rate than that of patients receiving TIVA [12.6% (95% CI, 9.0 to 17.3) vs. 17.7% (95% CI, 11.3 to 20.8), P=0.024]. Results of multivariable Cox-regression analysis also identify that INHA anesthesia is significantly associated with mortality and cancer recurrence after surgery compare to TIVA, with HR (95%CI) of 1.303 (1.065, 1.595) and 1.265 (1.040, 1.539), respectively. Subgroup analysis suggested that in more severe cancer patients, the worse outcome related to INHA might be more significant. Conclusion This retrospective analysis identifies that TIVA has better survival outcomes compare to INHA in HCC patients with PVTT. Future prospective researches are urgent to verify this difference and figure out underlying causes of it.
Physiological and transcriptomic analyses reveal the mechanisms underlying the salt tolerance of Zoysia japonica Steud.
Authors: Wang Jingjing , An Cong , Guo Hailin , Yang Xiangyang , Chen Jingbo , Zong Junqin , Li Jianjian , Liu Jianxiu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Areas with saline soils are sparsely populated and have fragile ecosystems, which severely restricts the sustainable development of local economies. Zoysia grasses are recognized as excellent warm-season turfgrasses worldwide, with high salt tolerance and superior growth in saline-alkali soils. However, the mechanism underlying the salt tolerance of Zoysia species remains unknown. Results: The phenotypic and physiological responses of two contrasting materials, Zoysia japonica Steud. Z004 (salt sensitive) and Z011 (salt tolerant) in response to salt stress were studied. The results show that Z011 was more salt tolerant than was Z004, with the former presenting greater K + /Na + ratios in both its leaves and roots. To study the molecular mechanisms underlying salt tolerance further, we compared the transcriptomes of the two materials at different time points (0 h, 1 h, 24 h, and 72 h) and from different tissues (leaves and roots) under salt treatment. The 24-h time point and the roots might make significant contributions to the salt tolerance. Moreover, GO and KEGG analyses of different comparisons revealed that the key DEGs participating in the salt-stress response belonged to the hormone pathway, various TF families and the DUF family. Conclusions: Z011 may have improved salt tolerance by reducing Na + transport from the roots to the leaves, increasing K + absorption in the roots and reducing K + secretion from the leaves to maintain a significantly greater K + /Na + ratio. Twenty-four hours might be a relatively important time point for the salt-stress response of zoysiagrass. The auxin signal transduction family, ABA signal transduction family, WRKY TF family and bHLH TF family may be the most important families in Zoysia salt-stress regulation. This study provides fundamental information concerning the salt-stress response of Zoysia and improves the understanding of molecular mechanisms in salt-tolerant plants.
Clinical and ultrasonographic features of medullary thyroid microcarcinomas compared with papillary thyroid microcarcinomas: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Zhou Wei , Zhan Weiwei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: To identify the sonographic features that help differentiate medullary thyroid microcarcinomas (MTMCs) smaller than 10 mm and papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs). Methods: This study included 41 patients with 46 MTMCs and 104 consecutive patients with 136 PTMCs. All the nodules were surgically and histologically proved. The age and nodule size were analyzed by independent sample t test, and the gender, multiplicity and cervical lymph node metastases were analyzed by χ 2 or Fisher’s exact tests. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed on the sonographic features of thyroid nodules, including location, shape, boundary, margin, peripheral halo ring, echogenicity, composition, calcifications and vascularization. Results: Compared with PTMCs, there were more MTMCs patients with cervical lymph node metastases (P=0.040). There were no significant differences in age, gender, nodule size, multiplicity, location, boundary, margin, peripheral halo ring, echogenicity and microcalcification between MTMCs and PTMCs (P < 0.05 for all). However, significant differences were found in shape (P=0.000), composition (P=0.032), macrocalcification (P=0.004) and vascularity (P=0.000) between the two groups. Conclusions: MTMCs had some overlapping sonographic features with PTMCs, however, MTMCs were more likely to be >50% solid composition, ovoid to round nodules with macrocalcifications and hypervascularity, and cervical lymph node metastases were more common in MTMCs patients.
Detection of Atypical porcine pestivirus in Swedish piglets with congenital tremor type A-II
Authors: Stenberg Hedvig , Jacobson Magdalena , Malmberg Maja 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background Congenital tremor (CT) type A-II is a neurological disorder characterized by tremor of the head and body of newborn piglets. The suggested causative agent of the disease is the recently found atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV). The virus has been detected in piglets suffering from congenital tremor in central Europe, South and North America and in China but no studies has so far been performed in the Nordic countries. The overarching goal of this study was to investigate if APPV is present in the brain tissue of Swedish piglets suffering from congenital tremor. From June 2017 – June 2018, 15 piglets from four Swedish farms with ongoing outbreaks of congenital tremor and 13 piglets with splay leg originating from four different farms, were investigated for presence of APPV RNA in brain tissue. Matched healthy control piglets (n=8) were also investigated. Two APPV-specific RT-qPCR methods targeting the NS3 and NS5B region, respectively, were used. A retrospective study was performed on material from Swedish piglets with congenital tremor sampled in 2004 (n = 11) and 2011/2012 (n = 3) using the described APPV-specific RT-qPCR methods. The total number of piglets with signs of CT in this study was 29. Results Atypical porcine pestivirus-RNA was detected in 93% (27/29) of the piglets suffering from congenital tremor. All piglets with congenital tremor from 2004 (n = 11) and 2012 (n = 3) were PCR-positive with respect to APPV, whereas, all of the healthy controls (n = 11) were negative. The piglets with congenital tremor sampled 2017-2018 had an odds ratio of 91,8 (95% CI 3.9128 to 2153.7842, z = 2.807, P = 0.0050) to test positive for APPV by qRT-PCR compared to the healthy piglets (Fishers exact test p < 0.0001). These findings make it interesting to continue investigating APPV in the Swedish pig population. Conclusion This is the first description of atypical porcine pestivirus in piglets suffering from congenital tremor type A-II in Sweden and the Nordic countries. The virus has been present in the Swedish pig population since at least 2004.
The equine gastrointestinal microbiome: Impacts of weight-loss
Authors: Morrison Philippa , Newbold Charles J. , Jones Eleanor , Worgan Hilary J. , Grove-White Dai H. , Dugdale Alexandra H. , Barfoot Clare , Harris Patricia A. , Argo Caroline McG. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Obesity is an important equine welfare issue. Whilst dietary restriction is the most effective weight-loss tool, individual animals range in their weight-loss propensity. Gastrointestinal-derived bacteria play a fundamental role in host-health and have been associated with obesity and weight-loss in other species. This study evaluated the faecal microbiome (next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA genes) of 15 obese Welsh Mountain pony mares, in the same 11-week period across 2 years (n = 8 Year 1; n = 7 Year 2). Following a 4-week acclimation period (pre-diet phase) during which time individuals were fed the same hay to maintenance (2% body mass (BM) as daily dry matter (DM) intake), animals underwent a 7-week period of dietary restriction (1% BM hay as daily DM intake). Faeces were sampled on the final 3 days of the pre-diet phase and the final 3 days of the dietary restriction phase. Bacterial communities were determined using Next Generation Sequencing of amplified V1-V2 hypervariable regions of bacterial 16S rRNA. Results Losses in body mass ranged from 7.11% to 11.59%. Changes in the faecal microbiome composition following weight-loss included a reduction in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Tenericutes and a reduction in indices of bacterial diversity. Pre-diet diversity was negatively associated with weight-loss. Pre-diet faecal acetate concentration was a strong predictor of subsequent weight-loss and negatively associated with Sphaerochaeta (Spirochaetes phylum) abundance. When animals were divided into 3 groups (high, mid, low) based overall weight loss, pre-diet bacterial community structure was found to have the greatest divergence between the high and low weight-loss groups (R = 0.67, p < 0.01), following PERMANOVA and ANOSIM analysis. Conclusions Weight-loss in this group of ponies was associated with lower pre-diet faecal bacterial diversity and greater pre-diet acetate concentration. Overall, these data support a role for the faecal microbiome in weight-loss propensity in ponies and provide a baseline for research evaluating elements of the faecal microbiome in predicting weight-loss success in larger cohorts.
Views of health care professionals and policy-makers on the use of surveillance data to combat antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Al-Haboubi Mustafa , Trathen Andrew , Black Nick , Eastmure Elizabeth , Mays Nicholas 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Providing healthcare professionals with health surveillance data aims to support professional and organisational behaviour change. The UK Five Year Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Strategy 2013 to 2018 identified better access to and use of surveillance data as a key component. Our aim was to determine the extent to which data on antimicrobial use and resistance met the perceived needs of health care professionals and policy-makers at national, regional and local levels, and how provision could be improved. Methods We conducted 41 semi-structured interviews with national policy makers in the four Devolved Administrations and 71 interviews with health care professionals in six locations across the United Kingdom selected to achieve maximum variation in terms of population and health system characteristics. Transcripts were analysed thematically using a mix of a priori reasoning guided by the main topics in the interview guide together with themes emerging inductively from the data. Views were considered at three levels - primary care, secondary care and national - and in terms of availability of data, current uses, benefits, gaps and potential improvements. Results Respondents described a range of uses for prescribing and resistance data. The principal gaps identified were prescribing in private practice, internet prescribing and secondary care (where some hospitals did not have electronic prescribing systems). Some respondents under-estimated the range of data available. There was a perception that the responsibility for collecting and analysing data often rests with a few individuals who may lack sufficient time and appropriate skills. Conclusions There is a need to raise awareness of data availability and the potential value of these data, and to ensure that data systems are more accessible. Any skills gap at local level in how to process and use data needs to be addressed. This requires an identification of the best methods to improve support and education relating to AMR data systems.
Transcriptomic analysis of brain tissues identifies a role for CCAAT enhancer binding protein β in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Canchi Saranya , Swinton Mary K. , Rissman Robert A. , Fields Jerel Adam 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy (ART) despite reductions in viral load (VL) and overall disease severity. The mechanisms underlying HAND in ART era are not well understood but are likely multifactorial, involving alterations in common pathways such as inflammation, autophagy, neurogenesis, and mitochondrial function. Newly developed omics approaches hold potential to identify mechanisms driving neuropathogenesis of HIV in the ART era. Methods: In this study, using 33 postmortem frontal cortex (FC) tissues, neuropathological, molecular, and biochemical analyses were used to determine cellular localization and validate expression levels of the prolific transcription factor (TF), CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) ß, in brain tissues from HIV+ cognitively normal and HAND cases. RNA sequencing (seq) and transcriptomics analyses were performed on FC tissues including 24 specimens from well-characterized people with HIV that had undergone neurocognitive assessments. In vitro models for brain cells were used to investigate the role of C/EBPß in mediating gene expression. Results: The most robust signal for TF dysregulation was observed in cases diagnosed with Minor Neurocognitive Disorders (MND) compared to cognitive normal (CN) cases. Of particular interest, due to its role in inflammation, autophagy and neurogenesis, C/EBPß was significantly upregulated in MND compared to CN brains. C/EBPß was increased at the protein level in HAND brains. C/EBPß levels were significantly reduced in neurons and increased in astroglia in HAND brains compared to CN. Transfection of human astroglial cells with a plasmid expressing C/EBPß induced expression of multiple targets identified in the transcriptomic analysis of HAND brains, including dynamin-1-like protein (DNM1L) and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1. Recombinant HIV-Tat reduced and increased C/EBPß levels in neuronal and astroglial cells, respectively. Conclusions: These findings are the first to present RNAseq-based transcriptomic analyses of HIV+ brain tissues, providing further evidence of altered neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, mitochondrial function, and autophagy in HAND. Interestingly, these studies confirm a role for CEBPß in regulating inflammation, metabolism, and autophagy in astroglia. Therapeutic strategies aimed at transcriptional regulation of astroglia or downstream pathways may provide relief to HIV+ patients at risk for HAND and other neurological disorders.
Burden of Fatigue among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS Attending Antiretroviral Therapy in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebreyesus Tsiwaye , Belay Addisalem , Berhe Gebretsadik , Haile Gebremedhin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Fatigue is one of the most common and devastating HIV-related symptoms, with a varying prevalence in different study areas. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of information on the magnitude and factors associated with fatigue among HIV/AIDS patients. This may lead to under-diagnosis and eventually under-management of the symptom.Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with fatigue among adults living with HIV/AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy at health facilities of Mekelle city, Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 609 HIV/AIDS patients who were selected by using a systematic random sampling method. Data were collected by using interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Level of fatigue was measured by Fatigue Severity Scale.Results: The prevalence of fatigue was found to be 51.7%. The factors associated with fatigue were: Parity [AOR= 2.01; 95% CI: 1.09-3.71], CD4 count 200-499 cells/mm3 [AOR= 2.81; 95% CI: 1.58-4.99], anemia [AOR= 4.90 95% CI: 2.40-9.97], co-morbidities [AOR= 3.65; 95% CI: 1.71-7.78], depression [AOR= 3.68 95% CI: 1.99-6.79], not being physically active [AOR= 3.20 95% CI: 1.50-6.81], clinical stage II or IV HIV [AOR= 3.11; 95% CI: 1.51-6.40] and [AOR= 4.08; 95% CI: 1.37-12.14], respectively.Conclusion: The finding of this study revealed that fatigue is a common health problem among adult PLHIV. Factors associated with fatigue included: Parity, CD4 count 200-499 cells/mm3, Clinical Stage II or IV HIV, anemia, co-morbidities, depression, and not being physically active. The health care service needs to address the predisposing factors by provision optimum care so that PLHIV can be encouraged in physical activity in order to relieve the impact of fatigue.
Performance, metabolic and hormonal responses of grazing Nellore cows to an energy-protein supplementation during the pre-partum phase
Authors: Ferreira Matheus Fellipe de Lana , Rennó Luciana Navajas , Detmann Edenio , Paulino Mário Fonseca , Filho Sebastião de Campos Valadares , Moreira Samira Silveira , Martins Hudson Caio , de Oliveira Bruno Inácio Correa , Marquez Julia Avansi , Cidrine Isabela de Paula 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Supplementation programs for prepartum beef cows are usually adopted because the nutritional status of the cows upon calving is a main factor impacting reproductive performance of the next production cycle. This study evaluated the effects of 60-d pre-partum energy-protein supplementation on performance, metabolic and hormonal responses during the peripartum phase of grazing beef cows. Thirty-eight pregnant multiparous Nellore cows were assigned to a completely randomized design with two treatments: control (no supplement) and supplementation (1.5 kg of energy-protein per d with 30% crude protein, dry matter basis) Results: The supplemented cows had higher ADG pre-partum (P<0.10), but postpartum ADG did not differ between treatments. Supplementation did not affect BCS and calf BW upon calving, on days 45 and 90, milk yield and composition (P>0.10). No differences were found for forage intake and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (P>0.10). The intake and digestibility of CP and OM increased in response to supplementation (P<0.10). An interaction occurred between supplementation and peripartum days for BUN, βHB, T3 and T4, which had higher concentrations for supplemented cows at pre-partum period (P<0.10). Concentration of others blood parameters significantly changed along peripartum days (P<0.10). There was no difference in pregnancy rates and days from calving to conception between treatments (P>0.10). Conclusions: Providing an energy and protein supplement to grazing Nellore cows over the last 60 d of gestation improved their pre-partum energy balance. However, no post-partum carryover effects were detected. Keywords: nutrition, metabolism, parturition, Zebu
Betaine attenuates LPS-induced downregulation of Occludin and Claudin-1 and restores intestinal barrier function
Authors: Wu Jingtao , He Caimei , Bu Jie , Luo Yue , Yang Shuyuan , Ye Chengyan , Yu Silei , He Binsheng , Yin Yulong , Yang Xiaoping 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background ： The intestinal epithelial barrier, which works as the first line of defense between the luminal environment and the host, once destroyed, it will cause serious inflammation or other intestinal diseases. Tight junctions (TJs) play a vital role to maintain the integrity of the epithelial barrier. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), one of the most important inflammatory factors will downregulate specific TJ proteins including Occludin and Claudin-1 and impair integrity of the epithelial barrier. Betaine has excellent anti-inflammatory activity but whether betaine has any effect on TJ proteins, particularly on LPS-induced dysfunction of epithelial barriers remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to explore the pharmacological effect of betaine on improving intestinal barrier function represented by TJ proteins. Intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) were used as an in vitro model.
Results: The results demonstrated that betaine enhanced the expression of TJ proteins while LPS (1µg/mL) downregulates the expression of these proteins. Furthermore, betaine attenuates LPS-induced decreases of TJ proteins both shown by Western blot (WB) and Reverse transcription-
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The immunofluorescent images consistently revealed that LPS induced the disruption of TJ protein Claudin-1 and reduced its expression while betaine could reverse these alterations. Similar protective role of betaine on intestinal barrier function was observed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) approach.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our research demonstrated that betaine attenuated LPS-induced downregulation of Occludin and Claudin-1 and restored the intestinal barrier function.
Ankle Joint Pressure Change in Varus Malalignment of the Tibia
Authors: Zhu Yuan , Li Xingchen , Xu Xiangyang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : Varus malalignment of the tibia could alter ankle biomechanics, and might lead to degenerative changes of the ankle joint. However, previous studies failed to report the detailed changes of ankle biomechanics in varus malalignment of the tibia. The aim of this biomechanical study was to evaluate how the ankle joint pressure would change in response to the incremental increases in varus malalignment of the tibia.

Methods
8 fresh-frozen human cadaver legs were tested in this study. Varus malalignment of the tibia and a total of 600N compressive force was simulated using a custom made fixture. Intra-articular sensors (TeckScan) were inserted in the ankle joint to collect the ankle joint pressure data. The testing sequence was 0°, 2°,4°,6°,8°,10°,12°,14°,16°,18°,20° of tibial varus.

Results
As the tibial varus progressed, the center of force (COF) shifted laterally both for the medial and lateral aspect of the ankle joint. For the medial aspect of the ankle joint, the lateral shift reached its maximum at 8º [2.76 (1.62) mm, p=0.002] of tibial varus, while for the lateral aspect of the ankle joint, the lateral shift reached its maximum at 12º [2.11 (1.19) mm, p=0.002] of tibial varus. Thereafter, the COF shifted medially as the tibial varus progressed. For the lateral aspect of the ankle joint, The P mean increased from 2103.8 (625.1) kPa at 0º to 2295.3 (589.7) kPa at 8º of tibial varus (p=0.047) , significant difference was found between the P mean at 0º and 8º (p=0.047) of tibial varus. Then as the tibial varus progressed, the P mean decreased to 1748.9 (467.2) kPa at 20º of tibial varus (p=0.002) . The lateral joint pressure ratio also increased from 0.481 (0.125) at 0º to 0.548 (0.108) at 10º of tibial varus (p=0.002) , then decreased to 0.517 (0.101) at 20º of tibial varus (p=0.002) .

Conclusions
For mild tibial varus deformities, there was a lateral shift of COF and lateral stress concentration within the ankle joint. However, as the tibial varus progressed, the COF shifted medially and the lateral stress concentration decreased.