bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unbiased RNA-Seq-driven identification and validation of reference genes for quantitative RT-PCR analyses of cancer exosomes
Authors: Dai Yao , Cao Yumeng , Köhler Jens , Lu Aiping , Xu Shaohua , Wang Haiyun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from endocytic compartments of eukaryotic cells which contain various biomolecules like mRNAs or miRNAs. Exosomes influence the biologic behaviour and progression of malignancies and are promising candidates as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers or as targets for therapeutic interventions. Usually, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is used to assess gene expression in cancer exosomes, however, the ideal reference genes for normalization yet remain to be identified.
Results
In this study, we performed an unbiased analysis of high-throughput mRNA and miRNA-sequencing data from exosomes of patients with various cancer types and identify candidate reference genes and miRNAs in cancer exosomes. The expression stability of these candidate reference genes was evaluated by the coefficient of variation “CV” and the average expression stability value “M”. We subsequently validated these candidate reference genes in exosomes from an independent cohort of ovarian cancer patients and healthy control individuals by qRT-PCR.
Conclusions
Our study identifies OAZ1 and hsa-miR-6835-3p as the most reliable individual reference genes for mRNA and miRNA quantification, respectively. For superior accuracy, we recommend the use of a combination of reference genes - OAZ1/SERF2/MPP1 for mRNA and hsa-miR-6835-3p/hsa-miR-4468-3p for miRNA analyses.
Progesterone levels predict pregnancy outcome in individuals with fallopian tube associated infertility
Authors: BO Wenjia , Zhang Ning 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the predictive value of human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG) and progesterone(P) levels on pregnancy outcomes in patients receiving in vitro fertilization(IVF) due to simple fallopian tube factors. METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 854 cycles from the simple fallopian tube factor IVF fresh embryo transfer.The clinical data of 854 cycles from January 2010 to December 2018 was divided into 7 groups according to the P level on HCG day.Live birth rates(LBR) and observe trends were calculated. The receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was established to determine the optimal cutoff value for P, which was used to further divide the data into 3 groups: Group 1 (P ≦ 1.0 ng/ml), Group 2 (1.0 ng/ml ≤ P ≤ 1.25 ng/ml), and Group 3 (P≥1.25ng/ml). We then compared the ovulation results and clinical outcomes between the 3 groups. RESULTS There were no significant differences in age, infertility years, Gonadotropin(Gn)dosage, Gn days, Luteinizing hormone(LH) level on HCG day, 2pronuclear(2PN) fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy rate(CPR), LBR, full-term birth rate, and preterm birth rate among the three groups, but body mass index （BMI）(P = 0.001), basal LH (P = 0.034), estrogen peak (P = 0.000), number of eggs obtained (P = 0.000) were significantly different. CONCLUSION The level of P level on HCG day does not affect the CPR and LBR after IVF. However, P levels between 1.0-1.25ng/ml may lead to good clinical pregnancy outcomes.
Parents living with profound intellectual disabilities – how to improve the transition process from family home to independent living. A qualitative study with parents and employees
Authors: Roos Eirik , Sondenaa Erik 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
The transition process from the family home to independent living for young adults with intellectual disability (ID) becomes delayed. Those families face challenges that exceed those of typical families such as higher objective and subjective burden, more frequent psychological distress and lower social support. The aim of this study was to explore the collaboration process between parents and employees and identify factors that improve the transition with less burden.
Methods
A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken with 18 persons (9 parents and 9 employees) interviewed individually and in groups. In accordance with the municipality`s guidelines, families with profound intellectual disability (PID) child should apply for housing, when the child turns 16. The purpose is to ensure interdisciplinary collaboration, information flow and coordinated services according to family’s needs. The main question in the interviews was ‘What was your experience with cooperation in the transition process, and what would you do to improve this process?’ The interviews were analysed with a thematic approach using systematic text condensation.
Results
The parents experienced a lack of general information about the ‘housing waiting list’, level of services, the plan for time of moving from the family home, and how to choose where and whom to live with. Parents described that they had an unsustainable burden of care during the waiting period, and a family crisis caused the allocation of an apartment in a group house. Employees shared challenges to meet families’ wishes, as there were too few group homes. They experienced good cooperation with families and said they offered respite care, due to reduce parents’ burden of care. Employees experienced that PID children developed skills, mastery and degrees of independence after completing a residency at the Folk High School.
Conclusions
To improve the collaboration process to reduce the burden of care to families, the informants highlighted the following imported factors:
Young age increases the risk of lymph-node metastasis in patients with muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Tian Zijian , Meng Lingfeng , Wang Xin , Diao Tongxiang , Hu Maolin , Wang Miao , Ming Liu , Wang Jianye 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The risk of positive lymph nodes in patients with muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma (MIBC) can be used to guide treatment recommendations. However, little is known about the effect of age on lymph node positivity (LN+). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of age on LN+ in MIBC. Methods: We analyzed patients with stage T2–T4 bladder urothelial carcinoma who had not received preoperative radiotherapy, had at least one lymph node examined, and underwent cystectomy between 1998 and 2015. The Cochran–Armitage trend test and logistic univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the effect of age on LN+ in all T stages.Results: In total, 15624 patients with MIBC were identified, including 747 patients aged ≤50 years (4.78%), 2614 patients aged 50–59 years (16.73%), 4914 patients aged 60–69 years (31.45%), 5225 patients aged 70–79 years old (33.44%), and 2124 patients aged >80 years (13.59%). In T2–T4 staging, LN+ was negatively correlated with age. After adjustment for several covariates, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age was an independent risk factor for LN+.Conclusions: Young patients with MIBC have a higher risk of lymph node metastasis. More active screening and treatment strategies should be considered for young patients with MIBC, whereas overtreatment should be avoided in elderly patients to prevent unnecessary complications.
Effects of Solvents on Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Ginger Extracts
Authors: Ezez Dessie , Tefera Molla 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a popular spice which used for the treatment of different gastrointestinal and inflammatory discomfort. In the present study, the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of ginger extract using four solvents (ethanol, methanol, acetone and ethyl acetate) were determined. Among the four solvents, methanol extract showed that the maximum phenolic (1183.813 mg GAE/100 g at Ayikel and 1022.409 mg GAE/100 g at Mandura) and the least were found in acetone extract (748.865 mg GAE/100 g at Ayikel and 690.152 mg GAE/100 g at Mandura). In addition, the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (84.868% at Ayikel and 82.883% at Mandura) was observed in methanol. However, acetone showed the least DPPH radical scavenging activity (73.864% at Ayikel and 70.597% at Mandura). Antioxidant activities of ginger extracts were also expressed as IC50 values and acetone extract has maximum IC50 value (0.654 and 0.812 mg/mL) followed by ethyl acetate and ethanol, while the lowest for methanol extracts (0.481 and 0.525 mg/mL). The result of this study showed that extraction solvents significantly affected the total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of ginger. Thus, ginger can be regarded as promising candidates for natural sources of antioxidants with high value of phenolic contents.
The Genome of Medicinal Leech (Whitmania pigra) for Exploration of Bioactive Ingredients
Authors: Tong Lei , Dai Shao-Xing , Kong De-Jun , Yang Peng-Peng , Tong Xin , Tong Xiang-Rong , Bi Xiao-Xu , Su Yuan , Zhao Yu-Qi , Liu Zichao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLeeches are classic annelids that have a huge diversity and closely related to people, especially medicinal leeches. Medicinal leeches have been widely utilized in medicine based on the pharmacological activities of their bioactive ingredients. The discovery of bioactive ingredients is hindered heavily due to the lack of the genome of medicinal leeches.ResultsTo facilitate this discovery and the research of medicinal leeches, we reported the first genome of the medicinal leech (Whitmania pigra). The assembled genome size of W. pigra is 177 Mbp, close to the estimated genome. Approximately about 23% of the genome was repetitive. A total of 26,743 protein-coding genes were subsequently predicted. There are only 9799 (57%) orthologous genes between W. pigra and Helobdella robusta. And only 16% genes in W. pigra showed syntenic arrangement with H. robusta revealed by gene synteny analysis. Furthermore, W. pigra and H. robusta expanded different gene families enriched in the ‘calcium ion’ and ‘sodium ion’ related functions, respectively. By inspecting genome distribution and gene structure of hirudin, we identified a new hirudin gene g17108 (hirudin_2) with different cysteine pattern. At last, we systematically explored and compared the active substances in the genomes of two leeches. The results showed that W. pigra exceeds H. robusta in both kinds and gene number of active molecules.ConclusionsThis study reported the first genome of the medicinal leech (W. pigra), which provides an important genome resource and new insight into the exploration and development of bioactive molecules of medicinal leeches.
Assessing the Contextual Effect of Community in the Utilization of Postnatal Care Services in Ghana
Authors: Dankwah Emmanuel , Zeng Wu , Feng Cindy , Kirychuck Shelley , Lepnrum Rein , Farag Marwa 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Inequalities in the use of postnatal care services (PNC) in Ghana have been linked to poor maternal and neonatal health outcomes. This has ignited a genuine concern that PNC interventions with a focus on influencing solely individual-level risk factors do not achieve the desired results. This study aimed to examine the community-level effect on the utilization of postnatal care services. Specifically, the research explored clusters of non-utilization of PNC services as well as the effect of community-level factors on the utilization of PNC services, with the aim of informing equity-oriented policies and initiatives.
Methods
The 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey GDHS dataset was used in this study. Two statistical methods were used to analyze the data; spatial scan statistics were used to identify hotspots of non-use of PNC services and second two-level mixed logistic regression modeling was used to determine community-level factors associated with PNC services usage.
Results
This study found non-use of PNC services to be especially concentrated among communities in the Northern region of Ghana. Also, the analyses revealed that community poverty level, as well as community secondary or higher education level, were significantly associated with the utilization of PNC services, independent of individual-level factors. In fact, this study identified that a woman dwelling in a community with a higher concentration of poor women is less likely to utilize of PNC services than those living in communities with a lower concentration of poor women (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.44–0.81). Finally, 24.0% of the heterogeneity in PNC services utilization was attributable to unobserved community variability.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that community-level factors have an influence on women’s health-seeking behavior. Community-level factors should be taken into consideration for planning and resource allocation purposes to reduce maternal health inequities. Also, high-risk communities of non-use of obstetric services were identified in this study which highlights the need to formulate community-specific strategies that can substantially shift post-natal use in a direction leading to universal coverage.
Socioeconomic status inequity in inpatient service utilization based on need among migrants: Evidence from a national study in China
Authors: Wang Yi , Jing Zhengyue , Ding Lulu , Tang Xue , Feng Yuejing , Li Jie , Chen Zhuo , Zhou Chengchao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Equity in access to healthcare is a major health policy challenge in many low- and middle- income countries. However, millions of people, especially migrants, do not have the adequate access to health care they need. Providing equal treatment for those who have the same need for healthcare, regardless of their socioeconomic and cultural background, has become a shared goal among policymakers who strive to improve healthcare. This study aims to identify the socioeconomic status (SES) inequities in inpatient service utilization based on need among migrants by using a nationally representative study in China.
Methods
The data used in this study was derived from the 2014 National Internal Migrant Population Dynamic Monitoring Survey collected by the National Health Commission of China. We used logistic regression method and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition and calculated the concentration index to measure inequities of SES in inpatient service utilization based on need. Sample weights provided in the survey were applied in all the analysis to represent the China population.
Results
The total number of the migrants who needed inpatient service told by doctors was 7592, of which, 1667 (21.96%) did not use the inpatient services (unmet inpatient service need). Results showed that inpatient service utilization concentrated among high-SES migrants (Concentration Index: 0.041, p < 0.001) and the decomposition results suggested that about 53.76% of the total SES gap in inpatient service utilization could be attributed to the gradient effect. After adjusting for other confounding variables, the odds ratios of inpatient service utilization by internal migrants with high SES according to educational attainment, economic status, and employment status were 1.41 (95% CI 1.08–1.85, p = 0.012), 1.25 (95% CI 1.01–1.56, p = 0.046), and 1.62 (95% CI 1.12–2.36, p = 0.011), respectively.
Conclusion
This study observed an inequity in inpatient service utilization where the utilization concentrates among high SES migrants. This suggests that future policies should make the reimbursement more pro-poor among migrants in primary care and use more effective policies targeting the migrants with low educational attainment and unemployed, such as health education activities.
Evaluation of Peripheral Immune Activation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Wang Mengli , Liu Zhen , Du Juan , Yuan Yanchun , Jiao Bin , Zhang Xuewei , Hou Xuan , Shen Lu , Guo Jifeng , Jiang Hong , Xia Kun , Tang Beisha , Wang Junling 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Accumulating evidence has revealed that immunity plays an important role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression. However, the results regarding the serum levels of immunoglobulin and complement are inconsistent in patients with ALS. Although immune dysfunctions have also been reported in patients with other neurodegenerative diseases, few studies have explored whether immune dysfunction in ALS is similar to that in other neurodegenerative diseases.Methods: Serum levels of immunoglobulin and complement were measured in 245 patients with ALS, 65 patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), 60 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and 82 healthy controls (HCs). A meta-analysis including data from this study was performed to evaluate the differences in the levels of immunoglobulin and complement between ALS patients and HCs. The serum levels of immunoglobulin and complement were compared between patient groups and HCs or between ALS patient groups established by age at onset, site at onset, disease duration, or disease severity. The correlations between the levels of immunoglobulin and complement and the clinical characteristics of ALS were analysed using Spearman correlation analysis.Results: The pooled results showed that patients with ALS had higher C4 levels than did HCs, and no significant differences between these two groups in IgG, IgA, IgM, or C3 levels were found. Multiple comparisons revealed that there were no significant differences between patients with ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases in IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, or C4 levels. In addition, the IgG levels were lower in early-onset ALS patients than in late-onset ALS patients and HCs. The correlations between age at onset of ALS and IgG and IgA levels were significantly positive. Moreover, spinal-onset ALS patients had lower serum IgG levels than did HCs, but no difference was found between bulbar-onset ALS patients and HCs.Conclusions: Peripheral immunity abnormalities existed in patients with ALS, and lower IgG levels were associated with early-onset ALS.
Retraction of transporting bone segment during Ilizarov bone transport
Authors: han xiaofei , Ma Yunhong , Yin Qudong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Retraction of transporting bone segment (TBS) may occur when fixator of TBS is removed before complete mineralization of the distraction callus and union of the docking site. However, there are few reports on the causes and influencing factors of the retraction of TBS.Methods: The clinical data of 37 cases with tibial bone defect treated by Ilizarov bone transport were analyzed retrospectively, in whom the fixator of TBS was removed before maturing of mineralization of the distraction callus and union of the docking site. Bivariate correlation was used to analyze relationship between retraction distance of TBS and factors including age, gender, disease course, length of bone defect, times of operation, size of TBS, transport distance, timing and time interval of removal of TBS fixator. Risk factors with significant level were further identified using multivariate linear regression. Results: Bivariate correlation analysis showed that the timing of removal was negatively correlated with the retraction distance while the time interval, transport distance were positively correlated with the transport distance（all p<0.05); the age, gender, disease course, length of bone defect, size of TBS and times of operation were not correlated with the transport distance（p>0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis of the 3 risk factors showed that the timing of removal and time interval were the main risk factors for the retraction distance (p<0.05), of which, the timing of removal had the greatest impact, followed by the time interval, but the transport distance was not a main risk factor for the retraction distance (p>0.05).Conclusion: The TBS is subjected to distraction force from all the adherent soft tissues during Ilizarov bone transport, which has elastic properties and can make a retraction of TBS when its fixator is removed before complete mineralization of the distraction callus and union of the docking site. The timing of removal and the time interval are key factors influencing the retraction of TBS.
Is annular repair technique useful for reducing reherniation and reoperation after limited discectomy
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Tang Jilei , Jiang Yuqing , Li Haibo , Gao Gongming , Nong Luming 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe annular defect because of the primary lumbar disc herniation (LDH) or surgical procedure is considered as a main reason for recurrent herniation and eventually reoperation. Efforts to close the defect with annular repair devices have been attempted several times but the results were controversial. The present aims to detect whether the annular repair techniques were useful for reducing the re-herniation and re-operation rate after limited discectomy for LDH patients.MethodsThe Pubmed, Cochrane library, and Embase databases were searched to retrieve relevant studies published before January 1, 2020. Continuous variables were compared by calculating the standard difference of the means (SDM), whereas categorical dichotomous variables were assessed using relative risks (RRs). A random-effects model was used if the heterogeneity statistic was significant; otherwise, a fixed-effects model was used. ResultsA total of 10 researches were suitable for the meta-analysis, including four different repair techniques and a total of 1907 participates (1203 treated and 704 control). In comparison with the control group, there was no statistical difference with the ODI, VAS-leg, and VAS-back scales for patients treated with annular repair. However, the use of an annular repair device was associated with a significant reduction in the re-herniation (p=0.004) and re-operation (0.004) rates. There was no difference between the groups with the perioperative complications, but much more device related long term complications happened in the annual repair group (p=0.031) though it still decreased the overall re-operation rate significantly (p=0.006).ConclusionOur results demonstrated that the use of an annular repair device was safe and useful for reducing re-herniation and re-operation rates.
EMCV Replication in BHK-21 in Vitro is Mediated by Caveolin-1, Actin, Dynamin-Dependent Endocytic Pathway
Authors: Li Qiongyi , Liu Yang , Xu Shujuan , Zhao Kexue , Ling Ying , Liu Rongxiu , Feng Ruofei , Bai Jialin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Encephalomycarditis virus is a member of Cardiovirus, belongs to the family Picornaviridae, and can infect different domestic and wild animals. However, the endocytic pathway by which EMCV infected BHK-21 cells remains unclear. In this study, endocytic pathway used by EMCV replication in BHK-21 cells was elucidated.Methods: The function of numerous cellular key factors implicated in the various endocytic mechanisms known to date were systematic detected using chemical inhibitors. Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi) silencing, the overexpression of dominant protein combined to virus infectivity assays, and confocal imaging to examine which cellular molecules involved in the infection process were also analyzed.Results: The results indicated that the EMCV replication was related to endocytosis. However, neither clathrin nor macropinocytosis pathway was involved in virus infection. QRT-PCR and WB analyses showed that caveolin-1 were significantly up-regulated in EMCV infected BHK-21 cells. Immune-fluorescent confocal microscopy analysis showed that caveolin-1 was temporally co-localized with EMCV VP1 at the early stage of EMCV infection. Overexpressed caveolin-1 or downregulated caveolin-1 expression influenced the EMCV infection. Furthermore, EMCV infection was found to depend on dynamin and actin by chemical inhibitors resulted in diminished of virus infection.Conclusions: EMCV replication in BHK-21 cells via caveolin-1, dynamin, and actin-dependent endocytosis pathways.