bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prognostic values of initial apoA-I and CRP kinetics in patients with advanced NSCLC: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Danli , Cheng Ting , Zhang Jinping , Ling Jingjing , Hong Yuan , Ping Fengfeng , Wang Yan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: To analyse the value of C-reactive protein (CRP) kinetics and initial apolipoproteinA1 (apoA-I) level as prognostic parameters in advanced non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Methods : Within a retrospective single-center study, serum CRP and apoA-I level were measured at baseline and at the start of each platinum-based chemotherapy cycle for 125 NSCLC patients. Survival analysis, calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test, was used to assess the prognostic significance of Serum CRP and apoA-I level and both levels. The non-parametric Spearman rank correlation coefficient (rs) was used to measure the correlation between apoA-I and CRP. Results: Lung cancer-specific survival were significantly different across three CRP kinetics groups ( P <0.001), such significant differences were also seen between different apoA-I groups. In multivariate analysis, both CRP kinetics and apoA-I were independent significant factors for overall survival. Patients in non-normalized CRP group with lower apoA-I had a poor prognosis. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis revealed that the apoA-I level presented a negative correlation with the CRP level during treatment (r= -2.793, P <0.05). Conclusions: CRP kinetics and apoA-I may be useful to predict the prognosis of NSCLC patients treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy and facilitate individualized treatment.
In-vitro activity of levofloxacin against bacterial pathogens collected in China：A ten-year（2009-2018） retrospective study
Authors: GAN LU , Li Yun , Lv Yuan , Zheng Bo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background： This study was designed to evaluate the in-vitro activity of levofloxacin against bacterial pathogens collected from Chinese hospitalized patients between 2009 and 2018, and analysis the trends of levofloxacin resistance in China.Methods In this analysis, antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) experiments with levofloxacin and controls against a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria collected from 2009 to 2018. MICs were determined using the agar dilution method according to the guidelines of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)，2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using CLSI breakpoints. Statistical tests were analysed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), calculating the MIC90.Results In the past decade，the antibacterial activities of levofloxacin against Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, which were common gram-negative bacteria, were stable; the resistance rates of these bacteria had no significant changes or decreased slightly. The levofloxacin resistance rates of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, which were gram positive bacteria, decreased from 48.4% and 36.9% in 2009-2010 to 22.8% and 25.7% in 2017-2018, respectively, respectively. The levofloxacin resistance rate among Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae, the common pathogens of community acquired pneumonia (CAP), were less than 3%. The levofloxacin resistance rates for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii increased. No difference in the levofloxacin resistance rates by age group (18-64, 65-74, ≥75 years old age groups) was observed. The resistance rate of strains isolated from ICU patients was usually 10-20% higher than that of non-ICU patients.Conclusion In recent ten years, levofloxacin has continued to be active in-vitro against the strains in its antibacterial spectrum. No significant change of resistance rates was observed and it still has a good antibacterial effect on the main pathogenic bacteria of community-acquired pneumonia, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and MSSA.
Hypertension, Diabetes and the Risk of Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Yao , Li Junjuan , Wang Jianli , Zhao Maoxiang , Wang Chi , Yao Siyu , Wang Miao , Wu Shouling , Xue Hao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Hypertension and diabetes are both risk factors of cardiac and cerebrovascular events (CCVEs), but the combination of those two factors had not been certified the relationships relevant to CCVEs. The objective of this study is to determine the relationships of hypertension, diabetes and CCVEs.Methods 78380 participants from Kailuan cohort had been analyzed. Baseline information was collected in the health exam and all the participants were regularly followed-up for every two years during 8.96 ± 0.75 years. Participants were divided into six groups according to their hypertension and diabetes status (normal, baseline or follow-up). The incidence of new-onset cerebral ischemic stroke (CI), stroke and CCVEs were respectively calculated. Multiple Cox Regression and Cum Hazard were performed to analyze the hazard ratio for risk of new-onset CI, stroke and CCVEs in each group adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk markers.Results In total, 78380 participants (including 61950 men) with a mean age of 56.74 at baseline were enrolled in this study. During about 9 years of follow-up, 3734 CCVEs, 2972 stroke and 2340 CI occurred among all the patients, with the incidence density (Per 1,000 years) of 5.29, 4.07 and 3.32. In patients with baseline hypertension and diabetes, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) of new-onset CI (HR = 2.45, 95%CI: 1.93, 3.11), stroke (HR = 2.39, 95%CI: 1.92, 2.98) and CCVEs (HR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.72, 2.52)were higher than the other groups (P < 0.001). Patients with baseline hypertension or diabetes and follow-up diabetes or hypertension had higher risk of CI, stroke and CCVEs than those who with baseline disease only.Conclusion Hypertension and diabetes alone, especially the combination of these two diseases at baseline and during follow up, contributed significantly to increased risk of new-onset CI, stroke and CCVEs during the 9 years follow up in this cohort.
Do we really have a lack of ventilators?
Authors: Nosáľ Vladimír 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The pandemia of COVID-19 is considered as „ventilator dependent“ disease. In a short study there are presented data from Switzerland showing that there was only short period of time when the most of ventilators were needed, and moreover, their lack is highly probably not associated with increased frequency of deaths. COVID-19 showed us, that others parameters such as number of hospitalizations, patients on ICUs and ventilated patients may be important epidemiological markers.
Treatment with Doxycycline is Associated with Reduced Spleen Size in Hyper-Reactive Malarial Splenomegaly: A Cohort Study
Authors: Davies Peter John Barnard , Eyre Simon 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:Hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS)is a poorly understood sequela of chronic parasitaemia, caused by an aberrant immune response, and confers a high associated mortality. There arefew historical data on effective treatments, which are either unavailable or unaffordable in endemic areas. In Kagando, Western Uganda patients were treated with Doxycycline and followed up to measure the effect.Methods:Patients were identified by medical officers from March 2018 at Kagando Hospital who met Fakunle’s criteria for HMS; children under 12 years and pregnant women were excluded. The baseline full blood count and splenic size from the costal margin was measured and manually recorded. Patients were discharged with a 6-monthcourse of Doxycycline and asked to attend on completion for follow-up assessment. Spleenmeasurements and compliance wererecorded by medical officers, before being tabulated and analysed electronically. Results:In total 27 patients were treated for HMS over a two year period with 7 patients returning for a follow up between 6-15 months. The median age was 36 years with a near equal male to female ratio. Prior to treatment patients displayed a variable degree of pancytopenia with a median haemoglobin of 10.1, leucocytes 4.5 and platelets 82, and the median spleen size was 16cm from the costal margin. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis. There was a significant reduction in spleen size p<0.05, with 4/7 showing complete resolution. There was a numericalimprovement in platelet count (median82 vs 125) p=0.16.Conclusions:Regular doxycycline use as malaria prophylaxis in a holoendemic area of Uganda was associated with a significant reduction in spleen size and a numerical improvement in platelet count. A larger cohort study and an improved follow-up regime is required to further characterise this effect. However, doxycyclineprovidesa practical and affordable treatment modality in a rural Ugandan population, with no current national or international guidelines. In some patients the benefit is seen up to a year from treatment completion.
Association between the Distal Gut Microbiome and Anxiety in Highly Active Individuals
Authors: Marroquin Elisa Morales , Fletcher Emma , Hwang Paul , Kim Caelin S. , Padgett Noah , Smeding Sonja , Scullin Michael K. , Gordon Paul M. , Greathouse K. Leigh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Traditional thinking is that physical activity benefits mental and physical health, however, excessive physical activity can increase anxiety, depression, and affect the gut microbiome. Considering the strong connection between the gut and the brain, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between gut microbiota composition and anxiety as well as depression in highly active individuals. Methods: Participants included 55 young adults (ages 18-25, 51% males). All participants were highly physically active, as determined by 7 days of SenseWear monitoring. Anxiety and depression were measured with the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories. Alpha diversity, beta diversity, and microbial composition were evaluated via 16S rRNA gene sequencing using distal gut samples. Results: Greater anxiety was associated with both lower distal gut alpha diversity ( P < 0.05) and higher beta diversity (PERMANOVA test; R-squared: 0.17562, P = 0.027), which appeared stronger in males. Genus level taxonomic abundance analysis showed Prevotella relative abundance as higher in males with higher anxiety ( P = 0.03, q=0.06). However, adjusted linear regression analysis, controlling for fiber intake and sex nullified the association between Prevotella and anxiety. Additional analysis demonstrated a strong association between lower dietary fiber intake and higher anxiety scores (Est.= -0.48, SE= 0.20 , P = 0.021). Conclusion: In highly active individuals, specifically males, there is a strong relationship between the gut microbiome, fiber intake, and anxiety. These data suggest highly active males with anxiety may benefit from increased dietary fiber intake.
Overexpression of HNF4α enhances umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell function to treat acute liver failure in mice through macrophage polarization
Authors: Yu Yeping , Zhang Qiqi , Wu Ning , Xia Lei , Cao Jie , Xia Qiang , Zhao Jie , Zhang Jianjun , Hang Hualian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Advances in research on stem cell therapy provide new feasible solutions for acute liver failure (ALF) treatment. Recent studies have demonstrated that the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) reset within the damaged hepatocytes can restore normal physiological function. This study aimed to determine the role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HuMSCs) overexpressing HNF4α in ALF treatment.Method: We isolated and cultured HuMSCs in vitro, reversed it by lent virus expression HNF4α (hereinafter referred to as HuMSC-HNF4α). HuMSC-HNF4α was intraperitoneally administrated into the mice immediately after exposed to D-galactosamine / lipopolysaccharide (D-galn / LPS). To investigate their effects in ALF, we performed liver histological and serumbiochemical analysis. Macrophages differentiation and cytokines secreted by HuMSCs were evaluated to elucidate its mechanisms.Results: We found HuMSC-HNF4α has more obvious therapeutic effects on ALF than the negative control virus transfected the HuMSCs (HuMSC-CON). In vitro, HuMSC-HNF4α promotes the polarization of liver macrophages (Kupffer cells) to M2 phenotype, inhibits the inflammatory response of macrophages and reduces the levels of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β to reduce liver damage.Conclusion: Our research confirmed that the therapeutic effect of HuMSC-HNF4α on ALF is not the same as the previous passive support but an active intervention on excessive inflammation in the body. This provides new ideas for research and clinical practice in the future.
Prevalence and Risk factors of Infertility in a Mongolian Population
Authors: Negdel Tuvshinbayar , Ulziisaikhan Khishigjargal , Sengebaljir Davaakhuu , Enkhbat Arigbukh , Munkhbayar Badrakh , Bilegsuren Khantushig , Ganbold Ariunaa , Nanjid Khuderchuluun , Readhead Carol W. , Erkhembaatar Lkhagva-Ochir , Tuduvdorj Ekhembaatar , Malchinkhuu Munkhzol , Enkhtaivan Odkhuu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, the median prevalence of infertility is 9%, but rates in different countries vary from 3.5% to 16.7%. Infertility, which is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected regular sexual intercourse, is not considered a medical condition but carries a social stigma and can greatly impact a couple’s self-esteem and wellbeing. There are a number of risk factors associated with infertility such as: genetic background, age, socio-economic factors, and health care including treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. We have achieved the first population-based study on the prevalence of infertility in reproductive aged women in Mongolia, and the factors that influence it.Method: We conducted a population-based, cross sectional study in 4 regions of Mongolia and the capital city, Ulaanbaatar: East, West, Central Khangai, Central, and Ulaanbaatar. Our questionnaire consisted of categories that influenced infertility such as: socio-economic status, lifestyle factors, health, reproductive history, present status and sexual function. Trained staff conducted face-to-face interviews with the participants.Results: A total of 1,920 couples residing in 4 regions of Mongolia and the capital city, Ulaanbaatar were studied. The median prevalence rate was 7.2%, which is similar to the worldwide infertility rate of 9%. Primary and secondary infertility was 2.5% and 5% respectively. Sexual transmitted diseases (STIs) contributed to secondary infertility. Our study showed that the most important risk factors for infertility were rural living and low levels of education. Only 14.8% of infertile patients received hormone therapy, and even fewer infertile patients (0.8%) received in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.Conclusions: Our study shows that two most significant risk factors for infertility were: reliving in rural communities and having a low level of education. Occupational conditions, and monthly household income were not significant risk factors for infertility. Since this is the first population-based study in Mongolia we were not able to measure trends in infertility prevalence but intend to do so in the future.
Evaluation of acute central serous chorioretinopathy using enhanced depth imaging OCT and multifocal electroretinography
Authors: Hong In Hwan , Chang In Boem , Han Jae Ryong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background To evaluate the functional and structural abnormalities in patients with acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) by multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) Methods This prospective observational study included 57 patients with unilateral CSC. Both eyes underwent mfERG and EDI-OCT. Peak amplitudes and implicit times of the ﬁrst kernel responses were analyzed and compared with those in 25 age-matched normal controls. Correlational analyses were performed between the mfERG results and EDI-OCT parameters. The thicknesses of the central retina, subretinal fluid, and choroid was measured at baseline and 3 months later. Results Compared with the normal controls, the amplitude and implicit time on mfERG were significantly impaired in the area with serous retinal detachment (SRD). The P1 amplitude and implicit time of the areas beyond the SRD were also found to be significantly impaired in the affected eyes. Eyes with a greater reduction in SRD had a less impaired mfERG response in fellow eyes than those whose retinal detachments were not spontaneously decreased by more than 90% after 3 months. Correlational analysis did not reveal any significant correlations between mfERG values and OCT parameters except for central choroidal thickness. The subfoveal choroidal thickness was negatively correlated with the mfERG parameters. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate diffuse functional impairment in acute CSC which involves both eyes and areas beyond the SRD. The retinal response of the unaffected eye was associated with regression of SRD and functional retinal abnormality is correlated with pathological changes in the choroid.
Clinico-microbiological Profile of Burkholderia cepacia Keratitis: a Case Series
Authors: Ho Ming-Chih , Kang Eugene Yu-Chuan , Yeh Lung-Kun , Ma David HK , Lin Hsin-Chiung , Tan Hsin-Yuan , Chen Hung-Chi , Hsiao Ching-Hsi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Burkholderia cepacia, a pathogen, has rarely been documented as a cause of corneal infection. The clinical and microbiological profiles of B. cepacia keratitis are reported herein.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical record of 17 patients with culture-proven B. cepacia keratitis, treated between 2000 and 2019 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. Our data included predisposing factors, clinical presentations, treatments, and visual outcomes of B. cepacia keratitis as well as the drug susceptibility of the causative agent.
Results
The most common predisposing factor for B. cepacia keratitis was preexisting ocular disease (7, 41.2%), particularly herpetic keratitis (5). Polymicrobial infection was detected in 7 (41.2%) eyes. All B. cepacia isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime. Main medical treatments included levofloxacin or ceftazidime. Surgical treatment was required in 5 (29.4%) patients. Only 4 (23.5%) patients exhibited final visual acuity better than 20/200.
Conclusions
B. cepacia keratitis primarily affects patients with preexisting ocular disease, particularly herpetic keratitis, and responds well to ceftazidime or fluoroquinolones. However, the visual outcomes are generally poor.
Proteomic analysis of banana xylem sap provides insight into resistant mechanisms to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Lina , Li Shu , Bai Tingting , Xu Shengtao , Fan Huacai , Yin Kesuo , He Ping , Wang Yunyue , Tang Weihua , Zheng Sijun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Fusarium wilt is a destructive soilborne disease of banana caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), especially Tropical Race 4 (TR4), which is a xylem-invading fungus. It was evident that xylem sap contained macromolecules, such as proteins, involved in disease-resistance processes. However, there is no research to analyze changes in banana xylem sap proteins response to TR4 to date. Methods: To gain an integrated understanding of differential protein expression in banana xylem sap during TR4 infection, we performed a comparative proteomic analysis of xylem sap in resistant ‘Pahang’ and susceptible ‘Brazilian’ bananas inoculated with TR4.Results: A total of 1036 proteins were detected in xylem sap of both bananas, among which some proteins are involved in ‘signal transduction’, ‘environmental adaptation’, ‘biosynthesis of secondary metabolites’ and ‘lipid metabolism’, indicating that xylem sap contained defense-related proteins. A number of 129 differential expression proteins (DEPs) were identified in 4 possible pairs between resistant and susceptible tested combinations. Of these DEPs, hypersensitive-induced response protein 1 (HIR1), E3 ubiquitin ligase (E3) might play negative roles in ‘Pahang’ response to TR4 attack, whereas chalcone isomerase (CHI), glycine-rich RNA-binding protein (GRP), carboxylesterase (CXE) and GDSL lipase (GLIP) might play positive roles in ‘Pahang’ defense against TR4 infection. Conclusions: Banana xylem sap contained defense-related proteins, among which HIRP1, E3, CHI, GRP, CXE and GLIP involved in banana defense against TR4. To our knowledge, this is first report to analyze changes in banana xylem sap proteins response to TR4, which help us to explore molecular mechanisms of banana resistant to Fusarium wilt.
LRH1 promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration and correlates with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer
Authors: Sun Wenzhou , Shi Qingtao , Li Jiaxin , Li Jinmeng , Yu Libo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Recent studies have revealed that liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH1) plays a vital role in several human cancers, but its role in ovarian cancer (OC) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether LRH1 protein can act as a promising biomarker to predict the prognosis and metastasis in OC patients.Methods LRH1 expression status was evaluated by immunohistochemical and reverse transcription (RT)-qPCR analysis. The effects of LRH1 on tumor cell proliferation and progression were evaluated in vitro. Results RT-qPCR showed that LRH1 mRNA expression was more intense in the invasive lesions (P < 0.05). LRH1 overexpression were extremely related with elevated FIGO stage (P = 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.011), and peritoneal metastasis (P = 0.001). Furthermore, LRH1 expression was an independently prognostic index for disease-free survival in OC patients (P = 0.041). In addition, LRH1 overexpression (P=0.011) along with FIGO stage (P<0.001) and ascites (P=0.015) independently affect peritoneal metastasis in OC patients. LRH1 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and metastasis of human OC cells (P < 0.05).Conclusions The present study provides evidence that LRH1 predicts peritoneal metastasis and poor outcome, highlighting its potential role as biomarker for targeted therapy in OC.