bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subjects living in an onchocerciasis focus and treated 3-monthly with ivermectin develop fewer new onchocercal nodules than subjects treated annually
Authors: Campillo Jérémy , CHESNAIS Cédric B. , Pion Sébastien D. , Gardon Jacques , Kamgno Joseph , Boussinesq Michel 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Little information is available on the effect of ivermectin on the third and fourth stage larvae of Onchocerca volvulus . To assess a possible prophylactic effect of ivermectin on this parasite, we compared the effects of different ivermectin regimens on the acquisition of onchocercal nodules. Methods We analyzed data from a controlled randomized clinical trial of ivermectin conducted in the Mbam valley (Cameroon) between 1994 and 1998 in a cohort of onchocerciasis infected individuals. The number of nodules that appeared between the start and the end of the clinical trial was analyzed, using ANOVA and multivariable Poisson regressions, between four treatment arms: 150 µg/kg annually, 800 µg/kg annually, 150 µg/kg 3-monthly, and 800 µg/kg annually. Results The mean number of nodules that appeared during the trial was reduced by 17.7% in subjects treated 3-monthly compared to those treated annually (regardless of the dose). Poisson regression model, adjusting on subject’s age and weight, initial number of nodules and intensity of O. volvulus infection in his village of residence, confirmed that the incidence of new nodules was reduced in 3-monthly treatment arms compared to annually treatment arms, and that the dosage of ivermectin does not seem to influence this effect. Besides, the number of newly acquired nodules was positively associated with the initial number of nodules. Analysis of disappearance of nodules did not show any significant difference between the treatment groups. Conclusions Our result suggest, for the first time in humans, that ivermectin has a prophylactic effect on O. volvulus . Three-monthly treatment seems more effective than annual treatment to prevent the appearance of nodules.
Chloroplast phylogenomic analyses resolve multiple origins of the Kengyilia species via independent polyploidization events
Authors: Chen Shi-Yong , Yan Hao , Sha Li-Na , Chen Ning , Zhang Yue , Wang Yi , Kang Hou-Yang , Zhang Hai-Qin , Zhou Yong-Hong , Fan Xing 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Kengyilia is a group of allohexaploid species that arose from two hybridization events followed by genome doubling of three ancestral diploid species with different genomes St, Y and P in the wheat tribe. Estimating phylogenetic relationship in resolution of the maternal lineages has been difficult, owing to the extremely low rate of sequence divergence. Here, phylogenetic reconstructions based on the plastome sequences were used to explore the role of maternal progenitors in establishment of Kengyilia polyploid species.ResultsThe plastome sequences of 11 Kengyilia species were analyzed together with 11 tetraploid species (PP, StP, and StY) and 33 diploid taxa representing 20 basic genomes in the Triticeae. Phylogenomic analysis and genetic divergence patterns suggested that (1) Kengyilia is closely related to Roegneria, Pseudoroegneria, Agropyron, Lophopyrum, Thinopyrum, and Dasypyrum; (2) both the StY genome Roegneria tetraploids and the PP genome Agropyron tetraploids severed as the maternal donor during the speciation of Kengyilia species; (3) the different Kengyilia species derived their StY genome from different Roegneria species.ConclusionMultiple origins of species via independent polyploidization events have occurred in the genus Kengyilia, resulting in a maternal haplotype polymorphism. This helps explain the rich diversity and wide adaptation of polyploid species in the genus Kengyilia.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity Scale Among Iranian Cancer Patients
Authors: Sharif Saeed Pahlevan , Sim Ong Fon , Moshtagh Mozhgan , Naghavi Navaz , Nia Hamid Sharif 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of financial toxicity (COST) scale in a sample of cancer patients in Iran. Methods A total of 398 cancer patients completed a demographic questionnaire and the 11-item Persian COST. Performing a Maximum likelihood exploratory factor analysis, extracted three factors of financial worry (four items), financial distress (three items) and direct and indirect cost of control (three items) accounting for 65.204% of the variance. The highest load was related to financial distress and the lowest was related to direct and indirect costs concerns. Results The results of conducting confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the three-factor measurement model had a good fit. Moreover, the measurement model showed good items consistency, good construct reliability, as well as good construct validity in terms of convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of validating the scale in different contexts as the structure and loadings of the factors have appeared diffidently in various countries. The validated Persian COST can be used in future studies in Iran as a reliable and valid scale to measure financial toxicity among cancer patients.
Early Exposure to Environment Sounds and the Development of Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials of Preterm Infants During the First Three Months of Life
Authors: Cavalcanti Hannalice Gottschalck , Nunes Aryelly Dayane da Silva , Cunha Brenda Karla Silva da , Alvarenga Kátia de Freitas , Balen Sheila Andreoli , Pereira Antonio 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
ObjectivePrenatal experience influences the course of development of sensory pathways. Preterm infants are exposed earlier than their term counterparts to unattenuated sounds from the external environment during the sensitive period of organization of auditory cortical circuitry. In the current study, we evaluated how gestational age (GA) correlates with the latency of the P1 component of the cortical auditory evoked potential of two experimental groups measured at one or three months of age. Our sample consisted of 23 infants delivered at GA ranging from 31.28-41.42 weeks and separated into two groups evaluated transversally at one or three months of corrected age (CA).ResultsIn the group evaluated at one-month CA, the latency of the component P1 was similar in both term and late-preterm infants (GA>32 weeks). However, in the group evaluated at three months CA, P1 latency was significant smaller in preterms. These preliminary results suggest an acceleration of the development of auditory cortical pathways in preterms, probably due to their early exposure to socially relevant auditory stimuli from the external environment.Keywords: preterm, newborn, brain development, auditory, cortex
Systematic and experimental approaches to indicate anti-tumor biotargets and molecular mechanisms of calycosin against osteosarcoma
Authors: Tan Jiachang , Qin Xiong , Liu Bin , Mo Hao , Wu Zhenjie , Yuan Zhenchao 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCalycosin is reported to pharmacologically combat cancer cells, however, the detailed anti-osteosarcoma (OS) mechanisms remain unclear. By using systemic method of network pharmacology, the present study purposed to reveal the anti-OS biotargets and molecular mechanisms played by calycosin. Moreover, human and animal experiments were used to verify the key biotargets of calycosin combating OS. ResultsIn OS findings, the blood parameters showed increased tumor markers and OS sections resulted in negatively expressed proteins of tumor protein p53 (TP53), Caspase-3 (CASP3), X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (XIAP). To feature the pharmacological biotargets in a cell line study, calycosin-treated OS cells showed reduced cell proliferation, and promoted cell apoptosis. In TUNEL stains, calycosin resulted in elevated apoptotic cells. As showed in immunostaining, calycosin-treated OS cells suggested elevated TP53, CASP3, XIAP protein expressions. ConclusionsOverall, our present human and cell culture data manifest all candidate and key biotargets, molecular functions and pathways of calycosin combating OS. Attractively, these top biotargets may be used for pharmacological hallmarks to combat OS.
Long-term survival of elderly patients after intensive care unit admission for acute respiratory infection: a population-based, propensity-score matched cohort study.
Authors: Guillon Antoine , Hermetet C. , Barker K. A. , Jouan Y. , Gaborit C. , Ehrmann S. , Manach Y. Le , Dequin P F , Grammatico-Guillon L. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIntensive care unit (ICU) hospitalisations of elderly patients with acute respiratory infection (ARI) have increased, yet the long-term effect of ICU admission among elderly individuals remain unknown. We examined differences over the two years after discharge in mortality, healthcare utilization and frailty score between elderly survivors of ARI in the ICU and an elderly control population.MethodsWe used 2009-2017 data from 39 hospital discharge databases. Patients ≥80 years old discharged alive from ICU-hospitalisation for acute respiratory infection were propensity-score matched with controls (cataract surgery) discharged from the hospital at the same time and adjusted for age, sex and comorbidities present before hospitalisation. We reported 4-year mortality and compared healthcare utilization and frailty scores in the 2-year periods before and after ICU-hospitalisation.Results1,220 elderly survivors of acute respiratory infection in the ICU were discharged, and 988 were successfully matched with controls. After discharge, patients had a 10.1-fold [95%CI, 6.1-17.3] higher risk of death at 6 months and 3.6-fold [95%CI, 2.9-4.6] higher risk of death at 2 years compared with controls. They also had a 2-fold increase in both healthcare utilization and frailty score in the 2 years after hospital discharge, whereas healthcare utilization and frailty scores among controls were stable before and after hospitalisation.ConclusionsWe observed a substantially increased rate of death in the years after ICU-hospitalisation for elderly patients along with elevated healthcare resource use and accelerated age-associated decline as assessed by frailty score. These findings provide data for better informed goals-of-care discussions and may help target post-ICU discharge services.
Involvement of the pulmonary arteries in patients with Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Kong Xiufang , Ma Lili , Lv Peng , Cui Xiaomeng , Chen Rongyi , Ji Zongfei , Chen Huiyong , Lin Jiang , Jiang Lindi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large-vessel vasculitis that can involve pulmonary arteries (PAs). We studied multiple clinical characteristics related to pulmonary artery involvement (PAI) in TA patients.Methods: We enrolled 216 patients with TA from a large prospective cohort. PAI was assessed in each patient based on data from magnetic resonance angiography/computed tomography angiography. Pulmonary hypertension, cardiac function, and pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities were evaluated further in patients with PAI based on echocardiography, New York Heart Association Functional Classification and pulmonary computed tomography, respectively. These abnormalities related to PAI were followed up to evaluate treatment effects.Results: PAI was detected in 56/216 (25.93%) patients, which involved the pulmonary trunk, main PAs and small vessels in the lungs. Among patients with PAI, 28 (50%) patients were accompanied by pulmonary hypertension, which was graded as ‘severe’ in 9 (16.07%), ‘moderate’ in 10 (17.86%) and mild in 9 (16.07%). Forty (71.43%) patients had cardiac insufficiency (IV: 6, 10.71%; III: 20, 35.71%; II: 14, 25.00%). Furthermore, 21 (37.50%) patients presented with abnormal parenchymal features in the area corresponding to PAI (e.g., the mosaic sign, infarction, bronchiectasis). During follow-up, two patients died due to abrupt pulmonary thrombosis. In the remaining patients, the abnormalities mentioned above improved partially after routine treatment.Conclusions: PAI is very common in TA patients. PAI can cause pulmonary hypertension, cardiac insufficiency and pulmonary parenchymal lesions, which worsen the prognosis.
Efficacy and safety of IL-17 inhibitors for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yin Yufeng , Wang Mingjun , Liu Mengru , Zhou Erye , Ren Tian , Chang Xin , He Michun , Zeng Keqin , Guo Yufan , Wu Jian 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objectives: To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of IL-17 inhibitors in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.Methods: Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning IL-17 inhibitors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The efficacy and safety of the IL-17 inhibitors in the treatment of these patients were compared to those of a placebo. The primary end point was predefined as the proportion of patients with at least 20% improvement in the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS20) response criteria at week 16, and the secondary end point was defined as ASAS40 at week 16.Results: Six phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials including 1733 patients (1153 patients received IL-17 inhibitors, including secukinumab or ixekizumab, whereas 580 patients received a placebo as comparators) were included. At week 16, the IL-17 inhibitor regimen produced a significant increase in the ASAS20 response rate (RR=1.63, 95% CI 1.45 to 1.84, p=0.00) and the secondary endpoint ASAS40 response rate (RR=2.12, 95% CI 1.75 to 2.56, p=0.00) versus those for the placebo. With respect to the safety profile, more infectious diseases were described after treatment with IL-17 inhibitors than after treatment with placebo (RR=1.82, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.37, p<0.001), while no increased risk of other adverse events was indicated after IL-17 inhibitor therapy, including treatment-emergent adverse events, death, discontinuation due to adverse event, serious adverse events, or total adverse events.Conclusions: IL-17 inhibitors produced favourable response rates but an increased risk of infectious diseases in the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis.
The contamination rate of Brucella spp. in unpasteurized dairy products used in urban and rural areas of Hamadan County, west of Iran
Authors: Majzoobi Mohammad Mahdi , Karami Pezhman , Khodavirdipour Amir , Alikhani Mohammad yousef 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Brucellosis is one of the most prevalent and important zoonotic diseases which is affecting the significant number of livestock and human population. Humans usually infected by Brucella spp. via contaminated milk and dairy products and direct contact with infected animals. This study was conducted to determine the Brucella spp. contamination of cottage dairy products in the rural and urban areas in the city of Hamadan, west of Iran.Results: In this descriptive-analytical study, 291 samples of nonboiling milk (227), fresh cheese (43), and cream (21) were collected from dairy products suppliers at the city center (No=103), villages (No=162), and industrial parks (No=26). We collected 72 samples from sheep and goats and 219 specimens from cattle. Samples were randomly selected from the target centers. The overall contamination rate of collected samples with Brucella spp. found to be 4.1%. Contamination of milk and dairy product in urban areas was 0.9%, rural 6.6%, and dairy farms 0%. Furthermore, the contamination rate varied from 9.7% and 2.5% for small ruminant and large ruminant, respectively, which was considerably significant (P value= 0.01).Conclusions: Due to the higher contamination of milk and dairy product taken from cattle, sheep, and goats it seems that control and prevention programs in sheep and goats must be taken more seriously. Also, since livestock are more kept in rural areas, must lay emphasis on preventive programs including training and hands-on workshops in such areas.
Ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block for percutaneous kyphoplasty: A prospective non-randomized comparative study
Authors: TANG Chengxuan , XIA Haijie , TANG Xiaojun , DAI Minghai , PENG Maoxiu , WU Ansheng , ZHANG Weihao , He Shaoqi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Introduction Kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures was short but painful. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects and safety of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block in patients undergoing percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). Methods A prospective study of 195 patients with thoracic compression fracture undergoing PKP was conducted. The patients were non-randomly assigned to receive an ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (Group P, n=96) and local infiltration anesthesia (Group L, n=99), and were compared along with intraoperative parameters and anesthetic effects. Visual analog scale (VAS) of pain, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured at pre-anesthesia (T0), post-anesthesia (T1), trocar insertion (T2), balloon dilatation (T3), cement injection (T4) and post-operation (T5). Results The anesthesia time was significantly longer in group P than in group L. There were no significant differences in the epidemiological data, operation time, blood loss, hospitalization time complications and costs between the two groups. The additional analgesics rate was significantly lower in group P than in group L. The investigators’ satisfaction scores, patients’ anesthesia satisfaction scores and intention rate of re-administration anesthesia were significantly higher in group P than in group L. Intraoperative VAS score (T1-T4) was significantly lower in group P than in group L. There was no significant difference in VAS scores (T0 and T5), SBP, DBP and HR between these two groups. Conclusion Ultrasound - guided thoracic paravertebral block achieved more effective analgesia in comparison to local infiltration groups in patients undergoing percutaneous kyphoplasty.
Facet joint parameters which may act as risk factors for chronic low back pain
Authors: Yang Ming , Wang Naiguo , Xu Xiaoxin , Zhang Yu , Chang Yvang , Xu Gang , Li Zhonghai 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Facet orientation (FO) and facet tropism (FT) are two important structural parameters of lumbar facet joint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between facet joint parameters and chronic low back pain (LBP). Methods: From June 2017 to January 2019, a total of 542 cases were enrolled in this study. There were 237 males and 305 females with a mean age of 35.8 years (range 18～59 years). All the cases were divided into a LBP group (LBP group) and a non-LBP group (N-LBP group) in this study. We compared their clinical parameters and facet joint parameters between two groups. Results: The LBP group was composed of 190 male and 252 female, whose ages ranged from 17 to 59 years (35.6 ±7.9 y). The N- LBP group was composed of 47 male and 53 female, whose ages ranged from 18 to 59 years (35.9 ± 7.5 y). Of these parameters, BMI ( P = 0.008) and FT ( P = 0.003) at all three levels were found to be signifiantly associated with incidence of chronic LBP ( P < 0.05), but FO were only found to be signifiant at L3-L4 level and L5-S1 level ( P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that high BMI and large FT were signficant risk factors for chronic LBP ( P < 0.05), and FT were found to might be independent risk factors for chronic LBP. Conclusion: FT may play a more important role in the pathogenesis of chronic LBP.
Biomechanical investigation of pelvic stability in developmental dysplasia of the hip: unilateral salter osteotomy versus one-stage bilateral salter osteotomy
Authors: Li Lang , Yang Xiaodong , Song Bo , Jiang Jun , Yang Lei , Tang Xueyang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common disease in infants and children, and the treatment of bilateral DDH remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the stability of one-stage bilateral Salter pelvic osteotomy for bilateral DDH in patients of walking age. Methods In total, nine child cadavers aged 2–6 years were included. A universal mechanical testing machine was used for stability test. We performed two different surgical procedures on the specimens: nine child cadavers underwent unilateral Salter pelvic osteotomy, and six child cadavers were randomly selected to undergo Salter pelvic osteotomy again to simulate one-stage bilateral Salter pelvic osteotomy. The stability of the bilateral sacroiliac joints, local stability of the operation area, ultimate load test, and axial stiffness were evaluated. Results Both unilateral and bilateral Salter osteotomy could destroy the integrity of the pelvic ring and increase the risk of pelvic instability. In this study, compared with unilateral Salter osteotomy, bilateral Salter osteotomy had similar pelvic stability, and there was no significant difference between unilateral and bilateral Salter osteotomy in sacroiliac joint stability ( p > 0.05), local stability ( p = 0.763), ultimate load ( p = 0.328), and axial stiffness ( p = 0.480). Conclusions One-stage bilateral Salter pelvic osteotomy as a potential surgical method is viable and stable for children with bilateral DDH.
Associations between polymorphisms at microRNA-binding sites in TYMS and breast cancer risk among Chinese women
Authors: Wang Meng , Yao Jia , Zheng Yi , Yao Yuyao , Wang Shuqian , Xu Peng , Deng Yujiao , Liu Kang , Lin Shuai , Li Na , Zhai Zhen , Wu Ying , Dai Zhi-Jun , Kang Huafeng 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Studies have suggested that thymidylate (TYMS) polymorphisms are associated with breast cancer. However, inconsistent results were obtained and data from Asian populations are largely lacking. In this study, the relationships between two common TYMS polymorphisms (rs2790 and rs1059394) and the breast cancer risk were evaluated. We also studied the TYMS expression between tumor and para-carcinoma tissues, and the association between TYMS levels and prognosis of breast cancer. This hospital-based study included 434 patients and 450 cancer-free individuals. Genotying was performed using Sequenom Mass-ARRAY. The microarray dataset GSE115144 was downloaded to compare the differences in TYMS expression between tumor and para-carcinoma tissues. The microarray dataset GSE20685 was used to analysis the metastasis free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients. The rs2790 polymorphism was related to a higher risk of breast cancer (recessive model: OR=1.50, 95%CI=1.02-2.21, P=0.038) and the C allele of rs1059394 was overrepresented in patients with tumor stage III-IV (heterozygote model: OR=0.60, 95%CI=0.39-0.94, P=0.025; dominant model: OR=0.59, 95%CI=0.39-0.89, P=0.013). The tumor tissues had a higher TYMS expression levels and patients with higher TYMS expression levels had worse OS. Overall, TYMS polymorphism may increase susceptibility to breast cancer in Chinese Han women and TYMS expression levels may be a predictive factor for breast cancer patients.