bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stem cells accelerated growth and metastasis of neuroblastoma and preferentially homed towards both primary and metastatic lociin orthotopic neuroblasoma model
Authors: YU Jiao-Le , CHAN Shing , Chan Godfrey Chi Fung 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Majority of neuroblastoma patients develop metastatic disease at diagnosis and their prognosis is poor with current therapeutic approach. Major challenges are how to tackle the mechanisms responsible for tumorigenesis and metastasis. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) may be actively involved in the constitution of cancer microenvironment.
Methods
In our study, an orthotopic neuroblasoma murine model was utilized to mimic the actual scenario. Human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-LP was transfected with luciferase gene, which were inoculated with/without MSCs into the adrenal area of SCID-beige mice. The growth and metastasis of neuroblastoma was observed by using Xenogen IVIS 100 in vivo imaging and evaluating gross tumors ex vivo. The homing of MSCs towards tumor was analyzed by tracing fluorescence signal tagged on MSCs using CRI maestroTM imaging system.
Results
hMSCs mixed with neuroblastoma cells significantly accelerated tumor growth and metastasis of neuroblastoma in vivo. hMSCs could be recruited by primary tumor and also become part of the metastatic loci. The metastatic potential was significantly reduced when hMSCs were pre-treated with stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) blocker, AMD3100, suggesting that the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis was a prime mover in the metastatic process.
Conclusions
MSCs accelerated and facilitated tumor formation, growth and metastasis. Furthermore, the homing propensity of MSCs towards both primary tumor and metastatic loci can also provide new therapeutic insights in utilizing bio-engineered MSCs as vehicles for targeted anti-cancer therapy against advanced cancers.
Improving Biomedical Named Entity Recognition with Syntactic Information
Authors: TIAN YUANHE , Shen Wang , Song Yan , Xia Fei , He Min , Li Kenli 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Biomedical named entity recognition (BioNER) is an important task for understanding biomedical texts. The task can be challenging due to the lack of large-scale labeled training data and domain knowledge. Previous studies have shown that syntactic information can be useful for named entity recognition; however, most of them fail to weigh that information with respect to its contribution as they treat the syntactic information as gold reference. Results In this paper, we propose BioKMNER, a BioNER model for biomedical texts with key-value memory networks to incorporate syntactic information, which is extracted from syntactic structures automatically generated by existing toolkits. Our approach outperforms baselines without memories and achieves new state-of-the-art results on on four biomedical datasets compared with previous studies, i.e., 85.67% on BC2GM, 94.22% on BC5CDR-chemical, 90.11% on NCBI-diease, and 76.33% on Species-800. Conclusion Experimental results on four benchmark datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method, where the state-of-the-art performance is achieved on all of them.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 and Pulmonary Tuberculosis Coinfection: Double Trouble
Authors: Singh Abhijeet , Gupta Ayush , Das Kamanashish 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The ongoing pandemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has received worldwide attention by becoming a major global health threat. We encountered one case of COVID-19 and pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) coinfection which has not been frequently reported. A 76 year old female presented with acute respiratory symptoms superimposed on chronic symptoms, suggestive to have pneumonia. Oropharyngeal throat swab sample for COVID-19 was positive as detected by real-time reverse-transcriptase–polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) assay. GeneXpert Ultra detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex with Rifampicin resistance indeterminate. Patient was conservatively treated with appropriate management. Clinicians should suspect COVID-19 coinfection with pulmonary TB while treating during ongoing pandemic as therapeutic strategies need to be determined accordingly to improve outcome and prevent transmission in community.
Prognostic Value of Charlton’s Weighted Index of Capabilities Combined with Chronic Health Evaluation II Score in COVID-19：a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Qian Yali , Li Zhuo , Du Ziqiang , Zhu Yanfang , Miao Hongjun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Since December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread across the world. Age and underlying diseases have been reported as predictors of mortality in 2019-nCoV infection. Charlson's weighted index of comorbidities (WIC) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II are two frequently-used measures of comorbidity. In this study, we have assessed the performance of WIC and APACHE II in predicting the mortality of COVID-19 patients.Methods: A total of 76 adult patients with COVID-19 were admitted to a designated hospital in Huangshi province from 1 January 2020 to 29 February 2020. Clinical data including age, gender, underlying diseases, and hospital mortality were collected. The APACHE II and WIC scores were assessed within the first 24 hours of admission. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to compare the performance of WIC, APACHE II, and joint detection. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to predict the hospital mortality. Results: Of the 76 enrolled patients, 57 patients survived, and 19 died. The surviving patients had significantly lower WIC and APACHE II than the non-surviving patients (p-value < 0.05). The AUC for the hospital mortality was 0.814 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.705-0.923) of WIC, 0.854 (95% CI 0.705-0.956) of APACHE II and 0.891(95% CI 0.830-0.966) for the joint detection. The diagnostic value of the joint detection was found to be better than that of WIC (p-value= 0.002) or APACHE II (p-value = 0.042). Conclusions: The WIC and APACHE II scores might serve as independent determinants for the hospital mortality associated with COVID-19 patients. The combined use of WIC and APACHE II is more predictive than individuals．
The Relationship Between Neck Circumference and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Iranian Pregnant Women
Authors: Barforoush Tahoora Sedighi , Ghadimi Reza , Pahlevan Zaynab , Ahmadi Niloufar , Delavar Mouloud Agajani 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background It is widely assumed that gestational diabetes is one of the most important causes of fetal and maternal and complications, and the predictive factors for this observation are not fully understood. Neck circumference could be deemed as a predictive factor for gestational diabetes. Thus, the aim of present study was to assess the relationship between neck circumference and gestational diabetes.Methods The study was conducted on 372 Iranian pregnant women. The criteria set by the American Diabetes Association through a 2-hour was used to classify subjects with regard to gestational diabetes. At 14–16 weeks of pregnancy, neck circumference was measured. The maternal and fetal outcomes were measured, too.Results Gestational diabetes mellitus was developed in 74 women in 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. Neck circumference at 14–16 of pregnancy age was found to be positively correlated with age (r = 0.18, P = ≤ 0.0001), pre-pregnancy weight (r = 0.45, P = ≤ 0.0001), body mass index (r = 0.46, P = ≤ 0.0001), and weight gain during pregnancy (r = 0.11, P = 0.031). The adjusted logistic regression revealed that neck circumference was a predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.34; P = 0.002). The ROC analysis depicted that cut-off of neck circumference in indicating gestational diabetes was 34.3 cm, with the sensitivity of 53% and the specificity of 66%.Conclusion The finding of the present study indicated that a neck circumference ≥ 34.3 cm in Iranian pregnant women can provide as a predictor of gestational diabetes.
An in-depth analysis of the intestinal microbiome &amp; metabolites of rats under high-altitude hypoxic-condition
Authors: Su Sicong , Liu Weili , Liang Yu , Qiu Zhigang , Wang Shang , Xue Bin , Li Chenyu , Zhao Chen , Zhang Xi , Yang Xiaobo , Wang Jingfeng , Shen Zhiqiang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Under anoxic conditions, the body will undergo a series of changes to compensate for the low oxygen environment. Changes in gut microbes are an important part of this. Currently, there are relatively few studies on the changes of intestinal microorganisms and metabolites in the low-oxygen environment of plateau. This study employed a non-targeted metabolomics approach coupled with shotgun metagenomic sequencing to analysis the changes of intestinal microorganisms and metabolites in rats under hypoxic environment.
Results

Significant difference in biodiversity were observed. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Alistipes in the hypoxic cohort were significantly increased, while Flavonifractor, Faecalibacterium and Dorea were significantly decreased(P < 0.05). Non-targeted metabolomics analysis showed significant differences in 4 metabolic pathways (pyrimidine metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, thyroid hormone synthesis) between T group and C group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, correlation analysis of metagenomic and metabolomic data sets showed that there was a certain relative quantitative relationship between some bacterial genera and differential metabolites.
Conclusions

Our results indicate that a plateau hypoxic environment can significantly alter the composition of intestinal microbes in the host.Compared with the plain control group, the relative increase of some bacteria genera was accompanied by the increase of related metabolites, suggesting that these bacteria genera and metabolites were closely related to the low-oxygen environment in the plateau.It provides a certain foundation for the next research.
Functional bracing is a safe and cost effective treatment for isolated Weber B fracture
Authors: Abdelaal Ahmed , Elnikety Sherif 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDespite the current recommendations that stable Weber B ankle fractures can be treated with functional bracing and weightbearing as tolerated, some reluctance exists among trauma surgeons to follow these recommendations. We report on our institution’s experience in managing these injuries and compare it to the national guidelines.Patients and MethodsConsecutive patients with isolated Weber B fractures referred to the local outpatient clinic over the period of six months were included in the study. Radiographs and clinic letters were examined, the patients were interviewed via telephone to obtain outcome scores (Olerud and Molandar score). Method of immobilisation, weightbearing status, radiological fracture union, clinical outcomes and complications were all assessed and analysed.ResultsOne hundred and twenty-three patients with isolated Weber B fractures were identified. This cohort of patients did not show clinical or radiographic evidence of instability, they were deemed stable and were initially treated non-operatively. Minimum follow-up period was six months. Sixty-two patients were treated in plaster and were non-weight bearing on the affected limb, while 61 were treated with functional bracing in a boot and were allowed early weight bearing. Three patients showed displacement requiring surgical fixation. All fractures progressed to union and patients were discharged irrespective of the method of immobilisation or weightbearing status during treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the functional outcome measures between the two groups. The protocol of functional bracing and weightbearing was associated with fewer outpatient clinics and a reduced number of radiographs obtained in the clinic and fewer complications. ConclusionIsolated trans-syndesmotic Weber B ankle fractures, that are clinically and radiologically stable, can be safely treated with functional bracing in a boot and weightbearing as tolerated. Weightbearing radiographs are reliable in confirming the stability of such fractures.
Histological diagnostic criterion for chronic endometritis based on the clinical outcome.
Authors: Hirata Kimiko , Kimura Fuminori , Nakamura Akiko , Kitazawa Jun , Morimune Aina , Hanada Tetsuro , Takebayashi Akie , Takashima Akiko , Amano Tsukuru , Tsuji Shunichiro , Kaku Shoji , Kushima Ryoji , Murakami Takashi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Chronic endometritis is a slight inflammation of the endometrium that is histologically diagnosed mainly by the presence of plasma cells in the endometrial stroma. In many previous clinical studies, the clinical outcomes were compared between the group cured with antibiotics and the persistent group, and the subjects were patients with recurrent implantation failure. However, antibiotics cannot be administered without establishing diagnostic criteria in advance. It is also difficult to purely evaluate the effect of chronic endometritis on implantation when the control group is defined as patients with recurrent implantation failure without chronic endometritis, since the pregnancy rate in patients with recurrent implantation failure will be lower due to the presence of causes other than chronic endometritis for implantation failure. For these reasons, there appear to be no uniform criteria based on clinical outcomes that are accepted worldwide.Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted in a single university from June 2014 to September 2017. Patients who underwent single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer with a hormone replacement cycle after histological examination for the presence of chronic endometritis were enrolled. Participants with recurrent implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, and diseases suspected to cause implantation failure were excluded. Four criteria were used to define chronic endometritis according to the number of plasma cells in the same group of patients: 1 or more plasma cells, 2 or more, 3 or more, or 5 or more in 10 high-power fields. Pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates of the Non-chronic endometritis and the chronic endometritis groups defined with each criterion were calculated.Results: The pregnancy rate and live birth rate of Non- chronic endometritis was highest and all P values for pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and miscarriage rates were smallest when the diagnostic criterion of chronic endometritis was defined as the presence of one or more plasma cells in 10 high-power fields. Conclusion: Chronic endometritis should be diagnosed as the presence of one or more plasma cells in 10 high-power fields. According to this diagnostic criterion, chronic endometritis adversely affected the pregnancy rate and the live birth rate.
Physiological stress response of the Wistar albino rats orally exposed to polystyrene nanoparticles
Authors: Babaei Ali Akbar , Rafiee Mohammad , Khodagholi Fariba , Ahmadpour Elham , Amereh Fatemeh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Few studies have examined nano-sized plastic particulates (NPs) exposure in relation to oxidative stress and biochemical responses in rodents, commonly used for toxicity evaluations on which to base risk assessment for humans.Methods Here we explored possible oxidative stress and biochemical responses of five weeks oral exposure to polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (1, 3, 6 and 10 mg/kg body weight per day) in male rats. We used variance analysis and variance explained statistic eta-squared (𝜂2) to estimate the strength of relationships worked out. The whole body scanning further provided insight into the bio-distribution of nanoplastics upon oral exposure.Results Results demonstrated the accumulation of PS-NPs through whole body and also a dose-dependent increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Significant alterations in antioxidant responses including serum levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total glutathione content were noticed, pointing towards a perturbation of redox state induced by the exposure conditions. Acetylcholinesterase level in highest dose group was about 40 percent lower than those in control group. Biochemical parameters viz. glucose, cortisol, lipase, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), triglycerides, and urea showed a significant increase, while total protein, albumin and globulin levels showed an appreciable decline.Conclusion The pattern of associations noticed with AChE activity and biochemical responses in our study suggests the possibility that a neurobehavioral effect or dysfunctions in energy metabolism, or both, may be the potential mode of action, possibly through stress response as well as liver function. Perturbations of creatinine and uric acid levels are indeed plausible biological explanations for the association with kidney dysfunction. Although we provided a new scientific clue for exploring the biological effects of plastics nanoparticles, the results warrant additional research with a larger sample size. The suggested potential mechanisms also remains to be investigated.
Comparative transcriptome analysis provides new insights into the molecular regulatory mechanism of adventitious root formation in ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.)
Authors: Chen Kunmei , Guo Bing , Yu Chunming , Chen Ping , Chen Jikang , Gao Gang , Wang Xiaofei , Zhu Aiguo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The occurrence of adventitious roots is necessary for the survival of cuttings. In this study, comparative transcriptome analysis between two ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) varieties with different adventitious root (AR) patterns, was performed by RNA-Seq under water culture (treatment, T) and non-water culture conditions (control, CK) to reveal the regulatory mechanism of rooting. Results: Characterization of the cuttings of two ramie cultivars, Zhongzhu No 2 (Z2) and Huazhu No 4 (H4), indicated that Z2 had high adventitious rooting rate but H4 had low rooting rate. Twelve cDNA libraries of the two varieties were constructed, and a total of 26723 genes were identified. In non-water culture condition, the number of the distinctive genes in H4 was 2.7 times of that in Z2, while in water culture condition, the number of the distinctive genes in Z2 was nearly 2 times of that in H4. A total of 4411 and 5195 DEGs were identified in the comparison of H4CK vs. H4T and Z2CK vs. Z2T, respectively. After water culture, more DEGs were up-regulated in Z2, but more DEGs were down-regulated in H4. Gene Ontology (GO) Gene functional analysis of the DEGs indicated that polysaccharide metabolic process, carbohydrate metabolic process, cellular carbohydrate metabolic process, cell wall macromolecule metabolic process, and photosystem GO terms were distinctive significantly enriched in H4. Simultaneously, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that photosynthesis, photosynthesis-antenna proteins and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways were identified in H4. Moreover, KEGG analysis showed that jasmonic acid (JA) can interact with ethylene to regulate the occurrence and number of AR in Z2.Conclusions:This study reveals the transcriptomic divergence of two ramie varieties with high and low adventitious rooting rates, and provides insights into the molecular regulatory mechanism of adventitious root formation in ramie.
Comparison between bidirectional Stratafix barbed sature and conventional sature in laparoscopic miomectomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Nakayama Kentaro , Razia Sultana , Ishikawa Masako , Yamashita Hitomi , Ishibashi Tomoka , Sasamori Hiroki , Sawada Kiyoka , Kurose Sonomi , Sato Seiya , Kyo Saturo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) is one of the techniques feasible for the treatment of intramural myoma. This technique is reported to be difficult when large fibroids are involved because of excessive blood loss during surgery. Skillful and fast suturing appears to be associated with reduced blood loss during LM. Barbed sutures have been recently introduced to facilitate laparoscopic suturing. A suture with bidirectional barbs offers several advantages over conventional sutures. Although the efficacy and safety of barbed sutures have been demonstrated in various gynecologic surgeries in many countries, no comparable studies have been conducted in Japan. Therefore, in this study, we compared surgical outcomes of using bidirectional Stratafix barbed sutures versus conventional sutures during LM.
Methods
This retrospective study included all patients who underwent LM for the treatment of intramural myoma in our institution between 2015 and 2017. Patients were divided into two groups according to the technique of suturing during LM: group 1 comprised patients in whom Stratafix barbed suture was used (n = 29), and group 2 comprised those in whom conventional sutures was used (n = 10). Data of patient age, myoma size, hemoglobin levels, total operation time, and blood loss during surgery were compared between the two groups.
Results
No significant differences in age (P = 0.443) or myoma size (P = 0.343) were observed between the two groups. Operation time (P = 0.0134) and blood loss (P = 0.0395) during surgery was significantly less with Stratafix barbed suture than with conventional suture. No patient required intraoperative transfusion or conversion to laparotomy.
Conclusions
The use of bidirectional barbed suture reduces operation time and blood loss. As these new sutures have barbs, no knot-tying is required; thus, continuous suturing becomes very simple, and maintaining hemostasis is easy. Inexperienced gynecological surgeons who apply this suture technique can also perform LM easily. As a bidirectional barbed suture has multiple points of fixation, this suture technique can reapproximate tissue securely, which reduces chances of reoperation because of proper suture knotting. Therefore, bidirectional Stratafix barbed sutures could be an optimal and efficient alternative to conventional sutures for use by gynecological surgeons in Japan.