bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of visual evoked potentials and optical coherence tomography in the screening for optic pathway gliomas in patients with neurofibromatosis type I
Authors: Vagge Aldo , Camicione Paola , Pellegrini Marco , Gatti Giulia , Capris Paolo , Severino Mariasavina , Di Maita Marco , Panarello Simona , Traverso Carlo E 
Published: February 2020

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to compare visual function assessment, visual evoked potential, and optical coherence tomography with measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness for the diagnosis of optic pathway glioma in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scan, visual evoked potential study, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer evaluation by optical coherence tomography. Patients were tested with pattern-reversal visual evoked potential and with flash visual evoked potential in case of poor cooperation. Optical coherence tomography was performed with HRA Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic curves was used to evaluate the accuracy of each parameter for diagnosing optic pathway glioma. Results: In all, 110 patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 were included in the study. Fifty of them had an optic pathway glioma diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging, while 60 did not. Global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness demonstrated the highest diagnostic power for discriminating patients with and without optic pathway glioma (area under the curve = 0.758, sensitivity = 65.3%, specificity = 83.3%), followed visual acuity (area under the curve = 0.723, sensitivity = 51.1%, specificity = 91.7%) and P100 of visual evoked potential (area under the curve = 0.712, sensitivity = 69.6%, specificity = 63.8%). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was the most efficient test for discriminating patients with and without optic pathway glioma. Brain magnetic resonance imaging remains the gold standard to confirm the diagnosis of optic pathway glioma. Longitudinal studies are required to define if the early detection of tumors with optical coherence tomography could prevent vision loss and morbidity.
Pirfenidone in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: real-life experience in the referral centre of Siena
Authors: Vietri Lucia , Cameli Paolo , Perruzza Marco , Cekorja Behar , Bergantini Laura , d’Alessandro Miriana , Refini Rosa Metella , Pieroni Maria , Fossi Antonella , Bennett David , Spalletti Marco , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Sestini Piersante , Rottoli Paola , Bargagli Elena 
Published: February 2020

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and has a median survival after diagnosis of 2–5 years. Pirfenidone is the first approved antifibrotic drug for the treatment of IPF. Here we report the functional progress, side effects and survival data of a population of patients with IPF, diagnosed at our centre and treated with pirfenidone. Methods: We enrolled 91 patients with IPF (71 males) treated with pirfenidone. Clinical, survival and functional details were collected retrospectively at start of therapy and after 12, 24, 36 and 48 months of treatment. Lung function tests at least 12 months before starting therapy were available for 40 patients and were entered in the database, as well as side effects. Results: During the observation period (922 ± 529 days), 27 patients died, 5 patients underwent lung transplant and 10 patients interrupted therapy due to adverse events or IPF progression. The median survival was 1606 days. There was a significant reduction in disease progression rate, as measured by trend of forced vital capacity, after 1 year of therapy with respect to before treatment ( p = 0.0085). Forced vital capacity reduction rate was progressively higher in the subsequent years of treatment. Treatment-related side effects were reported in 25 patients and were predominantly mild. Overall, four patients discontinued therapy due to severe photosensitivity. Conclusions: Our findings confirm the efficacy of pirfenidone in reducing functional progression of IPF and its excellent safety profile in a real-life setting. This study, designed on a long-term follow up, contributes to the growing evidence on safety, tolerability and efficacy of pirfenidone in IPF. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Functional Reconstruction of Forehead and Midface Deficits Using the Endoscopic Technique and Bio-Absorbable Implants
Authors: Johnson Jared , Hojjat Houmehr , Chung Michael T. , Arianpour Khashayar , Rayess Hani , Eckert Robert , Carron Michael 
Published: February 2020

Objectives: Functional deficits of the forehead and midface can pose significant problems for patients varying from mild asymmetry to various degrees of functional impairment including total paralysis. Our objectives were to analyse the use of bio-absorbable implants to reconstruct forehead and midface deficits, all of which were for functional (noncosmetic) reasons. Methods: This study was a retrospective case series between 2008 and 2018. Institutional review board approval was obtained from the Beaumont Health Human Investigation Committee. Surgeries were performed at a tertiary care centre. We evaluated 50 patients who underwent correction of functional deficits of forehead, eyebrow, and midface using the endoscopic technique and bio-absorbable implants. Patient demographics and indicated etiologies and characterization of minor and major complications and their occurrence rates were characterized. Results: Fifty patients were included in the study from 2008 to 2018, with 68% female and 32% male. Combined blepharoplasty and brow lift was the most commonly performed procedure, followed by midface lift and browplasty. The mean follow-up time was 372 days. No major operative complications including stroke, permanent nerve paralysis, or mortality occurred. There was a 4% rate of temporary nerve paresthesia that resolved, 2% rate of infection, and 6% rate of implant migration requiring revision surgery. Conclusion: The endoscopic approach and use of bio-absorbable implants to reconstruct functional deficits of the forehead and midface are safe and effective. There were zero major complications and most of the minor complications were temporary. There was a significant association between non-age-related functional impairment and risk of complication.
Phytochemical and comparative transcriptome analyses reveal different regulatory mechanisms in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathways between Matricaria recutita L. and Chamaemelum nobile L.
Authors: Tai Yuling , Hou Xiaojuan , Liu Chun , Sun Jiameng , Guo Chunxiao , Su Ling , Jiang Wei , Ling Chengcheng , Wang Chengxiang , Wang Huanhuan , Pan Guifang , Si Xiongyuan , Yuan Yi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) belong to the botanical family Asteraceae. These two herbs are not only morphologically distinguishable, but their secondary metabolites – especially the essential oils present in flowers are also different, especially the terpenoids. The aim of this project was to preliminarily identify regulatory mechanisms in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathways that differ between German and Roman chamomile by performing comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses.

Results
We determined the content of essential oils in disk florets and ray florets in these two chamomile species, and found that the terpenoid content in flowers of German chamomile is greater than that of Roman chamomile. In addition, a comparative RNA-seq analysis of German and Roman chamomile showed that 54% of genes shared > 75% sequence identity between the two species. In particular, more highly expressed DEGs (differentially expressed genes) and TF (transcription factor) genes, different regulation of CYPs (cytochrome P450 enzymes), and rapid evolution of downstream genes in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway of German chamomile could be the main reasons to explain the differences in the types and levels of terpenoid compounds in these two species. In addition, a phylogenetic tree constructed from single copy genes showed that German chamomile and Roman chamomile are closely related to Chrysanthemum nankingense.

Conclusion
This work provides the first insights into terpenoid biosynthesis in two species of chamomile. The candidate unigenes related to terpenoid biosynthesis will be important in molecular breeding approaches to modulate the essential oil composition of Matricaria recutita and Chamaemelum nobile.
Does a pulmonary rehabilitation based ERAS program (PREP) affect pulmonary complication incidence, pulmonary function and quality of life after lung cancer surgery? Study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Yu , Mao Mao , Ji Meifang , Zheng Qiugang , Liu Liang , Zhao Zhigang , Wang Haiming , Wei Xiangyang , Wang Yulong , Chen Jiamin , Zhou Huiqing , Liang Qiaoqiao , Chen Ying , Zhang Xintong , Wang Lu , Cheng Yihui , Zhang Xiu , Teng Meiling , Lu Xiao 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Lung cancer surgery is associated with a high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Preliminary evidence suggests that ERAS processes can reduce overall incidence of PPCs as short- and long-term recovery improved by supporting units to adopt evidence-based care. However, the evidence is inconclusive due to insufficient high-level studies in this research field. No well-designed, adequately powered, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation based ERAS program (PREP) on post-operative pulmonary complications, pulmonary function, and health related quality of life following lung cancer surgery.

Methods
The PREP trial is a pragmatic, investigator-initiated, multi-center, randomized controlled, parallel group, clinical trial. Five hundred patients scheduled for minimally invasive pulmonary resection at six hospitals in China will be randomized with concealed allocation to receive either i) a pre-operative assessment and an information booklet or ii) a pre-operative assessment, an information booklet, plus an additional education, a 30-min pulmonary rehabilitation training session and the post-operative pulmonary rehabilitation program. The primary outcome is incidence of PPCs defined with the Melbourne Group Scale diagnostic scoring tool. Secondary outcomes include incidence of cardiopulmonary and other complications, pulmonary function, cardiopulmonary endurance, muscle strength, activity level, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pre- and post-operative hospital length of stay (LOS), and total hospital LOS.

Discussion
The PREP trial is designed to verify the hypothesis that pulmonary rehabilitation based ERAS program reduces incidence of PPCs and improves pulmonary function and HRQoL in patients following lung cancer surgery. This trial will furthermore contribute significantly to the limited knowledge about the pulmonary rehabilitation based ERAS program following lung cancer surgery, and may thereby form the basis of future recommendations in the surgical community.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900024646, 21 July 2019.
Informing the model of care for an academic integrative healthcare centre: a qualitative study exploring healthcare consumer perspectives
Authors: Ee Carolyn , Templeman Kate , Grant Suzanne , Avard Nicole , de Manincor Michael , Hunter Jennifer 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
In response to high demand and the growing body of evidence for traditional and complementary therapies, the practice of integrative medicine and integrative healthcare has emerged where these therapies are blended with conventional healthcare. While there are a number of academic integrative healthcare centres worldwide, there are none in Australia. Western Sydney University will soon establish an academic integrative healthcare centre offering evidence-informed traditional and complementary therapies integrated with conventional healthcare in a research-based culture. The aim of this study was to explore healthcare consumers’ views about the perceived need, advantages, and disadvantages of the proposed centre and its relevance to community-defined problems and health and service needs.

Methods
Qualitative methods, informed by community-based participatory research, were used during 2017. Focus groups supplemented with semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare consumers. Participants were recruited through paid advertisements on Facebook. Thematic coding, informed by an integrative healthcare continuum, was used to analyse and organise the data. Analysis was augmented with descriptive statistics of participant demographic details.

Results
Three main themes emerged: (i) the integrative approach, (i) person-centred care, and (iii) safety and quality. Participants proposed a coordinated healthcare model, with perspectives falling along a continuum from parallel and consultative to fully integrative models of healthcare. The importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and culturally appropriate, team-based care within a supportive healing environment was emphasised. A priority of providing broad and holistic healthcare that was person centred and treated the whole person was valued. It was proposed that safety and quality standards be met by medical oversight, evidence-informed practice, practitioner competency, and interprofessional communication.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that participants desired greater integration of conventional healthcare with traditional and complementary therapies within a team-based, person-centred environment with assurances of safety and quality. Findings will be used to refine the model of care for an academic integrative healthcare centre in Western Sydney.
Use of traditional and complementary medicine for maternal health and wellbeing by African migrant women in Australia: a mixed method study
Authors: Shewamene Zewdneh , Dune Tinashe , Smith Caroline A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundTraditional medicine serves as a form of primary health care for more than 80% of African populations. Currently, there is no research documenting if and how African migrant communities engage with their traditional health practices and beliefs after they resettle in Western countries. The aim of this study was to examine African migrant women’s experiences and perspectives about traditional and complementary medicine use in relation to their maternal health and wellbeing in Australia.MethodsWe conducted a mixed method study between December 2016 and October 2017. Questionnaires were completed by 319 women and 15 in-depth interviews were conducted among African migrant women residing across the Sydney metropolitan area, Australia. Survey data were analysed using SPSS (version 23) and logistic regression model was used to test associations. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo 11 software to identify themes and conceptual categories in the participants’ responses. The study was informed by Andersen’s Socio-behavioural model of health service utilisation.ResultsThe findings indicated that use of traditional and complementary medicine was high and continued to be well used following African women’s resettlement in Australia. The survey found that 232 (72.7%) women use some form of traditional and complementary medicine for maternal health and wellbeing purposes. Most women (179, 77.2%) reported that maintaining their maternal health and wellbeing was the most common reason for use. The interview findings indicated that access to traditional medicine included making requests from relatives and friends who travelled to Africa looking for a similar medicinal plant in Australia and preparing home remedies with advice from family members and healers back in Africa. Age ≥ 35 years (OR, 16.5; 95%CI, 6.58–41.5;p < 0.001), lower education (OR, 24; 95%CI, 8.18–71.1;p < 0.001), parity (OR, 7.3; 95%CI, 1.22–42.81;p = 0.029), and lower income (OR, 2.7; 95%CI, 1.23–5.83;p = 0.013) were strong predictors of traditional medicine use.ConclusionUse of traditional and complementary medicine among African migrant women in Sydney remained high following resettlement in Australia. As noted in Andersen’s sociobehavioural model of health service utilisation, specific predisposing and enabling factors including age, education and income were associated with use of traditional and complementary medicine.
Finding an efficient tetramethylated hydroxydiethylene of resveratrol analogue for potential anticancer agent
Authors: Xin Zhen-Hui , Meng Ya-Li , Jiang Wen-Jing , Li Ya-Peng , Ge Li-Ping , Zhang Cun-Hui , Liu Lian-Na , Kang Yan-Fei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWith the improvement and advance in cancer diagnosis and treatment, the cancer is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Obviously, new breakthroughs in therapies remain be urgent needed. In this work, we designed and synthesized the compound 1–4, namely resveratrol analogues with methylation of hydroxy distyrene, to further explore its new anti-cancer potential. Encouragingly, compound 1 ((E)-4,4′-(ethene-1,2-diyl)bis(3,5-dimethylphenol)) exhibited cytotoxicity superior to resveratrol in MCF 7 cells. More importantly, the compound 1 showed greater toxicity to tumor cells than that to normal cells, which proved that it could selectively kill tumor cells. The favorable results encouraged us to explore the inhibitory mechanism of compound 1 on MCF 7 cells. The research finding indicated the compound 1 inhibited tumor cell proliferation by both arresting cell cycle in S phase and apoptosis via a prooxidant manner. In addition, the results further verified compound 1 caused cell cycle arrest in S phase and apoptosis by down-regulation of the cycling A1/cycling A2 expression and the rise of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in a p21-dependant pathway in MCF 7 cells. Therefore, these results are helpful for the effective design of anticancer reagents and the better understanding of their mechanism of action.
Depressive symptoms and metabolic syndrome components among older Chinese adults
Authors: Liu Jing-Hong , Qian Yu-Xi , Ma Qing-Hua , Sun Hong-Peng , Xu Yong , Pan Chen-Wei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Few studies examined associations between depressive symptoms and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among older Chinese adults. Considering that the prevalence of depressive symptoms is high in older Chinese adults, we aimed to examine associations of depressive symptoms with MetS and its components in older Chinese adults.

Methods
Data from a community-based cross-sectional study of 4579 Chinese adults aged 60 years or older were analyzed. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. The presence of MetS was defined based on the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, which include obesity, reduced blood high-density lipoprotein, high blood pressure (BP), elevated fasting plasma glucose and hypertriglyceridemia. A participant was considered as having MetS if he or she met at least three of the above-mentioned criteria.

Results
In all participants, depressive symptoms were related to elevated fasting plasma glucose (≥ 7.0 mmol/L) (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.00–2.20]) and diabetes (adjusted OR = 1.50, 95% CI [1.01–2.20]). The associations of depressive symptoms with MetS and its components were not significant among women. However, there was a negative association between depressive symptoms and elevated systolic BP (≥ 130 mm Hg) (OR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.4–0.9]), and similar findings were observed after adjusting for lifestyle-related variables in men.

Conclusions
In older Chinese adults, depressive symptoms were negatively associated with elevated systolic BP in men while these findings were not found in women.
Histone methylation and vascular biology
Authors: Wei Xiang , Yi Xin , Zhu Xue-Hai , Jiang Ding-Sheng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe vasculature not only transports oxygenated blood, metabolites, and waste products but also serves as a conduit for hormonal communication between distant tissues. Therefore, it is important to maintain homeostasis within the vasculature. Recent studies have greatly expanded our understanding of the regulation of vasculature development and vascular-related diseases at the epigenetic level, including by protein posttranslational modifications, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs. Integrating epigenetic mechanisms into the pathophysiologic conceptualization of complex and multifactorial vascular-related diseases may provide promising therapeutic approaches. Several reviews have presented detailed discussions of epigenetic mechanisms not including histone methylation in vascular biology. In this review, we primarily discuss histone methylation in vascular development and maturity, and in vascular diseases.
Natriuretic peptide-directed medical therapy: a systematic review
Authors: Alphonsus Christella S. , Govender Pooveshnie , Rodseth Reitze N. , Biccard Bruce M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNatriuretic peptides (NP) are strongly associated with perioperative cardiovascular events. However, in patients with raised NP, it remains unknown whether treatment to reduce NP levels prior to surgery results in better perioperative outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigate NP-directed medical therapy in non-surgical patients to provide guidance for NP-directed medical therapy in surgical patients. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017051468). The database search included MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCO host), EMBASE (EBSCO host), ProQuest, Web of Science, and Cochrane database. The primary outcome was to determine whether NP-directed medical therapy is effective in reducing NP levels within 6 months, compared to standard of care. The secondary outcome was to determine whether reducing NP levels is associated with decreased mortality. Full texts of 18 trials were reviewed. NP-directed medical therapy showed no significant difference compared to standard care in decreasing NP levels (standardized mean difference − 0.04 (− 0.16, 0.07)), but was associated with a 6-month (relative risk (RR) 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–0.99)) reduction in mortality.