bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The significance of blood cell biomarkers in the prognosis of gastric cancer
Authors: Huang Pu , Zhang Yiran , Wang Anqiang , Bu Zhao-de 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Studies have shown that inflammation-associated blood cell markers are associated with prognoses in a variety of tumors. However, the prognostic significance of these markers for gastric cancer (GC) is still not very clear. This article aims to explore its value of GC prognostic assessment.Methods From July 2011 to July 2016, 353 GC patients with surgical treatment were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients’ demographics were analyzed along with clinical and pathologic data. The chi-square test was used to evaluate relationships between the markers and other clinicopathological variables; The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression proportional hazard model were performed to evaluate prognostic factors.Results Univariate analysis indicated T stage, N stage, vascular tumor thrombus, tumor long diameter, Bormann Classification, preoperative MWR (monocyte/leukocyte ratio), preoperative serum CEA levels are prognostic factors for GC. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative MWR, tumor differentiation, and tumor length were independent prognostic factors in patients with GC. The boundary value of MWR is 0.8.Conclusion Preoperative MWR was convenient, simple marker of gastric cancer, might be useful for the evaluation of prognosis of patients with GC. Comparing with TNM stage, tumor differentiation was a more reliable pathological factor evaluating recurrence.
Upper and lower bounds of the ﬁrst exit time of Brownian motion from The Minimum and Maximun Parabolic Domains with variable dimension to research the variation of biological species
Authors: Liu Chao , Che Wenbin , Zhang Jingjun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Consider a Brownian motion with variable dimension starting at an interior point of the minimum or maximum parabolic domains Dmax t and Dmin t in Rd(t)+2, d(t) ≥ 1 is an increasing integral function as t →∞,d(t) →∞, and let τDmax t and τDmin t denote the ﬁrst time the Brownian motion exits from Dmax t and Dmin t , respectively. Upper and lower bounds with exact constants for the asymptotics of logP(τDmax t > t) and logP(τDmin t > t) are given as t → ∞, depending on the shape of the domain Dmax t and Dmin t . The methods of proof are based on Gordon’s inequality and early works of Li, Lifshits and Shi in the single general parabolic domain case.
The Association Between Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Renal Cell Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jian Zhongyu , Ma Yucheng , Li Hong , Wang Kunjie 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To update the current evidence on whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a possible risk factor for renal cell cancer (RCC), prostate cancer (PCa) and bladder cancer (BC). Methods: We searched literatures on Pubmed, Web of Science and Embases before February 2020. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. Results: Finally, we extracted 12 studies based on the eligible criteria. Across 11 studies for HCV and RCC, the incorporated RR was 1.28 (95% CI 1.05-1.55), which meant that participants with HCV infection were associated with a higher risk of RCC. The pooled RR in hazard ratio (HR) subgroup (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.22-2.08), cohort studies (CS) subgroup (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.18-1.82), and North America subgroup (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.40-2.09) detected a stronger association between HCV and RCC risk. Although an inverse association was seen for PCa (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.54-1.03) across 7 studies, it was not statistically significant (P = 0.075). There was no significant association between HCV and BC with an incorporated RR of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.82-1.03) across 5 studies.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that HCV infection was significantly associated with increased RCC risk. There appeared to be an inverse association for HCV in PCa risk but no statistically significant. No significant association was found between HCV and BC risk. Prospective, large-scale and well-designed cohort studies are required to validate the association between HCV and RCC, and to investigate the role of HCV on PCa.
Multi-omics analysis provides insights into lignocellulosic biomass degradation by Laetiporus sulphureus ATCC 52600
Authors: de Oliveira Ana Carolina Piva , de Figueiredo Fernanda Lopes , Gonçalves Thiago A , Terrasan Cesar RF , Tomazetto Geizecler , Persinoti Gabriela F , Rubio Marcelo V , Gerhardt Jaqueline A , Silvello Maria AC , Franco Telma T , Goldbeck Rosana , Squina Fabio , Damasio André 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Wood-decay basidiomycetes are effective for the degradation of highly lignified and recalcitrant substrates. Brown-rot strains produce carbohydrate-active enzymes involved in the degradation of lignocellulosic materials, along with a non-enzymatic mechanism via Fenton reaction. Differences in the lignocellulose metabolism among closely related brown rots are not completely understood. Here, a multi-omics approach provided a global understanding of the strategies employed by L. sulphureus ATCC 52600 in the degradation of lignocellulosic by-products derived from sugarcane and Eucalyptus. Results: To evidence the oxidative-hydrolytic mechanism, the Laetiporus sulphureus ATCC 52600 genome was sequenced and the response to lignocellulosic substrates was analyzed by transcriptomics and proteomics. The transcriptomic profile in response to a short cultivation period on in natura sugarcane bagasse revealed 128 out of 12,802 upregulated transcripts. The high upregulated transcripts included a set of redox enzymes along with hemicellulases. The exoproteome produced in response to extended time cultivation on Avicel, and steam-exploded sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane straw, and Eucalyptus (from Eucalyptus grandis) revealed 121 proteins. Contrasting with the mainly oxidative profile observed in the transcriptome, the secretomes showed a diverse hydrolytic repertoire including constitutive cellulases and hemicellulases, in addition to 19 upregulated proteins relative to glucose. The secretome produced on sugarcane bagasse was evaluated in the saccharification of pretreated sugarcane straw by supplementing a commercial cocktail. Additionally, growth analysis revealed that L. sulphureus ATCC 52600 has higher efficiency to assimilate glucose than other mono- and disaccharides.Conclusion: This study shows the singularity of L. sulphureus ATCC 52600 compared to other Polyporales brown rots, regarding the presence of cellobiohydrolase and peroxidase class II. The multi-omics analysis reinforces the oxidative-hydrolytic metabolism involved in lignocellulose deconstruction, providing insights into the overall mechanisms as well as specific proteins of each step.
The potential role of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme in the coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Zhu Zhe , Cai Ting , Fan Lingyan , Lou Kehong , Hua Xin , Huang Zuoan , Gao Guosheng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective To explore the clinical significance of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods In this retrospective study, a cohort of 136 consecutive patients with confirmed COVID-19 was recruited. Demographics and clinical data were recorded. The serum ACE activity were measured at baseline and recovery phase, and its relationship with clinical condition was analyzed.Results Of the 136 patients with confirmed COVID-19, 16 severe cases were older, had higher body mass index (BMI) and proportion of hypertension when compared with 120 non-severe cases. In comparison to normal controls, the baseline serum ACE activity in the severe group and non-severe group were both decreased, with the lowest level in the severe group. However, the serum ACE activity raised in the recovery phase, and there were no significant differences among severe group, non-severe group and normal controls.Conclusion Serum ACE could be used as a marker to reflect the clinical condition of COVID-19, since its low level was associated with the severity of COVID-19 at baseline, and it increased with the remission of the disease.
No detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on urethral swab in patients with positive naso-pharyngeal swab
Authors: Spirito Lorenzo , Pinchera Biagio , Patrì Angela , Delfino Mario , Imbimbo Ciro , Salvatore Paola , Gentile Ivan , Fabbrocini Gabriella 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background The recent SARS-CoV-2 infection is the cause of one of the most important pandemics that history has ever experienced. SARS-CoV-2 can lead to a MOF (Multiple Organ Failure) that is critical for life of patients. Viral RNA is found in human tissues as lung, intestine, testicle, kidney, etc. and it is the reason to theorize different ways of transmission of the virus in addition to respiratory droplets. The aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in urethral swabs.Methods We enrolled 10 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who attended the Infectious Diseases Unit of the A.O.U. Federico II of Naples, from March 2020 to April 2020. For each patient, one urethral swab was collected at the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection.Results All ten patients had a negative urethral swab for SARS-CoV-2 RNA when the rhino-oropharyngeal swab was found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Our data show for the first time that the virus would not affect the urinary tract and therefore would not be found in the urine and even less would it be transmissible through the urine. This result was independent of the stage of the disease, in fact, regardless of the severity of the clinical conditions, all patients had a negative urethral swab for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.Conclusion This observation, which needs to be further investigated with further studies and a larger sample, could be the cornerstone for understanding the role of SARS-CoV-2 in relation to the genitourinary system.
CCL18 Induces EMT via CEP192 Down-Regulation in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wu Zichao , Ke Xinrong , Liu Yanli , Dong Yihong , Chen Jingqi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18) secreted by TAMs induces epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in breast cancer cells. Centrosome scaffold protein KDA192 (CEP192) ,as the important pericentriolar material (PCM), plays a critical role in microtubule nucleation and centrosome replication. Decreased expression of CEP192 will cause tumor cell polarization and elevated motility. Whether CEP192 is involved in the process of breast cancer EMT induced by CCL18 has not been reported.Methods: CEP192 mRNA level in Lymph node metastasis and non-lymph node metastasis breast cancer was evaluated by bioinformatics analysis. CCL18 and CEP192 expressions in breast tissues were examined using immunochemistry, CEP192 expression in breast cancer cells was examined using qPCR and Western blot. CEP192 was silenced using siRNA. EMT phenotype proteins were examined using Western blot. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0 (GraphPad Software Inc).Results: CEP192 expression was decreased in lymph node metastasis breast cancer tissues compared with non-lymph node metastasis. CEP192 expression was down-regulated by CCL18 in breast cancer cells and silencing CEP192 promoted the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Based on the promotion of breast cancer EMT by CCL18, silencing CEP192 in breast cancer further increased E-cadherin and decreased KRT-8which are both EMT phenotype proteins in vitro.Conclusions: Our study elucidates that CCL18 promotes breast cancer EMT by down-regulating CEP192 expression. Down-regulated CEP192 plays a key role in invasion and migration of breast cancer cells. CEP192 is a potential new marker for tumor metastasis induced by CCL18.
Which is the most appropriate strategy for nasal screening and Staphylococcus aureus decolonization in total hip arthroplasty patients?
Authors: Tonotsuka Hisahiro , Sugiyama Hajime , Amagami Ayano , Yonemoto Keigo , Sato Ryuichi , Saito Mitsuru 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To reduce periprosthetic joint infection after total hip arthroplasty (THA), several nasal screening and decolonization strategies for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) have been performed. These include universal decolonization (UD; i.e., no screening and decolonization for all patients), universal screening and target decolonization (US; i.e., screening for all patients and decolonization for bacterial positive patients), and target screening and decolonization (TS; i.e., screening and decolonization for high-risk populations only). Although TS is the most cost-effective strategy, useful risk factors must be identified. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of predictive factors that enable the TS strategy to be successfully implemented and to compare the costs of each strategy.Methods: A total of 1654 patients scheduled for primary or revision THA (1464 women, 190 men; mean age 64 years) were screened prior to surgery for bacterial colonization of the nasal mucosa. Risk factors for positive MRSA and MRSA/MSSA tests were analyzed according to the following parameters: sex, age ≥80 years, body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, antibiotic use within 3 years, corticosteroid use, serum albumin <3.5 g/dL, glomerular filtration rate <50 mL/min, presence of brain, thyroid, cardiac or pulmonary disease, diabetes, asthma, and smoking habit. The average cost of each strategy was calculated.Results: In total, 29 patients (1.8%) tested positive for MRSA and 445 (26.9%) tested positive for MRSA/MSSA. No parameters were identified as independent risk factors for MRSA and only female sex was identified as a risk factor for MRSA/MSSA (p=0.003; odds ratio: 1.790; 95% confidence interval: 1.210-2.640). The average cost of each strategy for eradicating MRSA was 1641.3 yen for UD, 285.8 yen for US, and 252.3 yen for TS.Conclusions: No useful predictive parameters for implementing the TS strategy were identified. Based on cost implications, US is the most cost-effective strategy for THA patients.
Arthroscopic Bankart Repair vs. Open Latarjet Procedure: A Comparative Study of Clinical and Functional Results.
Authors: Sherchan Binod , Rai Saroj , Tamang Nira , Dhungana Siddhartha , Sharma Laxmi Kanta , Marasini Rudra Prasad , Singh Janith Lal , Khanal Kiran 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background The primary aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair and open Latarjet procedure for recurrent dislocation of the shoulder. Secondary aims were to assess and compare the cost-effectiveness, satisfaction and complications, including recurrence and infection. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the patients who underwent either arthroscopic Bankart repair with or without Remplissage procedure or open Latarjet procedure between May 2015 and May 2018. The preoperative data were collected from the hospital records, and the postoperative data were collected during the follow-up visit. At the final follow-up, 41(male=32, female=9) patients in the Bankart group and 40(male=34 and female=6) patients in the Latarjet group were included in the study. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the ASES score, Rowe score, and Quick DASH score. A self-constructed scale that consisted of satisfied and dissatisfied was used to measure the level of satisfaction. Any complications were recorded in every follow-up visit. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results There was no statistically significant difference regarding the age (p=0.401), gender (p=0.569), site of involvement (p=0.158), number of preoperative dislocations (p=0.085), follow-up (p=0.061), between the two groups. Similarly, no statistically significant difference existed regarding the ASES score (p=0.388), Rowe score (p=0.211), and Quick DASH score (p=0.713). The average external rotation was 83 degrees in the Bankart group and 85 degrees in the Latarjet group (p=0.140). Functional satisfaction was higher in the Laterjet group compared to the Bankart group (p=0.482). Hundred percent of the patients were cosmetically satisfied in the Bankart group, whereas only 32(80%) patients were cosmetically satisfied in the Latarjet group (p=0.002). There was a significantly higher operating cost for arthroscopic Bankart repair compared to open Latarjet procedure (p<0.001). Three patients had a recurrence in the Bankart group, whereas no recurrence occurred in the Latarjet group. And, 2 superficial infections occurred in the Latarjet group. Conclusion These results provide the fact that arthroscopic Bankart repair might be a fancy and minimally invasive procedure, Latarjet procedure should still be a priority in a developing country like Nepal, where financial cost is a huge burden.
Elective tracheostomy during COVID-19 outbreak: to whom, when, how? Early experience from Venice, Italy
Authors: Volo T. , Stritoni P. , Zennaro B. , Battel I. , Lazzari F. , Bellin M. , Michieletto L. , G.Spinato  , Busatto C. , Spinato R. , Politi D. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
PurposeThe need for prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients is placing the Otorhinolaryngologist in front of an increasing request for tracheostomy. Nowadays, there is uncertainty regarding the timing of tracheostomy, the prognosis of these patients and safety of healthcare workers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tracheostomy placement in patients with COVID-19. MethodsIt wasconducted a retrospective cohort study on 23 COVID 19 patients, in order to analyse the timing of tracheostomy, the risk factors associated with in-hospital death and theinfection of the involved health care workers. Early tracheostomy was defined as ≤ 10 days and late ones > 10 days.ResultsThe mortality rate of COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU that underwent tracheostomy was 18%. The overall mortality of patients admitted to ICU was 53%. The univariate analysis revealed that early tracheostomy, SOFA score > 6, D-Dimer level > 4 were significantly associated with a greater risk of death. At the multivariate analysis SOFA score > 6 and D-Dimer level > 4 resulted as significant factors for a higher risk of death. No health care workers associated with tracheostomy are confirmed to be infected by SARS- CoV2.ConclusionWe suggest to wait at least 14 days to perform tracheostomy. In patients with SOFA score > 6, and D dimer > 4 tracheostomy should not be performed or should be postponed. Optimized procedures and enhanced personal protective equipment can make the tracheostomy safe and beneficial in COVID-19 patients.
FDA-approved Pralatrexate and Azithromycin identified by virtual drug screening inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro
Authors: Zhang Haiping , Yang Yang , Li Junxin , Wang Min , Saravanan Konda Mani , Wei Jinli , Ng Justin Tze-Yang , Hossain Md. Tofazzal , Liu Maoxuan , Zhang Huiling , Ren Xiaohu , Pan Yi , Peng Yin , Shi Yi , Wan Xiaochun , Liu Yingxia , Wei Yanjie 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic poses serious threats to the global public health and leads to an unprecedented worldwide crisis. Unfortunately, no effective drugs or vaccines are available till now. Since the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 is a promising therapeutic target, a deep learning and molecular simulation based hybrid drug screening procedure was proposed and applied to identify potential drug candidates targeting RdRp from 1906 approved drugs. Among the four selected FDA-approved drug candidates, Pralatrexate and Azithromycin were confirmed to effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro with EC50 values of 0.008µM and 9.453 µM, respectively. For the first time, our study discovered that Pralatrexate is able to potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication with a stronger inhibitory activity than Remdesivir within the same experimental conditions. The paper demonstrates the feasibility of accurate virtual drug screening for inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 and provides potential therapeutic agents against COVID-19.
Lumbar Vertebrae and Epidural Space Metastases of Choriocarcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhang Yini , Zhang Wei , Zhao Zhi , Li Zhengwei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Choriocarcinoma is a rare and highly malignant tumor. It is characterized by the production of large amounts of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). The lumbar vertebrae and epidural space metastases of choriocarcinoma are extremely rare. This is a rare case report of a middle-aged woman with metastatic choriocarcinoma in the lumbar vertebrae, epidural space.Case presentation: The present case report describes a 42-year-old Chinese female patient who was admitted to the spine surgery department of The Second Afflicted Hospital of Dalian Medical University with signs of low back pain for ten days, weakness in both lower limbs and dysuria for four days in 2019. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an inhomogeneous nodular lesion in the anterior epidural space from L3 to L4 and an abnormal signal in the L4 vertebral body. The patient underwent emergency surgery on the first day of admission for quick onset of paraplegia and dysuria. But the operation was stopped because of heavy bleeding. Five days later, she underwent endovascular embolization of the left and the right L4 lumbar segmental arteries, and after that, the hypervascular mass was subtotally removed. The histopathological diagnosis was choriocarcinoma. Then the patient received chemotherapy. But there was no apparent improvement in the neurological statement after chemotherapy. The patient’s outcome is death.Conclusions: This case suggests that choriocarcinoma should be borne in mind when observing a spinal extraosseous extension lesion with elevated β-HCG in a woman of child-bearing age.
Khat (Catha edulis) Plant Abuse in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlAhmadi Tareq 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe khat (Catha edulis) shrub is cultivated in both the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. The citizens of this region have carried the tradition of chewing khat leaves since the 15th century. This plant is a natural stimulant which contains two main substances, cathine and cathinone, which cause excitement, euphoria, and loss of appetite. Moreover, the khat trade is considered a source of income within countries of these regions. However, khat holds both benefits and negative aspects for mankind, society, and the environment. This article focuses on the issue of khat smuggling to Saudi Arabia, which has increased over between 2010 and 2016 according to the recent statistics.MethodResearch on the problem of khat smuggling to Saudi Arabia was performed through the analysis of seven years of data (2010–2016) obtained by Saudi Customs and other governmental entities responsible for monitoring the smuggling of drugs, which includes data reflecting the amount of khat seized and smuggled to Saudi Arabia.ResultsKhat smuggling has increased in Saudi Arabia over seven (2010–2016) years. The analysis of data on both the promotion and smuggling of khat were considered, and placed khat in third place among other drugs since the year 1999.ConclusionStatistically, Jazan is the most vulnerable to the smuggling of khat. As such, the to design of intervention programs is recommended to address the problem of khat smuggling in the Jazan region. Additionally, awareness should be increased among the youth through cooperation between public education and higher education, which should include further research on this problem.