bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beneficial effects of walnut (Juglans regia L.) oil-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid prevents hyperlipidemia and oxidant status in pregnant rats with diabetes
Authors: Sun Bingmei , Yan Hua , Li Chao , Yin Linlin , Li Fei , Zhou Lianxiang , Han Xiuqing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus has a long-term effect on pregnant women. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) oil-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) possesses multifarious pharmacological activities. This study investigated the beneficial effects of PUFA on the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to study the underlying mechanism in pregnant rats with diabetes.Methods: The GDM rat model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) on gestational day (GD) 6, GD7 and GD8. The differences between groups were estimated using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey’s multiple comparison test for post-hoc analysis.Results: The results indicated that PUFA could mitigate GDM in pregnant diabetic rats, as embodied by the decrease of fasting blood glucose and the increase of plasma insulin and hepatic glycogen levels. Also, PUFA could suppress oxidative stress in pregnant diabetic rats, as reflected by the decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, an increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and gutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. PUFA could also mitigate the abnormal changes of lipid profiles in plasma and hepatic tissue. Moreover, the relative mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1 (SREBP-1), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), was suppressed by PUFA in pregnant diabetic rats.Conclusions: These results suggested that PUFA supplementation during the pregnancy might be beneficial in preventing diabetic complications in the mother.
Aboveground forest carbon stock in protected area: A case study of Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, Indonesia
Authors: Darmawan Arief , Warta Zulfira , Molidena Elis , Valla Alexandra , Firdaus Muhammad Iqbal , Hisan Hisan , Winarno Gunardi Djoko , Winarno Bondan , Rusolono Teddy , Tsuyuki Satoshi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : In present days, the role of protected areas has been extended to a climate change mitigation action, particularly in Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). Reliable and practical methods for measuring, reporting and verifying carbon stocks are a necessary component of REDD+. This study aims at recognizing the characteristic and estimating forest carbon stock in a tropical protected area using a combination of terrestrial forest inventory and spatial data. Results: In the study area of Bukit Tigapuluh National Park in Central Sumatra, 168 cluster plots or 33.6 hectares in total were taken proportionally based on the percentage of forest cover types (dryland primary forest/DPF and dryland secondary forest/DSF) using a traditional forest inventory method (tree up from 5 cm dbh) in combination with the application of information technology. Result revealed that Bukit Tigapuluh National Park secured a significant forest carbon stock which has been estimated to be 269.2 + 22.2 tC/ha or 35,823,639 + 2,951,071 tC in total, being sequestered in approximately 133,051 hectares of tropical rain forest. This result was higher than other studies located in non-protected areas, but slightly lower than other studies within protected area. Conclusion: This finding supported the argument that protected areas possess higher figure of carbon stock compared to other forest management units. High amount of forest carbon biomass in the protected areas shall be very important assets for conducting the role of conservation for REDD+.
A six-gene-based signature for breast cancer radiotherapy sensitivity prediction
Authors: Chen Xing , Zheng Junjie , Zhuo Min ling , Zhang Ailong , You Zhenhui 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BRCA) represents the most common malignancy among women worldwide that with high mortality. Radiotherapy is a prevalent therapeutic for BRCA that with heterogeneous effectiveness among patients. Methods: we proposed to develop a gene expression-based signature for BRCA radiotherapy sensitivity prediction. Gene expression profiles of BRCA samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) were obtained and used as training and independent testing dataset, respectively. Differential expression genes (DEGs) in BRCA tumor samples compared with their paracancerous samples in the training set were identified by using edgeR Bioconductor package followed by dimensionality reduction through autoencoder method and univariate Cox regression analysis to screen genes among DEGs that with significant prognosis significance in patients that were previously treated with radiation. LASSO Cox regression method was applied to screen optimal genes for constructing radiotherapy sensitivity prediction signature. Results: 603 DEGs were obtained in BRCA tumor samples, and seven out of which were retained after univariate cox regression analysis. LASSO Cox regression analysis finally remained six genes based on which the radiotherapy sensitivity prediction model was constructed. The signature was proved to be robust in both training and independent testing sets and an independent marker for BRCA radiotherapy sensitivity prediction. Conclusions: this study should be helpful for BRCA patients’ therapeutics selection and clinical decision.
Development and external validation of a nomogram for predicting the effect of tumor size on survival of patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Xiangcheng , Zhang Yaodong , Wu Zhengshan , Wang Xing , Li Changxian , Chang Jiang , Jiang Wangjie , Wang Hongwei , Wang Yirui 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The effect of tumor size on account of the long-term survival results in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PCCA) patients has remained a controversial debate. It is urgent necessary to identify the optimal cutoff value of tumor size in PCCA and integrate tumor size with other prognostic factors into nomograms to improve the predictive accuracy of the prognosis of patients with PCCA. Methods 854 patients with PCCA were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. X-tile program was used to identify the optimal cutoff value of tumor size. A nomogram including tumor size was established to predict 1-, 3- and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) based on the independent risk factors chosen by Kaplan-Meier methods and multivariable cox regression models. The precision of the nomogram for predicting survival was validated internally and externally. Results Patients with PCCA were classified into 1-24 mm, 25-36 mm and ≥37 mm subgroup based on the optimal cutoff for tumor size in terms of CSS. The nomogram according to the independent factors was well calibrated and displayed better discrimination power than 7 th Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage systems. Conclusions The results demonstrated that the larger the tumor size was, the worse the survival would be. The proposed nomograms, which outperforms the conventional TNM staging system, showed consistently reliability and clinically practicality for predicting the prognosis of PCCA patients.
HIV and Syphilis Testing Behaviors among Heterosexual Male Sex Workers in Uganda
Authors: Muhindo Richard , Mujugira Andrew , Castelnuovo Barbara , Sewankambo Nelson , Parkes-Ratanshi Rosalind , Kiguli Juliet , Tumwesigye Nazarius Mbona , Nakku-Joloba Edith 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : Few studies have described STI and HIV testing practices among heterosexual male sex workers (MSW) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our study aimed to assess recent HIV and syphilis screening practices among MSW in Uganda. Methods : Between August and December 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 100 MSW and 240 female sex workers (FSW). Participants were enrolled through snowball sampling, and an interviewer-administered questionnaire used to collect data on HIV and syphilis in the prior 12 months. Integrated change model constructs were uses to assessed intentions, attitudes, social influences, norms and self-efficacy of 3-monthly Syphilis and 6-monthly HIV testing. Predictors of HIV and syphilis recent testing behaviors were estimated using negative binomial regression. Results : We enrolled 340 sex workers of whom 100 (29%) were MSW. The median age was 27 years (interquartile range [IQR] 25–30) for MSW and 26 years [IQR], (23–29) for FSW. The median duration of sex work was 36 and 30 months for MSW and FSW, respectively. MSW were significantly less likely than FSW to have tested for HIV in the prior 12 months (50% vs 86%; p = 0.001). For MSW, non-HIV testing was associated with higher education (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-2.50), poor intention to seek HIV testing (aPR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.35-2.04), perception that 6-monthly HIV testing was not normative (aPR 1.33; 95% CI: 1.09-1.67) and low self-efficacy (aPR 1.41; 95% CI: 1.12-1.79). Non-syphilis testing was associated with low intention to seek testing (aPR 3.13; 95% CI: 2.13-4.55), low self-efficacy (aPR 2.56; 95% CI: 1.35-4.76), negative testing attitudes (aPR 2.33; 95% CI: 1.64-3.33), and perception that regular testing was not normative (aPR 1.59; 95% CI: 1.14-2.22). Conclusions : Non-testing for HIV and syphilis was common among heterosexual MSW relative to FSW. Future studies should evaluate strategies to increase testing uptake for this neglected sub-population of sex workers.
Effect of Electromagnetic Navigation System Assisted Percutaneous Full-endoscopic Foraminoplasty and Discectomy on Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lin Yong-Peng , Rao Si-Yuan , Li YongJin , Zhao Bin-De , Wen Tao , Zhou Li , Su Guo-Yi , Du Yan-Xin , Chen Bo-Lai 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Electromagnetic navigation-guided technique is an exciting innovative procedure, which has been applied in neurosurgery, otolaryngology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, etc. However, no previous study of the application of electromagnetic navigation to guide endoscopic surgery of disc herniation has been reported. Here, we introduce a new technique of electromagnetic navigation system assisted percutaneous full-endoscopic lumbar foraminoplasty and discectomy and compare it to conventional TESSYS technique.

Methods

This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial. The observation group was treated with SEESSYS, and the control group was treated with the traditional Transforaminal Endoscopic Spinal Surgery System (TESSYS). Overall surgical time and fluoroscopy time were recorded in all cases. Outcomes of symptoms were evaluated by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and modified MacNab criteria (excellent, good, fair and poor).

Results

34 patients (SEESSYS, 17 patients; TESSYS, 17 patients) were enrolled in this study. Both overall surgical time and working tube introduction time were significantly shorter in SEESSYS group than that in TESSYS group (P<0.01). The fluoroscopy time in SEESSYS group was significantly less than that in TESSYS group (P<0.01). Back VAS, leg VAS and ODI at each time point after surgery were not significantly different between two groups (P > 0.05). In both the SEESSYS and TESSYS group, there was a significant decrease in back VAS, leg VAS and ODI at each time point after surgery compared with pre-operation respectively (P<0.01). The excellent and good rate of SEESSYS group was 95%, which is similar to the 90% in TESSYS group.

Conclusions

Electromagnetic navigation system assisted percutaneous full-endoscopic foraminoplasty and discectomy may be a safe and effective method for treating lumbar disc herniation and this method has the advantages of shortening operative time and fluoroscopy time compared with conventional TESSYS technique.
Trial registration
The study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trail Registry on Feb 06, 2020 with the registration number: ChiCTR2000029604. (http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=49149)
Pathogenicity of fungus strains isolated from medicinal Fritillaria przewalskii Maxim. bulb rot
Authors: Wu rui , Chen Yuan , Guo Fengxia , Gao Yuan , Dong Linlin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Bulb rot causes loss of the perennial medicinal plant Fritillaria przewalskii Maxim., is exacerbated with growth years and seriously constrains plant productivity, but the pathogens responsible for the disease were still unknown, very few reports were presented before.Methods: To determine potential pathogenic sources, fungus strains were isolated from diseased plant samples with bulb rot symptom of the 3- to 5-year-old F. przewalskii plants by tissue separation, and assayed for pathogenicity according to Koch’s Law.Results: Seven pathogenic strains (F1-F7) were detected in5-year-old rot bulbs, six (F1-F6) in 4-year-old rot bulbs, and four (F1, F2, F5, F6) in 3-year-old rot bulbs. All of the strains were able to infect bulbs by stabbing and some exhibited varying levels of aggressiveness. Relative to the non-stabbing controls, the bulbs stab-inoculated with F5, F2, F7, F4, F1, F6, and F3 showed 76.65%, 75.15%, 71.44%, 40.37%, 39.09%, 36.87%, and 34.93% rot after 8 days, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that theses trains (deposited in GenBank under accessions MH917682 to MH917688) were clustered into Bionectria ochroleuca (F1, F3, F4), Fusarium oxysporum (F2, F7), Fusarium tricinctum (F5), and Clonostachys rosea (F6). The two species of Fusarium had the strongest pathogenicity, followed by Bionectria ochroleuca and Clonostachys rosea. Although leading to low bulb rot incidence by stab-inoculation, F1 showed the highest isolation rate (48.9%) among all strains. Conclusions: Thus, the edible and medicinal bulbs of F. przewalskii are susceptible to synergetic contamination by these seven pathogenic strains at some point after their third year of growth, which has contributed to the species endangered status, with the two strains of Fusarium being the predominant pathogens. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the seven strains of four fungal species causing in F. przewalskii bulb rot in China.
Long Term Impact Of Global Health Educational Experiences In Rome: An Attempt Of Measurement
Authors: Civitelli Giulia , Tarsitani Gianfranco , Rinaldi Alessandro , Marceca Maurizio 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Global health education (GHE) is spreading in Europe and in other parts of the world. Since 2008, Sapienza University of Rome has offered activities to medical and other health profession students related to global health (GH), which is grounded in the theory of social determinants of health and inspired by social justice. The educational activities included elective courses as well as community and service-learning experiences, referred to as GH gyms. This study attempts to measure the long-term impact of these educational experiences, especially to demonstrate their influence on the perceived social responsibility of future health professionals. Methods A questionnaire was elaborated and validated. It was sent to participants by e-mail. Quantitative results were analysed through descriptive statistics and qualitative answers were carefully read and classified. Results A total of 758 students from different faculties took part to the educational experiences. Only 488 e-mail addresses were available. One hundred and five (25.1%) questionnaires were returned. Participation in GH gyms was perceived to have had a higher influence on future professional and personal choices, when compared to participation in elective GH courses. Conclusions Consideration of health and social issues related with inequities in health and the use of interactive teaching methodologies had important effects on social responsibility of a large number of students. The inclusion of global health education in health and social curricula and the use of interactive methodologies with a correct evaluation of results are the indications that emerge from this research, together with the necessity of a strong involvement of students and professors.
Clinical Investigations on Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression Treated by Separation Surgery Versus Separation Surgery Combined with Vertebroplasty Combined with Interstitial Implantation of 125I Seeds
Authors: Yang Yihao , Chen Jiahui , Wang Li , Li Dongqi , Chen Xianwei , Tao Haibo , Wang Tiying , Liu Yan , Yuan Tao , Zhang Jing , Wang Cao , Kamar Santosh , Shang Zhongjun , Yang Zuozhang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective

Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) seriously affects the life span and quality of life of patients. Separation surgery combined with vertebroplasty combined with interstitial implantation of 125 I seeds (SSVPI) is a novel treatment for MESCC patients. To investigate the safety, feasibility and clinical efficacy on metastatic epidural spinal cord compression treated by SSVPI.

Method

Prospective analysis of 56 patients diagnosed with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) and receiving Separation surgery (SS) or separation surgery combined with vertebroplasty combined with interstitial implantation of 125 I seeds. Fifty-six patients were randomly divided into the SS group (26 patients) and SSVPI group (30 patients), and the differences in intraoperative bleeding, postoperative pain visual analog scale scores (VAS), Karnofsky performance scores (KPS) and American Spinal Injury Association grades were compared.

Results

There was no significant difference in intraoperative bleeding between the SS group and the SSVPI group ( P > 0.05). There was no significant difference at 1 week after surgery ( P > 0.05); there were significant differences in VAS scores at 2, 6 and 12 months after surgery ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the KPS score 1 week after surgery ( P > 0.05); there were statistically significant differences in the KPS scores at 2, 6 and 12 months after surgery ( P < 0.05). In the SS group, there were 20 patients (76.92%) with an improvement in ASIA grades from pre- to postoperation. In the SSVPI group, there were 24 patients (80%) with improved ASIA grades from pre- to postoperation.

Conclusion

SSVPI is a safe, feasible, less invasive and effective treatment for MESCC patients.
Molecular and biochemical analyses of avocado (Persea americana) reveal differences in the oil accumulation pattern between the mesocarp and seed during the fruit developmental period
Authors: Ge Yu , Dong Xiangshu , Liu Yuanzheng , Yang Ying , Zhan Rulin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The avocado (Persea americana) mesocarp and seed contain high-value oil with broad industrial applications. The oil contents in these two tissues vary considerably at maturity. Additionally, the molecular mechanism underlying the tissue-specific oil accumulation in the developing avocado mesocarp and seed remains unclear, which has hampered the exploration of the utility of avocado for oil production.Results: To clarify the mechanisms mediating the differences in oil contents and fatty acid compositions, the transcriptomes and oil bodies were compared between the oil-storing tissues during the fruit developmental period. The results revealed the increasing and fluctuating trends in the oil accumulation in the developing avocado mesocarp and seed, respectively. Additionally, striking differences in the lipid droplets between the mature mesocarp and seed were revealed in confocal microscopy images. Subsequently, the gene transcription profiles of the developing mesocarp and seed were characterized via a comprehensive transcriptome analysis involving second-generation sequencing and single-molecule real-time sequencing techniques. The tissue-specific transcription of lipid-related genes contributing to fatty acid synthesis, triacylglycerol assembly, and triacylglycerol storage was examined, with most of the lipid-related genes expressed at higher levels in the developing mesocarp than in the developing seed. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis uncovered 291 transcription factors that were commonly or uniquely correlated with the oil contents in the avocado mesocarp and seed. Moreover, 11 trans-acting and 79 cis-acting long non-coding RNAs were identified as common or unique to the developing avocado mesocarp and seed. These long non-coding RNAs may regulate the expression of 43 lipid-related genes. Finally, a network of genes associated with oil accumulation in the developing avocado mesocarp and seed was established.Conclusions: The results of this study further elucidate the tissue-specific oil biosynthesis and related regulatory network in the avocado mesocarp and seed. Furthermore, tissue-specific lipid-related genes, putative transcription factors, and putativelong non-coding RNAs affecting oil accumulation were identified. Our data may also be useful for characterizing tissue-specific oil accumulation at the transcriptomic level, thereby identifying candidate genes for improving the oil production of related plant species.
Radiotherapy in benign pathology: treatment of lymphorrheas
Authors: Cañon Veronica , Anchuelo Javier , Sierrasesumaga Nicolas , Alonso Lucia , Rivero Ana , Galdos Piedad , cerio Ivan Diaz de , Garcia Ana , Ferri Maria , Cardenal Juan , Vidal Hector , Fabregat Rosa , Ruiz Samuel , Prada Pedro Jose 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective : To aim of the study is to determine the efficacy and safety of treatment with low-dose 3D external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in patients with inguinal lymphorrhea. Material and methods : We retrospectively analyzed a total of 53 patients with persistent lymphorrhea after conservative treatment between 2008 and 2018. All patients were treated with 3D EBRT with photons of 6 - 18 MeV. The most common schedules were 7.5 Gy in 5 fractions (90.7%). Results : The complete closure of the fistula was achieved in 100% (43/43) of the patients. Three patients required re-irradiation due to persistence. We did not find any acute toxicity. Conclusions : Low-dose radiation therapy is effective and safe for treating persistent lymphorrheas.
miR-29a overexpresion induces apoptosis through targeting VEGF in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang An-ji , Wu Hua-jun , Yuan Chun-hui , Ning Ke , Hu Huan-huan , Wang Chao , Yin Xiang-bao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background : This study aimed to explore the role of miR-29a in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Further, to confirm whether miR-29a targetes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in HCC cells. Methods: Cell counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and clone formation assay were used to analyze the proliferation of HCC cells. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the apoptosis and cell cycle of HCC cells. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of Bax, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), CyclinD1, Retinoblastoma (Rb), p53 and myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1). The targeting relations between miR-29a and VEGF was measuered by dual luciferase assay. Results : Overexpression of miR-29a could distinctly inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis of HCC cells. Overexpression of miR-29a obviously up-regulated the expressions of Bax and Rb, and reduced the expressions of CDK4, Bcl-2, Cyclin D1, p53, MCL1 and VEGF in HCC cells. Dual luciferase assay proved that VEGF was the target of miR-29a. Rescue experiments showed that miR-29a targeted VEGF to regulate the proliferation and apoptosis in HCC cells. Conclusions : These results indicated overexpression of miR-29a inhibited the HCC cells proliferation through targeting VEGF.