bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic therapeutic effects of metformin at a clinically relevant dosage in combination with chemotherapy via the AKT/mTOR pathway on ovarian cancer
Authors: WEN KUO-CHANG , Sung Pi-Lin , Wu Alexander T.H. , Chou Ping-Chieh , Lin Jun-Hung , Wang Peng-Hui , Huang Chi-Ying F. , Yeung Sai-Ching J. , Lee Mong-Hong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOvarian cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Complete cytoreductive surgery followed by platinum-taxene chemotherapy has been the gold standard for a long time. Various compounds have been assessed in an attempt to combine them with conventional chemotherapy to improve survival rates or even overcome chemoresistance. Many studies have shown that an antidiabetic drug, metformin, has cytotoxic activity in different cancer models. However, the synergism of metformin as a neoadjuvant formula plus chemotherapy in clinical trials and basic studies remains unclear for ovarian cancer.MethodsWe applied two clinical databases to survey metformin use and ovarian cancer survival rate. The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, an L1000 microarray with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis, Western blot analysis and an animal model were used to study the activity of the AKT/mTOR pathway in response to the synergistic effects of neoadjuvant metformin combined with chemotherapy.ResultsWe found that ovarian cancer patients treated with metformin had significantly longer overall survival than patients treated without metformin. The protein profile induced by low- concentration metformin in ovarian cancer predominantly involved the AKT/mTOR pathway. In combination with chemotherapy, the neoadjuvant metformin protocol showed beneficial synergistic effects in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionsThis study shows that neoadjuvant metformin at clinically relevant dosages is efficacious in treating ovarian cancer, and the results can be used to guide clinical trials.
Women’s healthcare decision-making capacity and HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa: a multi-country analysis of demographic and health surveys
Authors: Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Oduro Joseph Kojo , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Budu Eugene , Appiah Francis , Baatiema Linus , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Sambah Francis 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Global commitment to stop Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and ensure access to HIV treatment calls for women empowerment as these efforts play major roles in mother-to-child transmission. We explored the association between women’s healthcare decision-making capacity and HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods We used data from the current Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018 in 28 countries in SSA. At the descriptive level, we calculated the prevalence of HIV testing in each of the countries. This was followed by the distribution of HIV testing across the socio-demographic characteristics of women. Finally, we used binary logistic regression to explore the likelihood of HIV testing by women’s health care decision-making capacity and socio-demographic characteristics. The results were presented as Crude Odds Ratios (COR) and Adjusted Odds Ratios(AOR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals signifying precision. Statistical significance was set at p-value <0.05. Results We found that prevalence of HIV testing in the 28 SSA countries was 64.4%, with Congo DR having the least (20.2%) and the highest occurred in Rwanda (97.4%). Women who took healthcare-decisions alone [COR=3.183, CI=2.880-3.519] or with their partners [COR=2.577, CI=2.335-2.844] were more likely to test for HIV compared to those whose healthcare-decisions were taken by others and this persisted after controlling for significant covariates [AOR=1.507, CI=1.321-1.720] and [AOR=1.518, CI=1.334-1.728], respectively. Conclusion SSA countries intending to improve HIV testing need to incorporate women’s healthcare decision-making capacity strategies. These strategies can include education and counselling. This is essential because our study indicates that the capacity of women to make healthcare decisions has an association with their decision to test for their HIV status.
RNA interactome capture in Brachypodium reveals a flowering plant core RBPome
Authors: Li Meixia , Zhang Zhicheng , Balzarini Sam , Parmar Bhavesh , Kurt Boonen , Vandeperre Anja , Geuten Koen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRNA binding proteins regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by controlling the fate of RNA, in processes such as mRNA localization, translation, splicing and stability. The annotation of RNA binding proteins is mainly based on the well-known RNA binding domains and motifs. However, novel RNA binding proteins without such conventional domains have been identified in different species using in vivo RNA interactome capture. To find support for novel conserved RNA binding proteins in plants, we applied an optimized RNA interactome capture to the monocot model Brachypodium distachyon.ResultsWe provide experimental evidence for 203 RNA binding proteins isolated from Brachypodium shoot tissue and leaf mesophyll protoplasts, and grouped these into classic RNA binding proteins with recognizable RNA binding domains and motifs, and candidate RNA binding proteins without such domains. Compared to RNA binding proteins captured in Arabidopsis thaliana, candidate RNA binding proteins involved in carbon fixation and carbon metabolic pathways are highly conserved. We tried to validate the RNA binding proteins captured in this research through a silica-based method, but this method appears not efficient for plants. This may indicate that optimized methods to validate high throughout RNA binding proteome are required for plants.ConclusionsOur results provide classic and candidate RNA binding proteins in Brachypodium distachyon and conserved RNA binding proteins in flowering plants. Future functional characterization should point out what the significance of RNA binding is for the function of these proteins.
Automated synthesis of 18F radiolabelled indole containing Oncrasin-like molecules; a comparison of iodonium salts and boronic ester chemistry.
Authors: McDonald Alexander Franklin , Goh Yit Wooi , White Jonathan M , Scott Andrew M , Ackermann Uwe 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Oncrasin-1 is a small molecule which was identified from a screen of KRAS mutant cancer cells and has shown specificity for KRAS mutant cell killing. We aimed to develop a radiolabelled form of Oncrasin-1 to enable in-vivo imaging of mutant KRAS expression in malignant tumours. This work outlines the synthesis of 3 fluorinated derivatives and development of iodonium salt and boronic ester precursors for radiolabelling with the 18F isotope. Results: In our hands, synthesis of iodonium salts were not easily accessible due to the 3-carbaldehyde indole structure being preferentially oxidized by conditions required for iodonium salt formation, rather than benzyl iodide. Synthesis and radiolabelling of boronic acid pinacol ester precursors were successful, with the products being obtained in yields of 10.76% ± 0.96% (n=5), 14.7% ±8.58% (n=3) and 14.92% ±3.9% (n=3) for 18F KAM001, 18F KAM002 and 18F KAM003 respectively, with radiochemical purity of greater than 99%.Conclusions: The successful synthesis of these tracers has been undertaken utilizing boronic ester radio-fluorination methods and will allow for investigation of Oncrasin based molecules as potential diagnostics for cancers expressing mutant KRAS protein.
Perception of the healthcare professionals towards the current trauma and emergency care system in Kabul, Afghanistan: A mixed method study
Authors: Khudadad Umerdad , Aftab Wafa , Ali Asrar , Khan Nadeem Ullah , Razzak Junaid , Siddiqi Sameen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Trauma and injury contribute to 11% of the all-cause mortality in Afghanistan. We aimed to explore the perceptions of the healthcare providers (pre and in-hospital), hospital managers and policy makers of the public and private health sectors to identify the challenges in the provision of an effective trauma care in Kabul, Afghanistan.Methods: A concurrent mixed method design was used, including key-informant interviews (healthcare providers, hospital managers and policy makers) of the trauma care system (N=18) and simultaneous structured emergency care system assessment questionnaire (N = 35) from July 15 to September 25, 2019. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis and structured questionnaire data were descriptively analyzed.Results: Four themes were identified that describe the challenges: 1) pre-hospital care, 2) cohesive trauma management system, 3) physical and human resources and 4) stewardship. We found some key challenges related to scene and transportation care, in-hospital care and emergency preparedness within the wider trauma care system. Less than 25% of the population is covered by the pre-hospital ambulance system (n=23, 65.7%) and there is no communication process between health care facilities to facilitate transfer (n=28, 80%). Less than 25% of patients with an injury requiring emergent surgery have access to surgical care in a staffed operating theatre within two hours of injury (n=19, 54.2%) and there is no regular assessment of the ability of the emergency care system to mobilize resources (human and physical) to respond to disasters, and other large-scale emergencies (n=28, 80%). Conclusion: This study highlighted major challenges in the delivery of trauma care services across Kabul, Afghanistan. Systematic improvement in the workforce training, structural organization of the trauma system and implementing externally validated clinical guidelines for trauma management could possibly enhance the functions of the existing trauma care services. However, an integrated state-run trauma care system will address the current burden of traumatic injury more effectively within the wider healthcare system of Afghanistan.
Anthocyanins increase serum adiponectin in newly diagnosed diabetes but not in prediabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang LiPing , Ling Wenhua , Qiu Yun , Liu Yong , Wang Li , Yang Jing , Wang Changyi , Ma Jianping 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Epidemiological studies have suggested that adiponectin is associated with the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This study first examined the effect of purified anthocyanins, a group of dietary flavonoids, on serum adiponectin in patients with prediabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes.Methods A total of 160 patients with prediabetes (n=90) or newly diagnosed diabetes (n=70) were randomly assigned to either the anthocyanins group or the placebo group for 12 weeks of intervention. Serum adiponectin, a set of biomarkers related to glucolipid metabolism, anthropometric parameters, dietary intake and physical activity were measured before and after intervention.Results Anthocyanins increased serum adiponectin compared with placebo (net change 0.46 µg/mL, 95% CI [0.03, 0.90], p=0.038) in the subjects with newly diagnosed diabetes. No significant difference in the change in adiponectin was observed between the two groups either in the overall subjects (0.02 µg/mL [-0.32, 0.36], p=0.906) or in prediabetes (-0.35 µg/mL [-0.85, 0.16], p=0.174). Anthocyanins also decreased fasting glucose (-0.5 mmol/L [-1, -0.04], p=0.035) in the subjects with newly diagnosed diabetes, but no such change was observed in those with prediabetes.Conclusions Anthocyanins supplementation for 12 weeks improved serum adiponectin and fasting glucose in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes, but not in patients with prediabetes.
Prevalences and Associated Factors of Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Chinese Adults: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yu Liping , Ye Xiaojun , Yang Zhaojun , Yang Wenying , Zhang Bo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is widely used to screen cardiac diseases. To date, no large population study has provided estimates of the prevalences of ECG findings in China. We aim to investigate the prevalences and associated factors of ECG abnormalities in a general population of Chinese adults. Methods: ECG data were obtained from 34,965 participants in the 2007-2008 China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study. ECG abnormalities were classified according to the Minnesota coding (MC) criteria. Prevalences of variant ECG abnormalities were calculated. The associations between ECG abnormalities and gender, age and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression test. Results: The prevalences of major arrhythmias were 1.70%, 2.37% and 1.04% in the whole population, men and women, respectively. Atrial fibrillation/flutter was found in 0.35% of men and 0.20% of women. ST depression and T abnormalities accounted for 10.96%, 7.54% and 14.32% in the whole population, men and women, respectively. Independent of gender and other CVD risk factors, older age significantly increased the odds of having atrial fibrillation/flutter, complete left bundle branch block, complete right bundle branch block, sinus tachycardia, atrial/junctional/ventricular premature beats, ST depression and T abnormalities, tall R wave left, left/right atrial hypertrophy, left axis deviation and low voltage. Hypertension, overweight, obesity and hypercholesterolemia all independently increased the odds of having ST depression and T abnormalities. History of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases was positively associated with major arrhythmias, ST depression and T abnormalities and tall R wave left. Conclusions: This study provides estimates of the prevalences of ECG findings in a large population of Chinese adults. Gender, age, CVD risk factors and history of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases were significantly associated with ECG abnormalities.
Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Laboratory Findings of the COVID-19 in the current pandemic: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Yewei , Wang Zaisheng , Liao Huipeng , Marley Gifty , Wu Dan , Tang Weiming 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world deeply, with more than 3,000,000 people infected and nearly 200,000 deaths. This review aimed to summarize the epidemiologic traits, clinical spectrum, CT results and laboratory findings of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We scoped for relevant literatures published during 1 st Dec 2019 to 23 rd Apr 2020 based on four databases using English and Chinese languages. We reviewed and analyzed the relevant clinic outcomes of COVID-19. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic was found to have a higher transmission rate compared to SARS and MERS and involved 4 stages of evolution. The basic reproduction number (R 0 ) is 3.32 (95% CI:3.24-3.39), the incubation period was 5.24 days (95% CI:3.97-6.50, 5 studies) on average, and the average time for symptoms onset varied by countries. Common clinical spectrums identified included fever (38.1-39.0℃), cough and fatigue, with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) being the most common complication reported. Body temperatures above 39.0 ℃, dyspnea, and anorexia were more common symptoms in severe patients. Aged over 60 years old, having co-morbidities, and developing complications were the commonest high-risk factors associated with severe conditions. Leucopenia and lymphopenia were the most common signs of infection while liver and kidney damage were rare but may cause bad outcomes for patients. The bilateral, multifocal Ground-Glass Opacification (GGO) on peripheral, and the consolidative pulmonary opacity were the most frequent CT results and the tendency of mortality rates differed by region. Conclusions: We provided a bird’s-eye view of the COVID-19 during the current pandemic, which will help better understanding the key traits of the disease. The findings could be used for disease’s future research, control and prevention.
Insights on mental health when living with rheumatoid arthritis: A descriptive qualitative study of threads on the Reddit website
Authors: Park Jamie Yea Eun , Howren Alyssa M. , Davidson Eileen , De Vera Mary A 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Reddit is a highly visited social news and discussion website where individuals anonymously ask questions, post opinions and share experiences, which provide a valuable pool of publicly available data. Our objective was to systematically search and analyze threads on the social news website, Reddit, to understand experiences of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) regarding their mental health. Methods: We conducted a patient-oriented descriptive qualitative study. We identified threads from two subreddits, “r/Thritis” and “r/Rheumatoid”, using keywords such as “mood”, “mental health”, “stressed”, “depressed”, “anxious” over a 1-year period between June 2018 and June 2019. For included threads, we extracted the title, original post, and corresponding comments and responses. We applied thematic analysis using an inductive approach. Results: Of 81 threads identified, we included 27. We identified four themes: 1) Navigating the management of RA explores how the physical impacts of the disease, lack of health resources/support and the complexity of medications affect mental health; 2) Experiencing impact on relationships and social isolation includes experiencing misconceptions of RA, feeling misunderstood and feeling guilt; 3) Experiencing loss, touches on the helplessness brought by challenges with performing self-defining activities such as self-care, work, and childbearing/parenting; and finally, 4) Experiencing emotional struggles captures how tension between fighting through and despair has led some to suicide ideation and thoughts of death.Conclusions: Online forums and communities such as Reddit have created opportunities for individuals with RA to share experiences on mental health matters, which they may not necessarily be able to share with others.
Chinese herbal extract granules combined with 5-aminosalicylic acid for patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis: study protocol for a multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Shen Zhaofeng , Zheng Kai , Zou Jiandong , Gu Peiqing , Xing Jing , Zhang Lu , Zhu Lei , Shen Hong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an intestinal inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation of the colonic mucosa. With unknown pathogenesis, it has become a chronic lifetime disorder worldwide. In patients with moderately active UC, several therapies (e.g. aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and biologics) are recommended for induction (or maintenance) of remission. Given the side effects and disease burden, it is difficult for most patients to achieve ideal treatment goals in clinical practice. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), as a complementary therapy, has been widely used in the management of UC in China. Qing-Chang-Hua-Shi granule (QCHS) is a classical Chinese herbal formula. Our preliminary study suggested that the QCHS decoction has a significant effect on patients with moderately active UC. However, its effectiveness and safety has not been evaluated convincingly. Therefore, we designed this protocol to investigate the efficacy of QCHS granule for moderately active UC.
Methods
This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, superiority trial. A total of 120 patients with moderately active UC will be recruited from 10 hospitals in China. Each eligible participant will be randomly assigned to receive QCHS granule or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Both groups will be given basic treatment with mesalazine (4 g/d). The primary outcomes are the clinical response (remission) rate. The secondary outcomes are health-related quality of life, endoscopic response rate, mucosal healing rate and inflammatory markers (e.g. Fecal calprotectin and CRP). The whole study period will last 36 weeks, including 24 weeks follow-up time. According to the intention-to-treat principle, variables will be assessed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after study commencement.
Discussion
This is the first prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, superiority trial regarding Chinese herbal extract granules in the management of moderately active UC. We aim to investigate the superiority of QCHS granules over placebo in terms of induction of remission. The findings will provide convincing evidence on the efficacy and safety of QCHS granules for moderately active UC, which may help clinical practitioners, UC patients and policymakers make more informed choices in the decision-making.
Trial registration:
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IOR-14005554. Registered on 27 November 2014.
Cancer Patient Management Strategy in a Cancer Center of Zhejiang, China During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Xu Song-xiao , Cheng Xiang-dong , Pan Zhi-wen , Song Qian , Wang Yi-hong , Xiong Juan , Chen Yong-yi , Fan Fan , Zhu Jing , Wu Wan-ying , Deng Xue-ying , Yu Yan-pin , Xu Xiao-hong , Chen Wen-hu , Zhu Tao , Yu Yang , Liu Kai-zhong , Shao Guo-liang , Chen Ming , Yu En-yan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Due to the increased risk of viral infection and the severe shortage of medical resources during the pandemic of COVID-19, most hospitals in the epidemic areas significantly reduced non-emergency admissions and services, if not closed. As a result, it has been difficult to treat cancer patients on time, which adversely affects their prognosis. To address this problem, cancer centers must develop a strategic plan to manage both inpatients and outpatients during the pandemic, provide them with the necessary treatment, and at the same time prevent the spread of the virus among patients, visitors and medical staff. Methods: Based upon the epidemic situation in Zhejiang Province, China, the number of running non-emergency medical wards in the Zhejiang Cancer Hospital was gradually increased in a controlled manner. All staff of the hospital received COVID-19 preventive training and was provided with three different levels of protection according to the risks of their services. Only patients without a known history of SARS-CoV-2 contact were eligible to schedule an appointment. Body temperature was measured on all patients upon their arrival at the hospital. Chest CT image, blood cell counting and travel/contact history were investigated in patients with fever. Respiratory tract samples, such as sputum and throat swabs, from all patients, including those clinically suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection, were collected for nucleic acid detection of SARS-CoV-2 before treatment.Results: A total of 3697 inpatients and 416 outpatients seeking cancer treatment were enrolled from February 1 to April 3, 2020, in compliance with the hospital’s infection-control interventions. The clinicopathological parameters of the patients were summarized herein. 4237 samples from 4101 patients produced negative RNA testing results. Four clinically suspected patients all presented negative RNA test results and were excluded from the SARS-CoV-2 infection through follow-up retesting and monitoring. Seven patients with only N-gene positive results were retested, followed by CT scan and SARS-CoV-2 contact history investigation. All of them were finally diagnosed as non-infected patients. There was one outpatient who was confirmed positive by virus RNA test and then followed up. She might be an asymptomatic laboratory-confirmed case. During the study period, there was no SARS-CoV-2 infection among staff, patients and escorts of patients in the Zhejiang Cancer Hospital.Conclusion: This study suggested our infection-control interventions, including viral nucleic acid test, could be used as a reliable method to screen cancer patients in the area with moderate COVID-19 prevalence. Cancer may not be a high-risk factor of SARS-CoV-2 infection.