bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The non-targeted metabolomic profiling of liver reveals the molecular perturbations underlying clonorchiasis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Wang Ruifeng , Sun Beibei , Chen Rui , Hu Xinyi , Gao Yannan , Duan Shanshan , Fang Jing , Wang Ping , Zhao Xinshu , Han Su 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Clonorchiasis is a common food-borne parasitic disease worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms of host-parasite interaction has not been illustrated. Given the parasite could influence host metabolism, the hepatic metabolic profiling will be useful for exploring the pathogenic mechanism of clonorchiasis.Results: The global hepatic metabolic profile of male Wistar rats at 4 and 8 weeks post infection with Clonorchis sinensis were investigated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics analysis. Multivariate analysis including principal components analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis, were applied to clearly separated the metabolites of infected and control rats. These metabolites included lipids, hormones, peptides, alkaloids and amino acids. Metabolic pathways, such as purine and pyrimidine metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism were perturbed during the infection process.Conclusions: These findings showed significant systemic metabolic perturbations of the liver in clonorchiasis. It also provided a new insight into the pathogenesis from the metabolic level, which might be helpful for making treatment strategies and prevention of clonorchiasis.
MazEF-rifampicin Interaction Suggests a Mechanism for Rifampicin Induced Inhibition of Persisters
Authors: Alexander Cyrus , Guru Ankeeta , Mallick Sunanda , Mahanandia Nimai Charan , Subudhi Bharat Bhushan , Beuria Tushar Kant 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Persistence is a natural phenomenon whereby a subset of a population of isogenic bacteria either grow slow or become dormant conferring them with the abilityto withstand various stresses including antibiotics.In a clinical setting bacterial persistence often leads to the recalcitrance of various infectionsincreasing the treatment time and costs.Additionally, some studies also indicate that persistence can also pave way for the emergence of resistant strains. In a laboratory setting this persistent phenotype is enriched in nutritionally deprived environments. Consequently, in a batch culture the late stationary phase is enriched with persistent bacteria. The mechanism of persister cell formation and its regulation is not well understood. Toxin-antitoxins (TA) systems have been implicated to be responsible for bacterial persistence and rifampicin is used to treat highly persistent bacterial strains. The current study tries to explore a possible interaction between rifampicin and the MazEFTA system that furthers the former’s success rate in treating persistent bacteria.Results: In the current study we found that the population of bacteria in the death phase of a batch cultureconsists of metabolically inactive live cells resembling persisters, which showed higher membrane depolarization as compared to the log phase bacteria. We also observed an increase in the expression of the MazEF TA modules in this phase. Since rifampicin is commonly used to kill the persisters, we assessed the interaction of rifampicin with MazEF complex. We showed that rifampicin directly interacts with MazEF complex.Conclusion: Our study suggests that the interaction of rifampicin with MazEF complex might play an important role in inhibition of persisters.
Clinical results of arthroscopic tight fibrous band release for adult moderate-to-severe gluteal fibrosis using anterior and posterior portal: a retrospective analysis of 118 consecutive cases
Authors: Li Liang-jun , Yang Ming , Liu Wei-jie , Li Jing-ping , Su Chao , Kuang Shi-da , Xiong Jie-peng , Chou Ke , He Zhi-yong , Gao Shu Guang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic tight fibrous band release in the treatment of adult moderate-to-severe gluteal fibrosis using anterior and posterior portals during medium and long-term follow-ups.
Methods
The data of 138 patients (58 males, 80 females) aged between 18 and 42 years (mean, 28.6 years), presenting with bilateral moderate-to-severe gluteal fibrosis (GF) from October 2013 to August 2019, was retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent arthroscopic tight fibrous band release using anterior and posterior portals with radiofrequency energy. Under arthroscopic guidance through the posterior portal, we debrided the fatty tissue overlying the contracted band of the gluteal muscle and excised the contracted bands using a radiofrequency device introduced through the anterior portal. The pre- and post-operative gluteal muscle contracture disability (GD) scale and the patient satisfaction rate were compared to evaluate the curative effect of the operation.
Results
The average operation time was 18 min (range, 10–30 min) and the average blood loss was 4 ml (range, 2–10 ml) for unilateral arthroscopic release. Two cases of post-operative minimal hematomas, 2 cases of bruising and 2 cases of local subcutaneous edema were observed as early complications and were cured by conservative treatment. After surgery, all incisions healed in stage I, and no other complications such as wound infection, nerve and blood vessel injury were detected. 118 patients were followed up for 6 to 72 months (mean, 36 months). No lateral instability of the hip was observed and all patients returned to normal gait. The degree of adduction of the hip joint in all these 118 patients was significantly improved relative to their pre-operative conditions. 115 patients (97.5%) were able to crouch with knees close to each other after surgery. 114 patients (96.6%) were able to cross the affected leg completely without any support. The GD scale was improved from 55.5 ± 10.6 before operation to 90.1 ± 5.2 at the last follow-up (p < 0.05). The patient satisfaction rate was 95.8%.
Conclusion
Arthroscopic tight fibrous band release using anterior and posterior portals is minimally invasive for adult moderate-to-severe gluteal fibrosis, with a high success rate, quick recovery after surgery and reliable medium- and long-term effect.
Temporal trends in pre-ART patient characteristics and outcomes before the Test and Treat era in Central Kenya
Authors: Wekesa Paul , McLigeyo Angela , Owuor Kevin , Mwangi Jonathan , Isavwa Linda , Katana Abraham 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Retention of patients who did not to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been persistently low compared to those initiated ART. Understanding the temporal trends in clinical outcomes prior to ART initiation is important to inform interventions targeting patients who do not initiate ART immediately after diagnosis.
Methods
A retrospective cohort analysis of known HIV-infected patients who did not initiate ART from healthcare facilities in Central Kenya was done to investigate temporal trends in characteristics, retention, and mortality outcomes. The data were sourced from the Comprehensive Care Clinic Patient Application Database (CPAD) and IQ care electronic patient-level databases for those enrolled between 2004 and 2014.
Results
A total of 13,779 HIV-infected patients were assessed, of whom 30.7% were men.There were statisitically significant differences in temporal trends relating to marital status, WHO clinical stage, and tuberculosis (TB) status from 2004 to 2014. The proportion of widowed patients decreased from 9.1–6.0%. By WHO clinical stage at enrollment in program, those in WHO stage I increased over time from 8.7–43.1%, while those in WHO stage III and IV reduced from 28.5–10.8% and 4.0–1.1% respectively. Those on TB treatment during their last known visit reduced from 8.3–3.9% while those with no TB signs increased from 58.5–86.8%. Trends in 6 and 12 month retention in the program, loss to follow-up (LTFU) and mortality were statistically significant. At 6 months, program retention ranged between 36.0% in 2004 to a high of 54.1% in 2013. LTFU at six months remained around 50.0% for most of the cohorts, while mortality at 6 months was 7.5% in 2004 but reduced to 3.8% in 2014. At 12 months, LTFU was above 50.0% across all the cohorts while mortality rate reached 3.9% in 2014.
Conclusion
Trends in pre ART enrollment suggested higher enrollment among patients who were women and at earlier WHO clinical stages. Retention and mortality outcomes at 6 and 12 months generally improved over the 11 year follow-up period, though dipped as enrollment in asymptomatic disease stage increased.
Post-operative Radiotherapy Did Not Improve the Treatment Outcomes of Intracranial Hemangiopericytoma
Authors: Xiao Jianbiao , Ding Yi , Xu Lanwei , Wang Wei , Chen Fen , Wu Xuehui , Zhou Yangshu , Zhou Qiyuan , Zhang Fengjiao , Li Junpeng , Liang Li , Jen Yee-Min 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of post-operative radiotherapy on the results in patients with intracranial hemangiopericytoma (HPC).
Materials and methods
We retrospectively reviewed 66 intracranial HPC patients between 1999 and 2019 including 29 with surgery followed by radiotherapy (11 with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and 18 with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)) and 37 with surgery alone. Chi-squared test was used to compare the clinical characteristic between the groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine prognostic factors of survival.
Results
The crude local control rates were 58.6% in the surgery plus post-operative radiotherapy group (PORT) and 67.6% in the surgery alone group (p = 0.453). In the subgroup analysis of the PORT patients, local controls were 72.7% in the IMRT group and 50% in the SRS group (p = 0.228). The median OS in the PORT and surgery groups were 122 months and 98 months, respectively (p = 0.169). The median RFS was 96 months in the PORT group and 72 months in the surgery alone group (p = 0.714). The median OS and RFS of the SRS group were not significantly better than those in the IMRT group (p = 0.256, 0.960). The median RFS were 112 and 72 months for pathology grade II and III patients, respectively (p = 0.001).
Conclusion
PORT did not improve the local control rates nor the survivals. The local control rates after IMRT and SRS were similar even though the IMRT technique had a much higher biological dose compared with the SRS technique. PORT is not indicated for intracranial HPC patients with a complete resection margin.
Effects of Intragastric balloon on obesity in obese Korean women for 6 months post removal
Authors: Pak Hyeon-Ju , Choi Ha-Neul , Lee Hong-Chan , Yim Jung-Eun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of morbid obesity in Korean women has consistently been increasing, while the overall prevalence rate of obesity in Korean women seems to be stable. In addition to bariatric surgery, intragastric balloons (IGB), as a non-surgical therapy, have been reported to be effective in weight loss. However, the beneficial effects of IGB in Korean women with obesity have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in fat mass in Korean women with obesity who had undergone IGB treatment for 6 months.Methods: Seventy-four women with obesity (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) were recruited. Clinical data, including general information, comorbidities with obesity, anthropometric data, and changes in the body fat composition before and after IGB treatment, were obtained from the subjects.Results: Most subjects had one or more comorbidities, such as osteoarthropathy and woman’s disease, and had bad eating behaviors including irregular mealtimes, eating quickly, and frequent overeating. Body composition measurements showed that weight, fat mass and waist-hip circumference ratio decreased significantly at 6 months after IGB treatment. Especially, women with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) showed 33% excess weight loss. There was no significant difference in skeletal muscle mass and mineral contents after IGB treatment.Conclusion: The present study suggested that 6 months of IGB treatment can be a beneficial treatment for obesity without muscle mass and bone mineral loss.
Evaluating the Reliability of CBCT Airway Measurement: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jorgensen Brent L. , Park Jae Hyun , Bay R. Curtis 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Many studies have analyzed treatment effects on the airway using CBCT scans of the airway as evidence, but no study to date has been published that validates a repeatable protocol for acquiring CBCT airway measurements. Our objective is to evaluate a protocol for standardization of CBCT volume acquisition of the airway.
Methods

Ten participants (6 females and 4 males, median age 30.03 ± 3.53 years) were radiographed 2 times each (T1 and T2, the average time between T1-T2 was 15.8 ± 3.65 days), for a total of 20 CBCT scans. The participants’ head position was placed so that the Frankfort horizontal plane was parallel to the floor. Participants were given specific instructions regarding jaw position, tongue position, swallowing and breathing before each of the 2 scans. Minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) and total volume (TV) of each airway scan were measured between the distal most point of the hard palate (superior limit) and the superior most point of the epiglottis (inferior limit). T1 and T2 were compared to determine the repeatability of our proposed protocol for CBCT airway acquisition.
Results

There was no statistically significant difference between T1 and T2 measurements for TV and MCA. The average difference between T1 and T2 MCA and TV measurements for each participant was 34.18 ± 30.55 mm2 and 2.51 ± 2.05 cc, respectively.
Conclusions

Using our proposed standardization protocol, the measurements of MCA and TV of the airway were reliable to within 34.18 ± 30.55 mm2 and 2.51 ± 2.05 cc, respectively.
New insights into malaria vector bionomics in Lao PDR: a nationwide entomology survey
Authors: Marcombe Sebastien , Maithaviphet Santi , Bobichon Julie , Phommavan Nothasin , Nambanya Simone , Corbel Vincent , Brey Paul Trevor 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
. In Laos, the malaria burden remains high despite a significant reduction of cases during the last decade. In the context of the disease elimination by 2030, a nationwide entomological survey was conducted to better understand the distribution, abundance and behavior of major malaria vectors (Anopheles spp.) in the country.
Methods
. Mosquito collections were implemented in ten villages from ten provinces during the rainy and dry seasons of 2014 and 2015 by using human landing catch (HLC) and cow bait collection (CBC) methods. After morphological identification in the field, molecular identification of the sibling species of Anopheles mosquitoes from the Funestus, Leucosphyrus, and Maculatus groups were determined using PCR specific alleles. A screening of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax infections in in the vectors was carried out by quantitative PCR assays.
Results.
A total of 14,146 adult mosquitoes representing 25 different Anopheles species were collected and morphologically identified. Molecular identification revealed the presence of 13 sibling species within the main primary vector groups including An. maculatus s.s., An. rampae, An. sawadwongporni, An. pseudowillmori, An. dravidicus, An. willmori, An. minimus s.s., An. aconitus, An. pampanai, An. harrisoni, An. dirus s.s., An. baimaii, An. nemophilous. An. maculatus and An. minimus were predominant during both the dry and rainy seasons, but showed highly zoophilic preferences (Zoophilic index of 98% and 95%, respectively). Overall, solely 22% of the total malaria vectors were collected between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM indoors when people are sleeping. Twenty-seven percent of primary and secondary vectors were collected outdoors before 10:00 PM or after 5:00 AM, times when people are usually awake and outdoors. Only two specimens were positive for P. falciparum, one Anopheles aconitus from Phongsaly and one An. minimus from Vientiane Province
Conclusions.
The results indicate that people living in rural areas in Laos are constantly exposed to malaria vectors throughout the year and specifically outdoors. The use of LLINs/IRS remains important but innovative tools and new strategies are needed to address locally, the early and outdoor malaria transmission. Lack of expertise in general entomological methods may further exacerbate the situation.
Bias Evaluation and Reduction in 3D OP-OSEM Reconstruction in Dynamic Equilibrium PET Studies
Authors: Brambilla Cláudia Régio , Scheins Jürgen , Issa Ahlam , Tellmann Lutz , Herzog Hans , Kops Elena Rota , Shah N. Jon , Neuner Irene , Lerche Christoph W. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Iterative image reconstruction algorithms are widely used in positron emission tomography (PET). However, they are known to contribute to quantitation bias, which is particularly pronounced during dynamic PET studies such as neuroreceptor binding studies with 11C-labelled radiotracers where count rates become low towards the end of the examination. This problem is relevant in case simultaneous PET/MR studies which apply a bolus-infusion protocol to allow the multimodal comparison between control or resting state and stimulation effects in a single session of e.g. 60 min, i.e. 3 half-lives of 11C. A quantitation bias may interfere with stimulation related changes. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the 3D ordinary Poisson OSEM (3D OP-OSEM) on quantitation accuracy reconstructions and the subsequent propagation into binding potential values using a decay study of a 11C filled phantom and a human brain data set. To evaluate the reconstruction bias, we tested different reconstruction framing schemes and propose a framing scheme that keeps the counts per time frame constant over the full acquisition time. We also compared the vendor’s 3D OP-OSEM image reconstruction method to an in-house developed reconstruction (PRESTO toolkit). Results: In general, a bias for low and high activity concentration regions was observed in the range of ± 3% and - 3% to 5%, respectively. Using the alternative proposed framing scheme, a lower bias was achieved for regions with low activity concentration using PRESTO, and a stabilization of the mean bias for the binding potential was achieved at around 5% with the vendor’s reconstruction throughout the relevant activity curve time interval. Conclusions: The bias in activity concentration propagated into the binding potential values leading to a mean bias of around 5%, thus allowing the detection of changes in binding values during equilibrium of > 5%.
Potential Common Key Genes Associated with Chronic Periodontitis and Low Birth Weight: A Case Control Study Using Bioinformatics Analysis of Pooled mRNA Expression Datasets
Authors: Suzuki Asami , Horie Tetsuro , Nakai Akihito , Kikuchi Eriko , Numabe Yukihiro 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a multifactorial disease associated with many systemic diseases. However, the precise association between CP and low birth weight (LBW) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate common differentially expressed genes (DEGs), biomarker candidates, and upstream regulators related to key genes between CP and LBW.Methods: We investigated molecular relations and biomarker candidates using pooled microarray datasets of CP (GSE12484) and LBW (GSE29807) in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Datasets were analyzed for common DEGs using GEO2R, an R-based web application for GEO data analysis. Common DEGs, biomarker candidates, and upstream regulators in DEGs between CP and LBW were analyzed using the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), and QIAGEN’s Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA).Results: Three significantly upregulated and 20 significantly downregulated common DEGs between CP and LBW were identified. Some biological processes and pathways of these downregulated genes were associated with the cell cycle. Biomarker candidates among common DEGs were proline-rich coiled-coil 2A (PPRC2A), topoisomerase (DNA) II alpha (TOP2A), neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1), and calcium channel, voltage-dependent, alpha 2/delta subunit 3 (CACNA2D3). Many upstream regulators of these biomarker candidates were factors associated with inflammation, immunity, the cell cycle, and growth development, and were hormones related to pregnancy.Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that PPRC2A, TOP2A, NCAM1, and CACNA2D3 are common biomedical key genes between CP and LBW. The expression states of these genes, which are related to inflammation, hormones, the cell cycle, and growth development, were common in both CP and LBW in blood. To the best of our knowledge, the relations of PPRC2A, TOP2A, and CACNA2D3 to CP and LBW are reported for the first time. Thus, in the bloodstream, inflammatory-related upstream regulators of these key genes may control gene expression associated with fetal growth, and conversely, changes in female hormones due to pregnancy may affect the progress of CP.
Key Factors Associated with Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Sri Lankan Adolescents: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Amilani Uttara , Jayasekara Prasanna , Carter Hannah E , Senanayake Sameera , Kularatna Sanjeewa 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) measures have emerged as an important oral health outcome that is able to reveal the subjective burden of illness due to oral diseases.The association between socio-demographic and socio-economic factors, clinical dental conditions and OHRQoL indicators has been investigated in adolescents’ cohorts across the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate key factors associated with oral health-related quality of life of Sri Lankan adolescents. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted amongst a sample of 15-19 year-old secondary school students, Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. The data was collected using two self-administered questionnaires. A modified Sinhalese version of the Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP) questionnaire that has been validated for Sri Lankan adolescents was administered. A second questionnaire collected information on socioeconomic characteristics, oral health care seeking and oral health behaviours. A clinical oral examination was performed on each participant. Oral health related quality of life was measured using OIDP domains and total OIDP scores. Multiple linear regression with stepwise selection was used to investigate the key factors associated with the OIDP additive score. Results A total of 1,332 adolescents participated in the study. Negative quality of life impacts were more prevalent in the social and psychological domain of OIDP as compared with the functional domain. Total OIDP scores ranged from 0 to 36 with a mean of 3.16 (SD=4.71). The multivariate analysis revealed that decayed teeth, presence of anomaly, age, family income, health care seeking pattern and consumption pattern of soft drinks were all significantly associated with higher total OIDP scores, reflecting poorer oral health related quality of life. Frequency of daily tooth brushing was negatively associated with total OIDP scores. ConclusionVarious factors were associated with OHRQoL and could have implications for the improvement of OHRQoL among Sri Lankan adolescents.