bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of a 6-gene prognostic signature to assess prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yang Jiayue , Shi Wei , Zhu Shengwei , Yang Cheng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is one of the most fatal cancers in the world. Although great efforts have made to explore the mechanisms of PaCa oncogenesis, the prognosis of PaCa patients is still unsatisfactory. Thus, it is imperative to further understand the potential carcinogenesis of PaCa and reliable prognostic models.
The gene expression profile and clinical information of GSE21501 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to explore the potent genes associated with the overall survival (OS) events of PaCa patients. Cox regression model was applied to selecting prognostic genes and establish prognostic model. The prognostic values of six-gene signature were validated in TCGA-PAAD cohort.
According to the WGCNA analysis, a total of 19 modules were identified and 115 hub genes in the mostly associated module were reserved for next analysis. According to the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, we established a six-gene signature (FTSJ3, STAT1, STX2, CDX2, RASSF4, MACF1) which could effectively evaluate the overall survival (OS) of PaCa patients. In validated patients’ cohorts, the six-gene signature exhibited excellent prognostic value in TCGA-PAAD cohort as well.
We developed a six-gene signature to exactly predict OS of PaCa patients and provide a novel personalized strategy for evaluating prognosis. The findings may be contributed to medical customization and therapeutic decision in clinical practice.
The effect of Baduanjin on intestinal flora in patients with prediabetes mellitus
Authors: Lv Xiangui , Yang Maoyi , Wang Fang , Wang Yao , He Xuedong , Yi Jing , Wang Liping , Liao Shunqi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background:
The incidence rate of prediabetes is increasing year by year. Prediabetes is a continuous ever fount of diabetes. Diabetes is closely related to intestinal flora imbalance and insulin resistance (IR). Previous studies have proved that Baduanjin can effectively improve the blood glucose and blood lipid of patients, but there is no relevant research on intestinal flora and IR. Therefore, this study focuses on the influence of Baduanjin on intestinal flora of patients with prediabetes, so as to improve the effect of IR, and finally delay or prevent the occurrence of to diabetes mellitus 2 type (T2DM).

Methods:
This study will recruit 80 patients who meet the diagnostic criteria of prediabetes from Hospital of Chengdu University of traditional Chinese Medicine. Eighty patients will be randomly divided into experimental group and control group, 40 cases in each group. The control group received routine lifestyle intervention, and the experimental group received Baduanjin at least 3 to 5 times a week for a total of 6 months. The researchers monitored the intestinal flora, insulin resistance index, blood glucose, blood lipid, body mass index, and other indicators after 3 months of intervention and 6 months of intervention

Discussion:
Based on previous studies, intestinal flora is closely related to the occurrence and development of T2DM-IR. Baduanjin can significantly improve the blood glucose and blood lipid of patients with prediabetes, and has a positive effect on the intestinal flora of the elderly and significantly improve the intestinal microecological balance. This study used randomized controlled trial to explore the control method between Baduanjin and conventional lifestyle, in order to further establish the application of Baduanjin in patients with prediabetes.

Trial registration:
This trial protocol has been approved by the research hospital and registered in China clinical trial registration center on July 6, 2020 (ChiCTR2000034490).
Effect of respiratory rehabilitation training on elderly patients with COVID-19
Authors: Yan Huan , Ouyang Yonghong , Wang Lang , Luo Xiangjun , Zhan Qian 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background:
Patients with the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) often see their respiratory, physical, and psychological functions impaired to varying degrees, especially for the elderly patients. Timely respiratory rehabilitation intervention for such patients may improve their prognoses. However, its relative effectiveness has not been proved. Therefore, this study is purposed to determine the effect of respiratory rehabilitation on elderly patients with COVID-19.

Methods:
This study will search the following electronic databases: Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China national knowledge infrastructure database, Wan Fang database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, with the retrieval period running from their inception to August 2020. All randomized controlled trials of respiratory rehabilitation training on elderly patients with COVID-19 are collected, and the data are selected and extracted independently according to the pre-designed inclusion/exclusion criteria. Cochrane bias risk assessment tool is used to evaluate the method quality and bias risk. All data analyses will be implemented by using Revman5.3 and Stata14 software.

Results:
This study will make a high-quality and comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of respiratory rehabilitation training on elderly patients with COVID-19.

Conclusion:
The conclusions of this systematic review will deliver more convincing evidence.

Ethics and dissemination:
The private information collected from individuals will not be published. And this systematic review will also not involve impairing the participants’ rights. Ethical approval is not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences.
Increased red blood cell distribution width might predict left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yao Hui-Ming , Wang Xiao-Lei , Peng Xiong , Chen Shu-Yun , Wan Xuan , Zuo Wei , Gan Xin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The presence of left ventricular hypertrophy has been confirmed to be an independent risk factor for stroke and death in patients with atrial fibrillation. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the potential risk factors for left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with atrial fibrillation.
A series of consecutive patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation between June 2018 and December 2019 were included. The patients’ clinical data were analyzed. The cut-off values, sensitivity and specificity of the independent risk factors were calculated using a receiver operating characteristic curve.
Among 87 patients with atrial fibrillation, 39 patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and 48 patients without left ventricular hypertrophy were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that red blood cell distribution width (odds ratio [OR] 4.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.69–14.13, P < .05) was an independent risk factor, while the concentration of low-density lipoprotein (OR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17–0.83, P < .05) and left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.82–0.95, P < .05) were inversely associated with left ventricular hypertrophy in atrial fibrillation patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that the area under the curve was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71–0.90, P < .05) with a cut-off value of 13.05, and the red blood cell distribution width predicted left ventricular hypertrophy status among atrial fibrillation patients with a sensitivity of 72.1% and a specificity of 76.9%.
Red blood cell distribution width was associated with left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Vasectomy and male sexual dysfunction risk
Authors: Yang Fang , Dong Liang , Zhang Xiaojin , Li Junjun , Tan Kun , Li Yulin , Yu Xujun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background:
Unintended pregnancy is popular all over the world, accounting for 40% to 50% of all pregnancies. The condition not only exerts pressure on the relationship of couples and severely impacts the quality of life, but also imposes a heavy burden on the health of women and child. Recently, more than 220 million couples have chosen to be sterilized to obtain contraception, 47.3% of married couples select sterilization, of which vasectomy accounts for 17.1%. Vasectomy is currently the most convenient and effective method of male contraception. We will perform the systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the correlation between vasectomy and male sex dysfunction and provide evidence-based evidence for the couple

Methods:
The electronic databases of MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Clinicaltrials.org., China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Wan fang Database, China Biology Medicine Database (CBM), VIP Science Technology Periodical Database, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, and Cochrane Library will be retrieved before November 20, 2021. We will search English literature and Chinese literature with proper Medical Subject Heading or text key words. RevMan 5.3 and Stata 14.0 will be used for Systematic review and Meta-analysis. This protocol reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement, and we will report the systematic review by following the PRISMA statement.

Conclusion and dissemination:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vasectomy on the sexual function of patients after operation. The results will be published in a public issue journal to provide evidence-based medical evidence for urologists and andrologists to make clinical decisions.

Registration information:
INPLASY202080014.
Treatment-related adverse events as surrogate to response rate to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Shen Yanyun , Chen Yunfeng , Wang Duoqin , Zhu Zhidong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background:
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) brings hope to many late-stage cancer patients yet its marker for response remains elusive.

Methods:
We developed a hypothesis that treatment-related adverse events (TrAEs) could predict objective response rate (ORR) to ICB. We plotted ORR against corresponding any and grade 3 to 5 (G3–5) TrAEs across a variety of cancer types by performing a meta-analysis using linear regression.

Results:
We identified 113 eligible studies encompassing 25 types of malignancies that were treated with ICB or ICB-based regimes. A significant linear correlation was observed for any and severe TrAEs, respectively. The correlation coefficient was 0.57 (r
2 = 0.324) for any TrAE and 0.61 (r
2 = 0.37) for G3–5 TrAE. For melanoma, the correlation coefficient was 0.81 (r
2 = 0.57) for any TrAE and 0.65 (r
2 = 0.42) for G3–5 TrAEs. For RCC, the correlation coefficient was 0.86 (r
2 = 0.74) for any TrAE and 0.91 (r
2 = 0.83) for G3–5 TrAE. For NSCLC, the correlation coefficient was 0.55 (r
2 = 0.3) for any TrAE and 0.74 (r
2 = 0.86) for G3–5 TrAE. For UC, the correlation coefficient was 0.47 (r
2 = 0.68) for any TrAE and 0.27 (r
2 = 0.52) for G3–5 TrAE, yet the correlation was insignificant for severe AEs.

Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that over half of ICB responses could be reflected by any adverse events and ∼60% of responses could be reflected by severe AEs. Further validation is needed in individual trials.
Correlations among peripapillary vasculature, macular superficial capillaries, and eye structure in healthy and myopic eyes of Chinese young adults (STROBE)
Authors: Guo Yuxia , Pang Yunlei , Kang YanJie , Zhang Xiaoguang , Zhang Han , Zhang Guisen , Liu Lei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The correlations between retinal vessel distribution, anterior chamber depth (ACD) and other myopic eye structural parameters remains elusive. This study aims to investigate retinal vasculature and eye structure correlations in healthy and myopic eyes of Chinese young adults.
In this cross-sectional study, 181 eyes (97 adults) were recruited. Macular and peripapillary vasculature was quantified by optical coherence tomography angiography. Correlations between retinal vasculature and eye structure were analyzed using multivariable linear regression.
There were significant differences in ACD, spherical equivalent, axial length (AL), superficial macular vascular density (MVD), peripapillary vascular density (PVD) and circumference of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) among emmetropia, low-myopia, moderate-myopia, and high-myopia groups (both P < 0.05). Furthermore, ACD had significant positive correlation with AL and FAZ, but negative correlation with PVD. MVD also had a negative correlation with AL (beta = –0.247, P < .001). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between circumference of the FAZ and spherical equivalent as well as central subfield thickness (beta = –0.20, P = .005; beta = –0.334, P < .001, respectively).
The degree of myopia affected ACD, MVD, PVD, and circumference of the FAZ in eyes of young healthy adults. Meanwhile, ACD has a positive, while retinal vascular system measurements have a negative correlation with increasing severity of myopia.
Plum-blossom needle for coronavirus disease 2019-related headache
Authors: Gao Wei , Li Jingfei , Huang Guoxiang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background:
Assessing the effectiveness and safety of plum-blossom needle for (COVID-19) related headache is the main purpose of this systematic review protocol.

Methods:
We will search the following sources for the identification of trials: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database (VIP), and the Wanfang Database. The searches were limited to articles published in 2020, but no language restrictions were imposed. Only include randomised controlled trials (RCTs), with or without blinding, and participant or observer reported outcomes, will be included.
The primary outcome is the time and rate of appearance of headache induced by COVID-19. The secondary outcome is the length of hospital stay. Two independent reviewers will conduct the study selection, data extraction and assessment. Review Manager Software V.5.3 will be used for the assessment of risk of bias and data synthesis.

Results:
The results will provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence for researchers in this subject area.

Conclusion:
The conclusion of our study will provide an evidence to judge whether plum-blossom needle is effective and safe for COVID-19-related headache.

Ethics and dissemination:
This protocol will not evaluate individual patient information or affect patient rights and therefore does not require ethical approval. Results from this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference reports.

PROSPERO registration number:
CRD42020199508.
Investigating potential molecular mechanisms of serum exosomal miRNAs in colorectal cancer based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Chen Xiliang , Bao Lingling , Zhang Xuede 
Published: September 2020

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignant gastrointestinal tumor worldwide. Serum exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in tumor progression and metastasis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood.The miRNAs expression profile (GSE39833) was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2R was applied to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) between healthy and CRC serum exosome samples. The target genes of DEmiRNAs were predicted by starBase v3.0 online tool. The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) online tool. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) visualized using Cytoscape software. Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) and cytohubba plug-in were used to screen hub genes and gene modules.In total, 102 DEmiRNAs were identified including 67 upregulated and 35 downregulated DEmiRNAs, and 1437 target genes were predicted. GO analysis showed target genes of upregulated DEmiRNAs were significantly enriched in transcription regulation, protein binding, and ubiquitin protein ligase activity. While the target genes of downregulated DEmiRNAs were mainly involved in transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, SMAD binding, and DNA binding. The KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed target genes of upregulated DEmiRNAs were significantly enriched in proteoglycans in cancer, microRNAs in cancer, and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinases/Akt (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway, while target genes of downregulated DEmiRNAs were mainly enriched in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway and proteoglycans in cancer. The genes of the top 3 modules were mainly enriched in ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, spliceosome, and mRNA surveillance pathway. According to the cytohubba plugin, 37 hub genes were selected, and 4 hub genes including phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), SRC, cell division cycle 42 (CDC42), E1A binding protein p300 (EP300) were identified by combining 8 ranked methods of cytohubba.The study provides a comprehensive analysis of exosomal DEmiRNAs and target genes regulatory network in CRC, which can better understand the roles of exosomal miRNAs in the development of CRC. However, these findings require further experimental validation in future studies.
Prevalence of dry eye disease in the elderly
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Wang Lizhen , Zheng Yanlin , Deng Lu , Huang Xiaoying 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Introduction:
Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most prevalent ocular diseases which remains widely underestimated. New lifestyles driven by information technology and the rapid ageing process have brought DED a severe public health concern. And DED is highly related to the reduction in vision-related quality of life and interfere with daily activities. Since advanced age has been suggested as an important risk factor for DED, the aim of our study was to obtain the pooled prevalence of DED in the elderly over 60 years of age.

Methods and analysis:
The following databases will be searched from their inception to August 2020: Electronic database includes PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Nature, Science online, Chinese Biomedical Database WangFang, VIP medicine information, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Primary outcomes: the number of participants and DED cases. Data will be extracted by 2 researchers independently, risk of bias of the meta-analysis will be evaluated based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. All data analysis will be conducted by data statistics software Review Manager V.5.3. and Stata V.12.0.

Results:
The results of this study will systematically evaluate the prevalence of DED in the elderly population over 60 years of age.

Conclusion:
The systematic review of this study will summarize the current published evidence of epidemiological investigations of DED with advanced age classification.

Ethics and dissemination:
This study is a systematic review, the outcomes are based on the published evidence, so examination and agreement by the ethics committee are not required in this study. We intend to publish the study results in a journal or conference presentations.

Open Science Fra network (OSF) registration number:
August 12, 2020. osf.io/3jyb4. (https://osf.io/3jyb4).
Impact of Inappropriate Antibiotic Therapy in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Bacteremia
Authors: Aslam Waqas , Mathew Naomi E. , Shaver Courtney , Brito Veronica , Jones Shirley , Arroliga Alejandro C. , Ghamande Shekhar 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bacteremia has significant morbidity and mortality. Empiric antibiotic regimens for treating patients with risk factors for multidrug-resistant organisms may not have medications directed at treating VRE.

Study Question:
To evaluate the impact of antibiotic therapy (and other risk factors) on mortality in VRE bacteremia.

Study Design:
We identified 146 patients with VRE bacteremia, admitted at our institution over an 11 years period (2004–2014). All inpatients with an initial positive VRE blood culture were included only once in the analysis. Eighteen patients were excluded from the study because of inability to retrieve medical information regarding one or more important study variables. The retrospectively collected data from electronic medical records of 128 patients were analyzed.

Results:
The inpatient, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rates from VRE bacteremia were 23%, 31%, and 59%, respectively. Only 19% patients were discharged home. Inappropriate antibiotics were prescribed in 19% patients. Appropriate antibiotics were prescribed in 81% patients (62% daptomycin and 37% linezolid); however, only 58% patients received appropriate antibiotics within 24 hours of the reported positive blood cultures. The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates for patients treated with inappropriate antibiotics were 54% and 67% compared with 26% and 50%, respectively, for those treated with appropriate antibiotics. The median survival rate for patients treated with inappropriate antibiotics was 1 month (95% confidence interval: 0.0–1.0) compared with 11 months (95% confidence interval: 4.0–13.0) for those treated with appropriate antibiotics. The advanced patient age (median age 75 years vs. 63 years) was a significant risk factor for inappropriate antibiotic therapy (P value = 0.02). The multivariate Cox regression model revealed inappropriate antibiotic therapy (P value = 0.003), septic shock (P value = 0.0004), albumin (P value = 0.04), and dementia (P value = 0.003) to be associated with 30-day mortality.

Conclusions:
Our study highlights the detrimental effect of inappropriate antibiotic therapy and other risk factors on morbidity and mortality associated with VRE bacteremia.
Pediatric Firearm Injuries and Fatalities: Do Racial Disparities Exist?
Authors: Sakran Joseph V. , Nance Michael , Riall Taylor , Asmar Samer , Chehab Mohamad , Joseph Bellal 
Published: September 2020

Objective:
To evaluate racial disparities among White and Black pediatric firearm injury patients on a national level.

Background:
Pediatric firearm-related morbidity and mortality are rising in the United States. There is a paucity of data examining racial disparities in those patients.

Methods:
The Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2017) was queried for pediatric (age ≤17 years) patients admitted with firearm injuries. Patients were stratified by race: White and Black. Injury characteristics were assessed. Outcomes were mortality, hospital length of stay, and discharge disposition. Hierarchical regression models were performed to determine predictors of mortality and longer hospital stays.

Results:
A total of 3717 pediatric firearm injury patients were identified: Blacks (67.0%) and Whites (33.0%). The majority of patients were male (84.2%). The most common injury intent in both groups was assault (77.3% in Blacks vs in 45.4% Whites; P<0.001), followed by unintentional (21.1% vs 35.4%; P<0.001), and suicide (1.0% vs 14.0%; P<0.001). The highest fatality rate was in suicide injuries (62.6%). On univariate analysis, White children had higher mortality (17.5% vs 9.8%; P<0.001), longer hospital stay [3 (1–7) vs 2 (1–5) days; P = 0.021], and more psychiatric hospital admissions (1.3% vs 0.1%; P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, suicide intent was found to be an independent predictor of mortality (aOR 2.67; 95% CI 1.35–5.29) and longer hospital stay (β + 4.13; P<0.001), while White race was not.

Conclusion:
Assault is the leading intent of injury in both Black and White children, but White children suffer more from suicide injuries that are associated with worse outcomes.

Level of Evidence: Level III Prognostic.