bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pelvic and Bladder Catecholamine-Producing Tumors A Review of the Literature
Authors: Petramala Luigi , Bisogni Valeria , Olmati Federica , Concistrè Antonio , Celi Monia , Saracino Vincenza , Iannucci Gino , Toma Giorgio De , Tarallo Maria Rita , Ciardi Antonio , Letizia Claudio 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Purpose. Starting from the description of two interesting cases, we wondered to review the literature on pelvic and bladder paragangliomas (PGLs) in order to illustrate clinical characteristics and current management, lightening the needed of a prompt diagnosis to avoid the onset of several complications. Although PGLs may arise at any site where physiologically chromaffin tissue exists, pelvic origins are not frequent (less than 2%), and the most common localization is the retroperitoneal space, whereas bladder PGLs account for less than 0.06% of all bladder neoplasms and less than 1% of all PGLs. Methods . We herein performed a brief review of the literature about pelvic PGLs in the PubMed library, conducted according to the PRISMA statement, including studies published from 1954 to 2019. We also discuss clinical presentation, morphologic appearance, and management of two cases of pelvic PGL, both of them characterized by an history of paroxysmal high blood pressure episodes uncontrolled by antihypertensive therapy associated with disabling symptoms, not clearly understood for many years. Results . Overall, we evaluated 108 case reports. The majority were females, presenting typical signs and symptoms, such as arterial hypertension (54.2%), hematuria (35.1%), and headache (33.6%). After treatment, the clinical and biochemical remission was evident in only 55% of analyzed cases. Conclusions . For their singular localization, pelvic and bladder PGLs often might be misdiagnosed. The significant delay in the proper treatment could be responsible for the relative low percentage of complete clinical and biochemical remission.
Up-regulating autophagy by targeting the mTOR-4EBP1 pathway: a possible mechanism for improving cardiac function in mice with experimental dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Jin Bo , Shi Haiming , Jun Zhu , Wu Bangwei , Geshang Quzhen 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Autophagy plays a crucial role in the pathological process of cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the pathological mechanism underlying autophagy regulation in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Methods: We explored whether up-regulating autophagy could improve cardiac function in mice with experimental DCM through the mTOR-4EBP1 pathway. Animal model of DCM was established in BALB/c mice by immunization with porcine cardiac myosin. Both up- or down-regulation of autophagy were studied by administration of rapamycin or 3-MA in parallel. Morphology, Western blotting, and echocardiography were applied to confirm the pathological mechanisms.Results: Autophagy was activated and autophagosomes were significantly increased in the rapamycin group. The collagen volume fraction (CVF) was decreased in the rapamycin group compared with the DCM group (9.21 ± 0.82 % vs 14.38 ± 1.24 %, P<0.01). The expression of p-mTOR and p-4EBP1 were significantly decreased in rapamycin-induced autophagy activation, while the levels were increased by down-regulating autophagy with 3-MA. In the rapamycin group, the LVEF and FS were significantly increased compared with the DCM group (54.12 ± 6.48 % vs 45.29 ± 6.68 %, P<0.01; 26.89 ± 4.04 % vs 22.17 ± 2.82 %, P<0.05). As the inhibitor of autophagy, 3-MA aggravated the progress of maladaptive cardiac remodeling and declined cardiac function in DCM mice.Conclusions: The study indicated a possible mechanism for improving cardiac function in mice with experimental DCM by up-regulating autophagy via the mTOR-4EBP1 pathway, which could be a promising therapeutic strategy for DCM.
Prognostic Significance of the Preoperative Prognostic Nutritional Index in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies
Authors: Gong Ting-Ting , Zhang Jia-Yu , Sun Hui , Wu Qi-Jun , Gao Song 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe main aim of this study was to validate the potential association between the preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and survival of patients with ovarian cancer (OC).MethodsWe systematically searched multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science) for publications up to June 30, 2019, to identify observational studies evaluating the PNI in relation to survival. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the quality of each study using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Summary hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated with the aid of a random-effects model. The potential for publication bias was explored using Funnel plots as well as Begg’s and Egger’s tests.ResultsAmong the 15,000 studies selected for selection, 5 retrospective cohort studies (4 from China and one from Japan) comprising 1964 OC patients met the inclusion criteria. All studies were graded as ‘low risk of bias’ according to NOS. A low preoperative PNI was associated with poor overall survival (HR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.16–2.46; I2 = 83.8%) and progression-free survival (HR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.39–2.51; I2 = 29.7%) of OC patients. No significant publication bias was detected.ConclusionsCollective data from the present systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that a low preoperative PNI is associated with poor survival in OC. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
Building a Sanitary Vulnerability Map from Open Source Data. Argentina, 2010-2018
Authors: Rosati Germán Federico , Olego Tomás Alberto , Brust Antonio Vazquez 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Designing public health policies to target the needs of specific places requires highly granular data. When geographic health statistics from official sources are absent or lacking in spatial detail, Sanitary Vulnerabilitymetrics derived from Census and other georeferenced public data can be used to identify areas in particular need of attention. With that aim, a Vulnerability Map was developed, identifying areas with a substantial deficit in its population health coverage. Methods: Census, official listings of public health facilities and crowdsourced georeferenced data are used. The Vulnerability Index is built using dimensionality reduction techniques such as Autoencoders and Non-parametric PCA. Main results: The high resolution map shows the geographical distribution of a Sanitary Vulnerability Index, produced using official and crowdsourced open data sources, overcoming the lack of official sources on health indicators at the local level. Conclusions: The Sanitary Vulnerability Map’s value as a tool for place specific policymaking was validated by using it to predict local health related metrics such as health coverage. Further lines of work contemplate using the Map to study the interaction between Sanitary Vulnerability and the prevalence of different diseases, and also applying its methodology in the context of other public services such as education, security, housing, etc.
Increased resistance of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Δagr mutant with modified control in fatty acid metabolism
Authors: Song Hun-Suk , Choi Tae-Rim , Han Yeong-Hoon , Park Ye-Lim , Park Jun Young , Yang Soo-Yeon , Bhatia Shashi Kant , Gurav Ranjit , Kim Yun-Gon , Kim Jae-Seok , Joo Hwang-Soo , Yang Yung-hun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are distinct from general Staphylococcus strains with respect to the composition of the membrane, ability to form a thicker biofilm, and, importantly, ability to modify the target of antibiotics to evade their activity. The agr gene is an accessory global regulator of gram-positive bacteria that governs virulence or resistant mechanisms and is therefore an important target for the control of resistant strains. However, the mechanism by which agr impacts factors affecting resistance to β-lactam antibiotics remains unclear. In the present study, we found an Δagr mutant strain with higher resistance to high concentrations of b-lactam antibiotics such as oxacillin and ampicillin. To determine the influence of variation in the microenvironment of cells between the parental and mutant strains, fatty acid analysis of the supernatant, total lipids, and phospholipid fatty acids were compared. The Δagr mutant strain tended to produce fewer fatty acids and retained lower amounts of C16, C18 fatty acids in the supernatant. Phospholipid analysis showed a dramatic increase in the hydrophobic longer-chain fatty acids in the membranes. To target these differences in fatty acid distribution and membrane composition, we applied several surfactants and found that sorbitan trioleate (Span85) had a synergistic effect with oxacillin by decreasing biofilm formation and growth. These findings indicate that agr suppression allows for MRSA to antagonize antibiotics via several changes, including constant expression of mecA, fatty acid metabolism and distribution, and biofilm thickening, resulting in a strain with higher resistance to β-lactam antibiotics.
Analysis Surgical Outcomes of Ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm: Lateral Supraorbital Versus Pterional Approach.
Authors: Yu Kaijie , Cai Yurong , Zhang Jianmin , Zhou Gezhi , Yuan Jianlie 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective To compare lateral supraorbital approach with pterional approach to determine the most effective routine to clip anterior communicating artery aneurysm.Method A total of 85 patients with anterior communicating artery aneurysm underwent surgical clipping, 34 through the lateral supraorbital approach and 51 through the pterional approach from June 2016 to June 2018 in the department of neurosurgery,Jinhua central hospital. We retrospectively analyzed the demographic and clinical variables including age, sex and Hunt-Hess grade. Accordingly, operative data, clinical outcome and postoperative complications were analyzed. The mRS at discharge and 6 months later were evaluated.Outcome All aneurysms were completely clipped. There was no significant difference in intraoperative aneurysm rupture rate and intensive care time between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the pterional approach, the operation time of the lateral approach was shorter, the amount of bleeding was less, and the bone flap was small, and there was a statistical difference (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in complications between the two groups (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in mRS between the two groups at different time points (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusion According to our results, we recommend the lateral supraorbital approach for ACoAA and A1/A2 to neurosurgeons who have gained sufficient experience due to its advantages over the pterional approach.
GC×GC-HRMS nontarget fingerprinting of organic micropollutants in urban freshwater sediments
Authors: Lübeck Josephine Susanne , Alexandrino Guilherme Lionello , Christensen Jan H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Sediments are sinks for organic micropollutants, which are traditionally analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Although GC-MS and GC-MS/MS (tandem MS) are preferred for target screening, they provide only limited chromatographic resolution for nontarget screening. In this study, a comprehensive two-dimensional GC-high-resolution MS method (GC×GC-HRMS) was developed for nontarget screening and source identification of organic micropollutants in sediments from an urban channel and adjacent lake in Copenhagen, Denmark. The GC×GC-HRMS data were processed by pixel-based chemometric analysis using baseline subtraction, alignment, normalisation, and scaling before principal component analysis (PCA) of the pre-processed GC×GC-HRMS base peak ion chromatograms (BPCs). The analysis was performed to identify organic micropollutants of high abundance and relevance in the urban sediments and to identify pollution sources. Tentative identifications were based on match factors and retention indices and tagged according to the level of identification confidence. Results: The channel contained both significantly higher concentrations of micropollutants and a higher diversity of compounds compared to the lake. The PCA models were able to isolate distinct sources of chemicals such as a natural input (viz. a high relative abundance of mono-, di- and sesquiterpenes) and a weathered oil fingerprint (viz. alkanes, naphthenes and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). A dilution effect of the weathered oil fingerprint was observed in lake samples that were close to the channel. Several benzothiazole-like structures were identified in lake samples close to a high-traffic road which could indicate a significant input from asphalt or tire wear particles. In total, 104 compounds and compound groups were identified. Conclusions: Several chemical fingerprints of different sources were described in urban freshwater sediments in Copenhagen using a pixel-based chemometric approach of GC×GC-HRMS BPCs. Various micropollutants of anthropogenic origin were identified. Tailored pre-processing and careful interpretation of the identification results is inevitable and still requires further research for an automated workflow.
Characteristics and source tracing of organic carbon in intertidal sediments of wetland in Yangtze Estuary, China
Authors: Yu Haiyan , Li Weiwei , Han Changxu , Fang Han , Shu Xingquan , Liu Yongfeng , Pan Yuwei , Ma Limin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Wetland ecosystem is characterized by water-land interaction and plays an important role in regional energy and material circulation. In the context of global climate change, the study of wetland carbon storage and carbon cycle has become a focus of academic attention. The characteristics of organic carbon in sediments and its source is a key problem in the study of carbon cycle in wetlands. Results: In this study, the characteristics of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) accumulation, and stable carbon isotope (δ13C) in the vegetation and soil were investigated for the three dominant salt marsh vegetation Phragmites australis (PA), Spartina alterniflora (SA), Scirpus mariqueter (SM) of the coastal wetlands of Chongming Dongtan in the Yangtze River Estuary. The results showed that the mean value of TOC and TN concentrations in the surface sediments of wetland were 1.39 ± 0.34% and 0.091± 0.024%, respectively. The carbon stable isotope (δ13C) mean value of sediment was -24.17±1.51‰. The TOC of the sediment in the three saltmarsh plant communities was in the order of SA (1.76 ± 0.38%) > PA (1.45 ± 0.37%) > SM (0.96 ± 0.44%). The simulation results of the three end-member mixing equations showed that the organic carbon in sediments was mainly derived from suspended particles (42.44 ± 20.89%) and vegetation (34.50 ± 25.23%). The contribution rate of microalgae is lower (23.06 ± 4.62%). Conclusion: The organic carbon in sediments of wetland in Yangtze Estuary are the result of mixed input of terrestrial organic carbon and marine organic carbon. Organic carbon in sediments was mainly derived from suspended particles and vegetations. The results provide preliminary knowledge of the distribution and sources of sedimentary organic carbon for better understanding the sediment transport and deposition in this region.
Efficacy and safety of YinQiSanHuang-antiviral decoction on chronic hepatitis B: study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial
Authors: wu qing-juan , Lv Wen-Liang , Li Juan-Mei , Zhang Ting-Ting , Zhou Wen-hui , Zhang Qiang , Wang Jiu-Chong , Wang Qing-Nan , Zhang Ruo-Xuan , Zhao Xin , Chen Si-Tong , Liu Shuang , Li Gao-Hui , Cao Zheng-Min , Xu Lei , Chen Jing 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a global public health problem. Antiviral therapy is the primary treatment. Studies have shown that combined therapy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and conventional antiviral drugs has better clinical efficacy than conventional antiviral for treatment of CHB. YinQiSanHuang-antiviral decoction (YQSH) is a TCM compound preparation used for over thirty years, and has shown its effect on anti-hepatitis B virus and slowing progression of hepatitis B-related liver diseases in a small-scale clinical observation. Until now there is no convincing evidence demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of YQSH in anti-liver cirrhosis and anti-liver cancer. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of YQSH and its preventive effect on hepatitis B cirrhosis, a rigorously designed randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial is needed. Methods: This is a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial, 5 hospitals involved in. Totally 802 patients are randomly allocated to two groups: the YQSH group (n=401) or the placebo group (n=401). The YQSH group receives YQSH with Entecavir, the placebo group receives granule of placebo with Entecavir. Patients receive treatment for 52 weeks, and then are followed up for 52±2 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the annual incidence of cirrhosis. The secondary outcome measures are HBV-DNA negative rate, HBsAg negative rate, HBeAg seroconversion rate, liver function (Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum albumin (ALB) and total bilirubin (TBIL)), spleen thickness, evaluation scores of patients’ clinical symptoms and safety assessment. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after treatment. Discussion: Combination therapy could become a trendy of treatment of CHB, this trial expecting to provide credible clinical evidence for the future combination of TCM and conventional antiviral drugs for the treatment of CHB. Trial registration: ChiCTR1900021521, this protocol was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn) on February 25th, 2019. Keywords: chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, traditional Chinese medicine, clinical trial, efficacy
Effect of community active case-finding strategies for detection of tuberculosis in Cambodia: study protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Teo Alvin Kuo Jing , Prem Kiesha , Evdokimov Konstantin , Ork Chetra , Eng Sothearith , Tuot Sovannary , Chry Monyrath , Mao Tan Eang , Hsu Li Yang , Yi Siyan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Cambodia has made notable progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). However, these gains are impeded by a significant proportion of undiagnosed cases. To effectively reach people with TB, active case finding (ACF) strategies have been adopted by countries affected by the epidemic, including Cambodia, alongside passive case finding (PCF). Despite increased efforts to improve case detection, approximately 40% of TB cases in Cambodia remained undiagnosed in 2017. In Cambodia, several community-based TB ACF modalities have been implemented, but their effectiveness has yet to be systematically assessed. Methods: This pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted between December 2019 and June 2021. We will randomize eight operational districts (cluster) in 7 provinces (Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Prey Veng, Thbong Khmum, Kampong Chhnang, Kandal, and Kampong Speu) to either the control group (PCF) or the intervention groups (ACF using a seed-and-recruit model, ACF targeting household and neighborhood contacts, and ACF targeting persons aged ≥55 using mobile screening units). The primary endpoints will be TB case notification rates, additionality, and cumulative yield of TB cases. The secondary endpoints include treatment outcomes, the number needed to screen to find one TB case, and cost-effectiveness outcome measures. We will analyze the primary and secondary endpoints by intention-to-treat. We will compare cluster and individual-level characteristics using student’s t-test and hierarchical or mixed-effect models to estimate the ratio of these means. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per disability-adjusted life year averted will also be considered as a benchmark to determine if the interventions are cost-effective. Discussion: This study will build an evidence base to inform future scale-up, implementation, and sustainability of ACF strategies in Cambodia and other similar settings. Implementation of this study will also complement TB control strategies in Cambodia by conducting ACF in operational districts without active interventions to find TB cases currently. Those who are ill and might have TB will be promptly screened, diagnosed, and linked to care. Early diagnosis and treatment initiation will also benefit their community by interrupting transmission and prevent further infections. The experience gained from this project will inform future attempts in conducting pragmatic trials in low-resource settings. Trial registration: This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04094350. Registered 18 September 2019.
The combination of cold exposure training and a breathing exercise attenuates the inflammatory response in humans
Authors: Zwaag Jelle , Naaktgeboren Rick , Herwaarden Antonius E. van , Pickkers Peter , Kox Matthijs 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground - We previously showed that a training intervention encompassing two breathing exercises and exposure to cold enables for voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system, reflected by profoundly increased plasma adrenaline levels, and subsequent attenuation of the endotoxin-induced inflammatory response. Herein, we determined the contribution of the different elements of the training, assessed if the training duration is of importance, and whether it can be provided by an independent trainer instead of the well-known individual who devised it. Methods – Forty healthy male volunteers were randomized to either a short or extensive training in both breathing exercises (i.e. cyclic hyperventilation with or without prolonged breath retention) by either the creator of the intervention or an independent trainer. In a subsequent study, 48 healthy male volunteers were randomized to cold exposure training, training in the established optimal breathing exercise, a combination of both, or no training. All 48 subjects were subsequently intravenously challenged with 2 ng/kg lipopolysaccharide to induce endotoxaemia. Results - Both breathing exercises were equally effective in enhancing plasma adrenaline concentrations and this response was also independent from the length of the training or the individual who provided it. Cold exposure training alone did not result in relevant modulation of the endotoxin-induced cytokine response, although flu-like symptoms were markedly reduced compared with the untrained group. Whereas subjects who received training in the breathing exercise alone displayed attenuated plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β (-34%, -14%, -48%, -37%, and -28%, respectively) during endotoxemia, combined training resulted in enhanced concentrations of anti-inflammatory IL-10 (+44%) and reduced concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β (-32%, -35%, -30%, -48%, -29%, -35%, -30%, respectively) compared with untrained individuals. Conclusions - The combination of cold exposure training and a hyperventilation breathing exercise attenuates the in vivo inflammatory response most potently. Our study demonstrates that the immunomodulatory effects of the intervention can be reproduced in a standardized manner, thereby paving the way for clinical trials. Trial registration - Both studies described in this manuscript are registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (breathing exercises study: NCT02417155; experimental human endotoxaemia study: NCT03240497).