bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of an immune-related prognostic signature for ovarian cancer based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: An Yuanyuan , Yang Qing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal diseases of women. The prognosis of ovarian cancer patients was closely correlated with immune cell expression and immune responses. Therefore, it is important to identify a robust prognostic signature, which not only correlates with prognoses but also with immune responses in ovarian cancer, thus, providing immune-related patient therapies.
Methods

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify candidate genes correlated with ovarian cancer prognoses. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were used to construct the prognostic signature. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to predict survival, and the immune-related bioinformatics analysis was performed using R software. The relationship between the signature and clinical parameters was analyzed with GraphPad Prism 7 and SPSS software.
Results

Gene expression from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset was used to perform the WGCNA analysis, and identified candidate prognostic-related genes in patients with ovarian cancer. According to the Cox regression analysis, the prognostic signature was constructed, which divided patients into two groups. The high-risk group showed the least favorable prognosis. Three independent cohorts from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used for the validation studies. According to the immune analyses, the GEO database signatures were significantly correlated with the immune statuses of ovarian cancer patients. By analyzing the combination of the prognostic signature and total mutational burden (TMB), ovarian cancer patients were divided into four groups. In these groups, memory B cell, resting memory CD4 T cell, M2 macrophage, resting mast cell and neutrophil were found significant distinctions among these groups.
Conclusions

This novel signature predicted the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients precisely and independently and showed significant correlations with immune responses. Therefore, this prognostic signature might could indicate targeted immunotherapies for ovarian cancer patients.
Systemic immune-inflammation index predicts prognosis of sequential therapy with sorafenib and regorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hong Young Mi , Cho Mong , Yoon Ki Tae 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Regorafenib has shown promising results as a second-line therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who progressed on sorafenib. Although several data regarding the efficacy of sequential therapy with sorafenib and that of regorafenib in real-life, specific inflammation markers for predicting the prognosis have not been studied. This study aimed to investigate prognostic value of systemic inflammatory markers in patients with HCC who received sorafenib-regorafenib sequential therapy.
Methods

We retrospectively analyzed medical data of patients who received regorafenib for the treatment of HCC after sorafenib failure. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the factors associated with survival.
Results

A total of 58 patients who received at least one dose of regroafenib and fulfilled the eligibility criteria, good performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] 0–1) and preserved liver function (Child-Pugh-A), were included in the analysis. The median PFS was 3 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.981–5.019) and the median OS was 8 months (95% CI = 5.761–10.239). Elevated systemic immune-inflammation index (SII ≥ 340) was independently associated with poor OS. In multivariate analysis, the SII (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.211, 95% CI = 1.089–4.489, P = 0.028) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (HR = 2.750, 95% CI = 1.259–6.010, P = 0.011) were independent predictors of OS.
Conclusion

Elevated SII is associated with poor OS in patients with HCC who received sequential therapy with sorafenib and regorafenib. In addition, when selecting a treatment strategy, the SII can be used in combination with the AFP level as a promising prognostic tool for HCC.
Development and validation of a novel ten-gene signature predicting prognosis in Hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Guanbao , Lu Genjie , Yang Liang , Lu Yangfang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer with relatively poor prognosis. Thus, we aimed to identify novel molecular biomarkers to effectively predict the prognosis of HCC patients and eventually guide treatment. Methods: Prognosis-associated genes were determined by Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses using the expression and clinical data of 373 HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and validated in an independent Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. The classification of AML was performed by unsupervised hierarchical clustering of ten gene expression levels. A prognostic risk score was established based on a linear combination of ten gene expression levels using the regression coefficients derived from the multivariate Cox regression models. Results: A total of 183 genes were significantly associated with prognosis in HCC. SLC25A15, RAB8A, GOT2, SORBS2, IL18RAP were top five protective genes, while FHL3, AMD1, DCAF13, UBE2E1, PTDSS2 were top five risk genes in HCC. SLC25A15, GOT2, IL18RAP were significantly down-regulated and DCAF13, PTDSS2 and SORBS2 were significantly up-regulated in the HCC samples and these genes exhibited high accuracy in differentiating HCC tissues from normal liver tissues. Hierarchical clustering analysis of the ten genes discovered three clusters of HCC patients. HCC tumors of cluster1 and 2 were significantly associated with more favourable OS than those of cluster3, cluster2 tumors showed higher pathologic stage than cluster3 tumors. The risk score was predictive of increased mortality rate in HCC patients. Conclusions: The ten-gene signature and the risk score may turn out to be novel molecular biomarkers and stratification of HCC patients to considerably ameliorate the prognostic prediction.
Effect of Autologous Fibrin Glue on Seroma Reduction after Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Faisal Mohammed , Salem Sara , Kamel Noha , Zaher Haidy Abd El- , Bakr Ahmed Abo , fathy hamada 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer stands out as the second most common cancer in the world with incidence 35.1% of all malignancies among females in Egypt. Fluid build-up after breast surgery is still the most annoying complication which leads to worse outcome. We aimed to evaluate whether autologous fibrin glue might lessen the formation of seroma following modified radical mastectomy. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial designed to configure the effect of autologous fibrin glue given in the study group using the drain in comparison to a control group who received the drain only; seroma volume was calculated every 24 hrs. For all of the cases. The drains were removed when the daily drainage was less than 30 ml for 3 consecutive days. Results: We recruited 30 patients to each of the two groups. Age, pathology, breast cancer stage, number of lymph nodes and tumour size did not differ significantly between groups. A comparison of the median days to drain removal showed 8 days reduction in median days to drain removal compared in the intervention group (7 days) than the control (15 days). The patients in the fibrin glue group had a significantly lower cumulative drain output volume (mean ± SD of 505.6 ± 209.3 ml) than those in the control group (1674.1 ± 1373.8 ml). Additionally, the patients treated with fibrin glue had a significantly shorter postoperative length of stay (8.5 (7–10) days) than the controls (15 (10–23) days. Conclusions: Autologous fibrin glue significantly decrease seroma formation post-modified radical mastectomy. Research Registry Unique Identifying Number: researchregistry5372.
Preoperative neoadjuvant targeted therapy for inoperable differentiated thyroid cancer: a case report
Authors: Zhang Yingchao , Deng Xianzhao , Ding Zheng , Niu Yiqi , Hou Jianzhong , Kang Jie , Wu Bo , Yang Zhili , Guo Bomin , Fan Youben 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The majority of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has good prognosis after a careful standardized therapy according to the current guidelines. However, approximately 13% to 15% of DTC shows surprisingly aggressive behavior and invades the surrounding structures, and then a few is very difficult to remove. In that specific context, preoperative neoadjuvant targeted therapy may improve the clinical stage and create an opportunity for operation.Case presentation: We reported a case of 64-year-old woman with locally advanced papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) who presented with dysphagia due to seemingly unresectable tumor, which severely invaded the left esophagus at the junction of neck and thorax, difficult to undergo a safe and complete removal. With an approvement of institution ethics committee, this patient was treated with neoadjuvant therapy (apatinib 500mg orally qd).Six weeks later, the tumor dramatically shrunk from 56*37mm to 29*26mm with well-controlled mild hypertension. After 10 days interval of apatinib withdrawal, complete tumor excision was accomplished without esophagus fistula. Postoperative inhibition and radioiodine 131I ablation were performed. At one-year follow-up evaluation, no tumor recurrence or metastasis was observed.Conclusion: Preoperative short-termed targeted treatment for locally advanced inoperable DTC may become a promising neoadjuvant therapy, which can reduce the tumor size and decrease stage, thus being convenient for complete and safe removal.
The Phlebotomus Papatasi Transcriptomic Response to Trypanosomatid-contaminated Blood is Robust but non-specific
Authors: Sloan Megan A. , Sadlova Jovana , Lestinova Tereza , Sanders Mandy J. , Cotton James A. , Volf Petr , Ligoxygakis Petros 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis, caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania, is a disease that effects up to 8 million people worldwide. Parasites are transmitted to human and animal hosts through the bite of an infected sand fly. Novel strategies for disease control, require a better understanding of the key step for transmission namely, the establishment of infection inside the fly.Methods In this work we wanted to identify fly transcriptomic signatures associated with infected blood meal with non-infected blood meal as our baseline. We used next generation sequencing to describe the transcriptome of the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi when fed with blood alone or with blood containing one of three trypanosomatids: Leishmania major, Leishmania donovani and Herpetomonas muscarum: a parasite not transmitted to humans.Results Of these, only L. major was able to successfully establish an infection in P. papatasi. However, the transcriptional signatures observed were not specific to success or failure of infection but a generalised response to the blood meal.Conclusions This implies that sand flies perceive Leishmania as just one feature of their microbiome landscape and that any strategy to tackle transmission should focus on the response towards the blood meal rather than parasite establishment. This result will generate new thinking around the concept of stopping transmission by controlling the parasite inside the insect.
Family planning uptake in Kagera and Mara regions in Tanzania: a cross-sectional community survey
Authors: Massenga Joseph Batholomeo , Norohna Ritha , Awadhi Bayoum , Bishanga Dunstan , Safari Oliva , Njonge Lusekelo , Kim Young-Mi , Roosmalen Jos Van , de Akker Thomas Van 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIn Tanzania, 27.1% of all women of reproductive age are currently using modern contraception, and 16.8% have an unmet need for family planning. We therefore examined factors associated with family planning uptake after giving birth in two regions of Tanzania.MethodsSub-analysis of a cross-sectional household survey conducted in April 2016 in Mara and Kagera regions in Tanzania. A total of 1184 women aged 15-49 years, who had given birth less than two years prior to the survey were included. Logistic regression mixed effect modelling was used to examine factors associated with family planning uptake. Univariate analysis was used to present crude effects of covariates, followed by stepwise forward selection to build a multiple logistic regression model. A p-value ≥ 0.20 was applied as the criterion to retain a variable into the model.ResultsAmong 1184 women within two years after giving birth, 393 (33.2%) used family planning methods. After adjusting for (1) age, (2) level of education, (3) living in union, (4) being accompanied to ANC by a partner and (5) being able to mention at least one method, factors independently associated with family planning uptake included: (1) having discussed family planning with the partner (aOR 2.90; 95% CI 1.88-4.49), (2) having been counselled on family planning during ANC (aOR 2.15; 95% CI 1.48-3.13), (3) having discussed family planning with a community health worker (aOR 3.32; 95% CI 1.91-5.77), (4) having discussed family planning with a facility health care worker (aOR 1.79; 95% CI 1.22-2.62), (5) having primary or higher educational level (aOR 1.66; 95% CI 1.01-2.273) and (6) being in union (aOR 1.86; 95% CI 1.02-3.42).ConclusionSupportive constitutes including educational interaction with facility and community health workers, as well as having a supportive partner are facilitators to increased uptake of family planning among women in Tanzania
Validation of Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification for the Detection of Loa loa Infection in Chrysops sp in Experimental and Natural Field Conditions
Authors: Amambo Glory Ngongeh , Abong Raphael Awah , Fombad Fanny Fri , Njouendou Abdel Jelil , Nietcho Franck , Beng Amuam Andrew , Ritter Manuel , Esum Mathias Eyong , Deribe Kebede , Cho Jerome Fru , Enyong Peter Ivo , Poole Catherine , Hoerauf Achim , Carlow Clotilde , Wanji Samuel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background/ObjectiveThe Mass Drug Administration of ivermectin for onchocerciasis control has contributed to a significant drop in Loa loa microfilaria loads in humans that led to reduction of the levels of infection in Chrysops vectors. Accurate parasite detection is essential for the success of any filariasis control program. Although microscopy is the gold standard for detecting the infection, its sensitivity is compromised when the intensity of infection is low. The Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of parasite DNA is an alternative method for detecting infection which offers operational simplicity, rapidity and versatility of visual readout options. This study aimed at validating the Loa loa LAMP assay for the detection of infected Chrysops spp. under experimental and natural field conditions. MethodsTwo sets of 18 flies were fed on volunteers with either a low (<10mf/ml) or high (>30,000mf/ml) microfilarial load. The fed flies were maintained under laboratory conditions for 14 days and then analysed with LAMP for the detection of L. loa infection. In addition, a total of 9,270 flies were collected from the North West, East, and South West regions of Cameroon using sweep nets and subjected to microscopy (7,841 flies) and LAMP (1,291 flies plus 138 nulliparous flies) analyses. FindingsLAMP assay successfully detected parasites in Chrysops fed on both low and high microfilariaemic volunteers. Field validation and surveillance studies phase revealed LAMP-based infection rates ranging from 0,5 % to 31.6 %, with the lowest levels in the South West 2 and highest infection rates in South West 1. LAMP assay detected significantly higher infection rates than microscopy in 4 of 5 study sites. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that LAMP is a simple surveillance tool, and is more sensitive than microscopy for the detection of experimental and natural L. loa infections in Chrysops vectors.
Structure-based Discovery of Potential Inhibitors Targeting Sodium-bile Acid Co-transporter of Carcinogenic Liver Fluke Clonorchis Sinensis
Authors: Yoo Won Gi , Dai Fuhong , Pak Jhang Ho , Hong Sung-Jong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Clonorchis sinensis requires bile acid transporters as this fluke inhabits bile juice-filled biliary ducts, which provide an extreme environment. C. sinensis sodium-bile acid co-transporter (CsSBAT) is indispensable for survival in the final host, as it circulates taurocholate and prevents bile toxicity in the fluke; hence, it is recognized as a useful drug target.Results: In the present study, using structure-based drug discovery approach, we presented inhibitor candidates targeting a bile acid-binding pocket of CsSBAT. CsSBAT models were built using comparative tertiary structure modeling based on a bile acid transporter template (PDB ID: 3zuy and 4n7x), and were applied into AutoDock Vina for competitive docking simulation. First, potential compounds were identified from PubChem (holding more than 100,000 compounds) by applying three criteria: i) interacting more favorably with CsSBAT than with a human homolog, ii) intimate interaction to the inward- and outward-facing conformational states, iii) binding with CsSBAT more preferably than natural bile acids. Second, two compounds were identified following Lipinski’s rule of five. Third, another two compounds of molecular weight higher than 500 Da (Mr > 500 Da) were presumed to efficiently block the transporter via a feasible rational screening strategy. These four inhibitor candidates exhibited least toxicity that may enhance drug-likeness properties.Conclusion: It is proposed that four compounds act as potential inhibitors toward CsSBAT, and further studies are warranted for drug development process against clonorchiasis.
Explaining Factors Affecting Help-Seeking Behaviors in Women with Urinary Incontinence for Early Diagnosis by Healthcare Providers: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Fakari Fahimeh Rashidi , Hajian Sepideh , Darvish Soodabeh , Majd Hamid Alavi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Urinary incontinence is widely accepted to be among the most important issues in the global health system. However, only a limited number of women refer for treatment as different factors make help-seeking behaviors more complicated than they initially seem to be. The aim of this study was to explain the factors affecting help-seeking behaviors in women suffering from urinary incontinence.Methods: The present study used a qualitative method, the conventional content analysis approach, and in-depth semi-structured interviews. The study was conducted between December 2018 and August 2019 in Tehran, Iran. The participants of the study included 34 women with urinary incontinence selected using purposive sampling method. The content analysis approach was based on the Graneheim and Lundman method, and qualitative data management software was used to analyze data.Results: Data analysis illustrates two facilitating and deterring themes; the categories "not perceiving disease ", "shame", "negative influence of important others", and "the health care system" were among the deterrents and the categories "weakening the quality of life" and "positive effect of important others" were found to be facilitators.Conclusions: The findings of the present study highlight the need for understanding the underlying facilitators and obstacles to help-seeking behaviors in women with urinary incontinence and suggest that healthcare providers consider an open dialogue with patients taking into account their subjective beliefs and life context during routine referrals so as to facilitate early diagnosis of the disease and ultimately lead to an improvement in the woman's quality of life.
A Prospective Case Control Study To Evaluate The CRADLE Vital Signs Alert Device For Detection Of Patients With Clinically Important Malaria In Refugee Settings
Authors: Kuhrt Katy , Seed Paul T , Shennan Andrew H 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Malaria is a significant threat to refugee populations. Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, Northern Uganda hosts 223 000 of Uganda’s 1.4 million refugees, vulnerable to malaria due to crowded conditions and limited access to preventative measures and health care. Early detection and referral of suspected malaria cases is key to reducing associated morbidity and mortality. We therefore aimed to evaluate shock index (heart rate/ systolic blood pressure), calculated by the CRADLE Vital Signs Alert (VSA) device, an easy-to-use blood pressure and heart rate monitor, for detection of malaria as grounds for whether the device could be used for low cost identification and referral of patients by non-medically trained Village Health Team workers (VHTs).Methods: CRADLE VSA devices and related training were delivered to all health facilities and VHTs in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement from April to August 2018. CRADLE VSA readings was performed as part of routine patient assessment. CRADLE VSA data (blood pressure, heart rate) and assigned diagnoses were collected from health facility data record books and shock index calculated for each case. Cases were grouped into predefined disease categories, including malaria and severe malaria. A control group consisted of refugees undergoing asymptomatic screening using the CRADLE VSA. Average shock index was calculated for cases and controls and prespecified disease categories, and predictive statistics to evaluate shock index for prediction of malaria and severe malaria.Results: Five hundred and eighty-seven CRADLE VSA devices were delivered. Malaria accounted for 26% (915/3577) of cases and had the highest shock index compared to other disease categories. Positive likelihood ratios for shock index using a threshold of greater than or equal to 0.9 were 5 and 11 for malaria and severe malaria respectively.Conclusion: Malaria accounted for over a quarter of cases. Positive likelihood ratios indicated that patients with shock index greater than or equal to 0.9 were 5 and 11 times more likely to be suffering from malaria and severe malaria respectively, indicating that the CRADLE VSA could be used by non-medically trained VHTs to identify patients likely to have malaria, and those most at risk of severe disease needing urgent referral. Trial Registration: This is an observational study and therefore does not have or require a trial registration. Appropriate permissions were granted by UN Refugee Council, Ministry of Health and Office of the Prime Minister.