bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative identification of clinicopathological prognostic factors for relapse-free survival in clinical N1 non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective single center-based study
Authors: Aragaki Masato , Kato Tatsuya , Fujiwara-Kuroda Aki , Hida Yasuhiro , Kaga Kichizo , Wakasa Satoru 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Given the difficulty in preoperatively diagnosing lymph node metastasis, patients with Stage I–III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are likely to be included in the clinical N1 (cN1) group. However, better treatment options might be selected through further stratification. This study aimed to identify preoperative clinicopathological prognostic and stratification factors for patients with cN1 NSCLC.

Methods
This retrospective study evaluated 60 patients who were diagnosed with NSCLC during 2004–2014. Clinical nodal status had been evaluated using routine chest computed tomography (CT) and/or positron emission tomography (PET). To avoid biasing the fluorodeoxyglucose uptake values based on inter-institution or inter-model differences, we used only two PET systems (one PET system and one PET/CT system). Relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were the primary study outcomes. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was calculated for each tumor and categorized as low or high based on the median value. Patient sex, age, histology, tumor size, and tumor markers were also assessed.

Results
Poor OS was associated with older age (P = 0.0159) and high SUVmax values (P = 0.0142). Poor RFS was associated with positive carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) expression (P = 0.0035) and high SUVmax values (P = 0.015). Multivariate analyses confirmed that poor OS was independently predicted by older age (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.751, confidence interval [CI]: 1.300–5.822; P = 0.0081) and high SUVmax values (HR = 5.121, 95% CI: 1.759–14.910; P = 0.0027). Furthermore, poor RFS was independently predicted by positive CEA expression (HR = 2.376, 95% CI: 1.056–5.348; P = 0.0366) and high SUVmax values (HR = 2.789, 95% CI: 1.042–7.458; P = 0.0410). The primary tumor’s SUVmax value was also an independent prognostic factor for both OS and RFS.

Conclusions
For patients with cN1 NSCLC, preoperative prognosis and stratification might be performed based on CEA expression, age, and the primary tumor’s SUVmax value. To enhance the prognostic value of the primary tumor’s SUVmax value, minimizing bias between facilities and models could lead to a more accurate prognostication.
Application value of NIPT for uncommon fetal chromosomal abnormalities
Authors: Yin Lianli , Tang Yinghua , Lu Qing , Pan Aiping , Shi Mingfang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the clinical value of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal chromosomal deletion, duplication, and sex chromosome abnormalities.

Methods
The study included 6239 pregnant women with singletons in the first and second trimester of pregnancy who received NIPT from December 2017 to June 2019. For pregnant women at high risk of deletion, duplication, and sex chromosome abnormalities indicated by NIPT, amniocentesis was recommended for karyotype analysis and chromosome copy number variation detection to verify the NIPT results and analyze chromosome abnormalities. Women at low risk and with no other abnormal results continued with their pregnancies.

Results
Among the 6239 pregnant women who received NIPT, there were 15 cases of chromosomal deletion (12 cases confirmed by amniocentesis), 16 cases of chromosomal duplication (9 cases confirmed by amniocentesis), and 17 cases of sex chromosome abnormalities (11 cases confirmed by amniocentesis). Of these cases, 32 were finally confirmed by amniotic fluid cell karyotype analysis. The coincidence rate was 66.7% (32/48). There were no abnormalities found for the remaining low risk pregnant women during follow-up.

Conclusion
NIPT has good application value in predicting fetal chromosomal deletion, duplication, and sex chromosome abnormalities. It can improve the detection rate of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, but further prenatal diagnosis is needed.
Network pharmacology reveals the multiple mechanisms of Xiaochaihu decoction in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hu Qichao , Wei Shizhang , Wen Jianxia , Zhang Wenwen , Jiang Yinxiao , Qu Caiyan , Xiang Junbao , Zhao Yanling , Peng Xi , Ma Xiao 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is a chronic disease worldwide, which poses a huge threat to human health. Xiaochaihu decoction is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine prescription. It has been proven effective in treating NAFLD but its mechanism is still unclear.ObjectiveMultiple mechanisms of Xiaochaihu decoction are explored by identifying and connecting potential targets and active ingredients in the treatment of NAFLD.MethodsActive ingredients and related targets of seven herbs were collected from TCMSP database. The related targets of NAFLD were obtained from Genes cards database, TDD and OMIM database. The intersected targets of disease targets and drug targets were input into STRING database to construct protein-protein interaction network. DAVID database was used for GO enrichment analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis.ResultsAfter screening and removal of duplicates, a total of 145 active ingredients and 105 potential targets were obtained. PPI network manifested that AKT1, IL6, JUN MAPK8 and STAT3 were the key target proteins. The results of GO enrichment analysis mainly involved cytokine receptor binding, cytokine activity, and heme binding. The results of KEGG analysis suggested that the mechanism mainly involved in AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, Hepatitis C, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis. The signaling pathways were further integrated as network manner, including AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, Insulin resistance, HIF-1 signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17 signaling pathway. The network contained immunity regulation, metabolism regulation and oxidative stress regulation.ConclusionXiaochaihu decoction plays a key role in the treatment of NAFLD with multiple targets and pathways. Immunity regulation, metabolism regulation and oxidative stress regulation consist of the crucial regulation cores in mechanism.Graphical abstractDesign and workflow of this study
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of the use of acupuncture for the adjuvant treatment of patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Ruijia , Yu Xudong , Wang Jisheng , Liu Ye , Liu Bowen , Li Xinwei , Wang Yue , Cao Tianyu , Yuan Hongwei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a series of syndromes that meet the diagnostic criteria for cognitive impairment that appear after a stroke. The treatment of PSCI with oral drugs alone is not ideal and has obvious side effects. Therefore, complementary and alternative treatments are needed for patients with insufficient or significant side effects of oral medications. Therefore, we will evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of PSCI.

Methods/design
In this study, patients will be randomly divided into two groups. Intervention group: acupuncture combined with oral medication. Control group: Western medicine treatment plan. All participants will continue to receive conventional drug treatment. The selection of outcomes will be evaluated by Mini Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE) at week 12. The scale will be conducted by two well-trained reviewers who will conduct joint MMSE inspections on participants. The test time will be selected 3 days before treatment and once 4 weeks after treatment. After the MMSE test, the two raters scored independently, and the average of the two was used as the final score.

Discussion
This trial may provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for patients with PSCI.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov ChiCTR2000029926. Registered on 17 February 2020 http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=49356
Humic-acid-driven escape from eye parasites revealed by RNA-seq and target-specific metabarcoding
Authors: Noreikiene Kristina , Ozerov Mikhail , Ahmad Freed , Kõiv Toomas , Kahar Siim , Gross Riho , Sepp Margot , Pellizzone Antonia , Vesterinen Eero J. , Kisand Veljo , Vasemägi Anti 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundNext generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are extensively used to dissect the molecular mechanisms of host-parasite interactions in human pathogens. However, ecological studies have yet to fully exploit the power of NGS as a rich source for formulating and testing new hypotheses.MethodsWe studied Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) and its eye parasite (Trematoda, Diplostomidae) communities in 14 lakes that differed in humic content in order to explore host-parasite-environment interactions. We hypothesised that high humic content along with low pH would decrease the abundance of the intermediate hosts (gastropods), thus limiting the occurrence of diplostomid parasites in humic lakes. This hypothesis was initially invoked by whole eye RNA-seq data analysis and subsequently tested using PCR-based detection and a novel targeted metabarcoding approach.ResultsWhole eye transcriptome results revealed overexpression of immune-related genes and the presence of eye parasite sequences in RNA-seq data obtained from perch living in clear-water lakes. Both PCR-based and targeted-metabarcoding approach showed that perch from humic lakes were completely free from diplostomid parasites, while the prevalence of eye flukes in clear-water lakes that contain low amounts of humic substances was close to 100%, with the majority of NGS reads assigned toTylodelphys clavata.ConclusionsHigh intraspecific diversity ofT. clavataindicates that massively parallel sequencing of naturally pooled samples represents an efficient and powerful strategy for shedding light on cryptic diversity of eye parasites. Our results demonstrate that perch populations in clear-water lakes experience contrasting eye parasite pressure compared to those from humic lakes, which is reflected by prevalent differences in the expression of immune-related genes in the eye. This study highlights the utility of NGS to discover novel host-parasite-environment interactions and provide unprecedented power to characterize the molecular diversity of cryptic parasites.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown on invasive meningococcal disease
Authors: Taha Muhamed-Kheir , Deghmane Ala-Eddine 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective
Few data are available on the association between SARS-CoV-2 and secondary bacterial infections. Such an association was described for flu and invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). We aimed exploring such a correlation between COVID-19 and IMD as well as the impact of the lockdown on IMD.

Results
We compared IMD cases received at the French National Reference Centre for meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae that are sent as part of the mandatory reporting of IMD. We compared these data during the period 01 January-15 May 2020 to those from the same period in 2018 and 2019. IMD cases that were associated with respiratory presentations significantly increased in 2020 compared to 2018 (P = 0.029) and 2019 (P = 0.002), involved elderly and were due to unusual isolates. However, IMD cases due to hyperinvasive isolates decreased during the lockdown. Enhancing IMD surveillance and anti-meningococcal vaccination in elderly should be addressed.
Initial evaluation of (4S)-4-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-l-glutamate (FSPG) PET/CT imaging in patients with head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Park Sonya Y. , Mosci Camila , Kumar Meena , Wardak Mirwais , Koglin Norman , Bullich Santiago , Mueller Andre , Berndt Mathias , Stephens Andrew W. , Chin Frederick T. , Gambhir Sanjiv S. , Mittra Erik S. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Purpose
(4S)-4-(3-[18F]Fluoropropyl)-l-glutamic acid ([18F]FSPG) measures system xC− transporter activity and shows promise for oncologic imaging. We present data on tumor uptake of this radiopharmaceutical in human subjects with head and neck cancer (HNC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Methods
A total of 15 subjects with HNC (n = 5), CRC (n = 5), or NHL (n = 5) were recruited (mean age 66.2 years, range 44–87 years). 301.4 ± 28.1 MBq (8.1 ± 0.8 mCi) of [18F]FSPG was given intravenously to each subject, and 3 PET/CT scans were obtained 0–2 h post-injection. All subjects also had a positive [18F]FDG PET/CT scan within 1 month prior to the [18F]FSPG PET scan. Semi-quantitative and visual comparisons of the [18F]FSPG and [18F]FDG scans were performed.

Results
[18F]FSPG showed strong uptake in all but one HNC subject. The lack of surrounding brain uptake facilitated tumor delineation in the HNC patients. [18F]FSPG also showed tumor uptake in all CRC subjects, but variable uptake in the NHL subjects. While the absolute [18F]FDG SUV values were comparable or higher than [18F]FSPG, the tumor-to-background SUV ratios were greater with [18F]FSPG than [18F]FDG.

Conclusions
[18F]FSPG PET/CT showed promising results across 15 subjects with 3 different cancer types. Concordant visualization was mostly observed between [18F]FSPG and [18F]FDG PET/CT images, with some inter- and intra-individual uptake variability potentially reflecting differences in tumor biology. The tumor-to-background ratios were greater with [18F]FSPG than [18F]FDG in the cancer types evaluated. Future studies based on larger numbers of subjects and those with a wider array of primary and recurrent or metastatic tumors are planned to further evaluate the utility of this novel tracer.
The impact of critical illness on the expiratory muscles and the diaphragm assessed by ultrasound in mechanical ventilated children
Authors: IJland Marloes M. , Lemson Joris , van der Hoeven Johannes G. , Heunks Leo M. A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Critical illness has detrimental effects on the diaphragm, but the impact of critical illness on other major muscles of the respiratory pump has been largely neglected. This study aimed to determine the impact of critical illness on the most important muscles of the respiratory muscle pump, especially on the expiratory muscles in children during mechanical ventilation. In addition, the correlation between changes in thickness of the expiratory muscles and the diaphragm was assessed.

Methods
This longitudinal observational cohort study performed at a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit included 34 mechanical ventilated children (> 1 month– < 18 years). Thickness of the diaphragm and expiratory muscles (obliquus interna, obliquus externa, transversus abdominis and rectus abdominis) was assessed daily using ultrasound. Contractile activity was estimated from muscle thickening fraction during the respiratory cycle.

Results
Over the first 4 days, both diaphragm and expiratory muscles thickness decreased (> 10%) in 44% of the children. Diaphragm and expiratory muscle thickness increased (> 10%) in 26% and 20% of the children, respectively. No correlation was found between contractile activity of the muscles and the development of atrophy. Furthermore, no correlation was found between changes in thickness of the diaphragm and the expiratory muscles (P = 0.537). Decrease in expiratory muscle thickness was significantly higher in patients failing extubation compared to successful extubation (− 34% vs − 4%, P = 0.014).

Conclusions
Changes in diaphragm and expiratory muscles thickness develop rapidly after the initiation of mechanical ventilation. Changes in thickness of the diaphragm and expiratory muscles were not significantly correlated. These data provide a unique insight in the effects of critical illness on the respiratory muscle pump in children.
A systematic review of the barriers to and facilitators of the use of evidence by philanthropists when determining which charities (including health charities or programmes) to fund
Authors: Greenhalgh Caroline , Montgomery Paul 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Philanthropists, charity leaders and policy-makers have increasingly recognised that the process of giving resources needs to be grounded in evidence—sometimes referred to as ‘evidence-based’ or ‘data-driven’ philanthropy. Yet few philanthropists practise evidence-based philanthropy, and some contend that there is insufficient evidence on which to base their funding decisions. This review aims to identify factors that promote or limit the use of evidence by philanthropists and to rigorously evaluate all existing research on this issue.

Objectives
To identify, synthesise, and evaluate appropriate and rigorous research, examining factors which act as barriers to or facilitators of the use of evidence by philanthropists.

Methods
This review was conducted according to Cochrane standards and reported following PRISMA guidelines. The review protocol was pre-registered (dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.wbsfane). We searched 10 interdisciplinary databases using a highly sensitive search strategy, developed in consultation with an information scientist. We also contacted experts and searched a range of websites. Studies were included if they comprised primary research into or systematic reviews of the barriers to and facilitators of the use of evidence by philanthropists or funders when determining which charities (including health charities or programmes) to fund. All studies were appraised for quality, and the results synthesised using thematic analysis.

Results
Of 686 studies identified through database and hand searching, nine met inclusion criteria. The thematic summary identified three main barriers to philanthropists or funders using evidence: (1) inadequate knowledge transfer and difficulties accessing evidence, (2) challenges in understanding the evidence and (3) insufficient resources. The three key factors that expedite the use of evidence are (1) improved knowledge transfer and more accessible/relevant high-quality information, (2) access to professional advisors and networks and (3) broadening the definition of what counts as credible evidence along with standardisation of reporting.

Conclusions
The authors of this review found several compelling arguments for promoting the use of evidence by philanthropists to inform their philanthropy. If evidence-based philanthropy is to flourish, then they recommed the following actions: Firstly, philanthropy should be underpinned by a commitment to 'do no harm'. Secondly, the definition of evidence should be expanded and funding decisions based upon consideration of 'all available evidence'. Finally, there should be more investment in synthesizing evidence and in the infrastructure for knowledge transfer.
Dynamics of COVID-19 mathematical model with stochastic perturbation
Authors: Zhang Zizhen , Zeb Anwar , Hussain Sultan , Alzahrani Ebraheem 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAcknowledging many effects on humans, which are ignored in deterministic models for COVID-19, in this paper, we consider stochastic mathematical model for COVID-19. Firstly, the formulation of a stochastic susceptible–infected–recovered model is presented. Secondly, we devote with full strength our concentrated attention to sufficient conditions for extinction and persistence. Thirdly, we examine the threshold of the proposed stochastic COVID-19 model, when noise is small or large. Finally, we show the numerical simulations graphically using MATLAB.
The relationship of test takers’ learning motivation, attitudes towards the actual test use and test performance of the College English Test in China
Authors: Bai Ying 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTest takers’ individual characteristics may have a significant impact on their test performance (e.g. Bachman & Palmer, Language assessment in practice: Developing language assessments and justifying their use in the real world, 2010). However, given their dynamic and context-sensitive nature, different variables of test takers’ individual characteristics were explored in previous empirical research and the multivariate relationships among these variables and test performance varied in different research contexts. This study explored the relationships of test takers’ English learning motivation, attitudes towards the actual test use of the College English Test (CET), a high-stakes test in China, and their test performance. The findings revealed two distinctive dimensions with regards to English leaning motivation and embedded value implications in test use. Meanwhile, test takers’ test performance was positively and negatively affected by their supportive attitudes towards the actual test use of the CET and test-related learning motivation, respectively.
Trans-synaptic and retrograde axonal spread of Lewy pathology following pre-formed fibril injection in an in vivo A53T alpha-synuclein mouse model of synucleinopathy
Authors: Schaser Allison J. , Stackhouse Teresa L. , Weston Leah J. , Kerstein Patrick C. , Osterberg Valerie R. , López Claudia S. , Dickson Dennis W. , Luk Kelvin C. , Meshul Charles K. , Woltjer Randall L. , Unni Vivek K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIt is necessary to develop an understanding of the specific mechanisms involved in alpha-synuclein aggregation and propagation to develop disease modifying therapies for age-related synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. To adequately address this question, we developed a new transgenic mouse model of synucleinopathy that expresses human A53T SynGFP under control of the mouse prion protein promoter. Our characterization of this mouse line demonstrates that it exhibits several distinct advantages over other, currently available, mouse models. This new model allows rigorous study of the initial location of Lewy pathology formation and propagation in the living brain, and strongly suggests that aggregation begins in axonal structures with retrograde propagation to the cell body. This model also shows expeditious development of alpha-synuclein pathology following induction with small, in vitro-generated alpha-synuclein pre-formed fibrils (PFFs), as well as accelerated cell death of inclusion-bearing cells. Using this model, we found that aggregated alpha-synuclein somatic inclusions developed first in neurons, but later showed a second wave of inclusion formation in astrocytes. Interestingly, astrocytes appear to survive much longer after inclusion formation than their neuronal counterparts. This model also allowed careful study of peripheral-to-central spread of Lewy pathology after PFF injection into the hind limb musculature. Our results clearly show evidence of progressive, retrograde trans-synaptic spread of Lewy pathology through known neuroanatomically connected pathways in the motor system. As such, we have developed a promising tool to understand the biology of neurodegeneration associated with alpha-synuclein aggregation and to discover new treatments capable of altering the neurodegenerative disease course of synucleinopathies.