bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The long-term efficacy of one-shot neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with radical cystectomy versus radical cystectomy alone for bladder cancer: a propensity-score matching study
Authors: Wahafu Wasilijiang , Liu Sai , Xu Wenbin , Wang Mengtong , He Qingbao , Song Liming , Wang Mingshuai , Yang Feiya , Hua Lin , Niu Yinong , Xing Nianzeng 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Bladder cancer is a complex disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. The management of bladder cancer before radical cystectomy continues to be controversial. We compared the long-term efficacy of one-shot neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC)versus no IAC (NIAC) before radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent either one-shot IAC or NIAC before RC between October 2006 and November 2015. Propensity-score matching (1:3) was performed based on key characteristics. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to estimate survival probabilities, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival outcomes between different groups. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate survival outcomes.

Results: Twenty-six patients were treated using IAC before RC, and 123 NIAC patients also underwent RC. After matching, there was no significant difference between the groups in baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, complication outcomes or tumour characteristics. Compared with the clinical tumour stages, the pathological tumour stages demonstrated a significant decrease (P=0.002) in the IAC group. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS, p=0.354) or cancer-specific survival (CSS, p=0.439) between the groups. Among all patients, BMI significantly affected OS (p=0.004), and positive lymph nodes (PLN) significantly affected both OS(p＜0.001) and CSS (p=0.010).

Conclusions: One-shot neoadjuvant IAC before RC shows safety and tolerability and provides a significant advantage in pathological downstaging but not in OS or CSS. Further study of neoadjuvant combination therapeutic strategies with RC is needed.
Trends in prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence against women in Zimbabwe, 2005-2015
Authors: Mukamana Jeanette Iman'ishimwe , Machakanja Pamela , Adjei Nicholas Kofi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread problem affecting all cultures and socioeconomic groups. This study explored the trends in prevalence and risk factors associated with IPV among Zimbabwean women of reproductive age (15-49 years) from 2005-2015.
Methods: Data from the 2005/2006, 2010/2011 and 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) on 13,409 women (survey year: 2005/2006; n=4,081), (survey year: 2010/2011; n=4,411) and (survey year: 2015; n=4,917) were analyzed. Multiple logistic regressions and hierarchical modelling techniques were applied to examine the associations between demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, media exposure and IPV against women. We further estimated IPV prevalence by type (physical, sexual and emotional) over time.
Results: The prevalence of IPV decreased from 45.2% in 2005 to 40.9% in 2010, and then increased to 43.1% in 2015. Some of the risk factors associated with IPV were younger age, low economic status, cohabitation and rural residence. Educational attainment of women was however not significantly associated with IPV.
Conclusions: The findings indicate that women of reproductive age are at high and increasing risk of physical and emotional violence. There is thus an urgent need for an integrated policy approach to address the rise of IPV related physical and emotional violence against women in Zimbabwe.
Keywords: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV); Trends; Risk factors; Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS); Zimbabwe
Genetic Regulatory Networks for Salt-Alkali Stress in Gossypium hirsutum With Differing Morphological Characteristics
Authors: Xu Yanchao , Magwanga Richard , Yang Xiu , Jin Dingsha , Cai Xiaoyan , Zhou Zhongli , Hou Yuqing , Wei Yangyang , Wang Kunbo , Liu Fang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Cotton grows in altering environments that are often unfavorable or stressful for its growth and development. Consequently, the plant must cope with abiotic stresses such as soil salinity, drought, and excessive temperatures. Alkali-salt stress response remains a cumbersome biological process and is regulated via a multifaceted transcriptional regulatory network in cotton Results To discover the molecular mechanisms of alkali-salt stress response in cotton, a comprehensive transcriptome analysis was carried out after alkali-salt stress treatment in three accessions of Gossypium hirsutum with contrasting phenotype. Expression level analysis proved that alkali-salt stress response presented significant stage-specific and tissue-specific. GO enrichment analysis typically suggested that signal transduction process involved in salt-alkali stress response at SS3 and SS12 stages in leaf; carbohydrate metabolic process and oxidation-reduction process involved in SS48 stages in leaf; the oxidation-reduction process involved at all three phases in the root. The Co-expression analysis suggested a potential GhSOS3/GhCBL10-SOS2 network was involved in salt-alkali stress response. Furthermore, Salt-alkali sensitivity was increased in GhSOS3 and GhCBL10 Virus-induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) plants. Conclusion The findings may facilitate to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of alkali-salt stress response and provide an available resource to scrutinize the role of candidate genes and signaling pathway governing alkali-salt stress response Keywords: Alkali-Salt Stress; RNA-Seq; Gene Co-Expression; Gossypium Hirsutum Races; WGCNA
Transcriptomic analysis of α-synuclein knockdown after T3 spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Zeng Hong , Yu Bao-fu , Liu Nan , Yang Yan-yan , Xing Hua-yi , Liu Xiao-xie , Zhou Mouwang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Background
Endogenous α-synuclein (α-Syn) is involved in many pathophysiological processes in the secondary injury stage after acute spinal cord injury (SCI), and the mechanism governing these functions has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. This research aims to characterize the effect of α-Syn knockdown on transcriptional levels after SCI and to determine the mechanisms underlying α-Syn activity based on RNA-seq.
Result
The establishment of a rat model of lentiviral vector-mediated knockdown of α-Syn in Sprague-Dawley rats with T3 spinal cord contusion (LV_SCI group). The results of the RNA-seq analysis showed that there were 337 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the SCI group and the LV_SCI group, and 153 DEGs specific to LV_SCI between the (SCI vs LV_SCI) and (SCI vs CON) comparisons . The top 20 biological transition terms were identified by Gene ontology (GO) analysis. The Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia (KEGG) analysis showed that the LV_SCI group significantly upregulated the cholinergic synaptic & nicotine addiction and the neuroactive ligand receptor interaction signaling pathway. Enriched chord analysis analyzes key genes. Further cluster analysis, gene and protein interaction network analysis and RT-qPCR results showed that Chrm2 and Chrnb2 together significantly in both pathways. The proliferation of muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtype 2 (Chrm2) and nicotinic cholinergic receptor subtype β2 (Chrnb2), and the neurogenesis were elevated in the injury site of LV_SCI group by immunofluorescence. Further by subcellular localization, the LV_SCI group enhanced the expression of Chrnb2 at the cell membrane.
Conclusion
Knockdown of α-Syn after SCI enhance motor function and promote neurogenesis probably through enhancing cholinergic signaling pathways and neuroreceptor interactions. This study not only further clarifies the understanding of the mechanism of knockdown of α-Syn on SCI but also helps to guide the treatment strategy for SCI.
Where have all the susceptible gonococci gone? A historical review of changes in MIC distribution over the past 75 years
Authors: Kenyon Chris , Laumen Jolein , Bossche Dorien Van Den , Dijck Christophe Van 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background

Does the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae include the erasure of highly susceptible strains or does it merely involve a stretching of the MIC distribution? If it was the former this would be important to know as it would increase the probability that the loss of susceptibility is irreversible.Methods

We conducted a historical analysis based on a literature review of changes of N. gonorrhoeae MIC distribution over the past 75 years for 3 antimicrobials (benzylpenicillin, ceftriaxone and azithromycin) in five countries (Denmark, Japan, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States).Results

Changes in MIC distribution were most marked for benzylpenicillin and showed evidence of a right shifting of MIC distribution that was associated with a reduction/elimination of susceptible strains in all countries. In the case of ceftriaxone and azithromycin, where only more recent data was available, right shifting was also found in all countries but the extent of right shifting varied and the evidence for the elimination of susceptible strains was more mixed.Conclusions

The finding of right shifting of MIC distribution combined with reduction/elimination of susceptible strains is concerning since it suggests that this shifting may not be reversible. Since excess antimicrobial consumption is likely to be responsible for this right shifting, this insight provides additional impetus to promote antimicrobial stewardship.
A brief transdiagnostic psychological intervention for Afghan asylum seekers and refugees in Austria: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Knefel Matthias , Kantor Viktoria , Nicholson Andrew A. , Schieß-Jokanovic Jennifer , Weindl Dina , Schäfer Ingo , Lueger-Schuster Brigitte 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Asylum seekers and refugees are at great risk for developing mental disorders. Afghan refugees are a particularly vulnerable group with a low average education and mental health literacy level. Traumatic experiences and hardship before and during migration are predictive of mental health problems. However, post-migration living difficulties (PMLDs) also account for a large proportion of mental distress in such populations, which critically, are not sufficiently considered in treatment protocols and research investigations. Indeed, the evidence base for the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers is sparse and mainly limited to trauma-specific treatments, where refugees may likely suffer from other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Methods/design: This trial is the first evaluation of a short-term, transdiagnostic treatment protocol to address mental health problems and PMLDs for treatment seeking Afghan refugees using an adapted version of the Problem Management Plus (PM+) protocol. Here, we will investigate the efficacy of an intervention manual with a prospective, single-center, randomized, assessor blind, two-group trial among refugees who are on a waiting list for professional mental health treatment. Further, we will investigate participants’ subjective experiences with the intervention manual via in-depth interviews. One-hundred-twenty people will be assessed and randomly allocated to either the intervention arm or a TAU arm. Clinical psychologists will conduct the treatment and the sessions will take place with a Dari interpreter. The protocol includes six 90-minute sessions. The primary endpoint is the general symptom distress measure, assessed with the General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28). Secondary endpoints include the Post-Migration Living Difficulties Checklist (PMLDC), the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), the Psychological Outcome Profile (PSYCHLOPS), service and health care use (assessed with several items), and the Immigrant Integration Index (IPL-12).
Discussion: This trial may provide substantial evidence for a brief transdiagnostic psychological intervention. Here, we intend to contribute to the treatment of mental health problems among Afghan refugees. The assessment of subjective experience with this treatment manual, as well as the evaluation of its clinical applicability, may optimize treatment acceptance and outcomes across a wide range of mental health problems among refugees.
Safety and use of pulmonary function tests: a retrospective study from a single center over seven years’ clinical practice
Authors: Li Fei , Huang Zhi-wen , Xu Huiwen , Yu Hua , Chen Yan-bin , Huang Jian-an , Wang Jia-jia , Wang Xiao-fei , Lei Wei 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background

To promote the utilization of pulmonary function tests (PFT) through analyzing the data of PFT during the past seven years in one large teaching hospital in China.Methods

Through a retrospective analysis, the allocation of full-time staff in PFT room, the demographic characteristics of patients, cost-effectiveness of PFT, positive rate and failure rate of PFT, adverse events were analyzed.Results

1) From 2012 to 2018, the numbers of PFT showed the trend of escalation year by year. The proportion of patients receiving PFT rose from 29.0/10000 in 2012 to 34.7/10000 in 2018. The best allocation of PFT room was 20-25/ person / day. 2) The number of PFT provided by Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) accounted for 97.2%, 97.1%, 97.3%, 97.8%, 97.8%, 98.0%, and 98.2% of the total cases of outpatient PFT in the same year. The top three departments in the inpatient department were Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, and Department of Urinary Surgery, the total cases of PFT in these three departments accounted for 65.1%, 64.4%, 62.1%, 63.5%, 62.4%, 65.3% and 69.1% of the total cases of inpatient PFT in the same year. 3) Data from 2018 showed that the revenue from PFT was about 3.7 million Chinese Yuan, and that the salary of personnel and expenditure on machine maintenance and wear were about 800,000 Chinese Yuan. 4) 58.2% of the patients who had undergone PFT had ventilatory dysfunction. 5) The average failure rate of PFT in the past seven years was 1.91%. 6) The main adverse events of PFT examination were dizziness, amaurosis, limb numbness, lip numbness and falls. The incidence rates were 0.49%, 0.42%, 0.41%, 0.39%, 0.44%, 0.48%, and 0.45% respectively, with an average of 0.44%.Conclusions

The number of PFT showed an upward trend in the past seven years, and the optimal staffing of PFT room was 20-25 cases per person per day. The positive rate of pulmonary dysfunction was 58.2%. The failure rate of PFT and the incidence of adverse events were very low, suggesting it is a simple and safe clinical examination. It's worthy of further popularization and promotion.
Effects of iron on the growth, biofilm formation and virulence of Klebsiella pneumoniae causing liver abscess
Authors: Chen Tao , Dong Guofeng , Zhang Siqin , Zhang Xiucai , Zhao Yajie , Cao Jianming , Zhou Tieli , Wu Qing 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is considered the most clinically relevant species of Enterobacteriaceae, known to cause severe infections including liver abscesses. To the best of our knowledge, a large proportion of iron in the human body is accumulated and stored in the liver. We hypothesize that increased iron availability is an important factor driving liver abscess formation and we therefore aim to understand the effects of iron on K. pneumoniae causing liver abscesses.

Results: All tested K. pneumoniae clinical isolates, including those isolated from liver abscesses and other abdominal invasive infection sites, grew optimally when cultured in LB broth supplemented with 50 μM iron and exhibited the strongest biofilm formation ability under those conditions. Decreased growth and biofilm formation ability were observed in all tested strains when cultured with an iron chelator (P<0.05). The infection model of G. mellonella larvae indicated the virulence of liver abscess-causing K. pneumoniae (2/3) cultured in LB broth with additional iron was significantly higher than those under iron depletion conditions (P<0.05). The relative expression levels of the four siderophore genes (iucB, iroB, irp1, entB) in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from liver abscesses cultured with additional iron were lower than those under iron depletion conditions (P<0.05).

Conclusions: It is suggested by our research that iron in the environment can promote growth, biofilm formation and enhance virulence of K. pneumoniae causing liver abscesses. A lower expression of siderophore genes correlates with increased virulence of liver abscess-causing K. pneumoniae. Further deeper evaluation of these phenomena is warranted.
Effect of a Novel Stretching Technique on Shoulder Range of Motion in Overhead Athletes with Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficits: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gharisia Omar , Lohman Everett , Daher Noha , Eldridge Alan , Shallan Amjad , Jaber Hatem 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background The cross-body and the modified sleeper stretch have been used to improve posterior shoulder soft tissue flexibility and to increase glenohumeral joint internal rotation (GHJ IR) in overhead athletes. However, due to the inability to stabilize patient’s scapula and control GHJ rotation with the cross-body stretch and the potential for subacromial impingement or symptoms’ aggravation with the modified sleeper stretch, a new stretching technique was developed as an alternative to these commonly used stretches that may allow for greater stability of the scapula without reproducing symptoms, as well as providing an inhibition component to the posterior shoulder girdle muscles. Thus, the current study aimed to examine and compare a novel stretching technique to the traditional modified sleeper stretch to determine the effect on glenohumeral IR range of motion (ROM), self-reported pain, and subject satisfaction in overhead athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficits (GIRD).Methods Forty-two overhead athletes with GIRD [mean age 25.9 ± 2.6 years] participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned into either novel stretching group or modified sleeper stretching group. IR ROM was measured with a digital inclinometer, pain was measured with Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and subject satisfaction level was measured by a 6-item questionnaire developed and validated by the study’s authors. Outcomes were measured before, immediately, and at week 4 post intervention.Results There was no significant group by time interaction effect for IR ROM (p=0.27); however, there was a significant change over time (p<0.001). Both groups demonstrated a significant increase in IR from baseline to immediate and week 4, and from immediate to week 4 (p<0.001). There was also a significant reduction in pain intensity over time for the novel group (p=0.016) compared to the traditional group (p=0.080). For the satisfaction level, only the easiness of performance was significantly different and in favor of the traditional group (p=0.020) following the 4 weeks of the stretching protocols.Conclusion Both stretches appear to be effective at improving IR ROM in overhead athletes with GIRD. However, the novel stretching is more effective at reducing shoulder pain and thus might be more appropriate for symptomatic patients.
Manganese Stress in Flue-cured Tobacco: Biochemical Responses
Authors: zou congming , Li Yan , Deng Xiaopeng , Huang Wei , Pu Guorui , Zhang Xiaohai , Ren Ke , Chen Yi , Jin Yan , Chen Yanjie , Li Junying , Lin Zhonglong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Manganese (Mn) stress is an important reason for forming tobacco ( Nicotiana tobacum L. ) leaf browning, leading to low yield and quality of tobacco leaves. The mechanism of flue-cured tobacco varieties, Honghuadajinyuan (Hongda) and K326 tobacco leaves browning by Mn were explored. The two tobacco varieties were planted in red soil and sandy soil and Mn concentration of 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg were applied. The research investigate the traits of agronomic, physiological and economic of flue-cured tobacco. Results: As Mn application rate increased, browning scale increased while plant height, root, stem and total weight, content of chlorophyll decreased. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) showed a rising parabolic formation. As Mn application rate increased, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and relative conductivity increased. Peroxidase (POD) activity continually increased with Mn application rate in K326 variety, while in Hongda variety, POD activity first increased and then decreased in sandy soil, while it continuously rose in red soil. Mn concentration and browning scale were significantly and negatively correlated with height, soil and plant analysis development (SPAD), CAT, total weight, average priceand yield, but significantly positively correlated with total plant Mn content, POD and MDA. Plant Mn concentration was significantly and positively correlated with browning scale. This study founded that SOD, CAT, APX, POD enzyme activity and MDA content in tobacco leaves affected by Mn concentration in soils, cause the change of chlorophyll content, agronomic and economic traits of flue-cured tobaccos. Conclusion: The mechanism of Mn stress to the physio-biochemical of tobacco varieties would be useful for controlling browning tobacco leaves by agronomic strategies and regarding as markers for Mn tolerance in breeding.
Screening key genes related to ovarian cancer and exploring their possible molecular mechanisms
Authors: Li Junzui , Zhang Yuehua , Huang Zhixiong , Zhao Bin , Huang Ke , Li Xingyan , Chen Qionghua 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background As one of the common malignant tumors in women, ovarian cancer (OC) often exerts the atypically early clinical symptoms. Therefore, it is particularly important for seeking more effectively early diagnosis of OC (biomarkers). Besides, although a lot of sequencing and chip research have been done on the pathogenesis of OC, the pathogenesis, clinical and genetic features of OC is still not very clear.Methods In this study, 4 GEO data (GSE66957, GSE119054, GSE14407 and GSE54388) were selected for differential expression gene analysis (DEGs), and the important template of the 4 DEGS overlapping genes was taken as Hub genes. Then, the GO and pathway enrichment analysis were conducted to confirm the enrichment of these Hub genes, and these Hub genes were identified as key genes. In addition, the transcriptional levels of these Hub genes in OC and their impacts on the overall survival rate of OC were validated via the UCSC and TCGA datasets.. Besides, cBioPortal, TargetScan, UCSC, DiseaseMeth and TIMER software were performed to explore the potential biological functions of these key genes in OC.Results We screened out 10 Hub genes related to OC including VEGFA, ZWINT, CDKN2A, SLC2A1, TOP2A, MKI67, CCND1, KPNA2, FGF2 and SMC4, and further demonstrated that they were most significantly enriched in protein binding, cytoplasm, nucleus, extracellular exosome, membrane, cell division, cell adhesion and pathways in cancer. Meanwhile, CCND1, TOP2A, SMC4 and FGF2 were screened out as key candidate genes associated with OC. Further analysis proved these key candidate genes may regulate the occurrence and development of OC through mediating the gene mutation, miRNAs and genetic epigenetics such as methylation and acetylation.Conclusion These data would improve our understanding of the causes and underlying molecular events of OC, be of clinical significance for the early diagnosis and prevention of OC, and may provide the promising therapeutic targets in OC.