bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Performance of Diagnostic methods for soil transmitted helminths against the “Gold” standard in the Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Niguse Abebe Fenta , Hailu Tadesse , Alemu Megbaru , Nibret Endalkachew , Amor Arancha , Munshea Abaineh 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Soil-transmitted helminths are more prevalent in tropics and sub-tropics including Ethiopia. Despite their high prevalence, direct saline microscopy with its low sensitivity has been used as a diagnostic method in almost all health facilities in Ethiopia. Alternative diagnostic methods which have higher sensitivity are not yet implemented. Therefore, this study aimed to compare and evaluate the performance of diagnostic methods for soil transmitted helminths. Methods: A cross-sectional study among 520 school children was conducted from October to December, 2019 in Amhara National Regional State. The study participants were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Stool samples were processed via formol ether concentration, Kato-Katz, spontaneous tube sedimentation and agar plate culture techniques. Data was entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value were calculated against the combined result. Strength of agreement of the diagnostic methods was determined by Kappa value. Results: The Overall prevalence of soil transmitted helminths was 40.8% using combination of methods. The prevalence 24.4%, 22.5%, and 32.4%, respectively was recorded by using formol ether concentration, Kato-Katz and spontaneous tube sedimentation. The highest prevalence of hookworm (29.2%) was detected by the agar plate culture. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of formol ether concentration were 57.9 % and 78.4%, for Kato-Katz thick smear 55.2% and 76.4%, for spontaneous tube sedimentation were 79.2% and 87.5% to soil transmitted helminths detection, respectively. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of agar plate culture to hookworm detection were 86.4% and 93.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Spontaneous tube sedimentation shows higher sensitivity in the detection of soil transmitted helminth infections. Agar plate culture method also indicated better performance for hookworm detection than other methods. Therefore, the employment of STS technique as a confirmatory test in routine laboratory and APC for research purposes will significantly aid in accurate diagnosis of parasitic infections in school children.
Socioeconomic inequity in inpatient service utilization based on need among internal migrants: Evidence from 2014 national cross-sectional survey in China
Authors: Wang Yi , Jing Zhengyue , Ding Lulu , Tang Xue , Feng Yuejing , Li Jie , Chen Zhuo , Zhou Chengchao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Providing equal treatment for those who have the same need for healthcare, regardless of their socioeconomic and cultural background, has become a shared goal among policymakers who strive to improve healthcare. This study aims to identify the socioeconomic status (SES) inequities in inpatient service utilization based on need among migrants by using a nationally representative study in China.Methods: The data used in this study was derived from the 2014 National Internal Migrant Population Dynamic Monitoring Survey collected by the National Health Commission of China. The sampling frame for this study was taken using the stratified multistage random sampling method. All provincial urban belt and key cities were stratified, and 119 strata were finally determined. We used logistic regression method and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition and calculated the concentration index to measure inequities of SES in inpatient service utilization based on need. Sample weights provided in the survey were applied in all the analysis and all standard errors in this study were clustered at the strata level.Results: Of the total internal migrants, 18.75% unmet the inpatient service need. Results showed that inpatient service utilization concentrated among high-SES migrants (Concentration Index: 0.036, p<0.001) and the decomposition results suggested that about 44.16% of the total SES gap in inpatient service utilization could be attributed to the gradient effect. After adjusting for other confounding variables, those had high school degree and university degree were more likely to meet the inpatient services need, and the OR values were 1.48 (95% CI 1.07, 2.03, p=0.017) and 2.04 (95% CI 1.45, 2.88, p=0.001), respectively. The OR values for Quartile 3 and Quartile 4 income groups was 1.28 (95% CI 1.01, 1.62, p=0.044) and 1.37 (95% CI 1.02, 1.83, p=0.035), respectively.Conclusion: This study observed an inequity in inpatient service utilization where the utilization concentrates among high SES migrants. It is important for policy makers to be aware of them and more intervention should be conducted.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Uterine Preservation: A survey of female gynaecologists (POP-UP survey)
Authors: Urdzík Peter , Kalis Vladimir , Blaganje Mija , Rusavy Zdenek , Smazinka Martin , Havir Martin , Dudic Rastislav , Ismail Khaled 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to explore the personal views of female gynecologists regarding the management of POP with a particular focus on the issue of uterine sparing surgery. Methods: A questionnaire based survey of practicing female gynecologists in the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Slovakia.Results: A total of 140 female gynecologists from 81 units responded to our questionnaire. The majority of respondents stated they would rely on a urogynecologist to aid them with their choice of POP management options. The most preferred options for POP management were sacrocolpopexy and physiotherapy. Almost 2/3 of respondents opted for a hysterectomy together with POP surgery, if they were menopausal, even if the anatomical outcome was similar to uterine sparing POP surgery. Moreover, 81.4% of respondents, who initially opted for a uterine sparing procedure, changed their mind if the anatomical success of POP surgery with concomitant hysterectomy was superior. Discussing uterine cancer risk in relation to other organs had a less significant impact on their choices.Conclusions: The majority of female gynecologists in our study opted for hysterectomy if they were postmenopausal at the time of POP surgery. However, variation in information provision had an impact on their choice.Trial registration: not included
Imaging biomarkers of contrast-enhanced computed tomography predict survival in oesophageal cancer after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zeng Chengbing , Zhai Tiantian , Chen Jianzhou , Guo Longjia , Huang Baotian , Guo Hong , Liu Guozhi , Zhuang Tingting , Liu Weitong , Luo Ting , Wu Yanxuan , Peng Guobo , Li Derui , Chen Chuangzhen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive potential of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)-based imaging biomarkers (IBMs) for the treatment outcomes of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).Methods: Altogether, 154 patients with OSCC who underwent definitive CCRT were included in this retrospective study. All patients were randomised to the training cohort (n=99) or the validation cohort (n=55). Pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT scans were obtained for all patients and used for the extraction of IBMs. An IBM score was constructed by using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator with Cox regression analysis in the training cohort and tested in the validation cohort. IBM nomograms were built based on IBM scores for individualised survival estimation. Finally, a decision curve analysis was performed to estimate the clinical usefulness of the nomograms.Results: Altogether, 96 IBMs were extracted from each contrast-enhanced CT scan. IBM scores were constructed from 11 CT-based IBMs for overall survival (OS) and 8 IBMs for progression-free survival (PFS), using the LASSO-Cox regression method in the training cohort. Multivariate analysis revealed that IBM score was an independent prognostic factor correlated with OS and PFS. In the training cohort, the C-indices of IBM scores were 0.734 (95%CI, 0.664–0.804) and 0.658 (95%CI, 0.587–0.729) for OS and PFS, respectively. In the validation cohort, C-indices were 0.672 (95%CI, 0.578–0.766) and 0.666 (95%CI, 0.574–0.758) for OS and PFS, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significant difference between risk subgroups in the training and validation cohorts. Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical usefulness of the IBM score.Conclusions: The IBM score based on pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT could predict the OS and PFS for patients with OSCC after definitive CCRT. Further multicentre studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
Midterm results of mitral valve repair for atrial functional mitral regurgitation: A retrospective study
Authors: Kaneyuki Daisuke , Nakajima Hiroyuki , Asakura Toshihisa , Yoshitake Akihiro , Tokunaga Chiho , Tochii Masato , Hayashi Jun , Takazawa Akitoshi , Izumida Hiroaki , Iguchi Atsushi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Annular dilation by left atrial remodeling is considered the main cause of atrial function mitral regurgitation. Although acceptable outcomes have been obtained using mitral ring annuloplasty alone for atrial functional mitral regurgitation, data assessing outcomes of this procedure are limited. Therefore, we aimed to assess midterm outcomes of mitral valve repair in patients with atrial functional mitral regurgitation.Methods: We retrospectively studied 40 patients (mean age: 69 ± 9 years) who had atrial fibrillation that persisted for >1 year, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction of >40%, and mitral valve repair for atrial functional mitral regurgitation. The mean clinical follow-up duration was 42 ± 24 months.Results: Mitral ring annuloplasty was performed for all patients. Additional repair including anterior mitral leaflet neochordoplasty was performed for 22 patients. Concomitant procedures included maze procedure in 20 patients and tricuspid ring annuloplasty in 31 patients. Follow-up echocardiography showed significant decreases in left atrial dimensions and left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions. Recurrent mitral regurgitation due to ring detachment or leaflet tethering was observed in five patients and was seen more frequently among those with preoperative left ventricular dilatation. Three patients without tricuspid ring annuloplasty or sinus rhythm recovery by maze procedure developed significant tricuspid regurgitation. Five patients who underwent the maze procedure showed sinus rhythm recovery. Rates of freedom from re-admission for heart failure at 1 and 5 years after surgery were 95% and 86%, respectively.Conclusions: Mitral valve repair is not sufficient to prevent recurrent atrial functional mitral regurgitation in patients with preoperative left ventricular dilatation. Tricuspid ring annuloplasty may be required for long-term prevention of significant tricuspid regurgitation.
Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Implications of BRCA-associated Tumors in Males: A Pan-tumor Survey
Authors: Sun Peng , Li Yue , Chao Xue , Li Jibin , Luo Rongzhen , Li Mei , He Jiehua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background The BRCA mutation (BRCAm) in males has been reported to confer a higher risk for the development of various tumors. However, little is known about its clinicopathologic features and prognostic implications. Design We conducted a retrospective pan-tumor survey on 346 cases of BRCA-associated tumors in males. Comparative analyses were conducted among male and female patients with BRCAm (n=349), as well as in male patients without BRCAm (n=4577). Results Similar incidences of BRCAm (6.0 vs. 6.6%) and age at diagnosis of tumor (median, 65 vs. 60 years) were observed in male and female patients. Carcinomas of the lung, bladder, stomach, and cutaneous melanoma were the frequent tumors demonstrating BRCAm in males, of which the majority were stage II or III diseases with a higher frequency of BRCA2 mutations. Compared to that in the non-BRCAm group, cutaneous melanoma (16.3 vs. 5.0%), lung cancer (19.4 vs. 11.8%), bladder cancer (15.6 vs. 5.6%), and stomach cancer (11.9 vs. 5.5%) accounted for a higher proportion in the BRCAm group. Advanced disease and more mutation counts (median, 322 vs. 63 mutations) were also found in the BRCAm group. A total of 127 BRCA1 and 311 BRCA2 mutations were identified, of which 21.8% and 28.6% were deleterious, respectively. Frequent deleterious variants were identified in carcinomas of the breast (100.0%), colorectum (62.2%), prostate (43.3%), and stomach (42.9%). BRCA1 fusions with NF1, FAM134C, BECN1, or LSM12 and recurrent BRCA2 mutations at P606L/S, E832K/G, and T3033Lfs*29 were detected. Frameshift mutations in BRCA2 at N1784 (N1784Kfs*3, N1784Tfs*3) were frequently observed in both male and female patients. Compared with those in females, BRCA mutations in males were associated with decreased overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Male patients with deleterious BRCAm displayed increased OS compared with non-BRCAm carriers. The subgroup analysis demonstrated that BRCAm was associated with increased OS in gastric and bladder cancers, decreased PFS in prostate, esophageal, and head and neck cancers, and decreased OS in glioma/glioblastoma in males. Conclusion These findings provide an overview of the distinct characteristics and clinical outcomes of male patients with BRCA-associated tumors, suggesting the importance of further genetic BRCA testing in males.
The Clinical and Translational Research Activities at the INT – IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale” Cancer Center (Naples, Italy) during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Buonaguro Franco M. , Botti Gerardo , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Pignata Sandro , Ionna Franco , Delrio Paolo , Petrillo Antonella , Cavalcanti Ernesta , Bonito Maurizio Di , Perdonà Sisto , De Laurentiis Michelino , Fiore Francesco , Palaia Raffaele , Izzo Francesco , D'Auria Stefania , Rossi Virginia , Menegozzo Simona , Piccirillo Mauro , Celentano Egidio , Cuomo Arturo , Normanno Nicola , Tornesello Maria Lina , Saviano Rocco , Barberio Daniela , Buonaguro Luigi , Giannoni Giovanni , Muto Paolo , Miscio Leonardo , Bianchi Attilio Antonio Montano 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic following the outbreak in China and Western Europe, where it finally lost the momentum, is now devastating North and South America. It has not been identified the reason and the molecular mechanisms of the two different patterns of the pulmonary host responses to virus from a minimal disease in young subjects to a severe distress syndrome (ARDS) in older subjects, particularly those with previous chronic diseases (including diabetes) and Cancer. The Management of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale” in Naples [INT-Pascale], along with all Health professionals decided not to interrupt the treatment of those hospitalized and to continue, even if after a careful triage in order not to allow SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects to access, to take care of cancer patients with serious conditions. Although very few (n=3) patients developed a symptomatic COVID-19 and required the transfer to a COVID-19 area of the Institute, no patients died during the Hospitalization and completed their oncology treatment. Besides monitoring of the patients, all employees of the Institute (physicians, nurses, researchers, lawyers, accountants, gatekeepers, guardians, janitors) have been tested for a possible exposure. Personnel identified as positive, has been promptly subjected to home quarantine and subdued to health surveillance. One severe case of respiratory distress has been reported in a positive employees and one death of a family member. Further steps to home monitoring of COVID-19 clinical course have been taken with the development of remote Wi-Fi connected digital devices for the detection of early signs of respiratory distress, including heart rate and oxygen saturation.In conclusion cancer care has been performed and continued safely also during COVID-19 pandemic and further remote home strategies are in progress to ensure the appropriate monitoring of cancer patients.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of long non-coding RNAs conferring resistance to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in walnut (Juglans regia)
Authors: Feng Shan , Fang Hongcheng , Liu Xia , Dong Yuhui , Wang Qingpeng , Yang Ke Qiang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Walnut anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. and Sacc. is an important walnut production problem in China. Although the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important for plant disease resistance , the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to C. gloeosporioides in walnut remain poorly understood.Results: The anthracnose-resistant F26 fruits from the B26 clone and the anthracnose-susceptible F423 fruits from the 4-23 clone of walnut were used as the test materials. Specifically, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of F26 fruit bracts and F423 to identify differentially expressed LncRNAs (DELs) at five time-points (tissues at 0 hpi, pathological tissues at 24 hpi, 48 hpi, 72 hpi, and distal uninoculated tissues at 120 hpi). Compared with F423, a total of 14525 DELs were identified, including 10645 upregulated lncRNAs and 3846 downregulated lncRNAs in F26. The number of upregulated lncRNAs in F26 compared to in F423 was significantly higher at the early stages of C. gloeosporioides infection. A total of 5 modules related to disease resistance were screened by WGCNA and the target genes of lncRNAs were obtained. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the target genes of upregulated lncRNAs were enriched in immune-related processes during the infection of C. gloeosporioides, such as activation of innate immune response, defense response to bacterium, incompatible interaction and immune system process, and enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and other pathways. And 124 known target genes for 96 hub lncRNAs were predicted, including 10 known resistance genes. The expression of 5 lncRNAs and 5 target genes was confirmed by qPCR, which was consistent with the RNA-seq data.Conclusions: The results of this study provide the basis for future functional characterizations of lncRNAs regarding the C. gloeosporioides resistance of walnut fruit bracts.
Preliminary study of the toxicity and radioprotective effects of zymosan in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Yue-zhi , Ge Shu-jing , Leng Qing-zhen , Ma Jian-jun , Liu Hanchen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to confirm the cytotoxicity of zymosan in vitro and in vivo and determine the appropriate treatment time and dose of zymosan.Methods: AHH-1 cells and HIECs were administered 0, 20, 40, 80 or 160 μg/mL zymosan. The CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cell viability and apoptosis 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after administration. Furthermore, 12 h before irradiation, the cells were treated with 0, 5, 10, or 20 μg/mL zymosan and then irradiated with 4 Gy X-rays. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry at 24 h. In addition, the protective effect of zymosan against radiation in vitro was compared to that of 20 μg/mL LPS. In vivo, weight, the spleen index and the thymus index were measured to evaluate the toxicity of 0, 5, 10, 20 and 10 mg/kg zymosan. In addition, rats were treated with 0, 2, 4, 8 or 10 mg/kg zymosan and then irradiated with 7 Gy X-rays. The survival rate, organ index were evaluated. The protective effect of zymosan against radiation in vivo was compared to that of 10 mg/kg LPS a positive control.Results: The viability and apoptosis of cells treated with different doses of zymosan for different treatment times were not different from those of control cells (p<0.05). Furthermore, cell viability and apoptosis were clearly improved after zymosan preadministration (p<0.05). The radioprotective effect of zymosan was dose-dependent. In addition, the viability of cells pretreated with zymosan was higher than that of cells pretreated with LPS, and the apoptosis rate of zymosan-treated cells was lower than that of cells pretreated with LPS (p<0.05). In vivo, weight, the spleen index and the thymus index were significantly decreased by zymosan at a concentration of 20 mg/kg (p<0.05). Further experiments showed that the concentration at which zymosan exerted radioprotective effects was 10 mg/kg. The radioprotective effect of zymosan was better than that of LPS pretreatment (p<0.05).Conclusion: Zymosan administration before radiation exposure significantly increased cell viability and the survival rates of rats.
Ultrasonic Detection of Fetal Persistent Right Umbilical Vein and Incidence and Significance of Concomitant Anomalies
Authors: li jingyu , Yuan Qian , Ding Hao , Yang Zeyu , Wang Bing , Wang B 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV) is characterized by atresia of the left umbilical vein while the right umbilical vein remains open. Given the limited sample size of most studies, the incidence of PRUV and the status of concomitant anomalies may not be fully reflected. Thus, we studied the incidence of fetal PRUV and its concomitant anomalies on a larger scale using our hospital database. This study hoped to address the following questions: Does PRUV increase the risk of fetal anomalies? If the PRUV fetus also has a single umbilical artery (SUA), does the risk of fetal anomaly increase further? What is the positive predictive value of PRUV for fetal anomalies?Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 756 cases of fetal PRUV at our hospital from January 2007 to April 2017. Prenatal ultrasound and color Doppler images were assessed. All PRUV fetuses underwent echocardiography and detailed ultrasound examinations of other systems. Newborn status was obtained via the database or by telephone follow-up.Results: A total of 435,428 pregnant women underwent prenatal ultrasonography at 16–40 weeks, the incidence of fetal PRUV was 0.17%, and 102 fetuses (13.5%) developed other anomalies. Two complicated cases had trisomy 18. PRUV was associated with a higher incidence of fetal anomalies. When fetal anomalies were classified by body systems, PRUV was associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular, nervous, urinary, skeletal, digestive, and respiratory system anomalies. The positive predictive values of a PRUV for any fetal anomalies and cardiovascular anomalies were 13.5% (95%CI, 11.2%–16.2%) and 5.4% (95%CI, 4.0%–7.3%), respectively. SUA further increases the risk of PRUV fetuses with other anomalies and cardiovascular anomalies.Conclusions: Detailed prenatal ultrasonography and echocardiography should be performed in fetuses with PRUV to rule out anomalies in other systems. When the PRUV is combined with SUA, echocardiography is particularly important. Fetuses with complicated PRUV should undergo chromosomal examination. Although isolated fetal PRUV prognosis is good, complicated PRUV prognosis depends on the type and severity of the concomitant anomalies.