bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and blood/serum bound prognostic biomarkers in advanced pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel
Authors: Blomstrand Hakon , Green Henrik , Fredriksson Mats , Gränsmark Emma , Björnsson Bergthor , Elander Nils 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background In recent years treatment options for advanced pancreatic cancer has markedly improved, and a combination regimen of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel is now considered standard of care in Sweden and elsewhere. Nevertheless, a majority of patients do not respond to treatment. In order to guide the individual patient to the most beneficial therapeutic strategy, simple and easily available prognostic and predictive markers are needed. Methods The potential prognostic value of a range of blood/serum parameters, patient-, and tumour characteristics was explored in a retrospective cohort of 75 patients treated with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (Gem/NabP) for advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) in the South Eastern Region of Sweden. Primary outcome was overall survival while progression free survival was the key secondary outcome. Result Univariable Cox regression analysis revealed that high baseline serum albumin (> 37 g/L) and high age (>65) were positive prognostic markers for OS, and in multivariable regression analysis both parameters were confirmed to be independent prognostic variables (HR 0.48, p =0.023 and HR=0.47, p =0.039,). Thrombocytopenia at any time during the treatment was an independent predictor for improved progression free survival (PFS) but not for OS (HR 0.49, p =0.029 and 0.54, p =0.073), whereas thrombocytopenia developed under cycle 1 was neither related with OS nor PFS (HR 0.87 p =0.384 and HR 1.04, p =0.771). Other parameters assessed (gender, tumour stage, ECOG performance status, myelosuppression, baseline serum CA19-9, and baseline serum bilirubin levels) were not significantly associated with survival. Conclusion Serum albumin at baseline is a prognostic factor with palliative Gem/NabP in advanced PDA, and should be further assessed as a tool for risk stratification. High age was associated with improved survival, which encourages further studies on the use of Gem/NabP in the elderly.
Incidence, Clinical Profile, and Risk Factors for Serious Bacterial Infections in Children Hospitalized With Fever in Ujjain, India
Authors: Pathak Ashish , Upadhayay Radika , Mathur Aditya , Rathi Sunil , Lundborg Cecilia Stålsby 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Fever is a cause for concern for both parents and the treating pediatrician and a common reason for antibiotic overuse. However, the proportion of children hospitalized for fever with serious bacterial infection (SBI) is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and biochemical risks for SBI among the children admitted with fever.
Method
This prospective study was conducted in a rural teaching hospital in India on consecutive children, aged 3 months–12 years, presenting with fever 100°F (37.7°C) or higher. The presence of SBI was confirmed with one of the following criteria: (a) a positive blood culture; (b) roentgenographically confirmed pneumonia with high titres of C-reactive protein; (c) a culture-confirmed urinary tract infection; (d) enteric fever diagnosed clinically in addition to either a positive blood culture or high Widal titers; and (e) meningitis diagnosed clinically in addition to either a positive blood culture or cerebrospinal fluid culture. A predefined questionnaire was filled.
Results
A total of 302 children were included in the study, out of which 47% (95% CI 41.4%-52.7%) presented with SBI. The factors associated with confirmed SBI in bivariate analysis were history of previous hospitalization, history of chronic illness, history of medication in the previous one week, a partially immunized child, history of common cold, moderate-grade fever, toxic look, significant lymphadenopathy, absence of BCG scar, delayed development, irritability, breathlessness, respiratory distress, poor feeding, significant weight loss, suspected urinary tract infection, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and abnormal leucocyte count. The final generalized logistic regression model revealed partially immunized child (RR 4.26), breathlessness (RR 1.80), weight loss (RR 2.28), and suspected urinary tract infection (RR 1.95) as risk factors for the increased risk of SBI.
Conclusion
The study identified multiple risk factors for SBI. Pediatricians can be made aware of these risk factors. Further studies are warranted to identify age-specific risk factors for SBI because most clinicians depend on clinical signs and symptoms to identify SBI.
Secular trends in testosterone- findings from a large state-mandate care provider
Authors: Chodick Gabriel , Epstein Shdema , Shalev Varda 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Several studies from the US and Europe have shown a population-level decline in serum testosterone in men from 1970's to early 2000's. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study examining population-level decline in testosterone has been published in more recent years. The study objective was therefore to examine secular trends in testosterone levels among Israeli men in the first and second decades of the 21st century, Methods: All incident total testosterone performed between1/2006 and 3/2019 among 102,334 male members of a large health organization. Results: A significant (p<0.001) and prominent trend of age-independent decline in the testosterone levels was recorded during the study period for most age groups. Conclusions: There was a highly significant age-independent decline in total testosterone in the first and second decades of the 21st century. The decline was unlikely to be explained by increasing rates of obesity.
A novel signature based on m6A related genes as the potential prognostic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Authors: Mo Zhuomao , Luo Shaoju , Hu Hao , Yu Ling , Cao Zhirui , zhang shijun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Many different signatures and models have been established for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but no signature based on m6A related genes was developed. The objective of this research was to establish the signature with m6A related genes in HCC. Methods Data from 377 HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was downloaded. The included m6A related genes were selected by Cox regression analysis and the signature was verified by survival analysis and multiple receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Furthermore, the nomogram was constructed and evaluated by C-index, calibration plot and ROC curve. Results The signature was established with the four m6A related genes (YTHDF2, YTHDF1, METTL3 and KIAA1429). Under the grouping from signature, patients in high risk group of showed the poor prognosis than those in low risk group. And significant difference was found in two kinds of immune cells (T cell gamma delta and NK cells activated) between two groups. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that m6A related signature can be the potential independent prognosis factor in HCC. Finally, we developed a clinical risk model predicting the HCC prognosis and successfully verified it in C-index, calibration and ROC curve. Conclusion Our study identified the m6A related signature for predicting prognosis of HCC and provided the potential biomarker between m6A and immune therapy.
Healing Pattern of Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture after Posterior Short-segmental Fixation
Authors: Liang Changxiang , Liu Guihua , Liang Guoyan , Zheng Xiaoqing , Yin Dong , Xiao Dan , Zeng Shixing , Cai Honghua , Chang Yunbing 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Vertebral cavity sometimes occurs after posterior short-segmental fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures, but the risk factor of its formation is unclear. We aim to investigate their vertebral healing pattern and explore the risk factor of vertebral cavities.Methods: The thoracolumbar burst fractured patient treated with posterior short segmental fixation were followed up for minimal 3 years. Healing patterns were observed and divided into 4 healing types according to the integrity status of the endplates and the morphology of the cavities. The demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without vertebra cavities at the last follow-up.Results: The incidence of vertebral cavities in our cohort was 59.6%. Accordingly, the healing pattern of the vertebra were classified as Complete Healing type or Endplate Cavity type, Spherical Cavity type or Burst Cavity type. The proportion of men, history of smoking, severity of neurological impairment and presence of A4 type fracture were significantly higher in the Vertebral Cavity group than the Intact Vertebra group. Clinical outcomes, including ASIA scales,VAS and ODI scores, were similar between the Intact Vertebra group and the Vertebral Cavity group. Conclusions: Vertebral cavities are commonly seen after posterior short-segmental fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures. The healing pattern can be divided into four types. The presence of vertebral cavity may be related to gender, smoking history and the severity of the fracture. Most of the vertebral cavities are asymptomatic, but the clinical significance needs further study.
Complications and Hospital Stay after Endoscopic Retrieval of Drug Baggies in Body Stuffers: An Observational Prospective Study
Authors: Shabani Mahtab , Kefayati Marzieh , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Zamani Nasim , McDonald Rebecca 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Body stuffers routinely receive conservative treatment, i.e. administration of the laxative polyethylene glycol for the passage of ingested drug baggies and observation. Endoscopic baggie removal may offer a safe alternative that could result in shorter hospitalization. We aimed to compare complications, hospital stay, and final outcome in body stuffers assigned to endoscopy versus conservative treatment. Methods This is an observational prospective study of body stuffers presenting to a clinical toxicology center in Tehran (Iran) in 2016-2019, irrespective of the drug ingested. Eligible patients had baggies in their upper gastrointestinal tract and presented without severe poisoning. Patients received either endoscopy or conservative treatment, and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Results A total of 69 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 29 years (range: 18–64), among whom 1 was female (2%). Eighteen and 51 patients were endoscopically and conservatively managed, respectively. Drugs most commonly ingested were heroin in endoscopy patients (8/18 cases; 44%) and methamphetamine in the conservative group (28/51 cases; 55%). Endoscopy patients had a shorter hospital stay (median 1.5 vs. 2 days, p = 0.018). In the conservative group, one patient died, and the rate of complications was significantly higher, with more patients experiencing side effects (OR= 1.4, 95% CI = 1.2, 1.7) and requiring intubation (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.5). Conclusion Endoscopic retrieval was associated with fewer complications and shorter hospitalization. Endoscopy may be a safe treatment for body stuffers without severe toxicity on presentation.
Identification of stress repressive zinc finger gene family and its expression analysis in rice under abiotic constraints
Authors: Zhang Chao , Tan Yanning , Essemine Jemaa , Li Ni , Hu Zhongxiao , Liu Hai , Xu Qiusheng , Qu Mingnan , Fang Baohua , Wang Weiping 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Stress repressive zinc finger (SRZ) gene family in rice is one of the plant defense gene families that play a pivotal role in plant growth regulation and development, particularly under stressful conditions. However, there is no genome-wide survey regarding SRZ gene family in rice (OsSRZ) till date. Results: We studied, herein, this gene family by performing a genome-wide screening and we identified 25 OsSRZ gene members using Japonica cultivar as an investigating material. Their chromosome localizations, phylogenetic relationships, genomic structures, conserved domains and promoter cis-regulatory elements were analyzed. Besides, their spatio-temporal expression profiles and expression patterns under various hormones and stress treatments were also assessed. Based on the phylogeny and domain constitution, the OsSRZ gene family was classified into five groups (I-V). Conserved domains analysis demonstrates that OsSRZ proteins contain at least one highly conserved SRZ domain. The analysis of expression patterns of the SRZ gene family reveal that OsSRZ genes display tissue-specific expression patterns at various rice developmental stages and exhibit differential responses to both phytohormones and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, q-RT-PCR analysis reveals that Os SRZ genes exhibit different expression patterns under various abiotic stresses. We notice the presence of a single specific gene considerably or strongly up-regulated for each kind of abiotic stress. Over 12 OsSRZ genes analyzed with q-RT-PCR, solely 4 genes (OsSRZ 1, 2, 10 and 11) were found to be substantially or strongly up-regulated following abiotic stress. Notably, OsSRZ 10 and 11 were up-regulated under heat stress by 7 and 5 times, respectively. However, OsSRZ2 was up-regulated by 7 and 3.5 folds under salt and cold stresses, respectively. Interestingly, OsSRZ1 was up-regulated by about 3~11 times in 24 h following artificial oxidative stress application using 1 mM H2O2 . Conclusions: We deduce that some members of OsSRZ gene family function as abiotic stress marker in rice. At the genomic level and expression pattern, our genome-wide survey could provide promising and valuable insights to widen and strengthen further future investigation by leading a cutting edge research regarding the biological and molecular functions of this gene family.
Versatile physiological functions of the Nudix Hydrolase family in berry development and stress response in grapevine
Authors: Wang Zhaoke , Wang Peipei , Guan Le , Haider Muhammad Salman , Nasim Maazullah , Fang Jinggui , Liu Gengsen , Leng Xiangpeng 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Nudix hydrolases are widely distributed across all classes of organisms and provide the potential capacity to hydrolyze a wide range of organic pyrophosphates. Although Nudix hydrolases are involved in plants detoxification processes in response to abiotic and biotic stresses, the biological functions of Nudix hydrolases remain largely unclear in grapevine. Results A total of 25 putative grapevine Nudix hydrolases ( VvNUDXs ) were identified by bioinformatics analysis and classified into eight subfamilies based to their preferred substrates. Both tandem and segmental duplications were responsible for the evolution and expansion of NUDX gene family in grapevine. To investigate into their regulatory roles of VvNUDX genes during growth and development as well as in response to abiotic and biotic stress in grapevine, the expression patterns were revealed in publicly available microarray data. The spatial and temporal expression patterns of VvNUDX genes indicated that these genes might play important roles in multiple developmental processes. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR analysis exhibited that ten VvNUDX genes were specifically expressed in grapevine berries, suggesting the potential roles in grapevine berry development. Expression and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that VvNUDX1 and VvNUDX3 might be involved in terpenoid biosynthesis in grapevine. Futhermore, most VvNUDX genes toward the ADP-ribose/NADH were different patterns in response to various abiotic and biotic stresses, such as salinity and drought, as well as different types of biotic treatments, such as Erysiphe necator , Bois Noir phytoplasma and leaf-roll-associated virus-3 (GLRaV-3). Conclusions These results showed that VvNUDX were associated with plant detoxification processes in response to abiotic and biotic stresses, and regulate disease immunity and resistance pathways. The present informations may provide good opportunities to explore the physiological functions of VvNUDX genes in berry development and stress response networks in grapevine.
Ameliorating process parameters for zeaxanthin yield in Arthrobacter gandavensis MTCC 25325
Authors: Ram Shristi , Tirkey Sushma Rani , Kumar Madhava Anil , Mishra Sandhya 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The present study aims to screen potential bacterial isolates for the production of a prophylactic agent zeaxanthin; which is considered to be an inevitable inclusion in human diet. A freshwater bacterium Arthrobacter gandavensis was isolated from Bor Talav, Bhavnagar and screened as a promising producer of zeaxanthin. The chemo-metric tools were employed to optimize the influencing factors such as pH, temperature, inoculum size, agitation speed, carbon source and harvest time on its yield. Thereafter, 6 parameters were narrowed down to 3 factors and were optimized using the central composite design (CCD) matrix. Maximum zeaxanthin (1.51 mg/g) was derived when A. gandavensis was grown under pH 6.0, 1.5% (w/v) glucose and 10% (v/v) inoculum size. A high regression coefficient ( R 2 =0.92) of the developed model indicated the accurateness with the tested parameters. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on tailoring of process parameters using chemo-metric optimization for escalating the zeaxanthin production by A. gandavensis.
Bloodstream Infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia marcescens isolates co-harboring NDM-1 and KPC-2.
Authors: Bes Taniela , Nagano Debora , Martins Roberta , Marchi Ana Paula , Neto Lauro Perdigão , Higashino Hermes , Prado Gladys , Guimaraes Thais , Levin Anna S , Costa Silvia 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae is a worldwide health problem, however isolates carrying both blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1 are unusual. Here we describe microbiological and clinical characteristics of five cases of bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by carbapenem-resistant K lebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia marcescens co-harboring blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1.Of the five blood culture isolates, three from are from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients, one from a renal transplant patient, and one from a soft tissue surgical patient. All patients lived in low-income neighborhoods and had no travel history. Despite antibiotic treatment, four of five patients died. The phenotypic assays showed that Meropenem added with either EDTA, PA or both showed increased zone of inhibition in comparison to Meropenem alone. Molecular tests confirmed blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1 genes, the K. pneumoniae were assigned as ST258 and ST340 by Whole Genome Sequencing.
Apgar Score and Umbilical Cord pH as Prognostic Predictors in Very Low Birth Weight Premature Neonates
Authors: Barzilay Bernard , Ratner Miri , Bibi Haim , Abu-Kishk Ibrahim 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective To estimate the reliability of the Apgar score (AS) and umbilical cord pH (UCP) as prognostic tools among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Study Design Retrospective study based on data of 1237 VLBW neonates born between 1997 and 2013 at one tertiary medical center. For each newborn, a complication score (CS) was calculated based on common complications of prematurity. Results The AS at 1 and 5 minutes correlated well with CS (correlation coefficients -0.47 and -0.52, respectively). No significant correlation was found between UCP and CS (correlation coefficient -0.08). Multi regression analysis revealed that the variables with the greatest prognostic contribution were birth weight, gestational age and prenatal steroid administration (beta values 0.277, 0.251 and 0.087, respectively). Conclusion The AS at 1 and 5 minutes, but not UCP, combined with gestational age, birth weight, and prenatal steroids, can be significant parameters for predicting prognosis among VLBW neonates.
Opening Large-Conductance Potassium Channels Selectively Induced Cell Death of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Sizemore Gina , McLaughlin Sarah , Newman Mackenzie , Brundage Kathleen , Ammer Amanda , Martin Karen , Pugacheva Elena , Coad James , Mattes Malcolm , Yu Han-Gang 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Unlike other breast cancer subtypes that may be treated with a variety of hormonal or targeted therapies, there is a need to identify new, effective targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It has recently been recognized that membrane potential is depolarized in breast cancer cells. The primary objective of the study is to explore whether hyperpolarization induced by opening potassium channels may provide a new strategy for treatment of TNBC.
Methods: Breast cancer datasets in cBioPortal for cancer genomics was used to search for ion channel gene expression. Immunoblots and immunohistochemistry were used for protein expression in culture cells and in the patient tissues. Electrophysiological patch clamp techniques were used to study properties of BK channels in culture cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope were used for cell viability and cell cycle studies. Ultrasound imaging was used to study xenograft in female NSG mice.
Results: In large datasets of breast cancer patients, we identified a gene, KCNMA1 (encoding for a voltage- and calcium-dependent large-conductance potassium channel, called BK channel), overexpressed in triple-negative breast cancer patients. Although overexpressed, 99% of channels are closed in TNBC cells. Opening BK channels hyperpolarized membrane potential, which induced cell cycle arrest in G2 phase and apoptosis via caspase-3 activation. In a TNBC cell induced xenograft model, treatment with a BK channel opener significantly slowed tumor growth without cardiac toxicity.
Conclusions: Our results support the idea that hyperpolarization induced by opening BK channel in TNBC cells can become a new strategy for development of a targeted therapy in TNBC.
Prevalence and risk factors for adult cataract in the Jingan district of Shanghai
Authors: Sun Yang , Ye Xiaofang , Lu Yi , Xu Jianjiang , Xu Jianming , Ji Yinghong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTo report the prevalence of age-related cataract (ARC) in the Jingan district of Shanghai and analyze the risk factors for ARC.MethodsDuring March to June in 2010, a cross sectional study was conducted in a community selected by stratified cluster sampling in the Jingan district of Shanghai. Residents aged 40 and older were recruited and investigated by questionnaire and ophthalmic examination.ResultsA total of 2894 subjects aged 40 years and above were included in our study. 948 people (32.8%) were diagnosed with cataract including 845 with bilateral cataract and 292 with moderate and severe visual impairment (low vision). There were significant differences in the risk of cataract among different age groups and genders. The multivariable Logistic analysis suggested that the prevalence of cataract increased with age. Persons at lower risk for ARC were those with higher education status (OR=0.722), with refractive error (OR=1.352), and those who used computers for 3-8 hours every day (OR=0.592).ConclusionAge, refractive error, education level and daily time of using computers have a certain correlation with ARC.