bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor Sidedness Could be a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Stage II Colon Cancer
Authors: Iguchi Kenta , Mushiake Hiroyuki , Hasegawa Seiji , Inagaki Daisuke , Mikayama Yo , Fukushima Tadao , Numata Masakatsu , Tamagawa Hiroshi , Yukawa Norio , Rino Yasushi , Masuda Munetaka 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : The search for high-risk factors in stage II colon cancer (CC) is ongoing and several high-risk factors for stage II CC have been identified; however, the effects of tumor sidedness on prognosis is not clear. This study aims to determine whether tumor sidedness could be identified as another high-risk factor for stage II CC. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed 189 patients with stage II CC, following consecutive curative resection surgery performed between 2008 and 2014. We compared clinicopathological findings and long-term outcomes between the patients with right colonic cancer (RCC) and patients with left colonic cancer (LCC). Prognostic factors for survival were determined using univariate and Cox proportional regression analyses. Results : A total of 72 patients were diagnosed with RCC and 117 patients were diagnosed with LCC. Patients with RCC were significantly older (p < 0.001) than those with LCC, and the number of harvested lymph nodes (HLNs) was greater in the RCC group (RCC: 25 vs. LCC: 19; p = 0.003). The overall survival (OS) was notably worse in the RCC group than the OS in the LCC group (5 year survival rate—RCC: 81.3% vs. LCC: 90.4%; p = 0.025), whereas no significant difference was observed in disease-free survival (5 year survival rate—RCC: 74.8% vs. LCC: 83.4%; p = 0.065). Cox proportional regression analysis showed that tumor sidedness (hazard ratio (HR): 3.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.61–8.85, p = 0.022), gender (HR: 3.27, 95% CI: 1.27–8.47, p = 0.014), and the number of HLNs (HR: 4.58, 95% CI: 1.95–10.74, p < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Conclusion : Patients with a right-sided primary tumor location have more negative prognostic factors and worse long-term outcomes than those with a left-sided primary tumor location in stage II CC.
Clinical outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer: real-world data in Korea
Authors: kim hyera , Kim Binnari , Jung Hyun-Ae , Sun Jong-Mu , Lee Se-Hoon , Park Keunchil , Ahn Myung-Ju 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Purpose Anti-PD1 inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC), as a result of Global Phase III trials. However, the clinical outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients who are not eligible for clinical trials or have various medical conditions have not been fully elucidated. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 46 patients with recurrent or metastatic HNC who received pembrolizumab or nivolumab between June 2016 and June 2019. Results Thirty-five patients had head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) affecting the oropharynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, or paranasal sinuses, and eleven patients had nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 3.7 months and 6.8 months, respectively, for patients with HNSCC, and 4.3 months and 11.8 months, respectively, for patients with NPC. The overall response rate (ORR) in all patients was 21%. Of 30 patients with HNSCC, 5 patients achieved complete response and 2 achieved partial response (ORR = 23%); 1 of 8 NPC patients achieved partial response (13%). Patients who previously underwent radiotherapy had better OS than those who did not (median OS, 7.6 months vs. 2.3 months, p = 0.006). OS was longer in patients treated with pembrolizumab than in those treated with nivolumab (median OS, 11.8 months vs. 6.8 months, p = 0.017). Conclusion Consistent with previous reports, immune checkpoint inhibitors showed promising efficacy in patients with previously treated recurrent or metastatic HNC in a real-world setting.
Common pathways and functional profiles reveal underlying patterns in Breast, Kidney and Lung cancers
Authors: Romera-Giner Sergio , García-García Francisco , Hidalgo Marta 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : Cancer is an extremely heterogeneous disease, both intra and inter cancer types. In this work we aim to establish common patterns in Breast, Kidney and Lung cancers at the signaling pathways and functional level which give rise to the generic microenvironment of cancer, as well as determine cancer-specific pathways and functions related to each disease. Results : After a tumor vs. normal tissue comparison of the levels of activation of the signaling pathways and cell functions, we found a significant number of common subpathways and functions related to the three studied tumors. Also common survival mechanisms were established. Cancer-specific features which are only significant in one of the tumors have been determined. Conclusions : The joint analysis of these different cancer datasets reported an appreciable number of common functional features, some of them related at the same time to survival in two of the three analyzed cancers. On the other hand, tumor-specific subpathways and functions have been determined, allowing a better understanding of the specificity of each cancer. Keywords : cancer, signaling, pathways, functional analysis, common
Use of digital periodontal software to compare periodontal treatment outcomes in a practice-based research network (PBRN) – a proof of concept
Authors: Peikert Stefanie Anna , Mittelhamm Felix , Frisch Eberhard , Vach Kirstin , Ratka-Krüger Petra , Wölber Johan Peter 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this non-interventional, observational study was to develop and evaluate a digital procedure to access, extract and analyse recorded clinical data in practices to assess periodontal treatment outcomes.Methods: Participating periodontists were former or active postgraduate students of a master’s course in periodontics in Freiburg who routinely used a digital periodontal diagnostic program. All available stored periodontal patient charts were extracted, anonymized and digitally sent to the study centre.Results: In this study, data were collected from 6401 patients from 9 different practices. Information such as probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), mobility, furcation and gingival attachment for 153163 teeth at first visit were successfully transferred to the study centre. During the observational period, which was from 2.08 years to 18.35 years on average, only 2.8% of all teeth were lost. The number of visits was significantly negatively correlated with BOP (p<0.0001), and the number of BOP-positive sites was significantly correlated with deeper PDs (p<0.001).Conclusion: The presented procedure was able to gather a large amount of practice-based periodontal data, and thus this study may support practice-based research networks. The data indicate that systematic and supportive periodontal therapy is successful on a practice-based level.
Increased interleukin-6 levels in neuron-derived plasma small extracellular vesicles in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Lai Niansheng , Yao Yang , Qin Feiyun , Yu Tao , Xia Dayong , Zhao Xintong , Wu Degang , Liu Jiaqiang , Yuan Jinlong , Fang Xinggen , Li Zhenbao 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a severe type of stroke characterized by high rates of mortality and disability. Identifying circulating biomarkers is helpful to improve prognosis. In this study, for the first time, we identify circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in neuron-derived small extracellular vesicles (NDSEVs) as potential biomarkers in prognosis of aSAH.Methods We extracted small extracellular vesicles from the plasma of aSAH patients and healthy controls and enriched them using sequential precipitation and anti-L1CAM antibody immunoabsorption. Subsequently, we determined IL-6 levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results Plasma IL-6 NDSEVs showed distinct pattern differences between aSAH patients and healthy controls. There were significant correlations of IL-6concentrations in plasma with severity in aSAH. The AUCs of IL-6 for distinguishing the severe aSAH patients from mild aSAH patients were 0.961. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, only age, acute hydrocephalus,and the levels of IL-6 NDSEVs enabled prediction of neurological outcome at 1 year. The IL-6 NDSEVs levels were greater and positively associated with disease and prognosis of aSAH patients.Conclusions These data suggest a neuroinflammatory cascade in aSAH patients. IL-6 NDSEVs may be a biomarkers to monitor the progression of aSAH.
Whole genome sequencing of macrolide resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A sequence type 416
Authors: Spanelova Petra , Jakubu Vladislav , Malisova Lucia , Musilek Martin , Kozakova Jana , Papagiannitsis Costas C. , Bitar Ibrahim , Hrabak Jaroslav , Pantosti Annalisa , Grosso Maria del , Zemlickova Helena 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae to macrolides is becoming an increasingly important issue and thus it is important to understand the genetics related to adaptation of this species to the widespread use of antibiotics in Europe. The 58 isolates of S. pneumoniae belonging to sequence type 416 and serotype 19A and to several different phenotypes originated from Italy, Portugal and Czech Republic were thus sequenced on Illumina MiSeq. The aim of the study was to describe the relation between isolates in this collection and the Netherlands15B-37 clone, which belongs to serotype 15B and sequence type 199. The association of sequence type 416 with macrolide resistance was also investigated. Results: Investigation of genes associated with serotype confirmed common recent origin of inquired isolates in the serotype switch between 15B and 19A serotypes. The genes associated with the macrolide resistance are to be quite variable even within closely genetically relative isolates. Conclusions: This tendency to interchange and modification of genes associated with macrolide resistance and surrounding sequences could lead to adaptation to different circumstances and thus to accelerate spreading of this sequence type in regions with high macrolide consumption.
Analysis of Reference Genes stability and Histidine Kinase Expression under Cold Stress in Cordyceps militaris
Authors: Liu Yong-Nan , Liu Bi-Yang , Ma You-Chu , Yang Hai-Long , Liu Li-Ming , Liu Gao-Qiang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The development of fungal fruiting bodies from a hyphal thallus represents a transition from simple to complex multicellularity that is inducible under low temperature (cold stress). The molecular mechanism has been subject to surprisingly few studies. Analysis of gene expression level has become an important means to study gene function and its regulation mechanism. But identification of reference genes (RGs) stability under cold stress have not been reported in famous medicinal mushroom-forming fungi Cordyceps militaris. Results: Herein, 12 candidate RGs had been systematically validated under cold stress in C. militaris. Three diﬀerent algorithms, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper were applied to evaluate the expression stability of the RGs. Our results showed that UBC and UBQ were the most stable RGs for cold treatments in short and long time, respectively. 2 RGs (UBC and PP2A) and 3 RGs (UBQ, TUB and CYP) were the suitable housekeeping genes for cold treatments in short and long time, respectively. Moreover, target genes, two-component-system histidine kinase genes, were selected to validate the most and least stable RGs under cold treatment, which indicated that use of unstable expressed genes as housekeeping genes leads to biased results.Conclusions: Our results provide a good starting point for accurate reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction normalization by using UBC and UBQ in C. militaris under cold stress and better support for understanding the mechanism of response to cold stress and fruiting body formation in C. militaris and other mushroom-forming fungi in future research.
Unmasking Anxiety in Autism: Explicit and Implicit Threatening Faces Dissociate Amygdala-centered Functional Connectivity
Authors: Chen Yu-Chun , Chen Chenyi , Liu Chia-Chien , Martínez Róger Marcelo , Fan Yang-Teng , Cheng Yawei 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Anxiety is the most prevalent comorbidity in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Amygdala reactivity to explicit and implicit threat processing is predictive of anxiety-related symptomatology. The neural mechanisms underlying the link between anxiety and ASD remains elusive. Methods: In this fMRI study, we recruited young adults with ASD (N = 31) and matched them with controls, then proceeded to assess their autistic and anxiety traits by the use of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), respectively; and scanned their hemodynamic responses, including amygdala, in response to explicit and implicit (backwardly masked) perception of threatening faces. Results: As compared to controls, the amygdala reactivity in ASD subjects was significantly lower to explicit threat, but comparable for implicit threat. The correlations of the amygdala reactivity with the AQ and STAI-S were dissociated depending on threat processing (explicit or implicit). Furthermore, the amygdala in ASD relative to controls had a more negative functional connectivity with the superior parietal cortex, fusiform gyrus, and hippocampus for explicit threat, whereas a more positive connectivity with the medial prefrontal cortex, temporal pole, and hippocampus for implicit threat. Conclusion: In ASD, the transmission of socially relevant information along dorsal and ventral neural pathways centered on the amygdala is dissociated depending on explicit and implicit threat processing. This dissociation, ascribed to their failure to compromise pre-existing hyperarousal, might contribute to anxiety in ASD.
Quality of Life among Infertile Couples in Gaza City, Palestine
Authors: baloushah suha , barjasteh samira , elsous aymen , alderawi ali , eid soha abou , masad atef 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Infertility is an important health problem affecting the quality of life accompanied by significant emotional and psychological consequences. Infertile couples living with emotional disturbances face challenges with less success of infertility treatment. Purposes: This study aimed to investigate the quality of life of infertile couples who seek In-Vitro Fertilizations (IVFs) by gender in Gaza city, Palestinian. Methods and materials: A cross sectional study was conducted, from Feb 2018 to Nov 2018, among 383 infertile couples selected through convenient sampling. A valid and reliable Arabic version of the fertility quality of life questionnaire (FertiQoL) was used in data collection. One way ANOVA and independent t-test was applied to compare between males and females. P value less than 0.05% was considered statistical significance. Results: The mean age of males and females was 34.54±8.54 and 29.28±6.71 years respectively. More than half of them had university degree (64% and 60% respectively). The mean duration of infertility of couples was 5.66±3.54 years. The mean males' scores of FertiQoL and its subscales (emotion, mind/body, social, core, tolerability and treatment) were significantly higher than females' scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: The males' total scores of FertiQoL and its subscales were higher than females' scores. The mean total of FertiQoL increased with better education, however, decreased with increase of age, duration of marriage, duration of infertility and number of IVF attempts. Psychological assessment and Counseling are necessary for infertile women taking into considerations factors affecting their QoL.
Modifications in COPD Treatment According to GOLD Guideline Recommendations
Authors: turan muzaffer onur , Sahin Sezgi , Altunbey Sinem Agca , Ogan Nalan , Hoca Nevin Taci , Mirici Arzu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polypharmacy of respiratory medications is commonly seen in COPD patients. Reduction of COPD therapy in patients with overtreatment may have benefits by providing adherence to the guideline recommendations. We aimed to investigate effects of treatment de-escalation in COPD. METHODS This multi-center, prospective study was carried out in four pulmonary outpatient clinics. Overtreated patients (according to GOLD 2017) were recommended to undergo de-escalation of treatment (reduction group I), and those who were under appropriate treatment were recommended a stepwise de-escalation (reduction group II). Patients who declined de-escalation were in non-reduction group I. Non-reduction group II consisted of patients under appropriate treatment. Inhalation device skill, symptom control and quality of life (QOL) were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS At baseline visit, 55.9% of participants (76/136) were overtreated. There were de-escalation in 54 patients (35: reduction group I, 19: reduction group II). Non- reduction groups I and II included 37 and 45 patients, respectively. FEV 1 of patients with appropriate treatment improved significantly (p=0.033). There was a significant improvement in QOL in reduction group I (p=0.005) and II (p=0.011). Patients who reduced/quitted smoking during follow-up recorded significant improvements in FEV 1 and drug inhalation skills score (p=0.034 and p=0.023, respectively). Overtreatment had an estimated additional cost of 119.57$/year for each patient. CONCLUSION Overtreatment is a common problem in COPD. De-escalation of inhaler medications can improve QOL. Appropriate treatment according to guidelines positively affects respiratory parameters. Reduction/discontinuation of smoking improves both inhaler adherence and spirometric measurements. De-escalation of inhaler treatment should be considered in overtreated patients.
CARTA Fellows’ Scientific Contribution to the African Public and Population Health Research Agenda (2011 to 2018)
Authors: Igumbor Jude , Bosire Edna N , Basera Tariro , Dieudonn Uwizeye , Fayehun Funke , Wao Hesborn , Ajuwon Ademola , Otukpa Emmanuel , Karimi Florah , Conco Daphney , Gitau Evelyn , Fonn Sharon 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Strengthening research capacity in African academic institutions is crucial to address the ever-increasing health challenges across the continent. Since its inception in 2009, the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) program has focused on strengthening the capacity of nine African universities to produce skilled researchers and scholars able to improve public and population health on the continent. This study describes the alignment between CARTA-supported doctoral topics and publications with the priorities articulated by the African public and population health research agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs). Methods: We reviewed the output from CARTA PhD fellows between 2011 and 2018 to establish the volume and scope of the publications, and the degree to which the research focus coincided with the SDGs, World Bank, and African Development Bank research priority areas. We identified nine key priority areas into which the topics were classified.Results: In total, 140 CARTA fellows published 806 articles in peer-reviewed journals over the 8 years up to 2018. The publications are available in over 6300 online versions and have been cited in over 5500 other publications. About 69% of the published papers addressed the nine African public and population health research agenda and SDG priority areas. Infectious diseases topped the list of publications (26.8%), followed by the health system and policy research (17.6%), maternal and child health (14.7%), sexual and reproductive health (14.3%). About 70% of the articles were published by fellows from or affiliated to universities in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Conclusions and recommendations: Investments by CARTA in supporting doctoral studies provides fellows with sufficient training and skills to publish their research in fields of public and population health. The number of publications is understandably uneven across Africa’s public and population priority areas. However, even while low in number, fellows are nonetheless publishing in areas such as non-communicable disease, health financing, neglected tropical diseases, and environmental health. Violence and injury is perhaps underrepresented. There is need to keep developing research capacity in partner institutions with low research output by training more PhDs in such institutions and by facilitating enabling environments for research.
Influence of snoring on in incidence of metabolic syndrome: a community-based prospective cohort study in rural Northeast China
Authors: Yu Shasha , Guo Xiaofan , Li GuangXiao , Yang Hongmei , Sun Guozhe , Sun Yingxian 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: There is increasing trend of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in rural areas of China in recent years. It is necessary to figure out the possible risk factors of MetS for better intervention. This community-based prospective cohort study was performed to assess the relationship between snoring status and incidence of MetS.Methods: We conducted a cohort study among residents aged ≥ 35 years without MetS in 2012-2013. Among 5,691 residents who met the inclusion criteria, 4,980 residents (2,586 men and 2394 women; follow-up proportion: 87.5%) remained available for follow-up examinations during 2015-2017. The main outcome was the incidence of MetS, defined by the unify criteria in 2009. We divided residents by snoring status and compared outcome between groups. Using a logistic regression model, we estimated the odds ratio (OR) for incidence for MetS, adjusting for confounders, ages, gender, exercise habit, sleep duration, alcohol and smoke consumption. Results: With a median follow up of 4.6 years, incidence of MetS was higher in snorers (men 26.2%, women 33.5%) than in non-snorers (men 19.7%, women 23.2%). Diastolic blood pressure increased in follow-up compared with baseline in male snorers but decreased in male non-snorers. Similarly, fast blood glucose level increased in female snorers at follow-up but decreased in female non-snorers. We found a significant association between snoring and incidence of MetS (adjusted OR=1.51, 95%CI=1.32-1.74). Besides, as the degrees of the snoring increased, the incidence of MetS increased simultaneously. And the OR for the very severe snoring was double compared with non-snorers (adjusted OR=2.10, 95%CI=1.38-3.20). Conclusion: Snoring is associated with higher incidence of MetS in rural Northeast Chinese. More emphasis should be paid to residents with snoring problem.