bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recommendations to improve the insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran A multi-criteria decision making approach
Authors: Shahabi Saeed , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri , Zarei Leila 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background High rate of traffic injuries, climate changes, natural disasters, aging, and chronic diseases have been resulted in a considerable demand for receiving physiotherapy in Iran. However, there are various complications in utilization of physiotherapy services, especially poor insurance coverage. This study investigated and prioritized potential policy recommendations to improve the insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran. Methods The present project was carried out using mix-method (qualitative-quantitative) approach in Iran. In the first phase, a qualitative study was conducted to find the policy recommendations and in the second phase, obtained policy recommendations were prioritized based on the effectiveness, acceptability, cost, fairness, feasibility, and time using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Results In the first phase, 30 semi-structured interviews with health policy-makers, health insurers, faculty members, rehabilitation experts, and physiotherapists were conducted. Several policy recommendations were proposed by participants. Following the second phase, prioritized recommendations were provided to promote stewardship (e.g. informing the policy-makers about physiotherapy services), collection of funds (e.g. value-added tax on luxury goods and services), pooling of funds (e.g. moving the allocated resources to insurance (third party) mechanism), purchasing (e.g. using strategic purchasing), and benefit package (e.g. considering the preventive interventions) as main components of insurance coverage. Conclusion The findings of this study will be provided a favorable ground to improve the insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in Iran, and decision- and policy-makers can place these recommendations at their agenda settings in the health sector to protect the health status of population, especially disabled groups.
Economic incentives and survival probability for chronic and multimorbidity patients - Do the relationships depend on patient pathways?
Authors: Islam M. Kamrul , Kjerstad Egil , Askildsen Jan Erik 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

The Norwegian Coordination Reform (CR) in 2012 introduced new economic incentives aimed at weaknesses in the way primary /social care and specialist care interacted. This paper studies the association of a new co-payment scheme on 30-day survival probability for chronic and multimorbidity patients. We also analyse whether or not admission types - planned or emergency - matters for survival rates. Furthermore, we examine the importance of patient pathways. Several different pathways are possible, depending on where patients came from before being admitted to hospital and their destination after discharge from hospital.

Methods

The study uses data from three different registers for the period 2010 to 2013. We consider 30 common chronic conditions for which administrative data are available (n=563,096). We look at three mutually exclusive pathways, pathways that are the important ones in terms of the number of patients dependent on co-operation and co-ordination between health care providers. Using a quasi-experimental design—the difference-in-differences approach—we estimate the associations between the co-payment scheme and survival probability by admission type and by patient pathway.

Results

We find that the change in survival probability is significant and positively associated with the co-payment scheme for emergency admissions, but no significant association is found for planned admissions. A positive and significant relationship is found for emergency patients for two specific pathways—patients coming from home and discharged to social care institutions after hospitalization, and patients coming from home and discharged to other health care institutions after hospitalization. For planned admissions, the survival probability is significantly and negatively associated for patients coming from home and later discharged to social care institutions. Multimorbidity subgroup analysis shows that the negative association with survival is significant for only planned admissions for the patients coming from home and later discharged to home after hospitalization.

Conclusion

We conclude that the 30-day survival probability is positively associated with the new economic incentives but the result depends on admission type, patient pathway and multimorbidity status. Without modelling admission type, pathway and multimorbidity explicitly, one may overlook important relationships associated with the economic incentives. Future policy evaluations in any pertinent context should envisage these aspects.
Clinical characteristics of four cancer patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Wuhan, China
Authors: Song Shihui , Ma Zhiyong , Chen Tielong , Deng Liping , Zhang Yongxi , Mo Pingzheng , Gao Shicheng , Hu Wenjia , Xiong Yong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to the outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan, and rapidly spread throughout China. The virus is highly infectious and can infect individuals in the community, including patients in the hospital. Patients with cancer might be susceptible to the viral infection because of the immunosuppressive state cause by therapies on tumors. Case presentation: We present the clinical features of four cancer patients who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the past month in our hospital. One patient with uncontrolled chronic B cell lymphocytic leukemia and many other underlying diseases was killed by the virus, and the other three patients survived. Nearly all patients showed a decrease in lymphocytes including total CD3+ T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells after infection of the virus. Conclusion: This report suggests that the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients is challenged by the immunosuppressive state of these patients under chemotherapy or surgery.
Inhaled granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor for mild-to-moderate autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis - a phase II randomized study for 6 months and follow-up to 24 months
Authors: Tian Xinlun , Yang Yanli , Chen Lulu , Sui Xin , Xu Wenshuai , Li Xue , Guo Xiaobei , Liu Lingshan , Situ Yusen , Wang Jun , Zhao Yang , Meng Shuzhen , Song Wei , Xiao Yonglong , Xu Kai-Feng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Treatment of autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP) by inhaled granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is considered safe and effective. Evidences of benefit from GM-CSG inhalation for mild to moderate aPAP patients are limited. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, open-labeled clinical trial, 36 aPAP patients with mild to moderate disease severity were randomized into either GM-CSF treatment group or control group. Inhaled GM-CSF was prescribed for 6 months, and patients were followed-up for another 18 months without treatment. Physiological features of the patients were analyzed.Results: There were 36 patients (19 in treatment group, 17 in control group) included. No significant difference in primary endpoints measured by the change of alveolar arterial oxygen gradient (A-aDO2) from the baseline value to the values obtained during treatment or during the following 18-month non-treatment observation period [control group vs. treatment group: 0.51±12.09 mmHg vs. -0.35±13.76 mmHg, p=0.848 (3 month); 1.85±11.21 mmHg vs. 7.31±8.81 mmHg, p=0.146 (6 months); 6.05±11.14 mmHg vs. 6.61±10.64mmHg, p=0.899 (24 months)]). Percentage of diffusion capacity predicted (DLCO%) and percentage of total lung capacity predicted (TLC%), however, were significantly improved in the treatment group at the end of the study (P=0.010 and 0.027). St. George Respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) scores were better after 6 months treatment with GM-CSF than control group, and the benefits of treatment were maintained throughout the observation period. No severe side effects were observed during the study. Conclusion: Six months of inhaled GM-CSF treatment had no effect on the alveolar–arterial oxygen gradient in patients with mild to moderate pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. There were changes in some clinical or laboratory measures, but no clinically important changes were noted at the end of study.
ISFHAC as a novel predictor of macrosomia in gestational diabetes mellitus and normal pregnancy
Authors: Chen Zhi-Guo , Xu Ya-Ting , Ji Lu-Lu , Zhang Xiao-Li , Chen Xiao-Xing , Liu Rui , Wu Chao , Wang Yan-Ling , Hu Han-Yang , Wang Lin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Macrosomia is a major adverse pregnancy outcome of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Although BMI, symphysis-fundal height (SFH) and abdominal circumference (AC) are associated with fetal weight, there are some limitations to their use, especially for the prediction of macrosomia. This study aimed to identify a novel predictive methodology to improve the prediction of high-risk macrosomia.
Methods Clinical information was collected from 3730 patients. The association between the ISFHAC (the index of SFH algorithm multiplied by the square of AC) and fetal weight was performed and validated. A new index, the ISFHAC, was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC) analysis.
Results A total of 1087 GDM and 657 normal singleton pregnancies were analyzed. ISFHAC was positively correlated with fetal weight in GDM pregnancies and normal pregnancies (NPs). The AUCs of the ISFHAC were 0.815 in the GDM group and 0.804 in the NP group. The ISFHAC cutoff points were 41.7 and 37 in the GDM and NP groups, respectively. The sensitivity values for the prediction of macrosomia with high ISFHAC were 75.9% and 81.3% in the GDM and NP groups, respectively, which were higher than that for the prediction of BMI. Regarding the validation data, the sensitivity values for prediction with a high ISFHAC were 78.9% (559 GDM pregnancies) and 78.3% (1427 NPs).
Conclusions The ISFHAC can be regarded as a new predictor and risk factor for macrosomia in GDM pregnancy and NP.
Infiltration Patterns of Immune Cells in Gastric Cancer and Their Clinical Correlation with Prognosis
Authors: Wu XiaoLi , Ma Hongbo , Li YanYan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Abstract: Objective

Gastric cancer is a malignant tumour that severely affects the health of patients. This study analyses the correlation between gastric cancer-infiltrating immune cell patterns and clinical prognosis and provides a scientific basis for the development of comprehensive tumour prevention and treatment strategies.

Method

Transcripts and related clinical data from 9-2019 for gastric cancer were downloaded from the TCGA database. The proportions of 22 kinds of immune cells were calculated by CIBERSORT software, and the correlation of each immune cell component ratio with tumour grade, clinical stage and overall survival (OS) was evaluated.

Results

A total of 413 gene transcript data sets were obtained from the TCGA database, including 381 for gastric cancer and 32 for normal tissues. The expression of various macrophages in tumour tissues was abundant. The immune cell composition, which included resting dendritic cells (p=0.02), M1 macrophages (p=0.031), resting mast cells (p=0.02), CD8 T cells (p=2.445e-04), M0 macrophages (p=6.353e-04), activated mast cells (p=0.006), neutrophils (p=0.003), resting NK cells (p=0.014), and gamma delta T cells (p=0.033), is related to the pathological grade. As the tumour stage of gastric cancer patients progresses, the proportion of some immune cells, including eosinophils (p=0.013), activated mast cells (p=0.042), neutrophils (p=0.007), and resting NK cells (p=0.036) gradually increases, while the proportion of other immune cells, for example, CD8 T cells (p=0.018), Tregs (p=0.039), M1 macrophages (p=0.018), and activated NK cells (p=0.042) gradually decreases. Higher expression of CD8 T cells suggests a better prognosis.

Conclusion

The composition of tumour-infiltrating immune cells differed greatly in different pathological grades and stages of gastric cancer. CD8 T cells can be used as a prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients.
Immune Characterization Of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Post Reovirus Administration
Authors: Parakrama Ruwan , Fogel Elisha , Chandy Carol , Augustine Titto , Coffey Matt , Tesfa Lydia , Goel Sanjay , Maitra Radhashree 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
KRAS mutations are prevalent in 40-45% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and targeting this gene has remained elusive. Reovirus is an endogenous double-stranded RNA virus with specificity for KRAS -mutated CRC. Using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and serum samples from patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) post reovirus treatment in combination with FOLFIRI and bevacizumab (a phase 1 clinical study), we demonstrate that administration of reovirus results in immunomodulatory changes across genomic, protein and cellular levels. These changes include alterations in expression of several genes including KRAS, VEGFA and CXCR2; sustained reductions in exosomal and cellular levels of miR-29a-3p (a microRNA upregulated in CRC and associated with decreased expression of the tumor suppressor WWOX gene); increases in serum anti-tumorigenic cytokines GM-CSF, IL-15 and IL-12p40 and IL-12p70; reductions in serum pro-tumorigenic cytokines VEGF, RANTES and IL-8; increases in the population of dendritic cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells; increased expression of granzyme B a marker CD8+T activation. These data lend valuable insight into the potential of reovirus as an adjuvant when administered with established chemotherapy regimens in patients with KRAS-mutated mCRC. The findings warrant further study of reovirus in other cancers.SIGNIFICANCE: Reovirus has profound immunomodulatory properties that span the genomic, protein and immune cell distribution levels. This is the first study with reovirus in cancer patients that demonstrates these multi-layered effects, demonstrating how reovirus can function as an immune stimulant (augmenting the efficacy of immuno-chemo-therapeutic drugs), and an oncolytic agent.
Metabolomic profiling on plasma reveals potential biomarkers for screening and early diagnosis of gastric cancer and precancerous stages
Authors: Du Lijing , Li Shasha , Xiao Xue , Li Jin , Jin Huizi , Hua Zhaolai , Ma Juming , Wang Xi , Yan Shikai 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most common cancers all over the world. The greatest challenge for GC is that it is often detected at advanced stages, leading to the loss of optimum time for treatment and giving rise to poor prognosis. Thus, there is a critical need to develop effective and noninvasive strategies for early diagnosis of the disease process. Methods: In total, 82 participants were enrolled in the study, including 50 chronic superficial gastritis (CSG) patients, 7 early gastric cancer (EGC) and 25 advanced gastric cancer (AGC) ones. Metabolites profiling on patient plasma was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry ( UPLC-Q-TOF/MS ). Principal components analysis as well as orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis was utilized to evaluate the variation on endogenous metabolites for GC patients and to screen potential biomarkers. Furthermore, the biomarker panels detected above were used to create logistic regression models, which discrimination efficiency and accuracy was ascertained by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Metabolic pathways were carried out on MetaboAnalyst. Results: Totally 50 metabolites were detected differentially expressed among CSG, EGC and AGC patients. L-carnitine, L-proline, pyruvaldehyde, phosphatidylcholines (PC) (14:0/18:0), lysophosphatidylcholine (14:0) (LysoPC 14:0), lysinoalanine were defined as the potential biomarker panel for the diagnosis among CSG and EGC patients. Compared with EGC patients, 6 significantly changed metabolites, PC(O-18:0/0:0) and LysoPC(20:4(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)) were found to be up-regulated, whereas L-proline, L-valine, adrenic acid and pyruvaldehyde to be down-regulated in AGC patients. ROC analysis demonstrated a high diagnostic performance for metabolite panels with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.931 to 1. Moreover, the metabolomic pathway analysis revealed several metabolism pathway disruptions, including amino acid and lipid metabolisms, in GC patients. Conclusions: In this study, a total of six differential metabolites that contributed to GC and precancerous stages were identified, respectively. The biomarker panels further improve diagnostic performance for detecting GC, with AUC values of more than 93.1%. It indicated that the biomarker panels may be sensitive to the early diagnosis of GC disease, which can be used as a promising diagnostic and prognostic tool for disease stratification studies.
Measurement Invariance of the Chinese Job Performance Questionnaire (CJPQ) across Gender and Age among Doctors
Authors: Yang Yanjie 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background At present, China urgently needs an effective and reliable tool to measure the job performance of doctors. For the first time, this study examined the measurement equivalence of the Chinese version of the Job Performance Questionnaire (CJPQ) in different genders and age groups among Chinese physician group. Methods The subjects of this study were 1901 doctors from 7 ‘grade-three’ hospitals in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, with an average age of 36.59±7.91 years. And this study adopted the Chinese version of the Job Performance Questionnaire (CJPQ) compiled by Chinese scholar Qiang Lin, which includs 3 dimensions, 33 items in total and adopts the five-point Likert scoring system. Demographic variables were analyzed by SPSS 21.0 and measurement consistency tests were performed using AMOS 17.0. Results The results showed that for different genders, all changes in the CFI (Comparative Fit Index) were <0.01, indicating that the Chinese version of the Job Performance Questionnaire (CJPQ) is equivalent in terms of gender. Similarly, for subjects of different ages, all changes in CFI were also <0.01, indicating that the CJPQ is also equivalent in regard to age. Conclusions The measurement equivalence of the Chinese version of the Job Performance Questionnaire (CJPQ) among Chinese physicians of different genders and age groups is fully established.
Synthesize of a novel 89Zr labeled HER2 affibody and its application study in tumor PET imaging
Authors: Xu Yuping , Wang Lizhen , Pan Donghui , Yan Junjie , Wang Xinyu , Yang Runlin , Li Mingzhu , Liu Yu , Yang Min 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is an important biomarker for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Affibody is an ideal vector for preparing HER2 specific probes due to the advantages such as high affinity and rapid blood clearance etc. 89Zr is a novel PET imaging isotope with long half-lives and suitable for tracking biological processes for longer periods. In this study, a novel 89Zr labeled HER2 affibody, 89Zr-DFO-MAL-Cys-MZHER2, was synthesized and its imaging properties were also evaluated.
Results:
The precursors, DFO-MAL-Cys-MZHER2, were obtained with the yields of nearly 50%. The yields of 89Zr -DFO-MAL-Cys-MZHER2 were 90.2±1.9% and the radiopurities were more than 95%. The total synthesis time was only 30 minutes. The probes were stable in PBS and serum. The tracer accumulated in HER2 overexpression human ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells. In vivo studies in mice bearing tumors showed that the probe highly retained in SKOV-3 xenografts even for 48 hours. The tumors were visualized with good contrast to normal tissue. ROI analysis revealed that the average uptakes in the tumor were greater than 5 %ID/g. On the contrary, the counterparts of MCF-7 tumors kept low levels of （~1%ID/g）. The outcome was consistent with the immunohistochemical analysis and ex vivo autoradiography. The probe quickly cleared from the blood and normal organs, and mainly excreted through the urinary system.
Conclusion:
The novel HER2 affibody for PET imaging was easily prepared with satisfactory labeling yield and radiochemical purity. 89Zr-DFO-MAL-MZHER is a potential candidate for monitoring HER2 expression and may play specific roles in clinical cancer theranostics.
Mechanisms of VPS29 gene in carotenoid deposition in the adductor muscles of QN Orange scallops
Authors: Song Junlin , Wang Chunde 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background In our previous studies, we selected a new scallop strain, QN Orange, which is rich in carotenoids in its adductor muscles, from the bay scallop-Peruvian scallop hybrids. We further demonstrated that the accumulation of carotenoids in QN Orange scallops might be regulated by a series of genes among which the vacuolar protein sorting 29 ( VPS29) gene may play a pivotal role in carotenoid metabolism. However, the possible mechanism underlying the VSP29 remains unexplored. This study aimed to further elucidate the role of VPS29 in the carotenoid deposition process via RNA interference (RNAi).Results HPLC results showed that the pectenolone, but not pectenoxanthin content in the adductor muscle was reduced by RNAi of VSP29 . Transcriptomic analyses revealed 534 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the group treated with RNAi and the control group, including genes related to carotenoid biosynthesis such as low-density lipoprotein receptor domain class, cytochrome P450, Niemann Pick C1-like 1, and ATP binding cassette transporter. KEGG analyses further indicated that lysosome pathway was enriched with VPS29 RNAi.Conclusions Our results indicated that VPS29 may be crucial in carotenoid deposition through the regulation of other genes related to carotenoid metabolism. This study will provide a theoretical basis and a new research perspective for revealing the mechanism of carotenoid accumulation in shellfish.
Transcriptomic analysis of s-methoprene resistance in the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica, and evaluation of piperonyl butoxide as a resistance breaker
Authors: SAKKA MARIA , Riga Maria , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Mpaliota Georgia , Jagadeesan Rajeswaran , Nayak Manoj K. , Vontas John , Athanassiou Christos 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica is a serious pest of stored grains. Fumigation and contact insecticides play a major role in managing this pest globally. While insects are developing genetic resistance to chemicals, hormonal analogues such as s-methoprene play a key role in reducing general pest pressure as well managing pest populations that are resistant to fumigants and neurotoxic contact insecticides. However, resistance to s-methoprene has been reported in R. dominica while there are some reports that show a remarkable high levels, recently, questioning the use of this compound and other related analogues in grain protection. The current study attempt to identify possible molecular mechanisms that contribute to resistance to s-methoprene in R. dominica. Results: Transcriptome analysis of resistant and susceptible populations of this pest species identified a set of differentially expressed genes related to cytochrome P450s, indicating their potential role in resistance to s-methoprene. Laboratory bioassays were performed with s-methoprene treated wheat grains in presence and absence of piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a cytochrome P450 inhibitor. Our results indicated that the number of produced progeny decreased in presence of the inhibitor, especially in the resistant strain. In addition, we also identified CYP complement (CYPome) of R. dominica, annotated and analysed phylogenetically, to understand the evolutionary relationships with other species.Conclusions: The information generated in current study suggest that PBO can effectively be used to break resistance to s-methoprene in R. dominica.