bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traditional Chinese Medicine Involving Triple Rehabilitation Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis in 696 Outpatient Cases: A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Guo Jiemei , Cai Tangyan , Xiao Yan , Wang Jianhui , Li Baolin , Huang Lulu , Mao Xiao , Lai Xingquan , Zhu Yaju , Zhang Yiqiang , Chen Shaoqing , Su Youxin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The treatment and rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) are important. This trial was designed to determine the effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) involving triple rehabilitation therapy for KOA on the progression of this disease to help expand the use of this therapy. Methods: In this multi-center, prospective, multi-factor randomized single-blinded parallel controlled clinical trial, 38 community health service centers located in Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Foshan, and Chengdu in China were randomly divided into experimental and control groups equally. A total of 722 patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Health education combined with TCM involving triple rehabilitation therapy for KOA (electro-acupuncture, Chinese medicinal herb fumigation-washing, and traditional exercises) was administered in the experimental group while conventional rehabilitation therapy (physical factor therapy, joint movement training, and muscle strength training) was administered in the control group. Patients with a visual analog scale (VAS) score ≥4 were treated with dispersible meloxicam tablets (7.5 mg/time, once/day). The Lequesne index score, VAS score, range of motion (ROM), lower limb muscle strength, knee joint circumference, KOA symptom grading score, and the short-form 36 item health survey questionnaire (SF-36) score were measured for each patient before and at 4 checkpoints during treatment (at 2 weeks, and 4 weeks) and after treatment (at 1 month, and 3 months).Results: The entire process was completed by 351 and 345 patients in the experimental and control groups, respectively. At all treatment checkpoints, the experimental group demonstrated better outcomes than the control group with regard to the total Lequesne index score, effective rate and rate of improvement of the total Lequesne index score, VAS score, lower limb muscle strength, knee circumference, the KOA symptom grading score, and SF-36 scores as well. Conclusion: TCM involving triple rehabilitation therapy for KOA is suitable for patients with early or mid-stage KOA. It can alleviate KOA-related pain and swelling, improve lower limb muscle strength, and promote flexion and activity of the knee. This therapy can improve the quality of life in patients undergoing KOA, and should be popularized and made available to the broader community.
The Prediction for Development of COVID-19 in Global Major Epidemic Areas Through Empirical Trends in China by Utilizing State Transition Matrix Model
Authors: Zheng Zhong , Wu Ke , Yao Zhixian , Zheng Junhua , Chen Jian 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Since pneumonia caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) broke out in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, tremendous infected cases has risen all over the world attributed to high transmissibility. We managed to mathematically forecast the inflection point (IFP) of new cases in South Korea, Italy, and Iran, utilizing the transcendental model from China. Methods: Data from reports released by the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China (Dec 31, 2019 to Mar 5, 2020) and the World Health Organization (Jan 20, 2020 to Mar 5, 2020) were extracted as the training set and the data from Mar 6 to Mar 9 as validation set. New close contacts, newly confirmed cases, cumulative confirmed cases, non-severe cases, severe cases, critical cases, cured cases, and death were collected and analyzed. All data were analyzed through the State Transition Matrix model. Results: the optimistic scenario (non-Hubei model, daily increment rate of -3.87%), the cautiously optimistic scenario (Hubei model, daily increment rate of -2.20%), and the relatively pessimistic scenario (adjustment, daily increment rate of -1.50%) were inferred and modeling from data in China. The IFP of time in South Korea would be Mar 6-Mar 12, Italy Mar 10-Mar 24, and Iran is Mar 10-Mar 24. The numbers of cumulative confirmed patients will reach approximately 20k in South Korea, 209k in Italy, and 226k in Iran under fitting scenarios, respectively. There should be room for improvement if these metrics continue to improve. In that case, the IFP will arrive earlier than our estimation. However, with the adoption of different diagnosis criteria, the variation of new cases could impose various influences in the predictive model. If that happens, the IFP of increment will be higher than predicted above. Conclusion: The end of the pandemic is still inapproachable, and the number of confirmed cases is still escalating. With the augment of data, the world epidemic trend could be further predicted, and it is imperative to consummate the assignment of global medical resources to curb the development of COVID-19.
In Situ Monitoring of Nitrate Content in Leafy Vegetables Using Mid-Infrared Attenuated Total Reflectance Spectroscopy coupled with Intelligent Algorithm
Authors: Ma Fei , Du changwen , Zhen Shuailin , Du Yaxiao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Vegetables are one of the most important nitrate sources of human diary diet. Establishing fast and accurate in situ nitrate monitoring approaches that could be used in the plant growth process and vegetable markets is essential.Results: Incorporating the unique feature of N-O asymmetric stretch absorption in the mid-infrared region (1500-1200 cm-1), portable Fourier-transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopic instruments, along with the Euclidean distance-modified intelligent algorithm extreme learning machine (ED-ELM) model, were employed to evaluate the nitrate contents in leafy vegetables. A total of 1224 samples of four popular vegetables (Chinese cabbage, swamp cabbage, celery, and lettuce) were analyzed. The results indicated that the nitrate contents (mean values: Chinese cabbage: 7550 mg/kg; swamp cabbage: 4219 mg/kg; celery: 4164 mg/kg; lettuce: 4322 mg/kg) highly exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO))-specified maximum tolerance limits. The ED-ELM model showed a better performance with the root-mean-square-error of 799.7 mg/kg, the determination coefficients of 0.93, the ratio of performance to deviation of 2.22, the optimized calibration dataset number of 100, and the number of hidden neurons of 30.Conclusion: The results confirmed that FTIR-ATR, along with the suitable model algorithms, could be used as a potential rapid and accurate method to monitor the nitrate contents in the fields of agriculture and food safety.
Automated high-resolution structure analysis of plant root with a morphological image filtering algorithm
Authors: Gong Liang , Lin Chenhui , Zhu Kai , Liu Chenliang , Hong Jun , Liang Wanqi , Joe Wilson 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Research on rice (Oryza sativa) roots requires the automatic analysis of root structure using image processing. It is challenging for a digital filter to identify the roots from the obscured and cluttered background, and to separate the primary roots from lateral roots. The original Frangi filter (FF), presented by Alejandro F. Frangi in 1998, is a low-pass filter dedicated to blood vessel image enhancement. Considering the similarity between vessels and roots, the FF is applied to identify the roots. However, the original FF only enhances the tube-like primary roots but erases the lateral roots. Hence, a new method is developed to meet the demands by simultaneously maintaining the primary and lateral morphological structure of roots. Result: In this work, a crucial part of the FF, Gaussian filtering, is redesigned to discriminate against the primary and lateral roots in a 2-D image. Inspired by the structure-awareness of the FF, an Improved Frangi Filtering Algorithm (IFFA) designed for plant roots is proposed. First, Multilevel image thresholding, connected-components labeling and width correction are used to optimize the resultant binary image. Then, to enhance the local structure, the truncated Gaussian kernel is modified resulting in more discernible lateral roots. Compared to the original FF and the Automatic Root Image Analysis (ARIA), a commercial software, IFFA is a faster and more accurate algorithm achieving an identification accuracy of 97.48%. Conclusion: IFFA is an effective 2-D filtering approach to enhance the roots of rice (Oryza sativa) for segmentation and further biological research. IFFA is faster than ARIA and the original FF, and IFFA’s accuracy outperforms its counterparts as per the Intersection Over Union (IOU) and Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) criteria.
Predictors of resignation and sick leave after cancer diagnosis among Japanese breast cancer survivors
Authors: Mitsui Kiyomi , Endo Motoki , Imai Yuya , Ueda Yuito , Ogawa Hiroko , Muto Go , Yan Yan , Deshpande Gautam A. , Terao Yasuhisa , Takeda Satoru , Tanigawa Takeshi , Nishimura Katsuji , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Saito Mitsue , Kokaze Akatsuki 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The number of breast cancer patients of working age is increasing in Japan . Consequently, there is a need for support for working individuals concomitantly undergoing breast cancer treatment. The present study aimed to clarify the risk factors for resignation and taking sick leave among breast cancer survivors in continued employment at the time of diagnosis. Methods As part of a Japanese national research project (Endo-Han), the investigators conducted a web-based survey of cancer survivors (CSs) in 2018. The investigators analyzed the risk factors for post-breast cancer diagnosis resignation and sick leave using a logistic regression model, including age at diagnosis, educational level, cancer stage, surgery, pharmacotherapy, radiotherapy, employment status, and occupational type. Results 40 of 269 breast cancer survivors (14.9%) quit their job after cancer diagnosis. Predictors of resignation included lower education level (odds ratio [OR]: 3.802; 95%CI: 1.233-11.729), taking sick leave (OR: 2.514; 95%CI: 1.202-5.261), and younger age at diagnosis (OR: 0.470; 95%CI: 0.221-0.998). Of 229 patients who continued working, sick leave was taken by 72 (31.4%); having surgery was a predictor for taking sick leave (OR: 8.311; 95%CI: 1.007-68.621). Conclusions 14.9% of Japanese employees quit their jobs after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Being younger at breast cancer diagnosis, having lower educational attainment level, and utilizing sick leave were identified as predictors of post-cancer diagnosis resignation. Surgery was associated with the highest risk of taking sick leave. Breast cancer survivors exhibit higher risks for resignation, and may require more carefully follow-up after diagnosis by healthcare providers and employers to protect work sustainability.
Role of TSP-1 as prognostic marker in various cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Shengjie , Dong Huiyu , Yan Tao , Li Junchen , Liang Chao , Liu Bianjiang , Shao Pengfei , Li Jie 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Published studies present conflicting data regarding the impact of Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) expression on prognosis of various cancers . We performed this meta-analysis to clarify the preliminary predictive value of TSP-1. Methods Twenty-four studies with a total of 2379 patients were included. A comprehensive literature search was performed by using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and hand searches were also conducted of relevant bibliographies. Pooled hazard ratio s ( HRs ) with 95% confidence intervals ( CIs ) for patient survival and disease recurrence were initially identified to explore relationships between TSP-1 expression and patient prognosis. Results A total of 24 eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis. Our results showed that high level of TSP-1 was correlated significantly with poor overall survival ( OS ) (HR=1.40, 95% CI: 1.17~1.68). However, high TSP-1 expression predicted no significant impact on progression-free survival ( PFS )/ metastasis-free survival (MFS ) (HR=1.35, 95%CI: 0.87-2.10) and disease-free survival ( DFS )/ recurrence-free survival ( RFS ) (HR = 1.40, 95%CI: 0.77–2.53). In addition, we performed subgroup analyses which showed that high TSP-1 expression predicted poor prognosis in breast cancer and gynecological cancer. Conclusions Our findings indicated high TSP-1 expression may serve as a promising biomarker of poor prognosis and novel therapeutic target in cancers, especially in breast cancer and gynecological cancer.
Factors associated with indications for surgery and the presence of intestinal necrosis in patients with hepatic portal venous gas: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Matsui Ryohei , Takayama Satoru , Kawate Akifumi , Takura Kohei , Hattori Taku , Harata Koushirou , Sakamoto Masaki , Kani Hisanori , Onoyama Hirohiko , Morita Takeshi , Yoshitake Hiroyuki , Tomita Masafumi , Murakami Osamu , Yoshikawa Kiyoshi , Takagishi Tomoko , Kubota Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The presence of hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) has been associated with intestinal necrosis and is an indication for surgical intervention. But some cases can be treated conservatively. This study aimed to examine the factors associated with the need for surgical intervention and the development of intestinal necrosis in patients with HPVG.Methods This was a retrospective, multicenter and observational cohort study consisting of 166 patients who were diagnosed as having HPVG based on CT findings between April 2013 and March 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: surgery Required Group and Non-surgery Required Group. We reviewed medical records for clinical backgrounds, vital signs, laboratory data, CT findings, and compared the two groups using the Chi-square test and Student’s t-test with p-values < 0.05 indicating statistical significance.Results There were 72 patients in the Surgery Required Group and 94 in the Non-surgery Required Group. There were no statistically significant differences in age and sex between the two groups. Pulse rate (PR) ( p = 0.004), C-reactive protein (CRP) ( p = 0.012), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ( p = 0.006) and abnormality of the white blood cell count (WBC) ( p = 0.012) in the Surgery Required Group were significantly higher than those in the Non-surgery Required Group. The diameter of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV), and ratio of SMV/SMA were measured but no statistically significant difference was observed. Band-like pneumatosis ( p < 0.001) and ring like pneumatosis( p < 0.001) were observed with a significantly higher frequency in the Surgery Required Group, but no significant difference was observed in bubble-like pneumatosis. Intrahepatic HPVG was significantly more frequent in the Non-surgery Required Group than surgery Required Group ( p < 0.001), and extrahepatic HPVG ( p < 0.001) was the opposite result. There was no significant difference of HPVG distribution in lobes.Conclusions PR, CRP, LDH, abnormality of WBC, band-like pneumatosis, ring-like pneumatosis, and extrahepatic HPVG are the factors associated with an indication for surgery indication and intestinal necrosis in patients with HPVG.
Integrated TCGA and GEO analysis showed that SMAD7 is an independent prognostic factor for lung adenocarcinoma.
Authors: Dai Zhou-Tong , Wang Jun , Xiang Yuan , Li Jia Peng , Zhang Hui-Min , Zhang Tong Cun , Liao Xianghua 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The lack of effective markers leads to missed optimal treatment times, resulting in poorer prognosis In most cancers. SMAD family members are important cytokines in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) family. They jointly regulate the processes of cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, the expression of SMAD family genes in pan-cancers and their impact on prognosis have not been elucidated. Perl software and R software were used to perform expression analysis and survival curve analysis on the data collected by TCGA, GTEx and GEO, and the potential regulatory pathways were determined through GO enrichment and KEGG enrichment analysis. It was found that SMAD7 and SMAD9 expression decreased in Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and their expression was positively correlated with survival time. Additionally, SMAD7 could be used as an independent prognostic factor for LUAD. In general, SMAD7 and SMAD9 can be used as prognostic markers of LUAD, further, SMAD7 is expected to become a therapeutic target for LUAD.
Seabuckthorn Berries Attenuate Pulmonary Vascular Hyperpermeability in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice
Authors: Du Leilei , Liu Ying , Wan Li , Chen Chu , Fan Gang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Acute lung injury is featured by pulmonary vascular hyperpermeability, resulting in high short-term mortality. Currently pharmacological therapies are still sparse.

Methods

In the mice model of acute lung injury induced by Lipopolysaccharide, the effect of seabuckthorn berries extract on pulmonary vascular hyperpermeability was evaluated by histopathologic observation and transvascular leakage determination. The key factors involved in alveolar-capillary barrier lesion were assessed.

Results

The findings indicated that treatment of seabuckthorn berries alleviated morphological lesion as well as water, Evans blue and total proteins leakage in lung tissue, suppressed the release of TNF-α and IL-6, decreased accumulation of neutrophils, inhibited the activation of NF-κB and down-regulated the expression of ICAM-1 and CD62E.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated seabuckthorn berries help maintaining alveolar-capillary barrier integrity under endotoxin challenge in mice by suppressing the key factors in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury.
Exercise training alone or in combination with high-protein diet in patients with late onset Pompe disease: results of a cross over study
Authors: Sechi Annalisa , Zuccarelli Lucrezia , Grassi Bruno , Frangiamore Rita , De Amicis Ramona , Marzorati Mauro , Porcelli Simone , Tullio Annarita , Bacco Anna , Bertoli Simona , Dardis Andrea , Biasutti Lea , Pasanisi Maria Barbara , Devigili Grazia , Bembi Bruno 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Late onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a lysosomal neuromuscular disorder which can progressively impair the patients’ exercise tolerance, motor and respiratory functions, and quality of life. The available enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) does not completely counteract disease progression. We investigated the effect of exercise training alone, or associated with a high-protein diet, on the exercise tolerance, muscle and pulmonary functions, and quality of life of LOPD patients on long term ERT.Methods The patients were asked to participate to a crossover randomized study comprehending a control period (free diet, no exercise) followed by 2 intervention periods: exercise or exercise+ diet , each lasting 26 weeks and separated by 13 weeks washout periods. Exercise training included moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on a cycle ergometer, stretching and balance exercises, strength training. The diet was composed by 25-30% protein, 30-35% carbohydrate and 35-40% fat. Before and after each period patients were assessed for: exercise tolerance test on a cycle-ergometer, serum muscle enzymes, pulmonary function tests and SF36 questionnaire for quality of life. Compliance was evaluated by training and dietary diaries. Patients were contacted weekly by researchers to optimize adherence to treatments.Results Thirteen LOPD patients, median age 49 ± 11 years, under chronic ERT (median 6.0± 4.0 years) were recruited. Peak aerobic power (peak pulmonary O 2 uptake) decreased after control , whereas it increased after exercise, and more markedly after exercise+diet . Serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) significantly decreased after exercise+diet; both creatine kinase (CK) and LDH levels were significantly reduced after exercise+diet compared to exercise. Pulmonary function showed no changes after control and exercise , whereas a significant improvement of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was observed after exercise+diet . SF36 showed a slight improvement in the “mental component” scale after exercise , and a significant improvement in “general health” and “vitality” after exercise+diet . The compliance to prescriptions was higher than70% for both diet and exercise .Conclusions Exercise tolerance (as evaluated by peak aerobic power) showed a tendency to decrease in LOPD patients on long term ERT. Exercise training, particularly if combined with high-protein diet, could reverse this decrease and result in an improvement, which was accompanied by improved quality of life. The association of the two lifestyle interventions resulted also in a reduction of muscle enzyme levels and improved pulmonary function.
A novel culture method that sustains ERα signaling in human breast cancer tissue microstructures
Authors: Cartaxo Ana Luísa , Estrada Marta F , Domenici Giacomo , Roque Ruben , Silva Fernanda , Gualda Emilio J. , Loza-Alvarez Pablo , Sflomos George , Brisken Cathrin , Alves Paula M. , André Saudade , Brito Catarina 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Estrogen receptor α (ERα) signaling is a defining and driving event in most breast cancers; ERα is detected in malignant epithelial cells of 75% of all breast cancers (classified as ER-positive breast cancer) and, in these cases, ERα targeting is the main therapeutic strategy. However, the biological determinants of ERα heterogeneity and the mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance are still elusive, hampered by the challenges in developing experimental models recapitulative of intra-tumoral heterogeneity and in which ERα signaling is sustained. Ex vivo cultures of human breast cancer tissue have been proposed to retain the original tissue architecture, epithelial and stromal cell components and ERα. However, loss of cellularity, viability and ERα expression are well-known culture-related phenomena. Methods BC samples were collected and brought to the laboratory. Then they were minced, enzymatically digested, entrapped in alginate and cultured for one month. The histological architecture, cellular composition and cell proliferation of tissue microstructures were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Cell viability was assessed by measurement of cell metabolic activity. The presence of ERα was accessed by immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR and its functionality evaluated by challenge with 17−β−estradiol and fulvestrant, respectively. Results We describe a strategy based on entrapment of breast cancer tissue microstructures in alginate capsules and their long-term culture under agitation, successfully applied to tissue obtained from 63 breast cancer patients. After one month in culture, the architectural features of the encapsulated tissue microstructures were similar to the original patient tumors: epithelial, stromal and endothelial compartments were maintained with an average of 97 of cell viability compared to day 0. In ERα-positive cases, fibers of collagen, the main extracellular matrix component in vivo , were preserved. ERα expression was retained at gene and protein levels and response to ERα stimulation and inhibition was observed at the level of downstream targets, demonstrating active ER signaling. Conclusions The proposed model system is a new methodology to study ex vivo breast cancer biology, in particular ERα signaling. It is suitable for interrogating the long-term effects of anti-endocrine drugs in a set-up that closely resembles the original tumor microenvironment, with potential application in pre- and co-clinical assays of ERα-positive breast cancer.