bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in functional outcome and quality of life(QoL) of lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS) requiring surgery
Authors: Ko Sangbong , Chae Seungbum , Choi Wonkee , Kwon Jaibum , Choi Je-Yong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Study design: Retrospective cohort comparative study Objective: To identify the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with LSS requiring surgery, and to compare the differences between the cases whether vitamin D is supplemented and vitamin D is not supplemented in terms of a QoL during postoperative two year. Summary of Background Data: Vitamin D supplementation is considered to be associated with good functional outcome. Thus, a few studies have proposed vitamin D supplementation is benefit to the functional outcome in LSS requiring surgery. Methods: All patients with LSS who underwent surgery from March 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016 were enrolled. Among them, 61 patients with vitamin D deficiency were divided into two groups (supplemented group (A) and non-supplemented group (B)). Functional outcomes using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Rolland Morris Disability Index (RMDQ) and QoL using SF-36 were evaluated at 12month, and 24month follow up periods. Differences in functional score and SF-36 between the vitamin D supplemented and non-supplemented group were compared. Results : Among the total 102 patients, 78 patients (76.5%) had vitamin D deficiency. Of the 78 patients, 61 patients were included, 27 patients were group A and 27 patients were group B. There was no difference in age and 25-OHD level between the two groups (all 0>0.05). Group A were better functional outcomes at two years after surgery (p<0.05). On the QoL, group A were higher score than group B from twelve month later after surgery (p<0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in LSS patients (76.5%). Assessment of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) are recommended in LSS needing surgical intervention and active treatment vitamin D supplementation and maintenance of normal range should be considered for better postoperative functional outcome and QoL.
General Practitioners’ Perceptions of their Practice of Evidence-based Chronic Disease Prevention Interventions: A Quantitative Study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Fan Feng , Chen Chen , Shen Delei , Yu Zhaohu , Liu Xin , Zhou Huining , Wang Zhaoxin , Shi Jianwei 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Despite increasing calls internationally for the inclusion of evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) processes in chronic disease prevention and control programming and policymaking, there is relatively sparse research assessing the current capacity of physicians and the factors influencing that capacity in China.Method A total of 892 physicians were collected from community healthcare centers (CHCs) in Shanghai, China. The experience-based chronic disease prevention (EBCDP) evaluation tool assessed physicians’ awareness, adoption, implementation and maintenance of EBCDP based on the RE-AIM framework. Linear regression analysis was used to assess associations between each EBCDP process and personal characteristics or organizational factors. Result Physicians from CHCs perceived their awareness (mean=4.90, SD=1.02) and maintenance (mean=4.71, SD=1.07) of EBCDP to be relatively low. Physicians with lower titles and monthly incomes >9,000 RMB per month tended to have relatively higher scores for the awareness, adoption, and implementation of EBCDP (P<0.05). Those who participated in one program were less likely to adopt (b=-0.284, P=0.007), implement (b=-0.292, P=0.004), and maintain (b=-0.225, P=0.025) EBCDP than those who participated in more programs. Physicians in general practice (Western medicine) had a lower level of awareness of EBCDP than those in other departments (P<0.0001). Those who were from the suburbs had lower scores regarding awareness (b=-0.150, P=0.047), implementation (b=-0.171, P=0.029), and maintenance (b=-0.237, P=0.002) compared with those from urban areas. Physicians in CHCs affiliated with universities had higher scores on all four EBCDP processes compared with those in CHCs not affiliated with a university. Conclusions This study provides evidence quantitatively illustrating the practice of EBCDP among physicians in CHCs with various personal and organizational characteristics. More solutions should be provided to increase their awareness of EBCDP to stimulate the use of EBCDP for chronic disease prevention and other public health priorities.
Disease burden of chronic hepatitis B and complications in China from 2006 to 2050: an individual-based modeling study
Authors: Zheng Yang , Wu Jie , Ding Cheng , Xu Kaijin , Yang Shigui , Li Lanjuan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Chronic hepatitis B has become a major public health problem in China. An accurate depiction of the disease burden has not yet been thoroughly conducted. We aimed to project the disease burden of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and related complications by modeling various scenarios. Method : An individual-based Markov model was used to predict disease burden from 2006 through 2050. We simulated 5 scenarios with different annual incidences, diagnosis and nucleotide analogs (NAs) treatment rates as well as treatment eligibility, which included a natural history without diagnosis or NAs therapy, a base-case, a World Health Organization proposed target case and two ideal cases. Result: Natural history scenario is projected to have the fewest HBsAg loss (27.59 million) and highest HBV-related deaths (27.19 million). With improved diagnosis and treatment rates of NAs therapy, ideal cases have fewer HBV-related deaths (14.46-14.77 million) than WHO (15.13 million) and base-case (16.89 million), but proportion of HBsAg loss is similar among them. With reduced new infections, prevalence of chronic HBV in 2050 is expected minimally to be 27.03-27.49 million under WHO and ideal cases.
Conclusion: If the future disease burden of chronic HBV is to be lowered dramatically, reducing new infection is more effective than increasing diagnosis, treatment rate and treatment eligibility. Additionally, without high potency new drugs, it will be hard to avert increasing trend of cumulative cirrhosis, DC, HCC, LT and HBV-related death.
A Mutant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus with Reduced Cytotoxicity and Enhanced Anterograde Trans-synaptic Efficiency
Authors: Lin Kunzhang , Zhong Xin , Ying Min , Li Lei , Tao Sijue , Zhu Xutao , He Xiaobin , Xu Fuqiang 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Understanding the connecting structure of brain network is the basis to reveal the principle of the brain function and elucidate the mechanism of brain diseases. Trans-synaptic tracing with neurotropic viruses has become one of the most effective technologies to dissect the neural circuits. Although the retrograde trans-synaptic tracing for analyzing the input neural networks with recombinant rabies and pseudorabies virus has been broadly applied in neuroscience, viral tools for analyzing the output neural networks are still lacking. The recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has been used for the mapping of synaptic outputs. However, several drawbacks, including high neurotoxicity and rapid lethality in experimental animals, hinder its application in long-term studies of the structure and function of neural networks. To overcome these limitations, we generated a recombinant VSV with replication-related N gene mutation, VSV-NR7A, and examined its cytotoxicity and efficiency of trans-synaptic spreading. We found that VSV-NR7A exhibits attenuated cytotoxicity, delayed but enhanced anterograde trans-synaptic tracing efficiency, compared with the wild-type VSV. Our work could provide an improved tool for structural and functional studies of neurocircuit.
Exploring learners’ perspectives of a Project ECHO palliative care education curriculum in resource-limited settings in light of key learning theories
Authors: Doherty Megan , Modanloo Shokoufeh , Evans Emily , Newhook Dennis , Archibald Doug 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Project ECHO (Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a well-established telehealth educational platform developed to improve access to specialist care training in underserved areas. The objective of this study is to explore the learning experiences of participants in a Project ECHO targeting care providers in India and explore considerations for how ECHO programs could be modified to cater to the unique learning needs of individuals in low- and middle-income countries. Methods : We implemented a one-year Project ECHO on pediatric palliative care (ECHO PPC) targeting healthcare providers in India. The program consisted of 24 bi-weekly sessions (March 2018-February 2019) hosted by the Hyderabad Centre for Palliative Care in Hyderabad, India. Learners who attended at least 20% (5 sessions) were eligible to participate. Data related to demographic characteristics of ECHO PPC participants were collected. Four focus groups were conducted (February-April 2019) either online via videoconference or in person. Focus groups recordings were transcribed, coded and independently verified. The codes were then arranged into overarching themes.Results : Thirty-six learners were eligible and invited to participate in the study. Seventeen individuals completed the study. Following coding and analysis, two major themes and seven sub-themes were identified. The themes included: (1) Benefits of participation in ECHO PPC (creation of a community of practice; opportunity to exchange cultures, ideas and experiences; supportive role of the facilitator and peers; increased relevant knowledge and skills; and access to additional learning resources) and (2) Barriers to participation (difficulties with time and practice schedule management and language and sociocultural factors). Conclusion: The key principals of learning theories were incorporated into forming the Project ECHO conceptual model in this study. PPC Project ECHO facilitated community building, stimulated professional interest and additional learning outside of the program. However, addressing the barriers and challenges might likely enhance the success of the program in future.
Adolescents’ experiences of fluctuating pain in musculoskeletal disorders: A qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Khanom Sonia , McDonagh Janet E , Briggs Michelle , Bakir Ebru , McBeth John 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objectives Adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain experience daily fluctuations in pain. Although not all fluctuations are bothersome, pain flares are a distinct type of symptom fluctuation with greater impact. Since literature on the experience of pain flares is non-existent, the aim of this review was to (i) synthesise the qualitative literature on adolescents’ experiences of fluctuating pain in musculoskeletal disorders in order to (ii) identify knowledge gaps to inform future research on pain flares. Methods Electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO), grey literature and reference lists were searched from inception to June 2018 for qualitative studies reporting adolescents’ experiences of pain. Comprehensiveness of reporting was assessed using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Health Research. Studies were analysed using thematic synthesis. Results Of the 3787 records identified, 32 studies (n= 536) were included. Principal findings were synthesised under three themes: 1) symptom experience, 2) disruption and loss, and 3) regaining control. Each theme was experienced differently depending on adolescents’ characteristics such as their developmental status, pain condition, and the duration of the pain experience. Conclusions Adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain live with a daily background level of symptoms which frequently fluctuate and are associated with functional and emotional difficulties. It was not clear whether these symptoms and challenges were experienced as part of ‘typical’ fluctuations in pain, or whether they reflect symptom exacerbations classified as ‘flares’. Further research is needed to explore the frequency and characteristics of pain flares, and how they differ from their typical fluctuations in pain.
Effect and safety of topical application of tranexamic acid to reduce perioperative blood loss in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture undergoing PFNA
Authors: Wei Huiping , Huang Tianji , He Jianfeng , Xia Menghong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The specific method and dose of tranexamic acid (TXA) topically applied in intertrochanteric fracture have not been well established. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of TXA topically treated by our protocol in perioperative bleeding management for elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture treated undergoing proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA). Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis was performed. Group TXA was comprised of 82 patients with topical use of TXA and group control was comprised of 82 patients without TXA during the procedure of PFNA. Intraoperative, total and hidden blood loss, drainage volume, postoperative blood transfusion volume and complications were compared between the two groups. Results: Intraoperative, total and hidden blood loss, and drainage volume were significantly lower in the TXA group than those in the control group (P=0.012, P<0.01, P<0.01, P=0.014, respectively). The volume and rate of blood transfusion in TXA group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in complications between two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Topical application of TXA offers an effective and safe option in reducing perioperative blood loss and transfusion for elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures undergoing PFNA.
The gender-specific associations between body composition, countermovement jump performance and bone quality in a young Chinese population
Authors: ding zenghui , Dr Yubing Xu , Dr Yanyan Chen , Yang Xianjun , Sun Yining , Xia Yue 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Prophylactic interventions against osteoporosis require a determination of the factors that influence the bone status during adulthood. This study aimed to investigate the associations between body composition parameters (body height (BH), body weight (BW), fat free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), lower limb muscle mass (LLMM), lower limb fat mass (LLFM)), countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and calcaneal bone stiffness (SI) in a population of young adults. Methods: The study population included 560 Chinese adults (369 females), aged 20-40 years. Body composition was obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The CMJ performance (CMJ height (CMJH), the impulse of CMJ phase (ICMJ) and potential energy in the CMJ phase (ECMJ)) was obtained by 3 maximal CMJ trials on ZTJ-II system. Bone quality was measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Results: The present study found BW, FFM and LLMM had significant correlations with SI both in males (r=0.20-0.24, p<0.05) and females (r=0.12-0.20, p<0.05). However, FM and LLFM had positive correlations with SI only in females (p<0.05). CMJ performances, including CMJH, ICMJ and ECMJ, had significant positive correlations with SI in men (r=0.415, p<0.01; r=0.32, p<0.01; and r=0.39, p<0.01, respectively) and women (r=0.248, p<0.01; r=0.26, p<0.01; r=0.3, p<0.01, respectively). Conclusions: This provides evidence that local muscle mass have greater positive associations with calcaneal bone quality than total FFM, and local muscle mass and power are the determinations of region bone quality in young adults. The bone–muscle relationship is more prominent in males than in females.
Deep expression scrutiny of juxtaposed wild and cultivated lentil furnishes new insight into aluminium tolerance mechanism
Authors: Singh Dharmendra , Singh Chandan Kumar , Taunk Jyoti , Tomar Ram Sewak Singh , Pal Madan , Konjengbam Noren Singh , Singh M. Premjit , Sharma Ph Ranjit , Sengar Rakesh Singh 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Aluminium (Al) stress hinders crop productivity in acidic soils. Lentil contains rich source of protein and micronutrients and cultivated in different parts of world. To enhance knowledge about Al toxicity tolerance, present study emphasizes on mechanistic analysis of genes associated with Al stress through de novo transcriptomic analysis of tolerant (L-4602), wild (ILWL-15) and sensitive (BM-4) genotypes. Result: Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform evaluated contigs ranging from 15,305 to 18,861 for all the samples with N 50 values of 1795 bp. Four annotation softwares revealed differential regulation of several genes where 30,158 genes were specifically up-regulated for combinations under Al stress conditions alone. Top up-regulated Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) in tolerant cultivar when compared to the sensitive one were found to be involved in protein transport as well as degradation, defences, cell growth and development. Wild v/s cultivar comparison revealed upregulation of wild DEGs that are involved in regulation of transcription in differentiating cells, pre-mRNA splicing, catalysis and protein ubiquitination. Based on assembled Unigenes, 89,722 high-quality SNPs and 39,874 SSRs were detected. Twelve selected genes were validated using qRT-PCR. KEGG pathway analysis extracted 8,757 GO annotation terms within molecular, cellular and biological processes. Pathway analysis indicated that organic acid synthesis and their transportation along with detoxification of ROS, an alternate pathway involving metacaspase-1,4,9 for programmed cell death were also significantly induced due to Al stress. Conclusion: Present study unveils the characterization of differential transcripts generated under Al stress indicating Al tolerance as a multiplex phenomenon which will directly widen crop improvement programmes for Al toxicity utilizing molecular approaches.
Silencing of long noncoding RNA H19 alleviates pulmonary injury, inflammation and fibrosis in acute respiratory distress syndrome rats through regulating MicroRNA-423-5p
Authors: Mu Xianyu , Wang Hongrong , Li Haiyong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore the function of long noncoding RNA H19 (H19) on pulmonary injury, inflammation and fibrosis in lipoproteins (LPS)-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) rats. Methods: The LPS-induced ARDS rat model was established by intratracheal instillation with 2 mg/kg LPS. QRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of H19, miR-423-5p, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6,, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Histology score was detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and the concentration of VEGF in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The protein expression of fiber factors was measured by western blot. The degree of fibrosis was observed by masson-trichrome staining. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the binding site between miR-423-5p and H19.Results: The expression of H19 was significantly increased, while miR-423-5p was decreased in LPS-induced ARDS rats. Silencing of H19 decreased the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1 and VEGF in LPS-induced ARDS rats, and decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6and the concentration of VEGF in BALF, histology score of LPS-induced ARDS rats. H19 inhibition also decreased the fibrosis score and the proteins expression of fiber factors of LPS-induced ARDS rats. Furthermore, miR-423-5p eliminated the effect of H19 on LPS-induced MH-S cells.Conclusions: Silencing of H19 ameliorated the pulmonary injury, inflammation and fibrosis of LPS-induced ARDS through regulating miR-423-5p, which may be a promising therapeutic strategy to treat ARDS.
Rapid Detection of Babesia motasi Responsible for Human Babesiosis by Cross-priming Amplification combined with a vertical flow
Authors: Wang Jinming , Gao Shandian , Zhang Shangdi , He Xin , Liu Junlong , Li Youquan , Liu Guangyuan , Luo Jianxun , Guan Guiquan , Yin Hong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Babesia motasi is known as an etiological agent of human and ovine babesiosis. Diagnosis of babesiosis is traditionally performed by microscopy, examining Giemsa-stained thin peripheral blood smears. Rapid detection and accurate identification of species are desirable for clinical care and epidemiological studies. Methods: An easy to operate molecular method, which requires less capital equipment and incorporates cross priming amplification combined with a vertical flow (CPA-VF) visualization strip for rapid detection and identification of B. motasi. Results: The CPA-VF targets the 18S rRNA gene and has a detection limit of 50 fg per reaction; no cross reaction was observed with other piroplasms infective to sheep or Babesia infective to humans. CPA-VF and real-time (RT)-PCR had sensitivities of 95.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78.1-99.4%) and 90.5% (72-97.6%) and specificities of 95.8 (80.5-99.5%) and 97.9 (83.5-99.9%), respectively, versus microscopy and nested (n) PCR combined with gene sequencing. The clinical performance of the CPA-VF assay was evaluated with field blood samples from sheep (n = 240) in Jintai county, Gansu Province, and clinical specimens (n = 492) obtained from patients bitten by ticks. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the CPA-VF is a rapid, accurate, nearly instrument-free molecular diagnostic approach for identification of B. motasi. Therefore, it could be an alternative technique for epidemiological investigations and diagnoses of ovine and/or human babesiosis caused by B. motasi, especially in resource-limited regions.Keywords: Ovine babesiosis, human babesiosis, Babesia motasi, cross priming amplification, vertical flow visualization strip, detection, identification
Clinical and Translational Research Challenges in Biliary Tract Cancers
Authors: Lamarca Angela , Frizziero Melissa , McNamara Mairéad G. , Valle Juan W. 
Published: January 2020

Background:
Biliary Tract Cancers (BTC) are rare malignancies with a poor prognosis.
There are many challenges encountered in treating these patients in daily practice as well as in clinical,
translational and basic research.

Objective:
This review summarises the most relevant challenges in clinical and translational research in
BTCs and suggests potential solutions towards an improvement in quality of life and outcomes of patients
diagnosed with such malignancies.

Findings:
The main challenge is the low number of patients with BTCs, complicated by the aggressive
natural behaviour of cancer and the lack of funding sources for research. In addition, the clinical characteristics
of these patients and the specific cancer-related complications challenge clinical research and
clinical trial recruitment. It is worth highlighting that BTCs are a group of different malignancies (cholangiocarcinoma,
gallbladder cancer and ampullary cancer) rather than a unique homogeneous disease.
These subgroups differ not only in molecular aspects, but also in clinical and demographic characteristics.
In addition, tailored imaging and quality of life assessment are required to tackle some of the issues
specific to BTCs. Finally, difficulties in tissue acquisition both in terms of biopsy size and inclusion
of sufficient tumour within the samples, may adversely impact translational and basic research.

Conclusion:
Increasing awareness among patients and clinicians regarding BTC and the need for further
research and treatment development may address some of the main challenges in BTC research.
International collaboration is mandatory to progress the field.