bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of mechanical ventilation greater than 24 hours in critically ill obstetric patients: Ten years of data from a tertiary teaching hospital in mainland China
Authors: Zhao Huiying , Wang Guangjie , Lyu Jie , Zhang Xiaohong , An Youzhong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Maternal admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) during pregnancy or in the postpartum period is a marker of severe acute maternal morbidity. Mechanical ventilation is an important and basic method of maintaining life support in the ICU, but prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is associated with a prolonged length of hospital stay and other adverse outcomes. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective study to describe morbidity and further try to identify the risk factors for PMV in critically ill obstetric women.Methods: The clinical data were obtained from a single-centre retrospective comparative study of 143 critically ill obstetric patients at a tertiary teaching hospital in mainland China between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019. PMV was defined as a mechanical ventilation length of more than 24 hours. Clinical and obstetric parameters were collected to analyse the risk factors for PMV. Patients were separated into groups with and without PMV. Potential risk factors were identified by univariate testing. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate independent predictors of PMV.Results: Out of 29,236 hospital deliveries, 265 critically ill obstetric patients entered the ICU. One hundred forty-five (54.7%) of them were treated with mechanical ventilation. Two were excluded because of death within 24 hours. Sixty-five critically ill obstetric patients (45.5%) underwent PMV. The independent risk factors for PMV included estimated blood loss (odds ratio (OR) =1.296, P=0.029), acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR=4.305, P=0.013), myocardial injury (OR=4.586, P=0.012), and PaO2/FiO2 (OR=0.989, P<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on the predicted probability of the logistic regression was 0.934.Conclusions: Estimated blood loss, AKI, myocardial injury, and PaO2/FiO2 were independent risk factors for PMV in critically ill obstetric patients.
Vancomycin-lock therapy for prevention of&nbsp;catheter-related bloodstream infection&nbsp;in&nbsp;very low&nbsp;body weight infants
Authors: Liang Hong , Zhang Lian , Guo Xiaoping , Sun Li 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: This study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vancomycin- lock therapy for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in very low body weight (VLBW) preterm infant patients. Methods: One hundred and thirty-seven cases of VLBW preterm infants who retained peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were retrospectively reviewed, including 68 treating with heparin plus vancomycin (vancomycin-lock group) and 69 with heparin only (control group). The incidence of CRBSI, related pathogenic bacteria, adverse events during the treatment, complications, antibiotic exposure, PICC usage time, hospital stay, etc. were compared between the above two groups. Results: The incidence rate of CRBSI in the vancomycin-lock group (4.4%, 3/68) was significantly less than in the control group (21.7%, 15/69, p=0.004). Total antibiotic exposure time during the whole observation period was significantly shorter in the group than in the control group (11.2±10.0 vs 23.6±16.1 d; p<0.001). No hypoglycemia occurred during the locking, and the blood concentrations of vancomycin were not detectable. Conclusions: Vancomycin-lock may effectively prevent CRBSI in Chinese VLBW preterm infants and reduce the exposure time of antibiotics, without causing obvious side complications.
miR-105-3p acts an oncogene to promote proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cell by targeting GOLIM4miR-105-3p acts an oncogene to promote proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cell by targeting GOLIM4
Authors: Lin Bo , Shi Enyi , Jin Qiu , Zhao Wenhui , Wang Juan , Ji Runyuan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Dysregulation of miRNAs is involved in carcinogenesis of breast and may be used as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets during cancer process. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of miR-105-3p on tumourigenicity of breast cancer and its underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods: Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was applied to detect the expression of miR-105-3p in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. The impacts of miR-105-3p on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and ZR-75-30) were evaluated by CCK-8, transwell chamber assay, TUNEL assay and western blot assay, respectively. Besides, bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assay were used to find out the target genes of miR-105-3p.Results: The expression of miR-105-3p was elevated in breast cancer tissues and increased along with tumor severity. Downregulation of miR-105-3p could inhibit cell proliferation, suppress cell migration/invasion, and promote cell apoptosis in MCF-7 and ZR-75-30 cells. Furthermore, Golgi integral membrane protein 4 (GOLIM4) was identified to be the direct target gene of miR-105-3p by bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assay. In addition, silencing of GOLIM4 could restore the anti-breast cancer effects induced by miR-105-3p downregulation.Conclusions: MiR-105-3p acts an oncogene to promote proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cell by targeting GOLIM4, which provides a new target for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
Prognostic role of preoperative D-dimer, fibrinogen and platelet levels in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liang Yu-jie , Mei Xue-ying , Zeng Bin , Zhang Si-en , Yang Le , Lao Xiaomei , Liao Gui-qing 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The relationship between cancer and coagulation has been intensively studied in recent years; however, the effects of coagulation factors on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have rarely been reported. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative D-dimer (DD), fibrinogen (FIB), platelets (PLT) and OSCC, as well as the prognostic value of DD, FIB and PLT in OSCC.Methods: We retrospectively investigated a total of 202 patients with OSCC treated at Guanghua Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University. Baseline demographic and clinicopathological information as well as both preoperative and postoperative DD, FIB and PLT results were collected from each patient, and all patients were followed up for disease progression, death or the end of the study. The correlations between preoperative DD, FIB, PLT and other clinical features, as well as the therapeutic effect and PFS were analysed statistically, and postoperative DD and surgical parameters were also analysed.Results: Preoperative DD was significantly correlated with T stage, N stage, clinical stage and relapse of OSCC (P=0.000, 0.001, 0.000 and 0.000, respectively). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that high preoperative DD independently predicted poor prognosis in patients with OSCC (r=2.1, P=0.033), while FIB and PLT showed no prognostic values. Postoperative DD was significantly correlated with preoperative DD and surgical type but not the duration of surgery (P=0.005, 0.001 and 0.244, respectively).Conclusion: In this study, we suggested that high preoperative DD level may serve as an indicator for synchronous neck dissection in patients with T1,2 OSCC, and the elevated DD level might be the marker of disease progression in patient follow up.
Predicting the Incidence of Brucellosis in Western Iran using Markov switching model
Authors: Mohammadian-Khoshnoud Maryam , Sadeghifar Majid , Cheraghi Zahra , Hosseinkhani Zahra 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveBrucellosis is a zoonosis almost chronic disease. Brucellosis bacteria can remain in the environment for a long time. Thus, climate irregularities could pave the way for the survival of the bacterium Brucellosis. Brucellosis is more common in men 25 to 29 years of age, in the western provinces, and in the spring months. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of climatic factors as well as predicting the incidence of Brucellosis in Qazvin province using the Markov switching model (MSM). This study is a secondary study of data collected from 2010 to 2019 in Qazvin province. The data include Brucellosis cases and climatic parameters. Two state MSM with time lags of 0, 1 and 2 was fitted to the data. The Bayesian information criterion (BIC) was used to evaluate the models.ResultsAccording to the BIC, the two-state MSM with a one-month lag is a suitable model. The month, the average-wind-speed, the minimum-temperature have a positive effect on the number of brucellosis, the age and rainfall have a negative effect. The results show that the probability of an outbreak for the third month of 2019 is 0.30%.
The implications of clinical risk factors, CAR index, and compositional changes of immune cells on hyperprogressive disease in non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving immunotherapy
Authors: Kim Seo Ree , Chun Sang hoon , Kang Jin-Hyoung , Kim Joo ri , Kim Sang-Yeob , Seo Jun young , Jung Chan Kwon , Gil Bo-Mi , Kim Jeong-Oh , Ko Yoon Ho , Woo In Sook , Shim Byoung Yong , Hong Sook-Hee 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) are characterized by a durable clinical response and better tolerability in patients with a variety of advanced solid tumors. However, we not infrequently encounter patients with hyperprogressive disease (HPD) exhibiting paradoxically accelerated tumor growth with poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate implications of clinical factors and immune cell composition on different tumor responses to immunotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: This study evaluated 231 NSCLC patients receiving ICBs between January 2014 and May 2018. HPD was defined as a >2-fold tumor growth kinetics ratio during ICB therapy and time-to-treatment failure of ≤ 2 months. We analyzed clinical data, imaging studies, periodic serologic indexes, and immune cell compositions in tumors and stromata using multiplex immunohistochemistry.Results: Of 231 NSCLC patients, PR/CR and SD were observed in 50 (21.6%) and 79 (34.2%) patients, respectively and 26 (11.3%) patients met the criteria for HPD. Median overall survival in poor response groups (HPD and non-HPD PD) was extremely shorter than region disease-controlled group (SD and PR/CR) (5.5 and 6.1 months vs. 16.2 and 18.3 months, respectively, P= 0.000). In multivariate analysis, HPD were significantly associated with heavy smoker (p=0.0072), PD-L1 expression ≤1% (0.0355), and number of metastatic site ≥3 (0.0297). Among the serologic indexes including NLR, PLR, CAR, and LDH, only CAR had constantly significant correlations with HPD at the beginning of prior treatment, immunotherapy, and at the 1st tumor assessment. The number of CD4+ effector T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, and CD8+/PD-1+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) tended to be smaller, especially in stromata of HPD group. More M2-type macrophages expressing CD14, CD68 and CD163 in the stromal area and markedly fewer CD56+ NK cells in the intratumoral area were observed in HPD group.Conclusions: Our study suggests that not only clinical factors including heavy smoker, very low PD-L1 expression, multiple metastases, and CAR index, but also fewer CD8+/PD-1+ TIL and more M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment are significantly associated with the occurrence of HPD in the patients with advanced/metastatic NSCLC receiving immunotherapy.
Bacterial but no SARS-CoV-2 contamination after terminal disinfection of tertiary care intensive care units treating COVID-19 patients
Authors: Hofmänner Daniel A , Garcia Pedro D Wendel , Duvnjak Branko , Chakrakodi Bhavya , Maier Julian D , Huber Michael , Huder Jon , Wolfensberger Aline , Schreiber Peter W , Schüpbach Reto A. , Zinkernagel Annelies S , Bühler Philipp K , Brugger Silvio D 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In intensive care units (ICUs) treating patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) invasive ventilation poses a high risk for aerosol and droplet formation. Surface contamination of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or bacteria can result in nosocomial transmission.Methods: Two tertiary care COVID-19 intensive care units treating 53 patients for 870 patient days were sampled after terminal cleaning and preparation for regular use to treat non-COVID-19 patients.Results: A total of 176 swabs were sampled of defined locations covering both ICUs. No SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) was detected. Gram-negative bacterial contamination was mainly linked to sinks and siphons. Skin flora was isolated from most swabbed areas and Enterococcus faecium was detected on two keyboards.Conclusions: After basic cleaning with standard disinfection measures no remaining SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected. Bacterial contamination was low and mainly localised in sinks and siphons.
Isolating the Energetic and Mechanical Consequences of Imposed Reductions in Ankle and Knee Flexion during Gait.
Authors: McCain Emily , Libera Theresa , Berno Matthew , Sawicki Gregory , Saul Katherine , Lewek Michael 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Weakness of ankle and knee musculature following injury or disorder results in reduced joint motion associated with metabolically expensive gait compensations to enable limb support and advancement. However, neuromechanical coupling between the ankle and knee make it difficult to discern independent roles of these restrictions in joint motion on compensatory mechanics and metabolic penalties.Methods: We sought to determine relative impacts of ankle and knee impairment on compensatory gait strategies and energetic outcomes using an unimpaired cohort (N=15) with imposed unilateral joint range of motion restrictions as a surrogate for reduced motion resulting from gait pathology. Participants walked on a dual-belt instrumented treadmill at 0.8 m s-1 using a 3D printed ankle stay and a knee brace to systematically limit ankle motion (restricted-ank), knee motion (restricted-knee), and ankle and knee motion (restricted-a+k) simultaneously. In addition, participants walked without any ankle or knee bracing (control) and with knee bracing worn but unrestricted (braced).Results: When ankle motion was restricted (restricted-ank, restricted-a+k) we observed decreased peak propulsion relative to the braced condition on the restricted limb. Reduced knee motion (restricted-knee, restricted-a+k) increased restricted limb circumduction relative to the restricted-ank condition through ipsilateral hip hiking. Interestingly, restricted limb average positive hip power increased in the restricted-ank condition but decreased in the restricted-a+k and restricted-knee conditions, suggesting that locking the knee impeded hip compensation. As expected, reduced ankle motion, either without (restricted-ank) or in addition to knee restriction (restricted-a+k) yielded significant increase in net metabolic rate when compared with the braced condition. Furthermore, the relative increase in metabolic cost was significantly larger with restricted-a+k when compared to restricted-knee condition.Conclusions: Our methods allowed for the reproduction of asymmetric gait characteristics including reduced propulsive symmetry and increased circumduction. The metabolic consequences bolster the potential energetic benefit of targeting ankle function during rehabilitation.
Morphological characterization and genetic diversity analysis of Tunisian durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) accessions
Authors: Ouaja Maroua , Bahri Bochra Amina , Aouini Lamia , Ferjaoui Sahbi , Medini Maher , Marcel Thierry , Hamza Sonia Mihed 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Tunisia is considered a secondary center of diversification of durum wheat and has a large number of abandoned old local landraces. An accurate investigation and characterization of the morphological and genetic features of these landraces would allow their rehabilitation and utilization in wheat breeding programs. Here, we investigated a diverse collection of 304 local accessions of durum wheat collected from five regions and three climate stages of central and southern Tunisia. Results: Durum wheat accessions were morphologically characterized using 12 spike- and grain-related traits. A mean Shannon-Weaver index (H') of 0.80 was obtained, indicating high level of polymorphism among accessions. Based on these traits, 11 local landraces including Mahmoudi, Azizi, Jneh Khotifa, Mekki, Biskri, Taganrog, Biada, Badri, Richi, Roussia and Souri were identified. Spike length (H' = 0.98), spike shape (H' = 0.86), grain size (H' = 0.94), grain shape (H' = 0.87) and grain color (H' = 0.86) were the most polymorphic morphological traits. The genetic diversity of these accessions was assessed using 10 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, with a polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.69. Levels of genetic diversity were generally high (I = 0.62; He = 0.35). In addition, population structure analysis revealed 11 genetic groups, which were significantly correlated with the morphological characterization. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed high genetic variation within regions (81%) and within genetic groups (41%), reflecting a considerable amount of admixture between landraces. The moderate (19%) and high (59%) levels of genetic variation detected among regions and among genetic groups, respectively, highlighted the selection practices of farmers. Furthermore, Mahmoudi accessions showed significant variation in spike density between central Tunisia (compact spikes) and southern Tunisia (loose spikes with open glume), may indicate an adaptation to high temperature in the south. Conclusion: Overall, this study demonstrates the genetic richness of local durum wheat germplasm for better in situ and ex situ conservation and for the subsequent use of these accessions in wheat breeding programs.
Degradome sequencing-based identification of phasiRNAs biogenesis pathways in Oryza sativa
Authors: Yu Lan , Guo Rongkai , Jiang Yeqin , Ye Xinghuo , Yang Zhihong , Meng Yijun , Shao Chaogang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The microRNAs(miRNA)-derived secondary phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) participate in post-transcriptional gene silencing and play important roles in various bio-processes in plants. In rice, two miRNAs, miR2118 and miR2275, were mainly responsible for the triggering of 21-nt and 24-nt phasiRNAs biogenesis, respectively. However, compare to other plant species, relative fewer phasiRNA biogenesis pathways have been discovered in rice, which limits the comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of phasiRNA biogenesis and the miRNA derived regulatory network. Results: In this study, we performed a systematical searching for phasiRNA biogenesis pathways in rice. As a result, five novel 21-nt phasiRNA biogenesis pathways and five novel 24-nt phasiRNA biogenesis pathways were identified. Further exploration of the regulatory function of phasiRNAs revealed eleven novel phasiRNAs with 21-nt length targeting forty-one genes, most of which involving in the growth and development of rice. In addition, five novel phasiRNAs with 24-nt length were found targeting the promoter of an OsCKI1 gene and causing higher methylation status in panicle, implying their regulatory function of the transcription of OsCKI1, and subsequently affect the development of rice. Conclusions: These results substantially extended the information of phasiRNA biogenesis pathways and their regulatory function in rice.
Large air pressure changes triggered by P-SV ground motion in a cave in northern Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chieh-Hung , Sun Yang-Yi , Lin Li-Ching , Han Peng , Yu Huai-Zhong , Zhang XueMin , Tang Chi-Chia , Chen Chun-Rong , Yen Horng-Yuan , Lin Cheng-Horng , Liu Jann-Yenq , Lin Ching-Ren 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A barometer in the cave of the SBCB station records an unusual phenomenon of larger amplitudes in air pressure changes inside than those at the Xinwu station (outside). Accordingly, the comparison between the recorded data at the SBCB and Xinwu station can drive investigations of potential sources of the unusual phenomenon. Analytical results of phase angle differences reveal that the air pressure outside the cave at the Xinwu station often leads air pressure changes inside at the SBCB station at relatively low frequency bands. In contrast, the larger pressure changes at frequencies > 2×10-4 Hz inside the cave at the SBCB station lead smaller changes outside at the Xinwu station. To expose causal mechanisms of the unusual phenomenon, continuous seismic waveforms recorded inside the cave at the SBCB station are further conducted for examination. When the horizontal and vertical ground velocities of ground motion yield a difference in the phase angle close to 90°, amplitudes of the air pressure changes at the SBCB station are amplified accordingly. This suggests that the pressure-shear vertical ground motion can drive air pressure changes. Meanwhile, the results shed light on investigating the existence of acoustic waves near the Earth’s surface using a partially confined space underground due to that the assumptions of the waves can propagate upward in the atmosphere driving changes in the ionosphere.
Exploring general practitioners’ perceptions about the primary care gatekeeper role in Indonesia
Authors: Mulyanto Joko , Wibowo Yudhi , Kringos Dionne S. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background In the current healthcare delivery system funded by National Health Insurance (NHI) in Indonesia, the gatekeeper role of primary care services is critical to ensuring equal healthcare access for the population. To be effective, gatekeeping relies on the performance of general practitioners (GPs). However, the perceptions held by Indonesian GPs about their gatekeeper role are not yet well documented. This study describes the self-perceived knowledge, attitudes and performance of Indonesian GPs with respect to the gatekeeper role and explores associated factors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of all primary care facilities (N = 75) contracted by the regional NHI office in the Banyumas district. The 73 participating GPs completed a written questionnaire that assessed their knowledge, attitudes and performance in relation to the gatekeeper role. Personal and facility characteristics were analysed in a generalised linear model as possible associating factors, as well as for the association between GPs’ knowledge and attitude with performance as gatekeepers. Results GPs scored relatively high in the domains of knowledge and performance but scored lower in their attitudes towards the gatekeeper role of primary care. In the full-adjusted model, no factors were significantly associated with the knowledge score. Work experience as GPs, private or civil service employment status and rural or urban location of the primary care facility were linked to attitude scores. Full- or part-time employment and type of facility were factors associated with the performance score. Attitude scores were positively associated with performance score.Conclusion GPs in Indonesia are knowledgeable and report that they adequately perform their function as gatekeepers in primary care. However, their attitudes towards the gatekeeper function are less positive. Attitudes and performance with respect to the primary care gatekeeper role are likely influenced more by contextual factors such as location and type of facility than by personal factors. Efforts to address contextual issues could include improvements in practice standards for privately practising physicians and public information campaigns about gatekeeping regulations. Such efforts will be crucial to improving the gatekeeper role of primary care in Indonesia and assuring efficient access to high-quality care for all.