bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dysphagia and Its Impact on Quality of Life of Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Institution Based Cross sectional Study
Authors: Yifru Tseganesh Asefa , Kisa Sezer , Dinegde Negalegn Getahun , Atnafu Niguse Tadele 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: Assessing swallowing function using symptom-specific questionnaires on head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and supporting impaired swallowing to improve quality of life (QoL) of patients is recommended in different studies. However, there is no data that shows the effect of dysphagia on quality of life of Ethiopian patients. Hence, this study assessed the effect of dysphagia on quality of life domains of the MD Anderson Dysphagia inventory (MDADI) among head and neck cancer patients.Results: The study sample consisted of mostly male (53.90%), employed (70.6%), single (57.80 %) and completed some level of formal education (66.60 %) with mean age of 42.58 years (SD ± 14.08 years) and medical expense for about 69.6% of patients was covered by the government. Most of the patients were suffering from advanced stage HNC (59.80%) and squamous cell carcinoma (62.70%) and the most prevalent tumor location was nasal cavity/ nasopharyngeal carcinoma (40.20%). The mean MDADI composite score was 53.29 (SD± 15.85). Being female, low income, suffering from laryngeal/ hypo pharyngeal cancer, suffering from advanced tumor and those undergoing a single modality therapy were key determinants of poor QoL related to swallowing problems in HNC patients.
Presence and Quantification of Microplastic in Urban Tap-Water
Authors: Pratesi Claudia B. , Almeida Maria Aparecida A.L. Santos , Paz Geysa S. Cutrim , Teotonio Marcelo H. Ramos , Cardia Felipe Mendes dos Santos , Gandolfi Lenora , Pratesi Riccardo , Hecht Mariana 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Plastic pollution is a rapidly growing environmental and human health crisis, with no sign of improvement. Since 2012 the number of studies on plastic pollution has quadrupled, and macro to nano-size plastics have been documented even in the planet's remote biomes. Studies have shown contamination by microplastics (MPs) in various types of food consumed by humans, including seafood, honey, sugar, salt, tap-water and bottled water and beer. The study's objective was to detect the possible contamination by MPs in drinking water samples collected from the two main residential and commercial areas of Brasília.Methods: A total of 32 samples of tap water were collected, 16 samples in the south zone, and 16 samples in the north zone of the city (respectively, South Wing and North Wing). Samples were processed and transferred to the Sedgewick-Rafter counting cell chamber. The presence of MPs particles was analyzed using a Nikon Eclipse fluorescence microscope.Results: MPs were found in 100% of the samples. The mean MPs per 500 ml found in the South Wing area was 97, while the mean number of particles in the North Wing area was 219.Conclusion: The study results reveal a disturbing amount of MP particles in Brasilia's tap-water. This surprising number of particles in tap-water is especially concerning considering that tap-water is not the only source of MPs to which people are exposed. The cumulative and toxicological effect of this chronic exposure is alarming.
The Association of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio and Lymphocyte-Monocyte Ratio With Post-Thrombolysis Early Neurological Outcomes in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Gong Pengyu , Liu Yukai , Gong Yachi , Chen Gang , Zhang Xiaohao , Wang Siyu , Zhou Feng , Duan Rui , Chen Wenxiu , Huang Ting , Wang Meng , Deng Qiwen , Shi Hongchao , Zhou Junshan , Jiang Teng , Zhang Yingdong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background and Purpose: To investigate the association of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) with post-thrombolysis early neurological outcomes including early neurological improvement (ENI) and early neurological deterioration (END) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods: AIS patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis were enrolled from April 2016 to September 2019. Blood cell counts were sampled before thrombolysis. Post-thrombolysis END was defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score increase of ≥4 within 24 hours after thrombolysis. Post-thrombolysis ENI was defined as NIHSS score decrease of ≥4 or complete recovery within 24 hours. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship of NLR, PLR and LMR to post-thrombolysis END and ENI. We also used receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to assess the discriminative ability of three ratios in predicting END and ENI.Results: Among 1060 recruited patients, a total of 193 (18.2%) were diagnosed with ENI and 398 (37.5%) were diagnosed with END. Multivariable logistic models indicated that NLR (odds ratio [OR], 1.652; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.510-1.807, P=0.001) and PLR (OR, 1.015; 95% CI 1.012-1.018, P=0.001) were independent factors for post-thrombolysis END. Moreover, NLR (OR, 0.686; 95% CI 0.631-0.745, P=0.001), PLR (OR, 0.997; 95% CI 0.994-0.999, P=0.006) and LMR (OR, 1.170; 95% CI 1.043-1.313, P=0.008) served as independent factors for post-thrombolysis ENI. Area under curve (AUC) of NLR, PLR and LMR to discriminate END were 0.763, 0.703 and 0.551, respectively. AUC of NLR, PLR and LMR to discriminate ENI were 0.695, 0.530 and 0.547, respectively.Conclusions: NLR and PLR were associated with and may predict post-thrombolysis END. NLR, PLR and LMR were related to post-thrombolysis ENI.
Biomarkers-based Personalized Follow-up in Chronic&nbsp;Heart Failure Improves Patient’s Outcomes and Reduces Care Associate Cost
Authors: Justel Antonio Leon , Garcia-Polavieja Jose Ignacio Morgado , Rios Ana Isabel Alvarez , Fernandez Francisco Jose Caro , Merino Pedro Agustin Pajaro , Rios Elena Galvez , Rico Ignacio Vazquez , Fernandez Jose Francisco Diaz 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUNDHeart failure (HF) is a major and growing medical and economic problem, with high prevalence and incidence rates worldwide. Cardiac Biomarker is emerging as a novel tool for improving management of patients with HF.METHODSThis is a real-world, before-and after-intervention trial, that assesses the impact of a personalized follow-up procedure for HF on patient’s outcomes and care associated cost, based on a clinical model of risk stratification and personalized management according to that risk. A total of 192 patients were enrolled and studied before and after an intervention. The primary objective was the rate of readmissions, due to a HF event, post-intervention compared to pre-intervention. Secondary outcomes compared the rate of ED visits and the number of patients who had reduced NYHA score pre and post-intervention. A cost- analysis was also performed on these data.RESULTSAdmission rates significantly decreased by 41% after the intervention (total length of stay was reduced by 55%). The rate of ED visits was reduced by 55%. Thirty-one percent of patients had an improved functional class score after the intervention, whereas only 7.8% got worse. The overall cost saving associated with the intervention was €139,717.65 for the whole group over 1 year.CONCLUSIONSA personalized follow-up of HF patients led to important outcome benefits and resulted in cost savings, mainly due to the reduction of patient hospitalization readmissions and a significant reduction of care- associated costs, suggesting that greater attention should be given to this high-risk cohort to minimize the risk of hospitalization readmissions.
RBM15&nbsp;Facilitates Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Regulating TMBIM6&nbsp;Stability Through IGF2BP3&nbsp;Dependent
Authors: Wang Xin , Tian Linli , Li Yushan , Wang Jingting , Yan Bingrui , Yang Like , Li Qiuying , Zhao Rui , Liu Ming , Wang Peng , Sun Yanan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Laryngeal cancer has the highest mortality rate among head and neck tumours. RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most plentiful and variable in mammalian mRNA. Yet, the m6A regulatory mechanism underlying the carcinogenesis or progression of LSCC remains poorly understood. Methods: The m6A RNA methylation quantification kit was used to detect tissue methylation levels. m6A microarray analysis, mRNA transcriptomic sequencing (mRNA-seq), and proteomics were used to determine RBM15, TMBIM6, and IGF2BP3. Immunohistochemical (IHC), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to investigate RBM15, TMBIM6, and IGF2BP3 expression in tissue samples and cell lines. The biological effects of RBM15 were detected both in vitro and in vivo. The combination relationship between RBM15/IGF2BP3 and TMBIM6 was verified by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq), RNase Mazf, and luciferase report assay. RNase Mazf was used to determine the methylation site on TMBIM6 mRNA. Hoechst staining assay was used to confirm the apoptotic changes. The actinomycin D verified TMBIM6 stability. Results: The global mRNA m6A methylation level significantly increased in LSCC patients. RBM15, as a “writer” of methyltransferase, was significantly increased in LSCC and was associated with unfavorable prognosis. The knockdown of RBM15 reduced the invasion, migration, and apoptosis of LSCC both in vitro and in vivo. The results were reversed after overexpressing RBM15. Mechanically, TMBIM6 acted as a downstream target of RBM15-mediated m6A modification. Furthermore, RBM15-mediated m6A modification of TMBIM6 mRNA enhanced TMBIM6 stability through IGF2BP3-dependent. Conclusion: Our results revealed the essential roles of RBM15 and IGF2BP3 in m6A methylation modification in LSCC, thus identifying a novel RNA regulatory mechanism.
Liver Cirrhosis Promotes Immune Escape in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via GOLM1-mediated PD-L1&nbsp;Upregulation&nbsp;
Authors: Ke Meng-yun , Li Zhi-jin , Ye Yuan-peng , Ren Feng-gang , Lu Shao-ying , Zhang Xu-feng , Wu Rong-qian , Lv Yi , Dong Jian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:Immune checkpoint blockade is considered a breakthrough in cancer treatment. However, the low response rates and therapeutic resistance of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represent significant challenges in the application of this treatment. Liver cirrhosis is a key driver of tumor immune escape. However, the mechanism underlying this outcome has never been clarified. This study sought to explore the role of liver cirrhosis in regulating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and inducing tumor immunosuppression. Methods:Ninety-nine fixed HCC tissue samples were used to analyze the association between liver cirrhosis and immune escape by immunohistochemistry. H22 cells with or without GOLM1 knockdown were inoculated subcutaneously into BALB/c and BALB/c-nu/nu mice. We also created hepatocyte-specific GOLM1 transgenic mice (Alb/GOLM1 mice) and induced chemical carcinogenesis. The efficacy of anti-PD-L1 therapy combined with GOLM1 inhibition was estimated in GOLM1 -overexpressing subcutaneous model of HCC.Results:In HCC patients, low FIB-4 values and high CD8+ T cell infiltration were correlated with prolonged survival. Elevated expression of immune checkpoints and attenuated antitumor immunity were observed in CCl4-induced mice liver fibrosis models and human fibrotic livers compared to control group. GOLM1 levels were increased in livers of patients with cirrhosis and mice in response to CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. CD8+ T cell infiltrations were significantly decreased and PD-L1 expression was significantly increased in tumor tissues from Alb/GOLM1 mice compared to their corresponding control WT mice. GOLM1 induced PD-L1 expression via EGFR pathway activation. EGFR inhibitors, especially together with anti-PD-L1 therapy, improved the efficacy of immunotherapy in HCC. Conclusions:These findings illustrate the importance of liver fibrosis-induced immunosuppression as a tumor-promoting mechanism. GOLM1, which is highly upregulated in the fibrotic liver, regulates tumor microenvironmental immune escape via the EGFR/PD-L1 signaling pathway. EGFR blockade may bolster the efficacy.
Radical Hysterectomy Versus Simple Hysterectomy and Brachytherapy for Patients with Stage II Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Wang Ming , Ran Ran , Wu Yu-Mei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose To compare the survival outcome between radical hysterectomy and total hysterectomy with radiation therapy in patients with stage II endometrial cancer.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study. We identified 1349 patients diagnosed with stage II endometrial cancer from Jan 1, 1988 to Dec 31 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results. Patients were divided into two groups based on the primary treatment (total hysterectomy combined with brachytherapy or radical hysterectomy). All patients received external beam radiation therapy after the surgery. The primary outcome was the rate of 5-year-cause-specific survival and 5-year-overall survival.Results A total of 1349 patients were enrolled in the study, 117(7.35%) patients received radical hysterectomy and 460 patients who received total hysterectomy combined with vaginal brachytherapy were selected as control. All patients received external beam radiation therapy after the surgery. Overall, the median follow-up duration was 82.77±1.44months (95%CI: 79.94-85.61months). There was no difference in the baseline information between two groups, including ages, ethnicity, and rates of histologic subtypes. The 5-year overall survival was 62.31% among women who underwent radical hysterectomy which was lower than 78.48% among those who underwent total hysterectomy combined with vaginal brachytherapy (HR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.52 to 3.24; P <0.001 by the log-rank test). Women who underwent radical hysterectomy also had shorter 5-year cause-specific survival (74.60 vs.85.38%; HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.13 to 3.23; P =0.01 by the log-rank test) than those who underwent total hysterectomy combined with vaginal brachytherapy. However, the negative outcomes were further validated in patients with high-risk endometrial cancer, not in patients with grade 1-2 low-risk endometrial cancer both on cause-specific survival and overall survival. In patients with grade 3 low-risk endometrial cancer, the tendency was only found with lower overall survival not cause-specific survival.ConclusionsThis study revealed that in patients’ stage II endometrial cancer, radical hysterectomy was associated with shorter overall survival and cause-specific survival than total hysterectomy combined with vaginal brachytherapy. The choice of different treatment modalities should base on the histology subtype of patients and further study based on molecular classification is needed.
IL-17A Polymorphism (rs2275913) and Levels Are Associated With Preeclampsia Pathogenesis in Chinese Patients&nbsp;&nbsp;
Authors: Lang Xiao , Liu Wei , Hou Yanyan , Zhao Wenxia , Yang Xingyu , Chen Lan , Yan Qi , Cheng Weiwei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPreeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related condition that affects both the infant and the mother. Although the role of various inflammatory molecules in PE has been demonstrated, the importance of pro-inflammatory molecules such as IL-17A, IL-23 is not well understood. In the present investigation, a potential association of common genetic variants in the IL-17A and IL-23A genes with PE was investigated. Methods115 PE clinically diagnosed patients who registered to the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital were enrolled in this research. 102 pregnant women and 147 healthy Chinese women were also included. ELISA was used to measure IL-17A and IL-23 serum levels in all enrolled subjects. Common genetic polymorphisms in IL-17A (rs 2275913, rs1974226, and rs1974226), IL-23A (rs11171806), and IL-12B (rs3212227) were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP or TaqMan probe-based method. ResultsElevated serum IL-17A levels were found in PE patients compared to pregnant (P<0.0001) and healthy women (P<0.0001). However, IL-23 levels were comparable across various clinical groups. In addition, heterozygous (GA) and minor allele (A) for IL-17A (rs2275913) and IL-23A (rs11171806) were more prevalent in PE patients compared to pregnant women indicating an important role in the predisposition to PE growth. Interestingly, IL-17A (r 2275913) mutants were associated with elevated IL-17A levels relative to wild type (GG). ConclusionsIL-17A (rs2275913) variants are associated with higher serum levels of cytokine, and predisposed PE development.
In Silico Docking for Inhibition Neuropilin-1 (SARS-CoV-2 receptor) by Some Natural and Approved Drugs
Authors: seadawy mohamed , Shamel Mohamed , Ahmed Aya , Zekri Abdel Rahman N. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a multifunctional transmembrane receptor for ligands that affect developmental axonal growth and angiogenesis. Beside its role in cancer, NRP-1 is a reported entrance for several viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causal agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: We made Insilco docking between the spike protein and Neuropilin-1 using Cluspro 2.0 software. Therefore, Neuropilin-1 becomes host factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Then by using molecular docking, we test nine compounds against Neuropilin-1 for its inhibition. Results: Our result revealed that NRP-1 receptor is considered as Therapeutic target for SARS-CoV2 treatment and screened with natural compounds and drugs (e.g. Carvacrol, Thymol, Amantadine, Daclatasvir, Ravidasvir, Remdesivir, Sofosbuvir, Hesperidine and Thymoquinone) by molecular docking study. Conclusion: These natural products and drugs may emerge as potential Neuropilin-1 inhibitor. However, additional exploration is predictable for the investigation of the essential use of the drugs and herbs containing these natural products and their in-vivo activity.
Low Hepatitis E Virus Prevalence Among Blood Donor in Dali in China
Authors: Fu Ping , Lin Baochai , Wu Bingting , Ke Ling , Yang Tianfu , Du Yue’e , Cheng Lishan , Li Zhou , Li Tiancheng , Liu Yu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a nonenveloped RNA virus causing Hepatitis E worldwide. An increasing transfusion transmission cases of HEV infections from asymptomatic blood donors which causing serious illnesses in immunosuppressed recipients have been reported in the past few years. China is one of the highly prevalent regions of HEV, it is important to evaluate the risk of HEV transmission from blood transfusion. METHODS: A total of 1864 serum samples from blood donors and demographic characteristics were randomly collected from Feb to Mar 2018 in Dali city. Anti-HEV IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies and HEV antigen were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HEV RNA was detected by real-time PCR. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to examine risk factors associated with HEV prevalence.RESULTS: Overall, the positive rate of anti-HEV IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies was 13.36% (249/1864), 1.13%(21/1864), and 1.82%(34/1864), respectively. However, none of the 1864 serum samples was detected as HEV antigen-positive nor HEV RNA positive. The positive rate of anti-HEV IgG antibody is high as 28.57% (2/7) in the donors with isolated elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Females (16.69%) had a significantly higher HEV seroprevalence than males (13.04%) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.34 [95% CI, 1.02-1.75]). Other ethnic minority (24.32%) and Bai (18.85%) donors had a significantly higher HEV seroprevalence when compared to Han (12.21%) blood donors (odds ratio [OR], 2.25 [95% CI, 1.04-4.88] for other ethnic minority, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.24-2.19] for Bai). Conclusions: Dali, Yunnan province, China is an endemic region for HEV and have a relatively low risk of HEV transmission via blood transfusion. Whether to formulate the strategy for HEV screening in blood center needed further researched.
National Burden of Intestinal Parasites and Its Determinants Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Akalu Tadesse Yirga , Aynalem Yared Asmare , Shiferaw Wondimeneh Shibabaw , Alamneh Yoseph Merkeb , Getnet Asmamaw , Abebaw Abtie , Atnaf Aytenew , Abate Abebe , Tilahun Melkamu , Kassie Bekalu , Aschale Yibeltal 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Intestinal parasites are a group of opportunistic gastrointestinal diseases commonly encountered among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Intestinal parasites increased the risk of morbidity and mortality among these vulnerable populations. Therefore, to design appropriate prevention strategies, up-to-date information concerning prevalence of intestinal parasite is crucial. However, studies assessing the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasite in Ethiopia are inconsistent and widely varied. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis is designed to assess the pooled prevalence and determine risk factors.Methods: International databases; PubMed, Web of Science,Cochrane Library, Scopus, PsycINFO, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to determine publication bias. The I2 statistic was used to check heterogeneity between the studies. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled effect size. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were conducted. Sensitivity analysis was done to see the effect of a single study on the overall estimation. STATA version 14 statistical software was used for meta-analysis.Results: A total of 27 studies with 8,946 individuals were used to estimate the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among people living with HIV.The estimated pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 40.24% (95% CI: 33.8–46.6). Subgroup analysis of this study revealed that the highest prevalence was observed in Tigray region 45.7% (95% CI: 7.9­-83.5), followed by Oromia region 42.2% (95% CI: 28.8–55.6). Availability of latrine (OR: 26.6, 95%CI: 2.8-15.8), presence of animal (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2-5.8) and source of drinking water (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3-7.5) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis.Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasite was high in Ethiopia. There should be a need to work for improving the hygienic standard on quality of drinking water and regular utilization of latrine among people living with HIV/AIDS.
A case report and literature review of a death caused by Aeromonas daca complicated with septic shock
Authors: Zhao Qiquan , Han Xiaoli 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: For decades, Aeromonas daca has often been mistaken for Aeromonas hydrophila by phenotypic identification systems and shows obvious characteristics of virulence. To our knowledge, a total of two English-language studies with relatively complete data were retrieved.Case presentation: The patient, a 26-year-old male with no underlying disease, was admitted to our hospital for 3 days because of cough, expectoration and shortness of breath. According to blood and lavage fluid cultures and next-generation sequencing (NGS), the patient was diagnosed with an A. daca infection. He soon deteriorated to a critical condition complicated with septic shock and died after active rescue treatment. Conclusions: A. daca infection is lethal, and an accurate taxonomy can improve our understanding of the epidemiological distribution and virulence potential of this human pathogen. Third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems should be used cautiously in the treatment of severe A. daca infection, and the best regimen is cefepime or fluoroquinolones.