bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Human Cytomegalovirus in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer and its Impacts on Survival
Authors: Yin Min , Chen Aiping , Zhao Fei , Ji Xuechao , Li Chuan , Wang Guangning 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The cause of epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC) is not elucidated. Viral infection may induce chronic inflammatory infection and play a role in the pathogenesis of cancers. Some viruses are considered to be oncomodulatory, modulating cellular pathways such as cell proliferation, tumor progression, vascular disease development, and immune evasion. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been detected in several types of cancers including ovarian cancer. However, the role of HCMV in ovarian carcinogenesis remains controversial. Objective: To investigate the potential role of HCMV infection in EOC, we evaluated the prevalence of HCMV proteins in EOC tissue and its impacts on patients’ survival. Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 66 patients with EOC and 30 patients with benign ovarian cystadenoma were studied. Specimens were detected for expression of HCMV immediate-early protein (IE) and HCMV tegument protein (pp65) by immunohistochemistry. Results: HCMV-IE protein expression was detected in 82% of EOC and 36% of benign tumors; pp65 was detected in 97% of EOC and 63% of benign tumors. Extensive expression of HCMV-IE protein was associated with higher stage of EOC. Reactivation of latent HCMV within the tumor at interval debulking surery may be induced by neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. Extensive HCMV-IE expression was associated with shorter median overall survival than focal or negative expression (39 versus 41 months, P=0.03). Multivariate analysis indicated that HCMV-IE expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.034). Conclusions: This study demonstrate a high prevalence of HCMV proteins in tissue sections from patients with EOC. HCMV infection can be potential risk factor for EOC development. Extensive HCMV-IE expression indicated a poor prognosis. The relationship between HCMV and clinical outcomes highlight the need for further researches on the oncomodulatory of HCMV in ovarian cancer. Keywords: Epithelial ovarian cancer, Human cytomegalovirus, Viral carcinogenesis, Survival
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Silver Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) Nanoflakes with effective Photocatalytic Activity for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Ikram Muhammad , Raza Ali , Imran Muhammad , Ul-Hamid Anwar , Shahbaz Atif , Ali Salamat 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO) was obtained through modified hummers method and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was acquired by employing heat treatment. Various concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt.%) of silver (Ag) were incorporated in GO nanosheets by adopting hydrothermal approach. Synthesized Ag decorated rGO photocatalyst Ag/rGO was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine phase purity and crystal structure. XRD patterns showed the formation of GO to Ag/rGO. Molecular vibration and functional groups were determined through Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Optical properties and a decrease in bandgap with insertion of Ag were confirmed with UV-visible (Uv-vis.) spectrophotometer and Photoluminescence (PL). Electronic properties and disorders in carbon structures were investigated through Raman spectroscopy that revealed the existence of characteristic bands (D and G). Surface morphology of prepared samples was examined with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Homogeneous distribution, size and spherical shape of Ag NPs over rGO sheets were further confirmed with the help of High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM). Dye degradation of doped and undoped samples was examined through Uv-vis. spectra. Experimental results indicated that photocatalytic activity of Ag@rGO enhanced with increased doping ratio owing to diminished electron-hole pair recombination. Therefore, it is suggested that Ag@rGO can be used as a beneficial and superior photocatalyst to clean environment and wastewater.
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine for treating novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yuxi , Liu Xiaobo , Guo Liuxue , Li Juan , Zhong Dongling , Clarke Mike , Zhang Yonggang , Jin Rongjiang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background A new type of coronavirus, novel coronavirus (COVID-19), is causing an increasing number of cases of pneumonia and was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization on 30 January 2020. The virus first appeared in Wuhan, China in late December 2019 and traditional Chinese herbal medicine is being used for its treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis will assess studies of the effects of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods We will search electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) and Wanfang database using keywords related to COVID-19 and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Reference lists of relevant trials and reviews will be searched. We will manually search grey literature, such as conference proceedings and academic degree dissertations, and trial registries. Two independent reviewers will screen studies (XL and DZ), extract data (YL and LG) and evaluate risk of bias (YL and DZ). Data analysis will be conducted using Review Manager software (version 5.3.5) and R software (version 3.6.1). Statistical heterogeneity will be assessed using a standard Chi-square test with a significance level of P < 0.10. Biases associated with study size (e.g. publication bias) will be investigated using funnel plots, the Egger 's test and Begg 's test and Trim and Fill analysis. Discussion This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of the effects of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for COVID-19. The use of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for treatment or prevention of these novel viral infections affecting the pneumonia will be investigated. Systematic review registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020168004
A Dynamic Taint Tracking Optimized Fuzz Testing Method based on Multi-modal Sensor Data Fusion
Authors: Li Qianmu , Meng Shunmei , Zhang Hanrui , Liu Yaozong , Shen Haiyuan , Long Huaqiu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The safety of Industrial Internet Control Systems has been a hotspot in the information security. To meet needs of communication, a large variety of proprietary protocols have emerged in the field of industrial control. The protocol field is often trusted in the implementation of industrial control terminal code. If attackers modify the data of these fields using the protocol defect, the operation of the program can be controlled and the entire system will be affected. To cope with such security threats, academia and industry generally adopt fuzzy test methods. However, the current industrial control protocol fuzzy test methods generally have low code coverage, where unified description models are missing and test cases are not targeted. A method of fuzzification processing combined with dynamic multi-modal sensor communication data is proposed. To track the program execution, the dynamic pollution analysis is used to search for the input fields that affect the execution of the conditional branch, and capture the dependencies between the conditional branches to guide the grammar generation of test cases, which can increase the chances of executing deep code. The experimental results show that the proposed method improves the validity and code coverage of test cases to a certain extent, and greatly increases the probability of anomaly detection in the protocol implementation.
Efficacy and safety of wait and see strategy versus surgery for rectal cancer with cCR/near-cCR response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Guo-hua , Deng Li , Ye Dong-man , Wang Wen-hui , Yan Yan , yu tao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety between wait and see strategy (WS) and surgery of rectal cancer patients with cCR/near-cCR response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI(China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and Wanfang databases to compare wait and see strategy with surgery for rectal cancer with cCR/near-cCR response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy up to January 2020. We collected the data of local recurrence, distant metastasis, cancer related death, overall survival and diseasr-free survival and compared the advantages and disadvantages of the two groups.Results: 14 English studies with 3932 patients were included. There were 700 patients in WS group and 3232 patients in surgical group. WS group had higher local recurrence rate than surgery group(OR:3.55, 95% CI :2.35 to 5.36, P<0.001). WS group had better 2-year DFS(OR:0.74, 95% CI :0.56 to 0.96, P=0.03) and 2-year OS (OR:0.38, 95% CI :0.28 to 0.52, P<0.001) than surgery group. Subgroup analysis of WS group and radical surgery group also obtained the similar results. Eastern studies also supported the conclusion. There was no significant difference of other data between the two groups.Conslusion: Compared with surgery group, WS group would increase the risk of local recurrence rate, but WS group had better 2-year DFS and OS than surgery group. However, WS group did not increase the possibility of distant metastasis and cancer related death of the patients.
Determination of Length of (Earth) Day [LOD] in the past geologic epochs
Authors: Sharma Bijay_Kumar 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

The protocol describes the algorithm of arriving at LOD in a given past geologicel Epoch. First the lunar orbital radius of the given geologic epoch has to be determined. For this the velocity of recession of Moon for the accelerated phase has to be determined. The spatial integral of the reciprocal of Velocity of recession gives the transit time of Moon from desired orbit to the present orbit.Through several iterations the transit time is made to converge on the geologic epoch. Once we determine the desired orbital radius it has to be substituted in the LOD expression to determine the LOD in the given geologic epoch.
Metabolic diversity and co-occurrence of multiple Ferrovum species at an acid mine drainage site
Authors: Grettenberger Christen , Havig Jeff , Hamilton Trinity 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Ferrovum spp. are abundant in acid mine drainage sites globally where they play an important role in biogeochemical cycling. All known taxa in this genus are Fe(II) oxidizers. Thus, co-occurring members of the genus could be competitors within the same environment. However, we found multiple, co-occurring Ferrovum spp. in Cabin Branch, an acid mine drainage site in the Daniel Boone National Forest, KY.

Results

Here we describe the distribution of Ferrovum spp. within the Cabin Branch communities and metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) of two new Ferrovum spp.. In contrast to previous studies, we recovered multiple 16S rRNA gene sequence variants suggesting the commonly used 97% cutoff may not be appropriate to differentiate Ferrovum spp. We also retrieved two nearly-complete Ferrovum spp. genomes from metagenomic data. The genomes of these taxa differ in several key ways relating to nutrient cycling, motility, and chemotaxis.

Conclusions

Previously reported Ferrovum genomes are also diverse with respect to these categories suggesting that the genus Ferrovum contains substantial metabolic diversity. This diversity likely explains how the members of this genus successfully co-occur in Cabin Branch and why Ferrovum spp. are abundant across geochemical gradients.
Medical cannabis for the reduction of opioid dosage in the treatment of non-cancer chronic pain: A systematic review
Authors: Okusanya Babasola , Asaolu Ibitola O. , Ehiri John E. , Kimaru Linda Jepkoeach , Okechukwu Abidemi , Rosales Cecilia 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Medical cannabis (MC) is currently being used as an adjunct to opiates given its analgesic effects and potential to reduce opiate addiction. This review assessed if MC used in combination with opioids to treat non-cancer chronic pain would reduce opioid dosage.Methods: Four databases - Ovid (Medline), Psyc-INFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and grey literature – were searched to identify original research that assessed the effects of MC on non-cancer chronic pain in humans. The search yielded 4,316 articles and 24 reports from the databases and grey literature, respectively. Results: Nine studies involving 7,222 participants were included. There was a 64%-75% reduction in opioid dosage when used in combination with MC. Use of MC for opioid substitution was reported by 32%-59.3% of patients with non-cancer chronic pain. One study reported a slight decrease in mean hospital admissions in the past calendar year (P=.53) and decreased mean emergency department visits in the past calendar year (P=.39) for patients who received MC as an adjunct to opioids in the treatment of non-cancer chronic pain compared to those who did not receive MC. Conclusions: While this review indicated the likelihood of reducing opioid dosage when used in combination with MC, the optimal MC dosage to achieve opioid dosage reduction remains unknown. More research is needed to elucidate whether MC used in combination with opioids in the treatment of non-cancer chronic pain is associated with health consequences that are yet unknown.Systematic review registration: This systematic review was not registered.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients in Nanjing
Authors: Chen Wei , Hu Chunmei , Huang Lili , Cai Min , Zhang Yongchen , Wei Hongxia , Chi Yun , Hu Zhiliang , Zeng Yi , Zheng Yishan , Liu Ying , Cheng Cong , Zhang Hongmei , Wang Weixiao , Zhang Xia , Yi Yongxiang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Since December 2019, the outbreak of COVID-19 has spread quickly and thumped many countries and regions. The epidemic of central China was under the spotlight and attracted much more attentions. However, there are few reports describing COVID-19 patients in the regions outside of Wuhan, which are undergoing the change from sporadic imported cases to community-acquired transmission.Methods: The electronic medical records of 74 laboratory-confirmed patients of COVID-19 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Their epidemiological, demographic, clinical and radiological characteristics were systematically summarized. The difference between severe patients and non-severe patients were also analyzed statistically.Results: The 74 COVID-19 patients were composed of 4 (5.4%) mild patients, 56 (75.7%) common patients, 13 (17.6%) severe patients and 1 (1.4%) critical patient. 43 were male, and 31 were female, with the average age 48.1±17.5. No significant difference of susceptibility was observed between genders, and almost people with all age were susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Before Jan 26, only imported sporadic cases were observed. However, from that day onward, family cluster infection cases increased dramatically, up to 70.3% (52/74), which were mainly from 15 family. The incubation period spanned from 0 to 19 days, with the median 5, and 81.4% had symptom onset within 7 days. At admission, 31.1% of patients had underlying diseases and the most common underlying diseases were hypertension (13.5%) and diabetes (5.4%). The most common symptoms were fever (90.5%), cough (75.7%), fatigue (36.5%) and chest distress (32.4%). 36.5% and 16.2% of patients had leukopenia and lymphocytopenia. 43.2% of patients had increased C reactive protein (CRP), and 40.5% had higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and 21.6% had higher calcitonin. 74.3% of patients had obvious lesions in both lung lobes and 56.8% of lesions manifested as ground glass opacity. Compared with non-severe group, the severe/critical group were significantly older and had more underlying diseases. After treatment, all patients improved and were discharged. No medical professional infection and death case were reported.Conclusion: The epidemic of COVID-19 in Nanjing were mainly caused by family cluster infection. The entire prevalence and illness were much milder than those of Wuhan. The disease of COVID-19 could be controlled and cured.
Molecular Investigation for Matrix Gene of Newcastle Disease Virus in Non-vaccinated Village Chickens in Central Rift Valley of Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Milkesa Ashenafi , Dinka Hunduma , Belaineh Redeat , Aliy Abde 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Newcastle disease (ND) is a major infectious disease of poultry caused by a virulent strain of Avian Paramyxovirus – 1. It is a major threat to the poultry industry in many countries of the world including Ethiopia. Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) is an enveloped, non-segmented, single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus with a helical morphology whose genome has six open reading frames (ORF) which encode for the following proteins: nucleoprotein (NP), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), fusion protein (F), hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L). The aim of this study was to detect matrix gene (M-gene), for NDV by molecular tools and identify its risk factors in non-vaccinated village chicken in Central Rift Valley of Oromia, Ethiopia.Methods A total of 84 pooled in five swab samples from 420 cloacal and tracheal chickens were sampled and RNA was extracted from the 84 pooled samples to carry out real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) along with the quantification was also done for 10 positive qRT-PCR samples that were having high concentration of viral load Ct. value.Results Out of the 84 pools of five swab samples tested for M-gene using qRT-PCR, 16.7% (14/84) samples were detected which included 13 positives and 1 negative for NDV. The prevalence of ND in males was found to be 16.10% and that in females was 14.67%. Although the overall ND prevalence was 15.48% (13/84), the highest score was recorded in Adama, 42.86% (6/14), and no positive case was detected in Bote and Bishoftu (p <0.05) while intermediate scores were obtained from Batu, Arsi-negelle and Shashemene.Conclusions In general, the present study provides important information on the epidemiology of NDV based on M-gene assay in Central Rift Valley of Oromia, Ethiopia, and highlights the importance of implementing surveillances and biosecurity practices in live poultry markets and village chickens.
Linagliptin, when compared to placebo, improves CD34+ve Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Type 2 diabetes subjects with chronic kidney disease taking metformin and/or insulin, a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Awal Hassan B , Nandula Seshagiri Rao , Domingues Cleyton C , Dore Fiona J , Kundu Nabanita , Brichacek Beda , Fakhri Mona , Elzarki Adrian , Ahmadi Neeki , Safai Shauna , Fosso Magan , Amdur Richard L. , Sen Sabyasachi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Endothelial Progenitor cells (EPCs) has been shown to be dysfunctional in both Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) leading to poor regeneration of endothelium and renal perfusion. EPCs have been shown to be a robust cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk indicator. Cellular mechanisms of DPP4 inhibitors such as Linagliptin (LG) on CVD risk, in patients with Type 2 Diabetes with established CKD has notbeen established. Hypothesis : Linagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor when added to insulin, metformin or both may improve endothelial dysfunction in a diabetic kidney disease (DKD) population. Methods : 31 subjects taking metformin and/or Insulin were enrolled in this 12 weeks, double blind, randomized placebo matched trial, with 5 mg LG compared to placebo. Type 2 diabetes subjects (30-70 years old), HbA1c of 6.5-10%, CKD Stage 1-3 were included. CD34+ cell number, migratory function, gene expression along with vascular parameters such as Arterial stiffness, biochemistry, resting energy expenditure and body composition were measured. Data were collected at week 0, 6 and 12. A mixed model regression analysis was done with p value <0.05 considered significant. Results : A double positive CD34/CD184 cell count had a statistically significant increase (p<0.02) as determined by flow cytometry in LG group where CD184 is SDF1a cell surface receptor. Though mRNA differences in CD34+ve was more pronounced CD34- cell mRNA analysis showed increase in antioxidants (SOD2, Catalase and CPX) and prominent endothelial markers (PECAM1, VEGF-A, vWF and NOS3). Arterial stiffness measures such as augmentation Index (AI) (p<0.04) and pulse wave analysis (PWV) were improved (reduced in stiffness) in LG group. A reduction in LDL: HDL ratio was noted in treatment group (p <0.04). Urinary exosome protein examining podocyte health (Podocalxyin, Wilms tumor and Nephrin) showed reduction or improvement. Conclusions : In DKD subjects, Linagliptin promotes an increase in CXCR4 expression on CD34+ progenitor cells with a concomitant improvement in vascular and renal parameters at 12 weeks
Genome-wide association mapping reveals novel genes associated with coleoptile length in a worldwide collection of barley
Authors: Luo Hao , Hill Camilla Beate , Zhou Gaofeng , Zhang Xiao-Qi , Li Chengdao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDrought is projected to become more frequent and severe in a changing climate, which requires deep sowing of crop seeds to reach soil moisture. Coleoptile length is a key agronomic trait in cereal crops such as barley, as long coleoptiles are linked to drought tolerance and improved seedling establishment under early water-limited growing conditions. ResultsIn this study, we detected large genetic variation in a panel of 328 diverse barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) accessions. To understand the overall genetic basis of barley coleoptile length, all accessions were geminated in the dark and phenotyped for coleoptile length after 2 weeks. The investigated barleys had significant variation for coleoptile length. We then conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) with more than 30,000 molecular markers and identified 8 genes and 12 intergenic loci significantly associated with coleoptile length in our barley panel. The Squamosa promoter-binding-like protein 3 gene (SPL3) on chromosome 6H was identified as a major candidate gene. The missense variant on the second exon changed serine to alanine in the conserved SBP domain, which likely impacted its DNA-binding activity. ConclusionThis study provides genetic loci for seedling coleoptile length along with candidate genes for future potential incorporation in breeding programmes to enhance early vigour and yield potential in water-limited environments.