bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) used in childhood caries management has potent antifungal activity against oral Candida species
Authors: Fakhruddin Kausar Sadia , Samaranayake Lakshman , Egusa Hiroshi , Ngo Hien Chi , Thenmozhi Venkatachalam , Pesee Siripen , Panduwawala Chamila 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The microbiome of Severe-Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC), is characterized by an ecosystem comprising bacterial and fungal species, with a predominance of Candida species. Hence, an anti-cariogen effective against both bacteria and fungi would be valuable in the management of S-ECC.
Methods : Here we evaluate the antifungal effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) against 35-clinical yeast isolates (Ten-each of C. albicans , C. krusei, C. tropicalis and five C. glabrata strains) from dentinal caries-lesions from S-ECC.
Results: Disc-diffusion and time-kill assays as well as MIC 50 and MIC 90 evaluations against therapeutic concentrations confirmed the broad-spectrum anti-candidal potency of SDF. Ultrastructural images revealed morphologic aberrations of yeast-cell walls on exposure to SDF. All C. krusei and C. glabrata isolates were significantly more sensitive to SDF, relative to the standard antifungal fluconazole. Further, SDF appears to effectively abrogate filamentation of C . albicans even at very low concentrations.
Conclusions: Our data, for the first time, elucidate the antifungal potency of SDF, in addition to its known antibacterial activity, in the management of S-ECC.
Plasma creatine kinase and all-cause mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis: a multi-center retrospective study
Authors: Wen Yueqiang , Peng FenFen , Feng Xiaoran , Wang Niansong , Zhan Xiaojiang , Wu Xianfeng 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Higher plasma creatine kinase (CK) values are associated with the failure of antihypertensive treatment. However, an association between CK and all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients has received little attention.Methods In this retrospective multicenter study, 1382 incident PD patients with baseline CK values were enrolled from November 1, 2005, to February 28, 2017. All patients with oral statins were excluded and then were divided into four groups according to quartile range [Quartile 1 (<60 U/L), Quartile 2 (60-100 U/L), Quartile 3 (101-179 U/L), and Quartile 4 (>179 U/L)]. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The association between plasma CK values and all-cause mortality was assessed with Cox regression and the Fine and Gray models.Results Of 1382 patients 298 (21.6%) patients died during a median 35-month (interquartile range=19-54 months) follow-up period. Patients in Quartile 4 were older (P<0.001), likely to be male (P<0.001), had a higher prevalence of diabetes (P=0.002), and a history of cardiovascular disease (P=0.005), and higher values of Charlson comorbidity index (P=0.031). All-cause mortality incidence was a significant difference among the four Quartiles (Quartile 1, 16.2%; Quartile 2, 22.2%; Quartile 3, 23.8%; Quartile 4, 24.1%; P=0.043). Cumulative all-cause mortality in the Quartile 4 was significantly higher compared with other groups (Log Rank=10.55, P=0.015). After adjusting for confounding factors, the highest CK quartile had a hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality of 1.75 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-3.20, P=0.041]. With kidney transplantation or hemodialysis as a competing risk, the Quartile 4 had an HR for all-cause mortality of 1.66 (95%CI 1.30-3.41, P=0.044), after adjusting for confounding factors.Conclusions Higher plasma CK levels at the commencement of PD may be a valuable biomarker for predicting the development of all-cause mortality in PD patients.
Normal levels of TSH affect the metabolic profile differently in physically active males and females
Authors: Malara Marzena , Tkaczyk Joanna , Kęska Anna , Lutosławska Grażyna 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Our study was aimed at the evaluation of relationships between thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) within the normal range and metabolic risk factors (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and lipoprotein profile) in physically active male and female students. Methods In 112 male and 107 female students circulating TSH, glucose, insulin and lipoproteins (triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol) were measured in blood under fasting conditions. Insulin resistance was expressed as HOMA-IR. For further procedures 99 males and 97 regularly menstruating females with TSH 0.4 – 4.0 µIU/ml were accepted. Results In male students no correlations between circulating TSH, anthropometric and biochemical variables were noted. In females TSH within the normal range was slightly but significantly correlated with the triglyceride (TG) level (p<0.03). However, step-wise multiple regression analysis revealed that the effect of TSH was small (p<0.046) in relation to that found for HOMA-IR (p<0.0009). No relationships between biochemical variables and normal levels of TSH were noted in male students. However, surprisingly normal range TSH in males was slightly but significantly correlated with the percentage of body fat and this issue needs further studies concerning measurements of different fat depots.Conclusions The above data suggests that in active females TG synthesis and export from the liver is more sensitive to TSH action than in active male counterparts.
Determinants of Scabies among Primary School Children in Habru District: a Case-Control Study
Authors: Reta Melat Wodaje , Derseh Behailu Tariku , Sahilu Berhanu Yitayew 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Human scabies is a parasitic infection caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. Although affects all age groups; children are more vulnerable. In primary schools, scabies affects children's school regularity and performance. There is a gap of information on the determinants of scabies among primary school children in Ethiopia. The aim of the current study was to identify factors that determine scabies among primary school children in Habru district, North Wollo Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods: Institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among primary school children. Three hundred (100 cases and 200 healthy controls) study participants were enrolled. Skin examination of scabies was done by trained health professionals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS version 20 statistical software. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify factors that determine the dependent variable and statistical significance was declared at P value less than 0.05. Results: Sex, age, family size, family history of scabies, sharing of clothes with an infected person, previous history of scabies and number of sleeping rooms were found to be independent determinants of scabies. Male were more likely to have scabies (AOR= 7.5; 95% CI: 3.2, 24.4). Younger children were more prone to scabies. Children between 10-12 years of age (AOR= 8; 95%CI: 2.7, 24.2) were found to be the most affected age group followed by 13-15 years of age (AOR= 7.7; 95%CI: 2.6, 23.1). Other factors like family size ≥5 (AOR= 3.4; 95% CI: 1.5, 7.7), family history of scabies (AOR= 9.8; 95% CI: 3.9, 24.4), were also independent factors of having scabies. Conclusion: Being male, younger age group, family history of scabies, having more than five family members, having a smaller number of rooms, children’s previous history of scabies, and sharing of clothes were determinants of scabies among primary school children. Thus, the district health and education offices and the school community should work together to equip students and their families with scabies prevention and control strategies. Keywords: Ethiopia; Family Characteristics; Scabies; Sarcoptes scabiei; Primary School
Preoperative SCC-Ag as a predictive marker for the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in cervical squamous cell carcinoma with intermediate-risk factors
Authors: Guo Hong-tao , Bi Xue-han , Lei Ting , Lv Xiao , Yao Guang , Chen Yao , Liu Chang 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background For cervical cancer patients whose tumors display a combination of intermediate risk factors, postoperative radiation with or without adjuvant chemotherapy is suggested for them. However, who should be administered with adjuvant chemotherapy is unknown. The current study was designed to explore the clinical value of squamous cell carcinoma antigen in guiding the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer patients.Methods A retrospective study of 301 cervical cancer patients treated by surgery and adjuvant treatment from Mar. 2005 to Mar. 2015 was performed. All patients were divided into two groups according to receiving adjuvant chemotherapy or not. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) were compare between patients who did and did not receive adjuvant radiotherapy. Multivariate analysis was employed to detect clinical factors associated with disease-free survival, local recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival.Results For patients with high pre-treatment squamous cell carcinoma level, DFS and OS in adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy group were higher than that in adjuvant radiotherapy group. Besides, the rates of distant metastasis were found lower in patients who did receive adjuvant chemotherapy than those who did not. For patients with upper low pre-treatment squamous cell carcinoma level, the 5-year OS and DFS were similar between groups of adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy. Multivariable analysis indicated adjuvant chemotherapy was independent predictors of DFS and distant metastasis-free survival in patients with high squamous cell carcinoma level.Conclusion Squamous cell carcinoma can serve as an indication for the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer patients.
Expression Profile Analysis Identifies Key Genes as Prognostic Markers for Metastasis of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Guan Xiaoqing , Guan Zhiyuan , Ji Jiafu , Song Chunli 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background : Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant tumor of bone which was featured with osteoid or immature bone produced by the malignant cells, and biomarkers are urgently needed to identify patients with this aggressive disease.
Methods : We downloaded gene expression profiles from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) datasets for OS, respectively, and performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify the key module. Whereafter, functional annotation and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) demonstrated the relationships between target genes and OS.
Results : In this study, we discovered four key genes – ALOX5AP, HLA-DMB, HLA-DRA and SPINT2 as new prognostic markers and confirmed their relationship with OS metastasis in the validation set.
Conclusions : Overall, our work may shed light on the roles of ALOX5AP, HLA-DMB, HLA-DRA and SPINT2, thus providing valuable clues to investigate the metastasis of OS and corroborating the potential clinical application value of the 4-gene signature to some extent.
Genetic variants in MIR17HG affect the susceptibility and prognosis of glioma in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Feng Jigao , Ouyang Yibin , Xu Dedong , He Qinglong , Liu Dayuan , Fan Xudong , Xu Pengxiang , Mo Yehe 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: lncRNA MIR17HG was upregulated in glioma, and involved glioma proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted apoptosis. However, the role of MIR17HG polymorphisms on the occurrence and prognosis of glioma is not obvious. Methods: In the study, 592 glioma patients and 502 control subjects conducted. Agena MassARRAY platform was used to detect the genotype of MIR17HG polymorphisms. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relation of MIR17HG SNPs to glioma risk by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox hazards models were performed for assessing the role of these SNPs in glioma prognosis by hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CIs. Results: We found that rs7318578 (OR = 2.25, p = 3.18x10-5) was significantly associated with glioma susceptibility. Rs17735387 (OR = 1.53, p = 9.05x10-3) and rs7336610 (OR = 1.35, p = 0.016) had a higher glioma susceptibility in the subgroup with age < 40 years. More importantly, rs17735387 (HR = 0.82, log-rank p = 0.026) improved glioma prognosis. GA genotype of rs17735387 had a better overall survival (HR = 0.75, log-rank p = 0.013) and progression free survival (HR = 0.73, log-rank p = 0.032) in patients with Ⅰ-Ⅱ glioma. Conclusion: Our study firstly reported that MIR17HG polymorphisms, especially rs7318578, might be risk factors for glioma susceptibility and rs17735387 improved the prognosis of glioma among Chinese Han population, which might help to enhance the understanding of MIR17HG gene in gliomagenesis.
Risk factors for and clinical outcomes of carbapenem non-susceptible gram negative bacilli bacteremia in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Shin Dong-Yeop , Kang Chang Kyung , Park Suhyeon , Park Jieun , Jun Kang Il , Kim Taek Soo , Koh Youngil , Hong Jun Shik , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Park Wan Beom , Kim Nam-Joong , Yoon Sung-soo , Kim Inho , Oh Myoung-don 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Carbapenem is frequently used when gram negative bacilli (GNB) bacteremia is detected especially in neutropenic patients. Consequently, appropriate treatment could be delayed in GNB bacteremia cases involving organisms which are not susceptible to carbapenem (carba-NS), resulting in a poor clinical outcomes. Here, we explored risk factors for carba-NS GNB bacteremia and its clinical outcomes in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) that underwent chemotherapy. We reviewed all GNB bacteremia cases that occurred during induction or consolidation chemotherapy, over a 15-year period, in a tertiary-care hospital. Among 489 GNB bacteremia cases from 324 patients, 45 (9.2%) were carba-NS and 444 (90.8%) were carbapenem susceptible GNB. Independent risk factors for carba-NS GNB bacteremia were: carbapenem use at bacteremia onset (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 91.2; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 29.3-284.1; P<0.001); isolation of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (aOR: 19.4, 95%CI: 3.4-112.5; P=0.001) in the prior year; and days from chemotherapy to GNB bacteremia (aOR: 1.1 per day, 95%CI: 1.1-1.2; P<0.001). Carba-NS bacteremia was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (aOR: 6.6, 95%CI: 3.0-14.8; P<0.001). Carba-NS organisms should be considered for antibiotic selection in AML patients having these risk factors.
General practice patients starting treatment for substance use problems: observations from two data sources across levels of care
Authors: Boffin Nicole , Antoine Jerome , Baelen Luk Van , Moreels Sarah , Doggen Kris 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIn Belgium, the incidence of treatment episodes for substance use problems is monitored by the Network of Sentinel General Practices (SGP) and by the Treatment Demand Indicator (TDI) surveillance at higher, specialist care levels. Using both data sources, we examine 1) how patients starting specialist treatment for substance use problems on referral by their GP compare to those that were referred by non-GP caregivers; 2) how patients starting GP treatment for substance use problems without receiving specialist treatment concurrently compare to those who do.MethodsThe same European protocol with common variables was used by both surveillances. Data from 2016 and 2017 were examined using 95% confidence intervals and multivariate regression.ResultsAccording to TDI-data (n=16,543), determinants of being referred by a GP (versus by a non-GP caregiver) for specialist treatment were age ≥ median (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.13-1.38), education ≥ secondary level (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.15-1.41), recent employment (OR 1.71; 1.56-1.88), stable housing (3.62; 95% CI 3.08-4.26), first treatment episode (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.57-1.87), recent daily primary substance use (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.33-1.59) and mono substance use (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.04-1.48). Type of substance use was a significant determinant with higher odds of using pharmaceuticals (and alcohol) (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.04-1.48), and lower odds of using cannabis only/primarily (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.62-0.86), with reference to street drugs minus cannabis only/primarily. According to SGP data (n=314), determinants of starting GP treatment without concurrent specialist treatment were recent employment (OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.36-4.91), first treatment episode (OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.39-5.55) and living in the Brussels or Walloon region (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.06-3.66).ConclusionsThis study adds knowledge about the general practice population treated for substance use problems and the consistency of data from the surveillances. Both studies show a relatively favourable profile of general practice patients with substance use problems.
The Desire to Die in Palliative Care: A sequential mixed methods study to develop a semi-structured clinical guideline
Authors: Kremeike Kerstin , Frerich Gerrit , Romotzky Vanessa , Bostroem Kathleen , Dojan Thomas , Galushko Maren , Shah-Hosseini Kija , Juenger Saskia , Rodin Gary , Pfaff Holger , Perrar Klaus Maria , Voltz Raymond 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective: Although desire to die (DD) of varying intensity and permanence is frequent in patients with advanced cancer and those receiving palliative care, uncertainty exists concerning appropriate therapeutic responses to it. To support health professionals in dealing with patients´ potential DD, a training program and a semi-structured clinical interview guideline was developed. This study aimed for a revision of and consensus building on the clinical guideline to support proactively addressing DD and routine exploration of death and dying distress. Methods: Within a sequential mixed methods design, we invited 16 palliative patients to participate in semi-structured interviews and 377 (inter-)national experts to attend a two-round Delphi process. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and an agreement consensus for the Delphi was determined according to predefined criteria. Results : 11 (69%) patients from different settings participated in face-to-face interviews. As key issues for conversations on DD they pointed out the relationship between professionals and patients, the setting and support from external experts, if required. A set of 149 (40%) experts (132/89% from Germany, 17/11% from 9 other countries) evaluated ten domains of the clinical guideline. There was immediate consensus on nine domains concerning conversation design, suggestions for (self-)reflection, and further recommended action. The one domain in which consensus was not achieved until the second round was “proactively addressing DD”. Conclusions : We have provided the first semi-structured clinical guideline to identify and address DD and to respond therapeutically – based on evidence, patients’ views and consensus among (inter-)national professional experts. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (No. DRKS00012988).
Protection of L1 nerve roots in parallel endplate osteotomy for severe rigid thoracolumbar spine deformity
Authors: Liao Hang , Miao Houguang , Xie Peng , Wang Yueyue , Li Ningdao , Zheng Guizhou , Li Xuedong , Du Shixin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: This is a retrospective study of the use of parallel endplate osteotomy (PEO) for correction of severe rigid thoracolumbar spine deformity. Methods : From July 2016 to June 2017, 10 patients with severe rigid thoracolumbar spine deformity underwent PEO on T12 or L1 vertebrae were studied. Results : Following PEO at T12 or L1, the mean kyphosis and scoliosis correction rates reached 77.4± 8.5% and 76.6± 6.8%, respectively and the intraoperative estimated blood loss was 1990±1010 mL, and the mean operative time was 7.12± 3.88 h. The SF-36 scores of physical function, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, role-emotional and mental health changed from 60 ± 30, 47 ± 33, 44 ± 30, 32 ± 18, 50 ±30, 46 ± 29, 26 ± 40 and 52 ± 20 at baseline to 81 ± 16, 69 ± 19, 73 ± 11, 66 ± 21, 74 ± 16, 74 ± 24, 63 ± 37 and 76 ± 12 one year after surgery, respectively (P < 0.01). Three patients had symptoms of L1 nerve root injury, as reflected by lower limb weakness and inner thigh numbness on knee extension and hip flexion, which was further confirmed by electromyography. Conclusions : PEO is easier to operate, and the spinal cord and nerve root are under direct vision and can effectively and safely correct severe rigid thoracolumbar spine deformity with satisfactory clinical results. However, it is important to identify, separate and protect L1 nerve roots during surgery in cases where patients have symptoms of back pain, muscle weakness and leg numbness on the convex side after surgery.
Quantifying Serum Derived Differential Expressed and Low Molecular Weight Protein in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Zafar Ayesha , Jabbar Maryum , Manzoor Yasmeen , Gulzar Huma , Hassan Shahzad Gul , Nazir Muniba Anum , Ain-ul-Haq  , Mustafa Ghazala , Sahar Romana , Masood Aqeel , Iqbal Ahtesham , Hussain Mulazim , Hasan Murtaza 
Published: January 2020

Background:Searching the biomarker from complex heterogeneous material for early detection of disease is a challenging task in the field of biomedical sciences.Objective:The study has been arranged to explore the proteomics serum derived profiling of the differential expressed and low molecular weight protein in breast cancer patient.Methods:Quantitative proteome was analyzed using the Nano LC/Mass and Bioinformatics tool.Results:This quantification yields 239 total protein constituting 29% of differentially expressed protein, with 82% downregulated differential protein and 18% up-regulated differential protein. While 12% of total protein were found to be cancer inducing proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) described that the altered proteins with 0-60 kDa mass in nucleus, cytosol, ER, and mitochondria were abundant that chiefly controlled the RNA, DNA, ATP, Ca ion and receptor bindings.Conclusion:The study demonstrate that the organelle specific, low molecular weighted proteins are significantly important biomarker. That act as strong agents in the prognosis and diagnosis of breast cancer at early stage.