bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomics analysis of differentially expressed genes in subcutaneous and perirenal adipose tissue of sheep as affected by their pre- and early postnatal malnutrition histories
Authors: Ahmad Sharmila , Drag Markus Hodal , Salleh Suraya Mohamad , Cai Zexi , Nielsen Mette Olaf 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Early life malnutrition is known to target adipose tissue with varying impact depending on timing of the insult. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes in subcutaneous (SUB) and perirenal (PER) adipose tissue of 2.5-years old sheep to elucidate the biology underlying differential impacts of late gestation versus early postnatal malnutrition on functional development of adipose tissues. Adipose tissues were obtained from 37 adult sheep born as twins to dams fed either NORM (fulfilling energy and protein requirements), LOW (50% of NORM) or HIGH (110% of protein and 150% of energy requirements) diets in the last 6-weeks of gestation. From day 3 to 6 months of age, lambs were fed high-carbohydrate-high-fat (HCHF) or moderate low-fat (CONV) diets, and thereafter the same moderate low-fat diet.

Results
The gene expression profile of SUB in the adult sheep was not affected by the pre- or early postnatal nutrition history. In PER, 993 and 186 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in LOW versus HIGH and NORM, respectively, but no DEG was found between HIGH and NORM. DEGs identified in the mismatched pre- and postnatal nutrition groups LOW-HCHF (101) and HIGH-HCHF (192) were largely downregulated compared to NORM-CONV. Out of 831 DEGs, 595 and 236 were up- and downregulated in HCHF versus CONV, respectively. The functional enrichment analyses revealed that transmembrane (ion) transport activities, motor activities related to cytoskeletal and spermatozoa function (microtubules and the cytoskeletal motor protein, dynein), and responsiveness to the (micro) environmental extracellular conditions, including endocrine and nervous stimuli were enriched in the DEGs of LOW versus HIGH and NORM. We confirmed that mismatched pre- and postnatal feeding was associated with long-term programming of adipose tissue remodeling and immunity-related pathways. In agreement with phenotypic measurements, early postnatal HCHF feeding targeted pathways involved in kidney cell differentiation, and mismatched LOW-HCHF sheep had specific impairments in cholesterol metabolism pathways.

Conclusions
Both pre- and postnatal malnutrition differentially programmed (patho-) physiological pathways with implications for adipose functional development associated with metabolic dysfunctions, and PER was a major target.
Gut microbiota of homologous Chinese soft-shell turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) in different habitats
Authors: Wu Benli , Huang Long , Chen Jing , Zhang Ye , Wang Jun , He Jixiang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Chinese soft-shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is an important commercial species for their high nutritional value and unique taste, but it has been a vulnerable species due to habitat loss. In this study, homologous juvenile turtles were allocated to lake, pond and paddy field to investigate the habitat effects on turtles.

Results
The growth, morphology and gut microbial communities were monitored during the 4 months cultural period. It showed higher growth rate of turtles in paddy field and pond. The appearance, visceral coefficients, gut morphology and microbial communities in turtles were distinct among different habitats. The microbial community richness on Chao1 was obviously lower in initial turtle guts from greenhouses, whereas it was relative higher in turtle guts sampled from paddy fields than ponds and lake. Significant differences on dominant microbes were found among initial and subsequent samples from different habitats. Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum in the guts of turtles sampled from the greenhouse initially, while Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum after cultivation in different habitats, followed by Bacteroidetes. The microbial composition were distinct in different habitats at 60d, and the appearance of dominant phyla and genera was more driven by sampling time than habitats at 120d. Both the sampling time and habitats affected the appearance of dominant phyla and genera during the cultivation. The functional predictions indicated that both habitat type and sampling time had significant effects on metabolic pathways, especially amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism.

Conclusions
The turtles could adapt to natural lakes, artificial ponds and paddy fields. The gut microbial abundance was different among the habitats and sampling time. The species of microbes were significantly more diverse in paddy field specimens than in those from ponds and lakes. Rice-turtle coculture is a potential ecological and economic farming mode that plays important roles in wild turtle protection and food security.
Prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Chengbing , Zhang Qian , Ji Mingwei , Mang Jing , Xu Zhongxin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe relationship between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and poor prognostics in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who receive intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) remains controversial. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between the NLR and poor prognosis after IVT. Furthermore, we aimed to determine whether the NLR at admission or post-IVT plays a role in AIS patients who received IVT.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for relevant articles until October 7, 2020. Cohort and case-control studies were included if they were related to the NLR in AIS patients treated with IVT. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) were pooled to estimate the relationship between NLR and poor prognosis after IVT. A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled data.ResultsTwelve studies, including 3641 patients, met the predefined inclusion criteria. Higher NLRs were associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) (OR = 1.33, 95 % CI = 1.14–1.56,P < 0.001) and a poor 3-month functional outcome (OR = 1.64, 95 % CI = 1.38–1.94,P < 0.001) in AIS patients who received IVT. Subgroup analysis suggested that the NLR at admission rather than post-IVT was associated with a higher risk of HT (OR = 1.33, 95 % CI = 1.01–1.75,P = 0.039). There was no statistically significant difference between higher NLRs and 3-month mortality (OR = 1.14, 95 % CI = 0.97–1.35,P = 0.120).ConclusionsA high NLR can predict HT and poor 3-month functional outcomes in AIS patients who receive IVT. The NLR at admission rather than the post-IVT NLR was an independent risk factor for an increased risk of HT after IVT.
The role of surgical resection in primary central nervous system lymphoma: a single-center retrospective analysis of 70 patients
Authors: Wu Shiqiang , Wang Junwen , Liu Weihua , Hu Feng , Zhao Kai , Jiang Wei , Lei Ting , Shu Kai 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of surgical resection and stereotactic biopsy on the complication rate, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 70 patients diagnosed at a single institution with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and to explore the predictors of selection for resection and the prognostic factors of PCNSL.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed of 70 patients with PCNSL that was diagnosed by surgical resection or stereotactic brain biopsy in our department from January 2013 to May 2019. We divided the patients into two groups: a resection group (n = 28) and a stereotactic biopsy group (n = 42). Data on clinical characteristics, imaging findings, complication rates, PFS and OS were retrospectively reviewed and compared between these two groups. We also analysed the predictors of selection for resection and prognostic factors of PCNSL by multivariate analysis.

Results
The median age was 53.3 ± 14.3 years, and there was a male predominance with a sex ratio of 1.33:1. The most common clinical manifestation was a headache. The complication rate in the resection group was 10.7% versus 7.1% in the stereotactic biopsy group, and there was no statistically significant difference. The rate of improvement in symptoms of the resection group was significantly higher than that of the stereotactic biopsy group. Multivariable analysis identified a single tumour and not involving deep structures as predictors of selection for resection. With a median follow-up of 30 months (range 1–110), the mean OS and PFS of all patients were 16.1 months and 6.2 months, respectively. Patients who underwent surgical resection had a mean OS of 23.4 months and PFS of 8.6 months versus 11.2 months and 4.6 months for those who had a brain biopsy performed. In addition, multivariable analysis showed that not involving deep structures and resection were favourable prognostic factors for PCNSL.

Conclusions
The outcomes of patients with PCNSL treated in our cohort are still poor. In our series, surgical resection might play a role in significantly improving OS and PFS compared with stereotactic biopsy in a subset of patients. The type of surgery and tumour location are prognostic factors for PCNSL.
Prenatal diagnosis of megaduodenum using ultrasound: a case report
Authors: Zeng Kaihui , Li Dongmei , Zhang Yao , Cao Chengcheng , Bai Ruobing , Yang Zeyu , Chen Lizhu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Congenital megaduodenum is a rare disorder; however, its prenatal diagnosis has not been reported previously. We report the case of an abdominal cystic mass in a fetus that was later diagnosed as megaduodenum.

Case presentation
An abdominal cystic mass was found during ultrasonography of a fetus at 11 weeks of gestation. The mass progressively enlarged with gestation. The amniotic fluid volume decreased and then returned to normal. During the last prenatal ultrasound examination, the mass was observed communicating with the stomach; therefore, duodenal dilation was suspected. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with megaduodenum caused by a developmental defect in the nerve plexus.

Conclusions
Congenital megaduodenum is a differential diagnosis of massive fetal abdominal cystic masses. Ultrasound examinations of such masses communicating with the stomach may help determine the diagnosis.
Comparison of clinical outcomes between the depot gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist protocol and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol in normal ovarian responders
Authors: Xia Min , Zheng Jie 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol has some advantages, such as a simple method, short medication duration, and low incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, but whether the GnRH antagonist protocol is suitable for normal ovarian responders has been controversial. We compared the clinical outcomes of fresh and frozen-thawed transfer cycles between the depot GnRH agonist protocol and GnRH antagonist protocol in normal ovarian responders.

Methods
Data of normal ovarian responders who underwent in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (ICSI-ET) between January 2017 and December 2018 in our hospital were retrospectively analysed. In this study, there were 1119 fresh transfer cycles, including 502 GnRH antagonist cycles (GnRH antagonist group) and 617 depot GnRH agonist cycles (depot GnRH agonist group), as well as 468 frozen-thawed transfer cycles, includng 191 GnRH antagonist cycles (GnRH antagonist group) and 277 depot GnRH agonist cycles (depot GnRH agonist group). The clinical outcomes were compared between the GnRH antagonist group and the depot GnRH agonist group.

Results
With the fresh transfer cycles, there were no statistically significant differences in the anti-Mullerian hormone level, number of transferred embryos or high-quality embryo rate between the two groups. The total dosage of gonadotropin (Gn), duration of Gn stimulation, number of oocytes retrieved, clinical pregnancy rate and incidences of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) were significantly lower but the abortion rate was significantly higher in the GnRH antagonist group than in the depot GnRH agonist group (all P < 0.05). With the frozen-thawed transfer cycles, there were no statistically significant differences in the number of transferred embryos, clinical pregnancy rate or abortion rate between the two groups (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions
With the fresh transfer cycles, the GnRH antagonist protocol had a lower clinical pregnancy rate and lower incidences of moderate and severe OHSS than the depot GnRH agonist protocol, but with the frozen-thawed transfer cycles, both protocols had similar clinical pregnancy rates. These results remain to be further confirmed through large-sample, prospective, randomized and controlled studies.
Comparison between FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel including sequential treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer: a propensity score matching approach
Authors: Chun Jung Won , Lee Sang Hyub , Kim Joo Seong , Park Namyoung , Huh Gunn , Cho In Rae , Paik Woo Hyun , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Yong-Tae 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
FOLFIRINOX (FFX) and Gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) have been recommended as the first-line chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC). However, the evidence is lacking comparing not only two regimens, but also sequential treatment (FFX–GnP vs. GnP–FFX).

Methods
Data of 528 patients (FFX, n = 371; GnP, n = 157) with mPC were collected retrospectively. Propensity score matching was conducted to alleviate imbalance of the two groups. Overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and toxicity of patients were analyzed.

Results
In the whole population, OS (12.5 months vs. 10.3 months, P = 0.05) and PFS (7.1 months vs. 5.8 months, P = 0.02) were longer in the FFX group before matching and after matching (OS: 11.8 months vs. 10.3 months, P = 0.02; PFS: 7.2 months vs. 5.8 months, P <  0.01). For sequential treatment, OS and PFS showed no significant difference. Interruptions of chemotherapy due to toxicities were more frequent (6.8 vs. 29.3%, P <  0.001) in the GnP group, and cessation of chemotherapy showed a significant association with mortality (z = − 1.94, P = 0.03).

Conclusions
FFX achieved a longer overall survival than GnP in mPC, but not in the comparison for sequential treatment. More frequent adverse events followed by treatment interruptions during GnP might lead to a poor survival outcome. Therefore, FFX would be a better first-line treatment option than GnP for mPC.
Evaluation of optical coherence tomography angiography parameters in patients treated with Hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Akhlaghi Mohammadreza , Kianersi Farzan , Radmehr Hamed , Dehghani Alireza , Naderi Beni Afsaneh , Noorshargh Pegah 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
One of the major side effects of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is retinopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters in a group of patients who have Hydroxychloroquine-induced retinopathy based on Multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) with a group who do not have retinopathy.

Method
This is a Cross-Sectional Study. In this study, patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who had been taking Hydroxychloroquine for at least 7 years were included. MfERG and OCTA imaging were performed for all patients. Patients were divided into Normal mfERG and Abnormal mfERG groups based on mfERG results. OCTA parameters were studied in these two groups.

Result
Sixty-one patients (61 eyes) were included. Forty-one patients had SLE and 20 patients had RA. Forty patients (66.7%) had Abnormal mfERG. The mean vascular density (VD) in Superficial capillary plexus (SCP) layer was not significantly different between Normal mfERG and Abnormal mfERG groups (P-Value> 0.05). Mean VD in SCP layer was not significantly different between Normal mfERG and Abnormal mfERG groups (P-Value> 0.05). In RA subgroup, mean VD in SCP layer in PeriFovea region in Abnormal mfERG group was significantly lower than normal group (P-Value < 0.05). Mean VD in deep capillary plexus (DCP) layer in Whole Image, Superior Hemi, Inferior Hemi, PeriFovea area in Abnormal mfERG group was significantly lower than normal group (P-Value < 0.05). This discrepancy was also observed in the RA subgroup but not in the SLE subgroup. The mean of none of the parameters of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) (mm2), Flow Area of Outer Retina (mm2) and Flow Area of Choriocapillaris (mm2) were not statistically significant between the groups Abnormal mfERG and Normal mfERG. (p-value> 0.05).

Conclusion
VD in the DCP layer decreased in abnormal mfERG patients compared to patients with normal mfERG. But it seems that VD in SCP layer, FAZ Area and Flow Area are similar in both groups. OCTA may be used as a non-invasive tool in the diagnosis of early stages of HCQ-induced retinopathy, especially in RA patients, but further studies are needed.
A focused ethnography in the context of a European cancer research hospital accreditation program
Authors: Mazzini Elisa , Soncini Francesco , Cerullo Loredana , Genovese Lucia , Apolone Giovanni , Ghirotto Luca , Mazzi Giorgio , Costantini Massimo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
A quality accreditation program (AP) is designed to guarantee predefined quality standards of healthcare organizations. Evidence of the impact of quality standards remains scarce and somewhat challenging to document. This study aimed to investigate the accreditation of a cancer research hospital (Italy), promoted by the Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), by focusing on the individual, group, and organizational experiences resulting from the OECI AP.

Methods
A focused ethnography study was carried out to analyze the relevance of participation in the accreditation process. Twenty-nine key informants were involved in four focus group meetings, and twelve semistructured interviews were conducted with professionals and managers. Inductive qualitative content analysis was applied to examine all transcripts.

Results
Four main categories emerged: a) OECI AP as an opportunity to foster diversity within professional roles; b) OECI AP as a possibility for change; c) perceived barriers; and d) OECI AP-solicited expectations.

Conclusions
The accreditation process is an opportunity for improving the quality and variety of care services for cancer patients through promoting an interdisciplinary approach to care provision. Perceiving accreditation as an opportunity is a prerequisite for overcoming the barriers that professionals involved in the process may report. Critical to a positive change is sharing the values and the framework, which are at the basis of accreditation programs. Improving the information-sharing process among managers and professionals may limit the risk of unmet expectations and prevent demotivation by future accreditation programs. Finally, we found that positive changes are more likely to happen when an accreditation process is considered an activity whose results depend on managers’ and professionals’ joint work.
The hospital management practices in Chinese county hospitals and its association with quality of care, efficiency and finance
Authors: Zhu Yidan , Zhao Yifei , Dou Lixia , Guo Ruya , Gu Xuefei , Gao Runlin , Wu Yangfeng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
County hospitals as the backbone of the China’s healthcare system are providing services for over 70% of the total population. However, the hospital management practice (HMP) and its links with quality of care, efficiency and finance in these hospitals are unknown.

Methods
We did two cross-sectional surveys of HMP in 2013 and 2015 among 101 county hospitals across rural China. Three managing roles (hospital director, director of medical affairs office and director of cardiology) and a cardiologist were invited to the surveys. A novel HMP rating scale, with 100 as full score, was used to measure the HMP in 17 indicators under four dimensions (target, operation, performance, and talent management) for each hospital. We analyzed the association of HMP score with variables on quality of care, efficiency and finance using linear mixed models with and without adjustment for potential confounders.

Findings
A total of 95 hospitals participated in at least one survey and were included in the analysis. The overall mean HMP score varied dramatically across the hospitals and 84% of them scored less than 60. The dimension mean HMP score was 38.6 (target), 56.4 (operation), 53.2 (performance) and 55.7 (talent), respectively. The pattern of indicator mean HMP score, however, was almost identical between hospitals with high and low overall HMP score, showing the same ‘strength’ (staff satisfaction, staff performance appraisal, ‘hard wares’, patient-centered services, etc.) and ‘weakness’ (target balance, target setting, continuous quality improvement, penalties on staff with dissatisfied performance, etc.). The associations of overall mean HMP score with quality of care and efficiency variables and cost per hospitalization was not statistically significant. The statistical significance in the association with hospital annual total income disappeared after adjusting for region, teaching status, number of competitors, number of staff and number of beds in use.

Conclusion
The HMP in Chinese county hospitals scores low in general and was not significantly associated with hospital care quality, efficiency and finance. The current healthcare reform in China should address the micro level issues in hospital management practices.
Biogenesis, cellular effects, and biomarker value of circHIPK3
Authors: Fu Yihan , Sun Hong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCompeting endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) can indirectly regulate gene expression by competitively binding to microRNA(miRNA) through miRNA response elements (MREs) to affect miRNA-induced gene regulation, which is of great biological significance. Among them, circular RNA (circRNA) has become a hotspot due to its highest binding capacity. A specific circRNA discussed in this review, circHIPK3, has been studied for its biological characteristics, function, cellular effects and its relationship with tumors and various diseases. Here, we review the recent researches about circHIPK3 in detail and aim to elucidate accurate conclusions from them. These circHIPK3-miRNAs-mRNA pathways will further advance the application of circHIPK3 in diseases development, early diagnosis and gene targeting therapy.