bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Clinical and Inflammatory Parameters in Dogs with Pyometra Before and After Ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Ahn Soomin , Han HyunJung , Park Jinho , Kim Sang-Ki , Jung Dong-In , Yu Dohyeon 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: this study aimed to identify potential biomarkers for the screening and therapeutic monitoring of sepsis in canine pyometra and correlations with clinical parameters. Samples were collected from a total of 90 dogs with pyometra and 26 healthy female controls. The levels of inflammatory biomarkers and clinical parameters recorded in the dogs with pyometra at presentation were compared with those in the healthy subjects. In addition, consecutive samples from 22 dogs with surgically corrected pyometra and nine healthy controls, were compared before and after ovariohysterectomy. Results: significant leucocytosis, anaemia, hyperglobulinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, and elevated activities of the alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes, were observed in the dogs with pyometra at presentation. Moreover, the concentrations of acute inflammatory proteins of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA), as well as those of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), were significantly higher in the dogs with pyometra. cfDNA was the most sensitive biomarker for systemic inflammation, based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under the curve = 0.959). After surgical removal of the inflamed uterus, leucocyte and red blood cell counts, cholesterol, albumin, globulin levels, and the ALP activity significantly decreased. The levels of inflammatory parameters such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and procalcitonin (PCT) also significantly decreased after surgical treatment. Conclusions: these findings indicate that cfDNA, CRP, and SAA have the potential to be used as clinical biomarkers for screening canine sepsis, whereas PCT, IL-6, and HMGB1 may be useful biomarkers for the therapeutic monitoring of canine sepsis.
The Effect of Oral Zinc Therapy in Psoriasis Patients with Serum Zinc Deficiency: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Mogaddam Majid Rostami , Ardabili Nastaran safavi , Maleki Nasrollah 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Some studies have reported an association between serum zinc levels and psoriasis. This study aimed to assess the serum zinc level and thyroid dysfunction between psoriasis patients and healthy controls. Also, we evaluated the effect of oral zinc therapy in psoriasis patients with serum zinc deficiency. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 psoriasis patients and 100 healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. Finally, 52 psoriasis patients with serum zinc deficiency were randomly divided into two groups: one in which clobetasol cream alone was treated (group A), and one in which clobetasol cream plus oral zinc sulfate was treated (group B). The treatment response was assessed with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. Results: The mean serum zinc level in psoriasis patients and controls was 62.3 ± 14.3 μg/dL and 87.7 ± 35.2 μg/dL, respectively (P-value= .001). Serum zinc deficiency was found in 52% and 26% of psoriasis patients and control subjects, respectively. Thyroid dysfunction was found in 8% of patients with psoriasis compared with 7% in control subjects (P-value=.361). At the end of the 12th week of treatment, the mean value of % reduction from baseline values of PASI Score in group A was 23.8 ± 18.2%, whereas this was 21.31 ± 17.8% in group B (P-value=.486). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of serum zinc deficiency is higher in psoriasis patients compared with healthy subjects, oral zinc supplementation does not appear to have therapeutic benefits in these patients. Also, we could not find any relationship between thyroid dysfunction and psoriasis.
Does spontaneous eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection lead to functional dyspepsia?&nbsp;
Authors: Habibzadeh Shahram , Aslani Mohammad Reza , Yazdanbod Abbas , Alamdari Monouchehr Iranparvar , Chakarabbaci Babak , Mohammadshahi Jafar , Maleki Narollah 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction: The treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia in cases of active helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is not promising. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine in which of the dyspeptic patients with the normal endoscopic examination and negative stool testing for H. pylori antigen (without a history of specific treatment for H. pylori) there is evidence of a previous H. pylori infection in the serum.Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients with functional dyspepsia who were negative in terms of the H. pylori stool antigen test and rapid urease test, and had no obvious gross pathologic sign in gastroduodenoscopy were considered suitable candidates for serological study for the detection of H. pylori IgG specific antibodies.Results: A total of 200 patients were enrolled in this study, including 86 men (43%) and 114 women (57%), with an average age of 38.76 ± 12.35 years. The results showed that 109 (54.5%) were positive subjects were positive by anti-H. pylori IgG ELISA tests. It was found that positive anti-H. pylori IgG ELISA tests were a higher significant difference among rural residents (75.2%) compared with urban residents (24%) (p<0.001).Conclusion: More than half of patients with functional dyspepsia have a history of previous H.pylori infection. Despite the possibility of spontaneous H. pylori infection, the complication of old infections may be sustained by dyspepsia and early treatment of acute H. pylori infections may prevent this complication.
The influence of geomagnetic storms on magnetotelluric data analysis
Authors: Chen Hao , Mizunaga Hideki , Tanaka Toshiaki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The geomagnetic storm is a temporary disturbance of the earth's magnetosphere caused by a solar wind shock wave interacts with the earth's magnetic field. It is rarely acquired in the practical magnetotelluric (MT) survey. The rare MT researcher pays attention to the influence of geomagnetic storms on the MT data. MT data include the natural electromagnetic signals and artificial noises (instrumental, humanmade, and so on). Therefore, not all the time series contain usable information about the electrical conductivity distribution at depth, particularly when the signal-to-noise ratio is low. However, the signal-to-noise ratio will increase when there is a geomagnetic storm. In this paper, we focus on research the influences of the geomagnetic storm on MT data. Three case studies were demonstrated to show the positive effect of the geomagnetic storm on MT data. As a result, we could obtain reliable MT impedances at the noisy site using the geomagnetic storm data. It is difficult to get a reliable impedance tensor under electromagnetic environments contaminated by continuous noise. Therefore, predicting the geomagnetic storm by the space weather forecast before acquiring the MT data is effective. Utilizing the MT data during a geomagnetic storm may get a reliable result at the site contaminated by the continuous noise.
Inter-limb differences in patients following total hip arthroplasty four to five years after surgery: a cross-sectional study
Authors: John Stefanie , Weizel David , Heumann Anna Sophie , Fischer Anja , Orlowski Katja , Mrkor Kai-Uwe , Edelmann-Nusser Jürgen , Witte Kerstin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Backgroundː Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an effective procedure for patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis. However, whether or not pre-operatively existing functional deficits are persisting several years post-surgery in the affected limb has not been thoroughly researched. Therefore, the primary aim of the study was to investigate differences between the operated and non-operated leg in hip strength, range of motion (ROM), balance, and gait in patients four to five years after undergoing THA. The secondary aim was to compare these values from the operated leg of the patients to those of the legs of healthy subjects. Methodsː Sixteen patients (age: 65.20±5.32 years) following unilateral THA (post-operation time: 4.7±0.7 years) and ten, healthy, age-matched control subjects (age: 60.85±7.57 years) were examined for maximum isometric hip muscle strength, active ROM of the hip joint, balance and gait on both limbs. Paired t-tests were used to assess the inter-limb differences in the THA group. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed to compare groups, using age as a covariate. Results: The analysis of inter-limb differences in patients following THA revealed significant deficits on the operated side for hip abduction strength (p=0.02), for hip flexion ROM (p<0.01) and for balance in terms of the length of center of pressure (COP) (p=0.04). Compared to values of the control subjects, the patients demonstrated significantly reduced hip strength in flexion, extension and abduction (p<0.05) on the operated leg as well as reduced ROM measures in hip flexion, extension and abduction (p<0.05). Conclusions: Inter-limb differences as well as reduced hip strength and hip ROM compared with control subjects were still present four to five years after THA. These persisting asymmetries and deficits in patients following THA may be one explanation for the decrease in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) seen in patients over the years after surgery. Postoperative training focusing on strengthening hip muscles should be continued months and years after hip replacement in order to compensate persisting deficits and asymmetries. Trial registration: DRKS, DRKS00016945. Registered 12 March 2019 – Retrospectively registered, http://www.drks.de/DRKS00016945
Repression of BET activity sensitizes oral squamous cell carcinoma to PARP inhibition via inhibiting DNA homologous recombination and immune inhibition
Authors: Tong Dongdong , Zhang Xin , Zhang Fenghe , Liu xiaojing 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the therapeutic resistance mechanism of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to the PARP inhibitor olaparib and explore the combination with the BET inhibitor JQ1 to enhance its treatment effects. Material and Methods: Cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were evaluated. Levels of relevant factors were determined by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. The effect of the combination treatment on xenograft OSCC mouse model was examined.Results: Cal27 cells were more sensitive to the PARP inhibitor olaparib than Scc25 cells. Functional assays demonstrated that olaparib induced HR repair and upregulated PD-L1 expression, which results in drug resistance of OSCC to olaparib. Variations of these factors in the two cell lines may explain different sensitivity to olaparib. Moreover, the JQ1 BET inhibitor and olaparib synergistically exhibited anti-cancer effects in OSCC in vitro and in vivo and inhibited essential HR repair factors RAD51, BRCA1, and TOPBP1 through the ATR/CHK1 pathway and immune suppression mediated by the PD-L1 pathway.Conclusions: Elevated HR and PD-L1 are involved in resistance mechanisms of OSCC to olaparib, attenuating its anti-tumor effects. Our results suggest that the strong synergistic anti-cancer effects of the combination of olaparib with the JQ1 BET inhibitor in OSCC in vitro and in vivo may be via suppression of the ATR/CHK1-mediated DNA damage response and PD-L1-related immune escape, indicating this combination strategy as a possible therapeutic approach for OSCC.
Association between short sleep duration and overweight/obesity among middle-school students: a cross-sectional study in Fuzhou, China
Authors: Li Guobo , Wei Shichao , Zheng Fuhao , Xu Xingyan , Cai Yingying , Wu Siying 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of short sleep duration and its association with overweight or obesity in adolescents from middle school in Fuzhou, China.Methods: A total of 13,063 students (male: 6,500; female: 6,553) from 18 different schools in Fuzhou city were included in this study. Questionnaires focusing on short sleep duration and overweight or obesity related factors were collected. The sleep duration was self-reported by the subjects. The body weight and height were measured by the qualified personnel. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of short sleep duration on overweight or obesity in school students.Results: The overall rates of overweight and obesity were 12.1% and 7.1%, respectively. The prevalence of short sleep duration among students was 82.8%. The majority of high school students (92.5%) showed a short sleep duration. Compared with male children with a sleep duration of 8-10 h per day, the odds ratios (ORs) of overweight/obesity for those with a sleep duration of less than 6 h or 6-8 h per day were 1.60 (1.22-2.09) and 1.07 (0.90-1.29) after adjusting social and demographic status, mental health and lifestyle factors. The homologous ORs of female children were 1.45 (1.04-2.04) and 1.11(0.85-1.45), respectively.Conclusions: A large number of adolescents suffered from short sleep duration. Short sleep duration is associated with a higher OR of overweight/obesity in middle-school children, especially in the male adolescences.
Design and development of a mobile app framework to facilitate breast cancer-preventive behaviors (m-BCPB) in the at-risk women: Qualitative Study
Authors: Taymoori Parvaneh , Khazaee-Pool Maryam , Pashaei Tahereh , Ponnet Koen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Smartphone apps are gradually becoming a universal template for offering preventive behavior interventions among women who are at risk for breast cancer, although limited methodological procedures on mixing models, documentation, and qualitative studies for their developments are presented. Thus, this study aimed to design and develop a model-based, document-driven, and user-centered mobile app framework to facilitate breast cancer-preventive behaviors targeting at-risk women.Methods This study explains how intervention progress may be enriched with a theoretical foundation, literature review, and qualitative research. A semi-structural individual interview and focus group dissection (FGD) were accomplished to combine the user’s participation in the development. Participants were employed using a purposing sampling method. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded. The thematic analysis method was employed for developing themes and subthemes.Results The ASSISTS model, self-regulation, and the self-control models were chosen to design the app framework. Data from the literature review presented the most influential document for the designing of the programs. Nineteen women were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview and FGDs. The following five main themes were revealed: content, interactive performance, template, extended action and output, and motivational nature. Mobile apps are a useful tool for learning self-care tips, suitable and healthy lifestyles, and stress management due to their user-friendly and easy features. The mobile app framework developed in the present study includes culture-appropriate, user-centered, and reliable content. The mobile app design should include beautiful, visualized features and interactive multimedia.Conclusions By applying a three-phase way of combining models, the literature review and qualitative study from the target group can be held as a pattern for the prospective app design.
Effect of Baduanjin Exercise Intervention on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: Study Protocol of A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wei Xiaolin , Yuan Ruzhen , Jin Yongmei , Li Shu , Wang Mingyue , Jiang Jieting , Wu Caiqin , Li Kunpeng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Cancer-related cognitive impairments (CRCI) are frequently reported by cancer patients before and after medical treatment. However, there are no effective interventions to or manage cognitive problem for women with breast cancer. This pilot study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function and cancer-related symptoms in women with early-stage breast cancerundergoing chemotherapy. Method/design: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was designed. The trail will recruit 70 patients with early-stage breast cancer scheduled to receive chemotherapy from Shanghai in China. All participants will be randomized(1:1) to receive either supervised Baduanjin exercise intervention (at least 5 times/week and 30min for each time) plus usual care or usual care alone for three months. The effect of Baduanjin exercise intervention will be evaluated by outcome measures such as subjective and objective cognitive function, symptoms (fatigue, depressive symptoms, anxiety) and health-related quality of life at baseline(T0), 8 weeks(T1) and 12 weeks(T3). Primary cognitive outcomes will be reported descriptively while effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) will be calculated for cognitive measures. The collected data will be analysed using an intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: This study is the first-known randomized clinical trial to investigate whether Baduanjin exercise plus usual care superior to usual care alone on cognitive function in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. If possible, Baduanjin exercise will be a potential non-pharmacological intervention to manage cognitive function and promote survivorship care among breast cancer survivors.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(ChiCTR), ID: ChiCTR 2000033152. Registered on 22 May 2020.
Topical administration of tacrolimus and corticosteroids with concentration gradients is effective in preventing immune rejection in high-risk keratoplasty: a 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Qi Xiaolin , Wang Lichao , Zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Min , Gao Hua 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of the topical administration of immunosuppressants and corticosteroids with concentration gradients in the management of patients with high-risk keratoplasty.METHODS: One hundred and six patients treated with topical immunosuppressants (50 eyes in the FK506 group and 56 eyes in the CsA group) and corticosteroid eye drops with concentration gradients were enrolled in the study. The rates of rejection episodes, irreversible rejection, graft survival, and related influential factors were evaluated.RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 48.1±7.9 months (range, 36-60 months). The rates of rejection episodes (P=0.043) and irreversible rejection (P=0.062) were 14.0% and 6.00% in the FK506 group and 37.5% and 7.1% in the CsA group, respectively.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a significantly higher graft survival rate in the FK506 group (81.6%±5.3%, 71.1%±6.3%) compared with that in the CsA group (71.1%±6.3%, 57.5%±7.5%) at 3 and 5 years after surgery (P=0.006). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that poor medication compliance with a preoperative risk score ≥ 3 (P=0.016) and endothelial immune rejection (P=0.033) were risk factors associated with graft survival.CONCLUSIONS: Topical administration of tacrolimus and corticosteroids with concentration gradients is effective in decreasing the incidence of immune rejection in high-risk keratoplasty. Careful instruction of patients on the reasonable use of topical tacrolimus is critical to avoid immune rejection induced by sudden discontinuation of medication.
Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and the effects of COVID-19 among the youth in Kenya
Authors: Karijo Evalin , Wamugi Sylvia , Lemanyishoe Samuel , Njuki Jenny , Boit Faith , Kibui Vania , Karanja Sarah , Abuya Timothy 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Cases of the Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in Kenya have continued to increase rapidly, since the first case in the country was confirmed in March 2020. In the wake of the pandemic, the health and socio-economic challenges experienced by the youth in Kenya are likely to be elevated. We assessed knowledge, practices, perceived risk, adoption of recommended behaviour and the effects of COVID-19 among the youth in Kenya.Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted between April 30th to May 7th, 2020 through a combined online survey and phone interviews. A total of 2,156 youth across all 47 counties in Kenya completed the responses to the study questions. All survey responses analyzed using STATA v15 were tabulated by gender, age, and education level to generate basic descriptive tables and tested for differences by category using chi-square tests. Where applicable, linear and logistic regression analysis model was conducted using covariates such as employment status, gender, and education level. Results: Knowledge on symptoms of COVID-19 was generally high. Female respondents were more likely to identify more symptoms correctly compared to men; p<0.001. However, youth reported very low levels of anyone being at risk of infection (7%). Most youth have adopted behavior necessary to slow down the infection. There were generally very low reported levels of inability to access health services related to sexual and reproductive health. About 50% of respondents reported significant decline in income during the pandemic period, nearly a third reported living in fear while 27% reported feeling stressed. Conclusion: There was high knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, preventive strategies, and high adoption of preventive practices. Strategies to sustain behaviors positively adopted among young people will be critical to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Despite low reported rates of inability to access sexual and reproductive health, response measures should include strategies that facilitate continuity of services among young people. The reported social effects of the pandemic show the need for interventions to meet the health and socioeconomic needs of the youth and minimize the long-term consequences of the pandemic.
Rosiglitazone Protects Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity Following Ischemic Stroke by Reducing MMP-9 Expression Through a Caveolin-1-Dependent Pathway.
Authors: Huang Qianyi , Zhong Wei , Yi Xia , Qin Zhen , Tang Xiangqi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Rosiglitazone (RSG) is a widely used antidiabetic drug which activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. Recent work have shown that RSG can up-regulate caveolin-1 levels and ameliorate both chronic and acute brain injury. However, whether rosiglitazone can ameliorate ischemic injury in the brain via a caveolin-1-dependent pathway remains unknown. Methods: Adult male sprague-dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, rosiglitazone group and rosiglitazone+daidzein group. The rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established using the suture method, with ischemia for 2 hours and reperfusion for 22 hours. Neurological deficits were evaluated by the methods of Longa’s standard scoring. Cerebral infarction volume was observed by staining with 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Evans blue content reflects BBB permeability. The expressions of caveolin-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) and occludin were detected by immunofluorescent staining and western blot. Results: In this study, we found that the expression of caveolin-1 was increased in a rat model of stroke, and treatment with RSG significantly increased the levels of caveolin-1, reduced the release of MMP-9, and increased the expression of occludin. On the other hand, a caveolin-1 inhibitor daidzein canceled the protective roles of RSG in the MCAO model.Conclusions: These data unveil that RSG might protect blood-brain barrier integrity by down-regulating the levels of MMP-9 via a caveolin-1-dependent pathway.