bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mild water stress-induced priming enhance tolerance to Rosellinia necatrix in susceptible avocado rootstocks
Authors: Martínez-Ferri Elsa , Moreno-Ortega Guillermo , Berg Noelani van den , Prieto Clara Pliego 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: White root rot (WRR) disease caused by Rosellinia necatrix is one of the most important threats affecting avocado orchards in temperate regions. The eradication of WRR is a difficult task and environmentally friendly control methods are needed to lessen its impact. Priming plants with a stressor (biotic or abiotic) can be a strategy to enhance plant defense/tolerance against future stress episodes but, despite the known underlying common mechanisms, few studies use abiotic-priming for improving tolerance to forthcoming biotic-stress and vice versa (‘ cross-factor priming’ ). To assess whether cross-factor priming can be a potential method for enhancing avocado tolerance to WRR disease, ‘Dusa’ avocado rootstocks, susceptible to R. necatrix , were subjected to two levels of water stress (mild-WS and severe-WS) and, after drought-recovery, inoculated with R. necatrix . Physiological response and expression of plant defense related genes after drought-priming as well as the disease progression were evaluated.
Results: Water-stressed avocado plants showed lower water potential and stomatal limitations of photosynthesis compared to control plants. In addition, NPQ and q N values increased, indicating the activation of energy dissipating mechanisms closely related to the relief of oxidative stress. This response was proportional to the severity of the water stress and was accompanied by the deregulation of pathogen defense-related genes in the roots. After re-watering, leaf photosynthesis and plant water status recovered rapidly in both treatments, but roots of mild-WS primed plants showed a higher number of overexpressed genes related with plant defense than severe-WS primed plants. Disease progression after inoculating primed plants with R. necatrix was significantly delayed in mild-WS primed plants.
Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that mild-WS can induce a primed state in the WRR susceptible avocado rootstock ‘Dusa’ and reveal that ‘ cross-factor priming’ with water stress (abiotic stressor) is effective for increasing avocado tolerance against R. necatrix (biotic stressor), underpinning that plant responses against biotic and abiotic stress rely on common mechanisms. Potential applications of these results may involve an enhancement of WRR tolerance of current avocado groves and optimization of water use via low frequency deficit irrigation strategies.
Red blood cell distribution width and platelet counts are independent prognostic factors and improve the predictive ability of IPI score in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Li Manman , Xia Hailong , Zheng Huimin , Li Yafeng , Liu Jun , Hu Linhui , Li Jingrong , Ding Yangyang , Pu Lianfang , Gui Qianle , Zheng Yijie , Zhai Zhimin , xiong shudao 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and decreased platelet count (PLT) can be clinically relevant to the prognosis in cancer patients . However, their prognostic value in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is needed to be further explored. Healthy donors (n=130) and patients with DLBCL (n=349) were included and evaluated retrospectively in the study. The prognostic influence of clinical and pathological factors including RDW and PLT on OS and PFS were studied by Kaplan-Meier curves . To evaluate the independent prognostic relevance of RDW and PLT, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied. The adjusted IPI model was established based on the results of multivariate analysis, and verified by Harrell's C statistical analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves indicated elevated RDW value and thrombocytopenia are poor factors for OS (P<0.001, P=0.006) and PFS (P=0.003, P<0.001) in DLBCL patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed that elevated RDW value (HR=2.026, 95%CI= 1.263-3.250, P=0.003) and decreased PLT (HR =1.749, 95%CI=1.010-3.028, P=0.046) both were independent prognostic factors. The c-index of IPI and NCCN-IPI was increased when RDW level and PLT were supplemented in our cohort. Our study shows that elevated RDW level and decreased PLT are independent poor prognostic factors in newly diagnosed DLBCL patients. Adding RDW and PLT to the IPI score may improve its predictive ability, and the adjusted IPI may be more powerful in predicting the survival of DLBCL patients in the rituximab era.
Keywords : prognosis, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma ( DLBCL ), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), platelet count (PLT)
Phenotypic and genotypic detection of metallo-β-lactamases in A. baumanii isolates obtained from clinical samples in Shahrekord, southwest Iran
Authors: Khaledi Mansoor , Abadi Milad Shahini Shams , Validi Majid , Zamanzad Behnam , Vafapour Rezvan , Gholipour Abolfazl 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective: Acinetobacter baumanii is a pathogenic bacterium that is the cause of many nosocomial infections. This study aimed to determine metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) produced by the A . baumanii isolated obtained from clinical samples in Shahrekord, southwest Iran .
Results: A total of 100 A . baumanii isolates were isolated from 250 clinical samples between June 2013 and June 2014. Then, the isolates were identified by biochemical tests and MBL screening conducted by the phenotypic tests modified Hodge, EDTA-disk synergy (EDS), combined disk (CD) and AmpC disc after antibiotic sensitivity test, and the bla genes detected by PCR. Eighty-five (85%) isolates were resistant to meropenem and imipenem. Phenotypic tests showed that out of the 100 isolates, 46, 59, 50, 65 and 65 isolates were positive: AmpC disk, CD, EDS, Modified Hodge and Etest MBL, suggesting MBL production, respectively. Gene detection by PCR showed that 23 isolates carried the VIM-1 gene and only three isolates carried the IMP-1 gene. The prevalence of metallo-β-lactamases-containing A . baumanii isolates is increasing, and the coexistence of various carbapenemases is a problem. Continuous monitoring of the infections due to these bacteria should be taken into account in planning for alternative and new therapeutic strategies.
What impact do chronic disease self-management support interventions have on health inequity gaps related to socioeconomic status: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hardman Ruth , Spelten Evelien , Begg Stephen 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: The social gradient in chronic disease (CD) is well-documented, and the ability to effectively self-manage is crucial to reducing morbidity and mortality from CD. This systematic review aimed to assess the moderating effect of socioeconomic status on self-management support (SMS) interventions in relation to participation, retention and post-intervention outcomes. Methods: Six databases were searched for studies of any design published until December 2018. Eligible studies reported on outcomes from SMS interventions for adults with chronic disease living in industrialised countries, where socioeconomic status was recorded and a between-groups comparison on SES was made. Possible outcomes were participation rates, retention rates and clinical or behavioural post-intervention results. Results: Nineteen studies were retrieved, including five studies on participation, five on attrition and nine studies reporting on outcomes following SMS intervention. All participation studies reported reduced engagement in low SES cohorts. Studies assessing retention and post-intervention outcomes had variable results, related to the diversity of interventions. A reduction in health disparity was seen in longer interventions that were individually tailored. Most studies did not provide a theoretical justification for the intervention being investigated, although four studies referred to Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy. Conclusions: The limited research suggests that socioeconomic status does moderate the efficacy of SMS interventions, such that without careful tailoring and direct targeting of barriers to self-management, SMS may exacerbate the social gradient in chronic disease outcomes. Screening for patient disadvantage or workload, rather than simply recording SES, may increase the chances of tailored interventions being directed to those most likely to benefit from them. Future interventions for low SES populations should consider focussing more on treatment burden and patient capacity. Trial registration: PROSPERO registration CRD42019124760 Keywords: Self-management, socioeconomic status, health inequity, patient capacity, chronic disease
Layer-specific speckle tracking analysis of left ventricular systolic function and synchrony in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Liu Chang , Yan Zining , Fan Li , Huang Jun , Shen Dan , Song Xiangting 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: This study investigated the value of layer-specific strain analysis by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) for evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function and synchrony in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: A total of 34 MHD patients and 35 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Dynamic images were collected at the LV apical long-axis, the four- and two- chamber, and the LV short-axis views at the basal, middle, apical segments. The layer-specific speckle tracking (LST) was used to analyze the longitudinal strain (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) of LV sub-endocardium, mid-myocardium, sub-epicardium, global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), the LV 17 segment time to peak LS (TTP), the peak strain dispersion (PSD). The differences in these parameters were compared between control and MHD, and the correlation between PSD and each LS parameter was examined. The receiver operator characteristic curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of three myocardial layer LS and CS in the assessment of LV systolic dysfunction in MHD. Results: MHD had comparable left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but significantly smaller GLS, GCS, and three-layer LS and CS compared to the control. The three layer LS of the basal segment, middle segment, and apex segment was significantly reduced in the MHD compared to the normal, while the three myocardial layer CS of the basal segment, middle segment, and apex segment was significantly reduced in the MHD compared to the normal, except for the sub-endocardium of middle and apex segment. MHD had significantly higher TTP of LV 17 segments and PSD compared to controls, and had delayed peak time in most segments. In addition, PSD of MHD was positively correlated with sub-endocardial and mid-myocardial LS and GLS, but not with sub-epicardial LS. The area under the curves (AUCs) of sub-endocardial, mid-myocardial, and sub-epicardial LS in MHD were 0.894, 0.852, and 0.870, respectively; the AUCs of sub-epicardial, mid-myocardial, and sub-endocardial CS were 0.852, 0.837, and 0.669, respectively. Conclusion: LST may detect the early changes of all three-layer LS and CS and PSD in MHD, and is a valuable tool to diagnose LV systolic dysfunction in MHD.
Ticagrelor and clopidogrel suppress NF-κB to treat acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Jia Zhuyin , Huang Yiwei , Ji Xiaojun , Sun Jiaju , Fu Guosheng 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Inflammatory cytokines are involved in acute coronary syndrome (ACS),and NF-kB is the central regulator of inflammation. Moreover, ticagrelor and clopidogrelcan prevent thrombotic events and improve the care of patients with ACS. Thus, we speculated that ticagrelor and clopidogrel relieve ACS by regulating NF-kB pathway. Methods: After human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with ticagrelor or clopidogrel and given lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and CD14, the mRNA levels of related inflammatory factors, the protein level changes of molecules in the NF-kB pathway, and the changes in cell viability, apoptosis and the cell cycle, cell migration, vascular formation and other vital activities were detected using quantitative Polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay, CCK8， flow cytometry, transwell assay, matrigel, respectively. All data was expressed as the mean ± S.D. The statistical significance of data was assessedby an unpaired two-tailed t-test. Results: Ticagrelor and clopidogrel can suppress the NF-kB pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation and entry into the nucleus of p65, restraining the degradation of IKBa, improving cell viability, restoring the cell cycle, cell migration and angiogenic ability, and inhibiting apoptosis. Conclusions: Ticagrelor and clopidogrel alleviate cellular dysfunction through suppressing NF-kB signaling to treat acute coronary syndrome.
A risk predictor of restenosis after superficial femoral artery stent implantation: Relevance of mean platelet volume
Authors: Yang Yaobo , Shen Jing , Wang Shenghai , Song Jianbo , Ge Fangfang , Xie Jiapei , Qu Jiangshuai , Mao Xinzu , Kuang Zhaocheng , Shang Nan , Wang Xiang , Wu Yejun , Yang Fan , Yuan Yue , Wang Hongxin , Sun Jun , Fang Jicheng , Xiao Liang 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background - Purpose - To investigate the relationship between an increase in the pre- and post-operative mean platelet volume (MPV) and superficial femoral artery in-stent restenosis (ISR) rate. Methods and Results - We recruited patients that underwent superficial femoral artery stenting for lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans at our hospital from March 2015 to March 2018. All patients gave venous blood three days before and following implantation. Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography were used for regular follow-up examination. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of ISR after superficial femoral artery stenting. We enrolled 173 patients, of which 34 (19.6%) were determined as having ISR for a mean of 8.9 ± 2.7 months (3-12 months). Neutrophil count, neutrophil ratio, lymphocyte ratio and platelet count pre-implantation, and platelet count and MPV after stent implantation, and the pre- and post-operative mean platelet volume difference (MPVD) and mean platelet volume difference ratio (MPVDR) were all statistically different when comparing the ISR and non-restenosis groups (p<0.05). A positive correlation was found for post-operative MPV and presence of ISR (r = 0.58; P <0.001). A MPVD not less than 1.5 fL was associated with an odds ratio of 11.79 (95% CI [4.54 to 30.55]; P <0.001) for presence of ISR. A MPVDR of not less than 17.9% was associated with an odds ratio of 10.72 (95% CI [4.14 to 27.73]; P <0.001) for occurrence of ISR. Conclusions: An increase in pre- and post-operative MPV was correlated with the occurrence of superficial femoral artery ISR.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy vs radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Pan Yang-Xun , Long Qian , Hu Dan-Dan , Fu Yi-Zhen , Wang Jun-Cheng , Xi Mian , Liu Shi-Liang , Xu Li , Liu Meng-Zhong , Chen Min-Shan , Zhang Yao-Jun 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Both stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are effective local treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but whether RFA is superior to SBRT is still controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to compare the treatment outcomes of SBRT with RFA as curable or bridge intention.Methods We searched online databases for studies that compared treatment outcome for SBRT and RFA. Eligibility criteria included evaluation of local control, overall survival (OS), transplant rate, and post-transplant pathological necrosis.Results 10 retrospective studies with a total of 2732 patients were included. 2 studies were in favor of SBRT in local control, 2 studies preferred RFA in OS and others reported comparable outcomes for both. SBRT demonstrated significantly higher 1- and 3-year local control than RFA (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.74, P =0.003; OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.80, P =0.002, respectively). However, SBRT reported significantly shorter 1- and 2-year OS (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.90, P =0.0003; OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.01, P <0.00001, respectively). As bridge treatment, no significant difference was shown in transplant rate and post-transplant pathological necrosis rate (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.03, P =0.060; OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.82, P =0.290, respectively).Conclusions This study demonstrates SBRT is able to complete a better local control for HCC than RFA, though the OS is inferior to RFA because of tumor burden or liver profiles of the enrolled studies. Well-designed, randomized, multicenter trials will be required to further investigate the conclusion.
Efficacy of continuous epidural block with epidural electrical stimulation compared to conventional continuous epidural block for acute herpes zoster management: A retrospective study
Authors: Lee Chung Hun , Choi Sang Sik , Lee Mi Kyoung , Lee Yeon Joo , Park Jong Sun 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Continuous epidural block is commonly used in clinical settings and reduces the likelihood of transition to postherpetic neuralgia via pain control. The purpose of the present study was to compare the efficacies of conventional continuous epidural block and continuous epidural block involving electric stimulation-guided localization of the catheter to areas with neurological damage, in the treatment of herpes zoster pain and prevention of postherpetic neuralgia.Methods We analyzed the medical records of 114 patients in the present study. The patients were divided into two groups: esopocan (conventional continuous epidural block) and epistim (continuous epidural block with epidural electric stimulation). In the esopocan group, the position of the epidural catheter was confirmed using contrast medium alone, whereas in the epistim group, the site of herpes zoster infection was identified through electric stimulation using the guidewire in the catheter. Clinical efficacy was assessed using a numerical rating scale (pain score) up to 6 months after the procedures. We compared the percentage of patients who showed complete remission (pain score less than 2 and no further medication) in each group. We also investigated whether the patients required additional interventional treatment due to insufficient pain control during the 6 month follow-up period after each procedure.Results After adjusting for confounding variables, the pain score was significantly lower in the epistim group than in the esopocan group for 6 months after the procedure. The adjusted odds ratio of patients included in the complete remission category was 1.9 times higher in the epistim group than the esopocan group (95% confidence interval: 0.81-4.44, P = 0.14). The adjusted odds ratio for other interventions within 6 months after the procedure was 3.62 times higher in the esopocan group than the epistim group (95% confidence interval: 1.17-11.19, P = 0.03). Conclusion Epidural drug administration to specific spinal segments using electrical stimulation catheters may be more helpful than conventional continuous epidural block in improving pain and preventing postherpetic neuralgia in acute herpes zoster.
Impact of the Ebola virus disease outbreak (2014-2016) on Tuberculosis Surveillance Activities in Guinea's National Tuberculosis Program: A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Sidiki Magassouba Aboubacar , Diallo Boubacar Djelo , Camara Lansana Mady , Sow Kadiatou , Camara Souleymane , Bah Boubacar , Barry Alpha Oumar , Diallo Thierno Hassane , Aboubacar Camara , Bangoura Adama Marie , Sow Oumou Younoussa 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of disease and death worldwide. According to estimates published by WHO, Guinea is one of the countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis and tuberculosis / HIV co-infection. In March 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Guinea that caused a health system disruption. Our study aimed to assess the impact of the Ebola virus disease outbreak on the TB surveillance system through the main indicators of TB-related morbidity and mortality.Methods This is a retrospective cohort study by comparing TB trends through TB surveillance data from periods before (2011-2013), during (2014-2015) and after (2016-2018) the Ebola virus disease outbreak. A time-series analysis was conducted to investigate the link between the decrease in TB incidence and the Ebola virus disease through cross-correlation. We evaluated the surveillance system to compare its current status with that of the Ebola virus disease outbreak period.Results The reporting rate for TB cases has decreased from 120 cases per 100,000 people reported in 2011 to 100 cases in 2014. The cross-correlation test between TB and the Ebola virus disease incidents shows a significant lag of -0.6 (60%) this corresponds to the drop in TB incidence observed when Ebola virus disease was at its peak in 2014. Concerning the surveillance system, of the 13 standards, only five are reached in 2019 compared to 3 in 2015.Conclusion The Ebola virus disease outbreak has had a severe impact on TB surveillance in Guinea. The introduction of an early warning system would preserve the TB surveillance system; which could encourage the implementation of set stakes to ensure access to diagnosis, treatment for enhanced surveillance of tuberculosis.
Air pollution exposure and COPD among miners, ex-miners and non-miners in Northern Tanzania: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Magitta Ngweina Francis , Shimwela Meshack Denson , Sanga Anna Alphonce , Madas Sapna Jitendra , Mwaiselage Julius David , Namdeo Anil Kumar , Apte Komalkirti Keshavkiran , Salvi Sandeep Santoshi , Walker Ricahrd William 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: There is a substantial burden due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) contributes to a substantial burden of diseases in developed countries. The existing unregulated mining activities in Africa, often without proper protective gear, could expose miners to excessive air pollution levels and subsequent development of COPD. Methods: We conducted a case – control study in small-scale, informal, hard-rock mining site in Northern Tanzania. We recruited all eligible active miners and ex-miners and matched non-miners aged ≥30 years. We collected data on respiratory symptoms and risk factors using the BOLD questionnaire and performed spirometry with COPD defined based on post-bronchodilator FEV 1 /FVC<70%. We monitored air pollution based on PM 10 level in underground mining pits using TSI Side Pak TM AM510 samplers. Results: A total of 851 men ⦋577 active miners, 211 ex-miners and 63 non-miners⦌ were recruited with a mean age of 40.95 ± 9.21 years and two-thirds were cigarette smokers. About 83% of all respondents completed the questionnaires and underwent post-bronchodilator spirometry. The prevalence for COPD was estimated at 15.20%, 17.10% and 15.40% for active miners, ex-miners and non-miners respectively. Over 18% of current cigarette smokers had significant nicotine dependence which was associated with the duration of smoking (p= 0.028) and the number of pack years (p= 0.002). The majority of COPD patients presented with cough and had frequent exacerbations but with mild to moderate airway limitation. The majority of ex-miners presented with dyspnoea and had poor FEV 1 and FVC parameters. About 25% of COPD patients reported a history of pulmonary tuberculosis. The survey revealed up to 20000µg/m 3 of PM 10 in the underground drilling points; 400-fold higher than the acceptable WHO limits. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of COPD among small-scale miners in Tanzania. The patients are largely young and many are smoking cigarettes. The mining activities are typically carried out without protective gear. There is widespread lack of awareness of COPD and often people received inappropriate diagnosis and therapy.