bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between fecal enterotoxigenic B. fragilis with colorectal cancer
Authors: Haghi Fakhri , Goli Elshan , Mirzaei Bahman , Zeighami Habib 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) is an enterotoxin-producing bacterium that possibily has a role in the occurrence and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) by modulating the mucosal immune response and inducing epithelial cell changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of ETBF in stool samples of CRC patients and healthy volunteers.Methods

A total of 60 stool samples from confirmed CRC patients and 60 stool samples from healthy volunteers with no personal or familial history or diagnosis of colorectal disease were collected. Stool samples were screened for direct detection of B. fragilis using PCR targeting the marker genes of neu and bft. Enterotoxin isotypes bft-1, bft-2 and bft-3 were also detected in B. fragilis positive samples.Results

The frequency of B. fragilis among CRC and control cases was 58.3% and 26.6%, respectively (P<0.05). The rate of bft gene in CRC cases was significantly higher than in controls (P<0.05). Also, the presence of bf t gene in CRC patients stage III was significantly higher than stages I and II (P< 0.05). Enterotoxin isotype bft-2 was detected with higher frequency among CRC patients than healthy control (P<0.05).Conclusion

Our results show the association between fecal ETBF and CRC, and we suggest that detection of ETBF may be a potential marker for colorectal cancer diagnosis. However, additional investigations on tumor and paired normal tissue samples are required to substantiate this possible correlation.
Central Retinal Artery hemodynamic flow amongst diabetic patients attending the Mulago Hospital diabetic clinic
Authors: Kikomeko Sharif , Muwonge Haruna , Ameda Faith , Mutebi Edrisa , Gitaka Jesse , Bugeza Samuel 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rapidly increasing worldwide, with low-and-middle income countries bearing the heaviest burden. In these countries, majority of newly diagnosed DM is incidental, with many new patients unaware of their prior glycaemic status; which increases the likelihood that they may present with DM-related complications, like diabetic retinopathy (DR). The mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic retinopathy are still not fully understood, although elevated glucose levels are thought to be responsible for alterations in retinal vessel architecture, leading to perfusion abnormalities.

The current study sought to determine the relationship between hemodynamic flow in the central retinal artery and long-term glycaemic control as measured by serum haemoglobin A1c.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving 140 diabetic patients attending an outpatients DM clinic at Mulago National Referral hospital. Color Doppler imaging (CDI) of the orbit was used to determine hemodynamic flow parameters (end-diastolic velocity (EDV), peak-systolic velocity (PSV), resistivity index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI)) in the central retinal artery. The hemodynamic flow parameters in these patients where compared to the levels of haemoglobin A1c, which was used as measure of long-term glycaemic control.

Results

Generally, the mean central retinal artery hemodynamic flow parameters --peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistivity index-- did not differ significantly among diabetic patients with either normal (<7%), well-regulated (7-8%), or poorly regulated (>8%) glucose levels upon HbA1c measurement. However, the mean pulsatility index of the right retinal artery differed significantly among diabetics with varying degrees of glycaemic control (P < 0.05). Additionally, the duration which an individual has been diabetic was negatively correlated to the EDV in both the right (r = -0.201, n = 140, p = 0.017), and the left orbit (r = -0.181, n = 140, p = 0.033).

Conclusion

Our findings of no significant correlation between hemodynamic flow in the central retinal artery and HbA1c may indicate that the effects of glucose on ocular hemodynamic flow in DM are possibly short-lived and not long-term.
Genome-wide identification of small heat shock protein (HSP20) gene family in grape and expression profile during berry development
Authors: Ji Xiao-Ru , Yu Yi-He , Ni Pei-Yi , Zhang Guo-Hai , Guo Da-Long 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background : Studies have shown that HSP20 (heat-shock protein 20) genes play important roles in regulating plant growth, development, and stress response. However, the grape HSP20 gene family has not been well studied.
Results : A total of 48 VvHsp20 genes were identified from the grape genome, which were divided into 11 subfamilies (CI, CII, CIII, CV, CVI, CVII, MI, MII, ER, CP and PX/Po) based on a phylogenetic analysis and subcellular localization. Further structural analysis showed that most of the VvHsp20 genes (93.8%) had no intron or only one intron, while genes that clustered together based on a phylogenetic tree had similar motifs and evolutionarily conserved structures. The HSP20s share a conservedα-crystalline domain (ACD) and the different components of the ACD domain suggest the functional diversity of VvHSP20s. In addition, the 48 VvHSP20 genes were distributed on 12 grape chromosomes and the majority of VvHSP20 genes were located at the proximal or distal ends of chromosomes. Chromosome mapping indicated that four groups of VvHSP20 genes were identified as tandem duplication genes. Phytohormone responsive, abiotic and biotic stress-responsive, and plant development-related cis-elements were identified from the cis-regulatory elements analysis of VvHSP20s. The expression profiles of VvHSP20s genes (VvHsp20-1, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 28, 31, 39, 42, and 43) were largely similar between RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR analysis after hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) treatment. The results showed that most VvHSP20s were down-regulated by H 2 O 2 treatment during fruit development. VvHSP20s genes were indeed found to be involved in the grape berry development and differences in their transcriptional levels may be the result of functional differentiation during evolution.
Conclusions : Our results provide valuable information on the evolutionary relationship of genes in the VvHSP20 family, which is useful for future studies on the functional characteristics of VvHSP20 genes in grape.
MEG3 inhibits proliferation and promote apoptosis in osteoarthritis chondrocytes by miR-361-5p/wnt/β-catenin axis
Authors: Wang Anying , Hu Naixia , Zhang Yefeng , Chen Yuanzhen , Su Changhui , Lv Yao , Shen Yong 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) maternally expressed 3 (MEG3) and related molecular mechanisms in osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods: Patients with OA and patients undergoing thigh amputation were involved in OA group and control group, respectively. Cartilage tissues of all patients were isolated and cultured. Based on different transfection, MEG3 cells were grouped into Blank, pcDNA3.1-NC, pcDNA3.1-MEG3, si-NC, si-MEG3, pcDNA3.1-NC + mimics NC, pcDNA3.1-MEG3 + mimics NC, pcDNA3.1-NC + miR-361-5p mimics and pcDNA3.1-MEG3 + miR-361-5p mimics group. The cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-NC and pcDNA3.1-MEG3, and then cultured with XAV939 was named as pcDNA3.1-NC +XAV939 group and pcDNA3.1-MEG3 + XAV939 group respectively. The RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of MEG3 and miR-361-5p. Moreover, Western blot, luciferase reporter assay, RIP, CCK-8 and flow cytometry analysis were performed to reveal the morphology, proliferation and apoptosis in cartilage cells. Finally, the histological analysis and immunostaining were performed on OA rat model.
Results: The expression of lncRNA MEG3 and miR-361-5p in OA was significantly decreased and increased respectively than that in normal. Meanwhile, MEG3 was competitive binding with miR-361-5p in OA chondrocytes. Moreover, the Western blot and CCK-8 assay showed that MEG3 might inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis via Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Finally, rat model analysis showed that MEG3 contributed to the cartilage matrix degradation.
Conclusion: MEG3 and miR-361-5p might down-regulated and up-regulated respectively in the chondrocytes of OA patients. Furthermore, MEG3 might inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis via miR-361-5p/Wnt/β-catenin axis in OA chondrocytes.
Surgery for thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1) tuberculosis a multicentre, retrospective study
Authors: Zeng Yanping , Cheng Peng , Tan Jiulin , Li Zhilin , Chen Yuan , Li Li Tao , Zheng Yonghong , Wang Gaoju , Xu Jianzhong , Zhang Zehua 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Purpose A multicentre, retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of different surgical techniques for thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1) tuberculosis. Methods The medical records of thoracolumbar junction tuberculosis patients (n = 257) from January 2005 to January 2015 were collected and reviewed. A total of 45 patients were operated on by an anterior approach (Group A), 52 by a combined anterior and posterior approach (Group B) and 160 by a posterior approach (Group C). Anti-tuberculosis therapy was performed both before and after surgery. Clinical outcomes, laboratory indexes and radiological results of the three groups were compared. Results All three surgical approaches achieved bone fusion, pain relief and neurological recovery. The mean loss of correction in group A at last follow-up was higher than in groups B and C (P < 0.05), and the difference between groups B and C was not significant (P > 0.05). The mean operation time and blood loss in group B were greater than in groups A and C. Conclusions For patients with thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1) tuberculosis, the posterior-only approach is superior to the anterior-only approach in the correction of kyphosis and maintenance of spinal stability. The posterior-only approach is recommended because it achieves the same efficacy as the anterior-only or combined approach but with shorter operation times, less trauma and less blood loss. Keywords Spinal tuberculosis; Thoracolumbar junction; Three approaches.
Polymorphism at position T-129C in the promoter region of ABCB1 gene in peptic ulcer patients: a case control study
Authors: Żebrowska-Nawrocka Marta , Jeleń Agnieszka , Pietrzak Jacek , Lisowska Agata , Szmajda Dagmara , Krygier Adrian , Mirowski Marek , Balcerczak Ewa 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Peptic ulcer disease is one of the most common diseases worldwide. P-glycoprotein encoded by ABCB1 gene is located on the surface of gastric tract cells. Changes in its protein function, as a consequence of polymorphism like T-129C (rs3213619), may have impact the development of some diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of T-129C of ABCB1 gene in peptic ulcer development. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first this kind of research in peptic ulcer diseases. Methods Patients, having attended gastroduodenoscopy because of dyspepsia symptoms and diagnosed at that time as peptic ulcer patients, were enrolled in the study. In all investigated cases, gastric mucosa specimens were taken from the antrum of the stomach. The control group consisted of healthy blood donors from local blood donation center. Overall DNA from 204 patients with peptic ulcer disease and from 94 healthy individuals was tested. The RFLP PCR technique was used for genotype analysis. Results All 204 DNA samples form investigated group and 94 DNA samples form healthy individuals were successfully analyzed. All genotypes for polymorphism in position T-129C of the ABCB1 gene in both groups were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equation. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in frequency of T-129C genotypes between peptic ulcer patients and healthy individuals (p=0.3977). Also, there were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of occurrence of T-129C genotypes between patients infected and uninfected with H. pylori infection (p=0.1743). Conclusion Investigated polymorphism at position T-129C of ABCB1 gene is not associated with H. pylori infection nor with the risk of peptic ulcer disease development.
Preoperative Risk Stratification for Early Recurrence of HBV-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation:A Five-Eight Model Development and Validation
Authors: Al-Ameri Abdulahad Abdulrab Mohammed , Wei Xuyong , Lin Lidan , Shao Zhou , Guo Haijun , Xie Haiyang , Zhou Lin , Zheng Shusen , Xu Xiao 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background
Early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) is associated with poor surgical outcomes.
Objectives
To construct a preoperative model to predict individual risk of post-LT HCC recurrence.
Methods
Data of 748 adult patients who underwent deceased donor LT for HCC between January 2015, and February 2019 were collected retrospectively from the China Liver Transplant Registry database and randomly divided into training (n=486) and validation(n=262) cohorts. A multivariate analysis was performed and the five-eight model was developed.
Results
A total of 748 patients were included in the study; of them, 96% had hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 84 % had cirrhosis. Pre-LT serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), tumor number and largest tumor diameter were incorporated to construct the 5-8 model which can stratify patients accurately according to their risk of recurrence into three prognostic subgroups; low-(0-5 points), medium-(6–8 points) and high-risk (>8 points) with 2-year post-LT recurrence rate of (5%,20% and 51%,p<0.001) respectively.The 5-8 model was better than Milan, Hangzhou, and AFP-model for prediction of HCC early recurrence. These findings were confirmed by the results of the validation cohort.
Conclusions
The 5-8 model is a simple validated and accurate tool for preoperative stratification of early recurrence of HCC after LT.
Agro-industrial accidents linked to length of service, operation site and confidence in employer adherence to safety rules
Authors: Koroma Emmanuel , George Angella Magdalene , McBrayer John Lawson , Kangbai Jia Bainga 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Agriculture consistently ranks among the most hazardous occupational industries globally with high risk of job-related injuries, illnesses, disability, and death. In 2015, the agricultural fatal work injury rate in the United States was 22.8 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers; seven times the all-worker fatal injury rate of 3.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. In this study we identified those factors that are associated with workplace accident and injuries at the Goldtree (SL) Limited Company- a private international agro-industrial palm company operating in Sierra Leone.Methods This is a descriptive research that made use of both qualitative and quantitative research technique to collect occupation related accident and injuries from workers at the Goldtree (SL) Limited Company international palm oil producing and marketing company in Sierra Leone. We analyzed the responses of 100 workers at the Goldtree (SL) Limited Company regarding their work safety, adherence to work safety guidelines as well as working habit.Results Thirty nine (39.0%) of the workers interviewed in this study said they had been involved in some forms of occupational accident; (33.3%) of those involved in some form of occupational accident have been working in the company for 3 – 5 years, 22.0% have been working at the company for at least 2 years; 7.7% have been working for 6 – 8 years (X 2 = 9.88, p-value = 0.02).Conclusion Workers who have spent few years in the job, have confidence that management is committed to addressing health and safety issues, believed that their working tools were in excellent condition, or agreed that they have rights and responsibilities for an effective workplace health and safety system have decreased odds of experiencing occupational accidents or injury.
Trend and inequity in infant vaccination coverage: Analysis from three recent Demographic Health Surveys in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Kiran , Paudel Yuba Raj , Dharel Dinesh 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Despite policy intention to reach disadvantaged populations, inequities in child health care use and health outcomes persist in Nepal. The current study aimed to investigate the trend of full vaccination coverage among infants and its equity gaps between 2002 and 2016.Methods Using data from demographic health surveys conducted in 2006, 2011 and 2016, we investigated the trend of coverage of six antigens: Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG), Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT), Polio, and Measles) between 2002 to 2016. Rich-poor difference, Rich: Poor ratio and concentration index were calculated to measure income inequity. Lorentz curve was drawn to show the change in income-related inequity over time. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate socio-demographic correlates of full vaccination coverage.Results Full immunization coverage was slightly increased from an average of 83% during 2002-2006 to 87% during 2007-2011, but it decreased to 78% during 2012-2016. There was a significant increase in full vaccination coverage among infants from the poorest income quintile and a simultaneous decrease among infants from richer income quintiles. Province 2 saw the largest drop, from 79.2% (95%CI 64.8-88.8) during 2002-2006 to 65.2% (95%CI 56.4-73.0) during 2012-2016. In Province 2, maternal education was the independent predictor of full vaccination coverage; the mother with secondary education was over three times more likely to fully immunize their children compared to mothers with no formal education (AOR 3.2; 95% CI:1.5-6.7).Conclusion Full vaccination coverage in Nepal saw significant decrement away from the national target after 2011. A sharp decrease in coverage of full vaccination among infants from wealthier income quintiles and an increase in coverage among infants from the poorest income quintile between 2002 and 2016 created a pro-poor equity gain. While a national effort to improve full vaccination coverage is overdue, children from province 2, specifically those born to mothers with no or primary education need particular programmatic focus. Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind decrement in full vaccination coverage, particularly among rich income quintiles.
Pregnancy outcomes in patients with placenta previa on a cesarean scar
Authors: Guo Zhiheng , Shan Yanhong , Xu Huiying , Yang Yi 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the clinical features and pregnancy outcomes in patients with placenta previa on a cesarean scar. METHODS: A retrospective review of women who were diagnosed with placenta previa on a cesarean scar in the First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University between December 2011 and December 2017 was performed. Basic patient characteristics and pregnancy outcomes data were collected. Characteristics that are associated with maternal morbidities (post-partum hemorrhage ≥ 2000 ml and nits transfused >4) and adverse neonatal outcomes (5-minute Apgar <7 and Low-birth-weight infant) were evaluated. RESULT ： A total of 183 patients was identified. PAS disorders were observed in 63 cases(34.4%).The median postpartum hemorrhage was 700 ml (range,100-7900).70 patients (38.2%) had a blood loss ≥ 2000 mL.43 subjects(23.4%) required >4 units of blood. The median 1-minute Apgar score and 5-minute Apgar score was 9 and 9.2 respectively. Additionally ， median neonatal birth weight was 1880g (range, 700-4260). Patients with comorbid PAS disorders are more likely subject to post-partum hemorrhage and require units transfused (>4) (p <0.05). Similarly, patients with major placenta praevia had a higher incidence of post-partum hemorrhage and units transfused (>4) than patients with minor placenta praevia (p <0.05). Patients who undertook emergency cesarean due to hemorrhage were more likely to have a low-birth-weight infant than women who undertook planned cesarean. CONCLUSION: PPP is associated with considerable maternal and fetal morbidity, particularly in patients with comorbid PAS disorders. Delayed delivery may be warranted for those without meaningful vaginal bleeding and preterm labor but need further prospective clinical trials to confirm.
A Cross Sectional Analysis Of Dietary Practices And Nutrition Status Of Female Undergraduate Students At Kenyatta University, Kenya
Authors: Waweru Grace , Chege Peter , Njogu Eunice 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background

The rapid changes in eating habits and lifestyles in Kenya have resulted to the overweight/obesity transition. Students are likely to make poor food choices which may affect their nutrition status during the beginning of college and this may continue throughout their life. This study aimed to establish the dietary practices, assess nutrition status based on body mass index and the relationship between dietary diversity and nutrition status of female undergraduate students at Kenyatta University, Kenya.Method

s: The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical design involving sample of 422 female undergraduate students randomly selected from Kenyatta University. Minimum Dietary Diversity – Women and Food Frequency Questionnaire were used to assess the dietary practices of the female students. Weight and height were measured to assess the nutrition status of the female students.Results

The results showed that 64.0% of the participants had consumed ≥ 5 food groups while 36% had consumed <5 food groups over a period of 24 hours. In terms of nutrition status, 68.4% of the participants had normal Body Mass Index while 23.9% were overweight, 5.55% were underweight and 2.3% were obese. Minimum Dietary Diversity – Women was significantly associated with nutrition status (p=0.044).Conclusion

The results illustrated unhealthy eating habits and sub-optimal nutrition status among a significant number of the female students. Policy makers should scale up interventions that would help improve dietary practices of women of reproductive age particularly university students.
Effect of 24/7 attending coverage in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on fellow education.
Authors: Sahni Mitali , Mowes Anja 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background

There is a current change in type of attending coverage in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) from home calls to 24/7 in House. Effects of this increased attending physician presence on education of NICU fellows has not been studied. The objective of this study is to evaluate the fellows’ perception of in house attending coverage on their education and evaluate its effect on their perceived autonomy.Methods

A secure, anonymous, web-based survey was designed using using RedCap. The web-based survey was sent via the section of Neonatal Perinatal Medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics, to all members of Training & Early Career Neonatologists. Chi-square tests were used to compare groups on dichotomous outcomes, with Fisher Exact tests used when the expected cell frequencies were small.Results

One hundred and twenty three surveys were analyzed, that included responses from 82 fellows & 41 early career neonatologists. 52% reported having 24/7 attending in-house (IH) coverage. 30 of the 123 respondents experienced a change in model of attending coverage during their training. Among these 30, only 26.6% preferred the model of attending IH coverage. The respondents currently working in IH models, when compared to those in non-IH coverage models felt IH attending coverage was beneficial for fellow education (p <0.05) but was less likely to give fellows autonomy for decision making (p=0.02).Conclusion

In our surveys respondents with in house attending, had a more favorable view of its benefit on fellow education. Institutions practicing or considering IH attending coverage must use adequate measures to balance fellow supervision and autonomy.