bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of acupuncture for stable angina pectoris: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Mingxiao , Sun Mingsheng , Du Ting , Long Hulin , Chen Ji , Liang Fanrong , Lao Lixing 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of patients with stable angina pectoris.

Methods
A literature search was performed in nine databases, including PubMed and the Cochrane Library, from their inception to 30 August 2018. Randomized controlled trials that compared acupuncture therapy with sham acupuncture or no treatment were included. Two reviewers under the guidance of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines assessed the eligibility of each record and extracted essential information independently. The data were merged using a fixed-effect model.

Results
Pooled analysis of 17 eligible trials with 1516 participants showed that acupuncture was associated with reduced angina attack frequency (–4.91; 95% confidence interval, –6.01– –3.82; p &lt; 0.00001) and improved depression (–1.23; 95% confidence interval, –1.47– –1.00; p &lt; 0.00001) and anxiety level (–0.96; 95% confidence interval, –1.16– –0.75; p &lt; 0.00001) relative to sham treatment or standard care alone. No increased risk of adverse events was observed during treatment (relative risk, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–1.48; p = 0.35). No significant improvement was shown in nitroglycerin use or angina intensity. The included studies were associated with unclear to high risk of selection or performance bias, and the quality of evidence was low to moderate.

Conclusions
Acupuncture may safely and effectively improve physical restrictions, emotional distress, and attack frequency in patients with stable angina pectoris. However, angina intensity and medication use were not reduced. Studies with adequate blinding and a valid sham control group are still warranted due to the current low quality of evidence.
Analysis of Sinonasal Microbiota in Exacerbations of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Subgroups
Authors: Vandelaar Laura J. , Hanson Blake , Marino Michael , Yao William C. , Luong Amber U. , Arias Cesar A. , Ramakrishnan Vijay , Citardi Martin J. 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveMicrobiome analyses now allow precise determination of the sinus microbiota of patients with exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The aim of this report is to describe the sinus microbiota of acute exacerbations in CRS clinical subgroups (with nasal polyps [CRSwNP], without nasal polyps [CRSsNP], and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis [AFRS]).Study DesignRetrospective chart review.SettingTertiary rhinology practice.Subjects and MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all patients whose sinus microbiota were assayed via a commercially available microbiome technology during an acute CRS exacerbation during the 2‐year period ending December 31, 2016. All samples were sinus aspirates collected under endoscopic visualization in clinic.ResultsSamples from a total of 134 patients (65 CRSsNP, 55 CRSwNP, and 14 AFRS) were reviewed. The observed richness (number of taxa >2% relative abundance) ranged between 1 and 11 taxa, with an average of 3 taxa per specimen. The most common bacteria in all groups were Staphylococcal spp (including Staphylococcus aureus), Streptococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp, and Escherichia spp. S aureus had an increased prevalence in CRSsNP and AFRS as compared with CRSwNP. Otherwise, the sinus microbiota were markedly similar among all 3 clinical subgroups.ConclusionsMany bacterial types are identified during acute CRS exacerbation according to DNA‐based detection techniques. Bacterial richness was remarkably low in all samples. Few differences in the patterns among clinical subgroups were observed. Further investigation is warranted to determine the clinical significance of these observations and their role in current clinical algorithms.
Genome-wide association analysis of panicle exsertion and uppermost internode in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zhan Chengfang , Hu Jiaxiao , Pang Qiao , Yang Bin , Cheng Yanhao , Xu Enshun , Zhu Peiwen , Li Yingyi , Zhang Hongsheng , Cheng Jinping 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundRice (Oryza sativaL.) yield is seriously influenced by panicle exsertion (PE) and the uppermost internode (UI) through panicle enclosure or energy transport during grain-filling stages. We evaluated the traits of PE and UI of 205 rice accessions in two independent environments and performed genome-wide association (GWAS) to explore the key genes controlling PE and UI, which could be used to improve panicle enclosure in rice breeding.ResultsIn this study, extensive genetic variation was found in both PE and UI among the 205 rice accessions, and 10.7% of accessions had panicle enclosure (PE/UI ≤ 0). Correlation analysis revealed that PE was significantly positively correlated with 1000-grain weight (1000-GW) but negatively correlated with heading date (HD), and UI was significantly positively correlated with HD but no significantly correlated with 1000-GW. A total of 22 and 24 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified for PE and UI using GWAS, respectively. Eight loci for PE and nine loci for UI were simultaneously detected both in 2015 and in 2016, seven loci had adjacent physical positions between PE and UI, and ten loci for PE and seven loci for UI were located in previously reported QTLs. Further, we identified theCYP734A4gene, encoding a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, and theOsLIS-L1gene, encoding a lissencephaly type-1-like protein, as causal genes forqPE14andqUI14, and forqPE19, respectively. PE and UI were both significantly shorter in these two genes’ mutants than in WT. Allelic Hap.1/2/4 ofCYP734A4and Hap.1/2/4 ofOsLIS-L1increased PE, UI, PE/UI, and 1000-GW, but Hap.3 ofCYP734A4and Hap.3 ofOsLIS-L1reduced them. In addition, six candidate genes were also detected for four key novel loci,qPE16,qPE21,qUI1, andqUI18, that seemed to be related to PE and UI.ConclusionsOur results provide new information on the genetic architecture of PE and UI in rice, confirming that theCYP734A4andOsLIS-L1genes participate in PE and UI regulation, which could improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of PE and UI for rice breeding in the future.
A novel protein descriptor for the prediction of drug binding sites
Authors: Jiang Mingjian , Li Zhen , Bian Yujie , Wei Zhiqiang 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundBinding sites are the pockets of proteins that can bind drugs; the discovery of these pockets is a critical step in drug design. With the help of computers, protein pockets prediction can save manpower and financial resources.ResultsIn this paper, a novel protein descriptor for the prediction of binding sites is proposed. Information on non-bonded interactions in the three-dimensional structure of a protein is captured by a combination of geometry-based and energy-based methods. Moreover, due to the rapid development of deep learning, all binding features are extracted to generate three-dimensional grids that are fed into a convolution neural network. Two datasets were introduced into the experiment. The sc-PDB dataset was used for descriptor extraction and binding site prediction, and the PDBbind dataset was used only for testing and verification of the generalization of the method. The comparison with previous methods shows that the proposed descriptor is effective in predicting the binding sites.ConclusionsA new protein descriptor is proposed for the prediction of the drug binding sites of proteins. This method combines the three-dimensional structure of a protein and non-bonded interactions with small molecules to involve important factors influencing the formation of binding site. Analysis of the experiments indicates that the descriptor is robust for site prediction.
Satellites in the prokaryote world
Authors: Subirana Juan A. , Messeguer Xavier 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Satellites or tandem repeats are very abundant in many eukaryotic genomes. Occasionally they have been reported to be present in some prokaryotes, but to our knowledge there is no general comparative study on their occurrence. For this reason we present here an overview of the distribution and properties of satellites in a set of representative species. Our results provide novel insights into the evolutionary relationship between eukaryotes, Archaea and Bacteria.

Results
We have searched all possible satellites present in the NCBI reference group of genomes in Archaea (142 species) and in Bacteria (119 species), detecting 2735 satellites in Archaea and 1067 in Bacteria. We have found that the distribution of satellites is very variable in different organisms. The archaeal Methanosarcina class stands out for the large amount of satellites in their genomes. Satellites from a few species have similar characteristics to those in eukaryotes, but most species have very few satellites: only 21 species in Archaea and 18 in Bacteria have more than 4 satellites/Mb. The distribution of satellites in these species is reminiscent of what is found in eukaryotes, but we find two significant differences: most satellites have a short length and many of them correspond to segments of genes coding for amino acid repeats. Transposition of non-coding satellites throughout the genome occurs rarely: only in the bacteria Leptospira interrogans and the archaea Methanocella conradii we have detected satellite families of transposed satellites with long repeats.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that the presence of satellites in the genome is not an exclusive feature of eukaryotes. We have described a few prokaryotes which do contain satellites. We present a discussion on their eventual evolutionary significance.
Impact of training and structured medication review on medication appropriateness and patient-related outcomes in nursing homes: results from the interventional study InTherAKT
Authors: Mahlknecht Angelika , Krisch Laura , Nestler Nadja , Bauer Ulrike , Letz Nina , Zenz Daniel , Schuler Jochen , Fährmann Laura , Hempel Georg , Flamm Maria , Osterbrink Jürgen 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundUncoordinated interprofessional communication in nursing homes increases the risk of polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use. This may lead to augmented frequency of adverse drug events, hospitalizations and mortality. The aims of this study were (1) to improve interprofessional communication and medication safety using a combined intervention and thus, (2) to improve medication appropriateness and health-related outcomes of the included residents.MethodsThe single-arm interventional study (2014–2017) was conducted in Muenster, Germany and involved healthcare professionals and residents of nursing homes.The intervention consisted of systematic education of participating healthcare professionals and of a structured interprofessional medication review which was performed via an online communication platform.The primary endpoint was assessed using the Medication Appropriateness Index MAI. Secondary endpoints were: cognitive performance, delirium, agitation, mobility, number of drugs, number of severe drug-drug interactions and appropriateness of analgesics.Outcomes were measured before, during and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inference-statistical methods.ResultsFourteen general practitioners, 11 pharmacists, 9 nursing homes and 120 residents (n = 83 at all testing times) participated.Overall MAI sum-score decreased significantly over time (mean reduction: -7.1, CI95%-11.4 – − 2.8; median = − 3.0; dCohen = 0.39), especially in cases with baseline sum-score ≥ 24 points (mean reduction: -17.4, CI95%-27.6 – − 7.2; median = − 15.0; dCohen = 0.86).MAI sum-score of analgesics also decreased (dCohen = 0.45). Mean number of severe drug-drug interactions rose slightly over time (dCohen = 0.17). The proportion of residents showing agitated behavior diminished from 83.9 to 67.8%. Remaining secondary outcomes were without substantial change.ConclusionMedication appropriateness increased particularly in residents with high baseline MAI sum-scores. Cognitive decline of participating residents was seemingly decelerated when compared with epidemiologic studies. A controlled trial is required to confirm these effects. Interprofessional interaction was structured and performance of medication reviews was facilitated as the online communication platform provided unlimited and consistent access to all relevant and updated information.Trial registrationDRKS Data Management, ID:DRKS00007900, date of registration: 2015-09-02 (retrospectively registered i.e. 6 weeks after commencement of the first data collection).
Association between lipodystrophy and length of exposure to ARTs in adult HIV-1 infected patients in Montreal
Authors: Alikhani Ahmad , Morin Helene , Matte Stephanie , Alikhani Pouriya , Tremblay Cécile , Durand Madeleine 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of lipodystrophy and its association to cumulative exposure to antiretroviral drugs.

Method
We conducted a cross sectional study in all HIV- infected patients attending the HIV clinic in the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Montréal (CHUM) with DEXA scan. Lipodystrophy was defined as a trunk/limb fat ratio ≥ 1.5. Association between cumulative exposure to antiretroviral (measured in years of use) with trunk/limb fat ratio (coded as a continuous variable) was assessed using univariate and multivariate linear regression for each antiretroviral drug with at least 40 exposed patients.

Results
One hundred sixty-six patients were included. Seventy-five percent were male, median age was 56 years, 67% were Caucasian. Overall, prevalence of lipodystrophy was 47%, with a mean trunk/limb fat ratio of 1.87, SD = 1.03, min = 0.6 and max = 5.87. Each 10-year increase in age and HIV infection duration was associated with an average increase of 0.24 and 0.34 for the trunk/limb fat ratio respectively. (p = 0.003, p = 0.002, respectively) Patients classified as lipodystrophic were more likely to be diabetic (50 vs. 28%, p = 0.07) and to have dyslipidemia (47 vs. 19%, p = 0.01). According to viral load at DEXA test, each one log increase was associated with less probability (0.7) of lipodystrophy. (p = 0.01) Among ARV drugs tested, there was an association between years of use of d4T, ritonavir and raltegravir and higher trunk/limb fat ratio (indicating more lipodystrophy) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
Lipodystrophy is very common in HIV infected patients and is correlated with duration of some new antiretroviral drugs.
Serum anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody detected at diagnosis as a predictor for clinical remission in patients with primary membranous nephropathy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Yufeng , Wan Jianxin , Chen Yongping , Pan Yangbin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The diagnostic value of serum M-type phospholipase A2 receptor antibody (sPLA2R-ab) expression in patients with primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) has been established. However, the association between sPLA2R-ab and clinical remission remains uncertain.

Methods
We systematically searched the literature for clinical trials regarding the correlation between sPLA2R-ab expression and clinical remission of PMN patients. Meta-analysis was performed to determine this association. Subgroup analysis, funnel plots, and sensitivity analysis were also performed to investigate heterogeneity or bias.

Results
A total of 11 trials involving 824 patients were included. Patients with positive sPLA2R-ab had a poor clinical remission rate (RR = 0.76, 95%CI 0.68–0.86, P < 0.0001; I2 = 39%), a higher titer of sPLA2R-ab had a lower chance of clinical remission (RR = 0.72, 95%CI 0.59–0.87, P = 0.0006; I2 = 42%),and a higher risk of renal failure (RR = 4.85, 95% CI, 1.83–12.85, P = 0.002; I2 = 0%), without affecting relapse (RR = 0.97, 95% CI, 0.55–1.70; P = 0.92, I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis by treatment strategies, assay methods, ethnicity, gender, renal function, the approach of ruling out SMN, and the ratio of patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria at baseline showed no significant association between these factors with the prognostic value of sPLA2R-ab for PMN patients. No significant publication bias was found.

Conclusion
This meta-analysis adds to the evidence for current guidelines that sPLA2R-ab acts as not only a diagnostic marker but also a pivotal predictor for clinical remission. Therefore, sPLA2R-ab can be considered as a prognostic factor for stratifying PMN patients.
Validation and calibration of the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) in Argentina
Authors: Urtasun María , Daray Federico Manuel , Teti Germán Leandro , Coppolillo Fernando , Herlax Gabriela , Saba Guillermo , Rubinstein Adolfo , Araya Ricardo , Irazola Vilma 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a brief tool to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. This study aimed to validate and calibrate the PHQ-9 to determine appropriate cut-off points for different degrees of severity of depression in Argentina.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study on an intentional sample of adult ambulatory care patients with different degrees of severity of depression. All patients who completed the PHQ-9 were further interviewed by a trained clinician with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Reliability and validity tests, including receiver operating curve analysis, were performed.

Results
One hundred sixty-nine patients were recruited with a mean age of 47.4 years (SD = 14.8), of whom 102 were females (60.4%). The local PHQ-9 had high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.87) and satisfactory convergent validity with the BDI-II scale [Pearson’s correlation = 0.88 (p < 0.01)]. For the diagnosis of Major Depressive Episode (MDE) according to the MINI, a PHQ-9 ≥ 8 was the optimal cut-off point found (sensitivity 88.2%, specificity 86.6%, PPV 90.91%). The local version of PHQ-9 showed good ability to discriminate among depression severity categories according to the BDI-II scale. The best cut off points were 6–8 for mild cases, 9–14 for moderate and 15 or more for severe depressive symptoms respectively.

Conclusions
The Argentine version of the PHQ-9 questionnaire has shown acceptable validity and reliability for both screening and severity assessment of depressive symptoms.
Prevalence, symptomatology, risk factors and healthcare services utilization regarding paternal depression in Germany: study protocol of a controlled cross-sectional epidemiological study
Authors: Albicker Julia , Hölzel Lars P. , Bengel Jürgen , Domschke Katharina , Kriston Levente , Schiele Miriam A. , Frank Fabian 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
While postpartum depression is a well-researched disorder in mothers, there is growing evidence indicating that some fathers also develop depressive symptoms (paternal postpartum depression, PPD). A recent meta-analysis revealed a total prevalence of paternal depression during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum of 8.4%, with significant heterogeneity observed among prevalence rates. International studies suggest that PPD is characterized by additional symptoms compared to maternal postpartum depression. Furthermore, various risk factors of PPD have been identified. However, the prevalence, symptomatology, risk factors and healthcare situation of fathers affected by PPD in Germany are unknown.

Methods/design
This study comprises a controlled, cross-sectional epidemiological survey administered via postal questionnaires. The primary objective is to compare the prevalence of depressive symptoms in fathers with a 0–12-month-old infant to the prevalence of depressive symptoms in men without recent paternity. Two structurally differing regions (concerning birthrate, employment status, socioeconomic structure, and nationality of inhabitants) will be included. A random sample of 4600 fathers (2300 in each region) in the postpartum period and 4600 men without recent paternity matched by age, nationality and marital status will be assessed regarding depressive symptoms using the PHQ-9. Contact data will be extracted from residents’ registration offices. As secondary objectives, the study aims to provide insights into symptoms and risk factors of PPD in fathers and to assess the current healthcare situation of fathers with PPD in Germany. In an add-on study, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of PPD will be explored.

Discussion
This study will conduct the first direct comparison between fathers in the postpartum period of one year after childbirth and a matched sample of men without a newborn child. Besides closing this research gap, the findings will provide prevalence estimates as well as insights into specific symptomatology, risk factors, and the current healthcare situation regarding fathers with PPD in Germany. The results will identify low-threshold approaches as a relevant issue for healthcare. Moreover, the findings should inform the development of PPD-specific screening instruments and healthcare offers addressing fathers with PPD.

Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00013339; Trial registration date: August 20, 2018; Universal Trial Number (UTN): U1111–1218-8185.
The effect of smoke-free legislation on the mortality rate of acute myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Min , Li Yanyu , Wang Fugang , Zhang Shengfa , Qu Zhiyong , Wan Xia , Wang Xiaohua , Yang Jie , Tian Donghua , Zhang Weijun 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Several studies have demonstrated that smoke-free legislation is associated with a reduced risk of mortality from acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aimed to examine and quantify the potential effect of smoke-free legislation on AMI mortality rate in different countries.

Methods
Studies were identified using a systematic search of the scientific literature from electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Embase, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), from their inception through September 30, 2017. A random effects model was employed to estimate the overall effects of smoke-free legislation on the AMI mortality rate. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore the possible causes of heterogeneity in risk estimates based on sex and age. The results of meta-analysis after excluding the studies with a high risk of bias were reported in this study.

Results
A total of 10 eligible studies with 16 estimates of effect size were included in this meta-analysis. Significant heterogeneity in the risk estimates was identified (overall I2 = 94.6%, p < 0.001). Therefore, a random effects model was utilized to estimate the overall effect of smoke-free legislation. There was an 8% decline in AMI mortality after introducing smoke-free legislation (RR = 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.90–0.94). The results of subgroup analyses showed that smoke-free legislation was significantly associated with lower rates of mortality for the following 5 diagnostic subgroups: smoke-free in workplaces, restaurants and bars (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.90–0.95), smaller sample size (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.89–0.95), study location in Europe (RR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.85–0.94), regional study area (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.89–0.94), and no previous local smoke-free legislation (RR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.90–0.93). However, there was not much difference in AMI mortality rates after the legislation between the longer (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86–0.98) and shorter follow-up duration subgroups (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.89–0.94).

Conclusion
Smoke-free legislation could significantly reduce the AMI mortality rate by 8%. The reduction in the AMI mortality rate was more significant in studies with more comprehensive laws, without prior smoke-free bans, with a smaller sample size, at the regional level, and with a location in Europe.