bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and the overall survival of metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Xiao Yuanyuan , Yang Haijun , Lu Jian , Li Dehui , Xu Chuanzhi , Risch Harvey A. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Accumulating evidence suggests that Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) may be involved in cancer occurrence and progression. However, the prognostic role of serum GGT in pancreatic cancer (PC) survival lacks adequate evaluation. In this study, we aimed to analyze the association between serum GGT measured at diagnosis and overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic PC.
Methods: We identified 320 patients with histopathologically confirmed metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) diagnosed during 2015 and 2016 at a specialized cancer hospital in southwestern China. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards models were used to determine associations between serum GGT and OS in metastatic PDAC.
Results: Controlled for possible confounding factors, serum GGT was significantly associated with OS: serum GGT >48 U/L yielded a hazard ratio of 1.53 (95%CI: 1.19-1.97) for mortality risk. A significant dose-response association between serum GGT and OS was also observed. Subgroup analysis showed a possible interaction between GGT and blood glucose level.
Conclusion: Serum GGT could be a potential indicator of survival in metastatic PDAC patients. Underlying mechanisms for this association should be investigated.
Bacterial contamination and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of intensive care units medical equipment and inanimate surfaces at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Darge Addis , Kahsay Atsebaha G , Hailekiros Haftamu , Niguse Selam , Abdulkader Mahmud 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective : To determine bacterial contaminants and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from medical equipment and inanimate surfaces.
Results: Of 130 swabs, 115 (88.5%) swabs were culture positive, of which contaminated medical equipment and inanimate surfaces account 70(83.3%) and 45(97.8%), respectively. All the swabs collected from sphygmomanometer, bedside table, computer and computer standing tables were 100% contaminated with bacteria. From the culture-positive swabs, a total of 171 bacterial isolates were identified, out of which 117 (68.4%) and 54 (31.6%) isolates were gram-positive and gram-negative, respectively. Most isolates (82%) were resistant to ampicillin and 13%, 8.6%, and 14% was observed in ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and tetracycline respectively. Multi-drug resistant was observed in Escherichia coli (72.7%) and Staphylococcus aureus (58.7%).
Molecular characteristics and virulence gene profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolates in Hainan, China
Authors: Li Xuehan , Huang Tao , Xu Kai , Li Chenglin , Li Yirong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: There have been no reports regarding the molecular characteristics, virulence features, and antibiotic resistance profiles of Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) from Hainan, the southernmost province of China.
Methods: 227 S. aureus isolates, consisting of 76 methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 151 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), were collected in 2013-2014 and 2018-2019 in Hainan, and investigated for their molecular characteristics, virulence genes, antibiotic resistance profiles and main antibiotic resistance genes.
Results: Forty sequence types (STs) including three new STs (ST5489, ST5492 and ST5493), and 79 Staphylococcal protein A ( spa ) types were identified based on multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and spa typing, respectively. ST398 (14.1%, 32/227) was found to be the most prevalent, and the prevalence of ST398-MSSA increased significantly from 2013-2014 (5.5%, 5/91) to 2018-2019 (18.4%, 25/136). Seventy-six MRSA isolates were subject to staphylococcus chromosomal cassette mec (SCC mec ) typing. SCC mec- IVa was the predominant SCC mec type, and specifically, ST45-SCC mec IVa, an infrequent type in mainland China, was predominant in S. aureus from Hainan. The antibiotic resistance profiles and antibiotic resistance genes of S . aureus show distinctive features in Hainan. The resistant rates of the MRSA isolates to a variety of antibiotics were significantly higher than those of the MSSA isolates. The predominant erythromycin and tetracycline resistance genes were ermC (90.1%, 100/111) and tetK (91.8%, 78/85), respectively. Eleven virulence genes, including the Panton-Valentine leukocidin ( pvl ) and eta , were determined, and the frequency of eta and pvl were found to be 57.3% and 47.6%. Such high prevalence has never been seen in mainland China before.
Conclusion: S. aureus isolates in Hainan have unique molecular characteristics, virulence gene and antibiotic resistance profiles, and main antibiotic resistance genes which may be associated with the special geographical location of Hainan and local trends in antibiotic use.
The shape of the glucose response curve during an oral glucose tolerance test heralds β–cell function in a large Chinese population
Authors: Cheng Xinqi , Yang Na , Li Yuxiu , Sun Qi , Qiu Ling , Xu Lingling , Ping Fan , Li Wei , Zhang Huabing 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background The shape of the glucose response during an oral glucose tolerance test can detect β-cell function and insulin resistance. But there were few studies in Chinese, so we aimed to verify the utility of these connections in a large Chinese population. Methods A total of 11,866 times of 3-h OGTT were categorized to either a monophasic or a multiphasic group based on the shape of the glucose response. Homeostasis model assessments of fasting insulin resistance, Matsuda index, insulinogenic index and the disposition index were assessed by plasma glucose and serum insulin concentration obtained at fasting or during an OGTT. Results Individuals with a monophasic shape had significantly higher glucose, insulin, and had significantly lower insulin sensitivity and impaired β-cell function than multiphasic group. In addition, Individuals were younger with a multiphasic shape compared to those with a monophasic shape. Conclusion The monophasic OGTT glucose response curve could reflect impaired β-cell function in a large Chinese population.
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: October 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.
A modified intrascleral intraocular lens fixation technique with fewer anterior segment manipulations: 27-gauge needle-guided procedure with built-in 8-0 absorbable sutures
Authors: Yang Yuan , Yao Tengteng , Zhou Yali , Wang Yixiao , Wang Zhaoyang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Background : To report a modified surgical technique for intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation with fewer anterior segment manipulations in eyes lacking sufficient capsular support.
Methods : Eyes from 14 patients who underwent 27-gauge needle-guided intrascleral IOL fixation with built-in 8-0 absorbable sutures were studied. The 8-0 absorbable sutures were inserted into 27-gauge round needles and used to create sclerotomies at the 4 o’clock and 10 o’clock positions under the scleral flap. The sutures were used to tie knots at the end of each haptic and guide haptic externalization through the sclerotomy. After externalization, a sufficient flange was created at the end of each haptic and fixed under the scleral flaps. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), IOL tilt and decentration, previous surgery history, and complications were determined.
Results: Fourteen cases were analyzed. The majority of eyes exhibited an improvement in the BCVA after surgery. When comparing the last follow-up to preoperative visual acuity, the mean change in BCVA was + 26.32 letters (p=0.011). Postoperative complications included postoperative hypotony in 3 eyes, ocular hypertension in 2 eyes. No cases of postoperative cystoid macular edema (CME), vitreous hemorrhage (VH), IOL dislocation, or endophthalmitis were observed.
Conclusions : The 27-gauge needle-guided intrascleral IOL fixation technique with built-in 8-0 absorbable sutures is easy to perform with fewer anterior chamber manipulations and achieves both anatomical and optical stability.
Contribution of aroma compounds to the antioxidant properties of roasted white yam (Dioscorea rotundata)
Authors: Lasekan Ola , Teoh Li Shing 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background The aroma chemistry and the contribution of the aroma compounds to the anti-oxidative properties of roasted yam have yet to be characterized. The growing popularity of roasted yam in regions where they are being consumed calls for a concerted effort to elucidate their aroma chemistry as well as their anti-oxidative properties. Results The aroma compounds in roasted white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) were isolated and identified using static headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SH-GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). In addition, the anti-oxidative activities of the most abundant volatile heterocyclic compounds (2 pyrroles, 4 furans and 3 pyrazines) were evaluated on their inhibitory effect towards the oxidation of hexanal for a period of 30 days. Twenty-nine aroma-active compounds with a flavour dilution (FD) factor range of 2-256 and an array of odor notes were obtained. Among them, the highest odor activities (FD ≥ 128) factors were determined for 2-acetyl furan and 2-acetylpyrrole. Other compounds with significant FD factors ≥ 32 were; 2-methylpyrazine, ethyl furfural, and 5-hydroxy methyl furfural. Conclusion Results of the anti-oxidative activity showed that the pyrroles exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity among all the tested heterocyclic compounds. This was followed by the furans and the pyrazines which had the least antioxidant activity.
Factors Influencing Adherence to the New Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy Policy in Keta District of the Volta Region, Ghana
Authors: Vandy Alren O. , Peprah Nana Yaw , Jerela Joseph Yaw , Titiati Perfect , Manu Abubakar , Akamah Joseph , Maya Ernest T. , Torpey Kwasi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background About 25% of pregnant women in malaria endemic areas are infected with malaria and this accounts for about 15% of maternal death globally. Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is one of the main strategies for prevention of malaria in pregnancy. A new recommendation was made by World Health Organization (WHO) that at least three doses of IPTp-SP should be administered before delivery. This study sought to determine the factors influencing adherence to the new IPTp-SP policy in Keta District, Volta region, Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative study among 375 nursing mothers at four selected health facilities in Keta district, Ghana was conducted using a structured questionnaire to interview participants. Data was analyzed using STATA 15. Chi-square was used to test bivariate association between categorical variables and adherence. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine sociodemographic, individual and institutional factors influencing adherence to IPTp-SP. Result About 82.1% of participants adhered to the WHO policy recommendations of at least three doses of IPTp-SP. However, only 17.1% received Ghana’s five dose coverage recommendation. The proportion of IPTp-SP coverage for IPTp1 was 98.9%; IPTp2 95.5%; IPTp3 80.8%; IPTp4 39.5%; IPTp5 17.1%. Conclusion Adherence to IPTp-SP was satisfactory according to WHO’s policy recommendation, however, majority of the participants had less than the five doses recommended in Ghana. Number of ANC visits and knowledge of malaria were the main determinants of adherence to IPTp-SP.
Development of a targeted client communication intervention to women using an electronic maternal and child health registry: a qualitative study
Authors: Bogale Binyam , Mørkrid Kjersti , O'Donnell Brian , Ghanem Buthaina , Ward Itimad Abu , Khader Khadija Abu , Isbeih Mervett , Frost Michael , Baniode Mohammad , Hijaz Taghreed , Awwad Tamara , Rabah Yousef , Frøen Frederik 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background

Targeted client communication (TCC) using text messages can inform, motivate and remind pregnant and postpartum women of timely utilization of care. The mixed results of the effectiveness of TCC interventions points to the importance of theory based co-design with users. The aim of this paper is to describe the planning, development, and evaluation of a theory based TCC intervention, tailored to pregnant and postpartum women and automated from the Palestinian electronic maternal and child health registry.Methods

We used the Health Belief Model to develop interview guides to explore women’s perceptions of antenatal care (ANC), with a focus on high-risk pregnancy conditions (anemia, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, and fetal growth restriction) and timely ANC attendance, issues predefined by a national expert panel as being of high interest. We performed 18 in-depth interviews with women and eight with healthcare providers in public primary healthcare clinics in the West Bank and Gaza. Following the results from the Health Belief Model, we used concepts from the Model of Actionable Feedback, social nudging and Enhanced Active Choice to compose the TCC content to be sent via SMS. We assessed the acceptability and understandability of the draft text messages through unstructured interviews with local health promotion experts, healthcare providers, and pregnant women.Results

We found low awareness of the importance of timeliness in attending ANC and the benefits of ANC for pregnancy outcomes. We identified knowledge gaps and beliefs in the domains of low awareness of susceptibility to, and severity of, such complications in pregnancy. We composed actionable text messages aiming to increase utilization of ANC, following recommended message framing models and iteratively improved the contents with users to bridge the identified gaps. We developed algorithms to trigger tailored text messages with higher intensity for women with a higher risk profile documented in the electronic health registry.Conclusions

We developed an optimized text message based TCC intervention underpinned by behavior change theories and co-designed with users following an iterative process. The electronic maternal and child health registry can serve as a unique platform for TCC interventions.
Carriage Rate of Neisseria meningitidis, Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern and Associated Risk Factors among Primary School Children in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tefera Zelalem , Mekonnen Feleke , Tiruneh Moges , Belachew Teshome 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Globally, in 2012, 1.2 million estimated cases were reported with ~135,000 deaths annually. In Ethiopia, specifically in our study area, limited information is found on the oropharyngeal carriage, antimicrobial resistance pattern, and associated risk factors for N. meningitidis among school children. So, the aim of this study was to assess oropharyngeal carriage rate of N. meningitidis, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and determinants among primary school children in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from January to April, 2019 in Gondar town. Multi stage simple random sampling technique was used. A total of 524 oropharyngeal swabs were collected using sterile plastic cotton swabs. Modified Thayer Martin media was used for primary isolation. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was done based on Kirby-Bauer method on Muller-Hinton agar supplemented with 5% sheep blood. Multidrug resistance was defined as resistance of an isolate to two or more antimicrobial classes tested. Logistic regression model was used to see the association between dependent variables (Carriage rate of Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis and Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns) and independent variables (Socio-demographic data and risk factors). Variables with a P- value ≤ 0.2 during bivariable analysis was taken to multivariable analysis to check significant association of meningococcal carriage with risk factors. Finally, a P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Data was summarized using numbers, percentages and tables.
Results: A total of 53(10.1%) (CI: 7.6-12.8) N. meningitidis isolates were identified. Serogroup A 13 (24.5%) was the most prevalent followed by Y/W135 11(20.7%) whereas serogroup B 4(7.6%) was the least identified serotype. Meningococcal isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (45.3%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (73.6%). Overall, most of meningococcal isolates showed about 32(60.4%) multidrug resistance. Meningococcal carriage rate was significantly associated with family size, tonsillectomy, passive smoking, number of students per class, sharing utensils, history of visiting healthcare institutions, and indoor kitchen.
Conclusion: This study highlights the need for reinforcement of case-based, laboratory confirmed surveillance of N. meningitidis carriage in Ethiopian elementary school students to enable mapping of distribution of serotypes of the causative organisms across the country and determine the current potential necessity of vaccination.
Can Apela be a Novel Target in the Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia?
Authors: Acik Didar Yanardag , Bankir Mehmet , Baylan Filiz Alkan , Aygün Bilal 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: It has been shown that bcl2, bcl-XL and mcl-1 protein levels are high in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells, and resultantly, apoptosis does not occur chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. Apelin and apela (ELABELA/ELA/Toddler) are two peptide ligands for a class A G-protein coupled receptor called apelin receptor. Studies have shown that ELA inhibits apoptosis by inhibiting apoptotic proteins and activating anti-apoptotic proteins. Proteins and genes involved in apoptosis are valuable for targeted cancer therapy. We hypothesized that serum levels may be increased in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia based on the antiapoptotic effect of ELA. We compared serum apelin levels of healthy volunteers and patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We aimed to draw attention to a new molecule worthy of research in targeted cancer treatment.
Methods: 42 untreated CLL patients and 41 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Serum ELA levels were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits (Dhanghai Sunred Biological Technology co. Ltd), automated ELISA reader (Thermo Scientific, FİNLAND) and computer program (Scanlt for Multiscan F.C.2.5.1) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Statistical analysis was done by Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows 20 (IBM SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) ve MedCalc programs. ELA and variables related to CLL were correlated with Spearman correlation anlysis test. ROC analysis and Youden index method were used to determine a cut off point for ELA. All p-values were 2-sided with statistical significance at 0.05 alpha levels.
Results: In our study, we found that serum ELA levels were significantly higher in patients with CLL.
Conclusions: This study highlights that ELA targeting may be a potential therapeutic option for treating CLL.
Keywords: Apela; apelinergic system; chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; apoptosis
Practical Value of Three-dimensional High Resolution Magnetic Resonance Vessel Wall Imaging in Identifying Suspicious Intracranial Vertebrobasilar Dissecting Aneurysms
Authors: Zhu Xianjin , Qiu Hancheng , Hui Ferdinand K , Zhang Yiqun , Liu Yun-e , Man Fengyuan , Jiang Wei-Jian 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Direct evidence of intimal flaps, double lumen and intramural haematomas (IMH) is difficult to detect on conventional angiography in most intracranial vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms (VBDAs). Our purpose was to assess the value of three-dimensional high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (3D HRMR VWI) for identifying VBDAs.
Methods: Between August 2013 and January 2016, consecutive patients with suspicious VBDAs were prospectively enrolled to undergo catheter angiography and VWI (pre- and post-contrast). The lesion was diagnosed as definite VBDA when presenting direct signs of dissection; as possible when only presenting indirect signs; and as segmental ectasia when there was local dilation and wall thickness similar to adjacent normal artery’s without mural thrombosis.
Results: Twenty-one patients with 27 lesions suspicious for VBDAs were finally included. Based on findings of VWI and catheter angiography, definite VBDA was diagnosed in 25 and 7 lesions (92.6%, vs 25.9%, p = 0.000), respectively; possible VBDA in 0 and 20 (0 vs 74.1%), respectively; and segmental ectasia in 2 and 0 (7.4% vs 0%), respectively. On VWI and catheter angiography, intimal flap was detected in 21 and 7 lesions (77.8% vs 25.9%, p=0.001), respectively; double lumen sign in 18 and 7 (66.7% vs 25.9%, p=0.003), respectively; and IMH sign in 14 and 0 (51.9% vs 0), respectively.
Conclusions: 3D HRMR VWI could detect direct dissection signs more frequently than catheter angiography. This may help obtain definite diagnosis of intracranial VBDAs, and allow accurate differentiation between dissecting aneurysm and segmental ectasia as well. Further prospective study with larger sample was required to investigate the superiority of HRMR VWI for definite diagnosis of intracranial VBDAs than catheter angiography