bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the dynamic COVID-zero strategy on HIV incidence and mortality in China
Authors: Wang Lan , Zhao Na , Wang Yuliang , Sun Kaili , Wang Yike , Huang Shufang , Yao Feng , Guo Xiangyu , Yang Yunmei , Ma Chenjin , Liu Shelan 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Chinese government implemented the dynamic COVID-zero strategy. We hypothesized that pandemic mitigation measures might have reduced the incidence, mortality rates, and case fatality ratios (CFRs) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2020–2022.

Method
We collected HIV incidence and mortality data from the website of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China from January 2015 to December 2022. We compared the observed and predicted HIV values in 2020–2022 with those in 2015–2019 using a two-ratio Z-test.

Results
From January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2022, a total of 480,747 HIV incident cases were reported in mainland China, of which 60,906 (per year) and 58,739 (per year) were reported in 2015–2019 (pre-COVID-19 stage) and 2020–2022 (post-COVID-19 stage), respectively. The average yearly HIV incidence decreased by 5.2450% (from 4.4143 to 4.1827 per 100,000 people, p <  0.001) in 2020–2022 compared with that in 2015–2019. However, the average yearly HIV mortality rates and CFRs increased by 14.1076 and 20.4238%, respectively (all p <  0.001), in 2020–2022 compared with those in 2015–2019. During the emergency phase in January 2020 to April 2020, the monthly incidence was significantly lower (23.7158%) than that during the corresponding period in 2015–2019, while the incidence during the routine stage in May 2020–December 2022 increased by 27.4334%, (all p <  0.001). The observed incidence and mortality rates for HIV decreased by 16.55 and 18.1052% in 2020, by 25.1274 and 20.2136% in 2021, and by 39.7921 and 31.7535% in 2022, respectively, compared with the predicted values, (all p <  0.001).

Conclusions
The findings suggest that China’s dynamic COVID-zero strategy may have partly disrupted HIV transmission and further slowed down its growth. Without China’s dynamic COVID-zero strategy, HIV incidence and deaths in the country would have likely remained high in 2020–2022. There is an urgent need to expand and improve HIV prevention, care, and treatment, as well as surveillance in the future.
Hypochlorous acid inactivates oral pathogens and a SARS-CoV-2-surrogate
Authors: Tazawa Kento , Jadhav Rutuja , Azuma Mariane Maffei , Fenno J. Christopher , McDonald Neville J. , Sasaki Hajime 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Droplets and aerosols produced during dental procedures are a risk factor for microbial and viral transmission. Unlike sodium hypochlorite, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is nontoxic to tissues but still exhibits broad microbicidal effect. HOCl solution may be applicable as a supplement to water and/or mouthwash. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HOCl solution on common human oral pathogens and a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate MHV A59 virus, considering the dental practice environment.

Methods
HOCl was generated by electrolysis of 3% hydrochloric acid. The effect of HOCl on human oral pathogens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Streptococcus intermedius, Parvimonas micra, and MHV A59 virus was studied from four perspectives: concentration; volume; presence of saliva; and storage. HOCl solution in different conditions was utilized in bactericidal and virucidal assays, and the minimum inhibitory volume ratio that is required to completely inhibit the pathogens was determined.

Results
In the absence of saliva, the minimum inhibitory volume ratio of freshly prepared HOCl solution (45–60 ppm) was 4:1 for bacterial suspensions and 6:1 for viral suspensions. The presence of saliva increased the minimum inhibitory volume ratio to 8:1 and 7:1 for bacteria and viruses, respectively. Applying a higher concentration of HOCl solution (220 or 330 ppm) did not lead to a significant decrease in the minimum inhibitory volume ratio against S. intermedius and P. micra. The minimum inhibitory volume ratio increases in applications of HOCl solution via the dental unit water line. One week of storage of HOCl solution degraded HOCl and increased the minimum growth inhibition volume ratio.

Conclusions
HOCl solution (45–60 ppm) is still effective against oral pathogens and SAR-CoV-2 surrogate viruses even in the presence of saliva and after passing through the dental unit water line. This study indicates that the HOCl solution can be used as therapeutic water or mouthwash and may ultimately reduce the risk of airborne infection in dental practice.
The efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Guizhi Fuling capsule combined with low dose mifepristone in the treatment of uterine fibroids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lei Yiming , Yang Lili , Yang Honglian , Li Min , Ou Li , Bai Yang , Dong Taiwei , Gao Feng , Wei Peifeng 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Objective
Guizhi Fuling Capsule (GZFL), a classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription, is often recommended for the treatment of uterine fibroids (UFs). However, the efficacy and safety of GZFL in combination with low-dose mifepristone (MFP) remains controversial.

Materials and methods
We searched eight literature databases and two clinical trial registries for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the efficacy and safety of GZFL combined with low-dose MFP in the treatment of UFs from database inception to April 24, 2022. Data analysis was performed using the Meta package in RStudio and RevMan 5.4. GRADE pro3.6.1 software was used for the assessment of evidence quality.

Results
Twenty-eight RCTs were included in this study, including a total of 2813 patients. The meta-analysis showed that compared with low-dose MFP alone, GZFL combined with low-dose MFP significantly reduced follicle stimulating hormone (p < 0.001), estradiol (p < 0.001), progesterone (p < 0.001), luteinizing hormone (p < 0.001), uterine fibroids volume (p < 0.001), uterine volume (p < 0.001), menstrual flow (p < 0.001) and increased clinical efficiency rate (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, GZFL combined with low-dose MFP did not significantly increase the incidence of adverse drug reactions compared with low-dose MFP alone (p = 0.16). The quality of the evidence for the outcomes ranged from “very low” to “moderate.”

Conclusion
This study suggests that GZFL combined with low-dose MFP is more effective and safe in the treatment of UFs, and it is a potential treatment for UFs. However, due to the poor quality of the included RCTs formulations, we recommend a rigorous, high-quality, large-sample trial to confirm our findings.
Qihuang Granule protects the retinal pigment epithelium from oxidative stress via regulation of the alternative complement pathway
Authors: Wang Yan , Shen Huangxuan , Pang Long , Qiu Bo , Yuan Yuan , Guan Xiaoying , Xiang Xiaolan 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in elderly people, and dry AMD is the most common type of AMD. Oxidative stress and alternative complement pathway activation may play essential roles in the pathogenesis of dry AMD. There are no available drugs for dry AMD. Qihuang Granule (QHG) is an herbal formula for the treatment of dry AMD, and it achieves a good clinical effect in our hospital. However, its potential mechanism is unclear. Our study investigated the effects of QHG on oxidative stress-associated retinal damage to reveal its underlying mechanism.

Methods
Oxidative stress models were established using H2O2 and NaIO3 in ARPE-19 cells and C57BL/6 mice. Cell apoptosis and viability were assessed using phase contrast microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. Alterations in the mouse retinal structure were evaluated using Masson staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of complement factor H (CFH), complement component 3a (C3a) and complement component 5a (C5a) in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and mice was measured using RT‒PCR, Western blot analysis and ELISA.

Results
Pretreatment with QHG significantly prevented cell apoptosis and disorder of the RPE and inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) in H2O2-treated RPE cells and NaIO3-injected mice. QHG alleviated mitochondrial damage in mouse RPE cells, as shown by TEM. QHG also promoted CFH expression and inhibited the expression of C3a and C5a.

Conclusions
The results suggest that QHG protects the retinal pigment epithelium from oxidative stress, likely by regulating the alternative complement pathway.
Experience of parents in delivering pediatric tuina to children with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: qualitative findings from focus group interviews
Authors: Chen Shu-Cheng , Cheng Hui-Lin , Wang Dong-Dong , Wang Shanshan , Yin Yue-Heng , Suen Lorna Kwai-Ping , Yeung Wing-Fai 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Evidence suggests that pediatric tuina, a modality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), might have beneficial effects on the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as overall improvements in concentration, flexibility, mood, sleep quality, and social functioning. This study was conducted to understand the facilitators and barriers in the delivery of pediatric tuina by parents to children with ADHD symptoms.

Methods
This is a focus group interview embedded in a pilot randomized controlled trial on parent-administered pediatric tuina for ADHD in preschool children. Purposive sampling was employed to invite 15 parents who attended our pediatric tuina training program to participate voluntarily in three focus group interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed through template analysis.

Results
Two themes were identified: (1) facilitators of intervention implementation and (2) barriers to intervention implementation. The theme of the facilitators of intervention implementation included the subthemes of (a) perceived benefits to children and parents, (b) acceptability to children and parents, (c) professional support, and (d) parental expectations of the long-term effects of the intervention. The theme of barriers to intervention implementation included the subthemes of (a) limited benefits for children’s inattention symptoms, (b) manipulation management difficulties, and (c) limitations of TCM pattern identification.

Conclusion
Perceived beneficial effects on the children’s sleep quality and appetite and parent–child relationships, as well as timely and professional support, mainly facilitated the implementation of parent-administered pediatric tuina. Slow improvements in the children’s inattention symptoms and the possible inaccuracies of online diagnosis were the dominant barriers of the intervention. Parents have high expectations for the provision of long-term professional support during their practice of pediatric tuina. The intervention presented here can be feasibly used by parents.
Predicting gene knockout effects from expression data
Authors: Rosenski Jonathan , Shifman Sagiv , Kaplan Tommy 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe study of gene essentiality, which measures the importance of a gene for cell division and survival, is used for the identification of cancer drug targets and understanding of tissue-specific manifestation of genetic conditions. In this work, we analyze essentiality and gene expression data from over 900 cancer lines from the DepMap project to create predictive models of gene essentiality.MethodsWe developed machine learning algorithms to identify those genes whose essentiality levels are explained by the expression of a small set of “modifier genes”. To identify these gene sets, we developed an ensemble of statistical tests capturing linear and non-linear dependencies. We trained several regression models predicting the essentiality of each target gene, and used an automated model selection procedure to identify the optimal model and hyperparameters. Overall, we examined linear models, gradient boosted trees, Gaussian process regression models, and deep learning networks.ResultsWe identified nearly 3000 genes for which we accurately predict essentiality using gene expression data of a small set of modifier genes. We show that both in the number of genes we successfully make predictions for, as well as in the prediction accuracy, our model outperforms current state-of-the-art works.ConclusionsOur modeling framework avoids overfitting by identifying the small set of modifier genes, which are of clinical and genetic importance, and ignores the expression of noisy and irrelevant genes. Doing so improves the accuracy of essentiality prediction in various conditions and provides interpretable models. Overall, we present an accurate computational approach, as well as interpretable modeling of essentiality in a wide range of cellular conditions, thus contributing to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern tissue-specific effects of genetic disease and cancer.
PCR–RFLP assays for the identification of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) species circulating in Honduras
Authors: Escobar Denis , Pérez Fernando , Ortiz Bryan , Fontecha Gustavo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Vector populations are a key target for malaria control and elimination. In Honduras, there are at least 12 reported anopheline species, however, the definitive number of species remains uncertain. Due to the inherent limitations of morphological identification of Anopheles species, molecular approaches have been developed to provide accurate identification and robust surveillance of local malaria vectors. The aim of this study was to design and assess three PCR–RFLP assays to identify anopheline species known to presently occur in Honduras.

Methods
Mosquitoes captured between 2018 and 2022 in seven malaria-endemic and non-endemic departments in Honduras were analysed. The ITS2 ribosomal region and three restriction enzyme-based assays were evaluated in silico and experimentally.

Results
A total of 132 sequences from 12 anopheline species were analysed. The ITS2 marker showed length polymorphisms that generated products between 388 and 592 bp and no relevant intraspecies polymorphisms were found. Furthermore, the three PCR–RFLP assays were able to differentiate 11 species with sufficient precision and resolution.

Conclusion
The ITS2 region was shown to be a useful molecular marker for identifying local Anopheles species. In addition, the PCR–RFLP assays evaluated here proved to be capable of discriminating most of the anopheline species present in Honduras. These methods provide alternatives to improve entomological surveillance of Anopheles in Honduras and other Mesoamerican countries.
The roles of neutrophils in non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease
Authors: Alkarni Meyad , Lipman Marc , Lowe David M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractNon-tuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease (NTM-PD) is an increasingly recognised global health issue. Studies have suggested that neutrophils may play an important role in controlling NTM infection and contribute to protective immune responses within the early phase of infection. However, these cells are also adversely associated with disease progression and exacerbation and can contribute to pathology, for example in the development of bronchiectasis. In this review, we discuss the key findings and latest evidence regarding the diverse functions of neutrophils in NTM infection. First, we focus on studies that implicate neutrophils in the early response to NTM infection and the evidence reporting neutrophils’ capability to kill NTM. Next, we present an overview of the positive and negative effects that characterise the bidirectional relationship between neutrophils and adaptive immunity. We consider the pathological role of neutrophils in driving the clinical phenotype of NTM-PD including bronchiectasis. Finally, we highlight the current promising treatments in development targeting neutrophils in airways diseases. Clearly, more insights on the roles of neutrophils in NTM-PD are needed in order to inform both preventative strategies and host-directed therapy for these important infections.
Novel prognostic indicator combining inflammatory indicators and tumor markers for gastric cancer
Authors: Yu Liang , Jiang Runben , Chen Wanjing , Liu Yanwei , Wang Gui , Gong Xin , Wang Yong 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, and we hope to identify an economical but practical prognostic indicator. It has been reported that inflammatory indicators and tumor markers are associated with GC progression and are widely used to predict prognosis. However, existing prognostic models do not comprehensively analyze these predictors.

Methods
This study retrospectively reviewed 893 consecutive patients who underwent curative gastrectomy from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2015, in the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Prognostic factors predicting overall survival (OS) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Nomograms including independent prognostic factors were plotted for predicting survival.

Results
Ultimately, 425 patients were enrolled in this study. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR, total neutrophil count/lymphocyte count × 100%) and CA19-9 were independent prognostic factors for OS (p=0.001, p=0.016). The NLR-CA19-9 score (NCS) is constructed as the combination of the NLR and CA19-9. We defined NLR<2.46 and CA19-9≤37 U/ml as an NCS of 0, NLR≥2.46 or CA19-9>37 U/ml as an NCS 1, and NLR≥2.46 and CA19-9>37 U/ml as an NCS of 2. The results showed that higher NCS was significantly associated with worse clinicopathological characteristics and OS (p<0.05). Multivariate analyses revealed that the NCS was an independent prognostic factor for OS (NCS1: p<0.001, HR=3.172, 95% CI=2.120–4.745; NCS2: p<0.001, HR=3.052, 95% CI=1.928–4.832). Compared with traditional predictive indices, the NCS had the highest AUC for a 12-month survival, a 36-month survival, a 60-month survival, and OS (AUC= 0.654, 0.730, 0.811, 0.803, respectively). The nomogram had a higher Harrell’s C-index than the TNM stage alone (0.788 vs. 0.743).

Conclusions
The NCS provides more accurate predictions of the prognosis of GC patients, and its predictive value is significantly better than that of traditional inflammatory indicators or tumor markers. It is an effective complement to existing GC assessment systems.
Efficacy of treatment based on TKIs in combination with PD-1 inhibitors for unresectable recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Ze , Jiao Tianyu , Li Junfeng , Hu Bingyang , Zhang Wenwen , Wang Zhijun , Wan Tao , Wang Yafei , Lu Shichun 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background and objective
The recurrence occurs within 5 years in up to 70% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who received radical liver resection, and most patients are no longer suitable for repeat surgery. There are limited treatment options for unresectable recurrent HCC. This study aimed to explore the potential efficacy of treatment based on TKIs in combination with PD-1 inhibitors for unresectable recurrent HCC.

Methods
Forty-four patients with unresectable recurrent HCC after radical surgery between January 2017 and November 2022 were retrospectively collected and screened. All patients received the combination therapy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors, and 18 of these patients received trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or TACE combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Two patients who received TKIs in combination with PD-1 inhibitors eventually obtained repeat surgery, with one patient undergoing a repeat hepatectomy and one patient receiving a liver transplant.

Results
The median survival for these patients was 27.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.2, 32.8), with a 1-year overall survival (OS) rate of 83.6% (95% CI 77.9%, 89.3%). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 15.0 months (95.0% CI 12.1, 17.9), with a 1-year PFS rate of 77.0% (95% CI 70.6%, 83.4%). The two patients who underwent repeat surgery had a survival time of 34 and 37 months after the combined treatment with no recurrence, respectively, as of November 2022.

Conclusion
The combination of TKIs and PD-1 inhibitors for unresectable recurrent HCC is effective and can prolong the survival of patients in this group.
The value of CT findings combined with inflammatory indicators for preoperative differentiation of benign and malignant gallbladder polypoid lesions
Authors: Zhang Juan , Wu Yuxian , Feng Yayuan , Fu Jiazhao , Jia Ningyang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The study aimed to explore the value of CT findings and inflammatory indicators in differentiating benign and malignant gallbladder polypoid lesions before surgery.

Methods
The study comprised a total of 113 pathologically confirmed gallbladder polypoid lesions with a maximum diameter ≥ 1 cm (68 benign and 45 malignant), all of which were enhanced CT-scanned within 1 month before surgery. The CT findings and inflammatory indicators of the patients were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors of gallbladder polypoid lesions, and then a nomogram distinguishing benign and malignant gallbladder polypoid lesions was developed by combining these characteristics. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve were plotted to assess the performance of the nomogram.

Results
Base status of the lesion (p < 0.001), plain CT value (p < 0.001), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p = 0.041), and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) (p = 0.022) were independent predictors of malignant polypoid lesions of the gallbladder. The nomogram model established by incorporating the above factors had good performance in differentiating and predicting benign and malignant gallbladder polypoid lesions (AUC = 0.964), with sensitivity and specificity of 82.4% and 97.8%, respectively. The DCA demonstrated the important clinical utility of our nomogram.

Conclusion
CT findings combined with inflammatory indicators can effectively differentiate benign and malignant gallbladder polypoid lesions before surgery, which is valuable for clinical decision-making.