bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide discovery and characterization of long noncoding RNAs in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Lu Minqiu , Hu Ying , Wu Yin , Zhou Huixing , Jian Yuan , Tian Ying , Chen Wenming 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a wide range of biological processes in tumorigenesis. However, the role of lncRNA expression in the biology, prognosis, and molecular classification of human multiple myeloma (MM) remains unclear, especially the biological functions of the vast majority of lncRNAs. Recently, lncRNAs have been identified in neoplastic hematologic disorders. Evidence has accumulated on the molecular mechanisms of action of lncRNAs, providing insight into their functional roles in tumorigenesis. This study aimed to characterize potential lncRNAs in patients with MM.

Methods
In this study, the whole-transcriptome strand-specific RNA sequencing of samples from three newly diagnosed patients with MM was performed. The whole transcriptome, including lncRNAs, microRNAs, and mRNAs, was analyzed. Using these data, MM lncRNAs were systematically analyzed, and the lncRNAs involved in the occurrence of MM were identified.

Results
The results revealed that MM lncRNAs had distinctive characteristics different from those of other malignant tumors. Further, the functions of a set of lncRNAs preferentially expressed in MM were verified, and several lncRNAs were identified as competing endogenous RNAs. More importantly, the aberrant expression of certain lncRNAs, including maternally expressed gene3, colon cancer–associated transcript1, and coiled-coil domain-containing 26, as well as some novel lncRNAs involved in the occurrence of MM was established. Further, lncRNAs were related to some microRNAs, regulated each other, and participated in MM development.

Conclusions
Genome-wide screening and functional analysis enabled the identification of a set of lncRNAs involved in the occurrence of MM. The interaction exists among microRNAs and lncRNAs.
Histone methyltransferase SUV39H2 regulates cell growth and chemosensitivity in glioma via regulation of hedgehog signaling
Authors: Wang Ran , Cheng Lilin , Yang Xi , Chen Xin , Miao Yifeng , Qiu Yongming , Zhou Zhiyi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Malignant glioma is one of the essentially incurable tumors with chemoresistance and tumor recurrence. As a histone methyltransferase, SUV39H2 can trimethylate H3K9. SUV39H2 is highly expressed in many types of human tumors, while the function of SUV39H2 in the development and progression of glioma has never been elucidated.

Methods
RT-qPCR and IHC were used to test SUV39H2 levels in glioma tissues and paired normal tissues. The clinical relevance of SUV39H2 in glioma was analyzed in a public database. Colony formation assays, CCK-8 assays, and flow cytometry were conducted to explore the role of SUV39H2 in the growth of glioma cells in vitro. A cell line-derived xenograft model was applied to explore SUV39H2’s role in U251 cell proliferation in vivo. Sphere formation assays, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and IF were conducted to illustrate the role of SUV39H2 in the stemness and chemosensitivity of glioma. Luciferase reporter assays and WB were applied to determine the function of SUV39H2 in Hh signaling.

Results
SUV39H2 was highly expressed in glioma tissues relative to normal tissues. SUV39H2 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and stemness and promoted the chemosensitivity of glioma cells in vitro. In addition, SUV39H2 knockdown also significantly inhibited glioma cell growth in vivo. Moreover, we further uncovered that SUV39H2 regulated hedgehog signaling by repressing HHIP expression.

Conclusions
Our findings delineate the role of SUV39H2 in glioma cell growth and chemosensitivity as a pivotal regulator of the hedgehog signaling pathway and may support SUV39H2 as a potential target for diagnosis and therapy in glioma management.
The health profile of newly-arrived refugee women and girls and the role of region of origin: using a population-based dataset in California between 2013 and 2017
Authors: Sudhinaraset May , Cabanting Nuny , Ramos Marisa 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
There has been an increasing number of refugee women globally; yet, there is little recent data describing the health profile of refugee women by region of origin in the United States. It is important to monitor the health status of women by region of origin to provide needed targeted interventions.

Methods
We analyzed the Refugee Health Electronic Information System (RHEIS), a population-based dataset that included 14,060 female refugees who entered California between October 3, 2013 and February 15, 2017. We assessed differences in health status by region of origin.

Results
Almost one out of three women experienced a traumatic event. Women from Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean experienced higher levels of trauma compared to other regions, including sexual assault, physical, and weapon assault. More than half of women and girls (56.6%) reported experiences of persecution, with Southeast Asians reporting the highest levels. Among women of reproductive age, 7.0% of women were currently pregnant at the time of arrival to the US, 19.0% ever had a spontaneous abortion, and 8.6% reported ever having an abortion. One in three women from Africa reported female genital cutting. Moreover, 80.0% of women reported needing language assistance at the time of their health assessment.

Conclusions
Refugee women and girls experience high levels of trauma and persecution, suggesting the need for trauma-informed care. Those working with refugee women, such as resettlement agencies and health providers, should be equipped with information about antenatal care, nutrition, and pregnancy to newly arrived women. Lastly, differences in health status by region of origin indicate a need for tailored interventions and linguistically appropriate health information.
The impact of patient-reported outcome (PRO) data from clinical trials: a systematic review and critical analysis
Authors: Rivera Samantha Cruz , Kyte Derek G. , Aiyegbusi Olalekan Lee , Slade Anita L. , McMullan Christel , Calvert Melanie J. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are commonly collected in clinical trials and should provide impactful evidence on the effect of interventions on patient symptoms and quality of life. However, it is unclear how PRO impact is currently realised in practice. In addition, the different types of impact associated with PRO trial results, their barriers and facilitators, and appropriate impact metrics are not well defined. Therefore, our objectives were: i) to determine the range of potential impacts from PRO clinical trial data, ii) identify potential PRO impact metrics and iii) identify barriers/facilitators to maximising PRO impact; and iv) to examine real-world evidence of PRO trial data impact based on Research Excellence Framework (REF) impact case studies.

Methods
Two independent investigators searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL+, HMIC databases from inception until December 2018. Articles were eligible if they discussed research impact in the context of PRO clinical trial data. In addition, the REF 2014 database was systematically searched. REF impact case studies were included if they incorporated PRO data in a clinical trial.

Results
Thirty-nine publications of eleven thousand four hundred eighty screened met the inclusion criteria. Nine types of PRO trial impact were identified; the most frequent of which centred around PRO data informing clinical decision-making. The included publications identified several barriers and facilitators around PRO trial design, conduct, analysis and report that can hinder or promote the impact of PRO trial data. Sixty-nine out of two hundred nine screened REF 2014 case studies were included. 12 (17%) REF case studies led to demonstrable impact including changes to international guidelines; national guidelines; influencing cost-effectiveness analysis; and influencing drug approvals.

Conclusions
PRO trial data may potentially lead to a range of benefits for patients and society, which can be measured through appropriate impact metrics. However, in practice there is relatively limited evidence demonstrating directly attributable and indirect real world PRO-related research impact. In part, this is due to the wider challenges of measuring the impact of research and PRO-specific issues around design, conduct, analysis and reporting. Adherence to guidelines and multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential to maximise the use of PRO trial data, facilitate impact and minimise research waste.

Trial registration
Systematic Review registration PROSPERO CRD42017067799.
Effects of a reimbursement change and travel times on the delivery of private and public radiology services in Norway: a register-based longitudinal study of Norwegian claims data
Authors: Mokienko Anastasia 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The variation in the impact of the 2008 reimbursement change for Norwegian radiology providers, depending on the travel times to private and public providers in different municipalities, was examined. The activity-based fund allocation for radiology providers was reduced from approximately 50% to 40%, which was compensated by an increased basic grant. The hypothesis was that the Norwegian population would be affected by the reimbursement change unevenly depending on their distances to different types of the providers.

Methods
The study of the effect of the reimbursement change and travel time difference between private and public radiology providers in Norway (Time_difference) on the number of the services was performed using fixed-effects regressions applied to panel data at the municipality level with monthly observations for the period 2007–2010.

Results
After the reimbursement change, the number of private services decreased more than the number of public services. Private services declined after 2008, but the absolute value of the effect was smaller as the Time_difference became greater. The number of public services increased as the Time_difference grew. The total number of services decreased until the Time_difference was equal to 40 min and increased for time differences greater than 40 min.

Conclusions
The messages for policymakers are as follows. Populations that only had private providers nearby were more affected by the reimbursement change in terms of a reduced number of services. The reimbursement change contributed to the reallocation of patients from private to public providers. The difference between the centralities of municipalities in their consumption patterns was reduced and the difference between different Regional Health Authorities was increased due to the reimbursement change.
PYCR1 interference inhibits cell growth and survival via c-Jun N-terminal kinase/insulin receptor substrate 1 (JNK/IRS1) pathway in hepatocellular cancer
Authors: Zhuang Juhua , Song Yanan , Ye Ying , He Saifei , Ma Xing , Zhang Miao , Ni Jing , Wang Jiening , Xia Wei 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundLiver cancer is the second leading causes of cancer-related death globally. Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) plays a critical role in metabolic profiles of tumors. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the mechanisms of PYCR1 on cell growth and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsProtein and mRNA expression levels of PYCR1 in 140 pairs of tumor and adjacent normal liver tissues of HCC patients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Expressions of PYCR1 were inhibited in BEL-7404 cells and SMMC-7721 cells using gene interference technology. The cell proliferation was detected by Celigo and MTT assay. The colony formation assay was also performed. The cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometric assay. The effect of PYCR1 interference on tumor growth was observed by xenograft nude mice assay in vivo. The downstream pathway of PYCR1 interference was searched by microarray and bioinformatics analysis, and validated by qRT-PCR and western blot.ResultsPYCR1 levels were significantly up-regulated in HCC tumor tissues than adjacent normal liver tissues in both protein and mRNA levels (P < 0.01). In vitro, the cell proliferation was significantly slower in shPYCR1 group than shCtrl group in BEL-7404 and SMMC-7721 cells (P < 0.001). The colony number was significantly smaller after PYCR1 interference (P < 0.01). The percentage of apoptosis cells significantly increased in shPYCR1 group (P < 0.01). In vivo, PYCR1 interference could obviously suppress tumor growth in xenograft nude mice. The volume and weight of tumors were significantly smaller via PYCR1 interference. The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway significantly altered, and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) were significantly down-regulated by PYCR1 interference in both mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.001).ConclusionPYCR1 interference could inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis in HCC through regluting JNK/IRS1 pathway. Our study will provide a drug target for HCC therapy and a potential biomarker for its diagnosis or prognosis.
Validation of three mental health scales among pregnant women in Qatar
Authors: Roof Katherine A. , James-Hawkins Laurie , Abdul Rahim Hanan F. , Yount Kathryn M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study is to validate three mental health scales in a targeted sample of pregnant Arab women living in Qatar: the Kuwait University Anxiety Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.MethodsRandom split-half exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analyses (n = 336;n = 331), conducted separately, were used to evaluate scale dimensionality, factor loadings, and factor structure of the KUAS, the PSS, and the EPDS.ResultsFit statistics for the three scales suggested adequate fit to the data and estimated factor loadings were positive, similar in magnitude, and were significant. The final CFA model for the KUAS supported a 19-item, two factor structure. CFA models also confirmed 8- and 10-item, single-factor structures for the PSS and EPDS, respectively.ConclusionsThe validation of scales for these aspects of mental health in Arab pregnant women is critical to ensure appropriate screening, identification, and treatment to reduce the risk of sequelae in women and their children. Findings offer a useful comparison to mental-health scale validations in other Arab contexts.
The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in mice living in Danish indoor sow herds
Authors: Nielsen Stine Thorsø , Westergaard Isabella Linde , Guldbech Grith Kirkhoff , Nielsen Henrik Vedel , Johansen Maria Vang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Toxoplasma gondii is found worldwide, and consumption of undercooked meat is considered a significant risk factor for human infections. In Denmark, little is known about the distribution of T. gondii, but a recent study revealed a seroprevalence of 34% in Danish indoor sows. The present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the role of mice for the transmission of T. gondii in Danish indoor sow herds.

Results
In total, 56 sow herds were visited, 137 mice were caught by snap traps from 32 farms, and 52 cat faecal samples were collected from 22 farms. Eight percent of the mice were positive for T. gondii DNA, representing 11% of the farms. Significant associations were found between the presence of T. gondii-positive mice and both open feed systems (P= 0.041) and extra rodent control on the farm (P= 0.024). All cat faecal samples were deemed negative for T. gondii by light microscopy examination and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Conclusion
Mice captured inside Danish sow herds were found to be infected with T. gondii and may thus contribute to the transmission of T. gondii to sows, which may explain the high seroprevalence found in Danish pigs.
Report on advances for pediatricians in 2018: allergy, cardiology, critical care, endocrinology, hereditary metabolic diseases, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, neonatology, nutrition, respiratory tract disorders and surgery
Authors: Caffarelli Carlo , Santamaria Francesca , Mastrorilli Carla , Santoro Angelica , Iovane Brunella , Petraroli Maddalena , Gaeta Valeria , Di Pinto Rosita , Borrelli Melissa , Bernasconi Sergio , Corsello Giovanni 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This review reported notable advances in pediatrics that have been published in 2018. We have highlighted progresses in allergy, cardiology, critical care, endocrinology, hereditary metabolic diseases, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, neonatology, nutrition, respiratory tract disorders and surgery. Many studies have informed on epidemiologic observations. Promising outcomes in prevention, diagnosis and treatment have been reported. We think that advances realized in 2018 can now be utilized to ameliorate patient care.
Field-captured Aedes vexans (Meigen, 1830) is a competent vector for Rift Valley fever phlebovirus in Europe
Authors: Birnberg Lotty , Talavera Sandra , Aranda Carles , Núñez Ana I. , Napp Sebastian , Busquets Núria 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundAedes vexans(Meigen) is considered a nuisance species in central Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is an anthropophilic and mammalophilic floodwater mosquito involved in the transmission of several arboviruses. Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a relevant mosquito-borne zoonosis, affecting mainly humans and ruminants, that causes severe impact in public health and economic loses. Due to globalization and climate change, the European continent is threatened by its introduction. The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the vector competence of a European field-collectedAe. vexanspopulation.MethodsAedes vexansfield-collected larvae were reared in the laboratory under field-simulated conditions. To assess the vector competence for Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) transmission, adult F0 females were exposed to infectious blood meals containing the 56/74 RVFV strain. Additionally, intrathoracic inoculations with the same virus strain were performed to evaluate the relevance of the salivary gland barriers. Natural circulation of alphavirus, flavivirus and phlebovirus was also tested.ResultsTo our knowledge, an autochthonousAe. vexanspopulation was experimentally confirmed as a competent vector for RVFV for the first time. This virus was capable of infecting and disseminating within the studiedAe. vexansmosquitoes. Moreover, infectious virus was isolated from the saliva of disseminated specimens, showing their capacity to transmit the virus. Additionally, a natural infection with a circulating Mosquito flavivirus was detected. The co-infection with the Mosquito flavivirus seemed to modulate RVFV infection susceptibility in field-collectedAe. vexans, but further studies are needed to confirm its potential interference in RVFV transmission.ConclusionsOur results show that field-collected EuropeanAe. vexanswould be able to transmit RVFV in case of introduction into the continent. This should be taken into consideration in the design of surveillance and control programmes.
Prevalence of sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait among children admitted to Al Fashir Teaching Hospital North Darfur State, Sudan
Authors: Adam Mudathir A. , Adam Nassreldeen K. , Mohamed Babiker A. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objective
It is estimated that 50% to 90% of infants born with (SCA) in sub-Saharan Africa die before 5 years old. Northern Darfur State at western Sudan region has a multiethnic population with a high frequency of sickle cell anaemia, but little about it is published. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sickle cell anaemia among children admitted to Al Fashir Teaching Hospital in Al Fashir, Northern Darfur State, Sudan.

Results
The prevalence of sickle cell disease by haemoglobin electrophoresis among these 400 children patients was 59 (14.8%). Sickle cell trait patients were 11.3% and Sickle cell disease positive patients were 3.5%. Individuals with SCA have consistently low blood Hb concentration, normal MCV and high mean WBC’s. Individuals with sickle cell trait had haematological parameters near to those of normal individuals.
Ontology patterns for the representation of quality changes of cells in time
Authors: Burek Patryk , Scherf Nico , Herre Heinrich 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Cell tracking experiments, based on time-lapse microscopy, have become an important tool in biomedical research. The goal is the reconstruction of cell migration patterns, shape and state changes, and, comprehensive genealogical information from these data. This information can be used to develop process models of cellular dynamics. However, so far there has been no structured, standardized way of annotating and storing the tracking results, which is critical for comparative analysis and data integration. The key requirement to be satisfied by an ontology is the representation of a cell’s change over time. Unfortunately, popular ontology languages, such as Web Ontology Language (OWL), have limitations for the representation of temporal information. The current paper addresses the fundamental problem of modeling changes of qualities over time in biomedical ontologies specified in OWL.

Results
The presented analysis is a result of the lessons learned during the development of an ontology, intended for the annotation of cell tracking experiments. We present, discuss and evaluate various representation patterns for specifying cell changes in time. In particular, we discuss two patterns of temporally changing information: n-ary relation reification and 4d fluents. These representation schemes are formalized within the ontology language OWL and are aimed at the support for annotation of cell tracking experiments. We analyze the performance of each pattern with respect to standard criteria used in software engineering and data modeling, i.e. simplicity, scalability, extensibility and adequacy. We further discuss benefits, drawbacks, and the underlying design choices of each approach.

Conclusions
We demonstrate that patterns perform differently depending on the temporal distribution of modeled information. The optimal model can be constructed by combining two competitive approaches. Thus, we demonstrate that both reification and 4d fluents patterns can work hand in hand in a single ontology. Additionally, we have found that 4d fluents can be reconstructed by two patterns well known in the computer science community, i.e. state modeling and actor-role pattern.