bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression Status and Prognostic Value of m6A RNA Methylation Regulators in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Rui , Feng Zian , Hu Jie , He Xiaodong , Shen Zuojun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is the most abundant modification method in mRNA, and it plays an important role in the occurrence and development of many cancers. However, data on the role of m6A RNA methylation regulators in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are still lacking. This paper mainly discusses the role of m6A RNA methylation regulators in LUAD, to identify novel prognostic biomarkers.Methods: The gene expression data of 19 m6A methylation regulator in LUAD patients and its relevant clinical parameters were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression algorithm were performed to construct a risk signature and evaluated its prognostic prediction efficiency by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The risk score of each patient was calculated according to the risk signature, and LUAD patients were divided into high-risk group and low-risk group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to identify the independent prognostic significance of risk signature. Finally, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the differential signaling pathways and cellular processes between the two groups.Results: The expression of 15 m6A RNA methylation regulators in LUAD tissues was significantly different than that in normal tissues. YTHDF3, YTHDF2, KIAA1429, HNRNPA2B1, RBM15, METTL3, HNRNPC, YTHDF1, IGF2BP2, IGF2BP3, IGF2BP1 were significantly up-regulated in LUAD, and the expressions of FTO, ZC3H13, WTAP, and METL14 were significantly down-regulated. We selected IGF2BP1, HNRNPC, and HNRNPA2B1 to construct the risk signature. ROC curve indicated the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.659, which means the risk signature had a good prediction efficiency. The results of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score can be used as an independent prognostic factor for LUAD.Conclusions: The m6A RNA methylation regulators IGF2BP1, HNRNPC, and HNRNPA2B1 have a significant correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics of LUAD, which may be a promising prognostic feature and clinical treatment target.
The Novel CFP Scoring System is a Reliable Marker in Predicting Response and Prognosis in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Lu Siyi , Liu Zhenzhen , Wang Bingyan , Li Fei , Meng Yan , Wang Junwei , Wang Yuxia , Wang Hao , Zhou Xin , Fu Wei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Preoperative tumor markers, inflammation, and nutritional status are considered important predictors of prognosis and tumor response in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients. This study aims to explore the prognostic value of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), the Fibrinogen-Albumin Ratio Index (FARI), the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) and a combined scoring system in LARC patients.Methods: A total of 138 LARC patients undergoing radical surgery following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) between January 2012 and March 2019 were enrolled. The X-tile program was used to determine the optimal cutoff values of CEA, FARI, and PNI. A novel combined scoring system, CEA-FARI-PNI (CFP), was constructed. The prognostic ability of these factors was assessed by the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression, and logistic regression. A nomogram was established to evaluate the predictive role of CFP in tumor response.Results: The optimal cutoff values of CEA, FARI, and PNI were 5.15 ng/l, 10.56%, and 42.25 g/L, respectively. The time-dependent ROC curve showed that compared to CEA, FARI, and PNI, CFP showed stable predictive efficacy for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). In multivariate analysis, CFP was the only factor that could independently predict OS (HR=8.117, p=0.001) and DFS (HR=4.994, p<0.001). Moreover, high CFP (OR=3.693, p=0.002) was also an independent risk factor of poor response. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the nomogram for predicting TRG (tumor regression grade) was better with CFP (0.717) than without (0.656) (p<0.05).Conclusions: The CFP score is an independent prognostic factor of OS, DFS, and tumor response in LARC patients. It might be a more reliable marker for predicting the prognosis of LARC patients.
Systematic Identification of Key Functional Modules and Genes in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Wu Rui , Zhuang Hao , Sun Jin-yu , Zhao Li-li , Liu Li , Fan Zhining 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Esophageal cancer is associated with high incidence and mortality worldwide. Differential expression genes (DEGs) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) are important methods to screen the core genes as bioinformatics methods.Methods: The DEGs and WGCNA were combined to screen the hub genes, and pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the hub module in the WGCNA. The CCNB1 was identified as the hub gene based on the intersection between DEGs and the greenyellow module in WGCNA. Expression levels and prognostic values of CCNB1 were verified in UALCAN, GEPIA2, HCMDB, Kaplan–Meier plotter, and TIMER databases.Results: We identified 1,044 DEGs form dataset GSE20347, 1,904 from GSE29001, and 2,722 from GSE111044, and 32 modules were revealed by WGCNA. The greenyellow module was identified as the hub module in the WGCNA. CCNB1 gene was identified as the hub gene, which was upregulated in tumour tissues. Moreover, esophageal cancer patients with higher expression of CCNB1 showed worse prognosis. However, CCNB1 doesn’t play an important role in immune cell infiltration.Conclusion Based on DEGs and key modules related to esophageal cancer, CCNB1 was identified as the hub gene, which offered novel insights into the development and treatment of esophageal cancer.
Predictors of Contraceptive Discontinuation among Postpartum Women in Arusha Region, Tanzania
Authors: Mahande Michael Johnson , Sato Ryoko , Amour Caroline , Manongi Rachel , Farah Amina , Msuya Sia Emmanuel , Elewonibi Bilikisu , Shah Iqbal 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPostpartum contraceptive discontinuation refers to cessation of use following initiation after delivery within one year postpartum. Discontinuation of use has been associated with an increased unmet need for family planning that leads to high numbers of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortion or mistimed births. There is scant information about contraceptive discontinuation and its predictors among postpartum women in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine predictors of contraception discontinuation at 3, 6, 12 months postpartum among women of reproductive age in Arusha city and Meru district, Tanzania.MethodsThis was an analytical cross-sectional study which was conducted in two district of Arusha region (Arusha city and Meru district respectively). A multistage sampling technique was used to select 13 streets of the 3 wards in Arusha City and 2 wards in Meru District. A total of 474 women of reproductive age (WRAs) aged 16-44 years residing in the study areas were included in this analysis. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 15. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the factors associated with contraceptives discontinuation (at 3, 6 and 12 moths) were estimated in a multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsOverall, discontinuation rate for all methods at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum was 11%, 19% and 29% respectively. It was higher at 12 months for Lactational amenorrhea, male condoms and injectables (76%, 50.5% and 36%, respectively). Women aged 40-44 years had lower odds of contraceptive discontinuation at 3 months as compare to those aged 16 to 19 years. Implants and pills users had also lower odds of contraceptive discontinuation compared to injectable users at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively.ConclusionLactational amenorrhea, male condoms and injectables users had the highest rates of discontinuation. Women’s age and type of method discontinued were independently associated with postpartum contraceptive discontinuation. Addressing barriers to continue contraceptive use amongst younger women and knowledge on method attributes, including possible side-effects and how to manage complications is warranted.
Distribution, Source Apportionment and Health Risk Assessment of Phthalate Esters in Indoor Dust Samples Across China
Authors: Li Xu , Zhang Wenping , Lv Jiapei , Liu Wenxiu , Sun Shanwei , Guo Changsheng , Xu Jian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Phthalates were detected in various environments due to their widespread application. In this study, indoor dust samples from 94 buildings, including 72 residences and 22 dormitories, were collected in seven geographical regions in China and analyzed for eight phthalate esters (PAEs). Investigation of contamination profiles, geographical distribution, sources and risks of PAEs in indoor dusts was explored.Results: The highest Σ8PAEs concentration in residential buildings was found in Northeast China (median: 164.71 μg·g−1), which was 2.3 and 2.8 times higher than that in South China (median: 71.71 μg·g−1) and Southwest China (median: 58.53 μg·g−1), respectively. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-iso-butyl phthalate (DIBP), and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) were the dominant compounds of Σ8PAEs in indoor dusts from residences and dormitories. The administrative levels revealed that the highly serious contamination occurred in the provincial capital, followed by non-provincial cities and countries. Such an occurrence was related to the usage of PAE products and the level of urbanization. Principal component analysis and positive matrix factorization showed that the emission from cosmetics and personal care products, plasticizers, and household building materials were the possible PAE sources in indoor dusts. Among three routes of ingestion, dermal adsorption, and inhalation, dust ingestion was the main route of human exposure to PAEs. The health risk of PAE exposure for different populations decreased in the order of children > women > men. The hazard indexes of non-cancer were higher than the threshold value of 10−6 during human exposure to DBP and DEHP. Children also faced potential non-cancer risk due to benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) exposure. The carcinogenic risks via exposure to BBzP and DEHP were low and negligible.Conclusion: Overall, PAEs were widely presented in indoor dusts. Obvious difference was observed in the distribution of PAEs concentration in indoor dusts due to the differences in economic development and usage of PAEs product. Plasticizers, household building materials, and cosmetics and personal care products were likely PAE sources in indoor dusts. The risk assessment suggested that carcinogenic risks of BBzP and DEHP were negligible, but DBP, DEHP, DnOP and BBzP may pose non-cancer risks to humans.
The Effect of Psycho-education Program on the Affiliate Stigma in the Caregivers of Clients with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Bahrami Raheleh , Khalifi Talieh 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Mental health experts believe that stigma is the most challenging issue for caregivers of clients with psychiatric disorders. Therefore, monitoring and assessing the affiliate stigma in the caregivers is necessary. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of psycho-education program on the affiliate stigma in the caregivers of clients with bipolar disorder.
Materials and Methods

This quasi-experimental study with both intervention and control groups was conducted Ghods Hospital in Sanandaj (n = 64). Psycho-education program was performed for the intervention group for 4 weeks (one session per week for 60 to 90 minutes). Data was collected using the Affiliate Stigma Scale before and after intervention (with 4 weeks gap).
Results

The results of study showed that there was no difference between intervention and control groups in terms of the distribution of contextual variables. The mean and the standard deviation of the affiliate stigma before the conducting the psycho-education program in the control group was (73 ± 14.72), and in the intervention group was (69.63 ± 14.66). After the intervention and administrating the post-test, the results in the control group was (74 ± 14.21) and in the intervention group was (35.06 ± 8.31) which showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001).
Conclusions

According to the obtained results in this study and based on the other studies’ result, the routine care is not able to meet the educational needs of the caregivers of clients with bipolar disorder. Psycho-education is effective on the reduction of the affiliate stigma of caregivers of clients with bipolar disorder and it can be considered as one of the stigmatization strategies.
Addiction Therapeutic communities: residents’ retention, early dropout, and their correlates over fourteen years
Authors: Alshomrani Abdulaziz T 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Long-term retention is a reliably well-studied factor associated with enhanced outcomes in addiction therapeutic communities (ATCs). Staying no less than three months is considered to be a critical time for program effectiveness. I plan to estimate retention rates of Saudi AATCs for three months, completion of therapy (stay at least six months), and early abandonment and investigate its correlations in this study.
Methods

A cohort retrospective study where data of all residents admitted to all Saudi ATCs since their establishment in 2000 through September 2014 were collected from their AATCs files. At the time of the study, there were five AATCs, two of them in Dammam, one in Riyadh, one in Jeddah, and the fifth one was in Taif. Date of admission, date of discharge, socio-demographic variable, and type of drug used of all of the five ACS were reported. Retention rate at 3 and 6 months and dropout in the first week were calculated.
Results

out of the 2050 files, 2003 of data was suitable for analysis. All of the residents were male adults. More than two-thirds of patients were younger than 40 years of age and most of them were singles (64%), unemployed (68%), and had intermediate or secondary school education (73%). Forty-six percent of patients reported Opioids use, 36% hash, 34% amphetamine, and 19% reported alcohol abuse. The retention rate for three months and six months was 45% and 28% respectively, and 8.3% dropped outs in the first week. The median duration of stay was 77 days. Residences in TC 1, TC 2, and TC 4 were less likely to stay for more than three months. Unemployment, and being students was associated with completion of treatment (stay > 6 months), while admission to TC 1 and TC-2 was associated with drop out prior completing the treatment program.
Conclusion

Three-month retention rates of 45% in Saudi addiction ATCs is reasonable and consistent with reported rates worldwide. In addition, treatment completion rate and drop out within the first week are at least comparable to the average rates recorded elsewhere. These rates can be considered as indicators for successful Saudi ATCs programs. However, there have been substantial variation between the different Saudi AATCs which may require further exploration to determine the factors related to these disparities.
Ptsd, Depression and Anxiety In Ebola Virus Disease Survivors In Beni Town, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: KAPUTU-KALALA-MALU CELESTIN , Musalu Eric Mafuta , Walker Tim , Ntumba-Tshitenge Olga , Ahuka-Mundeke Steve 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a deadly and feared infectious disease, which can be responsible of debilitating physical and psychological sequelae in survivors including depression and anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, there are scarce data on survivor sequelae in Democratic Republic of the Congo. So this study assessed PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms among EVD survivors enrolled in the follow-up program of the psychosocial care team of Beni town’s general hospital.
Methods

A cross-sectional study used consecutive sampling to recruit 144 Ebola virus disease survivors from October 23 to November 13; 2019. Basic socio-demographic data, presence of headache and short-term memory function were assessed. The Post-traumatic Checklist Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to assess psychological burden among participants. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used for analysis.
Results

The prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety was 24.3%, 24.3% and 33.3% respectively. Being male (p = 0.049 ; OR = 0. 42 (CI : 0. 16–0.95), suffering from persistent headache (p = 0. 014 OR = 2.62 CI (1.12–6.14), losing a loved one because of EVD (p = 0. 015 ; OR : 2.60 (CI : 1.11–6.15) and being young − 18–24 years - (p = 0,026 ; OR : 0. 261 (IC : 0. 018-0.055).) were statistically associated with PTSD diagnosis. Having short-term memory impairment and suffering from persistent headache were statistically associated with depression and anxiety diagnoses (p = 0.026 OR = 2,44 (CI : 1.03–5.82) ; (p = 0. 025 OR = 2.24 (CI : 1.04–4.85) ; (p = 0.014 OR = 2.62 (CI : 1.12–6.14) ; (p = 0. 020 OR = 2.31 (CI : 1.06–5.01)
Conclusion

The prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety is high among EVD survivors. Development of specialized psychiatric services to sustain psychiatric and psychological health amongst survivors in the cultural context of the Eastern part of the DRC should be considered by the teams fighting against EVD in the DRC.
Assessing the feasibility of applying a combined osteopathy and psychoeducation therapy (OsteoPeCT) and its influence on levels of psychological and physiological stress in adult participants with moderate stress: A pilot study
Authors: Rahier Antoine , Taylor Victoria J , Gamage Teena KJB , Treacher Alastair , O’Carroll Simon J , Hach Sylvia , Shaikh Shamim B 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: There is mounting evidence suggesting a relationship between stress and adverse health outcomes. Stress is a multidimensional phenomenon requiring a multimodal approach. While there is some evidence indicating a positive effect of massage therapy, there is limited research regarding the impact of related approaches such as general osteopathic techniques (GOTs). Further, research examining the feasibility and effectiveness of combining GOTs with psychoeducation in the management of stress is lacking. The present pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of applying a therapy package consisting of GOTs and brief psychoeducation and its influence on moderate stress in a convenience sample.Methods: A pilot uncontrolled trial with mixed pragmatic and exploratory design was conducted. The therapy package comprised of ten GOTs and ten minutes of scripted psychoeducation (OsteoPeCT) was applied in two sessions over two consecutive days to 18 adult participants with moderate stress. Feedback from participants and challenges experienced by both participants and researchers were recorded. The effects of OsteoPeCT were assessed by measuring pre-and post- intervention scores of self-reported perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10, PSS-10; Profile of Mood Scale, POMS) and salivary levels of physiological stress biomarkers (cortisol; secretory immunoglobulin A, sIgA and interleukin-6, IL-6).Results: All aspects related to the application of OsteoPeCT (participant recruitment, participant retention, therapy application, administration of health screen and self-reported perceived stress questionnaires, and the collection of saliva samples for biomarker analysis) were feasible. A total of 18 participants were enrolled. The timing of sessions on consecutive days was reported to be challenging. While a measurable decrease in perceived stress (PSS-10) and in mood scores (Tense, Fatigue, Depression, Anger) were noted post therapy (OsteoPeCT) application, physiological stress markers were unaffected. Diurnal variations of these biomarkers may need further consideration.Conclusion: The application of OsteoPeCT was feasible, well received with some beneficial influence on perceived stress indicating that an integration of psychoeducation and osteopathic care may confer benefits to patients. Future investigations with adapted protocols and larger sample size is warranted to assess effectiveness.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered in Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (registration number ACTRN12620000763943 ) and ICTRP .
Successful management of extremely frequent hives in children with multiple food allergies with integrative traditional Chinese medicine therapy
Authors: Xiawen Fan , Paul Misu , McKnight Tory , Park Song , Chung Danna , Li Xiu-Min 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFood allergy is becoming increasingly common among the pediatric population. Despite strict avoidance of food allergens, a subgroup of sensitive individuals still develop frequent, persistent and difficult to treat hives (FPDTH) for which there is no curative therapy. Although these cases are rare, these patients are in most need of therapy.Case DescriptionThis is a retrospective review of 3 pediatric patients with highly sensitive food allergy who initially presented with hives daily or every other day, but achieved marked remission after traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies. Patient 1 (P1) is a 5-year-old who had experienced 140 reactions in his lifetime. Reactions were mostly hives with 4 episodes of anaphylaxis. P1 had used Prednisone 20 times, had an Epinephrine injection 4 times and had 3 emergency room (ER) visits. Patient 2 (P2) is a 12-year-old who had experienced hives since age 3. Despite daily antihistamine use, P2 had > 730 reactions in his lifetime at the time of presentation including 2 episodes of anaphylaxis. He had been prescribed prednisone 4 times, an Epinephrine injection 2 times and had 1 ER visit. Patient 3 (P3) is a 20-month-old girl who had experienced > 120 reactions including 1 episode of anaphylaxis. She was on daily desonide and frequently used and antihistamine, yet still had required a course of prednisone once, an Epinephrine injection once and had 1 ER visit to manage her reaction. After presenting to our clinic, patients received internal and external TCM treatments, including herbal bath and creams (Remedy A-D) as basic remedies to reduce food reactions, including but not limited to frequent hives. Within 7–9 months of TCM treatment, remarkably all patients had complete remission of atopic symotoms. All three patients also experienced improvement in other conditions including food intolerance, diarrhea, anxiety, eczema, environmental allergies. After 1 year of treatment, all three patients had reductions in food-specific IgE levels that had been previously elevated, and additionally, P1 and P3, who initially had high total IgE levels, experienced marked decrease in total IgE levels as well. All three patients continued to introduce foods into their diet that they previously had reactions to, and all 3 patients remain symptom-free.ConclusionsThree pediatric patients with known history of multiple food sensitivities and physician diagnosed food allergies that presented with FPDTH underwent TCM regimen and experienced dramatic improvement in symptoms and reduction in their IgE levels. This regimen appears to be effective in FPDTH population although further study in a controlled clinical setting is required.