bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated analysis of immune-related genes in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yiru , Liu Yunduo , Guan Yue , Li Hao , Liu Yuan , Zhang Mengjun , Cui Ping , Kong Dan , Chen Xiuwei , Yin Hang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundExploring novel and sensitive targets is urgent due to the high morbidity of endometrial cancer (EC). The purpose of our study was to explore the transcription factors and immune-related genes in EC and further identify immune-based lncRNA signature as biomarker for predicting survival prognosis.MethodsTranscription factors, aberrantly expressed immune-related genes and immune-related lncRNAs were explored through bioinformatics analysis. Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis were conducted to identify the immune and overall survival (OS) related lncRNAs. The accuracy of model was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier method and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and the independent prognostic indicator was identified with Cox analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were conducted to detect the accuracy of our results.ResultsA network of 29 transcription factors and 17 immune-related genes was constructed. Furthermore, four immune-prognosis-related lncRNAs were screened out. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and time-dependent ROC analysis revealed a satisfactory predictive potential of the 4-lncRNA model. Consistency was achieved among the results from the training set, testing set and entire cohort. The distributed patterns between the high- and low-risk groups could be distinguished in principal component analysis. Comparisons of the risk score and clinical factors confirmed the four-lncRNA-based signature as an independent prognostic indicator. Last, the reliability of the results was verified by qRT-PCR in 29 cases of endometrial carcinoma and in cells.ConclusionsOverall, our study constructed a network of transcription factors and immune-related genes and explored a four immune-related lncRNA signature that could serve as a novel potential biomarker of EC.
Infection of highly insecticide-resistant malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii with entomopathogenic bacteria Chromobacterium violaceum reduces its survival, blood feeding propensity and fecundity
Authors: Gnambani Edounou Jacques , Bilgo Etienne , Sanou Adama , Dabiré Roch K. , Diabaté Abdoulaye 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
This is now a concern that malaria eradication will not be achieved without the introduction of novel control tools. Microbiological control might be able to make a greater contribution to vector control in the future. The interactions between bacteria and mosquito make mosquito microbiota really promising from a disease control perspective. Here, the impact of Chromobacterium violaceum infections, isolated from both larvae and adult of wild-caught Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquitoes in Burkina Faso, was evaluated on mosquito survival, blood feeding and fecundity.

Methods
To assess entomopathogenic effects of C. violaceum infection on mosquitoes, three different types of bioassays were performed in laboratory. These bioassays aimed to evaluate the impact of C. violaceum infection on mosquito survival, blood feeding and fecundity, respectively. During bioassays mosquitoes were infected through the well-established system of cotton ball soaked with 6% glucose containing C. violaceum.

Results
Chromobacterium violaceum kills pyrethroid resistant Anopheles coluzzii (LT80 of 8.78 days ± 0.18 at 108 bacteria cell/ml of sugar meal). Interestingly, this bacterium had other negative effects on mosquito lifespan by significantly reducing (~ 59%, P < 0.001) the mosquito feeding willingness from day 4-post infection (~ 81% would seek a host to blood feed) to 9- day post infection (22 ± 4.62% would seek a host to blood feed). Moreover, C. violaceum considerably jeopardized the egg laying (~ 16 eggs laid/mosquito with C. violaceum infected mosquitoes vs ~ 129 eggs laid/mosquito with control mosquitoes) and hatching of mosquitoes (a reduction of ~ 22% of hatching rate with C. violaceum infected mosquitoes). Compared to the bacterial uninfected mosquitoes, mosquitoes infected with C. violaceum showed significantly higher retention rates of immature eggs and follicles.

Conclusion
These data showed important properties of Burkina Faso C. violaceum strains, which are highly virulent against insecticide-resistant An. coluzzii, and reduce both mosquito blood feeding and fecundity propensities. However, additional studies as the sequencing of C. violaceum genome and the potential toxins secreted will provide useful information render it a potential candidate for the biological control strategies of malaria and other disease vectors.
Risks of emergency use authorizations for medical products during outbreak situations: a COVID-19 case study
Authors: Badnjević Almir , Pokvić Lejla Gurbeta , Džemić Zijad , Bečić Fahir 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The world is facing an unprecedented outbreak affecting all aspects of human lives which is caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the virus novelty, healthcare systems are challenged by a high rate of patients and the shortage of medical products. To address an increased need for essential medical products, national authorities, worldwide, made various legislative concessions. This has led to essential medical products being produced by automotive, textile and other companies from various industries and approved under the emergency use authorizations or legal concessions of national regulatory bodies. This paper presents a narrative commentary of the available documentation on emergency use authorizations and legal concessions for medical products during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology
The basis for narrative commentary includes scientific articles published in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Embase databases, official publications of international organizations: Food and Drug Agency (FDA), World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank and United Nations (UN), and national regulatory agency reports in native languages (English, German, Bosnian, and Croatian) published from November 1, 2019 to May 1, 2020. This paper focuses on three types of essential medical products: mechanical ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostic tests. Evidence-informed commentary of available data and potential identified risks of emergency use authorizations and legal concessions is presented.

Discussion
It is recognized that now more than ever, raising global awareness and knowledge about the importance of respecting the essential requirements is needed to guarantee the appropriate quality, performance and safety of medical products, especially during outbreak situation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency use authorizations for production, import and approval of medical products should be strictly specified and clearly targeted from case to case and should not be general or universal for all medical products, because all of them are associated with different risk level.

Conclusion
Presented considerations and experiences should be taken as a guide for all possible future outbreak situations to prevent improvised reactions of national regulatory bodies.
Translation and validation of the Short HIV Stigma scale in Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Luz Paula M. , Torres Thiago S. , Almeida-Brasil Celline C. , Marins Luana M. S. , Bezerra Daniel R. B. , Veloso Valdilea G. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Harel Daphna , Thombs Brett D. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
HIV-related stigma, or the degree to which people living with HIV endorse negative stereotypes associated with HIV, is associated with poor continuum of care outcomes. We translated the 12-item Short HIV Stigma scale and evaluated its psychometric properties in a Brazilian context with regard to construct validity and reliability.

Methods
The first step included translation, back-translation, evaluation, peer review, and pre-testing of the Short HIV Sigma scale developed by Reinius et al. (Health Qual Life Outcomes 15(1):115, 2017).
The second step involved piloting the scale in three convenience samples of adults recruited online through advertisements on different platforms: Grindr (October/2019) and Hornet (February–March/2020), geospatial network apps for sexual encounters for gay, bisexuals and other men who have sex with men, and social media apps (Facebook and WhatsApp, October/2019). The psychometric evaluation included confirmatory factor analysis, differential item functioning using the Multiple-Indicator Multiple-Cause model, and correlations between subscale scores and antiretroviral treatment use and adherence. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and ordinal alpha and omega from the polychoric correlation matrix.

Results
In total, 114, 164, and 1824 participants completed the measure items through Grindr, social media, and Hornet, respectively. We confirmed a 4-factor structure with factors for personalized stigma (3 items), disclosure concerns (3 items), concerns with public attitudes (3 items), and negative self-image (3 items). Small differential item functioning with respect to sample was found for one item (“I feel guilty because I have HIV”), which did not substantively influence estimates of latent factor scores. Grindr and Hornet’s participants scored significantly higher than social media participants on all factors except personalized stigma. Higher subscale scores correlated with antiretroviral treatment use among participants from Hornet and with lower treatment adherence in participants from Grindr and Hornet. Reliability as measured by Cronbach’s alpha, ordinal alpha and omega were 0.83, 0.88 and 0.93 for the entire scale.

Discussion
The Brazilian Portuguese version of the Short HIV Stigma scale had satisfactory psychometric properties with present results suggesting that scores from different samples may be compared without concern that measurement differences substantively influence results though further studies with greater representation of women and heterosexual men are warranted.
Coding transcriptome analyses reveal altered functions underlying immunotolerance of PEG-fused rat sciatic nerve allografts
Authors: Smith Tyler A. , Ghergherehchi Cameron L. , Tucker Haley O. , Bittner George D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundCurrent methods to repair ablation-type peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) using peripheral nerve allografts (PNAs) often result in poor functional recovery due to immunological rejection as well as to slow and inaccurate outgrowth of regenerating axonal sprouts. In contrast, ablation-type PNIs repaired by PNAs, using a multistep protocol in which one step employs the membrane fusogen polyethylene glycol (PEG), permanently restore sciatic-mediated behaviors within weeks. Axons and cells within PEG-fused PNAs remain viable, even though outbred host and donor tissues are neither immunosuppressed nor tissue matched. PEG-fused PNAs exhibit significantly reduced T cell and macrophage infiltration, expression of major histocompatibility complex I/II and consistently low apoptosis. In this study, we analyzed the coding transcriptome of PEG-fused PNAs to examine possible mechanisms underlying immunosuppression.MethodsAblation-type sciatic PNIs in adult Sprague-Dawley rats were repaired using PNAs and a PEG-fusion protocol combined with neurorrhaphy. Electrophysiological and behavioral tests confirmed successful PEG-fusion of PNAs. RNA sequencing analyzed differential expression profiles of protein-coding genes between PEG-fused PNAs and negative control PNAs (not treated with PEG) at 14 days PO, along with unoperated control nerves. Sequencing results were validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR), and in some cases, immunohistochemistry.ResultsPEG-fused PNAs display significant downregulation of many gene transcripts associated with innate and adaptive allorejection responses. Schwann cell-associated transcripts are often upregulated, and cellular processes such as extracellular matrix remodeling and cell/tissue development are particularly enriched. Transcripts encoding several potentially immunosuppressive proteins (e.g., thrombospondins 1 and 2) also are upregulated in PEG-fused PNAs.ConclusionsThis study is the first to characterize the coding transcriptome of PEG-fused PNAs and to identify possible links between alterations of the extracellular matrix and suppression of the allorejection response. The results establish an initial molecular basis to understand mechanisms underlying PEG-mediated immunosuppression.
COVID-19 pandemic: current knowledge about the role of pets and other animals in disease transmission
Authors: Kiros Mulugeta , Andualem Henok , Kiros Teklehaimanot , Hailemichael Wasihun , Getu Sisay , Geteneh Alene , Alemu Derbie , Abegaz Woldaregay Erku 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOn 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), a disease caused by a pathogen called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pandemic. This ongoing pandemic has now been reported in 215 countries with more than 23 million confirmed cases and more than 803 thousand deaths worldwide as of August 22, 2020. Although efforts are undergoing, there is no approved vaccine or any specific antiretroviral drug to treat COVID-19 so far. It is now known that SARS-CoV-2 can affect not only humans but also pets and other domestic and wild animals, making it a one health global problem. Several published scientific evidence has shown that bats are the initial reservoir hosts of SARS-CoV-2, and pangolins are suggested as an intermediate hosts. So far, little is known concerning the role of pets and other animals in the transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, updated knowledge about the potential role of pets in the current outbreak will be of paramount importance for effective prevention and control of the disease. This review summarized the current evidence about the role of pets and other animals in the transmission of COVID-19.
A CRISPR/dCas9 toolkit for functional analysis of maize genes
Authors: Gentzel Irene N. , Park Chan Ho , Bellizzi Maria , Xiao Guiqing , Gadhave Kiran R. , Murphree Colin , Yang Qin , LaMantia Jonathan , Redinbaugh Margaret G. , Balint-Kurti Peter , Sit Tim L. , Wang Guo-Liang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system has become a powerful tool for functional genomics in plants. The RNA-guided nuclease can be used to not only generate precise genomic mutations, but also to manipulate gene expression when present as a deactivated protein (dCas9).

Results
In this study, we describe a vector toolkit for analyzing dCas9-mediated activation (CRISPRa) or inactivation (CRISPRi) of gene expression in maize protoplasts. An improved maize protoplast isolation and transfection method is presented, as well as a description of dCas9 vectors to enhance or repress maize gene expression.

Conclusions
We anticipate that this maize protoplast toolkit will streamline the analysis of gRNA candidates and facilitate genetic studies of important trait genes in this transformation-recalcitrant plant.
Proton pencil beam scanning reduces secondary cancer risk in breast cancer patients with internal mammary chain involvement compared to photon radiotherapy
Authors: Cartechini Giorgio , Fracchiolla Francesco , Menegotti Loris , Scifoni Emanuele , La Tessa Chiara , Schwarz Marco , Farace Paolo , Tommasino Francesco 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) represents an interesting option for the treatment of breast cancer (BC) patients with nodal involvement. Here we compare tangential 3D-CRT and VMAT to PBS proton therapy (PT) in terms of secondary cancer risk (SCR) for the lungs and for contralateral breast.

Methods
Five BC patients including supraclavicular (SVC) nodes in the target (Group 1) and five including SVC plus internal-mammary-nodes (IMNs, Group 2) were considered. The Group 1 patients were planned by PT versus tangential 3D-CRT in free-breathing (FB). The Group 2 patients were planned by PT versus VMAT considering both FB and deep-inspiration breath hold (DIBH) irradiation. The prescription dose to the target volume was 50 Gy (2 Gy/fraction). A constant RBE = 1.1 was assumed for PT. The SCR was evaluated with the excess absolute risk (EAR) formalism, considering also the age dependence. A cumulative EAR was finally computed.

Results
According to the linear, linear-exponential and linear-plateau dose response model, the cumulative EAR for Group 1 patients after PT was equal to 45 ± 10, 17 ± 3 and 15 ± 3, respectively. The corresponding relative increase for tangential 3D-CRT was equal to a factor 2.1 ± 0.5, 2.1 ± 0.4 and 2.3 ± 0.4. Group 2 patients showed a cumulative EAR after PT in FB equal to 65 ± 3, 21 ± 1 and 20 ± 1, according to the different models; the relative risk obtained with VMAT increased by a factor 3.5 ± 0.2, 5.2 ± 0.3 and 5.1 ± 0.3. Similar values emerge from DIBH plans. Contrary to photon radiotherapy, PT appears to be not sensitive to the age dependence due to the very low delivered dose.

Conclusions
PBS PT is associated to significant SCR reduction in BC patients compared to photon radiotherapy. The benefits are maximized for young patients with both SVC and IMNs involvement. When combined with the improved sparing of the heart, this might contribute to the establishment of effective patient-selection criteria for proton BC treatments.
OPTimizing Irradiation through Molecular Assessment of Lymph node (OPTIMAL): a randomized open label trial
Authors: Algara López Manuel , Rodríguez García Elvira , Beato Tortajada Inmaculada , Martínez Arcelus Francisco José , Salinas Ramos Juan , Rodríguez garrido José Reyes , Sanz Latiesas Xavier , Soler Rodríguez Ana , Juan Rijo Germán , Flaquer García Amanda 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Conservative surgery followed by breast and nodal irradiation is the standard loco-regional early breast cancer (BC) treatment for patients with four or more involved lymph nodes. However, the treatment strategy when fewer nodes are involved remains unclear, especially when lymphadenectomy has not been performed. Sensitive nodal status assessment molecular techniques as the One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification (OSNA) assay can contribute to the definition and standardization of the treatment strategy. Therefore, the OPTIMAL study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of incidental irradiation of axillary nodes in patients with early-stage BC and limited involvement of the SLN.

Methods
BC patients who underwent conservative surgery and whose SLN total tumour load assessed with OSNA ranged between 250–15,000 copies/µL will be eligible. Patients will be randomized to receive irradiation on the breast, tumour bed, axillary and supraclavicular lymph node areas (intentional arm) or only on the breast and tumour bed (incidental arm). All areas, including the internal mammary chain, will be contoured. The mean, median, D5% and D95% doses received in all volumes will be calculated. The primary endpoint is the non-inferiority of the incidental irradiation of axillary nodes compared to the intentional irradiation in terms of 5-year disease free survival. Secondary endpoints comprise the comparison of acute and chronic toxicity and loco-regional and distant disease recurrence rates.

Discussion
Standardizing the treatment and diagnosis of BC patients with few nodes affected is crucial due to the lack of consensus. Hence, the quantitative score for the metastatic burden of SLN provided by OSNA can contribute by improving the discrimination of which BC patients with limited nodal involvement can benefit from incidental radiation as an adjuvant treatment strategy.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT02335957; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02335957
Long-term outcomes of moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy (67.5 Gy in 25 fractions) for prostate cancer confined to the pelvis: a single center retrospective analysis
Authors: Yao Lihong , Shou Jianzhong , Wang Shulian , Song Yongwen , Fang Hui , Lu Ningning , Tang Yuan , Chen Bo , Qi Shunan , Yang Yong , Jing Hao , Jin Jing , Yu Zihao , Li Yexiong , Liu Yueping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
There is an increasing application of moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer. We presented our outcomes and treatment-related toxicities with moderately hypofractionated (67.5 Gy in 25 fractions) radiotherapy for a group of advanced prostate cancer patients from China.

Methods
From November 2006 to December 2018, 246 consecutive patients with prostate cancer confined to the pelvis were treated with moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy (67.5 Gy in 25 fractions). 97.6% of the patients received a different duration of androgen deprivation therapy. Failure-free survival (FFS), prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS), overall survival (OS), and cumulative grade ≥ 2 late toxicity were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier actuarial method. Prognostic factors for FFS, PCSS, and OS were analyzed.

Results
The median follow-up time was 74 months (range: 6–150 months). For all patients, the 5- and 10-year FFS rates were 80.0% (95% CI: 74.7–85.7%) and 63.5% (95% CI 55.4–72.8%). The failure rates for the intermediate, high-risk, locally advanced, and N1 groups were 6.1%, 13.0%, 18.4%, and 35.7%, respectively (P = 0.003). Overall, 5- and 10-year PCSS rates were 95.7% (95% CI 93.0–98.5%) and 88.2% (95% CI 82.8–93.8%). Prostate cancer-specific mortality rates for the high-risk, locally advanced, and N1 groups were 4.0%, 8.2%, and 23.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). Overall, 5- and 10-year actuarial OS rates were 92.4% (95% CI 88.8–96.1%) and 72.7% (95% CI 64.8–81.5%). High level prostate-specific antigen and positive N stage were significantly associated with worse FFS (P < 0.05). Advanced T stage and positive N stage emerged as worse predictors of PCSS (P < 0.05). Advanced age, T stage, and positive N stage were the only factors that were significantly associated with worse OS (P < 0.05). The 5-year cumulative incidence rate of grade ≥ 2 late GU and GI toxicity was 17.8% (95% CI 12.5–22.7%) and 23.4% (95% CI 17.7–28.7%), respectively.

Conclusions
Moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy (67.5 Gy in 25 fractions) for this predominantly high-risk, locally advanced, or N1 in Chinese patients demonstrates encouraging long-term outcomes and acceptable toxicity. This fractionation schedule deserves further evaluation in similar populations.