bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome analysis reveals the genetic basis underlying the development of skin appendages and immunity in hedgehog(Atelerix albiventris)
Authors: Li Hui-Ming , Yang Bi-Ze , Zhang Xiu-Juan , Jiang Hai-Ying , Li Lin-Miao , Ahmad Hafiz Ishaq , Chen Jinping 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The expression of hair features is an evolutionary adaptation resulting from interactions between many organisms and their environment. Elucidation of the mechanisms that underlie the expression of such traits is a topic in evolutionary biology research; however, the genetic basis of skin appendage development and differentiation remains poorly understood. Therefore, we assessed the de novo transcriptome of the hedgehog ( Atelerix albiventris ) at three developmental stages and compared gene expression profiles between abdomen hair and dorsal spine tissues. Results: We identified 328,576 unigenes in our transcriptome, among which 3,598 were differentially expressed between hair- and spine-type tissues. We identified 3 keratin genes related to hair and spine development through comparative analysis of tissues before and after growth of skin appendages. Dorsal and abdomen skin tissues 5 days after birth were compared and the resulting differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in keratin filament, intermediate filament, epithelium cell differentiation, and epidermis development based on GO enrichment analysis, and tight junction, p53, and cell cycle signaling pathways based on KEGG enrichment analysis. Expression variations of MBP8, SFN, Wnt10, KRT1 , and KRT2 may be the main factors regulating hair and spine differentiation for the hedgehog. Strikingly, DEGs in hair-type tissues were also significantly enriched in immune-related terms and pathways with hair-type tissues exhibiting more upregulated immune genes than spine-type tissues. Thus, we propose that spine development was an adaptation that provided protection against injuries or stress and reduced hedgehog vulnerability to infection. Conclusion: Our study provided a list of potential genes involved in the regulation of skin appendage development and differentiation in A. albiventris . This is the first transcriptome survey of hair traits for a non-model mammal species, and the candidate genes provided here may provide valuable information for further studies of skin appendages and skin disorder treatments.
Are health literacy and lifestyle of undergraduates related to the educational field? An Italian survey
Authors: Gallè Francesca , Calella Patrizia , Napoli Christian , Liguori Fabrizio , Orsi Giovanni Battista , Liguori Giorgio , Valerio Giuliana 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background. Health literacy is a fundamental ability that allows individuals to manage their health. This study was aimed to assess health literacy and lifestyles among healthcare undergraduates in comparison to students attending other degree courses from two Italian universities. Methods. The Health Literacy Assessment Tool (HLAT-8) and the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) were used to assess health literacy. Demographic and anthropometric data, adherence to Mediterranean diet, physical activity levels and smoking habit were assessed in the enrolled sample to highlight possible associations. Results. Adequate health literacy scores were registered in the sample (27.4±4.4 HLAT-8; 4.2±1.8 NVS), with higher values among healthcare students (p<0.01). However, unhealthy behaviors were reported mainly be healthcare undergraduates. Significant associations were found between health literacy scores and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p<0.01).Conclusions. Attending a healthcare related degree course was associated with higher health literacy scores but not with healthy behaviors. This issue should be addressed considering that the future healthcare professionals should represent a behavioral model for their patients.
The impact of Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Improvement Project on maternal and child health outcomes and service utilization in Ghana: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Mohammed Arif , Dwomoh Duah , Nonvignon Justice 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Improving maternal and child health outcomes (MCH) continues to be a major public health concern to governments in sub-Saharan Africa and the international development community. The Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Improvement Project (MCHNP) was a nationwide project that sought to improve the utilization of maternal and child health services in Ghana through financial incentive packages. The objective of this study was to determine the differential impact of MCHNP on maternal and child health outcomes.
Methods

A retrospective longitudinal pre-test post-test study design was employed. The study used monthly data from the District Health Information Management System between January 2014 to December 2018. Interrupted time series analysis was applied to estimate the impact of MCHNP on MCH for each region of the country.
Results

Neonatal mortality rate increased significantly in the Western,Upper East and Upper West regions with impact estimates of 0.144 (95% CI: 0.100, 0.188; p-value < 0.001), 0.124 (95% CI: 0.076, 0.172; p-value < 0.001) and 0.082 (95% CI: 0.048, 0.117; p-value < 0.001) respectively. The proportion of women who had four ANC visits decreased significantly in the Volta region with an impact of -0.011 (95% CI: -0.020, -0.002; p-value < 0.01), but increased in the Central, Western, Eastern, Upper East, and Upper West with estimated impacts of 0.004 (95% CI: -0.003, 0.011), 0.003 (95% CI: -0.003, 0.008), 0.002 (95% CI: -0.004, 0.008), 0.011 (95% CI: -0.004, 0.026) and 0.007 (95% CI: -0.012, 0.026) respectively though none of the increase was statistically significant. Skilled deliveries reduced in the Greater Accra, Volta, Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions with statistically insignificant estimated impacts of 0.006 (95% CI: -0.019, 0.007), 0.005 (95% CI: -0.015, 0.006), 0.005 (95% CI: -0.011, 0.002) and 0.004 (95% CI: -0.010, 0.002) respectively. Maternal mortality rate declined in Greater Accra by; 0.001 (95% CI: -0.018, 0.017), Volta; -0.010 (95% CI: -0.035, 0.016), Western; -0.009 (95% CI: -0.031, 0.013), Brong-Ahafo; -0.018 (95% CI: -0.052, 0.017), Eastern; -0.025 (95% CI: -0.064, 0.013) and Northern − 0.024 (95% CI: -0.060, 0.011) regions.
Conclusion

The nationwide implementation of MCHNP produced mixed results as some regions recorded positive (significant) impacts whereas others had no significant impacts on the outcome variables as expected following the implementation of the intervention, therefore the need for further studies to understand why the intervention failed to produce positive impacts in some regions.
Do We Need to Suture the Pronator Quadratus Muscle When We do Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Fracture of the Distal Radius
Authors: fang kaibin , Lin Xiaocong , Liu Xiaolin , Shi Shaojian , Dai Zhangsheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: For fracture of the distal radius, open reduction and internal fixation are often used for treatment. In the process of open reduction and internal fixation, it is often necessary to open the pronator quadratus muscle to achieve sufficient exposure. So it's important to know if it's necessary to suture the pronator quadratus muscle. Purpose: To see if suturing the pronator quadratus during the treatment of fracture of the distal radius would improve limb function. Methods: 126 patients were selected for our study. These patients had open reduction and internal fixation.During the procedure, the pronator quadratus is cut open to allow the plate to be placed.Before the surgery was completed, the pronator quadratus muscles of these patients were stitched together. After the fracture healed, the patients underwent surgery to remove the internal fixation. These patients received wrist function scores prior to removal of internal fixation.The healing of the pronator quadratus was investigated during surgery. These patients were grouped according to the healing of the pronator quadratus. Functional scores were compared between the two groups Results: 23 patients were considered to have muscle healing during surgery. However, in these patients, the PQ muscles were obviously atrophic, with scar hyperplasia and fibrosis.The muscle fibers were loose and thin, and the number was reduced. At the same time, the remaining muscle fibers have different degrees of adhesion with radial carpal flexor muscles, steel plates and interosseous membrane. According to the intraoperative situation,23 patients were included in group A and 103 patients were included in group B. There were no statistically significant differences in age and fracture type between group A and group B.At the same time, there were no statistically significant differences in isokinetic forearm pronation strength and clinical outcomes including grip strength, wrist ROM, and PRWE scores between the two groups.Conclusions: this study demonstrates that whether the PQ muscle healing or not does not affect the outcomes of volar plating for distal radius fractures in terms of isokinetic forearm rotation strength, grip strength, wrist ROM, and PRWE scores.
Retrospective study of quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Chen Luning , Tian Yali , Ji Jingjing , Sun Qing , Qiu Xuefeng , Li Xiaogong , Li Bingbing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:
The postoperative analgesic effect of transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (QLB-TM) in patients following lower abdominal surgeries has been identified, however, the efficacy of QLB using the lateral approach (QLB-L) is still in debate. Therefore, this retrospective study was conducted to investigate the effect of a single-shot block with QLB-L on postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
Methods:
The medical information of the patients undergoing PCNL was retrieved from the electronic charter system (Medisystem, Suzhou, China) in our Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital during the period of Jan/2019 to Jun/2019. Among the total of 57 patients, there are 17, 18, and 22 patients subjected to QLB-L, QLB-TM, or routine treatment respectively. The primary observational parameter was to assess postoperative pain with visual analog scales (VAS) at rest 30 min after extubation, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery respectively. The secondary observatory endpoints including the consumption of intraoperative opioids, the cumulative dose of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the incidence of adverse events related to postoperative analgesia were evaluated as well.
Results:
The static VAS score at 24 h after surgery and the intraoperative consumption of sufentanil were significantly lower in patients receiving either intervention of QLB-L or QLB-TM as compared with those receiving routine treatment. However, one shot of QLB had no impact on VAS scores at 30 min post-extubation, 48 h after PCNL procedure compared with the patients receiving routine treatment. The percentage of non-ambulatory patients within 24 h post-PCNL was significantly higher in the QLB-TM group compared with the routine treatment group (P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomit (PONV), respiratory depression, the time for the first defecation and the length of hospital stay (LOS) among the three groups.
Conclusions:
QLB-L procedure exerts as equivalent as QLB-TM in terms of abrogating postoperative pain within 24 h post-surgery and decreasing intraoperative sufentanil consumption in patients undergoing PCNL procedure as well. The caution should be taken to avoid lower extremities weakness in the patients after QLB-TM within the first 24 h post-PCNL.
Leaf Open Time Sinogram (LOTS): A novel approach for Patient specific quality assurance of Total marrow irradiation
Authors: Thiyagarajan Rajesh , Sharma Dayananda Shamurailatpam , Kaushik Suryakant , Sawant Mayur , Krishnan Ganapathy , Nambiraj Arunai , CHILUKURI SRINIVAS , Patro Kartikeswar , Arjunan Manikandan , MP Noufal , Sivaraman Rangasamy , Easoee Jose , Jalali Rakesh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
There is no ideal detector-phantom combination to perform patient specific quality assurance (PSQA) for total marrow (TMI) and Lymphoid (TMLI) irradiation plan. In this study, 3D dose reconstruction using mega voltage computed tomography detectors measured leaf open time sinogram (LOTS) was investigated for PSQA of TMI/TMLI patients in helical tomotherapy. The feasibility of this method was first validated for ten non-TMI/TMLI patients, by comparing reconstructed dose with a) ion-chamber (IC) and helical detector array (ArcCheck) measurement and b) planned dose distribution using 3Dγ analysis for 3%@3mm and dose to 98%(D98%) and 2%(D2%) of PTVs. Same comparison was extended for ten treatment plans from five TMI/TMLI patients. In all non-TMI/TMLI patients, reconstructed absolute dose was within ±1.8% of planned and IC measurement. The planned dose distribution agrees with reconstructed and ArcCheck measured dose with mean(SD) 3Dγ of 98.7%(1.57%) and 2Dγ of 99.48%(0.81%). The deviation in D98% and D2% were within 1.71% and 4.1% respectively. In all 25 measurement locations from TMI/TMLI patients, planned and IC measured absolute dose agrees within ±1.2%. Although sectorial fluence verification using ArcCHECK measurement for PTVs chest from five upper body TMI/TMLI plans showed mean±SD 2Dγ of 97.82%±1.27%, the reconstruction method resulted poor mean(SD) 3Dγ of 92.00%(±5.83%), 64.80%(±28.28%), 69.20%(±30.46%), 60.80%(±19.37%) and 73.2% (±20.36%) for PTVs brain, chest, torso, limb and upper body respectively. The corresponding deviation in median D98% and D2% of all PTVs were <3.8% and 9.5%. Re-optimization of all upper body TMI/TMLI plans with new pitch and modulation factor of 0.3 and 3 leads significant improvement with 3Dγ of 100% for all PTVs and median D98% and D2% <1.6%. LOTS based PSQA for TMI/TMLI is accurate, robust and efficient. A field width, pitch and modulation factor of 5cm, 0.3 and 3 for upper body TMI/TMLI plan is suggested for better dosimetric outcome and PSQA results.
PODXL Might Be a New Prognostic Biomarker in Various Cancers: A Meta-analysis and Sequential Verification with TCGA Datasets
Authors: He Siying , Du Wenjie , Li Menglan , Yan Ming , Zheng Fang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Several studies have investigated the associations between the podocalyxin-like protein (PODXL) expression quantity or locations and cancers survival, but the results were far from conclusive. Therefore, we proceeded a meta-analysis on PODXL in various human cancers to find its prognostic value and followed confirmation using the TCGA datasets. Methods We performed a systematic search, and 18 citations, including 5705 patients were pooled in meta-analysis. The results were verified with TCGA datasets. Results Total eligible studies comprised 5705 patients with 10 types of cancer. And the result indicated that PODXL high-expression or membrane-expression were significantly related to poor overall survival (OS). However, subgroup analysis showed a significant association between high expressed PODXL and poor OS in the colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, urothelial bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma and glioblastoma multiforme. Then, we validated the inference using TCGA datasets, and the consistent results were demonstrated in patients with pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer and lung adenocarcinoma. Conclusion The result of meta-analysis showed that high expressed PODXL was significantly linked with poor OS in pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma multiforme, but not in gastric cancer, esophageal cancer or lung adenocarcinoma. And the membrane expression of PODXL might also associate with poor OS. PODXL may act as tumor promotor and may serve as a potential target for antitumor therapy.
EP300 Knockdown Abrogates Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype, Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Ring Alexander , Kaur Pushpinder , Lang Julie E. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with basal features, lacking the expression of receptors targeted successfully in other breast cancer subtypes. Treatment response to adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy is often short-lived and metastatic spread occurs at higher rates than other subtypes within the first five years after diagnosis. TNBCs exhibit stem cell features and are enriched for cancer stem cell (CSC) populations. E1A Binding Protein P300(EP300) is a large protein with multiple cellular functions, including as an effector in stem cell biology.Methods: We used a genetic knockdown (KD) model of EP300 in TNBC cell lines to investigate the effect on CSC phenotype, tumor growth and metastasis. Side population assay and tumorsphere suspension culture were used in vitro. Xenograft mouse models were used for in vivo studies. We performedin silico analysis of publicly available gene expression data sets to investigate CSC gene expression and molecular pathways as well as survival outcomes associated with EP300 expression in patients with TNBC and basal-like BC.Results: EP300 KD abolishedthe CSC phenotype by reducing ABCG2 expression, side population cells andtumorsphere formation capacityin vitro as well as tumor formation in a xenograft mouse model in vivo. Metastatic capacity was markedly reduced in EP300 KD cells in vivo, with no detection of circulating tumor cells.TCGA data analysis demonstrated that genes positively correlated with EP300 expression in TNBC and basal-like BC were associated with CSC biology. Survival analysis demonstrated that EP300 expression predicts poor recurrence free survival in TNBC and basal BC. Conclusion:We report a novel oncogenic role for EP300 in driving CSC phenotyperepresentinga potential target to address tumor initiation and metastatic spread in TNBC and basal-like BC. EP300 might serve as a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in TNBC.
LncRNA RP11-757G1.5 sponges miR-139-5p and upregulates YAP1 thereby promoting the proliferation and liver, spleen metastasis of colorectal cancer
Authors: zhu xiaojian , Tan Ting , Luo Qilin , Zhu Jingfeng , Lin Kang , Bu Fanqin , Luo Chen , Zhu Zhengming 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Accumulating evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in tumorigenesis. However, the biological functions of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear.
Methods
Microarray dataset analysis, FISH, RT-qPCR was used to detect RP11-757G1.5 expression in CRC tissues. The biological function of RP11-757G1.5 in CRC was determined by colony formation, Edu cell proliferation, wound healing and transwell assays. Bioinformatics binding site analysis, Luciferase reporter assay, Ago2 immunoprecipitation assays and western blot were performed to demonstrate the mechanism of RP11-757G1.5 acts as a molecular sponge of miR-139-5p. Moreover, we further explore the potential role of RP11-757G1.5 in CRC orthotopic xenografts.
Results
We discovered a novel lncRNA RP11-757G1.5, that was overexpressed in CRC tissues,especially in aggressive cases. Moreover, upregulation of RP11-757G1.5 strongly correlated with poor prognosis of patients with CRC. Functional analyses revealed that RP11-757G1.5 promotes cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, RP11-757G1.5 enhanced cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that RP11-757G1.5 regulated the expression of YAP1 through sponging miR-139-5p and inhibiting its activity thereby promoting CRC progression and development.
Conclusions
Altogether, these results reveal a novel RP11-757G1.5/miR-139-5p/YAP1 regulatory axis that participates in CRC progression and development.
Obesity and Telomere Status in the Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer Patients Submitted to Curative Intention Surgical Treatment
Authors: García-Martínez Sergio , González-Gamo Daniel , Fernández-Marcelo Tamara , Serna Sofía de la , Serrano Inmaculada , Cano-Valderrama Oscar , Barabash Ana , de Juan Carmen , Torres Antonio , Iniesta Pilar 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Considering that the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) development has been related to telomere dysfunction and obesity. However, these parameters have not clearly investigated in relation to the clinical evolution of CRC patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of obesity and telomere status in the prognosis of patients affected by CRC and submitted to curative surgical treatment.Methods: We performed a prospective study including 162 CRC patients submitted to curative surgical treatment. Subjects were classified according to their Body Mass Index (BMI). Telomere status was established through telomere length and telomerase evaluation. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software package version 22.Results: Patients with shorter telomeres, both in the tumor (median telomere length < 6.5 kb) and their non-tumor paired tissues (median telomere length < 7.1 kb), had the best clinical evolution, independently of the Dukes' stage of cancers (P = 0.025, for tumor samples; P = 0.003, for non-tumor samples).Telomere shortening was inversely associated with BMI in CRC patients. Also, subjects with a BMI > 31.85kg/m2 showed the worse clinical outcomes. Of interest, the impact of BMI showed gender dependence, since only the group of men showed significant differences in CRC prognosis in relation to obesity status (P = 0.037).Conclusions: Telomere length constitutes a useful biomarker to predict prognosis in CRC. Independently of BMI values, the better clinical evolution was associated with shorter telomeres. The impact of BMI seems to be related to other factors such as gender.
The Impact of Writing on Academic Performance for Medical Students
Authors: Kim Songeui , Yang Ji Won , Lim Jaeseo , Lee Seunghee , Ihm Jungjoon , Park Jooyong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Since the 1970s, writing has been widely used in classroom settings. Writing enhances learning, but there are limited studies that prove its effectiveness, especially in the medical education setting. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to investigate the effect of writing on medical students’ academic performance. Methods An experiment was conducted with 139 medical students from Seoul National University College of Medicine. They were randomly assigned to three different groups: self-study (SS), expository writing (EW), and argumentative writing (AW) group. Each group studied the given material by the method they were assigned, and they were tested on their understanding and transfer of knowledge. We also tested students’ higher-order thinking ability using Remote Association Test (RAT). Results The results showed that the writing groups displayed better performance than the SS group in transfer type items, while there was no difference in scores between the EW and AW group. The three groups did not show any difference in rote-memory type items, but RAT scores have a positive correlation with rote-memory scores. Conclusions This study provides empirical evidence for writing to be adopted in classrooms for greater educational benefits, especially in medical education. These findings indicate that writing can enhance learning and higher-order thinking, which are critical for medical students.