bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The translation and validation of the Arabic Version of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (AR-PCOSQ)
Authors: Alghadeer Sultan , Algarawi Alhanouf , Abu-Rkybah Faten , Alshebly Mashael M. , Alruthia Yazed 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that is prevalent in females of reproductive age with signs and symptoms that significantly reduce self-esteem and have a negative impact on their quality of life. The management of PCOS signs and symptoms should result in an improvement in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients. Polycystic ovarian syndrome questionnaire (PCOSQ) is a disease-specific scale. The PCOSQ has been translated into different languages and assessed in different populations. The validity and reliability of PCOSQ varied depending on the ethnicity and culture of the respondents. The objective of the study was to establish a valid and reliable version of the PCOSQ (AR-PCOSQ) in Arabic.

Methods
A cross-sectional study using the translated and validated AR-PCOSQ questionnaire was conducted by interviewing 117 women with PCOS.

Results
The mean age (years) and BMI (kg/m2) of subjects were 29.90 ± 6.33 and 27.21 ± 5.54, respectively. Most of the patients had ≥ 1-year long history of PCOS (73.5%) and a post-school degree (64.96%). The content validity index (CVI) for the AR-PCOSQ from 10 gynecologists was 0.9, indicating satisfactory validity content. The internal consistency for reliability confirmation measured by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was applied. Alpha coefficients for all items together was 0.863, indicating good reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficients for each item for 30 participants were also acceptable, ranging from 0.911 to 0.986 with p value < 0.001. As far as the factor analysis is concerned, the overall Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin sampling adequacy measure was 0.772. The Bartlett sphericity test was significant (p ≤ 0.001), Indicating that there were interrelated variables.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrated the initial reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the PCOSQ as a measure of specific HRQoL in Saudi women with PCOS. This will fill an important gap in measuring the HRQoL for patients with PCOS in research and community settings in Saudi Arabia. The AR-PCOSQ can be used to help prioritize health-related concerns from the patient’s perspective.
Accessing health services in India: experiences of seasonal migrants returning to Nepal
Authors: Adhikary Pratik , Aryal Nirmal , Dhungana Raja Ram , KC Radheshyam Krishna , Regmi Pramod R. , Wickramage Kolitha Prabhash , Duigan Patrick , Inkochasan Montira , Sharma Guna Nidhi , Devkota Bikash , van Teijlingen Edwin , Simkhada Padam 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundMigration to India is a common livelihood strategy for poor people in remote Western Nepal. To date, little research has explored the degree and nature of healthcare access among Nepali migrant workers in India. This study explores the experiences of returnee Nepali migrants with regard to accessing healthcare and the perspectives of stakeholders in the government, support organizations, and health providers working with migrant workers in India.MethodsSix focus group discussions (FGDs) and 12 in-depth interviews with returnee migrants were conducted by trained moderators in six districts in Western Nepal in late 2017. A further 12 stakeholders working in the health and education sector were also interviewed. With the consent of the participants, FGDs and interviews were audio-recorded. They were then transcribed and translated into English and the data were analysed thematically.ResultsThe interviewed returnee migrants worked in 15 of India’s 29 states, most as daily-wage labourers. Most were from among the lowest castes so called-Dalits. Most migrants had had difficulty accessing healthcare services in India. The major barriers to access were the lack of insurance, low wages, not having an Indian identification card tied to individual biometrics so called: Aadhaarcard. Other barriers were unsupportive employers, discrimination at healthcare facilities and limited information about the locations of healthcare services.ConclusionsNepali migrants experience difficulties in accessing healthcare in India. Partnerships between the Nepali and Indian governments, migrant support organizations and relevant stakeholders such as healthcare providers, government agencies and employers should be strengthened so that this vulnerable population can access the healthcare they are entitled to.
Mutations in normal tissues—some diagnostic and clinical implications
Authors: Fiala Clare , Diamandis Eleftherios P. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
It has long been known that mutations are at the core of many diseases, most notably cancer. Mutational analysis of tissues and fluids is useful for cancer and other disease diagnosis and management.

Main body
The prevailing cancer development hypothesis posits that cancer originates from mutations in cancer-driving genes that accumulate in tissues over time. These mutations then confer special characteristics to cancer cells, known as the hallmarks of cancer. Mutations in specific driver genes can lead to the formation of cancerous subclones and mutation risk increases with age. New research has revealed an unexpectedly large number of mutations in normal tissues; these findings could have significant implications to the understanding of the pathobiology of cancer and for disease diagnosis and therapy. Here, we discuss how the prevalence of mutations in normal tissues provides novel and relevant insights about clonal development in cancer and other diseases. Specifically, this review will focus on discussing mutations in normal tissues in the context of developing specific, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) tests for cancer, and evaluating clonal hematopoiesis as a predictor of blood cancers and cardiovascular pathology, as well as their implications to the phenomena of neural mosaicism in the context of Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusions
In view of these new findings, the fundamental differences between the accumulation of genetic alterations in healthy, aging tissues compared to cancer and cardiovascular or neural diseases will need to be better delineated in the future.
Assessment of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis molecular diagnosis using clinical samples of bulls
Authors: Silva Marta Filipa , Duarte Ana , Pereira Gonçalo , Mateus Luísa , Lopes-da-Costa Luís , Silva Elisabete 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) is the pathogen responsible for Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (BGC), a venereal disease of cattle associated with impaired reproductive performance. Although several PCR assays were developed to identify this pathogen, most of them are still poorly evaluated in clinical samples. This study evaluated real-time PCR assays for Cfv detection in preputial samples of bulls (n = 308).

Results
The detection at the subspecies level (Cfv) compared four assays: two targeting ISCfe1 and two targeting parA gene. The detection at the species level (C. fetus) considered an assay targeting the nahE gene and a commercial kit for C. fetus identification. At the subspecies level, assays directed either to different targets (parA and ISCfe1), or to the same target (ISCfe1 or parA), showed a high percentage of disagreeing results. All samples positive at the subspecies level (n = 169) were negative in C. fetus detection assays, which strongly suggests the horizontal gene transfer of ISCfe1 and parA to other bacterial species. This was confirmed by microbiological isolation of three Campylobacter portucalensis strains responsible for false positive results. Sequences with a high level of identity with ISCfe1 and parA gene of Cfv were identified in C. portucalensis genome.

Conclusions
Overall, this study reveals that PCR assays solely directed to a subspecies target originate a high rate of false positive results, due to the presence of parA and ISCfe1 homologous sequences in other bacterial species, namely of the genus Campylobacter. Although the specificity of these methods may be higher if applied to bulls from herds with clinical features of BGC or in other geographical regions, current PCR diagnosis should couple subspecies and species targets, and further research must be envisaged to identify Cfv specific molecular targets.
Auxiliary diagnostic value of tumor biomarkers in pleural fluid for lung cancer-associated malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Zhang Hai , Li Changhui , Hu Fang , Zhang Xueyan , Shen Yinchen , Chen Yuqing , Li Feng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPleural effusion (PE) can be divided into benign pleural effusion (BPE) and malignant pleural effusion (MPE). There is no consensus on the identification of lung cancer-associated MPE using the optimal cut-off levels from five common tumor biomarkers (CEA, CYFRA 21-1, CA125, SCC-Ag, and NSE). Therefore, we aimed to find indicators for the auxiliary diagnosis of lung cancer-associated MPE by analyzing and then validating the optimal threshold levels of these biomarkers in pleural fluid (PF) and serum, as well as the PF/serum ratio.Patients and methodThe study has two sets of patients, i.e. the training set and the test set. In the training set, 348 patients with PE, between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017, were divided into BPE and MPE based on the cytological diagnosis. Subsequently, the optimal cut-off levels of tumor biomarkers were analyzed. In the test set, the diagnostic compliance rate was verified with 271 patients with PE from January 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019 to evaluate the auxiliary diagnostic value of the aforementioned indicators.ResultIn the training set, PF CEA at the cut-off value of 5.23 ng/ml was the most effective indicator for MPE compared with other tumor biomarkers (allp < 0.001). In the test set, PF CEA at the cut-off value of 5.23 ng/ml showed the highest sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, positive and negative predictive value among other tumor biomarkers, which were 99.0%, 69.1%, 91.6%, 90.7%, and 95.9%, respectively.ConclusionPF CEA at the cut-off level of 5.23 ng/ml was the most effective indicator for identifying lung cancer-associated MPE among the five common tumor biomarkers.
Molecular interaction and cellular studies on combination photodynamic therapy with rutoside for melanoma A375 cancer cells: an in vitro study
Authors: Khorsandi Khatereh , Hosseinzadeh Reza , Chamani Elham 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Melanoma as a type of skin cancer, is associated with a high mortality rate. Therefore, early diagnosis and efficient surgical treatment of this disease is very important. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the activation of a photosensitizer by light at specific wavelength that interacts with oxygen and creates singlet oxygen molecules or reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to tumor cell death. Furthermore, one of the main approches in the prevention and treatment of various cancers is plant compounds application. Phenolic compounds are essential class of natural antioxidants, which play crucial biological roles such as anticancer effects. It was previously suggested that flavonoid such as rutoside could acts as pro-oxidant or antioxidant. Hence, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of rutoside on the combination therapy with methylene blue (MB) assisted by photodynamic treatment (PDT) using red light source (660 nm; power density: 30 mW/cm2) on A375 human melanoma cancer cells.

Methods
For this purpose, the A375 human melanoma cancer cell lines were treated by MB-PDT and rutoside. Clonogenic cell survival, MTT assay, and cell death mechanisms were also determined after performing the treatment. Subsequently, after the rutoside treatment and photodynamic therapy (PDT), cell cycle and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were measured.

Results
The obtained results showed that, MB-PDT and rutoside had better cytotoxic and antiprolifrative effects on A375 melanoma cancer cells compared to each free drug, whereas the cytotoxic effect on HDF human dermal fibroblast cell was not significant. MB-PDT and rutoside combination induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the human melanoma cancer cell line. Intracellular ROS increased in A375 cancer cell line after the treatment with MB-PDT and rutoside.

Conclusion
The results suggest that, MB-PDT and rutoside could be considered as novel approaches as the combination treatment of melanoma cancer.
YTHDF2 mediates the mRNA degradation of the tumor suppressors to induce AKT phosphorylation in N6-methyladenosine-dependent way in prostate cancer
Authors: Li Jiangfeng , Xie Haiyun , Ying Yufan , Chen Hong , Yan Huaqing , He Liujia , Xu Mingjie , Xu Xin , Liang Zhen , Liu Ben , Wang Xiao , Zheng Xiangyi , Xie Liping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification in mRNA of humans. Emerging evidence has supported the fact that m6A is comprehensively involved in various diseases especially cancers. As a crucial reader, YTHDF2 usually mediates the degradation of m6A-modified mRNAs in m6A-dependent way. However, the function and mechanisms of m6A especially YTHDF2 in prostate cancer (PCa) still remain elusive.

Methods
To investigate the functions and mechanisms of YTHDF2 in PCa, in vitro, in vivo biofunctional assays and epigenetics experiments were performed. Endogenous expression silencing of YTHDF2 and METTL3 was established with lentivirus-based shRNA technique. Colony formation, flow cytometry and trans-well assays were performed for cell function identifications. Subcutaneous xenografts and metastatic mice models were combined with in vivo imaging system to investigate the phenotypes when knocking down YTHDF2 and METTL3. m6A RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) sequencing, mRNA sequencing, RIP-RT-qPCR and bioinformatics analysis were mainly used to screen and validate the direct common targets of YTHDF2 and METTL3. In addition, TCGA database was also used to analyze the expression pattern of YTHDF2, METTL3 and the common target LHPP in PCa, and their correlation with clinical prognosis.

Results
The upregulated YTHDF2 and METTL3 in PCa predicted a worse overall survival rate. Knocking down YTHDF2 or METTL3 markedly inhibited the proliferation and migration of PCa in vivo and in vitro. LHPP and NKX3–1 were identified as the direct targets of both YTHDF2 and METTL3. YTHDF2 directly bound to the m6A modification sites of LHPP and NKX3–1 to mediate the mRNA degradation. Knock-down of YTHDF2 or METTL3 significantly induced the expression of LHPP and NKX3–1 at both mRNA and protein level with inhibited phosphorylated AKT. Overexpression of LHPP and NKX3–1 presented the consistent phenotypes and AKT phosphorylation inhibition with knock-down of YTHDF2 or METTL3. Phosphorylated AKT was consequently confirmed as the downstream of METTL3/YTHDF2/LHPP/NKX3–1 to induce tumor proliferation and migration.

Conclusion
We propose a novel regulatory mechanism in which YTHDF2 mediates the mRNA degradation of the tumor suppressors LHPP and NKX3–1 in m6A-dependent way to regulate AKT phosphorylation-induced tumor progression in prostate cancer. We hope our findings may provide new concepts of PCa biology.
Hypoxia: A key feature of COVID-19 launching activation of HIF-1 and cytokine storm
Authors: Jahani Mozhgan , Dokaneheifard Sadat , Mansouri Kamran 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCOVID-19, disease caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, appeared in the end of 2019 and was rapidly spread in most countries. This respiratory virus has different symptoms from moderate to severe, and results in lung pneumonia following acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and patient’s death in severe cases. ARDS is a severe form of acute lung injury that is caused by high inflammatory response of the innate immunity cells. Hypoxia is the common feature in the inflammatory sites with having various impacts on this condition by induction of some factors such as hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). HIF-1α regulates some important cellular processes including cell proliferation, metabolism and angiogenesis. Furthermore, this factor is activated during the immune responses and plays important roles in the inflammation site by inducing pro-inflammatory cytokines production through immune cells. So, in this study the possible effect of the HIF-1α on the COVID-19 pathogenesis with emphasizes on its role on innate immunity response has been discussed.
A nomogram based on pretreatment CT radiomics features for predicting complete response to chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer
Authors: Luo He-San , Huang Shao-Fu , Xu Hong-Yao , Li Xu-Yuan , Wu Sheng-Xi , Wu De-Hua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Purpose
To develop and validate a nomogram model to predict complete response (CR) after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients using pretreatment CT radiomic features.

Methods
Data of patients diagnosed as ESCC and treated with CCRT in Shantou Central Hospital during the period from January 2013 to December 2015 were retrospectively collected. Eligible patients were included in this study and randomize divided into a training set and a validation set after successive screening. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) with logistic regression to select radiomics features calculating Rad-score in the training set. The logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictive clinical factors for developing a nomogram model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) was used to assess the performance of the predictive nomogram model and decision curve was used to analyze the impact of the nomogram model on clinical treatment decisions.

Results
A total of 226 patients were included and randomly divided into two groups, 160 patients in training set and 66 patients in validation set. After LASSO analysis, seven radiomics features were screened out to develop a radiomics signature Rad-score. The AUC of Rad-score was 0.812 (95% CI 0.742–0.869, p < 0.001) in the training set and 0.744 (95% CI 0.632–0.851, p = 0.003) in the validation set. Multivariate analysis showed that Rad-score and clinical staging were independent predictors of CR status, with p values of 0.035 and 0.023, respectively. A nomogram model incorporating Rad-socre and clinical staging was developed and validated, with an AUC of 0.844 (95% CI 0.779–0.897) in the training set and 0.807 (95% CI 0.691–0.894) in the validation set. Delong test showed that the nomogram model was significantly superior to the clinical staging, with p < 0.001 in the training set and p = 0.026 in the validation set. The decision curve showed that the nomogram model was superior to the clinical staging when the risk threshold was greater than 25%.

Conclusion
We developed and validated a nomogram model for predicting CR status of ESCC patients after CCRT. The nomogram model was combined radiomics signature Rad-score and clinical staging. This model provided us with an economical and simple method for evaluating the response of chemoradiotherapy for patients with ESCC.
Prognostic value of PD-L1 expression in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Vrankar Martina , Kern Izidor , Stanic Karmen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Expression of PD-L1 is the most investigated predictor of benefit from immune checkpoint blockade in advanced NSCLC but little is known about the association of PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological parameters of patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC.

Methods
National registry data was searched for medical records of consecutive inoperable stage III NSCLC patients treated with ChT and RT from January 2012 to December 2017. Totally 249 patients were identified that met inclusion criteria and of those 117 patients had sufficient tissue for PD-L1 immunohistochemical staining.

Results
Eighty patients (68.4%) expressed PD-L1 of ≥ 1% and 29.9% of more than 50%. Median PFS was 15.9 months in PD-L1 negative patients and 16.1 months in patients with PD-L1 expression ≥ 1% (p = 0.696). Median OS in PD-L1 negative patients was 29.9 months compared to 28.5 months in patients with PD-L1 expression ≥ % (p = 0.888). There was no difference in median OS in patients with high PD-L1 expression (≥ 50%) with 29.8 months compared to 29.9 months in those with low (1–49%) or no PD-L1 expression (p = 0.694). We found that patients who received a total dose of 60 Gy or more had significantly better median OS (32 months vs. 17.5 months, p < 0.001) as well as patients with PS 0 (33.2 vs. 20.3 months, p = 0.005).

Conclusions
In our patients PD-L1 expression had no prognostic value regarding PFS and OS. Patients with good performance status and those who received a total radiation dose of more than 60 Gy had significantly better mOS.
Is cup positioning easier in DDH patients previously treated with Bernese periacetabular osteotomy?
Authors: Ma Yunqing , Luo Dianzhong , Cheng Hui , Xiao Kai , Chai Wei , Li Rui , Zhang Hong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Acetabular orientation changes after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) lead to technical change when performing subsequent total hip arthroplasty (THA). There is no unified consensus regarding the solution for acetabular component installation after PAO. In the current study, we performed computed tomography (CT)-based simulation of acetabular component installation and compared the acetabular defect and component position following THA after PAO and the same patient before PAO.

Methods
From January 2014 to December 2018, pelvic models of 28 patients (28 hips) underwent PAO and with the risk factors to develop secondary osteoarthritis. The acetabular reconstruction process was simulated using 3D models from CT data, and the acetabular component coverage was calculated in 3D space based on the measurement and algorithm we proposed. We evaluated the anterior, posterior, superior, inferior acetabular sector angle (ASA), the medial wall thickness (MWT), and the distance from the hip center to the plane of pubic symphysis and ossa sedentarium in the study group (post-PAO group) and control group (pre-PAO group). In addition, we investigated the changes in the acetabular component covering and size between the two groups.

Results
A-ASA and I-ASA values were significantly smaller in the post-PAO group than in the pre-PAO group. The S-ASA and distance values were significantly bigger in the post-PAO group. Compared to the pre-PAO group, the post-PAO group has a bone defect in the anterior and inferior medial. However, the post-PAO group has to elevate the cup to improved component coverings.

Conclusion
Acetabular defection following simulation of cup installation after PAO was significantly changed compared to those without PAO. Elevation of hip joint centers as much as 4 mm and increase acetabular cup anteversion were therapeutic options for DDH patients following THA after PAO