bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mediating effect of social support on the relationship between perceived stress and quality of life among shidu parents in China
Authors: Wang Cong , Lin Shuang , Ma Yanni , Wang Yang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: “Loss-of-only-child family” refers to the family in which the only child died and the mother has passed her child-bearing age. The parents who are unable to reproduce or do not foster other children are known as “shidu parents” in China. This study aimed to estimate the quality of life (QOL) and the mediating role of social support between perceived stress and QOL in Chinese shidu parents.Methods: 502 shidu parents were recruited in Shenyang city. Shidu parents were asked to complete a questionnaire including the MOS item short from health survey (SF-36), the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ). Hierarchical linear regression was performed to assess the associations among perceived stress, social support and QOL. Asymptotic and resampling strategies were used to explore the mediating role of social support.Results: The mean score of PCS and MCS was 64.83 ± 22.66 and 59.36 ± 21.83, respectively. Perceived stress was found to be negatively associated with both PCS (β=-0.21, p < 0.001) and MCS (β=-0.28, p < 0.001), while social support was positively associated with both PCS (β = 0.32, p < 0.001) and MCS (β = 0.32, p < 0.001). For shidu parents, the proportion of mediation of social support between perceived stress and QOL was 36.85% for PCS and 29.45% for MCS, respectively.Conclusions: Perceived stress was associated with QOL and social support had a partially mediating effect between perceived stress and QOL in Chinese shidu parents. Low PCS and MCS of shidu parents highlight the need of timely developing interventions to reduce stress and reinforce social support to further improve their QOL.
Histone methyltransferase SETD1A participates in lung cancer progression
Authors: Du Mei , Wang Xiuwen , Gong Piping , Zhang Yun , Liu Yanguo , Liu Xiaozhen , Zhang Feng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with an estimated 1.2 million deaths each year. Despite advances in lung cancer treatment, 5-year survival rates are lower than ~ 15%, which is attributed to diagnosis limitations and current clinical drug resistance. Recently, more evidence has suggested that epigenome dysregulation is associated with the initiation and progress of cancer, and targeting epigenome-related molecules improves cancer symptoms. Interestingly, some groups reported that the level of methylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) was increased in lung tumors and participated in abnormal transcriptional regulation. However, a mechanistic analysis is not available. In this report, we found that the SET domain containing 1A (SETD1A), the enzyme for H3K4me3, was elevated in lung cancer tissue compared to normal lung tissue. Knockdown of SETD1A in A549 and H1299 cells led to defects in cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by inhibited WNT and TGFβ pathways, compared with the control group. Xenograft assays also revealed a decreased tumor growth and EMT in the SETD1A silenced group compared with the control group. Mechanistic analysis suggested that SETD1A might regulate tumor progression via several critical oncogenes, which exhibited enhanced H3K4me3 levels around transcriptional start sites in lung cancer. This study illustrates the important role of SETD1A in lung cancer and provides a potential drug target for treatment.
Segmentation of Natural Images With K-Means and Hierarchical Algorithm Based on Mixture of Pearson Distributions
Authors: Sekhar P. Chandra , N Thirupathi Rao , Bhattacharyya Debnath , Kim Tai-hoon 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Image analysis and retrieval are most important for video processing, remote sensing, computer vision and security and surveillance. In an image, regional variation is more important for authentication and identification. Nowadays, the model based segmentation methods are more prominent and provide accurate results for segmentation of images. For ascribing a suitable model it is reasonable to consider the probability model, which closely matches with the physical features of the image region. In this paper a new and novel approach of image segmentation is carried using the Type III Pearsonian system of distributions. In the current work, it is considered that the entire picture is characterized by a K-component combination of Pearsonian Type III distribution. Using the EM algorithm, the performance parameters for the currently considered model are estimated. Through experimentation 4 real images randomly selected from the Berkeley image database. The computed values of PRI, GCE and VOI revealed that proposed method provide more accurate results to the same images in which the image regions are left skewed and having long upper tiles. Through image quality metrics the performance of image retrieval with the proposed method is also studied and found that this method outperforms then that of the segmentation method based on GMM. The results of the current model is being compared with the other existing previous models like the 3-paprameter regression models and the k-means hierarchical clustering models for various sets of input images and the results are displayed in the performance evaluation models chapter in detail.
Salting-Out Induced Liquid-Liquid Microextraction for Alogliptin Benzoate Determination in Human Plasma by HPLC/UV
Authors: Hammad Sherin Farouk , Abdallah Inas , Bedair Alaa , Mansour Fotouh 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Salting-out induced liquid-liquid microextraction method has been developed for plasma sample treatment before determination of alogliptin by high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Several parameters were optimized to achieve maximum enrichment including type of extractant, volume of extractant, type of anion, type of cation, salt amount and pH. The optimum conditions were achieved using 500 µL of acetonitrile, added to 1 mL of aqueous sample containing 250 mg of sodium chloride at pH 12. An RP-HPLC method was developed and validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines Q2 (R1). The method was linear in the concentration range of 0.1 to 50 µg/mL (correlation coefficient= 0.997). The limit of detection was 19 ng/mL and limit of quantitation was 60 ng /mL. The method was accurate and precise with a % recovery of 99.7% and a % relative standard deviation ranging between 1.5 and 2.5. These results showed that the salting-out induced liquid-liquid microextraction methods could be better than other sample preparation protocols in terms of sensitivity, easiness, solvent consumption and waste reduction.
Overexpression of OsMed16 inhibits rice growth and causes spontaneous cell death
Authors: Jiang Jie , Yang Guangzhe , Xin Yafeng , Wang Zhigang , Yan Wei , Chen Zhufeng , Tang Xiaoyan , Xia Jixing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
The Mediator complex transduces information from the DNA-bound transcription factors to the RNA polymerase II transcriptional machinery. Research on plant Mediator subunits was mainly performed in Arabidopsis, while very few of them have been functionally characterized in rice.
Results
Here the rice Mediator subunit 16, OsMed16, was studied. OsMed16 encoded a putative protein of 1301 amino acids, which is longer than the reported version. It was expressed in various rice organs, and localized in nucleus. Knockout of OsMed16 caused rice seedling lethality. Its overexpression led to rice growth retardation, low yield, and spontaneous cell death in leaf blade and leaf sheath. RNA sequencing suggested that overexpression of OsMed16 altered the expression of a large number of genes. Among them, the up-regulation of some defense-related genes was verified.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that OsMed16 can regulate the expression of a wealth of genes, and alterations in its expression have profound impact on plant growth, development and defense response in rice.
The Epidome - A species-specific Approach to Assess the Population Structure and Heterogeneity of Staphylococcus Epidermidis Colonization and Infection
Authors: Rendboe Amalie Katrine , Johannesen Thor Bech , Ingham Anna Cäcilia , Månsson Emeli , Iversen Søren , Baig Sharmin , Edslev Sofie , Jensen Jørgen Skov , Söderquist Bo , Andersen Paal Skytt , Stegger Marc 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough generally known as a human commensal, Staphylococcus epidermidis is also an opportunistic pathogen that can cause nosocomial infections related to foreign body materials and immunicompromized patients. Infections are often caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) lineages that are difficult and costly to treat, and can have a major adverse impact on patients’ quality of life. Heterogeneity is a common phenomenon in both carriage and infection, but present methodology for detection of this is laborious or expensive. In this study, we present a culture-independent method, labelled Epidome, based on an amplicon sequencing-approach to deliver information beyond species level on primary samples and to elucidate clonality, population structure and temporal stability or niche selection of S. epidermidis communities. MethodsBased on an assessment of >800 genes from the S. epidermidis core genome, we identified genes with variable regions, which in combination facilitated the differentiation of phylogenetic clusters observed in silico, and allowed classification down to lineage level. A duplex PCR, combined with an amplicon sequencing protocol, and a downstream analysis pipeline were designed to provide subspecies information from primary samples. Additionally, a probe-based qPCR was designed to provide valuable absolute abundance quantification of S. epidermidis. ResultsA combined laboratory and bioinformatic approach was successfully designed and validated on isolates representing skin commensals and on genomic mock communities to validate primer specificity and reproducibility using technical replicates. The method was furthermore applied to a sample set of primary skin and nasal samples, revealing a high degree of heterogeneity in the S. epidermidis population at both sampling sites with resolution down to distinct lineages. Additionally, the qPCR, with a detection limit of <10 copies/µL, showed a high degree of variation in absolute abundance of S. epidermidis.ConclusionsThe Epidome method is designed for use on primary samples to obtain information on S. epidermidis abundance and diversity beyond species-level to answer important questions regarding the emergence and dissemination of nosocomial lineages, investigating clonality of S. epidermidis communities, population dynamics, and niche selection. Our targeted-sequencing method allows rapid differentiation and identification of clinically important nosocomial lineages in primary low-biomass samples such as skin samples.
Genome-wide DNA methylation and expression patterns of microRNAs in relation to breast cancer subtypes among American women of African and European ancestry
Authors: Gong Zhihong , Chen Jianhong , Wang Jie , Liu Song , Ambrosone Christine B. , Higgins Michael J. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Aggressive high-grade, estrogen receptor negative (ER-) breast cancer is more common among American women of African ancestry (AA) than those of European ancestry (EA). The reasons remain largely unknown. Epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation and altered microRNA (miRNA) expression, may contribute to racial differences in breast cancer. However, few studies have specifically characterized genome-wide DNA methylation-based modifications at the miRNA level in relation to ER+ and ER- breast cancer, and their functional role in the regulation of miRNA expression, especially among high risk AA women. Methods: In this study, genome-wide DNA methylation and miRNA expression profiling was performed using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 Bead Chip platform and miRNA sequencing (miRNA-seq) in breast tumors from both AA and EA women. Results: The genome-wide methylation screen identified a total of 7,191 unique CpGs mapped to 1,292 miRNA genes, which correspond to 2,035 unique mature miRNAs. Cluster analysis of these miRNA-associated methylation loci showed a clear pattern of ER-subtype differences. We identified differentially methylated loci (DMLs: (|delta β|)>0.10, FDR<0.05) between ER- and ER+ tumor subtypes, including 290 DMLs shared in both races, 317 and 136 were specific to AA and EA women, respectively. Integrated analysis of DNA methylation and corresponding miRNA expression identified certain DMLs whose methylation levels were significantly correlated with the expression of relevant miRNAs, such as multiple CpGs within miR-190b and miR-135b highly negatively correlated with their expression. Further target prediction and pathway analysis showed that these DNA methylation-dysregulated miRNAs are involved in multiple cancer-related pathways, including cell cycle G1-S growth factor, cytoskeleton remodeling, angiogenesis, EMT, and others such as signal transduction TGF-β, Wnt, NOTCH, and ESR1-mediated signaling pathways. Conclusions: Our results suggest that DNA methylation changes within miRNA genes are associated with altered miRNA expression, which may contribute to the network of subtype- and race-related tumor biological differences in breast cancer. These findings shed light on the epigenetic regulation of miRNA expression and provide insights into the relations of clinical-relevant miRNAs to their target genes and to serve as potential preventative and therapeutic targets.
WITHDRAWN: Non-Exclusive Breast Feeding And Its Factors In The First 6-Month Life of Infants Among Mother-Infant Pairs of 6 to 12 months In Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019: Community Based cross sectional Study.
Authors: Feleke Dejen Getaneh , Kassahun Chanyalew Worku , W/mariam Tesfamichael G/Mariam , Tassaw Sheganew Fetene , Chanie Ermiase Sisay 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNon-exclusive breastfeeding is becoming major cause of infants and children morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Ethiopia. The magnitude of non-exclusive breast feeding and its factors is not addressed in the study area.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of non-exclusive breast feeding and its factors in the first 6 months life of infants among mother-infant pairs of 6 to 12 months in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019.MethodsA Community based cross sectional study was conducted among 860 mother-infant pairs of 6 to 12 months in Debre Tabor Town, from March 1-30/2019. To select study participants cluster sampling technique was employed. Data was entered into Epi info version 7.2.0.1, and exported to SPSS window version 20 for analysis. Binary and Multivariable logistic regression was used to see the association between dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed. P-value < 0.05 was used to declare association.ResultsThe prevalence of non-exclusive breastfeeding of mothers to their infants within the first 6 months was found to be 39.8% (95% CI: 36.6-43.0). Mothers whose husbands had no formal education (AOR=6.60 [95%CI: 4.14, 10.41), primary education (AOR=4.30 [95% CI: 2.62, 7.20]), Mothers governmental employed ((AOR=8.20 [(95% CI: 5.191, 12.940]), daily laborer (AOR=1.70 [95% CI: 1.01, 2.90], merchant mothers (AOR=0.44 [95% CI: 0.35, 0.90]),and Mothers who had no post-natal care follow up for current baby in health service (AOR=2.40 [(95% CI: 1.56, 3.76]) were significantly associated with Non-exclusive breastfeeding within the first 6 months.Conclusion and RecommendationsHigh proportion of mothers practiced non-exclusive breast feeding within the first 6 months. Husband’s had no formal education, primary education maternal governmental employed, daily laborer, merchant and mothers who had no post-natal follow up were predictors with outcomes in the study area. Hence; it is better to increase annual leave for delivered mothers, improve awareness of husbands towards benefits of introducing complementary feeding timely, and advice mothers to improve post-natal period follow up.
Persistent Lymphopenia After Diagnosis of COVID-19 Predicts Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zou Zhiye , Chen Rong-ling , Yu Bao-jun , Ren Di , Feng Yong-wen , Wu Ming 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a main characterized by severe Coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19). Lymphopenia is a marker of immunosuppression following infection. This study was designed to establish whether persistent lymphopenia on the seventh day following the diagnosis of COVID-19 predicts ARDS. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 125 patients with COVID-19 admitted to government-designated treatment center between January 14, 2020, and March 20, 2020. All complete blood cell counts during the day 0th, 3rd, and 7th following the diagnosis of COVID-19 were recorded. Patients were grouped based on the depression of the lymphocyte cell count, their return, or their failure to normal. The primary outcome was ARDS, and Secondary outcomes included the development of vital organ dysfunction and hospital lengths of stay. RESULTS: 17.6% (22/125) patients developed ARDS. The lymphocyte counts with ARDS and non-ARDS were 0.94×109/L, 1.20×109/L at admission, respectively (P=0.02). At 3rd and 7th day, the median of lymphocyte count in ARDS was significantly lower compared with that of non-ARDS, Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for potentially confounding factors (including age, comorbidities, APACH II score) showed persistent lymphopenia within 7th day was found to be independently associated with ARDS (OR, 3.94 [95%CI, 1.26-12.33, P=0.018); Further, patients with persistent lymphopenia had longer hospital lengths of stay (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed persistent lymphopenia on the seventh day following the confirmed COVID-19 predicts ARDS，and it may be a target for immunostimulation for COVID-19 associated ARDS.
Identification of a novel subpopulation of Caspase-4 positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients.
Authors: Terlizzi Michela , Colarusso Chiara , De Rosa Ilaria , Somma Pasquale , Curcio Carlo , Aquino Rita , Panico Luigi , Salvi Rosario , Marino Federica Zito , Botti Gerardo , Pinto Aldo , Sorrentino Rosalinda 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background. Therapy/prognosis of Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are strongly related to gene alteration/s or protein expression. However, more than 50% of NSCLC patients are negative to key drugable biomarkers. Methods: We used human samples of NSCLC and mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma. Key Results. We found that caspase-4 was highly expressed in human lung tumor masses and was correlated to lower survival rate, especially of NSCLC patients positive to K-Ras and/or c-MyC gene alteration. In support, the involvement of caspase-4 in lung carcinogenesis was proved by means of animal models in that K-RasLA1 and K-RasLA1/p53R172HΔ transgenic mice had higher levels of caspase-11, responsible for lung carcinogenesis. Indeed, carcinogen-exposed caspase-11 knockout mice had lower tumor lesions and importantly bone marrow transplantation and adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated the carcinogenic relevance of caspase-11 in structural lung cells. In humans, caspase-4 was correlated to the TNM stage in that it induced cell proliferation in a K-Ras, c-MyC and IL-1α dependent manner. Caspase-4 positive (+) adenocarcinoma (79,3%) and squamous carcinoma (88.2%) patients had lower median survival than patients who had lower levels of caspase-4.Conclusions. We identified a group of NSCLC patients as caspase-4 positive and a subgroup of double and triple positive caspase-4, k-Ras and/or c-MyC patients. Because K-Ras and c-MyC are still undruggable, the identification of caspase-4 as a novel oncoprotein could introduce novelty in the clinical yet unmet needs for NSCLC patients.
Attitude and perceptions towards&nbsp;COVID-19 among pregnant women in Singapore: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: lee ryan wai kheong , ling loy see , liying yang , chan jerry kok yen , Kok Tan Lay 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background COVID-19 may predispose pregnant women to higher risks of severe disease and poorer neonatal outcome. Psychological sequalae of this pandemic may pose a greater conundrum than its clinical aspects. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women cope with this global pandemic and its ramifications. The aims of the study are to understand the attitude and perceptions of non-infected pregnant women towards the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore. Methods An online cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 awareness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Singapore was conducted. An internet link was provided to complete an online electronic survey on Google platform using a quick response (QR) code on mobile devices. The online survey consists of 34 questions that were categorized into 4 main sections, namely 1) social demographics 2) attitude on safe distancing measures 3) precaution practices and 4) perceptions of COVID-19. Results A total of 167 survey responses were obtained over eight weeks from April to June 2020. The majority of women were aged ≤35 years (76%, n=127), were of Chinese ethnicity (55%, n=91), attained tertiary education (62%, n=104) and were not working as frontline staff (70%). Using multiple linear regression models, Malay ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.04, 0.44) was associated with higher frequency of practicing social distancing. Malay women (β 0.48; 95% CI 0.16, 0.80) and those who worked as frontline staff (β 0.28; 95% CI 0.01, 0.56) sanitized their hands at higher frequencies. Age of ≥36 years (vs. ≤30 years, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.01, 0.46), Malay (vs. Chinese, β 0.27; 95% CI 0.06, 0.48) and Indian ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.41; 95% CI 0.02, 0.80), and attendance at high-risk clinic (vs. general clinic, β 0.20; 95% CI 0.01, 0.39) were associated with higher frequency of staying-at-home.Conclusion It is important for clinicians to render appropriate counselling and focused clarification on the effect of COVID-19 among pregnant women for psychological support and mental wellbeing.