bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value and Feasibility of South-South Medical Elective Exchanges in Africa
Authors: Daniels Katy , Thomson Emma , Nawagi Faith , Flinkenflogel Maaike 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background An elective is part of the curriculum where students have the flexibility to choose both the study topic and location. International medical electives are a well-established part of curricula at most medical schools in high-income countries. They are highly valued by students and have proven educational benefits, though do come with challenges, such as lack of reciprocity. Low and middle-income countries frequently host students from high-income countries providing learning opportunities, yet also carry the burden of supervision and resource consumption, whilst their students get few elective opportunities. This study explores the value and feasibility of South-South Medical Elective Exchanges (SSMEE), which creates elective opportunities for African medical students in other African countries to create reciprocity within the elective system.MethodA qualitative evaluation of the South-South Medical Elective Exchanges was conducted using a case study approach. Four African medical schools, College of Medicine, Malawi; University of Rwanda, Rwanda; University of Witwatersrand, South Africa and Makerere University, Uganda participated in the pilot study in 2017/18. Each institution selected two students to participate in a four-week elective to another participating institute. Participating students completed a pre-elective questionnaire and a post-elective interview exploring expectations, learning outcomes, challenges and how they are applying this learning. Data was analysed thematically.ResultsData presented is from six of the eight participating students. All students found the elective a valuable experience and learning was demonstrated in four key areas: clinical knowledge and skills; attitudes; personal and professional development and global perspectives. For some, it challenged their assumptions of what an elective is because valuable learning can be achieved whilst remaining in Africa. The main challenge found related to funding the elective. ConclusionsThe SSMEE model is feasible and provides valuable learning for participating students and their peers/colleagues. Financing electives remains the biggest challenge. Since this pilot study, SSMEE has become part of a regional elective exchange network in Africa with an additional four institutions in three other countries. As such SSMEE has resulted in increased opportunities for African medical students and better educational outcomes that are likely to have a positive effect on healthcare systems in Africa.
Electroacupuncture reduces scopolamine-induced amnesia via mediating the miR-210/SIN3A and miR-183/SIN3A signaling pathway
Authors: Ye Fan , Tian Shiming , Hu Huimin , Yu Zhengwen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The expression of SIN3A is closely correlated with electroacupuncture (EA) treatment efficacy of scopolamine-induced amnesia (SIA), but its underlying mechanisms remain to be further explored.Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) and SIN3A mRNA in a rat model of SIA. Western blot was carried out to evaluate the differential expression of SIN3A proteins under distinct circumstances. Luciferase assay was used to explore the inhibitory role of certain miRNAs in SIN3A expression. Novel object recognition (NOR) test was performed to assess the memorial ability of SIA rats undergoing EA treatment. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to evaluate the expression of SIN3A in the hippocampus of SIA rats.Results: Rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-34c-3p and rno-miR-210-3p were significantly up-regulated in SIA rats treated with EA. In addition, rno-miR-183-5p and rno-miR-210-3p exerted an inhibitory effect on SIN3A expression. EA treatment of SIA rats effectively restored the dysregulated expression of rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-210-3p and SIN3A. And EA treatment also promoted the inhibited expression of neuronal IEGs including Arc, Egr1, Homer1 and Narp in the hippocampus of SIA rats. Accordingly, the NOR test also confirmed the effect of EA treatment on the improvement of memory in SIA rats.Conclusion: In this study, an animal model of SIA was treated with EA to investigate its therapeutic effect. Moreover, our work presented solid evidence on the regulatory pathway of miR-183/SIN3A and miR-210/SIN3A in the pathogenesis of SIA.
Increased pretreatment C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio predicts severe coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Wang Xiaoyue , Xu Yan , Huang Huang , Jiang Desheng , Zhou Chunlei , Liao Hui , Chen Xiaofeng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to identify early warning signs for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 90 patients with COVID-19 from Guanggu District of Hubei Women and Children Medical and Healthcare Center, comprising 60 mild cases and 30 severe cases. The demographic data, underlying diseases, clinical manifestations and laboratory blood test results were compared between the two groups. The cutoff values were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for severe COVID-19. Results The patients with mild and severe COVID-19 had significant differences in terms of cancer incidence, age, pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and pretreatment C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) ( P =0.000; P =0.008; P=0.000; P =0.000). The severity of COVID-19 was positively correlated with comorbid cancer, age, NLR, and CAR ( P <0.005). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, the NLR and the CAR were independent risk factors for severe COVID-19 (OR=1.086, P =0.008; OR=1.512, P =0.007; OR=17.652, P =0.001). Conclusion An increased CAR can serve as an early warning sign of severe COVID-19 in conjunction with the NLR and age.
Genome-Wide Association Studies and Whole-Genome Prediction Reveal the Genetic Architecture of KRN in Maize
Authors: An Yixin , Chen Lin , Li Yongxiang , Li Chunhui , Shi Yunsu , Zhang Dengfeng , Li Yu , Wang Tianyu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Kernel row number (KRN) is an important trait for the domestication and improvement of maize. To explore the genetic basis of KRN has great research significance and can provide the valuable information for molecular assisted selection.Results: In this study, one single-locus method (MLM) and six multi-locus methods (mrMLM, FASTmrMLM, FASTmrEMMA, pLARmEB, pKWmEB and ISIS EM-BLASSO) of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) were used to identify significant quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) for KRN in an association panel including 639 maize inbred lines that were genotyped by the MaizeSNP50 BeadChip. In three phenotyping environments and with best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values, seven GWAS methods revealed different numbers of KRN-associated QTNs, ranging from 11 to 177. Based on these results, seven important regions for KRN located on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, and 10 were identified by at least three methods and in at least two environments. Moreover, 49 genes from the seven regions were expressed in different maize tissues. Among the 49 genes, ARF29 (Zm00001d026540, encoding auxin response factor 29) and CKO4 (Zm00001d043293, encoding cytokinin oxidase protein) were significantly related to KRN based on expression analysis and candidate gene association mapping. Whole-genome prediction (WGP) for KRN was also performed, and we found that the KRN-associated tagSNPs achieved a high prediction accuracy. The best strategy was to integrate the total KRN-associated tagSNPs identified by all GWAS models. Conclusions: These results aid in our understanding of the genetic architecture of KRN and provide useful information for genomic selection for KRN in maize breeding.
HYPOfractionated Radiation Therapy comparing a standard radiotherapy schedule (over three weeks) with a novel one week schedule in Adjuvant breast cancer: An open-label randomised controlled study (HYPORT- Adjuvant): study protocol for a multicenter, randomized phase III trial.
Authors: Chatterjee Sanjoy , Chakraborty Santam , Group HYPORT Adjuvant Author 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Hypofractionated radiotherapy is the current standard for adjuvant radiotherapy across many centres. Further hypofractionation may be possible but remains to be investigated in non-caucasian populations with more advanced disease, with a higher proportion of patients requiring mastectomy as well as tumour bed boost. We are reporting the design of randomized controlled trial testing the hypothesis that a one week (5 fractions) regimen of radiotherapy will be non-inferior to a standard three week (15 fractions) schedule. Methods We describe a multicenter, randomized controlled trial recruiting patients at large academic centres across India. Patients without distant metastases who merit adjuvant radiotherapy will be eligible for inclusion in the study. Patients in the control arm will receive adjuvant radiotherapy to the breast or chest wall (with/without regional nodes) to a dose of 40 Gy / 15 fractions / 3 weeks, while those in the experimental arm will receive a dose of 26 Gy / 5 fractions / 1 week (to the same volume). Use of a simultaneous integrated boost (dose of 8 Gy and 6 Gy respectively) is allowed in patients who have undergone breast conservation. A sample size of 2100 patients provides an 80% power to detect a non-inferiority of 3% in the 5-year locoregional recurrence rate with a one-sided type I error of 2.5%, assuming that the locoregional recurrence rate in the control arm is 5% at 5 years (corresponding to a hazard ratio of 1.63). Patients will be recruited over a period of 5 years, and followed up for a further 5 years thereafter. Discussion If a five-fraction regimen of breast cancer is proven to be non-inferior, this will result in a significant improvement in the access to radiotherapy, as well as reduced costs of treatment. The trial gives an opportunity to standardize and quality assure radiotherapy practices across the nation at the same time. Along with the results of the FAST Forward trial, the safety of this intervention in advanced node-positive disease requiring regional nodal radiation will be established. Trial Registration The trial has been registered at the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) vide registration number: CTRI/2018/12/016816 (31/12/2018) as well as the clinical trial.gov website at NCT03788213 (28/12/2018).
Micronized sacchachitin promotes satellite cell proliferation through TAK1-JNK-AP-1 signaling pathway predominantly by TLR2 activation
Authors: Wu Meng-Huang , Lin Chuang-Yu , Hou Chun-Yin , Sheu Ming-Thau , Chang Hsi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
​ Background: Ganoderma sp., such as Ganoderma tsugae (GT), play an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. Ganoderma sp. contains several constituents, including Sacacchin, which has recently drawn attention because it can not only enhance the repair of muscle damagebut also strengthen themuscle enforcement. Although Ganoderma sp. have a therapeutic effect for neuromuscular disorders, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the effect and underlying molecular mechanism of micronized sacchachitin(mSC) on satellite cells (SCs), which are known as the muscle stem cells. Methods: The myogenic cells, included SCs (Pax7 + ) were isolated from tibialis anterior muscles of a healthy rat and were cultured in growth media with different mSC concentrations. For the evaluation of SC proliferation, these cultivated cells were immunostained with Pax7 and bromodeoxyuridineassessed simultaneously. The molecular signal pathway was further investigated by using Western blotting and signal pathway inhibitors. Results: Our results revealed that 200 µg/mL mSC had an optimal capability to significantly enhance the SC proliferation. Furthermore, this enhancement of SC proliferation was verified to be involved with activation of TAK1-JNK-AP-1 signaling pathway through TLR2, whose expression on SC surface was confirmed for the first time here. Conclusion: Micronized sacchachitinextracted fromGT was capable of promoting the proliferation of SC under a correct concentration.
The effect of sevoflurane anesthesia for dental procedure on neurodevelopment in children: a prospective, equivalence, controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Pinping , Zhang Chao , Huang Guijin , Hu Yuan , Ma Wenzhu , Yu Cong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Dental procedures under general anesthesia (DGA) was found to improve the oral health-related quality of children's life. However, some parents and pediatricians expressed concern about the neurotoxicity of general anesthesia. The purpose of this trial was to investigate whether DGA in children has an adverse effect on neurodevelopment.

Methods

In this prospective, assessor-masked, controlled, equivalence trial, we recruited 340 children younger than 7 years who were undergoing caries treatment between Feb 1, 2019, and Aug 31, 2019, without factors affecting neurodevelopment. They received either sevoflurane-based general anesthesia or awake-local anesthesia. The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition Chinese version was used to evaluate the neurodevelopment of children at six months after surgery, and the Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) was selected as the primary outcome. Predefine the 95% CI of a difference in means within five (1/3 SD) as the equivalence margin.

Results

The outcome data were obtained from 129 children in the general anesthesia group and 144 in the local anesthesia group. The median length of general anesthesia was 130 min (IQR 110 – 160). There was equivalence in means of FSIQ score between the general anesthesia group and the local anesthesia group (local minus general anesthesia 0.46, 95% CI -2.35 to 1.61). There was no significant difference in FSIQ scores between different age groups and different anesthesia durations. Just the mother's education could affect the primary outcome.

Conclusions

In this trial, prolonged DGA with a sevoflurane-only anesthetic in preschool children, does not adversely affect neurodevelopment at six months after surgery compared with awake-local anesthesia.
Ontogenetic plasticity in cranial morphology is associated with a change in the food processing behavior in Alpine newts
Authors: Schwarz Daniel , Konow Nicolai , Porro Laura Beatriz , Heiss Egon 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The feeding apparatus of salamanders consists mainly of the cranium, mandible, teeth, hyobranchial apparatus and the muscles of the cranial region. The morphology of the feeding apparatus in turn determines the boundary conditions for possible food processing mechanisms. However, the morphology of the feeding apparatus changes substantially during metamorphosis, prompting the hypothesis that larvae might use a different food processing mechanism than post-metamorphic adults. Salamandrid newts with facultative metamorphosis are suitable for testing this hypothesis as adults with divergent feeding apparatus morphologies often coexist in the same population, share similar body sizes, and feed on overlapping prey spectra.

Methods: We use high-speed videography to quantify the in vivo movements of key anatomical elements during food processing in paedomorphic and metamorphic Alpine newts (Ichthyosaura alpestris). Additionally, we use micro-computed tomography (μCT) to analyze morphological differences in the feeding apparatus of paedomorphic and metamorphic Alpine newts and sort them into late-larval, mid-metamorphic and post-metamorphic morphotypes.

Results: Late-larval, mid-metamorphic and post-metamorphic individuals exhibited clear morphological differences in their feeding apparatus. Regardless of the paedomorphic state being externally evident, paedomorphic specimens can conceal different morphotypes (i.e., late-larval and mid-metamorphic morphotypes). Though feeding on the same prey under the same (aquatic) condition, food processing kinematics differed between late-larval, mid-metamorphic and post-metamorphic morphotypes.

Conclusions: The food processing mechanism in the Alpine newt changes along with morphology of the feeding apparatus during ontogeny, from a mandible-based to a tongue-based processing mechanism as the mandible’s changing morphology prevents chewing and the tongue allows enhanced protraction. These results could indicate that early tetrapods, in analogy to salamanders, may have developed new feeding mechanisms in their aquatic environment and that these functional innovations may have later paved the way for terrestrial feeding mechanisms.
Circ_0004913 sponges miR-1290 and regulates FOXC1 to inhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yu Yabin , Han Suyang , Li Meng , Song Yan , qi fuzhen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Circ_0004913, miR-1290, FOXC1, Proliferation,Hepatocellular carcinoma.
DL-3-n-butylphthalide improved physical and learning and memory performance of rodents exposed to acute and chronic hypobaric hypoxia
Authors: Xu Gang , Shi Yikun , Sun Binda , Liu Lu , E Guoji , He Shu , Zhang Jianyang , Liu Bao , Hu Qiu , Chen Jian , Gao Yuqi , Zhang Erlong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Studies revealed the protective effect of DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) against ischemic hypoxia diseases. However, the role of NBP in animals with hypobaric hypoxia is elusive. This study investigated the effect of NBP on animals with acute and chronic hypobaric hypoxia. Methods: SD rats and Kunming mice administrated with NBP ( 90, 180 and 360 mg/kg for mice, 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg for rats and 90, 180 and 360 mg/kg for mice 60, 120, and 240 mg/kg for rats ) were placed located in 10,000 m hypobaric hypoxia chamber. And survival analysis of animals implied that NBP could significantly improve and survival percent at 30 min were analyzed . Then, drug treated animals rats (mice) were evaluated for exhaustive exhausted time and exhaustive exhausted distance in forced exercise wheel-track treadmill and treadmill running and motor-driven wheel-track treadmill experiments at 5,800 m (5,000 m) for 3 or 21 days or 21 days , to evaluate changes of physical functions. Rats were also evaluated for times of active escape , and average time of active escape , time of passive escape, and average time of passive escape in a shuttle-box experiment at 5,800 m for 7 days or 28 days 7 or 28 days , to evaluate changes of cognitive learning and memory function s . ATP level was evaluated measured in the gastrocnemius muscle and maloaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), lactate, and glutathione peroxiase (GSH-Px) measurements and routine blood tests were detected in serum of rats . Results: Survival analysis in 10,000 m indicated NBP could improve hypoxia tolerance ability. Exhaustive Exhausted time for rats (NBP, 120 and 240 mg/kg) and exhaustive exhausted time and distance for mice (NBP, 90 mg/kg) significantly increased under acute hypoxia. And NBP treatment also significantly increased the exhaustive exhausted time for rats under chronic hypoxia. Moreover, NBP of 120 and 240 mg/kg significantly increased the average time s of passive active escape under acute and chronic hypoxia. These results suggested that NBP could improve physical and cognitive learning and memory functions under acute and chronic hypobaric hypoxia. Furthermore, the levels of MDA and H 2 O 2 decreased but those of SOD and GSH-Px in serum of rats increased under acute and chronic hypoxia. Furthermore, Additionally, the content of ATP in gastrocnemius muscle significantly increased, while lactate in serum level significantly decreased. The results presented suggested that NBP could regulate redox homeostasis and improve energy metabolism of hypobaric hypoxic rats. Conclusion: NBP could improve physical and cognitive learning and memory functions under acute and chronic hypobaric hypoxia by increasing anti-oxidative capacity and energy supply.
Tumor marker based survival analysis for patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal origin: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bai Mingjian , Wang Shilong , Ma Ruiqing , Cai Ying , Lu Yiyan , Hou Nianzong , Liang Guowei , Xu Hongbin , Zhang Man 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare disease, the prognosis of overall survival (OS) is affected by many factors, present study aim to screen independent prediction indicators and establish a nomogram for PMP.

Methods 119 PMP patients received cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in our center for the first time were included between 01/06/2013 and 22/11/2019 . The log-rank test was used to compare the OS rate among groups, subsequently, variables with P<0.10 were subjected to multivariate Cox model for screening independent prediction indicators.

Finally, the nomogram prediction models will be established.

Results Univariate analysis showed that Barthel Index Score, Albumin, D-Dimer, CEA, CA125, CA19-9, CA724, CA242, PCI, degree of radical surgery, histopathological grade were signiﬁcant predictors for OS in PMP. At multivariate analysis, Sex, D-Dimer, CA125, CA19-9, PCI, and degree of radical surgery were independently associated with OS rate in PMP. A nomogram was plotted based on the independent predictive factors for PMP and undergone internal validation, ROC analysis was performed to calculate discrimination ability of prediction model, the area under curves (AUC) was 0.880 (95% CI : 0.806- 0.933).

Conclusions Several factors (Sex, D-Dimer, CA125, CA19-9, PCI, and degree of radical surgery) have independent prognostic value for survival in PMP, the tumor based prediction model has a better prediction value, more researches are need to verify and improve the prediction model.
Relationship between insulin sensitivity and gene expression in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Parikh Hemang , Elgzyri Targ , Alibegovic Amra , Hiscock Natalie , Ekström Ola , Eriksson Karl-Fredrik , Vaag Allan , Groop Leif , Ström Kristoffer , Hansson Ola 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundInsulin resistance in skeletal muscle is a key feature of the pre-diabetic state, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and also predicts type 2 diabetes. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. MethodsTo explore these mechanisms, we related global skeletal muscle gene expression profiling of 38 non-diabetic men to physiological measures of insulin sensitivity. Results We identified 70 genes positively and 110 genes inversely correlated with insulin sensitivity in human skeletal muscle, identifying autophagy-related genes as positively correlated with insulin sensitivity. Replication in an independent study of 9 non-diabetic men resulted in 10 overlapping genes that strongly correlated with insulin sensitivity, including CPT1B and SIRT2 , involved in lipid metabolism, and FBXW5 that regulates mammalian target-of-rapamycin (mTOR) and autophagy. The expression of CPT1B , SIRT2 and FBXW5 was also positively correlated with the expression of key genes promoting the phenotype of an insulin sensitive myocyte e.g. PPARGC1A . ConclusionsThese data suggest that activation of genes involved in lipid metabolism, e.g. CPT1B and SIRT2 , and genes regulating autophagy and mTOR signaling, e.g. FBXW5 , are associated with increased insulin sensitivity in human skeletal muscle, reflecting a highly flexible nutrient sensing.