bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification And Validation Of A Hypoxia ‑ Related Prognostic Signature In Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Li Zhengtian , Jiang Lingling , Zhao Rong , Yang Wenkang , Li Chan , Huang Jun , Wen Zhenpei , Du Gang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Increasing evidence has shown that hypoxia is closely related to the development, progression and prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Nevertheless, reliable prognostic signatures based on hypoxia have not been well-established. This study aimed to construct an optimized prognosis nomogram based on hypoxia-related genetic signatures for patients with ccRCC.Method: We accessed hallmark gene sets of hypoxia, including 200 genes, and an original RNA seq dataset of ccRCC cases with integrated clinical information obtained by mining the Molecular Signatures Database, the TCGA database and the ICGC database. Univariate Cox regression analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were performed to identify prognostic hypoxia-related genetic signatures and further generate RiskScore, a new independent prognosis predictor for optimizing prognosis models. External validation of the optimized prognosis model was performed in independent cohorts from the ICGC database.Result: ANKZF1, ETS1, PLAUR, SERPINE1, FBP1 and PFKP were selected as hypoxia-related genetic signatures, and the resultant formula based on those genetic signatures and their respective coefficients helped generate RiskScore. The results of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, risk plot, survival analysis and so on suggested that RiskScore based on hypoxia-related genetic signatures was an independent risk factor. A novel prognosis nomogram optimized via RiskScore showed its promising performance in both a TCGA-ccRCC cohort and an ICGC-ccRCC cohort.Conclusions: Our study reveals that the differential expressions of hypoxia-related genes are associated with the overall survival of patients with ccRCC. RiskScore based on hypoxia-related genetic signatures was an independent risk factor beyond TNM staging and grading. The novel nomogram optimized via RiskScore exhibited a promising prognostic ability. It may be able to serve as a prognostic tool for guiding clinical decisions and selecting effective individualized treatments.
Metformin Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depressive-Like Behaviors and Abnormal Glutamatergic Transmission
Authors: Chen Jiang , Zhou Tian , Chen Wen-Bin , Lin Dong , Guo A-Min , Liu Zi-Yang , Fei Erkang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMetformin, a first-line drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has been found to reduce depressive symptoms in patients comorbid depression with other diseases. However, it is largely unclear that how metformin ameliorates the depressive-like behaviors. MethodsLipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected intraperitoneally into C57BL/6 mice to induce depressive-like behaviors, and metformin was administrated in LPS-induced depression mouse model. Forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were employed to detect the depressive-like behaviors. Whole-cell patch clamp recording in the hippocampal pyramidal neurons was adopted to record the miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) and paired-pulse ratios (PPR). ResultsWe found LPS-treated mice exhibited increased immobility in FST and TST, and elevated glutamatergic transmission. Furthermore, metformin administration in the LPS-treated mice ameliorated depressive-like behaviors and abnormal glutamatergic transmission. ConclusionOur results suggest that metformin have antidepressant effects and can correct abnormal glutamatergic transmission, providing an insight to the underlying mechanism of metformin on depression.
Infertility and Pregnancy Loss in Hispanic/Latino Women with Chronic Kidney Disease: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/ Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)
Authors: Reynolds Monica , Loehr Laura R , Hogan Susan L , Hu Yichun , Isasi Carmen R , Cordero Christina , Ricardo Ana C , Lash James P , Derebail Vimal K 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Hispanic/Latino individuals are less likely to receive optimal treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) than non-Hispanic whites. This may be particularly detrimental for women of reproductive age as CKD may increase risk for infertility, menstrual irregularities, and pregnancy loss. While these maternal outcomes have been associated with advanced CKD, their occurrence in mild to moderate CKD is unclear. Methods: Using baseline (2008-2011) and second study visit (2014-2017) data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), we assessed the association between CKD and self-reported infertility, cessation of menses, hysterectomy, and nonviable pregnancy loss (experienced at less than 24 weeks gestation) in women of reproductive age (18-45 years). Multivariable survey logistic regression analyses were used to compute prevalence odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (OR, 95% CI). Results: Of the 2,589 women included (mean age 31.4 years), 4.6% were considered to have CKD. In adjusted analyses, women with CKD did not have a significantly increased odds of infertility (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.42 - 2.49), cessation of menses (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.52 - 3.04) or hysterectomy (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.61 - 2.25) compared to those without CKD. In those with CKD, the adjusted odds of a nonviable pregnancy loss was increased when considering pregnancies occurring after baseline visit (OR 2.11, 95% CI 0.63 - 7.02) but not statistically significance. Conclusion: In our Hispanic/Latino cohort, the presence of mild to moderate CKD did not confer an additional risk of our outcomes of interest. Examining nonviable pregnancy loss after CKD diagnosis in a larger sample warrants further study.
Prevalence of Stunting and Its Associated Factors Among Children 6-59 Months of Age in Pastoralist Community, Northeast Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Dessie Awrajaw , Gebreayohanes Mulugeta 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Globally, stunting affects over 161 million children under the age of five, and one million deaths each year. Stunting hits hard on African and Asian children. In Ethiopia, the level of stunting is critically high and remains a major public health challenge among those under the age of five. Numerous factors such as poor maternal health and nutrition, inadequate feeding practices for infants and young children, deficiencies in micronutrients, infections and environmental health conditions are related to stunting. There is, however, dearth of evidence in Ethiopia’s pastoral populations.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 2-31 January 2018 to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stunting among children 6-59 months of age in Dubti District, Afar Region, north East Ethiopia. For this study, a total of 554 children were included, and multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was entered in EPI-Info version 7.2 and height for age was converted to Z-score with WHO Anthro software. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with stunting. The significance of the associations was determined at p-value < 0.05 and the adjusted odds ratio at 95% CI was calculated to evaluate the strength of the associations.Results: The prevalence of stunting was 39.5% (95% CI: 35.4-43.5%). The odds of stunting was increased, so does age of the child increased as compared to 6-11 months of children. Initiating breast feeding after 1 hour after birth (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.22, 3.23), not exclusively breast feeding for at least 6 months (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.49, 4.42), poor dietary diversity (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.62), and using unprotected water sources for drinking (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.21, 2.94) were significant factors. Conclusion: Stunting levels in pastorals was critically high among children aged 6-59 months. The study showed that stunting was associated with different nutritional and non-nutritional factors. Intersectoral coordination is required to tackle stunting by enhancing the community's safe water supply, optimal breast feeding practice, food diversity and economic status.
A Three-year Retrospective Study of Perioperative Mortality at a Tertiary Children Hospital in Iran
Authors: gharavifard mohammad , sharifian majid 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Mortality is a key criterion for quality and safety in surgery. Studies show the higher rate of perioperative mortality in children compared with adults. The aim of present study was to determine the mortality rate after surgery among pediatric population. Methods: This retrospective study of perioperative mortality rate was performed in children younger than 18 years who operated at surgery unit of Dr. Sheikh pediatric tertiary hospital, Iran. Records of all cases of pediatric surgery performed under anesthesia between March 2015 and March 2018 were reviewed. Mortality rate at different time intervals after surgery, demographic characteristics and comorbidities of patients, type and duration of surgery, the number of operations in each child, the time interval between surgery and death, and the emergency level of surgery were recorded. Chi-square test was used for analysis of results. Results: Out of 5,5027 surgeries, 214 deaths were recorded, 78.6% of which occurred within one month after surgery. Mortality rate per 10,000 surgeries in the first year was about 49, which dropped to 10 in the third year. The mean value of mortality within 30-day post-surgery was 27.44 per 10000 procedures. The highest mortality rate was observed in people under 3 years of age with 67.2% and in females with 52.8%. Cardiac disease was at the top of comorbidities among dead patients. There was significant relationship between age and type of surgery with time interval between surgery and death. Conclusion: Infant age group and type of surgery was the main predictor of perioperative mortality.
Exploring Optimal Control of Epidemic Spread Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Ohi Abu Quwsar , Mridha M. F. , Monowar Muhammad Mostafa , Hamid Md. Abdul 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Pandemic defines the global outbreak of a disease that is caused due to some disease containing a high transmission rate. The impact of a pandemic situation can be lessened by restricting the movement of the mass. However, one of its concomitant circumstances is an economic crisis. In this article, we demonstrate what actions an agent (trained using reinforcement learning) may take in different possible scenarios of a pandemic depending on the spread of disease and economic factors. To train the agent, we design a virtual pandemic scenario closely related to the present COVID-19 crisis. Then, we apply reinforcement learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, that deals with how an individual (human/machine) should interact on an environment (real/virtual) to achieve the cherished goal. Finally, we demonstrate what optimal actions the agent perform to reduce the spread of disease while considering the economic factors. In our experiment, we let the agent find an optimal solution without providing any prior knowledge. After training, we observed that the agent places a long length lockdown to reduce the first surge of a disease. Furthermore, the agent places a combination of cyclic lockdowns and short length lockdowns to halt the resurgence of the disease. Analyzing the agent's performed actions, we discover that the agent decides movement restrictions not only based on the number of the infectious population but also considering the reproduction rate of the disease. The estimation and policy of the agent may improve the human-strategy of placing lockdown so that an economic crisis may be avoided while mitigating an infectious disease.
MECP2 promotes migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells via modulating the Notch1/c-Myc/mTOR signaling pathways by suppressing FBXW7 transcription
Authors: Zhao Lingyu , Wang Xiaofei , Yang Juan , Jiang Qiuyu , Zhang Jing , Qin Yannan , Wang Lumin , Liu Liying , Ni Lei , Tong Dongdong , Huang Chen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), an epigenetic regulatory factor, promotes the carcinogenesis and progression of a number of cancers. However, its role in the migration and invasion of gastric cancer (GC) as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were performed to measure the expressions of MECP2, FBXW7, c-Myc, mTOR and Notch1 in GC tissues and cell lines, respectively. The effects of MECP2 silencing and overexpression on GC cell migration and invasion were detected by wound healing assay and transwell assay. The mechanisms of MECP2-mediated migration and invasion were further investigated using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) and luciferase reporter gene assay.Results: In this study, we found that MECP2 facilitated the migration and invasion of GC cells. Investigation of the molecular mechanism revealed that MECP2 restrained FBXW7 transcription in GC by binding to the methylated CpG sites of FBXW7’s promoter region. MECP2 expression was remarkably negatively correlated with the FBXW7 level in GC tissues. FBXW7 expression was significantly downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines, and low FBXW7 expression was correlated with the clinicopathologic features. FBXW7 repressed cell migration and invasion by regulating the Notch1/c-Myc/mTOR signaling pathways, and knockdown of FBXW7 reversed the effects of silencing MECP2. Moreover, MECP2 upregulated the Notch1/c-Myc/mTOR signaling pathways by inhibiting FBXW7 expression at the transcription level.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that MECP2 promotes migration and invasion of GC cells via modulating the Notch1/c-Myc/mTOR signaling pathways by suppressing FBXW7 transcription. The findings suggest that MECP2 may be a novel effective therapeutic target for GC patients.
Analysis of characteristics of workers with occupational benzene poisoning in Jiangsu province,2006-2018
Authors: Yang Guangzhi , Huimin WANG , Boshen WANG , Lei HAN , Baoli ZHU 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective To investigate the characteristics of workers with occupational benzene poisoning in Jiangsu Province during 2006-2018, find out the susceptible population of occupational benzene poisoning and provide some evidence for establishing some exposure standards for workers. Methods Questionnaire is the tool that we adopt to collect basic information of workers. Benzene detector is applied to detect the concentration of benzene in the working environments. Statistical description and analysis was conducted to analyze the prevalence of occupational benzene poisoning in Jiangsu Province during 2006-2018. Results The number of cases of occupational benzene poisoning in these years was 145, and 28 of them were diagnosed with benzene induced leukemia; the patients mainly worked in manufacturing industry（89.7%）; most of cases were distributed in small factories（43.4%） and private companies（46.2%）. Male workers took a major part in the cases of acute benzene poisoning（80%）while female workers had a higher proportion of the chronic benzene poisoning（65%）. Most cases were distributed in the 30-49 age group( 80%). There was no evident differences among these seniority groups, most of the cases were in the working age of 1-19 years old（82.9%）; concentration of benzene of chronic benzene poisoning workers were mostly under 0.6mg/m³（40%）. Conclusions The departments of occupational disease prevention should heighten the benzene surveillance of small-scale private companies in manufacturing industry, regular physical examination and health education should be conducted in the workers of low concentration of benzene exposure, safety protection measures should be taken to reduce the incidence of occupational poisoning.
Previous Trend, Present Prevalence and Integrated Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Malaria and Use of Insecticide-treated Mosquito Net in the Rural Setting of Welkait District, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yhdego Tsegay Gebremaryam , Garedew Asnake Desalegn , Yifat Fitsum Tigu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Malaria is still a burden to Ethiopia, especially among the productive ages of the society. Although insecticide-treated mosquito nets (INTs) are widely practiced by the rural community, malaria remains a leading public health issue. This study aimed to evaluate a 5-year trend, current prevalence and community knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards malaria and use of ITNs as a strategy for prevention of malaria among the rural setting of Welkait district, northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 403 households to identify the prevalence rate of malaria. Besides, a 5-year (2015-2019) retrospective data was analyzed. Random sampling technique was used to select representative households among the community members. Well-structured questionnaires were used to collect KAP data towards the utilization of ITNs against malaria infection. Blood samples were examined for identification of malaria parasites following standard procedure. SPSS version 22 was used for the analysis of quantitative data. Results: Of 36,219 outpatients examined, 7,309 (20.2%) malaria-positive cases were reported during 2015-2019. Overall prevalence of malaria was continually declined from 2015-2019. Male slide-confirmed (61.4%, N = 4,485) were significantly higher than female (38.6%, N = 2,824) (p < 005). Nineteen (4.7%) confirmed malaria cases were screened during parasitological survey (12 cases of P. falciparum and 7 cases of P. vivax). Most 78.4% (316) and 84.1% (339) of the respondents knew malaria is a communicable and curable disease respectively and 75.6% (239) of them associated it with mosquito bit. From 82.4% (332) respondents who believed malaria is preventable, 81.0% (269) of respondents considered ITNs as the main prevention method. About 64% (257) of the respondents possessed ITNs, of these, 66.9% (172) consistently used during peak season. Majority 83.6% (337) of the respondents have a positive attitude toward ITNs. Conclusion: Although the retrospective analysis showed a declining trend of malaria in the district, the current prevalence survey revealed a significant increase of malaria in the locality. This was contributed by unsustainable distribution and inconsistent use of ITNs among the population. We recommend the governments and stockholders to give emphasis on full coverage of ITNs and educate the community about ITNs usage.
“More Worries Kept on Coming and Coming”: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of How Early Adolescent Girls Experience Emotional Symptoms
Authors: Demkowicz Ola , Humphrey Neil , Holmes Joshua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives: We sought to explore the subjective ways that at-risk early adolescent girls experience and make sense of emotional symptoms, characterised by depressive and anxious feelings. Research indicates higher rates of emotional symptoms and disorders among girls and women, and recent evidence indicates increasing prevalence among adolescent girls, warranting exploration of subjective experiences.Methods: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to explore lived experience and sense-making. This approach aims to capture rich, in-depth insight into the way in which a small number of early adolescent girls subjectively understand and experience these types of symptoms. In-depth interviews were conducted with three early adolescent girls who described experiencing emotional symptoms and exposure to multiple sources of possible stress.Findings: Five themes were developed to capture participants’ experiences of symptoms: (a) the nature of symptoms, including differing conceptualisations of symptoms as objectified cognitive entities or an affective state; (b) symptoms are a collective mass that can grow, which can sometimes mean they go beyond one’s control; (c) symptoms as central and dominant in emotions; (d) passive experience of symptoms, whereby participants often considered themselves passive within occurrence and resolution of their symptoms; and (e) grappling with symptoms in relation to the self, which captures the separation participants created these feelings and their core identities. Conclusions: Early adolescent girls can experience symptoms as intense and at times uncontrollable, and may find it difficult to align these difficulties with their sense of self. It may be therapeutically valuable to support this group in understanding and making sense of these thoughts and feelings in order to facilitate a greater sense of control.
CENTRALIDADE E ÁREA DE INFLUÊNCIA DE SÃO PAULO DO POTENGI/RN NA REDE URBANA REGIONAL
Authors: Tavares Edseisy , Gomes Dina , Porfírio Escarlaty 
Published: July 2020

A rede urbana do Rio Grande do Norte tem apresentado modificações quanto ao papeis e funções das cidades em todos os níveis da hierarquia urbana. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a centralidade de São Paulo do Potengi/RN no período atual na rede de influência regional. Para tanto, foram identificados os principais fluxos desse centro urbano nos estudos do IBGE, realizado em 2008 e analisados os usos do território que mais movimentam fluxos nesse centro urbano entre 2018 e 2019. A pesquisa contemplou um estudo teórico-conceitual e empírico, abordando discussões sobre a urbanização do território, rede urbana e usos do território e teve como variáveis de análise os sistemas técnicos de telecomunicações e transportes e redes de comércio e serviços. Constatamos que novas redes de interações territoriais estão sendo estabelecidas com fluxos que expandiram sua área de influência.
INFLUÊNCIA SÓCIOECONÓMICA DA EXISTÊNCIA DOS GRUPOS DE POUPANÇA E CRÉDITO ROTATIVO NO DISTRITO DE MARRACUENE, PROVÍNCIA DE MAPUTO-MOÇAMBIQUE
Authors: Rosário Nelson Maria , Cumbe Amélia 
Published: July 2020

O presente artigo avalia a influência socioeconómica da existência dos grupos de poupança e crédito rotativo no distrito de Marracuene. Para o alcance dos objectivos preconizados no estudo, optou-se pelo uso da abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, tendo sido inquiridos 30 integrantes dos Grupos de Poupança e Crédito Rotativo existentes no distrito de Marracuene e entrevistados dois técnicos afectos ao Serviço Distrital de Actividades económicas de Marracuene que assistem os grupos existentes. Dentre vários aspectos positivos que podem se elencar dos Grupos de poupança e crédito rotativo (GPCR), a mais importante é o fato de os grupos de Poupança e Crédito constituírem em verdadeiras escolas de gestão financeira e de promoção das poupanças para as comunidades. Os resultados do estudo mostraram que as famílias inserida nos GPCR melhoraram as suas condições sociais bem como económicas, são os casos de acesso a saúde, educação, habitação e capital para iniciar novos negócios. Assim sendo, foi possível concluir-se que a existência de Grupos de Poupança e Crédito Rotativo no distrito de Marracuene, tem impactos sociais e económicos positivos.
Palavras-chave: Influência socioeconómica, Poupança e Crédito Rotativo, e Marracuene.