bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exogenous AMF with Glycine Betaine Reduces Cr (VI) Uptake and Alleviates Chromium Toxicity by Supressing the Oxidative Stress in Three Genetically Different Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Cultivars
Authors: Kumar Praveen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Chromium is most toxic pollutant that negatively affects plant’s metabolic activities and yield. It reduces plant growth by influencing the antioxidant defense system’s activities. The aim of the present research was to examine the ameliorative capability of exogenous GB and AMF spiked in soil, either individually or in combination against Cr toxicity. The ameliorative effects were studied in terms of Cr uptake, grain yield, antioxidative defense system parameters (viz. enzymes – SOD, APX, CAT, GR, POX and metabolites – proline, glutathione, ascorbate, β-carotene) and indices of oxidative stress parameters (viz. PPO, H2O2, and MDA). Results:The results delineated that Cr uptake and indices of oxidative stress were increased with increasing concentration of Cr stress in all the varieties (HJ 541, HJ513 & SSG 59-3) at both the growth stages (35 & 95 DAS). At higher concentration (4 ppm), Cr stress decreased the grain yield (45-50%) as compared with controls. PPO activity, MDA and H2O2 content increased at both growth stages in all the varieties. However, antioxidative enzymes and metabolite activities increased due to Cr stress but this increase was not sufficient to counteract with ROS generated under Cr stress which was enhanced on the application of AMF and GB either individually or in combination (spiked in soil). It decreased the indices of oxidative stress and ameliorated the Cr toxicity and increased grain yield (65-70%) in all the varieties. Conclusions:Both GB and AMF, improved the plant growth and stress tolerance capacity of the plant. GB at both 50 and 100 mM level, significantly ameliorated Cr (VI) toxicity. However, AMF concomitantly with GB further boost up the amelioration behavior of the plant against Cr toxicity, at both growth stages in all the varieties. The combination of 100 mM GB with 10 g AMF was observed most effective among all the treatments. Among the varieties SSG 59-3 had the lowest chromium uptake, indices of oxidative stress, and highest antioxidative system’s activity as compared to HJ 513 followed by HJ 541 variety. Thus AMF and GB either individually or in combination may be used to maintain plant yield attributes under Cr toxicity.
Proteomic Analysis of CRISPR Cas 9 Mediated Mdig Deletion in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Thakur Chitra , Zhang Qian , Carruthers Nicholas J , Xu Liping , Fu Yao , Bi Zhuoyue , Zhang Wenxuan , Wadgaonkar Priya , Almutairy Bandar , Stemmer Paul M , Chen Fei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundWe have identified an environmentally inducible gene, mdig that predicted the overall survival in breast cancer patients. We showed that mdig regulated breast cancer cell growth, motility and invasion partially through DNA and histone methylation. However, we have lacked a comprehensive analysis of the proteomic profile of mdig in triple negative breast cancer cells. MethodsWe applied mass spectrometry to acquire global proteomic and post translational modification analysis for triple negative breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 that had mdig deleted via CRISPR Cas 9 gene editing. Using label-free bottom up quantitative proteomics, we compared wildtype control (WT) and mdig knockout (KO) MDA-MB-231 cells and identified the proteins and pathways that are significantly altered with mdig deletion. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) platform was further used to explore the signaling pathway networks incorporating differentially expressed proteins. Results904 differentially expressed (p < 0.005) proteins were identified in MDA-MB-231 cells that had mdig deletion. Approximately 30 pathways and networks linked to the pathogenicity of breast cancer and populated by the differentially expressed proteins were either activated or inhibited. IPA established that the differentially expressed proteins have relevant biological actions in cell growth, motility and malignancy. This analysis provides a rich source of potential candidate therapeutic targets with potential prognostic significance in triple negative breast cancer. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD016688.Conclusions These data provide the first insight into protein expression patterns in breast cancer associated with a complete disruption of the mdig gene. Differentially expressed proteins between WT and KO MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells provide substantial information regarding key proteins, biological process and pathways that are modulated by mdig and contribute to breast cancer tumorigenicity and invasiveness. Mdig modulated signaling pathways and hub molecules provide novel targets for the development of treatment strategies and breast cancer therapies.
Comparison of the Oncological Outcomes of Stenting as a Bridge to Surgery and Surgery Alone in Stages II-III Obstructive Colorectal Cancer; A Retrospective Study
Authors: Uehara Hiroaki , Yamazaki Toshiyuki , Iwaya Akira , Kameyama Hitoshi , Harada Rina , Komatsu Masaru , Hirai Motoharu , Kubota Akira , Katada Tomohiro , Kobayashi Kazuaki , Sato Munehiro , Sato Daisuke , Yokoyama Naoyuki , Kuwabara Shirou , Otani Tetsuya 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum guidelines in 2019, stated that stenting as a bridge to surgery (BTS) for obstructive cancer may cause perforation and other adverse effects, which may worsen the long‑term prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate retrospectively the surgical and oncological outcomes of BTS using a stent compared with surgery alone for obstructive colorectal cancer.Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for stages II-III obstructive colorectal cancer at our institution from January 2009 to March 2020, were registered retrospectively and divided into 43 patients in the BTS group and 65 patients in the surgery alone group. We compared the surgical and oncological outcomes between the two groups.Results: Stent-related perforation did not occur in any patient. The patient in whom the stent placement was unsuccessful underwent emergency surgery with poor decompression even after SEMS placement (clinical success rate, 97.4%). The pathological characteristics were not significantly different between the groups. The following surgical outcomes in the BTS group were superior to those in the surgery alone group: non-emergency surgery (P < 0.001), surgical approach (P = 0.006), and length of hospital stay (P = 0.020). The median follow-up time was 44.9 months (range, 1.1 - 126.5 months). The 3-year relapse-free survival rates were 68.4% and 58.2% (P = 0.411), and the overall survival rates were 78.3% and 88.2% (P = 0.255) in the surgery alone and BTS groups, respectively. The 3-year locoregional recurrence rates were 10.2% and 8.0% (P = 0.948), and distant metastatic recurrence rates were 13.3% and 30.4% (P = 0.035) in the surgery alone and BTS groups, respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that BTS with stent may be associated with a higher frequency of distant metastatic recurrence. Stent for stages II-III obstructive colorectal cancer potentially worsens oncological outcomes.Trial registration: This study was registered retrospectively in University hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN)- Clinical Trials Registry. (Trial registration: UMIN, UMIN000040771. Registered 15 June 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/icdr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000046558).
D-dimer Can Be Used to Identify Vicious Phenotype in Gastric Cancer Patients With TNMⅠ-Ⅱ Stages: a Single Institution Experience Over 10 Years Study
Authors: Diao Dongmei , Zhang Xin , Li Wenxin , Wang Xuan , Wang Zhe , Song Yongchun , Dang Chengxue , Cheng Yao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPart of gastric cancer (GC) patients in early stages still endure early relapse after systematic treatment. This study was designed to identify the value of d-dimer reflecting the bad phenotype in early GC patients. MethodsFrom January 1st 2009 to January 1st 2019, 467 primary GC patients with TNM stage I-II after R0 resection were enrolled, tumor stage was classified by the national comprehensive cancer network guideline 2019. Plasma D-dimer and associated factors were reviewed and analyzed with clinic-pathological characteristics, regularly follow up was proceed when first determined. ResultsThe median follow up is 33 months, and 381/467 GC patient survived after ten years follow up. Although D-dimer was significantly elevated in old age and vascular cancer emboli positive patients. Noteworthy, D-dimer levels displayed an increase in 48/467 GC patients when the cut-off values was 1.5 mg/ml based on the ROC curve in our previous study, log-rank and Cox hazard model analysis showed D-dimer is an independent risk factor for overall survival and disease free survival in this classification. ConclusionPlasma D-dimer represents an easy measurement and lower cost marker for the routine testing to predict highmalignancy phenotype in stage I-II gastric cancer after R0 resection.Clinical registrationChiCTR1900028178
Investigating Iranians’ Attitude, Practices, and Perceived Self-Efficacy towards Coronavirus Preventive Behaviors
Authors: Joveini Hamid , Zare Zahra , Hashemian Masoumeh , Mehri Ali , Shahrabadi Reza , Mahdavifar Neda , Aval Hamideh Ebrahimi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background and aim: Currently, one of the new health crises that has affected the world is the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (n cov-2019). Today, most health challenges and problems are mainly due to behavioral factors and identifying these factors can play an important role in promoting public health. Therefore, this study was designed and conducted to determine Iranians’ attitude, practice, and perceived self-efficacy towards coronavirus preventive behaviors.Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted online among 387 social media users (Telegram-WhatsApp). A researcher-made questionnaire was sent to the participants after confirmation of validity and reliability by the convenience sampling method. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation and linear regression tests were used to analyze the collected dataResults: The results of the Pearson test showed that there was a direct and significant correlation between the subjects’ attitude with practice (r = 0.23, p <0.001) and perceived self-efficacy (r = 0.21, p <0.001) regarding coronavirus preventive behaviors. There was also a direct and significant relationship between self-efficacy and practice (r = 0.46, p <0.001). The results of univariate regression test also showed that occupation (p=0.002, β=-0.16), marital status (p = 0.003, β=-0.15), attitude (p <0.001, b=0.23), and self-efficacy (p <0.001, β = 0.45) are predictive and influential variables on the subjects' practice towards coronavirus preventive behaviors.Conclusion: Given the importance of positive attitude and promoting self-efficacy in improving people's practice regarding coronavirus preventive behaviors, it is suggested that various educational interventions be designed and implemented to reduce the incidence and mortality of this disease.
Primary school students’ poetic malaria messages in Ethiopia: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Kebede Yohannes , Hayder Abdu , Girma Kasahun , Abamecha Fira , Alemayehu Guda , Abebe Lakew , Sudhakar Morankar , Birhanu Zewdie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Engagement of schools in malaria control is an emerging strategy. Little is known about involvement of students on malaria message developments. This study evaluated message contents of primary school students’ malaria poems.Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted to explore malaria messages conveyed in poems produced by students. Twenty poems were purposively selected from twenty schools across rural villages in five districts of Jimma Zone. Data were analysed using Atlas.ti version 7.1.4 software. Message contents and metaphors were presented using central themes and categories in supportive quotations. Finally, message contents were quantified in frequency. Results: The ages of the poetic students ranged from 12 to19 years old. A total of 602 specific malaria contents generated. The contents were put into 21 categories under five central themes. Contents about malaria-related knowledge include causation and modes of transmission, mosquito breeding and biting, signs and symptoms, caring for insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and ways of prevention. The poems conveyed the perception of threats from malaria. Effectiveness of prevention methods was profoundly reported related to adaption of ITNs, environmental cleaning, indoor residual spray (IRS), treatment for fever, and drug adherence practices. Misconceptions, beliefs, and malpractices were mentioned in the poems pertaining to causes and drug-use. Direct calls were present to adopt ITN, IRS, clean surroundings, treatment, and drug use. Message about the severity of malaria, distinguishable signs and symptoms, manifest calls to community participation towards malaria elimination, knowledge of preventive ways, and effectiveness of ITN use were the most commonly conveyed contents. Metaphoric expressions (war and death) were used to convey messages about severity and the need to manage the prognosis of malaria through active ITN utilization, which itself was metaphorically represented ‘a trap’ to mosquitoes. Conclusion: Poetic content analysis indicated that students in primary schools are considerable malaria messages source, particularly in rural settings. Involving students in malaria programs would effectively communicate knowledge, perceptions, and promote practices by using local metaphors that set learning contexts.
A Randomised Phase II Clinical Trial of Acupuncture Plus Standard Care Versus Standard Care Alone for Chemotherapy- Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)
Authors: Stringer Jacqui , Saeed Muhammad Ali , Mackereth Peter A. , Ryder W. David , Misra Vivek , Wardley Andrew M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose limiting toxicity that poses a major clinical challenge when managing patients receiving specific chemotherapy regimens (e.g. taxanes and Bortezomib). There is a growing body of literature that suggests acupuncture can lead to improvements in CIPN symptoms. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture as a management tool for CIPN by comparing use of acupuncture with standard care (Acupuncture) against standard care alone (Control), to reduce symptoms of CIPN.Methods: This two-site clinical trial used a phase II, randomised, parallel group design to investigate the effectiveness of a 10-week course of acupuncture. Patients experiencing CIPN of ≥ Grade II (CTCAE v4.03), recording a ‘Most Troublesome’ CIPN symptom score of ≥ 3 using the "Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile" (MYMOP 2), were randomised (1:1) to ‘Acupuncture’ or ‘Control’ (note: Patients in Control were offered acupuncture off trial at the end of their study period). Primary endpoint was a ≥ 2-point improvement (success) in MYMOP2 score at week 10. 100 participants (120 randomised to allow for attrition) were required (90% power; 10% one-sided alpha) for a hypothesised improvement in success proportions from 30% to 55% using a primary analysis model with logistic regression adjusted for stratification factors and baseline MYMOP2 scores.Results: Primary MYMOP2 outcome data at week 10 was available for 108 of 120 randomised participants. There were 36/53 (68%) successes in ‘Acupuncture’ compared to 18/55 (33%) in ‘Control’. The adjusted success odds ratio was 4.3 (95% CI 1.9 to 9.6; 2p < 0.001; Acupuncture vs Control). Beneficial effects were also seen in the secondary outcome data, including clinicians’ grading of neuropathy, EORTC QLQ-CIPN20, QLQ-C30 summary scores and patient reported pain scores.Conclusion: A 10-week course of acupuncture resulted in measureable improvement in participants symptoms of CIPN. The results warrant further investigation within a phase III trial. Trial Registration: Trial No. NCT02275403 on Clinicaltrials.gov, registered on 22nd October 2014.
Prediction of lymphovascular space invasion using a combination of tenascin-C, Cox-2, and PET/CT radiomics in patients with early-stage cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Xiaoran , Xu Chen , Yu Yang , Guo Yan , Sun Hongzan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Lymphovascular space invasion is an independent prognostic factor in early-stage cervical cancer. However, there is a lack of non-invasive methods to detect lymphovascular space invasion. Some researchers found that Tenascin-C and Cyclooxygenase-2 was correlated with lymphovascular space invasion. Radiomics has been studied as an emerging tool for distinguishing tumor pathology stage, evaluating treatment response, and predicting prognosis.
Materials and methods
Eighty-six patients with early-stage cervical squamous cell carcinoma who underwent PET/CT examination were retrospectively analyzed. 401 radiomics features based on PET/CT images were extracted and integrated into radiomics score (Rad-score). Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to evaluate TNC and COX-2 expression. Mann-Whitney U test was used to distinguish differences in the Rad-score, TNC, and COX-2 between LVSI and non-LVSI groups. The correlations of characteristics were tested by Spearman analysis. Machine learning models including radiomics model, protein model and combined model were established by logistic regression algorithm and evaluated by ROC curve. Pairwise comparisons of ROC curves were tested by DeLong test.
Results
The Rad-score of patients with LVSI was significantly higher than those without. A significant correlation was shown between LVSI and Rad-score (r = 0.631, p < 0.001). TNC was correlated to both the Rad-score (r = 0.244, p = 0.024) and COX-2 (r = 0.227, p = 0.036). The radiomics model had the best predictive performance among all models (AUC = 0.914, p < 0.001) in training dataset. However, in testing dataset, the combined model had better efficiency for predicting LVSI than other models (AUCs: 0.801 vs. 0.756 and 0.801 vs. 0.631, respectively).
Conclusion
The machine learning model of the combination of PET radiomics with COX-2 and TNC provides a new tool for detecting LVSI in patients with early-stage cervical cancer.
Increased Ethanol Production by Disrupting the Competitive Phosphoenolpyruvate Synthesis Pathway and Enhancing the Expression of Ethanol-producing Genes in Synechocystis Sp. PCC6803
Authors: Gao E-Bin , Penglin Ye , Xu Yunxiang , Yangjie Zhu , Kyere-Yeboah Kwasi , Chen Guizhen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEthanol is a very important clean energy and it has many applications in medical and chemical fields. Large-scale production of ethanol has mainly been carried out through the fermentation of crops such as grain but its output and cost issues have attracted widespread attention. ResultsWith the ability to fix carbon dioxide directly, cyanobacteria have been used as a photosynthetic microbial cell factory to generate biofuels and chemicals. Here, we constructed the biosynthetic pathway of ethanol in cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 through the following approaches. (1) We used homologous substitution to introduce pyruvate decarboxylase (pdc) gene from Zymomonas mobilis and NADPH-dependent aldehyde reductase (yqhD) gene from Escherichia coli into the neutral site of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. (2) The native superpromoter Pcpc560, consisting of two promoters from the cpcB gene and 14 predicted transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 genome, was used to drive the over-expression of ethanol-producing genes. (3) To further increase ethanol production, we used molecular biotechnology to inhibit the metabolic pathway that direct the carbon flux of intermediate pyruvate metabolism to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) through disrupting the cyanobacterial endogenous PEP synthase. These approaches led to the production of 2.79g/g dry cell weight ethanol directly from light and greenhouse gas CO2 in Synechocystis after cultivating for 9 days. ConclusionOur study provides insights into the biosynthetic pathway for ethanol production in Synechocystis indicating that knocking out the competitive pathway of the initial precursor and enhancing the expression of exogenous genes can effectively increase the amount of the targeted chemicals.
The Role of Contraception in Preventing HIV-Positive Births: Global Estimates and Projections
Authors: Sherwood Jennifer , Lankiewicz Elise , Roose-Snyder Beirne , Cooper Bergen , Jones Austin , Honermann Brian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Meeting the contraceptive needs of women living with HIV (WLHIV) has primary health benefits for women, in addition to being a key element to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission. This analysis will estimate the current number of infant HIV infections prevented by contraception in the era of increased HIV treatment coverage and; 2) model the additional HIV benefits of preventing unintended births to WLHIV. Methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted using publicly available data from the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and Population Division, Demographic Health Surveys, and peer-review literature. National data from 70 countries, that had a UNAIDS estimate for the number of WLHIV nationally, were combined into country-level models. Models estimated the current number of infant HIV infections averted by contraception annually and potentially averted if unintended births to WLHIV were prevented. Estimates take into account pregnancy and live birth rates, contraceptive coverage, contraceptive method mix and failure rates, and HIV treatment coverage during pregnancy to prevent mother to child transmission. Results: Contraception use among WLHIV prevents an estimated 43,559 new infant HIV infections annually across 70 countries. Countries with the largest number of infant infections averted by contraception included South Africa (9,441), Nigeria (4,195), Kenya (3,508), Zimbabwe (2,586), and India (2,145). Preventing unintended births to WLHIV could avert an additional 43,768 new infant infections per year, with the greatest potential gains to be made in South Africa (12,036), Nigeria (2,770), Uganda (2,552), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2,324). Conclusions: Contraception continues to play an integral role in global HIV prevention efforts in the era of increasing HIV treatment coverage, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Broad contraceptive availability, increased contraceptive voluntarism and method mix are key components to preventing unintended births and ending new infant HIV infections worldwide.