bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an Engineered Peptide Antagonist against Periostin to Overcome Doxorubicin Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Oo Khine Kyaw , Kamolhan Thanpawee , Soni Anish , Thongchot Suyanee , Mitrpant Chalermchai , O-charoenrat Pornchai , Thuwajit Chanitra , Thuwajit Peti 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Chemoresistance is one of the main problems in treatment of cancer. Periostin (PN) is a stromal protein which is mostly secreted from cancer associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment and can promote cancer progression including cell survival, metastasis, and chemoresistance. The main objective of this study was to develop an anti-PN peptide from the bacteriophage library to overcome PN effects in breast cancer (BCA) cells. Methods: A twelve amino acids bacteriophage display library was used for biopanning against the PN active site. A selected clone was sequenced and analyzed for peptide primary structure. A peptide was synthesized and tested for the binding affinity to PN. PN effects including a proliferation, migration and a drug sensitivity test were performed using PN overexpression BCA cells or PN treatment and inhibited by an anti-PN peptide. An intracellular signaling mechanism of inhibition was studied by western blot analysis. Lastly, PN expressions in BCA patients were analyzed along with clinical data. Results: The results showed that a candidate anti-PN peptide was synthesized and showed affinity binding to PN. PN could increase proliferation and migration of BCA cells and these effects could be inhibited by an anti-PN peptide. There was significant resistance to doxorubicin in PN-overexpressed BCA cells and this effect could be reversed by an anti-PN peptide in associations with phosphorylation of AKT and expression of survivin. In BCA patients, serum PN showed a correlation with tissue PN expression but there was no significant correlation with clinical data. Conclusions: This finding supports that anti-PN peptide is expected to be used in the development of peptide therapy to reduce PN-induced chemoresistance in BCA.
Willingness to perform induced abortion and associated factors among graduating Midwifery, Medical, Nursing, and Public health officer students of University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: Institution based Cross sectional study
Authors: Enyew Mihretu Molla 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: In developing countries, abortion is often unsafe and a signiﬁcant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality accounting for about 8% (4.7%–13.2%) of maternal mortality worldwide. Internationally, safe abortion services are recognized as reducing maternal mortality, and liberalized abortion laws are associated with reduced mortality resulting from unsafe abortion procedures. However, health care providers have moral, social and gender-based reservations that affects their willingness towards providing induced abortion services. The purpose of this study was to assess willingness to perform induced abortion and associated factors among graduating Midwifery, Medical, Nursing, and Public health officer students of University of Gondar. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from March 29 to May 30, 2019. All graduating students available during data collection period were considered as study population. Stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select 424 study participants. Pre tested, semi- structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Ethical clearance was obtained from School of midwifery under the delegation of institutional review board of university of Gondar.Results: 290 students out of 424 students were willing to perform induced abortion for indications supported by Ethiopian abortion law, making a proportion of 68.4% (95%Cl: 64.2, 72.9). Sex (Being male (AOR = 4.89, 95%CI: 3.02, 7.89)), religion (being orthodox than protestant (AOR = 10.41, 95%CI: 3.02, 21.57)), being Muslim than protestant (AOR = 5.73, 95%CI: 1.37, 15.92)) and having once or less a week religious attendance (AOR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.34) were factors associated with willingness towards performing induced abortion.Conclusions: According to this study willingness of students towards providing induced abortion services was good. However female students, protestant followers and those students with more than once a week religious attendance should be encouraged to support women’s access to induced abortion services by referring them to other health care professionals willing to provide induced abortion services.
Minimum Clinical Important Difference for Resilience Scale Specific to Cancer: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: YE ZENG JIE , ZHANG ZHANG , TANG YING , LIANG JIAN , ZHANG XIAO YING , HU GUANG YUN , SUN ZHE , LIANG MU ZI , YU YUAN LIANG 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The minimum clinical important differences (MCIDs) of resilience instruments in patients with cancer have not been comprehensively described. This study was designed to evaluate MCIDs of 10-item and 25-item resilience scales specific to cancer (RS-SC-10 and RS-SC-25).Methods: From June 2015 to December 2018, RS-SCs were longitudinally measured in 765 patients with different cancer diagnoses at baseline (T0) and 3 months later (T1). The EORTC QLQ-C30, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Allostatic Load Index were measured concurrently as anchors. Anchor-based methods (linear regression, within-group), distribution-based methods(within-group), and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs, within-subject) were performed to evaluate the MCIDs.Results: 623 of 765 (84.1%) patients had paired RS-SCs scores. Moderate correlations were identified between the change in RS-SCs and change in anchors (r= 0.38-0.44, all p<0.001). Linear regression estimated +8.9 and -6.7 as the MCIDs of RS-SC-25, and +3.4 and -2.5 for RS-SC-10. Distribution-based methods estimated +9.9 and -9.9 as the MCIDs of RS-SC-25, and +4.0 and -4.0 for RS-SC-10. ROC estimated +5.5 and -4.5 as the MCIDs of RS-SC-25, and +2.0 and -1.5 for RS-SC-10.Conclusions: The most reliable MCID is around 5 points for RS-SC-25 and 2 points for RS-SC-10. RS-SCs are more responsive to the worsening status of resilience in patients with cancer and these estimates could be useful in future resilience-based intervention trials.
A Pilot Study of Team-based Learning in Paediatric Clerkships
Authors: Xu Luojia , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chen Yifang , Xu Yingchun , Wang Yujia , Chen Zhimin , Shu Qiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Team-based learning (TBL) is widely used in health profession education. However, the use of TBL in paediatric clerkships is rare. In this study, we explore the efficacy and feasibility of TBL in paediatric clerkships. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the TBL course for paediatric clerkships from August to October 2019 at the Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. The TBL group (with 107 students) was compared to the students from the prior year that learned using case-based discussion (control group with 222 students). The learning outcomes were measured using theoretical exams when the paediatric clerkships ended. The satisfaction with TBL was evaluated by an anonymous questionnaire in the TBL group. Results: The grade point averages before paediatric clerkships in the TBL group (3.58, 3.04-3.96) were similar to those in the control group (3.62, 3.16-4.00). However, the theoretical exam scores in the TBL group (76, 67-82) were significantly higher than those in the control group (72, 64-78) (p=0.002). In addition, 92.5% of the students in the TBL group rated that their level of satisfaction was higher than 90%. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that TBL in paediatric clerkships was effective and feasible and that it led to better learning outcomes.
Identification of Candidate Genes Controlling Fiber Quality Traits in Upland Cotton through Integration of Meta-QTL, Significant SNP and Transcriptomic Data
Authors: Shudi XU , Pan Zhenyuan , Yin Feifan , Yang Qingyong , Lin Zhongxu , Wen Tianwang , Zhu Longfu , Zhang Dawei , Nie Xinhui 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Meta-analysis of quantitative trait locus (QTL) is a computational technique to identify consensus QTL and refine QTL positions on the consensus map from multiple mapping studies. The combination of meta-QTL intervals, significant SNPs and transcriptome analysis has been widely used to identify candidate genes in various plants. Results: In our study, 884 QTLs associated with cotton fiber quality traits from 12 studies were used for meta-QTL analysis based on reference genome TM-1, as a result, 74 meta-QTLs were identified, including 19 meta-QTLs for fiber length (FL); 18 meta-QTLs for fiber strength (FS); 11 meta-QTLs for fiber uniformity (FU); 11 meta-QTLs for fiber elongation (FE); and 15 meta-QTLs for micronaire (MIC). Combined with 8,589 significant SNPs associated with fiber quality traits collected from 15 studies, 297 candidate genes were identified in the meta-QTL intervals, 20 of which showed high expression levels specifically in the developing fibers. According to the function annotations, some of the 20 key candidate genes are associated with the fiber development. Conclusions: This study provides not only stable QTLs used for marker-assisted selection (MAS), but also candidate genes to uncover the molecular mechanisms for cotton fiber development.
“I think everybody should take it if they’re doing drugs, doing heroin, or having sex for money”: A qualitative study exploring perceptions of pre-exposure prophylaxis among female participants in an opioid intervention court program
Authors: Przybyla Sarahmona , Cerulli Catherine , Bleasdale Jacob , Wilson Kennethea A. , Hordes Melissa , El-Bassel Nabila , Morse Diane 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundWomen’s rise in opioid use disorder has increased their presence in the criminal justice system and related risk behaviors for HIV infection. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective biomedical HIV prevention treatment, uptake among this high-risk population has been particularly low. Considerably little is known about the interplay between justice-involved women with opioid use disorder and HIV prevention. The aim of this study was to explore PrEP knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions for personal and partner use among women participants in the nation’s first ever opioid intervention court program.MethodsThe authors conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 31 women recruited from an Opioid Intervention Court,a recent fast-track treatment response to combat overdose deaths. We utilized a consensual qualitative research approach to explore attitudes, perceptions, and preferences about PrEP from women at risk for HIV transmission via sexual and drug-related behavior and used thematic analysis methods to code and interpret the data. ResultsPrEP interest and motivation were impacted by various factors influencing the decision to consider PrEP initiation or comfort with partner use. Three primary themes emerged: HIV risk perceptions, barriers and facilitators to personal PrEP utilization, and perspectives on PrEP use by sexual partners. Conclusions Findings suggest courts may provide a venue to offer women PrEP education and HIV risk assessments. Study findings inform public health, substance use, and criminal justice research and practice with justice-involved participants experiencing opioid use disorder on the development of gender-specific PrEP interventions with the ultimate goal of reducing HIV incidence.
Increased Leukotriene B4 Plasma Concentration in Type 2 Diabetes Individuals with Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy
Authors: NEVES JOSE ANTONIO JANUARIO , DE MATOS MOZÂNIA REIS , RAMALHO THERESA , SANTOS-BEZERRA DANIELE PEREIRA , CAVALCANTE CRISTIANE DAS GRAÇAS DIAS , ALPINO RENATA D’ , QUEIROZ MÁRCIA SILVA , JANCAR SONIA , Correa-Giannella Maria Lucia 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background and Aim: A low-grade inflammation is associated with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and increased concentration of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) was found in individuals with type 1 diabetes and definitive CAN. This cross-sectional study evaluated plasma concentration of LTB4 and of other inflammatory mediators, namely, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)1B, and IL10 in individuals with T2D and different degrees of CAN, and correlated these inflammatory mediators with the degree of glycemic control and with a surrogate marker of insulin resistance. Methods: TNF, IL1B, IL10 and LTB4 plasma concentrations were measured in 129 T2D subjects (62% women with [median] age of 63 years, disease duration of 8 years and HbA1c of 7.3%) with or without CAN. The Lipid accumulation product index was used as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance. Results LTB4 concentration was significantly higher in those presenting incipient CAN (69.7 ± 16.6 pg. mL-1) and definitive CAN (71.5 ± 15.7 pg. mL-1) versus those without CAN (57.0 ± 13.9 pg. mL-1). The groups without CAN and with incipient CAN were pooled (group without definitive CAN) and compared to those with definitive CAN. LTB4 concentration was higher in the latter group, as well as TNF concentration, while IL10 concentration was lower in this group. After adjustment for confounding variables, only LTB4 concentration remained significantly different between the groups with and without definitive CAN. Plasma concentration of LTB4 did not correlate with the degree of glycemic control. After sorting the participants by sex, a borderline weak correlation was found between LTB4 and the Lipid accumulation product index in women. Conclusion: In the T2D setting, circulating LTB4 concentration seems to be associated with cardiovascular dysautonomia.
Instance segmentation based method to obtain the phenotypic information of weeds in complex field environments
Authors: longzhe Quan , Wu Bing , Mao Shou ren , Feng Huaiqu , Yang Chunjie , Wei Jiang , Li Hengda 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Weeds pose a critical threat to crop growth. The leaf age and plant centre, which represent the key phenotypic information of weeds, can help understand the morphological structure of weeds, thereby facilitating precise targeted spraying and a reduction in the herbicide usage. However, determining the weed types, leaf age and plant centre under complex field conditions involving variations in the light and plant appearance along with leaf occlusion is challenging. With the advancement in the application of deep learning with computer vision, such approaches can likely overcome these challenges, as demonstrated in other complex agricultural applications.Results: We developed a weed segmentation method based on BlendMask, which could obtain the weed types, leaf age and plant centre under complex field conditions. Mobile devices were used to capture digital images at different angles (front, side, and top views) of certain weeds (Solanum nigrum, Barnyard grass, and Abutilon theophrasti Medicus) in the field. Subsequently, two datasets (with and without data enhancement) were produced and input to the network. Moreover, two backbone networks, ResNet50 and ResNet101, were compared, along with six instance segmentation algorithms, and the instance segmentation results of the model under different angles were evaluated. The results indicated that data enhancement could enhance the model performance. In the case with data enhancement, the F1 value, AP50 and AP70 scores, and mIOU with ResNet101 as the backbone network were 0.9479, 0.720, 0.592, and 0.607, respectively, corresponding to the highest segmentation performance. Furthermore, the top view images of the weeds corresponded to the highest detection accuracy, compared to that for the other two angles.Conclusion: BlendMask can realize accurate segmentation of weeds to obtain the types, leaf age and plant centre of weeds. Data enhancement and use of the weed image corresponding to the top view angle can help enhance the model performance. The dataset and research results can provide guidance to further develop precision agriculture practices.
Infiltration and sealing for managing non-cavitated proximal lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Chen Dongru , Lin Huan Cai 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Infiltration and sealing are micro-invasive treatments for arresting proximal non-cavitated caries lesions; however, their efficacies under different conditions remain unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the caries-arresting effectiveness of infiltration and sealing and to further analyse their efficacies across different dentition types and caries risk levels.Methods: Six electronic databases were searched for published literature, and references were manually searched. Split-mouth randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the effectiveness between infiltration/sealing and non-invasive treatments in proximal lesions were included. The primary outcome was obtained from radiographical readings.Results: In total, 1033 citations were identified, and 17 RCTs (22 articles) were included. Infiltration and sealing reduced the odds of lesion progression (infiltration vs non-invasive: OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.30; sealing vs placebo: OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.42). For both the primary and permanent dentitions, infiltration and sealing were more effective than non-invasive treatments (primary dentition: OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.45; permanent dentition: OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.28). The overall effects of infiltration and sealing were significantly different from the control effects based on different caries risk levels (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.28). Except for caries risk at moderate levels (moderate risk: OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.01 to 8.27), there were significant differences between micro-invasive and non-invasive treatments (low risk: OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.72; low to moderate risk: OR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.81; moderate to high risk: OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.29; and high risk: OR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.28). Except for caries risk at moderate levels (moderate risk: OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.01 to 8.27), infiltration was superior (low risk: OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.72; low to moderate risk: OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.81; moderate to high risk: OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.39; and high risk: OR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.37).Conclusion: Infiltration and sealing were more efficacious than non-invasive treatments for halting non-cavitated proximal lesions.
A Revealed Preference Analysis to Develop Composite Scores Approximating Lung Allocation Policy in the U.S.
Authors: Stewart Darren E , Wood Dallas W , Alcorn James B , Lease Erika D , Hayes Michael , Hauber Brett , Goff Rebecca E 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The patient ranking process for donor lung allocation in the United States is carried out by a classification-based, computerized algorithm, known as the match system. Experts have suggested that a continuous, points-based allocation framework would better serve waiting list candidates by removing hard boundaries and increasing transparency into the relative importance of factors used to prioritize candidates. We applied discrete choice modeling to match run data to determine the feasibility of approximating current lung allocation policy by one or more composite scores. Our study aimed to demystify the points-based approach to organ allocation policy; quantify the relative importance of factors used in current policy; and provide a viable policy option that adapts the current, classification-based system to the continuous allocation framework.Methods: Rank ordered logistic regression models were estimated using 6,466 match runs for 5,913 adult donors and 534 match runs for 488 pediatric donors from 2018. Four primary attributes are used to rank candidates and were included in the models: (1) medical priority, (2) candidate age, (3) candidate’s transplant center proximity to the donor hospital, and (4) blood type compatibility with the donor.Results: Two composite scores were developed, one for adult and one for pediatric donor allocation. Candidate rankings based on the composite scores were highly correlated with current policy rankings (Kendall’s Tau ~0.80, Spearman correlation >90%), indicating both scores strongly reflect current policy. In both models, candidates are ranked higher if they have higher medical priority, are registered at a transplant center closer to the donor hospital, or have an identical blood type to the donor. Proximity was the most important attribute. Under a points-based scoring system, candidates in further away zones are sometimes ranked higher than more proximal candidates compared to current policy. Conclusions: Revealed preference analysis of lung allocation match runs produced composite scores that capture the essence of current policy while removing rigid boundaries of the current classification-based system. A carefully crafted, continuous version of lung allocation policy has the potential to make better use of the limited supply of donor lungs in a manner consistent with the priorities of the transplant community.
Successful live birth in a Chinese woman with P450 oxidoreductase deficiency through frozen-thawed embryo transfer and review of the literature
Authors: Pan Ping , Zheng Lingyan , Chen Xiaoli , Huang Jia , Yang Dongzi , Li Yu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) caused by P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD) in 46,XX patients is characterized by genital ambiguity, primary amenorrhea, absent or incomplete sexual maturation, infertility, skeletal malformations and so on. But few pregnancies have been reported from these female patients with PORD. Case Description: A 29-year-old Chinese woman with PORD due to the compound heterozygous mutation (c.1370G>A/c.1196_1204del) in the P450 oxidoreductase( POR ) gene had suffered from primary amenorrhea and infertility. She had one cancelled cycle of ovulation induction due to low serum estradiol(E 2 ), high progesterone(P) levels and thin endometrium,then in vitro fertilization (IVF) was recommended. At the first IVF cycle, 4 oocytes were retrieved and 4 viable embryos were cryopreserved due to thin endometrium associated with low E 2 and prematurely elevated P after ovarian stimulation, even though oral dexamethasone were used to control adrenal P overproduction at the same time. When basal P fell to <1.5ng/ml, artificial endometrial preparation and frozen embryo transfer were performed, resulting in a twin pregnancy. She delivered a healthy boy and a healthy girl by caesarean section at 37 weeks and 2 days of gestation. Conclusions: We report the pregnancy achieved in a CAH woman caused by a compound heterozygous POR mutation, with primary amenorrhea and disorders of steroidogenesis. It seemed that disorders of steroidogenesis caused by PORD didn’t impair the developmental potential of oocytes. IVF and frozen embryo transfer after adequate hormonal control and endometrial preparation should be an effective infertility treatment for PORD women.