bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is it the time to implement the routine use of distress thermometer among Egyptian patients with newly diagnosed cancer?
Authors: Aziz Nashwa Abd El- , Khallaf Salah , Abozaid Waleed , Elgohary Ghada , El-Fattah Ola Abd , Elhawary Mai , Khaled Safaa , El-Haffez Azza Abd , Kamel Ehab , Mohamed Sherif 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The distress thermometer (DT) is an effective tool for identifying distress among cancer patients worldwide. However, DT has not been studied in Egyptian patients. We aimed to study the prevalence of distress among Egyptian patients with different types of cancers using DT. Methods: A total of 550 patients with newly diagnosed hematological and solid cancers who were followed up at 3 Oncology Centers in Egypt were enrolled. They completed a sociodemographic and clinical status questionnaire, the DT and the Problem List (PL) scale. Results: At a DT cut-off score of ≥4, 46% of patients had significant distress, which was related to the tumor site and stage. The most frequent problems reported were treatment decision (64.4%), worry (47%), and fears (44.5%). In univariate logistic regression analysis, participants who had significant distress described 23 out of 36 problems in the practical, family, emotional, and physical areas. After adjustment to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, multivariable analysis confirmed that insurance, depression, fear, sadness, worry, loss of interest in usual activity, and sleep were independent factors associated with significant distress in cancer patients Conclusions: Almost half of Egyptian patients newly diagnosed with cancer reported significant distress. Those who had significant distress described extra problems in the practical, family, emotional, and physical areas. We recommend the routine use of DT for screening Egyptian patients with cancer, as well as the involvement of the psycho-oncology and social services, at the time of their initial diagnosis.
Beam complexity and monitor unit efficiency comparison in two different volumetric modulated arc therapy delivery using automated planning
Authors: Li Chengqiang , Tao Cheng , Bai Tong , Li Zhenjiang , Tong Ying , Zhu Jian , Yin Yong , Lu Jie 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the beam complexity and monitor unit（MU）efficiency issues for two different volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) delivery technologies for patients with left-sided breast cancer (BC) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: Twelve left-sided BC and seven NPC cases were enrolled in this study. Each delivered treatment plan was optimized in Pinnacle 3 treatment planning system with Auto-Planning module for Trilogy and Synergy systems. Similar planning dose objectives and beam configuration were used for each site in two different delivery systems to produce clinically acceptable plans. Beam complexity was evaluated in terms of segment area(SA), segment width(SW), leaf sequence variability(LSV), aperture area variability(AAV), modulation complexity score(MCS) based on MLC sequence and MU. Results: With similar plan quality, the average SAs for Trilogy plans were smaller than those for Synergy plans: 55.5 ± 21.3 cm 2 vs. 66.3 ± 17.9 cm 2 (p<0.05) for the NPC cases, and 100.7 ± 49.2 cm 2 vs. 108.5 ± 42.7 cm 2 (p<0.05) for BC cases, respectively. The SW was statistically significant for two delivery systems (NPC: 6.87±1.95cm vs.6.72±2.71cm, p < 0.05; BC: 8.84±2.56cm vs.8.09±2.63cm, p < 0.05). LSV was statistically significant smaller for Trilogy (NPC: 0.84±0.033 vs.0.86±0.033, p < 0.05; BC: 0.89±0.026 vs.0.90±0.26, p < 0.05). The mean AAV was statistically significant larger for Trilogy than Synergy (NPC: 0.18±0.064 vs.0.14±0.037, p < 0.05; BC: 0.46±0.15 vs.0.33±0.13, p < 0.05). The MCS values for the Trilogy were higher than those for the Synergy: 0.14 ± 0.016vs. 0.12 ± 0.017 (p<0.05) for the NPC cases, and 0.42 ± 0.106 vs. 0.30 ± 0.087(p<0.05) for the BC cases. Compared with Synergy plans, the average MU for Trilogy plans were larger: 828.6±74.1MU and 782.9±85.2MU (p>0.05) for the NPC cases, and 444.8±61.3MU and 393.8±75.3MU (p>0.05) for the BC cases. Conclusions: The pinnacle 3 Auto planning system can optimize BC and NPC plans to obtain the same plan quality using Trilogy and Synergy systems. We found that this two systems resulted in different SA, SW, LSV, AAV and MCS. As a result, we suggested that beam complexity should be considered in providing further methodologies while optimizing VMAT auto planning.
Loneliness in pregnant and postpartum people and parents of children aged five years or younger: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Kent-Marvick Jacqueline , Simonsen Sara , Pentecost Ryoko , McFarland Mary M. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe experience of loneliness during pregnancy and in new parenthood has not been targeted and developed as a program of research, despite evidence indicating that the incidence of loneliness is highest in those aged 16 to 24, and that loneliness rises during transitional periods. The scarcity of parenthood-loneliness inquiries leaves a gap in our understanding of new parenthood and its effects on the health and well-being of parents and their children. Here, a scoping review protocol will be presented to address this gap. The objective of this study will be to summarize the current knowledge on loneliness experienced during pregnancy and by parents during the postpartum period through the first five years of the child’s life.MethodsA scoping review protocol was designed following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. We will include all types of literature in English, including all study designs, reviews, opinion articles, dissertations, reports, books, and grey literature. To be considered for inclusion, sources should focus on loneliness in pregnant persons, postpartum people, and parents of children five years or younger. We will search the following electronic databases (from inception onwards): MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Dissertations & Theses Global, Sociological Abstracts, Scopus, and Web of Science. Grey literature will be identified searching the British governmental website gov.uk, the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, the Campaign to End Loneliness, and the British Red Cross’s Action on Loneliness websites. Two reviewers, working independently of each other, will screen the titles and abstracts of the articles returned by the searches, then screen the selected full-text articles, and extract data. A third reviewer will cast the deciding vote in case no consensus is reached. Results will be given in narrative form, mapped, and illustrated.DiscussionThis scoping review will capture the state of the current literature on loneliness in pregnancy and new parenthood. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. We anticipate that the study will identify gaps and make recommendations for future areas of study and related interventions. The protocol is available on Open Science Framework at DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/BFVPZ.
Homeobox proteins are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Xiao , Dai Lu , Ma lan Yi , Wang yan Jia , Yan hao Hai , Jin Ye , Zhu juan Xiao , Liu Zheng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: An increasing number of studies have described the aberrant expression of homeobox (HOX) proteins in gastric cancer (GC), which is critically associated with the prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of GC. This study was conducted to investigate the clinical value and action mechanisms of HOX proteins in GC. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and the pooled odds ratio (OR) with its 95% CI were used to assess the effect of HOX protein expression on the prognosis and clinicopathological features of GC, respectively. Results: Nineteen studies containing 3775 patients were selected for this study. Heterogeneity among HRs of overall survival (OS) was markedly high (I2=90.5%, p=0.000). According to the subgroup analysis, increased expression of HOX protein in the downregulated subgroup was associated with a good prognosis for patients with GC (pooled HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.36-0.59, I2=3.1%, p=0.377), while overexpression of HOX protein in the upregulated subgroup was correlated with a reduced OS (pooled HR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.79-3.74, I2=73.5%, p=0.000). The aberrant expression of HOX protein was crucially related to the TNM stage, depth of tumour invasion, tumour size, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, vascular invasion, histological differentiation and Lauren classification in patients with GC. In addition, the molecular mechanisms by which HOX proteins regulate tumorigenesis and development of GC were also explored. Conclusions: HOX proteins play vital roles in GC progression, which might serve as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for GC.
ANGPTL4 overexpression inhibits tumor cell adhesion and migration and predicts favorable prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Cai Yu-Chen , Yang Hang , Wang Ke-Feng , Chen Tan-Huan , Jiang Wen-Qi , Shi Yan-Xia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients have relatively poor clinical outcomes. A marker predicting the prognosis of patients with TNBC could help guide treatment. Extensive evidence demonstrates that angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is involved in the regulation of cancer growth, metastasis and angiogenesis. Therefore, its role in TNBC is of interest. Methods: We tested the ANGPTL4 expression level in tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and detected its association with the clinical features of TNBC patients. Next, the effects and mechanisms of ANGPTL4 on TNBC cell migration and adhesion were investigated. Results: We found that ANGPTL4 overexpression was associated with favorable outcomes in TNBC patients. ANGPTL4 upregulation inhibited cell adhesion, migration and invasion in vitro. Further analyses demonstrated that the possible mechanism might involve suppression of TNBC progression by interacting with extracellular matrix-related genes. Conclusions: The present findings demonstrated that enhancement of ANGPTL4 expression might inversely correlate with TNBC progression. ANGPTL4 is a promising marker of TNBC and should be evaluated in further studies. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Implications of BRCA-associated Tumors in Males: A Pan-tumor Survey
Authors: Sun Peng , Li Yue , Chao Xue , Li Jibin , Luo Rongzhen , Li Mei , He Jiehua 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background The BRCA mutation (BRCAm) in males has been reported to confer a higher risk for the development of various tumors. However, little is known about its clinicopathologic features and prognostic implications.Design We conducted a retrospective pan-tumor survey on 346 cases of BRCA-associated tumors in males. Comparative analyses were conducted among male and female patients with BRCAm (n=349), as well as in male patients without BRCAm (n=4577).Results Similar incidences of BRCAm (6.0 vs. 6.6%) and age at diagnosis of tumor (median, 65 vs. 60 years) were observed in male and female patients. Carcinomas of the lung, bladder, stomach, and cutaneous melanoma were the frequent tumors demonstrating BRCAm in males, of which the majority were stage II or III diseases with a higher frequency of BRCA2 mutations. Compared to that in the non-BRCAm group, cutaneous melanoma (16.3 vs. 5.0%), lung cancer (19.4 vs. 11.8%), bladder cancer (15.6 vs. 5.6%), and stomach cancer (11.9 vs. 5.5%) accounted for a higher proportion in the BRCAm group. Advanced disease and more mutation counts (median, 322 vs. 63 mutations) were also found in the BRCAm group. A total of 127 BRCA1 and 311 BRCA2 mutations were identified, of which 21.8% and 28.6% were deleterious, respectively. Frequent deleterious variants were identified in carcinomas of the breast (100.0%), colorectum (62.2%), prostate (43.3%), and stomach (42.9%). BRCA1 fusions with NF1, FAM134C, BECN1, or LSM12 and recurrent BRCA2 mutations at P606L/S, E832K/G, and T3033Lfs*29 were detected. Frameshift mutations in BRCA2 at N1784 (N1784Kfs*3, N1784Tfs*3) were frequently observed in both male and female patients. Compared with those in females, BRCA mutations in males were associated with decreased overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Male patients with deleterious BRCAm displayed increased OS compared with non-BRCAm carriers. The subgroup analysis demonstrated that BRCAm was associated with increased OS in gastric and bladder cancers, decreased PFS in prostate, esophageal, and head and neck cancers, and decreased OS in glioma/glioblastoma in males.Conclusion These findings provide an overview of the distinct characteristics and clinical outcomes of male patients with BRCA-associated tumors, suggesting the importance of further genetic BRCA testing in males.
Longitudinal changes in sports activity from pre-diagnosis to first five years post-diagnosis: a prospective Chinese breast cancer cohort study
Authors: Lei Yuanyuan , Ho Suzanne C. , Kwok Carol , Cheng Ashley , Cheung Ka Li , Lee Roselle , Yeo Winnie 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To compare change in level of physical activity between pre-and post- diagnosis of breast cancer in Chinese women.Methods: Based on an on-going prospective study consisting of a sample of Chinese women with breast cancer, a validated modified Chinese Baecke questionnaire was used to measure physical activity at baseline (12 months before cancer diagnosis), 18-, 36- and 60-months after diagnosis (over the previous 12 months before each interview). Results: In our cohort of 1462 Chinese women with a mean age of 52 years, the mean level of physical activity at post-diagnosis was 9.6 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-hours/week, which was significantly higher than that at pre-diagnosis with mean level of 5.9 MET-hours/week (P < 0.001). The mean levels of physical activity at 18-, 36- and 60-months follow-up were 9.9, 9.8 and 9.3 MET-hours/week, respectively. There was no significant difference between any two of the three follow-ups at post-diagnosis. The proportions of participant who met World Cancer Research Fund/ American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) recommendation before and after cancer diagnosis were both low, being 20.7% and 35.1%, respectively. Compared to pre-diagnosis, most of the patients improved or had no change on level of physical activity at post-diagnosis, with the respective proportion being 48.2% and 43.8%. Conclusions: Adherence to current lifestyle recommendation for cancer survivors, Chinese women with breast cancer significantly increased level of physical activity level after cancer diagnosis, and such improvement was sustained to five years post-diagnosis. The proportion of patients who met the exercise recommendation for cancer survivors was still low. Encouraging patients on the importance of durable high level of physical activity in breast cancer survivorship is warranted.
Indentification and determination of toxin genes of Vibrio strains caused hemorrhagic disease on red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) by PCR&nbsp;method
Authors: Linh Nguyen Quang , Yen Pham Thi Hai , Tram Nguyen Duy Quynh 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
In this study, we isolated thirty strains of Vibrio from three different organs (brain, hemorrhagic site and digestive system) of Sciaenops ocellatus disease. The results showed that nucleotide sequences 16S rRNA region are highly, similar to those of V. alginolyticus, V. azureus, V. fluvialis and V. orientalis is published on Genebank, ranging from 98.05 to 100 %. The digestive system has the most common Vibrio strains (V. alginolyticus, V. azureus and V. fluvialis). Thereout, We found 25/30 strains of Vibrio containing from 1 to 3 toxin genes. None of V. parahaemolyticus present. Six parameters were used to measure the DNA polymorphism of thirty-three homologous DNA sequences in this Vibrio bacteria population. The results indicated that, number of separate polymorphic sites (S), total number of mutant sites (Eta), number of haplotype (h), haplotype diversity (Hd), average number of nucleotide differences (k), nucleotide diversity (Pi) were 98 (S) 103 (Eta), 9 (h), 0.887±0.032 (Hd), 25.789 (k) and 17.980x10-3±0.003 (Pi), respectively (P < 0,05). The G+C content above 1434 sites positions of nucleotide sequences accounts for 0.542The phylogenetic tree showed that these strains are divided into six groups. As observed, the appearance of isolated Vibrio on 3 organs of fish (S. ocellatus) hemorrhagic are V. azureus (27,67 %), V. alginolyticus (50 %), V. orientalis (6,67 %) and V. fluvialis (16,67 %). Through this result, we found that the diversity of Vibrio species that appeared on the red drum was used in the 16S rRNA region and the presence of toxin genes in these Vibrio species.Keywords: Sciaenops ocellatus, TDH, TRH, TLH, ToxR, Toxin gene, Vibrio.
Variation in mitochondrial minichromosome composition among Hoplopleura lice (Phthiraptera: Hoplopleuridae) from rats
Authors: Fu Yi-Tian , Nie Yu , Duan De-Yong , Liu Guo-Hua 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The family Hoplopleuridae contains at least 183 species of blood-sucking lice, which widely parasitize both mice and rats. Fragmented mitochondrial (mt) genomes have been reported in two rat lice (Hoplopleura kitti and Hoplopleura akanezumi) from this family, but some minichromosomes were unidentified in their mt genomes.Methods: We sequenced the mt genome of rat louse Hoplopleura sp. with an Illumina platform and compared its mt genome organization with Hoplopleura kitti and Hoplopleura akanezumi. Results: Fragmented mt genome of the rat louse Hoplopleura sp. contains 37 genes which are on 12 circular mt minichromosomes. Each mt minichromosome is 1.8-2.7 kb long, which contains 1-5 genes and one large non-coding region. The gene content and arrangement of three mt minichromosomes of Hoplopleura sp. and Hoplopleura kitti are different from that of the three mt minichromosomes of Hoplopleura akanezumi. Phylogenetic analyses based on the deduced amino acid sequences of the eight protein-coding genes showed that the Hoplopleura sp. was more closely related to Hoplopleura akanezumi than to Hoplopleura kitti, and then they formed a monophyletic group. Conclusions: Comparison among the three rat lice revealed variation in the composition of mt minichromosomes within the genus Hoplopleura. Hoplopleura sp. is the first species from the family Hoplopleuridae for which a complete fragmented mt genome has been sequenced. The new data provides useful genetic markers for studying the population genetics, molecular systematics and phylogenetics of blood-sucking lice.
Biomechanical Analysis of an Unpowered Hip Flexion Orthosis on Individuals With and Without Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Neuman Ross M , Shearin Staci M , McCain Karen J , Fey Nicholas P 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundGait impairment is a common complication of multiple sclerosis (MS). Gait limitations such as limited hip flexion, foot drop, and knee hyperextension often require external devices like crutches, canes, and orthoses. The effects of mobility-assistive technologies (MATs) prescribed to people with MS are not well understood, and current devices do not cater to the specific needs of these individuals. To address this, a passive unilateral hip flexion-assisting orthosis (HFO) was developed that uses resistance bands spanning the hip joint to redirect energy in the gait cycle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of the HFO on gait mechanics and muscle activation for people with and without MS.MethodsFive healthy subjects and five subjects with MS walked for minute-long sessions with the device using three different levels of band stiffness. We analyzed peak hip flexion and extension angles, lower limb joint work, and muscle activity in eight muscles on the lower limbs and trunk. Single-subjects analysis was used due to inter-subject variability.ResultsFor subjects with MS, the HFO caused an increase in peak hip flexion angle and a decrease in peak hip extension angle. Healthy subjects showed less pronounced kinematic changes when using the device. Power generated at the hip was increased in most subjects with the HFO. Muscle activity showed inconsistent results, but several subjects showed increases in hip extensor and trunk muscle activity.ConclusionsThis exploratory study showed that the HFO was well-tolerated by healthy subjects and subjects with MS, and that it promoted more normative kinematics at the hip for those with MS. Future studies with longer exposure to the HFO and personalized assistance parameters are needed to understand the efficacy of the HFO for mobility assistance and rehabilitation for people with MS.
CCR5 promoter variants among Ugandan HIV-1 elite and viremic controllers: a laboratory ‑ based cross ‑ sectional study
Authors: Nyiro Brian , Amanya Sharon Bright , Nabatanzi Rose , Bayiyana Alice , Kalazane Linda Igumba , Waswa Francis , Nabulime Eva , Karara Daniel , Kabali Joel , Mboowa Gerald , Kayongo Alex , Nankya Immaculate , Kateete David Patrick , Sande Obondo James 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Mechanisms for HIV control among HIV-1 elite and viremic-controllers are not fully understood. In Uganda, Studies have reported individuals who without Antiretroviral therapy have the inherent ability to control HIV progression to AIDS for a period of greater than 5 years. However, reasons for this phenotype are not understood. The study objective was to determine the distribution of CCR5 co-receptor on CD4+ T-cells and its associated promoter variants among HIV-1 elite and viremic-controllers. Methods We isolated CD4+T-cells from PBMCs using EasySep CD4+ T-cell negative selection kit, and stimulated them with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 for 48 hours. To quantify CCR5 expression, we performed immune-phenotyping using flow cytometry. CCR5 promoter polymorphisms were determined through sanger sequencing. The Kruskal–Wallis and the Mann-Whitney test were used to compare differences in the percentages of CCR5+ CD4+ T-cells and the differences in CCR5 densities on CD4+ T-cells respectively. p values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results The percentage of CCR5+CD4+ T-cells was higher among the non-controllers compared to the controllers although, the difference was not statistically significant; elite and viremic-controllers (p=0.9173), viremic and non-controllers (0.0702), elite and non-controllers (0.6010). Of significance was the CCR5 densities on CD4+ T-cells, which were significantly higher among non-controllers relative to the controllers; elite and viremic-controllers (p=3048), viremic and non-controllers (P=0.0312), elite and non-controllers (P=0.0210) From the sequence analysis, the rs1799987A>G mutation was found among elite (71%) and viremic-controllers (61%), while the -2459A/A and rs41469351C>T mutation were among the non-controllers (57%). This study also identified two novel mutations 1070T>G and 785A>G among the elite controllers (14.3%). Conclusion Rs1799987 SNP highly detected among the elite and viremic controllers may be associated with reduced CCR5 densities on CD4+ T-cells while higher frequency of -2459 A/A and rs41469351 SNP among non-controllers may be associated with increased CCR5 densities on CD4+ T-cells. Thus Rs1799987 SNP may be responsible for the delayed HIV progression among elite and viremic controllers, while -2459A/A and rs41469351 SNP may be responsible for the rapid progression of HIV among non-controllers. In vitro studies are needed to study the effect of the two novel mutations 1070T>G and 785A>G among elite-controllers.