bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rs1894720 polymorphism is associated with the risk of age-related cataract by regulating the proliferation of epithelial cells in the lens via the signalling pathway of MIAT/miR-26b/BCL2L2
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Wenjia , Ke Hongqin , Wang Yingting , Duan Cong , Zhu Qin , Liu Hai 
Published: January 2020

IntroductionCataracts caused by old age are one of the most frequent causes for blindness and poor vision worldwide. In this study, we aimed to clarify the possible role of rs1894720 polymorphism in the pathogenesis of age-related cataract.Material and methodsRs1894720 polymorphism genotype was detected by TaqMan. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay, real-time PCR, western blot, and protein density analysis were conducted to establish the correlations between MIAT and miR-26b as well as between BCL2L2 and miR-26b. Flow cytometry and MTT assay were also performed to observe the effect of MIAT/miR-26b/BCL2L2 signalling pathway on the status of cell apoptosis and viability.ResultsMIAT functioned as an endogenous competing RNA to sponge miR-26b. In addition, BCL2L2 was identified as a target of miR-26b. Therefore, the expression of miR-26b was obviously suppressed by MIAT or anti-miR-26b, while the mRNA and protein expression of BCL2L2 was up-regulated in the presence of MIAT or anti-miR-26b. Moreover, the positive effect of MIAT on BCL2L2 expression was exerted via inhibition of the expression of miR-26b. In addition, the cells transfected with MIAT or anti-miR-26b showed suppressed expression of caspase-3 and reduced apoptosis index but higher cell viability, indicating that MIAT could suppress cell apoptosis via inhibition of miR-26b expression. Furthermore, the subjects carrying the GT and TT genotypes of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1894720 were associated with a higher risk of age-related cataracts, as indicated by their odds ratio (OR) and p values.ConclusionsRs1894720 SNP could down-regulate the expression of MIAT, thus leading to reduced BCL2L2 expression and enhanced epithelial cell apoptosis in the lens, eventually increasing the incidence of age-related cata­ract.
Erectile dysfunction in testicular cancer survivors: a meta-analysis of case-control studies
Authors: Xiong Jian , Zhang Jianzhong , Cai Zhonglin , Ma Chengquan , Li Hongjun 
Published: January 2020

IntroductionTesticular cancer (TC) is the most frequent cancer among men aged 14–44 years. The risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) in TC patients varied within a wide range across different studies. This study aims to estimate the risk of ED in TC patients by conducting a meta-analysis of case-control studies.Material and methodsRelevant studies were searched using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to June 2019. Case-control studies that reported the incidence of ED in TC patients were included.ResultsA total of 8 studies involving 2060 TC patients and 2651 healthy men were included. All the TC patients underwent unilateral orchiectomy; other treatment modalities were also conducted if necessary. ED occurred in 16.9% (348/2060) of TC patients and 9.4% (251/2651) of healthy men. Compared with healthy men, TC patients experienced a significantly increased risk of ED (OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.56–3.67). Substantial heterogeneity was observed. In addition, subgroup analysis revealed that the risk (OR = 3.76, 95% CI: 2.45–5.78) for ED in TC patients with follow-up < 5 years was significantly higher than that (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.10–3.67) with follow-up ≥ 5 years. Heterogeneity was improved after subgroup analysis.ConclusionsTC patients experienced an increased risk for ED compared with healthy men. The long-term risk for ED in TC patients was lower than the short-term risk.
Effect of <i>TOP2A</i> and <i>ERCC1</i> gene polymorphisms on the efficacy and toxicity of cisplatin and etoposide-based chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Nicoś Marcin , Rolska-Kopińska Anna , Krawczyk Paweł , Grenda Anna , Bożyk Aleksandra , Szczyrek Michał , Milanowski Janusz 
Published: January 2020

IntroductionThe main treatment regimen for small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
involves platinum-based chemotherapy (cisplatin or carboplatin) and etoposide.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TOP2A and ERCC1 genes
were tested as prognostic and predictive factors in non-small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC). There are limited data about the clinical relevance of these genetic
alterations in SCLC. We undertook this retrospective study to determine
the influence of SNPs in TOP2A (rs34300454; rs13695; rs11540720) and ERCC1
(rs11615; rs3212986) genes on the efficiency and toxicity of chemotherapy
with platinum and etoposide in SCLC Caucasian patients.Material and methodsThe studied group included 103 Caucasian SCLC
patients (65 male, 38 female, median age 65 ±7.5 years). Detailed clinicaldemographical
data were collected and response to treatment was monitored.
DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes using QIAamp DNA
Mini Kit. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were analyzed using TaqMan hydrolyzing
probes in real-time PCR technique on an Eco Illumina device.ResultsPatients with C/C genotype in rs13695 of the TOP2A gene had significantly
lower risk of neutropenia during chemotherapy than C/T heterozygous
patients (p = 0.02, χ² = 5.51, OR = 2.676, 95% CI: 1.165–6.143). Patients harbouring
homozygous C/C genotype in rs3212986 of the ERCC1 gene had significantly
higher risk of anaemia during chemotherapy, than heterozygous C/A
patients (p = 0.045, χ² = 4.01, OR = 0.417, 95% CI: 0.175–0.991). Furthermore,
heterozygous G/A genotype in rs11615 of the ERCC1 gene was associated
with significant shortening of OS (9 vs. 12 months) compared to homozygous
A/A genotype (p = 0.01, χ² = 6.31, HR = 1.657, 95% CI: 1.0710–2.5633).ConclusionsSNPs in ERCC1 and TOP2 genes may be associated with the toxicities
and survival of SCLC patients treated with cisplatin and etoposide.
2019/46 Robbery attack: the responsibility of the employer? (SI)
Authors: Smolnikar Petra , Ulcar Romana 
Published: January 2020

2019/46 Robbery attack: the responsibility of the employer? (SI)
A worker was performing regular work tasks at their workplace when an attempted robbery took place. The worker suffered serious facial injuries as a result of an assault by one of the robbers and they filed a lawsuit against their employer claiming the latter was fully liable (both objectively and subjectively) for the work accident entitling them to reimbursement of all damages resulting from the accident.The question that was raised was whether the employer can be held subjectively liable for an accident at work despite the fact that it had taken the necessary measures foreseen and/or imposed by law to prevent such accidents.
2019/49 Expiration of leave only with prior information from the employer (GE)
Authors: Zintl Daniel 
Published: January 2020

2019/49 Expiration of leave only with prior information from the employer (GE)
The Federal Labour Court (Bundesarbeitsgericht – BAG) has decided that the entitlement to paid annual leave only expires at the end of the calendar year or at the end of a carry-over period if the employer has previously put the employee in a position to take his leave and yet the employee has not taken the leave out of his own free will. The court held that the employer must cooperate in granting the leave. He has to encourage the employee to take his – concrete numbered - leave and inform him accurately and in good time, that the entitlement to paid leave would otherwise expire.
Analysis of the genetic diversity of the coastal and island endangered plant speciesElaeagnus macrophyllavia conserved DNA-derived polymorphism marker
Authors: Wang Yi , Ma Yan , Jia Bingyu , Wu Qichao , Zang Dekui , Yu Xiaoyan 
Published: January 2020

The genetic diversity and genetic structure of five natural populations of the island and coastal endangered plant speciesElaeagnus macrophyllawere analyzed via conserved DNA-derived polymorphism molecular markers. A total of 289 discernible loci were obtained from 102 individuals via fifteen primers, and 100% of the loci were polymorphic. The observed number of alleles was 1.9654, and the effective number of alleles was 1.2604. Nei’s genetic diversity index was 0.1724 on average, and Shannon’s information index was 0.2869, indicating thatElaeagnus macrophyllahad lower levels of genetic diversity than those reported for its continental relatives and other continental species. The average percentage of polymorphic loci was 42.1%, and the maximum and minimum were 80.97% and 14.88%, respectively, which were associated with the Nanji Island and Liugong Island populations, respectively. The populations ofElaeagnus macrophyllawere highly differentiated. Cluster analysis revealed that the similarity between the tested samples was related to their geographical location, that the samples from the same island tended to cluster together, and that there was no cross-clustering between samples. The Nanji Island and Da Rushan populations differentiated into two subpopulations. Last, we detected no correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance between populations (Pearson’s correlation coefficientr = 0.256579,p-value = 0.8309).
Evaluation of Different Carrier Substances for the Development of an Effective Pelleted Biofertilizer for Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Using Co-inoculated Bacteria and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Pathirana B. K. W. , Yapa P. N. 
Published: January 2020

Aims: This study was aimed to compare aquatic weed, biochar and compost carrier substances for the development of effective pelleted biofertilizer for paddy (Oryza sativa L.) using co-inoculated bacteria, Azospirillum sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF).
Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, Sri Lanka between November 2018 and May 2019.
Methodology: Pre-sterilized, 1 kg weight of ground carrier material was inoculated with 50 g of AMF propagules and 20 ml of 1.5 x 108 (CFU/ml) of each bacterial inoculant. Different types of pelleted biofertilizers were prepared as; aquatic weed and bioinoculum (P1), aquatic weed, bioinoculum and nutrient supplement mixture (P2), biochar and bioinoculum (P3), biochar, bioinoculum and nutrient supplement mixture (P4), compost and bioinoculum (P5), compost, bioinoculum and nutrient supplement mixture (P6). Rock phosphate and potassium feldspar was used as nutrient supplement mixture in developing some pelleted biofertilizers. Biofertilizer pellets were tested for the microbial survivability with the time by determining viable cell count of bacteria at two storage temperatures of 0°C and 30°C.
Pot experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of prepared pelleted biofertilizers on growth and yield of rice and on some soil chemical and biological characteristics. Control (without biofertilizers) and above pelleted biofertilizers were added to the 3000 g of soil in pot with one paddy plant of variety BG 360. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replicates. Rice roots were screened for AMF colonization after harvesting.
Results: According to Tukey’s Pairwise Comparison test, control and different treatments in pot experiment were significantly different for shoot height, number of seeds per panicle, 100 seeds weight and soil pH (p ≤ 0.05). However, there was no significant difference observed for bacterial count in prepared biofertilizers and biofertilizer applied soil, relative growth rate, plant dry and fresh weights and electrical conductivity. Among different pelleted biofertilizers, application of pellets consisted of compost with bioinoculant (P5), exceedingly enhanced the rice growth and yield. Compost, bioinoculum and nutrient supplement mixture (P6) added pellets were shown highest bacterial survivability at 30°C for seven days. Although AMF colonization of rice plants were low this was the first report of citing the presence of AMF in rice roots in Sri Lanka.
Conclusion: These pelleted biofertilizers have the potential to be used for improved productivity of rice variety Bg 360. Therefore, developing such bioinoculants as biofertilizers and their efficient use could be considered as a sustainable solution for rice cultivation in Sri Lanka and worldwide.
Outcomes Reported in Prospective Long‐Term Observational Studies and Registries of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Worldwide: An Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Systematic Review
Authors: Lopez‐Olivo Maria A. , Zogala Richard J. , des Bordes Jude , Zamora Natalia V. , Christensen Robin , Rai Davesh , Goel Niti , Carmona Loreto , Pratt Gregory , Strand Vibeke , Suarez‐Almazor Maria E. 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveProspective long‐term observational studies (LOS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) lack a core set of universally collected outcome measures, particularly patient‐centered outcomes, precluding accurate comparisons across studies. Our aim was to identify long‐term outcome measures collected and reported in these studies.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of registries and LOS of patients with RA, searching in ClinicalTrials.gov, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Registry of Patient Registries, and Google Scholar. The names and acronyms of registries and LOS were further searched in the Medline and Embase databases to retrieve published articles. Two independent reviewers undertook data collection, quality appraisal, and data extraction.ResultsWe identified 88 registries/LOS that met our eligibility criteria. These were divided into 2 groups: disease‐based (52 [59%]) and therapy‐based (36 [41%]). Methodologic and reporting standards varied across the eligible studies. For clinical outcomes, disease activity was recorded in 88 (100%) of all LOS/registries. The most commonly reported measure (86 [98%]) was the composite outcome Disease Activity Score using 28 joints. Of the patient‐centered outcomes collected, physical functioning was most frequently reported (75 [85%]) with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (75 [85%]) as the most commonly used instrument within this domain. Other domains of patient‐centered outcomes were comparatively infrequently recorded: mental (29 [33%]), social (20 [23%]), and health‐related quality of life (37 [42%]).ConclusionMost registries/LOS collect measures of disease activity and physical function. However, there is substantial heterogeneity in the collection of relevant patient‐centered outcomes that measure symptom burden and mental and social ramifications of RA.
Functionalized TiCu/Ti‐Cu‐N‐Coated 3D‐Printed Porous Ti6Al4V Scaffold Promotes Bone Regeneration through BMSC Recruitment
Authors: Guo Yu , Ren Ling , Xie Kai , Wang Lei , Yu Baohai , Jiang Wenbo , Zhao Yanhui , Hao Yongqiang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTi6Al4V scaffolds have high strength and corrosion resistance. 3D printing technology can optimize the pore structure of Ti6Al4V scaffolds, promoting bone tissue growth into the scaffolds to form firm osseointegrations. However, Ti6Al4V lacks biological activity. This defect can be overcome through surface modifications. Arc ion plating is employed to prepare titanium copper/titanium copper nitride (TiCu/Ti‐Cu‐N) multilayer coating, which is applied to 3D‐printed porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds by selective laser melting and bearing 300–400 µm pores. In addition to the excellent biological activity of copper, TiN shows superior corrosion resistance. The scaffold properties, osteogenesis, and osteointegration are evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Results show that human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) proliferate and adhere more effectively on coated scaffolds than on uncoated scaffolds. Further, the coating has a significant role in recruiting hBMSCs, and upregulation of the SDF‐1α/CXCR4 axis, p38 expression, and extracellular signal‐related kinase (Erk) and Akt signaling pathway. The in vitro results are further confirmed by an animal experiment in the New Zealand white rabbit femur tibia defect. Overall, the TiCu/Ti‐Cu‐N‐coated 3D‐printed Ti6Al4V scaffold shows excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity in promoting bone repair. The underlying mechanism may involve recruiting BMSCs and promoting their osteogenic differentiation.
Effect of the Pressure Exerted by Probe Station Tips in the Electrical Characteristics of Memristors
Authors: Zuo Ying , Lin Huizi , Guo Jingchun , Yuan Yue , He Hanglin , Li Yutong , Xiao Yiping , Li Xuehua , Zhu Kaichen , Wang Tao , Jing Xu , Wen Chao , Lanza Mario 
Published: January 2020

AbstractResistive switching phenomenon is normally studied through fabricating two types of metal/insulator/metal (MIM) test structures: i) using a shadow mask to pattern dot‐like top electrodes (on an insulator/metal sample) that also serve as pad to connect the probe station tips and ii) using photolithography to pattern metallic wires rotated 90° that cross at one point to sandwich an insulator, and that are attached to large pads to connect the probe station tips. The second method is the most recommendable because the size of the MIM‐like memristor can be reduced; however, many researchers prefer to use the first configuration because it is easier to fabricate. The pressure exerted by probe station tips on the top electrode of MIM‐like memristors can alter the electrical characteristics of these devices, leading to lower dielectric breakdown (DB) voltages, higher post‐DB currents, lower variability of the post‐DB currents, erratic cycling, and lower yield is shown here. These observations have been confirmed statistically by measuring >900 devices made with different electrodes (Ni, Au, Cu, and Ag) and dielectric stacks (HfO2 and Al2O3). This indicates that the electrical characteristics reported in previous works using dot‐like memristors may be unreal, as they could have been affected by the force exerted by the probe station tips.
Occupational exposure to formaldehyde and risk of lung cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kwak Kyeongmin , Paek Domyung , Park Jong‐Tae 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundFormaldehyde exposure is associated with nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. Previously‐described links between formaldehyde exposure and lung cancer have been weak and inconsistent. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate quantitatively the association between formaldehyde exposure and lung cancer.MethodsWe searched for articles on occupational formaldehyde exposure and lung cancer in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. In total, 32 articles were selected and 31 studies were included in a meta‐analysis. Subgroup analyses and quality assessments were also performed.ResultsThe risk of lung cancer among workers exposed to formaldehyde was not significantly increased, with an overall pooled risk estimate of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97‐1.12). The pooled risk estimate of lung cancer was increased when higher exposure studies were considered (1.19; 95% CI, 0.96‐1.46). More statistically robust results were obtained when high quality (1.13; 95% CI, 1.08‐1.19) and recent (1.13; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.19) studies were used in deriving pooled risk estimates.ConclusionsNo significant increase in the risk of lung cancer was evident in the overall pooled risk estimate; even in higher formaldehyde exposure groups. Our findings do not provide strong evidence in favor of formaldehyde as a risk factor for lung cancer. However, since risk estimates were significantly increased for high‐quality and recent studies, the possibility that exposure to formaldehyde can increase the risk of lung cancer might still be considered.
Diagnostic accuracy for drug detection using liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy in overdose patients
Authors: Yagihashi Gen , Tarui Takehiko , Miyagi Hiroyuki , Ohnishi Hiroaki , Watanabe Takashi , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro 
Published: January 2020

AimInformation about the causative drugs is essential for appropriate treatment for drug overdose, but patients sometimes cannot provide information about overdosed drugs owing to disturbed consciousness or an unwillingness to cooperate with treatment. The purpose of this study was to decide whether liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) is useful as a detection method for overdosed drugs.MethodsOverdose patients (n = 279) treated in our facility were retrospectively studied. Specimens from gastric lavage, blood serum, and urine were tested using LC/MS. The matching rates between drugs overdosed and those detected by LC/MS were evaluated; LC/MS and Triage DOAR were also compared. Data are shown as means.ResultsPatients overdosed on 3.2 kinds of drugs and were transferred to our hospital 4.6 h after. Overall 3.5 kinds of drugs were detected by LC/MS, and 2.4, 1.9, and 2.2 kinds were from the stomach, blood, and urine, respectively. Matching rate among the ingested drugs (kinds of drugs matched/ones ingested) was the highest in the gastric samples (0.56), and the lowest in the urine samples (0.46) (P < 0.01). In addition, the matching rates among the detected drugs (kinds of drugs matched/ones detected) were as high as 0.74 and 0.78 in the gastric and blood samples, respectively. Comparing the sensitivity and specificity of detection of benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants between LC/MS and Triage DOAR, we found that these two methods were comparable.ConclusionLiquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy was proven to be an effective method to detect overdosed drugs, especially when there was not enough information about the drugs ingested.
A General Strategy for Macrotheranostic Prodrug Activation: Synergy between the Acidic Tumor Microenvironment and Bioorthogonal Chemistry
Authors: Dong Yansong , Tu Yalan , Wang Kewei , Xu Congfei , Yuan Youyong , Wang Jun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractProdrugs activated by endogenous stimuli face the problem of tumor heterogeneity. Bioorthogonal prodrug activation that utilizes an exogenous click reaction has the potential to solve this problem, but most of the strategies currently used rely on the presence of endogenous receptors or overexpressed enzymes. We herein integrate the acidic, extracellular microenvironment of a tumor and a click reaction as a general strategy for prodrug activation. This was achieved by using a tumor pH‐responsive polymer containing tetrazine groups, which formed unreactive micelles in the blood but disassembled in response to tumor pH. The vinyl ether group on the macrotheranostic prodrug (CyPVE) is activated by the tetrazine groups, which was confirmed by tumor‐specific fluorescence activation and phototoxicity restoration. Therefore, the bioorthogonal reactions in the context of the ubiquitous acidic tumor microenvironment can provide a general strategy for bioorthogonal prodrug activation.
Mangan‐Dotierung von Perowskit‐Nanokristallen: Quanteneinschränkung Aufgrund von Ruddlesden‐Popper‐Defekten
Authors: Paul Sharmistha , Bladt Eva , Richter Alexander F. , Döblinger Markus , Tong Yu , Huang He , Dey Amrita , Bals Sara , Debnath Tushar , Polavarapu Lakshminarayana , Feldmann Jochen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDas Konzept von Mangan‐dotierten II‐VI‐Halbleiternanokristallen wurde vor kurzem auf Perowskite ausgedehnt. Allerdings konzentrieren sich die meisten Studien bis jetzt auf die Verstärkung der Emission, die nach einem Energietransfer von den Mn2+‐Ionen ausgeht. In dieser Arbeit zeigen wir, dass die Dotierung von CsPbCl3‐Nanokristallen mit Mn2+‐Ionen nicht nur zu einer Mangan‐bezogenen orangenen Emission führt, sondern auch die exzitonischen Eigenschaften an sich stark beeinflusst. Eine leichte Dotierung mit Mn2+‐Ionen verringert die Inhomogenität der Nanokristalle, wodurch ein markantes exzitonisches Absorptionssignal erkennbar wird. Bei zunehmender Mn2+‐Konzentration beobachten wir jedoch, dass die Dotierung zur Bildung von Ruddlesden‐Popper‐Defekten führt. Die entsprechenden Defektebenen induzieren wiederum Quanteneinschränkungseffekte innerhalb eines einzelnen Nanokristalls und erhöhen somit die Inhomogenität. Dadurch kommt es zu einer allmählichen Blauverschiebung und Verbreiterung des exzitonischen Übergangs.