bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on permeability, inflammation and mucus production of human epithelial cells
Authors: Grau-Bartual Sandra , Al-Jumaily Ahmed M. , Young Paul M. , Traini Daniela , Ghadiri Maliheh 
Published: June 2020

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea, which affects millions of people worldwide. However, this therapy normally results in symptoms such as dryness, sneezing, rhinorrhoea, post-nasal drip, nasal congestion and epistaxis in the upper airways.Using bronchial epithelial (Calu-3) and nasal epithelial (RPMI 2650) cells in anin vitrorespiratory model, this study, for the first time, investigates the effect of CPAP positive pressure on the human respiratory epithelial mechanisms that regulate upper airways lubrication characteristics. To understand how the epithelium and mucus are affected by this therapy, several parameters were determined before and after positive pressure application.This work demonstrates that the positive pressure not only compresses the cells, but also reduces their permeability and mucus secretion rate, thus drying the airway surface liquid layer and altering the mucus/water ratio. It is also observed that the respiratory epithelia is equally inflamed without or with external humidification during CPAP application.These findings clearly identify the causes of the side-effects reported by patients under CPAP therapy.
Evolutionary analysis of genes coding for Cysteine-RIch Secretory Proteins (CRISPs) in mammals
Authors: Arévalo Lena , Brukman Nicolás G. , Cuasnicú Patricia S. , Roldan Eduardo R. S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundCysteine-RIch Secretory Proteins (CRISP) are expressed in the reproductive tract of mammalian males and are involved in fertilization and related processes. Due to their important role in sperm performance and sperm-egg interaction, these genes are likely to be exposed to strong selective pressures, including postcopulatory sexual selection and/or male-female coevolution. We here perform a comparative evolutionary analysis ofCrispgenes in mammals. Currently, the nomenclature ofCRISPgenes is confusing, as a consequence of discrepancies between assignments of orthologs, particularly due to numbering ofCRISPgenes. This may generate problems when performing comparative evolutionary analyses of mammalian clades and species. To avoid such problems, we first carried out a study of possible orthologous relationships and putative origins of the knownCRISPgene sequences. Furthermore, and with the aim to facilitate analyses, we here propose a different nomenclature forCRISPgenes (EVAC1–4, “EVolutionarily-analyzed CRISP”) to be used in an evolutionary context.ResultsWe found differing selective pressures amongCrispgenes.CRISP1/4(EVAC1) andCRISP2(EVAC2) orthologs are found across eutherian mammals and seem to be conserved in general, but show signs of positive selection in primateCRISP1/4 (EVAC1).RodentCrisp1(Evac3a) seems to evolve under a comparatively more relaxed constraint with positive selection on codon sites. Finally, murineCrisp3(Evac4), which appears to be specific to the genusMus, shows signs of possible positive selection. We further provide evidence for sexual selection on the sequence of one of these genes (Crisp1/4) that, unlike others, is thought to be exclusively expressed in male reproductive tissues.ConclusionsWe found differing selective pressures amongCRISPgenes and sexual selection as a contributing factor inCRISP1/4gene sequence evolution. Our evolutionary analysis of this unique set of genes contributes to a better understanding ofCrispfunction in particular and the influence of sexual selection on reproductive mechanisms in general.
Coding and long non-coding RNAs provide evidence of distinct transcriptional reprogramming for two ecotypes of the extremophile plant Eutrema salsugineum undergoing water deficit stress
Authors: Simopoulos Caitlin M. A. , MacLeod Mitchell J. R. , Irani Solmaz , Sung Wilson W. L. , Champigny Marc J. , Summers Peter S. , Golding G. Brian , Weretilnyk Elizabeth A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe severity and frequency of drought has increased around the globe, creating challenges in ensuring food security for a growing world population. As a consequence, improving water use efficiency by crops has become an important objective for crop improvement. Some wild crop relatives have adapted to extreme osmotic stresses and can provide valuable insights into traits and genetic signatures that can guide efforts to improve crop tolerance to water deficits.Eutrema salsugineum, a close relative of many cruciferous crops, is a halophytic plant and extremophyte model for abiotic stress research.ResultsUsing comparative transcriptomics, we show that twoE. salsugineumecotypes display significantly different transcriptional responses towards a two-stage drought treatment. Even before visibly wilting, water deficit led to the differential expression of almost 1,100 genes for an ecotype from the semi-arid, sub-arctic Yukon, Canada, but only 63 genes for an ecotype from the semi-tropical, monsoonal, Shandong, China. After recovery and a second drought treatment, about 5,000 differentially expressed genes were detected in Shandong plants versus 1,900 genes in Yukon plants. Only 13 genes displayed similar drought-responsive patterns for both ecotypes. We detected 1,007 long non-protein coding RNAs (lncRNAs), 8% were only expressed in stress-treated plants, a surprising outcome given the documented association between lncRNA expression and stress. Co-expression network analysis of the transcriptomes identified eight gene clusters where at least half of the genes in each cluster were differentially expressed. While many gene clusters were correlated to drought treatments, only a single cluster significantly correlated to drought exposure in both ecotypes.ConclusionExtensive, ecotype-specific transcriptional reprogramming with drought was unexpected given that both ecotypes are adapted to saline habitats providing persistent exposure to osmotic stress. This ecotype-specific response would have escaped notice had we used a single exposure to water deficit. Finally, the apparent capacity to improve tolerance and growth after a drought episode represents an important adaptive trait for a plant that thrives under semi-arid Yukon conditions, and may be similarly advantageous for crop species experiencing stresses attributed to climate change.
Perceived strategies to reduce traumatic childbirth amongst Iranian childbearing women: a qualitative study
Authors: Taheri Mahshid , Taghizadeh Ziba , Jafari Nahid , Takian Amirhossein 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Psychological birth trauma (PBT), mainly due to overlooking maternal mental health, is a common and high prevalence public health problem in low-resource settings. Preventing PBT is a good indicator of the realization of human rights in healthcare. This work reports the results of a qualitative study that aimed to identify perceived strategies of PBT prevention among childbearing women in Iran.

Methods
We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 22 mothers with history of traumatic childbirth, two mothers with positive childbirth experience, two spouses, and eight health professionals between April and June 2017. We used purposive sampling method to recruit traumatized mothers, while health experts were selected based on their relevant expertise and experience. Our initial literature review identified eight categories, using which we developed our interview guide and conducted the content analysis approach.

Results
With the maximum possible purification, we reached 50 thematic codes. The strategies to prevent PBT are generally summarized in four major themes and 13 categories: 1) skill-builder knowledge [Birth preparedness, Mothers’ empowerment in maintaining mental health, Understanding the importance of mental care in maternity services], 2) responsible caregiving [Support loop, Good behavior of the caregivers, Deepening trust, Struggle with medicalization of childbirth, Labour pain relief, Special services for maternal mental health], 3) the alliance of prenatal and antenatal care [Continuity of care, Coordination of prenatal and antenatal caregivers], and 4) reconstruction of the structures [Efficient management, Rebuilding physical structures].

Conclusions
This is a comprehensive approach towards PBT prevention, which can guide future efforts to reduce PBT at the clinical level and open further avenues for future studies. We recommend policy makers to consider the integration of multilevel and multidimensional PBT prevention interventions, simultaneously within maternity care services packages for promotion of mental health.
Whole-brain irradiation with hippocampal sparing and dose escalation on metastases: neurocognitive testing and biological imaging (HIPPORAD) – a phase II prospective randomized multicenter trial (NOA-14, ARO 2015–3, DKTK-ROG)
Authors: Grosu Anca-Ligia , Frings Lars , Bentsalo Iryna , Oehlke Oliver , Brenner Franziska , Bilger Angelika , Fennell Jamina Tara , Rothe Thomas , Schneider-Fuchs Sabine , Graf Erika , Schmoor Claudia , Beck Jürgen , Becker Gerhild , Bock Michael , Egger Karl , Urbach Horst , Lahmann Claas , Popp Ilinca 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is the standard therapy for multiple brain metastases. However, WBRT has a poor local tumor control and is associated with a decline in neurocognitive function (NCF). Aim of this trial is to assess the efficacy and safety of a new treatment method, the WBRT with hippocampus avoidance (HA) combined with the simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) on metastases/resection cavities (HA-WBRT+SIB).

Methods
This is a prospective, randomized, two-arm phase II multicenter trial comparing the impact of HA on NCF after HA-WBRT+SIB versus WBRT+SIB in patients with multiple brain metastases. The study design is double-blinded. One hundred thirty two patients are to be randomized with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients between 18 and 80 years old are recruited, with at least 4 brain metastases of solid tumors and at least one, but not exceeding 10 metastases ≥5 mm. Patients must be in good physical condition and have no metastases/resection cavities in or within 7 mm of the hippocampus. Patients with dementia, meningeal disease, cerebral lymphomas, germ cell tumors, or small cell carcinomas are excluded. Previous irradiation and resection of metastases, as well as the number and size of metastases to be boosted have to comply with certain restrictions. Patients are randomized between the two treatment arms: HA-WBRT+SIB and WBRT+SIB. WBRT is to be performed with 30 Gy in 12 daily fractions and the SIB with 51 Gy/42 Gy in 12 daily fractions on 95% of volume for metastases/resection cavities. In the experimental arm, the dose to the hippocampi is restricted to 9 Gy in 98% of the volume and 17Gy in 2% of the volume. NCF testing is scheduled before WBRT, after 3 (primary endpoint), 9, 18 months and yearly thereafter. Clinical and imaging follow-ups are performed 6 and 12 weeks after WBRT, after 3, 9, 18 months and yearly thereafter.

Discussion
This is a protocol of a randomized phase II trial designed to test a new strategy of WBRT for preventing cognitive decline and increasing tumor control in patients with multiple brain metastases.

Trial registration
The HIPPORAD trial is registered with the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00004598, registered 2 June 2016).
The development and validation of a radiomic nomogram for the preoperative prediction of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Qin , Huang Yan , Chen Huai , Liu Yanwen , Liang Ruihong , Zeng Qingsi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundAccurate diagnosis of early lung cancer from small pulmonary nodules (SPN) is challenging in clinical setting. We aimed to develop a radiomic nomogram to differentiate lung adenocarcinoma from benign SPN.MethodsThis retrospective study included a total of 210 pathologically confirmed SPN (≤ 10 mm) from 197 patients, which were randomly divided into a training dataset (n = 147; malignant nodules,n = 94) and a validation dataset (n = 63; malignant nodules,n = 39). Radiomic features were extracted from the cancerous volumes of interest on contrast-enhanced CT images. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used for data dimension reduction, feature selection, and radiomic signature building. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, a radiomic nomogram was developed incorporating the radiomic signature and the conventional CT signs observed by radiologists. Discrimination and calibration of the radiomic nomogram were evaluated.ResultsThe radiomic signature consisting of five radiomic features achieved an AUC of 0.853 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.735–0.970), accuracy of 81.0%, sensitivity of 82.9%, and specificity of 77.3%. The two conventional CT signs achieved an AUC of 0.833 (95% CI: 0.707–0.958), accuracy of 65.1%, sensitivity of 53.7%, and specificity of 86.4%. The radiomic nomogram incorporating the radiomic signature and conventional CT signs showed an improved AUC of 0.857 (95% CI: 0.723–0.991), accuracy of 84.1%, sensitivity of 85.4%, and specificity of 81.8%. The radiomic nomogram had good calibration power.ConclusionThe radiomic nomogram might has the potential to be used as a non-invasive tool for individual prediction of SPN preoperatively. It might facilitate decision-making and improve the management of SPN in the clinical setting.
Immunohistochemical expression of vitamin D receptor and forkhead box P3 in classic Hodgkin lymphoma: correlation with clinical and pathologic findings
Authors: Gupta Gaurav K. , Agrawal Tanupriya , Pilichowska Monika 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundExpression of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), a key regulator of T-cell function, in the tumor immune microenvironment is related to survival in classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL). Vitamin D receptor (VDR), a transcription factor agonists have been shown to induce FOXP3 expression in T-cells and enhance recruitment of these cells to the inflammatory sites. VDR expression is CHL has been described. However, there is no data on expression of VDR in context of quantity of FOXP3 positive cells in CHL.MethodsWe examined and correlated immunohistochemical expression of VDR and FOXP3 along with clinical and pathology findings in 29 cases of CHL.ResultsVDR was expressed in Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells and background lymphocytes and FOXP3 was expressed in background lymphocytes. 82% of CHL cases, regardless of the subtype, expressed VDR and in majority of the cases, VDR expression was directly proportional to the quantity of FOXP3 expressing lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment. In cases with higher clinical stage (III/IV), only 28.5% of cases diffusely expressed VDR and FOXP3 compared to 71.4% showing focal positivity. Whereas in cases with lower clinical stages (I/II), the expression pattern of VDR and FOXP3 was almost similar (41.6% diffuse versus 33.3% focal). Interestingly, focal VDR and FOXP3 expression pattern was significantly higher among males. Mixed cellularity cases showed predilection for focal VDR and FOXP3 expression (80% cases); whereas nodular sclerosis subtype had focal and diffuse VDR and FOXP3 expression patterns in similar proportion. Cases with diffuse VDR and FOXP3 expression were less likely to have bone marrow involvement. Epstein Barr virus- encoded small RNA (EBER) positive cases were predominantly focally positive (80%) for VDR and FOXP3.ConclusionsIn summary, quantity of FOXP3 positive T-cells in CHL microenvironment seems to correlate with VDR expression. Clinical stage show a trend of inverse correlation with expression of VDR and quantity of FOXP3 positive T-cells. These findings suggest that VDR could be a possible prognostic and therapeutic target in CHL.
Single-institutional outcome-analysis of low-dose stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) of adrenal gland metastases
Authors: Voglhuber Theresa , Kessel Kerstin A. , Oechsner Markus , Vogel Marco M. E. , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Combs Stephanie E. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Adrenal gland metastases are a common diagnostic finding in various tumor diseases. Due to the increased use of imaging methods, they are diagnosed more frequently, especially in asymptomatic patients. SBRT has emerged as a new, alternative treatment option in the field of radiation oncology. In the past, it was often used for treating inoperable lung, liver, prostate, and brain tumors. Meanwhile, it is also an established keystone in the treatment of oligometastatic diseases. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the effect of low-dose SBRT in patients with adrenal metastases.

Methods
We analyzed a group of 31 patients with 34 adrenal gland lesions treated with low-dose SBRT between July 2006 and July 2019. Treatment-planning was performed through contrast-enhanced CT, followed by image-guided stereotactic radiotherapy using cone-beam CT. The applied cumulative median dose was 35 Gy; the median single dose was 7 Gy. We focused on local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), as well as acute and late toxicity.

Results
Seven adrenal gland metastases (20.6%) experienced local failure, 80.6% of the patients faced a distant progression. Fourteen patients were still alive. Median follow-up for all patients was 9.8 months and for patients alive 14.4 months. No treatment-related side-effects >grade 2 occurred. Of all, 48.4% suffered from acute gastrointestinal disorders; 32.3% reported acute fatigue, throbbing pain in the renal area, and mild adrenal insufficiency. Altogether, 19.4% of the patients faced late-toxicities, which were as follows: Grade 1: 12.9% gastrointestinal disorders, 3.2% fatigue, Grade 2: 9.7% fatigue, 6.5% headache, 3.2% loss of weight. The 1-year OS and probability of LF were 64 and 25.9%, respectively.

Conclusion
Low-dose SBRT has proven as an effective and safe method with promising outcomes for treating adrenal metastases. There appeared no high-grade toxicities >grade 2, and 79.4% of treated metastases were progression-free. Thus, SBRT should be considered as a therapy option for adrenal metastases as an individual therapeutic concept in the interdisciplinary discussion as an alternative to surgical or systemic treatment.
DAily time use, Physical Activity, quality of care and interpersonal relationships in patients with Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (DiAPASon): an Italian multicentre study
Authors: de Girolamo Giovanni , Rocchetti Matteo , Benzi Ilaria Maria Antonietta , Agosta Sara , Casiraghi Letizia , Ferrari Clarissa , De Franceschi Nicola , Macis Ambra , Pogliaghi Silvia , Starace Fabrizio 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundSchizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) are ranked among the leading causes of disabilities worldwide. Many people with SSD spend most of their daily time being inactive, and this is related to the severity of negative symptoms. Here, we present the 3-year DiAPAson project aimed at (1) evaluating the daily time use among patients with SSD living in Residential Facilities (RFs) compared to outpatients with SSD and to the general population (Study 1); (2) evaluating the quality of staff-patient relationships, its association with specific patient outcomes and the quality of care provided in RFs (Study 2); and (3) assessing daily activity patterns in residential patients, outpatients with SSD and healthy controls using real-time methodologies (Study 3).MethodsStudy 1 will include 300 patients with SSD living in RFs and 300 outpatients; data obtained in these clinical populations will be compared with normative data obtained by the National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) in the national survey on daily time use. Time use assessments will consist of daily diaries asking participants to retrospectively report time spent in different activities.In Study 2, a series of questionnaires will be administered to 300 residential patients (recruited for Study 1) to evaluate the quality of care and staff-patient relationships, level of well-being and burnout of RFs’ staff, and quality of RFs using a European standardized questionnaire (QuIRC-SA).In Study 3, the daily time use will be evaluated in a subgroup of 50 residential patients, 50 outpatients and 50 healthy controls using the Experience Sampling Method approach (participants will complete a brief questionnaire -about time use, mood and perceived energy- on a smartphone 8 times a day for 1 week) to compare retrospective and real-time reports. Moreover, their level of physical activity, sleep patterns, and energy expenditure will be monitored through a multi-sensor device.DiscussionThis project is highly innovative because it combines different types of assessments (i.e., retrospective and real-time reports; multi-sensor monitoring) to trace an accurate picture of daily time use and levels of physical activity that will help identify the best therapeutic options promoting daily activities and physical exercise in patients with SSD.Trial registrationISRCTN registry IDISRCTN21141466.
Impacts of stigma and discrimination in the workplace on people living with psychosis
Authors: Hampson M. E. , Watt B. D. , Hicks R. E. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Employment holds many benefits for people living with psychosis. However, significant barriers to employment for this cohort appear to exist, notably stigma and discrimination against people living with serious mental health conditions. We asked: Would a qualitative sample including multiple stakeholder groups reveal similar results and if so, what would be the main impacts of such stigma and discrimination?

Method
This analysis used data from a qualitative study that had employed focus groups and interviews to investigate the employment barriers and support needs of people living with psychosis, including views of the multiple stakeholders (those living with mental health conditions, health professionals, care-givers, employments consultants and community members and employers).

Results
The impacts of workplace stigma and discrimination on people living with psychosis included work avoidance, reluctance to disclose mental health conditions to employers, work-related stress, and reduced longevity of employment.

Conclusions
Significant impacts from such stigma and discrimination were found in this study. The findings indicate a need to provide support mechanisms and to change the culture of workplaces to improve employment opportunities and outcomes for people living with psychosis.