bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of DNA repair gene variants with colorectal cancer: risk, toxicity, and survival
Authors: Salimzadeh Hamideh , Lindskog Elinor Bexe , Gustavsson Bengt , Wettergren Yvonne , Ljungman David 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair genes have a potential clinical value in predicting treatment outcomes. In the current study, we examined the association of SNPs in the genes XRCC1-rs25487, ERCC1-rs11615, ERCC2-rs238406, and ERCC2-rs13181 with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity during chemotherapy.Methods: SNPs were analysed in 590 CRC cases and 300 controls using TaqMan technology. The association of SNPs with CRC risk and toxicity during chemotherapy was analysed using Chi2 test. The Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test was used to measure the effects of the SNPs on RFS and OS.Results: The CC genotype of ERCC2-rs238406 and the ERCC2-rs13181 C allele were associated with a significantly increased risk of CRC. The ERCC1-rs11615 genotype T/T was associated with stomatitis in adjuvant chemotherapy (p= 0.03). Also, more patients with the ERCC2-rs13181 C allele needed dose reduction compared to patients with the A/A genotype (p= 0.02). In first line chemotherapy, more patients with the ERCC1-rs11615 C allele suffered from nausea compared to those with the T/T genotype (p= 0.04) and eye reactions and thrombocytopenia were more common in patients with the ERCC2-rs13181 C allele compared to the A/A genotype (p= 0.006 and p= 0.004, respectively). ERCC2- rs238406 C/C was also associated with a higher frequency of thrombocytopenia (p= 0.03). A shorter 5-year OS was detected in stage I & II CRC patients with the ERCC2- rs238406 C allele (p= 0.02). However, there was no significant association between the SNPs and 5-year RFS.Conclusions: Both SNPs in ERCC2 were associated with risk of CRC as well as toxicity during first line treatment. In addition, ERCC2- rs238406 was linked to OS in early stage CRC. The ERCC1-rs11615 variant was associated with toxicity during adjuvant chemotherapy. The results add support to previous findings that SNPs in ERCC1 and ERCC2 have a prognostic and predictive value in clinical management of CRC.
Infrared photovoltaic detector based on p-GeTe/n-Si heterojunction
Authors: Zhao Yiqun , Tang Libin , Yang Shengyi , Lau Shu Ping , Teng Kar Seng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
GeTe is an important narrow bandgap semiconductor material and has found application in the fields of phase change storage as well as spintronics devices. However, it has not been studied for application in the field of infrared photovoltaic detectors working at room temperature. Herein, GeTe nanofilms were grown by magnetron sputtering technique and characterized to investigate its physical, electrical and optical properties. A high-performance infrared photovoltaic detector based on GeTe/Si heterojunction with the detectivity of 8×10 11 Jones at 850 nm light irradiation at room temperature was demonstrated.
Kethoxal-assisted single-stranded DNA sequencing (KAS-seq) for capturing transcription dynamics and enhancer activity
Authors: Wu Tong , Lyu Ruitu , He Chuan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
We describe a rapid and sensitive labeling of single-stranded DNA for sequencing (KAS-seq), based on a kethoxal-guanine reaction. KAS-seq procedure involves N3-kethoxal labeling, DNA isolation, biotinylation, fragmentation and enrichment, library preparation and sequencing. The whole process can be finished in a day. KAS-seq enables rapid measurement of the dynamics of transcriptionally-engaged Pol II, transcribing enhancers, Pol I and Pol III activities, and non-canonical DNA structures involving ssDNA simultaneously in situ, by using as few as 1,000 cells or mice tissues. The robust and tissue-friendly nature coupled with low input material requirement make KAS-seq a method that can be broadly applied. This step-by-step protocol is related to the publication “Kethoxal-assisted single-stranded DNA sequencing captures global transcription dynamics and enhancer activity in situ” in Nature Methods.
Our First Review: An Evaluation of Effectiveness of Root Cause Analysis Recommendations in Hong Kong Public Hospitals
Authors: Kwok Andy Yick Ting , Mah Alastair Pui Yan , Pang Katherine Mo Ching 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of root cause analysis (RCA) recommendations and propose possible ways to enhance its quality in Hong Kong public hospitals.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed across 43 public hospitals and institutes in Hong Kong, reviewing RCA reports of all Sentinel Events and Serious Untoward Events within a two-year period. The incident nature, types of root causes and strengths of recommendations were analysed. The RCA recommendations were categorised as ‘strong’, ‘medium’ or ‘weak’ strengths utilizing the US’s Veteran Affairs National Center for Patient Safety action hierarchy.Results: A total of 214 reports from October 2016 to September 2018 were reviewed. These reports generated 504 root causes, averaging 2.4 per RCA report, and comprising 282 (49%) system, 233 (46%) staff behavioural and 22 (4%) patient factors. There were 658 recommendations identified in the RCA reports with an average of 3.1 per RCA. Of these, 18 (2%) recommendations were rated strong, 116 (15%) medium and 626 (82%) weak. Most recommendations were related to ‘training and education’ (466, 61%), ‘additional study/review’ (104, 14%) and ‘review/enhancement of policy/guideline’ (39, 5%).Conclusions: This study provided insights about the effectiveness of RCA recommendations across all public hospitals in Hong Kong. The results showed a high proportion of root causes were attributed to staff behavioural factors and most of the recommendations were weak. The reasons include the lack of training, tools and expertise, appropriateness of panel composition, and complicated processes in carrying out large scale improvements. The Review Team suggested conducting regular RCA training, adopting easy-to-use tools, enhancing panel composition with human factors expertise, promoting an organization-wide safety culture to staff and aggregating analysis of incidents as possible improvement actions.
Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms among Patients Diagnosed with Oral Cancer in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yuan Lulu , Pan Bochen , Wang Weiren , Wang Lie , Zhang Xujie , Gao Yuqin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Anxiety and depression are common mental health problems among patients with cancer. While many psychological variables have been proven to influence anxiety and depressive symptoms, the variables are not mutually exclusive and their integrated effects on patients with oral cancer are yet unknown. The present study aims to explore the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among patients with oral cancer, to find out key potentially predictive factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Method A cross-sectional study was carried out for Chinese patients with oral cancer between May 2016 and October 2017 in two Grade-A Tertiary Hospitals in Shenyang, China. 230 patients with oral cancer were interviewed with questionnaires on demographic variables, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Herth Hope Index (HHI), Social Impact Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and General Perceived Self-efficacy Scale(GSE). Chi-square test, nonparametric test, t-test and logistic regression analyses were conducted where appropriate to explore predictive factors of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms.Results The prevalence of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms in the sample population was 36.96% (85/230) and 65.21% (150/230), respectively. Social isolation dimension of stigma (β=0.409, OR=1.505, CI:1.193~1.900), optimism (β=-0.253, OR=0.777, CI:0.644~0.937), and perceived stress (β=0.209, OR=1.232, CI:1.084~1.400) were predictors of anxiety symptoms. Marriage (β=1.653, OR=5.224, CI:1.483~18.399), positive readiness and expectancy dimension of hope (β=-0.455, OR=0.634, CI:0.424~0.948), social isolation dimension of stigma (β=0.302, OR=1.352, CI:1.046~1.748) and perceived stress (β=0.252, OR=1.286, CI:1.118~1.479) were predictors of depressive symptoms among oral cancer patients. Conclusion The prevalence of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms was high among oral cancer patients in China. The communal predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with oral cancer were levels of perceived stress and social isolation of stigma. In addition, optimism was a predictor of anxiety symptoms and hope was a predictor of depressive symptoms.
Expression of tripartite motif‑containing 44 and its prognostic and clinicopathological value in human malignancies：a meta-analysis
Authors: Xiao Guoliang , Yang Qiuxi , Bao Ziwei , Mao Haixia , Zhang Yi , Lin Shibu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous researches have reported that tripartite motif-containing 44 (TRIM44) is related to the prognosis of multiple human tumors. This study was designed to systematically assess the prognostic value of TRIM44 in human malignancies and summarize its possible tumor-related mechanisms.Methods: The available databases were searched for eligible studies that evaluated the clinicopathological and prognostic roles of TRIM44 in patients with malignancies. The hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) were combined to assess the predictive role of TRIM44 using Stata/SE 14.1 software.Results: A total of 1,740 patients from thirteen original studies were finally included in this study. The results of the combined analysis showed that over-expression of TRIM44 protein was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.60-2.35) and worse disease-free survival (DFS) (HR= 2.13, 95% CI: 1.24-3.65) in cancer patients. Additionally, the combined ORs indicated that elevated expression level of TRIM44 protein was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (OR=2.69, 95% CI: 1.71-4.24), distant metastasis (OR=10.35, 95% CI: 1.01-106.24), poor tumor differentiation (OR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.03-3.09), increased depth of tumor invasion (OR=2.72, 95% CI: 1.73-4.30), advanced clinical stage (OR=2.75, 95% CI: 2.04-3.71), and recurrence (OR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.34-3.95). Furthermore, analysis results using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) showed that the expression level of TRIM44 mRNA was higher in most tumor tissues than in the corresponding normal tissues, and the relationship between TRIM44 mRNA level and prognosis in various malignant tumors also explored in GEPIA and OS analysis webservers.Conclusions: TRIM44 may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for patients with malignancies.
Gradient engineered light absorption layer for enhanced carrier separation efficiency in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wu Gaozhu , Zhu Qing , Zhang Teng , Zou Ziqi , Wang Weiping , Cao Yiyan , Kong Lijing , Zheng Xuanli , Wu Yaping , Li Xu , Wu Zhiming , Kang Junyong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Carrier transport behavior in perovskite light absorption layer significantly impacts the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this work, reduced carrier recombination losses were achieved by the design of band structure in perovskite materials. An ultrathin (PbI2/PbBr2)n film with a gradient thickness ratio was deposited as the lead halide precursor layer by thermal evaporation method, and PSCs with a gradient band structure in perovskite absorption layer were fabricated by a two-step method in ambient atmosphere. For comparison, PSCs with homogeneous perovskite materials of MAPbI3 and MAPbIxBr3-x were fabricated as well. It is found that the gradient type-II band structure greatly reduces the carrier lifetime and enhances the carrier separation efficiency. As a result, the PSCs with a gradient band structure exhibit an average power conversion efficiency of 17.5%, which is 1-2% higher than that of traditional PSCs. This work provides a novel method for developing high-efficient PSCs.
Knowledge, attitude, motivation and planning of breastfeeding; A cross sectional study among Jordanian women.
Authors: khasawneh wasim , Kheirallah Khalid , Mazin Mai , Abdulnabi Sanaa 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background In Jordan, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding is declining. The trend variation in breastfeeding practice is determined by different factors including antenatal women’s attitude and planning which are affected by their awareness and the support they receive. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, support, and planning of breastfeeding among Jordanian women.Methods A face-to-face cross sectional semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted among healthy women in the antenatal clinic and postpartum ward at three hospitals in Northern Jordan during the period August 2019 to December 2019. Data were collected about demographic characteristics, women’s knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding, antenatal and postnatal support and counseling, and feeding planning. Customized scales were utilized to assess knowledge and attitude. Factors associated with planning to breastfeed were reported.Results 660 women completed the survey questionnaire. The majority were 20 to 35 years of age. 10% were primiparous and 30% were employed. 78% were knowledgeable about breastfeeding benefits and aware of WHO recommendations. 72% had a positive attitude towards breastfeeding. More than half received support from their husbands to breastfeed their infants, while less than 20% received any counseling from their obstetric providers. 97% reported their intention to breastfeed, and more than half indicated their willing to exclusively breastfeed. With multilogistic regression model, predictors of EBF planning include primiparty (AOR 1.79 95% C.I 1.1, 3.25), positive attitude (AOR 1.80 95% C.I 1.05, 3.1) and positive husband’s support (AOR 1.92 95% C.I. 1.18, 3.15). Barriers include women’s employment (AOR 0.43 95% C.I. 0.26, 0.70) and low birth weight (AOR 0.46 95% C.I. 0.25, 0.84)Conclusion Jordanian women are highly knowledgeable about breastfeeding benefits, and they exhibit a positive attitude towards breastfeeding resulting in a very high percentage intending to breastfeed their infants. Limited counseling about breastfeeding is a major gap in antenatal care. As intentions might not reflect the actual practice after delivery, gaps and barriers affecting the determinants of successful breastfeeding should be identified, and corrective tools should be accordingly implemented. Assigning a specific time allotment for antenatal or postnatal counseling and support is expected to promote breastfeeding practice in our population.
Comparison of survival outcomes of locally advanced cervical cancer by histopathological types in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database: A propensity score matching study
Authors: Tian Tian , Gong Xing , Gao Dong Xu , Li Qing Yan , Ju Wen , Ai Qin Yi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: There has been limited research on the comparison of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) of cervical cancer and that lack of information may have significant bearing on the treatment of patients. We compared survival outcomes between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma in locally advanced cervical cancer patients and examined factors related to the prognosis of cervical cancer.Methods: We identified 4,131 patients with stage IB2-ⅣA cervical cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 by using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Variables related to the prognosis of cervical cancer were compared using both univariate and multivariate Cox models and log-rank method before and after propensity score matching. We compared the efficacy of radiotherapy alone to radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy or/and surgery in overall survival of SCC and AC. Results: Our sample included 3,385 patients with SCC (81.9%) and 746 patients with AC (18.1%). The 5-year overall survival on comparing the squamous cell carcinoma group and adenocarcinoma group was not significant (P>0.05). Using propensity score matching, 676 pairs of patients were selected. The 5-year overall survival of matched patients did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Histology was not independently associated with overall survival in multivariate Cox model (P>0.05). Factors affecting overall survival included FIGO stage IVA (P<0.05), chemotherapy (P<0.05), and external radiation combined with brachytherapy (P<0.05). Patients with SCC that were treated with radiation alone had significantly worse OS than AC patients receiving radiation only (P<0.05). Conclusions: The OS in AC of the cervix is similar to that SCC in when treated with radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and/or surgery but better when treated with radiation alone.
MicroRNA-219c-5p regulates bladder smooth muscle cell fibrosis by targeting FN1
Authors: Liu Bowen , Ding Yafei , Li Peng , Wang Tao , Jia Zhankui , Gu Chaohui , Yang Jinjian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

We found that the bladders of multiple sclerosis mice were significantly fibrotic. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fibronectin 1 (FN1) and bladder fibrosis, as well as the microRNAs involved in FN1 regulation.
Methods

The degree of bladder smooth muscle fibrosis was observed by immunohistochemistry. In addition, we used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting to determine FN1 expression in bladders with different grades of fibrosis. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-199a-3p, miR-219c-5p and miR-3572-3p could inhibit FN1 synthesis. Therefore, miR-199a-3p, miR-219c-5p and miR-3572-3p were overexpressed or knocked down in bladder smooth muscle cells (BSMCs), and the respective transfection and FN1 knockdown efficiencies were detected by RT-qPCR. Only miR-219c-5p overexpression and knockdown produced the expected results. A dual luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the targeting relationship between miR-219c-5p and FN1. Flow cytometry and Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) experiments confirmed that miR-219c-5p reduced FN1 expression and affected the biological activity of smooth muscle cells.
Results

With increasing bladder fibrosis, FN1 expression increased, while miR-199a-3p, miR-219c-5p, and miR-3572-3p expression levels decreased. The RT-qPCR results after transfection showed that only miR-219c-5p could regulate FN1. Indeed, the dual luciferase reporter assay results indicated that miR-219c-5p targeted FN1 directly. CCK8 and cell cycle assays showed that miR-219c-5p overexpression inhibited BSMC proliferation, while miR-219c-5p knockdown promoted BSMC proliferation. An apoptosis assay showed that miR-219c-5p overexpression promoted apoptosis, while miR-219c-5p knockdown inhibited BSMC apoptosis.
Conclusions

Our findings indicate that FN1 upregulation and miR-219c-5p downregulation play an important role in the development of bladder fibrosis, and miR-219c-5p participates in the fibrosis of BSMCs by regulating FN1 expression. Thus, a novel antifibrotic function of miR-219c-5p is proposed, which may represent a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of bladder fibrosis.
Identification of Loci Controlling Mineral Element Concentration In Soybean Seeds
Authors: MALLE SIDIKI , Morrison Malcolm , Belzile Francois 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Mineral nutrients play a crucial role in the biochemical and physiological functions of biological systems. The enhancement of seed mineral nutrient content via genetic improvement is considered as the most promising and cost-effective approach compared alternative means for meeting the dietary needs. The overall objective of this study was to perform a GWAS approach analysis of mineral nutrient (Ca, K, P and S) content in seeds on a core set of 137 soybean lines that are representative of the diversity of soybeans cultivated in Canada (maturity group 000-II).Results This panel of 137 soybean lines was grown in five environments (in total) and the seed mineral nutrient was measured using a portable x-ray fluorescence (P-XRF) spectrometer. The association analyses were carried out using three statistical models and a set of 2.2 million SNP obtained from a combined dataset of genotyping-by-sequencing and whole-genome sequencing. Eight QTLs significantly associated with the Ca, K, P and S content were identified by at least two of the three statistical models used (in two environments) contributing each from 17 to 31% of the phenotypic variation. A strong reproducibility of the effect of seven out these eight QTLs was observed in three different environments. In total, three candidate genes were identified involved in transport and assimilation of these mineral elements.Conclusions There have been very few GWAS studies to identify QTLs associated with the mineral element content of soybean seeds. In addition to being new, the QTLs identified in this study and candidate genes will be useful for the genetic improvement of soybeans nutritional quality through marker-assisted selection. Moreover, this study also provides details on the range of phenotypic variation encountered within the Canadian soybean germplasm.
Inhibiting MAPK14 showed anti-prolactinomas effect
Authors: Ding Qiaoyan , Zhang Yu , Ma Li , Chen Yong-gang , Wu Jin-hu , Zhang Hong-feng , Wang Xiong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The pathogenesis of prolactinomas has not been clarified yet. p38 MAPK signaling including p38α MAPK (MAPK14), p38β (MAPK11), p38γ (MAPK12) and p38δ (MAPK13) is related to the development and progression of many cancers. We sought to investigate the role of MAPK14 in prolactinomas.Methods Immunofluorescence assay was performed on the prolactin (PRL) and MAPK14 protein expressions of pituitary gland in C57BL/6 mice and human prolactinomas specimens. We analyzed the role of MAPK14 in prolactinomas using estradiol-induced model and DRD2-/- model in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), MAPK14-/- , DRD2-/-MAPK14+/- mice. GH3 cells were transfected with different sets of MAPK14 siRNA, which to study MAPK14 and PRL protein expression in GH3.Results Immunofluorescenc assaye found that PRL and MAPK14 were co-locatied and increased significantly in the pituitary gland of estradiol-injected prolactinomas mice than in control mice. And the deficiency of MAPK14 significantly inhibited the tumor overgrowth, along with the PRL decrease in estradiol-induced mice. Furthermore, MAPK14 deficiency in DRD2-/-MAPK14+/- mice significantly inhibited the overgrowth of pituitary gland and PRL production and secretion than in DRD2-/- mice. And MAPK14 knockdown by siRNA inhibited PRL production in GH3 cells.Conclusion The results establish that MAPK14 plays a promoting role in the formation of prolactinomas, and validate MAPK14 as potential therapeutic target.