bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing and Validating a Virtual Reality Tool for Evaluating Cognitive and Physical Performance during a Simulated Loaded March
Authors: Ketko Itay , Naor Shani Kimel , Yanovich Ran , Gottlieb Amihai , Bahat Yotam , Ben-Gal Oran , Heled Yuval , Plotnik Meir 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Athletes, soldiers, and rescue personnel must often perform intense, prolonged, and physically demanding activities while maintaining cognitive focus. As cognitive and physical functions are believed to share central nervous system resources, their simultaneous activation can cause reciprocal disruptions in the performance of both.
Methods

In the current study, we aimed to develop and validate a virtual reality-based experimental protocol enabling rigorous exploration of the effects of prolonged high-load physical and cognitive efforts, by comparing novel cognitive tasks presented in the context of a simulated loaded march to a battery of established neurocognitive tests. We then used this protocol in a pre-post pilot study exploring the effects of high-load physical and cognitive activity on physical and cognitive performance. Twelve participants underwent a simulated 10-km loaded march on a treadmill in our virtual reality environment, with or without integrated cognitive tasks (VR-COG). At each of three experimental visits, participants underwent pre-activity and post-activity evaluations, including the Color Trail Test, the Synthetic Work Environment (SYNWIN) battery for multitasking evaluation, and physical tests (i.e., ‘time to exhaustion’).
Results

In general, strong or moderate correlations (r ≥ 0.58 p ≤ 0.048) were found between VR-COG scores and scores on the validated cognitive tests. Together, VR-COG and CTT measures were able to successfully predict the effects of the combined physical and cognitive load on multitasking performance, as assessed by SYNWIN score.
Conclusions

As virtual environments are ideal for studying high performance professional activity in realistic but controlled settings, the novel protocol is optimal for measuring the effects of prolonged, high-load physical and cognitive activity, and can therefore contribute to our knowledge on physical-cognitive interactions.
Lysine-specific demethylase 2A gene expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and its clinical significance
Authors: Wang Jiannan , Li Tan , Li Xiang , Zhang Yixia , Wang Xuemei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOur study aimed to explore the expression of lysine-specific demethylase 2A (KDM2A) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and its relationship with clinical features of ccRCC.MethodsA total of 50 patients with ccRCC were included. KDM2A expression was assessed by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The correlations of KDM2A protein expression with clinicopathological parameters and survival rate were further verified.ResultsThe KDM2A mRNA expression was significantly higher in ccRCC tissues than para cancer samples (P<0.05). KDM2A protein was mainly expressed in the nucleus of tumor cells. Fifty (100%) of the ccRCC samples were immunopositive, 90% of which all showed high expression of KDM2A. Compared with para cancer tissues, ccRCC samples showed a larger proportion of high KDM2A expression in the overall and most stratified analysis (P<0.05). KDM2A protein expression was positively correlated with TNM stage (r = 0.307, P = 0.030), proteinuria (r = 0.385, P = 0.006), and urine erythrocyte (r = 0.307, P = 0.030). Moreover, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that higher expression of KDM2A in ccRCC patients was associated with lower survival rate (P = 0.004).ConclusionsOur findings provided the first evidence that KDM2A could be used as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in ccRCC patients.
Low molecular weight serum cell-free DNA concentration is associated with clinicopathologic indices of poor prognosis in women with uterine cancer
Authors: Gressel Gregory M. , Maggi Elaine C. , Harmon Bryan E. , Ye Kenny Q. , Kuo D.Y.S. , Dolan Siobhan M. , Montagna Cristina 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of serum cell-free DNA (cfDNA) concentration with clinicopathologic variables of poor prognosis and overall survival among women with uterine cancer compared to benign cancer-free controls. Methods: cfDNA was extracted from the serum of 91 women with multiple uterine cancer histologies and 22 post-menopausal controls without cancer. Low molecular weight (LMW) cfDNA was separated from contaminating genomic high molecular weight cfDNA using paramagnetic bead purification and its concentration was measured using fluorometric quantification. Clinicopathologic data was abstracted from the electronic medical record. The association between serum cfDNA concentration, clinicopathologic variables, and overall survival was assessed using linear regression modelling, Cox proportional hazards modelling, and the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Median total serum cfDNA concentration for the cohort was 69.2 ng/mL (IQR 37.4, 132.3) and median LMW cfDNA concentration was 23.8 ng/mL (IQR 14.9, 44.4). There were no significant differences in total serum cfDNA concentration with any clinicopathologic variables. However, LMW cfDNA concentration was significantly higher in serum of women with cancer (25.8 ng/mL IQR 16.0, 49.6) compared to benign controls (15.5 ng/mL IQR 9.3, 25.8 ng/mL) (p = 2.4 x 10-4). It is also significantly higher among women with early stage cancer than benign controls (p = 0.002). There were also significant associations between LMW cfDNA concentration and stage of cancer (p = 0.01) and histology (p = 0.016). Patients with leiomyosarcoma and carcinosarcoma had higher cfDNA concentrations than those with endometrioid cancer. Over a median follow-up of 51.9 months, 75th percentile for overall survival for women with cancer was 24.0 months. Higher LMW cfDNA concentrations is associated with lower survival among women with cancer (p = 4.6 x 10-4).Conclusions: Serum LMW cfDNA concentration is associated with overall survival in women with uterine cancer, and it is higher among women with uterine cancer compared to those of controls.
Survival outcomes and prognostic factors for ascending nasopharyngeal carcinoma (T4N0-1) receiving radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy: a population-based study from SEER database.
Authors: Wang Fangzheng , Chuner Jiang , Yongfeng Piao , Lei Wang , Fengqin Yan , Zhimin Ye , Zhenfu Fu , Haitao Jiang , Yuezhen Wang , Yangming Jiang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose

This study aims to investigate survival outcomes and prognostic factors for upward nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) combined with chemotherapy (CT).
Methods

A total of 421 previously untreated, newly diagnosed T4N0-1 NPC patients, who were identified within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry (years 2004–2015), were collected and retrospectively reviewed. All patients received treatment of RT and CT. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). The differences in OS and CSS were compared using Log-rank test. The independent prognostic factors were established by using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.
Results

With a median follow-up duration of 37 months (range: 3-154 months), the 5-year estimate OS and CSS rates were 59.3% and 63.7%, respectively. N0 and ≥ 65 years were poor prognostic factors for OS and CSS. Moreover, histology and race were associated with OS and CSS. Univariate analysis indicated that ≥ 65 years, N0, NHB and grade III were unfavorable independent prognosticators of OS and CSS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that ≥ 65 years, N0 and NHB were correlated with poor OS and CSS.
Conclusion

Patients with stage T4N0-1 NPC receiving RT plus CT had favorable OS and CSS. Moreover, age, N stage and race were independent prognostic factors of OS and CSS.
Mutation profile of non-small cell lung cancer revealed by next generation sequencing
Authors: Chang Ya-Sian , Tu Siang-Jyun , Chen Yu-Chia , Liu Ting-Yuan , Lee Ya-Ting , Yen Ju-Chen , Fang Hsin-Yuan , Chang Jan-Gowth 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Precision therapy for lung cancer requires comprehensive genomic analyses. Specific effects of targeted therapies have been reported in Asia populations, including Taiwanese, but genomic studies have rarely been performed in these populations. Method: We enrolled 72 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, of whom 61 had adenocarcinoma, 10 had squamous cell carcinoma, and 1 had combined adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Whole-exome or targeted gene sequencing was performed. To identify trunk mutations, we performed whole-exome sequencing in two tumor regions in four patients.Results: Nineteen known driver mutations in EGFR, PIK3CA, KRAS, CTNNB1, and MET were identified in 34 of the 72 tumors evaluated (47.22%). A comparison with the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset showed that EGFR was mutated at a much higher frequency in our cohort than in Caucasians, whereas KRAS and TP53 mutations were found in only 5.56% and 25% of our Taiwanese patients, respectively. We also identified new mutations in ARID1A, ARID2, CDK12, CHEK2, GNAS, H3F3A, KDM6A, KMT2C, NOTCH1, RB1, RBM10, RUNX1, SETD2, SF3B1, SMARCA4, THRAP3, TP53, and ZMYM2. Moreover, all ClinVar pathogenic variants were trunk mutations present in two regions of a tumor. RNA sequencing revealed that the trunk or branch genes were expressed at similar levels among different tumor regions.Conclusions: We identified novel variants potentially associated with lung cancer tumorigenesis. The specific mutation pattern in Taiwanese patients with non-small cell lung cancer may influence targeted therapies.
ACE DD Genotype Is Associated with High Visceral Sensitivity Index Score in Healthy Student Population in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Tomic Nikolina , Osmanbegovic Adi , Mujala Amina , Prtvar Danilo , Hadzic Maida , Ramic Jasmin , Lojo-Kadric Naida , Pojskic Naris , Pojskic Lejla 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Visceral Sensitivity Index (VSI) questionnaire measures gastrointestinal specific anxiety a mediator of the relationship between general psychological distress measures and gastrointestinal symptom severity. Studies have shown that angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) may be required for sympatoadrenal activation during stress. The aim of our study was to explore the relationship of ACE gene polymorphisms with the scores for self-reported visceral hypersensitivity in the sample of student population exposed to psychological distress.
Methods

A blood sample was taken from ninety students during exam period. DNA was isolated and genotyping of ACE polymorphism (rs1799752) was performed using PCR method. The PCR products were analysed on a 2% agarose gel. All respondents completed the VSI questionnaire and based on the scores were stratified into two comparison groups. Allele and genotype association was tested using Fisher’s Exact Test in WINPEPI.
Results

Respondents with total score of up to 65 were classified in the first group and with values over 65 in the second group. Increased frequencies of D allele and DD genotype were observed in the subgroup of students with higher VSI score.
Conclusions

Obtained results revealed statistically significant association of allele D and DD genotype with increased VSI score. Our results indicate that further genetic and genome studies of regulation of brain-gut axis and visceral hypersensitivity could be helpful in clinical interpretation of their impact on functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) symptoms and on development of some other acute and chronic stress related conditions in youth population.
Laypeople Perceptions about the Coronavirus Pandemic: Evidence from Khulna, Bangladesh
Authors: Sony M.M. Abdullah Al Mamun , Hasan Md. Kamrul , Roy Tuhin , Basu Banga Kamal 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic. Applying a qualitative approach, we interviewed 16 individuals of Khulna, Bangladesh to know about their perceptions about the pandemic. Interview transcripts were subjected to a thematic analysis. An initial analysis of the interviews revealed that while lay persons’ views about the causes and mode transmission of the virus were in line with the WHO and national messages, a few participants held non-scientific views and engaged in potentially risky behaviors.
The Effect of Lactobacillus Casei and Lactobacillus Acidophilus Probiotic Isolates on the Expression of BCL2, BAX and CASPASE3 Genes in Wistar Breeding Rat Albindor to evaluate Gamma Irradiation Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Changizi Vahid , Azadbakht Omid , Khanzadeh Pegah , Motevaseli Elahe , shafiee mohsen , Nabipour Mehran 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Radiation therapy is one of the most essential components of cancer treatment, so that more than half of cancer patients receive that treatment modality. Radiotherapy of pelvic, spine, or testicles could cause infertility and oligospermia due to direct effect on the gonads. The testicle, as a high radiosensitive tissue, faces functional disorder with the lowest dose of 0.15 Gy and oligospermia with 0.3–0.5 Gy. Since protection against adverse effects of Radiation is essential, studies are being done to find out radioprotectors with the non-toxic properties. Probiotics are living microorganisms, the effects of which on the intestinal microbial flora can boost the immune system.Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were subjected to dietary supplements, including Lactobacillus Casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus, in four groups, for 17 weeks. After being exposed by 2 Gy gamma radiations, the testicular tissue was extracted, and the expression of the apoptotic genes of Bax, Bcl2, and Cspase3 was evaluated.Results: No significant difference was seen in the expression of Bax, and Bcl24-2 genes among the studied groups. However, Caspase3 expression has increased in the group which hasn’t received Radiation but used Lactobacillus Acidophilus.Conclusion: The present results suggested that the use of the aforementioned probiotics mentioned above would reduce the Radiation-induced apoptosis, which then prevented cell death from oligospermia.
Identification of New Key Genes in Breast Cancer by Co-expression Network Analysis
Authors: Li Xinyang , Wang Yukun , Wang Ziming , Yao Ge , Fan Jiahao , Liang Gaofeng , Wang Xinshuai 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women all over the world. This study aimed to identify the potential biomarkers associated with the occurrence and development of breast cancer.Results: Our research downloaded GSE54140 gene expression datasets and GPL10152 platform information from the Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, and used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to construct a scale-free gene co-expression network to explore the associations between gene sets and clinical features. A total of 60 modules were analyzed, and found that the skyblue3 module was significantly related to HER2+ BC. The function of 93 genes in the skyblue3 module was annotated by DAVID bioinformatics tool, and it was demonstrated that the function of the module was mainly related to nuclear-transcribed mRNA catabolic process, cytosol, and oxidoreductase activity. Based on the WGCNA and Cytoscape software analysis, 9 hub genes (PGAP3, PPP1R1B, PNMT, ERBB2, CISD3, CRKRS, TCAP, STARD3, and NEUROD2) were identified. The Human Protein Atlas database detected that the protein level of PGAP3, PPP1R1B, PNMT, ERBB2, CISD3, CRKRS, TCAP, and STARD3 gene in tumor tissues was significantly higher than those in normal tissues. And survival analysis shows that PGAP3, PNMT, ERBB2, TCAP, and STARD3 were negatively associated with the overall survival (P < 0.05).Conclusion: A total of 9 candidate biomarkers were identified by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, among which, the co-expansion of PGAP3 and CRKRS related to ERBB2 may be associated with the occurrence of breast cancer. In addition, PPP1R1B, CRKRS and TCAP are related to drug resistance and adverse reactions in the treatment of breast cancer.
Healthcare Information Systems Implementation Causal Mechanisms in Resource-constrained Environments
Authors: Achieng Mourine Sarah , Ruhode Ephias 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The implementation of healthcare information systems has regained new interest among scholars, policy makers and governments over the past decades. This is as a result of undesired outcomes of the existing implementation processes which has produced outcomes such as lack of integration between existing systems, uncoordinated thus fragmented silo systems and many more. The implications of such outcomes have been that in most public healthcare facilities, medical information are either never captured, or captured incorrectly or ineffectively. Consequently, the retrieval of such information for decision making purposes at various levels of the healthcare system, becomes a challenge.Objectives: This paper sought to establish causal mechanisms and context-based mediators that influence the implementation of healthcare information systems in public healthcare facilities in resource constrained environments. As such having negative implications of the delivery of healthcare services to people in need.Methods: A case-study strategy approach was employed using a critical realist methodology. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews and document analysis.Results: The findings in this paper indicate that context-based mediators such as leadership and management, maldistribution of resources and health policies have enabling and impeding effects on the implementation of HISs for public healthcare service delivery. Further the results of this paper highlight generative mechanisms such as misinterpretation of polices from paper to practice at operational level of healthcare systems of policies and strategies trigger causal effects that may generate the outcomes experienced in public healthcare service delivery process.Conclusions: The results in this paper suggests that mediating factors and generative mechanisms with inhibiting causal powers in the implementation of healthcare information systems requires more focus during the pre-implementation phase.
Biodiesel production from alternative raw materials using a heterogeneous Low Ordered Biosilicified Enzyme as biocatalyst
Authors: Ferrero Gabriel Orlando , Faba Edgar Maximiliano Sánchez , Eimer Griselda Alejandra 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Nowadays, as an alternative to the production of fuels and chemicals from the fossil platform, renewable feedstocks are widely investigated. For biomass conversion, a new generation of catalysts with specific characteristics such as high activity and selectivity, easy recovery and reusability is necessary. The design of highly efficient and stable heterogeneous catalysts represents a challenge in this field, mainly to overcome current energy and environmental issues. The combination of enzymatic and heterogeneous inorganic catalysis generates an unprecedented platform that combines the advantages of both. Among the techniques for producing solid catalysts, enzymatic mineralization with an organic silicic precursor to obtain hybrid biocatalysts (biosilicification) is highlighted. This technique can provide exceptional stability to the biocatalyst in drastic conditions of use.Results: Then, under these criteria, this work presents the one-step synthesis of a solid enzymatic catalyst, denominated Low Ordered Biosilicified Enzyme (LOBE) due to their structural properties. Pseudomonas Fluorescens lipase forms aggregates that are contained in the heart of a silicon-covered micelle, providing active sites with the ability to process different raw materials (commercial sunflower and soybean oil, Jatropha excisa oil, waste frying oil, residual soybeans, and pork fat) to produce first and second generation biodiesel. Obtaining yields between 81 and 93% by weight depending on the used raw material.Conclusions: Therefore, refined, non-edible and residual oils (with high water and free fatty acid contents) can be transformed into biodiesel through LOBE catalysts with commercial ethanol as co-substrate.
Sophoridine exerts tumor-suppressive activities via promoting ESRRG-mediated β-catenin degradation in gastric cancer
Authors: Peng Zhiyang , Guan Qing , Luo Jianfei , Deng Wenhong , Liu Jiasheng , Yan Ruicheng , Wang Weixing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: This study ought to further explore the anti-tumor effects of Sophoridine on gastric cancer cells. Methods: Cell viability assay (CCK-8 assay) was used to measure the IC50 values of Sophoridine on gastirc cancer AGS and SGC7901 cell lines and normal gastric epithelial cell line GES-1. EdU and colony formation assay were performed to confirm the cytotoxic effect of Sophoridine on AGS and SGC7901 cells. The apoptotic effects of Sophoridine on AGS and SGC7901 cells were measured by Flow cytometry. Transwell assay was used to evaluate the effects of Sophoridine on migration and invasion of AGS and SGC7901 cells. The protein expression of Sophoridine on AGS and SGC7901 cells were detected via Western blot. Results: We demonstrated that Sophoridine exerts potent tumor-suppressive activities, including inhibition of proliferation, colony formulation, migration and invasion, as well as induction of apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. In addition, we further showed that Sophoridine induces G2/M cell cycle arrest via inhibiting double-stranded DNA breaks repair and enhances the efﬁcacy of cisplatin in gastric cancer cells. Molecular studies further revealed that Sophoridine depends on Estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG) to perform tumor-suppressive activities and which leads to the degradation of β-catenin in an ubiquitin-proteasome pathway independent manner. Conclusions: Our study provided the promising preclinical anti-tumor evidence for the potential application of Sophoridine against gastric cancer.
Relationship Between Formulaic Breast Volume And Risk Of Breast Cancer Based On Linear Measurement
Authors: li xiaoxia , Zhou Chunlan , Wu Yanni , Chen Xiaohong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Whether breast volume is a risk factor for breast cancer has been controversial. This study aimed to evaluate whether or not the significant association between breast volume and risk of breast cancer based on linear measurement by applying Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was present. Methods: The study was designed as a hospital-based case-control study. Between March 2018 and May 2019, 208 cases and 340 controls were retrospectively reviewed. Information on menarche, smoking, feeding mode, oral contraceptives, reproductive history and family history was obtained through a structured questionnaire. Calculate breast volume using formula based on the linear measurement of breast parameters. Cox regression and PSM were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for breast cancer by risk factors adjusted for potential confounders. Results: There was a significant difference in breast volume between two groups before Propensity Score Matching(P=0.014) : P=0.009, OR=1.002, 95% CI: 1.000~1.003). Binary logistic regression showed that the risk of breast cancer was slightly higher in the case group with larger breast volume than in the control group（P=0.009, OR=1.002， 95%CI：1.000～1.003). However, there was no significant statistical difference between two groups in independent sample Mann-Whitney U test (P=0.438) and in conditional logistic regression (P=0.446). Conclusions: After PSM for the potential confounders factors, the breast volume of cases did not differ from that of controls. The risk of breast cancer may not related to breast volume in Chinese women.