bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed Set Patterns in East African Cooking Bananas (Musa spp.) are Dependent on Weather Before, During, and After Pollination
Authors: Waniale Allan , Mukasa Settumba B. , Tugume Arthur K. , Tumuhimbise Robooni , Kubiriba Jerome , Tushemereirwe Wilberforce K. , Batte Michael , Brown Allan , Swennen Rony 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Seed set in banana (Musa spp.) is influenced by weather but the most critical weather attribute(s) and the critical period are unknown. Such information is of paramount importance to increase seed set for banana breeding programs. Three female fertile East African cooking bananas (EACBs), ‘Enzirabahima’ (AAA), ‘Mshale’ (AA), and ‘Nshonowa’ (AA) were pollinated with the highly male fertile wild banana ‘Calcutta 4’ (AA). At full maturity, bunches were harvested and ripened and seeds extracted from ripe fruit pulp. Seed set was then correlated with weather before, during, and after pollination.Results: Seed set was positively correlated with high temperatures (r=0.172 – 0.488), solar radiation (r=0.181 – 0.282) and negatively correlated with rainfall (r=-0.214 – -0.238) and relative humidity (RH) (r=-0.158 – -0.438) between 75 and 15 days before pollination (DBP). The pattern of weather association was cultivar-dependent with ‘Nshonowa’ having the strongest significant associations. At the time of pollination, high average temperatures were critical for seed set in ‘Enzirabahima’ (r=0.214, P<0.01) while high morning RH was critical for ‘Mshale’ (r=0.299, P<0.01). After pollination, high morning temperatures were associated with seed set (r=0.150 – 0.429) between 15 days to 90 days after pollination (DAP). High average temperatures were negatively correlated with seed set in ‘Mshale’ and ‘Nshonowa’ from 45 DAP to time of harvest (r=-0.208 – -0.344). Coefficients of correlation were generally highest 15 DBP especially for ‘Mshale’ and ‘Nshonowa.’ Principle component analysis showed that average and maximum temperature are the most important variables in the entire data set. Conclusion: Coefficients of correlation were generally less than 0.5 partly as a result of weather involvement in seed set at several floral development stages; before, during, and after pollination. The most critical developmental stage is 15 DBP especially for ‘Mshale’ and ‘Nshonowa’ as they had the high correlation coefficients. Average temperature should be the main focus for seed set increase in banana.
Use of Machine Learning to Rapidly Predict Positivity to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) Using Basic Clinical Data
Authors: Langer Thomas , Favarato Martina , Giudici Riccardo , Bassi Gabriele , Garberi Roberta , Villa Fabiana , Gay Hedwige , Zeduri Anna , Bragagnolo Sara , Molteni Alberto , Beretta Andrea , Corradin Matteo , Moreno Mauro , Vismara Chiara , Perno Carlo Federico , Buscema Massimo , Grossi Enzo , Fumagalli Roberto 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective: Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) diagnosis currently requires quite a long time span. A quicker and more efficient diagnostic tool in emergency departments could improve management during this global crisis. Our maingoal was assessing the accuracy of artificial intelligence in forecasting the resultsof RT-PCR for SARS-COV-2, using basic information at hand in all emergencydepartments.Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out between February 22 and March 16 2020 in one of the main hospitals in Milan, Italy. We screened for eligibility all patients admitted with influenza-like symptoms tested for SARS-COV-2.Patients under 12 years old, with no leukocyte formula performed in the ED,were excluded. Input data through artificial intelligence were made up of a combination of clinical, radiological and routine laboratory data upon hospital admission.Results: Among 199 patients subject to study (median [interquartile range] age 65 [46-78] years; 127 [63.8%] men), 124 [62.3%] resulted positive to SARS-COV-2. The best Machine Learning System reached an accuracy of 91.4% with 94.1% sensitivity and 88.7% specificity.Conclusion: Our study suggests that properly trained artificial intelligence algorithms may be able to predict correct results in RT-PCR for SARS-COV-2, using basic clinical data. If confirmed,on a larger-scale study, this approach could have important clinical and organizational implications.
Integrated Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNAs and mRNAs Associated With Malignant Transformation of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Yin Xiaonan , Yin Yuan , Dai Lei , Shen Chaoyong , Chen Na , Li Junshu , Cai Zhaolun , Jiang Zhiyuan , Wang Jian , Zhao Zhou , Chen Xin , Deng Hongxin , Zhang Bo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Malignant transformation of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is correlated with poor prognosis; however, the underlying biological mechanism is not well understood. Methods: In the present study, low-risk (LR) GISTs, GISTs categorized as high-risk based on tumor size (HBS), and on mitotic rate (HBM) were collected for RNA sequencing. Candidate hub lncRNAs were selected by Oncomine analysis. Expression of a selected hub lncRNA, DNM3OS, and its correlation with patients’ prognosis were analyzed using FISH staining, followed with the determination of function and underlying mechanism. Results: Our results revealed a series of key pathways and hub lncRNAs involved in the malignant transformation of GISTs. Oncomine analysis revealed a tight association between clinical signatures and DNM3OS and suggested that DNM3OS is a hub lncRNA that is involved in the Hippo signaling pathway. In addition, DNM3OS was upregulated in HBS, HBM, and HBS/M GIST and correlated with worse prognosis in patients with GISTs. In addition, DNM3OS promoted GIST cell proliferation and mitosis by regulating the expression of GLUT4 and CD36. Conclusions: These results improve our understanding of the malignant transformation of GISTs and unveil a series of hub lncRNAs in GISTs.
Lycorine Hydrochloride Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis Through Promoting FBXW7-MCL1 Axis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Li Chongyang , Deng Chaowei , Wang Xue , Pan Guangzhao , Zhang Kui , Dong Zhen , Zhao Gaichao , Tan Mengqin , Hu Xiaosong , Shi Shaomin , Du Juan , Ji Haoyan , Wang Xiaowen , Yang Liqun , Cui Hongjuan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Lycorine hydrochloride (LH), an alkaloid extracted from the bulb of the lycorisaceae plant, is considered to have anti-viral, anti-malarial，and anti-tumorous effects. At present, the underlying mechanisms of LH in gastric cancer remain unclear. MCL1, an anti-apoptotic protein of BCL2 family, is closely related to drug resistance of tumor. Therefore, MCL1 is considered as a potential target for cancer treatment. Methods: The effect of LH on gastric cancer was assessed in vitro (by MTT, BrdU, western blotting…) and in vivo (by immunohistochemistry，H&E).Results: In this study, we showed that LH has an anti-tumorous property by down-regulating MCL1 in gastric cancer. Besides, we unveiled that LH reduced the protein stability of MCL1 by up-regulating ubiquitin E3 ligase FBXW7, which induced S-phase cell cycle arrest and triggered apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Meanwhile, the results also showed that LH could induce apoptosis of the BCL2-drug-resistant-cell-lines. Moreover, PDX (Patient-Derived tumor xenograft) model experiment showed that LH combined with HA14-1 (inhibitor of BCL2), had a more significant therapeutic effect for gastric cancer. Conclusions: Together, the efficacy shown in our data suggests that lycorine hydrochloride is a promising anti-tumorous compound for gastric cancer.
Perceptions of syringe services programs and supervised use sites among a sample of registered voters in a U.S. state
Authors: Brooks-Russell Ashley , Brandspigel Sara , Franco Carol Y , Alishahi Musheng L. , Lee-Winn Angela E. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe decision to initiate a syringe service program or expand to a supervised use site is often influenced by local public support or opposition. The purpose of this study was to better understand public attitudes to local syringe service programs to inform the possibility of expanding services.Methods.We surveyed a sample of registered voters (n = 690) in the eight counties in the state of Colorado, United States, with existing syringe service programs about their awareness of and attitudes towards syringe service programs and supervised use sites.Results.Over three-quarters of respondents reported they were familiar with syringe service programs but only quarter knew they were legal, despite all survey respondents living near an operating program. Nearly 1 in 3 respondents thought a syringe service program or a supervised use site makes a community better and a majority (57%) thought supervised use sites should be legal in their state. There were significant differences in attitudes towards the benefits and risks of syringe service programs by political party affiliation.ConclusionUnderstanding the level of community knowledge and support for syringe service programs, as well as the reasons for opposition, can be helpful in addressing community concerns when seeking to initiate or expand services.
Feasibility study: Spot-scanning Proton Arc therapy (SPArc) for left-sided breast irradiation
Authors: Chang Sheng , Liu Gang , Zhao Lewei , Dilworth Joshua T , Zheng Weili , Jawad Saada , Yan Di , Chen Peter , Stevens Craig , Kabolizadeh Peyman , Li Xiaoqiang , Ding Xuanfeng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
This study investigated the feasibility and potential clinical benefit of utilizing a new proton treatment technique: Spot-scanning Proton Arc (SPArc) therapy for left-sided breast cancer irradiation to further reduce radiation dose to healthy tissue and mitigate the probability of normal tissue complications compared to conventional Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy(IMPT).
Methods
Eight patients diagnosed with left-sided breast cancer and treated with breast-preserving surgery followed by whole breast irradiation without regional nodal irradiation were included in this retrospective planning. Two proton treatment plans were generated for each patient: vertical intensity-modulated proton therapy used for clinical treatment (vIMPT, gantry angle 10°-30°) and SPArc for comparison purpose. Both SPArc and vIMPT plans were optimized using the robust optimization of ± 3.5% range and 5 mm setup uncertainties. Root-mean-square deviation dose (RMSD) volume histograms were used for plan robustness evaluation. All dosimetric results were evaluated based on dose-volume histograms (DVH), and the interplay effect was evaluated based on the accumulation of single-fraction 4D dynamic dose on CT50. The treatment beam delivery time was simulated based on a gantry rotation with energy-layer-switching-time (ELST) from 0.2 to 5 s.
Results
The average D1 to the heart and LAD were reduced to 53.63 cGy and 82.25 cGy compared with vIMPT 110.38 cGy (p = 0.001) and 170.38 cGy (p = 0.001), respectively. The average V5Gy and V20Gy of ipsilateral lung was reduced to 16.77% and 3.07% compared to vIMPT 25.56% (p = 0.001) and 4.68% (p = 0.003). Skin3mm mean and maximum dose was reduced to 3999.38 cGy and 4395.63 cGy compared to vIMPT 4104.25 cGy (p = 0.039) and 4411.63 cGy (p = 0.043), respectively. A significant relative risk reduction (RNTCP = NTCPSPArc / NTCPvIMPT) for organs at risk (OARs) was obtained with SPArc ranging from 0.61 to 0.86 depending on the clinical endpoint. The RMSD Volume Histogram(RVH) analysis shows SPArc provided better plan robustness in OARs sparing, including the heart, LAD, ipsilateral lung, and skin. The average estimated treatment beam delivery times were comparable to vIMPT plans when the ELST is about 0.5 s.
Conclusion
SPArc technique can further reduce dose delivered to OARs and the probability of normal tissue complications in patients treated for left-sided breast cancer.
Factors Associated With the Recruitment of Foreign Nurses in Japan: A Nationwide Survey of Hospitals
Authors: Hirano Yuko , Tsubota Kunio , Ohno Shun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Recruiting foreign nurses is now a global concernto combatnursing shortages.Japan has officially opened its labor market to foreign nurses, through aneconomic partnership agreement with three other Asian countries. However, fewhospitalsemploy foreign nurses. Weinvestigatedthe waysto expand the number of hospitals employing foreign nurses in Japan by exploring the perceptions of hospital managerswho have notpreviously employedforeign nurses.Method:An anonymous questionnairewas developed and distributed to hospitalsthat had not previously employed foreign nurses;itrequestedthe staff’s opinions on Japan’s policy on recruitment of foreign nurses and their intentions to hire foreign nurses. We randomly selected 1,879 hospitals, or 22% of the hospitals in Japan (n=8,540) with more than 20 beds.We used descriptive statistics, a Chi-square test, and a logistic regression analysis to identify the predictors and developed a model to predict the likelihood of their intention to recruit foreign nurses in the future.Results: In total, 432hospitalswere eligible for further analysis (response rate:22.9%).Half (50%) of the hospital managerswere very/quiteinterested in Japan’s policy on recruiting foreign nurses, though only 20% intended to recruit under the economic partnership agreement in the future. The likelihood of foreign nurse recruitment under the partnership agreement was associated with the degree of interest in the policy (OR 9.38;95%CI 4.42–19.90) and managers’ perception of foreign nurses (OR 5.32, 95% CI 2.38–11.89).Conclusion:The strongest factor associated with the intention to recruit foreign nurses byhospitals thathadnot previously employed themwas the degree of interest in the government’s economic partnership agreement, followed by managers’ perceptionof foreign nurses, measured by “image score”. Foreign nurses contribute to the workplace byworking together inmulticultural teams;therefore,the Japanese government shouldfosterinitiatives to raise interest among Japanese hospitalstorecruit foreign nursesand improve perceptions among hospital staff.
“I Need to Be the First One With a Different Approach and to Make a Difference to the People” - Transforming Pediatric Training for Non-physician Clinicians in Malawi: A Mixed-method Study
Authors: Yasmin Farzana , Schultz Andreas , Phiri Ajib , Weigel Ralf 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Malawi has a critical shortage of skilled health workers limiting its ability to achieve its outlined national health goals. To address this, in 2012, theMinistry of Health and the College of Medicine introduced a three-year specialist Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Paediatric and Child Health (PCH) for Clinical Officers, a non-physician clinician cadre. In this training program, learning occurs through supervised ward rounds, bloc courses, and a research project. The German Society of Paediatrics and International Child Health, with funding from the German government, provided support between 09/2017 and 08/2019. This study aims to evaluate this support project to model the training for the coming cohorts of BSc PCHCO students.Methods:All 17 currently enrolled students took partin this study. Quantitative data was collected between 01/2018 using the Research Self-Efficacy Scale (RSES, ten-point scale), Stages of Change (SOC, four-point scale), and the post-self-assessment survey of bloc courses (five-point scale). In addition, three focus group discussions and five in-depth interviews with students and key informants were conductedduring April 1-10, 2019.Results:The mean (SD) scores for RSES and SOC model were 9.10 (0.91) and 3.54 (0.40) respectively; for the bloc course post-self-assessment it was 3.26 (0.48). Students found the program well-paced, felt that their clinical knowledge and skills had improved, and valued the acquired holistic approach of disease management which included the social determinants of health. They reported increased confidence and being more prepared for leadership roles at their facility and community. The involvement of international lecturers enriched their global perspectives. Students had concerns about theirrecognition in the government system and continued support after graduation. The shortage ofsupervising and teaching staff was perceived as a key barrier to continuing the program. Conclusion: Studentsimproved theirclinical expertise, developed self-efficacy, andnew attitudes towards research. Application of various educational strategies through this project and the involvement of teachers from diverse backgrounds may enable them to build their professional networks. Continuous professional development and alumni mentoring are recommended to sustain the achieved results.
Pattern-mixture model in network meta-analysis of binary missing outcome data: one-stage or two-stage approach?
Authors: Spineli Loukia Maria , Papadimitropoulou Katerina , Kalyvas Chrysostomos 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Trials with binary outcomes can be synthesised using within-trial exact likelihood or approximate normal likelihood in one-stage or two-stage approaches, respectively. The advantages of the one-stage over the two-stage approach have been documented extensively in the literature. Little is known how these approaches behave in the presence of missing outcome data (MOD) which are ubiquitous in trials. In this work, we compare the one-stage versus two-stage approach via a pattern-mixture model in the network meta-analysis Bayesian framework to handle MOD appropriately.
Methods
We used 29 published networks to empirically compare the two approaches with respect to the relative treatment effects of several competing interventions and the between-trial variance (

{\tau }^{2}
). We categorised the networks according to the extent and balance of MOD in the included trials. To complement the empirical study, we conducted a simulation study to compare the competing approaches regarding bias and width of the 95% credible interval of the (summary) log odds ratios (OR) and

{\tau }^{2}
in the presence of moderate and large MOD.
Results
The empirical study did not reveal any systematic bias between the compared approaches regarding the log OR, but showed systematically larger uncertainty around the log OR under the one-stage approach for networks with at least one small trial or low event risk and moderate MOD. For these networks, the simulation study revealed that the bias in log OR for comparisons with the reference intervention in the network was relatively higher in the two-stage approach. Contrariwise, the bias in log OR for the remaining comparisons was relatively higher in the one-stage approach. Overall, bias increased for large MOD. Furthermore, in these networks, the empirical results revealed slightly higher

{\tau }^{2}
estimates under the one-stage approach irrespective of the extent of MOD. The one-stage approach also led to less precise log OR and

{\tau }^{2}
when compared with the two-stage approach for large MOD.
Conclusions
Due to considerable bias in the log ORs overall, especially for large MOD, none of the competing approaches was superior. Until a more competent model is developed, the researchers may prefer the one-stage approach to handle MOD, while acknowledging its limitations.
Application of NOSES Combined with ERAS in the Treatment of Rectal Cancer
Authors: Li Sheng , Wen Bo , Yao Wei , Wang Xiongyu , Ma Kanggui , Liu Senlin , Yao Xueqing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In recent years, Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery (NOSES) has been developed rapidly, and the feasibility and advantages of Enhance Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) also have been recognized in colorectal cancer. How about combining NOSES with ERAS? In this article, we are trying to answer this question. Methods: The 120 cases of rectal cancer patients who met the inclusion criteria from January 2018 to December 2019 were divided into three groups using the random number table method: traditional care control group (laparoscopic assisted surgery + traditional care), ERAS control group (laparoscopic adjuvant surgery + ERAS) and experimental group (NOSE + ERAS), 40 cases in each group, randomized controlled study was performed. Results: There were no significant differences in surgical time, bleeding volume, number of detected lymph nodes, incidence of venous thrombosis in the lower extremities, anastomotic leakage, and abdominal infection among the three groups (P> 0.05). The total complication rate, incidence of incision-related complications, incidence of pulmonary and urinary tract infections, and postoperative pain NRS score in the NOSES+ERAS group cases were significantly lower than those in the other two control groups. Patients in the NOSES + ERAS group had higher satisfaction rates and shorter postoperative hospital stay than those in the other two control groups. The feeding time and exhaust time after surgery in NOSES+ERAS group and ERAS control group were earlier than those in traditional care control group. The above differences are statistically significant (P <0.05). Conclusion: The NOSES radical resection of rectal cancer under the guidance of ERAS achieved more minimally invasive cosmetic and functional, individualized treatment effect in laparoscopic surgery. There is a greater advantage that ERAS combined with the NOSES radical resection of rectal cancer which is worthy of popularization and with good application prospect.
Alterations of RNA Splicing Patterns in Esophagus Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ding Jiyu , Li Chunquan , Cheng Yinwei , Du Zepeng , Wang Qiuyu , Tang Zhidong , Song Chao , Xia Qiaoxi , Bai Wenjing , Lin Ling , Liu Wei , Xu Liyan , Li Enmin , Wu Bingli 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is an important biological process for regulating the expression of various isoforms from a single gene and thus to promote proteome diversity. In this study, RNA-seq data from 15 pairs of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissue samples and two cell lines were analyzed. AS events with significant differences between ESCC and matched normal tissues were re-annotated to find protein coding genes or non-coding RNAs. A total of 45,439 AS events was found. Of these, 6,019 (13.25%) significant differentially AS events were identified. Exon skipping (SE) events occupied the largest proportion of abnormal splicing events. Fifteen differential splicing events with the same trends of ΔΨ values in ESCC tissues and cell lines were found. Four pathways and 20 biological processes related to cell junction and migration were significantly enriched. The upregulated splicing factor SF3B4, which regulates 92 gene splicing events, could be a potential prognostic factor of ESCC. Sashimi plotting was applied to show the differentially-spliced genes, including HNRNPC, VCL, ZNF207, KIAA1217, TPM1 and CALD1. These results suggest that cell junction- and migration-related biological processes and KEGG pathways are affected by the AS abnormalities, and aberrant splicing events can be affected by changed expression of splicing factors. In summary, we identified significant differentially AS events which might be related to the development of ESCC.