bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dendritic cells matured with recombinant human sperm associated antigen 9 (rhSPAG9) induce CD4+, CD8+ T cells and activate NK cells: A potential candidate molecule for immunotherapy in cervical cancer
Authors: Dhandapani Hemavathi , Jayakumar Hascitha , Seetharaman Abirami , Ganeshrajah Selvaluxmy , Singh Shirley Sunder , Jagadish Nirmala , Suri Anil , Thangarajan Rajkumar , Ramanathan Priya 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy is capable of activating the immune system, and in particular tumour-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to eradicate the tumour. However, major limitations are the availability of autologous tumour cells as antigenic source and the selection of antigen that may have potential to activate both CD8 + and CD4 + T cells in immune-specific manner. Recently, we reported the expression of sperm associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) that is associated with various types of malignancies including cervical cancer. We examined the recombinant human SPAG9 (rhSPAG9) as an antigenic source for generating efficient DCs to stimulate CD4 + and CD8 + T cell responses for future DCs-based vaccine trials in cervical cancer patients.
Methods
Human monocytes derived DCs were pulsed with different concentrations (250 ng/ml to 1000 ng/ml) of recombinant human SPAG9 (rhSPAG9) and evaluated for their phenotypic and functional ability. Subsequently, the efficacy of DCs primed with 750 ng/ml of rhSPAG9 (SPDCs) was compared with DCs primed with autologous tumour lysate (TLDCs), to induce CD4+, CD8 + T cells and activating NK cells. In addition, we investigated the effect of the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin on phenotypic and functional potential of SPDCs.
Results
Phenotypic and functional characterization of DCs pulsed with 750 ng/ml rhSPAG9 was found to be optimal and effective for priming DCs. SPDCs were also capable of stimulating allogeneic CD4 + and CD8 + T cells similar to TLDCs. SPDCs showed a statistically insignificant increase in the expression of maturation marker CD83 and migration towards CCL19 and CCL21 compared with TLDCs (CD83 p = 0.4; for migration p = 0.2). In contrast, TLDCs showed better proliferation and secretion of Th1 cytokines (IL12p40, IL12p70 and IFNγ) compared to SPDCs, but this was also not statistically significant (IL12p40, p = 0.06). We also found that clinical dose of cisplatin (200 µM) treated SPDCs were able to stimulate the proliferation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes without increasing the FOXP3+Tregs in autologous co-cultures.
Conclusions
This is the first report to suggest that rhSPAG9 is an effective antigen for pulsing DCs that are capable of eliciting a potent Th1 response which, in turn, may help in decreasing the tumour burden when used along with a cisplatin based combinatorial regimen for therapeutic intervention. This strategy provides an insight to consider rhSPAG9 as a strong immunogen for DC-based immunotherapy for cervical cancer.
Mapping the PHQ-8 to EQ-5D, HUI3 and SF6D in Patients with Depression
Authors: Abdin Edimansyah , Chong Siow Ann , Seow Esmond , Tan Kelvin Bryan , Subramaniam Mythily 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
There is limited evidence of mapping the clinical instrument to a generic preference-based instrument in an Asian patient population. The current study aims to map the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ) onto the EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D), the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) and the Short Form-6D SF-36 to inform future in cost-utility analyses for treatment in depression sample. A total of 249 participants who have completed PHQ-8, EQ5D, SF6D and HUI-3 questionnaires were included in the analyses. A beta regression mixture model was used to map the utility scores. The results were compared against two common regression methods including Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Tobit regression models. The mean age of the sample was 36.2 years (SD=11.1). The mean EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L, HUI3 and SF-6D utility scores were 0.615, 0.709, 0.461 and 0.607, respectively. The EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D utility scores were best predicted by the beta mixture regression model consisting of PHQ total sores, PHQ-squared, and covariates including age and gender. The HUI3 was best predicted by the OLS model. The current study provides important evidence to clinicians and researchers about the mapping algorithms that can be used in economics evaluation among patients with depression.
Identification of DNA repair-related genes predicting pathogenesis and prognosis for liver cancer
Authors: Zhu Wenjing , Zhang Qiliang , Liu Min , Yan Meixing , Chu Xiao , Li Yongchun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Liver cancer (LC) is one of the most fatal cancers throughout the world. More efficient and sensitive gene signatures that could accurately predict survival in LC patients are vitally needed to promote a better individualized and effective treatment. Material/Methods: 422 LC patients with both RNA-Seq and clinical data in TCGA were embedded in our study. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to identify genes and hallmark gene sets that are more valuable for liver cancer therapy. Cox regression analysis was used to identify genes related to overall survival (OS) and build the prediction model. cBioPortal database was used to examine the alterations of the panel mRNA signature. ROC curves and Kaplan–Meier curves were used to validate the prediction model. Besides, the expression of the genes in the model were validated using quantitative real-time PCR in clinical tissue specimens. Results: The panel of DNA repair-related mRNA signature consisted of seven mRNAs: RFC4, ZWINT, UPF3B, NCBP2, ADA, SF3A3, and GTF2H1. On-line analysis of cBioPortal database found that the expression of the panel mRNA has a wide variation ranging from 7% to 10%. All the mRNAs were significantly upregulated in LC tissues compared to normal tissues (P < 0.05). The risk model is closely related to the OS of LC patients. The hazard ratio (HR) is 2.184 (95%CI [confidence interval]:1.523-3.132) and log-rank P-value<0.0001. For clinical specimen validation, we found that all of the genes in the model upregulated in liver cancer tissues versus normal liver tissues, which was consistent with the results predicted. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated a mRNA signature including seven mRNA for prognosis prediction of LC. This panel gene signature provides a new criterion for accurate diagnosis and therapeutic target of LC.
Evaluating an Institutional health Partnership using the ESTHER EFFECt tool: A Case Study of an Evaluation of the Institutional Health Partnership Between Nigeria CDC and Public Health England
Authors: Razavi Ahmed , Erondu Ngozi , Haddock Katie , Johal Gurnam , Oyebanji Oyeronke , Ihekweazu Chikwe , Okereke Ebere 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Bilateral Institutional Health Partnerships (IHPs) are a means of strengthening health systems and are becoming increasing prevalent in global health. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Public Health England (PHE) have engaged in one such IHP as part of Public Health England’s International Health Regulations Strengthening project. Presently, there have been limited evaluations of IHPs resulting in limited evidence of their effectiveness in strengthening health systems despite the concept being used across the world.Methods: The ESTHER EFFECt tool was used to evaluate the IHP between NCDC and PHE. Senior leadership from both organisations participated in a two-day workshop where their perceptions of various elements of the partnership were evaluated. This was done through an initial quantitative survey followed by a facilitated discussion to further explore any arising issues.Results: This evaluation is the first published evaluation of a bilateral global health partnership undertaken by NCDC and PHE. NCDC scores were consistently higher than PHE scores. Key strengths and weaknesses of the partnership were identified such as having wide ranging institutional engagement, however needing to improve dissemination mechanisms following key learning activity.Conclusions: There is a dearth of evidence measuring the effectiveness of international health partnerships; of the studies that exist, many are lacking in academic rigour. We used the ESTHER EFFECt tool as it is an established method of evaluating the progress of the partnership, with multiple previous peer-reviewed publications. This will hopefully encourage more organisations to publish evaluations of their international health partnerships and build the evidence base.
Facilely Reducing Recalcitrance of Lignocellulosic Biomass by a Newly Developed Ethylamine Based Deep Eutectic Solvent for Biobutanol Fermentation
Authors: Xu Guochao , Li Hao , Xing Wanru , Gong Lei , Dong Jinjun , Ni Ye 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Biobutanol is promising and renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels and could be produced by Clostridium species from lignocellulosic biomass. However, biomass is recalcitrant to be hydrolyzed into fermentable sugars attributed to the densely packed structure by layers of lignin. Development of pretreatment reagents and processes for increasing surface area, removing hemicellulose and lignin, and enhancing the relative content of cellulose is currently an area of great interest. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a new class of green solvents, are effective in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. However, it remains challenging to achieve high titers of total sugars and usually requires combinatorial pretreatment with other reagents. In this study, we aim to develop novel DESs with high application potential in biomass pretreatment and high biocompatibility for biobutanol fermentation.Results: Several DESs with betaine chloride and ethylamine chloride (EaCl) as hydrogen bond acceptors were synthesized. Among them, EaCl:LAC with lactic acid as hydrogen bond donor displayed the best performance in the pretreatment of corncob. Only by single pretreatment with EaCl:LAC, total sugars of as high as 53.5 g·L–1 could be reached. Consecutive batches for pretreatment of corncob were performed using gradiently decreased cellulase by 5 FPU·g–1. At the end of the sixth batch, the concentration and specific yield of total sugars were 58.8 g·L–1 and 706 g·kg–1 pretreated corncob, saving a total of 50% cellulase. Utilizing hydrolysate as carbon source, butanol titer of 10.4 g·L–1 was achieved with butanol yield of 137 g·kg–1 pretreated corncob by Clostridium saccharobutylicum DSM13864.Conclusions: Ethylamine and lactic acid based deep eutectic solvent is promising in pretreatment of corncob with high total sugar concentrations and compatible for biobutanol fermentation. This study provides an efficient pretreatment reagent for facilely reducing recalcitrance of lignocellulosic materials and a promising process for biobutanol fermentation from renewable biomass.
Physiological and Transcriptional Response to Drought Stress Among Bioenergy Grass Miscanthus Species
Authors: De Vega Jose J. , Teshome Abel , Klaas Manfred , Grant Jim , Finnan John , Barth Susanne 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Miscanthus is a commercial lignocellulosic biomass crop owing to its high biomass productivity, particularly in the temperate regions. This study was conducted to elucidate physiological and molecular responses of four Miscanthus species subjected to well-watered and droughted greenhouse conditions. Results: A significant biomass loss was observed under drought conditions for all genotypes. A sterile M. x giganteus showed a lower reduction in biomass yield under drought conditions compared to the control than the other species. Under well-watered conditions, biomass yield was as good as or better than control conditions in all species tested. M. sinensis was more tolerant than M. sacchariflorus to both water stress conditions. 4,389 of the 67,789 genes (6.4%) in the reference genome were differentially expressed among four Miscanthus species. Most of the genes were differentially expressed in a single species, but the enrichment analysis of gene ontology (GO) terms revealed that the same biological processes were regulated in all the species during stress conditions. Namely, upregulated differentially expressed genes were significantly involved in sucrose and starch metabolism, redox, and water and glycerol homeostasis and channel activity. Multiple copies of starch metabolic enzymes BAM and waxy GBSS-I were strongly up-regulated in drought stress in all Miscanthus genotypes. Twelve aquaporins (PIP1, PIP2 and NIP2) were also up-regulated in drought stress across genotypes. On the other hand, downregulated differentially expressed genes were significantly involved in protein kinase activity, cell receptor signalling and phosphorylation. Conclusions: Findings in the present study can assist in implementing molecular breeding approaches of drought resistant Miscanthus and its domestication.
Whole Exome Sequencing Aids The Diagnosis of Fetal Skeletal Dysplasia
Authors: Tang Hui , Zhang Qin , Yin Linliang , Xiang Jingjing , Wang Jing , Wang Ting 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Skeletal dysplasia is a complex group of bone and cartilage disorders with strong clinical and genetical heterogeneousity. Several types have prenatal phenotypes. And it is difficult to make a molecular diagnosis rapidly due to lacking family history and non-specific and limited clinical symptoms in utero. This study aims to diagnose 16 Chinese fetuses with skeletal dysplasia.Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphism-array (SNP-array) was performed in 12 of 16 samples. If no microdeletions or microreplications related to skeletal dysplasia were detected, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was adopted. And the last four cases only got whole-exome sequencing for analyzing copy number variants and single nucleotide variations at the same time.Results: Among the 16 cases, 12 patients received definitive diagnosis and we detected one deletion in DMD gene by SNP-array and 15 variants of 6 genes including FGFR3, COL1A1, COL1A2, ALPL, HSPG2 and DYNC2H1. 8 variants of COL1A1, COL1A2, ALPL and HSPG2 are novel. And somatic mosaicism in asymptomatic parent with mutations in COL1A1 or COL1A2 was observed.Conclusions: In general, our study expanded the prenatal phenotypes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)/ Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), found 8 novel variants and elucidated that the utilization of whole-exome sequencing improved the diagnosis yield of skeletal dysplasia and provided useful genetic counseling guidance for parents.
MRI background parenchymal enhancement, breast density and breast cancer risk factors: A cross-sectional study in pre- and post-menopausal women.
Authors: Brooks Jennifer D , Christensen Rebecca A G , Sung Janice S , Pike Malcolm C , Orlow Irene , Bernstein Jonine L , Morris Elizabeth A 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Histologically normal breast fibroglandular tissue (FGT) enhances on contrast MRI and is called background parenchymal enhancement (BPE). Having high BPE is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. We examined the relationship between MRI-FGT (a volumetric assessment of breast density) and BPE and breast cancer risk factors.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 419 women without breast cancer undergoing contrast-enhanced breast MRI. All women completed a questionnaire at the time of MRI. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) describing the relationship between breast cancer risk factors and BPE and MRI-FGT were generated using modified Poisson regression. Results: In multivariable adjusted models a positive association between BMI and BPE was observed, with a 5-unit increase in BMI associated with a 16% and 38% increase in prevalence of high BPE in pre- and post-menopausal women respectively. Conversely, a strong inverse relationship between BMI and MRI-FGT was observed in both pre- (PR=0.65, 95% CI 0.57, 0.76 per 5-unit increase of BMI) and post-menopausal (PR=0.67, 95% CI 0.57, 0.79, per 5-unit increase in BMI) women. Current use of oral contraceptives was associated with high BPE while use of preventive medication (e.g., tamoxifen) was associated with low BPE. Conclusion: This study identifies patient characteristics and exposures associated with BPE and MRI-FGT. BPE is a new imaging marker of breast cancer risk. The results of this study provide further support for the role of hormonal exposures on BPE.
Design and analysis of a spatially shaped laser beam used for temperature field simulation
Authors: Nie Shuzhen , Zhao Tianzhuo , Xiao Hong , Fan Zhongwei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Laser has controllable space-time characteristics and can be loaded on materials as a heat source in laser manufacturing, laser medical and other fields. In the thermal fatigue test of engine parts, thermal load can also be considered by laser beam. In this paper, a large aperture spatially shaped laser beam with complex and uneven intensity distribution is selected as the heat source for temperature field simulation. Using the method of key nodes selection, the temperature distribution of a few key nodes can reflect the desired temperature field of the whole nodes. Based on finite element model (FEM), through the numerical simulation of the temperature field, optimized intensity distribution of the shaped laser beam is calculated, and a diffractive optics element (DOE) is designed to achieve the shaping effect. The results show that a spatially shaped laser beam can be used for temperature field simulation.
Early initiation of breastfeeding and its association with peer counseling and membership in breastfeeding support groups in the Philippines
Authors: Saniel Ofelia P , Pepito Veincent Christian F , Amit Arianna Maever L 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), defined as initiation of breastfeeding within one hour after giving birth, is one of the recommended optimal breastfeeding practices. We aimed to determine whether being visited by a peer counselor during pregnancy and if mother’s membership in a breastfeeding support group are associated with EIBF. We also aimed to examine the interaction between the two main exposure variables to assess their joint effects on EIBF.Methods: We used data from the endline survey of a program implemented in the Philippines, which contained socioeconomic data from the household of the mother-newborn dyads, demographic characteristics of the mothers, and their infant and young child feeding practices. We used logistic regression methods for survey data to study these associations.Results: Out of the 2,343 newborns, only 1,500 (63.1%) had EIBF. Upon controlling for confounders, those who were visited by a peer counselor during the prenatal period had 1.18 times greater odds of EIBF (95%CI: 0.88-1.57; p=0.26) compared to those who were not visited. On the other hand, members of breastfeeding support groups had 1.33 times higher odds of EIBF (95% CI: 0.99-1.79; p=0.06) compared to those who were not members of breastfeeding support groups. There is no interaction between the two exposure variables on their effect on EIBF. Conclusions: The lack of association between a visit by a peer counselor during pregnancy or mother’s membership in breastfeeding support groups and EIBF highlights the need for new strategies to enhance the role of peer counselors and breastfeeding support groups in promoting breastfeeding.
Gender differences in externalizing and internalizing problems in Singaporean children and adolescents with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Lau Tsz Wing Ivy , Lim Choon Guan , Acharryya Sanchalika , Lim-Ashworth Nikki , Tan Yi Ren , Fung Daniel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background : Studies on gender differences in attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidities in the Asian populations have been limited and previous studies have shown inconclusive findings. Singapore is a city-state country in Southeast Asia with a population of 5.7 million. This study examined gender differences in internalizing and externalizing problems in Singaporean children and adolescents with ADHD. The plausible social factors underlying the gender differences were discussed. Methods : A total of 773 participants (aged 6 to 18, 88% males) newly diagnosed with ADHD were recruited from the only public child and adolescent psychiatric center in Singapore. Their internalizing and externalizing problems were assessed using the Child Behavioral Checklist and Teacher’s Report Form by parents and teachers respectively. Demographics and relevant social factors were collected using parent questionnaires. Results : Females with ADHD were reported to have less delinquent and aggressive behavior but more depressive symptoms than their male counterparts, similar to findings in the Western literature. Older age, lower socioeconomic status and parental use of physical punishment were associated with higher internalizing and externalizing problems after controlling for other factors. Conclusions: Gender differences in ADHD comorbidities do exist in the Asian clinical population. This suggests a need for gender-specific assessment of ADHD as females do not present with much externalizing problem which makes identification more difficult.
Biotransformation in Combination of Traditional Medicinal Plants: The Effect of Wickerhamomyces Anomalus on the Antidiabetic Potential and Metabolite Profiling
Authors: Gaur Praveen Kumar , Shanmugam Sadish Kumar 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Biochemical transformation is a green and efficient strategy that can be of help in case of potentiation of herbal treatments. Diabetes requires daily therapeutic interventions and the use of herbals can be safe and effective alternatives however higher doses of herbs can cause much inconvenience. The potentiation of traditional medicinal plants based polyherbal combinations to reduce the dosage can be an attractive approach. Methods: The present study explored the biochemical transformation of a polyherbal extract derived from Syzygium cumini seed, Mangifera indica seed kernel, Momordica charantia fruit and Gymnema sylvestre leaf using W.anomalus. The polyherbal extract was chromatographed and evaluated for antidiabetic potential, Pre and Post fermentation. Also, the fermentation kinetics was assessed as W. anomalus can produce ethanol which can be self-limiting. Results: The extract produced no behavioral or physical changes in animals, confirming the safety in acute toxic exposure. The chromatographic analysis showed good presence of Hesperidin, Mangiferin and Corilagin in non-fermented extract which was significantly reduced and content of Apigenin, Luteolin, Quercetin, kaempferol and Isorhamnetin were increased after fermentation. Conclusions: The polyherbal extract showed good antidiabetic activity however fermented polyherbal extract showed a similar effect at half the dosage. The effects are also corroborated by histological studies.