bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutral Polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng enhanced cyclophosphamide antitumor efficacy in hepatoma H22‑bearing mice
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Qin Huayan , Zhong Yuanyuan , Li Shuang , Wang Huajing , Wang Hong , Chen Liling , Tang Xiang , Li Yalin , Qian Zhongyi , Li Huaiyu , Zhang Lei , Chen Tong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Our previous studies demonstrated that the administration of crude Polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng (CPPN) can effectively prolong the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice via boosting the host immune system as well as weak cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, Neutral Polysaccharide (NPPN) were further purified from crude polysaccharide isolated from panax notoginseng. The effects of NPPN on the immune function and hematopoietic function of mice with low immunity and myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) were investigated. The effect of NPPN combined with CTX on the tumor inhibition rate of the H22 tumor-bearing mice and the impact of NPPN on the proliferation of H22 liver cancer cells in vitro were investigated.Methods: CPPN was obtained by water extraction and alcohol precipitation method, and further purified by DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow ion exchange resin column. NPPN was added to the immunosuppressed with myelosuppression mice induced by CTX. Thymus index, spleen index, lymphocyte proliferation stimulation index by adding of concanavalin A, determination of serum hemolysin, NK cell activity assay, mice carbon clearance experiment, blood count tests were detected. The tumor inhibition rate of the H22 tumor-bearing mice treated with NPPN combined with CTX was recorded.Results: NPPN and 4 kinds of acid polysaccharide from Panax notoginseng (APPN) were successfully isolated from the CPPN by DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow ion exchange resin column. NPPN inhibited the growth of H22 cells and significantly increase the tumor inhibition rate of the H22 tumor-bearing mice combined with CTX. The elevation of the cellular and humoral immunity levels as well as a variety of blood count tests indicators of immunosuppressive with myelosuppression mice may contribute to the antitumor activity of NPPN.Conclusion: NPPN has a potential antitumor activity for the treatment of liver cancer combined with cyclophosphamide.
Physiological and molecular characterization of active fungi in pesticides contaminated soils for degradation of glyphosate
Authors: Njoku Kelechi L. , Eludini Peter O. , Adesuyi Adeola A. , Ude Emea O. , Oyelami Ayodeji O. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Understanding the physiological and molecular characteristics of naturally occurring fungi in glyphosate pesticide-contaminated environment is crucial to managing its contamination. The study was aimed at isolating and characterizing soil fungi for their physiological roles towards glyphosate degradation. Pure cultures of fungi were isolated from soil contaminated with glyphosate at farms in Lagos, Nigeria. The cultures were grown on minimal salt agar media amended with glyphosate. The best isolates exhibiting good tolerance to the glyphosate were characterized using molecular techniques. The BLAST search indicated that the fungi belong to four Aspergillus species (Aspergillus flavus strain JN-YG-3-5, Aspergillus niger strain APBSDSF96, Aspergillus fumigatus strain FJAT-31052 and Aspergillus flavus strain APBSWTPF130, Trichoderma gamsii and Penicillium simplicissimum. The biodegradation study of the glyphosate by the selected fungi species showed the presence of Aminomethylphosphonic Acid (AMPA) except for Aspergillus fumigatus strain FJAT-31052. Annotation analysis of the partial gene sequence showed that the strains possess protein coding gene clusters for glyphosate utilization and other physiological activities. The GhostKOALA output confirmed that CYP2W1 gene (Cytochrome P450, fungi type) was present in Aspergillus fumigatus strain FJAT-31052 which was absent in the genome of other fungi. The physiological and molecular characteristics of Aspergillus fumigatus strain FJAT-31052 clearly show that this fungus is a useful organism for managing contamination by glyphosate pesticide.
Changes in the characteristics of dental emergencies under the influence of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: A retrospective study
Authors: Wu Kan , Li Chunjie , Yang Zheng , Yang Shangchun , Yang Wenbin , Hua Chengge 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Further understanding of the distribution and changing characteristics of dental diseases is of great significance for all dental emergency centers for strengthening the medical staff’s treatment abilities and effective use of emergency resources in the face of public health emergencies involving highly infectious respiratory diseases.Methods The medical records of 4158 cases of dental emergency patients from 2019 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, with patients divided into the pre-SARS-COV-2 group and the SARS-COV-2 group, according to the date of their admission to the dental emergency center. The dental emergency patients’ demographic data, date and time, diagnoses, and treatment approaches were compared before and during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic.Results During the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, the number of dental emergency visits increased by 29.7%. The peak of the number of patients at weekends and at night is not obvious compared with the pre-SARS-COV-2 group. During the pandemic, males (n=286, 58.1%) were more likely to visit dental emergency centers for trauma than females (n=206, 41.9%) (P<0.05); females (n=242, 60.8%) were more likely to visit dental emergency centers for acute gingivitis and acute pericoronitis than males (n=156, 39.2%) (P<0.05). A major change in diagnosis was related to acute pulpitis (K04.0) and acute apical periodontitis (K04.4), which increased by 9.2%; acute gingivitis (K05.0) and acute pericoronitis (K05.2) increased by 3.5%; open wound of the lip and oral cavity (S01.5) decreased by 17.9%; other conditions (non-emergency diseases) increased by 6.8%, compared with the pre-SARS-COV-2 period. Among the treatment modalities, during the pre-SARS-COV-2 period, 304 patients (17.7%) received a prescription for antibiotics and analgesics, and 1485 (86.5%) received a prescription for local treatment. During the SARS-COV-2 period, 958 (39.2%) received a prescription for antibiotics and analgesics, and 1636 (67.0%) received a prescription for local treatment.Conclusion SARS-COV-2 pandemic led to changes in the characteristics of dental emergency patients. Trauma, acute pulpitis, and acute periodontitis are the leading reasons patients refer to dental emergency centers. Dental emergency centers should optimize treatment procedures, optimize the staff, and reasonably allocate materials according to the changes to improve the on-site treatment capacity and provide adequate dental emergency care.
Changing trends of birth weight with maternal age: a cross-sectional study in Xi'an city of Northwestern China
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Yang Liren , Shang Li , Yang Wenfang , Qi Cuifang , Huang Liyan , Xie Guilan , Wang Ruiqi , Chung Mei Chun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Most studies have shown that maternal age is associated with birth weight. However, the specific relationship between each additional year of maternal age and birth weight remains unclear. The study aimed to analyze the specific association between maternal age and birth weight. Methods: Raw data for all live births from 2015 to 2018 were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Xi’an, China. A total of 490143 mother-child pairs with full-term singleton live births and the maternal age ranging from 20 to 40 years old were included in our study. Birth weight, gestational age, neonatal birth date, maternal birth date, residence and ethnicity were collected. Generalized additive model and two-piece wise linear regression model were used to analyze the specific relationships between maternal age and birth weight, risk of low birth weight, and risk of macrosomia. Results: The relationships between maternal age and birth weight, risk of low birth weight, and risk of macrosomia were nonlinear. Birth weight increased 16.204 g per year when maternal age was less than 24 years old (95%CI: 14.323, 18.086), and increased 12.051g per year when maternal age ranged from 24 to 34 years old (95%CI: 11.609, 12.493), then decreased 0.824g per year (95% CI: -3.112, 1.464). The risk of low birth weight decreased with the increase of maternal age until 36 years old (OR= 0.917, 95%CI: 0.903, 0.932 when maternal age was younger than 27 years old; OR= 0.965, 95%CI: 0.955, 0.976 when maternal age ranged from 27 to 36 years old), then increased when maternal age was older than 36 years old (OR=1.133, 95%CI: 1.026, 1.250). The risk of macrosomia increased with the increase of maternal age (OR=1.102, 95%CI: 1.075, 1.129 when maternal age was younger than 24 years old; OR=1.065, 95%CI: 1.060, 1.071 when maternal age ranged from 24 to 33 years old; OR=1.029, 95%CI: 1.012, 1.046 when maternal age was older than 33 years old). Conclusions: For women of childbearing age (20-40 years old), the threshold of maternal age on low birth weight was 36 years old, and the risk of macrosomia increased with the increase of maternal age.
LncRNA LINC00240 suppresses invasion and migration in non-small cell lung cancer by sponging miR-7-5p
Authors: Ku gwan woo , Kang Yujin , Yu Seong-Lan , Park Joonghoon , Park Sejin , Jeong In Beom , Kang Min Woong , Son Ji Woong , Kang Jaeku 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: lncRNAs have important roles in regulating cancer biology. Accumulating evidence has established a link between the dysregulation of lncRNAs and microRNA in cancer progression. In previous studies, miR-7-5p has been found to be significantly down-regulated in mesenchymal-like lung cancer cell lines and directly regulated EGFR. In this work, we investigated the lncRNA partner of miR-7-5p in the progression of lung cancer.Methods: We investigated the expression of miR-7-5p and the lncRNA after transfection with an miR-7-5p mimics using a microarray. The microarray results were validated using quantitative real time-polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The regulatory effects of lncRNA on miR-7-5p and its target were evaluated by changes in the expression of miR-7-5p after transfection with siRNAs for lncRNA and the synthesis of full-length lncRNA. The effect of miR-7-5p on lncRNA and the miRNA target was evaluated after transfection with miRNA mimic and inhibitor. The role of lncRNA in cancer progression was determined using invasion and migration assays. The level of lncRNA and EGFR in lung cancer and normal lung tissue was analyzed using TCGA data.Results: We found that LINC00240 was downregulated in lung cancer cell line after miR-7-5p transfection with an miR-7-5p mimic. Further investigations revealed that the knockdown of LINC00240 induced the overexpression of miR-7-5p. The overexpression of miR-7-5p diminished cancer invasion and migration. The EGFR expression was down regulated after siRNA treatment for LINC00240. Silencing LINC00240 suppressed the invasion and migration of lung cancer cells, whereas LINC00240 overexpression exerted the opposite effect. The lower expression of LINC00240 in squamous lung cancer was analyzed using TCGA data.Conclusions: Taken together, LINC00240 acted as a sponge for miR-7-5p and induced the overexpression of EGFR. LINC00240 may represent a potential target for the treatment of lung cancer.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Enhancing Provider Well-Being in a Metropolitan Medical Group in the United States
Authors: Shields Lisa Barbara , Jennings James T. , Honaker Joshua T. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Physician burnout refers to depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of lower personal accomplishment. Affecting approximately 50% of physicians in the United States, physician burnout negatively impacts both the physician and patient. Over a 3-year-period, this prospective study evaluated the multidisciplinary approach to decreasing provider burnout and improving provider well-being in our metropolitan community. Methods: A multidisciplinary Well-Being Task Force was established at our Institution in 2017 to assess the myriad factors that may play a role in provider burnout and offer solutions to mitigate the stressors that may lead to decreased provider well-being. Four multifaceted strategies were implemented: (1) provider engagement & growth; (2) workflow/office efficiencies; (3) relationship building; and (4) communication. Providers at our Institution took the Mayo Clinic’s well-being index survey on 3 occasions over 3 years. Their scores were compared to those of providers nationally at baseline and at 1 and 2 years after implementing organizational and individualized techniques to enhance provider well-being. Lower well-being index scores reflected better well-being. Results: The average overall well-being index scores of our Institution’s providers decreased from 1.76 at baseline to 1.32 2 years later compared to an increase in well-being index scores of physicians nationally (1.73 to 1.85). Both male and female providers’ average well-being index scores at our Institution decreased over the 3 years of this study, from 1.72 to 1.58 for males and 1.78 to 1.21 for females, while physicians’ scores nationally increased for both genders. The average well-being index scores were highest for providers at our Institution who graduated from medical school less than 5 years earlier (2.0) and who graduated 15-24 years earlier (2.3), whereas the average lowest scores were observed in providers who graduated ³25 years earlier (1.37). Obstetricians/gynecologists and internal medicine physicians had the highest average well-being index scores (2.48 and 2.4, respectively) compared to other medical specialties. The turnover rate of our Institution’s providers was 5.6% in 2017 and 3.9% in 2019, reflecting a 30% decrease. Conclusion: This study serves as a model to reduce provider burnout and enhance well-being through both organizational and individual interventions.
Gene modules and non-coding RNAs involved in pancreatic tumorigenesis through acinar ductal metaplasia&nbsp;
Authors: Zhang Huairong , Shi Bingyin , GAO ZU-HUA , GAO BO 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Acinar ductal metaplasia (ADM) is a recently identified precursor lesion that can progress through pancreatic ductal intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the genetic alterations and the transcriptional regulators at work during the process of ADM-driven PDAC tumorigenesis are largely unknown. We applied a multidimensional integration strategy to unveil the gene modules and non-coding RNAs that drive the ADM-PanIN-PDAC process. Methods: GSE40895 and the microarray datasets were integrated to unmask the regulators linked to ADM, PanIN and PDAC. Based on the differentially expressed genes and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks for each stage, overlapping and crosstalk gene modules in ADM-PanIN-PDAC were identified using the search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes (STRING) and Cytoscape. The functions of these modules were elucidated by gene ontology (GO) analysis. The expression levels of hub genes and survival analysis were investigated in human PDAC via gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA). The MiRDB database was used to predict potential non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) capable of regulating overlap and crosstalk genes.Results: We found several bridging ADM gene modules (e.g. SMARCA1 and H2AFZ), PanIN gene modules (e.g. HDAC11 and SMARCA2) and PDAC gene modules (e.g. OLFR239 and CLIP3). They were enriched in nucleosome assembly, chromatin organization and G-protein coupled receptor signalling pathways by GO analysis. MicroRNAs (e.g. mmu-miR-335-5p and mmu-miR-669n) and lncRNAs (e.g. H19 and Gm14207) took part in this ample crosstalk by regulating the gene expression. Conclusions: SMARCA1, SMARCA2 and CLIP3 were identified as novel crosstalk genes and potential prognostic biomarkers for ADM-driven PDAC carcinogenesis. After validation in clinical and functional studies, transcriptional regulatory non-coding RNAs targeting crosstalk and overlapping genes could represent effective targets for early PDAC intervention.
Gender-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behaviors and their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Compernolle Sofie , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Cardon Greet , Dyck Delfien Van 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background. Some types of sedentary behaviors tend to cluster in individuals or groups of older adults. Insight into how these different types of sedentary behavior cluster is needed, as recent research suggests that not all types of sedentary behavior may have the same negative effects on physical and mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify gender-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behavior, and to examine their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors. Methods. Cross-sectional data were collected as part of the BEPAS Seniors, and the Busschaert study among 696 Flemish older adults (60+). Typologies of self-reported sedentary behavior were identified using latent profile analysis, and associations with health-related and sociodemographic factors were examined using analyses of variances. Results. Five distinct typologies were identified from seven sedentary behaviors (television time, computer time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in men, and three typologies were identified from six sedentary behaviors (television time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in women. Typologies that are characterized by high television time seem to be related to more negative health outcomes, like a higher BMI, less grip strength, and a lower physical and mental health-related quality-of-life. Typologies that are represented by high computer time and motorized transport seem to be related to more positive health outcomes, such as a lower body mass index, more grip strength and a higher physical and mental health-related quality-of-life.Conclusions. Although causal direction between identified typologies and health outcomes remains uncertain, our results suggests that future interventions should better focus on specific types of sedentary behavior (e.g. television time), or patterns of sedentary behavior, rather than on total sedentary behavior.
Reduced translation efficiency due to novel splicing variants in 5′ untranslated region and identification of novel cis-regulatory elements in canine and human BRCA2
Authors: Yoshikawa Yasunaga , Kozuma Hajime , Morimatsu Masami , Sugawara Kaori , Orino Koichi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer 2, early onset (BRCA2) is a tumor suppressor gene. The protein encoded by this gene plays an important role in homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair. Deleterious mutations in BRCA2 and downregulation of its expression have been associated with tumorigenesis in dogs and humans. Thus, regulation of BRCA2 expression level is important for maintaining homeostasis in homologous recombination.Results: In this study, the mechanisms that regulate the expression of BRCA2 were proposed. Novel splicing variants were identified in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of canine and human BRCA2 in canine testis, canine ovary, and canine and human cultured cell lines. In cultured cells, the ratio of BRCA2 splicing variants at the 5′ UTR was altered by serum starvation. These novel splicing variants, excluding one of the canine splicing variants, were found to reduce the translational efficiency. Additionally, the DNA sequence in human BRCA2 intron 1 harbored novel cis-regulatory elements. Three silencer and two enhancer cis-regulatory elements were identified in human BRCA2 intron 1.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that BRCA2 expression level is regulated via 5′ UTR splicing variants and that the BRCA2 intron 1 region harbors cis-regulatory elements.
COVID-19 in Northeast Bosnia and Herzegovina and Patient’s Length of Hospitalization
Authors: Trnacevic Alma , Mujkanovic Amer , Al-Salloum Noura , Sakusic Amra , Trnacevic Emir , Jusufovic Emir , Hukic Fatima , Jahic Rahima , Stratton Richard 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, clinical data from various parts of the world have been reported. Until now, there has been no clinical data with regards to COVID-19 from Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The aim was to report on the first cohort of patients from B&H and to analyze clinical factors of COVID-19 patients that have influenced the length of hospitalization (LOH) of COVID-19 infected patients.Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Tuzla University Clinical Center (UKC). It included 25 COVID-19 positive patients that were hospitalized between March 28th and April 27th 2020. The LOH was measured from the time of admission to discharge. Factors analyzed induced age, BMI, presence of known comorbidities, serum creatinine and O2 saturation upon admission.Results The mean age was 52.92±19.15 years and BMI 28.80±4.22. LOH for patients with BMI <25 was 9± SE2.646 days (CI 95% 3.814-14.816) vs 14.182 ±SE .937 (CI 95% 12.346-16.018 p<0.05; HR 5.148 CI95% 1.217 to 21.772 p=0.026) for ≥25 BMI. The mean LOH of patients with normal levels of O2 ≥95% was 11.667 ±SE1.202 (CI95% 8.261 to 13.739; p=0.046), while LOH for patients with <95% was 14.625 ±SE 1.231 CI95% 12.184 to 16.757 p=0.042; HR 3.732 CI95%1.137-12.251 p=0.03). Patients without known comorbidities had a mean LOH of 11.700± SE1.075 (CI 95% 9.592-13.808), while those with comorbidities had a mean of 14.8±1.303 (CI 95% 12.247-17.353; p=0.029) with HR2.552Conclusion LOH varied among COVID-19 patients and was prolonged when clinical characteristics such as BMI, known comorbidities, elevated creatinine, and O2 saturation <95% were present. Furthermore, risk factors for COVID-19 patients in B&H do not deviate from those reported in other countries.
Predicting EQ-5D-5L crosswalk from the PROMIS-29 profile for the United Kingdom, France, and Germany
Authors: Klapproth Christoph Paul , Bebber Jan van , Sidey-Gibbons Christopher J. , Valderas Jose M , Leplege Alain , Rose Matthias , Fischer Felix 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: EQ-5D health state utilities (HSU) are commonly used in health economics to compute quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The EQ-5D, which is country-specific, can be derived directly or by mapping from self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scales such as the PROMIS-29 profile. The PROMIS-29 from the Patient Reported Outcome Measures Information System is a comprehensive assessment of self-reported health with excellent psychometric properties. We sought to find optimal models predicting the EQ-5D-5L crosswalk from the PROMIS-29 in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany and compared the prediction performances with that of a US model.Methods: We collected EQ-5D-5L and PROMIS-29 profiles and three samples representative of the general populations in the UK (n=1,509), France (n=1,501), and Germany (n=1,502). We used stepwise regression with backward selection to find the best models to predict the EQ-5D-5L crosswalk from all seven PROMIS-29 domains. We investigated the agreement between the observed and predicted EQ-5D-5L crosswalk in all three countries using various indices for the prediction performance, including Bland-Altman plots to examine the performance along the HSU continuum.Results: The EQ-5D-5L crosswalk was best predicted in France (nRMSEFRA = 0.075, nMAEFRA = 0.052), followed by the UK (nRMSEUK = 0.076, nMAEUK = 0.053) and Germany (nRMSEGER = 0.079, nMAEGER = 0.051). The Bland-Altman plots show that the inclusion of higher-order effects reduced the overprediction of low HSU scores.Conclusions: Our models provide a valid method to predict the EQ-5D-5L crosswalk from the PROMIS-29 for the UK, France, and Germany.