bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic nomograms for predicting overall survival of stage I lung cancer patients: a large population-based study
Authors: Wu Liwei , Wan Laiyi , Song Yanzheng , Wang Lin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Postoperative prognosis of stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing lymph node dissection is heterogeneous. Therefore, we sought to construct a novel survival prediction model for stage I NSCLC undergoing lymph node dissection.
Method:

Based on the data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, we successfully determined and incorporated independent prognostic markers to construct the nomogram. The constructed nomogram was further subjected to external validation with an independent cohort of patients. The performance of the survival prediction model was assessed by concordance index, calibration plots, and risk subgroup classification.
Results

A total of 23394 patients from SEER registries (training cohort), as well as 7016 patients (verification cohort) was included. Age, gender, race, histology, differentiation grade, stage, and lymph node dissection mode were identified as significant prognostic parameters. A novel nomogram was developed and externally validated. The model displayed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.666 (95% CI, 0.652 to 0.681) and good calibration. Calibration plots demonstrated an optimal consistency between the nomogram predicted and actual observed probability of survival.
Conclusion

This novel nomogram incorporating the age, gender, race, histology, differentiation grade, stage, and lymph node dissection mode could be conveniently used to facilitate the individual prognosis prediction in stage I NSCLC patients.
Up-regulation of Rb by small activating RNA inhibits cell invasion and migration in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Peng Lipan , Zeng Shujie , Kong Shuai , Tian Shubo , Xu Tao , Wang Guangchuan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a lethal disease that needs further investigation. Recent studies have reported that small activating RNA (saRNA), involved in a process called RNA activation, plays an important role in the development of cancer. We designed three different saRNAs targeting the retinoblastoma (Rb) gene promoter in GC cell lines. Upregulated Rb expression after transfection of the saRNAs was confirmed by PCR and western blotting and resulted in inhibition of GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion compared with the control groups. There was no significant difference between the negative control saRNA and mock transfection groups. Overall, Rb is a promising novel prognostic biomarker of GC and, due to its role in metastasis, a novel therapeutic target for the clinical management of invasive and metastatic GC.
Development of a regression model using socio-demographic, behavioural and occupational risk factors for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and lumbar disc degeneration (LDHD)-A case control study.
Authors: Withanage Niroshima , Perera Sunil , Peiris Hemantha , Prathapan Sharmini , athiththan Lohini 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Although many studies have been conducted on risk factors associated with lumbar disc herniation (LDH), only few studies reported on the association of these factors in comparison to LDH and lumbar disc herniation and degeneration (LDHD). There are no reported studies on a regression model incorporating these factors. As the risk factors are better described in regression models, present study aimed to develop a regression model associated with LDH and LDHD in relation to socio-demographic, behavioural and occupational factors.Methods: A case control study conducted using 104 cases with LDH and controls (n=104) without LDH. Pre-tested questionnaire was administered to all participants to gather information.Results: Among the cases with LDH, 35.6 % presented with LDHD while 64.4 % had only LDH. Among the socio-demographic characteristics, body mass index <25 kgm-2 was a significant protective factor for both LDHD (OR=0.31; 95% CI=0.13-0.72) and LDH (OR=0.39; 95% CI=0.20-0.77). Involvement in daily activities with heavy (OR=5.1; 95 % CI=2.1-11.8) and moderate strain (OR=3.1; 95 % CI=1.5-6.6) to back, sitting more than eight hours per day (OR=5.1; 95 % CI=1.0-25.7), smoking (OR=5.0; 95 % CI=1.5-16.4) and sleeping in supine position (OR=2.09; 95% CI=1.09-4.06) were significant risk factors for LDH. Only daily physical activities with heavy strain act as a significant risk factor (OR=3.1; 95 % CI=1.1-8.5) for the development of LDHD. Types of mattresses used did not have significant difference among cases and controls. Majority of cases (56.7 %) did not know the causative factor that led to LDH. According to the regression model, BMI, smoking and involvement in physical activities with moderate and heavy strain to back were considered as significant risk factors for the development of LDH or LDHD.Conclusion: BMI, smoking and daily physical activities with moderate and heavy strain to back are significant risk factors for development of LDH or LDHD in regression model.
Unmet Healthcare Needs and Associated Factors in Rural Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kim Ju Young , Kim Ju Young , Kim Dae In , Park Hwa Yeon , Pak Yuliya , Tran Phap Hoang Ngoc , Truc Thai Thanh , Thuy Mai Thi Thanh , Dung Do Van 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Although health status in Vietnam has been much improved, people living in rural areas have faced several challenges, including a rapid increase of the aging population, inadequate capacity of health system, and problems of inequities in access to the healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to examine the current utilization of healthcare services, exploring unmet healthcare needs and their associated factors among adults living in rural Vietnam.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted with 233 participants in a rural area of Binh Phuoc province and a suburban area of Da Lat city in Vietnam from October–December 2017. The methods included face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire as well as anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. We considered participants to have unmet health needs if they had any kind of health problem during the past 12 months for which they were unable to see a healthcare provider in the same period. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with unmet healthcare needs.Results: Of the participants, 18% (n=43) had unmet healthcare needs. The common causes of unmet healthcare were transportation (30%), a lack of available doctors or medicines (47%), and communication issues with healthcare providers (16%). The multivariate logistic regression showed that having stage 2 high blood pressure and reporting no place to go for medical problems were associated with unmet healthcare needs.Conclusions: Healthcare services are still needed in disadvantaged group living in rural or suburban area of Vietnam. Efforts should focus on availability of medicines, improvement of transportation system as well as communication skills of healthcare providers to improve access to healthcare services.
Computer-Assisted Design of Thiophene-Indole Hybrids as Leishmanial Agents
Authors: Félix Mayara Barbalho , de Araújo Rodrigo Santos Aquino , Barros Renata Priscila Costa , de Simone Carlos Alberto , Rodrigues Raiza Raianne Luz , de Lima Nunes Thaís Amanda , da Franca Rodrigues Klinger Antonio , Junior Francisco Jaime Bezerra Mendonça , Muratov Eugene , Scotti Luciana , Scotti Marcus Tullius 
Published: June 2020

Background:Chemoinformatics has several applications in the field of drug design, helping to identify new compounds against a range of ailments. Among these are Leishmaniasis, effective treatments for which are currently limited.Objective:To construct new indole 2-aminothiophene molecules using computational tools and to test their effectiveness against Leishmania amazonensis (sp.).Methods:Based on the chemical structure of thiophene-indol hybrids, we built regression models and performed molecular docking, and used these data as bases for design of 92 new molecules with predicted pIC50 and molecular docking. Among these, six compounds were selected for the synthesis and to perform biological assays (leishmanicidal activity and cytotoxicity).Results:The prediction models and docking allowed inference of characteristics that could have positive influences on the leishmanicidal activity of the planned compounds. Six compounds were synthesized, one-third of which showed promising antileishmanial activities, with IC50 ranging from 2.16 and 2.97 μM (against promastigote forms) and 0.9 and 1.71 μM (against amastigote forms), with selectivity indexes (SI) of 52 and 75.Conclusion:These results demonstrate the ability of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR)-based rational drug design to predict molecules with promising leishmanicidal potential, and confirming the potential of thiophene-indole hybrids as potential new leishmanial agents.
Indole Curcumin Reverses Multidrug Resistance by Reducing the Expression of ABCB1 and COX2 in Induced Multidrug Resistant Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Pajaniradje Sankar , Mohankumar Kumaravel , Radhakrishnan Rakesh , Sufi Shamim Akhtar , Subramanian Srividya , Anaikutti Parthiban , Hulluru Surya Prakash Rao , Rajagopalan Rukkumani 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Drug resistance by the cancer cells towards current chemotherapeutic
approaches poses a great challenge. In the present study, an indole analogue of a well-known plant
derived anticancer molecule, curcumin, was tested for its Multidrug Resistance (MDR) reversing
potential in induced multi drug resistant A549 cell line.

Materials and Methods:
Human lung cancer cell line A549 was made Multidrug Resistant (MDR)
by prolonged treatment with low dosage of Docetaxel, an established anticancer drug. The MDR
induction was confirmed by morphological evidence, Hoechst 33342 staining, MTT assay,
Rhodamine123 staining and RT-PCR of ABCB1 gene. Protein expression studies were carried out
using western blotting technique

Results and Discussions:
The induced MDR A549 cells exhibited significant increase in the gene
expression of ABCB1 gene at the transcriptional level. Retention and efflux studies with Pglycoprotein
(P-gp) substrate Rh123 indicated that indole curcumin inhibited P-gp mediated efflux
of Rhodamine. Furthermore, treatment of MDR A549 cells with indole curcumin showed downregulation
of gene expression of ABCB1 and COX 2. This was also confirmed from the decreased
protein expression of COX 2.

Conclusion:
The results of the present study indicate that indole curcumin reverses multi drug
resistance by downregulating the expression of ABCB1 and COX 2 genes. Thus, indole curcumin
may act as a potent modulator for ABCB1 and COX 2 mediated MDR in lung cancer.
Characterization of an Unknown Impurity in Indobufen Tablets by HPLC-Q-TOF MS and NMR
Authors: Li Yu , Kong Xiangwen , Hong Liya , Yue Chen , Wang Xinyue , Zhu Peixi 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Indobufen is a drug that hinders the aggregation of platelets by reversibly repressing the cyclooxygenase enzyme, further bringing about diminished thromboxane production. During quality control of indobufen
tablets, an unknown impurity was detected.

Objective:
To characterize an unknown impurity in indobufen tablets.

Methods:
A new method compatible with mass spectrometry detection was set up. A C18 column at
35 °C with a mobile phase consisting of aqueous buffer (including ammonium formate) and methanol
(35: 65, v/v) was used at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min at 228 nm. High-performance liquid chromatography
quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF MS) was used
to identify the impurity with the electrospray ionization (ESI) source in the positive ionization mode.

Results:
The results of HPLC-Q-TOF MS analysis indicated that the protonated molecule ions [M +
H]+ of the unknown impurity was at m/z 312. Preparative LC method was put into practice with a Prep-
C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of water and methanol (20: 80, v/v) at a flow rate of 20.0
mL/min at 228 nm. The assignment of the 1D and 2D NMR signals was performed for the unknown
impurity. In addition, possible formation of the novel impurity was also studied.

Conclusion:
An unknown impurity in indobufen tablets was characterized. The impurity was assigned
as 2-(4-(1-hydroxy-3-oxoisoindolin-2-yl) phenyl) butanoic acid.
Synergistic Effect of Polyalthia longifolia Leaf and Antibiotics against Clinical Isolates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by Microscopic Technique
Authors: Kirubakari Balasupramaniam , Chen Yeng , Sasidharan Sreenivasan 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Polyalthia longifolia is a popular medicinal plant and has been
widely used as a traditional remedy for centuries in curing of various ailments. The purpose
of this study was conducted to determine the in situ antimicrobial synergistic effects
between Polyalthia longifolia leaf ethyl acetate fraction (PLEAF) and ampicillin against
MRSA local isolate by using modern microscopy technique.

Methods:
Hence, the evaluation of the synergistic activity of PLEAF and ampicillin
against MRSA local isolate was conducted with scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results:
The combinational effect of PLEAF fraction and ampicillin exhibited significant
antibacterial activity against MRSA. Bacterial cells observations showed invagination, impaired
cell division, extensive wrinkles, cell shrinkage, the appearance of a rougher cell
with fibrous matrix and clustered cells which confirmed the synergistic effect of PLEAF
and ampicillin against MRSA local isolate by SEM.

Conclusion:
Conclusively, the in situ SEM observation proved the synergistic antimicrobial
activity between PLEAF fraction and ampicillin to destroy the MRSA resistance bacteria
which is an important aspect of PLEAF fraction to be used in the future combinational
therapy.
Bioactive Sterol Derivatives Isolated from the Pleurotus djamor var. Roseus Induced Apoptosis in Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Jagadeesh Raman , Babu Gajandran , Lakshmanan Hariprasath , Oh Oh Min-Ji , Jang Jang Kab-Yeul , Kong Kong Won-Sik , Raaman Nanjian 
Published: June 2020

Objective:
The aim of the present study is to isolate and characterize the bioactive compounds
from Pleurotus djamor against human breast cancer (MDA-MD-231) and mouse T cell lymphoma
(EL4) cell lines.

Materials and methods:
Sequential fractionization and column chromatography methods were involved
in compound isolation. The structures of the isolated compound were determined by NMR,
GC/MS, and X-ray crystallography studies.

Results:
The isolated compounds 1- 4 [D-mannitol (C1), ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3β-ol (C2), 5,8-
epidioxy-ergosta-6-22-dien-3β-ol (C3), and palmitic acid (C4)] are white crystal and amorphous
powder in nature. All these compounds were isolated from this mushroom for the first time. In vitro
lipid peroxidation activities of isolated compounds were determined by ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and
thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. The sterol derivatives C2 and C3 compounds displayed strong antioxidant
activity and were not significantly different (p<0.05) to α-tocopherol. This finding elaborates
on the isolation of a cytotoxic compound C2 and C3 from P. djamor via a rapid elution method.

Conclusion:
The compound C3 has exhibited better cytotoxic activity against MDA-MD-231 and
EL4 cells. The present finding and data might provide new insights into the possible therapeutic and
pharmaceutical use for the design of anti-cancer drugs from this edible mushroom.
Dentists’ Self-perception on Teledentistry: The Changing Landscape Driven by Technological Booming in the 21stCentury.
Authors: Alsharif Alla T. , Al-harbi Shaima S. 
Published: June 2020

Aim:
Teledentistry has gained popularity worldwide because it is cost-effective and increase accessibility to dental healthcare. This study assessed the self-perceptions of teledentistry among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia and examinedany gender-related differences.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and December 2017 and recruited a convenience sample of dental practitioners, whose self-perceptions of the practice-related use of teledentistry were assessed viaateledentistry survey (TDS). The TDS consisted off our sections:efficiency in patient care, cost reduction,capabilities forimproving practice, and security and confidentiality.Data analyseswere conducted throughdescriptive statistics,internalreliability tests(Cronbach’s alpha), andchi-squaredtests of the TDS.

Results:
The response rate was 620/800(78%). Most respondents were female (62%), and 58% of themworked in the public sector. The internal reliability of the TDS was 0.85 for the whole sampleand 0.85 and 0.90 for males and females, respectively. Among the entire sample, 51% agreed that teledentistry reduced potential cost, and 65% reported shortened waitlists. More females (42%, p<0.001) than males (22%) agreed that teledentistry could help monitor a patient’s condition.More females (35%) than males (13%, p<0.001) considered that teledentistry would require additional appointments for imaging. More females(29%, p=0.0001) than males (22%) expressed great concern aboutpotential violations of confidentiality.

Conclusion:
These findings suggest thatteledentistry in dental practiceis well perceived by practitioners in Saudi Arabia. Gender differences in perceptions are linked to certain aspects of teledentistry.
Microbiological and Public Health Status of Cooked Meat and Fish in Ethiopia
Authors: Bedada Tesfaye L. , Feto Tatek K. , Awoke Kaleab S. , Derra Firehiwot A. , Gebre Samson G. , Sima Waktole G. , Negassi Tigist Y. , Beyene Yosef 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Due to poor sanitation practices and handling of food, weak regulatory systems, lack of resources and education for food-handlers, food-borne infections happen frequently and pose a serious threat to human health in developing countries like Ethiopia.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 265 samples of meat and fish with berbere spice added or not were collected from Ethiopia between Jan. 2013 to Dec. 2017. The food samples were analysed using colony count for Aerobic Colony Count (ACC) and S. aureus, spread method for yeasts and moulds enumeration, Nordic Committee on Food Analysis Method No. 44 for coliforms and ES ISO 6579:2002 for Salmonella and Shigella species. The data was analysed using SPSS 20.0.

Results:
The unsatisfactory levels for aerobic colony count, total and thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli, moulds and yeasts counts for the total samples were 12.1% (N=32), 11.7% (N=31), 1.9% (N=5), 3.4% (N=9), 1.2% (N=3) and 1.9% (N=5), respectively. Among the categories of three ready-to-eat foods examined, beef and mutton meats, fish and poultry, had the highest and lowest microbial contamination. Microbial quality of packaged samples with berbere spice added was reasonable compared with unpackaged samples with no berbere spice added.

Conclusion:
About 21% of the samples had unsatisfactory microbial quality because of aerobic colony count, coliforms or fungi. However, Salmonella, Shigella spp. and S. aureus were not detected in the samples tested. Processing under hygienic conditions, adding berbere spice to foods and packaging enhances the quality of ready to eat articles.
Stratum Corneum Biomarkers in Atopic Dermatitis: Biological and Spatial Variability
Authors: Toncic Ruzica Jurakic , Kezic Sanja , Hadzavdic Suzana Ljubojevic , Marinovic Branka , Jakasa Ivone 
Published: June 2020

Background:Atopic dermatitis is a highly heterogeneous skin disease, mainly affecting children. Introduction of biological therapies has urged the development of biomarkers to facilitate personalized therapy. Stratum corneum biomarkers emerged as a promising non-invasive alternative to skin biopsy, yet validation of spatial and biological variability is essential for their application in clinical research.Objective:To assess spatial and biological variability of stratum corneum biomarkers for atopic dermatitis.Methods:Stratum corneum was collected from 17 atopic dermatitis patients by consecutive application of eight adhesive tapes to a lesional skin site and 2 cm and 4 cm from the lesion. Two non-lesional sites at a 2 cm distance from the same lesion were collected to determine biological variability. Filaggrin degradation products (NMF) were determined by liquid chromatography and thirteen cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, IL-18, IL-31, IL-33, CCL17, CCL22, CCL27, CXCL8, IL-1α, IL-RA, IL-18, IL-22) by multiplex immunoassay.Results:Biomarker levels showed gradual changes from lesional to non-lesional skin sites at 2 cm and 4 cm; magnitude and direction of change were biomarker-specific. Intra-subject variability ranged from 17.3% (NMF) to 85.1% (CXCL8). Biomarker levels from two stratum corneum depths were highly correlated; several biomarkers showed significant depth dependence.Conclusion:Stratum corneum enables non-invasive collection of relevant immune and epidermal biomarkers, but biomarker-specific spatial and biological variability emphasizes the importance of standardized procedures for stratum corneum collection.
Terahertz Radiators Based on Si~3C-SiC MQW IMPATT Diodes
Authors: Ghosh Monisha , Biswas Arindam , Acharyya Aritra 
Published: June 2020

Aims::
The potentiality of Multiple Quantum Well (MQW) Impacts Avalanche Transit
Time (IMPATT) diodes based on Si~3C-SiC heterostructures as possible terahertz radiators have
been explored in this paper.

Objective::
The static, high frequency and noise performance of MQW devices operating at 94,
140, and 220 GHz atmospheric window frequencies, as well as 0.30 and 0.50 THz frequency
bands, have been studied in this paper.

Methods:
The simulation methods based on a Self-Consistent Quantum Drift-Diffusion (SCQDD)
model developed by the authors have been used for the above-mentioned studies.

Results:
Thus the noise performance of MQW DDRs will be obviously better as compared to the
flat Si DDRs operating at different mm-wave and THz frequencies.

Conclusion::
Simulation results show that Si~3C-SiC MQW IMPATT sources are capable of
providing considerably higher RF power output with the significantly lower noise level at both
millimeter-wave (mm-wave) and terahertz (THz) frequency bands as compared to conventional
flat Si IMPATT sources.
A Study on Sensitivity of Some Switching Parameters of JLT to Structural Parameters
Authors: Ghosal Subhro , Ganguly Madhabi , Ghosh Debarati 
Published: June 2020

Background:
The stringent technological constraints imposed by the requirement of
ultra-sharp doping profiles associated with the sub-30 nm regime has led to the search for alternatives
to the conventional Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) Field Effect Transistor (FET). An
obvious alternative is a device whose architecture does not have any junctions in the sourcechannel-
drain path. One such device is the Junctionless transistor comprising of an isolated ultrathin
highly doped semiconductor layer whose volume is fully depleted in the OFF state and is
around flat- band in the ON state. Such a structure overcomes the stringent technological requirement
of an ultra-sharp grading profile required for nano-scale MOSFETs. For widespread application
in today’s high-speed circuits, a key factor would be its effectiveness as a switch.

Methods:
In this work we have studied the relative sensitivity of two such parameters namely the
ION/IOFF ratio and gate capacitance to variations in several structural parameters of the device
namely channel width, composition of the dielectric layer, material composition of the channel region
(i.e. Si vis-à-vis SiGe), doping concentration of the channel region and non-uniformity in the
doping profile.

Results:
The work demonstrates through device simulations that replacement of Si with Si-Ge
leads to an improvement in the performance.

Conclusion:
The most notable change has been observed by using a vertically graded doping profile
as opposed to the original proposed uniformly doped channel.