bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nomogram based on pretreatment CT radiomics features for predicting complete response to chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer
Authors: Luo Hesan , Huang Shao-Fu , Xu Hong-Yao , Li Xu-Yuan , Wu Sheng-Xi , Wu De-Hua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To develop and validate a nomogram model to predict complete response (CR) after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients using pretreatment CT radiomic features.
Methods
Data of patients diagnosed as ESCC and treated with CCRT in Shantou Central Hospital during the period from January 2013 to December 2015 were retrospectively collected. Eligible patients were included in this study and randomize divided into a training set and a validation set after successive screening. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) with logistic regression to select radiomics features calculating Rad-score in the training set. The logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictive clinical factors for developing a nomogram model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) was used to assess the performance of the predictive nomogram model and decision curve was used to analyze the impact of the nomogram model on clinical treatment decisions.
Results
A total of 226 patients were included and randomly divided into two groups, 160 patients in training set and 66 patients in validation set. After LASSO analysis, seven radiomics features were screened out to develop a radiomics signature Rad-score. The AUCs of Rad-score was 0.812 (95%CI: 0.742–0.869) in the training set and 0.744 (95%CI: 0.632–0.851) in the validation set. Multivariate analysis showed that Rad-score and clinical staging were independent predictors of CR status, with P values of 0.035 and 0.023, respectively. A nomogram model incorporating Rad-socre and clinical staging was developed and validated, with an AUC of 0.844 (95%CI: 0.779–0.897) in the training set and 0.807 (95༅CI: 0.691–0.894) in the validation set༎Delong test showed that the nomogram model was significantly superior to the clinical staging, with P < 0.001 in the training set and P = 0.026 in the validation set. The decision curve showed that the nomogram model was superior to the clinical staging when the risk threshold was greater than 25%.
Conclusion
We developed and validated a nomogram model for predicting CR status of ESCC patients after CCRT. The nomogram model was combined radiomics signature Rad-score and clinical staging. This model provided us with an economical and simple method for evaluating the response of chemoradiotherapy for patients with ESCC.
Automated, Cassette-Based Isolation and Formulation of High-Purity [61Cu]CuCl2 from Solid Ni Targets
Authors: Pettersson Johan , Kutyreff Christopher J , Engle Jonathan W , Gagnon Katherine 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: A need for improved, cassette-based automation of 61Cu separation from irradiated Ni targets was identified given the growing interest in theranostics and generally lengthy separation chemistries for 64Cu/ 64Ni, upon which 61Cu chemistry is often based.Methods: A method for separating 61Cu from irradiated natNi targets was therefore developed, with provision for target recycling. Following deuteron irradiation, electroplated natNi targets were remotely transferred from the cyclotron and dissolved in acid. The dissolved target solution was then transferred to an automated FASTlab chemistry module, where sequential TBP and TK201 (Triskem) resins isolated the [ 61Cu]CuCl2 , removed Ni, Co, and Fe, and concentrated the product into a formulation suitable for anticipated radiolabelling reactions.Results: 61Cu saturation yields of 190 ± 33 MBq/µA from energetically thick natNi targets were measured. The average, decay-corrected, activity-based dissolution efficiency was 97.5 ± 1.4 % with an average radiochemical yield of 90.4 ± 3.2 % (N = 5). The isolated activity was collected approximately 65 minutes post end of bombardment in ~2 mL of 0.06 M HCl (HCl concentration was verified by titration). Quality control of the isolated [61Cu]CuCl 2 (N = 5) measured 58Co content of (8.3 ± 0.6) × 10-5 % vs. 61Cu by activity, Ni separation factors ≥(2.2 ± 1.8) × 106 , EoB molar activities 85 ± 23 GBq/µmol and NOTA-based EoB apparent molar activities of 31 ± 8 MBq/nmol and 201 MBq/nmol for the 30 min and 3.3 h (N = 1) irradiations, respectively.Conclusion: High purity 61Cu was produced with the developed automated method using a single-use, cassette-based approach. It was also applicable for 64Cu, as demonstrated with a single proof-of-concept 64Ni target production run.﻿
Imiquimod does not elicit inflammatory responses in the skin of the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber)
Authors: Kisipan Mosiany Letura , Ojoo Rodi Omondi , Kanui Titus I. , Abelson Klas S.P. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective Naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) has recently attracted interest in biomedical research due to its exceptional longevity, cancer resistance and tolerance to potentially harmful conditions or stimuli. Given its unique attributes, this study was designed to characterize inflammatory skin reactions of this animal to topical application of imiquimod, a toll-like receptor 7 and 8 agonist that triggers psoriasis-like skin reaction. Results Imiquimod did not cause the expected psoriasis-like skin changes. There was no epidermal thickening and a straight epidermo-dermal boundary was maintained. There was no parakeratosis and the granular layer of epidermis was well formed. In the dermis, there was no leukocyte infiltration. This points to an exceptional nature of inflammatory/immune responses of this animal, but the mechanism could not be explained by our results. Naked mole rat could be a valuable negative model for studying psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions but as a prerequisite, there is need for further investigations to establish the mechanisms behind its lack of response to imiquimod.
Anti-piroplasmic Activity of Novobiocin as Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibitor Against in-vitro Cultured Theileria Equi and Babesia Caballi Parasites
Authors: Suthar Abhinav , Maji Chinmoy , Gopalakrishnan A. , Raval S. H. , Kumar Rajender , Kumar Sanjay 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Theileria equi and Babesia caballi are the causative agents for equine piroplasmosis (EP). Currently, imidocarb dipropionate (ID) is the only available drug for treating clinical form of EP. Serious side effects and uncompleted clearance of infection is major drawback of ID. Heat-shock proteins (HSP) play a vital role in the life cycle of these haemoprtozoa by way of preventing alteration in protein conformation. These HSPs are activated during transfer of EP sporozoites from tick vector (poikilotherm) to natural host (homeotherm) and helped it for survival. In this present study we have targeted the heat shock protein 90 pathway of T. equi and B. caballi by its inhibitor drug - novobiocin. Methods: Dose-dependent efficacy of novobiocin drug was observed on growth of T. equi and B. caballi in in-vitro culture. Cell cytotoxicity on host peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was also checked with different concentration of novobiocin. It was also checked for its haemolytic activity on equine erythrocyte (RBCs) by standard technique. In-vivo organ toxicity of novobiocin was also assessed in mice model with identified methods. Results: IC50 (50 % Inhibitory concentration) value of novobiocin against T. equi and B. caballi was 165 µM and 84.85 µM, respectively. Novobiocin significantly arrested the in-vitro growth of T. equi and B. caballi parasites at respective 100 μM and 200 μM drug concentration. In-vitro treated parasites become dead with distorted nuclear material and showed no further viability. The drug was found safe on the equine PBMCs and RBCs cell line even at 1000 µM concentration and CC50 (50 %, cytotoxicity concentration) values were 11.628 mM and 261.97 mM. A very high specific selective index (SSI) was also observed 70.47 and 1587 for respective equine PBMCs and RBCs. Organ specific biochemical markers and histopathological examination indicated no adverse effect of the drug at a dose rate of 50 mg/kg of body weight in mice model.Conclusions: The results clearly indicating the growth inhibitory efficacy of novobiocin against T. equi and B. caballi parasites and its safety on host cell lines with very high SI. Hence, it can be inferred that Theileria/Babesia Hsp-90 family are the potential drug targets worthy of further investigation.
Interleukin-25-Mediated Resistance Against Intestinal Trematodes Does Not Depend on The Generation of Th2 Responses
Authors: Álvarez-Izquierdo Maria , Pérez-Crespo Miguel , Esteban J. Guillermo , Muñoz-Antoli Carla , Toledo Rafael 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Interleukin-25 (IL-25) is recognized as the most relevant initiator of protective Th2 responses in intestinal helminth infections. It is well known that IL-25 induces resistance against several species of intestinal helminths, including the trematode Echinostoma caproni. Echinostoma caproni has been extensively used as an experimental model to study the factors determining the resistance to intestinal infections. Herein, we assessed the role of IL-25 in the generation of resistance in mice to E. caproni infections. Methods: To this purpose, we analyze the fatros that determine the production of IL-25 in mice experimentally infected with E. caproni and its consequences in the polarization of the immune response and the resistance to infection.Results: We have determined that the role of IL-25 in the polarization of the immune response differs between the primary and secondary response. IL-25 is required for the development of a Th2 phenotype in primary E. caproni infections but could also promote the differentiation to Th2 memory cell subsets that enhances type 2 responses in memory responses. However, development of Th2 responses does not induce resistance to infection. Th2 phenotype does not elicit resistance and IL-25 is responsible for the resistance regardless of the type 2 cytokine activity and STAT6 activation. Alternative activation of macrophages induced by IL-25 could be implicated in the resistance to infection. Conclusions: In contrast to primary infection, secondary infection elicits a type 2 response, even in the absence of IL-25 expression. Despite the development of a type 2 response, mice are susceptible to secondary infection in relation to the lack of IL-25. Resistance to infection is due to IL-25, which acts autonomously from Th2 response in the parasite clearance.
Intelligent Prediction of RBC Demand in Trauma Patients
Authors: Feng Yannan , Xu Zhenhua , Liu Junting , Sun Xiaolin , Wang Deqing , Yu Yang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The vital signs of trauma patients are complex and changeable, and the prediction of blood transfusion demand mainly depends on doctors' experience and trauma scoring system, therefore it can’t be accurately predicted. In this study, the decision tree algorithm (Classification and Regression Tree, CRT and eXtreme Gradient Boosting, XGboost) of machine learning were proposed to the demand prediction of traumatic blood transfusion, hoping to provide technical support for doctors.Methods: Total 1371 trauma patients who were diverted to the emergency department from 2014.1 to 2018.1 were collected from the emergency trauma database. The vital signs, laboratory examination parameters and blood transfusion volume were used as variables, and the non-invasive parameters and all (non-invasive + invasive) parameters were used to construct the intelligent prediction model of RBC demand by logistic regression (LR), CRT and Xgboost. The prediction accuracy of the model was compared with the Area Under Curve (AUC). Results: The studies we have performed showed that non-invasive parameters were used to predict blood transfusion, LR method was the best, AUC 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.657-0.775), highest than CRT AUC 0.69 (95%CI 0.633-0.751) and Xgboost AUC 0.71 (95%CI 0.654-0.756) (P<0.05). Trauma site and shock index are important prediction parameters. All the parameters to predict, Xgboost was the best with AUC 0.94 (95%CI 0.893-0.981), which was highest than LR AUC 0.80 (95%CI 0.744-0.850) and CRT AUC 0.82 (95%CI 0.779-0.853) (P<0.05). Hematocrit/Hemoglobin are important prediction parameters. Conclusions: The prediction model of red blood cell transfusion in trauma patients constructed by decision tree algorithm can be used as a technical support to assist doctors to make rapid and accurate blood transfusion decisions in emergency rescue environment, so as to improve the success rate of patient treatment.
Exploring Proximal LGBTQ+ Minority Stressors within Physical Activity Contexts From a Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Authors: Herrick Shannon , Rocchi Meredith A. , Sweet Shane N. , Duncan Lindsay R. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: LGBTQ+ individuals experience challenges such as discrimination and marginalization (referred to as minority stressors) that are detrimental to their mental and physical health. Specifically, proximal or internalized LGBTQ+ minority stressors may influence motivation for and willingness to participate in physical activity. Methods: The purpose of this study was to explore whether proximal LGBTQ+ minority stressors, as indicators of the social-environmental context, would relate to the basic psychological needs—motivation—physical activity pathway, as per self-determination theory. An online cross-sectional survey was completed by 778 LGBTQ+ adults. Results: Results from structural equation modelling analyses support that proximal LGBTQ+ minority stressors are associated with decreased reported need satisfaction (β = -.36) which, in turn, is associated with autonomous motivation (β = .53) and reported physical activity participation (β = .32). Conclusions: Future research focused on increasing LGBTQ+ participation in physical activity should investigate the effects of (a) reducing proximal LGBTQ+ minority stressors, and (b) better supporting LGBTQ+ adults’ autonomy, competence, and relatedness within physical activity contexts.
Correlation study between Interleukin-17 Gene Polymorphisms and risk of development of recurrent aphthous ulcer in Han Chinese Population
Authors: Xiang Haidong , Cheng Dongmei , Guo Han , Wang Yan , Jia Zhiyu , Gao Qi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a pleiotropic cytokine which plays important role in the inflammatory diseases.Methods: Polymorphisms of IL-17A rs2275913 and IL17F rs763780 were measured in 125 RAU cases and 116 healthy controls. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length was measured. The genotype distribution and disease risk, and its’ relationship with RAU severity was analyzed. Results: RAU risk were related with polymorphism of IL-17 gene at rs2275913 site after adjusting BMI, sex, age, smoking and drinking status (AA vs. GG: odds ratio (OR), 1.624; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.125–2.250; P = 0.030; A allele vs. G allele: OR, 1.192; P = 0.037; 95% CI, 1.012–1.404;). In addition, the rs763780 variant genotypes (TC and CC) and C allele also have higher relevance to RAU compared with subjects who bears the TT genotype (TC vs. TT, OR: 1.312; P = 0.039; 95% CI: 1.017–1.692; CC vs. TT, OR: 2.812, P = 0.006, 95% CI: 1.338-5.909; C allele Vs. T allele, OR:1.413, P=0.002, 95% CI:1.141-1.751). We also found serum IL-17 levels were greatly higher in RAU patients compared with controls (P = 0.001), and serum IL17 concentration is correlated with IL17 polymorphism. Conclusion: Our research showed polymorphisms of IL-17 gene might related to the high-risk of RAU occurrence.
Benzo[a]pyrene-associated Oxidative Stress is Divergent in Non-atopic Versus Atopic Children, and Suggest They May Represent Asthma Endotypes: A Case-control Study
Authors: Choi Hyunok , Dostal Miroslav , Pastorkova Anna , Rossner Pavel , S Radim 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
For nearly 50% of the asthmatic children, effective treatments against exacerbation do not exist, because existing therapies do not target the mechanistic origins of discrete sub-diseases (i.e. endotypes). While non-atopic and atopic asthma represent known phenotypes, it is unknown whether they arise from disparate processes. The objective is to classify two phenotypes (non-atopic vs. atopic asthma) into endotypes using polyaromatic hydrocarbon, namely, benzo[a]pyrene, as putative marker of endotype.
Methods
In a case-control study, lean controls (i.e. reference) are compared against three outcomes of interest – overweight/obese controls, lean asthmatics (without overweight/obesity), and overweight/obese asthmatics – in terms of benzo[a]pyrene exposure level, plasma 15-Ft2-isoprostane, urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2’-deoxyguanosine, as well as their history of co-morbidities until age three, following atopy- and gender-stratification.
Results
The non-atopic girls are associated with significantly elevated median benzo[a]pyrene for the lean asthmatics (11.2 ng/m3) and the overweight/obese asthmatics (18.0 ng/m3), compared to the non-atopic control girls (4.3 ng/m3; p-value < 0.001). A natural-log (ln) unit increase B[a]P exposure predicts 10-times greater odds of asthma in the lean non-atopic boys, while the same exposure is not associated with asthma among the lean atopic boys. The diagnosis of lung function deficit, which only appear among those with highest median value of B[a]P, appears to be a particularly important predictor of non-atopic asthma only. The non-atopic asthmatic boys with highest exposure to B[a]P (median, 20 ng/m3) were also positively diagnosis with lung function deficit, compared to the non-atopic controls (median, 4.3 ng/m3). An elevated exposure to B[a]P is associated with depressed systemic oxidant levels, and correspondingly elevated odds of non-atopic asthma. On the other hand, low ambient exposure to B[a]P, and weakly pro-inflammatory effect of oxidative stress of such exposure, is not associated with atopic asthma.
Conclusions
Ambient benzo[a]pyrene is robustly associated with non-atopic asthma, while it has no clear associations with atopic asthma among the lean children. Our observation, once validated in a prospective cohort design, could aid the development of targeted and personalized therapies in children in whom the respiratory injuries are still reversible.
Genome-wide identification and function analysis of ERF2 gene family in response to disease resistance against Stemphylium lycopersici in tomato
Authors: Yang Huanhuan , Sun Yaoguang , Wang Hexuan , Jiang Jingbin , Li Jingfu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor (AP2/ERF) transcription factors are a plant-specific family of transcription factors and one of the largest families of transcription factors. Ethylene response factors (ERFs) regulate plant growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stress. In a previous study, the ERF2 gene was significantly upregulated in both resistant and susceptible tomato cultivars in response to Stemphylium lycopersici. The main purpose of this study is to systematically analyze the ERF family and to explore the mechanism of ERF2 in tomato plants resisting pathogen infection by Virus-induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) technique.
Results
In this experiment, 134 ERF genes were excavated and subjected to bioinformatic analysis. This experiment divided 134 ERF members into twelve groups based on the conserved domain of the genes. Specific expression of the tomato ERF transcription factor family genes in different organs. Combined with RNA-seq, we found that the expression of 18 ERF transcription factor increased after inoculation with S. lycopersici. In ERF2-silenced plants, the susceptible phenotype was observed after inoculation with S. lycopersici. The hypersensitive response and ROS production were decreased in the silenced ERF2 plants. Physiological analyses showed that the superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase activities were lower in ERF2-silenced plants than in control plants, and the SA and JA contents were lower in ERF2-silenced plants than in control plants after inoculation with S. lycopersici. Furthermore, the results indicated that ERF2 may directly or indirectly regulate Pto, PR1b1 and PR-P2 expression and enhance tomato resistance.
Conclusions
In this study, we identified and analyzed the members of tomato ERF family by bioinformatics methods, and classified, described and analyzed these genes. we found that ERF2 was positively regulated tomato resistance to S. lycopersici by VIGS. Interestingly, ERF2 played a key role in multiple SA, JA and ROS signaling pathways to confer resistance to invasion by S. lycopersici. In addition, ERF2may directly or indirectly regulate Pto, PR1b1 and PR-P2 expression and enhance tomato resistance to S. lycopersici. In summary, this study provides gene resources for breeding for disease resistance in tomato.
Correlates of Children’s Physical Activity During the Covid-19 Confinement in Portugal
Authors: Pombo André , Luz Carlos , Rodrigues Luis Paulo , Ferreira Carlos , Cordovil Rita 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Aiming to understand the role of household variables on the percentage of physical activity (%PA) during the COVID-19 confinement, an anonymous online survey was launched to be completed by Portuguese families with children. Study Design: A Cross-sectional study design using an anonymous online survey that was launched to assess how Portuguese families with children under 13 years of age adjusted their daily routines to this situation. Methods: Separate ANOVAs were performed to investigate how factors, such as the number of children, age, sex, the housing characteristics, and the adults’ job situation, can affect the percentage of time for physical activity (%PA). Results: Findings, based on data from 2159 children, indicate that: I) Boys and girls did not differ in the %PA on any of the age groups; II) Children with an outdoor space and who had other children in the household were significantly more active (p<.001); III) Children from families with all adults working from home showed lower levels of %PA; IV) Being younger, having a big outdoor space, having other children in the household, and having at least one adult free from working from home, were significant positive predictors of children’s %PA, explaining 21% of the overall variance. Conclusion: Time allocated for PA during this period is reduced compared to what is usually reported on normal days. It is necessary to find strategies to increase children's PA, especially in families where both parents are working and have no outdoor space.