bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcription Factors Involved in Tumorigenesis Are Over-Represented in Mutated Active DNA-Binding Sites in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Capasso Mario , Lasorsa Vito Alessandro , Cimmino Flora , Avitabile Marianna , Cantalupo Sueva , Montella Annalaura , De Angelis Biagio , Morini Martina , de Torres Carmen , Castellano Aurora , Locatelli Franco , Iolascon Achille 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

The contribution of coding mutations to oncogenesis has been largely clarified, whereas little is known about somatic mutations in noncoding DNA and their role in driving tumors remains controversial. Here, we used an alternative approach to interpret the functional significance of noncoding somatic mutations in promoting tumorigenesis. Noncoding somatic mutations of 151 neuroblastomas were integrated with ENCODE data to locate somatic mutations in regulatory elements specifically active in neuroblastoma cells, nonspecifically active in neuroblastoma cells, and nonactive. Within these types of elements, transcription factors (TF) were identified whose binding sites were enriched or depleted in mutations. For these TFs, a gene expression signature was built to assess their implication in neuroblastoma. DNA- and RNA-sequencing data were integrated to assess the effects of those mutations on mRNA levels. The pathogenicity of mutations was significantly higher in transcription factor binding site (TFBS) of regulatory elements specifically active in neuroblastoma cells, as compared with the others. Within these elements, there were 18 over-represented TFs involved mainly in cell-cycle phase transitions and 15 under-represented TFs primarily regulating cell differentiation. A gene expression signature based on over-represented TFs correlated with poor survival and unfavorable prognostic markers. Moreover, recurrent mutations in TFBS of over-represented TFs such as EZH2 affected MCF2L and ADP-ribosylhydrolase like 1 expression, among the others. We propose a novel approach to study the involvement of regulatory variants in neuroblastoma that could be extended to other cancers and provide further evidence that alterations of gene expression may have relevant effects in neuroblastoma development.

Significance:
These findings propose a novel approach to study regulatory variants in neuroblastoma and suggest that noncoding somatic mutations have relevant implications in neuroblastoma development.
Demystifying Smoker's Paradox: A Propensity Score–Weighted Analysis in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Doi Suhail A. , Islam Nazmul , Sulaiman Kadhim , Alsheikh‐Ali Alawi A. , Singh Rajvir , Al‐Qahtani Awad , Asaad Nidal , AlHabib Khalid F. , Al‐Zakwani Ibrahim , Al‐Jarallah Mohammed , AlMahmeed Wael , Bulbanat Bassam , Bazargani Nooshin , Amin Haitham , Al‐Motarreb Ahmed , AlFaleh Husam , Panduranga Prashanth , Shehab Abdulla , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Salam Amar M. 
Published: November 2019

Background

Smoker's paradox has been observed with several vascular disorders, yet there are limited data in patients with acute heart failure (
HF
). We examined the effects of smoking in patients with acute
HF
using data from a large multicenter registry. The objective was to determine if the design and analytic approach could explain the smoker's paradox in acute
HF
mortality.

Methods and Results

The data were sourced from the acute HF registry (Gulf CARE [Gulf Acute Heart Failure Registry]), a multicenter registry that recruited patients over 10 months admitted with a diagnosis of acute
HF
from 47 hospitals in 7 Middle Eastern countries. The association between smoking and mortality (in hospital) was examined using covariate adjustment, making use of mortality risk factors. A parallel analysis was performed using covariate balancing through propensity scores. Of 5005 patients hospitalized with acute
HF
, 1103 (22%) were current smokers. The in‐hospital mortality rates were significantly lower in current smoker's before (odds ratio, 0.71; 95%
CI
, 0.52–0.96) and more so after (odds ratio, 0.47; 95%
CI
, 0.31–0.70) covariate adjustment. With the propensity score–derived covariate balance, the smoking effect became much less certain (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.36–1.11).

Conclusions
The current study illustrates the fact that the smoker's paradox is likely to be a result of residual confounding as covariate adjustment may not resolve this if there are many competing prognostic confounders. In this situation, propensity score methods for covariate balancing seem preferable.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01467973.
Pereira traduttore e l’etica della visibilità
Authors: Feltrin-Morris Marella 
Published: November 2019

La maggior parte della critica che si è finora occupata del romanzo di Antonio Tabucchi, Sostiene Pereira, si è concentrata sullo sviluppo del protagonista da una posizione iniziale di non-impegno ad una di consapevolezza del proprio ruolo di intellettuale. Ciò che la critica non ha ancora esplorato pienamente, tuttavia, è un aspetto cruciale per comprendere più in profondità la presa di coscienza di Pereira: la sua attività di traduttore. Quando viene menzionata, tale attività è semmai associata alla sua sfuggente personalità iniziale. Eppure, il potenziale di Pereira come coraggioso fautore di cambiamento emerge già dagli autori e dai brani da tradurre che seleziona per il giornale al quale lavora, e dall'evoluzione del suo atteggiamento verso l’arte della traduzione. Prendendo spunto dai concetti di libertà e responsabilità propri dell’esistenzialismo, da testi teorici sull’etica della traduzione, da un’analisi testuale di Sostiene Pereira e dalle dichiarazioni di Tabucchi stesso sulla traduzione e sul ruolo dell’intellettuale, questo saggio intende mostrare non solo come le scelte di Pereira traduttore testimonino la sua crescita come intellettuale responsabile e persino come eroe, ma anche come la traduzione stessa costituisca il perno su cui s’incentra l’intero romanzo.
Magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound of uterine fibroids: whole-tumor quantitative perfusion for prediction of immediate ablation response
Authors: Li Chenxia , Jin Chao , Liang Ting , Li Xiang , Wang Rong , Zhang Yuelang , Yang Jian 
Published: November 2019

Background In magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) treatment of uterine fibroids, the immediate ablation response is significantly affected by blood perfusion. The variability of measurement for blood perfusion is critical due to the inherent non-uniformity of tumor perfusion and its dependence on reproducible region of interest (ROI) placement. Purpose To investigate the value of whole-tumor ROI (ROIwt) analysis for quantitative perfusion in predicting immediate ablation response of uterine fibroids in MR-HIFU. Material and Methods Thirty-one fibroids in 28 eligible patients were treated with MR-HIFU. Quantitative perfusion parameters (Ktrans, Kep, and Vp) derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI were obtained before MR-HIFU treatment. The ROIwt and single-layer ROI (ROIsl) were used for quantitative perfusion analysis. T1 contrast-enhanced MRI immediately after MR-HIFU treatment was conducted to determine the non-perfused volume ratio (NPVR). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for consistency test. Spearman’s correlation and multivariate linear regression were used to investigate the predictors of the NPVR. Received operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to test the predictive efficacy of quantitative perfusion parameter. Results The intra- and inter-observer ICC of the quantitative perfusion parameters from ROIwt were higher than those from ROIsl. Multivariate analysis showed that the Ktrans of ROIwt was a predictor of the immediate ablation response. ROC analysis displayed that the AUC of Ktrans of ROIwt is 0.817 in predicting the ablation response. Conclusion Pretreatment Ktrans of ROIwt is more reliable and stable than that of ROIsl. It could be a predictor for the immediate ablation response of uterine fibroids in MR-HIFU.
Intraocular pressure measurements in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ramm Lisa , Herber Robert , Spoerl Eberhard , Pillunat Lutz E , Terai Naim 
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To investigate the impact of diabetes mellitus–induced changes on intraocular pressure measurements using Goldmann applanation tonometry, Ocular Response Analyzer, and Corvis ST. Methods: Measurements were done using Goldmann applanation tonometry, Ocular Response Analyzer, and Corvis ST in 69 diabetic patients. Biomechanical-corrected intraocular pressure values by Ocular Response Analyzer (IOPcc) and Corvis ST (bIOP) were used. In addition, biometry and tomography were performed and information on diabetes mellitus specific factors was collected. Results were compared to an age-matched group of 68 healthy subjects. Results: In diabetes mellitus, Goldmann applanation tonometry intraocular pressure (P = 0.193) and central corneal thickness (P = 0.184) were slightly increased. Also, IOPcc (P = 0.075) and bIOP (P = 0.542) showed no significant group difference. In both groups, IOPcc was higher than Goldmann applanation tonometry intraocular pressure (P = 0.002, P < 0.001), while bIOP was nearly equal to Goldmann applanation tonometry intraocular pressure (P = 0.795, P = 0.323). Central corneal thickness showed a tendency to higher values in poorly controlled than in controlled diabetes mellitus (P = 0.059). Goldmann applanation tonometry intraocular pressure correlated to central corneal thickness, while IOPcc and bIOP were independent from central corneal thickness in both groups. All intraocular pressure values showed significant associations to corneal biomechanical parameters. Only in diabetes mellitus, bIOP was correlated to Pachy slope (P = 0.023). Conclusion: In diabetes mellitus, Goldmann applanation tonometry intraocular pressure was slightly, but not significantly, increased, which might be caused by a higher central corneal thickness and changes in corneal biomechanical properties. However, intraocular pressure values measured by Ocular Response Analyzer and Corvis ST were not significantly different between diabetes mellitus patients and healthy subjects. The bIOP showed a higher agreement with Goldmann applanation tonometry than IOPcc and was independent from central corneal thickness.
Superior cardiac mechanics without structural adaptations in pre-adolescent soccer players
Authors: Beaumont Alexander , Oxborough David , George Keith , Rowland Thomas W , Sculthorpe Nicholas , Lord Rachel , Unnithan Viswanath B 
Published: November 2019

Aims This study aimed to evaluate left ventricular structure, function and mechanics, in highly-trained, pre-adolescent soccer players compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Design The study design was a prospective, cross-sectional comparison of left ventricular structure, function and mechanics. Methods Twenty-two male soccer players from two professional youth soccer academies (age: 12.0 ± 0.3 years) and 22 recreationally active controls (age: 11.7 ± 0.3 years) were recruited. Two-dimensional conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography were used to quantify left ventricular structure, function and peak/temporal values for left ventricular strain and twist, respectively. Results End-diastolic volume index was larger in soccer players (51 ± 8 mm/(m2)1.5 vs. 45 ± 6 mm/(m2)1.5; p = 0.007) and concentricity was lower in soccer players (4.3 ± 0.7 g/(mL)0.667 vs. 4.9 ± 1.0 g/(mL)0.667; p = 0.017), without differences in mean wall thickness between groups (6.0 ± 0.4 mm vs. 6.1 ± 0.5 mm; p = 0.754). Peak circumferential strain at the base (–22.2% ± 2.5% vs. –20.5% ± 2.5%; p = 0.029) and papillary muscle levels (–20.1% ± 1.5% vs. –18.3% ± 2.5%; p = 0.007) were greater in soccer players. Peak left ventricular twist was larger in soccer players (16.92° ± 7.55° vs. 12.34° ± 4.99°; p = 0.035) and longitudinal early diastolic strain rate was greater in soccer players (2.22 ± 0.40 s–1 vs. 2.02 ± 0.46 s–1; p = 0.025). Conclusions Highly-trained soccer players demonstrated augmented cardiac mechanics with greater circumferential strains, twist and faster diastolic lengthening in the absence of differences in wall thickness between soccer players and controls.
Transcriptome, physiological and biochemical analysis of Triarrhena sacchariflora in response to flooding stress
Authors: Wang Jia , Sun Han , Sheng Jiajin , Jin Surong , Zhou Fasong , Hu Zhongli , Diao Ying 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn recent decades, the frequency of flooding is increasing with the change of global climate. Flooding has become one of the major abiotic stresses that seriously affect growth and development of plants.Triarrhena saccharifloraNakai has been considered a promising energy crop for utilization in ethanol production. Flooding stress is among the most severe abiotic stressors in the production of Nakai. However, the physiological and molecular biological mechanisms of Nakai response to flooding is still unclear. In the present study, in order to understand the molecular mechanisms of Nakai in response to flooding stress, the transcriptome, physiological and biochemical were investigated.ResultsThe results demonstrated that significant physiological changes were observed in photosynthetic system, antioxidative enzyme activity, chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline, lipid peroxidation and soluble sugar content under normal and flooding treatments. Such as, the chlorophyll, carotenoid contents and photosynthetic system were significantly decreased. Whereas, the antioxidative enzyme activity, proline, lipid peroxidation and soluble sugar has increased first and then decreased under treatments compared with the normal plants. Additionally, a total of 8832, 6608 and 3649 unigenes were validated to be differentially expressed under different treatments, respectively. Besides, gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of the different expression levels of genes also presented processes, which involved in photosynthesis, sucrose catabolism, glycolysis, stress response and defense, phytohormone biosynthesis and signal transduction.ConclusionsThe results provide a comprehensive view of the complex molecular events involved in the response to flooding stress of Nakai leaves, which also will promote the research in the development of flood-resistant crops and provide new tools for Nakai breeders.
Evaluation of a new Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility system for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bloodstream infections: speed and accuracy of Alfred 60AST
Authors: Anton-Vazquez Vanesa , Adjepong Samuel , Suarez Cristina , Planche Timothy 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Blood stream infections (BSIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The time from taking blood cultures to obtain results of antibiotic sensitivity can be up to five days which impacts patient care. The Alfred 60 AST™ can reduce laboratory time from positive culture bottle to susceptibility results from 16 to 25 h to 5–6 h, transforming patient care. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a rapid antimicrobial susceptibility system, the Alfred 60 AST™, in clinical isolates from patients with BSIs and confirm time to results. 301 Gram-negative and 86 Gram-positive isolates were analysed directly from positive blood culture bottles following Gram staining. Antimicrobial susceptibility results and time-to-results obtained by rapid Alfred 60 AST system and BD Phoenix were compared .

Results
A total of 2196 antimicrobial susceptibility test results (AST) were performed: 1863 Gram-negative and 333 Gram-positive. AST categorical agreement (CA) for Alfred 60 AST™ was 95% (1772/1863) for Gram-negative and 89% (295/333) for Gram-positive isolates. Gram-negative CA: ampicillin 96% (290/301); ciprofloxacin 95% (283/297); ceftriaxone 96% (75/78); meropenem 97% (288/297); piperacillin-tazobactam 95% (280/295); gentamicin 94% (279/297) and amikacin 93% (277/298). The median time to susceptibility results from blood culture flagging positive was 6.3 h vs 20 h (p < 0.01) for Alfred system vs BD Phoenix™.

Conclusion
Alfred 60 AST system greatly reduced time to antimicrobial susceptibility results in Gram-negative and Gram-positive BSIs with good performance and cost, particularly for Gram-negative bacteraemia.
Prevalence and risk factors of prolonged corrected QT interval in general Chinese population
Authors: Ma Qun , Li Zhao , Guo Xiaofan , Guo Liang , Yu Shasha , Yang Hongmei , Zou Lu , Zheng Liqiang , Pan Guowei , Zhang Yonghong , Sun Yingxian 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Corrected QT (QTc) interval has been correlated with total and CVD mortality. Although much is known about the relation between prolonged QTc interval and clinical outcome, there is no information on the prevalence and specific risk factors of QTc prolongation in general Chinese population. We evaluated the prevalence of prolonged QTc interval and its risk factors in general Chinese population, aiming to fill in the gaps in the literature and provide evidence for potential CVD risk prediction and disease burden estimate in community.

Methods
A population-based survey was conducted on 11,209 participants over the age of 35 in rural areas of Liaoning Province from 2012 to 2013. Twelve-lead ECGs and automatic analysis were performed on all participants. Logistic regression adjustments were made by using the Bazett’s formula to correlate specific risk factors with prolonged QTc intervals (> 440 ms) for potential confounders.

Results
The overall prevalence of prolonged QTc interval was 31.6%. The prevalence increased significantly with age (24.1% among those aged 35–44 years; 28.3%, 45–54 years; 35.2%, 55–64 years; 43.4%, ≥65 years, P < 0.001). Participants with a history of CVD had a higher prevalence of QTc prolongation (40.7% vs. 30.0%). In the fully adjusted logistic regress model, older age, abdominal obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hypokalemia and any medicine used in the past two weeks were associated independently with increased risk for prolonged QTc interval (All P < 0.05). We found no significant differences between general obesity, hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia with prolongation of QTc interval. Female sex showed opposite results after applying clinical diagnostic criteria, and high physical activity could reduce the risk of prolonged QTc interval.

Conclusions
The prevalence of prolonged QTc interval was relatively high in general Chinese population and listed relevant factors, which would help identify patients at risk in pre-clinical prevention and provide evidence for estimating potential CVD burden and making management strategies in community.
Rationale and design of the Henan ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) registry: a regional STEMI project in predominantly rural central China
Authors: Zhang You , Wang Shan , Yang Shuyan , Yin Shanshan , Cheng Qianqian , Li Muwei , Qi Datun , Wang Xianpei , Zhu Zhongyu , Zhao Luosha , Hu Dayi , Gao Chuanyu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular disease including ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is increasing and the leading cause of death in China. There has been limited data available to characterize STEMI management and outcomes in rural areas of China. The Henan STEMI Registry is a regional STEMI project with the objectives to timely obtain real-world knowledge about STEMI patients in secondary and tertiary hospitals and to provide a platform for care quality improvement efforts in predominantly rural central China.

Methods
The Henan STEMI Registry is a multicentre, prospective and observational study for STEMI patients. The registry includes 66 participating hospitals (50 secondary hospitals; 16 tertiary hospitals) that cover 15 prefectures and one city direct-controlled by the province in Henan province. Patients were consecutively enrolled with a primary diagnosis of STEMI within 30 days of symptom onset. Clinical treatments, outcomes and cost are collected by local investigators and captured electronically, with a standardized set of variables and standard definitions, and rigorous data quality control. Post-discharge patient follow-up to 1 year is planned. As of August 2018, the Henan STEMI Registry has enrolled 5479 patients of STEMI.

Discussion
The Henan STEMI Registry represents the largest Chinese regional platform for clinical research and care quality improvement for STEMI. The board inclusion of secondary hospitals in Henan province will allow for the exploration of STEMI in predominantly rural central China.

Trial registration
[NCT02641262] [29 December, 2015].
Comparing Skype (video calling) and in-person qualitative interview modes in a study of people with irritable bowel syndrome – an exploratory comparative analysis
Authors: Krouwel Matthew , Jolly Kate , Greenfield Sheila 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Within qualitative research in-person interviews have the reputation for being the highest standard of interviewer-participant encounter. However, there are other approaches to interviewing such as telephone and e-mail, which may be appropriate for a variety of reasons such as cost, time and privacy. Although there has been much discussion of the relative values of different interview methods, little research has been conducted to assess what differentiates them using quantifiable measures. None of this research has addressed the video call, which is the interview mode most like the in-person interview. This study uses quantifiable measures generated by the interview to explore the relative value of in-person and video call interview modes.

Methods
Interview data gathered by a qualitative research study exploring the views of people with IBS about hypnotherapy for their condition were used. In-person and video call interviews using the same topic guide were compared on measures of length (time and word count), proportion of time the interviewer was dominant, the number of topics generated (codes) and the number of individual statements on which those topics were based.

Results
Both interview methods produced a similar number of words and a similar number of topics (codes) were discussed, however the number of statements upon which the variety of topics was based was notably larger for the in-person interviews.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that in in-person study interviews were marginally superior to video calls in that interviewees said more, although this was on a similar range of topics. However, the difference is sufficiently modest that time and budget constraints may justify the use of some video call interviews within a qualitative research study.