bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Impact of a Lymphocyte Activation-Associated Gene Signature in GBM based on Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Lan Yujia , Zhao Erjie , Zhang Xinxin , Zhu Xiaojing , Wan Linyun , A Suru , Wang Yihan , Ping Yanyan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary central nervous system malignant tumor that has poor prognosis. Lymphocyte activation played important roles in cancer and therapy. Objective To identify an efficient lymphocyte activation-associated gene signature that could predict the progression and prognosis of GBM. Methods We used univariate Cox proportional hazards regression and stepwise regression algorithm to develop a lymphocyte activation-associated gene signature in the training data set (TCGA, n = 525). Then, the signature was validated in two data sets, including GSE16011 (n = 150) and GSE13041 (n = 191) by the Kaplan Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to adjust for clinicopathological factors. Results In the training data set, we identified a lymphocyte activation-associated gene signature (TCF3, IGFBP2, TYRO3 and NOD2), which classified the patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with significant differences in overall survival (median survival 15.33 months vs 12.57 months, HR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.28-1.87, logrank test P < 0.001). In the other two data sets, this signature showed similar prognostic values. Further, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models analysis indicated that the signature was an independent prognostic factor for GBM patients.Moreover, we found that there were differences in lymphocyte activity between the high- and low-risk groups of GBM patients among all data sets. Furthermore, by longitudinal analysis, the lymphocyte activationassociated gene signature could significantly predict the survival of patients with some features, such as IDH-wildtype patients and patients with radiotherapy. In addition, the signature could improve prognostic power of age. Conclusions In summary, our results suggested that the lymphocyte activation-associated gene signature is a promising factor for the survival of patients, which may be helpful for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of GBM patients.
Towards Elimination of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV in Rwanda: A Nested Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Transmission
Authors: Remera Eric , Mugwaneza Placidie , Chammartin Frederique , Mulindabigwi Augustin , Musengimana Gentille , Forrest Jamie , Mwanyumba Fabian , Kondwani Ng’oma , Condo Jeanine , Riedel David , Mills Edward , Nsanzimana Sabin , Bucher Heiner 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT) has substantially declined since the scale-up of prevention programs around that world, including Rwanda. To achieve full elimination of MTCT, it is important to understand the risk factors associated with residual HIV transmission, defined as MTCT at the population-level that still occur despite universal access to PMTCT+; .Methods: We performed a case control study of children born from mothers with HIV with known vital status at 18 months from birth who were followed in three national cohorts between October and December 2013, 2014, and 2015 in Rwanda. Children with HIV were matched in a ratio of 1:2 with HIV-uninfected children and a conditional logistic regression model was used to investigate risk factors for MTCT.Results: In total, 84 children with HIV were identified and matched with 164 non-infected children. The median age of mothers from both groups was 29 years (interquartile range (IQR): 24-33). Of these mothers, 126 (51.4%) initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) before their pregnancy on record. In a multivariable regression analysis, initiation of ART in the third trimester (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 7.71; 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 2.19-27.10) and during labor or post-partum (aOR: 9.42; 95% CI: 3.15-28.19), compared to initiation of ART before pregnancy increased the risk of MTCT. Similarly, offspring of single mothers (aOR: 4.81; 95% CI: 1.60-14.46), and absence of postpartum neonatal ART prophylaxis (aOR: 5.64; 95% CI: 1.81-17.53) were factors significantly associated with MTCT.Conclusion: Late presentation for antenatal care and lack of postpartum infant prophylaxis are still the most important risk factors to explain MTCT in the era of universal access. Improved early attendance at antenatal care, early ART initiation, and enhancing the continuum of care especially for single mothers is crucial for MTCT elimination in Rwanda.
Importance of Gross Type in Patients With T2 Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Shin In Sik , Choi Ji Woon , Kim Deok Gie , Cha Sung Whan , Kim Sung Hoon , Cho Mee-Yon 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) guidelines categorize T2 gallbladder cancer (GBCA) according to pathologic tumor location; peritoneal- and hepatic-side tumors are categorized as T2a and T2b, respectively. We hypothesized that the gross type of GBCA is more important and aimed to investigate their importance in the T2 stage GBCA. Eighty-six patients with GBCA underwent operation from February 2008 to December 2017. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 30 patients with pathologically confirmed T2-stage GBCA. There were 8 peritoneal-side and 22 hepatic-side GBCAs. Regarding gross types, 21 and 9 patients had infiltrative- and exophytic-type tumors. Mean disease-free survival (DFS) of T2a and T2b was 38 vs 36 months (p=0.48), respectively, and overall survival (OS) was 50 vs 52 months (p=0.312), respectively. However, patients with infiltrative-type tumors showed significantly worse DFS of 24 months (vs 67 months; p=0.003) and relative different OS of 48 months (vs 67 months; p=0.092). The gross type and lymph node metastasis were the only significant prognostic factor for DFS and OS, respectively. The gross types of T2 gallbladder cancer may be more important prognostic factor than tumor location.
Rooted Tree Optimization for Backstepping Power Control of DFIG Wind Turbine: dSPACE Implementation
Authors: BOSSOUFI Badre , KARIM Mohammed , Taoussi Mohammed , Aroussi Hala Alami , Deblecker Olivier , Motahhir Saad , Nayyar Anand , Masud Mehedi , Boderbala Manale 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This work is devoted to a new contribution to the field of optimization and control of a wind energy conversion system (WECS). A Rooted Tree Optimisation (RTO) will be applied to the non-linear adaptive Backstepping technique to improve its robustness and performance. The non-linear Backstepping control was carried out to control the powers of the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) connected to the electrical network by two converters (network side and machine side). Initially, a review of the wind power system was presented. Then, an exhaustive explanation of the Backstepping technique based on the Lyapunov stability and the optimization method was reported. Subsequently, a validation on the Matlab & Simulink environment was carried out to test the performance and robustness of the proposed model. The last part of this work was dedicated to the experiment of the Backstepping adaptive algorithm on a test bench using the dSPACE-DS1104 card, to prove the performance of the system. The results obtained of this work either by follow-up or robustness tests or by experimental validation show a great improvement in terms of performance compared to other control techniques.
Factors Affecting Family Planning Literacy: Perspectives of Women of Childbearing Age in Rural Lake Zone, Tanzania
Authors: Kassim Mohamed , Ndumbaro Faraja 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Low uptake of various recommended modern family planning methods is associated with inadequate family planning literacy among potential beneficiaries of the methods. As such, understanding the factors affecting family planning literacy is key to addressing this problem. This study, therefore, explored factors affecting family planning literacy of women of childbearing age in the rural Lake Zone of Tanzania.Methods The study utilized an exploratory descriptive qualitative research approach using focus group discussions to collect data. A total of eight focus group discussion sessions were held to solicit information from women of childbearing age involved in the study. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected from the respondents.Results Inadequate family planning literacy has been found among women of childbearing age in the studied communities. Socio-demographic factors such as education level, religious affiliation, and family income have been found to negatively affect the family planning literacy of the women in this study. Other factors such as fertility preference, negative perceptions about family planning, preference of unproven traditional family planning methods, limited access to reliable sources of information, household responsibilities, and poor male partner support were also found to affect women’s family planning literacy. Conclusion Inadequate family planning literacy among women of childbearing age reduces the women’s chances of obtaining relevant family planning information as well as limiting their abilities to process and understand the information so as to be able to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Therefore, addressing factors affecting family planning literacy of the women is imperative in increasing their overall uptake of various recommended modern family planning methods.
Non-Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, an Experience From Qatar
Authors: Madani Ammar , Omar Nabil , Ghazouani Hafedh , Jacob Cicy , Kanbour Aladdin , Akram Aleem , Yassin Mohamed , Elmalik Hind 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Nonepithelial Ovarian cancers constitute about 10 % of all ovarian cancers. They are divided into Sex-cord stromal tumours (SCST) and Germ cell tumours (GCT). The Aim is to report the experience at National Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) in Qatar. Method: This is a retrospective study reviewing records of all patients over 7 years who presented with a histopathologically diagnosed ovarian SCST and GCT at NCCCR between January 2010 and December 2016. Results: 25 women with Non-Epithelial Ovarian Tumours were identified. 13 women were diagnosed with Ovarian SCST. Median age at presentation was 43 years (Range 16-58). 12 patients had stage I and one patient had Stage III. Four patients had recurrence. The 5 years Overall Survival (OS) was 100% and the 5 years Event Free Survival (EFS) was 69% with P value of 0.02. GCT was diagnosed in 12 women. The median age at presentation was 24 years. (Range 16 – 44). Seven patients (59 %) had teratoma, four patients (33 %) had Dysgerminoma and one patient had Yolk sac tumour (8 %). There was one recurrence. 5 years OS was 100 % and 5 years EFS was 83 % with P value of 0.14. Conclusions: Non-Epithelial ovarian tumours are diagnosed relatively at an early stage and have very good prognosis even if they recur. Survival in our study was excellent with all patients alive and disease free at last follow up. For ovarian SCST, we recommend Complete Surgery (TAH + BSO) particularly if high grade, Stage IC and above or completed childbearing to minimize recurrence. Fertility sparing surgery is appropriate for all patients with Stage I Ovarian GCT and most of the patients with Stage II disease who desire fertility preservation.
A Multicenter Study of the Correlations of Anterior and Posterior Corneal Parameters in Chinese Myopic Patients
Authors: Hu Yijun , Wang Yanfang , Zhu Shanqing , Xiong Lu , Fang Xuejun , Zhou Jin , Zhang Qingsong , Lei Xiaohua , Li Yanbin , Huang Wenhua , Wang Zheng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In this observational cross-sectional study consisting of 8365 Chinese myopic patients from five different ophthalmic centers, we investigated the correlations between anterior and posterior corneal parameters. Strongly negative anterior-posterior correlations of the mean corneal curvature were observed, with similar correlation coefficients in all myopic groups (R: -0.85 to -0.88). The anterior-posterior correlations of corneal astigmatism (R: 0.65 to 0.75), eccentricity (R: 0.27 to 0.38) and asphericity (R: 0.29 to 0.41) were all positive, with slightly different correlation coefficients between the myopic groups. The anterior-posterior correlations of mean corneal curvature were strongly negative with similar correlation coefficients in all quantile groups of six corneal and anterior chamber parameters (R: -0.84 to -0.91), except Sim Km (R: -0.36 to -0.64). The anterior-posterior correlations of corneal astigmatism were all positive with slightly different correlation coefficients between the quantile groups of SimKm (R: 0.66 to 0.74). The anterior-posterior correlations of corneal eccentricity (R: 0.30 to 0.44) and asphericity (R: 0.33 to 0.45) were positive and slightly different between the quantile groups of SimKm, pachy apex and corneal volume. In conclusion, anterior-posterior correlations of corneal curvature, astigmatism, eccentricity and asphericity can be affected by the severity of myopia and some other corneal parameters.
Macrophages in Tumor-Associated Adipose Microenvironment Accelerate Tumor progression
Authors: Li Bei , Wu Qi , Yang Qian , Li Zhiyu , Li Juanjuan , Wu Juan , Zhu Shan , Wang Lijun , Liao Shichong , Sun Si , Xu Zhiliang , Sun Shengrong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Macrophages particularly contribute to the progression of obesity-related tumor. However, the mechanisms that the tumor-adipocyte crosstalk may enable the properties and plasticity of macrophages remain still unclear. Methods: Survival probabilities for recurrence-free survival (RFS) were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method based on immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence images. 3T3-L1 cells were co-cultivated with 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Then the co-cultivated media were used to treat THP-1/RAW264.7 cells. The markers of macrophages were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Transwell migration assay, was conducted to determine the migration capability of macrophages. RT-PCR and ELISA were used to detect the expression and secretion level of chemokines, respectively. Immunofluorescence imaging and Western blot were used to investigate the role of SOCS6/STAT3 signaling pathway in the polarization of macrophages. microRNA mimic and inhibitor, and xenograft models were used to explore the role of miR-155 in the polarization of macrophages.Results: We demonstrate that CD163-positive macrophages aggregated to surround adipocytes in breast cancer tissues, which was associated with tumor relapse. In tumor-adipocyte microenvironment, CD163-positive macrophages are recruited and polarized via the elevated expression of CCL2 and CCL5. Consistently, the eliminated macrophages partially inhibited adipocytes-induced tumor proliferation. Likewise, inhibiting chemokines and their receptors or suppressing the phosphorylation of STAT3 significantly decreased tumor burden in vivo. Finally, the source of CCL2 and CCL5 mainly derived from adipocytes. In coculture of tumor cells and adipocytes, the level of exosomal miRNA-155 was high, then it promoted the generation and release of CCL2 and CCL5 from adipocytes through targeting SOCS6/STAT3 pathway. Inhibition of exosomal miRNA-155 in tumor cells reduced the CCL2 and CCL5 levels in tumor-adipocytes coculture, and further retarded tumor growth. Conclusion: These results suggest a novel target of tumor-adipocyte-macrophage interconnect that could facilitate obesity-induced tumor progression.
Frequency-Dependent Force Direction Elucidates Neural Control of Balance
Authors: Shiozawa Kaymie , Lee Jongwoo , Russo Marta , Sternad Dagmar , Hogan Neville 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Maintaining upright posture is an unstable task that requires control of translational and rotational motions. Humans use foot-ground interaction force, characterized by point of application, magnitude, and direction to manage body accelerations. Previous work identified a point of intersection of the foot-ground interaction force vectors that exhibited consistent frequency-dependent behavior. Methods: To test whether this frequency-dependent behavior provided a distinctive signature of neural control or was a necessary consequence of biomechanics, this study simulated quiet standing and compared the results with human subject data. If a standing human was modeled as a single inverted pendulum, no controller could reproduce the experimentally observed frequency-dependence of the intersection point height. The simplest competent model that approximated a standing human was a double inverted pendulum with torque-actuated ankle and hip joints. It was stabilized by a linear feedback controller based on position and velocity errors of each joint. Results: When the relative cost between state deviation and control effort was varied, the frequency at which the intersection point crossed the center of mass position shifted. A similar effect was obtained by varying the relative cost between the ankle and hip control effort. The relative strength of ankle and hip actuation noise added to the simulated system affected the intersection point height at high frequencies. Conclusions: As a range of controller parameter sets could stabilize this model and produce the observed change in the vertical position of the intersection point with increasing frequency, the decrease in intersection point height appears to reflect a biomechanical constraint and not a consequence of control. Among the several controller parameter sets considered, that which best reproduced the human experimental results used minimal control effort and more ankle torque than hip torque. This suggests that the neural strategy employed by human subjects to maintain quiet standing balance engages at least two degrees of freedom and is best described by minimal control eort and emphasizing ankle torque.
Intratracheal Keratinocyte Growth Factor Enhances Surfactant Protein B Expression in Mechanically Ventilated Preterm Pigs
Authors: Krishnan Ramesh , Arrindell Esmond , Caminita Frank , Zhang Jie , Buddington Randal 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a devastating disease of the premature newborn with high morbidity and mortality. Surfactant deficient preterm lungs are susceptible to ventilator induced lung injury, thereby developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Despite surfactant therapy and newer ventilation strategies, associated morbidity and mortality remains unchanged. Enhancing surfactant production and reducing ventilator induced lung injury in premature infants are critical. Recombinant keratinocyte growth factor previously been studied to treat adult respiratory distress syndrome. We hypothesized that administering recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor when initiating mechanical ventilation would help stimulate type II cell proliferation and surfactant production. Recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor may also help mitigate ventilator induced lung injury hereby reducing epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a possible precursor to later development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Methods: To test our hypothesis, we delivered preterm pigs via cesarean section on day 102. We performed intubation and ventilation for 24 hr. using intermittent positive pressure ventilation. After ventilation began, pigs randomly received intratracheal recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (20 μg/kg; n=6) or sham treatment (0.5 ml 0.9% saline; n= 6). We recorded physiology data and arterial blood gases during ventilation. After 24 hr. pigs were extubated and received oxygen via nasal cannulation 12 hr. before euthanasia to collect lungs for histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistry staining was graded and analyzed for surfactant protein B and epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers. Data were analyzed using t-test and Fisher’s exact test. Continuous variables analyzed using ANOVA.Results: Compared with control pigs, recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor pretreated pigs had improved ventilation with higher tidal volumes and required less oxygen (FiO2) during mechanical ventilation for similar peak pressures demonstrating improved lung compliance. Recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor pretreated pig lungs showed increased surfactant protein B expression (p< 0.05) and significantly reduced TGF-β (p< 0.05), a prominent marker for epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Conclusions: Intratracheal recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor administered at initiation of mechanical ventilation enhances surfactant production, reduce lung injury by mitigation of the changes by epithelial mesenchymal transition, thereby improving outcomes. Thus, recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor may represent a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
The combination of computed tomography measurements and flexible video bronchoscope guidance for accurate placement of the right-sided double-lumen tube: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hou Yongheng , Liu Huayue , Shi Wencheng , Zhao Hengjing , Peng Ke , Cheng Hao , Ji Fuhai , Yang Jianping 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Accurate placement of the right-sided double-lumen tube (RDLT) is still challenging. This study aims to explore the feasibility and accuracy of a modified intubation strategy by using a combination of computed tomography measurements and flexible video bronchoscope guidance.Methods: 108 adults requiring an RDLT for lung isolation were randomly allocated to 2 groups. Conventional fiberoptic bronchoscopy-guided technique was used in the control group. The following specifications applied to the modification group. Firstly, the length of the right main bronchus (RMB-L) and the anteroposterior diameter of RMB were measured in preoperative spiral computed tomography to predict the side and size of the tube; Then, a depth marker was made on RUSCH tube according to the difference between the RMB-L and the length of bronchia cuff (12 mm); Under the guidance of flexible video bronchoscope, the depth marker should be paralleled with the tracheal carina, and a characteristic white line on the tube should be paralleled with the secondary carina.Results: Compared with the control group, our modified strategy significantly increased the optimal plus acceptable position rate (76% vs. 98%, respectively; P < 0.039), decreased tube replacement rate (80% vs. 94%; P = 0.042), shortened the intubation time (101.4 ± 7.3 vs. 75.2 ± 8.1 seconds; P = 0.019), and had a lower incidence of transient hypoxemia (25% vs. 6%; P = 0.022), subglottic resistance (20% vs. 6%; P = 0.037), tracheobronchial injury (35% vs. 13; P = 0.037), and postoperative right upper lobe collapse (15% vs. 2%; P = 0.059).Conclusion: These data suggest the superiority of our modified technique compared to the conventional method for RDLT positioning.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900021676, registered on 5 March 2019. URL of trial registry: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=33189