bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production of an anti-angiogenic factor sFLT1 is suppressed via promoter hypermethylation of FLT1 gene in choriocarcinoma cells
Authors: Sasagawa Tadashi , Jinno-Oue Atsushi , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Morita Kazuki , Tsuruga Tetsushi , Mori-Uchino Mayuyo , Fujii Tomoyuki , Shibuya Masabumi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background

Soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1) as an anti-angiogenic factor is abundantly expressed in placental trophoblasts. Choriocarcinoma, a malignant tumor derived from trophoblasts, is known to be highly angiogenic and metastatic. However, the molecular mechanism underlying angiogenesis in choriocarcinoma pathogenesis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the mRNA expression and DNA methylation status of the FLT1 gene in human choriocarcinoma cells and trophoblast cells.

Methods
qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA were conducted to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels of sFLT1. 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5azadC) treatment and bisulfite sequencing were used to study the FLT1 gene promoter methylation. The effect of sFLT1 on choriocarcinoma growth and angiogenesis was evaluated in a xenograft mouse model.

Results
Expression of the FLT1 gene was strongly suppressed in choriocarcinoma cell lines compared with that in the primary trophoblasts. Treatment of choriocarcinoma cell lines with 5azadC, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, markedly increased in mRNA expression of three FLT1 splice variants and secretion of sFLT1 proteins. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that the CpG hypermethylation was observed at the FLT1 promoter region in choriocarcinoma cell lines and a human primary choriocarcinoma tissue but not in human trophoblast cells. Interestingly, in 5azadC-treated choriocarcinoma cell lines, sFLT1 mRNA expression and sFLT1 production were further elevated by hypoxic stimulation. Finally, as expected, sFLT1-expressing choriocarcinoma cells implanted into nude mice showed significantly slower tumor growth and reduced microvessel formation compared with GFP-expressing control choriocarcinoma cells.

Conclusions
Inhibition of sFLT1 production by FLT1 silencing occurs via the hypermethylation of its promoter in choriocarcinoma cells. The stable expression of sFLT1 in choriocarcinoma cells resulted in the suppression of tumor growth and tumor vascularization in vivo. We suggest that the FLT1 gene may be a cell-type-specific tumor suppressor in choriocarcinoma cells.
Expression of p53 N-terminal isoforms in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its correlation with clinicopathological profiles
Authors: Oh Lixian , Hainaut Pierre , Blanchet Sandrine , Ariffin Hany 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundTP53mutations occur in only about 3% of primary and 10–20% of relapse B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP-ALL). However, alternative mechanisms may contribute to functionally impairing the p53 pathway in the absence of a mutation. Candidate mechanisms include overexpression of p53 mRNA variants encoding either dominant-negative p53 protein isoforms such as Delta40p53 and Delta133p53, or modulatory isoforms such as p53beta, which counteract the effects of Delta133p53 on replicative senescence in T-lymphocytes.MethodsWe used semi-quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot to investigate the expression of full length p53 (TAp53), Delta40p53, Delta133p53 or p53beta in diagnostic marrow from a clinical cohort of 50 BCP-ALL patients withoutTP53mutation (29 males and 21 females, age range 2–14 years) and in the bone marrow cells of 4 healthy donors (used as controls).ResultsIrrespective of isoforms, levels of p53 mRNA were low in controls but were increased by 2 to 20-fold in primary or relapse BCP-ALL. TAp53 was increased in primary BCP-ALL, Delta40p53 was elevated in relapse BCP-ALL, whereas Delta133p53 and p53beta were increased in both. Next, mRNA levels were used as a basis to infer the ratio between protein isoform levels. This inference suggested that, in primary BCP-ALL, p53 was predominantly in active oligomeric conformations dominated by TAp53. In contrast, p53 mostly existed in inactive quaternary conformations containing ≥2 Delta40 or Delta133p53 in relapse BCP-ALL. Western blot analysis of blasts from BCP-ALL showed a complex pattern of N-terminally truncated p53 isoforms, whereas TAp53beta was detected as a major isoform. The hypothesis that p53 is in an active form in primary B-ALL was consistent with elevated level of p53 target genesCDKN1AandMDM2in primary cases, whereas in relapse BCP-ALL, onlyCDKN1Awas increased as compared to controls.ConclusionExpression of p53 isoforms is deregulated in BCP-ALL in the absence ofTP53mutation, with increased expression of alternative isoforms in relapse BCP-ALL. Variations in isoform expression may contribute to functional deregulation of the p53 pathway in BCP-ALL, specifically contributing to its down-regulation in relapse forms.
Association between stigma towards HIV and MSM and intimate partner violence among newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese men who have sex with men
Authors: Wang Na , Huang Bo , Ruan Yuhua , Amico K. Rivet , Vermund Sten H. , Zheng Shimin , Qian Han-Zhu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundHIV- and MSM-related stigma are well documented as common for Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV, yet there is sparse literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) and its relationship with stigma in this vulnerable population. To evaluate the association between HIV-stigma and stigma related to homosexuality and IPV among newly HIV-diagnosed MSM in China.MethodsData were collected in the baseline survey among newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese MSM in a randomized clinical trial via face-to-face interviews. Univariate logistic and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between IPV and HIV- and MSM-related stigma.ResultsOf 367 newly HIV-diagnosed Chinese MSM, 23.7% experienced any IPV, including 16.6% physical, 7.4% psychological and 5.2% sexual IPV. Positive associations were found between HIV- and MSM-related stigma and IPV. Men with high HIV-related stigma (score ≥ 27) were 1.67 times as likely to experience any IPV as those with low stigma (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–2.76). Men with high MSM-related stigma (score ≥ 6) were 1.99 times as likely to experience any IPV as those with low stigma (AOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.18–3.36).ConclusionsHIV- and MSM-related stigmas was positively associated with IPV experiences among newly diagnosed MSM in China. The manner in which stigma may exacerbate IPV, and/or the influence of IPV on worsening stigma should be further evaluated. The high prevalence of IPV and stigma in this population suggests that interventions should be taken to reduce stigma and prevent this risky behavior among MSM.
Socioeconomic patterning of vaping by smoking status among UK adults and youth
Authors: Green Michael J. , Gray Linsay , Sweeting Helen , Benzeval Michaela 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Smoking contributes significantly to socioeconomic health inequalities. Vaping has captured much interest as a less harmful alternative to smoking, but may be harmful relative to non-smoking. Examining inequalities in vaping by smoking status, may offer insights into potential impacts of vaping on socioeconomic inequalities in health.

Methods
Data were from 3291 youth (aged 10–15) and 35,367 adults (aged 16+) from wave 7 (2015–17) of the UK Household Longitudinal Study. In order to adjust for biases that could be introduced by stratifying on smoking status, marginal structural models were used to estimate controlled direct effects of an index of socioeconomic disadvantage (incorporating household education, occupation and income) on vaping by smoking status (among adults and youth), adjusting for relevant confounders and for selection into smoking states. We also estimated controlled direct effects of socioeconomic disadvantage on being an ex-smoker by vaping status (among adult ever-smokers; n = 18,128).

Results
Socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with vaping among never smoking youth (OR for a unit increase in the socioeconomic index: 1.17; 95%: 1.03–1.34), and among ex-smoking adults (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09–1.26), with little to no association among never smoking (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.91–1.07) and current smoking (OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.93–1.07) adults. Socioeconomic disadvantage was also associated with reduced odds of being an ex-smoker among adult ever-smokers, but this association was moderately weaker among those who vaped (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.82–0.95) than those who did not (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.80–0.84; p-value for difference = 0.081).

Conclusions
Inequalities in vaping among never smoking youth and adult ex-smokers, suggest potential to widen health inequalities, while weaker inequalities in smoking cessation among adult vapers indicate e-cigarettes could help narrow inequalities. Further research is needed to understand the balance of these opposing potential impacts, and how any benefits can be maximised whilst protecting the vulnerable.
Surgical outcomes of elderly patients aged more than 80 years with distal radius fracture: comparison of external fixation and locking plate
Authors: Huang Yu-Yi , Lin Tung-Yi , Chen Chien-Hao , Chou Ying-Chao , Su Chun-Yi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
To compare the outcomes after surgical intervention, including external fixation (EF) with the optional addition of K-pins or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a volar locking plate (VLP), in patients with distal radius fracture aged > 80 years.

Methods
We reviewed 69 patients with a distal radius fracture aged > 80 years who treated under surgical intervention from 2011 to 2017 retrospectively. Their demographic data and complications were recorded. Preoperative, postoperative, and last follow-up plain films were analyzed. The functional outcomes of wrist range of motion were also evaluated.

Results
41 patients were treated with EF with the optional addition of K-pins, while 28 patients were treated with ORIF with a VLP. The radiological parameters, including ulnar variance and radial inclination, at the last follow-up were significantly more acceptable in the VLP group (p = 0.01, p = 0.03, respectively). The forearm supination was significantly better in patients treated with VLP (p = 0.002). The overall incidence of complications was lower in the VLP group (p = 0.003).

Conclusion
VLP provides better radiological outcomes, wrist supination and lower complication rates than EF. Therefore, although EF is still widely used because of its acceptable results and easy application, we recommend VLP as a suitable treatment option for distal radius fracture in the geriatric population aged > 80 years.
Impact of mining on the floristic association of gold mined sites in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Adesipo Adegbite A. , Akinbiola Sehinde , Awotoye Olusegun O. , Salami Ayobami T. , Freese Dirk 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Occurrences in land use, human activities and climate change have both direct and indirect influences on the environment. Of interest for this study is mining; a common activity in developing countries such as Nigeria which is endowed with over 34 solid minerals. The gold mining sites in the Southwest region of the country is predominantly by Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM). Though the benefits are known, its induced consequences are enormous. To understand its extent of floristic diversity, identification of functional plants and plant species surviving on the mined sites (despite its characterized mining and alteration level); this study compared the floristic composition of an abandoned mining site (Site 1), an active mining site (Site 2) and an undisturbed vegetation sites (Control) of similar vegetation zone.

Results
A total of 54, 28 and 37 species belonging to 31, 20 and 23 families were found on Site 1, Site 2 and the control site, respectively. It shows that the floristic composition of all the sites has been altered due to its past intense agricultural colonization and human activities, but severe on Site 1 and 2 due to mining. Lots of the identified species are functional species and stand as ecological indicators. Species such as Acanthus montanus and Icacina trichantha found on the Control sites are native and significance but species such as Capsicum frutescens and Crassocephalum crepidioides on Site 2 are due to human inference while most species on Site 1 shows both original and altered floristic composition (e.g. Adenia venenata and Grewia flavescens).

Conclusions
Apart from the on-going farming activities, ASM activities such as pollution, deforestation and exposure of the forest soils to direct sunlight has greatly stressed and disturbed the floristic composition, species richness, life form patterns, of the mined sites as well as introduction of non-native plant species. It is therefore necessary to develop effective approaches and policies to curb these illegal ASM activities, empower the community (especially youths), stabilize the economy and establish sustainable development strategies with adequate reclamation measures.
Efficiency of using electric toothbrush as an alternative to a tuning fork for artificial buzz pollination is independent of instrument buzzing frequency
Authors: Tayal Mandeep , Chavana Jesus , Kariyat Rupesh R. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Breeding programs and research activities where artificial buzz-pollinations are required to have primarily relied upon using tuning forks, and bumble bees. However, these methods can be expensive, unreliable, and inefficient. To find an alternative, we tested the efficiency of pollen collection using electric toothbrushes and compared it with tuning forks at three vibration frequencies—low, medium, and high and two extraction times at 3 s and 16 s- from two buzz—pollinated species (Solanum lycopersicum and Solanum elaeagnifolium).

Results
Our results show that species, and extraction time significantly influenced pollen extraction, while there were no significant differences for the different vibration frequencies and more importantly, the use of a toothbrush over tuning fork. More pollen was extracted from S. elaeagnifolium when compared to S. lycopersicum, and at longer buzzing time regardless of the instrument used.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that electric toothbrushes can be a viable and inexpensive alternative to tuning forks, and regardless of the instrument used and buzzing frequency, length of buzzing time is also critical in pollen extraction.
Cost-effectiveness of child caries management: a randomised controlled trial (FiCTION trial)
Authors: Homer Tara , Maguire Anne , Douglas Gail V. A. , Innes Nicola P. , Clarkson Jan E. , Wilson Nina , Ryan Vicky , McColl Elaine , Robertson Mark , Vale Luke 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundA three-arm parallel group, randomised controlled trial set in general dental practices in England, Scotland, and Wales was undertaken to evaluate three strategies to manage dental caries in primary teeth. Children, with at least one primary molar with caries into dentine, were randomised to receive Conventional with best practice prevention (C + P), Biological with best practice prevention (B + P), or best practice Prevention Alone (PA).MethodsData on costs were collected via case report forms completed by clinical staff at every visit. The co-primary outcomes were incidence of, and number of episodes of, dental pain and/or infection avoided. The three strategies were ranked in order of mean cost and a more costly strategy was compared with a less costly strategy in terms of incremental cost-effectiveness. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 3.5%.ResultsA total of 1144 children were randomised with data on 1058 children (C + Pn = 352, B + Pn = 352, PAn = 354) used in the analysis. On average, it costs £230 to manage dental caries in primary teeth over a period of up to 36 months. Managing children in PA was, on average, £19 (97.5% CI: -£18 to £55) less costly than managing those in B + P. In terms of effectiveness, on average, there were fewer incidences of, (− 0.06; 97.5% CI: − 0.14 to 0.02) and fewer episodes of dental pain and/or infection (− 0.14; 97.5% CI: − 0.29 to 0.71) in B + P compared to PA. C + P was unlikely to be considered cost-effective, as it was more costly and less effective than B + P.ConclusionsThe mean cost of a child avoiding any dental pain and/or infection (incidence) was £330 and the mean cost per episode of dental pain and/or infection avoided was £130. At these thresholds B + P has the highest probability of being considered cost-effective. Over the willingness to pay thresholds considered, the probability of B + P being considered cost-effective never exceeded 75%.Trial registrationThe trial was prospectively registered with the ISRCTN (reference numberISRCTN77044005) on the 26th January 2009 and East of Scotland Research Ethics Committee provided ethical approved (REC reference: 12/ES/0047).
Knowledge, dentist confidence and management of periodontal patients among general dentists from Belarus, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova and Romania
Authors: Aleksejūnienė Jolanta , Pūrienė Alina , Rimkervicius Arunas , Amariei Corneliu , Oancea Roxana , Porosencova Tatiana , Porosencov Egor , Nikolovska Julijana , Mirnaya Elena , Serova-Papakul Aleksandra , Eaton Kenneth A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Evidence concerning periodontal practice in Eastern European countries is scarce. The aim of the present study was to investigate periodontal risk knowledge, patient management and self-perceived confidence among General Dentists (GDs) from five Eastern European regarding their provision of periodontal care.

Methods
GDs from Belarus, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova and Romania participated in a questionnaire survey. Power calculations were used to identify the sample size for each country. The structured questionnaire included several domains of inquiry. The socio-demographic domain inquired about dentist’s age, gender and years of clinical experience. The dental practice domain inquired about practice location, practising or not practising in a group practice and having or not having a periodontist or a dental hygienist in the practice. The distributions of answers across-countries were compared employing one way ANOVA (comparison of means) or Chi square test (comparison of proportions). For each country, the predictors of the study outcomes: a summative knowledge score for periodontal risks and dentist’s confidence level were identified employing either linear or logistic multiple regression models.

Results
The sample comprised 390 Belarussian, 488 Lithuanian, 349 Macedonian, 316 Moldovan, and 401 Romanian GDs. The majority of GDs (~ 80%) practiced in urban areas. Age and gender distributions differed significantly among countries. Significant across-country differences were found regarding working/not working in a group practice, having/not having access to a periodontist/dental hygienist and in proportions of patients receiving periodontal treatments or being referred to specialists. None of Macedonian patients nor the majority of Moldovan patients (78%) were referred to periodontists. There were also significant across-country differences in diagnosis, patient management and periodontal knowledge. Only in the Lithuanian cohort were dentists’ confidence levels associated significantly with their knowledge. In all countries, taking a medical history was a consistent and significant predictor of having higher periodontal knowledge score. Except in Belarus, periodontal risk assessment was a significantly consistent predictor of certainty levels associated with the provision of periodontal treatments.

Conclusions
There were substantial differences among GDs in the five countries regarding diagnosis, dentist’s confidence and management of periodontal patients.
Scales to evaluate developmental stage and professional identity formation in medical students, residents, and experienced doctors
Authors: Tagawa Masami 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo respond to the growing need to cultivate medical trainees with professional identity, it is necessary to evaluate professional identity formation (PIF) in medical trainees to understand their state of PIF and apply this to medical education. Previous qualitative studies indicated that Kegan’s human development model could explain medical trainees’ PIF. I proposed a development scale (DS) to quantitatively evaluate the degree of maturation and socialization as a physician; however, one scale is not enough to illustrate the helical and complex process of development.MethodsUsing Kegan’s model as the conceptual framework, scales that evaluate stage 2, 3, and 4, and higher stage-specific attributes were developed using data collected in a self-administered questionnaire (322 respondents), reliability analysis, group comparison, and analysis of individual DS scores. The respondents were 4th- and 6th-year medical students and 2nd-year residents at Kagoshima University, and experienced medical doctors (instructors).ResultsIn addition to the DS, one self-administered questionnaire consisting of 27 items for stage 2, 3, 4, and higher stage-specific attribute scales was created. Students had the highest mean score in stage 2, and instructors had the highest mean score in stage 4 and higher stage scales. Individual analysis indicated that there were respondents with varied attributes in each group, that the average medical student might have inclusion preference typically seen at stage 3, and that the average instructor might have independent preference typically seen at stage 4 more than inclusion preference.ConclusionsCombining multiple stage attribute-specific scales and DS scores could quantify the complexity and divergent processes of PIF. These scales could provide meaningful information about individuals, groups, and education in terms of professional development that is different from assessment data of medical knowledge or professional skills.