bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and implementation of a patient assistance fund: A descriptive study
Authors: Soffe Burke W. , Miranda Justine E. , Fang Jenny , Epperson Daniel G. , Lara Roberto A. , Williamson Hazel L. , Lipsky Martin S. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this descriptive study is to outline the Roseman University of Health Sciences (RUHS) College of Dental Medicines’ Patient Assistance Fund development, organization and outcomes. The description and reported results provide insight to others considering similar health professions programs.Methods: The Patient Assistance Fund (PAF) affords dental students an opportunity to petition for and obtain financial assistance for their most disadvantaged patients. In this study, two sources of data were collected and used with a quantitative analysis for data collected as part of the PAFs operation and a qualitative analysis to evaluate the patient experiences.Results: A total of 16 student advocates, consisting of 6 males and 10 females from the D3 and D4 classes made 26 presentations to the PAF board committee. The combined amount requested from the PAF was $47,428.00 (“Cost of Treatment Plan”) representing an average request per patient of $1,824.15 (range $324.00 to $4070.00). The approved procedures and treatment plans totaled $21,278.36 (“Cost of Approved Procedures”) with an average of $818.40 (range $204.00 to $2434.00) per patient. Patients and students expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the program.Conclusions: This study provides an overview of the structure, funding sources, expenditures and patient services supported by a dental student managed patient assistance fund. The experiences at RUHS College of Dental Medicine (CODM) suggest that other healthcare professions schools can develop similar type programs that yield benefit both to students and to patients in need. Trial Registration: Not applicable
Genome-wide identification and characterization of NBS-encoding genes in Raphanus sativus L. and their roles related to Fusarium oxysporum resistance
Authors: Ma Yinbo , Chhapekar Sushil Satish , Lu Lu , Oh Sangheon , Singh Sonam , Kim Chang Soo , Kim Seungho , Choi Gyung Ja , Lim Yong Pyo , Choi Su Ryun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The nucleotide-binding site–leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) genes are important for plant development and disease resistance. Although genome-wide studies of NBS-encoding genes have been performed in several species, the evolution, structure, expression, and function of these genes remain unknown in radish (Raphanus sativus L.). A recently released draft R. sativus L. reference genome has facilitated the genome-wide identification and characterization of NBS-encoding genes in radish.Results: A total of 225 NBS-encoding genes were identified in the radish genome based on the essential NB-ARC domain through HMM search and Pfam database, with 202 mapped onto nine chromosomes and the remaining 23 localized on different scaffolds. According to a gene structure analysis, we identified 99 NBS-LRR-type genes and 126 partial NBS-encoding genes. Additionally, 80 and 19 genes respectively encoded an N-terminal Toll/interleukin-like domain and a coiled-coil domain. Furthermore, 72% of the 202 NBS-encoding genes were grouped in 48 clusters distributed in 24 crucifer blocks on chromosomes. The U block on chromosomes R02, R04, and R08 had the most NBS-encoding genes (48), followed by the R (24), D (23), E (23), and F (17) blocks. These clusters were mostly homogeneous, containing NBS-encoding genes derived from a recent common ancestor. Tandem (15 events) and segmental (20 events) duplications were revealed in the NBS family. Comparative evolutionary analyses of orthologous genes among Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica rapa, and Brassica oleracea reflected the importance of the NBS-LRR gene family during evolution. Moreover, examinations of cis-elements identified 70 major elements involved in responses to methyl jasmonate, abscisic acid, auxin, and salicylic acid. According to RNA-seq expression analyses, 75 NBS-encoding genes contributed to the resistance of radish to Fusarium wilt. A quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that RsTNL03 (Rs093020) and RsTNL09 (Rs042580) expression positively regulates radish resistance to Fusarium oxysporum, in contrast to the negative regulatory role for RsTNL06 (Rs053740).Conclusions: The NBS-encoding gene structures, tandem and segmental duplications, synteny, and expression profiles in radish were elucidated for the first time and compared with those of other Brassicaceae family members (A. thaliana, B. oleracea, and B. rapa) to clarify the evolution of the NBS gene family. These results may be useful for functionally characterizing NBS-encoding genes in radish.
Genetic characterization of G12P[6] and G12P[8] rotavirus strains collected in six African countries between 2010 and 2014&nbsp;
Authors: Rakau Kebareng G. , Nyaga Martin M. , Gededzha Maemu P. , Mwenda Jason M. , Mphahlele M. Jeffrey , Seheri L. Mapaseka , Steele Duncan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: G12 rotaviruses were first observed in sub-Saharan Africa in 2004 and since then have continued to emerge and spread across the continent and are reported as a significant human rotavirus genotype in several African countries, both prior to and after rotavirus vaccine introduction. This study investigated the genetic variability of 15 G12 rotavirus strains associated with either P[6] or P[8] identified between 2010 and 2014 from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia. Methods: The investigation was carried out by comparing partial VP7 and partial VP4 sequences of the African G12P[6] and G12P[8] strains with the available GenBank sequences and exploring the recognized neutralization epitopes of these strains. Results: The findings suggested that the VP7 and VP4 genes of the G12 strains circulating in African countries are closely related at the nucleotide and amino acid level, irrespective of country of origin and year of detection, although there was a unique clustering of the Ethiopian strains. Neutralization epitope screening revealed that rotavirus VP4 P[8] genes associated with G12 had amino acids similar to those reported globally including the vaccines RotaTeq and Rotarix. Conclusions: At present it appears to be unlikely that widespread vaccine use has driven the molecular evolution and sustainability of G12 strains in Africa. Continuous monitoring of rotavirus genotypes is recommended to assess the long-term impact of rotavirus vaccination on the dynamic nature of rotavirus evolution on the continent.
Self-perceived preparedness of dental school graduates and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their confidence
Authors: Alraheam Islam Abd , Alashqar Mays A. , Hattar Susan , AlHadidi Abeer , Alhaddad Alaa , Sawair FA 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background. To study self-perceived preparedness of dental school graduates and the impact of COVID-19 on their preparedness. Method. An online survey was designed and sent electronically to students who were graduating in 2020, dentists who graduated in 2019 and were doing their prelicensure training, and dentists who graduated before 2019. Four- point Likert scale was used to assess participants’ perception.Results. There were 209 participants responded to the online questionnaire. The mean total preparedness score (TPS) for the 209 participants was 97.6 (SD ±9.7) with a range of 69 to 120. The mean TPS of the different classes of participants was 99.5 for the class graduated before 2019, 98.1 for the 2020 class, and 95.1 for the 2019 class. Participants felt they are confident and extremely confident doing the majority of the required competencies. Weakness was mainly reported in surgical extraction for 2020 graduates due to the 8 weeks loss of their training. COVID-19 had considerable impact on 59.7% of the participants and marginal to no impact on 40.3%. The highest prevalence of those who thought it had some to severe impact on their confidence were those who graduated in year 2019 (73.4%).Conclusions. The graduates of University of Jordan felt confident in performing the majority of general dentistry procedures. COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the confidence of all the classes of participants even those graduated before 2019.
A clinical practice guideline appraisal for appropriate use of echocardiography in adult infective endocarditis—when and by which mode to perform an Echo?
Authors: Xie Peihan , Zhuang Xiaodong , Liu Menghui , Zhang Shaozhao , Liu Jia , Liu Donghong , Liao Xinxue 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEchocardiography (Echo) is the primary imaging modality of infective endocarditis (IE). However, the recommendations on timing and mode selection for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) are not fully in agreement among different guidelines, which can be confusing for clinical decision makers. In this case, we aim to appraise the quality of recommendations by appraising the quality of guidelines. MethodsA search of guidelines containing recommendations for the appropriate use of Echo in IE adult patients published in English between 2007 and 2020 has been conducted. APPRAISAL OF GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH & EVALUATION II (AGREE II) instrument is applied independently by two reviewers to assess the integrated quality of identified guidelines. The recommendations of concern are extracted from related chapters.ResultsA total of 9 guidelines meet the criteria with AGREE II score ranging from 36% to 79%, and the domain of “stakeholder involvement” receives the lowest score. The most contentious issue is, whether a follow-up TEE is mandatory in uncomplicated native valve IE with initial positive TTE. And conflicting recommendations on it are presented with low evidence level for hardly any related evidence based on.ConclusionsIn general, the recommendations proposed in the 9 identified guidelines on the appropriate use of Echo are satisfying. And the guideline quality score could be taken into account by the clinicians when evaluating the recommendations for making clinical decision. More researches are needed in the future, which should be with high evidence level on the most controversial issues of whether a subsequent TEE is mandatory in uncomplicated native valve IE with an initial positive TTE.
Rapid Response Team activation after major hip surgery: patient characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Pritchard Angus , Jones Daryl , Bellomo Rinaldo , Hardidge Andrew , Harley Ian , Tan Chong Oon , Nazareth Justin , Guha Ranj , Ellard Louise , Hu Raymond , Churilov Leonid , Weinberg Laurence 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Rapid response teams (RRTs) are a critical care resource that review deteriorating patients within the hospital. We aimed to describe demographic, preoperative, surgical, anesthetic, and postoperative characteristics of patients who required RRT activation after major hip surgery. We also sought to assess whether these characteristics where associated with mortality during the index hospital admission.Methods: We reviewed an RRT database of adult patients undergoing orthopedic surgery at a university teaching hospital. We then retrospectively reviewed the medical records to extract a priori–defined patient, preoperative, surgical, anesthetic, and postoperative data of major hip surgery admissions between September 2014 and December 2017. Patients who survived the index hospital stay were compared to those who died.Results: Overall, 187 patients had postoperative RRT activations. Median (interquartile range) age was 84.0 (78-90) years; 125 (67%) were female, and most patients had at least one significant comorbidity, median Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) 5.0 (4.0-7.0). The majority of patients were frail (68%), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Class 3 or greater (91%), and underwent nonelective surgery (88%). Median (interquartile range) time from surgery to RRT activation was 29.4 (11.3–75.0) hours, and 25 (13%) patients had unplanned admissions to intensive care or high dependency units. Compared to patients who survived RRT activation, those who died displayed higher mean CCI (6.5 [1.8] vs. 5.5 [2.1], p = 0.02), were more frail (80.1% vs. 56.5%, OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.2,8.1; p = 0.03), and received less intraoperative opioids (intravenous morphine equi-analgesia: median = 5.8 (0.1–8.20 vs. 11.7 (3.7–19.0) mg, p = 0.03). They were also more likely to have received an urgent medical review prior to RRT activation (62% vs. 40%, OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.6); p = 0.05.Conclusions: Death after RRT activation occurred in 1 in 7 patients undergoing major hip surgery. Common patient characteristics included advanced age (> 82 years), frailty, high CCI, and emergency surgery. Further studies investigating perioperative surveillance teams in the identification of the high-risk patients before surgery and deteriorating patients after major hip surgery are warranted.
Dexamethasone blunts post-spinal hypotension in geriatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery: a double blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Ashoor Tarek , Hussien Noha S. , Anis Sherif G. , Esmat Ibrahim M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Post-spinal anesthesia (PSA) hypotension in elderly patients is challenging. Correction of PSA hypotension by fluids either colloids or crystalloids or by vasoconstrictors pose the risk of volume overload or compromising cardiac conditions. Dexamethasone is used to treat conditions manifested by decrease of peripheral vascular resistance. The research team was the first to test the hypothesis of its role in preventing or decreasing the incidence of PSA hypotension.Methods: 110 patients, aged 60 years or more were recruited to receive a single preoperative dose of dexamethasone 8 mg IVI in 100 ml normal saline (D group) (55 patients) 2 hours preoperatively, and 55 patients were given placebo (C group) in a randomized, double-blind trial. Variations in blood pressure and heart rate in addition to the needs of ephedrine and/or atropine following spinal anesthesia (SA) were recorded. SA was achieved using subarachnoid injection of 3 ml hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%.Results: Demographic data and the quality of sensory and motor block were comparable between groups. At 5th, 10th minutes post SA; systolic, diastolic and, mean arterial pressures were statistically significant higher in D group. At 20th minutes post SA; pressure readings and heart rate changes didn’t show any statistically significance between groups. The need for ephedrine and side effects were statistically significant lower in D group than C group.Conclusion. Post spinal anesthesia hypotension, nausea, vomiting and shivering in elderly patients were less common after receiving a single preoperative dose of dexamethasone 8 mg IVI than control.Registration number: Clinical Trials. gov Identifier: NCT 03664037Registered 17 September 2018 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.Clinical Trial.gov
Long noncoding RNA MEG3 blocks telomerase activity in human liver cancer stem cells epigenetically
Authors: Jiang Xiaoxue , Wang Liyan , Xie Sijie , Chen Yingjie , Song Shuting , Lu Yanan , Lu Dongdong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: MEG3 is down-regulated expression in several tumors and inhibits human tumorigenesis. But so far, the mechanism of MEG3 in tumorigenesis is still unclear. Methods: Gene infection, cellular and molecular technologies and tumorigenesis test in vitro and in vivo were performed,respectively.Results: our results indicate that MEG3 enhances the P53 expression by triggering the loading of P300 and RNA polymerase II onto its promoter regions dependent on HP1α. Moreover, MEG3 increases the methylation modification of histone H3 at the 27th lysine via P53. Furthermore, MEG3 inhibits the expression of TERT by increasing the H3K27me3 in TERT promoter regions. Thereby, MEG3 inhibits the activity of telomerase by reducing the binding of TERT to TERC. Furthermore, MEG3 also increases the expression of TERRA ,therefore, the interaction between TERC and TERT was competitively attenuated by increasing the interaction between TERRA and TERT, which inhibits the activity of telomerase in hLCSCs. Strikingly, MEG3 reduces the length of telomere by blocking the formation of complex maintaining telomere length(POT1-Exo1-TRF2-SNM1B) and decreasing the binding of the complex to telomere by increasing the interplay between P53 and HULC. Ultimately, MEG3 inhibits the growth of hLCSCs by reducing the activity of telomerase and attenuating telomeric repeat binding factor 2(TRF2). Conclusions: Our results demonstrates MEG3 inhibits the occurrence of human liver cancer by blocking telomere and these findings provide an important insight into the prevention and treatment of human liver cancer.
Accumulation of the delivered dose based on cone-beam CT and deformable image registration for non-small cell lung cancer treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang DaQuan , Lin MaoSheng , Lu ShiPei , Zhang Jun , Chen Li , Li QiWen , Cheng ZhangKai , Liu FangJie , Guo JinYu , Liu Hui , Qiu Bo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to quantify the dosimetric differences between the planned and delivered dose to tumor and normal organs in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LANSCLC) treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT), and to explore the necessity and identify optimal candidates for adaptive radiotherapy (ART). Methods: Twenty-seven patients with stage III NSCLC were enrolled. Planned radiation dose was 51Gy in 17 fractions with cone-beam CT (CBCT) acquired at each fraction. Virtual CT was generated by deformable image registration (DIR) of the planning CT to CBCT for dose calculation and accumulation. Dosimetric parameters were compared between original and accumulated plans using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Correlations between dosimetric differences and clinical variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test or Chi-square test.Results: Patients had varied gross tumor volume (GTV) reduction by HRT (median reduction rate 11.1% , range -2.9%-44.0%). The V 51 of planning target volume for GTV (PTV-GTV) was similar between original and accumulated plans (mean, 88.2% vs. 87.6%, p=0.452). Only 11.1% of patients had above 5% relative decrease in V 51 of PTV-GTV in accumulated plans. Compared to the original plan, limited increase (median relative increase <5%) was observed in doses of total lung (mean dose, V 20 and V 30 ), esophagus (mean dose, maximum dose) and heart (mean dose, V 30 and V 40 ) in accumulated plans. Less than 30% of patients had above 5% relative increase of lung or heart doses. Patients with quick tumor regression or baseline obstructive pneumonitis showed more notable increase in doses to normal structures. Patients with baseline obstructive atelectasis showed notable decrease (10.3%) in dose coverage of PTV-GTV. Conclusions: LANSCLC patients treated with HRT had sufficient tumor dose coverage and acceptable normal tissue dose deviation. ART should be applied in patients with quick tumor regression and baseline obstructive pneumonitis/atelectasis to spare more normal structures.
Expression and Prognostic Analyses of the Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 mRNA Binding Protein Family in Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Cui Xiao-Han , Hu Shu-Yi , Qin Xihu , Zhu Chun-Fu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite advances in early diagnosis and treatment, cancer remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein(IGF2BP) family has been reported to be involved in a variety of human malignant tumours. However, little is known about their expression and prognostic value in human pancreatic cancer. Therefore, we performed a detailed cancer versus normal differential analysis. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases were uesd to analyse the mRNA expression levels of the IGF2BP family in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Then, the LinkedOmics and GEPIA databases were used to assess the relation between the expression levels of IGF2BPs and overall survival (OS). Then, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed , and subgroups based on grade and stage were analysed. The signalling pathways associated with IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 were then investigated via gene set enrichment nalysis(GSEA). Results: IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 were associated with each subset of OS based on grade and stage. Further clinical correlation analysis of IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 confirmed that IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 are fundamental factors in promoting pancreatic cancer progression. Conclusion: IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 are key factors in promoting the progression of pancreatic cancer and are closely related to overall survival.
Sexual dimorphism in age-related changes in the expression of genes involved into regulation of calcium metabolism in aorta and myocardium of rats
Authors: Kozhevnikova Lubov , Sukhanova Irina , Semenova NP , Efimova Alena , Kryzhanovskii Sergey 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Age is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease development. Understanding of mechanism underlying the vascular and myocardial ageing is necessary both for prevention and for treatment of age-associated diseases. The research aimed to evaluate age-related changes in the transcriptional activity of genes involved in the regulation of Ca2 + signalling – IP3R, RyR, and modulators of their activity CaM and Epac in blood vessels and myocardium of rats of both sexes.Gene expression was evaluated according to the mRNA content of the test protein relative to the β-actin mRNA content. It is proven that rats of both sexes develop unidirectional changes in the expression of genes encoding IP3Rs and RyR2, and different ones in the expression of protein genes modulating their activity – CaM and Epac depending on the sex of animals. In the vessels of old rats (24 months) of both sexes the relative level of mRNA for IP3R type 2 and 3 was reduced and not changed for IP3R1, and significantly increased for RyR2 receptors compared to these indicators in young rats (4 months). In the aorta of old females the relative mRNA content for CaM and Epac1 was reduced and not changed for Epac2. On the contrary, the expression of Epac1 and Epac2 was increased by 67% and 50% respectively compared to similar indicators in young rats (4 months) and rests unchanged for CaM which indicates gender differences in the violation of subtle mechanisms for modulating the activity of RyR2 and IP3Rs in blood vessels. Old rats showed significant changes in myocardium. In older males, the expression of RyR2,IP3R1,2, 3 increases in the left ventricle, RyR2 and IP3R1 – in the left atrium, and RyR2 and IP3R3 – in the right atrium. Unlike males, the mRNA content for RyR2, IP3R1, 2, 3 was significantly lower in the left ventricle of females than in young animals. High levels of IP3R1 and IP3R3 expression were detected in the right atrium of senior females, and IP3R3 expression was detected in the left atrium. The expression of IP3R2 was unchanged in all parts of the female heart. In the myocardium of old rats of both sexes the expression of CaM and Epac2 proteins increased significantly. The revealed age differences in the transcriptional activity of genes involved in the regulation of intracellular Ca2 + signalling at the level of IP3Rs-and RyR2-mediated mechanisms suggest that with the increasing life expectancy males are significantly more likely to develop myocardial hypertrophy and heart rhythm disorders than females.