bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Escherichia coli σ70 promoters allow expression rate control at the cellular level in genome-integrated expression systems
Authors: Schuller Artur , Cserjan-Puschmann Monika , Tauer Christopher , Jarmer Johanna , Wagenknecht Martin , Reinisch Daniela , Grabherr Reingard , Striedner Gerald 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The genome-integrated T7 expression system offers significant advantages, in terms of productivity and product quality, even when expressing the gene of interest (GOI) from a single copy of. Compared to plasmid-based expression systems, this system does not incur a plasmid-mediated metabolic load, and it does not vary the dosage of the GOI during the production process. However, long-term production with T7 expression system leads to a rapidly growing non-producing population, because the T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) is prone to mutations. The present study aimed to investigate whether two σ 70 promoters, which were recognized by the Escherichia coli host RNAP, might be suitable in genome-integrated expression systems. We applied a promoter engineering strategy that allowed control of expressing the model protein, GFP, by introducing lac operators ( lacO ) into the constitutive T5 and A1 promoter sequences.Results We showed that, in genome-integrated E. coli expression systems that used σ 70 promoters, the number of lacO sites must be well balanced. Promoters containing three and two lacO sites exhibited low basal expression, but resulted in a complete stop in recombinant protein production in partially induced cultures. In contrast, expression systems regulated by a single lacO site and the lac repressor element, lacI Q , on the same chromosome caused very low basal expression, were highly efficient in recombinant protein production, and enables fine-tuning of gene expression levels on a cellular level.Conclusions Based on our results, we hypothesized that this phenomenon was associated with the autoregulation of the lac repressor protein, LacI. We reasoned that the affinity of LacI for the lacO sites of the GOI must be lower than the affinity of LacI to the lacO sites of the endogenous lac operon; otherwise, LacI autoregulation could not take place, and the lack of LacI autoregulation would lead to a disturbance in lac repressor-mediated regulation of transcription. By exploiting the mechanism of LacI autoregulation, we created a novel E. coli expression system for use in recombinant protein production, synthetic biology, and metabolic engineering applications.
Role of verbal and non-verbal communication of health care providers in general satisfaction with birth care: A cross-sectional study in government health settings of Erbil City, Iraq
Authors: Ahmed Hamdia Mirkhan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Effective communication by maternity care staff can help a woman during labor and birth have a positive birth experience. Nothing is known about this topic in Iraqi Kurdistan, therefore, this study assessed: 1) The level of women’s satisfaction regarding verbal and non-verbal communication of midwives and physicians in the delivery room and 2) the association between this satisfaction level and socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics of the women and their general satisfaction with care during labor and delivery.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenient sample of 1196 women recruited between January and March 2019 from Erbil city, Iraq, who gave birth in the last year. Data were collected from women through direct interview. A questionnaire which included sociodemographic, obstetrical information and 28 items related to verbal and non-verbal communication of physicians and midwives in the delivery room was used. Chi-square tests were used to find the association between dependent and independent variables.Results Although 58.4% of the women were generally satisfied with communication of midwives and physicians in the delivery room, a large percentage (41.6%) were not satisfied. Only 14.6% and 27.3% of the women were completely satisfied with verbal and non-verbal communication of health care providers, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between women’s satisfaction with care during labor and their satisfaction with health care providers’ communication; 70.4% of women who were satisfied with care during birth were also satisfied with the communication of delivery room staff. There were statistically significant associations between the satisfaction of women with the communication of midwives and physicians and their level of education, parity, having stillbirth or neonatal death, and the setting of the last delivery.Conclusions Women’s satisfaction with verbal and nonverbal communication of health care providers in the delivery room is associated with their satisfaction with birth care. Improving communication skills of health care providers can be a considerable part of improving care in delivery room.
Anti-tumor efficacy of CKD-516 in combination with radiation in xenograft lung cancer mouse model
Authors: Kim Min-Young , Shin Jung-Young , Kim Jeong-Oh , Son Kyoung-Hwa , Jung Chan-Kwon , Kang Jin-Hyoung 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of CKD-516 in combined with irradiation (IR) and examine tumor necrosis, delayed tumor growth, and expression of molecules involved in hypoxia and angiogenesis. Methods : A xenograft mouse model of lung cancer was established. The tumor was exposed to irradiation (IR) for 5 days per week. CKD-516 was administered with ​​two treatment schedules (day 1 or days 1 and 5) at one hour after IR. After the administration, tumor tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and pimonidazole. HIF1 , Glut-1, VEGF, CD31 and Ki-67 expression were evaluated by Immunohistochemical staining. Results: With short-term administration, IR and CKD-516+IR (d1) significantly reduced tumor size ( p = 0.0062 and p = 0.0051, respectively). CKD-516+IR groups were remarkably reduced blood vessels ( p < 0.005). In particular, CKD-516+IR (d1) resulted in the most extensive tumor necrosis, which was significantly increased with large hypoxic area ( p = 0.02) and decreased HIF1 , Glut-1, VEGF, and Ki-67 expressions. Long-term administration of CKD-516+IR reduced tumor size and delayed tumor growth. This combination also greatly reduced the number of blood vessels ( p = 0.0006) and significantly enhanced tumor necrosis ( p = 0.004). CKD-516+IR notably increased HIF1 expression ( p = 0.0047), but significantly diminished VEGF expression ( p = 0.0046). Conclusion: Taken together, our results demonstrate that CKD-516 in combination with IR can significantly enhance the anti-tumor efficacy compared to CKD-516 or IR alone in lung cancer xenograft mice. Keywords: Irradiation, Tumor necrosis, Hypoxia, Squamous cell carcinoma of lung, Xenograft mice
Malapposition of Graft-host Interface after Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) and Deep Anterior lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK): an optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Zhao Yujin , Zhuang Hong , Hong Jiaxu , Tian Lijia , Xu Jianjiang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Backgroud: Previous studies of internal graft-host malappositions have not dealt with the precise ways in which each malapposition affected post-penetrating keratoplasty (post-PK) visual outcomes. In this study, we reviewed our post-PK and post-deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (post-DALK) keratoconic patients and used anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) to evaluate the associations between graft-host interface (GHI) characteristics and visual outcomes. Methods: Novel GHI metrics included: mean graft-host touch (GHT), total prevalence of malapposition proportion (Pm), frequency of apposition (F), size of malapposition (Sm), junctional graft thickness (Tg),junctional host thickness (Th) and the absolute value of difference between Tg and Th (|Tg-Th|). We connected the external and internal junction points of GHI (GHT) and drew a straight line through the central point, perpendicular to both sides of the cornea. Tg and Th were the thicknesses at cross-points 1 mm away from the meeting point on the external side of the graft and host, respectively. Linear regression analysis was used to describe associations between GHI metrics and postsurgical visual outcomes [ logarithm of minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR BCVA), spherical equivalent diopter (SE), diopter of spherical power (DS), diopter of cylindrical power (DC) and keratometric astigmatism (Astig value)]. Results: We enrolled 22 post-PK and 23 post-DALK keratoconic patients. Compared with the regular-apposition results, GHT was decreased in step and gape patterns, and increased in hill and tag patterns. SE increased averagely by 6.851, 5.428 and 5.164 diopter per 1% increase in: F (step) [β=6.851; 95% Confidence interval (CI)=2.975-10.727; P=0.001]; F (graft step) [β=5.428; 95% CI=1.685-9.171; P=0.005]; and Pm [β=5.164; 95%CI=0.913-9.146; P=0.018], respectively. SE increased averagely by 0.31 diopter per 10-μm increment in |Tg-Th| [β=0.031; 95% CI=0.009-0.054; P=0.007]. LogMAR BCVA increased (on average) by 0.01 per 10-μm increment in both GHT [β=0.001; 95% CI=0-0.002; P=0.030]. and Tg [β=0.001; 95% CI=0.001-0.002; P=0.001]. Astig value increased on average by 0.17 diopter per 10-μm increment in Sm [β=0.017; 95% CI=0-0.033; P=0.047]. Conclusion: This investigation of GHI characteristics suggests explanations for varied ametropia in keratoconic eyes and has potential significance as a reference for promoting pre-surgical planning and technology for corneal transplantation.
Virtual Reality Social Prediction Improvement and Rehabilitation Intensive Training (VR-SPIRIT) for paediatric patients with congenital cerebellar diseases: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Butti Niccolò , Biffi Emilia , Genova Chiara , Romaniello Romina , Redaelli Davide Felice , Reni Gianluigi , Borgatti Renato , Urgesi Cosimo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background: Patients with cerebellar malformations exhibit not only movement problems, but also important deficits in social cognition. Thus, rehabilitation approaches should not only involve the recovery of motor function but also of higher-order abilities, such as processing of social stimuli. In keeping with the general role of the cerebellum in anticipating and predicting events, we used a VR-based rehabilitation system to implement a social cognition intensive training specifically tailored to improve predictive abilities in social scenarios (VR-Spirit).Methods: The study is an interventional randomized controlled trial that aims to recruit 42 children, adolescents and young adults with congenital cerebellar malformations, randomly allocated to the experimental or active control group. The experimental group is administered the VR-Spirit, requiring the participants to compete with different avatars in the reaching of recreational equipment and implicitly prompting them to form expectations about their playing preference. The active control group participates to a VR-training with standard games currently adopted for motor rehabilitation. Both trainings are composed by 8 45-minute sessions and are administered in the GRAIL VR-Lab (Motekforce Link, NL), an integrated platform that allows patients to move in natural and attractive VR environments. An evaluation session in VR with the same paradigm used in the VR-Spirit but implemented in a different scenario is administered at the beginning (T0) of the two trainings (T1) and at the end (T2). Moreover, a battery of neurocognitive tests spanning different domains are administered to all participants at T0, T2 and in a follow-up session after two months from the end of the two trainings (T3).Discussion: This study offers a novel approach for rehabilitation based on specific neural mechanisms of the cerebellum. We aim to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a new intensive social cognition training in a sample of Italian patients aged 7-25 years with congenital cerebellar malformations. We expect that VR-Spirit could enhance social prediction ability and indirectly improve cognitive performance in diverse domains. Moreover, through the comparison with a VR-active control training we aim to verify the specificity of VR-Spirit in improving social perception skills.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN 22332873. Retrospectively registered on 12 March 2018. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN22332873Keywords: Virtual reality; Social cognition training; Cerebellum; Paediatric patients; Rehabilitation; Grail.
GENERAL LINEAR MODEL: AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR ANALYSIS OF CLAIM SEVERITY IN MOTOR THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE
Authors: Šoltés Erik , Zelinová Silvia , Bilíková Mária 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The paper focuses on the analysis of claim severity in motor third party liability insurance under the general linear model. The general linear model combines the analyses of variance and regression and makes it possible to measure the influence of categorical factors as well as the numerical explanatory variables on the target variable. In the paper, simple, main and interaction effects of relevant factors have been quantified using estimated regression coefficients and least squares means. Statistical inferences about least-squares means are essential in creating tariff classes and uncovering the impact of categorical factors, so the authors used the LSMEANS, CONTRAST and ESTIMATE statements in the GLM procedure of the Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). The study was based on a set of anonymised data of an insurance company operating in Slovakia; however, because each insurance company has its own portfolio subject to changes over time, the results of this research will not apply to all insurance companies. In this context, the authors feel that what is most valuable in their work, is the demonstration of practical applications that could be used by actuaries to estimate both the claim severity and the claim frequency, and, consequently, to determine net premiums for motor insurance (regardless of whether for motor third party liability insurance or casco insurance
ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DO MODELO DE ATENÇÃO FARMACÊUTICA ENTRE BRASIL E CANADÁ
Authors: Da Rocha Junqueira Caroline , Portella Amanda Felipe , Deuschle Viviane Cecilia Kessler Nunes , Bortolotto Josiane Woutheres , Bonfanti Azzolin Gabriela 
Published: December 2019

Objetivo: Avaliar a metodologia de atenção farmacêutica canadense, e comparar com a metodologia brasileira, visando o aperfeiçoamento da atenção farmacêutica no Brasil. Métodos: Foram utilizados artigos já publicados disponíveis no Scielo, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Medline-Pubmed, bem como relatórios e materiais disponíveis nos sites dos órgãos reguladores da profissão farmacêutica de ambos os países. Resultados e discussão: O profissional farmacêutico brasileiro, quando comparado ao profissional canadense, não encontra uma legislação precisa que o oriente quanto a execução das atividades de atenção farmacêutica, não possui uma metodologia específica ou ainda uma estratégias de ação para a aplicação dessa atividade, e também carece de educação de qualidade para a execução da atenção farmacêutica. Conclusão: Para que haja um melhoramento na atenção farmacêutica do Brasil é necessária que haja a criação de uma legislação fortificada e metodologias de atenção farmacêutica voltadas a realidade do país.
Influences of natural and anthropogenic processes on the groundwater quality in the Dagujia River Basin in Yantai, China
Authors: Zhu Henghua , Zhou Jianwei , Song Tingting , Feng Haibo , Liu Zhizheng , Liu Hongwei , Ren Xiaohua 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Groundwater plays an important role in water supply and economic development for Yantai city, China. However, the groundwater quality has degraded due to the increase and expansion of agricultural and industrial development. It is urgent to acquire groundwater characteristics and distinguish impacts of natural factors and anthropogenic activities on the groundwater quality. Forty-six groundwater samples collected from different wells showed a great variation of chemical components across the study area. Most wells with higher total dissolved solids, total hardness, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl− and SO42− concentrations were located relatively close to the coastal zone. The factor analysis (FA) and hierarchical cluster analysis results displayed that seawater intrusion was the primary mechanism controlling the groundwater quality in the coastal areas. A three-factor model was proposed based on the FA and explained over 85% of the total groundwater quality variation: Factor 1, the seawater intrusion; Factor 2, the water–rock interaction and Factor 3 (NO3−), the human activities. Furthermore, the geographical maps of the factor scores clearly described the spatial distributions of wells affected by natural processes or human activities. The study indicated that both natural processes and human activities are the major factors affecting the chemical compositions of groundwater.
Integrated framework for assessing climate change impact on extreme rainfall and the urban drainage system
Authors: Lu Wei , Qin Xiaosheng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Urban areas are becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme storms and flash floods, which could be more damaging under climate change. This study presented an integrated framework for assessing climate change impact on extreme rainfall and urban drainage systems by incorporating a number of statistical and modelling techniques. Starting from synthetic future climate data generated by the stochastic weather generator, the simple scaling method and the Huff rainfall design were adopted for rainfall disaggregation and rainfall design. After having obtained 3-min level designed rainfall information, the urban hydrological model (i.e., Storm Water Management Model) was used to carry out the runoff analysis. A case study in a tropical city was used to demonstrate the proposed framework. Particularly, the impact of selecting different general circulation models and Huff distributions on future 1-h extreme rainfall and the performance of the urban drainage system were investigated. It was revealed that the proposed framework is flexible and easy to implement in generating temporally high-resolution rainfall data under climate model projections and offers a parsimonious way of assessing urban flood risks considering the uncertainty arising from climate change model projections, downscaling and rainfall design.
A Review on the Phytochemistry, Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacology of Borago Species
Authors: Ramezani Mahin , Amiri Mohammad S. , Zibaee Elaheh , Boghrati Zahra , Ayati Zahra , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Emami Seyed A. 
Published: December 2019

Ethnopharmacological Relevance:
Borago L., (family Boraginaceae) is a small genus of annual or
perennial herbs with branched flowers, which is commonly found in the Mediterranean region. Some species
known as Gavzabȃn in Asian and some African countries are traditionally used instead of Borago.

Aims of the Review:
The purpose of this study was to provide comprehensive scientific information on phytochemistry,
traditional uses and pharmacological activities of Borago species to provide an insight into further
research on the therapeutic potential of these plants. In many studies, it has been shown that different parts of
Borago species, including leaves, flowers, seeds, roots and aerial parts possess numerous ethnobotanical values.

Materials and Methods:
All ethnobotanical, phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical data were collected
from online journals, magazines and books (all of which were published in English, Arabic, and Persian) from
1968 to 2018. Electronic databases such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Researchgate, and
other online collections were used.

Results:
The phytochemical studies on five species showed a wide range of phytochemicals belonging to different
classes of secondary metabolites. From a pharmacological point of view, different extracts and fractions,
essential oils, and pure compounds isolated from various Borago species have shown diverse activities in in vitro,
in vivo, and clinical studies confirming various traditional uses of Borago genus.

Conclusions:
Considering the reported activities of the Borago genus both in traditional and modern medicine,
further studies on biological aspects and identification of the mechanism of action for drug discovery are highly
required.
The “Gene Cube”: A Novel Approach to Three-dimensional Clustering of Gene Expression Data
Authors: Lambrou George I. , Sdraka Maria , Koutsouris Dimitrios 
Published: December 2019

Background:A very popular technique for isolating significant genes from cancerous tissues is the application of various clustering algorithms on data obtained by DNA microarray experiments.Aim:The objective of the present work is to take into consideration the chromosomal identity of every gene before the clustering, by creating a three-dimensional structure of the form Chromosomes×Genes×Samples. Further on, the k-Means algorithm and a triclustering technique called δ- TRIMAX, are applied independently on the structure.Materials and Methods:The present algorithm was developed using the Python programming language (v. 3.5.1). For this work, we used two distinct public datasets containing healthy control samples and tissue samples from bladder cancer patients. Background correction was performed by subtracting the median global background from the median local Background from the signal intensity. The quantile normalization method has been applied for sample normalization. Three known algorithms have been applied for testing the “gene cube”, a classical k-means, a transformed 3D k-means and the δ-TRIMAX.Results:Our proposed data structure consists of a 3D matrix of the form Chromosomes×Genes×Samples. Clustering analysis of that structure manifested very good results as we were able to identify gene expression patterns among samples, genes and chromosomes. Discussion: to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such a structure is reported and it consists of a useful tool towards gene classification from high-throughput gene expression experiments.Conclusion:Such approaches could prove useful towards the understanding of disease mechanics and tumors in particular.