bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life and Mental Health in Iranian Transgender Women: Socio-Demographic Differences
Authors: Nematollahi Azar , Gharibzadeh Safoora , Farnam Farnaz 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Mental health issues and quality of life are among the important items of the general health in all people, and especially in transgender people. The present study aimed to assess the quality of life, depression, anxiety, and stress in transgender women and determine the factors contributing to them. Methods: A cross-sectional study on 127 Iranian transgender women was performed from August 2019 to April 2020 using a convenience sampling method. The quality of life (QOL) was determined by using the WHO questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The DASS-21 questionnaire was employed to evaluate the anxiety, depression, and stress in the subjects. Results: 48% of the individuals had a moderate QOL. The highest score achieved in the physical health dimension, and the lowest score in the social relationships dimension. Depression, anxiety, and stress were severe and extremely severe in 22%, 20.4%, and 17.3% of the subjects. A significant relationship was observed between the overall perception of QOL and depression, anxiety, and stress (p <0.001).A significant positive association between the subscales of QOL and education and favorable economic status were observed among transgender women. Also, a significant negative correlation existed between the subscales of QOL with age and sexual violence. Regarding mental health, education had a significant relationship with reduced stress and anxiety, and favorable economic status had a significant relationship with reduced depression, while sexual violence was associated with increased stress in the individuals.Conclusion: The study results show that change in some modifiable variables such as education can improve transgender women’s quality of life and mental health by improving economic status. Moreover, there is also a strong need for developing sexual violence prevention services regarding its considerable effects on mental health and quality of life.
Genome-Wide Association Study on Blood Pressure Traits in the Iranian Population Suggests ZBED9 as A New Locus for Hypertension.
Authors: Kolifarhood Goodarz , Sabour Siamak , Akbarzadeh Mahdi , Sedaghati-khayat Bahareh , Guity Kamran , Dehkordi Saeid Rasekhi , Roudbar Mahmoud Amiri , Hadaegh Farzad , Azizi Fereidoun , Daneshpour Maryam 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
High blood pressure is the heritable risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Genome-wide association studies(GWAS) on blood pressure traits increase our understanding of its underlying genetic basis. However, a large proportion of GWAS was conducted in Europeans, and some roadblocks deprive other populations to benefit from their results. Iranians population with a high degree of genomic specificity has not been represented in international databases to date, so to fill the gap, we explored the effects of 652,919 genomic variants on Systolic Blood Pressure(SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure(DBP), and Hypertension(HTN) in 7,694 Iranian adults aged 18 and over from Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study(TCGS). We identified consistent signals on ZBED9 associated with HTN in the genome-wide borderline threshold after adjusting for two different sets of environmental predictors(P value=2.21×10-7). Moreover, strong signals on ABHD17C and suggestive signals on FBN1 were detected for DBP and SBP, respectively, while these signals were not consistent in different GWA analysis. Our finding on ZBED9 was confirmed for all BP traits by linkage analysis in an independent sample. Although there is no strong evidence to support the function of ZBED9 in blood pressure regulation, it provides new insight into the pleiotropic effects of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
Does Conservative Kidney Management Offer A quantity or Quality of Life Benefit Compared to Dialysis? A Systematic Review
Authors: Buur Louise , Madsen Jens , Eidemak Inge , Krarup Elizabeth , Lauridsen Thomas , Taasti Lena , Finderup Jeanette 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD5) collaborate with their clinicians when choosing their future treatment modality. Most elderly patients with CKD5 may only have two treatment options: dialysis or conservative kidney management (CKM). The objective of this systematic review is to investigate whether CKM offers a quantity or quality of life benefit compared to dialysis for some patients with CKD5.Methods The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies comparing patients with CKD5 treated with CKM or dialysis. The primary outcomes were survival and quality of life (QoL). Hospitalization, symptom burden, and place of death were secondary outcomes. For studies reporting hazard ratios, pooled values were calculated and forest plots conducted.Results Twenty-four primary studies, all observational, were identified. All studies except one reported shorter survival in patients treated with CKM (pooled hazard ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.41-0.69). For patients aged ≥ 80 years and for elderly individuals with comorbidities, results were ambiguous. In most studies, CKM seemed advantageous for QoL and secondary outcomes. Findings were limited by the heterogeneity of studies and biased outcomes favouring dialysis.Conclusions In general, patients with CKD5 live for a shorter time on CKM than on dialysis. In patients aged ≥ 80 years old, and in elderly individuals with comorbidities, the survival benefits of dialysis seem to be lost. Regarding QoL, symptom burden, hospitalization, and place of death, CKM may have advantages. Higher quality studies are needed to guide patients and clinicians in the decision-making process.
Nickel-Catalyzed Deaminative Sonogashira Coupling of Alkylpyridinium Salts Enabled by a New NN2 Pincer Ligand
Authors: Zhang Xingjie , Qi Di , Jiao Chenchen , Liu Xiaopan , Zhang Guisheng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Alkynes are amongst the most valuable functional groups in organic chemistry and widely used in chemical biology, pharmacy, and materials science. However, the preparation of alkyl-substituted alkynes still remains elusive. Herein, a novel transformation is disclosed that enables the coupling of terminal alkynes with alkylpyridinium salts under Ni-catalysis. Key to the success of this coupling was the development of a new and readily accessible amide-type pincer ligand. This ligand allows naturally abundant alkyl amines as alkylating agents in Sonogashira reactions for the first time, and leads to diverse alkynes in excellent yields under mild conditions. Salient merits of this chemistry include broad substrates scope and functional group tolerance, gram-scale synthesis, one-pot transformation, versatile late-stage derivatizations as well as the use of inexpensive pre-catalyst and readily available substrates. The high efficiency and strong practicability bode well for the widespread applications of this strategy in constructing functional molecules, materials, and fine chemicals.
Echocardiographic Myocardial Strain Analysis Describes Subclinical Cardiac Dysfunction after Craniospinal Irradiation in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients with Central Nervous System Tumors
Authors: Ryan Thomas D , Martinez Hugo R. , Salloum Ralph , Wright Erin , Bueche Lauren , Khoury Philip R. , Tretter Justin T. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) is part of the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) tumors and is associated with cardiovascular disease in adults. Global myocardial strain analysis including longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS), circumferential peak systolic strain (GCS) and radial peak systolic strain (GRS) can reveal subclinical cardiac dysfunction.Methods: Retrospective, single-center study in patients managed with CSI vs. age-matched controls. Clinical data and echocardiography, including myocardial strain analysis, were collected at early (<12 months) and late ( 12 months) after completion of CSI.Results: Echocardiograms were available in 20 early and 34 late patients. Patients at the late time point were older (21.7±10.4 vs. 13.3 9.6 years), and further out from CSI (13.1±8.8 vs. 0.2±0.3 years). Standard echocardiographic parameters were normal for all subjects. For the early time, CSI vs. control: GLS was -16.8 3.6% vs. -21.3 4.0% (p=0.0002), GCS was -22.5 5.2% vs. -21.3 3.4% (p=0.28), and GRS was 21.8 11.0% vs. 26.9 7.7% (p=0.07). At the late time point, CSI vs. control: GLS was -16.2 5.4% vs. -21.6 3.7% (p<0.0001), GCS was -20.9 6.8% vs. -21.9 3.5% (p=0.42), and GRS was 22.5 10.0% vs. 27.3 8.3% (p=0.03). Radiation type (proton vs. photon), and radiation dose (<30 Gy vs. 30 Gy) did not impact any parameter.Conclusions: Subclinical cardiac systolic dysfunction by GLS is present both early and late after CSI. These results argue for inclusion of baseline cardiovascular assessment and early initiation of longitudinal follow-up post CSI.
Mining of Cyanobacterial Genomes Indicates That Plasmids Are Involved in the Production of Natural Products
Authors: Popin Rafael , Alvarenga Danillo , Castelo-Branco Raquel , Fewer David , Sivonen Kaarina 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Microbial natural products have unique chemical structures and diverse biological activities. Cyanobacteria commonly possess a wide range of biosynthetic gene clusters to produce natural products. Several studies have mapped the distribution of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters in cyanobacterial genomes. However, little attention has been paid to natural product biosynthesis in plasmids. Some genes encoding cyanobacterial natural product biosynthetic pathways are believed to be dispersed by plasmids through horizontal gene transfer. Thus, we examined complete cyanobacterial genomes to assess if plasmids are involved in the production and dissemination of natural products by cyanobacteria.Results The 185 analyzed genomes possessed 1 to 42 gene clusters and an average of 10. In total, 1816 biosynthetic gene clusters were found. Approximately 95% of these clusters were present in chromosomes. The remaining 5% were present in plasmids, from which homologs of the biosynthetic pathways for aeruginosin, anabaenopeptin, ambiguine, cryptophycin, hassallidin, geosmin, and microcystin were manually curated. The cryptophycin pathway was previously described as active while the other gene cluster include all genes for biosynthesis. Approximately 12% of the 424 analyzed cyanobacterial plasmids contained homologs of genes involved in conjugation. Large plasmids, previously named as “chromids”, were also observed to be widespread in cyanobacteria. Sixteen cryptic natural product biosynthetic gene clusters and geosmin biosynthetic gene clusters were located in those mobile plasmids.Conclusion Homologues of genes involved in the production of toxins, protease inhibitors, odorous compounds, antimicrobials, antitumorals, and other unidentified natural products are located in cyanobacterial plasmids. Some of these plasmids are predicted to be conjugative. The present study provides in silico evidence that plasmids are involved in the distribution of natural product biosynthetic pathways in cyanobacteria.
Reconsider the shear paradigm - stirring and aeration strategies in cell culture processes
Authors: Strobl Florian , Dürkop Mark , Palmberger Dieter , Striedner Gerald 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Multicellular organisms cultivated in continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs), are more sensitive to the environmental conditions prevalent in suspension culture than to bacteria. Stirring, mandatory for efficiently providing oxygen and simultaneously preventing concentration gradients, is a major shear source. The primary approach for reducing shear-associated cell damage is to employ unique impeller designs, combined with slow stirring speeds, to maintain efficient mixing and aeration. Here, we characterized the shear resistance of insect and CHO cells in suspension. We applied a microfluidic device that allows defined variations in shear rates, and both cell lines displayed resistance to shear rates up to 8.73 × 105 s − 1. The unexpectedly high shear resistance of these cells made it possible to design new cultivation strategies, diametric to state-of-the-art strategies. We applied Rushton turbine-powered CSTRs, typically employed in microbial processes, to both cell cultures, at high revolution speeds and low aeration rates. With this strategy, we significantly reduced aeration and foam formation, and it was no longer necessary to add pure oxygen to ensure efficient aeration. This novel cultivation approach can eliminate a number of existing bottlenecks in state-of-the-art cell culture processes and provide a wide range of possibilities for developing highly efficient, robust next generation cell culture processes.
The pan-cancer lncRNA PLANE regulates an alternative splicing program to promote cancer pathogenesis
Authors: Teng Liu , Feng Yu Chen , Guo Su Tang , Wang Pei Lin , Wang Shi Xing , Zhang Sheng Nan , Qi Teng Fei , La Ting , Zhang Yuan Yuan , Zhao Xiao Hong , Zhang Didi , Wang Jenny Y , Shi Yujie , Li Jin Ming , Cao Huixia , Liu Tao , Thorne Rick F. , Jin Lei , Shao Feng-Min , Zhang Xu Dong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Genomic amplification of the distal portion of chromosome 3q, which encodes a number of oncogenic proteins, is one of the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities in malignancy. Here we functionally characterise a non-protein product of the 3q region, the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) PLANE, which is upregulated in diverse cancer types through copy number gain as well as E2F1-mediated transcriptional activation. PLANE forms an RNA-RNA duplex with the nuclear receptor co-repressor 2 (NCOR2) pre-mRNA at intron 45, binds to heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein M (hnRNPM) and facilitates the association of hnRNPM with the intron, thus leading to repression of the alternative splicing (AS) event generating NCOR2-202, a major protein-coding NCOR2 AS variant. In consequence, PLANE promotes cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenicity and its upregulation is associated with poor patient outcomes. These results uncover the function and regulation of PLANE and suggest that PLANE may constitute a therapeutic target in the pan-cancer context.
Low NOX1 Expression in the Cytoplasm of GISTs Correlates with Poor Prognosis
Authors: Wang Wei , You Wenjun , Huang Fang , He Xin , Yuan Ao , Zhu Huijun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the expression effect and biological significance of NADPH oxidase l (NOX1) on the growth of human Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) at a protein level and the correlation between its expression level and patient prognosis.Methods: We enrolled a total of 146 patients confirmed by histopathology to be GIST tumors. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) analysis with GIST tissue microarray was used to assess NOXl level. The relativity study between NOXl expression level and GIST patient prognosis was evaluated. NOX1 mRNA expression was subsequently demonstrated using online database Oncomine.Results: Significance association with mitotic index (χ2 = 9.476, p = 0.009) and grade (χ2 = 11.392, p = 0.010) was observed for low NOX1 cytoplasm staining of GIST cells and poor performance status in 78 of 146 (53.42%) GIST tissues, while for GIST patients with high expression of NOX1, there was no significant survival difference in disease progression. By univariate analysis, prognosis of GIST patients for overall survival (OS) rates were significantly positively correlated with NOX1 expression level (χ2 = 2.429, p = 0.014), tumor diameter (χ2 = 2.048, p = 0.004), mitotic index (χ2 = 2.665, p < 0.001), and grade (χ2 = 3.162, p = 0.001). Moreover, multivariate analyses demonstrated that low cytoplasm expression of NOX1 (χ2 = 2.144, p = 0.046) and mitotic index (χ2 = 2.513, p = 0.001) were striking related with OS rates, the difference was statistically significant. Kaplan-Meier survival curves further exhibited that low NOX1 cytoplasm expression and advanced mitotic index had a more unfavorable prognosis in GIST patients.Conclusion: These conclusions indicate that the degree of malignancy of GIST patients is closely related to NOX1 cytoplasm expression and mitotic index, both of which may be taken as an important role in the occurrence and development of GIST. It may act as an unfavorable predictive marker, indicating a new approach of gene therapy for GIST.
Restoring a Butterfly Hot Spot by Large Ungulates Refaunation: The Case of the Milovice Military Training Range, Czech Republic
Authors: Konvicka Martin , Ričl David , Vodičková Veronika , Beneš Jiří , Jirků Miloslav 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Refaunation/rewilding by large ungulates represents a cost-efficient approach to managing natural biotopes and may be particularly useful for areas whose biodiversity depends on disturbance dynamics and is imperilled by successional changes. To study impacts of refaunation on invertebrates, we focused on butterflies inhabiting the former military training range Milovice, Czech Republic, refaunated since 2015 by a combination of Exmoor pony (“wild” horse), Tauros cattle (“aurochs”), and European wisent.Methods: We compared butterfly presence-absence patterns immediately after the military use termination (early 1990s), prior to the refaunation (2009), and after it (2016–19); and abundance data gained by monitoring butterflies at refaunated and neglected plots. We used correspondence analysis for presence-absence comparison and canonical correspondence analysis for quantitative data, and related results of both ordination methods to the life history, climatic, and conservation-related traits of recorded butterflies. Results: Following the termination of military use, several poorly mobile species inclining towards oceanic climates were lost. Newly gained species are more mobile and prefer warmer continental conditions. The numbers of butterfly species did not differ between refaunated and neglected plots, but the former hosted higher abundances. Butterflies developing on coarse grasses and shrubs inclined towards neglected plots, whereas refaunated plots supported species developing on small forbs. Conclusion: The changes in species composition following the cessation of military use were attributable to successional change, coupled with climate-driven changes in species pool. By blocking succession, large ungulates support butterflies depending on competitively poor plants. Restoring large ungulates populations represents a great hope for conserving specialised insects, provided that settings of the projects, and locally adapted ungulate densities, do not deplete resources for species with often contrasting requirements.
Combined Treatment With Prednisone and Bromocriptine Does Not Influence the Pregnancy Outcome in Fresh Embryo Transfer Cycles: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Tao , Mu Xin , Qin Chun-rong , Xia Yan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a severe complication for infertile patients undergoing assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatment. Bromocriptine and prednisone are often used for treating OHSS. This study aimed to evaluate whether combined treatment with prednisone and bromocriptine can reduce the risk of OHSS and influence pregnancy outcomes in fresh embryo transfer cycles.Methods: This retrospective study recruited infertile patients undergoing assisted reproduction techniques. We included 4,114 cycles of infertile patients who underwent IVF or ICSI treatment between January 2014 and May 2017 and divided them into two groups: the combined-treatment group and the single-treatment group.Results: The OHSS cancellation rates in the combined- and single-treatment (control) groups were 31.50% and 40.88%, respectively. There was a significant reduction in the OHSS cancellation rate between the combined- and single-treatment groups (P<0.001). Single- and double-embryo transfers were completed in 350 and 495 cycles, respectively, in the combined-treatment group and in 227 and 517 cycles, respectively, in the single-treatment group (P<0.001). The total number of successful embryo implantation was significantly different between the combined-treatment group (509 cycles, 40.88%) and single-treatment groups (442 cycles, 38.30%) (P=0.012). There was no statistically significant difference in the clinical pregnancy (P=0.492), miscarriage (P=0.792), ongoing pregnancy (P=0.719), live birth (P=0.295), congenital abnormality (P=0.081), and ectopic pregnancy occurrence rates (P=0.649) between the combined- and single-treatment groups.Conclusion: Compared with bromocriptine alone, combined treatment with bromocriptine and prednisone can better reduce the OHSS occurrence rate and does not affect the pregnancy outcomes in fresh embryo transfer cycles.
Clinical Features and Management of Oral Nonodontogenic Masses in Children
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhou Qiongqiong , Shen Weimin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: There are numerous clinical reports of oral tumors in children. However, the clinical features and management of oral nonodontogenic masses in children were rare reported. The aim of this article is to present a large series of oral nonodontogenic masses in children, analyzing the clinical characteristics of such masses and reviewing the relevant procedures for treatment.Methods: We conducted an observational retrospective study, reviewing medical records of 171 patients who were treated for oral nonodontogenic masses between 2014 and 2019 at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Data collected included age, gender, site, pathologic diagnosis and treatment strategy.Results: All patients were hospitalized in our department. Of the 171 cases, all of them were benign, however, only 1 case diagnosed as inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor showed a malignant process. The most frequent type was hemangioma (63.7%), followed by lymphangioma (16.4%), ranula (7.6%). The most common location of oral masses in the buccal mucosa. The second common location was in tongue. 16 cases of hemangioma were located in two or more sites in cavity. And 29 patients (26.6%) of hemangioma and 11 patients (39.3%) lymphangioma of were found other extraoral lesions. With regard to some cases of hemangioma, the other patients commonly undergone surgical resections or sclerotherapy. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 5 years. The recurrence rate of hemangioma and lymphangioma were 8.3%, 17.9%, respectively.Conclusion: Most of oral nonodontogenic masses are benign, few oral masses are malignant or mimic a malignant process. Surgical resections are the most common treatment with excellent success.
The Role of Dislocation-solute Interactions on the Creep Behaviour of Binary Mg-RE Alloys
Authors: Li Jing , Wu Jialin , Jin Li , Celikin Mert , Wang Fenghua , Dong Shuai , Dong Jie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The effect of dislocation-RE atoms interactions on the creep behaviour has been studied via creep testing and HAADF-STEM analysis of two extruded alloys; Mg-0.5Ce and Mg-2Gd (wt.%). Almost no Ce atoms are detected in the Mg matrix due to the low solid solubility in as-extruded condition. However, Gd solute segregations are observed along dislocations and hexagonal dislocation patterns. Such segregations can not only pin the dislocation motion and enhance the creep strengthening via dislocation patterns, but also lead to dynamic precipitation. Thus, combing with the stress exponent values, the transition of creep mechanism between Mg-0.5Ce alloys and Mg-2Gd alloys has been found and dislocation-Gd atoms interactions are determined to be the main factor for superior creep resistance of Mg-2Gd alloys.