bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Four Metastasis-Related mRNAs Signature Predicting the Survival of Patients With Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: chen chao , Qiu ShiXiang , Li Ya , Liu YanQun , Liu Kang , Zhong LiMing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Backgrounds: Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is one of the most malignant tumors, of which prognosis is unsatisfactory in most cases and metastatic of LIHC often results in poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to construct a metastasis- related mRNAs prognostic model to increase the accuracy of prediction of LIHC prognosis.Methods: 374 LIHC samples and 50 normal samples were downloaded from TCGA database, involving transcriptomic and clinical data. Metastatic-related genes were acquired from HCMBD website at the same time. 343 samples were randomly divided into train dataset and test dataset with a proportion of 1:1 by using caret package in R. Kaplan-Meier method and univariate Cox regression analysis and lasso regression analysis were performed to obtain metastasis-related mRNAs which played significant roles in prognosis. Then, using multivariate Cox regression analysis, a prognostic prediction model was established. Transcriptome and clinical data were combined to construct a prognostic model and a nomogram for OS evaluation. Functional enrichment in high- and low-risk groups were also analyzed by GSEA. An entire set was applied to verify the model.Results: 1895 metastasis-related mRNAs were screened and 8mRNAs were associated with prognosis. The overall survival (OS)-related prognostic model which was constructed based on 4 MRGs (MMP1, SPP1, STC2, CDCA8) significantly stratified LIHC patients into high- and low-risk groups. The AUC values of the 4-gene prognostic signature at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 0.807,0.729 and 0.673. A risk score based on the signature was a significantly independent prognostic factor (HR=1.295; 95%CI=1.167-1.436; P<0.001) for LIHC patients. A nomogram which incorporated the 4-gene signature and clinical features was also built for prognostic prediction. GSEA results that low- and high-risk group had an obviously difference in part of pathways. The value of this model was validated in test dataset and entire set.Conclusion: Metastasis-related mRNAs prognostic model was verified that it had a predictable value on the prognosis of LIHC, which could be helpful for gene targeted therapy.
A Randomised Controlled Trial of Interventions for Taxane-Induced Nail Toxicity in Women with Early Breast cancer
Authors: Morrison Audrey , Marshall-McKenna Rebecca , McFadyen Angus K , Hutchison Cathy , Rice Ann Marie , Stirling Lynne , McIlroy Pauline , MacPherson Iain R 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose Onycholysis and paronychia has been associated with chemotherapy treatment for women with breast cancer. Our primary aim was to investigate the effectiveness of different topical interventions to ameliorate nail toxicity. Secondary aims were to explore the full range and severity of possible nail changes associated with taxane-based chemotherapy and the specific impact this had on quality of life, using two novel measures. Methods This was an exploratory randomised controlled trial of three topical interventions (standard care, nail polish or specialist nail drops) for the prevention or reduction of nail changes induced by taxane-based chemotherapy. Outcomes included nail toxicity assessed at three time points (baseline, 3 weeks and 3 months post completion of chemotherapy) using two novel clinical tools (NToX-G12, NToX-QoL) and the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v3) and EQ-5D-5L.Results A total of 105 women were recruited (35 in each arm) and monitored up to three months post completion of chemotherapy. Almost 20% of patients were over the age of 60 years. There were 26 withdrawals, the majority from the nail polish arm. Residual Maximum Likelihood REML analysis indicated a significant arm, time and interaction effect for each intervention (p<0.001). Less nail toxicity was observed in patients receiving specialist nail drops or standard care arms in comparison to those using nail polish.﻿Conclusion This study provides evidence to support clinicians’ suggestions on nail care recommendations based on the patients’ needs and preferences. Future investigations into comparing or combining cryotherapy and topical solutions that can support patient’s decisions are warranted.
Unsupervised Deep Learning for Binary Offloading in Mobile Edge Computation Network
Authors: Chen Xue , Xu Hongbo , Zhang Guoping , Chen Yun , Li Ruijie 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Mobile edge computation (MEC) is a potential technology to reduce the energy consumption and task execution delay for tackling computation-intensive tasks on mobile device (MD). The resource allocation of MEC is an optimization problem, however, the existing large amount of computation may hinder its practical application. In this work, we propose a multiuser MEC framework based on unsupervised deep learning (DL) to reduce energy consumption and computation by offloading tasks to edge servers. The binary offloading decision and resource allocation are jointly optimized to minimize energy consumption of MDs under latency constraint and transmit power constraint. This joint optimization problem is a mixed integer nonconvex problem which result in the gradient vanishing problem in backpropagation. To address this, we propose a novel binary computation offloading scheme (BCOS), in which a deep neural network (DNN) with an auxiliary network is designed. By using the auxiliary network as a teacher network, the student network can obtain the lossless gradient information in joint training phase. As a result, the sub-optimal solution of the optimization problem can be acquired by the learning-based BCOS. Simulation results demonstrate that the BCOS is effective to solve the binary offloading problem by the trained network with low complexity.
Earthquake Vulnerability Mapping using Binary Comparison Matrix and Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) in Lalmatia, Dhaka
Authors: Shawon Tanzila Aktar , Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Ahmmed Md. Zibon , Mahmud Md. Akter 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
From the historical records, geological evident and recent trends in earthquake, it is evident that Bangladesh is in a high-risk zone of earthquake hazard. The recent results of the CDMP, if a huge earthquake greater or equal to seven magnitude happened in this country, would lead to a serious human tragedy due to the defective structure. In Lalmatia, Dhaka study area there are various types of structures as like as RCC, masonry, semi-pucca etc. and the area has different old and newly filled soil development. This study considered the characteristics of RCC building elements and their behaviors to assess the risk against earthquake vulnerability in Lalmatia using the Turkish method. Next building vulnerability from Turkish Method used as one total vulnerability factor. In the method of this research, a pair wise comparison matrix for a numerical relationship between two elements and the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) model has been applied to decide in weight and to get rank of the vulnerability factors. By weighted sum vector among the six factors and calculating vulnerability index (VI), the overall vulnerability were identified in Lalmatia. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) and defining an ordinal scale of calculated result, the vulnerability status of single buildings of the study area is presented here. This research tells that 8.23% buildings are highly vulnerable and 14.24% buildings are moderately vulnerable to earthquake. About 77.53% buildings are less vulnerable. As the study area is in a major urban center (Dhaka City), the scenario of unplanned urbanization increases the overall vulnerability to higher scale.
Correlation between medical student empathy and a Korean nationwide comprehensive clinical assessment score at a medical school in Korea
Authors: Jung Min Kyu , Yeo Sanghee , Lee Won Kee 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Empathy represents the ability to understand and communicate a patient’s situation, perspective, and feelings and, when demonstrated by healthcare professionals, can increase patient adherence, satisfaction, and treatment outcomes. Empathic students have stronger affective skills and can acquire, develop, reinforce, and display strong affective behaviors, abilities, and attitudes.Methods We measured student empathy using the Student Version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE-S) and assessed 3-year sequential clinical comprehensive assessment scores conducted by the Korean Medical Education Assessment Corporation to determine the relationship between JSE-S and clinical comprehensive assessment scores.Results This study population comprised 80 males (74%) and 28 females (26%). Thirty-eight students (35%) wanted to be private physicians and 62 (57%) attending faculty. Medical fields were common future majors for 58 students (54%). Surgical fields were considered by 40 students (37%). However, no significant differences in Korean JSE-S were observed according to medical student gender, career aspirations, or future major fields.
The genetic variants of LINC-PINT are related to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility in Chinese population
Authors: Xue Jincai , Dong Fang , Wang Tianchang , Liu Qinjiang , Wang Jun , Su Haixiang , Tian Youxin , Ni Yaqiong , Wang Yunsheng , Guan Quanlin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most leading incident tumor worldwide. Genetic factors act crucial role in the HNSCC progression. Our study is intent to explore the correlation of LINC-PINT polymorphism with the risk of HNSCC in Chinese population.Methods: The case-control study (including 537 HNSCC cases and 533 controls) was performed to determine the relationship between LINC-PINT polymorphisms and HNSCC susceptibility. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the associations.Results: The current study indicated that rs157916 and rs7781295 in the LINC-PINT gene have a strong significant correlation with HNSCC risk (OR 1.32, p = 0.042; OR 1.31, p = 0.016). Stratification analyses showed that rs157916 is related to the increased risk of HNSCC in age ≤ 46 years (OR 1.56, p = 0.029). Rs157916, rs16873842, rs7801029, and rs7781295 exhibited an enhanced risk of HNSCC in men (OR 1.82, p = 0.004; OR 1.61, p = 0.028; OR 1.53, p = 0.047; OR 1.62, p = 0.021). Besides, we found that rs16873842 significantly increased the risk of Nasopharyngeal SCC (OR 4.04, p = 0.015). Rs157916 (OR 1.39, p = 0.028) and rs7781295 (OR 1.30, p = 0.028) had a high susceptibility to Thyroid SCC.Conclusions: This research indicated that polymorphisms in the LINC-PINT gene are significantly associated with an increased susceptibility to HNSCC, which suggest that LINC-PINT polymorphisms have a significant role in prevention and diagnosis of HNSCC.
Genome sequences of human cytomegalovirus strain TB40/E variants propagated in fibroblasts and epithelial cells
Authors: Qaffas Ahmed Al , Camiolo Salvatore , Vo Mai , Aguiar Alexis , Ourahmane Amine , Sorono Myrna , Davison Andrew J , Mcvoy Michael A , Hertel Laura 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The advent of whole genome sequencing has revealed that common laboratory strains of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) have major genetic deficiencies resulting from serial passage in fibroblasts. In particular, tropism for epithelial and endothelial cells is lost due to mutations disrupting genes UL128, UL130, or UL131A, which encode subunits of a virion-associated pentameric complex (PC) important for viral entry into these cells but not for entry into fibroblasts. The endothelial cell-adapted strain TB40/E has a relatively intact genome and has emerged as a laboratory strain that closely resembles wild-type virus. However, several heterogeneous TB40/E stocks and cloned variants exist that display a range of sequence and tropism properties. Here, we report the use of PacBio sequencing to elucidate the genetic changes that occurred, both at the consensus level and within subpopulations, upon passaging a TB40/E stock on ARPE-19 epithelial cells. The long-read data also facilitated examination of the linkage between mutations. Consistent with inefficient ARPE-19 cell entry, at least 83% of viral genomes present before adaptation contained changes impacting PC subunits. In contrast, and consistent with the importance of the PC for entry into endothelial and epithelial cells, genomes after adaptation lacked these or additional mutations impacting PC subunits. The sequence data also revealed six single noncoding substitutions in the inverted repeat regions, single nonsynonymous substitutions in genes UL26, UL69, US28, and UL122, and a frameshift truncating gene UL141. Among the changes affecting protein-coding regions, only the one in UL122 was strongly selected. This change, resulting in a D390H substitution in the encoded protein IE2, has been previously implicated in rendering another viral protein, UL84, essential for viral replication in fibroblasts. This finding suggests that IE2, and perhaps its interactions with UL84, have important functions unique to HCMV replication in epithelial cells.
The Impact of Long-COVID on Functioning – Results from a Community Survey in Patients After Mild and Moderate SARS-CoV-2-Infection in Germany
Authors: Lemhöfer Christina , Sturm Christian , Loudovici-Krug Dana , Best Norman , Gutenbrunner Christoph 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn COVID-19 survivors a relatively high number of long-term symptoms have been observed. Besides impact on quality of life, these symptom (now called long-COVID) may have an impact on functioning and my hinder affected people to participate in social life. However, little is known if and to what extent patients with mild and moderate COVID-19 who did not need hospitalization or intensive care develop such a syndrome.MethodsA cross-sectional study in 1027 patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 has been performed in two communities in Bavaria, Germany. The Rehabilitation-Needs-Survey (RehabNeS) that includes Short Form 36 health questionnaire (SF-36) on health-related quality of life, was performed. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results97.5 % of patients reported one symptom in infection phase such as fatigue, respiratory problems, limitations of the sense of taste and smell, as well as fear and anxiety and other symptoms. In this phase 84.1% of participants experienced activity limitations and participation restrictions such as carrying out daily routine, handling stress, getting household tasks done, care/support for others, and relaxing and leisure.61.9% of participants reported persisting symptoms after more than 3 months after infection. These were among others fatigue, sleep disturbances, respiratory problems pain, fears and anxiety, and restrictions in movement. 49% of the participants reported on activity limitations and participation restrictions. Predominately these were handling stress, carrying out daily routine, looking after one’s health, relaxing and leisure activities as well as doing house work.The impact on quality of life and vocational performance were rather low.ConclusionThe results show that long-term symptoms after mild and moderate COVID-19 are common and lead to limitations of activities and participation. However, it seems that in most cases they are not very severe and do not lead to frequent or severe issues with quality of live or work ability.
A National Virtual Research Training Workshop for 3800 Medical Students: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of A Novel Research Education Program
Authors: Merchant Asma Altaf Hussain , Khan Abdullah Saeed , Abbas Saadia , Inam Maha , Noorali Ali Aahil , Shahbaz Hamna , Musharraf Muhammad Daniyal , Aamir Faiqa , Rauf Hareem , Khalid Farah , Jehan Fyezah , Hasan Babar , Tariq Muhammed , Haider Adil 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundResearch training is necessary to fill the burgeoning global decline in physician-scientists, which is further pronounced in developing countries. This has generated much interest within institutions across the world to increase research exposure for students as part of medical school curricula. In order to produce a cadre of aspiring physician-scientists, the Student Research Forum (SRF) at Aga Khan University conducted a series of online research workshops leveraging innovative technological solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study aims to explore students’ perceptions of engaging undergraduate medical students in online research training workshops and to evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions in improving the knowledge and skillset of participating students.Methods‘A Beginners Guide to Research’ was a nation-wide virtual research workshop series conducted for medical students across Pakistan in June 2020. A mixed-methods study design was employed to evaluate course efficacy in terms of course content, duration and strategy. Dissemination of quantitative feedback forms alongside simultaneous conduction of qualitative interviews were used to receive feedback for the workshop and obtain the perspectives of medical students on the effectiveness of educational interventions in improving research-related knowledge. ResultsA total of 3,862 medical students enrolled in the national workshop series. The feedback form was completed by 2,754 participants, hailing from 113 universities across 37 cities in Pakistan. 2,311 (84.0%) participants stated that the course helped them improve their overall research knowledge and 2,333 (84.7%) felt confident that the skills learnt would help them in future research projects. 40 participants from 25 institutions across Pakistan participated in the qualitative interviews. 24 (60.0%) participants had no prior knowledge of research, 23 (57.5%) found virtual screen-sharing to be the most useful learning strategy and 22 (55.0%) students expressed interest in initiating/expanding their institutional research platforms.ConclusionThis nation-wide series presented a way in which alternative pedagogies can be used for the dissemination of research knowledge and skills to medical students with a strong inclination towards research. Efforts must be made by institutions to provide opportunities to medical students for engaging in meaningful scientific research during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Chemerin as a Diagnostic Marker for Fmf in Egyptian Patients
Authors: Megahed Hisham , Thomas Manal M. , Zaki Moushira E. , Youness Eman , Ashour Adel M. , El-Bassyouni Hala T. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common autoinflammatory disorder characterized by chronic subclinical inflammation. The aim of the work is to access if chemerin can be used as a diagnostic index in FMF patients. Methods: A total of 66 FMF patients and 60 controls matching age and sex were enrolled in the study. Serum chemerin, lipid profile and vitamin D were determined by ELISA assay. Results: Chemerin level which suggested chronic inflammation was significantly elevated as compared to the controls. The FMF patients had highly significant levels of total cholesterol, total triglycerides and LDL, while the HDL significantly inversely correlated in the FMF patients compared to controls. Moreover, the vitamin D level was significantly lower in FMF patients. Conclusion: chemerin that acts as a pro-inflammatory adipokine, could be used as a biomarker reflecting the chronic pro-inflammatory status in the FMF patients. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended in the FMF patients.
Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants follow a historical pattern recorded in outgroups infecting non-human hosts
Authors: Katoh Kazutaka , Standley Daron M. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The ability to predict emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 would be of enormous value, as it would enable proactive design of vaccines in advance of such emergence. Based on molecular evolutionary analysis of the S protein, we found a significant correspondence in the location of amino acid substitutions between SARS-CoV-2 variants recently emerging and their relatives that infected bat and pangolin before the pandemic. This observation suggests that a limited number of sites in this protein are repeatedly substituted in different lineages of this group of viruses. It follows, therefore, that the sites of future emerging mutations in SARS-CoV-2 can be predicted by analyzing their relatives (outgroups) that have infected non-human hosts. We discuss a possible evolutionary mechanism behind these substitutions and provide a list of frequently substituted sites that potentially include future emerging variants in SARS-CoV-2.
ZEB2 Regulates Endocrine Therapy Sensitivity and Metastasis in Luminal A Breast Cancer Through a Non-Canonical Mechanism
Authors: Burks Hope E. , Matossian Margarite , Rhodes Lyndsay Vanhoy , Phamduy Theresa , Elliott Steven , Buechlein Aaron , Rusch Douglas B. , Miller David F.B. , Nephew Kenneth P. , Chrisey Douglas , Collins-Burow Bridgette M. , Burow Matthew E. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The transcription factors ZEB1 and ZEB2 mediate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic progression in numerous malignancies including breast cancer. ZEB1 and ZEB2 drive EMT through transcriptional repression of cell-cell junction proteins and members of the tumor suppressive miR200 family. However, in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, the role of ZEB2 as an independent driver of metastasis has not been fully investigated. Methods: In the current study, we induced exogenous expression of ZEB2 in ER+ MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 breast cancer cell lines and examined EMT gene expression and metastasis using dose-response qRT-PCR, transwell migration assays, proliferation assays with immunofluorescence of Ki-67 staining. We used RNA sequencing to identify pathways and genes affected by ZEB2 overexpression. Finally, we treated ZEB2-overexpressing cells with 17β-estradiol (E2) or ICI 182,780 to evaluate how ZEB2 affects estrogen response. Results: Contrary to expectation, we found that ZEB2 did not increase canonical epithelial nor decrease mesenchymal gene expressions. Furthermore, ZEB2 overexpression did not promote a mesenchymal cell morphology. However, ZEB1 and ZEB2 protein expression induced significant migration of MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells in vitro and MCF-7 xenograft metastasis in vivo. Transcriptomic (RNA sequencing) pathway analysis revealed alterations in estrogen signaling regulators and pathways, suggesting a role for ZEB2 in endocrine sensitivity in luminal A breast cancer. Expression of ZEB2 was negatively correlated with estrogen receptor complex genes in luminal A patient tumors. Furthermore, treatment with 17β-estradiol (E2) or the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 had no effect on growth of ZEB2 overexpressing cells. Conclusion: ZEB2 is a multi-functional regulator of drug sensitivity, cell migration and metastasis in ER+ breast cancer and functions through non-canonical mechanisms.