bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a miR-3648-Targeted Immune-Related 4-Gene Signature as a Prognostic Biomarker in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Based on ehe WGCNA Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Donglei , Yin Hang , Xu Ping , Qian Xiaozhe 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) has a poor prognosis and is a typical immunogenic malignant tumor. Abnormal expression of miR-3648 has been reported in EA, but its value in prognosis prediction and immune cell infiltration imbalance mediation is still unknown. We aimed to mine immune-related genes (IRGs) targeted by miR-3648 and construct a multigene signature to improve the prognostic prediction of EA.Methods: The gene expression data of EA tumor or normal tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and GTEx database were downloaded. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), the CIBERSORT algorithm and Cox regression analysis were applied to identify IRGs and to construct a prognostic signature and nomogram.Results: miR-3648 was obviously highly expressed in EA tumor tissues and was correlated with patient survival time [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-1.49, p = 0.002]. A total of 70 miR-3648-targeted genes related to immune cell infiltration were identified, and a novel 4-gene signature (C10orf55, DLL4, PANX2 and NKAIN1) was established. The prognostic signature-based risk score has superior capability to predict overall survival (AUC = 0.740 for 1 year; AUC = 0.717 for 3 years; AUC = 0.622 for 5 years). A higher score was indicative of a poorer prognosis than a lower score (HR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08-2.64, p = 0.20, adjusted by TNM stage).Conclusion: miR-3648 might play a crucial role in the progression of EA. The novel miR-3648-targeted immune-related 4-gene signature is expected to become a potential prognostic marker in EA.
Cellulase Production by a Newly Isolated Soil Fungus Penicillium Griseofulvum A2
Authors: Guan Fachun , Liu Jie , Cai Jinling , Qi Chunyan , Wang Chao , Cui Yanru , Hou Ligang , Jiao Xie , Li Zhonghe 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Rice straw is one of the most abundant resources in the world. Returning straw to field is an effective method facilitating sustainable agricultural production in many countries. However, the crop residues cannot be degraded easily due to recalcitrant structure and composition of lignocellulosic material. A straw-degrading fungus Penicillium griseofulvum A2 was isolated from rice straw culture medium and identified by morphology and ITS rRNA gene sequencing. Enzyme-producing condition of A2 was optimized, including nitrogen source ((NH4)2SO4, NH4Cl, urea, and peptone), pH value (5.0 to 7.5), and incubation time (1 to 20 d). Results showed that P. griseofulvum A2 produced the highest CMCase (33.97 ± 0.33 U/mL) utilizing urea as nitrogen source and growing at pH 7.0-7.5 after 15 d cultivation. While, NH4Cl was more suitable for β-glucosidase (15.40 ± 1.77 U/mL) production under pH 7.0 condition after 10 d cultivation. The isolated fungus P. griseofulvum A2 is a good potential strains to decomposed rice straw.
Genetic Parameters For Milk Traits In Egyptian Native Cows
Authors: Sanad Safaa Salah , Gharib Mahmod Ghreeb 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The aim of this study is to estimate the genetic parameters and the effect of non-genetic factors for some milk traits including total milk yield (TMY/kg), Lactation period (LP/day), number of services per conception (NSC), days open (DO), calving interval (CI) and dry period (DP). Data were collected from two farms. Experimental Farm belonging to (APRI) data included 1829 records. The statistical analysis has been adopted using animal models. Actual means of TMY/kg, LP/day, NSC/services, DO/day, CI/day and DP/day were 791.3, 171.1, 1.8, 109, 402.7 and 79.3 respectively. Estimated heritability (h2) of TMY, LP, NSC, DO, CI, and DP were 0.18± 0.01, 0.18± 0.001, 0.07± 0.016, 0.09± 0.041 and 0.09±0.001 respectively. The ranges of breeding values BV of cows for TMY/kg, LP/day, NSC, /services, DO/day, CI/day and DP/day were 776.5, 26.7, 6.7, 13.4, 77.1 and 11.5 respectively. The estimated Predicted Breeding Value PBV for all traits varied widely. The genetic trends of cow breeding values were significant for all studied traits. This confirms that the genetic improvement of these traits leads to increased milk production traits. The study recommends preserving the Native Egyptian dairy cattle because they represent a national wealth that must be preserved from extinction through inventorying the genetic resources, characterization and evaluation of this local breed to benefit from it in improving animal breeds of high economic value. Due to the distinction of Egyptian domestic cows for their resistance to various environmental conditions.
Detection of Lymph Node Metastases in Patients With Prostate Cancer: Comparing Conventional and Digital [18F]-fluorocholine PET-CT Using Histopathology as Reference
Authors: Bjöersdorff Mimmi , Puterman Christopher , Oddstig Jenny , Amidi Jennifer , Zackrisson Sophia , Kjölhede Henrik , Bjartell Anders , Wollmer Per , Trägårdh Elin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) can be used to detect and stage metastatic lymph nodes in intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer. Improvements to hardware, such as digital technology, and to software, such as reconstruction algorithms, have recently been made. We compared the capability of detecting regional lymph node metastases using conventional and digital silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)-based PET-CT technology for [18F]-fluorocholine (FCH). Extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) histopathology was used as the reference method.Methods: Retrospectively, a consecutive series of patients with prostate cancer who had undergone staging with FCH PET-CT before ePLND were included. Images were obtained with either a conventional or a SiPM-based PET-CT and compared. FCH uptake in pelvic lymph nodes beyond the uptake in the mediastinal blood pool was considered to be abnormal.Results: One hundred eighty patients with intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer were examined using a conventional Philips Gemini PET-CT (n = 93) between 2015 and 2017 or a digital GE Discovery MI PET-CT (n = 87) from 2017 to 2018. Images that were obtained using the Philips Gemini PET-CT system showed 19 patients (20%) with suspected lymph node metastases compared with 40 patients (46%) using the GE Discovery MI PET-CT. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) were 0.30, 0.84, 0.47, and 0.72, respectively, for the Philips Gemini and 0.60, 0.58, 0.30, and 0.83, respectively for GE Discovery MI. Area under the curve (AUC) in a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was similar between the two PET-CT systems (0.58 and 0.58, P = 0.8).Conclusions: A marked difference in sensitivity and specificity was found for the different PET-CT systems, although similar overall diagnostic performance. This is probably due to differences in both hard- and software, including reconstruction algorithms, and should be considered when new technology is introduced.
Dietary-Related Preventative Factors for Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study from the Mecca Region
Authors: Hasanain Deena M. , Qadhi Alaa H. , Ghafouri Khloud J. , Azhar Wedad F. , Ghaith Mazen M. , Assaggaf Hamza M. , Alhussain Maha H. , Alghamdi Ahmad A. , Habibullah Mahmoud M. , Bawazir Waleed M. , Azzeh Firas S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, it affects both males and females. In Saudi Arabia, breast cancer has been the most prevalent type of cancer for the past few years in females. Dietary habits and cultural beliefs vary according to region, and further studies are required to demonstrate the relationship between these dietary habits and cultural beliefs and the risk of developing breast cancer. This study aims to discover the relationship between preventative dietary factors and rates of breast cancer among postmenopausal females in the Mecca region. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at King Abdulla Medical City hospital in Mecca and included 432 Saudi female participants: 218 in a control group and 214 breast cancer patients. All participants were postmenopausal, around the same age, and all were ethnically Arab Saudis. Data was obtained using a self-administered validated questionnaire. Results: Study results showed that a diet including 1-2 servings of legumes weekly, 1-5 servings of fish weekly, 1-5 servings of dairy products daily, 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and more than one cup of black tea and coffee per day significantly (p<0.05) reduced the risk of breast cancer.Conclusion: This study supports the effect of a healthy diet incorporating dairy products, legumes, fish, fruits and vegetables, black tea, and coffee as a preventative factor against breast cancer in females from the Mecca region.
Diagnosis and Individualized Nutritional Management of Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia in Children: A Clinical Conundrum
Authors: Niu Yang , Wu Qingqing , Wang Ying , Lu Lina , Cai Wei , Tang Qingya 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a rare congenital and digestive disease, which could present through a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, diagnostic and treatment management. The aim of this study was to introduce the diagnosis and nutrition treatment of children with IL through the twelve years of experience. Methods: The patients diagnosed with PIL admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition in Xinhua Hospital from June, 2006 to September, 2017 were included in the study. Basic information and laboratory results were collected from the medical records. Results: Ten patients were found to have PIL. The mean age was 66 months at the time of diagnosis and 11 months at onset. The main clinical manifestations were diarrhea, edemas and abdominal distention. Marked dilatation of the intestinal lymphatic vessels was the characteristic of the endoscopic. All the patients presented with hypoproteinemia and hypoimmunoglobulinia. 6 of them were treated with parenteral nutrition, and 9 of them were treated with a low-LCT (long-chain triglycerides), high-protein diet supplemented with MCT(medium-chain triglycerides).The clinical symptoms of the patients have improved after the MCT diet therapy. Conclusion: PIL should be considered first when there are clinical manifestations of chronic diarrhea, edema and abdominal distention, and biochemical results indicated the hypoproteinemia and hypoimmunoglobulinia, and the general treatment is invalid. Gastroscopy and E-colonoscopy with biopsies are the preferred method of diagnosis. MCT diet is the cornerstone and longtime medical treatment, which can improve the nutritional status and promote the survival quality of patients with IL.Trial registration: This study was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Incidence of Muscle Wasting in the Critically Ill: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Hrdy Ondrej , Vrbica Kamil , Kovar Marek , Korbicka Tomas , Stepanova Radka , Gal Roman 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Loss of muscle mass occurs rapidly during critical illness. It can often lead to weakness and fatigue, and it negatively affects quality of life. Despite the importance of understanding the incidence of clinically significant muscle wasting in critically ill patients, there have been few reports on this subject. This study aimed to assess the incidence of and identify risk factors associated with clinically significant loss of muscle mass in this patient population. Methods: This was a single-center observational study. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. We used ultrasound to determine the rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RFcsa) of each patient on their first and seventh days of treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of significant muscle wasting, which was defined as a greater or equal to 10% reduction in RFcsa from day 1 to day 7. SOFA score on day 7, length of artificial ventilation, ICU length of stay and twenty-eight-day mortality were evaluated as secondary outcomes. We used a logistic regression model to determine whether patient age, sex, BMI, frailty score, or medical history were significant risk factors for muscle wasting.Results: We screened an initial cohort of 1,293 patients and recruited 186 as study participants. Ultrasound measurements were completed in 104 patients. Sixty-two of these patients (59.6%) showed ≥10% decreases in RFcsa. Logistic regression analysis identified patient age as the sole risk factor associated with significant muscle wasting. While we detected no statistically significant differences associated with the secondary outcomes, the 28-day mortality rate almost doubled in the group of patients with significant wasting (30.6% versus 16.7%; p=0.165).Conclusions: Clinically significant muscle wasting was frequently observed in our cohort of critically ill adult patients. Patient age was identified as a risk factor for muscle wasting. The results of this study could be used to plan future studies that evaluate strategies to prevent muscle wasting and to improve the outcomes of critically ill patients.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT 03865095, date of registration: March 6, 2019.
Relationship Between the Second Trimester Maternal Serum AFP of Aneuploidy in Pregnancies and Placenta Accreta: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Fengge , Su Longchun , Zhai Ruixia , Liu Miao , Dong Fangxiang , Jin Xuemei , Zhang Haiyan , Feng Xueqin , Yu Tiantian , Zhang Ziheng , Chen Shuxiong , Zhang Bin , Man Dongmei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objectives

At present, placenta previa-accreta is a growing concern and is still a diagnostic challenge for obstetricians. This study aimed to investigated whether second trimester serum Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) differed among pregnancies with placenta previa-accreta and placenta previa controls and healthy pregnant controls.
Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed. In 1 January 2016–30 February 2021, a total of 504 pregnant women were identified and included in our analysis as follows: 105 cases of placenta previa-accreta, 122 cases of placenta previa controls, and 277 cases of BMI-matched, healthy pregnant controls. AFP multiples of the median (MoM) were acquired from laboratory data files.
Results

AFP MoM of placenta previa-accreta group was significantly higher than those of the placenta previa controls and healthy pregnant controls group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Serum AFP was significantly positively associated with placenta accreta after adjusted age, BMI, and gestational week at time of blood sampling (β: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.52–0.68; p < 0.001). In addition, previous cesarean section history (β: 3.41; 95% CI: 2.18–5.34; p < 0.001) was also significantly associated with placenta accreta.
Conclusion

Increased second trimester serum AFP was significantly positively associated with placenta accreta. Such finding suggests the potential role of AFP in identifying pregnancies that are at high risk for placenta accreta. Second trimester biomarker of AFP can be used to raise a suspicion toward characterizing women into high-risk and low-risk groups for placenta accreta. In addition, previous cesarean section history may be a risk factor for accreta in placenta previa patients.
Metal Foreign Bodies Have Been in the Lungs for Five Years: a Case Report
Authors: Li Yuan , Li Zhong , Liu Jun-Cai 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Metallic foreign body migration into the pulmonary artery after limb trauma is extremely rare. If not treated in time, the patient may die. The metallic foreign body was implanted from the thigh into the pulmonary artery and remained for 5 years. It has never been reported in limb trauma.Case Presentation: The patient was a 51-year-old male who had a small metal foreign body embedded in the middle and lower left thigh due to trauma. The foreign body was not found during emergency debridement operation. During the operation, a full-body X-ray was used to reveal a high-density shadow in the left upper lung. The 3D-CT of the chest immediately confirmed that the high-density shadow was a small iron foreign body, and the iron fragment foreign body was present in the pulmonary artery branch, but no abnormal symptoms were observed. He was hospitalized for observation for 3 days without obvious discomfort and refused to open his chest. The patient then decided to leave the hospital voluntarily.Conclusion: Surgical removal of all foreign bodies traveling to the pulmonary artery is not necessary, and the most appropriate treatment plan should be made considering the location of the foreign body, the patient's wishes and the general condition.
Lanthanum Hydroxide Protects Kidney Through Gut-Metabolite-Kidney Axis in a Rat Model of CKD
Authors: Gao Yuan , Wang Shengnan , Sun Lijun , Li Bing , Liu Hong , Bu Ren , Su Changhai , Guo Min , Liu Yang , Zhao Lulu , Gu Chao , Li Xiaojia , Yuan Xiaorong , Wang Qiwen , Li Gang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Recent evidence suggests alterations in the gut-kidney axis may drive chronic kidney disease (CKD). Results: In the present study, we observed that administration of adenine to rats induced CKD, gut microbial dysbiosis, kidney pathology, and amino acid metabolism. In this model of CKD hyperphosphatemia, lanthanum hydroxide improved kidney function in CKD rats by restoring gut microbial homeostasis, thereby increasing urine ammonium metabolism. These findings demonstrated that lanthanum hydroxide improves kidney function in a CKD model in mice by restoring homeostasis of the gut-metabolite-kidney axis, which alleviated an amino acid imbalance. Lanthanum hydroxide thus shows therapeutic potential for patients with CKD, through reshaping the composition of gut microbiota.Conclusions: Lanthanum hydroxide plays a kidney protective role through the gut-metabolite-kidney axis in a rat model of chronic kidney disease caused by adenine.
Somatic mutations in homologous recombination pathway predict favorable prognosis after immunotherapy across multiple cancer types
Authors: Liu Zaoqu , Li Jing , Guo Chunguang , Xu Hui , Lu Taoyuan , Wang Libo , Liu Long , Han Xinwei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Homologous recombination (HR) pathway was recently implicated in modifying the tumor immune microenvironment and thus might serve as a candidate biomarker of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. We aimed to comprehensively explore the clinical and molecular significance of HR mutations in ICI treatment across multiple cancer types.Methods: We analyzed the clinical and genomic data of 1,752 ICI-treated patients and 4,605 non-ICI-treated patients from cBioPortal, TCGA, and ICGC databases. The impacts of HR mutations on tumor mutations burden (TMB), neoantigen load (NAL), microsatellite instability (MSI), immune molecular characteristics, and multi-omics events were further investigated.Results: HR mutations corelated with improved prognosis in ICI-treated bladder cancer (BLCA), colorectal cancer (CRC), and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), while in non-ICI cohorts, HR mutations were not associated with prognosis and even suggested unfavorable prognosis. Multivariable Cox analysis demonstrated HR mutations were an independent predictive factor for ICI treatment. Moreover, HR mutations could accurately predict high level of TMB, NAL, and MSI, and displayed the more prevalent incidence than TMB-high, NAL-high, and microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), which indicated that HR mutations might be an ideal surrogate for TMB, NAL, and MSI estimation. HR mutations were also proven to correlate with the tumor microenvironment, immunity characteristics, immune checkpoints profiles, and substantial multi-omics alteration events.Conclusions: HR mutations are predictive of improved clinical outcomes in BLCA, CRC, and NSCLC treated with ICI instead of non-ICI, and might be a promising surrogate for TMB, NAL, and MSI estimation in ICI treatment.
Doppler Ultrasound Study on the Effects of Different Blood Uric Acid Levels on the Carotid Artery Intima-media Thickness in Patients with Gout
Authors: Dang Wantai , Hu Jing , Luo Hui , Luo Danling , Xu Xiaohui , Zhou Jingguo , Liu Jian 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective : Doppler ultrasonography is used to study the effects of different serum uric acid (SUA) levels in primary gout (PG) on the carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and its risk factors and to provide clinical evidence for early prevention and treatment of systematic gout damage. Methods: We obtained information of 237 patients with PG (intermittent period) and estimated the association between gout and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCAIMT), carotid plaque formation, and blood flow resistance index (RI)) using binary logistic regression. Results: The CCAIMT of patients with PG was significantly correlated with different SUA levels, age, course of the disease, blood routine laboratory parameters etc ( P < 0.05). The CCAIMT of patients with PG combined with the tophi, secondary hypertension, or diabetes group was significantly different from that in the uncombined group ( P < 0.05). The age, disease course, body mass index (BMI), blood routine indexes, liver function, renal function, and lipid metabolism-related indexes of patients with gout combined with the carotid plaque group and without the carotid plaque group were significantly different ( P < 0.05). Age (OR, 95% CI = 1.136, 1.073-1.202), disease course (OR, 95% CI = 1.236, 1.084-1.410), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (OR, 95% CI= 6.982, 2.460-19.816) were risk factors for CCAIMT of more than 0.0858cm, whereas SUA (OR, 95% CI = 0.994, 0.988-0.999) and Lymphocyte percentage (LY%) (OR, 95% CI = 0.842, 0.723-0.980) were protective factors. Age was a risk factor for carotid plaque (OR, 95% CI = 1.137, 1.071-1.207), and SUA was a protective factor (OR, 95% CI = 0.992, 0.986-0.998). Moreover, secondary hypertension (OR, 95% CI = 3.496, 1.442-8.479), PLT (OR, 95% CI = 1.005, 1.001-1.010), and SUA (OR, 95% CI = 1.003, 1.000-1.005) were risk factors for common carotid artery RI of ≥ 0.7 in patients with gout. Conclusion: Age, disease course, blood routine indexes, renal function, and lipid metabolism of patients with gout with different SUA levels were closely related to carotid intima-media diseases. Age, disease course, and LDL-C were the risk factors for carotid artery intima-media lesions in patients with PG, whereas SUA and LY% might be protective factors.
Normalization and Comparison of Photoplethysmography Between Normal and Patient Groups Using Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Kim Ji Woon , Choi Seong-Wook 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Photoplethysmography (PPG) is easy to perform and provides a variety of measurements, including details of heart rate and arrhythmia. However, automated PPG methods have not been developed because of their susceptibility to motion artifacts and differences in waveform characteristics among individuals. With increasing use of telemedicine, there is growing interest in application of deep neural network (DNN) technology for efficient analysis of vast amounts of PPG data. This study proposes an automatic algorithm incorporating DNNs for individual and patient-group identification; this is achieved by selecting normally measured waveforms, deleting error regions, and normalizing the pulse wave to obtain 10 “section values” that can be easily compared to other waveforms. The proposed algorithm was able to distinguish between patients aged 60–75 years with diabetes and hypertension and healthy subjects aged 25–35 years (AUC = 0.998). On the other hand, errors were frequently observed in identification of individuals (AUC = 0.819).