bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of MAP3K15 as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Correlation with Immune Infiltrates in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Chen Zhuning , Kong Haoran , Cai Zhaopeng , Chen Keng , Wu Boyang , Li Haonan , Wang Peng , Wu Yanfeng , Shen Huiyong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a type of primary malignant tumor, and increasing amounts of evidence show the clinical benefits of immunotherapy in treating OS. However, the lack of comprehensive studies on the complex OS immune microenvironment hinders the application of immunotherapy. Thus, we aimed to systematically study the immune characteristics of OS and identify novel biomarkers for OS treatment.Methods: We systematically studied the immune score and proportion of infiltrating immune cells in OS in the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases using the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. Differential expression and functional analyses were used to identify dysregulated genes and explore their functions. Survival and Cox regression analyses were applied to establish an immune-related prognostic signature. The expression of MAP3K15 was performed by qPCR assay and immunohistochemistry. We divided 48 patients into high expression and low expression groups according to MAP3K15 expression.Results: A total of 103 differentially expressed immune genes (DEIGs) were found in the TARGET-OS and GSE39058 databases, and these DEIGs were mainly enriched in leukocyte proliferation, leukocyte differentiation, osteoclast differentiation, natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity and the adaptive immune system. A predictive signature was constructed based on the survival analysis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.65. Moreover, we found that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 15 (MAP3K15) can predict the prognosis of patients with OS and is closely related to CD4 T cells, M0 macrophages, and M1 macrophages. We found that patients with high MAP3K15 expression had a significantly poorer prognosis Conclusions: Our study found that MAP3K15, whose expression level is closely related to immune activity in tumors, was a critical immune-related biomarker and may provide a basis for OS immunotherapy. Clinical Trial RegistrationNot applicable.
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) Impact Enriched Nitrifying Cultures
Authors: Lopez Carla , Nnorom Mac-Anthony , Tsang Yiu Fai , Knapp Charles W 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The impact of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) on the performance of biological wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has been widely studied using whole-community approaches. These contaminants affect the capacity of microbial communities to transform nutrients; however, most have neither honed their examination on the nitrifying communities directly nor considered the impact on individual populations. In this study, six PPCPs commonly found in WWTPs, including a stimulant (caffeine), an antimicrobial agent (triclosan), an insect repellent ingredient (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET)), and antibiotics (ampicillin, colistin, and ofloxacin), were selected to assess their short-term toxic effect on enriched nitrifying cultures: Nitrosomonas sp. and Nitrobacter sp. The results showed that triclosan exhibited the greatest inhibition on nitrification with EC50 of 89.1 µg L− 1. From the selected antibiotics, colistin significantly affected the overall nitrification with the lowest EC50 of 1 mg L− 1, and a more pronounced inhibitory effect on ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) compared to nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB). The EC50 of ampicillin and ofloxacin were 22 and 12.7 mg L− 1, respectively. Additionally, experimental data suggested that nitrifying bacteria were insensitive to the presence of caffeine. In the case of DEET, moderate inhibition of nitrification (< 40%) was observed at the highest concentration tested. These findings contribute to the understanding of the response of nitrifying communities in presence of PPCPs, which play an essential role in biological nitrification in WWTPs. Knowing specific community responses helps develop mitigation measures to improve system resilience.
The Use of Kumpfer's Resilience Framework in Understanding the Breastfeeding Experience of Employed Mothers After Returning to Work: a Qualitative Study in China
Authors: Guo Hong Hua , Zhou Rong , Li Min Xiang , Zhang Si Qi , Yi Huan Ying , Wang Lin Jie , Li Tong , Zhang Cai Hong , Lu Hong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The increasing numbers of women in the workforce is an inevitable trend in China. More and more employed women stop breastfeeding because of working stressors. However, there are also many mothers overcoming many challenges to insist on breastfeeding after returning to work. Their individual experience of breastfeeding may provide a new insight to promote and support breastfeeding on employed mothers. This study sought to understand mothers’ experience with insisting on breastfeeding after returning to work based on Kumpfer’s Resilience Framework in Chinese context. Methods: This qualitative study was designed with semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling and snowball sampling was employed to recruit 13 full-time working mothers with a stable job in the public sector who continued to breastfeed for 1 month or more after returning to work in Haikou, Hainan Province, China. Interviews were conducted from January to March 2020 to capture participants’ experiences of breastfeed after returning to work. Grounded theory and Kumpfer’s Resilience Framework were used to analyze data via a systematic and iterative process.Results: Employed mothers built resilience while continuing to breastfeed after returning to work. The core concept was "dynamic interaction". Other categories were the background and explanation of this phenomenon. For working mothers who continued to breastfeed, resilience involved "dynamic interaction", which started from "experiencing stressors" and "obtaining support", two factors that interacted with the individual to "stimulate resilience", which led to “behavioral resilience” during the ongoing dynamic interaction between resilience and environmental factors and ultimately led to three different "weaning outcomes", including natural weaning, active weaning, and forced weaning. Conclusions: This study identified the framework of resilience in mothers who insisted on breastfeeding after returning to work based on Kumpfer’s Resilience Framework. It may help midwives assess stressors and supports for employed mothers to continue to breastfeed after returning to work, determine the process by which resilience traits are stimulated in employed mothers, identify different phases of behavioral resilience, provide targeted interventions, and then promote favorable weaning outcomes.
Identification of Metabolomic Biomarkers of Seed Vigor and Aging in Hybrid Rice
Authors: Chen Bingxian , Gao Jiadong , Yan Shijuan , Zhang Yinxin , Zhang Qi , Fu Hua , Liu Jun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSeed deterioration during rice seed storage will lead to seed vigor loss, which adversely affects agricultural production, the long-term preservation of germplasm resources, and the conservation of species diversity. However, the mechanisms underlying seed vigor maintenance remain largely unknown. ResultsIn this study, 16 hybrid rice combinations were selected from four sterile lines and four restorer lines. Following artificial aging and natural aging treatments, the metabolite markers that could accurately reflect the aging degree of the hybrid rice seeds were identified based on the germination percentage and metabolomics analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Significantly differences in the degree of seed deterioration were observed among the 16 hybrid rice combinations tested, with each restorer and sterile lines after storage having the different germination percentage. The hybrid rice combination with the storage-resistant restorer line Guanghui122 exhibited the highest germination percentage under both natural and artificial storage. A total of 89 metabolic peaks and 56 metabolites were identified, most of which were related to primary metabolism. Interestingly, the content of galactose, gluconic acid, fructose and glycerol in the seeds increased significantly during the aging process. Absolute quantification indicated that galactose and gluconic acid were very significantly negatively correlated with the germination percentage of the seeds under the different aging treatments. The galactose content was significantly positively correlated with gluconic acid content. Additionally, while the relative content of raffinose did not change much during storage, a significant positive correlation between raffinose and the germination rate of the artificially aged seeds before storage was detected.ConclusionBased on the metabolomics, metabolite markers which could accurately reflect the aging degree of hybrid rice seeds were identified. Galactose and gluconic acid were very significantly negatively correlated with the germination percentage of the seeds which suggested that these metabolites could constitute potential metabolic markers of seed aging. These findings are of great significance for the rapid and accurate evaluation of seed aging, the determination of seed quality, and the development of molecular breeding approaches for high-vigor rice seeds.
Predictors And Reasons of Inappropriate Hospitalizations For Surgical Patients in A Tertiary Hospital in Wuhan, China: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Hao , Tao Hongbing , Li Gang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background The first step in every quality improvement process is the identification the problem and its extent. We aim to analyze the frequency and its associated factors of inappropriate hospitalization for a tertiary hospital in Wuhan and ascertain the specific reasons for each IHDs to provide evidence for further reduction of inappropriate hospital days.Results A total of 4586 days of hospital stay from 408 cases were evaluated by A cross-sectional and retrospective audit program carried out in a third-level teaching hospital with 5613 beds and 9623 faculty in Wuhan, China. 320 cases (78.43%) were reported to have experience at least one IHD and 1053 hospital days (23.31%) were found to be inappropriate. Predictors of higher levels of inappropriateness with surgery were patients at the age of 60-69(OR=2.328, 95% CI=1.359-3.989) before the surgery, and use of ventilators(OR=2.127, 95%CI=1.116-2.839), admission from outpatient(OR=5.724, 95%CI=1.579-20.744), multiple diagnosis(OR=1.604, 95%CI=1.059-2.432), and higher surgical incision level(OR=2.152, 95%CI=1.391-3.327) after surgery. The main causes of inappropriateness were medical factors that were related to the healthcare services providers, however, the patient factors gave rise to nearly a quarter of IHDs after surgery.Conclusions The prevalence of IHDs was 23.31% in this tertiary hospital in Wuhan. Findings from this study indicate that the characteristics of surgical patients from different phases(preoperative/postoperative) are supposed to be taken into account to develop efficient and feasible interventions for IHD reduction.
What is the current clinical practise in pituitary adenoma surgery in Europe? European Pituitary Adenoma Surgery Survey (EU-PASS) results - technical part
Authors: Májovský Martin , Grotenhuis Andre , Foroglou Nicolas , Zenga Francesco , Froehlich Sebastien , Ringel Florian , Sampron Nicolas , Thomas Nick , Komarc Martin , Netuka David 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Pituitary adenoma surgery has evolved rapidly in recent decades, changing clinical practice markedly and raising new challenges. There is no current consensus or guidelines for perioperative care that includes possible complication management. This study aims to determine current practice across European neurosurgical centers. We created a list of eligible departments performing pituitary adenoma surgery based on cooperation with EANS, Νational neurosurgical societies, and personal communication with local neurosurgeons. We contacted the chairpersons from each department and asked them (or another responsible neurosurgeon) to fill out the survey. The survey consisted of 58 questions. For further analysis, departments were divided into subgroups: “academic”/”non-academic center”, “high-volume”/”low-volume”, “mainly endoscopic”/“mainly microscopic”/“mixed practise” and by geographical regions. Data from 254 departments from 34 countries were obtained. The average time to complete the survey was 18 min. Notably, the endoscopic approach is the predominant surgical approach in Europe, used in 56.8% of the centers. In routine cases without intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, high-volume centres are less pedantic with sellar closure when compared with low-volume centres. On the other hand, when a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak occurs, high-volume centres are more active and indicate early reoperation. Less than 15% of the participating centres perform early postoperative MRI scans. Marked variation was noted among different groups of respondents and some contentious issues are discussed. Such information can encourage useful debate about the reasons for the variations seen and perhaps help develop standardised protocols to improve patient outcomes. A future research focus is to compare European results with other regions.
Risk of primary lung cancer after breast cancer radiotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zareie Bushra , Rasouli Mohammad Aziz , Poorolajal Jalal 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Epidemiological studies have shown that the risk of secondary malignancies may increase by radiotherapy. Lung cancer is the most important long-term complication of breast cancer radiotherapy.Methods: Major electronic databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE were searched. All cohort studies that investigated the association between radiotherapy for breast cancer and risk of primary lung, bronchus and trachea cancers conducted until March 2021 were included. The study participants were evaluated regardless of their age and ethnicity. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. The designated effects were risk ratio (RR). The random-effects model was used to estimate the average effects.Results: Fifteen studies including 1,640,247 women with primary breast cancer were identified of which 937,151 had not received radiotherapy and 703,096 subjects had received radiotherapy. In general, there was no significant association between breast cancer radiotherapy and lung cancer based on 10 studies (RR=0.95, 95%CI: 0.87-1.02, P=0.15), There was no association between breast cancer radiotherapy and lung, bronchus, and trachea cancers either based on 5 studies (RR=0.98, 95%CI: 0.93-1.02, P=0.32).Conclusion: Radiotherapy for breast cancer is not associated with an excess risk of lung cancer. Due to the limited number of studies, further research about lung doses from breast cancer radiotherapy varied substantially worldwide, is suggested to the risk of lung cancer after breast cancer radiotherapy.
Pseudoboehmite as a drug delivery system for acyclovir
Authors: Peres Renato Meneghetti , Sousa Jéssica Maiara Leme , de Oliveira Mariana Oliva , Rossi Maura Vincenza , de Oliveira Rene Ramos , de Lima Nelson Batista , Bernussi Ayrton , Warzywoda Juliusz , Sarmento Bruno , Munhoz Antonio H. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Herpes simplex virus is among the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections. Acyclovir is a potent, selective inhibitor of herpes viruses and is indicated for the treatment and management of recurrent cold sores on the lips and face, genital herpes, among other diseases. The problem of the oral bioavailability of acyclovir is limited because of low permeability across the gastrointestinal membrane. Based on experiments using nanoparticles of pseudoboehmite as a drug delivery system in vitro assays it was concluded that pseudoboehmite could be used for acyclovir release. We report the synthesis of high purity pseudoboehmite from aluminium nitrate and ammonium hydroxide containing nanoparticles. Pseudoboehmite was characterized by several techniques. In vivo tests were performed with Wistar rats to compare the release of acyclovir, with and without the addition of pseudoboehmite. The administration of acyclovir with the addition of pseudoboehmite increased the drug content in the plasma of Wistar rats after 4 h administration. The toxicity of pseudoboehmite was also evaluated using the Caco-2 cell line (ATCC).
Procyanidin C1 is a natural agent with senolytic activity against aging and age-related diseases
Authors: Xu Qixia , Fu Qiang , Li Zi , Liu Hanxin , Wang Ying , Lin Xu , He Ruikun , Zhang Xuguang , Campisi Judith , Kirkland James , Sun Yu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Aging causes functional decline of multiple organs and increases the risk of age-related pathologies. In advanced lives, accumulation of senescent cells, which develop the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), promotes chronic inflammation and causes diverse conditions. Here we report the frontline outcome of screening a natural product library with human primary stromal cells as an experimental model. Multiple candidate compounds were assayed, and grape seed extract (GSE) was selected for further investigation due to its leading capacity in targeting senescent cells. We found procyanidin C1 (PCC1), a polyphenolic component, plays a critical role in mediating the antiaging effects of GSE. PCC1 blocks the SASP expression when used at low concentrations. Importantly, it selectively kills senescent cells upon application at higher concentrations, mainly by enhancing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disturbing mitochondrial membrane potential, processes accompanied by upregulation of Bcl-2 family pro-apoptotic factors Puma and Noxa in senescent cells. PCC1 depletes senescent cells in treatment-damaged tumor microenvironment (TME) and enhances therapeutic efficacy when combined with chemotherapy in preclinical assays. Intermittent administration of PCC1 to both senescent cell-implanted mice and naturally aged animals alleviated physical dysfunction and prolonged post-treatment survival, thus providing substantial benefits in late life stage. Together, our study identifies PCC1 as a distinct natural senolytic agent, which may be exploited to delay aging and control age-related pathologies in future medicine.
Assessment of Cardiac Functions and Subclinical Cardiovascular Risk In Children with Urolithiasis: An Initial Study
Authors: Elmacı Ahmet Midhat , Alp Hayrullah , Dönmez Muhammet İrfan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Information on cardiovascular problems related to childhood urinary stone disease is limited. The aim of this study is to assess the ventricular functions and subclinical cardiovascular risk in children with urolithiasis using echocardiographic measurements. Children readily diagnosed with urolithiasis were enrolled in the study as well as children with no urinary stone disease confirmed via urinary ultrasonography. Body mass index (BMI) and blood pressures were noted as well as basic serum parameters. Carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), epicardial fat tissue (EFT) thickness and periaortic fat tissue (PFT) thickness were measured via transthoracic echocardiography in addition to pulsed and tissue Doppler imaging. Myocardial performance indexes were also calculated and correlation analyses were made. A total of 17 patients (10 boys) were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 8.57 ± 2.62 years. There were 17 children (12 boys) in the control group and their mean age was 9.53 ± 1.72 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic and laboratory variables. Tissue Doppler echocardiography revealed that Tei indexes of left ventricle, right ventricle and septum were significantly higher in the study group than in the controls (p < 0.001 for all). The cIMT (0.041 ± 0.012 vs. 0.025 ± 0.002), EFT (0.432 ± 0.083 vs. 0.325 ± 0.032) and PFT thicknesses (0.138 ± 0.029 vs. 0.113 ± 0.008) of the study group were statistically higher than the control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) indicating a higher CVD risk.Conclusions: Children with urolithiasis presented not only biventricular early systolic and diastolic dysfunction but also subclinical atherosclerosis in early ages. Cardiovascular complications should be considered in the follow-up and treatment of these patients.
Development of a novel multifocal lens using a polarization directed flat lens: Possible candidate for a multifocal intraocular lens
Authors: Na Kyung-Sun , Lee Chang Su , Kim Da Ran , Cho Soo Yeon , Kim Eun Chul , Kim Hyun Seung , Hwang Ho Sik 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: A polarization-directed flat (PDF) lens acts as a converging lens with a focal length (f) > 0 and a diverging lens with f < 0, depending on the polarization state of the incidental light. To produce a multifocal lens with two focal lengths, a PDF and a converging lens having shorter focal length were combined. In this study, we tested to determine its potential as a new multifocal intraocular lens (IOL).Methods: Constructed a multifocal lens with a PDF lens (f=+/- 100 mm) and a converging lens (f= +50 mm). In an optical bench test, we measured the lens’s focal lengths to test the multifocal function. The multifocal function and optical quality of the lens in various situations were tested. An Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart as a near target and a parking lot as a distant target were photographed using a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Both lenses (multifocal and monofocal) were tested under same conditions. Results: In the optical bench test, the multifocal lens’s focal lengths were 31.2 and 71.2 mm. In the DSLR test using the multifocal lens, the parking lot appeared slightly cloudy compared to the monofocal lens results. With the multifocal lens, the ETDRS chart’s images became blurry as the ETDRS chart’s distance decreased, but became very clear again at a certain position.Conclusions: We confirmed the multifocal function of the multifocal lens using a PDF lens. This lens can be used as a multifocal IOL in the future.