bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of a Competing Endogenous RNA Network and Identification of Potential Regulatory Axes in Gastric Cancer Chemoresistance
Authors: Yang Xian-Zi , Ma Lei , Fang Shu-Xian , Song Ye , Zhu Si-Yu , Jin Chuan , Liu Wei , Lu Qin , Zeng Li-Si , Cui Shu-Zhong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The development of chemoresistance is one of the leading causes of chemotherapy failure in gastric cancer (GC). Emerging evidence highlights the multifunctional role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in GC chemoresistance. However, the comprehensive expression profile and competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) regulatory network between ncRNAs and mRNAs in GC chemoresistance remain unanswered.Methods: GC cell line MGC-803 was employed to create cisplatin-resistant MGC-803/DDP cells by continuous exposure to increasing doses of cisplatin. The whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA sequencing) was performed to comprehensively analyze the differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in MGC-803/DDP and MGC-803 cells. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to investigate the biological functions implicated with the DEncRNAs. Then, the cisplatin-resistant-related ceRNA network and potential regulatory axes were constructed by bioinformatic analysis.Results: We successfully generated cisplatin-resistant GC cell line MGC-803/DDP. Differential expression analysis showed that a total of 1,936 DElncRNAs, 2,194 DEmRNAs and 174 DEmiRNAs were identified. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that those DEncRNAs were mainly involved in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, drug metabolism, Hippo signaling pathway, cAMP pathway and P53 pathway. Subsequently, the cisplatin-resistant-related ceRNA network consisting of 71 DElncRNAs, 121 DEmRNAs and 8 DEmiRNAs was constructed with the widely accepted vital chemo-resistant-related genes and signaling pathways. In addition, two constructed regulatory axes (include FAM66C/miR-129-5p/7 mRNAs and SFTA1P/miR-206/FN1 or NRP1) were successfully validated by the Genomic Data Commons (GDC) GC data.Conclusion: Our study has shown that differentially expressed ncRNAs have complex and intricate interactions in the cisplatin resistance of GC. The novel ceRNA network and the potential regulatory axes may provide the most comprehensive view of GC chemoresistance to date. Our findings uncovered potential biomarkers for prognostic prediction and novel therapeutic targets for reversing cisplatin resistance in GC.
Accuracy of the Community Maternal Danger Score Algorithm for Predicting Pregnant Women Requiring Skilled Birth Attendants and at High-risk for Mortality
Authors: Bola Rajan , Ujoh Fanan , Ukah Ugochinyere Vivian , Lett Ronald 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHigh rates of maternal mortality in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) are associated with the lack of skilled birth attendants (SBAs) at delivery. Risk analysis tools may be useful to identify pregnant women who are at risk of mortality in LMICs. We sought to develop a low-cost maternal risk tool, the Community Maternal Danger Score (CMDS), to identify pregnant women who need an SBA at delivery.MethodsTo design the CMDS algorithm, an initial literature review was conducted to identify predictors of the need for an SBA. Medical records of women who delivered at the Federal Medical Centre in Makurdi, Nigeria (2019-2020) were examined for predictors identified from the literature review. Outcomes associated with the need for an SBA were recorded: caesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia, and sepsis. A maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was determined. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) were used to assess the predictive ability of the CMDS algorithm.ResultsSeven factors from the literature predicted the need for an SBA: age (under 20 years of age or 35 and older), parity (nulliparity or grand-multiparity), BMI (underweight or overweight), fetal size (less than 35cm or 40cm and over), adverse obstetrical history, signs of pre-eclampsia, and co-existing medical conditions. These factors were recorded in 589 women of whom 67% required an SBA (n=396) and 1% died (n=7). The MMR was 1,189 per 100,000 (95%CI: 478-2,449). Signs of pre-eclampsia, obstetrical history, and co-existing conditions were highly associated with the need for an SBA. Age was found to interact with parity, suggesting that the CMDS requires adjustment for younger multigravida and older primigravida women. The CMDS algorithm had an AUC of 0.73 (95%CI: 0.69-0.77) for predicting whether women required an SBA, and an AUC of 0.85 (95%CI: 0.67-1.00) for in-hospital mortality.ConclusionsThe CMDS is a low-cost, evidence-based tool that uses 7 risk factors assessed on 589 women from Makurdi. Non-specialist health workers can use the CMDS to standardize patient assessment and encourage pregnant women to seek an SBA in preparation for delivery, thus improving care in countries with high rates of maternal mortality.
Sex Differences in the Nonlinear Association Between BMI and LDL Cholesterol in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Results from two Nationally Representative Surveys of China
Authors: Li Haibin , Ma Jiahui , Zheng Deqiang , Li Xia , Guo Xiuhua , Wang Jing , Su Pixiong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The association between body mass index (BMI) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in middle-aged and older man and women was understudied. We aimed to explore whether there were sex differences in this relationship in a large sample of Chinese adults.Methods: Participants in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2011-2012) (n=7485) and the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS, 2009) (n=4788) were cross-sectionally investigated. Generalized additive models with a smooth function for BMI and a smooth-factor interaction for BMI with sex were performed and stratified by age and metabolic syndrome. Segment linear splines regressions were fitted to calculate the slopes with the different breakpoints.Results: Among the 12273 participants aged 45 to 75 years, 5780 (47.1%) were males. The nonlinear relationship between BMI and LDL-C was observed in females and males (P interaction <0.001). The slopes of the BMI and LDL-C association changed (P <0.001) at BMI 22.5 kg/m2 in females and 27.5 kg/m2 in males. Below these BMI breakpoints, LDL-C increased 2.14 (95% CI: 1.42 to 2.86) and 1.77 (95% CI: 1.43 to 2.11) mg/dL per kg/m2, respectively. In females, there was a plateau at BMI values of 22.5-27.5 kg/m2, and then gradually increased after a BMI of 27.5 kg/m2. However, LDL-C declined -1.84 (95% CI: -3.01 to -0.66) mg/dL per kg/m2 above BMI of 27.5 kg/m2 in males. The pattern of sex and BMI-LDL-C association was similar in all age groups but modified by the number of metabolic syndrome criteria.Conclusions: The BMI and LDL-C relationship was inverted U-shaped in males and approximately linear in females.
Combined Effects of Dyslipidemia and Obesity Parameters on The Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in a Middle-Aged Population
Authors: Wang Xichang , Wang Haoyu , Gao Xiaotong , Han Yutong , Teng Weiping , Shan Zhongyan , Lai Yaxin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSome studies have reported that chronic kidney disease (CKD) or the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is significantly associated with metabolic-related parameters, such as dyslipidemia and obesity. However, whether eGFR will change under the superposition of multiple specific metabolic indicators remains unclear.MethodsSix hundred forty-six community residents aged 45–60 years without overt renal dysfunction were recruited in this cross-sectional study. eGFR was calculated by measuring serum creatinine. The visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were also evaluated. Additionally, we tested the subjects' blood lipid levels to diagnose dyslipidemia.ResultsCompared with the subjects with neither dyslipidemia nor obesity, men with both dyslipidemia and high obesity indices, such as BMI, WHR and VFA, showed a significantly lower mean eGFR; women with dyslipidemia with high WHR, VFA or SFA also showed a significantly lower mean eGFR. With the superposition of dyslipidemia and obesity indices such as BMI and SFA, the eGFR level showed a significant decreasing trend in men; the eGFR level also showed a significant decreasing trend in women but with the superposition of dyslipidemia plus WHR or SFA. Although an independent association between metabolic variables and eGFR was not found except for BMI, some of the combined effects of each variable were related to eGFR decline. Double positivity for dyslipidemia and high obesity indices such as BMI and VFA were significant independent risk factors for eGFR reduction in men. Additionally, double positivity for dyslipidemia and high WHR were significant independent risk factors for eGFR reduction overall.ConclusionsThe combined effect of dyslipidemia and high obesity indices is significantly related to the decline in eGFR. The association is more profound in men.
Pain control according to the periprostatic nerve block site in magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal targeted prostate biopsy
Authors: Yoo Jeong Woo , Koo Kyo Chul , Chung Byung Ha , Lee Kwang Suk 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
INTRODUCTIONWe analyzed the intensity of pain at each site of systemic prostate biopsy (SBx) and compared the intensity of pain among magnetic resonance (MRI)-targeted transrectal biopsies according to the periprostatic nerve block (PNB) site.METHODSWe collected data from 229 consecutive patients who had undergone MRI-targeted biopsy. Patients were stratified into two groups according to the site of PNB (base versus base and apex PNB). Pain was quantified at the following time points: probe insertion, injection at the prostate base, injection at the prostate apex, MRI cognitive biopsy (CBx), MRI/transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsy (FBx), SBx, and 15 minutes after biopsy.RESULTSFor all biopsy methods, the average pain were significantly higher in the base PNB group than in the base and apex PNB group (CBx, p < 0.001; FBx, p = 0.015; SBx, p < 0.001). In the base and apex PNB group, FBx was significantly more painful than SBx (p = 0.024). Overall, regardless of the PNB site, pain at the anterior sites was more than that at the posterior sites in FBx (p = 0.039).CONCLUSIONSBase and apex PNB provided better overall pain control than base-only PNB in all biopsy methods. In the base and apex PNB group, FBx was more painful than CBx and SBx.
The Acute Toxicity of Thulium to Hyalella Azteca and the Influence of Toxicity Modifying Factors.
Authors: Loveridge Alexandria , Smith D. Scott , McGeer Jim C. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The demand for rare earth elements (REEs) is growing and as a result, environmental exposure is a concern. The objective of this research was to evaluate the acute toxicity of Tm to Hyalella azteca and to understand the potential for toxicity modification by dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the cations Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+. Standard methods were followed for 96 h static exposures in a medium with a hardness of 60 mg CaCO3/L, pH of 7.3 at 23°C. H azteca neonates (2-9 d of age) were used and in unmodified media the LC50 concentration was 3.4 µM (95% CI 2.9-3.9 µM; 573 µg/L (482-663)) based on measured dissolved concentrations at the end of the test. Tests done with different concentrations of Ca (0.25, 0.5 and 1.5 mM) did not show consistent trends and there was no clear evidence of a protective effect from Ca. Variations in Na (0.26, 0.5 and 1.6 mM) resulted in no significant changes in toxicity. Similarly, Mg (0.07, 0.14 and 0.4 mM) did not result in significant changes in LC50 values, except for a reduction in toxicity for measured total Tm at the lowest Mg concentration. Our results indicate that Tm toxicity is not influence by cationic competition (Ca, Na and Mg). Dissolved organic matter (sourced from Luther Marsh ON) offered significant protection against Tm toxicity. Additions over 3 mg DOC/L resulted in significantly increased LC50 values. This study contributes toward understanding the toxicity of Tm and the importance of considering dissolved organic matter in estimating the potential for environmental risk of REEs.
Mating-Type and Sexual Differentiation of Phytophthora Colocasiae in Japan
Authors: Feng Wenzhuo , Hieno Ayaka , Otsubo Kayoko , Suga Haruhisa , Kageyama Koji 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In Japan, Phytophthora colocasiae causes the leaf blight of taro, which has resulted in huge losses since 2015. To investigate the causes of disease persistence and expansion, it is important to clarify the basic properties of this pathogen. We collected in total 317 P. colocasiae isolates from 99 fields in 7 prefectures during 2014 to 2020. The mating-type of each isolate was examined, and two or more isolates which were collected in single fields or taro leaves were selected to analyze the mating-type complexity. We found five kinds of mating types were identified: heterothallic A1 and A2, self-fertile (SF) A1, A2 and A1/A2 types, and a complex and diverse distribution of mating-types was present in one field or leaf. In addition, the stability of each mating-type was analyzed by single hyphae, zoospore and zoosporangium. The results suggested that the SF isolates were shown to be genetically unstable, while heterothallic isolates had a stable property. In the pathogenicity test of different mating-type isolates, heterothallic A1 isolates were less pathogenic than heterothallic A2 and SF isolates. However, there was no relationship between the pathogenicity and the growth rate on culture medium.
Myocardial Perfusion Spect Findings In Postcovid Period
Authors: Araz Mine , Soydal Cigdem , Sütçü Gizem , Demir Burak , Özkan Elgin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate if i) the risk of ischemia on Myocardial Perfusion Scan (MPS) ii) number of coronary angiographies (CAG) performed iii) necessity for invasive (stent implantation or coronary artery by-pass grefting (CABG)) or medical treatment increased in patients infected with COVID-19.Methods:Patients who were referred to MPS between August 2020-April 2021 with a history of active symptomatic Covid-19 infection (confirmed by PCR positivity) in the last 6 months were involved in the study group. Age-and gender matched control group was composed of randomly chosen patients who attended for MPS between January 2019 – September 2019, before pandemic. Frequency of ischemia, CAG, invasive or medical treatments were compared between groups. Results:Ischemia was reported more frequently in the study group (p<0.001). In clinical evaluation, regardless of the MPS results, the necessity for invasive evaluation with CAG and treatment (either medical therapy or invasive interventions), was higher in the study group (p=0.006 and p=0.015). It was also true for patients with abnormal MPS results (p=0.008 and p=0.024) but not for the patients with ischemia (p=0.29 and p=0.06).Conclusion:There exists a significant increase in the frequency of ischemia on MPS, undergoing CAG, stent implantation or CABG and initiation of medical therapy in patients with a history of Covid-19 infection in the last 6 months. MPS is a reliable method in patients who present with cardiovascular symptoms in the late COVID period.
Improving the Production of 9,21-di​hydroxy-​20-​methyl-pregna-​4-​en-​3-​one from Phytosterols in Mycobacterium Neoaurum by Modifying Multiple Genes and Improving the Intracellular Environment
Authors: Yuan Chen-Yang , Ma Zhi-Guo , Zhang Jing-Xian , Liu Xiang-Cen , Du Gui-Lin , Sun Jun-Song , Shi Ji-Ping , Zhang Bao-Guo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSteroid drugs are particularly important for disease prevention and clinical treatment. However, traditional chemical methods are rarely implemented during the whole synthetic process to generate steroid intermediates due to the intricate steroid structure. Novel steroid drug precursors and their ideal bacterial strains for industrial production have yet to be developed. Among these, 9-OH-4-HP is a potential steroid drug precursor for the synthesis of corticosteroids. In this study, a combined strategy of blocking Δ1-dehydrogenation and the C19 pathway as well as improving the intracellular environment was investigated to construct an effective 9-OH-4-HP-producing strain.ResultsA Δ1-dehydrogenation-deficient strain of wild-type Mycobacterium neoaurum DSM 44074 produces 9-OH-4-HP with a molar yield of 4.8%. hsd4A, encoding a β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and fadA5 encoding an acyl-COA thiolase, were separately knocked out to block the C19 pathway in the Δ1-dehydrogenation-deficient strain. The two engineered strains could accumulate 0.59 g L-1 and 0.47 g L-1 9-OH-4-HP from 1 g L-1 phytosterols. Furthermore, hsd4A and fadA5 were knocked out simultaneously in the Δ1-dehydrogenation-deficient strain. The 9-OH-4-HP production from the Hsd4A and FadA5 double-deficient strain was 11.9% higher than that of the Hsd4A -deficient strain and 40.4% higher than that of the strain with FadA5 deficiency, and its selectivity reached 94.9%. Subsequently, the catalase katE from Mycobacterium and an NADH oxidase, nox, from Bacillus subtilis were overexpressed to improve the intracellular environment. Ultimately, 9-OH-4-HP production reached 3.58 g L-1 from 5 g L-1 phytosterols, and the selectivity of 9-OH-4-HP improved to 97%.Conclusionhsd4A and fadA5 are key enzymes in the C19 pathway for phytosterol side chain degradation. Deletion of hsd4A and fadA5 could almost entirely block the C19 pathway. Improving the intracellular environment of Mycobacterium during phytosterol bioconversion could accelerate the conversion process and enhance the productivity of target sterol derivatives.
Optimizing Care Coordination to Address Social Determinants of Health Needs for Dual-Use Veterans
Authors: Sjoberg Heidi , Lui Wenhui , Rohs Carly , Ayele Roman , McCreight Marina , Mayberry Ashlea , Battaglia Catherine 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundVeterans increasingly utilize both the Veteran’s Health Administration (VA) and non-VA hospitals (dual-users). Dual-users are at increased risk of fragmented care and adverse outcomes and often do not receive necessary follow-up care addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). We developed a Veteran-informed social worker-led Advanced Care Coordination (ACC) program to decrease fragmented care and provide longitudinal care coordination addressing SDOH for dual-users accessing non-VA emergency departments (EDs) in two communities. MethodsACC had four core components: 1) Notification from non-VA ED providers of Veterans’ ED visit; 2) ACC social worker completed a comprehensive assessment with the Veteran to identify SDOH needs; 3) Clinical intervention addressing SDOH up to 90 days post-ED discharge; and 4) Warm hand-off to Veteran’s VA primary care team. Data was documented in our program database.We performed propensity matching between a control group and ACC participants between 4/10/2018 – 4/1/2020 (N-=161). A joint survival model using Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique was employed for 30-day outcomes. We performed Difference-In-Difference analyses on number of ED visits, admissions, and primary care physician (PCP) visits 120-day pre/post discharge.ResultsWhen compared to a matched control group ACC had significantly lower risk of 30-day ED visits (Hazard Ratio (HR)=0.61, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=(0.42, 0.92)) and a higher probability of PCP visits at 13-30 days post-ED visit (HR=1.5, 95% CI=(1.01, 2.22)). Veterans enrolled in ACC were connected to VA PCP visits (50%), VA benefits (19%), home health care (10%), mental health and substance use treatment (7%), transportation (7%), financial assistance (5%), and homeless resources (2%). ConclusionWe developed and implemented a program addressing dual-users’ SDOH needs post non-VA ED discharge. Social workers connected dual-users to needed follow-up care and resources which reduced fragmentation and adverse outcomes.
Histopathological, Radiological and Demographic Factors Predicting the Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer
Authors: YILDIRIM Emine , Bektas Sibel , Pelen Zekeriya , Yanik Irem , Er Ahmet Muzaffer , Cengel Ferhat , Gumuskaya Perihan Ozkan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background/aimWhile the treatment for early stage rectal cancer is surgery, when a diagnosis is made at a locally advanced stage, it is recommended to start treatment with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, it is important to determine which patients will respond best to neoadjuvant treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate which hematological, histopathological, and radiological parameters can predict the response to chemoradiotherapy. Methods and materialsA retrospective examination was made of 43 patients who underwent surgery following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy because of locally advanced stage rectal cancer. Demographic data were collected from the patient files, and the radiological, histopathological and laboratory findings before neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were compared with the findings after treatment. ResultsIn the postoperative evaluation, a pathological complete response was determined in 25.50% of the patients. Lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion and absence of necrosisis were seen to be statistically related to major response (p<0.05), and in patients where the tumor was closer than 6cm to the anal verge, the response was betterConclusionWhen the findings were examined, histopathological lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, the presence of necrosis, and the anal verge distance were evaluated as parameters predicting the response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer.
The Possible use of Equivalent Homogeneous Subsoil Models for 1D Seismic Response Analyses in Seismic Microzonation Studies
Authors: Fabozzi Stefania , Dario Albarello , Alessandro Pagliaroli , Massimiliano Moscatelli 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The possibility is here explored to use an ‘equivalent’ homogeneous configuration to simulate 1D seismic response of heterogeneous engineering-geological bodies when relatively weak seismic impedance contrasts (150 m/s) only exist above the seismic bedrock. This equivalent configuration is obtained by considering an equivalent Vs value the harmonic average of the actual Vs values and a linear combination of G/G 0 and D curves relative to the lithotechnical components present in the actual configuration. To evaluate feasibility of this approach, a wide set of numerical simulations was carried out by randomly generating subsoil layering including sequences of alternating thin layers of geotechnical units ( e.g., sands and clays) each characterized by a characteristic nonlinear curve. Outcomes of these simulations are compared with those provided by considering a single homogeneous layer characterized by equivalent nonlinear curves obtained as a weighted average of the original curves. By comparing the heterogeneous and the homogeneous columns seismic response in terms of amplification factors and fundamental period, the results confirm the possibility to model a 1D column characterized by a generic lithostratigraphic succession with an equivalent one without introducing significative errors that, at least for the studied cases, do not exceed the 6%. This conclusion is substantially confirmed by extending the comparison to a real case, i.e. the 113 m-thick heterogeneous soil profile at Mirandola site (Norther Italy), presented in the last part.