bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VCAN – A novel prognostic marker for gastric cancer
Authors: Binang Helen Barong , Wang Yun-shan , Tewara Marlvin Anemey , Lin Weiqiang , Du Lutao , Wang Chuanxin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background
Versican (VCAN) is a large aggregating extracellular matrix proteoglycan implicated in the pathogenesis of most human cancers but its role in gastric cancer is not yet elucidated. We designed the present study to investigate the expression, prognostic value, relationship between genetic alterations and patient’s outcome, disease associations, as well as genetic and protein interactions of VCAN in gastric cancer.
Methods
Expression of VCAN in tumor and normal tissues was studied with ONCOMINE, UALCAN, and GEPIA databases and the human protein atlas. UALCAN, GEPIA, OncoLnc and Kaplan-Meier plotter were used to assess the prognostic values of VCAN in gastric cancer. Subgroup analysis of the clinical significance of VCAN in gastric cancer was done using Kaplan-Meier plotter. Genetic alterations of VCAN and their associations with patient’s outcome were studied with cBioPortal. Open targets platform was used to study diseases associated with VCAN, GeneMANIA was used to obtain the neighbor genes interaction network of VCAN, and STRING was used to examine VCAN interaction with other proteins.
Results
VCAN was upregulated and associated with clinical cancer stages. High VCAN expression predicted unfavorable outcome for all patients; subgroup analysis showed worse outcomes for patients treated with surgery or other adjuvants (other than 5-FU based adjuvant) but better outcome for patients treated with 5-FU based adjuvant, associating VCAN expression with chemosensitivity to 5-FU based adjuvants, but chemoresistance to other adjuvants. Genetic alteration of VCAN correlated with a favorable outcome in terms of disease-free survival for patients. Also, open targets platform showed that VCAN is associated with gastric cancer and is a potential therapeutic target for the disease. Finally, interaction of VCAN with neighbor genes and proteins revealed that VCAN interacts with genes and proteins that drive tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
Conclusion
The results of this study show that VCAN is an oncogene in gastric cancer whose expression can be applied as a biomarker for prognostic prediction, selection of appropriate chemotherapy drugs/monitoring of treatment response, and is a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
A comparative study of the characteristics and clinical significance of extracellular traps of neutrophils in gingival samples of periodontitis and gingivitis patients
Authors: Zhang Fei , Yang Xi-Mei , Jia Shu-Yu 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: We sought to compare the characteristics and clinical significance of extracellular traps of neutrophils in gingival samples of periodontitis and gingivitis. Methods: The clinical indexes of gingival samples from periodontitis and gingivitis were measured; the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-8 were measured by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR; the expression of TLR-8 and MMP-9 were measured by Western blotting assays Chemotaxis, phagocytosis and phagocytic activity of neutrophils were measured.
Results: The periodontal clinical indexes of periodontitis and gingivitis samples were significantly higher than those of healthy people (P<0.05). There were significant differences in BOP, PD and CAL between periodontitis and gingivitis samples (P<0.05), but no differences in gingival index (GI) (P>0.05). Compared with the healthy group, the expressions of TNF-α and IL-8 in the periodontitis group and the gingivitis group increased significantly (P<0.05), and TNF-α in the gingivitis group was significantly lower than that in the healthy group (P<0.05). The expression of IL-8 in the periodontitis group was significantly higher than that in the periodontitis group (P<0.05); the expression of TLR-8 and MMP-9 in the periodontitis group was different from that in the gingivitis group and the healthy people group, and the expression of TLR-8 and MMP-9 in the gingivitis group was significantly different from that in the healthy people group (P<0.05); the neutrophil mobility index in healthy people was (3.02±0.53), and that in the periodontitis group was (2.21±0.13), and (2.31±0.12) in the gingiva. There were significant differences between the periodontitis group and the gingivitis group (P<0.05, P<0.05). The phagocytic ability and activity of neutrophils in healthy people were (392.03±20.04), (89.34±10.12), the periodontitis group was (360.32±18.23), (80.02±10.21), and the gingivitis group was (359.32±20.11), (78.93±17.32), respectively. There were significant differences between the periodontitis group and the gingivitis group and healthy people group (P<0.05, P<0.05).
Conclusion: The chemotaxis of neutrophils in gingival samples of periodontitis and gingivitis patients was decreased, the phagocytosis ability and activity of neutrophils were reduced, and the release of extracellular trap-releasing inducible factors TNF-alpha and IL-8 also declined.
Acceptability of Internet-based interventions for problem gambling: a qualitative study of focus groups with clients and clinicians
Authors: Sanchez Sherald , Jindani Farah , Shi Jing , Maas Mark van der , Hagopian Sylvia , Murray Robert , Turner Nigel 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Although Internet-based interventions (IBIs) have been around for two decades, uptake has been slow. Increasing the acceptability of IBIs among end users may increase uptake. In this study, we explored the factors that shape acceptability of IBIs for problem gambling from the perspective of clients and clinicians. Findings from this qualitative study of focus groups informed the design and implementation of an IBI for problem gambling.Methods Using a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted three focus groups with clients experiencing gambling problems (total n = 13) and two with clinicians providing problem gambling treatment (total n = 21). Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a two-part inductive-deductive approach to thematic analysis.Results Although both user groups reported similar experiences, each group also had unique concerns. Clinician perspectives were more homogeneous reflective of healthcare professionals sharing the same practice and values. Clinicians were more concerned about issues relating to the dissemination of IBIs into clinical settings, including the development of policies and protocols and the implications of IBIs on the therapeutic relationship. In comparison, client narratives were more heterogeneous descriptive of diverse experiences and individual preferences, such as the availability of services on a 24-hour basis. There was consensus among clients and clinicians on common factors influencing acceptability: access, usability, high quality technology, privacy and security, and the value of professional guidance.Conclusions Acceptability is an important factor in the overall effectiveness of IBIs. Gaining an understanding of how end users perceive IBIs and why they choose to use IBIs can be instrumental in the successful and meaningful design, implementation, and evaluation of IBIs.
Communication mediums used by patients and health professionals during access and provision of healthcare in low resource settings: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Dongyele Mathias , Ansong Daniel , Adjei Francis Osei , Xamuzu Evans , Mensah Nicholas Karikari , Owusu Alfred Kwame , Dankwa Bright Atta , Newton Sam Kofi , Odoom Samuel Frimpong , Bonney Joseph , Adjei Duncan , Amusu Anne , Akowuah Emmanuel Kofi , Lartey Kelvin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: The issue of mediums to communicate to make enquiries to a hospital in finding out the type of services available, availability of physicians and beds at the receiving hospitals, and a reminder system remains a challenge for patients and providers of the health service in the Sub-Sharan Africa. This present study sought to review the existing healthcare communication mediums from the perspectives of patients and health professionals at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, KumasiMethod A cross-sectional design was employed with a multilevel sampling method to select a total of 651 participants consisting of 304 patients, 303 health workers and 44 hospital directorate managers for the study. A well-structured survey questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents.Results Most hospital staff (66.4%) used a blend of social media and direct means (face-to-face medium) for communicating among themselves whereas 89.8% only communicates with management through meetings sections. Predominantly, 97.4% of the staff communicated by direct means (face-to-face medium) with patients. Almost all the management of the hospital communicated with the general public using mediums like letters and official memos.Conclusions There is evidence of combination of both traditional mediums (face-to-face) and the technological mediums (social media) for communications by health providers and health consumers. However there is a dissatisfaction with delayed information flow and poor feedback with the use of these available mediums. Therefore, a digital mobile application communication system is recommended to offer efficient communication within and outside the Ghanaian health facilities.
Integrated transcriptome, small RNA and degradome sequencing approaches proffer insights into chlorogenic acid (CGA) biosynthesis in leafy sweet potato
Authors: Zhang Wenying , Liu Yi , Su Wenjin , Wang Lianjun , Lei Jian , Chai Shasha , Jiao Chunhai , Yang Xinsun 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Phenolic compounds play key roles in health protection and leafy sweet potato is an excellent source of total phenolics (TP). The chlorogenic acid (CGA) family, which includes caffeoylquinic acid (CQA), 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,4-diCQA), 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA) and 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (4,5-diCQA), constitutes the major components of phenolic compounds in leafy sweet potato. However, the mechanism of CGA biosynthesis in leafy sweet potato is unclear. The objective of present study is to dissect the mechanisms of CGA biosynthesis by using transcriptome, small RNA and degradome sequencing.Results Transcriptome sequencing of twelve samples (three replicates) from one low-CGA content genotype and one high-CGA content genotype at two stages (65 and 85 days after planting) identified a total of 2333 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The enriched DEGs were related to photosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. In this study, functional genes CCR , CCoAOMT and HCT in the CGA biosynthetic pathway were uniformly downregulated, indicating the way to lignin was altered. Small RNA sequencing of the samples resulted in the identification of 171 microRNAs (miRNAs), including 149 known and 22 novel miRNAs. A total of 38 miRNAs were differentially expressed. Using in silico approaches, 1799 targets were predicated for 38 DE miRNAs. The target genes were enriched in lignin and phenylpropanoid catabolic process. Transcription factors (TFs) such as APETALA2/ethylene response factor ( AP2/ERF ) and Squamosa promoter binding protein -like ( SPL ) predicated in silico were validated in degradome sequencing. The association analysis of DE miRNAs and transcriptome datasets identified that MIR156 family targeted DHQ / SDH (3-dehydroquinate dehydratase/shikimate dehydrogenase), the key gene in the phenylpropanoid pathway , the result of which was validated by qRT-PCR. The expression trends of genes and miRNAs of qRT-PCR were consistent with the RNA and small RNA sequencing results.Conclusions This study established comprehensive functional genomic resources for the CGA biosynthesis and provided insights into the molecular mechanisms involving in this process. The results also enabled the first insights into the regulatory roles of mRNAs and miRNAs and offered candidate genes for leafy sweet potato improvement.
Sexual dimorphism and sex-biased gene expression in an egg parasitoid species, Anastatus disparis
Authors: Liu P.C. , Hao DeJun , Hu Hao-Yuan , Wei Jian-Rong 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background
Differences in the expression of genes present in both sexes are assumed to contribute to sex differences including behavioural, physiological and morphological dimorphisms. For enriching our knowledge of gender differences in an important egg parasitoid wasp, Anastatus disparis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), sex-biased differences in gene expression were investigated using Illumina-based transcriptomic analysis.
Results
A total of 67201 resulting unigenes were annotated, including 4206 genes differentially expressed (i.e., sex-biased genes) between females and males including 243 specific genes; the majority of the sex-biased genes (63.72%) were female-biased. Sexually dimorphic traits related to flyability and longevity were discussed at the level of gene expression, improving our understanding of those biological traits. Besides, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses showed that the functional categories in sex-biased genes were mainly related to reproduction.
Conclusions
Overall, this study provides comprehensive insight into the sexually dimorphic traits of parasitoid wasps, offering a basis for future research to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying such traits and improve the application of these insects to the biological control of pests.
Lights and Siren Transport and the Need for Hospital Intervention in Non-Trauma Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Bertholet Olivier , Pasquier Mathieu , Christes Elina , Wirths Damien , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Hugli Olivier , Dami Fabrice 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: The use of lights and siren transport (LST) has been a matter of debate because of the short time savings and well-established increased risks for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and bystanders. Time-critical hospital intervention (TCHI) denotes urgently needed procedures that cannot be performed properly in an out-of-hospital setting. Since 2013, rapid transportation from the field – fast-track – is currently used for patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, suspicion of acute stroke and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We aimed to determine whether the use of LST was associated with the realization of TCHI for non-trauma cases within 15 minutes of hospital arrival, to identify the predictors of TCHI and to compare clinical outcomes in patients transported with or without LST. Methods: This is a monocentric prospective observational study of non-trauma patients transported by ambulance. Based on Ross et al.’s work in 2016 on trauma patients, TCHI procedures were developed by the study team. We used descriptive statistics to determine whether the use of LST was associated with the realization of TCHI. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined the predictors of TCHI and compared clinical outcomes. Results: On the 324 patients included, 67 (20.7%) benefitted from LST, with 40 (59.7%) receiving TCHI ( p < 0.001). The most common medical TCHI was the fast-track (65.2% of all TCHI). LST was predictive of the need for TCHI ( p < 0.001), as was the clinical condition of the patient and also when EMS providers expected TCHI. When transported with LST, patients were hospitalized significantly more often in acute care units and less often in general wards or discharged from the Emergency Department ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of LST for non-trauma patients was positively associated with the realization of TCHI. EMS providers demonstrated a high level of precision in discerning which patients deserved LST. A majority of the LST benefitted from TCHI. Nevertheless, when fast-track was excluded the rate dropped by more than 50%. To reduce the rate of over-triage (LST without TCHI), LST should be used only for fast-track and also when TCHI is expected by the EMS providers.
Centrally acting stimulants in patients receiving opioid agonist therapy; a national prospective cohort study in Norway from 2015 to 2017
Authors: Vold Jørn Henrik , Aas Christer , Skurtveit Svetlana , Odsbu Ingvild , Chalabianloo Fatemeh , Halmøy Anne , Johansson Kjell Arne , Fadnes Lars Thore 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background It is estimated that about a third of patients on opioid agonist therapy (OAT) have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Treatment by centrally acting sympathomimetics (CAS) is one of the essential approaches. This study evaluates the use of CAS in the Norwegian OAT population in the period from 2015 to 2017. Types and doses of CAS, and co-dispensations of other addictive drugs like benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics, gabapentinoids, and non-OAT opioids, as well as direct-acting antivirals (DAA) against hepatitis C infection, are evaluated. Methods Information about all dispensed CAS, OAT opioids, and the defined addictive drugs were recorded from the Norwegian Prescription Database. The number and the doses of dispensed drugs were used to estimate dispensation rates, the types, and the doses of dispensed CAS. Logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the associations between CAS and OAT opioid use, and dispensations of other addictive drugs and DAA against hepatitis C infection. Results A total of 9,235 OAT patients were included. The proportion of patients who used both CAS and OAT opioids increased from 4 % to 5 % during the study period. The three most dispensed CAS were methylphenidate (59 %), lisdexamphetamine (24 %), and dexamphetamine (17 %). Buprenorphine as OAT opioid (adjusted odds ratio: 1.59, CI: 1.24-2.05) was associated with being dispensed CAS. Among patients who received CAS annually throughout the study period, the dispensed doses of methylphenidate increased from 63 mg/day in 2015 to 76 mg/day in 2017 (p = 0.01). About 60 % of these patients were also dispensed other addictive drugs concomitantly in 2017. Conclusion Co-dispensation of CAS was low among patients on OAT in Norway, considering a higher prevalence of ADHD in this patient group. On the other hand, concurrent dispensations of multiple addictive drugs are common in this population. Understanding the underlying causes of such prescribing is essential, and research on how to optimize CAS treatment of people with ADHD receiving OAT is needed.
Staff Exposure to Trauma and the Impact of Trauma-Informed Care
Authors: Schiff Jeannette Waegemakers , Liu Jacky , Wenger Cierra , Knapp Jordan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Working with client populations who experience high levels of traumatic stress can result in direct traumatization of staff. This in turn often results in high levels of sick leave, stress leave, employee absenteeism and staff turnover. The extent to which staff stress may be mitigated by the presence of a culture of trauma informed care (TIC) has not previously received attention. This study reports on the extent to which staff report traumatizing experiences as part of their job, related traumatic stress and a causal analysis that suggests the potential impact of a TIC environment on mitigating these difficult emotional experiences.Methods: The study surveyed 321 frontline workers in 27 programs within 19 organizations that provide intervention and support services to persons experiencing homelessness. The survey included the PROQoL, LEC-5 and the PCL-6, and a set or questions on organizational functioning. Statistical analysis included examination of the correlation of traumatic stress, secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and organizational factors of trauma informed care. We conducted a mediation analysis using the framework proposed by Hayes [1] to examine the role of organizational environment on staff traumatic stress. Results: The study affirms the high rates of traumatic experiences and the high rate of stress reported by frontline workers. The mediation analysis establishes model that shows a direct link between trauma-informed organizational practices and reduction in staff reported traumatic stress symptoms.Conclusions: Previous studies have concentrated on secondary traumatic stress. This research highlights that high rates of direct traumatic stress on frontline workers and demonstrates a potential pathway of stress reduction in organizations that have a trauma-informed environment.
Clinical study on the status of transient thyrotoxicosis after surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Zou Baoshan , Liu Jiashuo , Li Hong , Xu Zhou , Li Hao , Li Hongyuan , Wu Kainan , Kong Lingquan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication of end-stage renal disease (ESRD)，and part of SHPT patients need receive parathyroidectomy (PTX). However, as an important postoperative complication of SHPT, thyrotoxicosis has received little attention. Therefore, in this article, we aimed to study the status of transient thyrotoxicosis after PTX for SHPT patients with ESRD and normal thyroid function. Methods: A total of 36 SHPT patients with preoperative normal thyroid function, normal thyroglobulin(Tg) and normal thyroid antibodies receiving PTX were enrolled from the Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, from January 2017 to January 2019. Tg, high sensitivity thyrotropin stimulating hormone(sTSH), triiodothyronine(T3), free triiodothyronine(fT3)，thyroxine(T4) and free thyroxine(fT4) were evaluated the day before PTX and on day 1, 3 and 5 after PTX. Besides, all enrolled patients were evaluated whether there are symptoms associated with thyrotoxicosis. Results: Among the 36 SHPT patients, 3 case (8.3%), 14 cases (38.9%) and 24 cases (66.7%) had suffered thyrotoxicosis at the first, third and fifth day after surgery, respectively. Serum FT4 level increased significantly (＞1.5 times higher than the normal maximum) from pre-operation (0.66±0.14 ng/dl, normal range: 0.59-1.25ng/dl) to the third day after operation (2.13±2.16 ng/dl, p＜0.001) and then gradually decline, but still higher than the normal maximum on day 5 after surgery (1.40±0.59 ng/dl, p＜0.001). The frequencies of serum sTSH lower than the normal level gradually increased from the first day（11.1%） to fifth day （66.7%） after surgery. Serum Tg level increased significantly (＞4 times higher than the normal maximum) from pre-operation (8.43±6.26, normal range: 0.00-50.03ng/ml)to the first day after operation 213.07±157.69, p＜0.001) and then gradually decline, but still relatively higher than the normal maximum on day 5 after surgery (67.70±97.43ng/ml, p＜0.001). Conclusion: Transient thyrotoxicosis is a common postoperative complication of parathyroidectomy for SHPT patients with ESRD and normal thyroid function, and it is necessary for clinicians to evaluate the perioperative thyroid function to make early diagnosis and appropriate prevention and treatment of thyrotoxicosis.