bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construct validity of the Amharic version perceived stress scale (PSS-10) among Defense University students
Authors: Tsegaye Bitew Sintayehu , Andegiorgish Amanuel Kidane , Amhare Abebe Feyissa , Belay Habtamu 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Perceived stress scale (PSS) is the most widely used tool for assessing stressful life events and its management. However, its validity in Ethiopian Amharic language is not assessed. Objective: To translate the perceived stress scale (version PSS-10) and assess its validity among Defense University students in Bishoftu, Ethiopia.Method: From March to May 2020, an anonymous, self-managed questionnaire was used to collect the data on 758 undergraduate students of Defense University in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. Exploratory and Confirmatory factor analyses were employed to assess the factor structure and construct validity of Amharic version of the PSS-10. Cronbach alpha and Item total correlation were calculated to assess the internal consistency of Amharic version of the PSS-10.Result: Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a two-dimensional PSS-10 with Eigenvalues of 3.4 and 1.5, which explained 49.8% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicates a good model fit of the two correlated factors (Comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.94 with root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.05[0.04-0.07] and standardize root mean residual (SRMR) = 0.042). The internal consistency of PSS-10 and the Negative factor were in acceptable range, whereas the Positive factor was marginally acceptable (alpha =0.78, 0.78, and 0.68) respectively.Conclusion: The Amharic translated version of PSS-10 was found to be a valid and reliable instrument to measure the perceived stress level among university students.
Active participation of people with spinal cord injury in the design of scientific research
Authors: Faleiros Fabiana , Braga Deyse , Schoeller Soraia Dornelles , Henriques Sílvia Helena , Cunha Naira Beatriz Favoretto , Videira Lorena Gomes Neves , Grillo Adriana Cordeiro Leandro Silva 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Scientists are concerned with conducting research that accurately portrays the needs of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). As such, the main difficulties and desires for research according to people with SCI were investigated. This is a quantitative, exploratory, analytical, and cross-sectional study carried out online with a non-probabilistic sample of 618 Brazilian adults with SCI, who registered voluntarily to participate in the research of the Neurorehab group. The questionnaire consisted of 22 questions based on Data Sets from ISCOS. The response rate was 64%, with an average time of 11 minutes to complete the form. The mean age of the participants was 38.04 years (SD=9.85). The majority (68.9%) were male with higher education or a post-graduate qualification (49.5), and 58.7% were paraplegic. The main difficulties after SCI were locomotion/accessibility (70.9%), neurogenic bladder (68.8%), neurogenic bowel (48.2%), and sexuality (36.1%). The most desired studies were stem cell experiments (22.5%), rehabilitation (14.2%), and studies aiming at a cure (13.9%). Most (84.3%) of those who reported problems with sexuality after SCI were men (p=0.013). The obtained results empowered the people with SCI by enabling their participation in the future design of scientific investigations considering their desires and difficulties.
Go beyond “abundance”: cross-cohort single-nucleotide-variant profiling of gut microbiota suggests a novel gut-health assessment approach
Authors: Ma Chenchen , Zhang Yufeng , Jiang Shuaiming , Teng Fei , Huang Shi , Zhang Jiachao 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: The adaptive evolutionary changes can precede the ecological changes in the gut microbial communities under constant host selection pressure, yet their association with host diseased status was underexplored. Results: Herein, we performed a meta-analysis of 1711 gut metagenomic samples from 16 case-control studies spanning 12 human diseases to systematically explored shared disease-associated single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in gut microbes, and included an additional 446-member cohort for validation. Overall, healthy individuals carried more mutated resident gut microbes, and more SNVs, mainly involving the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producing bacteria. Furthermore, the widespread differences in base mutation bias of gut microbes were observed between health and nonhealthy subjects suggesting divergent gut microbial evolutionary directions under different host medical conditions. We further found that nonsynonymous SNVs can lead to functional inactivation of five SCFA-production genes in non-healthy populations, among of which two genes (i.e., ack, and scpC) from Faecalibacterium prausnitzii C, and Bacteroides stercoris respectively were externally validated. Subsequently, we developed a novel gut microbiome health index (GMHI) based on the SNV rate of all mutated strains, classifying host health states with 74.23% accuracy, validated with high accuracy (AUROC=69.28%). Conclusions: Collectively, our study highlights the importance of employing the genetic variability in gut microbiome to characterize the gut microbial adaptation that can also predict human chronic diseases.
COVID-19 vaccination uptake and safety profile among germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers in Singapore
Authors: Zhang Zewen , Ishak Nur Diana Binte , Chan Sock Hoai , Que Frances Victoria Fajardo , Chua Zi Yang , Chiang Jianbang , Ngeow Joanne 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Cancer patients infected with the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have demonstrated increased mortality rates compared to non-cancer patients. While COVID-19 vaccination remains voluntary in Singapore, it remains highly encouraged to provide better protection at the community level. At our Cancer Genetics Service, we see patients with germline genetic alterations, with the majority being BRCA1/2 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant (PV/LPV) carriers. Currently, there is insufficient data to suggest if this group should be managed differently from others.Methods: We conducted a survey of COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates and toxicity in a prospective cohort of 189 participants with germline BRCA1/2 PV/LPV between 1st Sept 2021 and 30th Sept 2021. Results: Our study demonstrated that the vaccination rates in our cohort is consistent with the general population and has a similar side effects profile. Conclusion: Recommendations with regards to vaccination for eligible individuals should not differ from non-carriers and be encouraged by their healthcare providers.
AN EFFICIENT HYBRID TEXTURE DESCRIPTOR FOR PULMONARY EMPHYSEMA CLASSIFICATION
Authors: Ramadoss R. , Vimala C. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common lung disease is caused due to damages in small air sacs at the end of lung airways that affects both genders. Detecting and treating pulmonary emphysema at earlier stage can reduce the mortality. The lung Computer Tomography (CT) images obtained from Computed Tomography Emphysema Database (CTED) is utilized for emphysema classification. In this paper, the automated Neural Networks (NN) based Pulmonary Emphysema Classification System (PECS) is proposed to identify and classify the emphysema lung diseases using three phases. The preprocessing phase employs the Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) technique for contrast enhancement of images. Then the image feature extraction phase uses the Laws Local Binary Pattern (L2BP) for extracting the texture descriptor images. Finally, the classification is done using two stage Neural Network classifiers (NN-1 and NN-2) to classify the emphysema images. The NN-1 classifier is used to classify the as Normal Tissue (NT), or abnormal (CLE & PLE) class and then NN-2 classifier identify the abnormal CT images into either CLE or PLE.
Systematic dissection of key factors governing recombination outcomes by GCE-SCRaMbLE
Authors: Zhang Huiming , Fu Xian , Gong Xuemei , Wang Yun , Zhang Haolin , Zhao Yu , Shen Yue 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
With the completion of Sc2.0 chromosomes, SCRaMbLE becomes more critical for in-depth investigation of fundamental biological questions and screening of industrially valuable characteristics. Further applications, however, are hindered due to the lack of facile and tight regulation of the SCRaMbLE process, and limited understanding of key factors that may affect the rearrangement outcomes. Here we propose a new approach to precisely regulate SCRaMbLE recombination in a dose-dependent manner using genetic code expansion (GCE) technology with low basal activity. By systematically analyzing 1380 derived strains and six yeast pools subjected to GCE-SCRaMbLE, we find that Cre enzyme abundance, genome ploidy and chromosome conformation play key roles in recombination frequencies and determine the SCRaMbLE outcomes. With these insights, the GCE-SCRaMbLE system will serve as a powerful tool in the future exploitation and optimization of the Sc2.0-related technologies.
Hsa_circ_0084904 drives cervical cancer advancement by modulating the miR- 578/AURAK pathway
Authors: Wang Ying , Liang Lingxia , Jin Canhui , Yu Juanjuan , Tian Xiaoyu , Wang Aihong 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is associated with elevated prevalent rates. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital functions in the pathogenesis of various cancers, such as CC. Here, we evaluated the function and associated molecular mechanisms of hsa_circ_0084904 (circKIAA1429) in CC progression. Analysis of dataset GSE102686 showed that hsa_circ_0084904 expressions were elevated. Function assays found that hsa_circ_0084904 knockdown repressed cell proliferation, formation of colonies, as well as invasion capacities in vitro. In vivo, it reduced tumor progression. Furthermore, in CC cells, hsa_circ_0084904 was shown to upregulate AURKA by sponging miR-578. MiR-578 silencing or AURKA overexpression reversed the effects associated with hsa_circ_0084904 silencing. In conclusion, hsa_circ_0084904 is a potential regulator of CC tumorigenesis via modulation of miR-578/AURKA axis and highlight a therapeutic potential for hsa_circ_0084904 against CC.
Reconstruction of 3D topographic landscape in soft X- ray Fluorescence microscopy through an inverse X- ray-tracing approach based on multiple detectors
Authors: Ippoliti Matteo , Billè Fulvio , Karydas Andreas G. , Gianoncelli Alessandra , Kourousias George 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The study of X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) emission spectra is a powerful technique used in applications that range from biology to cultural heritage. Key objectives of this technique include identification and quantification of elemental traces composing the analyzed sample. However, precise derivation of elemental concentration is often hampered by self-absorption of the XRF signal emitted by light constituents. This attenuation depends on the amount of sample present between the radiation source and detection system and allows for the exploitation of self-absorption in order to recover a sample topography. In this work, an x-ray-tracing application based on the use of multiple silicon drift detectors, is introduced to inversely reconstruct a 3D sample with correct topographical landscape, from 2D XRF count rates maps obtained from spectroscopy. The reconstruction was tested on the XRF maps of a simulated sample, which is composed of three cells with different size but similar composition. We propose to use the recovered 3D sample topography in order to numerically compute the self-absorption effects on the X-ray fluorescence radiation, thereby showing that a quantitative correction is possible. Lastly, we present a web application which implements the suggested methodology, in order to demonstrate its feasibility and applicability, available at: https://github.com/ElettraSciComp/xrfstir.
Robotic Liver Resection For Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Analysis of Surgical Margins and Clinical Outcomes From A Western Tertiary Hepatobiliary Center
Authors: Shapera Emanuel , Crespo Kaitlyn , Syblis Cameron , Ross Sharona , Rosemurgy Alexander , Sucandy Iswanto 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
This study was undertaken to determine surgical outcomes of patients undergoing robotic hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to investigate the correlation between tumor distance to margin and perioperative outcomes, as well as overall survival (OS). To our knowledge, this study represents the largest series of robotic liver resection for HCC in North America.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 58 consecutive patients who underwent robotic liver resection for HCC. Patients were further stratified by tumor distance to margin (≤ 1mm, 1.1-9.9mm, ≥ 10mm) and their clinical outcomes including OS were compared.
Results
A majority of patients attained a greater than 1mm tumor distance to margin (81%). There were no differences in tumor size between patient cohorts who attained ≤ 1mm, 1.1-9.9mm, and ≥ 10mm margins. There were no differences in pre-, intra-, and postoperative outcomes among the three cohorts. Cost variables of interest were also similar. OS was highest in the > 10mm margin cohort, and this was statistically significant at 3 and 5 years.
Conclusion
Robotic HCC resection was associated with adequate tumor distance to margin. Wide margins ≥ 10mm is associated with the best OS.
Carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitor S4 triggers immunogenic cell death in glioma cells via endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway
Authors: Cui Jing , Xu Huizhe , Shi Ji , Fang Kun , Liang Dapeng , Liu Feng , Wang Jing , Xie Chunrui , Xia Zhiyu , Meng Songshu , Yan Yumei , Piao Haozhe 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Immunogenic cell death (ICD), which releases danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMP) that induce potent anticancer immune response, has emerged as a key component of therapy-induced anti-tumor immunity. The aim of this work was to analyze whether the carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitor S4 can elicit ICD in glioma cells. Methods: The effects of S4 on glioma cell growth were evaluated using the CCK-8, clonogenic and sphere assays. Glioma cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Surface-exposed calreticulin (CRT) was inspected by confocal imaging. The supernatants of S4-treated cells were concentrated for the determination of HMGB1and HSP70/90 expression by immunoblotting. RNA-seq was performed to compare gene expression profiles between S4-treated and control cells. Pharmacological inhibition of apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was achieved by inhibitors. In vivo effects of S4 were evaluated in glioma xenografts. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to stain Ki67 and CRT.Results: S4 significantly decreased the viability of glioma cells and induced apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, S4 triggered CRT exposure and the release of HMGB1 and HSP70/90. Inhibition of either apoptosis or autophagy significantly reversed S4-induced release of DAMP molecules. RNA-seq analysis indicated that the ER stress pathway was deregulated upon exposure to S4. Both PERK-eIF2α and IRE1α- XBP1 axis were activated in S4-treated cells. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of PERK significantly suppressed S4-triggered ICD markers and autophagy. In glioma xerografts, S4 significantly reduced tumor growth. Conclusions: Altogether, these findings suggest S4 as a novel ICD inducer in glioma and might have implications for S4-based immunotherapy.
Salubrinal suppresses cadmium-induced cell death by affecting endoplasmic reticulum stress/autophagy in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Miyayama Takamitsu , Matsuoka Masato 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Salubrinal, inhibits the dephosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit α (eIF2α), provides protection against cadmium toxicity. However, underlying mechanisms of salubrinal for ER stress/autophagy remain unknown in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells following exposure to cadmium.Methods: Cells were exposed to 1.0 µM CdCl2 and 10 µM salubrinal for 24 h. Cytotoxicities and viabilities were evaluated by using a WST-8 assay. The expression of ER stress– and autophagy–related genes was analyzed by immunoblotting. To evaluate lysosomal pH and autophagosomal formation, fluorescence signals of LysoTracker and Cyto-ID were determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively. To discriminate autophagic impairment or autophagic activation, flux assay was performed with bafilomycin A1.Results: Salubrinal suppressed cadmium-induced cell death. Treatment with salubrinal led to increased levels of phosphorylated eIF2α and 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein and a decrease in mRNA level of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in cells exposed to cadmium. p62 protein and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B-II (LC3B-II) was increased in cells treated with both cadmium and salubrinal. Flux assays showed that the increase in LC3B-II expression was enhanced by treatment with salubrinal and bafilomycin A1.Conclusions: Salubrinal suppresses cadmium-induced CHOP expression and activates autophagic flux, thereby promoting cell survival.
Effects of Ganoderma lucidum on Chemical-Induced and Bacterial-Infected Corneal Ulceration of Rabbits’ Eyes
Authors: Okenwa-Vincent Emmanuel Elochukwu , Moogi Alphonsinah K. , Odero Phenard O. , Dania Afe Victor , Mashige Khathutshelo Percy 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Corneal ulcerations are risks to blindness, and their treatment presents huge challenges, in part due to increased resistance to anti-bacterial drugs, accessibility and costs issues, particularly in developing countries. In this study, we investigated the pharmacological effect of Ganoderma Lucidum (G. lucidum), on chemical-induced and bacterial-infected corneal ulceration of rabbits’ eyes.
Methods
This was a randomized-controlled experiment of 16 healthy New Zealand rabbits, which were randomly assigned into four groups (A – D). The right eye corneas were injured using a drop of 1 molar sodium hydroxide and followed by infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 12 hours, in all groups except group A. Treatment with extracts of G. lucidum for groups A and B, the standard treatment protocol for group C, and atropine alone for group D commenced after 24 hours and continued every four hours for seven days. All data collected, pre- and post- tests, were analyzed at α = 0.05 using Wilcoxon signed-rank test for correlated variables and Mann-Whitney U test for independent variables.
Results
G. lucidum has significant clinical effects (47%) on corneal injury and ulcers (92%). The healing effects observed at the 168th hour were significantly better than those observed at the 24th hour (p < 0.05). Although the differences between the healing effects of the standard treatment and the extracts were not significant (p > 0.05), the mean effects size was clinically significant (31%).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the potential antimicrobial potential of G. lucidum. G. lucidum may provide an alternative treatment option for chemical-induced and bacterial-infected corneal ulcers, particularly in resource-constrained countries.
Metabolic and cardiovascular features of the course of type 2 diabetes mellitus in men with hypogonadism
Authors: Demidova T. Yu. , Skuridina D. V. , Kasimova A. M. 
Published: June 2022

Introduction. Androgenic deficiency is an important pathogenetic element in the development of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases in men. It has been proven that in male patients with type 2 diabetes, hypogonadism develops much more often. Objective – to study the metabolic and cardiovascular features of the course of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in men with androgen deficiency.Materials and methods. The study included 124 men with type 2 diabetes. To diagnose hypogonadism, the levels of total testosterone (T), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), albumin and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured. Free testosterone (free T) levels were calculated using a calculator from Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. A retrospective analysis of case histories was carried out (spectrum of late complications, the presence of heart attacks and strokes, laboratory data – total cholesterol (CS), triglycerides (TG), fasting blood plasma glucose, basal insulin level, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)). The HOMA-IR index was used to determine the degree of insulin resistance.Results. The average age of men was 57.39 ± 9.41 years. The incidence of laboratory-confirmed hypogonadism is 50.81%. An average positive correlation was found between androgen deficiency and the incidence of non-fatal cardiovascular events (r = 0.45, p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant relationship between the presence of hypogonadism and the incidence and degree of late complications of T2DM. Patients with low T levels tended to have higher HOMA-IR values compared to patients with normal T levels (p < 0.05). At the same time, the indicators of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism did not differ significantly in these groups (p > 0.05).Conclusions. The revealed incidence of hypogonadism in men with T2DM corresponds to the data of international studies. The presence of a significant correlation between low testosterone levels and cardiovascular events in patients with T2DM suggests that hypogonadism can be used as an additional criterion for cardiovascular risk. Testosterone deficiency exacerbates insulin resistance, which can lead to weight gain and impair carbohydrate metabolism.
Molecular genetic characteristics of colorectal cancer depending on the status of microsatellite instability
Authors: Oganyan K. A. , Musaelyan A. A. , Kotikova M. A. , Lapin S. V. , Nazarov V. D. , Belyaev M. A. , Zakharenko A. A. , Orlov S. V. 
Published: June 2022

Introduction. The emergence of new markers that determine the choice of therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) has led to an increase in overall survival. The optimal treatment tactics now take into account both clinical and molecular-genetic characteristics of the tumor.Aim. Investigation of the features of the KRAS, NRAS and BRAF mutations and amplification of the HER2 gene depending on microsatellite instability (MSI) in CRC.Materials and methods. The study included 400 patients with CRC. MSI, BRAF V600E mutation, mutations in the KRAS and NRAS genes was identified to them. MSI was determined by fragment analysis, and mutations in the KRAS, NRAS, BRAF genes by realtime PCR. HER2 amplification was determined in 100 patients with a negative RAS/BRAF. NTRK translocations were determined in all patients with MSI. Data on preoperative levels of CEA and CA19-9 were obtained from 185 patients.Results and discussion. The prevalence of MSI was 6.8%. The prevalence of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF mutations in CRC with MSI was 66.7%, and in CRC with MSS - 52.3%. In patients with MSI, the level of CEA was lower than in MSS (p = 0.0061). The overall prevalence of KRAS and NRAS mutations was 45% and 2.5%. The overall prevalence of the BRAF V600E mutation was 5.8% and was more common in MSI-positive tumors (p < 0.0001). Regardless of MSI, BRAF-positive tumors were characterized by right-sided localization (p < 0.0001), category T3-4 (p = 0.013), lymph node involvement (p = 0.004), carcinomatosis (p = 0.046), high levels of CA19-9 (p = 0.014). HER2 amplification was found in 7% of wild-type RAS/BRAF cases and was associated with rectal cancer (p = 0.044), category T3-4 (p = 0.041), and distant metastases (p = 0.038). HER2 amplifications and NTRK translocations were not detected in cases with MSI.Conclusion. MSI-positive CRC had a higher prevalence of mutations in major genes. CRC with the BRAF V600E mutation and HER2 amplification had aggressive clinical and morphological parameters.