bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of RDW in the prognostic assessment of pediatric patients with septic shock
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liu Chun-Feng , Li Jiu-Jun , Wang Li-Jie , Xu Wei 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) at admission and the prognosis of pediatric patients with septic shock.METHODS: The case data of all patients with a diagnosis of septic shock over the past 7 years. The patients were grouped according to RDW values and prognosis, and compare the differences in RDW values and other key indicators among the groups, And evaluate the prognostic value of RDW in pediatric septic shock.RESULTS: A total of 153 were included in this study. The patients in the mortality group had relatively higher RDW values than the survival group. The AUROC for predicting the prognosis of children with septic shock using the PELOD2 score was 0.786 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.711–0.862), the RDW was 0.588 (95% CI: 0.491–0.684). There was no difference between the AUROC for PELOD2 and PELOD2+RDW (p = 0.186). CONCLUSION: The RDW>15% at admission constitute an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in pediatric patients with septic shock, and pediatric septic shock patients with RDW>15.6% at admission predicted poor result.
Application of online teaching mode combining case studies and the MOOC platform in obstetrics and gynecology probation teaching
Authors: Li Yi , Yang Chunfen , Liao Wenyan , Yang Shuangjian , Tong Wenjuan , Li Li , Lan Hui , Yang Dong 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective: To explore the application effect of the clinical basic integration teaching mode constructed by case studies and the MOOC platform in obstetrics and gynecology internship teaching in the face of public health emergencies. Methods: 110 clinical medical students of grade 2018 were selected as the experimental group, and 110 clinical medical students of grade 2019 were selected as the control group. The experimental group adopted the clinical basic integration teaching mode combined with case studies and the MOOC platform, while the control group adopted the traditional probation teaching method. A comprehensive evaluation and comparison of the teaching effect on the two groups was performed using a questionnaire survey. Results: The scores of medical record writing in the experimental group (81.851 ± 52) and the case analysis score (84.045 ± 96) were significantly higher than the control group (80.205 ± 85), (81.554 ± 53), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, the final theoretical examination score of the experimental group (79.851 ± 39) was lower than that of the control group [(81.904 ± 62); again, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The evaluation results of the students in the experimental group on questionnaire indexes indicate that the teaching effect is better than that in the control group. Conclusion: The application effect of case studies combined with the MOOC platform in obstetrics and gynecology internship teaching is better than that of traditional teaching methods.
PLCL1 suppresses tumor progression by regulating AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Song Huajie , Zhu Hengcheng , Xiao Yusha , Liu Ting , Zeng Yan , Pan Zhou , Cheng Fan , Yang Kang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Autophagy has been increasingly recognized as a critical regulatory mechanism in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. A previous study showed that phospholipase C-like protein 1 (PLCL1) is associated with the lipid metabolism of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, it is unclear whether PLCL1 regulates autophagy, thereby influencing the progression of ccRCC.Results: Bioinformatics analysis revealed and confirmed that expression of PLCL1 is decreased in tumors and is correlated with prognosis in ccRCC patients. Elevated PLCL1 levels decreased proliferation capacity and invasion while promoting apoptosis, but PLCL1 knockdown reversed these changes in ccRCC cells compared to controls. Mechanistic investigations confirmed that PLCL1 induces autophagy by activating the AMPK/mTOR pathway and interacting with DEPP. The results in mouse models demonstrated that PLCL1 inhibits ccRCC tumor growth.Conclusion: Our data suggest that PLCL1 suppresses ccRCC progression by activating the AMPK/mTOR pathway and interacting with DEPP, initiating autophagy and inducing apoptosis. PLCL1 may be a promising target for the treatment of ccRCC patients.
Shugan Jiangni Hewei Granule regulates synaptic plasticity in central sensitization via NGF/TrkA Signaling Pathways in psychological stress rats with nonerosive reflux disease
Authors: Bai Guang , Jia Yuebo , Wang Tianzuo , Zhao Jiaqi , Li Jing 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective. We sought to investigate the mechanism of visceral hypersensitivity improvement of Shugan Jiangni Hewei Granules (SJHG) treatment of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and provide an experimental basis for its clinical application. Methods. Fifty healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 5 groups, with 10 rats in each group, including normal group (healthy rats), model group (model rats without any treatment), SJHG group (model rats with SJHG treatment), Omeprazole group (model rats with Omeprazole treatment), and k252a group (model rats treated with 100μmol/kg NGF/TrkA pathway inhibitor).The esophageal mucosa and synaptic vesicles in spinal cord were observed by EMT, NGF, TrkA, PSD95, and GAP43 proteins expression in spinal cord were detected by western blot, and GluA1 protein expression in spinal cord was detected by immunohistochemistry among the normal group, model group, SJHG group and Omeprazole group, PSD95 protein expression in spinal cord was detected by immunofluorescence. Results. In the model group, the intercellular spaces of epithelia of esophageal mucosa widened, and the synaptic vesicles in spinal cord increased compared with the normal group. NGF amd TrkA proteins of model group in the spinal cord were significantly increased compared with the normal group (P<0.01), After the treatment of SJHG or Omeprazole or k252a, the expression of NGF amd TrkA were decreased compared with the model rats. (P<0.01). GAP43, PSD95 proeins of model group in the spinal cord were higher than that of the normal group.(P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the expression of NGF increased (P<0.05), but no significant difference of TrkA and CREB mRNA expression. The content of GluA1 in spinal cord of rats in normal group was low. According to the integrated optical density (IOD), GluA1 protein in the model group was higher than that in the normal group (P<0.01). The expression of GluA1 of both the SJHG group and the Omeprazole group decreased signifcantly (P<0.01).Conclusions. SJHG can ameliorate visceral hypersensitivity and decrease central hypersensitivity in mental stress rats with non-erosive reflux disease, which is partially due to the regulation of NGF/TrkA signaling pathways. Psychological factor is also an important cause of visceral hypersensitivity. These findings provided a new target for Traditional Chinese medicine treatment of NERD to improve the hypersensitivity of esophageal viscera.
The incoming dNTP makes human DNA polymerase ε discriminative against RNA- containing primers
Authors: Lisova Alisa E. , Baranovskiy Andrey G. , Morstadt Lucia M. , Babayeva Nigar D. , Tahirov Tahir H. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
DNA polymerase ε (Polε) performs bulk synthesis of DNA on the leading strand during genome replication. Polε binds two substrates, a template:primer and dNTP, and catalyzes a covalent attachment of dNMP to the 3' end of the primer. Previous studies have shown that Polε easily inserts and extends ribonucleotides, which may promote mutagenesis and genome instability. In this work, we analyzed the mechanisms of discrimination against RNA-containing primers by human Polε (hPolε), performing binding and kinetic studies at near-physiological salt concentration. Pre-steady-state kinetic studies revealed that hPolεCD extends RNA primers with approximately 3,300-fold lower efficiency in comparison to DNA, and addition of one dNMP to the 3' end of an RNA primer increases activity 36-fold. Likewise, addition of one rNMP to the 3' end of a DNA primer reduces activity 38-fold. The binding studies conducted in the presence of 0.15 M NaCl revealed that human hPolεCD has low affinity to DNA (KD of 1.5 µM). Strikingly, a change of salt concentration from 0.1 M to 0.15 M reduces stability of the hPolεCD/DNA complex by 25-fold. The incoming dNTP does not affect affinity to DNA but makes hPolε discriminative against RNA and chimeric RNA-DNA primers. In summary, our studies revealed that hPolε discrimination against RNA-containing primers is based on three main factors: incoming dNTP, a steric gate for the primer 2'OH, and the rigid template:primer binding pocket near the catalytic site. In addition, we showed the importance of conducting functional studies at near-physiological salt concentration.
Exploration of current status and influencing factors of leadership competency of medical graduate freshmen based on three different models
Authors: Li Yue , Ji Xunming , Lu Jie , Wang Yajun , Yang Kun , Li Sijie , Zhang Wei , Shi Shuping , Zhao Yan , Liu Yong , Chen Liying , Chen Jianjun , Wen Xiaochu , Chen Kefan , Ji Tingting 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: It calls great attention of the leadership competency status of medical students as it is believed that their good leadership ability can improve the clinical practice or research outcome. It is believed to be among the most important competency of a doctor or a scientist. Meanwhile, the leadership competency status of the medical graduate freshmen and the influencing factors of it had been rarely researched. Methods: From July to September in 2020 and 2021, 851 medical graduate freshmen from seven teaching hospitals of the Capital Medical University (CMU) participated in a survey including three 5-point Likert scales based on different models and in which they implied their leadership abilities. The scales included Socially Responsible Leadership Scale (SRLS), Emotionally Intelligent Leadership for students Inventory (EILI) and the Student Leadership Practices Inventory-Self Instrument(SLPI). After self-scoring of these three scales, four questions were asked about the attitude of the cultivation of leadership and scored by the 5-point Likert scale. The data were then analyzed by two independent samples t-test or one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regressions. Results: The scores of all dimensions of the SRLS were at the medium level except for controversy with civility. The scores of the dimensions of consciousness of context, self and others of EILI and the dimensions of enable others to act and encourage the heart of SLPI were at the medium level.And the scores of the dimensions of model the way, inspire a shared vision and challenge the process of SLPI were at the high level. The leadership abilities of medical graduate freshmen were affected by the demographics, participation of social activities and leadership learning. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the scores of SLPI were jointly affected by the scores of SRLS and EILI ((F=2674.44, P<0.001, R2=0.86).Conclusions: Chinese medical graduate freshmen had a medium to high level of leadership abilities except for controversy with civility according to the survey. Leadership ability can be affected by demographic characteristics, social activities and leadership learning situations. Leadership practice is influenced by both personal responsibility and emotional intelligence. Themed series of activities especially with a service theme could be involved in the cultivation of their leadership abilities in practice aspect.
Comparison of the Optimal Design of Spinal Hybrid Elastic Rod for Dynamic Stabilization: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Hsieh Jui-Yang , Chen Chen-Sheng , Wang Jyh-Horng , Chen Po-Quang , Huang Yi-You 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Dynamic stabilization can fix deformities, fractures, and disc degeneration of the spine. Nitinol and poly(carbonate urethane) (PCU) are applicable elastic biomedical materials. The spinal hybrid elastic (SHE) rod is a semirigid pedicle screw-based rod intended for use with universal pedicle screws. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of different ratios of SHE rod using finite element analysis (FEA).Methods: A 3-dimensional nonlinear FEA of an intact lumbar spine model (INT) was constructed. The system was composed of pedicle screws, an inner nitinol stick (NS), and an outer PCU shell (PS). Four groups of models were constructed with the same outer diameter (5.5 mm) as the SHE rod. These groups had different NS diameter/PS thickness ratios: Nt45 (4.5/1.0), Nt35 (3.5/2.0), Nt25 (2.5/3.0), and Nt15 (1.5/4.0). After implanting at L3-L4, they were compared with INT. The resultant intervertebral range of motion (ROM), disc stress, facet joint contact force, screw stress, NS stress, and PCU stress were analyzed. Results: The overall trend in results indicated that ROM, disc stress, and facet force decreased moderately in the implanted L3-L4 levels, and increased slightly in the adjacent L2-L3 levels. NS stress and the NS diameter trended towards inverse proportionality. Changing the ratio did not markedly influence screw or PS stress.Conclusions: The SHE rod system provided sufficient spinal support and increased gentle adjacent-segment stress. The optimal NS diameter/PS thickness ratio of the SHE rod system is 4.5/1.0 mm or 3.5/2.0 mm due to the lower stress concentrations for the durability of the implant.
Development of polymorphic SSR primers and fingerprint construction of Ailanthus altissima var. erythrocarpa
Authors: Zhang Manman , Zheng Conghui , Li Jida , Wang Xueyong , Liu Chunpeng , Li Xiangjun , Xu Zhenhua , Du Kejiu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Ailanthus altissima var. erythrocarpa is one of Ailanthus altissima varieties with high economic, ecological and ornamental value. In this study, transcriptome analysis was used to develop SSR primers. Based on this, 34 Samara species with different redness were selected as research objects to screen polymorphic SSR primers and construct their fingerprints. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 10681 SSR loci, of which mononucleotide repeats were dominant (58.3%), followed by dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeats (16.6%, 15.1%), and pentanucleotide repeats were the lowest (0.2%). The PCR amplification system of est-ssr primers was (total volume 20μl), DNA 3μl (30ng/μl), 2 ×Taq PCR Master Mix 10μl, upstream and downstream primers each 1μl (10μmol/μl), ddH2O 5μl. Among 140 pairs of primers randomly selected, 13 pairs of core primers with good polymorphism were selected. The average number of alleles (Na), the average number of effective alleles (Ne), the average Shannon's diversity index (I), the average observed heterozygosity (Ho), the average expected heterozygosity (He), the fixed index (F) and the polymorphic information content (PIC) were as follows: 4.462, 3.067, 1.227, 0.402, 0.659, 0.391, 0.603. Among 13 pairs of primers, 4 pairs (P33, P69, P79, p95) could effectively distinguish and construct the fingerprint of the tested materials. This study is of great significance for the genetic structure, genetic diversity analysis, evolutionary history, germplasm conservation and germplasm innovation of Ailanthus altissima var. erythrocarpa.
Association of sleep quality with LUTS/BPH among men in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Yifan , Zhou Xianghong , Ma Li , Cai Boyu , Wang Sheng , Chen Lei , Hu Dan , Jiang Zhongyuan , Wang Mingda , Xiong Xingyu , Jin Kun , Wei Qiang , Yang Lu , Qiu Shi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective: As the population aged, voiding dysfunction has been steadily rising among males during the past decade. Increasing evidence showed that sleep disorders are associated with an increasing risk of various diseases, but the association between sleep disorders and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) / benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) among Chinese males have not been well characterized.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from West China Natural Population Cohort Study (WCNPCS) 2019-2021. Sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) in Chinese version. LUTS/BPH as a dependent variable of a binary variable, assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the correlation between sleep disorders and the risk of LUTS/BPH after adjusting for confounding factors.Results: 11,824 eligible Chinese men participated in this cross-sectional survey. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for confounding variables, global PSQI score (OR: 1.257, 1.119-1.411, p<0.001) and its six compounds (Subjective sleep quality: OR: 1.376, 1.004-1.886, p=0.048; Sleep latency: OR: 0.656, 0.557-0.773, p<0.001; Sleep duration: OR:1.441, 1.189-1.745, p<0.001; Habitual sleep efficiency: OR: 1.369, 1.193-1.570, p<0.001; Daytime dysfunction: OR: 1.702, 1.278-2.267, p<0.001) except the use of sleep drug subgroup were significantly positively correlated with LUTS/BPH prevalence. Significant interaction effects were observed in age subgroups (age-young group: age<51; age-middle group: 51≤age≤61; age-older group: age>61) (P < 0.05). Among older participants, sleep disorders were more significantly associated with the risk of LUTS/BPH.Conclusions: There was a significant association between poor sleep quality and increased prevalence of LUTS/BPH, especially among the elderly male population, suggesting an important role of healthy sleep in reducing prostate disease burden.
Analysis of the benefits of imputation models over traditional QSAR models for toxicity prediction
Authors: Walter Moritz , Allen Luke Neil , de León Antonio de la Vega , Webb Samuel Jonathan , Gillet Valerie Jane 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Recently, imputation techniques have been adapted to predict activity values among sparse bioactivity matrices, showing improvements in predictive performance over traditional QSAR models. These models are able to use experimental activity values for auxiliary assays when predicting the activity of a test compound on a specific assay. In this study, we tested three different multi-task imputation techniques on three classification-based toxicity datasets: two of small scale (12 assays each) and one large scale with 417 assays. Moreover, we analyzed in detail the improvements shown by the imputation models. We found that test compounds that were dissimilar to training compounds, as well as test compounds with a large number of experimental values for other assays, showed the largest improvements. We also investigated the impact of sparsity on the improvements seen as well as the relatedness of the assays being considered. Our results show that even a small amount of additional information can provide imputation methods with a strong boost in predictive performance over traditional single task and multi-task predictive models.
Targeted HBx gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9 system effectively reduces epithelial to mesenchymal transition and HBV replication in hepatoma cells
Authors: Rawal Preety , Tripathi Dinesh M , Hemati Hamed , Kumar Jitendra , Sarin Shiv K , Nain Vikrant , Kaur Savneet 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background and Aims: Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) play a key role in pathogenesis of HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by promoting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we hypothesized that inhibition of HBx is an effective strategy to combat HCC. Methodology and Results: We designed and synthesized novel HBx gene specific single guide RNA (sgRNA) with CRISPR/Cas9 system and studied its in vitro effects on tumor properties of HepG2-2.15. Full length HBx gene was excised using HBx-CRISPR that resulted in significant knockdown of HBx expression in hepatoma cells. HBx-CRISPR also decreased levels of HBsAg and HBV cccDNA expression. A decreased expression of mesenchymal markers, proliferation and tumorigenic properties was observed in HBx-CRISPR treated cells as compared to controls in both 2D and 3D tumor models. Transcriptomics data showed that out of 1159 differentially expressed genes in HBx-CRISPR transfected cells as compared to controls, 70 genes were upregulated while 1089 genes associated with cell proliferation and EMT pathways were downregulated. Conclusion: Thus, targeting HBx by CRISPR/Cas9 system effectively downregulates HBx gene expression, HBsAg production and mesenchymal characteristics of HBV-HCC cells and holds potential as a therapeutic approach for HBV-HCC.
On a deeper comprehension of EFMs biological significance by using clustering techniques
Authors: Guil Francisco , Ruiz David , Hidalgo Jose F. , Garcia Jose M. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The study of structural properties of a metabolic network can be approached by analyzing its Elementary Flux Modes (EFMs). Even in cases in which this set can be fully computed, its large cardinality makes it difficult to interpret the information contained in it. Results: This paper presents a proposal to improve the study of structural properties of a network by using clustering techniques in its set of EFMs. It is shown how some properties of this set such as their length distribution or the reaction participation can be better elucidated after a clustering process and how it allows for a better comprehension of the possible behaviours of the network. Conclusions: Our clustering approach can help in the extraction of relevant biological significance from the set of EFMs and can be applied to different problems related to the structural properties of the network under study