bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a new questionnaire appropriate to assess respiratory symptoms in current and former smokers without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The Respiratory Symptom Questionnaire (RSQ)
Authors: McCaffrey Stacey , Shiffman Saul , Hannon Michael J. , Goldenson Nicholas I. , Black Ryan A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Smokers who switch completely to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) may experience reductions in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, wheezing). Assessing such symptoms among smokers without respiratory disease using existing respiratory symptom questionnaires is challenging, as these questionnaires are intended for patient populations, such as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The current study aimed to develop a respiratory symptom questionnaire appropriate for current and former smokers including those without COPD. Methods: This research included 3 phases. First, a draft respiratory symptom questionnaire (RSQ) was generated with input from subject matter experts. Second, the RSQ was refined through waves of cognitive debriefing interviews (n=49) with adult current smokers (Smokers) and former smokers who switched completely to ENDS for 6+ months (Switchers). Finally, Smokers (n = 202), Switchers (n=208), and Former Smokers (no tobacco use in 6+ months; smoked 10+ years; n=200) completed the RSQ for purposes of the quantitative psychometric evaluation. Results: The first two phases produced a 5-item RSQ that captured relevant symptoms and was interpreted as intended. During Phase 3 the RSQ was evaluated within the context of the graded response model (GRM). GRM assumptions of ordinality of response categories and unidimensionality were met. Test-retest reliability over a 1-week interval was good, and results provided support for convergent validity. Significant differences between Smokers’ and Former Smokers’ RSQ scores provide initial support for the RSQ’s ability to detect change in respiratory symptoms over time. In exploratory analyses, Switchers’ RSQ scores were significantly lower than Smokers’ scores, but not significantly different from Former Smokers’. Conclusion: Findings from this rigorous instrument development and validation study provide strong support for the reliability and validity of the RSQ as a measure of respiratory symptoms in adult current and former smokers, including those who may be at risk for developing COPD. The finding that RSQ scores among former smokers who had switched completely to ENDS were significantly lower than current smokers’ scores and similar to the scores of former smokers who had quit suggests that switching from cigarettes to ENDS may improve respiratory health.
Role of VEGFB in Electrical Pulse Stimulation Inhibits Apoptosis in C2C12 Myotubes
Authors: Guo LanLan , Li YanJun , Xing Zheng , Zhang JingBo , Zhang Jing 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Skeletal muscle is the major effector organ for exercise. It has been proposed that the expression of VEGFB in skeletal muscle is significantly related to apoptosis. However, whether the decrease in VEGFB in skeletal muscle participates in the occurrence of skeletal muscle apoptosis and whether exercise inhibits apoptosis by promoting the expression of VEGFB in skeletal muscle cells have not been reported thus far. Here, we developed in vitro experiments to mimic the effect of exercise through electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) to observe the effect of EPS on apoptosis and the change in VEGFB expression in differentiated myotubes. In addition, we employed RNA interference experiments to explore whether VEGFB is directly involved in the regulation of myotube apoptosis during EPS. Our results showed that exogenous VEGFB167 significantly inhibited C2C12 myotube apoptosis induced by TNF-α treatment and that endogenous VEGFB in differentiated C2C12 myotubes was upregulated significantly by EPS. In addition, EPS decreased the expression of the apoptotic indicators Bax and Bcl-2 at the mRNA level and downregulated the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3. The antiapoptotic effect of EPS weakened substantially as VEGFB in C2C12 myotubes was inhibited. Taken together, exercise-like EPS inhibits apoptosis by promoting the expression of C2C12 myotube-derived VEGFB.
Exposure of Public Sector with the Quasi-Market Through Outsourcing: A Case Study in Iran
Authors: Omranikhoo Habib , Azmal Mohammad , Salari Hedayat , Ghorbanalizadeh Layla , Rezaee Mehdi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective: Outsourcing as an effective strategy in public management has brought the attention of policy makers for long time ago. This strategy as a public -private partnership arrangement (PPP) was coined to increase efficiency and quality in public organizations .in this study we aimed to investigate the frequency of using common outsourcing models in Bushehr University of Medical Sciences (BUMS).Methods: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted in year 2020 in BUMS. Research population was all the deputies, hospitals and health networks affiliated to BUMS. This study was carried out in four stages including: literature review, construction of a checklist, quality assurance of gathered data and finally categorization of the outsourced services. Result: Results showed that there was a total of 7 various outsourcing models on which 189 cases of services have been outsourced. 108 cases out of 189 were clinical and the rest non-clinical. Among the outsourcing models, Service purchasing model was the commonest used model and two more models including leases and divesture were lack of use. Conclusion: Results signify that although various outsourcing models are available however, the frequency of outsourced services is still limited, showing that in order to spread the penetration of this strategy it needs to be tackled the obstacles ahead of its successful implementation. Increasing the knowledge of mangers would be definitely an effective solution. Furthermore, capacity –building towards raising the number of private health care providers could facilitate the implementation of outsourcing policy.
Atypical Mucin Expression Predicts Worse Overall Survival in Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qian Yunzhen , Gong Yitao , Liu Yu , Chen Yusheng , Wang Ruijie , Dai Zhengjie , Zou Xuan , Tasiheng Yesiboli , Luo Guopei , Lin Xuan , Wang Xu , Cheng He , Yu Xianjun , Liu Chen 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
BackgroundPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a typical mucin expression pattern which is characterized as MUC1 positive, MUC2 negative and MUC5 positive. Mounting evidence has shown that mucins are involved in the development of pancreatic diseases. However, the correlation between mucin expression and prognosis of PDAC patients is controversial over the decades; thus, we aim to figure out the association of mucin expression with survival among PDAC patients who underwent radical resection.MethodsWe performed immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of MUC1, MUC2 and MUC5 in 427 resected PDAC specimens and got corresponding clinical statistics to conduct a retrospective study. Kaplan-Meier methods and Mantel-Cox tests were used to compare the survival curves, and Cox regression model was employed to make multivariate analyses and determine independent risk factors.ResultsLog-rank tests demonstrated that MUC1 absence is significantly correlated with worse overall survival (OS) (p = 0.0079). MUC2 expression showed marginal significance in predicting shorter OS of PDAC patients (p = 0.055), while MUC5 did not show prognostic value. Besides, MUC1 absence is associated with increased proportion of stage III PDAC (p = 0.011). MUC1 absence and MUC2 expression are also associated with tumor perineural aggression (p = 0.011 and p = 0.030). Multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for mortality of MUC1 and MUC2 is 0.492 (95% CI: 0.274-0.883, p = 0.017) and 1.596 (95% CI: 1.061-2.401, p = 0.025) respectively.ConclusionsMUC1 negative expression or MUC2 positive expression is independently associated with poor overall survival among patients with resectable PDAC.
Soluble SorCS1 binds the insulin receptor to enhance insulin sensitivity
Authors: Kjolby Mads , Breining Peter , Pedersen Karen , Wellner Niels , Sørensen Karen , Gjessing Anette , Januliene Dovile , Vittrup Dorthe , Manavalan Arulmani , Rotman Maarten , Thotakura Gangadaar , Hermey Guido , Madsen Peder , Vaegter Christian , Thirup Søren , Asplund Olof , Prasad Rashmi , Parlevliet Edwin , Rensen Patrick , Madsen Andreas , Holst Birgitte , Andersen Olav , Moller Arne , Hansen Torben , Nykjaer Anders 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes has reached endemic proportions and is a substantial burden for the affected patients and the society. Along with lifestyle factors, a number of genetic loci predisposing to type 2 diabetes have been identified, including SORCS1 that encodes the transmembrane receptor SorCS1. The ectodomain of SorCS1 (sol-SorCS1) is shed from plasma membranes but the biological function of this fragment is unknown. Here we show that sol-SorCS1 acts as a high-affinity binding partner for the insulin receptor to stabilize the receptor and increase insulin affinity, protein kinase B activation, and glucose uptake in myocytes. Sol-SorCS1 is liberated from adipocytes, and in diabetic patients the plasma concentration positively correlates with body mass index, but inversely with plasma glucose. In mouse models of insulin resistance, exogenous sol-SorCS1 restored insulin sensitivity. We conclude that sol-SorCS1 increases peripheral insulin sensitivity and propose sol-SorCS1 as a novel insulin sensitizing adipokine and potential antidiabetic agent.
Single-Port Colonic Surgery: The Bermuda Experience
Authors: Hamilton Fitzroy , Thouet Ben , Morton Simon , Elliott Terence , Thouet Hermann , Vestweber Karl-Heinz , Vestweber Boris 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
BackgroundSingle Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) is attractive because it uses 1 umbilical incision for preparation and extraction of the specimen. However, the procedure is technically demanding compared to conventional laparoscopy, and it is unclear if it is possible to adopt this procedure in an isolated community like Bermuda with a small hospital.MethodsSince the introduction of SILS in Bermuda by an experienced SILS surgeon, 230 patients who underwent SILS colon procedures from 2012-2018 were reviewed. The data were analyzed according to intra- and postoperative events and outcomes. The results were compared to internationally published data.ResultsThere was a low operative time of 127.8 (40-305) minutes. There were only 4 conversions to open surgery (1.7%). The overall complication rate was 11.7% (27 patients). There were 2 postoperative deaths (0.9%). These data are within the range of internationally published data. ConclusionInitiated and guided by an experienced SILS surgeon, the adoption of single-port colon surgery in Bermuda was successful, and the SILS procedure now belongs to the standard procedures for colonic operations in Bermuda.
Immunoinformatics guided design of a universal epitope-based vaccine against Kaposi Sarcoma
Authors: Hoque Hammadul , Sumaiya  , Hasan Mahmudul , Rahaman Md. Mashiur , Jewel G. M. Nurnabi Azad 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a virus that is identified as a direct carcinogen, causes Kaposi sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman disease. Despite this, there is no permanent treatment. This work intended to develop a multi-epitope vaccine aiming KSHV's key glycoproteins involved in viral entry. After applying rigorous immunoinformatics study and numerous immunological filters, the multi epitope vaccine was created, comprising of potent CTL, HTL and BCL epitope. A series of computational evaluations established the general dependability of the putative vaccine, and a molecular dynamics simulation established the vaccine's overall stability. Docking experiments revealed that the vaccination can make stable interactions with Toll-Like Receptors. Codon optimization and insertion into the cloning vector revealed that the vaccine could be expressed proficiently in the E. coli expression system. Finally, an immune simulation was done to assess the vaccine's potency to trigger an immune response.
The Effect of Sildenafil Citrate on Fetal and Maternal Ultrasound Indices in IUGR-complicated Pregnancies; A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Derakhshi Fereshteh , Abbasalizadeh Fatemeh 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a common complication of pregnancy and is associated with a higher risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. We aimed to systematically review the studies that evaluated the efficacy of sildenafil citrate on improving the ultrasonographic changes in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA) in pregnancies complicated with IUGR. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Pro-Quest, Web of Science, and Google scholar (from inception to 30 June 2020), of randomized clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of sildenafil citrate on different outcomes of IUGR-complicated pregnancies. Mean differences (SD) were extracted and pooled using random and fixed effects models based on their heterogeneity. Six studies were identified for quantitative meta-analysis. Seven outcomes, including MCA resistive index (RI)، MCA pulsatility index (PI)، MCA systolic to the diastolic ratio (S/D), UA RI، UA PI، UA S/D, and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) have been evaluated in these studies. The pooled results for the efficacy of treatment on MCA RI (Pooled MD = 0.07, 95% CI:0.03 to 0.1,p-value < 0.001) and MCA S/D (Pooled MD = 0.8, 95% CI0.18 to 0.45,p-value < 0.001) were statistically significant. The changes in other outcomes were comparable between the study groups. Overall, our meta-analysis on RCT showed that sildenafil citrate might improve MCA RI and MCA S/D in IUGR-complicated pregnancies. Regarding the other outcomes, our meta-analysis did not provide significant results.
Studies on a novel mechanisms of VCP-mediated metastasis of osteosarcoma based on cell autophagy and EMT pathway
Authors: li an an , Zhang Yu , li fan , zhou yang , liu zhi li , long xin hua 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective: Study of the molecular mechanisms of metastasis is still the research focus for osteosarcoma(OS) prevention. This study is to explore a new way for VCP promoting OS metastasis from the perspective of autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro.Method: Different cell lines of osteosarcoma (143B and MG63) were adopted in this study. Gene interference technology was used to down-regulate the expression of VCP, and the expression levels of autophagy and EMT-related protein in OS cells were detect by western blot, as well as smad pathway related protein. Then the process of autophagy and EMT in OS cells were changed artificially, and the cells phenotype were detected respectively. Result: The expression of the LC3II/I was decreased but the insolubilized P62 protein expression was increased in VCP inhibiting group, as well as that in autophagy inhibitor treatment group, which suggesting the down-regulation of the autophagy level of OS cells. At the same time, the expression of the E-cadherin protein was incresed but the N-cadherin was decreased which suggesting the down-regulation of the EMT level in VCP inhibiting group, contrarily that in TGF-β1 treatment group. In addition, suppressing VCP can cause a decrease of Transforming Growth Factor β1（TGF-β1）, smad2, smad3, phosphorylated smad2（p-smad2） and phosphorylated smad3（p-smad3）. Autophagy inhibitors and agonists has no significant effect on the migration and invasion of OS cells, but can significantly affect the ability of cells to resist anoikis. EMT inhibitors and agonists has a proportional effect on the migration and invasion of OS cells.Conclusion: VCP is likely to promote the migration and invasion of OS cells by inducing EMT possibly via TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, and VCP-mediated autophagy plays a key role in this process, contributing to the successful distant metastasis of tumor cells.
PENGARUH KOMPETENSI DAN PENGALAMAN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI DI KPP PRATAMA JAKARTA PANCORAN
Authors: Fahreza Muhammad Rifqi , Rialmi Zackharia , Suciati Ranlla 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kompetensi, dan pengalaman kerja terhadap kinerja pegawai di KPP Pratama Jakarta Pancoran. Populasi pada penelitian ini ada seluruh pegawai KPP Pratama Jakarta Pancoran yang berjumlah 113 pegawai. Jumlah sampel yang digunakan pada penelitian ini sebanyak 88 pegawai dengan penggunaan rumus slovin. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah data primer, yaitu dengan cara penyebaran kuesioner atau angket. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah teknik analisis data kuantitatif dengan menggunakan metode statistik. Metode statistik yang digunakan adalah Partial Least Square (PLS). Hasil pengujian diperoleh hasil (1) kompetensi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja pegawai KPP Pratama Jakarta Pancoran, dan (2) pengalaman kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja pegawai pegawai KPP Pratama Jakarta Pancoran Kata Kunci: kompetensi, pengalaman kerja, kinerja pegawai ABSTRACT This study is a quantitative study that aims to determine the effect of competence and work experience on employee performance at KPP Pratama Jakarta Pancoran. The population in this study were all employees of KPP Pratama Jakarta Pancoran totaling 113 employees. The number of samples used in this study was 88 employees using the slovin formula. The data used in this study is primary data, namely by distributing questionnaires. The data analysis technique used in this research is the quantitative data analysis technique using statistical methods. The statistical method used is Partial Least Square (PLS). The test results obtained (1) competence has a positive and significant effect on the performance of KPP Pratama Jakarta Pancoran employees, (2) work experience has a positive and significant effect on the performance of KPP Pratama Jakarta Pancoran employees. Keywords: competence, work experience, employee performance
Spatio-temporal variation characteristics of extreme precipitation over the Dongting Lake basin
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Li Bing , Li Yunying , Zhou Li , Zou Jinming , Yao Rong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Using the global Moran's I and other statistical methods, the spatio-temporal variation characteristics of extreme precipitation over the Dongting Lake basin are studied based on the daily precipitation at national meteorological stations from 1960 to 2016. The results show that the spatial distribution of extreme precipitation is very uneven. The areas with the maximum of extreme precipitation are located in the Lishui River basin, the middle reaches of the Zishui River and the lower reaches of the Yuanshui River. There is more extreme precipitation on the windward slope than in the basin and the lake area. There are two typical modes for extreme precipitation after the empirical orthogonal function decomposition, namely the north–south mode and the northwest–southeast mode. The extreme precipitation event is more likely to occur in the northwestern and southeastern areas of the Hunan Province. There is an obvious spatial clustering of extreme precipitation over the Dongting Lake basin. The global Moran's I is positive. In addition, the extreme precipitation at most meteorological stations shows an increasing tendency. Also, the middle reaches of the Yuanshui River basin and the Zishui River basin have the most significant increasing tendency. The abrupt change of extreme precipitation occurred around the late 1980s.
Application and evaluation of LID facilities in sponge airport, China
Authors: Peng Jing , Wang Qian-qian , Yang Xin-sheng , Yu Lei , Zhong Xiang 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Low Impact Development (LID) is an important approach for the construction of sponge airports. There are few researches on the application of LID facilities in airports. This study mainly analyzes the application of LID facilities in airports, and analyzes the reduction rate of LID facilities on the total runoff, peak present time and peaking volume by constructing EPA Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) in the eastern work area of an airport, which is located in a coastal city in northern China. This study selected three kinds of LID facilities: green roof, bio-detention facility and permeable pavement. Then three LID scenarios were formed according to different layout ratios of facilities (30%-90%), and the effects of different scenarios under different design rainstorms are simulated and analyzed. The results show that the control effect of LID scenario is enhanced with the increase of the proportion of LID facilities. The control effect of LID scenario gradually weakened with the increase of rainfall intensity. For high-frequency rainstorm, the maximum reduction rates of total runoff and peaking volume are 30.89% and 25.58% respectively, and the peak present time delay rate is up to 28.57%. For low-frequency rainstorm, the maximum reduction rates of total runoff and peaking volume are 17.96% and 14.95% respectively, and the peak present time delay rate is up to 6.12%. The flood control effect is more obvious when the LID facilities and pipe network are combined under the condition of low-frequency heavy rain. These conclusions present the effects under different combination ratio of LID facilities. It can provide the technical reference for the design and application of LID facilities for sponge airport construction in the future.
PHD3 as a Prognosis Marker and its Relationship with Immune Infiltration
in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ye Yun , Wang Lei , Zhong Yingying , Wang Guiping , An Huan , Gao Qiang 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly heterogeneous malignant tumor.
Therefore, it is necessary to find predictive biomarkers related to the prognosis and immune
infiltration of lung adenocarcinoma, which may provide an effective theoretical basis for its clinical
treatment.

Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate whether the expression level of PHD3 in lung adenocarcinoma
(LUAD) is related to immunity.

Method:
PHD3 expression was analyzed by the ONCOMINE, TIMER, UALCAN, and GEPIA
databases. The correlations between clinical information and PHD3 expression were analyzed by
the LinkedOmics database. Then, we evaluated the influence of PHD3 on the survival of LUAD
patients using Kaplan-Meier Plotter and HPA database. We explored the correlation between
PHD3 and tumor immunity using TIMER and the correlation module of TISDIB. Finally, we used
the cBioportal database to analyze PHD3 mutations in LUAD.

Results:
Comprehensive analysis displayed PHD3 expression to be clearly higher in LUAD compared
to adjacent normal tissues. PHD3 expression was identified to be positively associated with
tumor purity, histological type, and later pathological stage. Survival curve results revealed the
high expression of PHD3 in LUAD patients to be accompanied by a poor prognosis. Further study
indicated PHD3 to be significantly related to a variety of tumor immune cells and molecules.
Moreover, among the LUAD cases with gene alteration of PHD3, amplification was the most
common of all alteration types.

Conclusion:
This study aimed to evaluate whether the expression level of PHD3 in lung adenocarcinoma
(LUAD) is related to immunity.