bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PAFAH1B3 Predicts Poor Prognosis and Promotes Progression in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tang Suping , Ni Jun , Chen Bohua , Sun Fei , Ni Songshi , Tang Zhiyuan
Published: April 2021

Background

Recently, increasing evidence has indicated that platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase 1b catalytic subunit 3 (PAFAH1B3) plays an important role in several cancers. However, the role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not been reported until now.
Methods

Expression of PAFAH1B3 in LUAD was determined by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), real-time PCR (RT-PCR), Western blot and Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. LUAD datasets with clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA). Chi-square test was used to investigate the correlation between PAFAH1B3 expression and clinical parameters. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed to analyzed the prognostic value of PAFAH1B3. CCK-8 assay, clone formation assay, transwell invasion assay and flow cytometry were conducted to detect cell proliferation, clone formation, invasion and cell cycle. Western blot was performed to detect epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers. Immune Cell Abundance Identifier (ImmuneCellAI) was used to analyze the effect of PAFAH1B3 on immune cell infiltration.
Results

Our study showed that PAFAH1B3 was upregulated in LUAD, and silencing PAFAH1B3 suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion and increased the cell population in G0-G1 phases in vitro. In addition, tissue microarray IHC analysis showed that the PAFAH1B3 protein level was remarkably correlated with distant metastasis, TNM stage and clinical outcome. Furthermore, multivariate cox regression analysis based on TCGA-LUAD datasets and tissue microarray indicated that PAFAH1B3 was an independent prognostic risk factor for LUAD patients. Moreover, knockdown of PAFAH1B3 inhibited EMT in LUAD cells and PAFAH1B3 mRNA expression was correlated with immune infiltrates.
Conclusion

Our studies indicate that PAFAH1B3, a prognostic risk factor, promotes proliferation, invasion and EMT and affects immune infiltrates in LUAD.
Molecular Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, Optical and Electrochemical Studies of Stable Solid Diazonium Salt of p-Sulphophenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone
Authors: Shabir Ghulam , Hussain Ghulam , Saeed Aamer , Hussain Hafiz Tasawwar , Hokelek Tuncer , Erben Mauricio , Flörke Ulrich
Published: April 2021

The title compound is a new pyrazolone derivative which was synthesized starting from p-sulphophenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (1) by nitrosation at low temperature to afford the corresponding p-sulphophenyl-3-methyl-4-nitroso-5-pyrazolone which can exist both in nitroso (2a) and oxime tautomeric forms (2b). Reduction of the latter using zinc with hydrochloric acid furnished the 4-amino-p-sulphophenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (3). The diazotization of (3) under careful control of temperature and pH afforded the p-Sulphophenyl − 3-methyl-5-pyrazolone diazonium salt (4) which was re-crystallized from acidified ethanol to afford crystal suitable for X-ray studies. UV-visible spectrum and cyclic voltammetric studies were also carried out indicating λmax at 420 nm and HOMO-LUMMO energy gap was also calculated (Eg) of 2.95 eV. The molecular and crystal structures of the compound were clarified by single crystal X-ray diffraction indicated that it crystallizes as the sodium salt in the triclinic space group P -1, with the 4-azo-pyrazolone and the sulphophenyl groups being nearly coplanar. To get an insight to the intermolecular interactions in the crystal a Hirshfeld surface analysis was also carried out.
Do biochar and polyacrylamide have synergistic effect on net denitrification and ammonia volatilization in saline soils?
Authors: Pan Yongchun , She Dongli , Shi Zhenqi , Chen Xinyi , Xia Yongqiu
Published: April 2021

Salt-affected soils have poor structure and physicochemical properties, which affect soil nitrogen cycling process closely related to the environment, such as denitrification and ammonia volatilization. Biochar and polyacrylamide (PAM) have been widely used as soil amendments to improve soil physicochemical properties. However, how they affect denitrification and ammonia volatilization in saline soils is unclear. In this study, the denitrification and ammonia volatilization rates were measured in a saline soil field ameliorated with three biochar application rates (0%, 2% and 5%, w/w) and three PAM application rates (0‰, 0.4‰ and 1‰, w/w) over three years. The results showed that denitrification rates decreased by 23.63%-39.60% with biochar application, whereas ammonia volatilization rates increased by 9.82%-25.58%. The denitrification and ammonia volatilization rates decreased by 9.87%-29.08% and 11.39%-19.42% respectively, following PAM addition. However, there was no significant synergistic effect of biochar and PAM amendments on the denitrification and ammonia volatilization rates. The addition of biochar mainly reduced the denitrification rate by regulating the dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity of overlying water and absorbing soil nitrate nitrogen. Meanwhile, biochar application increased pH and stimulated the transfer of NH4+-N from soil to overlying water, thus increasing NH3 volatilization rates. Hence, there was a tradeoff between denitrification and NH3 volatilization in the saline soils induced by biochar application. PAM reduced the denitrification rate by increasing the infiltration inorganic nitrogen and slowing the conversion of ammonium to nitrate. Moreover, PAM reduced the concentration of NH4+-N in the overlying water through absorbing soil ammonium and inhibiting urea hydrolysis, thereby decreasing NH3 volatilization rate.
The Split Friction Model - Introducing Mixed Lubrication to Curling
Authors: Ziegler Martin
Published: April 2021

In general, the curling stone is subject to mixed lubrication, resulting in the characteristic Stribeck -curve. As velocity increases, the friction force falls quadratically just to rise linearly yet almost flat after the minimum. In the case of a rotating curling stone this results in a torque. Due to isotropy , the lateral force arises as a delta of asymmetric friction forces opposite to the centripetal forces.
\par This in turn allows a split friction model that splits up the quadratic curve into two rather constant values for the friction force on the advancing and the retreating side below a critical velocity difference of these sides: the flee force on the advancing side must not exceed the normal force of the retreating side. Only then a curl can happen. This explains why a stone curls towards the end of the throw. \par Following basic static considerations, the stone may theoretically rest on up to three points during a throw. Each single static case is investigated. These results are discussed with additional heuristic calculations that involve Scratch-Theory. Lastly, the influence of gyroscopic precession yields a graph that reflects established experimental observations: A desired flat curve within deviations ranging from 0.80 to 1.02 meter for up to 20 rotations just to rise linearly up to 2 meters for 80 rotations.
Income Distribution of Forest Rights Transfer Cooperation Based on Game Theory: A Case of China
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qin Xian
Published: April 2021

Forest resources primarily characterize the terrestrial ecosystem and forest ecosystem is an important part of the global carbon cycle. Multiple participants to complete the large-scale production of forestland can effectively achieve carbon neutrality and realize the economic benefits of the forest industry, requiring far-reaching changes in the way forestland is managed. It is imminent to promote forest rights transfer between forest farmers and social capital. Based on the evolutionary game theory, we find that income distribution is a significant factor affecting the stable cooperation between business enterprises and forest farmers. To distribute income effectively within this cooperative framework, whereby farmers transfer their forest rights in different ways, we use a trapezoidal fuzzy number weighting method. This method improves the traditional Shapley value based on the investment and risk level of each participant in the cooperative alliance. Using a case study of forest rights transfer in Xin’tai city of China, we show that the improved Shapley value method can optimize the income distribution of forest rights transfer and ensure that all parties obtain long-term and stable benefits.
Subdivision of Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus in Human Neonatal Brain
Authors: Liang Wenjia , Yu Qiaowen , Wang Wenjun , Dhollander Thijs , Suluba Emmanuel , Li Zhuoran , Xu Feifei , Hu Yang , Tang Yuchun , Liu Shuwei
Published: April 2021

The superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) is a complex associative tract comprising of three distinct subdivisions in the fronto-parietal cortex, each presenting different anatomical connectivity and different functional roles. However, the subdivision of SLF was hampered by limitations of data quality and tractography methods, and many studies on white matter development often consider the SLF as a single entity. The exact anatomical trajectory and developmental status of each sub-bundle of the human SLF in neonatal period remain poorly understood. In this work, we investigated the morphological characteristics and maturation degree of SLF each branch using the diffusion MRI (dMRI) data of 40 healthy term neonates from the Developing Human Connectome Project (dHCP) database. An advanced single shell 3-tissue constrained spherical deconvolution (SS3T-CSD) algorithm was used to ensure the successful separation of the SLF three branches (SLF I, SLF II and SLF III). In addition, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) parameters values of the three subcomponents of SLF were measured quantitatively. The fiber morphology and connectivity of SLF sub-bundles in neonatal brain were nicely revealed in our study. Furthermore, the comparison results of parameters values supported that the maturation of SLF three segments was heterochronic. Further multiple comparison results indicated that the dorsal SLF II was less mature than the ventral SLF III and the former may involve in higher-level cognitive functions. Our findings can provide new anatomical basis for early diagnosis and treatment of related diseases caused by aberrant development of SLF.
High Expression of ECM1 At Diagnosis Predicated Poor Prognosis in Adult B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Wang Weimin , Wu Feifei , Wang Fei , Wang Congcong , Lyu Chunhui , Han Lijie , Gan Silin , Ma Ping , Jiang Zhongxing , Guo Feng
Published: April 2021

Identifying new prognostic biomarkers and selecting treatment regimens based on them can improve outcomes of adult patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Extracellular matrix protein 1(ECM1) is a glycoprotein involved in many biologic processes. Here we aimed to determine the expression and the prognostic value of ECM1 in B-ALL. One hundred and six newly-diagnosed B-ALL patients (seventy-one adult patients and thirty-five children patients) were enrolled from March 2013 to December 2018. The ECM1 transcript levels were significantly different among different disease state. Among 71 adult B-ALL patients, ECM1-high group has a higher initial platelet count( p=0.004)，more BCR-ABL fusion positive patients (p=0.004) and poor risk patients (p=0.021) than ECM1-low group, whereas no significant relationship with any other clinical characteristics was observed. ECM1-high group had significantly lower 3-year OS (11.4% vs. 36.1%, p=0.015) and 3-year RFS (9.7% vs. 29.4%, p=0.047) compared to ECM1-low group. In the multivariate Cox regression model, high ECM1 expression was an independent adverse prognostic factor for OS(HR=3.0(1.4-6.6), p=0.007). Our data demonstrated that the expression of ECM1 could serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for adult patients with B-ALL.
Title: Barriers and facilitators experienced by osteopaths in implementing a biopsychosocial (BPS) framework of care when managing people with musculoskeletal pain – A mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Sampath¹ Kesava Kovanur , Darlow² Ben , Tumilty³ Steve , Shillito Warwick , Hanses Melissa , Devan⁴ Hemakumar , Thomson Oliver P.
Published: April 2021

Background: Clinical practice guidelines commonly recommend adopting a biopsychosocial (BPS) framework by practitioners managing musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. However, it remains unclear how osteopaths implement a BPS framework in the management of MSK pain. Hence, the objective of this review was to systematically appraise the literature on the current practices, barriers and facilitators experienced by osteopaths in implementing a BPS framework of care when managing people with MSK pain.Methods: The following electronic databases from January 2005 to August 2020 were searched: PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct, Google Scholar, ProQuest Central and SCOPUS. Two independent reviewers reviewed the articles retrieved from the databases to assess for eligibility. Any studies (quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods) that investigated the use or application of the BPS approach in osteopathic practice were included in the review. The critical appraisal skills program (CASP) checklist was used to appraise the qualitative studies and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to appraise quantitative or mixed methods studies. Advanced convergent meta-integration was used to synthesise data from quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies.Results: a total of 6 articles (two quantitative, three qualitative and one mixed methods) were included in the final review. While two key concepts (current practice and embracing a BPS approach) were generated using advanced meta-integration synthesis, two concepts (barriers and enablers) were informed from qualitative only data.Discussion: Our review finding showed that current osteopathic practice occurs within in the biomedical model of care. Although, osteopaths are aware of the theoretical underpinnings of the BPS model and identified the need to embrace the BPS model, various barriers exist that stop osteopaths BPS model use in osteopathic clinical practice. Ongoing education and/or workshops may be necessary to enable osteopaths to implement a BPS approach.
Effective electrocatalytic elimination of chloramphenicol: Mechanism, degradation pathway, and toxicity assessment
Authors: Liu Haiyang , Lv Yihan , Zhang Ya-nan , Zhang Yushu , Qu Jiao , Dong Deming , Wang Zhaojun , Hua Xiuyi
Published: April 2021

The residual antibiotics in different environmental media pose a serious threat to human health and the ecosystem. The high-efficient elimination of antibiotics is one of the foremost works. In this study, chloramphenicol (CAP) was eliminated efficiently by electrocatalytic advanced oxidation process with carbon nanotubes/agarose/indium tin oxide (CNTs/AG/ITO) electrode. The influences of different experimental parameters on the degradation efficiency were systematically studied. Under the optimal conditions (4 V potential, 10 wt% CNTs dosage, and pH = 10), the maximum degradation efficiency of CAP (20 mg L− 1) achieved 88% within 180 min. Besides, the electrocatalytic degradation pathway and mechanism for CAP were also investigated, •O2− played a major role in the process of electrocatalytic degradation. Based on the QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationship) model, the toxicities of CAP and identified intermediates were analyzed. Compared with the parent compound, the maximal chronic toxicity of intermediate ((E)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-1-ene-1,3-diol) for daphnid increased 197-fold. Besides, the hybrid toxicity of the degradation system was further confirmed via disk agar biocidal tests with Escherichia coli ATCC25922, which changed slightly during the degradation process. Based on the above results, it is worth noting that the degradation pathway and toxicity assessment should be paid more attention to the treatment of antibiotic wastewater.
Monterey Excursion Events in the Middle Miocene Carbonate Rock Succession, Eastern Iraq
Authors: Ali Mustafa A. , Al-Mashaikie Sa'ad Z. , Othman Arsalan Ahmed
Published: April 2021

The global Monterey excursions are recognized in many deep-sea, and recently in shallow water depth records during the Miocene epoch. We analyzed the δ 13C and δ 18O to investigate the relationship between the lithostratigraphic units and the deviation of the stable isotopes. The results show that there is a significant relationship between the depositional energy changes and both of δ 13C and δ 18O. The present paper is deals with variability of the primary isotopic composition of seawater in the shallow water zone. Sedimentary successions of middle Miocene outcropping in the eastern part of Iraq provide an excellent archive of the oxygen isotope events (Mi‐events), additional details about Mi 2 and Mi 3 zones of glaciations and refine the Monterey Excursion, carbonate isotope maxima (CM‐events). Facies analysis revealed several microfacies could be distinguished, reflecting depositional environments including; lagoon, back reef-reef, shallow open marine, and shoal environments. The Jeribe Formation is a transgression unit belonging to the stage Ap11 tectonostratigraphy Megasequence. The Formation was deposited in the outer platform margin of unstable shelf of the Arabian Plate and significant of this formation, which is deposited during the final phase of Tethys sea closure. The stable isotope (18O/16O and 13C/12C) provide an excellent archive of the paleoceanography for the Neogene (middle Miocene Transgression) of the Neo-Teythys. Oxygen and carbon isotopic stratigraphy for bulk-rock were analyzed in order to distinguished Monterey Event and climate optima.
Comparison of the Inhibitory Effect of PEG-Liposomal and Conventional Doxorubicin on Migration and Extravasation Efficacy on Canine Osteosarcoma Cell Line- in Vitro and Ex Ovo Studies.
Authors: Walewska Magdalena Jolanta , Małek Anna , Taciak Bartłomiej , Wojtalewicz Anna , Wilk Sylwia , Wojtkowska Agata , Koczywąs Katarzyna Zabielska- , Lechowski Roman
Published: April 2021

The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay has long been used to study the effects of drugs on angiogenesis or evaluate cancer cell invasiveness by quantifying in vivo rates of cancer cell extravasation. Extravasation plays a crucial role in the metastatic cascade, whereby circulating cancer cells derived from the primary tumor cross the endothelial barrier to reach the target metastatic site. Accordingly, we adapted an ex ovo model to study the anti-extravasation efficiency of anticancer drugs.
The drugs investigated include conventional and PEG-liposomal doxorubicin. The conventional form is commonly used in chemotherapy protocols for canine appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA), although it has no specific biodistribution and a low therapeutic index. For this reason, this study compared the effects of conventional and PEG-liposomal doxorubicin on cytotoxicity and migration inhibition in the in vitro environment. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by the MTT assay, Annexin V staining and the Draq 7 test; the inhibition of migration was analyzed using the scratch assay test. Moreover the inhibitory effect of study drugs on cancer cell extravasation was analyzed in the in vivo conditions, on the ex ovo model.
The results of experiments performed showed that PEG-liposomal doxorubicin has a higher inhibitory effect on the in vitro migration of canine OSA (p ≤ 0.05). Ex ovo research revealed both drugs elicited a high efficiency for inhibiting the extravasation of canine OSA (p< 0.0001). Therefore PEG-liposomal doxorubicin may be considered as a potentially useful anti-metastatic agent in canine osteosarcoma due to its inhibitory effect on both the migration and extravasation of the D-17 cell line.
Cyanine-based Fluorescent Probe for Cyanide Ion Detection
Authors: Gosi Mahesh , Marepu Nagaraju , Sunandamma Yeturu
Published: April 2021

Cyanine-based probe-possessing indolium and indole unit was synthesized in two-step with easy available raw material: a potential probe for the cyanide ion detection. The detecting ability of the probe was investigated and confirmed by a visual and instrumental approach. A noticeable color change from orange to colorless obtained only for cyanide ion and other added ions does not impart any changes visually and through UV and Fluorescence technique. To confirm the mechanism of sensing 1H-NMR recorded. From the result, the peak belonging to N -methyl displayed an upfield shift from 4.01 δ ppm to 2.74 δ ppm due to the disappearance of indolium ion and the olefin protons peaks were shifted from 7.19 to 6.17 and 8.70 to 7.20 δ ppm confirms the nucleophilic addition of cyanide ion to the probe. Test kit from filter paper prepared for the real-time monitoring cyanide ion. The prepared strip is effective in detecting cyanide ion with a visual color change.
An Intelligent Modeling and Controller design for Clarifier process: A Metaheuristic Algorithm approach.
Authors: Rajalakshmi M , Karthik C , Arunprasad V , Saravanakumar G , Pandiyan Sanjeevi
Published: April 2021

This paper concentrates on the modeling and control of the sugar industry's nonlinear clarifier process. Since the sugar industry's clarification mechanism is complex and nonlinear, it is therefore important to obtain the exact model with identification methods. Using the normal modeling technique, the basic model of the complex process is obtained and further improved to make the model act like the actual system. The most accurate model from the algorithms is analysed using metaheuristic algorithms such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and State Transition Algorithm (STA). The proposed STA design to the clarifier model provides the maximum fitness. The clarifier model derived from State Transition Algorithm (STA) behaves more similar to the actual clarifier process by capturing the principle dynamic qualities of the process. Simulations have demonstrated that STA is an optimum algorithm for the clarifier process than the other algorithms. From the results, it is inferred that the controllers introduced in this study, can be utilized to accomplish a better performance than the standard controller design, and during the control of any nonlinear procedure and STA is extremely helpful in modeling a nonlinear process.
A Deep Learning Approach for Complex Microstructure Inference
Authors: Durmaz Ali Riza , Müller Martin , Lei Bo , Thomas Akhil , Britz Dominik , Holm Elizabeth A. , Eberl Chris , Mücklich Frank , Gumbsch Peter
Published: April 2021

Automated, reliable, and objective microstructure inference from micrographs is an essential milestone towards a comprehensive understanding of process-microstructure-property relations and tailored materials development. However, such inference, with the increasing complexity of microstructures, requires advanced segmentation methodologies. While deep learning (DL), in principle, offers new opportunities for this task, an intuition about the required data quality and quantity and an extensive methodological DL guideline for microstructure quantification and classification are still missing. This, along with a lack of open-access data sets and the seemingly intransparent decision-making process of DL models, hampers its breakthrough in this field. We address all aforementioned obstacles by a multidisciplinary DL approach, devoting equal attention to specimen preparation, contrasting, and imaging. To this end, we train distinct U-Net architectures with 30–50 micrographs of different imaging modalities and corresponding EBSD-informed annotations. On the challenging task of lath-bainite segmentation in complex-phase steel, we achieve accuracies of 90% rivaling expert segmentations. Further, we discuss the impact of image context, pre-training with domain-extrinsic data, and data augmentation. Network visualization techniques demonstrate plausible model decisions based on grain boundary morphology and triple points. As a result, we resolve preconceptions about required data amounts and interpretability to pave the way for DL's day-to-day application for microstructure quantification.
Factors related to Pregnancy Status Among Lebanese Women During COVID-19 Confinement
Authors: Haddad Chadia , Malhab Sandrella Bou , Sacre Hala , Malaeb Diana , Azzi Joelle , Khachman Dalia , Lahoud Nathalie , Salameh Pascale
Published: April 2021

Background: During the coronavirus disease confinement, couples are likely to spend more free time together at home, which could have a positive impact on the amount and level of intimacy. However, home confinement and lockdowns have created challenges and vulnerabilities, causing relevant changes in sexual health and couple stability, particularly in women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the socio-economic and psychological factors related to current pregnancy status and unwanted pregnancy among a sample of Lebanese women during the COVID-19 lockdown.Methods: A cross-sectional online-based study was conducted between June 8 and August 1, 2020, among 369 Lebanese women. The questionnaire developed on Google Forms was distributed through social media and WhatsApp groups, using the snowball technique. The current pregnancy status and unwanted pregnancy were assessed using binary questions (Yes/No).Results: Our results showed that 11.1% of women were pregnant, of whom 22.0% reported unwanted pregnancies. Having children (ORa=0.183) and using contraceptives (ORa=0.231) were at lower odds of getting pregnant. Higher psychological violence would negatively affect pregnancy, but the association tended to significance (p=0.065). Also, regular visits to the physician for routine checkups (ORa=0.053) were significantly associated with lower odds of unwanted pregnancy. Higher psychological violence would affect unwanted pregnancy; however, the association tended to significance (p=0.056). Conclusion: Our main findings indicate that women of younger age, smoking less, and never working were at a higher probability of being pregnant. Furthermore, psychological violence tended to be an associated factor for current pregnancy status and unwanted pregnancy. More information and awareness are needed to encourage women to conceive and maintain their well-being during a pandemic.
Disability and sexual and reproductive health service utilisation in Uganda: An intersectional analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys between 2006 and 2016
Authors: Mac-Seing Muriel , Zarowsky Christina , Yuan Mengru , Zinszer Kate
Published: April 2021

Background Universal health coverage, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH), pledges to “leave no one behind”. However, people with disabilities continue to experience multiple barriers in accessing SRH services. Studies analysing the impacts of disability in conjunction with other social identities and health determinants reveal a complex pattern in SRH service use. Framed within a larger mixed methods study conducted in Uganda, we examined how disability, among other key social determinants of health (SDH), influenced the use of SRH services. Methods We analysed data from repeated cross-sectional national surveys, the Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of 2006, 2011, and 2016. The three outcomes of interest were antenatal care visits, HIV testing, and modern contraception use. Our main exposure of interest was the type of disability, classified according to six functional dimensions: seeing, hearing, walking/climbing steps, remembering/concentrating, communicating, and self-care. We performed descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Regression analyses were informed by the intersectional framework to highlight social and health disparities withing groups. Results From 2006 to 2016, 15.5-18.5% of study participants lived with some form of disability. Over the same period, the prevalence of at least four antenatal care visits, HIV testing, and modern contraception use improved significantly. The DHS year, highest education level attained, and wealth index were the most consistent determinants of SRH service utilisation. People with different types of disabilities did not have the same SRH use patterns. Interactions between disability type and wealth index were associated with neither HIV testing nor the use of modern contraception. Women who were wealthy with hearing (OR = 0.15, 95%CI 0.03 – 0.87) or with communication difficulty (OR = 0.17, 95%CI 0.03 – 0.82) had lower odds of having had optimal antenatal care visits compared to women without disabilities who were poorer. Conclusion This study provided evidence that SRH service use improved over time in Uganda and highlight the importance of studying SRH and the different disability types when examining SDH. The SDH are pivotal to the attainment of universal health coverage, including SRH services, for all people irrespective of their social identities.
Effect of Modified Sijunzi Decoction on Macrophage Polarization Into M1 Phenotype in a Balb/c Mouse Model of Breast Cancer
Authors: zhou huamiao , Xu Binyue , Guo Yong , Zhang Xiangyun , Liu Zhendong
Published: April 2021

Background: The five-year survival rate of breast cancer is bleak because of the predilection for bone metastasis. Tumor-associated macrophages are involved in tumor metastasis and are divided into two antagonistic types, M1 and M2. This study aimed to detect the anti-tumor effect of the modified Sijunzi decoction (MSJZD) in a mouse model of breast cancer and explore whether MSJZD inhibited tumor metastasis by regulating macrophage polarization.Materials and methods: A luciferase-expressing mouse breast cancer cell line Luc-4T1 was inoculated into the right mammary fat pad of mice to establish a Balb/c mouse model of breast cancer. After inoculation for 24 h, the mice were randomly divided into the MSJZD group and control group (n = 5 per group). The mice in the MSJZD group were gavaged with 0.77 g/mL MSJZD once daily for 35 days, whereas those in the control group were administered the same volume of normal saline. Subsequently, the effects of MSJZD on tumor growth and macrophage polarization were investigated.Results: On day 35, MSJZD reduced tumor growth in the mouse model of breast cancer. Flow cytometry showed that the M1 marker (inducible nitric oxide synthase+) was increased in the MSJZD group relative to that in the control group, whereas the M2 marker (CD206+) did not exhibit significant differences between the two groups. The results indicated that MSJZD promoted macrophage polarization into the M1 phenotype.Conclusions: Our findings showed that MSJZD promoted macrophage polarization into the M1 phenotype, thus inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis in breast cancer.
Bio-weathering of granites from Eastern Dharwar Craton (India): A tango of bacterial metabolism and mineral chemistry
Authors: Chikkanna Arpitha , Ghosh Devanita , Sajeev K.
Published: April 2021

The bio-weathering process contributes majorly in the physical shaping of earth’s surface. The weathering of mineral is coupled to the formation of new minerals and release of bio-available nutrients for flora as well as microbial communities. Granites from the Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC) India are felsic plutonic igneous rock composed of nutritive minerals. The major elemental composition of granite is such that, it forms an ancient ecological niche for diverse microbial communities. Interdisciplinary approaches were taken to construct a more comprehensive understanding of potential functional attributes of Actinobacteria in bio-weathering of granite. The paper includes molecular characterization of the isolated strains, detecting their granite bioweathering potentials through leaching experiments where Nocardioides showed highest mineral leaching indices with iron (Fe) being the most leached element (~ 6372 ppm). Scanning electron microscopic imaging indicated biofilm formation and Actinobacterial hyphae colonization. Petrographic, XRD and FTIR based study shows formation of secondary minerals [kaolinite, vermiculite and smectite]. To further establish the hypothesis of soil formation and nutrition transport, long-term (360 days) microcosm was developed. Deterioration and grain size alternations with increase in clay based minerals (kaolinite, vermiculite) and total protein content was observed. A bioinformatics based functional biodiversity approach in link to global bio-weathering of rocks by the genus Actinobacteria was adopted to understand their distribution patterns and contribution to alterations of rock minerals.
Arp2/3 Complex Subunits as Prognostic Biomarkers and Their Correlations With Immune Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Shenglan , Li Dan , Zhuang LingLing , Sun Liying , WU Jianbing
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Actin‐related protein 2/3 complex (Arp2/3) is a major actin nucleator containing seven subunits in humans, which has been widely reported that Arp2/3 plays an important role in promoting migration and invasion of various kinds of cancers. Nevertheless, the expression patterns and prognostic values of Arp2/3 subunits and the correlation between ARP2/3 subunits with immune infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma remains unclear.Methods: TCGA-FPKM dataset, Oncomine, CCLE and UCSC Xena database was used to obtained mRNA expression and clinical information of Arp2/3 subunits in HCC. The Arp2/3 subunits differential expression in HCC tissues and cell lines was analyzed by utilizing the Perl 5.30.0 and R 4.0.4 software. The protein expression data of Arp2/3 subunits was obtained from The Human Protein Atlas (HPA). The prognostic value of each individual Arp2/3 subunits was identified by R 4.0.4 software. The association between the mRNA expressions of Arp2/3 members in HCC tissues with their clinicopathologic parameters was analyzed by UALCAN. The relevance between tumor immunocyte infiltration and the Arp2/3 complex members were determined by the TIMER 2.0 platform and GEPIA database. A gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore the potential mechanism of Arp2/3 complex members in the carcinogenesis of HCC.Results：The results revealed that expression of Arp2/3 family members(ACTR2,ACTR3,ARPC1A, APRC1B,ARPC2,ARPC3,ARPC4, ARPC5, ARPC5L) were up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, higher protein expressions of of ACTR3, ARPC1A, ARPC1B, ARPC2 were found in HCC tissues compared with normal liver tissues. The higher expression of of Arp2/3 family members were significantly correlated with poor survival and cancer stages in HCC patients. Multivariate analysis also demonstrated that ACTR3, ARPC2 and ARPC5 were independent prognostic biomarkers of survival in HCC patients. Meanwhile, ACTR3, ARPC2 and ARPC5 in HCC has positive significant correlations with the infiltration of immune cells. The GSEA results indicated that Arp2/3 members significantly involve in multiple cancer-related pathways by which promoted development of HCC. Conclusions：Various analysis indicated that certain Arp2/3 complex subunits were noticeably upregulated and predicted worse survival in HCC, which may be applied as promising molecular targets for diagnosis and therapy of HCC in the future.
Spectrum Sensing Based on Adaptive Sampling of Received Signal
Authors: Miao Jiawu , Tan Youheng , Zhang Yangying , Li Yuebo , Mu Junsheng , Jing Xiaojun
Published: April 2021

Spectrum sensing (SS) has been heatedly discussed due to its capacity to discover the idle registered spectrum bands, which effectively alleviates the shortage of spectrum by spectrum reuse. Energy detector (ED) is widely accepted for SS as its complexity is very low. In this paper, an adaptive sampling scheme is proposed to improve the sensing performance of ED, where the sampling point of the received signal is adaptively adjusted with the environment signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). When SNR decreases, the sensing performance can be maintained and even improved by the rise of the sampling point. When SNR increases, the improved ED is considered for idle spectrum detection. The SNR is evaluated based on the joint of convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) network. Both theoretical derivations and simulation experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
BCKDK Promotes EOC Proliferation and Migration By Activating The MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Huashun , Yu Dongyang , Li Lianbing , Xiao Juanjuan , Zhu Yijian , Liu Yi , Mu Li , Tian Yafei , Chen Linbo , Zhu Feng , Duan Qiuhong , Xue Peipei
Published: April 2021

Background: Ovarian cancer is the most fatal gynecologic cancer, and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most common type. The branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK) plays an important role in many serious human diseases, including cancers. Its function in promoting cell proliferation and migration has been reported in various cancers. However, the biological role of BCKDK and its molecular mechanisms underlying EOC initiation and progression are unclear.Methods: First, the expression level of BCKDK in EOC cell lines or tissues was determined using tissue microarray (TMA)-based immunohistochemistry or western blotting. Then, growth curve analysis, anchorage-independent cell transformation assays, wound healing assays, cell migration assays, and tumor xenografts were used to test whether BCKDK could promote cell transformation or metastasis. Finally, the signaling pathways involved in this process were investigated by western blotting or immunoprecipitation.Results: We found that the expression of BCKDK was upregulated in EOC tissues and that high expression of BCKDK was correlated with an advanced pathological grade in patients. The ectopic overexpression of BCKDK promoted the proliferation and migration of EOC cells, and the knockdown of BCKDK with shRNAs inhibited the proliferation and migration of EOC ex vivo and in vivo. Moreover, BCKDK promoted EOC proliferation and migration by targeting MEK.Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that BCKDK promotes EOC proliferation and migration by activating the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Targeting the BCKDK-MEK axis may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating patients with EOC.
Development and Validation of a Prognostic Signature Based on Autophagy-related Long Non-coding RNA Analysis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Deng Yan , Zhang Feng , Liu Ji , Huo Cheng-Long , Zhang Xue-Wen , Sun Zhen-Gang , Wang Shuai
Published: April 2021

Background: The present aimed to establish a prognostic signature based on autophagy-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) analysis to predict the clinical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients using a comprehensive analysis of micro array data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. Methods: Based on co-expression network analysis, autophagy-related lncRNAs were obtained using edge R package. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to develop an autophagy-related lncRNAs risk signature and a predictive nomogram by data from the TCGA database. Subgroup analysis and internal validation were performed to confirm the predictive power. Subsequently, the predictive autophagy-related lncRNA prognostic signature and nomogram were externally explored and validated by HCC patients from the ICGC database. Results: According to univariate and multivariate analyses, four autophagy-related lncRNAs (BACE1-AS, SNHG3, MIR210HG, and ZEB1-AS1) with prognostic value were identified in patients with HCC. Then, an autophagy-related lncRNAs prognostic signature was constructed. Based on the prognostic signature, all patients were subdivided into high- and low-risk groups. The autophagy-related lncRNA prognostic signature showed strong predictive power independent of all the clinicopathological features. A predictive nomogram based on the prognostic signature and multiple clinicopathological features was established through a survival analysis with the HCC data in TCGA. Internal validation demonstrated that the prognostic signature and nomogram have a strong power for predicting overall survival in patients with HCC. Whereas external validation further confirmed the robustly predictive power. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis indicated the high-risk group mainly enriched in autophagy- and cancer-related pathways. Conclusions: The four autophagy-related lncRNAs prognostic signature and the predictive nomogram established in the study might support clinician in individual treatment optimization and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
Overexpression of AtDREB1 and BcZAT12 Genes Confers Drought Tolerance by Reducing Oxidative Stress in Double Transgenic Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum Mill.)
Authors: Krishna Ram , Ansari Waquar Akhter , Jaiswal Durgesh Kumar , Prasad Ram , VERMA JAY PRAKASH , Singh Major
Published: April 2021

A large number of genes has been targeted at the molecular level and transferred in tomato varieties from different sources for drought stress tolerance. Developed single transgenic (ST) plants exhibited better yield under drought stress, although the yield was comparatively lower and the plant growth was reduced. Hence, double transgenic plants were developed to improve yield potential without compromising drought tolerance; for this Dehydration Responsive Element Binding protein 1A (AtDREB1A) and Brassica carinata Zinc finger proteins (BcZAT12) genes were stacked. Developed double transgenic (DT) tomato plants by co-over expressing of both the genes exhibited more enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative activities than control. Double transgenic (DZ1-DZ5) tomato lines, co-overexpressing AtDREB1A and BcZAT12 showed enhanced drought tolerance than their counterpart and wild type (WT) plants at 0, 07, 14, and 21 days of water deficit (DWD), respectively. DT plants showed increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, like catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) and accumulation of non-enzymatic antioxidants like ascorbic acid, glutathione as compared to ST and WT. Additionally, the transcript analysis of antioxidant enzymes revealed the level of gene expression in DT tomato plants. In the present study, co-overexpression of AtDREB1A and BcZAT12 genes in tomato showed superior drought tolerance as compared to ST and WT by elevating activity and quantity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. This is the primary report in tomato, which forms the basis for a multigene transgenic approach to cope with drought stress.
Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Measurement-based Care for Depression in Shanghai, China: A Situational Analysis
Authors: Murphy Jill K. , Michalak Erin E. , Liu Jing , Colquhoun Heather , Burton Hannah , Yang Xiaorui , Yang Tao , Wang Xing , Fei Yue , He Yanling , Wang Zuowei , Xu Yifeng , Zhang Ping , Su Yousong , Huang Jia , Huang Leping , Yang Lu , Lin Xiao , Fang Yiru , Liu Tianli , Lam Raymond W. , Chen Jun
Published: April 2021

Background: Measurement-based care (MBC) is an evidence-based practice for depression, but its use by clinicians remains low. Enhanced MBC (eMBC), which uses digital technologies, can help to facilitate the use of MBC by clinicians and patients. Understanding factors that act as barriers and drivers to the implementation of MBC and eMBC is important to support the design of implementation strategies, promoting uptake by clinicians and patients. Objective: This situational analysis identifies barriers and facilitators to the implementation of standard and eMBC at mental health centers in Shanghai, China. Methods: We used mixed methods to develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing MBC and eMBC implementation in Shanghai. This study took place across three mental health centers in Shanghai. We used situational analysis tools to collect contextual information about the three centers, conducted surveys with n=116 clinicians and n=301 patients, conducted semi-structured interviews with n=30 clinicians and six focus groups with a total of n=19 patients. Surveys were analysed using descriptive statistics, and semi-structured interviews and focus groups were analysed using framework analysis. Results: Several potential barriers and facilitators to MBC and eMBC implementation were identified. Infrastructure, cost, attitudes and beliefs, and perceptions about feasibility and efficacy emerged as both challenges and drivers to MBC and eMBC implementation in Shanghai. Conclusions: The results of this study will directly inform the design of an implementation strategy for MBC and eMBC in Shanghai, that will be tested via a randomized controlled trial. This study contributes to the emerging body of literature on MBC implementation and, to the best of our knowledge, is the first such study to take place in Asia. This study identifies several factors that are relevant to the equitable delivery of MBC, recognizing the need to explicitly address equity concerns in global mental health implementation research.
The Role of Social Capital on Utilization of Maternal and Child Health Services in Low- and Middle- Income Countries: Mixed-Methods Review
Authors: Mengesha Endalkachew Worku , Alene Getu Degu , Zelellw Desalegne Amare , Assefa Yibeltal , Tessema Gizachew Assefa
Published: April 2021

Background: Social capital is defined as social relations that may provide individuals and groups with access to resources and supports in community networks. It has become an important issue to be studied in the field of public health. This study aimed to review pieces of literature about the role of social capital on the utilization of maternal and child health services in low- and middle- income countries.Methods: Mixed-methods research review and synthesis, using three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct), was performed. Besides, Google Scholar and Google search engines were used. Both quantitative and qualitative studies conducted in low- and middle- income countries, published in English, in grey and commercial literature were considered. Results: A total of 1,545 studies were identified, of which, 328 records were removed due to duplication. Then, 13 records were selected after reading titles, abstracts, and full texts. Of these eligible studies, six studies were included for quantitative synthesis, and seven of them for qualitative synthesis. Moreover, six quantitative studies and seven qualitative studies were included. Of the six reviewed quantitative studies, five of them addressed the relationship between social capital and health facility delivery. Likewise, women who lived in communities with higher membership in groups that help form intergroup bridging ties had higher odds of antenatal care use. Synthesized qualitative findings revealed that women received some form of emotional, informational, and instrumental support from their network members. Receiving health information from trusted people and socio-cultural factors influenced the use of maternal health services.Conclusions: Social capital has a great contribution to the utilization of maternal and child health services. Countries aiming to reduce maternal mortality should identify context-specific approaches to benefit from its social capital. On the other hand, measurement tools for social capital require due attention as there is no uniformity across studies and most of them were conducted using a cross-sectional design. Hence, further longitudinal and interventional studies should be employed to pin down the direction of causality.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021226923