bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Investigation of Hydrokinetic Properties of Hydrogeologic Units of Sandy Lithofacies: A Case Study of Parts of Enugu State, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Ibuot Johnson Cletus , Omeje Emmanuel T. , Obiora Daniel Nnemeka 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Vertical electrical sounding employing schlumberger electrode configuration was carried out in thirty locations across some parts of Enugu state, to investigate the hydrokinetic properties of hydrogeologic units of the study area. The result shows that resistivity and thickness of aquifer ranges from 27.3 to 59569.0 Ωm and 23.3 to 242.1 m respectively. Permeability and fractional porosity values range from 4531.254 to 74006.76 mD and 0.026 to 0.159. AQI having a mean value of 13.5451 µm range from 6.809 to 52.976 µm. FZI and HFU values range from 37.582 to 1962.074 µm and 18 to 26 respectively. Contour maps were generated from the results to visualize the variations of the hydrokinetic properties across the study area. From the contour maps, southern part of the study area was identified to be characterized with high AQI, FZI and HFU with northwestern part and a small proportion along the southwestern part identified as areas with low AQI, FZI and HFU. HFU along the study area was observed to be fractionated into nine distinct properties (HFU 18, HFU 19, HFU 20, HFU 21, HFU 22, HFU 23, HFU 24, HFU 25, and HFU 26) with HFU 19 and HFU 20 dominating the area. The results from the nine hydraulic flow units based on flow zone indicator cut off values (Log FZI ˃ 0.25) shows that the reservoir quality is very high.
In-Situ and Ex-Situ Phycoremediation Competence of Innate Scenedesmus Sp. On Polluted River Water
Authors: Venkatesan Subramani , Narayanan Mathiyazhagan , Prabakaran Murugan , Anusha Ponniah , Sriniva Ramalingam , Kandasamy Sabariswaran , Natarajan Devarajan , Paulraj Balaji 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The present study was aimed to investigate the ex-situ and in-situ phycoremediation efficacy of native Scenedesmus sp. in polluted Thirumanimuthar River water sample. Based on the macroscopic and microscopic analysis the predominant microalgae culture from polluted water was identified as Scenedesmus sp. Most of the physicochemical parameters (EC: 3110.00 micro mho cm-1, turbidity: 17.10 mg L-1, total hardness: 812.00 mg L-1, BOD: 230 mg L-1, and COD: 352 mg L-1) and some minerals such as Ca: 232.00 mg L-1 and Sulfate: 532.00 mg L-1 were crossing the permissible limits. Among three sets of treatments (I, II, & III), 3% in ex-situ (treatment III), and 30% in in-situ (treatment III) were shown a better reduction in physicochemical properties of polluted river water in 14 days of treatment. The in-situ study has shown better pollutants reduction than ex-situ as it reduced BOD & COD 27.83% and 23.30%, respectively. Further, the chloride, sulphate, phosphate, sodium, calcium, and magnesium were reasonably reduced up to 40.00, 43.61, 31.03, 18.75, 70.26, and 33.93%, respectively. The FTIR analysis confirmed that the presence of pollutants absorbing functional groups in dried biomass of Scenedesmus sp. and the SEM analysis image confirmed the absorption of pollutants by resulting in morphology changes of Scenedesmus sp. The results concluded that a significant reduction was found in most tested physicochemical and minerals contents in the treated water through the in-situ study than the ex-situ approach. Through this sustainable phycoremediation strategy, the pollutant reducing Scenedesmus sp. could be used as feedstock for biofuel production.
Thermodynamic, Kinetic and Isotherm Study of 4-chloro-2-methyl Phenoxy Acetic Acid (MCPA) by (PV/S-g-3D-GO/N) from Aquatic Solutions
Authors: Hajighasemkhan Alireza , Moniri Elham , Taghavi Lobat , Panahi Homayon Ahmad , Hassani Amir Hessam 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIn this study removal efficiency of 4-chloro-2-methyl-phenoxy acetic acid (MCPA) by 3D polymer nano-magnetic (PV/S-g-3D-GO/N) was investigated.MethodsThe effects of operation parameters including adsorbent mass, influent flow rate and inlet concentration on the adsorption performance are investigated.ResultsMaximum adsorption capacity (4.36 mg/g) was achieved at optimum conditions (pH: 3, contact time: 300 min, adsorbent dosage: 5 g/l and temperature: 50 °C). Moreover, adsorption isotherm and kinetics were agreed with the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.997) and pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.999), respectively. Thermodynamic studies also show that adsorption process was spontaneous (ΔG < 0) and endothermic (ΔH > 0).ConclusionAccording to removal efficiency (100%), this adsorbent is an excellent alternative for removal herbicide in high temperature industry.
MTHFD2&nbsp;Regulates the AKT/MYC&nbsp;Signaling Pathway in Bladder Cancer and Promotes Proliferation, Viability and Migration in Vitro
Authors: Chen DaoHu , Li Huihui , Zhang Haiyin , Li Qingman , Huang YanSheng , Liu Hui 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Numerous studies have reported that MTHFD2 is overexpressed in several human cancers and functions as a valuable prognostic factor. However, little is known about its role in bladder cancer. Methods: We carried out an in silicon analysis of MTHFD2 expression status in bladder cancer tissues and the impact of MTHFD2 on the overall survival of patients. Flag-MTHFD2 plasmid and MTHFD2-knockdown vector were constructed to investigate the function of MTHFD2. The role of MTHFD2 in MTHFD2-overexpressing or MTHFD2-deficient EJ cells was examined using CCK8, colony formation assays, soft agar assays and Transwell migration assays. A luciferase reporter assay was employed to test the impact of MTHFD2 expression on the transcriptional activity of AKT and MYC. The expression of CDK4 and CCND4 in MTHFD2-deficient EJ cells was detected by Western blot. To certify the AKT role in MTHFD2-modulated EJ cell behaviors, a rescue assay were carried out by re-overexpression MYC in MTHFD2-defienct EJ cells.Results: By analyzing the GEPIA database, we found that the expression of MTHFD2 is increased in bladder cancer tissues. Patients with high MTHFD2 displayed poorer survival than patients with low MTHFD2. A series of in vitro functional assays revealed that ectopic expression of MTHFD2 enhanced cell proliferative and migratory activity while MTHFD2 deficiency had the opposite impact on the tumorigenic potential of EJ cells. Mechanistically, we found that overexpressing of MTHFD2 increased AKT and MYC transcriptional activity. Two critical downstream effectors,CDK4 and CCND2 was attenuated in MTHFD2-deficienct cells. Overexpression of MYC rescured the inhibitory effects of MTHFD2 deficiency in the CCND2 and CDK2 expression.Conclusion: Overall, we first uncovered that MTHFD2 could play a protumor role in bladder cancer by activating the AKT/MYC signaling pathway, which may highlight its prognostic potential in bladder cancer and support the rationale for MTHFD2-targeted drug intervention.
Identification of Key Genes for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Gene Expression and DNA&nbsp;Methylation Data Integration Analysis
Authors: zong zengyan , chen dayang , WU WEI , dou xiaowen , wang mengmeng , ji xiang , zhang xiuming , xiong dan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The pathogenesis of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is very complicated. The present study aimed to identity some candidate genes as biomarkers for NPC diagnosis and pathogenesis.Methods: Three Microarray datasets GSE53819, GSE64634 and GSE12452 and a methylation array (GSE52068) were re-analyzed. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were applied. STRING software was used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs and visualized by Cytoscape. Random Forest (RF) algorithm was performed to construct classifiers and identified key genes.Results: A total of 91 DEGs were screened from the three datasets. GO term and KEGG pathway analysis suggested that the DEGs were predominantly enriched in drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 pathway, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 pathway, chemical carcinogenesis pathway, ciliary part, motile cilium, axoneme, microtubule and ciliary plasm. We obtained nine hub genes and one significant module. We constructed a classifier based on DEGs and found CLIC6 and CLU have the best classification ability. Finally, five hypermethylated and downregulated genes (hyper-down) were identified by integrating methylation data.Conclusions: With gene expression and methylation data integration analysis, several key genes were identified may be potential biomarkers for NPC diagnosis and pathogenesis.
Effects of a Long-Term Administration of Aqueous Extract of Prunella vulgaris&nbsp;L. on Survival, Spontaneous Thyroid Carcinoma and Neoplastic&nbsp;C-cell Hyperplasia&nbsp;in Rats
Authors: Song Jia , Zhao Min , Zhang Zhengbao , Tan Jianbin , Chen Bifeng , Huang Junming , Zheng Rongbo , Huang Xiaodan , Okpara Samuel Edozie , Yang Xingfen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The continued global rise in thyroid carcinoma calls for alternative prevention and treatment strategies. Prunella vulgaris L. (PV) is a herbaceous plant with a medicinal property in the treatment of thyroid gland dysfunction, but its influence on thyroid carcinoma is unclear so far. This study was designed to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of PV on survival, spontaneous thyroid carcinoma and its preneoplastic lesion in rats.Methods: A total of 552 Wistar rats (half female and half male) were randomly assigned into 4 groups and given one of the following diets for 24 months: chow diet (control), 2.5 (low), 8.25 (middle) and 25 (high) g/kg bw PV diets. After intervention, serum metabolic parameters including indicators of liver and renal function, glucose and lipid profiles were measured. Histological examination was conducted to confirm the types of thyroid carcinoma and its preneoplastic lesion. Results: After intervention, serum aspartate transaminase of male rats in high PV group decreased significantly. No statistical differences among groups in terms of survival, body weight and other metabolic parameters were detected. In the control, low, middle and high PV groups, 14, 14, 15 and 8 rats developed thyroid carcinoma, respectively. Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) emerged as the most common histological type in both sexes. Although PV failed to decrease risk of total thyroid carcinoma or each histological type, the incidence rates of neoplastic C-cell hyperplasia (CCH, a preneoplastic lesion of hereditary MTC) in PV groups were lower than that of control, and the lowest was observed in high PV group, manifesting as 5.25-time decrease in female rats and 5.5-time decrease in male rats.Conclusion: Our results suggested for the first time that, a long-term administration of aqueous extract of PV decreased the incidence of neoplastic CCH without impairing survival and metabolic parameters.
Prognostic Marker for Severe Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Analysis of Diffusing Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) and Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1)
Authors: Choi Juwhan , Sim Jae Kyeom , Oh Jee Youn , Lee Young Seok , Hur Gyu Young , Lee Sung Yong , Shim Jae Jeong , Rhee Chin Kook , Min Kyung Hoon 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: It is important to assess the prognosis and classify patients in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) treatment. Recently, it was suggested that diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) should be added to multidimensional tools for assessing COPD. This study aimed to compare the DLCO and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to identify better prognostic factors for admitted patients with AECOPD.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 342 patients with AECOPD receiving inpatient treatment. We classified 342 severe AECOPD events using DLCO and FEV1. We defined the prognostic factors of severe AECOPD as the length of hospital stay, mortality in hospital, experience of mechanical ventilation, and experience of intensive care unit (ICU) care. We analyzed the prognostic factors by multivariate analysis using logistic regression. In addition, we conducted a correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results: In univariate and multivariate analyses, DLCO was shown to predict mortality rate (odds ratio = 4.408; 95% confidence interval, 1.070–18.167; P = 0.040), experience of ventilator (odds ratio = 2.855; 95% confidence interval, 1.216–6.704; P = 0.016) and ICU (odds ratios = 2.685; 95% confidence interval, 1.290–5.590; P = 0.008). However, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality rate when using FEV1 classification (P = 0.075). In the correlation analysis, both DLCO and FEV1 showed a negative correlation with length of hospital stay. The correlation rate was more pronounced in the DLCO (DLCO; B = -0.103, P < 0.001) (FEV1; B = -0.075, P = 0.007). In addition, DLCO showed better predictive ability than FEV1 in ROC curve analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) of DLCO was greater than 0.68 for all prognostic factors, and in contrast, the AUC of FEV1 was less than 0.68.Conclusion: DLCO was likely to be as good as or better prognostic marker than FEV1 in severe AECOPD.
Characterization of the Bacterial Microbiome of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) Microplus Collected From Pecari Tajacu “sajino” Madre De Dios, Peru
Authors: ROJAS-JAIMES JESUS , Seminario David Lindo , Núñez German Correa , Diringer Benoit 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Ticks are arthropods that can host and transmit pathogens to wild animals, domestic animals, and even humans. Methods: The bacterial microbiome of adult (males and females) and nymph Rhipicephalus microplus ticks collected from a collared peccary, Pecari tajacu, captured in the rural area of ​​Botijón Village in the Amazon region of Madre de Dios, Peru, was evaluated using metagenomics. Results: The Chao1 and Shannon–Weaver analyses indicated greater bacterial richness and diversity in female ticks (GARH; 375–4.15) and nymph ticks (GARN; 332–4.75) compared to that in male ticks (GARM; 215–3.20). Taxonomic analyses identified 185 operational taxonomic units representing 147 bacterial genera. Of the 25 most prevalent genera, Salmonella (17.5%) and Vibrio (15.0%) showed the highest relative abundance followed by several other potentially pathogenic genera, such as Paracoccus (7.8%), Staphylococcus (6.8%), Pseudomonas (6.6%), Corynebacterium (5.0%), Cloacibacterium (3.6%), and Acinetobacter (2.5%). In total, 19.7% of the detected genera are shared by GARH, GARM, and GARN, and they can be considered as the core microbiome of R. microplus.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to characterize the microbiome of ticks collected from P. tajacu and to report the presence of Salmonella and Vibrio in R. microplus. The pathogenic potential and the role of these bacteria in the physiology of R. microplus should be further investigated due to the possible implications on public health and animal health in populations neighboring the habitat of P. tajacu.
Data-driven versus theory-driven methods to understand health service implementation problems: A case study of childhood vaccination barriers
Authors: Bonner Carissa , Tuckerman Jane , Kaufman Jessica , Costa Daniel , Durrheim David N , Trevena Lyndal , Thomas Susan , Danchin Margie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEffective implementation requires identifying and addressing behavioural barriers to uptake. This study aimed to compare data-driven and theory-driven approaches to understanding implementation issues. We used childhood vaccination coverage as a case study, with international relevance and wide-ranging barriers contributing to low vaccine uptake.MethodsThe study utilised the Behaviour Change Wheel framework, which incorporates both individual and system level barriers to behaviour, and is based on several levels of theory: the three components of the COM-B model (capability, opportunity and motivation) can be mapped to the 14 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), which is based on 84 underlying constructs. We first conducted a review of systematic reviews of parent-level barriers to childhood vaccination. Subsequently we: 1) inductively coded these barriers into a data-driven framework, using thematic analysis; and 2) conducted theory-driven mapping of these barriers to TDF domains and constructs. Coding and mapping were undertaken by two authors independently, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. The data-driven and theory-driven results were compared.ResultsThe data-driven process coded 583 descriptions of barriers identified from the literature into a framework of 74 barriers in 6 categories. The initial definitions used to compare data-driven barriers with theory-driven domains/constructs led to 89% agreement at the domain level. Resolving discrepancies required further definitions at the construct level. Of the 14 TDF domains, 10 were clearly identified in the data from the barrier reviews. Some domains were not specific enough to differentiate between types of barriers (e.g. Environmental Context and Resources), while other domains were not represented in the review data (e.g. Behavioural Regulation).ConclusionsUsing both data- and theory-driven approaches can help achieve a more comprehensive understanding of barriers to health service implementation. The data-driven categories represented the review data in a clearer way than the theoretical domains, with better differentiation; but the missing domains were useful as a way to identify additional issues to investigate further. Both approaches resulted in a comprehensive list of barriers to vaccination that would not have been achieved using either approach alone. This will inform a diagnostic tool to measure the causes of under-vaccination.
Effect of Wnt5a on drug resistance in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Amioka Ai , Kadoya Takayuki , Sueoka Satoshi , Kobayashi Yoshie , Sasada Shinsuke , Emi Akiko , Masumoto Norio , Ito Masaoki , Nakayama Koh , Okada Morihito 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIt was previously reported by us that Wnt5a-positive breast cancer can be classified as estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer and its prognosis is worse than that of Wnt5a-negative breast cancer. Herein, the molecular mechanisms underlying the poor prognosis of Wnt5a-positive breast cancer patients were examined. MethodsA total of 151 consecutive ER-positive breast cancer patients who underwent resection between January 2011 and February 2014 were enrolled. DNA microarray and pathway analyses were performed conducted using MCF-7 cells stably expressing Wnt5a (MCF-7/Wnt5a(+)). Based on the results, cell viability and drug sensitivity assays as well as mutation analysis , were performed using culture cells and breast cancer tissue. The relationship between Wnt5a and the PI3K–AKT–mTOR signaling pathway was examined.ResultsThe relapse-free survival rate in patients with Wnt5a-positive breast cancer was significantly lower than that in patients with Wnt5a-negative breast cancer ( P = 0.047). DNA microarray data indicated that only the cytochrome P450 (CYP) pathway was significantly upregulated in MCF-7/Wnt5a(+) cells ( P = 0.0440). MCF-7/Wnt5a(+) cells showed reduced sensitivity to the metabolic substrates of CYP, tamoxifen ( P < 0.001), and paclitaxel ( P < 0.001). PIK3CA mutations were unrelated to Wnt5a expression in breast cancer tissue and culture cells.ConclusionsIn ER-positive breast cancer, Wnt5a upregulated the CYP metabolic pathway; additionally, it inhibited the sensitivity to tamoxifen and paclitaxel, which constitute the standard treatment options for ER-positive breast cancer. Wnt5a could be involved in the poor prognosis of ER-positive breast cancer independently of the PI3K–AKT–mTOR signaling pathway.
WITHDRAWN: Improving the Measurement of Alexithymia in Autistic Adults: A Psychometric Investigation and Refinement of the Twenty-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale
Authors: Williams Zachary J , Gotham Katherine O. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background: Alexithymia, a personality trait characterized by difficulties interpreting emotional states, is commonly elevated in autistic adults, and a growing body of literature suggests that this trait underlies a number of cognitive and emotional differences previously attributed to autism. Although questionnaires such as the twenty-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) are frequently used to measure alexithymia in the autistic population, there have been few studies attempting to determine the psychometric properties of these questionnaires in autistic adults, including whether differential item functioning (I-DIF) exists between autistic and general population adults. Methods: We conducted an in-depth psychometric analysis of the TAS-20 in a large sample of 743 cognitively able autistic adults recruited from the Simons Foundation SPARK participant pool and 721 general population controls enrolled in a large international psychological study. The factor structure of the TAS-20 was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, and item response theory was used to further refine the scale based on local model misfit and I-DIF between the groups. Correlations between alexithymia and other clinical outcomes were used to assess the nomological validity of the revised alexithymia scale in the SPARK sample. Results: The TAS-20 did not exhibit adequate model fit in either the autistic or general population samples. Empirically driven item reduction was undertaken, resulting in an eight-item unidimensional scale (TAS-8) with sound psychometric properties and practically ignorable I-DIF between diagnostic groups. Correlational analyses indicated that TAS-8 scores meaningfully predict autistic trait levels, anxiety and depression symptoms, and quality of life, even after controlling for trait neuroticism. Limitations: Limitations of the current study include a sample of autistic adults that was overwhelmingly female, later-diagnosed, and well-educated; clinical and control groups drawn from different studies with variable measures; and an inability to test several other important psychometric characteristics of the TAS-8, including sensitivity to change and I-DIF across multiple administrations. Conclusions: These results indicate the potential of the TAS-8 as a psychometrically robust tool to measure alexithymia in both autistic and non-autistic adults. A free online score calculator has been created to facilitate the use of norm-referenced TAS-8 latent trait scores in research applications (available at http://asdmeasures.shinyapps.io/TAS8_Score).