bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surfactant in Fracturing Fluid: Enhancing Imbibition Oil Recovery or Blocking Pore Throats?
Authors: Yousefi Mohammad , Habibi Ali , Dehghanpour Hassan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Low recovery of fracturing water is partly due to fracturing fluid leak-off into formation and water trapping in matrix. In our previous studies (Soleiman Asl et al. 2019 and Yuan et al. 2019), we showed that using surfactant solutions in fracturing fluid can significantly enhance imbibition oil recovery. However, there is one critical question remained unanswered: What are the consequences of these additives on well performance during flowback and post-flowback processes? Can they block the pore-throats of rock matrix and induce formation damage? To answer this question, we develop and apply a comprehensive laboratory protocol on a tight core plug to simulate leak-off and flowback processes under reservoir pressure, with and without initial water saturation (Swi). We evaluate the possibility of pore-throat blockage by comparing pore-throat size distribution of the core plug and size distribution of the particles formed in a microemulsion (ME) solution. We also investigate the effects of Swi on effective oil permeability (koeff) after the flowback process.
The results of leak-off and flowback tests using tap water as the base case shows that koeff after flowback is lower than that before the leak-off, mainly due to phase trapping. However, results of the tests using the ME solution show that koeff after flowback is greater than koeff before leak-off. This observation suggests that the leak-off of ME solution enhances regained oil relative permeability during flowback by reducing phase trapping and water blockage. When Swi = 0, the blockage of leaked-off fluid reduces koeff during the flowback process. The mean size of self-assembled structures (referred to as "particles" here) formed by mixing the ME solution with water is around 10-20 nm. The MICP profile of the core sample shows that around 95% of pore throats are bigger than the size of formed particles, suggesting low chance of pore-throat blockage by the suspended particles.
Long noncoding RNA XIST suppresses tumorigenesis and enhances radiosensitivity in neuroblastoma cells through regulating miR-653-5p/HK2 axis
Authors: Mou Liping , Wang Lili , Zhang Shaoming , Wang Qinghua 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Abnormal expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) was usually involved in tumorigenesis and radiosensitivity of various cancers. The aim of this study was to explore the biological function and regulatory mechanism of lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) in tumorigenesis and radiosensitivity of neuroblastoma (NB).Methods: The expression levels of XIST, microRNA-653-5p (miR-653-5p) and hexokinase 2 (HK2) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Methylthiazolyldiphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay were utilized to detect cell viability, colony formation and cell invasion abilities. Glucose consumption or lactate production was measured by glucose assay kit or lactate assay kit, respectively. The mice xenograft model was established to investigate the role of XIST in vivo. The interaction between miR-653-5p and XIST or HK2 was predicted by starBase v2.0 and verified by dual-luciferase reporter, RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays. Western blot was used to measure the protein expression of HK2.Results: XIST and HK2 were highly expressed whilst miR-653-5p was lowly expressed in NB tissues and cells. XIST knockdown inhibited tumorigenesis by repressing NB cell proliferation and invasion. Meanwhile, XIST downregulation increased the radiosensitivity via inhibiting colony formation rates and glycolysis. Moreover, miR-653-5p could bind to XIST and its downregulation reversed the effects of XIST knockdown on tumorigenesis and radiosensitivity. Additionally, HK2 was a direct target of miR-653-5p and its overexpression attenuated the effects of miR-653-5p restoration on suppression of tumorigenesis and promotion of radiosensitivity. Besides, XIST functioned as a molecular sponge of miR-653-5p to regulate HK2 expression. Furthermore, XIST knockdown also suppressed tumor growth by upregulating miR-653-5p and downregulating HK2 in vivo.Conclusion: XIST interference inhibited tumorigenesis and increased radiosensitivity in NB by regulating miR-653-5p/HK2 axis, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for NB.
Tanshinone IIA Attenuates Inflammatory Responses by Downregulating MicroRNA-23b, Upregulating TRIB1 and Inactivation of the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in THP-1 Macrophages
Authors: Ji Wei , Li Gengyao , Liu Yuqian , Yan Xiaofeng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to erroneous posting.
Pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions between Aidi injection and Doxorubicin in rats with diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lu Yuan , Pan Jie , Zhu Xiaoqing , Zhang Shuai , Chunhua Liu , Sun Jia , Li Yueting , Chen Siying , Huang Jing , Cao Chuang , Wang Yonglin , Li Yongjun , Liu Ting 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Aidi Injection (ADI), a Chinese herbal preparation with anti-cancer activity, is used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several clinical studies have shown that co-administration of ADI with doxorubicin (DOX) is associated with reduced toxicity of chemotherapy, enhanced clinical efficacy and improved quality of life for patients. However, limited information is available about the herb-drug interactions between ADI and DOX. The study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic mechanism of herb-drug interactions between ADI and DOX in a rat model of HCC.Methods: Experimental HCC was induced in rats by oral administration of diethylnitrosamine. The HCC rats were pretreated with ADI (10 mL/kg, intraperitoneal injection) for 14 consecutive days prior to administration of DOX (7 mg/kg, intravenous injection) to investigate pharmacokinetic interactions. Plasma concentrations of DOX and its major metabolite, doxorubicinol (DOXol), were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).Results: Preadministration of ADI significantly altered the pharmacokinetics of DOX in HCC rats, leading to increased plasma concentrations of both DOX and DOXol. The area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUCs) of DOX and DOXol in rats pretreated with ADI were 3.79-fold and 2.92-fold higher, respectively, than those in control rats that did not receive ADI.Conclusions: Increased levels of DOX and DOXol were found in the plasma of HCC rats pretreated with ADI.
Lived experience of women who underwent early removal of long-acting Contraceptive Methods in Bedesa town, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A phenomenological study
Authors: Obsa Mohammed Suleiman , Takiso Kassahun Tekle , Ayele Tamiru Tilahun , Koyra Hailu Chare , Hidota Kasahun Tafesse , Shanka Getahun Molla , Hanfore Lolemo Kelbiso , Arba Mihiretu Alemeyehu , Anjulo Antehun Alemeyehu , kanche Zewde Zema , kercho Melkamu Worku 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Long-acting contraceptive methods can play a pivotal role in reducing maternal mortality. In Etiopia, the total fertility rate per woman is 4.6. However, this rapid population growth is not in line with the weak economic growth of the country. Therefore, this study was done to explore the lived experiences of women who underwent early removal of long-acting contraceptive methods in Bedesa town, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A phenomenological study design was employed to include a total of 10 in-depth interviews of sampled women. Participants were recruited through criterion sampling method. Open code version 4.03 was used to code and facilitate analysis. Transcripts were read and re-read separately to identify emerging themes. Thematic analysis technique was used. Results This study revealed that the side effect of the long-acting family planning methods were the main reason for early removal. Furthermore, heavy and irregular menses were mentioned as the most frequently occurred side effects. Delayed fertility after removal of long-acting contraceptive was one of frequently stated fear by the clients. It was also stated that counseling provided by health professionals was not adequate. Conclusion The majority of study participants taught that the side effects of long-acting family planning methods outweigh the benefits. Besides, the counseling services provided by health care providers were not adequate. Therefore, proper counseling services should be given to mothers who are taking long-acting family planning methods.
Nimodipine reduces delayed cerebral vasospasm after intracranial tumor surgery: a retrospective study
Authors: Yu Ying , Li Yunqian , Jin Zheng , Chen Fan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background：Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is a serious neurosurgical complication. This retrospective study was performed to analyze if nimodipine can improve prognosis and reduces ischemia secondary to delayed CVS after intracranial tumor surgery.Methods：Retrospective analysis of 94 patients with an anterior cranial fossa tumor and underwent intracranial tumor surgery was performed, with 42 cases treated with normal saline and 52 cases treated with nimodipine solution. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the distal extracranial internal carotid artery (eICA). An examination was conducted 1 day before surgery and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after surgery. Follow-up was performed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) 3 months after discharge.Results：We showed that in the nimodipine group, CVS occurred in 13 (25%) patients who did not have CVS in the first three days after operation; nine patients had CVS between 4 and 7 days, and 4 had CVS between 8 and 14 days. In the normal saline group, nineteen (45%) patients had CVS, 3 presented with CVS within 3 days, 11 between 4-7 days and 5 between 8-14 days. A significant difference in the occurrence of CVS was observed between the two groups. Preoperative and postoperative the MCA velocities were compared, revealing a significant change in the normal saline group (P < 0.05) but not in the nimodipine group. Furthermore, significant differences in the outcome were observed between the two groups at the 3-month follow-up (P < 0.05).Conclusions：Nimodipine markedly improves prognosis and significantly reduces ischemia secondary to delayed CVS after intracranial tumor surgery, as well as the risks of mortality and morbidity.
Mixed Method Synthesis of Cognitive interviews with Kenyan peripartum adolescents: Testing EPDS and PHQ questionnaires in Nairobi primary care settings
Authors: Kumar Manasi , Huang Keng-Yen , Othieno Caleb , Kagoya Martha , Nyongesa Vincent , Unutzer Jurgen , Saxena Shekhar , McKay Mary 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Cognitive interviewing is a well-recognized methodology to identify clinical and commonsensical relevance of mental health questionnaire items by our research participants. Depression is amongst the most common condition impacting pregnant and parenting adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In Kenya, studies have reported depression prevalence estimates of 12-50% in peripartum adolescents. While young people prefer using English, there has not been enough data to point to how well they respond to Kiswahili translations of the commonly used tools.Method: Thirty-two participants between ages 14-18 years were approached and through informed consent for them to participate. We used Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in English and Kiswahili versions to carry out the interviews and were coded along four domains of comprehension, retrieval, judgement and patient response. Scores were tabulated for all participants and simple reliability analyses were offered. The interviews were discussed within the team and tables were shared between three raters for further consensus. The interview transcripts were analyzed manually using thematic analysis.Discussion: We found that adolescents had challenges in fully understanding items in both set of tools however, EPDS was better received than PHQ-9. Psychometrically, EPDS English version and Kiswahili versions fared better than the PHQ-9 English and Kiswahili versions. PHQ-9 presented considerable issues with regards to semantic clarity however had simpler response options in comparison to EPDS which was more experientially appropriate, but response options were not simple. On our thematic analysis we felt that the adolescents were significantly challenged by the new, unanticipated pregnancy or motherhood experience. Poverty, poor partner support, discord with parents and distress in the family, and traumatic end of supportive and helpful relationships were the notable problems.Conclusion: While sensitive cross-cultural translations for the commonly used open access depression tools is critical, it is also pertinent to understand whether these are developmentally appropriate. Our participants had multiple psychosocial and material challenges that necessitate measures sensitive to their age, social context and health experiences. Additionally, we felt that both the tools may not be suitable for self-administration and may need involvement of a case worker or community health worker.
Examination of Cerebral Aneurysm by Scanning Acoustic Microscopy
Authors: Tanoren Bukem 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Asymptomatic intracranial aneurysms rupture without any warning, therefore, use of high-resolution imaging techniques for the rupture risk assessment is essential. Methods: This study’s goal is to assess the feasibility of scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) in the characterization of cerebral aneurysm. The aneurysm’s dome samples were obtained from 12 different patients with and without subarachnoid hemorrhage. Results: The acoustic impedance values are found statistically higher in samples from female patients than in samples from male patients. On the other hand, sample from a male patient without subarachnoid hemorrhage has higher acoustic impedance value when compared with samples from male patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, however, this discrepancy is not observed in female patients. Conclusion: In summary, the success of SAM in monitoring the altering acoustic impedance values in male and female patients with and without subarachnoid hemorrhage indicates the potential of SAM for the diagnosis of instability of cerebral aneurysms.
Impact of Variant-level Batch Effects on Identification of Genetic Risk Factors in Large Sequencing Studies
Authors: Wickland Daniel P , Ren Yingxue , Sinnwell Jason P , Reddy Joseph S , Pottier Cyril , Sarangi Vivekananda , Carrasquillo Minerva M , Ross Owen A , Younkin Steven G , Ertekin-Taner Nilüfer , Rademakers Rosa , Hudson Matthew E , Mainzer Liudmila Sergeevna , Biernacka Joanna M , Asmann Yan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Genetic studies have shifted to sequencing-based rare variants discovery after decades of success in identifying common disease variants by Genome-Wide Association Studies using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism chips. Sequencing-based studies require large sample sizes for statistical power but often inadvertently introduce batch effects because samples are typically collected, processed, and sequenced at multiple centers. Conventionally, batch effects are first detected and visualized using Principal Components Analysis and then controlled by including batch covariates in the disease association models. For sequencing-based genetic studies, because all variants included in the association analyses have passed quality control measures, this conventional approach treats every variant as equal and ignores the substantial differences still remaining in variant qualities and characteristics such as genotype quality scores, alternative allele fractions (fraction of reads supporting alternative allele at a variant position) and sequencing depths.

Results: In the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP) exome dataset of 9,904 cases and controls, we discovered hidden variant-level differences between sample batches of three sequencing centers and two exome capture kits. Although sequencing centers were included as a covariate in our association models, we observed differences at the variant level in genotype quality and alternative allele fraction between samples processed by different exome capture kits that significantly impacted both the confidence of variant detection and the identification of disease-associated variants. Furthermore, we found that the association signals of a subset of top disease risk variants came exclusively from samples processed by one exome capture kit that was more effective at capturing the alternative alleles compared to the other kit.

Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of additional variant-level quality control for large sequencing-based genetic studies. More importantly, we demonstrate that automatically filtering out variants with batch differences may lead to false negatives if the batch discordance came largely from quality differences and if the variants from one batch had better quality scores.
Machine learning models for predicting lymph node and distant metastases in colorectal cancer
Authors: Dai Xiaoyu , Dai Siqi , Yang Xi , Zhuang Jing , Liu Jin , Han Shuwen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in the world and metastasis is responsible for a major proportion of the cancer-related deaths in CRC patients.Aims: To construct machine learning models for predicting lymph node and distant metastases in colorectal cancer and analyze biological functions features of metastasis-related genes.Methods: RNA-seq and miRNA-seq data as well as corresponding clinical data from colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and rectum adenocarcinoma (READ) were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The differentially expressed RNAs (DE-RNAs) in non-LNM (N0) and LNM (N1/N2) as well as non-distant metastases (M0) and distant metastases (M1) were analyzed. Six machine learning models including logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), Catboost, gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), and artificial neural network (NN) were constructed to predict cancer metastasis and the feature genes of the optimal model were further analyzed by functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and drug-target analyses.Results: Differential RNA expression profiles of LNM and non-LNM as well as M0 vs. M1 were observed in both COAD and READ samples. NN model was determined to be the optimal model for predicting distant metastases, while Catboost and LR models were the optimal models for predicting LNM in COAD and READ samples, respectively. PPI analysis indicated that KIR2DL4, chemokine-related genes CXCL9/10/11/13 and CCL25, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor genes (GABRR1, GABRB2 and GABRA3) were key genes in metastasis. In addition, atorvastatin and eszopiclone were identified as potential therapeutic agents as they target these genes.Conclusions: We constructed six machine learning models for predicting colorectal cancer metastases and identify the optimal model. We analyzed biological functions features of metastasis-related RNAs in colorectal cancer.
Nestin+ Cells Isolated From The Peritoneum Attenuate Peritoneal Fibrosis Via Suppressing IL-33 /ST2 Signaling
Authors: Zhou Ying , Shentu Yangping , Ma Shuqing , Ye Simin , Jiang Nan , Zhao Zongyuan , Bai Yongheng , Liu Xiaoyuan , Chen Hao , Yang Dicheng , Jiang Huanchang , Zheng Chenfei , Chen Chaosheng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

The intermediate filament protein Nestin, a specific marker for multifunctional, multilineage progenitor cells, is regulated during the progression of reparative and reactive fibrosis in the liver, heart and kidney. However, whether Nestin regulates peritoneal fibrosis via suppressing IL-33/ST-2 signaling is unclear.
Methods

High-glucose peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) or TGF-β1 was administered to a mouse peritoneal dialysis (PD) model to induce peritoneal fibrosis (PF) in vivo and to human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) in vitro to stimulate accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Nestin+ cells isolated from the peritoneum of Nestin-green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice were transplanted in vivo, and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-RNAi was used to silence IL-33 in vitro.
Results

Notably, Nestin was found in both the mouse peritoneum and HPMCs derived from PD effluent (PDE) and HMrSV5. These Nestin+ PMCs showed extensive proliferation for more than 20 passages. The mice that received chronic PDS infusions showed typical features of PF, including substantially increased peritoneal thickness, excessive matrix deposition, increased peritoneal permeability, and increased expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I (Col I). Nestin+ cells isolated from the peritoneum could significantly ameliorate these pathological changes. A parallel decrease in interleukin-33 (IL-33) and ST-2 accumulation in the peritoneum of Nestin+ cell-transplanted mice was observed. In addition, downregulation of IL-33 expression increased TGF-β1-induced ECM in the HPMCs.
Conclusion

Nestin+ cells isolated from the peritoneum had a clear protective effect on high-glucose PDS-induced PF by suppressing IL-33/ST-2 signaling.