bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BIRC3 and BIRC5: multi‐faceted inhibitors in cancer
Authors: Frazzi Raffaele 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The evasion from apoptosis is a common strategy adopted by most tumors, and inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are among the most studied molecular and therapeutic targets. BIRC3 (cellular IAP2) and BIRC5 (survivin) are two of the eight members of the human IAPs family. This family is characterized by the presence of the baculoviral IAP repeat (BIR) domains, involved in protein-protein interactions. In addition to the BIR domains, IAPs also contain other important domains like the C-terminal ubiquitin-conjugating (UBC) domain, the caspase recruitment (CARD) domain and the C-terminal Ring zinc-finger (RING) domain.

Main body
BIRC3 and BIRC5 have been characterized in some solid and hematological tumors and are therapeutic targets for the family of drugs called “Smac mimetics”. Many evidences point to the pro-survival and antiapoptotic role of BIRC3 in cancer cells, however, not all the data are consistent and the resulting picture is heterogeneous. For instance, BIRC3 genetic inactivation due to deletions or point mutations is consistently associated to shorter progression free survival and poor prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. BIRC3 inactivation has also been associated to chemoimmunotherapy resistance. On the contrary, the progression from low grade gliomas to high grade gliomas is accompanied by BIRC3 expression increase, which bears relevant prognostic consequences. Due to the relationship between BIRC3, MAP3K14 and the non-canonical NF-kB pathway, BIRC3 inactivation bears consequences also on the tumor cells relying on NF-kB pathway to survive. BIRC5, on the contrary, is commonly considered an anti-apoptotic molecule, promoting cell division and tumor progression and it is widely regarded as potential therapeutic target.

Conclusions
The present manuscript collects and reviews the most recent literature concerning the role played by BIRC3 and BIRC5 in cancer cells, providing useful information for the choice of the best therapeutic targets.
The hybrid Cramér-Rao lower bound for simultaneous self-localization and room geometry estimation
Authors: Veisman Maya , Noam Yair , Gannot Sharon 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper addresses the problem of tracking a moving source, e.g., a robot, equipped with both receivers and a source, that is tracking its own location and simultaneously estimating the locations of multiple plane reflectors. We assume a noisy knowledge of the robot’s movement. We formulate this problem, which is also known as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), as a hybrid estimation problem. We derive the extended Kalman filter (EKF) for both tracking the robot’s own location and estimating the room geometry. Since the EKF employs linearization at every step, we incorporate a regulated kinematic model, which facilitates a successful tracking. In addition, we consider the echo-labeling problem as solved and beyond the scope of this paper. We then develop the hybrid Cramér-Rao lower bound on the estimation accuracy of both the localization and mapping parameters. The algorithm is evaluated with respect to the bound via simulations, which shows that the EKF approaches the hybrid Cramér-Rao bound (CRB) (HCRB) as the number of observation increases. This result implies that for the examples tested in simulation, the HCRB is an asymptotically tight bound and that the EKF is an optimal estimator. Whether this property is true in general remains an open question.
Hyers–Ulam stability of second-order differential equations using Mahgoub transform
Authors: Raj Aruldass Antony , Pachaiyappan Divyakumari , Park Choonkil 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe aim of this research is investigating the Hyers–Ulam stability of second-order differential equations. We introduce a new method of investigation for the stability of differential equations by using the Mahgoub transform. This is the first attempt of the investigation of Hyers–Ulam stability by using Mahgoub transform. We deal with both homogeneous and nonhomogeneous second-order differential equations.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions for a class of fractional nonlinear boundary value problems under mild assumptions
Authors: Bachar Imed , Mâagli Habib , Eltayeb Hassan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe deal with the following Riemann–Liouville fractional nonlinear boundary value problem: $$ \textstyle\begin{cases} \mathcal{D}^{\alpha }v(x)+f(x,v(x))=0, & 2< \alpha \leq 3, x\in (0,1), \\ v(0)=v^{\prime }(0)=v(1)=0. \end{cases} $$

{

D
α

v
(
x
)
+
f
(
x
,
v
(
x
)
)
=
0
,

2
<
α
≤
3
,
x
∈
(
0
,
1
)
,

v
(
0
)
=

v
′

(
0
)
=
v
(
1
)
=
0
.

Under mild assumptions, we prove the existence of a unique continuous solution v to this problem satisfying $$ \bigl\vert v(x) \bigr\vert \leq cx^{\alpha -1}(1-x)\quad\text{for all }x \in [ 0,1]\text{ and some }c>0. $$
|
v
(
x
)
|
≤
c

x

α
−
1

(
1
−
x
)

for all
x
∈
[
0
,
1
]
and some
c
>
0
.
Our results improve those obtained by Zou and He (Appl. Math. Lett. 74:68–73, 2017).
Construction of a new family of Fubini-type polynomials and its applications
Authors: Srivastava H. M. , Srivastava Rekha , Muhyi Abdulghani , Yasmin Ghazala , Islahi Hibah , Araci Serkan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper gives an overview of systematic and analytic approach of operational technique involves to study multi-variable special functions significant in both mathematical and applied framework and to introduce new families of special polynomials. Motivation of this paper is to construct a new class of generalized Fubini-type polynomials of the parametric kind via operational view point. The generating functions, differential equations, and other properties for these polynomials are established within the context of the monomiality principle. Using the generating functions, various interesting identities and relations related to the generalized Fubini-type polynomials are derived. Further, we obtain certain partial derivative formulas including the generalized Fubini-type polynomials. In addition, certain members belonging to the aforementioned general class of polynomials are considered. The numerical results to calculate the zeros and approximate solutions of these polynomials are given and their graphical representation are shown.
Double-stranded RNA confers resistance to pepper mottle virus in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Yoon Jeongyeon , Fang Miao , Lee Dowhan , Park Minsu , Kim Kook-Hyung , Shin Chanseok 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) is a regulatory mechanism of gene expression mediated by small RNAs. By using the RNAi technique, exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) designed to target mRNA, suppresses target gene expression levels in plants. In this study, we adopted the RNAi mechanism as a tool to protect plants from viruses. We designed and synthesized several dsRNAs targeting the pepper mottle virus (PepMoV) genes HC-Pro and NIb. When used on Nicotiana benthamiana plants, these dsRNAs protected the plant against viral infection over a specific period. By optimizing dsRNA and virus injection time, the protection efficiency of dsRNA by targeting virus genes could be maximized. It seems that exogenous dsRNA-derived RNA-induced silencing complex was able to defend the host against viral infection instantly. Furthermore, each dsRNA designed to target different regions within a transcript had varying levels of effects on virus survival in the host plants. When targeting the middle part of both the NIb and HC-Pro genes using the dsRNAs, the highest viral growth inhibitory effect was observed. An RLM-5′ RACE was performed using plant leaves infected with PepMoV after dsRNA treatment and it was observed that most of the mRNA cleavages occurred close to the 3′ part within the dsRNA target position on the mRNA. These results suggest that the dsRNA tool can be used as a plant vaccine platform for crop protection.
Accessing the syndemic of COVID-19 and malaria intervention in Africa
Authors: Shi Benyun , Zheng Jinxin , Xia Shang , Lin Shan , Wang Xinyi , Liu Yang , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Liu Jiming 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused substantial disruptions to health services in the low and middle-income countries with a high burden of other diseases, such as malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on malaria transmission potential in malaria-endemic countries in Africa.

Methods
We present a data-driven method to quantify the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as various non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), could lead to the change of malaria transmission potential in 2020. First, we adopt a particle Markov Chain Monte Carlo method to estimate epidemiological parameters in each country by fitting the time series of the cumulative number of reported COVID-19 cases. Then, we simulate the epidemic dynamics of COVID-19 under two groups of NPIs: (1) contact restriction and social distancing, and (2) early identification and isolation of cases. Based on the simulated epidemic curves, we quantify the impact of COVID-19 epidemic and NPIs on the distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Finally, by treating the total number of ITNs available in each country in 2020, we evaluate the negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic on malaria transmission potential based on the notion of vectorial capacity.

Results
We conduct case studies in four malaria-endemic countries, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia, in Africa. The epidemiological parameters (i.e., the basic reproduction number $$R_0$$

R
0

and the duration of infection $$D_I$$

D
I

) of COVID-19 in each country are estimated as follows: Ethiopia ($$R_0=1.57$$

R
0

=
1.57

, $$D_I=5.32$$

D
I

=
5.32

), Nigeria ($$R_0=2.18$$

R
0

=
2.18

, $$D_I=6.58$$

D
I

=
6.58

), Tanzania ($$R_0=2.47$$

R
0

=
2.47

, $$D_I=6.01$$

D
I

=
6.01

), and Zambia ($$R_0=2.12$$

R
0

=
2.12

, $$D_I=6.96$$

D
I

=
6.96

). Based on the estimated epidemiological parameters, the epidemic curves simulated under various NPIs indicated that the earlier the interventions are implemented, the better the epidemic is controlled. Moreover, the effect of combined NPIs is better than contact restriction and social distancing only. By treating the total number of ITNs available in each country in 2020 as a baseline, our results show that even with stringent NPIs, malaria transmission potential will remain higher than expected in the second half of 2020.

Conclusions
By quantifying the impact of various NPI response to the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria transmission potential, this study provides a way to jointly address the syndemic between COVID-19 and malaria in malaria-endemic countries in Africa. The results suggest that the early intervention of COVID-19 can effectively reduce the scale of the epidemic and mitigate its impact on malaria transmission potential.
Consequences of screening in colorectal cancer (COS-CRC): development and dimensionality of a questionnaire
Authors: Malmqvist Jessica , Siersma Volkert , Bang Christine Winther , Brodersen John 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundHarms of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening include psychosocial consequences. We have not identified studies using a participant-relevant questionnaire with adequate measurement properties to investigate these harms. However, Brodersen et al. have previously developed a core questionnaire consequences of screening (COS) for use in screening for life-threatening diseases. Therefore, the objectives were: (1) To investigate content validity of COS in a CRC screening setting and in case of gaps in content coverage (2) generate new items and themes and (3) test the possibly extended version of COS for dimensionality and differential item functioning (DIF) using Rasch Models.MethodsWe performed two-part-focus-groups with CRC screenees. Screenees were recruited by strategic sampling. In the first part 16 screenees with false-positive results (n = 7) and low-risk polyps (n = 9) were interviewed about their CRC screening experiences and in the second part COS was examined for content validity. When new information was developed in the focus groups, new items covering this topic were generated. Subsequently, new items were, together with COS, tested in the subsequent interviews. A random subsample (n = 410) from a longitudinal questionnaire study, not yet published, was used to form the data for this paper. We analysed multidimensionality and uniform DIF with Andersen’s conditional likelihood ratio test. We assessed individual item fit to the model. We also analysed Local Dependence (LD) and DIF by partial gamma coefficients using Rasch Models.ResultsCOS was found relevant in a CRC screening setting. However, new information was discovered in the focus groups, covered by 18 new CRC screening-specific items. The Rasch analyses only revealed minor problems in the COS-scales. The 18 new items were distributed on four new CRC screening-specific dimensions and one single item.ConclusionAn extended version of COS specifically for use in a CRC screening setting has been developed. The extended part encompasses four new scales and one new single item. The original COS with the CRC-screening specific extension is called consequences of screening in colorectal cancer (COS-CRC). COS-CRC possessed reliability, unidimensionality and invariant measurement.
Iodine-related attenuation in contrast-enhanced dual-energy computed tomography in small-sized solid-type lung cancers is associated with the postoperative prognosis
Authors: Iwano Shingo , Kamiya Shinichiro , Ito Rintaro , Nakamura Shota , Naganawa Shinji 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
To investigate the correlation between iodine-related attenuation in contrast-enhanced dual-energy computed tomography (DE-CT) and the postoperative prognosis of surgically resected solid-type small-sized lung cancers.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the DE-CT findings and postoperative course of solid-type lung cancers ≤3 cm in diameter. After injection of iodinated contrast media, arterial phases were scanned using 140-kVp and 80-kVp tube voltages. Three-dimensional iodine-related attenuation (3D-IRA) of primary tumors at the arterial phase was computed using the “lung nodule” application software. The corrected 3D-IRA normalized to the patient’s body weight and contrast medium concentration was then calculated.

Results
A total of 120 resected solid-type lung cancers ≤3 cm in diameter were selected for analysis (82 males and 38 females; mean age, 67 years). During the observation period (median, 47 months), 32 patients showed postoperative recurrence. Recurrent tumors had significantly lower 3D-IRA and corrected 3D-IRA at early phase compared to non-recurrent tumors (p = 0.046 and p = 0.027, respectively). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for postoperative recurrence was 0.624 for the corrected 3D-IRA at early phase (p = 0.025), and the cutoff value was 5.88. Kaplan–Meier curves for disease-free survival indicated that patients showing tumors with 3D-IRA > 5.88 had a significantly better prognosis than those with tumors showing 3D-IRA < 5.88 (p = 0.017).

Conclusions
The 3D-IRA of small-sized solid-type lung cancers on contrast-enhanced DE-CT was significantly associated with postoperative prognosis, and low 3D-IRA tumors showed a higher TNM stage and a significantly poorer prognosis.
Magnetic resonance diffusion kurtosis imaging in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant renal tumors
Authors: Fu Jianxiong , Ye Jing , Zhu Wenrong , Wu Jingtao , Chen Wenxin , Zhu Qingqiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Benign and malignant renal tumors share similar some imaging findings.

Methods
Sixty-six patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC), 13 patients with renal angiomyolipoma with minimal fat (RAMF) and 7 patients with renal oncocytoma (RO) were examined. For diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), respiratory triggered echo-planar imaging sequences were acquired in axial plane (3 b-values: 0, 500, 1000s/mm2). Mean Diffusivity (MD), fractional Anisotropy (FA), mean kurtosis (MK), kurtosis anisotropy (KA) and radial kurtosis (RK) were performed.

Results
For MD, a significant higher value was shown in CCRCC (3.08 ± 0.23) than the rest renal tumors (2.93 ± 0.30 for RO, 1.52 ± 0.24 for AML, P < 0.05). The MD values were higher for RO than for AML (2.93 ± 0.30 vs.1.52 ± 0.24, P < 0.05), while comparable MD values were found between CCRCC and RO (3.08 ± 0.23 vs. 2.93 ± 0.30, P > 0.05). For MK, KA and RK, a significant higher value was shown in AML (1.32 ± 0.16, 1.42 ± 0.23, 1.41 ± 0.29) than CCRCC (0.43 ± 0.08, 0.57 ± 0.16, 0.37 ± 0.11) and RO (0.81 ± 0.08, 0.86 ± 0.16, 0.69 ± 0.08) (P < 0.05). The MK, KA and RK values were higher for RO than for CCRCC (0.81 ± 0.08 vs. 0.43 ± 0.08, 0.86 ± 0.16 vs. 0.57 ± 0.16, 0.69 ± 0.08 vs. 0.37 ± 0.11, P < 0.05). Using MD values of 2.86 as the threshold value for differentiating CCRCC from RO and AML, the best result obtained had a sensitivity of 76.1%, specificity of 72.6%. Using MK, KA and RK values of 1.19,1.13 and 1.11 as the threshold value for differentiating AML from CCRCC and RO, the best result obtained had a sensitivity of 91.2, 86.7, 82.1%, and specificity of 86.7, 83.2, 72.8%.

Conclusion
DKI can be used as another noninvasive biomarker for benign and malignant renal tumors’ differential diagnosis.
Multi-curie production of gallium-68 on a biomedical cyclotron and automated radiolabelling of PSMA-11 and DOTATATE
Authors: Thisgaard Helge , Kumlin Joel , Langkjær Niels , Chua Jansen , Hook Brian , Jensen Mikael , Kassaian Amir , Zeisler Stefan , Borjian Sogol , Cross Michael , Schaffer Paul , Dam Johan Hygum 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
With increasing clinical demand for gallium-68, commercial germanium-68/gallium-68 ([68Ge]Ge/[68Ga]Ga) generators are incapable of supplying sufficient amounts of the short-lived daughter isotope. In this study, we demonstrate a high-yield, automated method for producing multi-Curie levels of [68Ga]GaCl3 from solid zinc-68 targets and subsequent labelling to produce clinical-grade [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE.

Results
Enriched zinc-68 targets were irradiated at up to 80 µA with 13 MeV protons for 120 min; repeatedly producing up to 194 GBq (5.24 Ci) of purified gallium-68 in the form of [68Ga]GaCl3 at the end of purification (EOP) from an expected > 370 GBq (> 10 Ci) at end of bombardment. A fully automated dissolution/separation process was completed in 35 min. Isolated product was analysed according to the Ph. Eur. monograph for accelerator produced [68Ga]GaCl3 and found to comply with all specifications. In every instance, the radiochemical purity exceeded 99.9% and importantly, the radionuclidic purity was sufficient to allow for a shelf-life of up to 7 h based on this metric alone. Fully automated production of up to 72.2 GBq [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 was performed, providing a product with high radiochemical purity (> 98.2%) and very high apparent molar activities of up to 722 MBq/nmol. Further, manual radiolabelling of up to 3.2 GBq DOTATATE was performed in high yields (> 95%) and with apparent molar activities (9–25 MBq/nmol) sufficient for clinical use.

Conclusions
We have developed a high-yielding, automated method for the production of very high amounts of [68Ga]GaCl3, sufficient to supply proximal radiopharmacies. The reported method led to record-high purified gallium-68 activities (194 GBq at end of purification) and subsequent labelling of PSMA-11 and DOTATATE. The process was highly automated from irradiation through to formulation of the product, and as such comprised a high level of radiation protection. The quality control results obtained for both [68Ga]GaCl3 for radiolabelling and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 are promising for clinical use.
Patient-reported burden of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis on functioning and well-being
Authors: Lovley Andrew , Raymond Kimberly , Guthrie Spencer D. , Pollock Michael , Sanchorawala Vaishali , White Michelle K. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Hereditary transthyretin (hATTR) amyloidosis is a rare, systemic, progressive, and life-threatening disease in which transthyretin proteins misfold and aggregate as insoluble amyloid deposits, disrupting nervous, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and other organ tissues. There are limited available data about the experience of patients living with hATTR amyloidosis. This study used a qualitative, non-interventional design to explore the humanistic burden of hATTR amyloidosis from the patient’s perspective.

Results
Fourteen adults with hATTR amyloidosis, recruited from a patient advocacy group or an academic clinical center, participated in individual semi-structured interviews either in person or by telephone. Patients were asked to describe their experiences living with the condition, including symptoms and disease-related impacts on functioning and well-being, work, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for key concepts using a grounded theory approach.
Patients described many symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis, particularly those associated with peripheral neuropathy such as pain, numbness, weakness, and paresthesia. Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy, such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, and symptoms related to cardiac dysfunction were also common. Worsening symptoms, especially those impacting patients’ ability to walk or use their hands, often led to a loss of autonomy and an inability to work or perform ADLs. Disease-related disability also interfered with patients’ participation in social activities, and contributed to feelings of fear, frustration, or sadness.

Conclusions
The impacts of hATTR amyloidosis were profound for the patients interviewed for this study. They described a sense of loss as their condition progressed and impacted them physically, emotionally, and socially. Patients’ reports of symptoms and impacts of hATTR amyloidosis illustrate the complex and varied manifestations of this disease. The progression of symptoms and increasing impacts of hATTR amyloidosis also highlight the need for an earlier diagnosis and effective clinical intervention to preserve patients’ functioning and well-being.
The effect of sesame intake on adult albino rat testis during sildenafil long-term administration
Authors: Goweder Fawzia M. , Abu El-Nasr T. M. , El-Sayed A. A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSildenafil (Viagra) is widely used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction under various etiologies. Unfortunately, chronic administration of sildenafil negatively affects fertility. The aim of the present study is to investigate the improvement role of sesame on the testis alterations caused by long-term administration of sildenafil on albino rats.ResultsLight microscopically observations showed that overdoses of sildenafil had provoked tubular and interstitial histological alterations. Tubular degeneration and abnormality in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules included spermatocyte degeneration and arrest of spermatogenesis. Sperm count and motility were negatively affected by sildenafil. These alterations were improved by sesame feeding.ConclusionSesame intake improve the side effects of prolonged treatment with sildenafil significantly. These results demonstrate the pivotal role of sesame that may improve male infertility.