bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison and Optimization of Energy Efficiency Between Hydropower and Thermal Power in China
Authors: Tian Ze , Wang Ruomei , Ren Fang-rong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: As the two main forces of China’s power electricity, the energy generation efficiencies of thermal power and hydropower are important factors affecting energy conservation and emissions reduction.Methods: Considering regional differences and multiple effective decision-making units, this research uses the meta-frontier super-efficiency slack based measure model to comprehensively evaluate the efficiencies of hydropower and thermal power generation in China, with CO2 emissions of thermal power generation as its undesirable output.Results: The average group efficiency of thermal power generation in the central region have greatly improved, and the eastern and western regions also show an upward trend, whereas there is a slight downward trend for hydropower in the three regions. The hydropower technological gaps in the three regions have slightly expanded, but the thermal power technology gaps in the east, the central, and the west have gradually narrowed, indicating that the thermal power industry is generally mature, and CO2 emission control and treatment have made some progress. From the perspective of input-output non-efficiency level, the undesirable output CO2 of thermal power energy efficiency in the eastern, central, and western regions is surplus, and the redundancy of equipment utilization hours, energy input, and installed capacity in the western region are all high, but generation in the western region is insufficient, leading to relatively low efficiency of thermal power generation there. In the east, the redundancy of equipment utilization hours, number of employees, and installed capacity are all high, and the generation of hydropower in the east and the central is insufficient, leading to relatively low efficiency of hydropower in these two regions.Conclusions: There are regional differences in the efficiencies of hydropower and thermal power generation in China. The thermal power industry is becoming mature, but its CO2 emissions should be reduced, and the hydropower industry needs further policies support according to local conditions to improve energy efficiency and achieve green development.
WITHDRAWN: Identification of Non-coding RNA&nbsp;Biomarkers in Stress-induced Depression via Comprehensive Analysis of Competing Endogenous RNA&nbsp;Network
Authors: liu xuanjun , Yan Lan , Lin Chun , Zhang Yiliang , Miao Haofei , Shen Shiyi , Zhao Hui , Zhong Shuming , Zhang Li , Jia Yanbin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDepression is one of the most common psychiatric disease worldwide. Although the research about the pathogenesis of depression have achieved progress, the detailed effect of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in depression are still not clearly elucidated. This study was aimed to identify non-coding RNA biomarkers in stress-induced depression via comprehensive analysis of competing endogenous RNA networkMethodsIn this present study, we acquired RNA expression from RNA seq expression profile in three mice with depressive-like behaviors using chronic restraint stress paradigm and three C57BL/6J wild-type mice as control mice. ResultsA total of 41 differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) and 181 differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were up-regulated, and 65 differentially expressed circRNAs and 289 differentially expressed mRNAs were down-regulated, which were selected by a threshold of fold change ≥2 and a p-value < 0.05. Gene Ontology was performed to analyze the biological functions, and we predicted potential signaling pathways based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway database. In addition, we constructed a circRNA-microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA regulatory network to further identify non-coding RNAs biomarkers. ConclusionsOur findings provide a promising perspective for further research into molecular mechanisms of depression, and targeting circRNA -mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network is a useful strategy to early recognize the depression.
M2 macrophage-derived exosomal microRNAs inhibit cell migration and invasion in gliomas through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Yao Jie , Wang Ze-Fen , Cheng Yong , Lan Tian , Ma Chao , Zhong Ya-Hua , Xiao Yi-Lei , Gao Xu , Li Zhi-Qiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Glioma, the most common primary brain tumor, account Preparing figures s for 30% to 40% of all intracranial tumors. Herein, we aimed to study the effects of M2 macrophage-derived exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) on glioma cells. Methods: First, we identified seven differentially expressed miRNAs in infiltrating macrophages and detected the expression of these seven miRNAs in M2 macrophages. We then selected hsa-miR-15a-5p (miR-15a) and hsa-miR-92a-3p (miR-92a) for follow-up studies, and confirmed that miR-15a and miR-92a were under-expressed in M2 macrophage exosomes. Subsequently, we demonstrated that M2 macrophage-derived exosomes promoted migration and invasion of glioma cells, while exosomal miR-15a and miR-92a had the opposite effects on glioma cells. Next, we performed the target gene prediction in four databases and conducted target gene validation by qRT-PCR, western blot and dual luciferase reporter gene assays. Results: The results revealed that miR-15a and miR-92a were bound to CCND1 and RAP1B, respectively. Western blot assays demonstrated that interference with the expression of CCND1 or RAP1B reduced the phosphorylation level of AKT and mTOR, indicating that both CCND1 and RAP1B can activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings indicate that M2 macrophage-derived exosomal miR-15a and miR-92a inhibit cell migration and invasion of glioma cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Aberrantly Expressed Galectin-9 is Involved in the Immunopathogenesis of anti-MDA5-Positive Dermatomyositis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Liang Lin , Zhang Ya-Mei , Shen Ya-Wen , Song Ai-Ping , Li Wen-Li , Ye Li-Fang , Lu Xin , Wang Guo-Chun , Peng Qing-Lin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) has high mortality rate and poor prognosis. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) plays multiple functions in immune regulation. We investigated Gal-9 expression in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and the impact of Gal-9 on the development of DM-ILD. Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and qRT-PCR were used to examine Gal-9 expression in the sera and isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with DM. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the expression of Gal-9 and its ligand (T-cell immunoglobulin mucin (Tim)-3 and CD44) in lung tissues from patients who were positive for anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5). The effect of Gal-9 on human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) was also investigated in vitro. Results: Serum Gal-9 levels were significantly higher in patients with DM than in those with immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy and healthy controls (p < 0.001). Higher levels of serum Gal-9 were observed in anti-MDA5-positive patients with DM than in anti-MDA5-negative patients with DM (33.8 (21.9–44.7) vs 16.2 (10.0–26.9) ng/mL, p < 0.001). Among the anti-MDA5-positive patients with DM, serum Gal-9 levels were associated with ILD severity. Serum Gal-9 levels were significantly correlated with disease activity in anti-MDA5-positive patients with DM in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. PBMCs isolated from anti-MDA5-positive patients with DM (3.7 ± 2.3 ng/mL) produced higher levels of Gal-9 than those from patients with immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (1.1 ± 0.3 ng/mL, p = 0.022) and healthy controls (1.4 ± 1.2 ng/mL, p = 0.045). The mRNA levels of Gal-9 were positively correlated with levels of type-I interferon-inducible genes MX1 (r = 0.659, p = 0.020) and IFIH1 (r = 0.787, p = 0.002) in PBMCs from anti-MDA5-positive patients with DM. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased Gal-9 and Tim-3 expression in the lung tissues of patients with DM and RP-ILD. In vitro stimulation with Gal-9 protein increased CCL2 mRNA expression in MRC-5 fibroblasts.Conclusions: Among anti-MDA5-positive patients with DM, Gal-9 could be a promising biomarker for monitoring disease activity, particularly for RP-ILD severity. Aberrant expression of the Gal-9/Tim-3 axis may be involved in the immunopathogenesis of DM-ILD.
Somatic Mutations in BRCA2 BRC Repeat Associated with Outcome in Patients with High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhang Guonan , Zhang Jie , Zhu Yi , Liu Hong , Shi Yu , Mi Kun , Li Meiying , Zhao Qi , Huang Ziyi , Huang Jianming 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe interaction between BRCA2 BRC repeats and RAD51 is one of the great important factors affecting the homologous recombination in DNA damage repair of tumor cells. We investigated the effect of BRCA2 BRC repeat mutations on outcome in patients with high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) who received platinum-based chemotherapy.MethodsWe identified the type and location of BRCA2 BRC repeat mutations by PCR and DNA sequencing in tumor and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) samples of 113 patients with stage IIIC/IV high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), and assessed chemotherapy-free interval (CFI), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).Results24 (21.23%) cases with somatic mutation were identified in 113 HGSOC patients. Among them, 8 (7.1%) cases with nonsense mutation resulting in BRCA2 truncation significantly prolonged median CFI (37 vs 8 months,P=0.000), PFS (43 vs 14 months, p=0.000) and OS (56 vs 31 months, P=0.002); Interestingly, 16 (14.13%) cases with missense mutation also prolonged median CFI (15 vs 8 months, P=0.044), PFS (21 vs 14 months, P=0.049) and OS ( 38 vs 31 months, P=0.037). ConclusionsSomatic mutations in BRCA2 BRC5-8 repeat motifs are associated with platinum-based chemotherapy sensitivity and a better outcome in patients with HGSOC.
Tris DBA Abrogates Tumor Progression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Multiple Myeloma Preclinical Models by Affecting Multiple Oncogenic Proteins
Authors: Arora Loukik , Mohan Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya , Kim Chulwon , Rangappa Shobith , Deivasigamani Amudha , Kumar Alan Prem , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B , Garg Manoj , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S. , Hui Kam Man , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang Seok 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: STAT3 is an oncogenic transcription factor that controls the expression of genes associated with proliferation, apoptotic resistance, malignant transformation, and metastasis. Persistent activation of STAT3 is observed in many types of human malignancies including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and multiple myeloma (MM). Methods: Here, we have investigated the action of Tris(dibenzylideneacetone) dipalladium 0 (Tris DBA), a palladium complex on STAT3 signaling cascade in HCC and MM. The cytotoxic and proapoptotic activity of Tris DBA was evaluated by various biochemical assays. The action of Tris DBA on cytokine-induced/constitutive activation of STAT3, non-receptor tyrosine kinases (NRTKs), and expression of STAT3 driven genes was evaluated. Nuclear translocation of STAT3 and its DNA interaction was also studied. The antitumor activity of Tris DBA was investigated in two different preclinical studies namely, xenograft MM and orthotopic HCC mice models.Results: Tris DBA decreased cell viability, increased the apoptosis, and inhibited the activation of STAT3 and NRTKs. Tris DBA downmodulated the nuclear translocation of STAT3 and reduced its DNA binding ability. It upregulated expression of SHP2 (protein and mRNA) to induce STAT3 dephosphorylation and inhibition of SHP2 reversed this effect. It downregulated the expression of STAT3-driven genes and suppressed cell motility. Tris DBA significantly inhibited tumor growth in xenograft MM and orthotopic HCC mice models with reduction in the expression of various prosurvival biomarkers in MM tumor tissues without displaying any significant toxicity. Conclusions: Tris DBA functions as a good inhibitor of STAT3 signaling in preclinical HCC and MM models.
Willingness to Pay Tuition and Risk-Taking Proclivities Among Students During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Fundamental Conundrum for Universities
Authors: Zafari Zafar , Goldman Lee , Kovrizhkin Katia , Muennig Peter 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background. As universities around the world decide whether to remain open or to close their campuses because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they often are doing so without objective information on the preferences and risk tolerance of their students. In this study, we aim to quantify students’: 1) risk tolerance for in-person instruction; 2) willingness to pay for in-person instruction versus online-only instruction; and 3) risk-tolerance for social activities held off campus.Methods. We developed an automated survey tool that administered a “standard gamble” exercise grounded in game theory to 46 Columbia University public health graduate students who were knowledgeable about COVID-19 and who had experience with both online and offline coursework. Students were asked to trade between the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and: 1) attending classes in-person versus online and 2) attending parties in the greater New York City area. We also assessed their willingness to pay for online only tuition and plans to travel off campus.Results. On average, students were willing to accept a 23% (standard error [SE]: 4%) risk of infection on campus over the semester in exchange for the opportunity to attend classes in-person. Students were willing-to-pay only 48% (SE: 3%) of typical in-person tuition were courses held exclusively online, and no students were willing to pay full price for online-only instruction. Students planned to leave campus an average of 3.6 times per week (SE: 0.54), and 15% of the students would be willing to attend a party in the community surrounding the university even if the prevalence of circulating COVID-19 were high.Conclusions. Students with a strong knowledge of COVID-19 transmission and risks are an enigma: they are willing to pay only around 50% for online classes but likely to engage in activities that present significant barriers to holding in-person classes. This enigma underscores the conundrum facing universities.Trial registration: NA.
Incidence of Valvular Regurgitation and Leaflet Perforation by Using Automated Titanium Fasteners (CORKNOT®) in Heart Valve Repair or Replacement: Less Usual than Reported
Authors: Sazzad Faizus Sazzad , Xian Ong Zhi , Ler Ashlynn , Guohao Chang , Swee Kang Giap , Kofidis Theo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: CORKNOT® facilitates a reduction in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, aortic cross clamp (ACC) time and operative time, but reported to be associated with other complications. We aim to quantify the incidence of valvular complications related to CORKNOT® and determine the feasibility of its use between different valvular surgeries. Methods: Patients who underwent heart valve repair or replacement surgery via the use of automated titanium suture fasteners (CORKNOT®) in a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. This single-centre retrospective study was conducted on 136 patients between January 2016 and June 2018. Results: In our study, the mean operative time was 320.0 ± 97.0 min, mean CPB time was 171.4 ± 76.0 min and the calculated mean ACC time was 105.9 ± 54.0 min. 58 patients (43.9%) underwent minimally invasive valve replacement or repair surgery and 66 patients (50.0%) underwent concomitant procedures. A total of 157 valves were operated on, with 112 (84.8%) single valve surgeries, 15 (11.4%) double valve surgeries and 5 (3.8%) triple valve surgeries. The incidence of moderate and/or severe paravalvular leak (PVL) in immediate post-operative echocardiography was found in 7 (5.3%) patients. There were no reported cases of valvular thrombosis leaflet perforation, device dislodgement or embolization during follow-up echocardiography. Single mitral valve and aortic surgeries had comparable incidences of valvular complications. Conclusion: We conclude the feasibility of CORKNOT® utilisation in mitral and aortic valve surgeries. Additionally, incidence of CORKNOT® related complications in heart valve repair or replacement surgery is less usual in our setting than previously reported. These results motivate the use of CORKNOT® as a valid alternative with complete commitment.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio at Hospital Admission as a Novel Predictor of Early Growth of Intraparenchymal Haemorrhage in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Zhuang Dongzhou , Sheng Jiangtao , Peng Guoyi , Li Tian , Cai Shirong , Ding Faxiu , Li Lianjie , Huang Mindong , Tian Fei , Li Kangsheng , Wang Shousen , chen weiqiang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and early growth of traumatic intraparenchymal haemorrhage (tICH) in patients with traumatic brain injury.MethodsA multicentre, observational cohort study was conducted at four hospitals and included patients with cerebral contusion undergoing baseline computed tomography (CT) for haematoma volume analysis within 6 hours after primary injury and who had follow-up visits within 48 hours. Routine blood tests were performed upon admission and analysed with early PIH. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to explore the predictive value of the NLR for haematoma expansion. ResultsThe final analysis included 1003 patients in the retrospective development and validation cohorts. In the retrospective development cohort, the NLR were higher in the PIH group than in the non-PIH group (P<0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher NLR was independently associated with PIH (P<0.0001). ROC curve analysis showed that the NLR had a sensitive ability for predicting PIH (AUC, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.88-0.94]). In the validation study, the NLR had a similar ability to predict PIH. Conclusion﻿The NLR can be used to easily assess the growth of tICH and calculated using routine laboratory tests. A high NLR is independently predictive of early growth of tICH and may aid in risk stratification of patients with tICH on admission.
Associations Between The Thyroid Panel and Serum Protein Concentrations Across Pregnancy
Authors: Lisowska-Myjak Barbara , Strawa Agnieszka , Zborowska Hanna , Jakimiuk Artur , Skarżyńska Ewa 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Establishing any characteristic associations between the serum parameters of thyroid function and serum proteins in pregnancy may aid in elucidating the role of the thyroid gland in the regulation of pregnancy-specific metabolic processes and in selecting candidate biomarkers for use in their clinical assessment.Methods: Concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free tri-iodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4), six electrophoretically separated protein fractions (albumin, alpha-1-, alpha-2-, beta-1-, beta-2- and gamma-globulins), representative proteins - albumin (ALB), transferrin (TRF), alpha-2-macroglobulin (AMG) and ceruloplasmin (CER) were measured in 136 serum samples from 65 women in their consecutive trimesters of pregnancy.Results: The concentrations of TSH, fT4 and fT3 were significantly correlated (p<0.05) with the concentrations of the albumin, alpha-2- and beta-1 globulin fractions. Significant correlations (p<0.05) which were positive between fT4 and ALB and negative between fT4 and TRF were established throughout pregnancy. Significant negative correlations (p<0.05) were demonstrated for fT3 with alpha-2-globulin, AMG and CER.Conclusions: Changes in the serum concentrations of thyroid hormones seen between the trimesters were found to correlate with the concentrations of high-abundance serum proteins. Opposite directions of correlations between fT4 and ALB and fT4 and TRF observed throughout pregnancy may indicate the shared biological role of these parameters in maintaining maternal homeostasis and they suggest their potential use in the clinic as a simple biomarker panel. A negative correlation of fT3 with CER in the second trimester possibly reflects their involvement in the active regulation of metabolic processes.
Assessment of 12 Quantitative RT-PCR Commercial Kits for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Altamimi Asmaa M. , Obeid Dalia A. , Alaifan Taghreed A. , Taha Moroje T. , Alhothali Marwa A. , Alzahrani Fahad A. , Albarrag Ahmad M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) in the final months of 2019 had the health officials declare a public emergency raising a global response. In response to the burden of the current pandemic, strict measurements were globally implemented to stop further transmission of the virus. These Measurements rely on an accurate diagnosis of individuals infected with the virus by using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). The goal of our study is to relate the fundamental clinical and analytical performance of chosen kits of RT-PCR from distinct manufacturers. Methods A total of 94 nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal clinical samples were selected randomly, these samples were previously confirmed as 64 positives, and 30 negatives for SARS-COV-2. Generally, 400 µl of each respiratory specimen was subjected to extraction using ExiPrep 96 Viral RNA Kit with the ExiPrep 96 Lite Automated NA Purification System. All kits master mix preparation, cycling protocol, and results interpretation were carried out according to the manufactures’ instructions of use and recommendations. Results In our study, we were able to evaluate the performance of 12 commercial kits in detecting SARS-COV-2 using 5 different targets. The performance of the kits was comparable except for LYRA kit as it was less sensitive (F=67, P <0.001). Particularly, the performance of RealStar, BGI, DiaPlexQ, Genesig, LightMix, TaqPath, and RADI kits were the most sensitive. Moreover, the performance of these commercial kits by gene target showed no significant change in Ct values which indicates that kits disparities are mainly linked to the choice of the gene target (F=0.49, P=0.73).ConclusionWe believe that most of the commercially available RT-PCR kits included in this study can be used for routine diagnosis of SARS-COV-2 patients. Moreover, we recommend that regardless of the laboratory choice of diagnostic commercial kit for the clinical detection of COVID-19 patients the need a for good plan for validation and collaboration with exterior laboratories is essential in order to monitor the virus changes overtime, procedures, technicians, and the different kits performances.