bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anoikis Resistance and Development in Prostate Cancer: The Possible Role of HPV/EBV Coinfection
Authors: Nahand Javid Sadri , Khanaliha Khadijeh , Mirzaei Hamed , Moghoofei Mohsen , Baghi Hossein Bannazadeh , Esghaei Maryam , Khatami AliReza , Fatemipour Maryam , Bokharaei-Salim Farah 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the possible role of EBV/HPV co-infection as an etiologic factor in prostate cancer (PCa) development.Methods: The present case‐control research was conducted on 67 cases with prostate cancer and 40 controls. The expression of cellular and viral factors involved in inflammation, tumor progression, and metastasis were quantitated using ELISA and qRT-PCR.Results: The EBV/HPV co-infection was reported in 14.9% of case group and 7.5% of control group. The high-risk type of HPV, including HPV 16 and 18, were responsible for 50% and 30% of 10 HPV/EBV co-infected PCa samples, respectively. According to the results, a significant relationship was not observed between the PCa and HPV/EBV co-infection (OR=2.9, 95%CI=0.18-45.2, P=0.31). However, the highest percentage of HPV genome integration was found in HPV/EBV coinfected PCa group (8/10, 80%). Moreover, the mean expression levels of inflammatory factors (IL-17, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, VEGF, ROS and RNS), anti-apoptotic mediators (Bcl-2 and Survivin), and anti-anoikis factors (TWIST, N-cad) were higher significantly in the HPV/EBV co-infected PCa cases when comparing with the non-coinfected PCa samples. Nevertheless, the tumor suppressor proteins (p53 and Rb) and the E-cad (inhibiting anoikis resistance) had a significant downregulation in the HPV/EBV co-infected PCa cases than in the non-coinfected PCa samples. Conclusion: HPV/EBV co-infection probably can act as an etiologic factor in PCa through modulation of cellular behavior.
Genome-wide identification, characterization and expression analysis of BES1 gene family in tomato
Authors: Su Deding , Xiang Wei , Wen Ling , Lu Wang , Shi Yuan , Liu Yudong , Li Zhengguo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: As the key regulators in BR signaling, BES1 family genes regulate thousands of target genes involved in various development processes. So far, the functions of BES1 family are poorly understood in tomato, and a comprehensive genomic and expressional analysis is worth to conduct for this family.Results: Here, nine SlBES1 family members were identified in tomato and classified into five groups based on the conserved motif, gene structure and phylogenetic analysis. Synteny among tomato, Arabidopsis, pepper and rice were further analyzed to obtain insights into evolutionary characteristics. Several cis-elements related to hormone, stress and plant development were exhibited in the promoter regions of SlBES1 family genes. Subcellular localization showed seven members localized both in the nucleus and cytoplasm, implying the presence of dephosphorylated and phosphorylated form of these seven proteins, furthermore, five of them possessed transcription activation activity whereas the left two functioned as transcriptional repressors. Another two members, however, neither localized in the nucleus nor had transactivation activity. Besides, SlBES1.8 showed flower-specific expression while other members expressed ubiquitously in all organs. Moreover, SlBES1 genes exhibited variational expression in response to nine principal plant hormones. Notably, the expression levels of SlBES1 genes presented a dominant downregulated trend in response to stresses.Conclusions: In this study, we systematically analyzed the genomic characterization of SlBES1 family, together with the analyses of protein functional features and expression patterns, our results lay a foundation for the functional research of SlBES1 family.
Demand sensing and digital tracking for maternal child health (MCH) in Uganda: a pilot study for ‘E+TRA Health’
Authors: Wang Dawei , Kerh Rhoann , Jun Sungbum , Lee Seokcheon , Mayega2 Roy , Ssentongo Julius , Oumer3 Andualem , Haque Md , Brunese Priyanka , Yih Yuehwern 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The Electronic tracking system for healthcare commodities (E+TRA Health) is an all-in-one out- of-box solution for supply chain management system of healthcare commodities for lower-level health facilities in rural areas. It aims to support real-time monitoring and decision-making to (1) reduce the time needed to prepare orders, (2) reduce stockout and overstock cases of targeted medical supplies, (3) help improve patient outcomes. In this study, we adopted an integrated approach to analyze the process of information flow, identify and address critical paths of essential supplies associated with maternal health in the Ugandan health system. Methods We apply system engineering principles and work with community partners in hospitals to develop care process workflow charts (based on essential services) for the lifecycle of maternal health continuum of care. Based on this chart, we develop a local cloud-based offline-compatible smart sync platform named “E+TRA Health” to triangulate 1) patient admission, diagnoses, delivery information, testing reports from laboratories, 2) inventory information from main store, stores in Maternal Child Health (MCH) unit, and 3) lab, to identify the critical list of medical and laboratory supplies, their lead times for procurement and then generate reports and suggested procurement plans for real time decision-making. Results The E+TRA Health platform was piloted in two Healthcare Center IV facilities in Uganda over a period of 6 months. The system collected more than 5,000 patient records and managed more than 500 types of medicines. The pilot study demonstrated the functionalities of E+TRA Health and its feasibility to sense demand from point of care. Conclusion E+TRA Health is the first to triangulate supply and demand data from three different departments (main store, lab, and MCH) to forecast and generate orders automatically to meet patient demands. It is capable of generating reports required by MOH in real time compared to one-week lead-time using paper-based systems. This prompts frontline stakeholders to generate efficient, reliable and sustainable strategic healthcare plans with real time data. This system improves patient outcomes through better commodity availability by sensing true patient demands.
Factors Associated With Sarcopenia Screened by Finger-Circle Test Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Population-Based Multisite Cross-Sectional Survey in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Daiki , Yoshida Tsukasa , Nakagata Takashi , Sawada Naomi , Yamada Yosuke , Kurotani Kayo , Tanaka Kenji , Okabayashi Megumi , Shimada Hidekazu , Takimoto Hidemi , Nishi Nobuo , Abe Keiichi , Miyachi Motohiko 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Prior epidemiological studies have demonstrated the prevalence and the relationship of various factors associated with sarcopenia in older adults; however, few have examined sarcopenia status in middle-aged adults. In the present study, we aimed: 1) to evaluate the validity of the finger-circle test, which is potentially a useful screening tool, for assessing sarcopenia, and 2) to determine the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults.Methods: We conducted a face-to-face survey with 525 adults aged 40−91 years residing in Settsu City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan to evaluate the validity of finger-circle test. The finger-circle test was evaluated calf circumference by referring to an illustration printed on the survey form. To assess sarcopenia, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) was plotted to evaluate the validity of the finger-circle test compared to sarcopenia evaluation by skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) measured using bioimpedance. We also conducted a multisite population-based cross-sectional anonymous mail surveys of 9337 adults aged 40−97 years residing in Settsu and Hannan Cities, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling by sex and age group, in the elementary school zones of their respective cities. We performed multiple logistic regression analysis to explore associations between characteristics and prevalence of sarcopenia.Results: Sarcopenia, defined by SMI, was moderately predicted by a finger-circle test response showing that the subject’s calf was smaller than their finger-circle (AUROC: 0.729, <65 years; 0.653, ≥65 years); such subjects were considered to have sarcopenia. In mail surveys, prevalence of sarcopenia was higher in older subjects (approximately 16%) than in middle-aged subjects (approximately 8−9%). In a multiple regression model, the factors associated with sarcopenia were age, body mass index, smoking status, self-reported health, and number of meals in all the participants.Conclusions: Sarcopenia, screened by the finger-circle test, was present not only among older adults but also among middle-aged adults. These results suggest the importance of providing middle-aged and older adults with the opportunity to individually perform a test that could enable them to identify sarcopenia.Trial registration: UMIN000008105, registered prospectively May 29, 2019, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000042027
Autophagy Induction in C12orf65&nbsp;Mutation-related Autosomal Recessive Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia&nbsp;
Authors: Wu Li , Xu Yang , Wang Qin , Xie Zhi-Ping , Dong You-Rong , Liu Jian-Ren , Vinnikov Ilya A. , Lai Qing-Xuan , Chen Wei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Spastic paraplegia type 55 (SPG55) is an autosomal recessive complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia. Here we report an SPG55 case with typical neurological phenotypes including optic atrophy, lower extremity spasticity and peripheral neuropathy. Methods: The present study involved one patient in a Chinese family. Neurological examination including the ophthalmology related examinations as well as nerve conduction velocity and a sural nerve biopsy were performed for the patient. We performed a genetic analysis of genes associated with peripheral neuropathy and spastic paraplegia using a multigene next-generation sequencing(NGS) panel and sanger sequencing. Furthermore, we cultured patient’s primary skin fibroblasts, then we examined the cytoplasmic LC3B immunofluorescence in the patient’s primary fibroblast and after two drugs (butylphthalide sodium chloride and idebenone) were used to the target the mitochondria function of the fibroblast.Results: Here we reported an SPG55 case with typical neurological phenotypes including optic atrophy, lower extremity spasticity and peripheral neuropathy. We identified a homozygous C12orf65 nonsense mutation (c.394C>T, p. R132*) in the affected patient. The mutation was associated with active autophagosome formation with increased LC3B puncta in the patient’s fibroblasts compared with an age-matched healthy individual, while the latter phenotype was normalized by Dl-3-N-butylphthalide treatment. Conclusions: This is the first pilot study to characterize the SPG55 mutation in the Chinese population; it will contribute to further research revealing the role of C12orf65 mutations in regulation of mitochondria function and autophagy.
Huaier Extract Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis via the MAPK&nbsp;Pathway in Human Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Guan Xin , Zhai Yaxi , Tang Rong , Yang Panpan , Li Dongfang , Kou Yuying , Yue Ziqi , Zhang Yi , Sun Lin , Zhang Sen , Liu Hongrui , Guo Jie , Hasegawa Tomoka , Li Minqi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Osteosarcoma is a common pediatric bone malignancy. Huaier, a traditional Chinese medicine, attracts increasing attention for its antitumor effect. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect and molecular mechanisms of Huaier in osteosarcoma cells. Methods: Bioinformatics was performed to determine the biological processes and pathways connected to Huaier. The CCK-8 method and flow cytometry were used to detect the cell viability, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells (MG-63 and MNNG/HOS). Western blot was applied to assess the expression of proteins involved in apoptosis, cell cycle and the MAPK pathway. Results: Huaier could inhibit osteosarcoma cells proliferation by arresting cells in the G0/G1 phase. The extract also suppressed invasion and migration, while promoting the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Under Huaier stimulation, the expression of p-ERK/ERK, Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 decreased, while the expression of p-JNK/JNK, p-P38/P38, P21, P27, Bax and Caspase3 increased in osteosarcoma cells. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated for the first time that Huaier extract could inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells via the MAPK pathway in vitro, suggesting that Huaier may be developed as a chemopreventive medicine for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
A biomechanical analysis of four anterior cervical techniques to treating multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a finite element study
Authors: Li Zhonghai , Liu Hui , Yang Ming , Zhang Wentao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The decision to treat multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM) remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare the biomechanical characteristics of the intervertebral discs at the adjacent segments and internal fixation, and to provide scientific experimental evidence for surgical treatment of MCSM. Methods: An intact C2-C7 cervical spine model was developed and validated. Four additional models were developed from the fusion model, including multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (mACDF), anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF), hybrid decompression and fusion (HDF), and mACDF with cage alone (mACDF-CA). Biomechanical characteristics on the plate and the disc of adjacent levels (C2/3, C6/7) were comparatively analyzed. Results: Of the four models, stress on the upper (C2/3) adjacent intervertebral disc was the lowest in the mACDF-CA group and highest in the ACCF group. Stress on the intervertebral discs at adjacent segments was higher for the upper C2/3 than the lower C6/7 intervertebral disc. In all models, the mACDF-CA group had the lowest stress on the intervertebral disc, while the ACCF group had the highest stress. In the three surgical models with titanium plate fixation (mACDF, ACCF, and HDF), the ACCF group had the highest stress at the titanium plate-screw interface, while the mACDF group had the lowest stress Conclusion: Among the four anterior cervical reconstructive techniques for MCSM, mACDF-CA makes little effect on the adjacent disc stress, which might reduce the incidence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after fusion. However, the accompanying risk of the increased incidence of cage subsidence should never be neglected.
Image Alignment in Pose Variations of Human Faces by using Corner Detection Method and its Application for PIFR System
Authors: Dubey Deepika , Tomar Geetam Singh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The Major challenge in the recent face recognition techniques is to deal with pose variations during matching as facial image differences occurs due to motion/rotation in image, which is very large. The Pose Invariant Face Recognition is still an open area for developers to find solution. In this paper focus is on PIFR techniques and combined it with other algorithms for enhancing the results. Here we are using the Harris Corner Detection model along with Image alignment and Image tagging to get front face images. By generalization different tricks to handle the pose on face images has minimized the pose variation. On evaluating performance of the system, we have also calculate the Euler angle and their position change and according to it correct the pose variation. The results are in accordance with the expected lines.
The Evolution of Plant Harvesting at The Dawn of Agriculture:&nbsp;Perspectives from Sickle Gloss Texture Analyses
Authors: Ibáñez Juan , Anderson Patricia , Arranz-Otaegui Amaia , González-Urquijo Jesús , Jörgensen-Lindahl Anne , Mazzucco Niccolò , Pichon Fiona , Richter Tobias 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Archaeobotanical and genetic analysis of modern plant materials are drawing a complex scenario for the origins of cereal agriculture in the Levant. This paper presents an improved method for the study of early farming harvesting systems based on the texture analysis of gloss observed on sickle blades. We identify different harvesting activities (unripe/semi-ripe/ripe cereal reaping and reed and grass cutting) and evaluate their evolution during the time when plant cultivation activities started and domesticated crops appeared in the Levant (12,800 to 7000 cal BC). The state of maturity of cereals when harvested shifted through time from unripe, to semi-ripe and finally to ripe. Most of these changes in harvesting techniques are explained by the modification of crops during the transition to agriculture. The shift of plant harvesting strategies was neither chronologically linear nor geographically homogeneous. Fully mature cereal harvesting starts to be dominant around 8500 cal BC in Southern Levant and one millennium later in Northern Levant, which fits with the appearance of domestic varieties in the archaeobotanical record. The evolution of plant harvesting better fits with the gradualist model of explanation of cereal agriculture than with the punctuated one.
Technical and Economic Feasibility of the First Wind Farm on Egypt's Mediterranean Sea Coast
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed Shata 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Recently, the utilization of wind turbines in the production of clean energy has been increased to achieve sustainable electricity supply, as planned by the government of Egypt through the use of renewable resources like wind power. This paper purposed to assess the wind power potential for the coastal area in Sidi Barrani province, a meteorological station with mast of 10 m was constructed near the Mediterranean Sea shore in Egypt. The density of wind power was assessed at the level of 100 m monthly and seasonally after taking into account the correction of air density. On the annual basis, the station is rated with high potential 441 kW/m2. This is an ideal location for large-scale wind turbine to generate sustainable electricity. A performance assessment was executed using three commercialized wind generators having capacity of 2000 kW from different manufacturers and were also equal in height and rotor diameter, for choosing the best unit suitable for the target area. The economic analysis of a 200 MW coastal wind farm in the studied area was done using the advanced method of present value costs. The findings prove that the proposed project could produce approximately 988 GWh per year of electrical energy with an economic price of 1.7 US cents per kWh. Consequently, this huge sustainable electrical energy produced from this project can be transferred to Southern European countries along the Mediterranean, because it is relatively more than the Egypt's needs. It also limits the burning of local petroleum products, as well as stopping the emission of thousands of tons of carbon annually.
Knowledge and Determinants of Women’s Knowledge on Vertical Transmission of HIV&nbsp;and AIDS&nbsp;in South Africa
Authors: Darteh Eugene Kofuor Maafo , Abraham Susanna Aba , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Chattu Vijay , Yaya Sanni 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background HIV/AIDS is still one of the major public health concerns globally. It is one of the major contributory causes of deaths among women in the reproductive age (15-49 years) and has resulted in about 14 million orphaned children globally. Knowledge of Mother-to Child transmission is one of the strategies to fight against HIV. This study, therefore, sought to assess the knowledge and determinants of women’s knowledge on vertical transmission of HIV and AIDS in their reproductive age in South Africa. MethodsData were obtained from the South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) 2016. Both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential analysis (binary logistic regression) were conducted and the statistical significance was set at p<0.05. ResultsThe prevalence of knowledge of mother to child transmission of HIV and AIDS during pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding and at least knowledge of one source are 87.0%, 81.1%, 80.3% and 91.4% respectively. Women with secondary [AOR=1.271,CI=1.04,1.55] and higher [AOR=1.495, CI=1.18,1.89], those in urban areas [AOR=1.153,CI=[1.07,1.25], Limpopo [AOR=1.341,CI=1.16,1.55], Gauteng [AOR=1.337,CI=[1.15,1.55] and North west [AOR=1.410,CI=[1.22,1.63], those who read newspaper at least once a week [AOR=1.136,CI=1.05,1.23], and those who listen to radio less than once a week [AOR=1.163,CI=[1.02,1.33] had higher odds of knowledge on mother to child transmission of HIV and AIDs. However, those with parity 0 [AOR=0.783, CI= [0.68,0.90], poorest [AOR=0.837, CI=0.73,0.96] had lower odds of knowledge of mother to child transmission of HIV and AIDS.Conclusion The study has demonstrated that there is relatively high knowledge of mother to child transmission of HIV and AIDS in South Africa. The factors associated with the knowledge are educational level, wealth status, place of residence, the region of residence, exposure to mass media and parity. To further increase the knowledge, it is imperative to adopt various messages and target respondents in different part of SSA through the mass media channels. This should be done taking cognizant of the rural-urban variations and socio-economic status.
Cartilage-targeting Poly(Ethyleneglycol) (PEG)-formononetin (FMN) Nanodrug for Treating Osteoarthritis
Authors: Xiong Wei , Lan Qiumei , Liang Xiaonan , Zhao Jinmin , Huang Hanji , Zhan Yanting , Qin Zainen , Jiang Xianfang , Zheng Li 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Intra-articular (IA) injection is an efficient treatment for osteoarthritis. Such a treatment will minimize systemic side effects and avoid the inconvenience of frequent injections. However, the joint has poor bioavailability for systemically administered drugs and experiences rapid clearance of therapeutics after intra-articular injection. Delivering system modified through active targeting strategies to facilitate localization within specific joint tissues such as cartilage is hopeful to increase the therapeutic effects. In this study, we designed a nanoscaled amphiphilic and cartilage-targeting polymer-drug delivery system by using formononetin (FMN)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) (denoted as PCFMN), which was prepared by PEGylation of FMN followed by coupling with cartilage-targeting peptide (CollBP). Our results showed that PCFMN was approximately regular spherical with the average diameter about 218 nm. The in vitro test using IL-1β stimulated chondrocytes indicated that PCFMN were biocompatible and upregulated anabolic genes while simultaneously downregulated catabolic genes of the articular cartilage. The therapeutic effects in vivo indicated that PCFMN could effectively attenuate the progression of OA as evidenced by immunohistochemical staining and histological analysis. In addition, PCFMN showed higher intention time in joints and better anti-inflammatory effects than FMN, indicating the efficacy of cartilage targeting nanodrug on OA. This study may provide reference for clinical OA therapy.