bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Normal and Cancer Fibroblasts Differentially Regulate Cytokine Genes and TWIST1&nbsp;and TOX&nbsp; Expression in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma&nbsp;
Authors: Mehdi Syed Jafar , Moerman-Herzog Andrea , Wong Henry K 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that transforms from mature, skin-homing T cells and progresses in the skin. The role of the skin microenvironment in MF development is unclear, but recent findings in a variety of cancers have highlighted the role of stromal fibroblasts in promoting or inhibiting tumorigenesis. Stromal fibroblast are an important part of the cutaneous tumor microenvironment (TME) in MF. Here we describe studies into the interaction of TME-fibroblasts and malignant T cells to gain insight into their role in CTCL.Methods: Myla cell is a CTCL cell line that retains expression of biomarkers TWIST1 and TOX that are frequently detected in CTCL patients. MyLa cells were cultured in the presence or absence of normal or MF skin derived fibroblasts for 5 days, trypsinized to detached Myla cells, and gene expression analyzed by RT-PCR for MF biomarkers (TWIST1 and TOX), Th1 markers (IFN-g, TBX21), Th2 markers (GATA3, IL-16), and proliferation marker (MKI67). Purified fibroblasts were assayed for expressed genes VIM and ACTA2. Cellular senescence assay was performed to assess senescence.Results: Normal fibroblasts co-cultured with MyLa cells suppressed expression of the CTCL biomarkers TWIST1 (p < 0.0006) and TOX (p<0.03) in MyLa cells . In contrast, MyLa cells cultured with MF fibroblasts retained high expression of TWIST1 and TOX. Normal fibroblasts increased expression of IFN-g (p < 0.03) and TBX21, and decreased expression of GATA3 (p < 0.02) and IL-16 (p < 0.03) in MyLa cells, whereas MF fibroblasts suppressed IFN-g and TBX21 and increased TWIST1 and TOX expression in MyLa cells. Furthermore, expression of MKI67 in MyLa cells was suppressed to a greater degree by normal fibroblasts compared to MF fibroblasts. Conclusions: Skin fibroblasts represent important components of the microenvironment in MF. In co-culture model, normal and cancer fibroblasts in MF have differential influence on T cell phenotype in modulating expression of Th1 cytokine and CTCL biomarker genes to reveal distinct role with implications in MF progression.
Curcumin Suppresses Tumorigenesis via Promoting SLC1A5-mediated Ferroptosis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Cao Xuelei , Li Yao , Wang Yongbin , Zhang Xuezhi , Yu Tao , Zhu Chao , Guan Jialiang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is one of the most malignant tumors in the female. Previous studies confirmed that Curcumin, a kind of polyphenol compound extract from the Curcuma longa underground rhizome, inhibits the survival of cancer cells. However, the functional role and mechanism of curcumin in breast cancer remain unclear.Methods: The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to examine the effect of curcumin on cell viability in both MDA-MB-453 and MCF-7 cells. Determination of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, malondialdehyde (MDA) production, and intracellular Fe2+ level was used to evaluate the effect of curcumin on cell ferroptosis. The protein levels were determined by western blot. A xenograft tumor model was employed to verify the antitumorigenic effect of curcumin on breast cancer in vivo.Results: Curcumin treatment significantly suppressed breast cancer cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, curcumin triggered ferroptosis by enhancing the levels of lipid ROS, lipid peroxidation end-product MDA accumulation, and intracellular Fe2+. Mechanistically, curcumin administration impeded tumor growth via upregulating solute carrier family 1 member 5 (SLC1A5)-mediated ferroptosis in breast cancer. In vivo experiments showed that curcumin could effectively hamper the growth of tumors without noticeable side effects.Conclusion: We demonstrated that curcumin exhibits anti-tumorigenesis activity in breast cancer by promoting SLC1A5-mediated ferroptosis, providing a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.
Sc Modification Induced Short-range Ordering in ZnGa2O4&nbsp;Spinel Leading to High Microwave Dielectric Performance
Authors: Lu xiaochi , Quan Bin , Zheng Kailai , Chu Peng , Wang Jian , Shen Guangxu , Zhang Qitu , Xu Feng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Sc3+ (0,0.1,0.3,0.5,0.7mol%) modified ZnGa2O4 (abbreviated Sc-ZGO) ceramics were synthesized by solid-state method. The relationship between microwave dielectric performance and bonds vibration of Sc-ZGO as a function of Sc3+ modification has been systematically investigated. With Sc3+ modification, the εr of Sc-ZGO ceramics keeps steady (~10). While the τf of Sc-ZGO shows linear correlation with Sc3+ concentration increasing from -71ppm/℃ to -39ppm/℃, and the Q×f value climbs up to a maximum value (5Sc-ZGO) and then ramp down. 5Sc-ZGO sintered at 1350oC for 2 h exhibits the best microwave dielectric properties with εr = 9.9, Q×f = 124,147 GHz, tanδ = 7.98×10-5, and τf = -56 ppm/°C (@9.9 GHz). Q×f value of Sc modified ZGO increased by almost 45% compared with normal spinel ZnGa2O4 ceramics. The enhancement of τf and Q×f on Sc modified ZnGa2O4 can be attributed to higher densification, however, further Raman and FT-IR analysis elucidated that short-range cation ordering degree is another governing factor. The influence of Sc3+ modification on ZnGa2O4 bonds vibration has been discussed in detail.
A Novel PCR Method for Detecting ACE Gene Insertion/Deletion Polymorphisms and Its Clinical Application
Authors: Yang Xue-min , Liang Jian-ping , Huang Xiao-juan , Wang Xiang-rong , Sun Yang , Dong Chen , Cui Ya-li , Hui Wen-li 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays a major role in blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular homeostasis. The wide distribution and multifunctional properties of ACE suggest it’s involvement in various pathophysiological conditions. Results: In this study, a novel visual detection method for ACE I/D polymorphisms was designed by integrating direct PCR without the need for DNA extraction using gold magnetic nanoparticles (GMNPs)-based lateral flow assay (LFA) biosensor. The entire detection procedure could enable the genotyping of clinical samples in about 80 minutes. The detection limit was 0.75 ng and results could be obtained in 5 minutes using the LFA device. Three hundred peripheral blood samples were analyzed using the direct PCR-LFA system and then verified by sequencing to determine accuracy and repeatability. A clinical preliminary study was then performed to analyze a total of 633 clinical samples. Conclusions: After grouping based on age, we found a significant difference between the genotypes and the age of patients in the CHD group. The introduction of this method into clinical practice may be helpful for the diagnosis of diseases caused by large fragment gene insertions/deletions.
Genome-wide Assessment Elucidates Connectivity and the Evolutionary History of the Highly Dispersive Marine Invertebrate Littoraria Flava (Littorinidae:Gastropoda)
Authors: Cortez Thainá , Amaral Rafael Viana , Sobral-Souza Thadeu , Andrade Sonia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: An important goal of population genetics studies in marine ecosystems is understanding how connectivity patterns, both spatial and temporal, are influenced by historical and evolutionary factors. When it comes to dispersion and connectivity in marine ecosystems, the role of historical and evolutionary factors over population dynamics andstructure still remains enigmatic. We evaluated the demographic history and population structure of Littoraria flava, a highly dispersive and widely distributed marine gastropod on the Brazilian intertidal zone, to predict the effects of such factors on intrapopulation divergence. To test the hypotheses that (1) the species has historically high levels of geneflow on a macrogeographic spatial scale and (2) the species distribution in rocky shores consists of subpopulations due to high degrees of environmental heterogeneity, we collected specimens along the Brazilian coastline and combined different sets of genetic markers (mitochondrial DNA, nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2, and single nucleotide polymorphisms) with niche-based modeling to predict species paleodistribution.Results: Low genetic structure was observed along the coastline, and all clustering and migration analyses supported the high gene flow over long distances hypothesis (> 3,000 km). Three genetic clusters were identified by the assignment test, each mostly composed of individuals from the three sampled regions. No fine-scale variation was observed for any location. The neutrality tests and the haplotype networks suggest that L. flava had experienced population bottleneck followed by population expansion. Both paleodistribution and coalescent simulations highlight that expansion events occurred in the Southeastern coastline during the Pleistocene interglacial cycles (21 kya).Conclusions: This is the first study on the South American coast that highlights the demographic history on a marine gastropod based on genomic markers associated with niche modelling. We found that climatic changes since the interglacial periods are potentially relevant drivers for the species distribution in the past. Our findings could enhance the understanding of the population dynamics under an evolutionary view for widely distributed non-model marine organisms.
Prediction of daily contagions of CoViD-19-SARS-CoV-2 from August 24 to July 31, 2021 in Apulia, a region of Italy, by using a New Epidemiologic Fractal Model.&nbsp;
Authors: Rinzivillo Calogero , Conte Sergio , Casciaro Francesco , Bernardini Renato , Benigni Elena , Monte Ines Paola , Kaleagasioglu Ferda , Wang Fang , Mordeniz Cengiz , Liberti Giuseppe , Conte Elio 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We study a new fractal model for prediction of contagions of CoViD-19 (Sarbeco Betavirus SARS-CoV-2) from August 24, 2020 to July 31, 20201 in Apulia that is a region of Italy. We obtain that the time of the peak is estimated to be at December 7, 2020 and the number of contagions will be about 575 cases.
Trans-Scapular Approach Coil Localization for Scapular-Blocked Pulmonary Nodules: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wu Juan , Zhang Min-Ge , Chen Jin , Ji Wen-Bin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided coil localization (CL) is commonly employed to facilitate the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)-guided diagnostic wedge resection (WR) of pulmonary nodules (PNs). When a scapular-blocked PN (SBPN) will be localized, the trans-scapular CL (TSCL) should be performed. In this study, we investigated the safety, feasibility, and clinical efficacy of preoperative CT-guided TSCL for SBPNs.Materials and Methods: From January 2014 to September 2020, a total of 152 patients with PNs underwent CT-guided CL prior to VATS-guided WR. Among them, 14 patients had the SBPNs and underwent TSCL procedure. Results: A total of 14 SBPNs were localized in the 14 patients. The mean diameter of the 14 SBPNs was 7.4 ± 2.4 mm. Technical success rate of puncture of the scapula was 100%. No complications occurred near the scapula. Technical success rate of CL was 92.9%. One coil dropped off when performing the VATS procedure. The mean duration of the TSCL was 14.2 ± 2.7 min. Two patient (14.3%) developed aysmptomatic pneumothorax after TSCL. Technical success rate of VATS-guided WR was 92.9%. The patient who experienced technical failure of TSCL directly underwent lobectomy. The mean VATS procedure duration and blood loss were 90.0 ± 42.4 min and 62.9 ± 37.2 ml, respectively. The final diagnoses of the 14 SBPNs included invasive adenocarcinoma (n = 4), adenocarcinoma in situ (n = 9), and benign (n = 1).Conclusions: Preoperative CT-guided TSCL can be safely and simply used to facilitate high successful rates of VATS-guided WR of SBPNs.
PD-1/PD-Ls Pathway Down-regulation in Peripheral Cells Correlates with Asbestosis Severity
Authors: Qiu Meihua , Chen Yuqing , Ye Qiao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Asbestosis and silicosis are characterized by diffuse or nodular interstitial lung fibrosis resulting from exposure to asbestos or silica dust, respectively. This study was designed to detect programmed cell death protein (PD-1)/programmed death-ligands (PD-Ls) expression in patients with asbestosis and silicosis and to explore the possible clinical significance of PD-1/PD-Ls expression in the two diseases.Methods: Thirty patients with asbestosis, 23 patients with silicosis and 25 healthy controls were consecutively recruited for and provided informed consent to participate in the study. Clinical data were collected from patient clinical charts. PD-1/PD-Ls expression in peripheral blood (PB) was detected by flow cytometry.Results: PD-1 expression on CD4+ or CD8+ peripheral T cells was significantly lower in patients with asbestosis and silicosis than in healthy controls. Similarly, PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression on CD14+ monocytes was significantly lower in patients with asbestosis and silicosis than in healthy controls. In addition, there was no significant difference in PD-1, PD-L1 or PD-L2 expression between the asbestosis and silicosis groups. Moreover, the proportions of PD-1+ CD4+T cells and PD-1+ CD8+T cells in patients with asbestosis were positively correlated with the percentage of forced vital capacity (FVC) predicted. Conclusion: Lower PD-1 expression on CD4+T or CD8+ T cells in PB was positively correlated with parameters representing disease severity, implying that pulmonary fibrosis development was positively correlated with PD-1/PD-Ls pathway down-regulation.
COVID-19: first long-term care facility outbreak in the Netherlands following cross-border introduction from Germany, March 2020
Authors: Hensbergen Mitch van , Heijer Casper D.J. den , Wolffs Petra , Hackert Volker , Waarbeek Henriette L.G. ter , Munnink Bas B. Oude , Sikkema Reina S. , Heddema Edou R. , Hoebe Christian J.P.A. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The Dutch province of Limburg borders the German district of Heinsberg, which had a large cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to local carnival activities in February, before any cases were reported in the Netherlands. However, Heinsberg was not included as an area reporting local or community transmission per the national case definition at the time. In early March, two residents from a long-term care facility (LTCF) in Sittard, a Dutch town located in close vicinity to the district of Heinsberg, started experiencing respiratory symptoms and were admitted to the regional hospital at which they were tested for COVID-19. Introduction of the virus could have occurred following the carnival activities in the surrounding area by LTCF visitors or health care workers.Methods: Surveys and semi-structured oral interviews were conducted with all present residents by health care workers during regular points of care for information on new or unusual signs and symptoms of disease. Both throat and nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from residents suspect of COVID-19 for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction and whole genome sequencing was performed using a SARS-CoV-2 specific amplicon-based Nanopore sequencing approach. Additionally, twelve random residents were sampled for possible asymptomatic infections.Results: Since the start of the outbreak, nineteen (19%) residents tested positive for COVID-19. Eleven samples were sequenced, along with three random samples from COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the regional hospital at the time of the LTCF outbreak. Conclusions: All samples were linked to COVID-19 cases from the cross-border region of Heinsberg, Germany. Symptoms were reported only in about two third of the cases, and tended to be generally mild. We therefore recommend low-level screening of HCWs and residents following a confirmed COVID-19 case, even in the absence of symptoms. Since the LTCF residents who tested positive did not meet the criteria for suspect cases of COVID-19 at the time, this highlights the importance of cooperation among cross-border partners in order to establish a coordinated implementation of infection control measures in the region on top of national guidelines to limit the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
Hunger, fear and isolation: An analysis of media reports of COVID-19 related suicides in India&nbsp;
Authors: Balaji Madhumitha , Patel Vikram 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose: India’s suicide rates are among the highest in the world, and may increase further as a consequence of COVID-19. There is an urgent need to examine which pandemic related stressors may be contributing to suicide and to identify vulnerable populations to inform the deployment of suicide prevention strategies. Methods: We identified, and conducted a thematic analysis of Internet media reports of COVID-19 related suicides in India between February 1, 2020 (2 days after the first COVID-19 case), and May 31, 2020, (the end of phase four of the nationwide lockdown). Results: We identified 291 suicides, and observed a rise in the number reported every month. 10 pandemic stressors spanning both disease and lockdown-related factors contributed to these suicides. Economic hardship was present in a third; other notable stressors were: fear of the virus; isolation; desperation to be connected with loved ones or return home; and craving for alcohol. A range of groups seemed particularly vulnerable to these stressors including specific demographic populations (young people, men); socially disadvantaged groups (for example, migrant workers); and those with health problems and other risks (for example, persons with COVID-19 exposure). Conclusions: COVID-19 related suicides are precipitated by social and economic adversities, mainly associated with containment strategies. Urgent action is needed to implement a nationwide suicide prevention strategy which can mitigate the impact of recognized stressors, target high-risk individuals, and offer mental health care alongside containment strategies.
Remote-sensing-based algorithms for water quality monitoring in Olushandja Dam, north-central Namibia
Authors: Kapalanga Taimi S. , Hoko Zvikomborero , Gumindoga Webster , Chikwiramakomo Loyd 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFrequent and continuous water quality monitoring of Olushandja Dam in Namibia is needed to inform timely decision making. This study was carried out from November 2014 to June 2015 with Landsat 8 reflectance values and field measured water quality data that were used to develop regression-analysis-based retrieval algorithms. Water quality parameters considered included turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), nitrates, ammonia, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and total algae counts. Results show that turbidity levels exceeded the recommended limits for raw water for potable water treatment while TN and TP values are within acceptable values. Turbidity, TN, and TP and total algae count showed a medium to strong positive linear relationship between Landsat predicted and measured water quality data while TSS showed a weak linear relationship. The regression coefficients between predicted and measured values were: turbidity (R2 = 0.767); TN (R2 = 0.798,); TP (R2 = 0.907); TSS (R2 = 0.284,) and total algae count (R2 = 0.851). Prediction algorithms are generally the best fit to derive water quality parameters. Remote sensing is recommended for frequent and continuous monitoring of Olushandja Dam as it has the ability to provide rapid information on the spatio-temporal variability of surface water quality.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum Structure Profile Characterisation, and in vitro Biological Effect of Salvia officinalis L. Phytocompounds
Authors: Saidi Issam , Guesmi Fatma , Amari Ramzi , Ncib Sana , Hfaiedh Najla 
Published: October 2020

Background:
The aims of this research is to investigate the potential activity of Salvia officinalis and various
hairs responsible of secretion of essential oil. In Tunisia, biological activity of Salvia officinalis is poorly recorded. Salvia
leaves contain various types of hairs (glandular and non-glandular).

Methods:
The investigation of different trichomes was carried out by Scanning Electron Microscope
(SEM) apparatus. Antiradical potential was assessed using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and
Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Antimicrobial activity was analysed using disc diffusion
assay. The extracts of Salvia officinalis (SvOf), showed the following order of richness in phenolic
contents: methanolic (70.76 mg GAE/g DW), aqueous (43.76 mg GAE/g DW) and infusion (9.42
mg GAE/g DW). The methanolic fraction records the highest levels of flavonoids (77 mg QE/g DW)
compared with the aqueous extracts (33.19 mg EQ/g DW) and infusion (26.25 mg EQ/g DW). MESvOf
showed higher value of free radical scavenging activity towards DPPH free radical and ferric reducing
power.

Results:
The results revealed that the main bioactive constituents in the methanolic fractions of sage
leaves generally exhibited higher antibacterial effects. Overall, sage phytocompounds constitute a
promising approach for the treatment of infectious diseases.

Discussion:
Functional groups detected in S. officinalis by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer
(FT-IR) were mainly phenols, saccharides, amine and Aromatic (Ar-H).

Conclusion:
Antiradical and antibacterial activities of Salvia officinalis are mainly due to phenolic
content and other bioactive compounds. Non-glandular hairs are the most important trichomes in the
Salvia leaves.
Antioxidant Effects and in vitro Cytotoxicity on Human Cancer Cell Lines of Flavonoid-Rich Flamboyant (Delonix regia (Bojer) Raf.) Flower Extract
Authors: Khongkaew Putthiporn , Wattanaarsakit Phanphen , Papadopoulos Konstantinos I. , Chaemsawang Watcharaphong 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Cancer is a non-communicable disease with increasing incidence and mortality
rates worldwide, including Thailand. Its apparent lack of effective treatments is posing challenging
public health issues.

Introduction:
Encouraging research results indicating probable anti-cancer properties of the Delonix
regia flower Extract (DRE) have prompted us to evaluate the feasibility of developing a type of product
for future cancer prevention or treatment.

Methods and Results:
In the present report, using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC),
we demonstrate in the DRE the presence of high concentrations of three identifiable flavonoids, namely
rutin 4.15±0.30% w/w, isoquercitrin 3.04±0.02 %w/w, and myricetin 2.61±0.01% w/w, respectively,
while the IC50 of DPPH and ABTS assay antioxidation activity was 66.88±6.30 μg/ml and 53.65±7.24
μg/ml, respectively.

Discussion:
Our cancer cell line studies using the MTT assay demonstrated DREs potent and dosedependent
inhibition of murine leukemia cell line (P-388: 35.28±4.07% of cell viability remaining), as
well as of human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), human cervical carcinoma (HeLa), human oral cavity
carcinoma (KB), and human colon carcinoma (HT-29) cell lines in that order of magnitude.

Conclusion:
Three identifiable flavonoids (rutin, isoquercitrin and myricetin) with high antioxidation
activity and potent and dose-dependent inhibition of murine leukemia cell line and five other cancer
cell lines were documented in the DRE. The extract’s lack of cytotoxicity in 3 normal cell lines is a rare
advantage not usually seen in current antineoplastic agents. Yet another challenge of the DRE was
its low dissolution rate and long-term storage stability, issues to be resolved before a future product
can be formulated.