bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy and adverse events of anlotinib plus PD-1 inhibitor for metastatic solid tumors
Authors: Lin Hao , Liu Tao , Zhou Xinli , Liang Xiaohua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Several antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have the potential to modulate the tumor immune microenvironment and improve immunotherapy effect Of these, anlotinib has demonstrated antitumor efficacy in clinical trials. However, its role in immune regulation and the potential synergistic antitumor effect of its combination with PD-1 inhibitor remain unclear. This study investigated the efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of the combination of anlotinib and PD-1 inhibitor for solid tumors in real-world settings.
Methods

This retrospective study included patients with metastatic solid tumors treated with anlotinib plus PD-1 inhibitor at Huashan hospital, Fudan University between October 1, 2018 and August 31, 2020. The objective response rate was assessed using the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors v1.1. Descriptive statistics were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and any AEs were noted.
Results

Partial response was achieved in 13 patients, and 8 patients showed stable disease, representing a response rate of 43.3% and a disease control rate of 70%. The median progression-free survival was 3.8 months. Although AEs were observed in 50% of patients, most of them were Grades 1–2 and well tolerated. The most common AEs were thrombocytopenia (16%), thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events (16%), and rash (13%).
Conclusions

Anlotinib plus PD-1 inhibitor is an alternative salvage treatment choice in metastatic solid tumors with Favorable efficacy and tolerable toxicities.
Thoracolumbar Fascia Enthesopathy as a Cause of Low Back Pain: A Retrospective and Follow-up Study
Authors: Tabesh Ouidade A. , Ghossan Roba , Zebouni Soha H , Faddoul Rafic , Revel Michel , Fayad Fouad 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aim. To evaluate ultrasonography findings of Thoracolumbar Fascia (TLF) enthesis in patients with low back pain (LBP) due to iliac crest pain syndrome (ICPS). Method. The ultrasonographic and clinical findings of 60 patients with LBP due to ICPS were compared to those of 30 healthy volunteers with no LBP. Thickness of the TLF was measured with ultrasound (US) at its insertion on the iliac crest. Results. Forty-eight women and 12 men with a mean age of 42.1±11.3 years were diagnosed with ICPS. In patients, the mean thickness of the TLF was 2.51±0.70mm in affected sides compared to 1.81±0.44mm in the contralateral unaffected sides. The mean thickness difference of 0.82mm between the affected and non-affected sides was statistically significant (95%CI, 0.64-0.99, P<0.0001). In volunteers, the mean thickness of the TLF was 1.6±0.2mm. The mean thickness difference of 0.89mm between the affected sides of patients and volunteers was statistically significant (95%CI, 0.73-1.06, P<0.0001). Forty-two patients who didn’t improve with conservative therapy, received injections of methylprednisolone acetate and 1% lidocaine around the TLF enthesis. All patients reported complete relief of their LBP within 20 minutes of the injections thanks to the lidocaine anesthetic effect. Fifty-six (93.3%) patients were reached by phone for a long-term follow-up. Among them, 33 (58.9%) patients experienced a sustained complete pain relief after a mean follow-up of 45±19.3 months (range, 3-74 months). Conclusion. our findings suggest that TLF enthesopathy is a potential cause of nonspecific LBP that can be diagnosed using US.
Predictors of obstructive sleep apnea misclassification using total bed time versus total sleep time: an evaluation using polysomnography data
Authors: Lim Wei Yang , See Kay Choong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background and Objective Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition worldwide. Untreated, it is associated with multiple medical complications as well as a reduced quality of life. Home sleep apnea tests are increasingly used for its diagnosis and evaluation of severity, but using total bed time rather than total sleep time may underestimate OSA severity. We aim to uncover the extent and predictors of OSA misclassification when using total bed time. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the sleep laboratory of the National University Hospital, Singapore, a tertiary hospital with 1200 beds. Misclassification of OSA was defined as any OSA severity that was less severe using total bed time versus total sleep time. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of OSA misclassification.Results A total of 1621 patients were studied (mean age 45.6 + 15.9 years; 73.4% male). 300 (18.5%) patients were misclassified. Risk factors for OSA misclassification included age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, P=0.001) and body-mass index (BMI) (OR 0.97,95% CI 0.95-0.99, P=0.015). Risk for misclassification was significant in patients aged>57 years old, with BMI<32.3 kg/m2. Conclusion Using total bed time rather than total sleep time to quantify OSA severity was associated with a significant risk of misclassification, particularly in patients aged >57 years old, with BMI <32.3 kg/m2. This was a novel finding that has not been previously reported.
Hypoxia Increases KIAA1199/CEMIP&nbsp;Expression and Enhances Cell Migration in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Oba Takuya , Sato Norihiro , Adachi Yasuhiro , Amaike Takao , Kudo Yuzan , Koga Atsuhiro , Kohi Shiro , Hirata Keiji 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by dense desmoplasia and hypoxic microenvironment. We previously demonstrated that hyaluronan (HA), especially low-molecular weight HA, provides a favorable microenvironment for progression of PDAC. However, the effect of hypoxia on HA metabolism is unknown. Using quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, we analyzed changes in expression of HA-synthesizing enzymes (HAS2, HAS3) and HA-degrading enzymes (HYAL1, KIAA1199/CEMIP) in PDAC cell lines under hypoxic condition. Hypoxia increased mRNA and protein expression of KIAA1199, whereas it decreased expression of HYAL1. Expression of HAS2 and HAS3 remained unchanged in response to hypoxia. The effect of KIAA1199 on hypoxia-induced cell migration was determined by transwell migration assay and small-interfering RNA (siRNA). Hypoxia enhanced migratory ability of PDAC cells, which was inhibited by knockdown of KIAA1199 expression. We also used immunohistochemistry to analyze Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) 1α and KIAA1199 protein expression in PDAC tissues. There was a significant immunohistochemically positive correlation between KIAA1199 and HIF1α. These findings suggest that hypoxia-induced KIAA1199 expression may contribute to enhanced motility in PDAC.
The Root Endophytic&nbsp;Fungus Serendipita indica&nbsp;Decreased the Phytotoxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles to Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Tabande Leila , Sepehri Mozhgan , Yasrebi Jafar , Zarei Mehdi , Ghasemi-Fasaei Reza , Khatabi Behnam 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are among the most commonly used nano-fertilizers (NF). However, elevated levels of ZnO-NPs in soil may affect plant growth and development due to its potential toxicity when accumulated in large amounts in plant tissues. This research was conducted using an in situ rhizobox system with the aims of evaluating Zinc uptake from nano-zinc oxide amended rhizosphere soil by alfalfa plant and the effect of plant growth promoting microorganisms on alleviating the phytotoxicity of ZnO-NPs. Treatments included microbial inoculations (Sinorhizobium meliloti, Serendipita indica) and different ZnO-NPs concentrations (0, 400 and 800 mg Kg− 1) with three replications. The results indicated that S. indica minimized the phytotoxicity of ZnO-NPs to alfalfa by enhancing growth rate and decreasing Zinc (Zn) translocation from root to shoot. Compared with plants inoculated with S. meliloti, co-inoculation with S. indica increased the shoot dry weight by 18.33% and 8.05% at 400 and 800 mg Kg− 1ZnO-NPs. However, at the highest level of ZnO-NPs (800 mg kg− 1), root inoculation of S. indica and S. indica + S. meliloti decreased Zn transfer factor by 60.2% and 44.3% compared to S. meliloti, respectively. Furthermore, a distinct relation between tolerance of S. indica-colonized plant to ZnO-NPs and the ability of S. indica in inhibiting or retarding degradation of polyunsaturated lipids through prevention of excess reactive oxygen species formation was observed. Malondialdehyde content of inoculated plants with S. indica either alone or in combination with S. meliloti was significantly lower than non-inoculated plants (p < 0.01). Zn-induced oxidative stress was mitigated by S. indica through enhanced activities of catalase and peroxidase enzymes. The findings of the present study indicate the potential use of endophytes fungus S. indica for ensuring food safety and security, and human health in heavy metal–polluted soil by reducing the phytoavailability of heavy metals in the aerial parts of the host plants.
Molecular Characterization of a Novel Partitivirus and a Fusarivirus Co-infected in the Nigrospora Sphaerica Fungus
Authors: Zhong Jie , Yang Ze Zhong , Yang Xin , Guo Zhao Jiang , Xie Wen , Zhang You Jun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Here we reported the molecular characterization of two novel mycoviruses co-infected in a plant pathogenic fungus, Nigrospora sphaerica that were designated as Nigrospora sphaerica fusarivirus 1 (NsFV1) and Nigrospora sphaerica partitivirus 1 (NsPV1), respectively. NsFV1 has an undivided genome of 6,147 bp, excluding the polyA tail, and was predicted to contain two nonoverlapping open reading frames (ORF1 and 2). The larger ORF1 encoded a polyprotein containing a conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and a helicase domain that have functions for RNA replication, and the smaller ORF2 encoded a putative protein with an unknown function. The NsPV1 was consists of two genome segments, which were in lengths of 1,796 bp and 1,455 bp, respectively. Each of the two dsRNAs had a single ORF and were deduced to encode proteins with homology to viral RdRp and coat protein (CP), respectively, in the family Partitiviridae. Phylogenetic analysis showed that NsFV1 was placed within the newly proposed family Fusariviridae, while NsPV1 was belonging to the genus Gammapartitivirus in the family Partitiviridae. This was the first description of mycovirses infected the fungus N. sphaerica.
Present and Future Distribution of Two Non-Indigenous Orchids and Their Acquired Enemy in Puerto Rico
Authors: Foster Evan A. , Ackerman James 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Establishment of new populations is contingent on overcoming abiotic and biotic barriers. While this applies to all species, these hurdles are at the forefront of invasion biology where prediction, prevention, eradication, and control strategies depend on an understanding of these processes. Arundina graminifolia and Dendrobium crumenatum are two non-indigenous orchids spreading throughout Puerto Rico. The two species have acquired a native herbivore & seed predator, the orchid-specialist weevil, Stethobaris polita. With recently acquired presence records of the three species, land cover data and BioClim variables, we modeled their potential distributions under current conditions and also those projected under the least and most extreme climate scenarios for 2050 and 2070. We show that D. crumenatum flourishes in urban environments which also provide refugia from S. polita, whereas there is currently limited refugia for A. graminifolia from S. polita attack, as this orchid is sensitive to the same climatic variables as the weevil. Projections into all climate scenarios suggest range retractions for all species, with an equal to or greater proportion of both orchid populations subject to S. polita attack. Thus, we illustrate for island invasions how climate change will likely alter the distribution of acquired biotic interactions.
Age of Information Minimization of Multichannel Allocation Mechanism for Hybrid Cognitive Radio Networks with Energy Harvesting under Collusion Constraint
Authors: KARACA HAKAN MURAT 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) with energy harvesting has been a promising solution for wireless industrial networks and seems a promising solution for the spectrum scarcity problem.

However, it is critical the wireless spectrum should carefully be managed in order to fullfill the tight

requirements on the trustworthy and minimum delayed delivery of information. Motivated by this, in order to represent the freshness of the information, this paper takes into account the metric of age of information (AoI) and multi-channel allocation problem in hybrid cognitive radio networks where secondary transmitters (STs) are able to harvest energy is investigated in terms of both maximization of allocation performance while minimizing average AOI values. A novel mechanism has been proposed to restrict average AoI values while distributing channels to STs by handling both collusion and energy constraints. STs are prioritized based on a proposed metric and they are able to obtain channels only if the resulting AoI value satisfy proposed conditions. AoI values are computed based on co-channel interference between STs and minimized by decreasing interference levels. For comparison, two algorithms were considered: a greedy mechanism for m-channel allocation of hybrid CRNs with harvesting, but without AOI control and the proposed m-channel allocation schemes based on sorting STs according to the proposed metric and controlling AOI levels based on co-channel interference. The simulations depict that performance of the proposed m-channel allocation method outweighs the greedy algorithm in terms of both AoI minimization and maximization of channel allocation performance, proving the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Invasion of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Beetle in South Africa A Preliminary Assessment of the Economic Impacts
Authors: de Wit Martin P , Crookes Douglas J , Blignaut James N , de Beer Z Wilhelm , Paap Trudy , Roets Francois , Merwe Carmen van der , Richardson Dave M 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Few economic assessments have been developed to inform national priorities on the management of high-impact, early-stage invasive alien species (IAS). Economic assessments are biased towards ex post assessments of the costs and benefits of control options and are in need of refinement to deal with potentially vigorous invaders with considerable uncertainty on spread and impact. The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) beetle represents a potentially high-impact invasion in progress in South Africa. We approached the problem of PSHB invasion in South Africa through (i) interdisciplinary collaboration to reduce uncertainty in economic and biological parameters by defining robust ranges for model parameters and (ii) a simulation model to take account of dynamic mutualistic relations between the beetle and it’s symbiont fungus. We modelled the potential social cost of a PSHB invasion on natural forests, urban trees, commercial forestry and the avocado industry. Our results indicate that the unmitigated baseline present social cost of $27.12bn in the case of a PSHB invasion in South Africa is in the order of 1% of the country’s GDP, or expressed differently at around $50 per year per South African citizen (10-year modelling horizon using a discount rate of 6%). Most of the social costs in our model are for the removal of urban trees that die as a result of the PSHB, a result that corroborates well with findings in other regions where PSHB has invaded. We conclude that an ex ante economic assessment system dynamics model can effectively inform national strategies on IAS management. The disproportionately high impacts of a PSHB invasion on municipalities and private actors demands a revision of legislation and creation of policies pertaining to the management of biological invasions in South Africa.
Adaptive Human Behavior in Epidemics: the Impact of Risk Misperception on the Spread of Epidemics
Authors: Espinoza Baltazar , Marathe Madhav , Swarup Samarth , Thakur Mugdha 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Infections produced by pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic (non-symptomatic) individuals have been identified as major drivers of COVID-19 transmission. Non-symptomatic individuals unaware of the infection risk they pose to others, may perceive themselves --and being perceived by others-- as not representing risk of infection. Yet many epidemiological models currently in use do not include a behavioral component, and do not address the potential consequences of risk misperception. To study the impact of behavioral adaptations to the perceived infection risk, we use a mathematical model that incorporates individuals' behavioral decisions based on a projection of the future system's state over a finite planning horizon. We found that individuals' risk misperception in the presence of asymptomatic individuals may increase or reduce the final epidemic size. Moreover, under behavioral response the impact of asymptomatic infections is modulated by symptomatic individuals' behavior. Finally, we found that there is an optimal planning horizon that minimizes the final epidemic size.
LncRNA LOXL1-AS inhibits proliferation of PDLSCs and downregulates IL-1β in periodontitis patients
Authors: Ruan Danping , Wu Chunyun , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Oncogenic role of lncRNA LOXL1-AS has been characterized in several types of cancer. Our preliminary deep sequencing data revealed the downregulation of LOXL1-AS in periodontitis and its inverse correlation with IL-1β, a critical inflammatory mediator in periodontitis. This study was therefore performed to investigate the potential interaction between LOXL1-AS and IL-1β in periodontitis.Methods: Research subjects of this study included 30 periodontitis patients and 30 healthy controls. Cell transfection, RT-qPCR, luciferase activity assay and western blots were performed in this study.Results: LOXL1-AS was downregulated in periodontitis-affected periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) than that in healthy PDLSCs. While IL-1β was upregulated in periodontitis-affected PDLSCs and was inversely correlated with LOXL1-AS. Overexpression of LOXL1-AS mediated the downregulation of IL-1β in PDLSCs. IL-1β treatment did not affect the expression of LOXL1-AS. Moreover, overexpression of LOXL1-AS led to inhibited proliferation of periodontitis-affected PDLSCs. Conclusion: This study is the first to report the downregulation of LOXL1-AS in periodontitis. Moreover, we also propose that LOXL1-AS may inhibit the proliferation of periodontitis-affected PDLSCs and downregulate IL-1β to improve periodontitis.
Serum Uric Acid is Associated with Coronary Artery Calcification in Early Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Han Miyeun , Kim Hyunsuk , Kim Hyo Jin , Kang Eunjeong , Kim Yong-Soo , Choi Kyu Hun , Kim Soo Wan , Ahn Curie , Oh Kook-Hwan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Although uric acid (UA) is regarded as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, whether UA is an independent risk factor contributing to coronary artery calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well known. We evaluated whether UA level is associated with coronary artery calcium (CAC) score in a predialysis CKD cohort.Methods: A total of 1,350 subjects who underwent coronary computed tomography as part of the KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease were analysed. We conducted a logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between UA and the presence of CAC.Results: CAC was detected in 705 (52.2%) patients, and the level of UA was significantly higher in CAC>0 patients. UA showed a positive relationship with CAC >0 in age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression analysis (Odds ratio (OR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.19, P = 0.003). However, UA showed no association with CAC>0 in multivariate analysis. Further analysis showed that UA showed a positive association with CAC>0 only in estimated glomerual filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.02-1.49, P = 0.036) but not in eGFR 30–59 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.78-1.08, P = 0.309) or <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.79-1.08, P = 0.426). Conclusions: UA level was significantly associated with CAC in early CKD, but not in advanced CKD.
Altered MicroRNA Expression in Intracranial Aneurysmal Tissues: Possible Role in TGF-β Signaling Pathway
Authors: Supriya Manjunath , Christopher Rita , Devi Bhagavatula Indira , Bhat Dhananjaya Ishwar , Shukla Dhaval P 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The molecular mechanisms behind the rupture of intracranial aneurysms remain obscure. MiRNAs are key regulators of a wide array of biological processes altering protein synthesis by binding to target mRNAs. However, variations in miRNA levels in ruptured aneurysmal wall have not been completely examined. We hypothesized that altered miRNA signature in aneurysmal tissues could potentially provide insight into aneurysm pathophysiology. Using a high-throughput miRNA microarray screening approach, we compared the miRNA expression pattern in aneurysm tissues obtained during surgery from patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) with control tissues (GEO accession number GSE161870). We found that the expression of 70 miRNAs was altered. Expressions of the top 10 miRNA were validated, by qRT-PCR and results were correlated with clinical characteristics of aSAH patients. The level of 10 miRNAs (miR-24-3p, miR-26b-5p, miR-27b-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-193a-3p, miR-199a-5p, miR-365a-3p/365b-3p, and miR-497-5p) was significantly decreased in patients compared to controls. Expression of miR-125b-5p, miR-143-3p and miR-199a-5p was significantly decreased in patients with poor prognosis and vasospasm. The target genes of few miRNAs were enriched in Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways. We found significant negative correlation between the miRNA and mRNA expression (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2), SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4), MAPK1 and MAPK3) in aneurysm tissues. We suggest that miR-26b, miR-199a, miR-497and miR-365, could target multiple genes in TGF-β and MAPK signaling cascades to influence inflammatory processes, extracellular matrix and vascular smooth muscle cell degradation and apoptosis, and ultimately cause vessel wall degradation and rupture.