bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Serosal Extracellular Mapping of the Human Distal Colon: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Lin Anthony Y , Varghese Chris , Du Peng , Wells Cameron Iain , Paskaranandavadivel Niranchan , Gharibans Armen A , Erickson Jonathan C , Bissett Ian P , O’Grady Greg 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background:Cyclic motor patterns (CMP) are the predominant motor pattern in the distal colon, and are important in both health and disease. Their origin, mechanism and relation to bioelectrical slow-waves remain incompletely understood. During abdominal surgery, an increase in the CMP occurs in the distal colon. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of detecting propagating slow waves and spike waves in the distal human colon through intraoperative, high-resolution (HR), serosal electrical mapping. Methods:HR electrical recordings were obtained from the distal colon using validated flexible PCB arrays (6 x 16 electrodes; 4 mm inter-electrode spacing; 2.4 cm2, 0.3 mm diameter) for up to 15 minutes. Passive unipolar signals were obtained and analysed.Results:Eleven patients (33-71 years; six females) undergoing colorectal surgery under general anaesthesia (4 with epidurals) were recruited. After artifact removal and comprehensive manual and automated analytics, events consistent with regular propagating activity between 2-6 cpm were not identified in any patient. Intermittent clusters of spike-like activities lasting 10-180 s with frequencies of each cluster ranging between 24-42 cpm, and an average amplitude of 0.54 ± 0.37 mV were recorded.Conclusions:Intra-operative colonic serosal mapping in humans is feasible, but unlike in the stomach and small bowel, revealed no regular propagating electrical activity, although sporadic, synchronous spike-wave events were identifiable. Alternative techniques are required to characterise the mechanisms underlying the hyperactive CMP observed in the intra- and post-operative period.
Components of Responsive Health Research System in COVID-19 Crisis: Lessons Learned by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Kharazmi Erfan , Ostovar Sedigheh 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a major challenge to health systems all over the world. All countries have realized that they have no choice but to apply research findings to achieve real growth and development and solve their problems.Method: A descriptive and analytical type of study was conducted with the help of experts in the field of health research. The components affecting the research system were obtained via process approach and content analysis method, and then the position of each component was identified by Mic Mac technique.Results: Seventeen influential structural components on the health research system were identified. The leadership and management component had the most direct and indirect impact among other components. The health promotion component had a greater impact than other components.Conclusion: All health systems need to provide adequate financial resources and manpower to provide a useful research system. Human resources are the most important inputs to such a system. Components of the research process, research Sustainability, quality, or innovation in researches can play a balancing role. The existence of appropriate infrastructures for the creation, transfer, development, and access to knowledge makes it possible to produce systematic science; it can be hoped that this science will be used in other outputs of the health research system, such as effectiveness or health promotion.
Sex-dependent effect on the association of COMT Val158Met polymorphism with schizophrenia clinical symptoms and cognitive impairment
Authors: Xu Hang , Zhou Yongjie , Wang Jiesi , Xiu Meihong , Chen Dachun , Wang Weiwen , Wang Li , Zhang Xiangyang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphism is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, which is related to the regulation of dopamine transmission in the prefrontal cortex. Recent studies have shown that the influence of COMT Val158Met variation is sexually dimorphic. This study aims to explore the possible effect of the interaction between COMT Val158Met polymorphism and sex on patients’ clinical characteristics and cognitive function. 367 inpatients with chronic schizophrenia (246 males and 121 females) and 419 healthy controls (172 males and 247 females) are recruited. The cognitive performances are assessed by Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), and the COMT Val158Met polymorphism is genotyped. The psychopathological symptoms of the patients are assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). We find that: 1) sex difference in the allele frequency and genotype distribution of COMT Val158Met are found only in schizophrenia patients; 2) there is sex × COMT genotype interaction in positive symptoms, immediate memory, attention, and RBANS total score indexes in patients with schizophrenia; 3) mainly in the male patients’ sample, Val/Val carriers exhibit more positive symptoms and more severe cognitive impairment than Met carriers. These findings suggest that COMT Val158Met polymorphism is associated with the risk and severity of schizophrenia in a sexually dimorphic way, which is helpful to understand the factors that may lead to different manifestations of male and female patients with schizophrenia.
WITHDRAWN: Identification of Hub Genes related to the Progression of Bladder Cancer by an Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wang Han , Chen Jieqing , Liao Xinhui , Liu Yang , Tang Aifa , Mei Hongbing 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND and OBJECTIVE: A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying bladder cancer is necessary to identify candidate therapeutic targets. METHODS: We screened for genes associated with bladder cancer progression and prognosis. Publicly available expression data were obtained from TCGA and GEO to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between bladder cancer and normal bladder tissues. Weighted co-expression networks were constructed, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Associations between hub genes and immune infiltration and immune therapy were evaluated. RESULTS: 3461 DEGs in TCGA-BC and 1069 DEGs in the GSE dataset were identified, with 87 overlapping differentially expressed genes between the bladder cancer and normal bladder groups. Hub genes in the tumour group were mainly enriched for cell proliferation-related GO terms and KEGG pathways, while hub genes in the normal group were related to the synthesis and secretion of neurotransmitters. PPI networks for the genes identified in the normal and tumour groups were constructed. Based on a survival analysis, CDH19, RELN, PLP1, and TRIB3 were significantly associated with prognosis (P < 0.05). Four hub genes were significantly enriched in the MAPK signalling pathway, VEGF signalling pathway, WNT signalling pathway, cell cycle, and P53 signalling pathway based on a gene set enrichment analysis; these genes were associated with immune infiltration levels in bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: CDH19, RELN, PLP1, and TRIB3 may play important roles in the development of bladder cancer and are potential therapeutic and prognostic targets.
CD8-Positive T cells and CD204-Positive M2 Macrophages Predict Postoperative Prognosis of Very High-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yanai Yoshinori , Kosaka Takeo , Mikami Shuji , Hongo Hiroshi , Yasumizu Yota , Takeda Toshikazu , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Miyauchi Jun , Kitano Shigehisa , Oya Mototsugu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
To stratify the heterogeneity of prostate cancer (PCa) with seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) immunologically after radical prostatectomy (RP) focusing on the tumor microenvironment. We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological data of 71 PCa patients with SVI, which is known as a factor of very high risk PCa. Preoperative clinical variables and postoperative pathological variables were evaluated as predictors of BCR with a multivariate logistic regression. Immune cell infiltration including the CD8-positive cell (CD8+ cell) and CD204-positive M2 macrophage (CD204+ cell) was investigated by immunohistochemistry. The cumulative incidence and risk of BCR were assessed with a Kaplan–Meier analysis and competing risks regression. A higher CD8+ cell count in the SVI area significantly indicated a favorable prognosis for cancers with SVI (p = 0.004). A lower CD204+ cell count in the SVI area also significantly indicated a favorable prognosis for cancers with SVI (p = 0.004). Furthermore, the combination of the CD8+ and CD204+ cell infiltration ratio of the SVI area to the main tumor area was a significant factor for BCR in the patients with the PCa with SVI (p = 0.001). In PCa patients with SVI, the combination of CD8+ and CD204+ cell infiltration is useful to predict the prognosis.
Stem Cell Pathways and Notch Signalling an Emerging Role in the Development of Acquired Drug Resistance in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Clark-Corrigal John , Zaka Masood , Myssina Svetlana , Michaelis Martin , Cinatl Jindrich , Ahmed Shafiq , Carr-Wilkinson Jane 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundNeuroblastoma is a paediatric tumour that develops from embryonal neural crest cells that give rise to the sympathetic nervous system. Aggressive high-risk disease remains a clinical challenge and despite multi-modal therapy, survival rates are poor. Most neuroblastomas initially respond well to induction chemotherapy however, 50-60% of patients with high risk disease will relapse with aggressive disease. A major obstacle in the successful treatment of this disease is the development of acquired resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. We hypothesize that aggressive neuroblastomas acquire a more immature phenotype and an increase in expression stem cell related genes. MethodsThis study investigates the role of stem cell related genes in the development of acquired drug resistance using Q- Real Time PCR and bioinformatics analysis on three-paired vincristine sensitive and resistant cell lines. Results: The study outlines 11 differentially expressed genes with several targets involved in stem cell development, differentiation and the notch signalling pathway. ConclusionsThe findings implicated in this study, which include comparative analysis against patient microarray data, warrants further study on the functional effects of these genes/pathways to elucidate their role in acquired drug resistance.
Climate Change in the Western Balkans and Eu Green Deal – Coherence, Challenges, and Perspective
Authors: Knez Sandi , Štrbac Snežana , Podbregar Iztok 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The European Commission (EC), based on the European Green Deal (2019) and the Recovery plan for Europe (2021) envisages investing 30% of the budget in climate-related programs, projects, and initiatives, which clearly shows Europe's commitment to becoming the first climate-neutral region by 2050. Activities are also planned for countries that are not members of the European Union (EU), which requires complex changes in the field of legislation, strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring. To successfully plan short-term and long-term activities on these grounds, it is necessary to have a realistic picture of the state of climate change in each country - as they spill over into the entire region of Europe. The main objective of this paper is to present the state of climate change in six Western Balkans countries, of which only Croatia is a member of the EU, for the needs of planning activities and initial harmonization with the EU plan to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050. Results: The main results of the research show that in all countries of the region, the average annual temperature increased by 1.2 °C compared to 1970, with stabilization and the beginning of the decline which can be expected around 2040. The main reasons for climate change in the region are: industry, energy, and heating sector based on coal exploitation, low energy efficiency, etc. Conclusions: It can be concluded that all countries of the Western Balkans have adopted (or are in the process of adopting) the necessary regulations and strategies towards climate change mitigation, but the implementation of specific activities is at a low level. The reasons for this most often lies in the insufficient commitment of decision-makers to make significant changes in the field of climate change transition (lower level of economic development, lack of investment, preservation of social peace). Finally, the paper provides an overview of climate change by country, scenario analysis, and policy recommendations.
Aerobic Exercise Upregulates DNA Methylation of Agtr1a and Mas1 Genes to Improve Mesenteric Arterial Function in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Chen Yu , Li Shanshan , Xu Zhaoxia , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Huirong , Shi Lijun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The imbalance between vasoconstrictive axis and vasodilative axis of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Exercise modulates components of the RAS and influences vascular function. This study aimed to investigate the balance of RAS axes and the mechanism of DNA methylation of the Agtr1a (AT1aR) and Mas1 (MasR) genes in aerobic exercise-induced improvement of the function of mesenteric arteries (MAs) in hypertension. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were subjected to exercise training or kept sedentary. Plasma RAS peptides, vascular function, and molecular properties were assessed. Aerobic exercise significantly decreased blood pressure in SHR. Plasma levels of RAS peptides increased in SHR, and the level of Ang II was much higher than Ang-(1–7), whereas exercise efficiently inhibited this inappropriate increase. In addition, Ang II-induced maximal contraction of MAs is largely through Type 1 angiotensin receptors (AT1R), while Mas receptor (MasR) inhibits this contribution. Exercise effectively suppressed hypertension-associated mRNA and protein expression upregulation of AT1R and MasR and increased MasR/AT1R ratio in SHR by triggering hypermethylation of Agtr1a and Mas1 genes, with increasing DNMT1 and DNMT3b protein expression and ratio of SAM/SAH. These findings suggest that aerobic exercise alleviates vascular tone by upregulating the methylation status of the Agtr1a and Mas1 genes and inhibiting the imbalanced increase in the vasoconstrictive and vasodilative axes during hypertension.
The effect of Broussonetia papyrifera invasion on the regeneration of selected native timber species in a tropical moist forest in Uganda
Authors: Ssemanda Davis Mark , Ssekuubwa Enock 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Broussonetia papyrifera has been identified as one of the top invasive species in some African tropical forests with potentially devastating impacts on the conservation and timber production potential of the forests. This study determined the effect of B. papyrifera on the regeneration of selected native timber species in Mabira Forest Reserve, Uganda. The abundance, basal area and population structure of the timber species were compared between areas invaded and uninvaded by B. papyrifera. Employing a complete randomized block design, a total of forty plots (30 x 30 m each), and equally distributed between invaded and uninvaded areas with similar habitat conditions were surveyed. Counts of seedlings were recorded and diameter of saplings and trees measured. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the abundance, tree basal area and size class distributions of the selected species. The study revealed that the effects of B. papyrifera invasion vary depending on the growth stage and species studied. Overall, B. papyrifera invasion significantly reduced tree abundance and basal area, and suppressed the regeneration of some but not all the selected species. Our results demonstrate that if the spread of B. papyrifera is not abated, it will lower the conservation and timber production potential of tropical forests. Therefore, we call for interventions to control the spread of B. papyrifera to the uninvaded parts of the forests and halt its multiplication in invaded areas so as to enhance the regeneration and growth of timber species.
Using outbreak data to estimate the dynamic COVID-19 landscape in Eastern Africa
Authors: Wamalwa Mark , Tonnang Henri E.Z. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic presents a serious health threat to African countries and the livelihoods of its people. To mitigate the impact of this disease, these countries implemented intervention measures including self-isolation, the closure of schools, banning of public gatherings, social distancing and border closures. Several epidemiological models have been used to improve our understanding of COVID-19 trajectory. This has helped inform decisions about pandemic planning, resource allocation, implementation of other non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). This study presents estimates of the cases and fatalities due to COVID-19 and attempts to forecast the impact of governmental interventions in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. .MethodsWe used time series COVID-19 case and mortality data collated from the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) repository and an extended susceptible-infected-removed (eSIR) compartmental model incorporating quarantine and vaccination compartments to account for transmission dynamics and vaccine-induced immunity over time. The predication accuracy was evaluated using the root mean square error and mean absolute error.ResultsThe number of new and confirmed cases show an exponential trend since March 02 2020. The mean basic reproductive number (R0) was between 1.32 (95% CI, 1.17 - 1.49) in Rwanda and 8.52 (95% CI: 3.73 - 14.10) in Kenya, under exponential growth. There would be a total of 115,505 (95% CI:109,999 - 121,264), 7,072,584 (6,945,505 - 7,203,084), 18,248,566(18,100,299 - 18,391,438), 410,599 (399,776 - 421528), 386,020 (376,478 - 396244), 107,265 (95,757 - 119982), 3,145,602 (3,089,070 - 3205017) infected cases under the current country blockade by January 16/2022 in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda respectively. We show that the low apparent morbidity and mortality observed in EACs, is likely biased by underestimation of infected and mortality cases.ConclusionThe current NPI measures can effectively reduce further spread of COVID-19 and should be strengthened. The observed reduction in R0 is consistent with intervention measures implemented in EACs, in particular, lockdowns and roll-out of vaccination programmes. Future work should account for the negative impact of the interventions to the economy and food systems.
A New Non-Centrosymmetricorganotin (IV) Hybrid Compound C5H14N2 [SnCl6] 2H2O: Crystal Structure And Optical Study Characterization
Authors: Hannachi Nejeh , ROISNEL Thierry , HLEL Faouzi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A new non-centrosymmetricorganotin (IV) hybrid compoundC5H14N2 [SnCl6] 2H2O was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction at 150(2) K. Its crystal structure was solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction reveling that compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with Pbca space group with the following lattice parameters: a = 12.1486 (15) Å, b= 15.4571 (17) Å, c = 16.7610 (18) Å with Z = 8. The bonding between inorganic and organic entities in the compounds is realized by hydrogen bonding O−H…O ,O−H…Cl , NH • • • Cl, N-H…Cl and O−H…Cl. Finally,UV-visible absorption measurements exhibit two absorption bands (226 nm and 262 nm).The optical band gap (Eg) is deduced to be 3.46 Ev.
On The Stability of Triangular Janus MoSSe Quantum-Dots: Shape and Size Effects
Authors: Paez-Ornelas J. I. , Ponce-Perez R. , Fernández-Escamilla H. N. , Hoat D. M. , Murillo-Bracamontes E. A. , Armenta Ma Guadalupe Moreno , Galván Donald H. , Guerrero-Sánchez J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Asymmetric Janus transition metal dichalcogenide MoSSe is a promising catalytic material due to the intrinsic in-plane dipole of its opposite faces. The atomic description of the structures observed by experimental techniques is relevant to tune and optimize the reaction processes on its surfaces. Furthermore, the experimentally observed triangular morphologies in MoSSe suggest that an analysis of the chemical environment of its edges is vital to understand its reactivity. Here we analyze the size-shape stability among different triangular structures-quantum dots-proposed from the ideal S(-1010) and Mo(10-10) terminations. Our stability analysis evidenced that the S-Se termination is more stable than Mo; moreover, as the size of the quantum dot increases, its stability increases as well. Besides, a trend is observed, with the appearance of elongated Mo-S/Se bonds at symmetric positions of the edges. Tersoff-Hamann scanning tunneling microscopy images for both faces of the stablest models are presented. Electrostatic potential isosurfaces denote that the basal plane on the S face of both configurations remains the region with more electron density concentration. These results point toward the differentiated activity over both faces. Finally, our study denotes the exact atomic arrangement on the edges of MoSSe quantum dots corresponding with the formation of S/Se dimmers who decorates the edges and their role along with the faces as catalytic sites.
Nomogram to Predict the Risk of Postoperative Anxiety and Depression in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Hu Zhiqiao , Zhang Hao , Wang Jiaqi , Xiong Huan , Liu Yunxiao , Zhu Yihao , Chang Zewen , Hu Hanqing , Tang Qingchao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
To develop and validate the risk nomogram to predict the likelihood of postoperative anxiety and depression in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. A total of 602 CRC patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were included in the study and divided into development set and validation set with the 2: 1 ratio randomly. Logistic regression model was used to determine independent factors contributing to postoperative anxiety and depression, which were subsequently applied to build the nomogram for predicting postoperative anxiety and depression. The performance of the risk nomogram was appraised by the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), calibration curves and decision curve analyses (DCA). Gender, marital status, income, TNM stage and ECOG score were significant indicators for postoperative anxiety and depression. The AUCs of the development and validation sets were 0.696 and 0.677 for postoperative anxiety nomogram, and 0.710 and 0.699 for postoperative depression nomogram. Additionally, calibration curves and decision curve analyses also determined the reliable clinical importance of the proposed nomogram. The current study constructed the risk nomogram for postoperative anxiety and depression, and could help clinicians perform targeted psychological intervention for high-risk patients.