bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radial Carboxyterminal Peptides of Tubulin Directly Imaged in Microtubules by Electron Microscopy Tomography Exploiting Emplitude Contrast
Authors: Fera Andrea , Reese Thomas , Zimmerberg Joshua , Sackett Dan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Tubulin carboxyterminal tails (CTT) are peptides of 10-20 amino acids, unstructured and acidic, that vary in sequence between tubulin isotypes and are exposed on the outer surface of microtubules (MTs). These peptides have, so far, eluded direct visualization. In this report, electron microscopy tomography was applied to isolated MTs stained with Uranyl and tungstate salts demonstrated to resist sustained electron beam irradiation. Such resistance of high electron doses allows each electron microscopy image to be recorded with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Corresponding tomograms reconstructed from tilt series at high magnification show exceptional resolution of details, revealing features of average dimension ~ 1 nm without the need of averaging multiple samples. The known three-dimensional structure of the MT wall is apparent. But now images also reveal small stalks on the outer surface of MTs. Inspection of virtual sections demonstrates that the stalks are up to ~2.5 nm long and ~1 nm wide (at half length), protruding every 4 ± 0.8 (22) nm along the microtubule. This spacing corresponds to one stalk per tubulin monomer. The grafting point on each monomer is not random but is positioned at one end of each monomer, identifying that end as toward the (-) end of the MT. The stalks are not observed following CTT removal with subtilisin. We conclude that these stalks are the CTT peptides of tubulin.
HuR targeted by miR-29b-3p suppresses the malignant biological behaviors of AML cells via the NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways
Authors: Tang Yong-Jing , Wu Wei , Chen Qiao-Qian , Liu Shu-Han , Zheng Zhi-Yuan , Cui Zhao-Lei , Xu Jian-Ping , Xue Yan , Lin Dong-Hong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: HuR/ELAVL1 (embryonic lethal abnormal vision 1) protein exerts important prognostic effects of involving in the pathogenesis and development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study aims to investigate the role of HuR targeted by miR-29b-3p in biological behaviors of AML cells and the involvement of the NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Methods: The expressions of HuR and miR-29b-3p were determined using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis, and the association between them was analyzed using the Spearman’s coefficient correlation. Next, the potential relationship between HuR and miR-29b-3p was predicted based on data from different biological information databases and verified by the Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The effect of miR-29b-3p-meidated HuR expressions on the biological behaviors of AML cells was explored after transfecting lentiviruses, mimics, and inhibitors against miR-29b-3p into AML cells. Then, the expression patterns of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected to understand the apoptosis effect of HuR on AML cells. Phosphorylation levels of NF-κB /p65, IκBα, STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 were determined to assess the influence of HuR on AML as well as the relationship between the NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Results: HuR was negatively correlated with miR-29b-3p, which was thereby identified as a downstream target of miR-29b-3p in AML. When miR-29b-3p was overexpressed in AML cells, HuR expression was lowered, accompanied by inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, decreased Bcl-2 and Bax levels, as well as inhibited phosphorylation levels of p65, IκBα, STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5. Conclusion: HuR is a direct target of miR-29b-3p. Lowered HuR protein expression by miR-29b-3p inhibits the malignant biological behaviors of AML cells via the inactivation of the NF-κB and JAK/STAT pathways. Key words: HuR, miR-29b-3p, malignant biological behaviors, the NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, acute myeloid leukemia
Nomogram for Predicting the Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival of Patients with Occult Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Huang Yang-Yu , Ma Guowei , Liang Shen-Hua , Wu Lei-Lei , Liu Xuan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Occult breast cancer is a rare breast tumor, whose prognostic nomogram model has not been established. Thus, we aim to develop and validate a nomogram for evaluating the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with occult breast cancer. Methods: Between 2004 and 2015, 704 eligible occult breast cancer patients were screened from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and then included in the surveillance. They were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 494) and a validation cohort (N = 210). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to explore independent prognostic factors and establish two survival-related nomograms. Area under the curve (AUC), consistency index (C index), internal and external validation calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), Kaplan-Meier analysis, and subgroup analysis were used to evaluate the nomogram. Results: A total of seven variables were considered to be independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS): age, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, Progesterone receptor (PR) status, N stage, number of lymph node examinations, and number of positive lymph nodes. In the training cohort, the OS nomogram-predicted AUC for three, five, and ten years were 0.792, 0.775, and 0.783, respectively, while those of the CSS nomogram were 0.807, 0.817, and 0.812, respectively. The calibration chart showed excellent agreement between the actual and the nomogram-predicted survival rates in both the training and validation cohorts. The C-index values ​​of the OS nomogram in the training and validation cohorts were 0.762 and 0.782, respectively, while those ​​of the CSS nomogram were 0.786 and 0.816, respectively. DCA and subgroup analysis proved the usefulness of nomograms. Conclusion: The developed nomogram provided a comprehensive visual model of the risk of each prognostic factor. It can be conveniently used as a personalized prediction tool for the prognosis of occult breast cancer patients.
A case of trichotillomania with bulimia: combined with N-acetylcysteine synergistic therapy
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Wang Shikai , Hong Xiujuan , Lu shaojia , Tang Sufang , Shen Yue , Feng Ming , Guo Ping , Fang Yu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Trichotillomania is a common type of obsessive-related disorder characterized by repetitive hair pulling, driven by escalating tension before the action and during the attempts to resist it, and causing variable hair loss. Most clinical treatments for trichotillomania have poor curative effects. Case presentationWe treated a case of trichotillomania with bulimia with N-acetylcysteine synergistic treatment. The pathological hair plucking behaviour and binge eating symptoms were both significantly improved.ConclusionThis case suggest that N-acetylcysteine can be one choice as a synergistic or adjuvant treatment for impulse control disorder. Moreover, trichotillomania and bulimia may have a common pathophysiological mechanism.
The Clinical Features and the Factors Affecting Visual Prognosis in Pediatric Open-Globe Injuries
Authors: Öztürk Hakan , Özen Bediz 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate clinical features and factors affecting visual prognosis after pediatric open-globe injuries.Methods: Children with final logMAR-visual acuity (LVA)>0.70 were determined as poor-vision group (group1, n=108) and those with final LVA≤0.70 as good-vision group (group2, n=115). Analyzes were done. Results: Compared to group1, group2 had better initial and final visions (1.21±0.26 vs 0.60±0.28, p<0.001 for initial-LVA; 1.00±0.32 vs 0.30±0.13, p<0.001 for final-LVA), greater ocular trauma score (OTS) (1.72±0.53 vs 3.73±0.61, p=0.025) and smaller injury size (10.4±3.5 vs 5.8±2.4 mm, p=0.002). Globe rupture (37.0% vs 17.4%, p=0.015) and relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) (44.4% vs 17.3%, p=0.037) were higher in group1, while penetrating injury (45.4% vs 72.2%, p=0.044), zone 1 involvement (39.8% vs 65.2%, p=0.038) and metal object injury (29.6% vs 51.3%, p=0.041) were higher in group2. Final LVA (for group1 and group2) was negatively correlated with OTS (r=-0.398, p=0.037; r=-0.369, p=0.040), while positively correlated with injury size (r=0.412, p=0.031; r=0.318, p=0.046) and initial LVA (r=0.335, p=0.043; r=0.402, p=0.034). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating effects of age, time between trauma and surgery, OTS, injury size, follow-up time and initial vision on final poor and good visions in detail. Low OTS, poor initial vision, globe rupture and RAPD were poor prognosis indicators, while small injury size, penetrating injury, zone 1 involvement and metal object injury were good prognosis indicators. Additionally, in both groups final vision worsened as OTS decreased, injury size increased, and initial vision worsened. These prognostic factors may be useful in managing trauma.
How do landscape elements affect public health through the physical neighborhood environmental factors? A cross-sectional study of a subtropical high-density city, Guangzhou
Authors: Fang Yongli , Que Qingmin , Tu Ruoxiang , Liu Yijun , Gao Wei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neighborhood landscapes and environments influence public health through multiple pathways, but few studies have assessed their effects in high-density cities in subtropical monsoon regions, especially mediating pathways of the physical environmental factors.Purpose: Objectives of this study are to explore associations between neighborhood landscape elements and public health in a subtropical high-density urban context, elucidate mediating effects of physical environmental factors, and propose corresponding neighborhood renewal strategies.METHODS: Nine sampling sites were selected in Guangzhou, China, and cross-sectional health data were collected from 438 participating residents using the SF-36 scale. Landscape elements of the neighborhoods, including greenness, blue spaces, walking trail systems, hard open spaces, landscape architecture, and dedicated sports spaces were mapped by unmanned aerial vehicle surveys. Six physical environmental factors were also measured in the surveys: the heat stress index (HSI), relative humidity (RH), average wind speed (AWS), negative oxygen ions (NOI), <2.5 µM particulate matter (PM2.5), illumination (I), and noise (N). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and general linear models were used to explore differences between neighborhoods in landscape elements. Relationships between public health and both landscape elements and physical environmental factors, as well as the mediating pathways involved, were explored by correlation analysis and Mediation analyses.Results: I, RH, HSI, NOI, and PM2.5 were significantly correlated with public health in the neighborhoods, as were greenness, blue spaces, walking trail systems, and hard open spaces. No significant correlations were found between public health and either landscape architecture or dedicated sports spaces. Multiple mediation analysis showed that greenness, blue spaces and hard open spaces significantly affected public health, with mediation by I, HSI and NOI, while walking trail systems had significant effects on public health mediated by I, HSI and NOI, but the total mediation effect was not significant.Conclusion: In subtropical high-density neighborhood, landscape elements have close associations with public health, especially greenness, blue spaces, walking trail systems, and hard open spaces, mainly mediated by effects on light, thermal, and atmospheric environments. Low-quality landscape architecture and space areas do not promote public health. These closely related landscape elements and physical environments need careful attention in community renewal efforts.
Expression of VEGF-A Signaling Pathway in Cartilage of ACLT-Induced Osteoarthritis Mouse Model
Authors: Qian Jiajia , Xu Qi , Xu Wei-min , Cai Ren , Huang Gui-cheng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The clear understanding of the underlying mechanism of Osteoarthritis(OA) remains elusive.Researches have shown that Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor(VEGF) induced angiogenesis and inflammation were important processes in the pathophysiology of OA.Now, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection surgery(ACLT) induced OA model was often used to invesgate the molecular mechanism of OA,but till now the angiogenesis and inflammation reaction in different pathological stages of ACLT-induced OA model has never been revealed.Methods:Moderate OA model was established by ACLT,and 1,2,4,8 and 12 weeks after surgery, Hematoxylin–eosin(HE) and Safranin-O(S-O) staining were used to detect the pathological changes in mouse knee cartilage,and the matrix biomarkers A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs 5(ADAMTS5), Collagen II(COL-II) were detected using Immunohistochemistry (IHC),CD31 was detected by Immunofluorescence(IF) to show the vascular invasion in cartilage,and proteins expression of VEGF-A pathway were detected by Western blot(WB).Meanwhile the inflammatory biomarkers Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase(Inos) in cartilage were detected by WB.Results:ACLT surgery can lead to degeneration of cartilage in mice,and the characteristics of the lesion were time dependent.The ADAMTS5 positive cells increased while COL-II decreased in OA cartilage with time,new blood vessel labeled by CD31 can been seen from 1 week in OA cartilage,and increased in 8 and 12 weeks.The expression of VEGF-A,VEGFR2,COX-2 and iNOS were higher than control groups,which were basically consistent with the degree of osteoarthritis.Conclusions:VEGF-A related signaling pathway played an irreplaceable role in the occurrence and development of ACLT model,and the underlying mechanism may be related to the angiogenesis and inflammation in cartilage.
Novel mutations identified from whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from Noakhali, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Maqsud , Huq Tahrima Saiha , Rahman Aura , Islam Md. Aminul , Tabassum Syeda Naushin , Hasan Kazi Nadim , Khaleque Abdul , Sadique Abdus , Hossain Mohammad Salim , Bahadur Newaz Mohammed , Ahmed Firoz , Reza Hasan Mahmud 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Whole-genome sequencing is increasingly being used to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of viral pathogens including the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Variant 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we determined 55 complete genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 strains isolated from patients from Noakhali, a South-Eastern district in Bangladesh. Variant analysis of our sequenced genomes identified sixteen rare variations in S, six in N, two in M, one in E protein and the S protein variation, Y204F, identified in two of our sequenced strains, has not been reported from any other countries in the GISAID database. Comparison of the prevalence pattern across the country showed GH clade lineages B.1.36 and B.1.36.16 to be abundant in Noakhali and the South-Eastern region of Chittagong when compared to the rest of the country. Phylodynamic analysis of our sequenced genomes revealed that the virus was estimated to be evolving at the rate of 1.065 X 10− 4 subs/site/year. The study results demonstrated the necessity of initiating a concerted, country-wide genomics surveillance effort to determine any novel mutation of functional significance, understanding virus evolution, transmission, and spread in Bangladesh. Short running title: Genome sequencing of Noakhali isolates SARS-Cov-2 in Bangladesh
Opportunities for Competitive Advantage in the Value Created by Primary Health Care Institutions in Lithuania: Is Competitiveness Dependent on the Form of Ownership?
Authors: Budrevičiūtė Aida , Kalėdienė Ramunė , Valius Leonas 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background.In the face of competition between primary health care institutions (PHCIs), attempts are made to gain a competitive advantage in the market by creating greater value for patients. Applying and developing the professional skills of medical staff (family physicians and nurses) is important both in providing value to patients and in pursuit of the competitiveness of the institution. Little research has been conducted on whether the form of a PHCI’s ownership is a factor of its competitive advantage. The aim of the study.To determine opportunities for competitive advantage in the management of value creation in public and private primary health care institutions by using the method of focus group discussion with managers.Methods.Focus group discussions were held in 10 Lithuanian counties, and 10 focus group sessions were carried out overall. A total of 48 primary health care managers were interviewed.Results.The competitive advantage of a PHCI depends on its form of ownership, which makes for unfair competitive conditions. A competitive advantage is created by factors such as: the variety of services available; the health care policy in action; the function of the manager; the professionalism of the staff; and the location of the institution. Medical staff have the same opportunities to express and develop their professional skills in public and private PHCIs, but private institutions attract the most skilled staff because they have the resources to increase their motivation.Conclusions.The managers of PHCIs indicated that the competitive advantage depends on the form of ownership. In management science this study and the results can be a basis for the health care reform development and the foundation for new theories.
Impact of hip abductor and adductor strength on dynamic balance and ankle biomechanics in young elite female basketball players.
Authors: Fernando Domínguez-Navarro , Benitez-Martínez Josep Carles , Luna-Ricart Borja , Cotolí-Suárez Pedro , Blasco-Igual Jose María , Casaña-Granell Jose 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Muscles weakness can affect to injury risk, in lower limb hip abductor (ABD) and adductor (AD) muscles have not been elucidated how affect in female basketball players, such as balance and ankle mobility. This study aimed to investigate hip ABD and AD strength and their relation in balance and ankle dorsiflexion mobility in young elite female basketball players. Observational study in a total of 60 trainee-level elite female basketball players (13–17 years old) were included. Hip ABD and AD isometric strength values were collected. The correlation study showed that hip ABD strength had a low-moderate correlation with balance and ankle mobility in the homolateral and contralateral leg, while there was a low-moderate correlation between hip AD strength and balance and ankle mobility only in the homolateral leg. On the other hand, the ABD-AD ratio was not found to correlate with balance or mobility scores, nor the degree of muscle imbalance between legs. Hip ABD and AD strength affects balance and ankle mobility in trainee level female basketball players. These findings should thus be taken into consideration when designing strategies aimed at reducing the risk of limb injury, which has a high prevalence in women's basketball.
Corneal epithelial map after Photorefractive Keratectomy with and without mitomycin-C
Authors: Amirreza Shaabani , Mahmoud Jabbarvand , Ahad Shahbazi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To compare epithelial thickness before and after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with and without mitomycin-C (MMC).Methods: Forty eyes treated with PRK for low myopia (less than -4.00 D) and low astigmatism (less than -2.00) were included in this interventional case series. The right eye of each patient assigned to receive intraoperative topical MMC% 0.02 for 15 to 30 seconds and other eye received equally balanced salt solution (control group). Epithelial thickness profile was analyzed before and 6 months postoperatively.Results: Epithelial thickness map was analyzed in superior and inferior of the cornea within central 7 mm diameter. Maximum and minimum thickness was measured and the data were compared before and after PRK. The Superior, the inferior and the maximum epithelial thickness were significantly increased after surgery in both groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in epithelial thickness profile between case and control group at baseline and 6-month post PRK. Final distance corrected visual acuity was similar in two groups. No case of corneal haze was observed during 6 months follow up visits.Conclusion: Intraoperative MMC% 0.02 in PRK for low myopia patients did not change the epithelial thickness profile and refractive results, when compared with matched control eyes in 6 months follow up. It seems that MMC doesn’t have a statistically significant impact in epithelial remodeling based on this data set.
Comparative study of multiple breast cancer screening methods in the evaluation of breast non-mass-like lesions
Authors: Zhang Jianxing , Cai Lishang , Chen Ling , Yan Dan , Zhuang Shulian , Liu Jia , Lai Yunsi , Huang Wenyuan , Yuan Yuyan , Luo Liangping , Chen Miao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective: To compare multiple breast cancer screening methods for evaluating breast non-mass-like lesions (NMLs) and to investigate the best screening method for breast non-mass-like lesions (NMLs). Methods: This retrospective study examined 253 patients aged 24 to 68 years who were diagnosed with breast NMLs from April 2017 to December 2019. All lesions were evaluated by MG, HHUS, and ABUS to determine BI-RADS classification, underwent pathological examination within six months or at least 2 years of follow-up. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) of MG, HHUS, and ABUS features in the prediction of malignancy were compared. Independent risk factors for malignancy were assessed using non-conditional logistic regression. Results: MG, HHUS, and ABUS findings significantly differed between benign and malignant breast NML, including internal echo, hyperechoic spot, peripheral blood flow, internal blood flow, catheter change, peripheral change, coronal features of ABUS, and structural distortion, asymmetry, and calcification in MG. ABUS was superior to MG and HHUS in sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, as well as in evaluating the necessity of biopsy and accuracy in identifying malignancy. MG was superior to HHUS in specificity, PPV, and accuracy in evaluating the need for biopsy. HHUS was distinctly superior to MG in sensitivity and NPV in determining malignancy; however, specificity, PPV, and accuracy were similar. Moreover, internal blood flow, calcification, and coronal plane feature were independent risk factors in distinguishing benign and malignant lesions. Conclusions: ABUS was superior to HHUS and MG in evaluating the need for biopsy and differentiating benign and malignant in breast NMLs. Compared to each other, HHUS and MG had their own relative advantages. Internal blood flow, calcification, and coronal plane feature were independent risk factors in identifying benign and malignant lesions.