bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single cell RNA-seq data and bulk gene profiles reveal a novel signature of disease progression in multiple myeloma
Authors: Zeng Zhiyong , Lin Junfang , Zhang Kejie , Guo Xizhe , Zheng Xiaoqiang , Yang Apeng , Chen Junmin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

The development of multiple myeloma (MM) is considered to involve a multistep transformation process, but the role of cytogenetic abnormalities and molecular alterations in determining the cell fate of multiple myeloma (MM) remains unclear. Here, we have analyzed single cell RNA-seq data and bulk gene profiles to reveal a novel signature associated with MM development.
Methods

The scRNA-seq data from GSE118900 was used to profile the transcriptomes of cells from MM patients at different stages. Pseudotemporal ordering of the single cells was performed using Monocle package to feature distinct transcriptomic states of the developing MM cells. The bulk microarray profiles fromGSE24080 and GSE9782 were applied to identify a signature associated with MM development.
Results

The 597 cells were divided into 7 clusters according to different risk levels. They were initiated mainly from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), newly diagnosed MM (NDMM), or relapsed and/or refractory myeloma (RRMM) with cytogenetically favorable t(11;14), moved towards the cells from smoldering MM (SMM) or NDMM without t(11;14) or t(4;14), and then finally to cells from SMM or RRMM with t(4;14). Based on the markers identified in the late stage, the bulk data was used to develop a 20-gene signature stratifying patients into high and low-risk groups (GSE24080: HR = 3.759, 95% CI 2.746–5.145; GSE9782: HR = 2.612, 95% CI 1.894–3.603), which was better than the previously published gene signatures (EMC92, UAMS70, and UAMS17) and International Staging System. This signature also succeeded in predicting the clinical outcome of patients treated with bortezomib (HR = 2.884, 95% CI = 1.994–4.172, P = 1.89e-8). The 20 genes were further verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using samples obtained from the patients with MM.
Conclusion

Our comprehensive analyses offered new insights in MM development, and established a 20-gene signature as an independent biomarker for MM.
Association of epicardial fat thickness with left ventricular diastolic function parameters in a community population
Authors: Ma Wei , Zhang Baowei , Yang Ying , Qi Litong , Zhou Jin , Li Min , Jia Jia , Zhang Yan , Yong Huo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose

We examined the relationship between EFT measured by echocardiography and LV diastolic function parameters in a Beijing community population.
Methods

We included 1004 participants in this study. Echocardiographic parameters including E and A peak velocity, the early diastolic velocities (e’) of the septal and lateral of mitral annulus using tissue doppler imaging, E/e’, and EFT, were measured. EFT1 was measured perpendicularly on the right ventricular free wall at end-diastole in the extension line of the aortic root. EFT2 was the maximum thickness measured perpendicularly on the right ventricular free wall at end-diastole. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between EFT and the mean e’ and E/e’.
Results

The mean age of the participants was 63.91 ± 9.02 years old (51.4% men). EFT1 and EFT2 were negatively correlated with e’ lat, e’ sep, and e’ mean (p < 0.05), and positively correlated with E/e’ lat, E/e’ sep, and E/e’ mean. Multivariate regression analysis showed that EFT1 and EFT2 were independently and negatively correlated with e’ mean (EFT1: β = −0.089 [95% confidence interval = − 0.177, − 0.000, p = 0.050]; EFT2: β = −0.078 [95% confidence interval = − 0.143, − 0.012, p = 0.020]). There were no interactions between EFT and any covariates, including age or heart groups, sex, BMI, or presence of hypertension, diabetes, or coronary heart disease in relation to LV diastolic dysfunction.
Conclusions

EFT was negatively and independently correlated with e’ mean, suggesting that more attention to this type of adipose fat is required for cardiovascular disease therapy.
Epidemiology of dengue virus infections in Nepal, 2006–2019
Authors: Rijal Komal Raj , Adhikari Bipin , Ghimire Bindu , Dhungel Binod , Pyakurel Uttam Raj , Shah Prakash , Bastola Anup , Lekhak Binod , Banjara Megha Raj , Pandey Basu Dev , Parker Daniel M. , Ghimire Prakash 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Dengue is one of the newest emerging diseases in Nepal with increasing burden and geographic spread over the years. The main objective of this study was to explore the epidemiological patterns of dengue since its first outbreak (2006) to 2019 in Nepal.Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis that covers the last 14 years (2006–2019) of reported dengue cases from Epidemiology Diseases Control Division (EDCD), Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal. Reported cases were plotted over time and maps of reported case incidence were generated (from 2016 through 2019). An ecological analysis of environmental predictors of case incidence was conducted using negative binomial regression.Results: While endemic dengue has been reported in Nepal since 2006, the case load has increased over time and in 2019 a total of 17 992 dengue cases were reported from 68 districts (from all seven provinces). Compared to the case incidence in 2016, incidence was approximately five times higher in 2018 [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 4.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5 – 15.3] and over 140 times higher in 2019 (IRR: 141.6; 95% CI: 45.8 – 438.4). A one standard deviation increase in elevation was associated with a 90% decrease in reported case incidence (IRR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.01 – 0.20). However, the association between elevation and reported cases varied across the years. In 2018 there was a cluster of cases reported from high elevation Kaski District of Gandaki Province. Our results suggest that dengue infections are increasing in magnitude and expanding out of the lowland areas to higher elevations over time.Conclusions: There is a high risk of dengue outbreak in the lowland Terai region, with increasing spread towards the mid-mountains and beyond as seen over the last 14 years. Urgent measures are required to increase the availability of diagnostics and resources to mitigate future dengue epidemics.
Gly-tRF Enhances LCSCs-Like Cells Stemness and Promotes EMT of HCC Cells via Targeting NDFIP2 and Activating AKT Signaling Pathway.
Authors: Zhou Yongqiang , Hu Jinjing , Liu Lu , Yan Mengchao , Zhang Qiyu , Song Xiaojing , Lin Yan , Zhu Dan , Wei Yongjian , Fu Zongli , Hu Liming , Chen Yue , Li Xun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The existence of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) and the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are generally considered to be the primary causes for migration and metastasis of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Accumulating evidences demonstrate that tRFs and tiRNAs, are an emerging category of regulatory RNA molecules derived from transfer RNA (tRNA), are dysregulated in in various human cancer types and play crucial roles. However, their impact on tumorigenesis is still in the exploratory stage, their roles and mechanisms in HCC and LCSCs are still unknown.Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression of glycine tRNA-derived fragments (Gly-tRF) in HCC cell lines and tumor tissues. Inhibitor and mimic were performed to weaken and enhance the function of Gly-tRF. Flow cytometry and sphere formation assay to detect the representative surface markers (CD133, CD13, EpCAM, CD44) proportion and stemness of LCSCs. Transwell assay and scratched wound assay were performed to detect HCC cells migration. Western blot was used to detect the expression of EMT-related proteins. Dual luciferase reporter assay and signaling pathway analysis were performed to explore the underlying mechanism of Gly-tRF functions.Results: Gly-tRF is highly expressed in HCC cell lines and tumor tissues, compared to L02 hepatocytes and adjacent normal tissues. Flow cytometry and sphere formation assay found that Gly-tRF mimic promotes LCSCs subpopulation proportion and LCSCs-like cells stemness. Next, functional experiments confirmed that Gly-tRF mimic promotes HCC cells migration and EMT. Consistently, Loss of Gly-tRF inhibits HCC cells migration and EMT. Mechanistically, Gly-tRF inhibits the level of NDFIP2 mRNA by binding to the NDFIP2 3′ UTR. Importantly, overexpression of NDFIP2 can weaken the effect of Gly-tRF in promoting LCSCs-like cells sphere formation and HCC cells migration, NDFIP2 is the direct target of Gly-tRF. Signaling pathway exploration found that Gly-tRF enhances the abundance of phosphorylated AKT.Conclusions: Gly-tRF promotes EMT of HCC cells and enhances LCSCs-like cells stemness via targeting NDFIP2 and activating AKT signaling pathway. The tRNA-derived fragments provide a new perspective of oncology research, and can be the direction of future oncology research.
Correlation between IL-28 Polymorphism and Spontaneous Clearance in HCV Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Miri Hamid Heidarian , Fazeli Pooria , Ali-Hassanzadeh Mohammad , Bemani Peyman , Kabelitz Dieter , kalantar kurosh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious global health issue. Nearly 20% of HCV patients spontaneous clear the virus. While some studies have shown the association of spontaneous clearance (SC) of the virus with Interleukin (IL) 28B single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), others didn't show such a relationship. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the association of IL28B polymorphisms (12979860 SNP) and SC of HCV infection. Upon initial screening of the databases, a total of 545 articles were retrieved, of which 22 studies that met predefined eligibility criteria were entered into the meta-analysis. Odds ratios (OR) with its confidence intervals (95% CI), heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis were assessed. According to the meta-analysis results, a significant association was observed between the rs12979860 SNP and SC of HCV infection. The results indicated that the ORs of SC from hepatitis C virus infection were 2.75 times higher in those with cytokine gene polymorphisms, 95% CI (2.23 to 3.38). Moreover, it was found that the prevalence of rs12979860 CC was 0.33 with 95 CI (0.28–0.38) in genotype one and was 0.40 with 95 CI (0.34–0.47) in other genotypes. Our meta-analysis results suggest that IL28B rs12979860 CC is a strong predictor for SC of hepatitis C infection in PEG IFN-a/RBV-treated patients.
Current Practices On Diagnosis And Management Of Women With Vulvodynia
Authors: Bardin Marcela Grigol , Giraldo Paulo César , Fante Júlia Ferreira , Araujo Camila Carvalho , Cyr Marie Pierre , Marques Andrea Andrade 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis: To describe clinical characteristics, previous medical assessment, past treatments and vulvar pain relief among women with vulvodynia.Methods: Brazilian women with vulvodynia (n=144) were assessed for vaginal infection and vulvar pain intensity by means of a cotton swab test based on a numerical rate scale (NRS). All women answered the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire and a structured instrument about present vulvar symptoms and previously experienced treatments. Vulvar pain relief achieved with previous treatments was qualified through a 4-point Likert-scale.Results: Previous vulvar pain duration was 5.8 (±4) years. More than 50% consulted with three or more physicians and 49% remained without a conclusive diagnosis. Diagnosis and treatment vulvovaginal infection was very common. The most commonly used treatments were lubricants (66%), topical anesthetics (36%) and vulvar care techniques (36%). All of then provided only low pain relief. Physical therapy and oral gabapentin provided strong vulvar pain relief.Conclusion: Prolonged duration of vulvar pain, multiple visits to healthcare professionals and poor relief of pain are common aspects in the clinical history of women with vulvodynia. Vulvovaginal symptoms other than pain are common, highlighting the importance of the screening tests in order to avoid misdiagnosis.Brief summary: Women suffering with vulvodynia symptoms are frequently missdiagnosed. This study described symptoms, diagnosis and treatment received by women with chronic vulvar pain.
Influence of Si Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Behaviour of Mg-5sn-3zn-1mn Alloy
Authors: G Sundarraju , K.R Thankathurai , C Anand Charman 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The microstructural, mechanical behaviour of Mg-5Sn-3Zn-1Mn alloy with different Si additions (0.5, 1, 1.5 wt. % Si) are investigated and morphological changes of Mg-5Sn are observed with the addition of each element like 3Zn and 1Mn. Si added Mg-5Sn-3Zn-1Mn alloy exhibits two different phases namely Mg 2 Sn and Mg 2 Si. Two distinct phases observed are rod like Mg 2 Sn phase and Chinese script Mg 2 Si upto 1wt%. When Si addition exceeds 1.5% polygonal shaped primary Mg 2 Si particles are formed. In Mg-5Sn-3Zn-1Mn alloy addition of Si up to 1wt% enhances the mechanical properties adequately. Above 1 wt% of Si addition, a slight reduction on tensile property is noticed, which is due to the formation of hard, brittle polygonal primary and coarse Chinese script phases.
Microbial composition and nitrogen removal pathways in a novel sequencing batch reactor integrated with semi-fixed biofilm carrier: Evidence from a pilot study for low- and high-strength sewage treatment
Authors: Cui Bin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The sequencing batch reactor (SBR) activated sludge process is a well-established technology for sewage treatment. One of the drawbacks of SBRs, however, is the failure to conform to the standard for total nitrogen (TN) discharge. By means of introducing four improvements, including semi-fixed biofilm carrier, sludge elevation mixing and change for the mode of influent and effluent, compliant standard for TN discharge was obtained in this novel SBR configuration during low- and high- -strength sewage load. To illustrate the microbial compositions and functions of the attached biofilm on semi-fixed carrier and the suspended aggregates, as well as the nitrogen removal pathway, high throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, PICRUSt2 algorithm and KEGG database were applied. The results revealed that: i) the microbial communities from suspended aggregates and biofilm samples were significantly different from each other; ii) during low-strength sewage loads, TN removal was mainly by nitrification-denitrification. The suspended aggregates was responsible for denitrification, while the biofilm was focused on ammonium oxidation; iii) during high-strength sewage loads, function of nitrate reductase from suspended aggregates was faded, and anammox and N assimilation by biofilm became dominant. Meanwhile, TN removal referring to the formation of L-glutamine via assimilation was the main pathway.
Influence of Base Oil Polarity on the Tribological Performance of Surface Active Engine Oil Additives
Authors: Cyriac Febin , Tee Xin Yi Xin , Poornachary Sendhil K , Chow Pui Shan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Friction, wear and tribofilm growth of organic friction modifiers (glycerol monooleate and oleamide), anti-wear additive (ZDDP) and binary additive system comprising the organic friction modifiers and ZDDP were studied in polyalphaolefin (PAO) and ester oil. The mechanisms underlying base oil polarity-dependent frictional performance of the OFM and AW additives at high temperature (140 oC), either singly or in combination, was investigated in the light of chemical composition analysis of the tribofilms post friction measurements using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), static and dynamic time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Depending on the rubbing conditions, the boundary friction coefficient of the binary additive systems were found to be either lower than that of individual additives or to lay between the values for the individual additives. Chemical composition analysis of the tribofilms indicated that the nature of base oil controlled interactions between ZDDP and OFM and consequently adsorption and reactive tribofilm formation in the boundary lubrication layer. Surface roughness and wear scar width measured post tribological tests using 3D surface profiler showed improved wear performance in both PAO and ester-based additive formulations.
Effects of Slag Treatment Conditions on Boron Removal from Metallurgical Silicon by United Gas-slag Refining Technology
Authors: Wang Qi-liang , Wu Jijun , Qian Shuang-feng , Gu Hua-zhen , Xia Zhen-fei , Wei Kui-xian , Ma Wen-hui 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Impurities in industrial silicon strongly affect the performance and use value of silicon products, so that raw industrial silicon must be refined to reduce the impurity content and improve its quality. In this work, the effect of the conditions of the refining process on the removal of impurities was studied. The slag agent and industrial silicon powder are uniformly mixed, and a mixed gas of Ar-H 2 O-O 2 is blown into the melt for refining experiments when the set refining temperature is reached. 3% mass fraction high-purity boron powder is pre-melted into industrial silicon raw materials to prepare Si-3%B alloy raw materials, and then the Si-3%B alloy raw materials are refined and pickled with CaO-SiO 2 -CaCl 2 . The composition of the slag agent, the slag-agent-to-silicon mass ratio, the refining time, and the refining temperature conditions were explored, and the best efficiency of boron removal was found to be 96.77%, with the boron content in silicon decreased from 22 ppmw to the lowest value of 0.6 ppmw. The boron content in refined silicon shows a clear decrease, demonstrating that slag-making gas blowing refining is effective for the removal of impurities in industrial silicon.
Design and Temperature Assessment of Junctionless Nano-Sheet FET for Nanoscale Applications
Authors: Vakkalak Bharath Sreenivasulu , Vadthiya Narendar 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Nano-sheets are the revolutionary change to overcome the limitations of FinFET. In this paper, the temperature dependence of 10 nm junctionless (JL) nano-sheet FET performance on DC, analog and RF characteristics are investigated for the first time using extended source/drain and with high-k gate stack. The detailed DC performance analysis like transfer characteristics (ID-VGS), output characteristics (ID- VDS), DIBL, SS and ION/IOFF ratio are evaluated from 200 K to 350 K. We also analyzed the temperature effect on the ON-OFF performance metric (Q), dynamic power, and power consumption. Furthermore, to understand the device performance on various process parameters like doping, and work function variations are presented at 300 K. The proposed device exhibits good ION/IOFF switching behaviour with IOFF reaching less than nA for all temperatures. The cut-off frequency (ft) is determined to be in the THz range and the ON-OFF performance metric (Q) ranges between 1.5 to 2.2 μS-dec/mV at LG of 10 nm. Furthermore, the scaling effect of nano-sheet at various gate lengths (LG = 5 nm, 8 nm, 10 nm, 14 nm, and 20 nm) are also presented. From simulation analysis we notice that analog/RF performance parameters of a JL nano-sheet FET are less sensitive to temperature variations. At extremely scaled LG the nano-sheet FET exhibits lower power consumption and dynamic power and comparatively decreases with increase in temperature. The proposed nano-sheet FET demonstrates as a strong potential contender for low-power and high-frequency applications at nano-regime.
WITHDRAWN: Effects of SLC27A3 and β-Lactoglobulin Gene Polymorphisms on The Milk Composition in Hamdani Sheep
Authors: Bayraktar Mervan , Shoshin Omer 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: SLC27A3 and β-Lactoglobulin gene are candidate genes that effects milk traits.Results: This study aimed to determine the effect of polymorphisms of the SLC27A3 gene on Hamdani sheep's milk components. The PCR-RFLP method was used to detect the SLC27A3 polymorphisms at exon 2, exon 3 and exon 4. The allele frequency of SNP1, SNP2 and SNP3 were 0.59(G), 0.41(T); 0.57(G), 0.43(C) and 0.58(A) and 0.42(C) respectively. β-lactoglobulin allele frequency was 0.56(A) and 0.44(B). The statistical analysis showed an association between SLC27A3 and β-lactoglobulin polymorphisms and milk composition. Conclusions: The SLC27A3 and β-lactoglobulin polymorphisms can be used as a genetic marker to select milk component traits in the sheep breeding programs.
Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis in Penile Cancer: Evaluation of Clinicopathological Factors, Validation of an Existing Model, and Development of Novel Nomogram
Authors: Shao Yanxiang , Wu Kan , Lia Thongher , Hu Xu , Ren Shangqing , Yang Zhen , Liu Yang , Xiong Sanchao , Yang Weixiao , Feng Shuyang , Wang Yaohui , Li Xiang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective

To investigate the predictive factors of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and evaluate the usefulness of prediction nomograms.
Methods

This study analyzed data of 300 patients diagnosed with penile squamous cell carcinoma at West China Hospital (WCH) of Sichuan University (Chengdu, China) and 412 cases acquired from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Logistic regression analysis was performed on these cohorts to investigate the predictive factors of LNM. We evaluated a recently developed prediction nomogram for LNM, which was established based on the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Moreover, we developed a novel nomogram using cases from the WCH for the prediction of lymphatic metastasis.
Results

Logistic analysis identified that younger age at diagnosis, invasion of the penis body, poorer pT stage, cN stage, nuclear grade and the presence of lymph vascular invasion (LVI) were significantly correlated with LNM in WCH cases; however, only race, poorer T stage and cN stage were significantly associated with LNM among the cases from the SEER. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that younger age, poorer T stage, cN stage and nuclear grade were independent predictors of LNM. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of WCH cases showed that the tumor T stage 8th edition has better area under the curve than 7th stage (0.672 vs 0.636, respectively). Moreover, well AUC were seen in external validation of NCDB nomogram in WCH cohorts and SEER series (0.833 vs 0.795). The new nomogram included the aforementioned independent predictors and the bootstrap-corrected concordance was 0.876.
Conclusion

Younger diagnose age, poorer pT stage, cN stage, nuclear grade and LVI were the most important predictors of LNM in patients with penile cancer. 8th T stage performed better than 7th version in predicting LNM. NCDB nomogram have some application value in both WCH and SEER cases, and our novel model further improved the predictive accuracy.