bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Acoustic Backscatter-Based Method for Estimating Attenuation Towards Monitoring Lesion Formation in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Rahimian Siavash 
Published: June 2021

<p>This work investigated the transient characteristics of tissue attenuation coefficients before, during and after HIFU treatment at different total acoustic powers in ex vivo porcine muscle tissues. Initially, preliminary data for the changes in attenuation coefficient induced in ex vivo porcine muscle tissues due to coagulation were obtained. The data indicated that changes in least squares attenuation coefficient slope (Δβ) and attenuation coefficient intercept (Δα0) were both potentially reliable indicators of tissue thermal damage. Then, pulse-echo radiofrequency data were acquired to estimate Δβ and Δα0, and to construct Δβ, Δα0, and B-mode images. Dynamic changes of Δβ and Δα0 were correlated with conventional B-mode ultrasound images over the HIFU treatment process. During HIFU treatment, Δβ and Δα0 increased rapidly with the appearance of bubble clouds in the B-mode images, and bubble activities appeared as strong hyperechoic regions in the B-mode images, caused fluctuations in the estimated Δβ and Δα0 values. After the treatment, Δβ and Δα0 gradually decreased, accompanied by fadeout of hyperechoic spot in the B-mode images, until they were stable at 10 minutes post-treatment, at 0.84 ± 0.11 [dB/(MHz.cm)] and 1.36 ± 0.19 [dB/cm], respectively. Finally the results showed that Δβ and Δα0 images had significantly higher contrast to speckle ratios than the conventional B-mode images. </p>
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Sugar Induced Thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Mosharef Hossain , Matin Mohammed M , Rahman AFM Hafizur , Alam Md Rabiul 
Published: June 2021

The starting materials, 2-amino-4-phenylthiazole and 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazole, were prepared by reacting thiourea with acetophenone and cyclohexanone in the presence of iodine under heating on a water bath with occasional stirring, respectively. Reaction of 2-amino-4-phenylthiazole and 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazole with various sugars afforded corresponding N-glycoside derivatives in good yields. The structures of the synthesized N-glycosides derivatives have been established on the basis of their IR and NMR spectral data. The obtained compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity. Some of them were found to possess significant activities, when compared to standard drugs.
The Chittagong Univ. J. Sci. 40(1) : 68-84, 2019
Rare Modifier Variants Alter the Severity of Cardiovascular Disease in Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum: Identification of Novel Candidate Modifier Genes and Disease Pathways Through Mixture of Effects Analysis
Authors: De Vilder Eva Y. G. , Martin Ludovic , Lefthériotis Georges , Coucke Paul , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Vanakker Olivier M. 
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), an ectopic mineralization disorder caused by pathogenic ABCC6 variants, is characterized by skin, ocular and cardiovascular (CV) symptoms. Due to striking phenotypic variability without genotype-phenotype correlations, modifier genes are thought to play a role in disease variability. In this study, we evaluated the collective modifying effect of rare variants on the cardiovascular phenotype of PXE.Materials and Methods: Mixed effects of rare variants were assessed by Whole Exome Sequencing in 11 PXE patients with an extreme CV phenotype (mild/severe). Statistical analysis (SKAT-O and C-alpha testing) was performed to identify new modifier genes for the CV PXE phenotype and enrichment analysis for genes significantly associated with the severe cohort was used to evaluate pathway and gene ontology features.Results Respectively 16 (SKAT-O) and 74 (C-alpha) genes were significantly associated to the severe cohort. Top significant genes could be stratified in 3 groups–calcium homeostasis, association with vascular disease and induction of apoptosis. Comparative analysis of both analyses led to prioritization of four genes (NLRP1, SELE, TRPV1, and CSF1R), all signaling through IL-1B.Conclusion This study explored for the first time the cumulative effect of rare variants on the severity of cardiovascular disease in PXE, leading to a panel of novel candidate modifier genes and disease pathways. Though further validation is essential, this panel may aid in risk stratification and genetic counseling of PXE patients and will help to gain new insights in the PXE pathophysiology.
Identify Function of WASL in Prognosis of Cervical Cancer Based on Omics Data
Authors: Hou Jinxuan , Chen Chen , Hu Yingying , Gong Qing , Gan Lijuan , Xu Yu 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo clarify the clinical relevance of WASP like actin nucleation promoting factor (WASL) in patients with cervical cancer and associated mechanisms.Methods and MaterialsWe obtained high prediction accuracy and determined the correlation between the expression of WASL and the clinical characteristics of cervical cancer patients. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using microarray. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to determine potentially relevant mechanisms related to the prognostication ability of WASL expression.ResultsChi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested that lower expression of WASL was associated with lower pathological stage (chi-square test: p = 0.022, chi-square = 9.613; logistic regression: OR = 0.869, 95% CI: 0.756–0.991, p = 0.041). Patients in the WASL high expression group have worse overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR): 0.555, 95% CI: 0.348–0.884, log-rank p = 0.012] and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 0.449, 95% CI: 0.215–0.934, log-rank p = 0.028) compared with those in the WASL low expression group. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model suggested that WASL expression was an independent prognostic factor for predicting OS and RFS in cervical cancer. DEGs were mostly enriched GO terms related to DNA replication or the proliferation of tumor cells. The results of GSEA suggested samples in the WASL knockdown group were enriched in glycolysis, TNF-α signaling via NFkB, mTORC1 signaling, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling.ConclusionsWASL expression was associated with the pathological stage, and it might be an independent prognostication factor in patients with cervical cancer. Knockdown of WASL might be correlated with biological processes such as glycolysis, TNFα signaling, mTOR signaling, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Deformation of Alkali-Activated Materials at an Early Age Under Different Curing Conditions
Authors: Češnovar Mark , Traven Katja , Ducman Vilma 
Published: June 2021

The production of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) is known for its environmentally friendly processing method, where several amorphous-rich aluminosilicate material sources combine with an alkali media solution to form solid, ceramic-like materials. In terms of the Si:Al, Na(K):Al, and Na(K):H2O ratios, the theory of AAM formation is quite well developed, but some open questions in the technology process remain, especially with regards to the means of curing, where the generation of defects can be persistent. Knowing that deformation is extremely high in the early ages, this study investigates the effects of temperature and moisture on shrinkage behavior within the first 72 h of AA pastes made from ladle (LS) and electric arc furnace (EAF) slag and activated by sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). The method to determine the deformation of alkali-activated slag-based materials, in terms of both autogenous and drying shrinkage, was based on the modified ASTM C1698-19 standard for the measurement of autogenous shrinkage in cement pastes. Autogenous deformation and strain were measured in four samples, using the standard procedure at room temperature, 40 and 60°C. Furthermore, using an adjusted method, nine samples were characterized for strain and partial surface pressure, while drying at room temperature, 40, or 60°C at a relative humidity of 30 or 90%. The results show that the highest rate of autogenous shrinkage occurred at a temperature of 60°C, followed by drying shrinkage at 60°C and 30% relative humidity, owing to the fact that the rate of evaporation was highest at this moisture content. The study aimed to provide guidance regarding selection of the optimal curing set in order to minimize deformations in slag-based alkali-activated materials. In the present case, curing at a temperature of around 40°C under lower moisture conditions for the first 24 h provided optimal mechanical properties for the slags investigated. The methodology might also be of use for other aluminosilicate sources such as metakaolin, fly ash, and mineral wool–based alkali-activated materials.
Long Non-coding RNA FIRRE Acts as a miR-520a-3p Sponge to Promote Gallbladder Cancer Progression via Mediating YOD1 Expression
Authors: Wang Shuqing , Wang Yang , Wang Shouhua , Tong Huanjun , Tang Zhaohui , Wang Jiandong , Zhang Yongjie , Ou Jingmin , Quan Zhiwei 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesThe role of lncRNAs in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains poorly understood. In this study, we explored the function of functional intergenic repeating RNA element (FIRRE) in GBC.Materials and MethodsWhole transcriptome resequencing was performed in three pairs of GBC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues. lncRNA FIRRE expression was verified by real-time PCR. The function of FIRRE in GBC was evaluated by experiments in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of FIRRE was investigated via fluorescent in situ hybridization, RNA pull-down, dual luciferase reporter assays, and RNA immunoprecipitation.ResultsFIRRE level was dramatically increased in GBC tissues compared to that in the adjacent non-tumor tissues. High expression of FIRRE was closely related to clinical stage and poor prognosis in GBC patients. Moreover, FIRRE remarkably enhanced proliferation and migration, and inhibited apoptosis of GBC cells. Mechanistically, FIRRE modulated YOD1 expression by sponging miR-520a-3p, thus contributing to the development of GBC.ConclusionOur data revealed that FIRRE might act as a novel mediator in GBC progression by sponging miR-520a-3p and regulating YOD1. FIRRE might be regarded as a potential diagnostic marker or target for GBC treatment.
Association of Interleukin-6 Signaling and C-Reactive Protein With Intracranial Aneurysm: A Mendelian Randomization and Genetic Correlation Study
Authors: Niu Peng-Peng , Wang Xue , Xu Yu-Ming 
Published: June 2021

Background and objectiveEvidence suggests that interleukin-6 (IL6) signaling is causally associated with aortic aneurysm independently of the effect of C-reactive protein (CRP). We aimed to explore the genetic overlap and associations between inflammation (IL6 signaling and CRP) and intracranial aneurysm (IA) risk.MethodsTwo-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) methods were used to assess the causal effects of soluble IL6 receptor (sIL6R) (n = 21,758) and CRP (n = 204,402) levels on IA (7,495 cases and 71,934 controls) risk using genome-wide association study summary data of European individuals. Cross-trait linkage disequilibrium score regression was used to estimate the genetic correlations of CRP (n = 400,094) with IA.ResultsMR analyses showed that circulating sIL6R and CRP levels were not associated with the risk of IA. The odds ratios based on the inverse variance-weighted method were 0.986 (0.950–1.023, p = 0.45) and 0.957 (0.846–1.084, p = 0.49) for sIL6R and CRP, respectively. MR analyses using data of ruptured and unruptured IA each showed no association. Linkage disequilibrium score regression showed that the genetic correlation between CRP and IA was 0.16 (SE = 0.04, p = 0.0003). The genetic correlation diminished after conditioning IA on blood pressure (0.07 ± 0.05, p = 0.16), smoking (0.02 ± 0.05, p = 0.65), or blood pressure plus smoking (−0.03 ± 0.05, p = 0.53).ConclusionUsing associated genetic variants as instrument variables, two-sample MR analyses showed no evidence that circulating sIL6R and CRP levels were associated with IA risk. Although a positive genetic correlation was found between CRP levels and IA risk, it was mainly driven by the shared genetic background of blood pressure and smoking with both CRP and IA.
Improved Pre-attentive Processing With Occipital rTMS Treatment in Major Depressive Disorder Patients Revealed by MMN
Authors: Guan Muzhen , Liu Xufeng , Guo Li , Zhang Ruiguo , Tan Qingrong , Wang Huaihai , Wang Huaning 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate the improvement effect of occipital repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with escitalopram oxalate tablets on pre-attentive processing in patients with first-episode, medication-naive depression.MethodsPatients who were hospitalized between January and December 2019 were selected. They were randomly allocated to real occipital rTMS stimulation group with 27 cases receiving intermittent theta-burst (iTBS) and sham stimulation group with 24 cases over 20 days. The rTMS treatment target is located at the Oz point of the occipital region. Both groups took escitalopram oxalate tablets, and the average daily drug dose was 15.294 ± 5.041 mg. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) was used to assess the symptoms of depression before and after treatment, and mismatch negativity (MMN) was used to assess the improvement of pre-attentive processing before and after treatment.ResultsAfter 20 days of treatment, the total score of HAMD (13.495 ± 3.700) in both groups was significantly lower than that before treatment [21.910 ± 3.841, F(1, 49) = 46, 3.690, p &lt; 0.001]. After treatment, the latency of MMN in the real stimulation group (182.204 ± 31.878 ms) was significantly lower than that in the sham stimulation group (219.896 ± 42.634 ms, p &lt; 0.001), and the amplitude of MMN in the real stimulation group (−7.107 ± 3.374 ms) was significantly higher than that in the sham stimulation group (−2.773 ± 3.7 32 ms, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionOccipital rTMS treatment can enhance the early therapeutic effect and effectively improve the pre-attentive processing of patients with depression and provide a scientific basis for the new target of rTMS therapy in clinical patients with depression.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Adolescent Mental Health: Preliminary Findings From a Longitudinal Sample of Healthy and At-Risk Adolescents
Authors: Cohen Zsofia P. , Cosgrove Kelly T. , DeVille Danielle C. , Akeman Elisabeth , Singh Manpreet K. , White Evan , Stewart Jennifer L. , Aupperle Robin L. , Paulus Martin P. , Kirlic Namik 
Published: June 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on far-reaching consequences for adolescents. Adolescents with early life stress (ELS) may be at particular risk. We sought to examine how COVID-19 impacted psychological functioning in a sample of healthy and ELS-exposed adolescents during the pandemic.Methods: A total of 24 adolescents (15 healthy, nine ELS) completed self-report measures prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of COVID-19 on symptoms of depression and anxiety were explored using linear mixed-effect analyses.Results: With the onset of the pandemic, healthy but not ELS-exposed adolescents evidenced increased symptoms of depression and anxiety (ps &lt; 0.05). Coping by talking with friends and prioritizing sleep had a protective effect against anxiety for healthy adolescents (t = −3.76, p = 0.002).Conclusions: On average, this study demonstrated large increases in depression and anxiety in adolescents who were healthy prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, while ELS-exposed adolescents evidenced high but stable symptoms over time.
Yeast-Host Interactions: Anadenanthera colubrina Modulates Virulence Factors of C. albicans and Inflammatory Response In Vitro
Authors: Maia Carolina Medeiros de Almeida , Pasetto Silvana , Nonaka Cassiano Francisco Weege , Costa Edja Maria Melo de Brito , Murata Ramiro Mendonça 
Published: June 2021

Oral candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections in humans. Its incidence has increased widely, as well as the antifungal resistance, demanding for the search for novel antifungal therapeutic agents. Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan is a plant species that has been proven to possess pharmacological effects, including antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated in vitro the effects of standardized A. colubrina extract on virulence factors of Candida albicans and its regulation on immune response through C. albicans-host interaction. Antifungal activity was evaluated by Broth Microdilution Method against reference Candida strains (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis; C. dubliniensis). Anti-biofilm effect was performed on C. albicans mature biofilm and quantified by CFU/mL/g of biofilm dry weight. Proleotlytic enzymatic activities of proteinase and phospholipase were assessed by Azocasein and Phosphatidylcholine assays, respectively. Cytotoxicity effect was determined by Cell Titer Blue Viability Assay on Human Gingival Fibroblasts. Co-cultured model was used to analyze C. albicans coexisting with HGF by Scanning Electron Microscopy and fluorescence microscopies; gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR of C. albicans enzymes (SAP-1, PLB-1) and of host inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, IL-10). Cytokines secretion was analysed by Luminex. The extract presented antifungal effect with MIC&lt;15.62 μg/ml against Candida strains. Biofilm and proteolytic activity were significant reduced at 312.4 μg/ml (20 × 15.62 μg/ml) extract concentration. Cell viability was maintained higher than 70% in concentrations up to 250 μg/ml (LD50 = 423.3 μg/ml). Co-culture microscopies demonstrated a substantial decreased in C. albicans growth and minimal toxicity against host cells. Gene expressions of SAP-1/PLB-1 were significantly down-regulated and host immune response was modulated by a significant decreased on IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines secretion. A. colubrina had antifungal activity on Candida strains, antibiofilm, and anti-proteolytic enzyme effects against C. albicans. Presented low cytotoxicity to the host cells and modulatory effects on the host immune response.
Craving for Ketamine and Its Relationship With Clinical Outcome Indicators in Males With Ketamine Use Disorder
Authors: Wang Peng-Wei , Lin Huang-Chi , Liu Tai-Ling , Hsu Chih-Yao , Yang Yu-Yi , Wu Hung-Chi , Yen Cheng-Fang 
Published: June 2021

Background: Craving is considered a hallmark of substance use disorder and is one of the criteria of substance use disorder. The Desires for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ) is a widely used questionnaire to assess craving for heroin. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the ketamine version of the DDQ (DDQ-K) and the associations between craving for ketamine as measured using the DDQ-K and clinical outcome indicators in individuals with ketamine use disorder.Methods: In total, 651 individuals with ketamine use disorder completed the DDQ-K and the Visual Analog Craving Scale (VACS). Demographic data, severity of ketamine use, money spent on ketamine, positive/negative aspects of ketamine use, and readiness to change ketamine use were also recorded. We examined the reliability (internal consistency), construct validity (factor structure), and concurrent validity of the DDQ-K. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationships of craving measured using the DDQ-K with clinical outcome indicators, including money spent on ketamine, severity of ketamine use, positive/negative aspects of ketamine use, and readiness to change ketamine use.Results: The original three-factor model of the DDQ-K was acceptable for use in individuals with ketamine use disorder according to confirmatory factor analysis. The subscales of Desire and Intention and Negative Reinforcement of the DDQ-K, but not the subscale of Control, were of acceptable concurrent validity. The score on the Desire and Intention subscale was positively associated with the level of ketamine dependence, money spent on ketamine use, and positive/negative aspects of ketamine use and negatively associated with readiness to change ketamine use.Conclusion: This study supported the use of the Desire and Intention and Negative Reinforcement subscales of the DDQ-K to assess craving in patients with ketamine use.
STRATEGI PENGAWASAN KANTOR IMIGRASI KELAS II TPI TANJUNG BALAI KARIMUN TERHADAP KEDATANGAN DAN KEBERANGKATAN WARGA NEGARA ASING DI PELABUHAN INTERNASIONAL TANJUNG BALAI KARIMUN
Authors: Ritonga Melisa Surya Ningsih , Mardalena Tri , Rachman Arief 
Published: June 2021

This research begins with an increase in foreign traffic, including in Indonesia, so that it gives a positive impact on the development of the territory of Indonesia. In addition, the entry and exit of foreign citizens also have an adverse impact on national security and defense. Seeing the large number of Foreign Citizens entering and exiting through the immigration center (TPI) of Tanjung Balai Karimun international port, it is necessary to monitor the traffic of the Foreign Citizens. This research intend to know any supervision strategy and how the implementation of supervision strategy that did by class II imigration office TPI tanjung balai karimun against the arrival and Foreign's departure in tanjung balai karimun international port . This research was implemented at the Tanjung Balai Karimun International Immigration Center. This research is descriptive by the qualitative approach. Research data is collected through the observation, the interview , and the documentation. After that the data will be analyzed using inductive analysis and tested its validity using the triangulation. According to the data analysis that have done by the supervision strategy and carried out by immigration officers at the Tanjung Balai International Immigration Center (TPI), Tanjung Balai Karimun, was doing the careful inspection and tightening the supervision by the operational standard and the legislation. This case shows supervision that did by the immigration officer is corresponding to the operational standard and the applicable law.
معاني القسم في الجزء الثلاثين من القرآن الكريم (دراسة تحليلية عن فؤائـــــد نحوية وبلاغية)
Authors: Luhfi Amrul 
Published: June 2021

ملخص
هذا البحث يصـوّر لنا معاني القسم في الجزء الثلاثين من القرآن الكريم. وصاحب الرسالة و البحث كان يريد من رسالته تحليل الآيات التي تشتمل على القسم و هي الجزء الثلاثين من خلال الدراسة النحوية و البلاغية. و كان من أهداف اختيار الباحث لهذا الموضوع هو تحصيل القدرة على فهم الأساليب النحوية و البلاغية التي احتواها القسم. و الباحث يرى أن هذا موضوع القسم من أهمّ الموضوعات التي لا يسع الجهل بها كلّ من أراد فهم القرآن حقّ الفهم. و عنوان هذا البحث هو معاني القسم في الجزء الثلاثين من القرآن الكريم ( دراسة تحليلية في فوائد نحوية و بلاغية ). و موضوع البحث القسم في الجزء الثلاثين من القرآن الكريم و هو يبلغ عدده خمسمائة و أربع و ستين قسمًا. و هذا البحث العلميّ يعتمد على المراجع الأساسية و المصادر الثانوية التي تتعلّق بالموضوع. والطريقة التي استخدمها الباحث هي البحث واستخدم الجداول. و بعد أن تمّ البحث ، رأى الباحث أن الثمان و الثلاثين من الآيات القرآنية في الجزء الثلاثين من القرآن الكريم تحتوي على معاني القسم. والثلاثة و العشرون من تلك الآيات تحتوى معنى التعجّب ، و اثني عشر منها تشتمل على معنى التوكيد، و بقيّة الآيات تحتوى على معنى التعظيم .