bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Radiomics Nomogram for Non-Invasive Prediction of Progression-Free Survival in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yan Ting , Liu Lili , Peng Meilan , Yan Zhenpeng , Wang Qingyu , Zhang Shan , Wang Lu , Zhuang Xiaofei , Liu Huijuan , Ma Yanchun , Wang Bin , Cui Yongping 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
To construct a prognostic model for preoperative prediction on computed tomography (CT) images of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), we constructed radiomics signature with high throughput radiomics features extracted from CT images of 272 patients (204 in training and 68 in validation cohort). Multivariable logistic regression was adopted to build the radiomics signature and another predictive nomogram model, which was composed with radiomics signature, traditional TNM stage and clinical features. 16 radiomics features were selected from 954 to build a radiomics signature，which were significantly associated with progression-free survival (PFS) (p<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of performance was 0.891 (95% CI: 0.845-0.936) for training cohort and 0.706 (95% CI: 0.583-0.829) for validation cohort. The radscore of signatures’ combination showed significant discrimination for survival status. Radiomics nomogram combined radscore with TNM staging showed significant improvement over TNM staging alone in training cohort (C-index, 0.802 vs 0.628; p<0.05), and it is the same with clinical data (C-index, 0.798 vs 0.660; p<0.05), which were confirmed in validation cohort. DCA showed the model will receive benefit when the threshold probability was between 0 and 0.9. Collectively, multiparametric CT-based radiomics nomograms provided improved prognostic ability in ESCC.
Human miRNome Profiling in Colon Adenoma-carcinoma Sequence Reveal Early Deregulation of miR-1246, Which Exhibits Oncogenic Properties in Vitro by Targeting AXIN2 and CFTR
Authors: Juzenas Simonas , Lukosevicius Rokas , Salteniene Violeta , Kulokiene Ugne , Hemmrich-Stanisak Georg , Franke Andre , Link Alexander , Ruzgys Paulius , Satkauskas Saulius , Pauzas Henrikas , Latkauskas Tadas , Kiudelis Gediminas , Balaguer Francesc , Kupcinskas Juozas , Skieceviciene Jurgita 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Regulatory changes occurring early in colorectal cancer development remain poorly investigated. Since the majority of cases develop from polyps in the adenoma-carcinoma pathway, a search of early molecular features, such as aberrations in miRNA expression occurring prior to cancer development, would enable identification of potentially causal, rather than consequential, candidates in the progression of polyp to cancer. This study aim was to discover early miRNA expression changes in adenoma-carcinoma sequence and to investigate the role of deregulated miRNAs in CRC development.Methods: Small RNA-seq data analysis was performed to identify deregulated miRNAs and their isoforms among HC, AP and CRC tissue samples. Deregulated miRNAs were validated using RT-qPCR in the independent patient group. MTT, colony formation and wound healing assays were performed in order to evaluate hsa-miR-1246 function in CRC cells. Luciferase and Western blot assays were used to test hsa-miR-1246 gene targets.Results: In the current study by employing small RNA-seq profiling of colon biopsy samples, we describe differentially expressed miRNAs and their isoforms in the adenoma-carcinoma pathway. Analysis of healthy-adenoma-carcinoma sequence in an independent validation group enabled to identify early deregulated miRNAs including hsa-miR-1246 and hsa-miR-215-5p and up-regulation of hsa-miR-1246 in plasma samples of patients with CRC. Loss-of-function experiments revealed that inhibition of hsa-miR-1246 leads to reduced cell viability, colony formation and migration rate, thereby indicating an oncogenic effect of this miRNA in vitro. Subsequent western blot and luciferase reporter assay provided evidence of hsa-miR-1246 being involved in the regulation of target AXIN2 and CFTR genes’ expression. Conclusions: The present study revealed possible involvement of hsa-miR-1246 in early colorectal cancer development and regulation of tumor suppressors AXIN2 and CFTR.
Evaluation of the Antihyperglycemic Activity of Juglans Mollis and Hamelia Patens Through in Vitro and in Vivo Methods
Authors: Granados-Guzmán Graciela , Adame-Miranda Sara , Meseguer Jonathan , Acevedo-Fernández Juan José , Waksman-Minsky Noemí , Salazar-Aranda Ricardo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common noncontagious diseases in the world. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reported that in 2017, approximately 425 million people worldwide suffered from diabetes. Drugs used for diabetes treatment have unwanted side effects, so new safe drugs are needed. Some natural products have antihyperglycemic activity and are less toxic than currently used drugs. In this work, we evaluated the antihyperglycemic activity of extracts of Juglans mollis and Hamelia patens as well as their cytotoxicity through in vitro and in vivo methods.Materials and methods: Five extracts of each plant were subjected to in vitro amylase and glucosidase inhibition tests and subsequently analyzed by the ex vivo everted sac test. Additionally, their in vivo antihyperglycemic activity was evaluated.Results: Each of the extracts of J. mollis and the polar extracts of H. patens showed antihyperglycemic activity in the in vivo model, but in the in vitro model, the extracts showed different effects; some of the extracts inhibited one or both digestive enzymes, and others reduced the absorption of glucose through the intestine.Conclusions: In this article, we contribute to elucidating the antihyperglycemic mechanism of H. patens, and we report for the first time the antihyperglycemic activity of J. mollis and its possible mechanisms of action.
Analysis of Pigments and Damages for the 19th Century White-Robed Water-Moon Avalokitesvara Painting in Gongju Magoksa Temple, Korea
Authors: Yang Hye Ri , Lee Chan Hee , Yi Jeongeun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The White-Robed Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara painting displayed on the rear wall of Daegwangbojeon (main hall) in Magoksa temple, is one of the representative Buddhist paintings in the late 19th century of Korea, and a valuable resource for understanding the coloring techniques and characteristics of Buddhist paintings in terms of expression and description in landscape painting. In this painting, the contours and colored surface remain undamaged, but blistering and exfoliation appear on some pigment layers. Furthermore, the partial decomposition of wooden materials due to wood-decay fungi and insect damage were found on the rear wall requiring proper treatment for long-term conservation. As the results of chromaticity and P-XRF analysis regarding the color pigment layer of the painting, the pigments were classified into ten types. The results suggest that the colors other than blue, green, yellow, red, black, and white were prepared by mixing two or more pigments. The types of pigments according to colors, were determined as traditional pigments with azurite; emerald green or clinoatacamite; massicot; minium or hematite; Chinese ink; and kaolin, white lead, and gypsum, respectively. Violet and pink colors were assumed to have been prepared by mixing white with blue and red. In most of these pigments, small amounts of synthetic compositions from the modern era were detected at many points.
Requirement for PINCH in Skeletal Myoblast Differentiation
Authors: Xie Siyi , Fang Chushan , Gao Yujie , Yan Jie , Luo Lina , Sun Yunfu , Liang Xingqun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Skeletal muscle is composed of bundles of myofibers ensheathed by extracellular matrix networks. Malformation of skeletal muscle during embryonic development results in congenital myopathies. Disease mechanisms of congenital myopathies remain unclear. PINCH, an adaptor of focal adhesion complex, plays essential roles in multiple cellular processes and organogenesis. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal myogenesis will offer new insights into pathogenesis of myopathies.Methods: We generated muscle-specific PINCH knock-out mice to study the functional role of PINCH in skeletal myogenesis. Histologic and Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis demonstrated that Impaired myogenic differentiation and maturation in mice with PINCH1 being ablated in skeletal muscle progenitors, and Ablation of PINCH1 and PINCH2 resulted in reduced size of muscle fibers and impaired multinucleation; Cell culture and immunostaining showed that defects in myoblast fusion and cytoskeleton assembly in PINCH double mutant mice; Western blotting showed that defects in expression of cytoskeleton proteins and proteins involved in myogenesis in DMUT skeletal muscles.Results: Double ablation of PINCH1 and PINCH2 resulted in early postnatal lethality with reduced size of skeletal muscles and detachment of diaphragm muscles from the body wall. Myofibers of PINCH mutant myofibers failed to undergo multinucleation and exhibited disrupted sarcomere structures. The mutant myoblasts in culture were able to adhere to newly formed myotubes, but impeded in cell fusion and subsequent sarcomere genesis and cytoskeleton organization. Consistent with this, expression of integrin β1 and some cytoskeleton proteins, and phosphorylation of ERK and AKT were significantly reduced in PINCH mutants. Expression of MRF4, the most highly expressed myogenic factor at late stages of myogenesis, was abolished in PINCH mutants, that could contribute to observed phenotypes. In addition, mice with PINCH1 being ablated in myogenic progenitors exhibited only mild centronuclear myopathic changes, suggesting a compensatory role of PINCH2 in myogenic differentiation, indicating a critical role of PINCH proteins in myogenic differentiation.Conclusion: Our results demonstrated an essential role of PINCH in skeletal myogenic differentiation.
Examining The Link Between Harsh Parenting And Non-Suicidal Self-Injury In Adolescence: The Role of The COMT Val158Met Polymorphism And Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Liu Jinmeng , Liu Xia , Wang Hui , Gao Yemiao 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have suggested negative parenting environments, especially harsh parenting, is a specific risk factor for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, the potential mechanism between harsh parenting and NSSI has not been explored. Based on the experiential avoidance model and empirical researches, we aimed to examine if depressive symptoms are a mediator between harsh parenting and NSSI. Moreover, the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism related to depressive symptoms may also exert a moderating effect on NSSI, thus, the interaction between harsh parenting and COMT were also considered in our study.Method：373 junior high school students were recruited for the study by using a longitudinal design. Adolescents answered self-report questionnaires and provided Saliva samples for DNA genotyping.Result：The results revealed that harsh parenting was positively associated with NSSI after 18 months, and this association was mediated by depressive symptoms. Moreover, the moderating role of COMT in the direct and indirect effect of harsh parenting on NSSI only among adolescents with two Val alleles. However, the relationship was not significant for Met carriers.Conclusion: Genetic variations of COMT Val158Met may be a critical candidate in understanding the development of depression and NSSI. We conclude that the Val homozygotes of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism play a susceptible role both in depressive symptoms and NSSI.
Reduced H3K27me3 Suppresses Wnt/β-catenin Signaling by S-adenosylmethionine Deficiency in Neural Tube Development
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Xiuwei , Cao Rui , Li Dandan , Wang Yufei , Khan Ajab , Wang Keke , Liu Zhizhen , Niu Bo , Xu Jun , Xie Jun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: S-adenosylmethionine as a major methyl donor play a key role in methylation modification in vivo, and its disorder was closely related to neural tube defects. However, the underlying mechanism between SAM deficiency and NTDs remained unclear.Methods: we investigated the association between histone methylation modification and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in NTDs induced by SAM deficiency. The levels of SAM and SAH were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expressions of H3K27me3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway specific markers were demonstrated by western blotting, reverse transcription, and quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence in ethionine induced E11.5 mouse NTDs and NSCs models. Results: we found that the incidence rate of NTDs induced by ethionine were 46.2%, post treatment of ethionine combined with SAM, the incidence rate of NTDs was reduced to 26.2%. The level of SAM was significantly decreased (P<0.05) and a reduction in the SAM/SAH ratio was observed. The SAM depletion caused the reduction of both H3K27me3 modifications and UTX activity, and inhibited the marker proteins (β-catenin, TCF-4, Axin-2, p-GSK-3β, CyclinD1, and C-myc) in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (P<0.05). The differentiations of neural stem cells into neurons and oligodendrocytes were inhibited under SAM deficiency (P<0.05).Conclusions: These results indicated that the depletion of SAM led to reduced H3K27me3 modifications, prevented the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and NSCs differentiation, which provided an understanding of the novel function of epigenetic regulation in NTDs.
African Neurosurgery Research: A Scientometric Analysis of the Top 115 Most Cited Articles
Authors: Kanmounye Ulrick Sidney , Nguembu Stéphane , Zolo Yvan , Sichimba Dawin , Rolle Myron L. , Ammar Adam , Bankole Nourou Dine Adeniran , Kabulo Kantenga DM , Cheserem Beverly , Park Kee B. , Karekezi Claire , Esene Ignatius 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe use of quantitative and qualitative scientometrics provides deductive and inductive insights into the landscape of research in a specific area. In this manuscript, the authors identified the major contributors of African neurosurgery and emerging terms.MethodsArticles on African neurosurgery were searched on Web of Science and 8 other repositories without language or date restrictions. The H-index, co-author, author country, time trend, and keyword analyses were done using Bibexcel and VOSviewer.Results115 articles on African neurosurgery were published in 36 journals by 90 first authors. The journals with the most articles were World Neurosurgery (46, 40.0%), Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics (8, 7.0%), and Neurosurgery (7, 6.1%). There was a rapid increase in the number of articles from 2010 and the median number of citations was 8 (IQR: 4-16). Qureshi MM had the highest H-index score (6) while Warf BC (5, 4.3%), Adeleye AO (4, 3.5%), and El Khamlichi (4, 3.5%) contributed the most to the 115 articles. The articles by Lanzino G (1999), Warf BC (2011), and Warf BC (2005) were the most influential. The U.S.A. had the largest node and South Africa, Kenya and Uganda were the most impactful African countries. Pediatric neurosurgery dominated the keywords and global neurosurgery was an emerging term. ConclusionThe most cited articles on African neurosurgery are published in prestigious specialty journals and neurosurgeons from Southern and East Africa are the most impactful local researchers. Future research should analyze the differences between African regions.
Safety of PRRSV-2 Vaccines Vaccination via Intramuscularly or Intradermally Routes and Evaluation of PRRSV Transmission and the Induction of Immune Response Between Needle- Free and Conventional Needle
Authors: Madapong Adthakorn , Saeng-chuto Kepalee , Tantituvanont Angkana , Nilubol Dachrit 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Two separated experiments (Exp) were conducted to evaluate the shedding and efficacy of 2 modified live porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) type 2 vaccines (MLV) when administered intramuscularly (IM) or intradermally (ID) (Exp A), and the potential of PRRSV transmission using a needle-free device (Exp B). 154, castrated-male, pigs were procured from a PRRSV-free herd. In Exp A, 112 pigs were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 21 pigs including IM/Ingelvac MLV (G1), IM/Prime Pac (G2), ID/Prime Pac (G3), and non-vaccination (G4). G1 was IM vaccinated once with Ingelvac PRRS MLV (Ing) (Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany). G2 and G3 were IM and ID vaccinated once with Prime Pac PRRS (PP) (MSD Animal Health, The Netherlands), respectively. Following vaccination, an antibody response, IFN-γ-SC, and IL-10 were monitored. Sera, tonsils, nasal swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), urines, and feces were collected from 3 vaccinated pigs each week to 42 days post-vaccination (DPV) and assayed for the presence of PRRSV using virus isolation and PCR. Age-matched sentinels were introduced weekly into vaccinated groups from 0 to 42 DPV and monitored for seroconversion. In Exp B, pigs were randomly allocated into 5 groups of 3 pigs each including IM/High (T1), ID/High (T2), IM/Low (T3), ID/Low (T4), and NoChal. The T1 and T2, and T3 and T4 groups were intranasally challenged with HP-PRRSV-2 at high (106) and low (103 TCID50/ml) doses, respectively. At 7 days post-challenge (DPC), T1 and T2, and T3 and T4 groups were IM and ID injected with Diluvac Forte using needles and a needless device (IDAL 3G, MSD Animal Health, The Netherlands), respectively. Same needles or devices were used to inject the same volume of Diluvac Forte into sentinel pigs. Seroconversion of sentinels was evaluated. The results demonstrated that PP vaccinated groups (G2 and G3), regardless of the route of vaccination, had ELISA response significantly lower than G1 at 7 and 14 DPV. PP-vaccinated groups (G2 and G3) had significantly higher IFN-γ-SC and lower IL-10 compared to the Ing-vaccinated group (G1). Based on IM, 2 different MLV had different virus distribution and shedding patterns. PP-vaccinated pigs had significantly shortened viremia than the Ing-vaccinated pigs. However, ID-vaccinated pigs had lower virus distribution in organs without virus shedding to sentinel pigs. In Exp B, ID-injected sentinel pigs had no seroconversion compared to IM-injected sentinel pigs regardless of the challenge dose. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that ID vaccination might represent an alternative to improve vaccine efficacy and safety, and may be able to reduce the shedding of vaccine viruses and reduce the iatrogenic transfer of pathogens between animals with shared needles.
Stage-Dependent Topographical and Optical Properties of Plasmodium Falciparum-Infected Red Blood Cells
Authors: Preißinger Katharina , Vértessy Beáta , Kézsmárki István , Kellermayer Miklós , Molnár Petra 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Efficient malaria treatment is a major healthcare challenge. Addressing this challenge requires in-depth understanding of malaria parasite maturation during the intraerythrocytic cycle. Exploring the structural and functional changes of the parasite through the intraerythrocytic stages and their impact on red blood cells (RBCs) is a cornerstone of antimalarial drug development. In order to precisely trace such changes, we performed a thorough imaging study of RBCs infected by Plasmodium falciparum, by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF) supplemented with bright field microscopy for stage assignment. This multifaceted imaging approach allows to reveal structure–function relations via correlations of the parasite maturation with morphological and fluorescence properties of the stages. We established diagnostic patterns characteristic to the parasite stages based on the topographical profile of infected RBCs, which show close correlation with their fluorescence (TIRF) map. Furthermore, we found that hemozoin crystals exhibit a strong optical contrast, possibly due to the quenching of fluorescence. The topographical and optical features provide a tool for locating the hemozoin crystals within the RBCs and following their growth.
The Retrospective Analysis on the Influence of Taking Mifepristone and Misoprostol During First-trimester Pregnancy and Its Following Impact on Tissue Residual After Induced Abortion
Authors: xie Hai Xia , Liu Xiao Li , Sun Jun Jie , Huang Jian Rong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective: To explore the application of mifepristone in the stream of Residual tissue after abortion . Methods: A retrospective study of 1067 women who selected induced abortion in first-trimester pregnancy(gestational age ≤ 70 days) between January 1st，2018 and May 31st，2019 in Chongqing Health Center For Women and Children . Inclusion criteria: the first pregnancy patients, aged 18-30 years, gestational age ≤ 70 days. Test group (mifepristone + misoprostol) 467 cases. Control group(misoprostol) 600 cases. Analyzing the incidence of residual tissue after induced abortion. Evaluating the preventive effect of preoperative oral mifepristone on abortion incompleteness. Results: a total of 9 in test group occur residual tissue in uterine cavity，the incidence is 1.93%. In the controlled group, the number of residual tissue is 25,the incidence is 4.16%(P<0.05)，there was statistic difference between two groups. The uterine residue diameter in the test group(1.1±0.31cm) was lower than that in the control group(1.24±0.64cm)，but there was no statistical difference between the two groups of residue diameter (P>0.05)Conclusion: Oral mifepristone before operation can significantly reduce the incidence of tissue residual after induced abortion.
Socio-demographic Correlates of Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index Among Low-income Women in Hawaii WIC Participating in a Randomised Trial
Authors: Asinobi Michelle , Palacios Cristina , Wu Yanyan , Banna Jinan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: A healthy pre-pregnancy BMI fosters positive outcomes for both mother and infant both during and after pregnancy. To design interventions to promote a healthy pre-pregnancy BMI in low-income women, it is important to understand correlates. The purpose of this study was to identify the socio-demographic correlates of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) among low-income women.Methods: Participants were low-income pregnant women (n=83) in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Hawai‘i enrolled in a four-month text message-based nutrition intervention program. Participants reported pre-pregnancy weight and height and completed a demographics questionnaire on age, race/ethnicity, education, employment status and number of children. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation for continuous variables, and frequencies and proportions for categorical variables) were used to summarize the sample. Simply linear regression analyses were performed to examine if independent variables were associated with BMI before pregnancy. Results: Among the 83 women, 33 (39.8%) were 18-24 years old, 22 (26.5%) were between 25 and 29, 19 (22.9%) were 30-34 and 9 (10.8%) were 35-41. A total of 18 (21.7%) were Asian. Age and race/ethnicity were marginally associated with BMI before pregnancy. The age group 30-34 had the highest BMI before pregnancy (p=0.06) and Asian had lower BMI before pregnancy than the other races/ethnicities (p=0.01). Conclusions: Being classified as Asian was associated with lower BMI before pregnancy, while those who were 30-34 years old had the highest pre-pregnancy BMI compared to other age groups. These socio-demographic factors should be taken into account when designing interventions to promote healthy weight in women of childbearing age. Trial registration: The trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04330976). Date of registration April 2, 2020 (restrospectively registered). URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04330976