bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of HIF2α Antagonist and HIF2α Silencing in Renal Cancer and Sensitivity to Repurposed Drugs
Authors: Arnaiz Esther , Miar Ana , Bridges Esther , Prasad Naveen , Hatch Stephanie B. , Ebner Daniel , Lawrie Charles H. , Harris Adrian L. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, 80% of cases have biallelic inactivation of the VHL gene, leading to constitutive activation of both HIF1α and HIF2α. As HIF2α is the driver of the disease promoting tumour growth and metastasis, drugs targeting HIF2α have been developed. However, resistance is common, therefore new therapies are needed. Methods: we assessed the effect of the HIF2α antagonist PT2385 in several steps of tumour development and performed RNAseq to identify genes differentially expressed upon treatment. A drug screening was used to identify drugs with antiproliferative effects on VHL-mutated HIF2α-expressing cells and could increase effectiveness of PT2385. Results: PT2385 did not reduce cell proliferation or clonogenicity but, in contrast to the genetic silencing of HIF2α, it reduced in vitro cell invasion. Many HIF-inducible genes were down-regulated upon PT2385 treatment, whereas some genes involved in cell migration or extracellular matrix were up-regulated. HIF2α was associated with resistance to statins, addition to PT2385 did not increase the sensitivity. Conclusions: this study shows key differences between inhibiting a target versus knockdown, which are potentially targetable.
Long-Read-Sequenced Reference Genomes of the Seven Major Lineages of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli (ETEC) Circulating in Modern Time&nbsp;
Authors: von Mentzer Astrid , Blackwell Grace A , Pickard Derek , Boinett Christine J , Joffré Enrique , Page Andrew J , Svennerholm Ann-Mari , Dougan Gordon , Sjöling Åsa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Abstract Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is an enteric pathogen responsible for the majority of diarrheal cases worldwide. ETEC infections are estimated to cause 80,000 fatalities per year, with the highest rates of burden, ca 75 million cases per year, amongst children under five years of age in resource-poor countries. It is also the leading cause of diarrhoea in travellers. Previous large-scale sequencing studies have found seven major ETEC lineages currently in circulation worldwide. We used PacBio long-read sequencing combined with Illumina sequencing to create high-quality complete reference genomes for each of the major lineages with manually curated chromosomes and plasmids. We confirm that the major ETEC lineages all harbour conserved plasmids that have been associated with their respective background genomes for decades and that the plasmids and chromosomes of ETEC are both crucial for ETEC virulence and success as pathogens. The in-depth analysis of gene content, synteny and correct annotations of plasmids will elucidate other plasmids with and without virulence factors in related bacterial species. These reference genomes allow for fast and accurate comparison between different ETEC strains, and these data will form the foundation of ETEC genomics research for years to come.
Barriers and Facilitators of Alcohol Abstinence During Pregnancy - a Qualitative Study in Rural South Africa
Authors: Rawoot Ismail Allie , Scott Chantelle Jennifer , Urban Michael Francis 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a common, important and under-recognised health burden in South Africa. There is a limited understanding of why pregnant women drink in the South African context. Existing qualitative research leaves significant knowledge gaps regarding pregnant women in rural settings, where prevalence of FASD is highest.Objective:To provide a qualitative assessment of factors that influence drinking in pregnant women in a rural community in the Northern Cape province of South AfricaMethods:A descriptive phenomenological approach was undertaken to explore the perceptions and experiences of pregnant women who drink, in a purposive sample of 8 women from a rural ante-natal clinic. A semi-structured interview was conducted with each participant and thematic analysis was conducted. Results:Participants appeared more aware of FASD than described in other study populations. Most reduced drinking after pregnancy recognition, although both recognition and cessation were often delayed. Participants described barriers and facilitators of alcohol abstinence. Barriers included social pressure, life stressors, and cravings and habits. Facilitators included desire to avoid FASD, relationships that were supportive without being stigmatising, availability of other “occupations” especially friendships and relationships not centred on drinking, specific body cues such as nausea, and a sense of personal agency. Conclusion:Various personal and contextual factors can act as barriers or facilitators of alcohol abstinence during pregnancy. Addressing barriers at structural, community and individual levels may aid women in reducing harmful drinking during pregnancy. Facilitators of abstinence should be leveraged to effect change in drinking behaviours, and thereby limit the burden of FASD.
Different Behavioral Patterns of SARS-COV-2 in Patients with Various Types of Cancers: A Role for Chronic Inflammation Induced by Macrophages
Authors: Moghanloo Ehsan , Rahimi-Esboei Bahman , Mahmoodzadeh Habibollah , Hadjilooei Farimah , Shahi Farhad , Heidari Sahel , Almassian Bijan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a single strand RNA virus that causes ongoing pneumonia-like and severe respiratory disease. This disease is very important in immunosuppressed patients. Since not many studies have been done in people with cancer as high risk group, in this study we examined the different behaviors of this virus in different types of cancer. In this study, patients with a variety of solid and hematologic cancers were screened for SARS-CoV-2. The rates of infection, the rate of mortality, in patients with various cancers, as well as in the families of these patients have been studied. In this study, it was found that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with solid cancers was significantly lower than hematological cancers. Also, the mortality rate in hematological cancers was higher than in solid cancers (P<0.05). Assessments the families of these patients, it was found that patients with solid cancers were also less infected than their family members (P<0.05). Researchers of this study attributed these results to the chronic inflammation and M1 macrophages in these patients. It is essential that additional studies are conducted, especially in terms of biological function.
Acetic Acid Acting as a Signal Molecule in Quorum Sensing System Enhances Production of 2,3-Butanediol in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Authors: Zhang Chi , Tong Tianqi , Ge Jingping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objectives2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) has been extensively used in chemical synthese. The traditional 2,3-BD production method has low yield and high cost. This study aimed to explore the use of acetic acid as a signal molecule to initiate a quorum sensing (QS) system in order to promote the production of 2,3-BD in Saccharomyces cerevisiae W141. ResultsWe found that the yield of 2,3-BD from S. cerevisiae W141 is proportional to the cell density. S. cerevisiae W141 does not produce 2,3-BD when cell density was lower than the threshold concentration (OD600 nm = 10 or cell density 4.4 × 108 CFU/mL). When 1.5 g/L acetic acid was added in the fermentation process, the yield of 2,3-BD was the highest reaching 3.01 ± 0.04 g/L (84 h). Subsequently, we found that S. cerevisiae W141 was co-cultured with Acetobacter pasteurianus Huniang 1.01 under the optimal conditions and the acetic acid production was increased by 76.7% and 30.6% compared with the original strain and the strain with 1.5 g/L acetic acid, respectively. In addition, the yield of 2,3-BD was respectively increased by 81.9% and 3.3%. The above results are attributable to the increased activity of acetolactate synthase (ILV2) and 2,3-BD dehydrogenase (BDH1) and the increase of the relative expression of ilv2 and bdh1 genes. ConclusionOur data showed that biosynthesis of 2,3-BD was regulated by acetic acid as a signaling molecule. Moreover the study provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying between acetic acid and 2,3-BD production.
Left Atrial Appendage Circular RNAs Are New Predictors of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Surgical Ablation in Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients: a Case Control Study
Authors: Zhu Xiyu , Wang Yali , Mo Ran , Chong Hoshun , Cao Hailong , Fan Fudong , Wang Dongjin , Zhou Qing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation recurrence after surgical ablation in valvular atrial fibrillation patients will increase the mortality and morbidity during follow-up. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the relationship between circular RNAs in left atrial appendage and atrial fibrillation recurrence to establish a predictive model for early intervention.Methods: A retrospective case control study of all patients who underwent surgical ablation during valve surgery was performed. The expression level of circular RNAs were detected in the left atrial appendage tissue after surgery. 24 hours Holter examination was used to evaluate the status of heart rhythm during follow-up. The independent risk factors of atrial fibrillation recurrence were analyzed by multivariate analysis. The predictive model of atrial fibrillation recurrence was visualized by Nomogram and was tested by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to compare the rate of freedom from atrial fibrillation recurrence after surgery.Results: A total of 136 patients completed the research strategy from September 2018 to June 2019, 81 (59.6%) patients restored sinus rhythm and 55 (40.4%) patients experienced atrial fibrillation recurrence. Increased age (P=0.002), longer AF duration (P<0.001) and increased expression of circ 81906-RYR2 (P<0.001), circ 44782-LAMA2 (P=0.002), circ 418-KCNN2 (P=0.011) and circ 35880-ANO5 (P<0.001) were detected in atrial fibrillation recurrence group. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased age (odd ratio=1.072, P=0.006), longer AF duration (odd ratio=1.007, P=0.036) and increased expression of circ 81906-RYR2 (odd ratio=2.210, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for recurrence. The area under the curve was 0.77 and the cut-off value was 70 points of the predictive model. The results of Kaplan-Meier plots showed that patients over 70 points were more likely to suffer from atrial fibrillation recurrence during the follow-up.Conclusions: Circ 81906-RYR2 could be a new predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after surgical ablation. A predictive model consists of age, atrial fibrillation duration and expression of circ 81906-RYR2 was alternative for early intervention of atrial fibrillation recurrence.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Looking for Consistency in an Uncertain World: Test-Retest Reliability of Neurophysiological and Behavioral Readouts in Autism
Authors: Beker Shlomit , Foxe John J. , Venticinque John , Bates Juliana , Ridgeway Elizabeth M. , Schaaf Roseann C. , Molholm Sophie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with altered sensory processing and perception. Scalp recordings of electrical brain activity time-locked to sensory events (event-related potentials; ERPs) provide precise information on the time-course of related altered neural activity, and can be used to model the cortical loci of the underlying neural networks. Establishing the test-retest reliability of these sensory brain responses in ASD is critical to their use as biomarkers of neural dysfunction in this population. MethodsEEG and behavioral data were acquired from 33 children diagnosed with ASD aged 6-9.4 years old, while they performed a child friendly task at two different time-points, separated by an average of 5.2 months. In two blocked conditions, participants responded to the occurrence of an auditory target that was either preceded or not by repeating visual stimuli. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess test-retest reliability of measures of sensory (auditory and visual) ERPs and performance, for the two experimental conditions. To assess the degree of reliability of the variability of responses within individuals, this analysis was performed on the variance of the measurements, in addition to their means. In total, this yielded a total of 25 measures for which ICCs were calculated. ResultsThe data yielded significant good-to-excellent ICCs for 15 of the 25 measurements. These spanned across behavioral and ERPs data, experimental conditions, and mean as well as variance measures. Measures of the visual evoked responses accounted for a disproportionately large number of the significant ICCs. ConclusionsThis analysis reveals that sensory ERPs and related behavior can be highly reliable across multiple measurement time-points in ASD. The data further suggest that the inter-trial and inter-participant variability reported in the ASD literature likely often represents replicable individual participant neural processing differences. The stability of these neuronal readouts supports their use as biomarkers in clinical and translational studies on ASD. Given the minimum interval between test/retest sessions across our cohort, we also conclude that for the tested age-range of ~6 to 9.4 years these reliability measures are valid for at least a 3-month interval.
Minimally Invasive Surgeries for Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: Prognostic Indicators and Persistence of Treatment Outcome over a 5-year Follow-up Study
Authors: Talaat Wael , Hamdoon Zaid , Ghoneim Mohamed M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Patients refractory to conservative treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are candidates for more invasive treatments like arthroscopy and arthrocentesis. The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of long-term success and persistence of treatment outcome for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopic lysis and lavage and arthrocentesis for treatment of TMD. Analysis of 64 minimally invasive surgeries used to treat disc displacement without reduction in group I (n = 36), and osteoarthritis in group II (n = 28) was conducted. Success was identified as a pain score ≤ 3, disability score ≤ 2 and maximal mouth opening greater than 35 mm. The overall success rate was 85.9%. Difference in success rate between groups was not significant (p = 0.441). Preoperative predictors of success in group I were fewer tender muscles (p < 0.01), shorter duration of symptoms (p = 0.046), lower pain (p < 0.01) and lower disability (p = 0.0104), while in group II were fewer tender muscles (p < 0.01), less limitation in opening (p < 0.01) and lower disability (p = 0.0131). In conclusion, arthroscopy and arthrocentesis were equally efficient after 5 years. Fewer tender muscles and lower disability preoperatively were common predictors of success. Pain recorded at one year, and maximum opening and disability recorded at 3 months were maintained after 5 years.
Knowledge and Attitude of Primary Care Physicians towards Palliative Care. Is it time for integration?
Authors: Al-Ansari Ameena Mohammed , Abd-El-Gawad Wafaa Mostafa , Suroor Saleem Nawaf , AboSerea Sobhi Mostafa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Although the primary care physicians’ role in delivering the majority of care with high-quality service for patients under palliative care is unquestionable, it is not clear what their current level of knowledge and attitude toward palliative care is.
Aim

To recognize the primary care physicians’ knowledge and attitude toward palliative care in Kuwait.
Design and Setting:

National survey using stratified random sampling was performed. A total of 25 primary care clinics in Kuwait were selected and 284 primary care physicians were recruited.
Method:

Palliative Care Attitude and Knowledge questionnaire (PCAK) were distributed to them. Their attitude and knowledge were measured. predictors of better attitude were assessed.
Results

The response rate was 79.2%(n = 225). 53.3%(n = 120) of primary care physicians had an uncertain attitude towards palliative care while only 15(6.7%) had good knowledge. Only 5.7% and 25.5% reported excellent or very good experience in the management of pain and other symptoms respectively. Moreover, 141(62.7%) and 119(52.9%) were not familiar with palliative care services in their community or length and types of coverage under palliative care benefits. Less than 50% responded correctly to the questions regarding the proper management of catastrophic bleeding, opioid initiation, types, toxicity and its role in refractory dyspnea. Higher knowledge score was a positive predictor for more positive attitude scores (OR:1.088, 95% CI: 1.012–1.170,P value: 0.023).
Conclusion

The majority of primary care physicians had uncertain attitude and poor knowledge towards palliative care. Integrating palliative care into primary health care systems is urgently needed to alleviate the suffering of those patients.
Analysis of the Acid and Alkali Resistance of Superhydrophobic Paper Mulch
Authors: Zhang Fangyuan , Li Anling , Zhao Wuyun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The paper mulch will inevitably suffer the influence of the acidic or alkaline environment during the usage. To evaluate the influence of the acidic or alkaline environment on the corrosion resistance of the paper film, we investigate the method of immersing the paper film with acid and alkali solution. We use the hydrophobic SiO2 to prepare a superhydrophobic paper mulch with a contact angle of 155° with water. Two kinds of superhydrophobic paper mulch were put into H2SO4 solution with pH 4.6 and NaOH solution with pH 8.5, respectively. After soaking for 48h, we use a contact angle tester, a tensile testing machine, and a high-speed camera to compare the contact angle, mechanical properties, and bounce performance of these two paper mulches. The results showed that the tensile strength and droplet bounce height of the superhydrophobic paper mulch decreased after being soaked in the acid or alkaline solution for 48 hours. The mass-loss rate of the paper mulch in acid solution is more significant, and its contact angle is still greater than 145° which treats as a good bounce performance. The microscopic morphology of the paper showed that SiO2 can form a superhydrophobic structure on the surface of the paper mulch. The method is simple and environmentally friendly and can solve the problem of poor acid and alkali corrosion resistance of the paper mulch. It has extraordinary significance in reducing the environmental pollution.
Are there direct relationships in canal dimension and canal-body ratio between cervical and lumbar spine?
Authors: Lee Jung-Hee , Kang Kyung-Chung , Kim Ki-Tack , Kim Yong-Chan , Chang Tae-Soo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A known prevalence of concurrent cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis was shown to be 5%-25%, but there is a lack of evidence regarding direct relationships in canal dimension and canal-body ratio between cervical and lumbar spine. Total 247 patients (mean age: 61 years, male: 135) with cervical and lumbar computed tomography scans were retrospectively reviewed. Midsagittal vertebral body and canal diameters in reconstructed images were measured at all cervical and lumbar vertebrae, and canal-body ratios were calculated. The canal diameter and ratio were also compared according to the gender and age, and correlation analysis was performed for each value. There were significant correlations between cervical (C3-C7) and lumbar (L1-L5) canal dimension (p < .001). C5 canal diameter was most significantly correlated with L4 canal diameter (r = .435, p < .001). Cervical canal-body ratios (C3-C7) were also correlated with those of lumbar spine (L1-L5) (p < .001). The canal-body ratio of C3 was most highly correlated with L3 (r = 0.477, p < .001). Meanwhile, mean canal-body ratios of C3 and L3 were significantly smaller in male patients than female (p = .038 and p < .001) and patient’s age was inversely correlated with C5 canal diameter (r=-.223, p < .001) and C3 canal-body ratio (r=-.224, p < .001). Spinal canal dimension and canal-body ratio have direct relationships between cervical and lumbar spine. Physicians can explain that if the cervical canal is narrow, the lumbar canal is also likely to be narrow.
Thin and temperature resistant TiO2-Sr1-xLaxTiO3 (x=0.1~0.3) composite ceramics for microwave absorption in the X-band
Authors: Zhou Yingying , Wen Qinlong , Yang Chaoqun , Ren Zhaowen , Lu Yuanyuan , Wan Youquan , Chen Dan , Xie Hui 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Recently, high-temperature stability is a challenge in a number of microwave absorption materials. Hence, researchers are still searching for a novel material system preferably with a high-temperature resistance to be applied in the field of microwave absorption. Here, in the current study, toward this aim, lanthanum (La) doped strontium titanate (SrTiO 3 ) blended with TiO 2 were fabricated by hot-press sintering in vacuum. The as-prepared samples are denoted as TiO 2 -Sr 1- x La x TiO 3 with x varying from 0.1 to 0.3 in steps of 0.1. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS), and microwave vector network analyzer were carried on to study their morphology, phase composition, structure, electromagnetic and microwave absorption properties, respectively. It is revealed that the La atom was efficiently doped at the Sr-site in SrTiO 3 . Benefiting from the tunability of its dielectric and impedance properties, TiO 2 -Sr 1- x La x TiO 3 can be utilized in a highly efficient way to absorb microwave radiations with a decent design. Results illustrated that TiO 2 -Sr 1- x La x TiO 3 ( x =0.2) with a thickness of only 0.42 mm exhibits a high microwave absorption efficiency of -40.89 dB and can achieve a 2.82 GHz bandwidth of reflection loss value below -5 dB. Thus, TiO 2 -Sr 1- x La x TiO 3 composites ceramics can be served as an opening opportunity for the application of high-temperature stability and tunable high-performance effectiveness microwave absorption materials in stealth technology and information security.
Quantification of Urban Heat Intensity with Land Use/Land Cover Changes Using Landsat Satellite Data Over Urban Landscapes
Authors: Bala Ruchi , Prasad Rajendra , Yadav Vijay Pratap 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Urban heat island (UHI) is a phenomenon which may have adverse effects on our environment and is stimulated as a result of urbanisation or land cover changes. Thermal remote sensing has been found beneficial to study the effect of urbanisation on UHI intensity. This paper analyses the variation in Land surface temperature (LST) with land cover changes in Varanasi city of India from 1989 to 2018 using Landsat satellite images. A new index named Urban Heat Intensity Ratio Index (UHIRI) was proposed to quantify the urban heat intensity from 1989 to 2018 which was found to increase from 0.36 in year 1989 to 0.87 in year 2018. Further, contribution of each land cover towards UHI was determined using Land cover contribution index (LCCI). The negative value of LCCI for water and vegetation indicates its negative contribution towards UHI whereas positive value of LCCI for bare soil and built-ups depicted its positive contribution towards UHI. The LCCI value for urban land cover shows significant increase in 29 years i.e. 0.49, 1.43, 3.40, 4.37 for years 1989, 1997, 2008 and 2018 respectively. The change in normalized LST from years 1989 to 2018 for the conversion of bare land to built-ups and vegetation to built-ups were found to be as -0.11 and 0.42 respectively. This led to conclusion that the replacement of vegetation with urban land cover has severe impact on increasing UHI intensity.