bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CD171 multi‑epitope peptide design based on immunoinformatics approach as a cancer vaccine candidate for glioblastoma
Authors: Moghri Seyed Amir Hossein Mohammadzadeh Hosseini , Chalbatani Ghanbar Mahmoodi , Ranjbar Mojtaba , Abbasian Arefeh 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is a common primary malignancy of the central nervous system, and one of the highly lethal brain tumors. GB cells can promote therapeutic resistance and tumor angiogenesis. The CD171 is an adhesion molecule in neuronal cells that is expressed in glioma cells as a regulator of brain development during the embryonic period. CD171 is one of the immunoglobulin-like CAMs (cell adhesion molecules) families that can be associated with prognosis in a variety of human tumors. The multi-epitope peptide vaccines are based on synthetic peptides with a combination of both B-cell epitopes and T-cell epitopes, which can induce specific humoral or cellular immune responses. Moreover Cholera toxin subunit B (CTB), a novel TLR agonist was utilized in the final construct to polarize CD4+ T cells toward T-helper 1 to induce strong cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) responses. In the present study, several immune-informatics tools were used for analyzing the CD171 sequence and studying the important characteristics of a designed vaccine. The results included the molecular docking, prediction and validation of the secondary and tertiary structure, physicochemical properties, solubility, conservancy, toxicity as well as antigenicity and allergenicity of the promising candidate for a vaccine against CD171. The immuno-informatic analyze suggested 12 predicted multi-epitope peptides, whose construction consists of 582 residues long. Therewith, cloning adaptation of designed vaccine was performed and eventually sequence was inserted into pET30a (+) vector for the application of the anti-glioblastoma vaccine development.
Bifurcations of Invariant Torus and Knotted Periodic Orbits in Generalized Hopf-Langford Type Equations
Authors: Fu Yanggeng , Li Jibin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we study the bifurcations of invariant torus and knotted periodic orbits for generalized Hopf-Langford type equations. By using bifurcation theory of dynamical systems, we obtain the exact explicit form of the heteroclinic orbits and knot periodic orbits. Moreover, under small perturbation, we prove that the perturbed planar system has two symmetric stable limit cycles created by Poincare bifurcations. Therefore, the corresponding three-dimensional perturbed system has an attractive invariant rotation torus.
Metabolic modulation of tumors with engineered bacteria for immunotherapy
Authors: Geiger Roger , Canale Fernando , Basso Camilla , Antonini Gaia , Perotti Michela , Li Ning , Sokolovska Anna , Neumann Julia , James Michael , Geiger Stefania , Jin Wenjie , Theurillat Jean , West Kip , Leventhal Daniel , Lorra Jose , Sallusto Federica 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The availability of L-arginine in tumors is a key determinant of an efficient anti-tumor
T cell response. Consequently, elevation of typically low L-arginine levels within the tumor may greatly potentiate the anti-tumor responses of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-L1 blocking antibodies. However, currently no means are available to locally increase intra-tumoral L-arginine levels. Here, we used a synthetic biology approach to develop an engineered probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 strain that colonizes tumors and continuously converts ammonia, a metabolic waste product that accumulates in tumors4, into L-arginine. Colonization of tumors with these bacteria elevated intra-tumoral L-arginine concentrations, increased the amount of tumor-infiltrating T cells, and had striking synergistic effects with PD-L1 blocking antibodies in the clearance of tumors. The anti-tumor effect of the living therapeutic was mediated by L-arginine and was dependent on T cells. These results show that engineered microbial therapies enable metabolic modulation of the tumor microenvironment leading to enhanced efficacy of immunotherapies.
First Molecular Detection of Anaplasma Marginale, Babesia Bovis and Babesia Bigemina in Different Breeds of Cattle and Rhipicephalus Microplus in the Northern Hainan, China
Authors: Bi Tianlin , Bhowmick Biswajit , An Liping , Liang Dejuan , Wang Kaixuan , Duan Xu , Zeng Sijia , Wang Jinhua , Zhao Jianguo , Han Qian 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAnaplasma marginale, Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina cause huge economic losses to the world's cattle industry every year. At present, there are limited investigations on A. marginale, B. bovis and B. bigemina in Hainan. The purpose of this study was to investigate the infection of A.marginale, B.bovis and B.bigemina in different breeds of cattle (Leiqiong and Wagyu), buffaloes and Rhipicephalus microplus in the northern part of Hainan.MethodsIn this study, 63 R. microplus and 151 samples of bovine blood were collected from cattle in the northern part of Hainan. A. marginale, B. bovis and B. bigemina were detected by PCR and nPCR. ResultsThe results showed that the infection rates of A. marginale, B. bovis and B. bigemina in 214 samples were 10.75% (23/214), 4.21% (9/214) and 9.35% (20/214), respectively. In Leiqiong cattle, the total infection rate of several pathogens was the highest, which was 73.33% (22/30), and there was cross-infection of several pathogens, the infection rate was 46.67% (14/30). Among them, A. marginale and B. bigemina had the highest cross-infection rate, which was 26.67% (8/30). No mixed infection was detected in R. microplus, buffalo and Wagyu. Among buffalo, the infection rates of A. marginale, B. bovis and B. bigemina were 2.17% (1/46), 6.52% (3/46) and 4.35% (2/46), respectively. A. marginale infection was only found in Wagyu, with an infection rate of 2.67% (2/75). A. marginale and B. bigemina infections were found in R. microplus, but no B. bovis infection was found. ConclusionsThe results of this study provide a reference for the formulation of prevention and control strategies for A. marginale, B. bigemina and B. bovis in Hainan.
Mass generation in the large N Gross-Neveu model: a constructive proof without intermediate field
Authors: Unterberger Jeremie M. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We give a new constructive proof of the infrared behavior of the Euclidean Gross-Neveu model in two dimensions with small coupling and large component number N. Our argument does not rely on the use of an intermediate (auxiliary bosonic) field. Instead bubble series are resummed by hand, and determinant bounds replaced by a control of local factorials relying on combinatorial arguments and Pauli's principle. The discrete symmetry-breaking is ensured by considering the model directly with a mass counterterm chosen in such a way as to cancel tadpole diagrams. Then the fermion two-point function is shown to decay (quasi-)exponentially as in [12]/
TNFA -308G&gt;A and IL10 -1082A&gt;G Polymorphisms as Predictive Biomarkers of Chronic HCV Infection
Authors: Santiago Angélica Menezes , Amoras Ednelza da Silva Graça , Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas , Conde Simone Regina Souza da Silva , Cayres-Vallinoto Izaura Maria Vieira , Ishak Ricardo , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Genetic changes may induce dysregulated cytokine production and affect the progression of the chronic disease caused by the hepacivirus C (HCV) because the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines determines the outcome of infection. This study evaluated the TNFA − 308G > A and IL10 -1082A > G polymorphisms in the susceptibility and progress of chronic hepatitis C. The study included 101 samples from patients with chronic hepatitis C and 300 samples from healthy donors. Polymorphisms were typed by real-time PCR and were analyzed for associations with histopathological parameters (according to METAVIR classification) and HCV viral load. The polymorphic genotype for the TNFA − 308G > A variant was not present in the group of patients with chronic hepatitis C and was associated with protection against HCV infection (p = 0.0477). Patients with the polymorphic genotype of the IL10 -1082A > G polymorphism had higher HCV viral load than wild-type patients (p = 0.0428). Neither polymorphism was associated with different levels of necroinflammatory activity or fibrosis scores. The polymorphic genotype at TNFA − 308G > A protected against chronic HCV infection, and the polymorphic genotype at the IL10 -1082A > G variant was associated with viral persistence.
Antigenic minimalism of SARS-CoV-2 is linked to surges in COVID-19 community transmission and vaccine breakthrough infections
Authors: Venkatakrishnan AJ , Anand Praveen , Lenehan Patrick , Ghosh Pritha , Suratekar Rohit , Siroha Abhishek , Chowdhury Dibyendu , O'Horo John , Yao Joseph , Pritt Bobbi , Norgan Andrew , Hurt Ryan , Badley Andrew , Halamka John , Soundararajan Venky 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The raging COVID-19 pandemic in India and reports of “vaccine breakthrough infections” globally have raised alarm mandating the characterization of the immuno-evasive features of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we systematically analyzed over 1.3 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes from 178 countries and performed whole-genome viral sequencing from 53 COVID-19 patients, including 20 vaccine breakthrough infections. We identified 116 Spike protein mutations that increased in prevalence during at least one surge in SARS-CoV-2 test positivity in any country over a three-month window. Deletions in the Spike protein N-terminal domain (NTD) are highly enriched for these ‘surge-associated mutations’ (Odds Ratio = 18.2, 95% CI: 7.53-48.7; p=1.465x10-18). In the recent COVID-19 surge in India, an NTD deletion (ΔF157/R158) increased over 10-fold in prevalence from February 2021 (1.1%) to April 2021 (15%). During the recent surge in Chile, an NTD deletion (Δ246-253) increased rapidly over 30-fold in prevalence from January 2021 (0.86%) to April 2021 (33%). Strikingly, these simultaneously emerging deletions associated with surges in different parts of the world both occur at an antigenic supersite that is targeted by neutralizing antibodies. Finally, we generated clinically annotated SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences and identified deletions within this NTD antigenic supersite in a patient with vaccine breakthrough infection (Δ156-164) and other deletions from unvaccinated severe COVID-19 patients that could represent emerging deletion-prone regions. Overall, the expanding repertoire of Spike protein deletions throughout the pandemic and their association with case surges and vaccine breakthrough infections point to antigenic minimalism as an emerging evolutionary strategy for SARS-CoV-2 to evade immune responses. This study highlights the urgent need to sequence SARS-CoV-2 genomes at a larger scale globally and to mandate a public health policy for transparent reporting of relevant clinical annotations (e.g. vaccination status) in order to aid the development of comprehensive therapeutic strategies.
The Financial Burden of Catastrophic Health Expenditure on Households with Chronic Diseases: Financial Ratio Analysis
Authors: Jung Hyunwoo , Kwon Young Dae , Noh Jin-Won 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The financial status of households is vulnerable to chronic disease related to high medical expenses and income loss; The financial strain could be assessed by the five indicators. household surplus indicator, liquid asset/debt ratio, solvency indicator, and liquidity indicator.Purpose: We investigated the association between catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and financial ratio indicators in households with chronic disease in South Korea. Methodology: To determine the financial strain, thresholds were applied to the financial ratios. We conducted multiple logistic regression to figure out whether CHE is associated with financial strain. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of CHE on absolute finance size, which is basic financial indicators, by multiple linear regression.Results: When CHE occurred, all of the financial ratio indicators deteriorated. However, it was not due to decreases in the absolute size of wealth, income, but rather the relative balance between finances. Especially, the loss of the liquid assets was the major factor of deterioration. Also, all types of labor-related income deteriorated. Only the private transfer income increased.Conclusion: This study revealed that CHE in households with chronic disease negatively impacts the household's finances. It turned out that the financial coping strategies are only resource-consuming.
Study of the Energetic, Exergetic, and Thermal Balances of a Solar System in comparison with a Conventional System during the Distillation of Rosemary Leaves
Authors: Ezzarrouqy Kamal , Hejjaj Abdessamed , Idlimam Ali , Nouh Fatima Ait , Mandi Laila 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The solar energy produced by Scheffler parabola (10 m2), is not fully exploited by solar distillation system of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants. In this work, the optical losses in the primary and secondary reflectors, and the thermal losses at each part of this system (distillation still, steam line, condenser) were determined. A thermal energetic and exergetic analysis was also performed for a solar system distillation of rosemary leaves. For average intensity radiation of 849.1W/m2 and 6 Kg of rosemary leaves during 4 hours of distillation, exergy and optical efficiencies of the system achieved up to 26.62% and 50.97%, respectively. The thermal efficiency of the still, steam line and condenser is about 94.80%, 93.08%, and 87.76%, respectively. Total efficiency of the solar distillation system, taking into account the heat losses in the still, steam line, and condenser, as well as the optical losses in the two reflectors, is 39.49%. The efficiency can be as high as 42.42% and if the steam line is insulated. Moreover, the comparison between the Solar Steam Distillation and Conventional Steam Distillation shows that solar distillation is much more efficient since it gives better results, and especially it avoids emission of 12.10 kg of CO2 during extraction.
Prognostic and Therapeutic Biomarker Developments in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Wallington-Beddoe Craig Thomas , Mynott Rachel Lauris 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
New approaches to stratify multiple myeloma patients for informing on prognosis and therapy selection are needed since patients are currently managed in a similar manner regardless of individual risk factors. However, despite new and improved biomarkers for determining the prognosis of patients, there is currently insufficient information to utilise biomarkers to intensify, reduce or altogether change treatment, nor to target patient-specific biology. The ever-increasing number and complexity of drug classes to treat multiple myeloma have improved response rates and so clinically useful biomarkers will need to be relevant in the era of such novel therapies. Therefore, the field of multiple myeloma biomarker development is rapidly progressing, spurred on by new technologies and therapeutic approaches, and underpinned by a deeper understanding of tumour biology with individualised patient management the goal. In this review we describe the main biomarker categories in multiple myeloma and relate these to prognostic and therapeutic applications.
Parametric investigation using PSO algorithm while machining TixNiyCoz alloys
Authors: Soni Hargovind , Mashinini Peter Madindwa Peter , M Adam Khan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the research has been focused on machining functional material using electro spark machining process. The Ti x Ni y Co z alloy in three different combinations of Ni and Co (Tix Niy Coz ) as (i) Ti50 Ni49 Co1 (ii) Ti50 Ni45 Co5 and (iii) Ti50 Ni40 Co10 ) were machined with copper electrode wire under electro spark method. The machined samples were subjected to surface characterization techniques using electron microscope, energy dispersive spectra analysis and confocal surface microscope. Also, the amount of material removed was mathematically calculated to infer the performance of the machining process. From the investigation, an increase in Co (wt. %) was found difficult to machine and the surface roughness is a maximum of 4.35 µm at spark gap and servo voltage (125 µs and 20 V) respectively. The particle swarm optimization technique is used to find the globally best solution. The process parameters for machining TixNiyCoz alloy found in the range of 116 – 122 µs and 22 to 32 V, spark bandgap and servo voltage respectively. Therefore, at a maximum pulse on time (spark gap 122 µs) and average servo voltage (30V) TixNiyCoz alloy can be machined with wire electro spark method for best results.
A tumor-derived type III collagen-rich ECM niche regulates tumor cell dormancy
Authors: Martino Julie Di , Nobre Ana Rita , Mondal Chandrani , Taha Isrha , Farias Eduardo , Fertig Elana , Naba Alexandra , Aguirre-Ghiso Julio , Bravo-Cordero Jose Javier 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Cancer cells disseminate from primary tumors and seed in distant organs, where they can remain dormant for many years before forming clinically detectable metastases. Little is known about how extracellular matrix (ECM) sensing and remodeling can induce and sustain dormancy of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs). Another unanswered question is whether dormant cells themselves are able to assemble ECM niches to sustain their phenotype. From an analysis of the ECM proteome, we found that dormant cancer cells assemble an ECM niche enriched in type III collagen. Tumor-derived, but not stroma-derived type III collagen is required to sustain tumor dormancy as its disruption restores proliferation of dormant cancer cells. Mechanistically, we show that type III collagen interacts with DDR1 to activate STAT1 signaling to induce and maintain dormancy. Second harmonic generation two-photon microscopy further reveals that the dormancy-to-reactivation transition is accompanied by changes in collagen three-dimensional architecture and type III collagen abundance. In vivo, exogenous type III collagen stops tumor growth by inducing dormancy and prevents reawakening of residual dormant cells by prolonging their quiescence. Analysis of clinical samples reveals that type III collagen levels are increased in tumors from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) lymph node negative patients when compared lymph node positive patients. Our data reveal a novel mechanism by which dormant DTCs depend on the assembly of a type III collagen-rich ECM niche to maintain quiescence. Manipulation of these mechanisms could serve as a self-sustained barrier to metastasis through DTCs dormancy induction.
Accuracy and Reproducibility of Assessing Patent Foramen Ovale on Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography: A Comparison with Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Xiong Li , Zeng Yingting , Gan Tian , Yan Feifei , Bai Jiao , Shi Yanbin , Zhou Xiaoyue , Wu Yu , Zhang Xiaochun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine if coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) can help to assess patent foramen ovale (PFO) with high accuracy and reproducibility when compared to Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE). In total, 75 patients (31 men, 44 women; mean age, 45 ± 9 years) with suspected PFO were evaluated using coronary CCTA and TEE. PFO tunnel length (TL) and the opening diameter of the left atrial entrance (ODLAE) and right atrial entrance (ODRAE), as well as contrast shunt (if present due to PFO), were measured by both modalities. PFO was detected in 67 patients with TEE. The sensitivity for the detection of PFO with CCTA was 85.3%; specificity, 71.4%; positive predictive value, 96.7%; and negative predictive value, 33.3%. Both modalities demonstrated good agreement in measuring TL and ODLAE of PFO. However, the ODRAE of TEE was different from that of CCTA (1.14 ± 0.4 mm and 1.45 ± 0.5 mm, respectively, p = 0.04). The intraobserver and interobserver variability and agreement for TL, ODRAE, and ODLAE of PFO were excellent between the two measurements. CCTA provided a method for detection of PFO with high accuracy and reproducibility compared with TEE. Therefore, CCTA is a practical and efficient alternative to TEE for PFO diagnosis.
Effects of Rock Outcrops On Adjacent Soil Patches And Plants In A Karst Ecosystem In Southwest China
Authors: Shen You-Xin , Wang Qing-he , Zhao Zhi-Meng , Li Qiong-Fen , Bi Sheng-Chun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Rock outcrops (ROCs) are common structures in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in karst regions. However, their effects on adjacent soil patches and plants are rarely studied. In this study, the effects of ROCs on surrounding soils and plants were investigated.
Methods

Thirty isolated ROCs were randomly selected in a typical semi-humid karst grassland in Southwest China. Rainfall and ROC runoff were collected for chemical analyses. Soil physical and chemical properties and herb above- and belowground biomass were determined at 0 to 30, 31 to 60, 61 to 90, 91 to 190, and 191 to 290 cm from the ROC rock–soil interface.
Results

The pH and total organic carbon and Ca2+ contents were higher in ROC runoff than in rainfall. Some soil physical and chemical properties were significantly higher in samples at 0 to 30 cm, and above- and belowground plant biomass were both significantly higher from 0 to 30 cm and from 31 to 60 cm than at greater distances. The ROC effect zone, as estimated by logistic equation, was approximately 75 cm. When the area covered by an ROC was between 0.7 and 1.3 m2, herb biomass increased sharply from 0 to 30 cm and from 31 to 60 cm.
Conclusions

Karst ROCs affected soils and plants close to their bases, and the effects increased sharply when the area covered by an ROC was of intermediate size.