bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High KLK7 Expression Predicts Unfavorable Outcomes in Patients with Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yao Rucheng , Li Yunjie , Cheng Dawei , Zhou Pei , Li Xiaosong , Yao Kecheng , Hu Jun , Zheng Jun 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background Studies have shown that kallikrein-related peptidase 7 (KLK7) is abnormally expressed in a various of tumours and plays a crucial role in tumour progression. The expression level and clinical significance of KLK7 in pancreatic cancer are still unclear. In this research, by detecting the expression of KLK7 in pancreatic cancer tissues and analyzing its relationship between clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as well as explore its clinical value in pancreatic cancer.MethodsWe compared the expression of KLK7 in public databases (TCGA and GTEx) between tumour tissues and normal pancreatic tissues. We used immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of KLK7 in 243 cases of PDAC tissues. For cancer patient data, the Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox risk model were using to analyzed the correlation between the KLK7 expression and the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. ResultsIn the TCGA and GTEx data sets, the expression of KLK7 in normal pancreatic tissue was obviously lower than in pancreatic cancer tissue (P<0.05). In the TCGA database data sets, the survival time of KLK7 high expression group was obviously lower than the low expression group (P<0.05). In the TCGA data set, we found that the expression of KLK7 can be using as an independent prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer patients (HR=1.32, 95% CI=1.118~1.559, P=0.001). Among 243 patients with clinical pancreatic cancer, the positive expression rate of KLK7 in pancreatic tumour tissue was obviously higher than in adjacent pancreatic tissue (P<0.001). The time to live of PDAC patients with high KLK7 expression is obviously lower than patients with common KLK7 expression (P<0.05). KLK7 expression, low tumour differentiation, nodal metastasis and vessel invasion were independently associated with poor overall survival (P<0.05). ConclusionsThe expression of KLK7 in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma increased obviously, and it is directly related to the poor prognosis of patients after radical resection of pancreatic cancer. The expression of KLK7 may used as a predictor of long-term prognosis after radical resection of pancreatic cancer.
Spatial Variation of Tropospheric NO2 Concentration During First Wave CoVID-19 Induced Lockdown Estimated From Sentinel-5 Precursor
Authors: Tripathi Jayant N , Singh Anil Kumar , Dey Chandan , Mukherjee Saumitra 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
CoVID-19 pandemic has forced many countries to shut down their industries as most of these countries observed complete state-wide lockdown during the first wave of this contagious virus. Factories and vehicles on the road are a major source of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is also one of the major air pollutants. The emission of NO₂ is considered as a good indicator of prevalant global economic activities as its predominant corollary affairs typically involve industrial oprtaions and these emissions are evidently visible from space. Sentinel-5 Precursor (launched in July 2018), equipped with spectrometer Tropomoi (Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument), is a low-earth-orbit atmosphere mission satellite dedicated towards monitoring air pollution sensing remotely. This study is focused primarily on, estimation and variation of NO2 emission over different parts of the world, before and during the first wave of CoVID-19 epidemic (07 weeks duration). It is found that in most of the countries during the lockdown period (7 weeks), air quality was cleaner by about 40 to 50 % over the last year, mainly due to the shutdown of industry and traffic activities. The technology is quite promising and provides a tool to access if a country or place followed complete lockdown.
Left Atrial Reservoir Longitudinal Strain is a Resting Marker of Exercise Capacity in Chronic Heart Failure: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sun Pengtao , Cen Huan , Chen Sinan , Chen Xiankun , Jiang Wei , Zhu Huiying , Liu Yuexia , Liu Hongmei , Lu Weihui 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Left atrial (LA) function is an important parameter for assessing left ventricular performance. This study investigated the relationship between LA function as determined by strain analysis and exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: A total of 51 patients with CHF were prospectively recruited from the Baduanjin-eight-silken-movement With Self-efficacy Building for Patients With Chronic Heart Failure study. Resting echocardiographic parameters including the ratio of transmitral E velocity to tissue Doppler mitral annulus e′ velocity (E/e′), minimum left atrial volume index (LAVI min ), maximum left atrial volume index (LAVI max ), and left atrial empty fraction (LAEF) as well as global phasic longitudinal strain (reservoir strain [LALSr], conduit strain [LALScd], and contractile strain [LALSct]) were measured and compared with maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) in terms of performance in predicting reduced exercise capacity. Results: Mean age of study patients was 60.18 ± 10.41 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 32.8 ± 14.2%, and mean VO 2max was 17.02 ± 4.64 mL/kg/min. Eleven (21.57%) patients were women, and 32 (62.75%) had coranary heart disease. Univariate linear regression analysis identified age and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide level as independent clinical parameters associated with VO 2max (both P<0.05); independent resting echocardiographic parameters included LALSRr (P<0.001); average late diastolic velocity of septal and lateral wall annulus, LAVI max , LAVI min , LALSRr, LALSRct, and LAEF (all P<0.01); and E and E/e′ (both P<0.05). The multivariate linear regression analysis revealed 4 independent clinical predictors of VO 2max including (β = 0.351; P = 0.007), age (β = -0.271; P = 0.027), body mass index (β = -0.260; P = 0.032) and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (β = -0.257; P = 0.041). Conclusions: LALSr is a marker of decreased LA compliance and an independent correlate of VO 2max with high diagnostic value in patients with CHF. Thus, LALSr can be used for risk stratification of CHF patients with reduced exercise capacity and poor cardiovascular outcome. Trial registration: NCT03180320 (ClinicalTrials.gov). Registered 8 June 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03180320?term=Baduanjin-eight-silken-movement&draw=2&rank=1.
Folic Acid-modified Lysozyme-protected Gold Nanoclusters as Anti-inflammatory Nanomedicine for Gout Flares
Authors: Sun Jiachen , Zhuang Pengfei , Wen Shan , Ge Minghao , Zhou Zipeng , Li Dan , Liu Chang , Mei Xifan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGout normally occurs when excess urate crystals accumulate in the joints that induce inflammation. The inflammations further result in gout flares, causing serious pain. Some anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain, but they have significantly toxic and side effects. Nanomedicines offer opportunities to reduce various side effects but are mostly based on the delivery of additional organic drugs, which adds complexity and may cause other health problems including the bioaccumulation risk. We developed folic acid (FA)-modified lysozyme (Lys)-protected gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) (i. e., FLA) by a one-pot method, and FLA is developed as an anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of acute attacks of gout flares at high monosodium urate (MSU) levels. MethodsThe morphological changes of the cells caused by FLA were studied by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence microscopy. Western blotting was conducted to understand the inflammation factors. AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking of FLA to evaluate the binding mode of the ligand and the interaction in the active site.ResultsThis nanomedicine significantly reduced the inflammation of gout flares. In addition, the oxidative stress level was found to decrease to normal values by FLA based on the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). By injecting FLA into the gout rat model, inflammation was remarkably reduced during gout attacks, and cartilage destruction was significantly relieved. The biosafety of this nanomedicine is confirmed by insignificant cytotoxicity and no bioaccumulation-induced organ change.ConclusionCompared with traditional nano-delivery systems, this organic drug-free nanomedicine exhibits exciting therapeutic efficiency against gout flares, which will have considerable prospects in the clinic.
Where to place emergency ambulance vehicles? Using a capacitated maximum covering location model with real call data
Authors: Hashtarkhani Soheil , Yin Ping , Kiani Behzad , Mohammadi Alireza , MohammadEbrahimi Shahab , Tara Mahmood , Matthews Stephen A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Timeliness of emergency medical services (EMS) is critical for patient survival. Identifying optimal locations for ambulance vehicles could increase the chance of timely service delivery. This study incorporates Geographical Information Systems (GIS) with a mathematical optimization technique to improve the 5-minute coverage of EMS demands. Methods: This study was conducted in the county of Mashhad, the northeast of Iran, including 94 ambulance vehicles distributed across 74 EMS stations. Locations of demands were extracted using analysis of one-year EMS call data. Network analysis was employed to estimate the travel times. A maximal covering location problem (MCLP) model with a capacity threshold for vehicles was implemented using the CPLEX optimizer. To make the proposed model more practical in the context of EMS, we added a constraint to the model formulation to maintain an acceptable service level for all EMS calls. Two scenarios were implemented: (1) a relocation model of existing vehicles among existing stations and (2) an optimal allocation model of EMS vehicles and stations using a list of candidate locations.Results: Using the relocation model, the proportion of calls for service within the 5-minute coverage standard increased from 69% to 75%, ensuring all urban and rural service demands to be reached within 16 and 48 minutes, respectively. Our allocation model revealed that the coverage proportion could rise to 84% of the total call for service by adding ten vehicles and eight new stations.Conclusions: Incorporating GIS techniques with optimization modeling has the potential to improve population health outcomes in real-world decision making regarding the accessibility and equity of health resource allocation including EMS services.
Effects of Intravitreal Injection of Hypoxia-Induced Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes On Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Fu Yan , Gu Zhao-Hui , Zhang Yue-Ling , Wen Xiao-Ying , Yang Na 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a highly specific condition affecting the microvasculature that is the leading cause of visual impairment in working-age people in developed countries. The ability of intravitreal administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to repair the retinal vasculature and neurons of the inner retina in DR has been explored. It was recently revealed that exosomes are primarily responsible for the therapeutic effects of MSCs; therefore, intravitreal injection of these vesicles appears to be a better option for treatment of retinal injury, and there is evidence that hypoxic conditions can promote exosome release from MSCs. Here we investigated the effect of intravitreal injection of hypoxia-induced human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (hypo-hucMSC-Exs) on the retinal microvasculature in rats with DR. We also assessed whether hypo-hucMSC-Exs exhibited greater effects on DR than exosomes from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells not exposed to hypoxia (hucMSC-Exs). Exosomes were isolated from MSCs cultured under normoxic and hypoxic culture conditions. Transmission electron microscope, nanoparticle tracking, and western blot analyses were applied to characterize hucMSC-Exs. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were used as a model for DR. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) was conducted to evaluate retinal microvasculature changes in vivo at 4, 8, and 12 weeks following intravitreal injection of exosomes. No significant changes were observed in the control rats without DR receiving intravitreal phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) injection throughout the study. Control model rats receiving PBS injections developed DR characterized by retinal microvascular changes, including tortuous vessels, massive microaneurysms, and late leakage of fluorescein dye was, which were visualized using FFA. These changes were ameliorated in diabetic rats treated with hucMSC-Exs. Further, injection of hypo-hucMSC-Exs remarkably reduced the extent of microvasculature lesions compared with hucMSC-Exs. These findings suggest that intravitreal injection of hucMSC-Exs can prevent diabetes-induced microvasculature lesions and that hypo-hucMSC-Exs can enhance this effect and have potential for application in DR prevention and treatment.
Sürtünme Karıştırma Kaynağı ile Birleştirilen AISI 316 Paslanmaz Çelik ve Karbonlu Çelik Çiftlerinin Mekanik Özelliklerinin ve Mikroyapılarının İncelenmesi
Authors: ALNAK Yeliz , ÖZER Ali , SAVAŞ Vedat 
Published: October 2021

Sürtünme karıştırma kaynağı, belirli bir hızda dönen bir pimin metaller arasında sürtünmesiyle oluşan ısıyı kullanarak, benzer veya benzer olmayan malzemeleri katı halde kaynaklamak için kullanılan bir katı hal kaynak tekniğidir. Kaynak, kaynak yapılacak malzemelerden daha sert olan ve tükenmeyen bir pim ile yapılır. Bu çalışmada AISI 316 östenitik paslanmaz çelik ve sade karbonlu çelikler sürtünme karıştırma kaynağı ile birleştirilmiştir. Birleştirilen çelik plakalar 3 mm kalınlığa, 60 mm genişliğe ve 120 mm uzunluğa sahiptir. Deneylerde omuz çapı 16 mm, pim uzunluğu 2,7 mm olan eşkenar üçgen profilli tungsten karbür uç kullanılmıştır. Sürtünme karıştırma kaynağı 710 dev/dak devir sayısı ve 63 mm/dak ilerleme hızında ve takıma 1,5° açı verilerek gerçekleştirilmiştir. Kaynaklı bölgelerinin mikroyapı ve mekanik
özellikleri incelenerek, en uyumlu kaynak çiftinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Yapılan mekanik testlerin ve mikroyapı analizlerinin sonuçlarından, en uyumlu kaynak çiftinin AISI 316-AISI 1010 olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Mekanik testlerde AISI 316-AISI 1010 çelik çiftinin 618,81 MPa çekme değeri ile diğer kaynak çiftlerinden daha iyi olduğu görülmüştür. Mikroyapıları incelendiğinde tane boyutunun malzemenin mukavemetini büyük ölçüde etkilediği, özellikle büyük tanelerin görüldüğü yerlerde malzemenin mukavemetinin düştüğü gözlemlenmiştir.
Avaliação do clima escolar por professores e estudantes
Authors: Filippsen Osvaldo André , Marin Angela Helena 
Published: October 2021

O presente estudo visou caracterizar e comparar o clima escolar entre professores e estudantes do ensino técnico de nível médio privado, verificando associações e diferenças entre eles. Utilizou-se um delineamento correlacional e comparativo de corte transversal, com participação de 62 professores, os quais preencheram o Questionário de Dados Sociodemográficos e Laboral e a Delaware School Climate Survey - Teacher/Staff, além de 135 estudantes, que responderam ao Questionário de Caracterização do Perfil dos estudantes e ao Delaware School Climate Survey-Student. Constatou-se que tanto professores como estudantes perceberam como positivos os fatores: relação professor-aluno, relação entre alunos e bullying, mas, quando comparados, os professores perceberam de forma mais positiva a relação entre alunos, engajamento do aluno e bullying, enquanto os estudantes, clareza e justiça das regras e segurança. Tais dados são corroborados pela evidência de concordância moderada no fator relação entre alunos, razoável em clareza e justiça das regras e segurança, e mínima para relação professor-aluno, bullying e engajamento estudantil. Apesar das diferentes percepções, os dados denotaram, de modo geral, um clima positivo entre as escolas investigadas.
Seed Source Effects on Germination, Growth, and Yield of Carrots Under Natural Farming
Authors: Katsu You , Kato Kotaro , Abe Shuji , Miyazawa Kae 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Natural farming is a type of low-input sustainable agricultural system that is characterized by the avoidance of the use of any animal materials. Production of self-produced seeds by farmers is recommended under natural farming environments, with an expectation of improved crop growth and yield. However, there have been no scientific studies that investigated the performance of self-produced seeds under natural farming. This study investigated the germination rate, growth, and yield of carrots (Daucus carota L.) from different seed sources under natural farming. The main experimental factor was the cultivation method: CT – control; CF – conventional farming; NF1 – natural farming with tillage and compost input; and NF2 – natural farming without tillage and compost, and the subfactor was the seed source: OPN – open-pollinated seeds self-produced under natural farming; OPC – open-pollinated seeds produced under conventional farming; and HB – hybrid seeds. The germination rate of OPN seeds was higher than that of other seeds. In addition, root fresh weight and other root parameters of OPN were as high as for HB seeds. This suggests that using self-produced seeds by farmers improves crop performance in a natural farming system.
Boycott or Buycott: The Aftermath of Corporate Activism
Authors: Warren Nooshin L. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Some stakeholders, notably investors, might be worried that debatable activism interferes with the goal of making profits. Therefore, they might react negatively to corporate activism. On average, there was a half percent dip in stock prices as companies engaged in activism. However, if the activism was aligned with a company´s stakeholders’ values, stock prices increased. The effect for customer and legislators was stronger than for employees. Misalignment with all three groups accounted for the highest loss. Brand activism aligned with consumers political ideologies, further increased sales, and the positive effects were persistent, over time.
To be successful, companies should carefully select their engagements to avoid being punished. When deciding whether to engage in controversial activism, they should have a closer look at key stakeholders, such as customers, regulators, and employees.
Microclimate-based mortality analysis of the Cibodas Botanic Gardens plant collection
Authors: HIDAYAT IMAWAN WAHYU , WIDYATMOKO DIDIK 
Published: October 2021

Despite the routinely conducted treatment and maintenance of garden plant collection, the monthly mortality figures of the Cibodas Botanic Gardens (CBG) plant collections remain significant. It is presumed that the microclimate has a crucial influence on plant survivorship in the field. This study aimed to analyze the effect of microclimate conditions on the mortality rate of the CBG plant collection. The study was conducted by correlating the number of mortal plants with CBG monthly microclimatic conditions from 2017 to 2018. The analyzed microclimate parameters were temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind velocity, and solar radiation. The multiple regression modeling, t-test, and Pearson correlation test (r) were utilized to measure the level of significance of the correlation (α = 0.05). The findings were shown that the maximum wind velocity was the primary unit correlated to the number of mortality. The correlation was strong positive (r = 68.8%), and significant (p-value α). We suggested anticipating the disadvantages influences of strong wind supported by other extreme microclimate units, such as heavy rain. These events frequently caused high damage to the tree and other plant collections. These are expected to be taken into a consideration by the CBG operator and management in order to forecast and mitigate the risks of future plant collection losses.
Role of Integrative Oncology and Palliative Care Services in Improving Comfort Level and Compliance among Patients with Advanced Fungating Breast Cancer – Experience from a Rural Hospital of North Eastern India during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dutta Samrat , Ishore Kaushik , Ghoshal Arunangshu 
Published: October 2021

Objectives:
Malignant fungating breast cancers are a definite challenge to treatment due to limited knowledge and prevailing distressing symptoms. Various treatment protocols with regard to radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy have been reported in the literature but the knowledge of proper integration of these regimes with effective palliative care nursing care, particularly in resource poor settings, is not well understood. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the change in the degree of comfort achieved before and after treatment of these fungating breast cancer wounds along with issues regarding compliance to such treatment in a peripheral rural medical college hospital.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 20 patients were selected from the medical records files of the RT department of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital who were registered and treated during the period 1 June 2019– 31 July 2021. Palliative care nursing of malodour, bleeding, maggots, pain and assessment of psychological parameters was done based on the 11-point revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale at the beginning and at each subsequent follow-up visits. Patients were also individualised for receiving palliative RT, chemotherapy, surgery and hormone therapy based on their clinicodemographic profiles. Informed consent was taken from all patients and every treatment was in accordance with the ethical permissions as sought from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Statistical analysis was done based on descriptive statistics and SPSS version 22.

Results:
Median follow-up was 13 months. Overall, there was a significant improvement in comfort and well-being as assessed by paired t-test before and after treatment (paired t-test = 16.548; P = 0.000). However, there was no significant correlation with palliative radiation dose and schedule as per spearman’s correlation coefficient. The mean radiation dose was BED 48.56 Gy3 (EQD2 = 29.3 Gy3) and the median number of fractions used was 10. Almost 50% of patients were noncompliant to treatment and this might be attributed to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic situation. There was maximum relief with regard to bleeding control (100%), malodour dissipation (76.9%) and control of maggots infestation (71%) and these results were also found to be strongly associated with treatment as per analysis done by Chi-square test of difference of proportions.

Conclusion:
Effective comfort can be achieved with proper judicious combination of palliative care nursing and other oncological treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.