bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of sensory neuron growth and survival via negatively regulating PTEN by miR-21-5p-contained small extracellular vesicles from skin precursor-derived Schwann cells
Authors: Cong Meng , Shen Mi , Wu Xia , Li Yan , Wang Liting , He Qianru , Shi Haiyan , Ding Fei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients with peripheral nerve injury (PNI) often suffer from hypoxic ischemic impairments, in particular when combined with vascular damage, causing neuronal dysfunction and death. Increasing attention has been paid on skin precursor-derived Schwann cells (SKP-SCs), and previous study has shown that SKP-SCs could promote sensory recovery after cell therapy for PNI, resembling the effect of naive SCs, and SKP-SC-derived extracellular vesicles (SKP-SC-EVs) are putatively supposed to be promising therapeutic agents for neural regeneration.MethodsSKPs were induced to differentiate towards SCs with cocktail factors (N2, neuregulin-1β, and forskolin) in vitro. SKP-SC-EVs were isolated by exoEasy Maxi Kit and characterized by morphology and phenotypic markers of EVs. Rat sensory neurons from dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) were primarily cultured in regular condition or exposed to oxygen-glucose-deprivation (OGD) condition. SKP-SC-EVs were applied to DRGs or sensory neurons, with LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor) added; the effect on neurite outgrowth and cell survival was observed. Moreover, microRNA (miR) candidate contained in SKP-SC-EVs was screened out, and miR-mimics were transfected into DRG neurons; meanwhile, the negative regulation of PTEN/PI3K/Akt axis and downstream signaling molecules were determined.ResultsIt was shown that SKP-SC-EVs could improve the neurite outgrowth of DRGs and sensory neurons. Furthermore, SKP-SC-EVs enhanced the survival of sensory neurons after OGD exposure by alleviating neuronal apoptosis and strengthening cell viability, and the expression of GAP43 (a neuron functional protein) in neurons was upregulated. Moreover, the neuro-reparative role of SKP-SC-EVs was implicated in the activation of PI3K/Akt, mTOR, and p70S6k, as well as the reduction of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, that was compromised by LY294002 to some extent. In addition, transferring miR-21-5p mimics into sensory neurons could partly protect them from OGD-induced impairment.ConclusionsSum up, SKP-SC-EVs could improve neurite outgrowth of DRG sensory neurons in physiological and pathological condition. Moreover, the in vitro therapeutic potential of SKP-SC-EVs on the survival and restoration of OGD-injured sensory neurons was evidenced to be associated with miR-21-5p contained in the small EVs and miR-21-5p/PTEN/PI3K/Akt axis.Graphic abstract
CD9, a potential leukemia stem cell marker, regulates drug resistance and leukemia development in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Liu Yongliang , Wang Guiqin , Zhang Jiasi , Chen Xue , Xu Huailong , Heng Gang , Chen Jun , Zhao Yongchun , Li Jiatao , Ni Yuanli , Zhang Yingzi , Shan Juanjuan , Qian Cheng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are responsible for the initiation, progression, and relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Therefore, a therapeutic strategy targeting LSCs is a potential approach to eradicate AML. In this study, we aimed to identify LSC-specific surface markers and uncover the underlying mechanism of AML LSCs.

Methods
Microarray gene expression data were used to investigate candidate AML-LSC-specific markers. CD9 expression in AML cell lines, patients with AML, and normal donors was evaluated by flow cytometry (FC). The biological characteristics of CD9-positive (CD9+) cells were analyzed by in vitro proliferation, chemotherapeutic drug resistance, migration, and in vivo xenotransplantation assays. The molecular mechanism involved in CD9+ cell function was investigated by gene expression profiling. The effects of alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) on CD9+ cells were analyzed with regard to proliferation, drug resistance, and migration.

Results
CD9, a cell surface protein, was specifically expressed on AML LSCs but barely detected on normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). CD9+ cells exhibit more resistance to chemotherapy drugs and higher migration potential than do CD9-negative (CD9−) cells. More importantly, CD9+ cells possess the ability to reconstitute human AML in immunocompromised mice and promote leukemia growth, suggesting that CD9+ cells define the LSC population. Furthermore, we identified that A2M plays a crucial role in maintaining CD9+ LSC stemness. Knockdown of A2M impairs drug resistance and migration of CD9+ cells.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that CD9 is a new biomarker of AML LSCs and is a promising therapeutic target.
Higher anticoagulation targets and risk of thrombotic events in severe COVID-19 patients: bi-center cohort study
Authors:   for the CRICS TRIGGERSEP Group (Clinical Research in Intensive Care Sepsis Trial Group for Global EvaluationResearch in Sepsis), Helms Julie , Severac François , Merdji Hamid , Schenck Maleka , Clere-Jehl Raphaël , Baldacini Mathieu , Ohana Mickaël , Grunebaum Lélia , Castelain Vincent , Anglés-Cano Eduardo , Sattler Laurent , Meziani Ferhat 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Thromboprophylaxis of COVID-19 patients is a highly debated issue. We aimed to compare the occurrence of thrombotic/ischemic events in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) treated with either prophylactic or therapeutic dosage of heparin. All patients referred for COVID-19 ARDS in two intensive care units (ICUs) from two centers of a French tertiary hospital were included in our cohort study. Patients were compared according to their anticoagulant treatment to evaluate the risk/benefit of prophylactic anticoagulation versus therapeutic anticoagulation. Medical history, symptoms, biological data and imaging were prospectively collected.

Results
One hundred and seventy-nine patients (73% men) were analyzed: 108 in prophylactic group and 71 in therapeutic group. Median age and SAPS II were 62 [IQR 51; 70] years and 47 [IQR 37; 63] points. ICU mortality rate was 17.3%. Fifty-seven patients developed clinically relevant thrombotic complications during their ICU stay, less frequently in therapeutic group (adjusted OR 0.38 [0.14–0.94], p = 0.04). The occurrences of pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and ischemic stroke were significantly lower in the therapeutic group (respective adjusted OR for PE: 0.19 [0.03–0.81]; DVT: 0.13 [0.01–0.89], stroke: 0.06 [0–0.68], all p < 0.05). The occurrence of bleeding complications was not significantly different between groups, neither were ICU length of stay or mortality rate. D-dimer levels were significantly lower during ICU stay, and aPTT ratio was more prolonged in the therapeutic group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
Increasing the anticoagulation of severe COVID-19 patients to a therapeutic level might decrease thrombotic complications without increasing their bleeding risk.
Joint optimization of computing ratio and access points’ density for mixed mobile edge/cloud computing
Authors: Jing Tianqi , He Shiwen , Yu Fei , Huang Yongming , Yang Luxi , Ren Ju 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCooperation between the mobile edge computing (MEC) and the mobile cloud computing (MCC) in offloading computing could improve quality of service (QoS) of user equipments (UEs) with computation-intensive tasks. In this paper, in order to minimize the expect charge, we focus on the problem of how to offload the computation-intensive task from the resource-scarce UE to access point’s (AP) and the cloud, and the density allocation of APs’ at mobile edge. We consider three offloading computing modes and focus on the coverage probability of each mode and corresponding ergodic rates. The resulting optimization problem is a mixed-integer and non-convex problem in the objective function and constraints. We propose a low-complexity suboptimal algorithm called Iteration of Convex Optimization and Nonlinear Programming (ICONP) to solve it. Numerical results verify the better performance of our proposed algorithm. Optimal computing ratios and APs’ density allocation contribute to the charge saving.
A new task offloading algorithm in edge computing
Authors: Zhang Zhenjiang , Li Chen , Peng ShengLung , Pei Xintong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn the last few years, the Internet of Things (IOT), as a new disruptive technology, has gradually changed the world. With the prosperous development of the mobile Internet and the rapid growth of the Internet of Things, various new applications continue to emerge, such as mobile payment, face recognition, wearable devices, driverless, VR/AR, etc. Although the computing power of mobile terminals is getting higher and the traditional cloud computing model has higher computing power, it is often accompanied by higher latency and cannot meet the needs of users. In order to reduce user delay to improve user experience, and at the same time reduce network load to a certain extent, edge computing, as an application of IOT, came into being. In view of the new architecture after dating edge computing, this paper focuses on the task offloading in edge computing, from task migration in multi-user scenarios and edge server resource management expansion, and proposes a multi-agent load balancing distribution based on deep reinforcement learning DTOMALB, a distributed task allocation algorithm, can perform a reasonable offload method for this scenario to improve user experience and balance resource utilization. Simulations show that the algorithm has a certain adaptability compared to the traditional algorithm in the scenario of multi-user single cell, and reduces the complexity of the algorithm compared to the centralized algorithm, and reduces the average response delay of the overall user. And balance the load of each edge computing server, improve the robustness and scalability of the system.
A fixed point theorem for generalized $(\psi ,\varphi )$-weak contractions in Branciari type generalized metric spaces
Authors: Xue Zhiqun , Lv Guiwen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we obtain a new convergence theorem for fixed points of weak contractions in Branciari type generalized metric spaces under weaker conditions. The proof process of the theorem is new and different from that of other authors. An illustrative example of this theorem is to show how the new conditions extend known results.
Self-adaptive trajectory prediction for improving traffic safety in cloud-edge based transportation systems
Authors: Xie Bin , Zhang Kun , Zhao Yi , Zhang Yunchun , Cai Ying , Wang Tian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntelligent transportation brings huge benefits to humans’ life and Industrial production in terms of vehicle control and traffic management. Now, the development of edge-cloud computing has once again promoted intelligent transportation into a new era. However, the development of intelligent transportation inevitably produces a large amount of data, which brings new challenges to data privacy protection and security. In this paper, we propose to develop an improved trajectory prediction framework based on the self-adaptive trajectory prediction model (SATP), which could significantly enhance traffic safety in transportation systems. The proposed framework is capable of guaranteeing the accurate trajectory prediction of moving target under different application scenarios. In particular, to reduce the size of original trajectory point data collected by sensors, the angle change and minimum description length (MDL) principle are first combined to remove the redundant points in raw trajectories. The obtained points can then be reduced for model using the two-step clustering method. To further enhance the prediction performance, we add the “self-transfer” to the original model to solve the problems that the state of original SATP model may be discontinuous. Furthermore, we propose to develop a trajectory complementation method based on Bezier curve to improve the prediction accuracy. Finally, by comparing the two-step clustering method with the commonly-used SinglePass and density-based clustering method (DBCM) algorithms, the proposed two-step clustering policy greatly reduce the time cost of clustering. At the same time, by comparing the improved SATP model with the original model, the results show that the improved SATP method can greatly improve the speed of prediction model.
Spatial and temporal scales of coral reef fish ecological research and management: a systematic map protocol
Authors: Lawrence Alice , Heenan Adel , Levine Arielle , Haddaway Neal R. , Powell Farrah , Wedding Lisa , Roche Ronan , Lawrence Peter , Szostek Claire , Ford Helen , Southworth Lucy , Pilly Sivajyodee Sannassy , Richardson Laura E. , Williams Gareth J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundCoral reefs are rapidly changing in response to local and global stressors. Research to better understand and inform the management of these stressors is burgeoning. However, in situ studies of coral reef ecology are constrained by complex logistics and limited resources. Many reef studies are also hampered by the scale-dependent nature of ecological patterns, and inferences made on causal relationships within coral reef systems are limited by the scales of observation. This is because most socio-ecological studies are conducted at scales relevant to the phenomenon of interest. However, management often occurs across a significantly broader, often geopolitical, range of scales. While there is a critical need for incisive coral reef management actions at relevant spatial and temporal scales, it remains unclear to what extent the scales of empirical study overlap with the scales at which management inferences and recommendations are made. This systematic map protocol will evaluate this potential scale mismatch with the goal of raising awareness about the significance of effectively addressing and reporting the scales at which researchers collect data and make assumptions.MethodsWe will use the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence (CEE) systematic mapping guidelines to identify relevant studies using a framework-based synthesis to summarise the spatial and temporal scales of coral reef fish ecology research and the scales at which management inferences or recommendations are made. Using tested predefined terms, we will search for relevant published academic and grey literature, including bibliographic databases, web-based search engines, and organisational websites. Inclusion criteria for the evidence map are empirical studies that focus on coral reef fish ecological organisation and processes, those informing management interventions and policy decisions, and management documents that cite coral reef research for management decision-making. Study results will be displayed graphically using data matrices and heat maps. This is the first attempt to systematically assess and compare the scales of socio-ecological research conducted on coral reef systems with their management.
The prospective evaluation and risk factors of dysphagia after surgery in patients with oral cancer
Authors: Hasegawa Takumi , Yatagai Nanae , Furukawa Tatsuya , Wakui Emi , Saito Izumi , Takeda Daisuke , Kakei Yasumasa , Sakakibara Akiko , Nibu Ken-ichi , Akashi Masaya 
Published: January 2021

Background This prospective study investigated the change of swallowing ability using the Swallowing Ability Scale System (SASS) and swallowing-related quality of life (QOL) by Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer patients (PSS-H&N). This study also investigated the risk factors for postoperative dysphagia in patients who received reconstructive surgery for oral cancer. Subjects and Methods This study included 64 patients (33 men and 31 women) who underwent radical surgery with neck dissection and reconstructive surgery for oral cancers between July 2014 and February 2018. We evaluated risk factors for poor swallowing ability after treatment, including demographic factors, preoperative factors and perioperative factors, with univariate and multivariate analyses. The change of swallowing ability by the SASS and swallowing-related QOL by PSS-H&N were evaluated prospectively prior to the initiation of surgery within 1 week and at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Results Advanced T stage (T3, 4) (odds ratio (OR) = 79.71), bilateral neck dissection (OR = 20.66) and the resection of unilateral or bilateral suprahyoid muscles (OR = 17.00) were associated with poor swallowing ability after treatment. The scores for time for food intake and Eating in Public were associated with decrease of QOL in the poor group. Conclusions We propose that clinicians consider the risk factors identified in this study and pay close attention to the management of oral cancer patients with reconstructive surgery. Graphical Abstract
Addressing the medicines access challenge through balance, evidence, collaboration and transparency: key take-away lessons of the 4th PPRI Conference
Authors: Vogler Sabine , Zimmermann Nina , Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din , Busse Reinhard , Espin Jaime , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K. , Panteli Dimitra , Suleman Fatima , Wirtz Veronika J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe 4th PPRI Conference, held in Vienna in October 2019, addressed issues related to equitable and affordable access to medicines. A multi-stakeholder audience from around the globe discussed solutions and best practice models for current challenges such as high-priced medicines, limitations of current pricing and reimbursement policies and tight budgets for health technologies. A multi-faceted approach (so-called balance, evidence, collaboration and transparency/BECT strategy) was also discussed. This includes an improved balance of different interests and policy areas, generation of relevant evidence, collaboration between countries and stakeholders, and transparency, and was considered as the most promising pathway for the future.
Health-Related Quality of Life Data in Cancer Clinical Trials for Drug Registration: The Value Beyond Reimbursement
Authors: Wasalski Erinne , Mehta Shashi 
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE A review of the literature was performed to evaluate how quality of life measures are collected, analyzed, and reported in cancer clinical trials intended to support drug registration.Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data points are one of the patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessments used in clinical trials to evaluate the effects of treatments from the patient perspective. The use of PROs has gained focus in cancer clinical trials as more options become available for greater longevity of patients on treatment. Standardization of PRO data is evolving and involves unique challenges when used for assessing biologic and chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. METHODS In this study, a review of literature published between 2009 and 2019 was conducted using PubMed, COCHRANE Library, and Medline. The research focus was on the current guidance, implementation, and reporting as well as highlighting the issues, and recommendations for the inclusion of HRQoL end points in cancer clinical trials intended for use in drug registration. RESULTS Although there exist many levels of guidance for HRQoL measures in cancer drug trials, challenges to operational implementation, the current inconsistent adherence to reporting standards, and the lack of consensus and understanding of analyses limit the value and potential of the resulting data collected. CONCLUSION The results of HRQoL data collected from cancer clinical trials can be difficult to interpret and apply to inform clinical decision making. Increased reporting and access to these data can provide opportunities for potential applications to improve translatability of HRQoL data collected in clinical trials into practice.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus Incidence, Mortality, and Survival Among the General Population and Persons Living With HIV in Puerto Rico, 2000-2016
Authors: Ortiz-Ortiz Karen J. , Ramos-Cartagena Jeslie M. , Deshmukh Ashish A. , Torres-Cintrón Carlos R. , Colón-López Vivian , Ortiz Ana P. 
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is common among persons living with HIV (PLWH). We described SCCA incidence and survival among the general population and among PLWH in Puerto Rico (PR), along with mortality of anal cancer. METHODS PR HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program and the PR Central Cancer Registry databases were linked (2000-2016). Incidence rates (IRs) and trends (annual percent change [APC]) in SCCA and mortality rates and trends for anal cancer were estimated. Relative survival and relative excess risk (RER) of death were calculated. RESULTS From 2000 to 2016, 991 individuals in PR were diagnosed with anal cancer; 73% of cases were SCCA 9.1% of SCCA and 1.5% of non-SCCA cases were in PLWH ( P < .0001). SCCA incidence was higher among PLWH than the general population (IR = 27.7/100,000). Among PLWH, SCCA incidence (per 100,000) was the highest among men who have sex with men (IR = 60.5). From 2001-2016, SCCA incidence increased among the general population (APC: 4.90, P < .05); however, no significant change was observed among PLWH (APC = 0.19 and P = .96). The APC for anal cancer mortality in the general population was positive (3.9%) from 2000 to 2016, but not significant ( P > .05). The 5-year relative survival of SCCA was 56.9% among PLWH and 66.8% among the general population. In multivariate analysis, the RER of death for SCCA 5 years postdiagnosis was affected by stage at diagnosis (distant: RER = 7.6, 95% CI, 2.36 to 24.25) but not by PLWH status (RER = 1.4, 95% CI, 0.67 to 3.01). CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the relevance of anal cancer screening in PLWH and HPV vaccination in both PLWH and the general population in PR, which could have an impact on the disease trend in the next few decades.
Multisector Collaborations and Global Oncology: The Only Way Forward
Authors: Blanchard Charmaine , Lubuzo Buhle , Asirwa Frederick Chite , Dlamini Xolisile , Msadabwe-Chikuni Susan C. , Mwachiro Michael , Shyirambere Cyprien , Ruhangaza Deo , Milner Dan A. , Van Loon Katherine , DeBoer Rebecca , Mtshali Phangisile , Dugan Ute , Baker Ellen , Shulman Lawrence N. 
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE At the 12th meeting of AORTIC (African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer) in Maputo, Mozambique, held between November 5 and November 8, 2019, a special workshop was organized to focus on the need for collaboration and coordination between governments and health systems in Africa with academic, industry, association, and other nongovernmental organizations to effect sustainable positive change for the care of patients with cancer. METHODS Representatives from seven different projects in Africa presented implementation science and demonstration projects of their to date efforts in cancer system improvement including patient access, South-South partnerships, in-country specialized training, palliative care consortium, treatment outcomes, and focused pathology and diagnostic capacity building. Key partners of the various projects served as moderators and commentators during the session. RESULTS From across all the presentations, lessons learned and exemplary evidence of the value of partnerships were gathered and summarized. CONCLUSION The concluding synthesis of the presentations determined that with the broad needs across cancer requiring in-depth expertise at each point on a patient’s journey, no single organization can effect change alone. Multipartner collaborations not only should be the norm but should also be coordinated so that efforts are not duplicated and maximum patient access to cancer diagnosis and care is achieved.