bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proppant Transport Using High-Viscosity Friction Reducer Fracture Fluids at High-Temperature Environment
Authors: Biheri Ghith , Imqam Abdulmohsin 
Published: October 2021

Summary
The stimulation of unconventional reservoirs to improve oil productivity in tight formations of shale basins is a key objective in hydraulic fracturing treatments. Such stimulation can be made by reliable fracture fluids that have a high viscosity and elasticity to suspend the proppant in the fracture networks. Recently, due to several operational and economic reasons, the oil industry began using high-viscosity friction reducers (HVFRs) as direct replacements for linear and crosslinked gels. However, some issues can limit the capability of HVFRs to provide effective sand transport, including the high fluid temperature during fracture treatment inside the formations. This may lead to unstable fracture fluids caused by a decrease in the interconnective strength between the fluid chains, which results in reduced viscosity and elasticity. This study comprehensively investigated HVFRs in comparison with guar at various temperatures. An HVFR at 4 gallons per thousand gallons of water (gpt) and guar at 25 pounds per thousand gallons of water (ppt) were selected based on fluid rheology tests and hydraulic fracture execution field results. The rheological measurements of both fracture fluids were conducted at different temperature values (i.e., 25, 50, 75, and 100°C). Static and dynamic proppant settling tests were also conducted at the same temperatures. The results showed that the HVFR provided better proppant transport capability than the guar. The HVFR had better thermal stability than guar, but its viscosity and elasticity decreased significantly when the temperature exceeded 75°C. An HVFR can carry and hold the proppant more deeply inside the fracture than liner gel, but that ability decreases as the temperature increases. Therefore, using conditions that mimic field conditions to measure the fracture fluid rheology, proppant static settling velocity, and proppant dune development under a high temperature is crucial for enhancing the fracture treatment results.
Associated factors with poor treatment response to initial glucocorticoid therapy in patients with adult-onset Still’s disease
Authors: Kondo Fumiaki , Sugihara Takahiko , Umezawa Natsuka , Hasegawa Hisanori , Hosoya Tadashi , Kimura Naoki , Mori Masaaki , Yasuda Shinsuke 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

High-dose glucocorticoids (GC) are first-line treatment for adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD), however some of the patients remain refractory to initial GC therapy, or rapidly relapse. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors for poor treatment response to initial GC therapy for AOSD.
Methods

Data on newly-diagnosed AOSD patients were extracted from our database (n=71, mean age 51.6 years). The primary outcome was a poor treatment outcome at 4 weeks, which was defined as failure to achieve remission or relapse after achieving remission within 4 weeks, followed by administration of two or more rounds of GC pulse therapy or of any other immunosuppressive drugs.
Results

The initial mean dose ± standard deviation of prednisolone was 0.82 ± 0.23 mg/kg/day, and 34 (47.3%) patients received GC pulse therapy at week 0. Twenty-nine of 71 patients exhibited a poor treatment outcome at 4 weeks (40.8%). The second round of GC pulse therapy or immunosuppressive drugs was added in 17 or 24 of the 29 patients, respectively. These patients had higher baseline white blood cell (WBC) counts, serum ferritin levels, systemic feature score based on clinical symptoms (modified systemic feature score, mSFS), more hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) over the 4 weeks, and the higher severity score based on modified Pouchot score or severity index of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, than the remaining 42 patients. Multivariable logistic regression model identified baseline WBC count as a prognostic factor for poor outcome (odds ratio per 1,000/µl increment: 1.12, 95% CI 1.04-1.29), while thrombocytopenia, hyperferritinemia, and mSFS at baseline did not achieve statistical significance. Receiver-Operating Characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off for WBC count was 13,050/µl. The Kaplan-Meier method showed the cumulative rate of poor treatment outcome to be 60.0% in patients with WBC ≥13,050/µl and 23.5% in those with WBC <13,050/µl.
Conclusions

A higher WBC count but not thrombocytopenia, hyperferritinemia, and mSFS at baseline was a significant prognostic factor for poor treatment outcome at week 4 in this retrospective cohort of AOSD patients. Our findings provide important information for determining the initial treatment strategy of newly-diagnosed AOSD.
Phenotypic Change of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Into Smooth Muscle Cells Regulated By Dynamic Cell-Surface Interactions On Patterned Arrays of Ultrathin Graphene Oxide Substrates
Authors: Park Rowoon , Yoon Jung Won , Lee Jin-Ho , Hong Suck Won , Kim Jae Ho 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The topographical interface of the extracellular environment has been appreciated as a principal biophysical regulator for modulating cell functions, such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Despite the existed approaches that use two-dimensional nanomaterials to provide beneficial effects, opportunities evaluating their impact on stem cells remain open to elicit unprecedented cellular responses. Herein, we report an ultrathin cell-culture platform with potential-responsive nanoscale biointerfaces for monitoring mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We designed an intriguing nanostructured array through self-assembly of graphene oxide sheets and subsequent lithographical patterning method to produce chemophysically defined regions. MSCs cultured on anisotropic micro/nanoscale patterned substrate were spontaneously organized in a highly ordered configuration mainly due to the cell-repellent interactions. Moreover, the spatially aligned MSCs were spontaneously differentiated into smooth muscle cells upon the specific crosstalk between cells. This work provides a robust strategy for directing stem cells and differentiation, which can be utilized as a potential cell culture platform to understand cell-substrate or cell-cell interactions, further developing tissue repair and stem cell-based therapies.
Optimization of Illumina® Nextera® XT Library Preparation for Analysis of Complete Mitochondrial Genomes from Human Reference Samples
Authors: Sukser Viktorija , Račić Ivana , Rožić Sara , Barbarić Lucija , Korolija Marina 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Optimized and efficient library preparation workflow is one of the most important prerequisites for obtaining high quality and quantity of results in massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Our aim was to assess and optimize different steps of Illumina® Nextera® XT assay for analysis of whole mitochondrial genomes.Methods and Results: Among the three long-range high-fidelity DNA polymerases tested here, PrimeSTAR® GXL performed best in aspects of specificity and yield for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) enrichment. Furthermore, library quantification combined with individual library-by-library dilution outperformed bead-based normalization in terms of more equal distribution of reads per library, reduced hands-on time and simplified workflow. Increasing the number of amplification cycles in the index-adapters-adding PCR step had no adverse effect on the level of sequencing noise, which remained low both in negative controls and in samples.Conclusions: Optimizations described herein provide beneficial insights for laboratories aiming at implementation and/or advancement of similar MPS workflows (e.g. small genomes, PCR amplicons and plasmids).
The Breast Cancer Immune Microenvironment is Modified by Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Urueña Claudia , Lasso Paola , Bernal-Estevez David , Rubio Diego , Salazar Ana Janeth , Olaya Mercedes , Barreto Alfonso , Tawil Mauricio , Torregrosa Lilian , Fiorentino Susana 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAT) in breast cancer (BC) has been used to reduce tumor burden prior to surgery. However, the impact on prognosis depends on the establishment of Pathological Complete Response (pCR), which is influenced by tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte levels and the activation of the antitumor immune response. Nonetheless, NAT can affect immune infiltration and the quality of the response. Here, we showed that NAT induces dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). After NAT, an increase of regulatory T cells and a decrease of CD8 + T cells was found in tumor, correlated with the presence of metastatic cells in lymph nodes. In addition, an increase of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor like cells was found in luminal patients post-NAT. pCR patients showed a balance between the immune populations, while non-pCR patients presented an inverse relationship in the frequency of CD68 + versus CD3 + , CD8 + , and CD20 + cells. Moreover, activated T cells were found in peripheral blood, as well as an increase in T cell clonality with a lower diversity post-NAT. Overall, these results shown that NAT induces an activation of immune response, however, a balance in the TME seems to be related to a better antigenic presentation and therefore a better response to treatment.
Microarray Analysis of Breast Cancer Gene Expression Profiling in Response to 2-Deoxyglucose, Metformin, and Glucose Starvation
Authors: Aoun Rita , Hadi Christopher El , Tahtouh Roula , Habre Rita El , Hilal George 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Altering glucose metabolism and its effects on cancer progression and treatment resistance is an emerging interest in BC research. For instance, combining chemotherapy with glucose-lowering drugs (2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), metformin) or glucose starvation (GS) has shown better outcomes than with chemotherapy alone. However, the genes and molecular mechanisms that govern the action of these glucose deprivation conditions have not been fully elucidated. Here, we compared the effect of glucose deprivation (2-DG, metformin, GS) on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 BC cell lines using microarray analysis to establish a database of differentially expressed genes and enrichment pathways, in order to investigate the beneficial effect of glucose-lowering treatments on the vulnerability of BC cells.Methods: MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were treated with 20 mM metformin or 4 mM 2-DG for 48 hours. GS was performed by gradually decreasing the concentration of glucose in the culture medium to 0 g/L with fetal bovine serum over 1 week. Expression profiling was carried out using Affymetrix Human Clariom S microarrays. Differentially expressed genes were obtained from the Transcriptome Analysis Console and enriched using DAVID and R packages.Results: Our results showed that MDA-MB-231 cells were more responsive to glucose deprivation than MCF-7 cells. Endoplasmic reticulum stress response and cell cycle inhibition were detected after all three glucose deprivations in MDA-MB-231 cells and only under the metformin and GS conditions in MCF-7 cells. Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of DNA replication were observed with all three treatments in MDA-MB-231 cells and metformin-treated MCF-7 cells. Upregulation of cellular response to reactive oxygen species and inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms resulted after metformin and GS administration in MDA-MB-231 cell lines and metformin-treated MCF-7 cells. Autophagy was induced after 2-DG treatment in MDA-MB-231 cells and after metformin in MCF-7 cells. Finally, enhanced cell-cell adhesion and inhibition of DNA methylation and cholesterol biosynthesis were observed with GS only in MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion: GS had the greatest effect on breast cancer cells compared to 2-DG and metformin. Our results suggest that the combination of metformin and GS should weaken both cell lines and makes them more vulnerable to conventional chemotherapy.
Six-month decline of serum anti-spike S1 subunit IgA in SARS-CoV-2 in seronegative healthcare workers after mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Salvagno Gian Luca , Henry Brandon M. , Pighi Laura , De Nitto Simone , Lippi Giuseppe 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Since serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) IgA antibodies correlate with secretory anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and contribute to virus neutralization, we planned an observational study to measure serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgAs kinetics throughout a 6-month period in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine recipients.Methods: The study sample consisted of 97 baseline SARS-CoV-2 seronegative healthcare workers (median age 42 years and IQR 31-52 years; 52 females), who underwent vaccination with Pfizer/BioNTech Comirnaty mRNA-based vaccine (two 30 µg doses, 21 days apart). Serum samples were collected at baseline, before the second vaccine dose (i.e., day 21), and then 51, 111 and 201 days after enrolment (i.e., 1, 3 and 6 months after the second vaccine dose). Serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 subunit IgA were measured with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA IgA (Euroimmun, Lübeck, Germany).Results: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 subunit IgA displayed a peak at 1 month after the second vaccine dose, but then progressively waned afterwards. The 6-month serum anti-spike S1 subunit IgA concentration was 71% lower than the peak concentration. The rate of subjects with positive IgA values was 0% at baseline, 80.4% at day 21, 97.9% at day 51, but then declined to 73.2% and 53.6% at 3 and 6 months after the second vaccine dose. Serum anti-spike S1 subunit IgAs measured at 111 and 201 days was significantly lower than at the 51-day peak (both p<0.001). Significant inverse correlation was found between anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA antibodies decline at 6 months/ and recipients’ age (r=-0.24; p=0.019).Conclusion: These findings may provide possible explanation to decreased efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection 6 months after vaccination.
RNA Helicase DHX15 Decreases Cell Apoptosis by NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Burkitt Lymphoma
Authors: Yuan Chen , Chen Xianglei , Pan Lili , Huang Yuanmao , Cai Yuanhua , Li Jinggang , Li Yang , Wang Shaoyuan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: DHX15 is one of the RNA helicase family members involving in several biological processes. Studies have reported that overexpression of DHX15 is related to cancer progression. However, the role of DHX15 in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection remains to be elucidated. Methods: Expression of DHX15 was measured in BL patient by immunohistochemical staining. In vitro study, a CCK-8 assay was used to analyze cell proliferation and flow cytometry was performed to assess cell cycle, apoptosis and mitochondria membrane potential. Members of NF-κB signaling pathway and apoptotic-related proteins expression were measured by western-blot. EBV latent infection products and RNA polymerase Ⅲ transcripts expression were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western-blot. In vivo study, HE, IHC, TUNEL and ISH assays were used to analyze the effect of DHX15 on subcutaneous tumor nodes formation.Results: DHX15 was overexpressed in Burkitt lymphoma patients and tends to be associated with poor progression-free survival and poor overall survival. Knockdown of DHX15 significantly inhibits BL tumor growth, reduced cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest and increased cell apoptosis. Further analysis showed that canonical NF-κB signaling and its downstream targets, mitochondria and Caspase were involved in the increased cell apoptosis after DHX15 gene knockdown. Furthermore, knockdown of DHX15 reduced EBV latent infection products expression and inhibited RNA polymerase Ⅲ activity.Conclusion: DHX15 may be an oncogene in the development of BL and a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of BL and latent EBV infection.
Sacroiliac Separation that Can be Diagnosed After Pelvic Fixation During Surgery: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: yavuz ibrahim alper , aydın tahsin , yildirim ahmet ozgur 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Sacroiliac joint separation is a life-threatening serious condition in pelvic injuries. It should be diagnosed early and treated properly. Although these injuries can often be detected by imaging methods, in some cases, it is not diagnosed. Case presentation: We report a rare case of pelvic injury with sacroiliac separation during surgery, while the sacroiliac joint was completely normal on X-ray and CT and no pelvic binder was used in the patient. The sacroiliac separation noticed during the operation was fixed with a sacroiliac screw. Conclusion: Pelvic injuries, especially ligament injuries, may not be detected on both physical examination, direct radiography, and CT.
Projected Changes in Rainfall and Temperature Extremes Over Kenya
Authors: Sagero Philip Obaigwa , Shisanya Chris A. , Makokha George L. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Future climate extremes events are projected to change in frequency and intensity. To mitigate against the negative impacts of the extreme events, future projections are important for the purpose of adaptation to changes that are projected. The study of rainfall and temperature extremes in this article, are defined by the indices from the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices. The study used model outputs from Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) Regional Climate Models (RCMs) over Kenya. Extreme indices for rainfall and temperature were analyzed form 2005 -2100 and compared to the historical period of 1971-2005. Model outputs from CCLM4-8-17, HIRHAM5 and RACMO22T at 50 km resolution under RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios were used. The results show that temperature-based extremes indices are on an increasing trend. In particular, the increase in daily minimum temperature is more pronounced than the daily maximum temperature. This show an indication of in warm nights. On the other hand, rainfall based extreme indices show an increasing trend in the consecutive dry day in all the three models analyzed. Results from two models, show a decreasing trend in the total annual precipitation, while HIRHAM5 show a statistically significant increasing trend on annual total precipitation. According to the results, the future changes in rainfall extreme over Kenya is not very clear.
Predictors of long-term prognosis in rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease
Authors: Chen Juan , Chen Yaqiong , Liu Dehao , Lin Yihua , Zhu Lei , Song Shuli , Hu Yudi , Liang Tao , Liu Yongliang , Liu Wei , Weng Lin , Li Qiyuan , Ge Shengxiang , Ascherman Dana P. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The aim of the study was to identify specific clinical and serum protein biomarkers that are associated with longitudinal outcome of RA-associated interstitial lung disease（RA-ILD). 60 RA patients with clinical and serological profiles were assessed by HRCT and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) at baseline (Year 0) and 5 years post enrollment (Year 5). Progression versus non-progression was defined based on changes in Quantitative Modified HRCT scores and PFTs over time. Specific serum protein biomarkers were assessed in serum samples at baseline and Year 5 by Multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).
At Year 5, 32% of patients demonstrated progressive RA-ILD, 35% were stable, and 33% improved. Baseline age and rheumatoid factor (RF) were significantly different between RA-ILD outcomes of progression vs. no-progression (p< 0.05). Changes in levels of CXCL11/I-TAC and MMP13 over 5 years also distinguished pulmonary outcomes (p< 0.05). A final binary logistic regression model revealed that baseline age and changes in serum MMP13 were associated with RA-ILD progression at Year 5 (p< 0.05), with an AUC of 0.7569.
Collectively, these analyses demonstrated that baseline clinical variables (age, RF) and shifts in levels of selected serum proteins (CXCL11/I-TAC, MMP13) were strongly linked to RA-ILD outcome over time.
Classification of Breast Cancer Using Neutrosophic Techniques and Deep Neural Network
Authors: Shaban Warda M. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects women globally and it is the primary cause of death. Early detection of breast cancer is a vital process that can facilitate appropriate treatment, stop the progression of cancer cells, and reduce morbidity and mortality. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are the most popular methods that can be used to detect and classify breast cancer accurately. In this paper, a new strategy for classifying breast cancer using Neutrosophic Techniques (NTs) and machine learning techniques is introduced, which is called Breast Cancer Classification Strategy (BC2S). The proposed BC2S consists of two phases, which are; Data Preprocessing Phase (DP2) and Breast Cancer Classification Phase (BC2P). The main aim of the data preprocessing phase is to; (i) extract features from mammogram images and then remove the outlier items, (ii) select the most effective and informative features from those extracted features using new feature selection method called Efficient Ant Colony Optimization (EACO), and (iii) convert the selected features from classical domain into neutrosophic domain using NTs to give accurate classification through the next classification phase BC2P. The proposed classification model uses Deep Neural Network (DNN) to determine whether the patient is normal or infected with benign or malignant cancer. According to experimental results, the proposed strategy outperforms other competitors in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure.
Mepanipyrim and cyprodinil induce divergent temporal patterns of AhR-mediated responses in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and larvae
Authors: Shen Chao , Tang Chen , Zhu Kongyang , He Chengyong , Yang Chunyan , Zuo Zhenghong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Mepanipyrim and cyprodinil are widely used to control and/or prevent fungal diseases in fruit culture. They are widely detected in aquatic environment and numerous food commodities including fruit and fruit products. Different from TCDD, mepanipyrim and cyprodinil are more easily degraded and metabolized in the environment. However, the in vivo analysis of their metabolic dynamics is unclear and need to be further confirmed. In this study, zebrafish embryos were constantly exposed to 100 µg/L mepanipyrim or cyprodinil for 7 days. The temporal pattern of CYP1A and AhR2 expression and EROD enzyme activity at different time frames during embryonic and larval development of zebrafish were investigated. Our results showed that mepanipyrim and cyprodinil tend to accumulate in zebrafish during early embryonic developmental stages. Meanwhile, mepanipyrim and cyprodinil exposure could increase the expression level of cyp1a and ahr2 genes and EROD activity by a dynamic pattern in different developmental stages of zebrafish. Besides, their metabolites, which may accumulate in the zebrafish larvae, have strong AhR agonistic activity and showed strong AhR binding ability. Importantly, the risk of exposure to pesticides in embryo stage is huge, and should be paid more attention.