bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrative Analysis of Pinin as A Prognostic Factor in Digestive Tract Cancers
Authors: Zhang Hui , Jin Ming , Ye Meng , Bei Yanping , Yang Shaohui , Liu Kaitai 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Pinin (PNN) was originally identified for acting an essential role in epithelial cell-cell adhesion. We aim to illuminate the expression profile, mutation feature, methylation status of PNN and its prognostic value in digestive tract cancers. Methods: Expression and methylation data of PNN, as well as clinical information on esophagus cancer (ESCA), gastric adenocarcinoma (STAD), colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and rectal adenocarcinoma (READ) were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The value of PNN expression, mutation feature and methylation status in prognosis were assessed. GO enrichment and Gene set enrichment analysis were performed to investigate the enriched biological functions and pathways of PNN in COAD. Tumor Immune Estimation Resource and CIBERSORT were applied for evaluating the effects of PNN on tumor immune infiltrating cells. Results: PNN was significantly overexpressed in digestive tract cancers and was remarkably related to tumor stage. Highly expressed of PNN was positively related to poor free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in COAD. Additionally, 10 CpG sites methylation in PNN had significant effects on survival. PNN expression was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor for predicting the OS in COAD. GO and GSEA analyses revealed that PNN participates in multiple biological processes underlying carcinogenicity in COAD. PNN was significantly associated with TIICs. Moreover, a promising prognostic nomogram incorporating the PNN expression and clinicopathological characteristics was established for predicting OS probability in COAD. Conclusions: Our comprehensive bioinformatics study demonstrated that PNN was highly expressed in digestive tract cancers, which could act as an independent prognostic factor for COAD.
Enhanced Expression of Plasma Membrane Intrinsic Protein 2 Improves Cotton Fiber Length and Potential Economic Viability of Gossypium Arboreum
Authors: Amat-ur-Rasool Hafsa , Latif Ayesha , Yasmeen Aneela , Shahid Naila , Azam Saira , Bashir Aftab , Husnain Tayyab , Rao Abdul Qayyum , Carter Wayne Grant , Shahid Ahmad Ali 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Gossypium arboreum is a cotton crop native to tropical and subtropical regions that are naturally resistant to Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV). However, its cultivation is unfavorable due to the lower quality and shorter fiber length of cotton when compared to the market leading Gossypium hirsutum. Plasma membrane intrinsic protein 2 (PIP2) is an aquaporin responsible for the transport of water and small molecules across cellular membranes. This fluid transport influences cell elongation and cotton fibre development. Hence, increased PIP2 expression may yield plants with enhanced fiber qualities including length. Methods and Results: To test this hypothesis, G. arboretum was transformed with a PIP2 gene construct (35SCpPIP2)using the Agrobacterium-mediated shoot apex cutting method. Relative expression of the CpPIP2 gene in transgenic plants increased up to 35-fold when compared with non-transgenic controls. Transgenic plants displayed a corresponding increase of staple length (up to 150%) when compared with non-transgenic controls. Transgene integration was examined using FISH and karyotyping and revealed the presence of a single transgene located on chromosome 6. Conclusion: Since G. arboreum is naturally whitefly and CLCuV resistant, this improvement of fiber length evidenced for CpPIP2 transgenic plants renders their crop production more economically viable.
Significance of PTEN Mutational Status Associated Gene Signature in the Progression and Prognosis of Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Qing , Wang Jun , Ge Lina , Wu Ying 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPTEN mutation had been reported to be involved in the development and prognosis of endometrial carcinoma (EC). However, a prognostic genes signature associated with PTEN mutational status has not been developed. In this study, we aim to conduct a PTEN mutation associated prognostic genes signature for EC.MethodsWe obtained the simple nucleotide variation and transcriptome profiling data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database as training data. Lasso Cox regression algorithm was used to establish PTEN mutation associated prognostic genes signature. The overall survival rate of the high-risk and low-risk groups was determined by Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method. The accuracy of risk score prediction was tested by ROC curve.ResultsK-M curves revealed that the EC patients with PTEN mutation have favorable survival outcome. Differential expression analysis between the EC patients with PTEN mutation and PTEN wild identified 224 differential expression genes (DEGs). Eighty-four DEGs with prognostic value was fitted into least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)–Cox analysis and a seven PTEN mutation associated prognostic genes signature with robust prognostic ability was constructed, which was successfully validated in the other two datasets from cBioPortal database as well as 60 clinical specimens. Furthermore, the PTEN mutation associated prognostic genes signature had been proved to be an independent prognostic predictor for EC. Remarkably, the EC patients in high-risk group were characterized with higher stages and grades as well as lower tumor mutation burden of EC, with poor survival outcome. Collectively, the PTEN mutation associated prognostic genes signature was a favorable prognostic biomarker for EC.ConclusionIn summary, we conducted and validated a prognostic predictor for EC associated with PTEN mutational status, which may be used as favorable prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for EC.
Two Novel AMHR2 Gene Variants in Monozygotic Twins with Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome
Authors: Chen Hong , Lin Peng , Chen Ruimin , Xin Yuan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Persistent müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is an autosomal recessive congenital abnormality for which müllerian derivatives, uterus, cervix, upper 2/3 vagina and fallopian tubes, persist in an otherwise normally virilized males. Mutations in the AMH gene and AMHR2 gene have been identified as causative. However, there has been no functional experimental analysis of AMHR2 or AMH variants that caused PMDS. We ascertained a Chinese PMDS pedigree. To elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of variant, we used complementation-based NanoLuciferase Binary Technology (NanoBiT) to examine AMH and AMHR2 variants interaction in vivo. Using an ID-1 luciferase assay, we probed the effect of the two variants on the transcriptional activity of the TGFβ/BMP pathway. Results: Molecular studies revealed two novel variants [c.118G>C/p. Gly40Arg, c.1222G>C/p. Ala408Pro] in the AMHR2 gene of our monozygotic boys. The AMHR2 p. Ala408Pro variants affect a functional domain, result in impaired substrate recognition and affinity. For p.Gly40Arg variant, the arginine residue will disfigure the local backbone and alter function. The AMHR2 p.Gly40Arg variant reduces its ability to bind to AMH, while the p.Ala408Pro variant alters the kinase domain structure. Conclusion: Both variants significantly reduce TGFβ/BMP signaling. This study provides new methods and concepts as to the study of the molecular pathogenic mechanism of PMDS.
Reactive Compatibilization of Poly(Butylene Succinate)/Soy Protein Isolate Bio-Composites By Peroxide And Diacrylate Via Melt Blending
Authors: Zhou Xiu-xian , Dou Qiang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/soy protein isolate (SPI) bio-composites were reactive compatibilized by adding dibenzoyl peroxide (BPO) and hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) via melt blending in an internal mixer. The structure and properties of composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Soxhlet extraction experiments, dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA), rheological tests, contact angle measurements, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), mechanical tests and water absorption tests. The results show that a branched graft copolymer (SPI-g-HDDA-g-PBS) was produced with the aid of BPO and HDDA via melt blending, which served as the compatibilizer and improved the compatibility and enhanced the adhesion between PBS matrix and SPI phase by forming a network structure in the composites. The crystal form of PBS was not changed in the composites. The melt viscocity and elasticity, hydrophobicity, thermal stability, crystallinity, tensile strength and water resistance of PBS/SPI-HDDA/BPO composites were improved compared with PBS/SPI composites.
A Novel Thrombectomy Device: An In Vitro Evaluation of a Prototype Catheter
Authors: Tanyildizi Yasemin , Krost-Reuhl Samantha , Payne Emily S. , Heimann Axel , Kempski Oliver , Keric Naureen , Masomi-Bornwasser Julia , Kloeckner Roman , Hahn Felix , Kramer Martin , Brockmann Marc A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: This prototype catheter is a newly-developed distal access catheter featuring a self-expanding, flexible, funnel-shaped tip. The purpose of its design is to reduce the risk of thrombus fragmentation during mechanical thrombectomy and improve first-pass recanalization (TICI 3). In this experimental setup, we preclinically evaluated the effectiveness and navigability of the new catheter. Methods: A vessel model was filled with a blood-like-viscous medium, and the image was projected with the corresponding vessel area by camera transmission to correspond to the conditions in an angiography. Thrombi from porcine blood were placed into the Arteria Carotis interna of the vascular model and subsequently mechanically thrombectomized with a stent retriever. In the first part, the prototype was compared to a standard distal-access-catheter without using an external catheter. (N = 20 for each catheter). In the second part the prototype was inserted through a guiding catheter (n=11) to determine the navigability performance. Results: In the first experimental series, mechanical thrombectomy was successful 19 out of 20 times (95% success rate) for the prototype catheter versus 15 out of 20 times (75% success rate) for the standard distal-access-catheter. In the second experimental series, the prototype catheter achieved first-pass recanalization 10 out of 11 times (91 % success rate) and 1 out of 11 times at second pass (9%). Conclusion: This series of experiments demonstrated higher first-pass recanalization rates for the newly-developed funnel-shaped prototype featuring a self-expanding tip in comparison to a cylindrical standard distal-access-catheter.
Clinical Benefits and Harms of Diuretics for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Black People With Essential Hypertension: A Protocol for a Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials With Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Martí-Carvajal Arturo , Alegría Eduardo , Correa Andrea , Martí-Amarista Cristina , Aziz Mohamed Abd El , Hidalgo Ricardo , Viteri Andrés , Nicola Susana , López-Alcalde Jesús , Ciapponi Agustín , Alvarez-Diaz Noelia , de Leonardo Cristina García , Monge Diana 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background The overall mortality attributable to cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, sudden cardiac death/sudden cardiac arrest, stroke/transient ischemic attack, and peripheral arterial disease) is higher in the Black population when compared to the White population. Essential hypertension (EH) is the most important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of hypertension among Black adults is also higher. Diuretics are antihypertensive drugs, and their role in the primary prevention of clinical cardiovascular outcomes in the Black population with essential hypertension remains unknown. To assess the clinical benefits and harms of diuretics, as a primary prevention approach, compared with placebo or any other antihypertensive medications.MethodsWe will search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (to update), OVID MEDLINE (1946 to update), Embase (1980 to update), LILACS (1986 to update), and Web of Science (to update). We will manually search the reference lists of the included papers and contact researchers in the field. There will be no language restrictions in the search. We will include parallel-design and crossover randomized clinical trials that has adult Black people with essential hypertension as the population. The primary outcomes are all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and serious adverse events. Pregnant women will be excluded from the study. We will perform study selection, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction in duplicate. We will estimate risk ratios (RRs) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for dichotomous outcomes. For continuous outcomes, such as health-related quality of life, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure, we will calculate the mean difference with 95% CI or the standardized mean difference with 95% CI. We will measure statistical heterogeneity using the I² statistic and use a fixed-effects and random-effects model. We will conduct a sequential trial analysis. DiscussionOur aim is to provide external validity and try to solve conflicts about the evidence regarding use of diuretics as a primary prevention of cardiovascular outcomes in Black people with essential hypertension to guide appropriate clinical practice.Systematic review registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021240864
Evaluation and analysis of climate change on the quantity and quality water resources in Lorestan province (Case study of Khorram river)
Authors: Hassanzadeh Reza , Komasi Mehdi , Ahmadi Masoud 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In recent decades due to many droughts many changes have been made in the quantity and quality of the country’s water resources. this factor has caused many uncertainties in the management of the country’s water resources. The purpose of this study was to improve the understanding of the effects of drought on the quantity and quality of water resources in Lorestsn province in the years 2008 to 2018 by coherence and cross wavelet method. To achieve this goal, first to drought assessment according to precipitation data has been examined using(SPI) index and then the effect of drought on Khorram river water runoff are analyzed. In the next step, the global index of water and the impact of drought on this index in the Khorram river were evaluated. In the next step, the global index of water quality(WQI) and the impact of drought on this index in the Khorram river were evaluated. The results of coherence and cross wavelet indicated which the relative effect of precipitation with a wavelet coherence coefficient of 0.6 on changes in water runoff in the Khorram river is of degree first importance. Also, the relative impact of drought with a wavelet coherence coefficient of 0.4 changes in water quality of Khorram river has been more than other factors. Therefore, climatic factors in reducing the water runoff of Khorram river from factors other are more important. Also, the research results show human factors in changes water quality of Khorram river of degree first importance.
Implementation Fidelity of a Complex Behavioral Intervention to Prevent Diabetes Mellitus in Two Safety Net Patient-Centered Medical Homes in New York City
Authors: Gupta Avni , Hu Jiyuan , Huang Shengnan , Diaz Laura , Gore Radhika , Levy Natalie , Bergman Michael , Tanner Michael , Sherman Scott E , Islam Nadia , Schwartz Mark D 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIt is critical to assess implementation fidelity for complex interventions to understand the reasons for their success or failure. However, few interventions systematically report implementation evaluation. Therefore, we conducted a concurrent process evaluation of CHORD (Community Health Outreach to Reduce Diabetes), a pragmatic, cluster-randomized, controlled trial to test the impact of a Community Health Workers (CHW) led, health coaching intervention on preventing incident type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). MethodsThe study population included primary care (PC) patients with prediabetes at 2 safety-net hospitals - VA NY Harbor and Bellevue (BH). PC teams were randomized to receive the one-year intervention or usual care. Of the 559 patients in the intervention group to date, 79.4% completed an intake survey, constituting the analytic sample for fidelity assessment. The Conceptual Framework for Implementation Fidelity (CFIF) was applied to measure implementation fidelity and factors moderating fidelity of four core intervention components: patient goal setting, education topic coaching, PC visits, and referrals to address social determinants of health, using descriptive statistics and regression models.ResultsBH contributed 60.0% of the sample and VA contributed 40.0%. Content adherence was high for three components with nearly 80.0% of patients setting >1 goal, having >1 PC visit and receiving coaching on >1 education topic. Only 45.0% patients received >1 referral. After adjusting for patient gender, language, race, ethnicity, and age, the study site moderated adherence to goal setting (77.4% BH vs. 87.7% VA), educational coaching (78.9% BH vs. 88.3% VA), number of successful CHW-patient encounters (6 BH vs 4 VA) and percent of patients receiving all four components (41.1% BH vs. 25.7% VA). ConclusionsThe CFIF enabled analysis of implementation fidelity of a complex, behavioral intervention. The fidelity of CHORD implementation varied across its four components and was moderated by site. Despite implementation in a research setting, interventions may not completely adhere to their core components, which can influence outcomes. Our study emphasizes the importance of examining implementation fidelity of interventions and of assessing moderating factors. Our study also empirically tested the CFIF using quantitative concurrent intervention fidelity evaluation.Trial registration: The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 12/30/2016 and the registration number is NCT03006666. The link to trial registration is: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03006666
Surface electromyographic activity of the erector spinae and multifidus during arm and leg ergometer exercises in young healthy men
Authors: Shima Daichi , Kamijo Yoshi-ichiro , Hashizaki Takamasa , Minoshima Yuta , Yoshikawa Tatsuya , Mikami Yukio , Arakawa Hideki , Umemoto Yasunori , Tajima Fumihiro 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Surface electromyographic activities of the erector spinae and multifidus during graded arm- and leg-ergometer exercise were investigated. Fifteen young healthy male participants performed arm- and leg-ergometer exercises at 50W and 100W for 1 min, while monitoring the electrocardiograms of the paraspinal muscles and heart rate, and the root mean squares of the electromyograms were calculated. Time series of contractions of the paraspinal and extremity muscles during both exercises were assessed (n = 7). Both paraspinal muscle activities increased with increased workload in both exercises similarly (P < 0.01, each). Heart rate increased with increased workload, and the increase was greater for arm-ergometer exercise than for leg-ergometer exercise. Each contraction time of trunk and limb muscles suggested that the paraspinal muscles facilitated trunk rotation and prevented excessive lateral bending of the trunk, respectively. The activities of these paraspinal muscles increased with increased workload similarly in both exercises, although heart rate response was different between them.
A Complete Description of the Dynamics of Legal Outer-totalistic Affine Continuous Cellular Automata
Authors: Wolnik Barbara , Dembowski Marcin , Augustynowicz Antoni , De Baets Bernard 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We present an investigation into the evolution and dynamics of the simplest generalization of binary cellular automata: Affine Continuous Cellular Automata (ACCAs), with [0,1] as state set and local rules that are affine in each variable. We focus on legal outer-totalistic ACCAs, an interesting class of dynamical systems that show some properties that do not occur in the binary case. A unique combination of computer simulations (sometimes quite advanced) and a panoply of analytical methods allow to lay bare the dynamics of each and every one of these cellular automata.
Two or four injections of leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma for osteoarthritic knee did not affect changes of synovial cytokines and growth factors but similarly improved clinical outcomes
Authors: Ngarmukos Srihatach , Tanavalee Chotetawan , Amarase Chavarin , Phakham Suphattra , Mingsiritham Warayapa , Reantragoon Rangsima , Leearamwat Nitigorn , Kongkaew Thidarat , Tharakhet Kittipan , Honsawek Sittisak , Dechsupa Sinsuda , Tanavalee Aree 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We compared two and four intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in terms of changes of synovial cytokines and clinical outcomes. One hundred twenty-five patients having knee OA underwent leukocyte-poor PRP with a 6-week interval. Before each PRP injection, synovial fluid aspiration was collected for investigation. Patients were divided into two or four intra-articular PRP injections (group A and B, respectively). Changes in synovial cytokines and growth factors were compared with the baseline levels of both groups, and clinical outcomes were evaluated until one year. Ninety-four patients who had completed synovial fluid collection were included for final evaluation, 51 in group A and 43 in group B. There were no differences in mean age, gender, BMI, and OA grading. The average platelet count in PRP was 430,000/µL. There were no changes of synovial inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, IA-17A, and TNF-alpha), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-1RA), and growth factors (TGF-B1, VEGF, PDGF-AA, and PDGF-BB) between baseline levels and six weeks in group A, and 18 weeks in group B. Both groups had significantly improved clinical outcomes from six weeks including visual analog scale (VAS), patient-reported outcome measure (PROM; WOMAC and SF-12), with a significant delayed improvement of performance-based measure [PBM; time up and go (TUG), 5-time sit to stand test (5×SST), and 3-minute walk test (3-min WT)]. In conclusion, two- or four-PRP injection at a 6-week interval for knee OA demonstrated no changes of synovial cytokines and growth factors but similarly improved clinical outcomes from 6 weeks until one year.
Genome-Wide Analysis of HAK/KUP/KT Potassium Transporter Genes in Banana (Musa Acuminata L.) and Their Tissue-Specific Expression Profiles Under Potassium Stress
Authors: Liu Siwen , Wu Bangting , Xie Yanling , Zheng Sijun , Xie Jianghui , Wang Wei , Xiang Dandan , Li Chunyu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Potassium is one of the most essential inorganic cations for plant growth and development. The high affinity K+ (HAK)/K+ uptake (KUP)/K+ transporter (KT) family plays essential roles in the regulation of cellular K+ levels and the maintenance of osmotic balance. However, the roles of these genes in the responses of bananas to low-potassium stress are unclear. In this study, 24 HAK/KUP/KT (MaHAK) genes were identified from banana genomic data. These genes were further classified into four groups based on phylogenetic analysis, gene structure and conserved domain analysis. Segmental duplication events played an important role in the expansion of the MaHAK gene family. Transcriptome analysis revealed the expression patterns of MaHAKs in various tissues under different K+ conditions. MaHAK14b was upregulated under both short- and long-term K+-deficient conditions, suggesting that it plays crucial roles in K+ uptake at low K+ concentrations. Furthermore, MaHAK14b mediated K+ uptake when it was heterologously expressed in the yeast mutant R5421 on low K+ medium. Collectively, these findings provide a foundation for further functional analysis of MaHAK genes, which may be used to improve stress resistance in bananas.