bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel functional variants in the Notch pathway and survival of Chinese colorectal cancer
Authors: Qu Xiaofei , Zhao Liqin , Wang Mengyun , Zhang Ruoxin , Cheng Lei , Qiu Lixin , Tong Xiaoxia , Cai Sanjun , Wei Qingyi , Li Qingguo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNotch signaling pathway plays crucial roles in progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), likely affecting overall survival (OS). In a two‐stage survival analysis of 1116 CRC patients in East China, we found that one locus at MINAR1 out of 133 genes in the Notch signaling pathway was significantly associated with OS (P < 1 × 10−6, false discovery rate < 0.01). This locus containing seven single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in high linkage disequilibrium (R2 = 1) is located on chromosome 15, of which the MINAR1 rs72430409 G allele was associated with a greater death risk (HR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.55‐2.54, P = 6.8 × 10−8). Further analysis of ChIP‐sequencing data from the encyclopedia of DNA Elements showed that rs72430409 and rs72630408 were potential cis‐regulatory elements for the MINAR1 promoter. Additional expression quantitative trait loci analysis revealed that rs72430409 G>A and rs72630408 A>G were correlated with increased MINAR1 expression levels in both blood cells and colon tissues. Dual luciferase assays revealed that the rs72430409 A allele increased MINAR1 promoter activity. The Cancer Genome Atlas data showed that expression levels of MINAR1 in CRC samples were significantly higher than that in normal colorectal tissue and that high expression of MINAR1 was associated with a shortened OS, likely via activating the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway as shown in the gene‐set enrichment analysis. In vitro, RNAi‐mediated silencing of MINAR1 led to decreased migration and proliferation in CRC cancer cells, and MINAR1 silencing could downregulate the expression of key effector genes in EMT and glycolysis. Larger cohort studies and further experiments are needed to validate our findings.
Cytomegalovirus seroconversion in pregnant army personnel of the Israel Defense Forces: Trends and risk factors
Authors: Zemer Tov Bar , Walfisch Asnat , Schwartz Naama , Meir Hila , Kleitman Vered 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveCytomegalovirus (CMV) seroconversion in pregnancy is a major health issue with potentially devastating fetal consequences. We opted to determine rates and trends of CMV seroconversion in pregnant army personnel and to isolate risk factors.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, all pregnancies of army personnel between 2009 and 2019 were evaluated (n = 10 409) and all pregnancies with CMV laboratory records were included. Seroconversion rate was calculated overall and per year. Demographic and obstetrical characteristics were compared between exposed and unexposed women. Independent predictors of seroconversion were further investigated using logistic regression models.ResultsCytomegalovirus serology status was available in 7665 pregnancies. Seroconversion was evident in 66 women (4.15%) among the seronegative pregnancies. Women in the seroconversion group were significantly more likely to belong to a higher social class. In the regression models, adjusted for age, place of residence, and education, higher parity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2, P < 0.001) and residing in a central district (aOR 2.67, P = 0.002) were significantly associated with seroconversion.ConclusionHigher social class appears to be a significant risk factor for CMV seroconversion during pregnancy. Residing in a central district and higher parity appear to be independently associated with an increased risk for seroconversion during pregnancy among army personnel.
Trocar site hernia resulting in intestinal necrosis 48 hours after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Iwatsuki Shoichiro , Hamamoto Shuzo , Shimizu Nobuhiko , Naiki Taku , Okada Atsushi , Kawai Noriyasu , Tozawa Keiichi , Yasui Takahiro 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionTrocar site hernia is a potentially serious sequela of laparoscopic procedures that may lead to bowel incarceration and strangulation. We report a case of trocar site hernia secondary to robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.Case presentationA 71‐year‐old Japanese man underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy without any intraoperative events; however, a brief dislodgement of a 12‐mm AIRSEAL® trocar occurred. Forty‐eight hours after the procedure, the patient exhibited coffee ground vomitus. Computed tomography revealed an intestinal prolapse at the 12‐mm AIRSEAL® trocar site. He was diagnosed with a strangulated bowel due to trocar site hernia. Following an emergency exploration, 25 cm of gangrenous intestine was resected, and a functional end‐to‐end anastomosis was performed.ConclusionIn this case, brief dislodgement of the AIRSEAL® trocar may have caused severe subcutaneous emphysema and intestinal sucking. In such situations, certain closure of both, the peritoneum and the fascia, is necessary.
Successful treatment of metastatic bladder pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma with pembrolizumab
Authors: Nezu Kunihisa , Kakoi Narihiko , Tezuka Fumiaki , Ota Shozo 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionBladder pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. There are no reports of immune checkpoint inhibitors for bladder pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma to date.Case presentationA 72‐year‐old man presented with gross hematuria due to multiple bladder cancers. Despite transurethral bladder resection and intravesical injection of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin, bladder cancer recurred. Nineteen months later, he underwent total cystectomy. Pathological examination revealed bladder giant cell carcinoma. Twenty‐eight months later, pembrolizumab was administered due to para‐aortic lymph node metastasis. Forty‐four months later, the lymph node metastasis disappeared, and pembrolizumab administration was terminated. Fifty‐eight months later, the patient has remained in remission at the time of writing.ConclusionImmune checkpoint inhibitors manifest a therapeutic potential in bladder pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma.
Transcriptomic analysis of mechanism of melanoma cell death induced by photothermal therapy
Authors: Yan Guorong , Shi Lei , Zhang Fuhe , Luo Min , Zhang Guolong , Liu Pei , Liu Kaili , Chen Wei R. , Wang Xiuli 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMelanoma is a malignancy with poor prognosis. Its incidence rate has been on the rise and it poses high health and economic challenges to different populations. Photothermal therapy (PTT) served as an effective local therapy in treating various tumors, particularly cutaneous carcinoma like melanoma. To fully understand the mechanisms of tumor cell death induced by PTT, we investigated gene expression and immune cells compositions of B16‐F10 tumors after PTT treatment. A total of 256 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 215 being downregulated and 41 upregulated by PTT. Functional annotation showed that most DEGs involved in immune response and inflammatory response. Immune cells compositions inference revealed changes in many immune cells including regulatory T cells, M2 macrophage and B cells after PTT treatment. Our results help delineate the mechanism of cell death at the transcriptional level triggered by non‐invasive PTT treatment of melanoma without exogenous light absorbing agents.
Expression of estrogen‐, progesterone‐, and androgen‐responsive genes in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells treated with o,pʹ‐DDT, p,pʹ‐DDT, or endosulfan
Authors: Kalinina Tatiana S. , Kononchuk Vladislav V. , Gulyaeva Lyudmila F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEndocrine disruptors are a major concern due to their possible association with hormone‐dependent carcinogenesis. Some examples of compounds with such properties are organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). OCPs are persistent pollutants with high lipophilicity, long half‐life, and bioaccumulation potential. In the past, some of the most commonly used OCPs were dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and endosulfan. Here, we investigated the effects of o,p′‐DDT, p,p′‐DDT, and endosulfan and of hormones estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone on the expression of estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors (ER, PR, and AR) and of their target genes (KLF4, VEGFA, CCND1, PRLR, CDKN1A, and BCL6) in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells. The results confirmed that under the action of the insecticides, there are dose‐ and time‐dependent changes in the expression of these receptors and target genes. As corroborated by an experiment with ER, PR, and AR negative MDA‐MB‐231 cells, the change in the expression of KLF4, VEGFA, CCND1, and PRLR in MCF‐7 cells treated with o,p′‐DDT and the change in CDKN1A and PRLR expression in MCF‐7 cells treated with p,p′‐DDT are likely mediated by ER, PR, and AR pathways. In conclusion, we have identified some targets of DDT and endosulfan and confirmed that the effects of insecticides on the expression of these target genes differ for breast cancer cell lines with different receptor statuses.
Performance of ivisen IA‐1400, a new point‐of‐care device with an internal centrifuge system, for the measurement of cardiac troponin I levels
Authors: Kim Ha Nui , Yoon Soo‐Young 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe present the analytical performance of the ivisen IA‐1400, a new point‐of‐care device that features a characteristic built‐in centrifuge system, to measure blood cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels.MethodsWhole blood and plasma samples obtained from patients who visited Korea University Guro Hospital were used to analyze measurement range, cross‐reactivity, interference, and sensitivity and specificity. We performed a correlation analysis of the ivisen IA‐1400 versus the Access AccuTnI+3 immunoassay using the UniCel™ DxI 800 platform and the PATHFAST™ hs‐cTnI assay.ResultsWithin‐run precisions were classified as low, 9.8%; middle, 10.2%; and high, 8.5%. The limit of blank was 3.1 ng/L for plasma samples and 4.3 ng/L for whole blood samples. The limit of detection was 8.4 ng/L for plasma samples and 10.0 ng/L for whole blood samples, respectively. The limit of quantitation at a coefficient of variation of 20% and 10% was 19.5 ng/L and 45.5 ng/L for plasma samples, respectively. The comparative evaluation between the two other assays and ivisen IA‐1400 showed excellent correlation, with Spearman's correlation coefficients (R) of 0.992 and 0.985. The sensitivity and specificity of ivisen IA‐1400 using the optimum cut‐off value of 235 ug/L were 94.6% and 98.2%, respectively.ConclusionThe ivisen IA‐1400 showed acceptable and promising performance in cTnI measurements using whole blood and plasma samples, with limited information in the clinical performance. The flexibility for sample selection using the internal centrifugation system is the main advantage of this point‐of‐care device.
The impact of seed micromorphology in the subgeneric classification of the genus Reseda L. (Resedaceae) in Turkey
Authors: Çilden Emre , Yıldırımlı Şinasi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSeed micromorphology of 18 taxa belonging to the genus Reseda (Resedaceae) in Turkey were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in order to understand and check its diagnostic significance at subgeneric and sectional level. Seeds of Reseda species were photographed to evaluate different characteristics including appearance of the seed, testa ornamentation and the existence of carunculoid tissue at hilum regions. In addition, cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed to test whether the micromorphological data of the related taxa is compatible with the current classification of the genus. According to seed micromorphology, Reseda taxa in Turkey are divided into four main groups particularly by testa ornamentation as papillose, rugose, rugulose, and smooth. These results are also in agreement with the sectional classification of the genus in morphological and molecular perspective. The tree topology of Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Average based on seed features supported the traditional classification. Principle component analysis revealed testa surface ornamentation as the most distinctive character for species identification. PCA also confirms our cluster grouping of the subgeneric and sectional classification of the taxa in Turkey. An identification key for the genus Reseda in Turkey is provided in the light of current data. The seed data is helpful for the identification of the genus Reseda in Turkey at sectional level. However, for an accurate identification at specific level, seed micromorphology is not sufficient alone and must be evaluated together with all diagnostic morphological features.
Circular RNA circRNA_101996 promoted cervical cancer development by regulating miR‐1236‐3p/TRIM37 axis
Authors: Song Tie‐Fang , Xu Ai‐Li , Chen Xiu‐Hui , Gao Jia‐Yin , Gao Fei , Kong Xian‐Chao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) appear to be significant modulators in various physiological processes. Recently, it is found that circRNA_101996 exerts important roles in various cancers. Our previous studies showed that circRNA_101996 promoted cervical cancer growth and metastasis by regulating miR‐8075/TPX2. However, the potential regulatory role of circRNA_101996 in cervical cancer still needs further investigation. Our results in this study suggested that circRNA_101996 was over‐expressed in cervical cancer patients. circRNA_101996 up‐regulation remarkably assisted cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and cell migration in cervical cancer, while circRNA_101996 knockdown exerted the inverse effects. The molecular investigations indicated that circRNA_101996 could increase the expression level of miR‐1236‐3p, tripartite motif‐containing 37 (TRIM37), through binding to miR‐1236‐3p and reducing its expression. Moreover, in vivo results demonstrated that circRNA_101996 shRNA can function as a tumor suppressor through down‐regulating TRIM37 in cervical cancer. In conclusion, our data indicated that circRNA_101996/miR‐1236‐3p/TRIM37 axis accelerated cervical cancer development, providing novel insights into cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Investigating gender differences in journal selection decisions: A survey of academic researchers
Authors: Rowley Jennifer , Sbaffi Laura 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article examines the impact of gender on researchers' journal selection decisions, and thereby seeks to contribute to previous research on the impact of gender on academics' career progression and publishing performance. Prior research suggests that female academics suffer from lower levels of career progression and publishing than male academics. Research suggests various explicit factors that might influence this scenario, including bias in hiring, choice of discipline, and under‐representation of women in the academic workforce. However, no previous research has explored the factors associated with the publishing process itself that may also come into play. Using an international survey, this article explores gender differences in relation to journal choice factors including: expectations regarding the reviewing process, university policies and norms, familiarity with the journal, confidence, and publishing objectives. While both genders agree on the importance of some factors, it is also evident that women are more alert to issues of authority, expectations placed on them regarding publishing high‐quality articles, and career progression than are men. Men prioritize familiarity, experience, and speed more highly than do women. The findings suggest that women are focussed on what is required to succeed in the academic environment but further research on the relative engagement of women in all aspects of scholarly publication would help to provide a wider picture.
Unexpected role of communities colonizing dead coral substrate in the calcification of coral reefs
Authors: Romanó de Orte Manoela , Koweek David A. , Cyronak Tyler , Takeshita Yuichiro , Griffin Alyssa , Wolfe Kennedy , Szmant Alina , Whitehead Robert , Albright Rebecca , Caldeira Ken 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGlobal and local anthropogenic stressors such as climate change, acidification, overfishing, and pollution are expected to shift the benthic community composition of coral reefs from dominance by calcifying organisms to dominance by non‐calcifying algae. These changes could reduce the ability of coral reef ecosystems to maintain positive net calcium carbonate accretion. However, relationships between community composition and calcification rates remain unclear. We performed field experiments to quantify the metabolic rates of the two most dominant coral reef substrate types, live coral and dead coral substrate colonized by a mixed algal assemblage, using a novel underwater respirometer. Our results revealed that calcification rates in the daytime were similar for the live coral and dead coral substrate communities. However, in the dark, while live corals continued to calcify at slower rates, the dead coral substrate communities exhibited carbonate dissolution. Daytime net photosynthesis of the dead coral substrate communities was up to five times as much as for live corals, which we hypothesize may have created favorable conditions for the precipitation of carbonate minerals. We conclude that: (1) calcification from dead coral substrate communities can contribute to coral reef community calcification during the day, and (2) dead coral substrate communities can also contribute to carbonate mineral dissolution at night, decreasing ecosystem calcification over a diel cycle. This provides evidence that reefs could shift from slow, long‐term accretion of calcium carbonate to a state where large daily cycling of calcium carbonate occurs, but with little or no long‐term accumulation of the carbonate minerals needed to sustain the reef against erosional forces.
Quantifying adherence of oxide scales on steels exposed to high temperature and pressure steam
Authors: Pillai Rishi , Pearson Samuel , Gussev Maxim N. , Watkins Thomas R. , Pint Bruce A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOxide scale exfoliation is a major concern in fossil fuel power generation because it can cause tube blockages and erode valves and steam turbine components downstream. There is still considerable scientific and commercial interest to improve the mechanistic understanding of oxide failures by developing models to predict exfoliation and the extent of tube blockage as a function of operating conditions and component geometries. Tensile testing inside a scanning electron microscope was conducted on ferritic–martensitic and austenitic steel specimens with the steam side (Fe,Cr)‐rich oxides grown after exposures for up to 1000 h in steam with ~100 ppb O2 at 276 bar and 550°C. Multiple oxide layer cracks and delamination events were observed and analyzed in detail during the tests. Results from the testing agreed well with earlier observations that had identified the failure location at the outer–inner oxide layer for all tested materials. Calculated adhesion energies identified the outer–inner oxide interface of alloy 347HFG as the weakest interface.
Production of Green Star/Linear PLA Blends by Extrusion and Injection Molding: Tailoring Rheological and Mechanical Performances of Conventional PLA
Authors: Scoponi Giulia , Francini Nora , Athanassiou Athanassia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this work, bio‐based products composed of blends of a star‐shaped poly(d,l‐lactide) (star‐PDLLA) and a conventional linear poly(l‐lactide) (linear‐PLLA) are produced by typical large‐scale manufacturing techniques for thermoplastic blends. In the first case, the two polymers are blended through melt extrusion, producing pellets that are subsequently compression‐molded into the final bio‐based polymer films. Alternatively, the star/linear poly(lactide) (PLA) materials are developed by direct blending through injection molding, a process that generally applies after a preblending extrusion step to ensure proper mixing. Thermomechanical degradation induced by the different processes is evaluated, and the performances of the final star/linear PLA products are thoroughly compared. The effect of the short‐branched, amorphous, star polymeric component on thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of the conventional PLLA is comprehensively investigated, revealing that the star‐PDLLA incorporation promotes the formation of a more flexible and tougher material with reduced capability of crystallization. Most importantly, star‐PDLLA decreases the melt viscosity of the final material, while increasing the shear‐thinning behavior, hence facilitating melt flow during manufacturing. Such properties lead to enhanced material ductility and processability, with respect to typically brittle and viscous conventional PLLA‐based materials. Moreover, the tuning of final material performances can be achieved by simply varying the star‐PDLLA content.
Technical Note: Single‐pulse beam characterization for FLASH‐RT using optical imaging in a water tank
Authors: Ashraf M. Ramish , Rahman Mahbubur , Zhang Rongxiao , Cao Xu , Williams Benjamin B. , Hoopes P. Jack , Gladstone David J. , Pogue Brian W. , Bruza Petr 
Published: March 2021

PurposeHigh dose rate conditions, coupled with problems related to small field dosimetry, make dose characterization for FLASH‐RT challenging. Most conventional dosimeters show significant dependence on dose rate at ultra‐high dose rate conditions or fail to provide sufficiently fast temporal data for pulse to pulse dosimetry. Here fast 2D imaging of radioluminescence from a water and quinine phantom was tested for dosimetry of individual 4 μs linac pulses.MethodsA modified clinical linac delivered an electron FLASH beam of >50 Gy/s to clinical isocenter. This modification removed the x‐ray target and flattening filter, leading to a beam that was symmetric and gaussian, as verified with GafChromic EBT‐XD film. Lateral projected 2D dose distributions for each linac pulse were imaged in a quinine‐doped water tank using a gated intensified camera, and an inverse Abel transform reconstruction provided 3D images for on‐axis depth dose values. A total of 20 pulses were delivered with a 10 MeV, 1.5 cm circular beam, and beam with jaws wide open (40 × 40 cm2), and a 3D dose distribution was recovered for each pulse. Beam output was analyzed on a pulse by pulse basis.ResultsThe Rp, Dmax, and the R50 measured with film and optical methods agreed to within 1 mm for the 1.5 cm circular beam and the beam with jaws wide open. Cross beam profiles for both beams agreed with film data with >95% passing rate (2%/2 mm gamma criteria). The optical central axis depth dose agreed with film data, except for near the surface. A temporal pulse analysis revealed a ramp‐up period where the dose per pulse increased for the first few pulses and then stabilized.ConclusionsOptical imaging of radioluminescence was presented as a valuable tool for establishing a baseline for the recently initiated electron FLASH beam at our institution.