bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Expression of PXN Predicts a Poor Prognosis in Acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: zhang xinwen , Xiong Hao , Duan Jialin , Chen Xiaomin , Liu Yang , Huang Chunlan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the common malignant diseases of hematopoietic system. Paxillin ( PXN ) is an important part of focal adhesions (FAs), which is related to the poor prognosis of many kinds of malignant tumors. However, no research has focused on the expression of PXN in AML. We aimed to investigate the expression of PXN in AML and its prognostic significance.
Methods: Using GEPIA and UALCAN database to analyze the expression of PXN in AML patients and its prognostic significance. Bone marrow samples of newly diagnosed AML patients were collected to extract RNA, and qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of PXN . The prognosis was followed up. Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between PXN expression and clinical laboratory characteristics. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to draw survival curve, and Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients with AML. The co-expression genes of PXN were analyzed by LinkedOmics to explore its biological significance in AML.
Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the overall survival time of AML patients was related to whether to receive treatment and PXN expression(P<0.05). COX regression analysis showed that whether to receive treatment (HR=0.227，95%CI=0.075-0.689， P =0.009) and high expression of PXN (HR=4.484，95%CI=1.449-13.889， P =0.009) were independent poor prognostic factors in patients with AML.
Conclusion: PXN is highly expressed in AML patient, and high PXN expression is an indicator of poor prognosis in AML patient.
How does academia respond to the burden of infectious and parasitic disease?
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Wang Lili , Zhang Lin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Academic research is one of the main avenues through which humans can fight the threat of infectious diseases. However, there has been concerns regarding whether academic system has provided sufficient efforts to fight infectious diseases we potentially face. Answering these questions could contribute to evidence-based recommendations for setting research priorities and third-mission policies.

Methods: With a focus on one of the most common categories of communicable diseases, infectious and parasitic diseases (IPDs), we searched Web of Science for articles and reviews relevant to IPDs published during 2000-2019 and acquired WHO data of disease burden in corresponding years. The academic response patterns were explored by IPD subcategory, and by human development level (an index established by the UN). We in particular conduct the analysis to gain insight on the dynamic relationship between disease burden and research effort on IPD, scientific efforts contributed by countries with different development levels, and the variation trends in international joint efforts.

Results: The greatest burden of IPD disease is clustered in the developing regions of Africa, but has received academic response from both developed and developing countries. Highly developed countries dominate the ranks of academic research in this area, yet there is also a clear increase of research efforts from the countries most affected, despite their low human development scale. In fact, the overall analysis reveals an improved capability of addressing local problems from African regions. In terms of international collaboration, highly developed countries, such as the US and UK, have commonly collaborated with needy regions, whereas prolific but developing nations, like China, have not.

Conclusions: From a global perspective, academia has positively responded to health need caused by IPD. Although the relevant research output is primarily contributed by the highly developed countries, the concentrated efforts from the undeveloped regions to ease their local burdens can be clearly observed. Our findings also indicate the tendency on focusing more on local health needs for both developed and undeveloped regions. The insights revealed in this study should benefit a more informed and systemic plan of research priorities.
Cardioprotective Effects of Insect Apis Melifera Based Complementary Foods Using an In-Vivo White Albino (BALB/c) Mice
Authors: Mekuria Shewangzaw Addisu , Kinyuru John , Mokua Beatrice Kiage , Tenagashaw Mesfin Wogayehu 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background- Cardiovascular disease is the cause of one-third of deaths worldwide and this status is likely to progress because of increasing CVD's risk factors like intake of cholesterol and saturated fat. There is no clear evidence that a poor diet in childhood is associated with CVD risk factor development and adverse vascular health in adulthood. Hence, it is important to look at the effects of complementary foods. Therefore, this study assessed the cardioprotective effects of insect bee larvae (Apis Melifera) based complementary foods in young white albino miceMethods- The experiment was conducted using a randomized control design. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. A total of Seventy-five male white Albino mice were randomly assigned to five diets in triplicate. The diets were Diet 1= Casein diet; Diet 2= (57% Maize, 29% Teff, 14% Soybean); Diet 3= (58% Maize, 29% Teff, 13% Bee larvae); Diet 4=Commercial wean mix; and Diet 5= Basal diet alone. The study was conducted for 28 days with seven days of acclimatization. Diet and water were given ad libitum. The mice blood sample was collected from a cardiac puncture. Lipid profiles of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C evaluations were analyzed using automated pentra C400 made in France. Results- The results showed a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) of lipid profiles between treatments. Biochemical (mg/dl) parameters showed Diet 3 were recorded high TG (167.79) and HDL-C (67.18) and low in LDL-C (71.73). Atherogenic indices of Diet 3 were low in CRI-I (1.84), CRI-II (1.07), and AC (0.84). LDL-C levels were positively correlated with all atherogenic indices, while HDL-C levels were negatively correlated. Atherogenicity indices showed significant positive associations (P<0.001) with one another; CRI-I vs CRI-II (r=0.919), CRI-I vs AC (r=1), CRI-II vs AC (r= 0.919). Nevertheless, AIP was positively correlated with CRI-I, CRI-II, and AC, however, this was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions- Intake of insect bee larvae-based diet could have the potential to protect from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in infants and young children. However, further studies on the adverse effects of the developed complementary foods on clinical and histopathological trials should be conducted.
Abundance And Active Patch Selection Modulate Reproductive Connectivity And Fitness of Pea Crabs Living On Sand Dollars
Authors: Souza Juliana A. , Flores Augusto A. V. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Connectivity is paramount for population stability, but the mechanisms underlying the distribution of populated patches and how they affect reproductive connectivity and individual fitness remain elusive. Here, we mapped the distribution of sand dollars – as habitat patches for obligate-commensal pea crabs – at several sites. At occupied patches, we assessed whole-crab population structure and the fitness of ovigerous females. While sand-dollar supply did not limit the size of crab populations, overall crab abundance limited reproductive connectivity and the potential for offspring production. However, except for sites of extremely low and high connectivity, crab aggregations at sand-dollar clusters countervailed the overall random distribution of sand-dollar populations, greatly enhancing the reproductive potential of whole-crab populations. Crab interactions, likely controlled by larger females, added to reproductive connectivity by increasing the frequency of mating pairs in hosts. Differently from the population-level case, effects of crab abundance on individual fitness were dual and only detectable when abundance was lowest (positive) or highest (negative), so that fitness remained high at intermediate crab abundance, decreasing when it became either too low (e.g. Allee effects) or too high (e.g. energetic costs of intraspecific competition). This study indicates that connectivity may affect different levels of biological organization in specific ways.
DeepFat: Deep Learning Segmentation and Quantification Method for Assessing Epicardial Adipose Tissue in CT Calcium Score Scans
Authors: Hoori Ammar , Hu Tao , Lee Juhwan , Al-Kindi Sadeer , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Wilson David L. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Epicardial adipose tissue volume (EAT) has been linked to coronary artery disease and the risk of major adverse cardiac events. As manual quantification of EAT is time-consuming, requires specialized training, and is prone to human error, we developed a method (DeepFat) for the automatic assessment of EAT on non-contrast low-dose CT calcium score images using deep learning. We segmented the tissue enclosed by the pericardial sac on axial slices, using two innovations. First, we applied a HU‑attention-window with a window/level 350/40-HU to draw attention to the sac and reduce numerical errors. Second, we applied look ahead slab-of-slices with bisection (“bisect”) in which we split the heart into halves and sequenced the lower half from bottom-to-middle and the upper half from top-to-middle, thereby presenting an always increasing curvature of the sac to the network. EAT volume was obtained by thresholding voxels within the sac in the fat window (-190/-30-HU). Compared to manual segmentation, our algorithm gave excellent results with volume Dice=88.52%±3.3, slice Dice=87.70%±7.5, EAT error=0.5%±8.1, and R=98.52%(p<0.001). HU-attention-window and bisect improved Dice volume scores by 0.49% and 3.2% absolute, respectively. Extensive augmentation improved results. Variability between analysts was comparable to variability with DeepFat. Results compared favorably to those of previous publications.
Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin is a Sensitive Marker of Alcohol Consumption in Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Morinaga Maki , Kon Kazuyoshi , Uchiyama Akira , Fukada Hiroo , Fukuhara Kyoko , Yaginuma Reiko , Nakadera Eisuke , Yamashina Shunhei , Ikejima Kenichi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-associated/related liver disease (ALD) with metabolic syndrome is globally increasing. Metabolic syndrome and excessive alcohol consumption synergically exacerbate liver pathologies; therefore, drinking-specific serum markers unaffected by liver injury or metabolic syndrome are essential to assess alcohol consumption. We evaluated the ratio of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin to total transferrin (%CDT) in patients with fatty liver disease, particularly focusing on its correlation with metabolic factors (UMIN000033550). MethodsA total of 120 patients with fatty liver disease, including ALD and NAFLD, were screened for alcohol misuse using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Associations of metabolic syndrome-related factors and hepatic steatosis/liver stiffness with drinking markers such as %CDT, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were assessed using multiple linear regression analyses. Results%CDT significantly increased with 3–4 drinks/day. The optimal cut-off value for identifying non- to light drinkers was 1.78% (sensitivity, 71.8%; specificity, 83.7%; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.851), which was significantly higher than that for GGT. The cut-off value for identifying heavy drinkers was 2.08% (sensitivity, 65.5%; specificity, 86.8%; AUROC, 0.815). Multiple regression analysis revealed that this proportion was negatively correlated with body mass index, whereas GGT and MCV were influenced by multiple factors involved in liver injury and dyslipidemia. Conclusions%CDT showed a strong correlation with alcohol consumption, independent of liver damage, steatosis/stiffness, or metabolic syndrome-related factors, indicating that it is a useful drinking marker for the accurate diagnosis of NAFLD and ALD.
PbGP43 Genotyping Using Paraffin-embedded Biopsies of Human Paracoccidioidomycosis Reveals a Genetically Distinct Lineage in the Paracoccidioides Brasiliensis Complex
Authors: Ricci Giannina , Campanini Emeline Boni , Nishikaku Angela Satie , Puccia Rosana , Marques Mariangela Ester Alencar , Bialek Ralf , Rodrigues Anderson Messias , Batista Wagner Luiz 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by a group of cryptic species embedded in the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex and Paracoccidioides lutzii. Four species were recently inferred to belong to the P. brasiliensis complex, but the high genetic diversity found in both human and environmental samples have suggested that the number of lineages may be higher.This study aimed to assess the 43-kilodalton glycoprotein genotypes (PbGP43) in paraffin-embedded samples from PCM patients to infer the phylogenetic lineages of the P. brasiliensis complex responsible for causing the infection.Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from patients with histopathological diagnosis of PCM were analyzed. DNAs were extracted and amplified for a region of the second exon of the PbGP43 gene. Products were sequenced and aligned with other PbGP43 sequences available. A haplotype network and the phylogenetic relationships among sequences were inferred. Amino acid substitutions were investigated regarding the potential to modify physicochemical properties in the proteins.Six phylogenetic lineages were identified as belonging to the P. brasiliensis complex. Two lineages did not group with any of the four recognized species of the complex, and, interestingly, one of them comprised only FFPE samples. A coinfection involving two lineages was found. Five parsimony-informative sites were identified and three of them showed radical non-synonymous substitutions with the potential to promote changes in the protein.This study expands the knowledge regarding the genetic diversity existing in the P. brasiliensis complex and shows the potential of FFPE samples in species identification and in detecting coinfections.
NRAS Expression is Associated With Prognosis and Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yan Yueren , Gao Zhendong , Han Han , Zhao Yue , Zhang Yang , Ma Xiangyi , Chen haiquan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose: NRAS plays a pivotal role in progression of various kinds of somatic malignancies; however, the correlation between NRAS and lung adenocarcinoma is less known. We aim to analyze the prognostic value of NRAS expression in lung adenocarcinoma, and explore the relationship between NRAS and tumor immune microenvironment. Methods: We obtained the transcriptome pofiles and clinical data of LUAD from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and three Genome Expression Omnibus datasets. Specimens from 325 patients with completely resected lung adenocarcinoma were collected for immunohistochemical assays of NRAS, PD-L1, PD-1 and TIM-3. Then we performed gene set enrichment analysis to investigate cancer-related and immune-related signaling pathways. TIMER algorithms were performed to evaluate tumor immune infiltrating cells and immune-related biomarkers.Results: Compared with adjacent non-tumor tissue, NRAS expression was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissue. NRAS expression was significantly correlated with more advanced stage and positive lymph nodes. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox analysis suggested that high NRAS expression led to a poor prognosis, and could be an independent prognostic factor in LUAD patients. Besides, NRAS expression was positively correlated with CD8+ T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, and negatively correlated with B cells and CD4+ T cells. The expression level of NRAS was positively correlated with PD-L1, PD-1, and TIM-3 both at RNA and protein level. Conclusions: To conclude, we found NRAS a novel prognostic biomarker in LUAD. Besides, the expression level of NRAS may influence the prognosis of LUAD via various kinds of cancer-related pathways and remodeling TIM.
Effect of the Interpass Temperature on Simulated Heat-Affected Zone of Gas Metal Arc Welded API 5L X70 Pipe Joint
Authors: Dornelas Paulo Henrique Grossi , Filho João da Cruz Payão , Oliveira Victor Hugo Pereira Moraes e , Moraes Diogo de Oliveira , Júnior Petrônio Zumpano 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Welding costs associated with the laying of pipes for deepwater oil and gas extraction can be reduced using high interpass temperatures (ITs). However, a high IT can decrease the mechanical properties of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of welded joints. With the use of high strength-toughness stees, this decrease may be an acceptable trade-off. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of high ITs on the HAZ. The influence of the IT on the coarse grain HAZ (CGHAZ) and intercritically reheated coarse-grain HAZ (ICCGHAZ) of an API 5L X70 pipe joint welded by gas metal arc welding was investigated. The welding was numerically simulated using finite element method software. The microstructure of the HAZ was predicted using thermodynamic simulation software. The CGHAZ and ICCGHAZ were also physically simulated and evaluated via optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, dilatometry, and Vickers microhardness and Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact tests. The increase in IT led to a decrease in CGHAZ microhardness, but did not affect the ICCGHAZ. The CVN energies obtained for all ITs (CGHAZ and ICCGHAZ) were higher than that set by the DNVGL-ST-F101 standard (50 J). These results show that increasing the IT is an interesting and effective method to reduce welding costs. In addition, thermodynamic simulation proved to be a valid method for predicting the phases in the HAZ of API 5L X70 pipe welded joints.
Dependency of Sliding Friction for Two Dimensional Systems on Electronegativity
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Tiwari Avinash , Huang Yang , Persson Bo , Jia Yu 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
We study the role of electronegativity in sliding friction for five different two-dimensional (2D) monolayer systems using ab-initio calculations within density functional theory (DFT) with van der Waals (vdW) corrections. We show that the friction depends strongly on the involved atoms’ electronegativity difference. All the studied systems exhibit almost the same magnitude of the friction force when sliding along the nonpolar path, independent of the material and the surface structures. In contrast, for sliding friction along a polar path, the friction force obeys a universal linear scaling law where the friction force is proportional to atoms electronegativity difference of its constituent atoms. We show that atomic dipoles in the 2D monolayers, induced by the electronegativity difference, enhance the corrugation of the charge distribution and increase the sliding barriers accordingly. Our studies reveal that electronegativity plays an important role in friction of low dimensional systems, and provides a strategy for designing nanoscale devices.
Distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in soil in a commonly used mining area
Authors: Xu Lei , Dai Huiping , Skuza Lidia , Wei Shuhe 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the spatial, vertical and fraction distribution, multivariate statistical analysis, as well as assessed pollution levels and health risks posed by heavy metals at the Wenshan mining area. There were 6 sampling points at the site, from which a total of 32 samples were collected. The eastern and south-eastern parts of the site were heavily polluted, while the western and north-western parts were less contaminated. As pollution was particularly severe in the topsoil, with the mean value of 503.31 mg kg− 1 being more than 25-fold higher than the risk screening value. As content in all layers was greater than the standard risk screening value in the three typical profiles. The proportion of various Ni, Cu and As fractions changed slightly with depth at all three sampling points, and the residual fraction percentage accounted for more or nearly 80% of the total concentration. In addition, a significantly negative correlation (p < 0.05) was detected between Ni and As (-0.85), indicating a different source of these two elements. Principal component analysis demonstrated that two PCs, i.e. PC1, attributed to human activities, e.g. mining activities and transport, and PC2, defined as natural sources, were responsible for 80.632% of the total variance. As posed severe ecological and unacceptable health risks, i.e. non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks both for adults and children. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of mining pollutants and improved emission management in the mining process are essential to protect the environment and health of local residents.
Identification of Main Phenolic Compounds of Nitraria Retusa Leaf and Stem Extracts and Evaluation of Their Anti-Adipogenic Activity in 3T3-L1 Cells
Authors: Kalai Feten Zar , Boulaaba Mondher , Ksouri Riadh , Isoda Hiroko 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The edible halophyte Nitraria retusa known in traditional medicine purposes was used as a support in this study. The present study investigated the chemical analyses of the general composition of leaf and stem extracts using RP-HPLC. Results showed the richness of these extracts in phenolics especially flavonoids as luteolin-7-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin, quercetin and others. In total, nine compounds were identified for each organ extract. Luteolin-7-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside and Isorhamnetin are three flavonoids which are common in leaves and stems. Adipogenesis assay was performed to investigate the effect of organs, as well as the three last compounds on the adipocyte differentiation and on the lipid droplets accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Based on Oil-Red-O content quantification in 3T3-L1 cells, results showed that each extract of N. retusa at 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μg/mL could not inhibit the lipid droplet accumulation compared to untreated cells, in dose dependent manner. However, compounds showed better effect especially with isorhamnetin even with 5μM. Moreover, the effect of extracts and single bioactive components on cell proliferation of 3T3-L1 cells showed that stem extract was more efficient than leaf one. Besides, according to morphological observation, isorhamnetin strongly and significantly affected cell proliferation.