bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Young women’s knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer screening at a selected higher education institution in Lesotho: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nyangu Isabel , Moteane Tanki 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
In Lesotho, cervical cancer is the most common female cancer and leading cause of death amongst women. In 2019, the annual number of new cancer cases was 477 and 346 women died from cancer related complications in Lesotho. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of young women towards cervical cancer screening at a selected higher education institution in Lesotho.
Methods
A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire from 80 young women. Random sampling using a fishbowl technique was used to select study respondents. Permission to conduct the study was sought and granted from relevant authorities. Informed consent was sought from the respondents who were identified using codes and participated voluntarily. Data were analysed using Microsoft excel and presented using proportions and diagrams.
Results
Fifty percent (n=40) of the women did not know cervical cancer screening tests, 70% (n=56) did not know about the frequency of screening, whilst 75% (n=60) knew that human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine is used to prevent cervical cancer. Additionally, 95% (n=76) had not screened for cervical cancer, 65% (n=52) perceived cervical cancer screening as painful, 35% (n=28) said it caused discomfort, and 95% (n=76) needed more information on cervical cancer screening.
Conclusions
Even though some respondents had knowledge on cervical cancer and its prevention, the uptake of the screening procedure was low. Negative experiences of pain and discomfort were reported amongst those who had the procedure done. This heightens the need for health education and incorporating regular cervical cancer screening in health care services to increase reassurance, counselling, and the uptake of the procedure amongst young women.
Identification and Characterization of Chickpea Genotypes for Early Flowering and High Seed Germination through Molecular Markers
Authors: Yadav Garima , Jayaswal Deepanshu , Jayaswall Kuldip , Bhandawat Abhishek , Singh ArvindNath , Tilgam Jyotsana , Rai Abhishek Kumar , Chaturvedi Rachna , Kumar Ashutosh , Kumar Sanjay , Kumar S P 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Chickpea is the fourth most important legume crop contributing 3.1% to the total legume production and rich source of proteins, minerals and vitamins. Genetic diversity of wild and elite cultivar is quintessential for variety improvement. Determination of genetic diversity is more reliable and accurate, therefore, commonly used. In the present study, we analyzed the genetic diversity, population structure, cross-species transferability and allelic richness in 50 chickpea collection using 23 ISSR markers. The observed parameters such as allele number varied from 3 to 16,and polymorphic information content (PIC) varied from 0.15 to 0.4988, respectively. Further, range of allele size varied from 150 to 1600 bp, which shows the significance of ISSR markers for chickpea germplasm characterization. On the basis of ISSR marker genotypic data, dendrogram was constructed which divides these 50 chickpea in group I and II showing the reliability of ISSR markers. Among 50 chickpea, the accession P 74-1 is in group I and rest are in group II. Further we made mini-core collection of 15 diverse chickpea and sub-grouped them. Dendrogram, PCA, Dissimilarity matrix and Bayesian model based genetic clustering of 50 chickpea germplasms revealed that P 74-1 and P 1883are very diverse chickpea accession. Further selected 15 diverse chickpea screened for early flowering and high seed germination. Among 15 diversechickpea germplasms P 1857-1 and P 3971 has early flowering and high seed germination compared to P 1883 and other germplasm. Characterization of these diverse chickpea for early flowering and high seed germinationwould help in reducing crop duration and enhancing seed qualities. Utilization of these ISSRs markers in diversity analysis and population structure characterization of 50 chickpea germplasm suggests their wider efficacy for molecular breeding ofearly flowering and high seed germination.
Downregulation of Lysosome-Associated Membrane Protein-2A Contributes to the Pathogenesis of COPD
Authors: Jeong Yun-Jeong , Lee Kyoung-Hee , Woo Jisu , Kim Ji Yeon , Lee Chang-Hoon , Yoo Chul-Gyu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Macroautophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the role of chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) has not been investigated. We investigated if and how CMA is involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. Methods: We measured the level of lysosome-associated membrane protein-2A (LAMP-2A), which is a critical component of CMA that functions as a receptor for cytosolic substrate proteins, in total lung tissues and primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) from healthy never smokers, healthy smokers, and COPD patients. We assessed the effects of LAMP-2A knock-down on cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced aging, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in BEAS-2B cells and the expression levels of apoptosis hallmarks in primary HBECs and lung tissue sections.Results: We found that the protein levels of LAMP-2A in lung homogenates and primary HBECs from smokers and COPD patients were lower than those from never smokers. In addition, its level in primary HBECs was negatively correlated with years of smoking. CSE caused degradation of LAMP-2A protein via the lysosomal pathway by activating macroautophagy. Knock-down of LAMP-2A markedly enhanced CSE-induced expression of senescence markers such as p16, p21, and p27, G2/M cell cycle arrest, up-regulation of cyclin B1, and apoptosis in BEAS-2B cells. Apoptosis was increased in CSE-treated primary HBECs and in lung tissues from smokers and COPD patients.Conclusions: Cigarette smoke-induced down-regulation of LAMP-2A is involved in the pathogenesis of COPD by accelerating aging and apoptosis of lung epithelial cells.
Nonviral mcDNA-Mediated Cospecific CAR T Cells For The Treatment of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Xenograft in Mice
Authors: Wang Hezhi , Wang Xiaoxiao , Ye Xueshuai , Ju Yi , Cao Nana , Wang Shuqi , Cai Jianhui 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and the adoptive immunotherapy of which is worth studying. CD133, a kind of cancer stem cell (CSC) antigen, together with glypican-3 (GPC3) have been proved to be highly expressed in HCC cells and both of them are used as targets to generate chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. But there are limitations like “on-target, off-tumor” toxicity, low transfection efficacy and weak antitumor ability in CAR T cells treatment.Methods: First we fused anti-CD133 and anti-GPC3 single chain Fragment variable (scFv) structures with intracellular domains, respectively. Using non-viral minicircle DNA (mcDNA) vectors to generate co-specific CAR T cells (CoG133-CAR T cells) against CD133 and GPC3 double-positive HCC cells. We exhibited the transduction efficiency of CoG133-CAR T cells and the antigen expression of tumor cell lines. Finally, the antitumor efficacy of CoG133-CAR T cells both in vitro and in vivo was detected. Results: GPC3-CAR and CD133-CAR were successfully prepared using non-viral mcDNA vectors to generate effector cells. For the GPC3 and CD133 double-positive HCC (Huh7) xenograft mice, co-specific CAR T cells possessed stronger tumor growth suppression compared to single-targeted CAR (GPC3-CAR and CD133-CAR) T cells which induced only one antigen-mediated signal pathway. The same results also occurred on the in vitro experiments including cytokine secretion, cytotoxicity and proliferation ability of CAR T cells. Vital organs from CoG133-CAR T cells and normal T cells respectively treated Huh7 xenograft mice were stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), the images showed no difference. Conclusions: The mcDNA vectors loading CAR structures were transfected into T cells by electroporation without genetic mutation or mismatch. Huh7 is an HCC cell line with two antigens of GPC3 and CD133 highly expressed. The antitumor efficacy of co-specific CAR (CoG133-CAR) T cells against Huh7 cells is significantly enhanced. The joint design of two specific targets and non-viral vectors leads much more safety, also.
Salvianolic Acid B Improves the Effect of Fat Grafts by Inhibiting the NF-kB Signalling Pathway in Macrophages
Authors: Sun Jia-Ming , Ho Chia-Kang , Gao Ya , Chong Chio-Hou , Liu Yang-Dan , Zheng Dan-Ning , Zhang Yi-Fan , Li Yu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background

Autologous fat grafting (AFG), although an appealing approach to repair soft tissue defects, has various complications. Excessive inflammation at the transplant site is one of the main reasons for the poor effect of fat transplantation and occurrence of complications. Our previous study proved that Salvia miltiorrhiza can enhance fat graft survival. Salvianolic acid B (Sal-B) is the most abundant and bioactive water-soluble compound in Salvia miltiorrhiza and has anti-inflammatory effects on other diseases. Therefore, we hypothesized that salvianolic acid B could improve the effect of fat grafts by inhibiting inflammation.
Methods

In vivo, 0.2 ml of Coleman fat was transplanted into nude mice with salvianolic acid B. The grafts were evaluated by HE and IF at 2, 4 and 12 weeks posttransplantation and by micro-CT at 4 weeks posttransplantation. In vitro, the proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities of salvianolic acid B were analyzed in cultured RAW264.7 cells to detect the mechanism by which salvianolic acid B affects graft survival by inhibiting inflammation.
Results

In vivo, the degree of adipose tissue fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in the salvianolic acid B treatment group was lower, and the infiltration of M1 macrophages in fat grafts was also less than that in the control group. In vitro, salvianolic acid B inhibited the proliferation and activation of inflammatory pathways in RAW264.7 cells.
Conclusions

This study demonstrates the use of salvianolic acid B as a possible treatment to improve the effect of fat transplantation.
Bioinformatics Analysis of C3 in Brain Low Grade Gliomas as Potential Therapeutic Target and Promoting Immune Cell Infiltration
Authors: wu Xiujuan , Wu Siyi , Miao Kaiting , Wang Lijing , Ma Yuanyuan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Low grade gliomas is the malignant nervous tumor with distinct biological and clinical characteristics. Despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, how to significantly elongate the survival of low grade gliomas is still the challenge. Complement 3, as the critical component in the innate immune system, play an essential role in local immune response and participated into the regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor microenvironment.
Methods
In this study, we systematically determined the expression levels of C3 in low grade gliomas using various public databases. Then, we further identified the impact of C3 expression on immune cell infiltration compared to normal tissue, indicating the effect of cellular microenvironment on overall survival of LGG patients.
Results
We obtained transcriptional and survival of C3 in LGG from GEPIA and cBioportal database, and the differentially expressed genes were obtained. By performing the analysis of GO and protein-protein interaction network, we have identified the top-ranked 10 hub genes, which are highly associated with regulation of cell cycle. The gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that overexpression of C3 in LGG patient is positively correlated with regulation of cell cycle. Finally, the immune cell infiltration of C3 in LGG patients was employed and clearly showed that higher neutrophil infiltration can worsen the survival of LGG patients with higher C3 expression. These results were confirmed by the Human Protein Atlas database, in which expression level of C3 protein in gliomas patients always higher.
Conclusions
This investigation implied that C3 can be as the potential targets of precise therapy for patient with low grade gliomas.
Disease Correlates of Rim Lesions on Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Marcille Melanie , Rúa Sandra Hurtado , Tyshkov Charles , Jaywant Abhishek , Comunale Joseph , Kaunzner Ulrike W. , Nealon Nancy , Perumal Jai S. , Zexter Lily , Zinger Nicole , Bruvik Olivia , Wang Yi , Sweeney Elizabeth , Kuceyeski Amy , Nguyen Thanh D. , Gauthier Susan A. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), an imaging technique sensitive to brain iron, has been used to detect paramagnetic rims of iron-laden active microglia and macrophages in a subset of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions, known as rim+ lesions, and are consistent with chronic active lesions. Because of their potential impact on disease progression and tissue damage, investigating the influence of rim+ lesions on disability and neurodegeneration is critical to establish the impact of these lesions on the disease course. This study aimed to explore the relationship between chronic active rim+ lesions, identified as having a hyperintense rim on QSM, and both clinical disability and imaging measures of neurodegeneration in patients with MS. The patient cohort was composed of 159 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis, which includes both the Symbol Digit Modalities Test and California Verbal Learning Test-II, were used to assess clinical disability. Cortical thickness and thalamic volume were evaluated as imaging measures of neurodegeneration. A total of 4,469 MS lesions were identified, of which 171 QSM rim+ (3.8%) lesions were identified among 57 patients (35.8%). In a multivariate regression model, as the overall total lesion burden increased, patients with at least one rim+ lesion on QSM performed worse on both physical disability and cognitive assessments, specifically the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (p=0.010), California Verbal Learning Test-II (p=0.030), and EDSS (p=0.001). In a separate univariate regression model, controlling for age (p<0.001), having at least one rim+ lesion was related to more cortical thinning (p= 0.03) in younger patients (< 45 years). Lower thalamic volume was associated with older patients (p=0.038) and larger total lesion burden (p<0.001); however, the association did not remain significant with rim+ lesions (p=0.10). Our findings demonstrate a novel observation that chronic active lesions, as identified on QSM, modify the impact of lesion burden on clinical disability in MS patients. These results support further exploration of rim+ lesions for therapeutic targeting in MS to reduce disability and subsequent neurodegeneration.
Timing Assessment of Response to Fluid Challenge in Patients with Septic Shock
Authors: Huang Hui-bin , Xu Biao , Liu Guang-Yun , Du Bin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Fluid challenge (FC) is most commonly used for fluid responsiveness (FR) evaluation, with a wide divergence in assessment time choices. Therefore, we aimed to explore the optimal assessment time for FC in patients with septic shock. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted. Septic shock patients who had experienced initial resuscitation and required an FC with 500 mL 4% gelatin or normal saline (NS) over 5-10 min were included. FR was defined by an increase in cardiac index (CI) >10%. FR and other predefined variables were recorded at baseline (Tb), immediately (T0), and at 10 (T1), 30 (T2), 45 (T3), 60 (T4), 90 (T5), and 120 (T6) min after FC. The incidence of FR and hemodynamic variables at predefined time points were recorded. Data were analyzed by repeated measures of analysis of variance. Results: 63 patients were enrolled, with 43 in the gelatin group and 20 in the NS group. Among the 45/63 (71%) responders, 31 were responded at T0 (ER), while 14 responded at T1 or later (LR). The proportion of NR, ER and LR was comparable between gelatin and NS groups. After FC, the time course of FR status was slightly different between gelatin and NS groups. In the gelatin group, FC induced most responders (69%, 31/45) and frequency of CI maximum (35%, 11/31) at T2 and sustained a positive FR status until T4; while in the NS group, FC induced most responders (55%, 11/20) and frequency of CI maximum (64%, 9/14) at T1, and sustained FR status until T1. Conclusions: Different time courses of FR were found between gelatin and NS group patients undergoing FC. Thus, when NS is used, FR should be performed within 10 min, while it is better to extend the assessment time to 30 min after FC when gelatin is used.
Over-Expression of ZNF677 Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion and Induces Apoptosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma 786-0 Cells
Authors: Liang W , Chen SH , Yang GL , Feng JY , Ling Q , Wu B , Yan HB , Cheng JW 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: ZNF677 has been reported downregulation in several cancers due to DNA methylation. Recent studies have demonstrated that ZNF677 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in cancer. However, the expression and function of ZNF677 in ccRCC is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression of ZNF677 in ccRCC tissues and the malignant biological behavior of ZNF677 on 786-0 cells. Methods: Combining with bioinformatics analysis,qRT-PCR and IHC analysis was carried out to detect ZNF677 expression in 60 Clear cell Renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tissues and 47 normal tissues and 786-0 cells. In vitro, lentiviral vector containing negative control and ZNF677 vector was constructed and transfected into 786-0 cells, respectively. CCK8 and clone formation assays were used to measure the proliferation of 786-0 cells, and apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry assay, and transwell assay was carried out to measure the invasion ability of 786-0 cells. Apoptosis markers and EMT markers expression was evaluated by western blot. Results: ZNF677 is hypermethylated in ccRCC and associated with clinicopathologic features,and functional assays suggested that ZNF677 inhibits tumor cell proliferation, invasion and induce apoptosis. Further prognosis analysis indicated that low expression of ZNF677 was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and ZNF677 suppressed invasion and EMT of 786-0 cells through activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, but the exact mechanism remains unknown. Conclusions: ZNF677 can be used as an adverse prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for ccRCC.
Microbial Diversity of Ticks And A Novel Tyhpus Group Rickettsia Species ( R. bacterium Ac37b) Detected In Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Wu Lin , Xing Li-li , Gui Zheng , Su Si , Yu Jing-feng , Qi Dong-dong , Fu Shao-yin , Si Xiao-yan , Mu Lan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Ticks are arthropods that can carry multiple pathogens and parasitize on livestock and mammals as well as on humans. Animal husbandry in Inner Mongolia, China, provides a suitable tick habitat. In this study, PacBio full-length 16S rDNA third-generation sequencing was used to analyze the diversity of microbial communities carried by ticks in different regions of Inner Mongolia. The aim of the study is to characterize the microbiome carried by ticks in different geographical locations and to provide theoretical support for regional prevention and control of pathogen populations in the future. Methods: In this study, a total of 905 Dermacentor nuttalli and 36 Ixodes persuleatus were collected from the surface of sheep in four main pasture areas in Inner Mongolia. Pooled DNA samples were prepared from three samples from each region and from each tick species. In total the microbial diversity of 12 samples was analyzed by PacBio full-length 16S rRNA third-generation sequencing, and the α and β diversity were determined. Results: The main bacterial genera we found were Rickettsia (35.27%), Ac37b (19.33%), Arsenophonus (11.21%), Candidatus Lariskella (10.84%), and Acinetobacter (7.17%). There were significant differences in the microbial composition of ticks from different regions and in different tick species. Rickettsia bellii was found in the I. persuleatus group. In addition, Anaplasma and a novel tyhpus group Rickettsia species (R. bacterium Ac37b) were found in the sample group of D. nuttalli in the city of Ordos.Conclusions: In this study, Rickettsia bellii was first found in I. persuleatus in Inner Mongolia, and a novel tyhpus group Rickettsia species (R. bacterium Ac37b) was found in D. nuttalli from the city of Ordos. Our study provides a basis for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases through the analysis of tick microbial diversity in different regions of Inner Mongolia. Furthermore, we were able to detect a new tick-borne pathogen in D. nutalli.
MicroRNA-profiling of miR-371~373- and miR-302/367-clusters in Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid Identify Patients with Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Schönberger Stefan , Mohseni Mahsa Mir , Ellinger Jörg , Tran Giao Vu Quynh , Becker Martina , Claviez Alexander , Classen Carl-Friedrich , Hermes Barbara , Driever Pablo Hernáiz , Jorch Norbert , Lauten Melchior , Mehlitz Marcus , Schäfer Niklas , Scheer-Preiss Johanna , Schneider Dominik T. , Troeger Anja , Calaminus Gabriele , Dilloo Dagmar 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCT) comprise germinoma and non-germinoma. Their diagnosis predominantly relies on biopsy as only one-fifth of patients present with elevated biomarkers (AFP/ß-HCG) in serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). MicroRNAs (miR/miRNA) have emerged as non-invasive biomarkers in extracranial GCT and may potentially facilitate non-invasive diagnosis in iGCT. Methods: We analyzed eight miRNAs in serum and CSF from the miR-371~373- and miR-302/367-clusters and four miRNAs differentially expressed in iGCT tissue (miR-142-5p/miR-146a-5p/miR-335-5p/miR-654-3p) from eight iGCT patients (age 10-33 years) and 12 control subjects by pre-amplified RT-qPCR. MiR-30b-5p (serum) and miR-204-5p (CSF) acted as reference genes. ΔCt-values were expressed as 2-ΔΔCt after standardization against controls. Results: Between iGCT and control patients’ serum ΔCt-values of miR-371a-3p (p=0.0159), miR-372-3p (p=0.0010), miR-367 (p=0.0190), miR-302a (p=0.0381) and miR-302d-3p (p=0.0159) differed significantly. Discriminatory pattern in CSF was similar to serum as miR-371a (p=0.0286), miR-372-3p (p=0.0028), miR-367-3p (p=0.0167) and miR-302d-3p (p=0.0061) distinguished between patients and controls. Abundant 2-ΔΔCt levels of each miRNA were found across all serum and CSF samples including biomarker-negative patients.Conclusion: With the largest data set so far, we underline the suitability of miR-371a, miR-372, miR-367 and miR-302d in serum and CSF for diagnosis of iGCT, particularly in biomarker-negative germinoma. Diagnosis of iGCT by miRNA analysis is a feasible and valid approach, particularly as serum can be readily obtained by a less invasive procedure. MiRNA analysis may discriminate iGCT from other tumors with similar radiological findings and may allow to monitor response to therapy as well as early relapse during follow-up.