bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Cohort Study Using Preoperative IL-6/Stat3/IL-17 And Blood Aminotransferase Levels To Predict Five-Year Survival For Patients After Liver Cancer Resection
Authors: Wang Lijie , Li Xiaoning , Tao Lin , Zhang Wenjie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: The expression/activation of p-Stat3, IL-6 and IL-17 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues together with the serum levels of aminotransferases ALT, AST, GGT and ALP were designed to evaluate their abilities in predicting the survival prognosis of postoperative patients with HCC.Methods: The clinicopathological data and paraffin-embedded tissues of 98 patients who underwent liver tumor resection were collected at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University School of Medicine, and the patients were followed-up after surgery. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the activation/expression of p-Stat3, IL-6 and IL-17 using tissue microarrays derived from these patients. Before surgery, patients’ serum levels of AST, ALT, GGT and ALP were measured using a Roche Modular DPP automated biochemical analyzer. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests, Spearman's correlation, ROC curves, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox single-factor and multifactor regression models.Results: (1) The strong positive rate of expressed IL-6 in HCC tissues (18.09%) was lower than that in paracancerous tissues (60.06%) (p<0.001); the strong positive rate of expressed IL-17 in HCC tissues (42.40%) was lower than that in paracancerous tissues (87.80%) (p<0.001). The strong positive rate of activated p-Stat3 in HCC tissues (52.20%) was higher than paracancerous tissues (18.04%) (p=0.01). (2) The higher the levels of ALT (p<0.001), AST (p=0.002), GGT (p<0.001), and ALP (p< 0.001) were, respectively, the worse the survival prognoses were observed among HCC patients. (3) High levels of ALP were an independent risk factor for postoperative prognosis in HCC patients. (4) The combination of ALT+AST+ ALP appeared to be the best survival predictor for HCC patients as indicated by AUC (0.820, 95% CI=0.714, 0.926) (p<0.001).Conclusions: The activation/expression of p-Stat3, IL-6 and IL-17 differ in HCC tissues compared with their paracancerous tissues. Using classical TNM staging system as a reference, higher levels of serum aminotransferases ALT, AST, GGT and ALP are capable of predicting poor prognosis among postoperative HCC patients. ALT+AST+ALP+p-Stat3 is an optimal combination better than the classical TNM staging system in predicting postoperative survival among HCC patients. The observations presented may provide a useful guide for clinicians to strategize individualized surgical plans for liver cancer patients before surgery.
The systematic use of metabolomic epidemiology, biobanks, and electronic medical records for precision medicine initiatives in asthma: findings suggest new guidelines to optimize treatment
Authors: Kachroo Priyadarshini , Stewart Isobel , Kelly Rachel , Stav Meryl , Mendez Kevin , Dahlin Amber , Soeteman Djøra , Chu Su , Huang Mengna , Cote Margaret , Knilhtilä Hannah , Lee-Sarwar Kathleen , McGeachie Michael , Wang Alberta , Wu Ann , Virkud Yamini , Zhang Pei , Wareham Nick , Karlson Elizabeth , Wheelock Craig , Clish Clary , Weiss Scott , Langenberg Claudia , Lasky-Su Jessica 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The application of large-scale metabolomic profiling provides new opportunities to realize the potential of omics-based precision medicine with regard to asthma. We leveraged over 14,000 individuals from four distinct epidemiological studies. We identified and independently replicated seventeen steroid metabolites that were significantly reduced in individuals with prevalent asthma. Importantly steroid levels were reduced among all individuals with asthma regardless of medication use; however, the largest reduction was associated with inhaled corticosteroids use (ICS) that was further confirmed in a four-year ICS clinical trial. Cortisol levels extracted from electronic medical records confirmed that cortisol is reduced among asthmatics taking ICS over the entire 24-hour period, compared with all other groups. Clinical-grade adrenal suppression in asthmatics on ICS, resulting from substantial reductions in steroid metabolites, represents a larger public health problem than previously recognized. Regular cortisol testing may identify at-risk individuals, enabling personalized treatment modifications and improving overall patient care.
SuFExable Isocyanides for Ugi Reaction: Facile Synthesis of Sulfonyl Fluoro Peptides
Authors: Xu Shuheng , Cui Sunliang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) reaction has become a good click chemistry transformation and acted as a powerful tool in medicinal chemistry and materials science. Therefore, the investigation of versatile SuFExable synthon and SuFEx compatible reactions is highly desirable. Herein, the sulfonyl fluoro isocyanides were first developed as a new type of SuFExable synthon, and used as flexible building blocks in the Ugi four-component reaction (U-4CR). Hence, the preparation methods of differential SuFExable isocyanides were set up, including both aryl and alkyl sulfonyl fluoro isocyanides. Meanwhile, the sulfonyl fluoro tolerable Ugi reaction was established and the substrate scope was investigated, and various sulfonyl fluoro α-amino amides and peptides could be reached in a one-step synthesis. Therefore, this protocol opens a new vision for SuFExable building block and click chemistry, and also provides a distinct approach to sulfonyl fluoro peptides.
Matched-Pair Long-Term Survival Analysis of Male and Female Patients with Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Feng Xiaoshuang , Mo Miao , Wu Chunxiao , Gong Yangming , Zhou Changming , Shen Jie , Wang Zezhou , Fu Chen , Zheng Ying 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To examine the differences in long-term survival between male and matched female breast cancer cases based on data from the Shanghai Cancer Registry (SCR).Methods: Every male breast cancer case was matched with four female cases according to the year of diagnosis, age, tumor stage, and histological subtype. Cumulative observed overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, and log-rank tests were applied to compare the survival rates of male and female cases. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to assess the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between sex and the risk of death.Results: 50,958 patients with breast cancer (0.85% male) were registered in the SCR between 2002 and 2013. After matching, 434 male and 1736 female patients were included in the study. With a median follow-up time of 10 years, men with breast cancer showed significantly worse OS (P < 0.0001) and CSS (P < 0.0001) than women. The 5- and 10-year OS rates for male and female patients were 67.27% and 77.75%, and 45.95% and 62.60%, respectively; the 5- and 10-year CSS rates for male and female patients were 70.19% and 79.79%, and 50.57% and 67.20%, respectively. Compared with women, men had 65% increased risk of overall death (95% CI: 1.42-1.92) and 70% increased risk of cancer-specific death (95% CI: 1.44-2.00).Conclusion: The study provided evidence at the population level that male patients with breast cancer had lower survival rates than women in China.
Chemokines modulate glycan binding and immunoregulatory activity of galectins
Authors: Sanjurjo Lucia , Schulkens Iris , Touarin Pauline , Heusschen Roy , Aanhane Ed , Castricum Kitty , de Gruijl Tanja , Nilsson Ulf , Lefler Hakon , Griffioen Arjan , Elantak Latifa , Koenen Rory , Thijssen Victor 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Galectins are versatile glycan-binding proteins involved in immunomodulation. Increasing evidence suggests that galectins can control the immunoregulatory function of cytokines and chemokines through direct binding. Here, we report a new inverse mechanism by which chemokines control the immunomodulatory function of galectins. In a galectin-chemokine interaction screen we identified several specific galectin-chemokine binding pairs, including galectin-1/CXCL4. NMR analyses showed that CXCL4 binds on the surface edge of the galectin-1 ß-sheet causing changes in the galectin-1 carbohydrate binding site. Consequently, the interaction with CXCL4 altered the glycan binding affinity and specificity of galectin-1. With regard to immunomodulation, CXCL4 potentiated the apoptotic activity of galectin-1 on activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The potentiation of apoptosis specifically affected CD8+ T cells, while no effect was observed in CD4+ T cells. An opposite regulatory activity was found for another galectin-chemokine pair, i.e., galectin-9/CCL5. While CCL5 reduced the apoptosis induction by galectin-9 in activated PBMCs, this was only statistically significant for CD4+ T cells and not for CD8+ T cells. Collectively, the current study describes a novel immunomodulatory mechanism in which specific galectin-chemokine interactions control the glycan-binding activity and immunoregulatory function of galectins.
Time-Series Analysis of Coxsackievirus B Serotype Surveillance Data in Japan
Authors: Sumi Ayako , Mise Keiji 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveStudies have identified serotypes of Coxsackievirus B (CVB) enterovirus as a cause of type 1 diabetes. Studies have also identified cyclical variations in type 1 diabetes incidence—peak incidences occurring in 4- to 6-years periods in two regions in England, a 5-year period in Western Australia, and 5.33-year period in Poland. To date, no studies have investigated whether CVB infection rates demonstrate similar cyclical variation characteristics. The purpose of this study was to characterize periodicity in CVB surveillance data.ResultsMaximum entropy spectral analysis was performed on monthly CVB surveillance data. In addition to demonstrating a 1-year cycle for all serotypes, spectral peaks demonstrated dominant cycles—6.9-, 3.8-, 4.3-, 9.5-, and 7.8- year periods for CVB1, CVB2, CVB3, CVB4, and CVB5, respectively. Pearson correlation was used to compare the least-squares fit curves based on periods estimated from the analysis with the original data. The results for all five serotypes—CVB1, CVB2, CVB3, CVB4, and CVB5—demonstrated good correlation—ρ = 0.96, ρ = 0.60, ρ = 0.90, ρ = 0.88, and ρ = 0.67, respectively. This method could be a useful tool for the efficient investigation of CVB as a pathogen of type 1 diabetes.
circDym prevents chronic neuropathic pain by competitive inhibition of Nlgn2 mRNA transport in neurites
Authors: Wang Linbang , Liu Jingkun , Tai Jiaojiao , Wang Bing , Wang Shuqi , He Bin , Quan Zhengxue 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aims: Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic syndrome that is refractory to current analgesics through unknown mechanisms. Epigenetic regulation in spinal dorsal horn neurons is reported to contribute to the initiation and maintenance of NP. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in various biological processes in neurons, but molecular mechanism of how the involvement in NP are lacking. Methods: To study NP, we used a sciatic chronic constriction injury (CCI) model in C57 mice, with the level of mechanical allodynia determined using von Frey monofilaments. The injured ipsilateral spinal dorsal horns in lumbar segments (L3–L5) were collected and total RNA and protein extracted. Transcriptome sequencing, qRT-PCR, western blot analysis, and immunoprecipitation were performed. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted using R packages. The patient cohort was analysed using logistic regression analysis. Results: circDym was identified as one of the NP-related circRNA candidates and qRT-PCR showed that its expression was significantly lower in both the CCI mouse models and in the peripheral blood of patients with NP. Overexpression of circDym significantly attenuated injury induced by NP. Further examination indicated that circDym functions by inhibiting synaptic localization of Nlgn2 mRNA by competitively binding with the RNA-binding protein, Fmrp, resulting in decreased expression of GABAAR, thus leading to the inhibition of chronic pain. Single-cell sequencing results showed that Prodynorphin-positive and Cholecystokinin-positive neurons were likely responsible for this process. Conclusions: We identified circDym, which works through a coupling mechanism, as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for NP.
A product carbon footprint model for embodiment design based on macro-micro design features
Authors: Wang Geng , Li Fangyi , Fu Zhao , Zhou Lirong , Huang Aihua , Wang Liming , John Sutherland 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Greenhouse gas emissions have become one of the most attractive global concerns for sustainable development. To reduce product life cycle carbon footprint, planning should begin at embodiment design phase. Accurate assessment of carbon footprint is the foundation of carbon footprint reduction. However, existing carbon footprint models are not applicable to embodiment design phase due to incomplete and limited design information. With this in mind, this paper proposes a carbon footprint model for embodiment design based on macro-micro design features. First, a Function-Structure-Feature (FSF) model for embodiment design is established to convey the design information. The concept of design features is introduced (as both macro and micro level). The macro design feature denotes the different operational states of the product and the constraint relationships between parts. The micro design feature denotes specific properties of parts. Then, a model of product carbon footprint based on design features is presented through analyzing the relationships between macro-micro design features and product carbon footprint. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated by a gear hobbing machine. The amount of carbon footprint from each type of design feature can be predicted. Through the optimization of design features, product life cycle carbon footprint has decreased significantly.
A Nomogram to Predict Stricture-free Survival in Patients with Ureteral Stricture after Balloon Dilation
Authors: Hu Jintao , Lai Cong , Gao Mingchao , Li Kaiwen , He Wang , Zhu Dingjun , Xie Wenlian , Wu Haihua , Xu Meijuan , Huang Jian , Han Jinli 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Balloon dilation is a commonly used minimally invasive endourological treatment of ureteral stricture, but the postoperative recurrence rate is relatively high. And factors contributing to recurrence after treatment are poorly understood. Herein, we sought to develop a novel clinical nomogram to predict ureteral stricture-free survival in patients suffering from ureter stricture and performed balloon dilation.
Methods

The nomogram was established based on a retrospective analysis of 321 patients diagnosed with ureter strictures from January 2016 to January 2020 in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital using the Cox regression model. Perioperative clinical data and disease outcomes were analyzed. Discrimination of the nomogram was assessed by the concordance index (C-index) and the calibration curve. The results were internally validated using bootstrap resampling.
Results

Overall, 321 patients with a median follow-up of 590 days were enrolled in the study, among which 97 patients (30.2%) developed recurrence of ureteral stricture during follow-up. Five variables remained significant predictors of ureteral re-stricture after multivariable analyses: stricture nature (P < 0.001), urinary nitrite (P = 0.041), CKD (P = 0.005), stent retention time (P < 0.001), and balloon size (P = 0.029). The calibration craves for the probability of 1-, 3-, and 5-years stricture-free survival (SFS) presented satisfied with the consistency of nomogram prediction and actual observation. The C-index of the model was 0.74 (95% CI 0.70–0.79).
Conclusions

Our study developed the first nomogram to effectively predict stricture-free survival in patients suffering from ureter stricture after balloon dilation. It is helpful to identify the optimal patients with ureter stricture for balloon dilation and improve treatment outcomes. However, further external validation of the nomogram is warranted.
Multidimensional well-being of residents affected by the Pak Mun Dam, Thailand
Authors: Chaiyamart Pattaraphongpan , Gartner William , delMas Robert 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Understanding effects on the overall well-being of the communities affected by the Pak Mun Dam construction would fill in the gaps in existing knowledge and facilitate a deeper discussion of the factors that impact overall wellbeing. The Pak Mun Dam was finished in 1994 and from that point on there have been changes affecting local residents. This study attempts to understand the impact of those changes from a well being perspective using primary data collected from residents in villages close to the dam site. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was method for this research analysis. Results from a structural model show that social and economic well-being are important factors that impact the overall well-being of the affected residents from the Pak Mun Dam area. Furthermore, we discuss how information from 20 items within seven dimensions of the well-being measurement model can be used to develop more efficient strategies and policies to increase well-being capital.
Pak Mun Dam’s Long Term Impact on Local Residents&nbsp;
Authors: Chaiyamart Pattaraphongpan , Gartner William , Carlson Stephan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Multidimensional well-being is an important method for understanding the social functioning of communities affected by the Pak Mun Dam, 26 years after its construction. This is the first quantitative research on the well-being of these communities. In six of eight well-being dimensions, the more distant communities are faring better than those in close proximity to the dam. Furthermore, 24 of 40 items which represent each dimension have statistically significant lower means in the affected community. This result shows the long-lasting nature of negative effects on communities and without appropriate policy action negative impacts will linger preventing developmental progress from occurring.
A Method for Solving Initial and Boundary Value Fuzzy differential equations by Mellin Transform
Authors: Azhar Noreen , Iqbal Saleem 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This Paper is included fuzzy concepts of Mellin transform along with its operational properties. Mellin transform method is applicable in fuzzy context. The study involved the proposed techniques for solving initial and boundary value fuzzy differential equations under strongly generalized differentiability concepts.
Structure-based virtual screening suggests inhibitors of 3-Chymotrypsin-Like Protease of SARS-CoV-2 from Vernonia amygdalina and Occinum gratissimum
Authors: Gyebi Gideon A. , Elfiky Abdo A. , Ogunyemi Oludare M. , Ibrahim Ibrahim M. , Adegunloye Adegbenro P. , Adebayo Joseph O. , Olaiya Charles O. , Ocheje Joshua , Fabusiwa Mercy M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
An in-house library of 173 phytocompound structures from Vernonia amygdalina and Occinum gratissimum was screened against the active region of 3-Chymotrypsin-Like Protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 in silico. Based on docking scores and reference inhibitors, a hit- list of 21 phytocompounds, with binding energies ranging from − 7.2 to -8.0 kcal/mol, was initially generated. Further docking against the 3CLpro of related coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV), docking to 5 different representative conformations generated from the cluster analysis of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) trajectories, and in silico drug-likeness analyses, revealed two drug-like terpenoid structures as promising non-covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLPro viz: neoandrographolide and vernolide. These terpenoid structures are accommodated within the substrate-binding pocket, and interacted with the catalytic dyad, the oxyanion loop (residues 138–145), and the S1/S2 subsites of the enzyme active site. With the aid of an array of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with residues 142–145, these phytocompounds may stabilize the conformation of the flexible oxyanion loop; and thereby interfere with the tetrahedral oxyanion intermediate formation during proteolytic cleavage. Molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy calculation further revealed that the terpenoid-enzyme complexes exhibit strong interactions and structural stability, which could be adapted for experimental models.
How much land can households transfer out to achieve effective poverty reduction? Empirical evidence from China’s poverty-stricken areas
Authors: Cai Jie , Liu Wei , Xia Xianli , Li Xiaoping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Land transfer can promote land scale management, realize economies of scale, and improve scale efficiency. Considering the current level of social and economic development, choosing the most appropriate transfer scale can not only increase households’ income but also improve their capability. Based on survey data from rural households in China’s poverty-stricken areas, this paper uses the threshold regression model to analyze the nonlinear relationship between the land transfer-out scale selection and multidimensional poverty. An endogenous switching regression model, which comprehensively considers the bias and heterogeneity of sample selection, is used to analyze the effect of land transfer on multidimensional poverty. The study yields three main findings. First, the effect of transfer-out rate on the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) structurally changes when the rate reaches 0.7667. Second, based on counterfactual assumptions, we find that high transfer-out land scale can effectively reduce the MPI. Third, if high transfer-out scale households (> 0.7667) choose the low scale, the MPI will increase by 0.0378; if low transfer-out scale households (< 0.7667) have the opportunity to choose the high scale, the MPI will drop by 0.1297. Therefore, to achieve better poverty reduction effects in poor areas, policy maker must rationally guide farmers to transfer sufficient land to cross the threshold value for poverty reduction. The government should formulate different guidance strategies for households to transfer out land to improve their capability and avoid falling into multidimensional poverty. Finally, local governments can alleviate multidimensional poverty by increasing support in poor areas and developing the industrial economy.