bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Reprogramming Promotes Metastasis of Acidosis-Adapted Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells Via AMPK/YAP/MMP1 Axis
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Ning Bo , Song Jinwen , Yang Zihan , Zhou Li , Chen Zhiji , Mao Linhong , Liu Hongtao , Wang Qingliang , He Song , Zhou Zhihang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers. Acidic microenvironment, namely acidosis, is closely related to cancer development and progression, but the regulatory mechanism remains to be elucidated.
Methods

We generated acidosis-adapted PDAC cells (PANC-1 and SW1990) by continuously culturing under pH 6.5 medium. Metabonomic assay (LC-MS and LC-MS) was used to detect the metabolites. Transcriptomic microarray was applied to reveal the gene expression profile. The in vivo metastatic potential was assessed by tail vein injection. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were applied to evaluate cell migration and invasion capacity. CCK8 and colony formation were performed to determine cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to test cell cycle and apoptosis.
Results

These acidosis-adapted PDAC cells had stronger invasion and migration ability, accompanied by increased EMT markers expression. In addition, the proliferation rate of acidosis-adapted PDAC cells increased while apoptosis decreased under acidic medium. Metabonomic analysis showed that the glycolysis and AMP was decreased, and ATP was increased in acidosis-adapted cells. The metabolic shift led to the inactivation of AMPK. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes in acid-adapted cells were enriched in extracellular matrix modification, Hippo signaling and others. MMP1, a matrix metalloproteinase, was the most upregulated gene in acidosis-adapted cells, mediated by the YAP/TAZ pathway. Knockdown of MMP1 significantly reduced invasion and metastasis capacity of acidosis-adapted cells. The AMPK activator MK8722 could reduce both YAP and MMP1 level in acidosis-adapted PDAC cells.
Conclusion

Altogether, the present study showed that the metabolic reprogramming towards elevated ATP production promotes invasion and metastasis of acidosis-adapted PDAC cells via depressing AMPK/Hippo signaling, thus upregulating MMP1.
Rheolytic Thrombectomy Using AngioJet ZelanteDVT Catheter or Solent Omni Catheter for Treatment of Patients with Proximal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Gong Maofeng , Fu Guanqi , Liu Zhengli , Zhou Yangyi , Kong Jie , Zhao Boxiang , Lou Wensheng , Gu Jianping , He Xu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose The present study aimed to investigate the preliminary safety and efficacy of rheolytic thrombectomy (RT) using AngioJet ZelanteDVT catheter or Solent Omni catheter for acute proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT).Material and Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 40 patients who treated by AngioJet RT divided into ZelanteDVT group (n=17) and Solent group (n=23) from January 2019 to January 2021. Data of demographics, clinical characteristic, technical success, clinical success, complications, and early follow-up were analysed.Results No significant differences regarding demographics were detected (all p >.05). The technical success rates were both 100%. ZelanteDVT group had a shorter duration time of RT and a higher primary RT success than those of Solent group (all p <.05), and percentage of adjunctive CDT was 29.4% in ZelanteDVT group, significantly lower than that was 79.3% in Solent group (p =.010). The successful outcome for ZelanteDVT group and Solent group were 100% (17/17) and 95.7% (22/23), both high in the two groups (p >.05). Except for transient macroscopic hemoglobinuria occurred in all patients at the first 24 hours post-RT, none suffered other procedure-related adverse events or major complications in both groups. Minor complications presented as bleeding events occurred in 21.7% (5/23) patients of Solent group, and one (5.9%) patient in Zelante DVT group (p >.05). At 6-month, the frequency of PTS was 5.9% (1/17) in ZelanteDVT group compared with 17.4% (4/ 23) in Solent group (p >.05).Conclusion Both catheters are safe and effective for the management of patients with proximal DVT, leading to improved clinical outcomes with low complication. Zelante-DVT catheter offered more powerful thrombectomy over Solent catheter, allowing for faster extraction of the DVT with shorter run time and lower adjunctive CDT.
Analyses of the First 410 days of COVID-19 Trend and Mortality in Africa: Interpretation, Implications and Recommendations
Authors: Adeniji Adeloye , Omolaoye Temidayo S , Plessis Stefan S , Okosun Kazeem , Gunst Colette 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also referred to as COVID-19 initially spread from Europe to Africa. On the 14th of February 2020, the African continent reported its first COVID-19 case in Egypt. Other African countries such as Algeria, Nigeria, and Senegal subsequently reported their first cases a few weeks later. The spread and the resulting mortality from COVID-19 has been disproportionate over the African continent.
Aim

In this study, we look into the trend and progression of COVID-19, in terms of morbidity (number of confirmed cases) and mortality, over a specified period within a designated geographic area. Review of this data enabled the identification of unique characteristics of this pandemic in the five designated regions of the African continent.
Method

We analyzed the mortality that resulted from COVID-19 infection and the trend of spread during the time period (3 January 2020 -31 March 2021). We further use the data to explore and forecast COVID-19 trends in these African countries using time series analysis and centre moving averages (CMA) in Microsoft Excel statistical package.
Results

In Northern Africa, Egypt had the highest number of cumulative cases and deaths (cases: 201432 and deaths: 11956) by the 31st of March 2021. For the other four regions of the African continent Nigeria (cases: 162762 and deaths: 2056) in West Africa; Ethiopia (cases: 204521 and deaths: 2841) in the Eastern region; Cameroon (cases: 47669) and deaths: 721) in Central Africa. And South Africa (cases: 1546735 and deaths: 52788) in the Southern region reported the highest cumulative cases and deaths at the same point in time. Based on these results, comparative forecasts were made in terms of the expected period and fatality of subsequent waves of COVID 19.
Conclusion

While there should be caution in interpreting data from the African continent, the reported findings could lend itself to productive scientific inquiry and interpretations. Africa need to consider various implementable approaches to managing this pandemic without creating another epidemic due to neglect of other components of her health priorities. Implications were inferred and recommendations were made in the interest of the continent and global community of Nations.
Impact of Tree Litter Identity, Litter Diversity and Habitat Quality on Litter Decomposition Rates in Tropical Moist Evergreen Forest.
Authors: Aydagnehum Seyoum Getaneh , Honnay Olivier , Desie Ellen , Helsen Kenny , Couck Lisa , Shibru Simon , Muys Bart 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Attempts to restore degraded highlands by tree planting are common in East Africa. However, up till now, little attention has been given to effects of tree species choice on litter decomposition and nutrient recycling. Method: In this study, three indigenous and two exotic tree species were selected for a litter decomposition study. The objective was to identify optimal tree species combinations and tree diversity levels for the restoration of degraded land via enhanced litter turnover. Litterbags were installed in June 2019 into potential restoration sites (disturbed natural forest and forest plantation) and compared to intact natural forest. The tested tree leaf litters included five monospecific litters, ten mixtures of three species and one mixture of five species. Standard green and rooibos tea were used for comparison. A total of 1033 litters were retrieved for weight loss analysis after one, three, six, and twelve months of incubation. Results: The finding indicates a significant effect of both litter quality and litter diversity on litter decomposition. The nitrogen-fixing native tree Millettia ferruginea showed a comparable decomposition rate as the fast decomposing green tea. The exotic conifer Cupressus lusitanica and the native recalcitrant Syzygium guineense have even a lower decomposition rate than the slowly decomposing rooibos tea. A significant correlation was observed between litter mass loss and initial leaf litter chemical composition. Moreover, we found positive non-additive effects for litter mixtures including nutrient-rich and negative non-additive effects for litter mixtures including poor leaf litters respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that both litter quality and litter diversity play an important role in decomposition processes and therefore in the restoration of degraded tropical moist evergreen forest.
Psychometric Properties of the Romanian Version of Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale for Breast Self-examination
Authors: Stefanut Adelina Mihaela , Vintilă Mona , Sârbescu Paul 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: This study set out to translate Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale and to test its properties on a Romanian sample. Methods: The study included 502 participants. The structural validity, convergent validity, criterion validity and reliability were evaluated for the Romanian version. Results: The exploratory factor analysis highlighted six factors. The confirmatory factor analysis upheld the correctness of the six-subscale model as presenting a good fit for the 34-item version. Convergent validity was supported by the fact that the constructs included in the model correlated significantly with similar constructs evaluated using other questionnaires. In terms of criterion validity, those women who perceived fewer barriers and more cues to action and had greater self-efficacy practiced more frequent breast self-examination. α Cronbach coefficients ranged between 0.74 and 0.87 and test-retest correlation coefficients for the six subscales fell between 0.47 and 0.69. Conclusions: The Romanian version of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale is valid and reliable tool.
(Mis)measuring Men’s Involvement in Global Health: The Case of Expectant Fathers in Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Powis Richard 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background

In 2018, USAID published a report based on Demographic and Health Surveys data on the relationship between men’s involvement and women and children’s health outcomes. Based on the data collected, USAID’s analysis implies that Senegalese men are not involved in women and children’s health.
Methods

Twenty-two months of ethnographic research from 2012 to 2018. Research participants included 32 pregnant women and 27 expectant partners recruited from three maternity wards by convenience sampling, plus chief physicians, nurses, midwives, employees of the Ministry of Health and Social Action, and employees of nongovernmental organizations in the health sector. Research methods included participant observation, semi-structured interviews, free-list and pile sort exercises, and various visual ethnographic methods. Data were evaluated using rhetorical, textual, and cultural domain analysis.
Results

This research demonstrates that expectant fathers are involved in prenatal care in ways that USAID does not track through DHS.
Conclusion

Context independent reporting on men’s involvement is potentially harmful and obstructive to improving maternal and child health when the problem that is targeted is not a problem at all. State and non-state organizations investing in men’s involvement campaigns would save money and resources by amplifying men’s strengths (an asset-based model) rather than seek to educate them toward Eurocentric conceptions of fatherhood and masculine care (a deficit-based model).
Deep Learning Model for Predicting Head Kinematics from Crash Videos
Authors: Hasija Vikas , Takhounts Erik G. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Head kinematics information is very valuable as it is used to measure brain injury risk. Currently, head kinematics are measured using wearable devices or instrumentation mounted on the head. These instrumentation and wearable devices can have errors due to faulty sensors and due to relative motion between the wearable device and the respective body region. This paper proposes a novel method to predict the head kinematics directly from videos without any instrumentation using a deep learning approach. To prove the concept, a deep learning model was developed for predicting time history of head angular velocities and their respective peaks using Finite Element (FE) based crash simulation data. This FE dataset was split into training, validation, and test datasets. A combined Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) based deep learning model was developed using the training and validations sets. The test (unseen) dataset was used to evaluate the predictive capability of the deep learning model. On the test dataset, correlation coefficient obtained between the actual and predicted peak angular velocities was 0.73, 0.85, and 0.92 for X, Y, and Z components respectively.
Long Non-Coding RNA AC022306.2 Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Mediating GALK2 in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Liu Xin , Huang Zhenghao , Qin Honglei , Chen Jingwen , Zhao Yang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLong non-coding RNA (LncRNA) has been exhibited to exert significant function among human cancers. AC022306.2, as a newly discovered lncRNA, has an unclear function in ovarian cancer (OC). This study aims to uncover the functional role of AC022306.2 in OC and discover its possible mechanism. MethodsThe expression of AC022306.2 and Galactokinase 2 (GALK2) in OC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues was detected via qRT-PCR. The CCK-8 assay, cell clonogenesis assay, scratch healing assay and trans-well assay were used to reveal the function of AC022306.2 and GALK2 in ovarian cancer cell lines. Mice xenografts experiment was performed. Bioinformatics predicted the microRNA (miRNA) that bond with AC022306.2 and GALK2, and dual luciferase reporter system confirmed it. Rescue experiments of miRNA mimics and siGALK2 transfection on the basis of AC022306.2 over-expression were carried out to uncover the mechanism by which AC022306.2 played cancer-promoting roles in ovarian cancer.ResultsIt was found that AC022306.2 was up-regulated in EOC tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues. The elevated expression of AC022306.2 was related to the FIGO stage of OC. Functional experiments showed that AC022306.2 overexpression accelerated proliferation and aggression of OC cells in vitro and accelerated tumor growth in vivo. We also found that GALK2 was up-regulated in OC tissues. The expression of GALK2 mRNA in OC tissue was positively associated with the expression of AC022306.2. After AC022306.2 was knocked down, the expression of GALK2 was down-regulated. In addition, GALK2 depletion restored the proliferation and aggression capabilities of OC cells after AC022306.2 overexpression. Mechanically, AC022306.2 acted as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-369-3p to modulate the expression of GALK2. The up-regulating of miR-369-3p or the down-regulating of GALK2 partially reversed the effect of AC022306.2 overexpressed on cell propagation and aggression in OC. ConclusionsAC022306.2 is a new oncogene in the carcinogenesis and development of OC. AC022306.2 improves the development of OC by regulating the miR-369-3p / GALK2 axis, indicating that AC022306.2 may have the potential to become a new molecular target for the treatment of OC.
Testosterone Protects Mice Against Zika Virus Infection And Suppresses The Inflammatory Response In Brain
Authors: Zheng Bohan , Sun Jiajun , Luo Haoran , Yang Ling'en , Li Qi , Zhang Luping , Si Youhui , Cao Shengbo , Ye Jing 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Testosterone is an important hormone affecting human growth and development. Recent studies have shown that testosterone is related to immune regulation. Infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) can cause testicular damage and decrease testosterone secretion. However, whether testosterone plays a function in the pathogenesis of ZIKV is still unclear. The main objective of this study was to understand the role of testosterone in central nervous system injury and inflammation induced by ZIKV. Methods: In this work, a mouse model was used to evaluate the role of testosterone in ZIKV infection. Histopathological analysis, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR were performed to investigate the mechanism by which testosterone improved survival in mice after ZIKV infection.Results: ZIKV infection caused testicular damage and decreased testosterone secretion in mice, and testosterone supplementation after ZIKV infection reduced mortality and pathological symptoms in mice. Histopathological analysis showed that testosterone treatment after ZIKV infection could reduce inflammatory cell infiltration in the brain and alleviate brain injury. Flow cytometry and quantitative real-time PCR results confirmed that testosterone treatment could reduce the CD8+ T cell infiltration and the expression of interferon gamma and inflammatory cytokines induced by ZIKV. Conclusion: Testosterone plays an important protective role in mice during ZIKV infection and can be used as a potential therapeutic treatment for ZIKV infection.
Assessing Differential Item Functioning (DIF) For Pearson Test of English (PTE) A study of Test Takers with Different Fields of Study
Authors: Ghaemi Hamed 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Differential Item Functioning (DIF), which is a statistical feature of an item and provides a sign of unpredicted performance of items on a test, occurs once dissimilar groups of test takers with the same level of ability show different performance on a single test. The aim of this paper was to examine DIF on the Pearson Test of English (PTE) test items. To that end, 250 intermediate EFL learners with the age range of 26 - 36 in two different fields of study (125, Engineering, and 125 Sciences) were randomly chosen for the analysis. The Item Response Theory (IRT) Likelihood Ratio (LR) approach was utilized to find items showing DIF. The scored items of 250 PTE test takers were analyzed using the IRT three-parameter model utilizing item difficulty (b parameter), item discrimination (a parameter), and pseudo-guessing (c parameter). The results of the independent samples t-test for comparison of means in two groups depicted that Science participants performed better than the Engineering ones particularly in Speaking & Writing and Reading sections. It is evident that the PTE test was statistically easier for the Science students at 0.05 level. Linguistic analyses of Differential Item Functioning items also confirmed the findings of the quantitative part, indicating a far better performance on the part of Science students.
Loss of ARID1A Expression is Associated with Systemic Inflammation Markers and has Important Prognostic Significance in Gastric Cancer.
Authors: Wang Xuan , Che Keying , Shi Tao , Liu Qin , Xu Xinyun , Wu Hongyan , Yu Lixia , Liu Baorui , Wei Jia 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: The tumor suppressor gene AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) and systemic inflammatory response (SIR) have been reported to be related to the sensitivity of immunotherapy. This study intended to explore the relationship between ARID1A expression and SIR, and to further elucidate the prognostic value of ARID1A expression in gastric cancer (GC).Methods: The mRNA and protein expression of ARID1A were detected in 272 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues. The data of nine systemic inflammation markers were collected one week before gastrectomy. Univariate and multivariate COX analysis were used to screen out independent predictors of GC.Results: Negative expression of ARID1A protein was related to GC with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) (p=0.033), positive programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) (p=0.005) and lower albumin level (p=0.0064). Low expression of ARID1A mRNA was common in GC with abnormal E-cadherin (p=0.020) and higher platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (p=0.0391). Multivariate COX analysis showed that the expression of ARID1A protein (p=0.023), age (p=0.004), T stage (p=0.009) and N stage (p=0.009) were independent predictors of GC. The nomogram established by independent predictors can accurately evaluate the survival risk of patients with GC.Conclusions: The loss of ARID1A protein expression was associated with MSI-H subtype and high expression of PD-L1 in GC. Negative ARID1A protein and low expression of mRNA were associated with aberrant systemic inflammatory markers. Expression of ARID1A protein had important prognostic significance in GC.
Exploring the Mechanism of Quercetin for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation by Geo Gene Chip Combined With Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: xin tan , Xian Wei , Li Xiaorong , Chen Yongfeng , Geng Jiayi , Wang Qiyi , Gao Qin , Tang Bi , Wang Hongju , Kang Pinfang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
PurposeAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a common atrial arrhythmia. Quercetin (Que) has some advantages in the treatment of cardiovascular disease arrhythmias, but its specific drug mechanism of action needs further investigation. To explore the mechanism of action of Que in AF, core target speculation and analysis were performed using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods.MethodsQue chemical structures were obtained from Pubchem. TCMSP, Swiss Target Prediction, Drugbank , STITCH, Binding DB, Pharmmapper, CTD, GeneCards, DISGENET and TTD were used to obtain drug component targets and AF-related genes, and extract AF from normal tissues by GEO database differentially expressed genes. Then, the intersecting genes were obtained by online Wayne mapping tool. The intersection genes were introduced into the top five targets selected for molecular docking via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to verify the binding activity between Que and the target proteins. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of the intersected genes using program R was performed to further screen for key genes and key pathways.ResultsThere were 65 effective targets for Que and AF. Through further screening, the top 5 targets were IL6, VEGFA, JUN, MMP9 and EGFR. Que treatment of AF may involve signaling pathways such as lipid and atherosclerosis pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, MAPK signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway. Molecular docking suggests that Que has strong binding to key targets.ConclusionThis study systematically elucidates the key targets of Que treatment for AF and the specific mechanisms through network pharmacology as well as molecular docking, providing a new direction for further basic experimental exploration and clinical treatment.