bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of EGFR Signaling by Tc-Vein and Tc-Spitz Regulates the Metamorphic Transition in the Red Flour Beetle Tribolium Castaneum
Authors: Chafino Sílvia , Martín David , Franch-Marro Xavier 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Animal development relies on a sequence of specific stages that allow the formation of adult structures with a determined size. In general, juvenile stages are dedicated mainly to growth, whereas last stages are devoted predominantly to the maturation of adult structures. In holometabolous insects, metamorphosis marks the end of the growth period as the animals stops feeding and initiate the final differentiation of the tissues. This transition is controlled by the steroid hormone ecdysone produced in the prothoracic gland. In Drosophila different signals have been shown to regulate the production of ecdysone, such as PTTH/Torso, TGFß and Egfr signaling. However, to which extent the role of these signals is conserved remains unknown. Here, we study the role of Egfr signaling in post-embryonic development of the basal holometabolous beetle Tribolium castaneum. We show that Tc-Egfr and Tc-pointed are required to induced a proper larval-pupal transition through the control of the expression of ecdysone biosynthetic genes. Furthermore, we identified an additional Tc-Egfr ligand in the Tribolium genome, the neuregulin-like protein Tc-Vein (Tc-Vn), which contributes to induce larval-pupal transition together with Tc-Spitz (Tc-Spi). Interestingly, we found that in addition to the redundant role in the control of pupa formation, each ligand possesses different functions in organ morphogenesis. Whereas Tc-Spi acts as the main ligand in urogomphi and gin traps, Tc-Vn is required in wings and elytra. Altogether, our findings show that in Tribolium, post-embryonic Tc-Egfr signaling activation depends on the presence of two ligands and that its role in metamorphic transition is conserved in holometabolous insects.
Synthesis of Ti(C, N, O) from TiO2 by CH4-H2-N2 Gas Mixture at Low Temperature
Authors: Fan Gangqiang , Hou Youling , Huang Dejun , Dang Jie , Zhang Run , Xiang Junyi , Lv Xuewei , Ding Xiaoming 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Titanium carbides, oxides, nitrides and carbonitrides possess many special and excellent properties. But the high production cost caused by the traditional carbothermic reduction process severely limits the wide applications. In this study, a novel synthesis process has been proposed by reducing and carbonitriding TiO2 with CH4-H2-N2 gas mixture at low temperatures. The synthesis of Ti(C, N, O), reaction mechanism and the products composition have been investigated. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that TiO2 could be ultimately reduced and carbonitrided to Ti(C, N, O) by CH4-H2-N2 gas mixture. Based on the predictions of thermodynamics, the effects of reduction time, temperature, and gas composition have been studied experimentally. The obtained results indicated that increasing reduction temperature and introduction of N2 are beneficial to the synthesis of Ti(C, N, O). Finally, the optimum reaction conditions have been obtained. The density functional theory (DFT) results further demonstrated the reaction mechanism. This work provides a new approach to prepare metallic carbonitrides from their oxides.
Identification of ferroptosis-related genes for overall survival prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Luo Lianxiang , Yao Xinyue , Huang Fangfang , Luo Hui 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Ferroptosis is a novel type of cell death depending on iron, which has been confirmed strongly related with the development of tumor. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with high incidence. Despite some reports demonstrated the relation between ferroptosis-related genes and HCC, more details have not been excavated. In present study, we analyzed ferroptosis-related genes with their clinical information from TCGA-LIHC project to find out prognostic genes in HCC. And four genes (GPX2, MT3, PRDX1 and SRXN1) were established as a prognostic model after differentially expressed analysis, Cox regression analyses and LASSO approach. High-risk group separating by cutoff value with poor prognosis was proved, and risk score regarded as an independent prognostic factor. Subsequently, enrichment analyses were processed to the differentially expressed genes, we found that genes generally enriched in ferroptosis-related functions and pathways, also in some immune cells and functions with different immune status. Eventually, we constructed ferroptosis potential index (FPI) to reveal the functional roles of ferroptosis in tumor tissues. The immunohistochemistry performed prognostic genes expression in normal and tumor tissues. In conclusion, these results demonstrated the four-gene signature can be a biomarker for predicting HCC prognosis and its members can be drug target genes for HCC treatment.
A Simple Predictive Index of the Abdominal Shape for Postoperative Complications After Laparoscopy-Assisted Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Tao Wei , Cheng Yuxi , Liu Xiao-Yu , Zhang Bin , Yuan Chao , Peng Dong , Zhang Wei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of abdominal shape on the short-term surgical outcomes of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy + D2 lymph node dissection (LADG). Methods This was a retrospective study that included 425 patients undergoing LADG from January 2013 to January 2021 at a single clinical center. The abdominal parameters, including the shortest distance of the pancreas from the anterior abdominal skin (PAAD), the lower sternum angle (LSA), the thickness of the subcutaneous fat at the navel level (SFT), the anteroposterior diameters (APD) and the left-right diameters (LRD) at the navel level, the distance from the xiphoid process to the navel (XND) and the distance from the xiphoid process to the pubis (XBD), were calculated by preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging. The abdominal parameters and short-term surgical outcomes were analyzed. Results In males, the number of retrieved lymph nodes was significantly higher in patients with a lower APD group (p=0.031). The operation time was significantly shorter in the lower body mass index (BMI) (p=0.007), lower LSA (p=0.035), lower PAAD (p=0.000), lower SFT (p=0.004), lower APD (p=0.000) and lower LRD (p=0.014) groups. The estimated blood loss was significantly less in the lower BMI (p=0.035), lower LSA (p=0.001), lower PAAD (p=0.012), lower SFT (p=0.003), lower APD (p=0.000) and lower LRD (p=0.005) groups. The complications were fewer in the lower LSA (p=0.012), lower APD (p=0.043) and lower LRD (p=0.023) groups. In females, the postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the lower PAAD (p=0.027) and lower SFT (p=0.004) groups, and the lower SFT group had fewer complications (p=0.020). Furthermore, in multivariate analysis, higher PAAD (p=0.029, odds ratio=1.030, 95% CI=1.003-1.058) was an independent factor for predicting postoperative complications in males. Conclusion Various abdominal shapes can affect the difficulty of LADG. Higher PAAD is a simple independent index for predicting postoperative complications in males.
The Different Outcomes Between Breast-Conserving Surgery Plus Radiotherapy and Mastectomy in Breast Ductal Carcinoma In Situ with Microinvasion
Authors: Xia Lin-Yu , Xu Wei-Yun , Hu Qing-Lin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCIS-MI) is a subtype of breast cancer with good prognosis, for which both breast conserving surgery plus radiotherapy (BCS+RT) and mastectomy are feasible surgical methods, but their effects on the prognosis of patients are still unclear. Methods: We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database to extracted DCIS-MI patients who underwent BCS+RT or mastectomy between 2000 and 2014. Participants were divided into BCS+RT group and mastectomy group. We compared the breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) of the two groups using Kaplan -Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regressions before and after propensity score matching (PSM) with the landmark. Results: We selected 5432 patients, among which 2834 patients (52.17%) were in the BCS+RT group and 2598 patients (47.83%) were in the mastectomy group. With a 101 months median follow-up time in the overall cohort, both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that BCS + RT group showed significantly higher OS and BCSS compared with patients in the mastectomy group (P<0.001). After PSM, the BCS+RT and mastectomy groups consisted of 1902 patients, respectively. multivariate analysis also showed that compared with mastectomy, the BCS+RT showed significantly higher OS and BCSS (HR = 0.676, 95% CI = 0.540-0.847, P<0.001; HR = 0.565,95% CI = 0.354-0.903, P= 0.017). In addition, the subgroup analysis showed that BCS + RT is at least equivalent to mastectomy with respect to OS and BCSS in any subgroup. Conclusion: For patients with DCIS-MI, the prognosis of BCS+RT was superior to mastectomy.
Clinical characteristics, imaging phenotypes and events free survival in hypertensive Takayasu arteritis population
Authors: Sun Ying , Wu Sifan , Wang Yujiao , Chen Rongyi , Huang Qingrong , Ma Lili , Chen Huiyong , Jiang Lindi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Hypertension occurred in 30–80% of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) patients around the world and the occurrence of hypertension might worsen the disease prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and imaging phenotypes, as well as their associations with events free survival (EFS) in hypertensive TAK population.
Methods
This current research was based on a prospectively on-going observational cohort-the East China Takayasu Arteritis (ECTA) cohort, centered in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. Totally, 204 hypertensive TAK patients were enrolled between January 2013 and December 2019. Clinical characteristics and imaging phenotypes of each case were evaluated and their associations with the EFS by the end of August 30, 2020 were analyzed.
Results
Severe hypertension accounted for 46.1% of the entire population. Three specific imaging phenotypes were identified: Cluster 1: involvement of the abdominal aorta and/or renal artery (27.5%); Cluster 2: involvement of the ascending aorta, thoracic aorta, and the aortic arch and/or its branches (18.6%); and Cluster 3: combined involvement of Cluster 1 and 2 (53.9%). Clinical characteristics, especially hypertensive severity, differed greatly among three imaging clusters. In all, 187 patients were followed-up for a median of 46 (9-102) months; 127 (67.9%) cases did not experience any events, while 72 events were observed in 60 patients. The overall blood pressure control rate was 50.8%, and the EFS was 67.9% by the end of the follow-up. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that controlled blood pressure (HR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.32–3.74), Cluster 1 (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.48–0.92) and Cluster 3 (HR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.43–0.94) imaging phenotype was associated with the EFS. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that patients with controlled blood pressure showed better EFS (p = 0.043). Furthermore, patients had controlled blood pressure and Cluster 1 phenotype was set as reference, better EFS was observed in patients with controlled blood pressure and Cluster 2 phenotype (HR = 2.21, 95%CI 1.47–4.32), while those had uncontrolled blood pressure and Cluster 1 phenotype (HR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.52–0.89) and those had uncontrolled blood pressure and Cluster 3 phenotype (HR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.76–0.92) suffered worse EFS.
Conclusion
Blood pressure control status and imaging phenotypes showed significant effects on the EFS for hypertensive TAK.
Identification of three novel homozygous variants in COL9A3 causing autosomal-recessive Stickler Syndrome
Authors: Rad Aboulfazl , Najafi Maryam , Suri Fatemeh , Abedini Soheila , Loum Stephen , Karimiani Ehsan Ghayoor , Daftarian Narsis , Murphy David , Doosti Mohammad , Moghaddasi Afrooz , Ahmadieh Hamid , Sabbaghi Hamideh , Rajati Mohsen , Hashemi Narges , Vona Barbara , Schmidts Miriam 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Stickler syndrome (STL) is a rare, clinically and molecularly heterogeneous connective tissue disorder. Pathogenic variants occurring in a variety of genes cause STL, mainly inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Autosomal recessive STL is ultra-rare with only four families with biallelic COL9A3 variants reported to date. Results: Here, we report three unrelated families clinically diagnosed with STL carrying different novel biallelic loss of function variants in COL9A3. Further, we have collected COL9A3 genotype-phenotype associations from the literature. Conclusion: Our report substantially expands the molecular genetics and clinical basis of autosomal recessive STL and provides an overview about allelic COL9A3 disorders.
Antimicrobial Activities of Coriander Seed Essential Oil and Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: saygi Kadriye Ozlem , Kacmaz Birgul , Gul Serdar 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Bacterial infections are one of the most serious health problems all over the world, which cause need for the discovery of new drug. Since antibiotic resistance is a major threat to both humans and the environment, there is a need for studies on the antimicrobial properties of different forms of traditionally used plants. Herein, the seeds of coriander were used to isolate essential oil (EO) and to synthesise silver nanoparticles (C-AgNPs). The major oil constituents were characterized by GC-MS as Linalool (79.12%), Camphor (6.16%), γ-Terpinene (2.82%) and α-Pinene (2.67%). The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectrophotometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray difraction (XRD) and Fourier Tranmission Infrared (FTIR). The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of C-AgNPs at 437 nm was recorded on the UV-Vis spectrometer. The spherical and homogenous of AgNPs was presented in SEM images. EDX showed elemental distribution and confirmed AgNPs. A characteristic intense peak was at 3.0 keV. The antibacterial activities of the essential oil and AgNPs form of coriander seed against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 bacteria were investigated by broth microdilution test. AgNPs and essential oil of coriander can be expected to provide future opportunities in nanomedicine and materials science. AgNPs can be displayed synergistic antimicrobial effect when used in combination with essential oil.
The Retrocalcarine Sulcus Is Functionally Distinct Between Macaques and Humans
Authors: Arcaro Michael , Livingstone Margaret S. , Kay Kendrick N. , Weiner Kevin S. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Primate cerebral cortex is highly convoluted with much of the cortical surface buried in sulcal folds. The origins of cortical folding and its functional relevance has been a major focus of systems and cognitive neuroscience. Stereotyped patterns of cortical folding across individuals and multiple primate species indicate common evolutionary pressures in their development. However, foundational questions regarding organizing principles shared across species remain unanswered. Taking a cross-species comparative approach with a careful consideration of historical observations, we investigate cortical folding within the calcarine sulcus, a primary fold in primates. We identify two macroanatomical structures – the retrocalcarine and external calcarine sulci – in 24 humans and 6 macaque monkeys. We show that within species, these sulci are identifiable in all individuals, fall on a similar part of the V1 retinotopic map, and thus, serve as anatomical landmarks predictive of functional organization. Yet, across species, the actual underlying visual field representations differ strikingly across humans and macaques. Thus, the structure-function correspondence for an evolutionarily old structure like V1 is species-specific and suggests intriguing differences in developmental constraints across primates.
Routine Preoperative Screening Computed Tomography of the Thorax for Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Sule Jai , Chan Xue Wei , Sampath Hari Kumar , Luo Hai Dong , Ahmed Mofassel Uddin , Kang Giap Swee 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the role of screening computed tomography (CT) thorax in cardiac surgery by analysing presence of CT aortic calcifications in association with change of operative strategy and postoperative stroke, as well as CT features of emphysema with development of pneumonia.Methods: All patients who underwent cardiac surgery from January 2013 to October 2017 by a single surgeon were retrospectively studied. Patients who underwent screening CT thorax prior to cardiac surgery (CT group) were compared with those who did not (no CT group). Multivariate subgroup analyses were performed to determine significant association with postoperative outcomes.Results: 392 patients were included, of which 156 patients underwent preoperative screening CT thorax. Patients in the CT group were older (63.9 vs 59.0 years, p=0.001), had fewer recent myocardial infarction preoperatively (41 vs 56.4%, p=0.003) and better ejection fraction >30% (p=0.02). Operative strategy was changed in 4.3% of patients, and 4.9% suffered stroke postoperatively. Presence of CT aortic calcifications was significantly associated with change in operative strategy (OR 1.54, p=0.016) but not associated with postoperative stroke (OR 0.53, p=0.33). Age was an independent risk factor for change in operative strategy among patients with CT thorax (p=0.02). Multivariate age-adjusted analysis showed only palpable plaque to be significantly associated with change in operative strategy (p<0.001). None of the patients with CT emphysema features developed pneumonia.Conclusion: The results do not support routine use of preoperative screening CT thorax. It should only be recommended in older patients.
Beta-convergence of crop yield across countries: A Modern Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Debabrata 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study examines the state of beta-convergence in three major crop yields l in the world namely rice, wheat and maize in terms of output production and cereal grain consumption during the period 1961 to 2016 using modern panel data approach concerning beta convergence. This has been done by applying the advanced panel data methodology, namely, panel unit root tests on demeaned series and panel regression apart from conventional indicators such as standard deviation and coefficient of variation. The conventional sigma convergence indicators namely, standard deviation and coefficient of variation show convergence for wheat for the period of 1986 to 2016 showing a downward trend and thus indicating sigma-convergence, But the results of panel unit root and panel regression establish beta convergence for all the crop yield. This result also shows that economies converge to different steady states.JEL classification: Q1, Q18, C23, O47
“…the availability of contraceptives is everywhere.”: Coordinated and Integrated Family Planning Service Delivery in Rwanda
Authors: Scanteianu Adriana , Schwandt Hilary M. , Boulware Angel , Corey Julia , Herrera Ana , Hudler Ethan , Imbabazi Claudette , King Ilia , Linus Jessica , Manzi Innocent , Merritt Madelyn , Mezier Lyn , Miller Abigail , Morris Haley , Musemakweli Dieudonne , Musekura Uwase , Mutuyimana Divine , Ntakarutimana Chimene , Patel Nirali , Shemeza Biganette-Evidente , Sterling-Donaldson Gi’anna , Umutoni Chantal , Uwera Lyse , Zeiler Madeleine , Feinberg Seth 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Contraceptive use in Rwanda tripled since 2005. This study aims to understand the role of coordinated and integrated family planning service delivery in achieving this increase in contraceptive use in Rwanda.

Methods

This qualitative study in 2018 included eight focus group discussions with family planning providers and 32 in-depth interviews with experienced family planning users.

Results

Results indicate a well-coordinated family planning service delivery system with community health workers and nurses filling different and complementary roles in meeting family planning client needs at the local level. In addition, integration of family planning into other maternal and child health services is the norm.

Conclusions

The coordination and integration of family planning across both providers and services may help explain the rapid increase in Rwanda’s contraceptive use and has potential applications for enhancing family planning service delivery in other settings.
EVALUASI PENGELOLAAN TEKNOLOGI TPS 3R DI DESA WISATA RELIGI GUNUNGPRING KABUPATEN MAGELANG
Authors: Habib Muhammad Alhada Fuadilah , Mahyuddin Mahyuddin 
Published: May 2021

Abstrak: Pariwisata, khususnya pariwisata religi, merupakan sektor yang mulai diminati oleh masyarakat akhir-akhir ini. Tingginya minat masyarakat terhadap sektor pariwisata tersebut dapat dipahami karena adanya trend budaya pamer foto/video di media sosial sebagai bentuk aktualisasi diri di dunia maya. Tingginya animo masyarakat terhadap sektor pariwisata ini, selain membawa dampak baik, seperti peningkatan ekonomi masyarakat setempat, ternyata juga membawa berbagai dampak buruk. Salah satu dampak buruk yang timbul adalah permasalahan sampah. Kementerian PUPR melalui Balai Litbang Perkim berupaya mengatasi masalah sampah dengan membangun TPS 3R di beberapa titik lokasi, salah satunya di Desa Wisata Gunungpring, Magelang. Setelah dibangunnya teknologi pengolah sampah seperti ini, tentu saja memerlukan pengelolaan dari lembaga setempat. Dalam hal ini pengelolaan teknologi TPS 3R diserahkan kepada KSM Berkah yang merupakan Bumdes di Desa Guunungpring. Setelah dikelola selama satu tahun, dilakukan upaya evaluasi untuk melihat keseuaian antara tujuan pembangunan dengan hasil di lapangan. Adapun hasil evaluasi menemukan bahwa ternyata masih ada beberapa ketidaksesuaian pengelolaan, mulai dari kualitas dan kuantitas tenaga pengelola, manajemen pengelolaan, manajemen keuangan, serta kebutuhan sarana dan prasarana dalam proses pengelolaan.
Kata Kunci: Evaluasi; Pariwisata; Sampah; Kelembagaan; Pengelolaan; TPS3R.

Abstract: Tourism, especially religious tourism, is a sector that has begun to be of interest to the public lately. The high public interest in the tourism sector can be implemented because of the cultural trend of photos/videos on social media as a form of self-actualization in cyberspace. The high public interest in the tourism sector, apart from having good impacts, such as an increase in the local community's economy, is also the impact of various bad impacts. One of the bad impacts that arise is the problem of waste. The PUPR Ministry through the Perkim Research and Development Center is trying to solve the waste problem by building 3R TPS in several locations, one of which is in Gunungpring Tourism Village, Magelang. After the development of waste processing technology like this, of course, it needs management from local institutions. In terms of technology management, TPS 3R is handed over to KSM Berkah, which is the Bumdes in Guunungpring Village. After being managed for one year, evaluation effort was made to see the alignment between development goals and results in the field. The results of the evaluation found that there were still some management mismatches, starting from the quality and quantity of management personnel, management, financial management, and the need for facilities and infrastructure in the management process.
Keywords: Evaluation; Tourism; Garbage; Institutional; Management; TPS3R