bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic and Prognostic Values of a Branched-chain Amino Acid-associated Gene Signature in Lung Cancer
Authors: Jiang Lei , Li Quanjin , Hu Zhi , Liu Mingshan , Yang Zhuofan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLung cancer is the malignancy with the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several studies have indicated that branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can regulate cancer progression and metabolism. In this study, a BCAA-associated prognostic signature was established and assessed to verify whether it can be used in clinical treatment of patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).MethodsThe candidate BCAA-associated genes were screened from TCGA cohort by differential expression analysis. Two datasets, the training and test sets, were divided from the lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), and LUSC-only datasets in TCGA cohort and the novel model were constructed based on the training dataset. Moreover, all prognosis-related genes were screened via univariate Cox analysis. The LASSO Cox method was used to avoid collinearity. To further probe the clinical effect, a large number of clinical characteristics were included in the prognostic risk model. The outcomes for the calibration curves and nomogram proved the capability of the prognostic signature.ResultsBased on the 366 samples in the training set, six survival-related genes (CAV1, GRIA1, LDHA, AOX1, GRIN2D, and AKR1C1) were screened using the LASSO Cox regression analysis. Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. The signature demonstrated good diagnostic and prognostic capabilities.Conclusion﻿We developed the first-ever BCAA-related signature with both prognostic predictive power and diagnostic efficacy. The prognostic signature and diagnostic model suggested that the expression of BCAAs could serve as a powerful potential marker in cancer clinical treatment in the future.
Multi-Omic Prediction of Overall Survival in Patients With Glioblastoma: Additive and Synergistic Value of Clinical Measures, Radiomics, and Genomics
Authors: Kazerooni Anahita Fathi , Saxena Sanjay , Toorens Erik , Tu Danni , Bashyam Vishnu , Akbari Hamed , Mamourian Elizabeth , Sako Chiharu , Koumenis Costas , Verginadis Ioannis , Verma Ragini , Shinohara Russell T. , Desai Arati S. , Lustig Robert A. , Brem Steven , Mohan Suyash , Bagley Stephen J. , Ganguly Tapan , O’Rourke Donald M. , Bakas Spyridon , Nasrallah MacLean P. , Davatzikos Christos 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background. Multi-omic data, i.e., clinical measures, radiomic, and genetic data, capture multi-faceted tumor characteristics, contributing to a comprehensive patient risk assessment. Here, we investigate the additive value and independent reproducibility of integrated diagnostics in prediction of overall survival (OS) in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve, IDH-wildtype GBM patients, by combining conventional and deep learning methods.Methods. Conventional radiomics and deep learning features were extracted from pre-operative multi-parametric MRI of 516 GBM patients. SVM classifiers were trained on the discovery cohort (n=404) to categorize patient groups of high-risk (OS<6 months) vs all, and low-risk (OS≥18 months) vs all. The trained patient stratification model was independently tested in the replication cohort (n=112) and a patient-wise survival prediction index (SPIradiomics) was produced. Multivariate Cox-PH models were generated for the replication cohort, first based on clinical measures solely, and then by layering on radiomics and molecular information.Results. Evaluation of the high-risk and low-risk classifiers in the discovery/replication cohorts revealed AUCs of 0.78 (95%CI:0.70–0.85)/0.75 (95%CI:0.64–0.79) and 0.75 (95%CI: 0.65–0.84)/0.63 (95%CI: 0.52–0.71), respectively. Cox-PH modeling showed a concordance index of 0.65 (95%CI:0.6–0.7) for clinical data, 0.70 (95%CI:0.65–0.75) for clinical and radiomics, 0.72 (95%CI:0.68–0.77) for clinical, MGMT methylation, and radiomics, and 0.75 (95%CI:0.72–0.79) for the combination of all omics, i.e., clinical, MGMT methylation, radiomics, and genomics.Conclusions. This study signifies the value of integrated diagnostics for improved prediction of OS in GBM. Our multi-omic survival prediction tool is easily scalable and can be used for more effective clinical trial stratification.
Phenylalanine Gold Nanoclusters as Sensing Platform for π-π Interfering Molecules: A Case Study of Lodide
Authors: Amiri-Sadeghan Amir , Zohrabi Tayebeh , Dinari Ali , Khodarahmi Reza , Hosseinkhani Saman , Mohammadi Soheila 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The photo-physical properties of metal nano clusters are sensitive to their surrounding medium. Fluorescence enhancement, quenching, and changes in the emitted photon properties are usual events in the sensing applications using these nano materials. Combining this sensitivity with unique properties of self-assembled structures opens new opportunities for sensing applications. Here, we synthesized gold nanoclusters by utilizing phenylalanine amino acid as both capping and reducing molecule. Phenylalanine is able to self-assemble to rod-shaped nano structure in which the π-π interaction between the aromatic rings is a major stabilizing force. Any substance as iodide anion or molecule that is able to weaken this interaction influence the fluorescence of metal nano-clusters. Since the building blocks of the self-assembled structure are made through the reaction of gold ions and phenylalanine, the oxidized products and their effect of sensing features are explored.
Effects of Modified Subxiphoid Thoracoscopic Surgery and Traditional Surgery On Pain Mediators and Pain Stress Levels in Patients With Anterior Mediastinal Teratoma
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Liu Dan , Luo Dong , Pang Fuli 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background

To investigate the effects of modified subxiphoid thoracoscopic surgery and traditional surgery on pain mediators and pain stress levels in patients with anterior mediastinal teratoma.
Method

Eighty patients with anterior mediastinal teratoma who underwent surgery in our hospital from May 2019 to May 2021 were selected as the subjects of this prospective study. According to the random residue grouping method, they were divided into a control group and observation group with 40 cases each. Among them, the control group underwent traditional surgery, and the observation group underwent modified subxiphoid thoracoscopic surgery. Observe and compare the surgical indicators, pain-causing mediators, and pain stress levels of the two groups of patients.
Result

The intraoperative blood loss, postoperative extubation time, and total drainage volume of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group, while the operation time was significantly higher than that of the control group, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the pain-causing mediators of the two groups before surgery (P > 0.05), while the NPY, PGE2 and 5-HT at 1 day after surgery were significantly different, and the observation group was better than the control group. The comparison was statistically significant. Significance (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in pain stress levels between the two groups before surgery (P > 0.05), while NO, IL-6, and IL-β 1 day after surgery were significantly different, and the observation group was better than the control group. Statistically significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusion

The modified subxiphoid thoracoscopic surgery has a significant effect, reduces the level of peripheral blood pain-causing factors, relieves the pain of the patient, and promotes the recovery of the patient. It provides a certain reference for the mediastinal teratoma before the clinical operation.
Intracranial Internal Carotid Artery Calcification Is Not Predictive of Future Cognitive Decline
Authors: Rahmani Farzaneh , Nguyen Marina , Chen Charles D. , McKay Nicole , Dincer Aylin , Joseph-Mathurin Nelly , Chen Gengsheng , Liu Jingxia , Orlowski Hilary L. P. , Morris John C , Benzinger Tammie 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIntracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) calcification is a common incidental finding in non-contrast head CT. We evaluated the predictive value of ICA calcification for future risk of dementia and compared the results with conventional imaging biomarkers of dementia.MethodsIn a retrospective observational cohort, we included 230 participants with a PET-CT scan within 18 months of a baseline clinical assessment and longitudinal imaging assessments. Intracranial ICA calcification was quantified on baseline CT scans using the Agatson calcium score. The ability of baseline ICA calcification to discriminate between a control group (participants who maintained a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR™) score of zero over all follow-up visits) and a converter group (participants who had a baseline CDR of zero but received a persistent CDR>0 at any follow-up visit) was evaluated along with the predictive value of baseline ICA calcification for longitudinal clinical and imaging biomarkers. ResultsBaseline ICA calcium score could not distinguish participants who converted to CDR>0. ICA calcium score was also unable to predict longitudinal changes in cognitive scores, imaging biomarkers of small vessel disease such as white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume, or AD such as hippocampal volume, AD cortical signature thickness, and amyloid burden. Severity of intracranial ICA calcification increased with age, male sex, and higher WMH volumes at baseline visit. Higher WMH volume and amyloid burden as well as lower hippocampal volume and AD cortical signature thickness at baseline predicted lower Mini-Mental State Exam scores at longitudinal follow-up. Baseline ICA calcification was indirectly associated with longitudinal cognitive decline, fully mediated through WMH volume.ConclusionsIn elderly and preclinical AD populations, atherosclerosis of large intracranial vessels as demonstrated through ICA calcification is not directly associated with a future risk of dementia, cognitive impairment, or progression of imaging biomarkers of AD or small vessel disease.
Identification of a Novel Prognostic Classifier for Platelet-related Genes Characteristics and Prognostic Significance of Aberrant Expression of PAFAH1B3 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Genhao 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundComplex crosstalk between tumor cells and platelets is closely related to the development, relapse, and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, an intensive analysis of the relationship between platelet-related genes and the effectiveness of immunotherapy is necessary for improving the poor prognosis of HCC patients. MethodsGenes associated with platelets in the GeneCards database were collected and were used to identified molecular subtypes using a non-negative matrix decomposition algorithm (NMF) and constructed a platelet-related genes-based prognostic stratification model by the LASSO-Cox regression and stepwise Cox regression analysis. The effect of this feature on the immune microenvironment of HCC and the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors was also explored.ResultsAfter identifying two molecular subtypes, we constructed a platelet-related genes-based prognostic stratification model that can be effectively used for immune checkpoint inhibitor (PD1, PD-L1, PD-L2, and CTLA4) efficacy and prognosis prediction in HCC patients, which was subsequently validated using patient samples from ICGC, GSE14520 and a small sample size clinical cohort. We also found downregulation of PAFAH1B3 remarkably inhibited the proliferation and migration ability of Hep3B cells. ConclusionsIn conclusion, we constructed a prognostic classifier based on platelet-related genes that could effectively classify HCC patients for prognostic prediction provide new light on the selection of optimal individualized antiplatelet therapy for HCC patients in future clinical practice.
Estimating the Impact of Human Capital Underutilization on the Productivity and Economic Growth in India
Authors: M Vijaya Kumar , B Balu 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the effect of human capital underutilization on productivity and economic growth. It has used time-series data accessed from the International Labor Organization (ILO) and World Bank database. This paper estimated the relationship between the underutilization of human capital on productivity and economic growth by applying the econometric tests like Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) Test, Johansen Integration Test, and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. The results revealed that in the long run human capital underutilization has a negative relationship on GDP and labor productivity and it does not in the short run. The study recommends that specific policy legislations in the Indian labor markets are required for addressing the problem of human capital underutilization and thereby accelerating the economic growth and productivity for the current and future generations.
Polymorphism and Geographical Distribution of vgsc and ace-1 Gene in Anopheles Sinensis Field Populations in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Cheng Jinzhi , Liang Qiuguo , Yang Xi , Wu Yuanming , Tan Weilong , Wu Jia Hong 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Vector control has been a key strategy in malaria prevention and elimination for decades. However, insecticide resistance is becoming a serious threat to vector control. Anopheles sinensis is one of the important transmission vectors for malaria in Guizhou Province, China. However, little is known on insecticide resistance status and related mechanism. In this study, the diversity and frequency of the major insecticide resistance associated genes such as voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) and acetylcholinesterase-1 ( ace-1 ) genes that encoded the target proteins of Pyrethroids and OPs were investigated in field populations.Methods: Adult mosquitoes were collected from 12 sampling sites across Guizhou by lamp trapping. Female An. sinensis were identified by morphological and molecular identification. Genomic DNA was extracted to amplify vgsc and ace-1 gene fragments. PCR products were sequenced bi-directly. Mutations of vgsc gene at locus 1014 and that of ace-1 at locus 119 were analyzed using MEGA 7.1 software, and the frequencies of mutations were calculated respectively.Results: 5 kdr mutation alleles at the locus 1014 of vgsc gene as a result of three amino acid replacements ( namely 1014F/C/S) in 548 samples of 12 An. sinensis populations. The total frequency of kdr mutation alleles was 27.4%, of which the TTT/C (F) allele had a highest mutation frequency of 22.5%. The top three mutation genotypes were from XiShui, TongZhi and DeJiang populations collected in north Guizhou. There were three alleles at locus 119 in ace-1 gene with 49.47% of GGC/G, 0.17% of GGT/G and 50.36% of AGC/S. The 100% frequency of mutation genotypes (GS, SS) was found in CeHeng, LuoDian and SanDu populations gathered in southwest Guizhou.Conclusion: A diverse genetic mutations of vgsc and ace-1 genes are found in An. sinensis in Guizhou. There are a significant geographical heterogeneities of allele frequency among different populations in Guizhou. A high frequency of kdr mutation (>44 %) in north Guizhou. The 119S mutation of ace-1 gene is present at a high frequency in most An. sinensis populations in Guizhou, especially in the previously highly endemic malaria regions. These findings suggest continued monitoring of the genotypic diversity of insecticides resistance genes may assist to formulate a region-customized resistance management strategies.
The relationship between Nutrition Literacy and Nutrition Information seeking attitudes and Healthy Eating Patterns in the Palestinian Society
Authors: Tell Mariam Al , Natour Nihal , Badrasawi Manal , Shawish Eman 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Nutrition literacy is important because it creates motivation and knowledge among public to have accountability towards their nutrition behaviors. Three types of nutrition literacy including functional literacy (FNL), Interactive literacy (INL) and critical literacy were not studied before in Palestinian society.Aims: The aims of the study were to 1) describe three forms of nutrition literacy: FNL, INL and CrL in the Palestinian society 2) To study the relationship between different forms of nutrition literacy and food behavior and nutrition seeking information habit.Methods: A sample of 149 Palestinian participants were recruited to participate in the study. Using an online survey which was distributed through educational and social internet platforms was used to collect data on sociodemographic variable. A translated questionnaire was used to collect information on nutrition literacy and Short Format of the Diet Health and Knowledge Survey (SFDHKS) was used to collect information on diet behavior and USDA food security questionnaire was used to collect data on food security. Data was analyzed by SPSS 21.Results: This study consisted of young adults (20.4± 4.9 y) who are mainly females (78%). Most of our study sample had Bachelors degree or currently enrolled in university to obtain this degree. The mean of FNL was 2.8±0.5, INL 3.3± 0.5, CrL 3.6± 0.5. There was significant correlation between CrL and INL (p< 0.05). There was also significant correlation between various forms of nutrition literacy and some aspects of diet behavior and food label use.Conclusion: Palestinian society is willing to learn about and understand nutrition information and this related to diet behavior
How have governments supported citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 travel restrictions? A comparative analysis of the financial and health support in eleven countries
Authors: McDermid Pippa , Craig Adam , Sheel Meru , Seale Holly 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: In response to the continuing threat of COVID-19, many countries have implemented some form of border restriction. A repercussion of these restrictions has been that some travellers have been stranded abroad unable to return to their country of residence, and in need for government support. Our analysis explores the COVID-19-related information and support options provided by 11 countries to their citizens stranded overseas due to travel restrictions. We also examined the quality (i.e., readability, accessibility, and useability) of the information that was available from selected governments’ web-based resources.Methods: Between June 18 to June 30, 2021, COVID-19-related webpages from 11 countries (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Canada, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), France, Spain, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand) were reviewed and content relating to information and support for citizens stuck overseas analysed. Government assistance-related data from each webpage was extracted and coded for the following themes: travel arrangements, health and wellbeing, finance and accommodation, information needs, and sources. Readability was examined using the Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) and the Flesch Kincaid readability tests; content ‘accessibility’ was measured using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1; and content ‘usability’ assessed using the usability heuristics for website design tool.Results: Ninety-eight webpages from 34 websites were evaluated. No country assessed covered all themes analysed. Most provided information and some level of support regarding repatriation options; border control and re-entry measures; medical assistance; and traveller registration. Only three countries provided information or support for emergency housing while abroad, and six provided some form of mental health support for their citizens. Our analysis of the quality of COVID-19-related information available on a subset of four countries’ websites found poor readability and multiple accessibility and usability issues.Conclusion: With large variance in the information and services available across the countries analysed, our results highlight gaps, inconsistencies, and potential inequities in support available, and raise issues pertinent to the quality, accessibility, and usability of information. This study will assist policymakers plan and communicate comprehensive support packages for citizens stuck abroad due to the COVID-19 situation and design future efforts to prepare for global public health emergencies.
Comparison of subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of literature
Authors: Azari Hushyar 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is regarded as a viable therapeutic choice for Parkinson's disease (PD). The two most common sites for DBS are the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus (GPi). In this study, the clinical effectiveness of these two targets was compared.Methods: A systematic literature search in electronic databases were restricted to English language publications 2010 to 2021. Specified MeSH terms were searched in all databases. Studies that evaluated the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III were selected by meeting the following criteria: (1) had at least three months follow-up period; (2) compared both GPi and STN DBS; (3)at least five participants in each group; (4)conducted after 2010. Study quality assessment was performed using the Modified Jadad Scale.Results: 3577 potentially relevant articles were identified,3569 were excluded based on title and abstract, duplicate and unsuitable article removal. Eight articles satisfied the inclusion criteria and were scrutinized (458 PD patients). Majority of studies reported no statistically significant between-group difference for improvements in UPDRS ш scores.Conclusions: Although there were some results in terms of action tremor, rigidity, and urinary symptoms, which indicated that STN DBS might be a better choice or regarding the adverse effects, GPi seemed better; but it cannot be concluded that one target is superior. Other larger randomized clinical trials with longer follow-up periods and control groups are needed to decide which target is more efficient for stimulation and imposes fewer adverse effects on the patients.
Eco-friendly Chrome Tanning of Leather using Ultrasound Technique
Authors: Mia Md. Abu Sayid , Yeasmin Shamima , Nurnabi Mohammad , Alam Md. Zahangir 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This article describes the development of an environment friendly chrome tanning of leather using ultrasound. Most of the leathers are tanned by the conventional method using basic chromium sulphate. It is one of the most polluting and time-consuming steps in leather processing. In this study, investigations were carried out on ultrasound assisted eco-friendly tanning process so that the chrome tanning agent could provide better quality leather without creating any environmental problem. Effects of using ultrasound in chrome tanning process were studied at different pH, tanning time, tanning agent dosage, and then compared with that of conventional method. Tanned leathers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photomicrographic analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), etc. SEM analyses of the surface and cross-section of the tanned leather showed that fibre structures were not affected by ultrasound. It was also found that the shrinkage temperature of leather tanned with ultrasound was increased by about 5–29°C. Chrome uptake and content were found to increase by 30–50% and 1–7%, respectively. Tanning time was shortened from 6 hours to 2 hours and the quantity of leachable chromium in the leather was also decreased significantly. The noteworthy enhancing effects have been attributed largely because of the increased penetration of tanning agents into pickled leather. Photomicrographic analysis of the cross-section of the tanned leather also showed a higher penetration of tanning agents in presence of ultrasound.