bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatic Analysis of Transcriptome Changes Underlying Metformin-induced Reversal of Drug Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: hou shanchun , Li Qi , Jin Wulong , Peng You , Niu Sujuan , Zhang Xuebing , Bai Yijie , Xu Xiaohui , Hou Jianming , Na La , Bi Zhehui , Geng Shuo , Xu Peng , Jun Feng 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Metformin is the first-line drug for type II diabetes, and recent studies indicate that metformin plays an inhibitory role in multiple cancers. Metformin can also enhance the effect of chemotherapy. Although head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells are sensitive to metformin, the mechanisms related to the metformin response and the chemosensitization effect have not been fully studied. Results: In this study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of metformin in HNSCC by transcriptome analysis and to reveal the underlying mechanisms of the sensitizing effects of metformin by combined online dataset analysis. mRNA sequencing and functional analysis of HNSCC samples after metformin treatment and functional analysis of mRNAs with opposite metformin-induced effects in chemosensitive versus chemoresistant cells revealed the molecular pathways, mainly the base excision repair pathway, by which this small molecule drug sensitizes HNSCC cells to treatment. Conclusions: These findings indicate that metformin exerts a hypersensitization effect by regulating the BER pathway in tumour cells, reducing their self-repair capacity after chemotherapy-induced DNA damage. In addition, the genes identified by transcriptome analysis are candidates for further investigation into the effector targets of metformin in the inhibition of HNSCC and could be applied to improve the treatment in HNSCC patients who develop resistance after advanced chemotherapy.
Application of The QFD-fuzzy-SERVQUAL Methodology as a Quality Planning Tool at the Surgical Centre of a Public Teaching Hospital
Authors: Junior Jurandir Barreto Galdino , Hékis Hélio Roberto , Costa José Alfredo Ferreira , de Andrade Íon Garcia Mascarenhas , Cabral Eric Lucas dos Santos , Castro Wilkson Ricardo Silva , Florentino Davidson Rogério de Medeiros , Barreto Tiago de Oliveira , Junior João Florêncio da Costa 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: In Brazil, many public hospitals face constant problems related to high demand vis-à-vis an overall scarcity of resources, which hinders the operations of different sectors such as the surgical centre, as it is considered one of the most relevant pillars for the proper hospital functioning, due to its complexity, criticality as well as economic and social importance. Proper asset management based on well-founded decisions is, therefore, a sine-qua-non condition for addressing such demands. However, subjectivity and other difficulties present in decisions make the management of hospital resources a constant challenge.Methods: Thus, the present work proposes the application of a hybrid approach, formed by the QFD tools, fuzzy logic and SERVQUAL as a decision support tool for the quality planning of the surgical centre of the Onofre Lopes Teaching Hospital (Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes - HUOL). To accomplish such objective, it was necessary to discover and analyse the main needs of the medical team working in the operating room, through the application of the SERVQUAL questionnaire, associated with fuzzy logic. Results: Then, the most relevant deficiencies were transformed into entries for the QFD-fuzzy, where they were translated into project requirements. Soon after, the analysis of the existing relationships between the inputs and these requirements was carried out, generating the ranking of actions with the greatest impact on the improvement of the surgical centre overall quality. Conclusions: As a result, it was found that the proposed methodology can optimize the decision process to which hospital managers are submitted, improving the surgical centre operation efficiency.
Spatial Heterogeneity and Socio-economic Correlates of Unmet Need for Spacing Contraception in India: Evidences from National Family Health Survey, 2015-16
Authors: Rahaman Margubur , Rana Md Juel , Roy Avijit , Chouhan Pradip 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background:The high unmet need for contraception among women who wants to delay their subsequent births for two or more years (UNS) is a challenging issue in India. Therefore, the present study aims to display spatial heterogeneity and determine the associated factors underlying the UNS among the currently married women aged 15-49 years with a demand for spacing births in India.Methods:The present study used data from the National Family and Health Survey, 2015-16. Unmet need for spacing (UNS) used as outcomes and socio-cultural and demographic factors as explanatory variables. Among the comprehensive family planning, 16.7% (56742 women) of currently married women had demand for spacing births were used for analysis. Univariate, bivariate with chi-square significance test, spatial natural break technique, and multivariate logistic regression were used to accomplish the study objectives. Results:Almost 17% of women had demand spacing out of total demand for family planning in India. High unmet need for contraception found among them except the women with higher-level education and wealth status. District level spatial heterogeneity of UNS shows 248 districts had remarkably high unmet for spacing (68% and above). Results from multivariate logistic regression show that UNS's likelihood was noticeably high among the women with parity three or more (AOR: 1.42 [1.3-1.55]) compared to their counterparts. Similarly, 44% (AOR: 1.44[1.38-1.51]) more likely found among the OBC than General caste. Rural (AOR: 1.24[1.19-1.30]) women compared to urban, women living in South (AOR: 6.19 [5.76-6.65]), Central (AOR: 1.52 [1.43-1.61]), and West (AOR: 1.80 [1.68-1.92]) region compared to those from North had higher odds of UNS. Conclusion:Deal with the UNS in India requires scaling up women education, client choice-based services, campaign on benefits of spacing births and available contraception, and socio-economically backward group centric policies.
Cognitive Composites for Genetic Frontotemporal Dementia: GENFI-Cog
Authors: Poos Jackie M. , Moore Katrina M. , Nicholas Jennifer , Russell Lucy L. , Peakman Georgia , Convery Rhian S. , Jiskoot Lize C. , Ende Emma L. van der , Berg Esther van den , Papma Janne M. , Seelaar Harro , Pijnenburg Yolande A.L. , Moreno Fermin , Sanchez-Valle Raquel , Borroni Barbara , Laforce Robert , Masellis Mario , Tartaglia Carmela , Graff Caroline , Galimberti Daniela , Rowe James , Finger Elizabeth , Synofzik Matthis , Vandenberghe Rik , Mendonça Alexandre , Tiraboschi Pietro , Santana Isabel , Ducharme Simon , Butler Chris , Gerhard Alexander , Levin Johannes , Danek Adrian , Otto Markus , Ber Isabel Le , Pasquier Florence , Swieten John C. van , Rohrer Jonathan D. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Clinical endpoints for upcoming therapeutic trials in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are increasingly urgent. Cognitive composite scores are often used as endpoints but are lacking in genetic FTD. We aimed to create cognitive composite scores for genetic frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and recommend on recruitment and duration in clinical trial design.Methods: A standardized neuropsychological test battery covering six cognitive domains was completed by 69 C9orf72, 41 GRN, and 28 MAPT mutation carriers with CDR® plus NACC-FTLD≥0.5 and 275 controls. Logistic regression was used to identify the combination of tests that distinguished best between each mutation carrier groups and controls. The composite scores were calculated from the weighted averages of test scores in the models based on the regression coefficients. Sample size estimates were calculated for individual cognitive tests and composites in a theoretical trial aimed at preventing progression from a prodromal stage (CDR® plus NACC-FTLD 0.5) to a fully symptomatic stage (CDR® plus NACC-FTLD ≥1). Time-to-event analysis was performed to determine how quickly mutation carriers progressed from CDR® plus NACC-FTLD=0.5 to ≥1 (and therefore how long a trial would need to be). Results: Results from the logistic regression analyses resulted in different composite scores for each mutation carrier group. The estimated sample size to detect a treatment effect was lower for composite scores than for most individual tests. A Kaplan-Meier curve showed that after three years ~50% of individuals had converted from CDR® plus NACC-FTLD 0.5 to ≥1.DISCUSSION: We created gene-specific cognitive composite scores for C9orf72, GRN and MAPT mutation carriers, which resulted in substantially lower estimated sample sizes to detect a treatment effect than the individual cognitive tests. The GENFI-Cog composites have potential as cognitive endpoints for upcoming clinical trials. The results from this study provide recommendations for estimating sample size and trial duration.
Nanoparticles Delivering Antagomir-483-5p to Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Prevent Osteoporosis by Increasing Bone Formation
Authors: Zhou Yue , Jia Hao , Hu Aihua , Liu Rangru , Zeng Xiangzhou , Wang Hua 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Promoting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) osteoblastic diﬀerentiation is a promising therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis (OP). The present study demonstrates that miR-483-5p inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Therefore, selectively delivering the nanoparticles carrying antagomir-483-5p (miR-483-5p inhibitor) to BMSCs is expected to become an effective treatment drug for OP.Methods: Real-time PCR assays were used to analyse miR-483-5p, ALP and Bglap levels in BMSCs of ovariectomized and aged osteoporotic mice. To selectively and efficiently deliver antagomir-483-5p to BMSCs in vivo, immunoglobulin G and poloxamer-188 were used to encapsulate the functional small molecules, and BMSC-targeting aptamer was employed to confirm the direction of the nanoparticles. Luciferase assays were used to determine the target genes of miR-483-5p. Western blot assays and immunohistochemistry staining were used to detect the targets in vitro and vivo.Results: miR-483-5p levels were increased in BMSCs of ovariectomized and aged osteoporotic mice. Inhibition of miR-483-5p levels in BMSCs by antagomir-483-5p in vitro promoted the expression of bone formation markers, such as ALP and Bglap. The FAM-BMSC-aptamer-nanoparticles carrying antagomir-483-5p were taken up by BMSCs, resulting in stimulation of BMSC osteoblastic diﬀerentiation in vitro and osteoporosis prevention in vivo. Furthermore, our research demonstrated that mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) and SMAD family member 5 (Smad5) were direct targets of miR-483-5p in regulating BMSC osteoblastic diﬀerentiation and osteoporosis pathological processes. Conclusions: The important therapeutic role of FAM-BMSC-aptamer-nanoparticles carrying antagomir-483-5p in osteoporosis was established in our study. These nanoparticles are novel candidate for the clinical prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The optimized targeted drug delivery platform for small molecules will provide new ideas for the treatment of clinical diseases.
Synergistic Effect of Nickel on Tungsten Oxide Hydrate (WO3.H2O) as Photoanode for Dye-Sensitized Solar cell
Authors: A Manimekalai , R Parimaladevi , M Umadevi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Tungsten oxide hydrate (PW) and Nickel tungsten oxide nanocomposites (NW NCs) namely NW1, NW2, NW3 and NW4 were successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The synthesized NCs were characterized using advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV–visible spectroscopy and Photoluminescence (PL). XRD pattern shows the formation of face-centered cubic phase for PW and monoclinic/orthorhombic phase for NW respectively. The nanoflakes like morphology for NW NCs were confirmed by SEM. The MB dye was successfully degraded using NW4 NCs with a rate constant of 0.02266 /minute. The photovoltaic performance of the photoanodes with various weight percentages (wt%) of Ni was measured by recording the photocurrent-photovoltaic curves. The result indicated that NW4 NCs exhibited the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) with high short circuit current density (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc). This enhanced photocatalytic and photovoltaic performance of NWNCs may be due to the visible light-harvesting, increased dye loading capacity and reduced photoelectron recombination.
A comprehensive survey of bat sarbecoviruses across China for the origin tracing of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wu Zhiqiang , Han Yelin , Wang Yuyang , Liu Bo , Zhao Lamei , Zhang Junpeng , Su Hao-Xiang , Zhao Wenliang , Liu Liguo , Bai Shibin , Dong Jie , Sun Lilian , Zhu Yafang , Zhou Siyu , Song Yiping , Sui Hongtao , Yang Jian , Wang Jianwei , Zhang Shuyi , Qian Zhaohui , Jin Qi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 have been thought to originate from bat, but whether the cross-species transmission occurred directly from bat to human or through an intermediate host remains elusive. In this study, we performed CoV screening of 102 samples collected from animal-selling stalls of Wuhan Huanan Market (WHM) and pharyngeal and anal swabs from13,064 bats collected at 703 locations across China, covering almost all known southern hotspots for sarbecovirus, between 2016 and 2021. This is the first systematic survey of bat CoV in China during the outbreak of Corona Virus Disease 2019. We found four non-sarbeco CoVs in samples of WHM, and 142 SARS-CoV related CoVs (SARSr-CoV) and 4 recombinant CoVs in bats, of which YN2020B-G share the highest sequence identity with SARS-CoV among all known bat CoVs, suggesting endemic SARSr-CoVs in bats in China. However, we did not find any SARS-CoV-2 related CoVs (SC2r-CoV) in any samples, including specimens collected from the only two domestic places where RaTG13 and RmYN02 were previously reported (the Tongguan caves and the karst caves around the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden), indicating that SC2r-CoVs might not actively circulate among bats in China. Phylogenetic analysis showed that there are three different lineages of sarbecoviruses, L1 (SARSr-CoV), L2 (SC2r-CoV), and L-R (a novel CoV lineage from L1 and L2 recombination), in China. Of note, L-R CoVs are only found in R. pusillus. Further macroscopical analysis of the genetic diversity, host specificity for colonization and accidental infection, and geographical characteristics of available CoVs in database revealed the presence of a general geographical distribution pattern for bat sarbecoviruses, with the highest genetic diversity and sequence homology to SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 along the southwest border of China, the least in the northwest of China. Considering the receptor binding motifs for spike gene of sarbecoviruses in Indochina Peninsula show the greatest diversity, our data provide the rationale that extensive surveys in further south and southwest to or of China might be needed for finding closer ancestors of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
Factors Influencing COVID-19 Testing: A Qualitative Study in Bhutan
Authors: Yangchen Sonam , Ha Solip , Assan Abraham , Tobgay Tashi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed an all-knowing truth – that health is central in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. To fully meet its associated challenges, global campaigns edge countries to implement strategies addressing COVID-19, including measures to scale-up testing. This study explored factors that influenced COVID-19 testing in Bhutan. It is envisioned findings could serve as a roadmap to effectively respond to COVID-19 and future outbreaks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.Methods: The study employed an exploratory qualitative design. Data collection methods included interviews with key informants with a purposively selected sample of 20 participants and documentary review. A hybrid approach of inductive and deductive coding and theme development was conducted to analyze findings. A tailored version of the WHO Health System Framework incorporating the Essential Public Health Function was used to guide data interpretation.Results: Improved political will through the influence and leadership of the Royal King of Bhutan played a crucial role in raising attention to the problem, and provision of adequate financial and technical relief to ensure that all people irrespective of their socioeconomic status do not pay to get tested of COVID-19. Further, a combination of multifaceted factors such as: the whole of society approach to health; Bhutan’s pragmatic tactic in delivering on the promise of universal health coverage through primary health care strategy; the use of information technology for awareness creation and improving surveillance system; all fast-tracked COVID-19 testing service delivery. Conclusion: Bhutan’s success relied greatly on multi-sectoral and systems approach during policy design, implementation and monitoring, and active collaborative efforts involving consultation and engagements with a broad range of local (community members), national and global actors accelerated COVID-19 testing. These efforts were made possible through improved health governance and leadership at the highest level in the country.
Has-miR-875-5p Inhibits Tumorigenesis by Targeting USF2 via TGF-β Signaling Pathway in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Gao Shenshuo , Zhang Zhikai , Wang Xubin , Ma Yan , Li Chensheng , Liu Hongjun , Jing Changqing , Li Leping , Guo Xiaobo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies, and more and more evdiences show that the pathogenesis is regulated by various miRNAs.In this study, we investigated the role of miR-875 in GC. Methods:The expression of miR-875-5p was detected in human GC specimens and cell lines by miRNA RT-PCR. The effect of miR-875-5p on GC proliferation was determined by CCK-8 proliferation assay and EDU assay. Migration and invasion were examined by transwell migration and invasion assay and wound healing assay. The interaction between miR-875-5p and its target gene USF2 was verified by a dual luciferase reporter assay. The effects of miR-875-5p in vivo were studied in xenograft nude mice models.Related proteins were detected by Western blot.Results:The results showed that miR-875-5p inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells in vitro, and inhibited tumorigenesis in vivo. USF2 proved to be a direct target of miR-875-5p. Knockdown of USF2 partially counteracts the effects of miR-875-5p inhibitors.Overexpression of miR-875-5p can inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion through the TGF-β signaling pathway by down-regulation of USF2 in GC, providing a new research direction for the diagnosis and targeted therapy of GC.Conclusions: MiR-875-5pcan inhibited the progression of GC by directly targeting USF2 and negatively regulating TGF-β signaling pathway.In the future, miR-875-5p is expected to be used as a potential therapeutic target for GC therapy.
An Economic-environmental-energy Efficiency Analysis for Optimizing Organic Waste Treatment of a Livestock-orchard System: A Case in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Thao Nguyen Thi Thu , Hieu Tran Thi , Thao Nguyen Thi Phuong , Vi Le Quoc , Schnitzer Hans , Thanh Son Le , Braunegg Gerhart , Braunegg Sibylle , Le Hai Thanh 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEconomic benefit has been analyzed for the yield of farming products when designing a farming system, while waste treatment also generates profitable energy products for this system. The economic factor is decisive in decision-making for applying waste treatment solutions for a small-scale farming system. A household farming system in ​​the Mekong Delta generates many kinds of organic wastes, but most of the agricultural waste resources are disposed of into the environment. MethodsThis study approaches an analysis of economic-environmental-energy (EEE) efficiency for waste treatment of an integrated livestock-orchard (LO) system on a household scale in the Mekong Delta. This novel analysis method is based on the energy content of biomass and its cost. The EEE efficiency is optimized to gain objective functions regarding energy yield efficiency, system profit, and CO2 sequestration for the treatment model. The algorithms are built for optimizing these objective functions. ResultsThe optimization results show the treatment model of pyrolysis and pelleting gain all the objective functions with high efficiency. The model is efficiently applied for the LO system that generates more than 100 kilograms of orchard residues and 3,000 kilograms of pig manure. The system with a charcoal oven and pellet machine is capable to gain energy efficiency due to its potential biofuel products, such as biochars and pellet products. A treatment model of composting, pyrolysis, and pelleting gives the best performance of overall EEE efficiency. ConclusionsThis work has proven economic benefits from integrating biogas tank, charcoal oven, and pellet machine in an integrated LO system. The system contributes not only for reducing CO2 emissions but also for supplementing secondary renewable bioenergy, as well as for increasing incomes and thus supporting livelihoods for the local farming households.
Biocidal Activity of Low Temperature Plasma to Xylella Fastidiosa
Authors: Ambrico Paolo F. , Zicca Stefania , Ambrico Marianna , Rotondo Palma R. , Stradis Angelo , Saponari Maria , Boscia Donato , Saldarelli Pasquale 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The quarantine bacterium Xylella fastidiosa was first detected in Salento (Apulia, Italy) in 2013 and caused severe symptoms in olives, leading to plant death. The disease, named Olive Quick Decline Syndrome (OQDS), is caused by the strain "De Donno" ST53 of the subspecies pauca of this bacterium (XfDD), which is spread by Philaenus spumarius. The epidemic poses a serious threat to the agricultural economy and the landscape, as X. fastidiosa infects several plant species and there is yet no recognized solution. Research on OQDS is focused on finding strategies to control its spread or mitigate its symptoms. In this context, we investigated the feasibility of using low-temperature plasma and plasma-activated water to kill bacterial cells. Experiments were conducted in vitro to test the biocidal effect of a Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge plasma on bacteria. The results showed a high decontamination rate even for cells of XfDD embedded in biofilms grown on solid media. Application to trees requires protocols and tools that can reach the bacterium in the xylem vessels. Plasma Activated Water was tested as a biocidal agent that can move freely in the xylem network. Results in the liquid culture medium showed complete inactivation of XfDD cells and paved the way to test the strategy on infected plants.