bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Expression of Long Noncoding RNAs in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes of Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Wu Jie , Liu Zijun , Zhang Yunqiao , Teng Zhaowei , You Xu , Ruan Ye , Gao Changqing , Zeng Yong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of schizophrenia (SCZ) depends on the evaluation of clinical symptoms, but there is no objective biomarker. Studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may be involved in the pathogenesis of SCZ. In this study, we evaluated the differential gene expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs in peripheral blood (PBL) of patients with SCZ.Methods: We profiled the transcriptome of PBL in 50 patients with SCZ and 50 controls without psychiatric diagnoses, using RNA-seq. LncRNA-mRNA interactions were predicted using “RNAplex”, a hierarchical classification-Spielman correlation coefficient approach was used to analyze the correlation between lncRNAs and protein-coding gene expression among samples, and systematic bioinformatic methods (Go/Pathway) were used to perform lncRNA functional annotation. The results were validated using qPCR. Functional sites in sequences were predicted using the PROSITE, NCBI, UCSC, and JASPAR databases.Results: We identified 94 lncRNAs and 1179 mRNAs differentially expressed in PBL, of which 46 lncRNAs were identified for the first time. Enrichment of lncRNAs involved biological processes and signaling pathways related to neutrophil activation involved in the immune response. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis showed that 81 lncRNAs and 410 mRNAs had correlated expression (p < 0.01 and |r| ≥ 0.4). qPCR performed on independent samples verified that the core node of the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network, the IL1RAP-TCONS_00138311 variable splicing transcript, was highly expressed in patients with SCZ (2△△Ct of 0.56, area under the ROC curve of 0.924). The top four ranked transcription factors were predicted to be HSF1, HSF2, HSF4, and FOXA1.Conclusions: Combined with sequence function analysis, we showed that the transcription factors FOXA1, HSF1, HSF2, and HSF4 may mediate the activation of IL1B-induced NF-kβ pathway and other inflammatory pathways through regulation of the IL1RAP alternative splicing transcript TCONS_00138311, thereby participating in the pathogenesis of SCZ. We propose that the frequency of differentially expressed lncRNAs in PBL may serve as a novel biomarker for diagnosis of SCZ.
Cytoplasmic Expression of DCLK1-S, a Novel DCLK1 Isoform, Is Associated with Tumor Aggressiveness and Worse Disease-Specific Survival in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kalantari Elham , Ghods Roya , Zanjani Leili Saeednejad , Rahimi Mandana , Eini Leila , Razmi Mahdieh , Asadi-Lari Mohsen , Madjd Zahra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Oncogenic role of doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) as a putative cancer stem cell (CSC) marker has been clarified in colorectal cancer (CRC). Isoform-specific function of DCLK1 has highlighted key role of the DCLK1-S (short isoform) in tumor maintenance, progression, and invasion. Considering the lack of commercial anti-DCLK1-S antibody suitable for immunohistochemical (IHC) application, this study was conducted to produce and validate an anti-DCLK1-S polyclonal antibody in order to specifically evaluate expression pattern and clinical significance of short isoform of DCLK1 in colorectal cancer tissues.Methods: Rabbit immunization was performed against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the published six specific amino acid sequences of DCLK1-S, and production of antibody was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After IHC assessment of the purified anti-DCLK1-S polyclonal antibody, it was used to undertake a definitive study for determining prognostic significance of DCLK1-S expression in a well-deﬁned tissue microarray (TMA) series including 348 CRC and 51 adjacent normal tissues with a follow-up period of 108 months. Results: Positive immunoreactivity of DCLK1-S was found in 84.2% of CRC samples. Cytoplasmic expression was the main localization of DCLK1-S compared to nuclear and membranous area of tumor cells. Expression of DCLK1-S in CRC samples was significantly higher compared to adjacent normal samples (P <0.001). A positive significant association was found between high cytoplasmic expression of DCLK1-S and advanced tumor, nodes, and metastases (TNM) stage (P<0.001) as well as the increased tumor differentiation (P= 0.02). Moreover, the patients with CRC whose tumors showed higher cytoplasmic expression of DCLK1-S had worse disease-specific survival (DSS) (log-rank test, P = 0.03) and 5-year DSS rate (P= 0.01). Additionally, the improved prognostic value was seen in the patients with CRC with high DCLK1-S expression versus moderate expression (HR: 2.70, 95% CI: 0.98-7.38; p =0.04) by multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Our findings strongly supported that DCLK1-S isoform may play a crucial role in invasion, tumor aggressive behavior, and worsened DSS of the patients with CRC. Importantly, high cytoplasmic expression of DCLK1-S compared to moderate expression could be considered as an independent prognostic factor influencing DSS. Taken together, DCLK1-S can be a candidate as a promising prognostic and targeted-therapeutic indicator for effective treatment of CRC.
NK Cell Subpopulations and Receptor Expression in Recovering SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Saresella Marina , Trabattoni Daria , Marventano Ivana , Piancone Federica , Rosa Francesca La , Caronni Antonio , Lax Agata , Bianchi Luca , Bianchi Paolo , Navarro Jorge , Bolognesi Elisabetta , Zanzottera Milena , Guerini Franca Rosa , Clerici Mario 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Whereas in most cases COVID-19 is asymptomatic or pauci symptomatic, extremely severe clinical forms are observed. In this case complex immune dysregulations and an excessive inflammatory response are observed and are the main cause of morbidity and mortality. Natural Killer cells are key players in the control of viral infection and their activity is regulated by a tight balance between activating and inhibitory receptors; an alteration of NK activity was suggested to be associated with the development of severe forms of COVID-19. In this study we analyzed peripheral NK cell subpopulations and the expression of activating and inhibitory receptors in 30 in-patients suffering from chronic neurological conditions who recovered from mild, moderate or severe SARS-CoV-2 infection comparing the results to those of 10 SARS-CoV-2-uninfected patients. Results showed that an expansion of NK subset with lower cytolytic activity and an augmented expression of the 2DL1 inhibitory receptor, particularly when in association with the C2 ligand (KIR2DL1-C2), characterized the immunological scenario of severe COVID-19 infection; an increase of NK expressing the ILT2 inhibitory receptor was instead seen in patients recovering from mild or moderate infection compared to controls. Results herein suggest that the KIR2DL1-C2 NK inhibitory complex is a risk factor toward the development of severe form of COVID-19. Our results confirm that a complex alteration of NK activity is present in COVID-19 infection and offer a molecular explanation for this observation.
A Combined Spectroscopic and Theoretical Analysis of Plasmonic Silver Nanoparticles Sensor Towards Detailed Microscopic Understanding of Heavy Metal Detection
Authors: Pan Nivedita , Maji Tuhin Kumar , Banarjee Sayantika , Biswas Pritam , Chatterjee Arka , Mitra Mala , Chatterjee Arpita , Pal Samir Kumar Kumar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Plasmonic nanoparticles are of great importance owing to their highly responsive ‘Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance’ (LSPR) behaviour to self-agglomeration/ aggregation leading to the development of various nanosensors. Herein we demonstrated the definite self-assembly of citrate functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into a one-dimensional linear chain in presence of charged lead ions (Pb 2+ ), one of the most toxic heavy metal pollutants. We have explored detail mechanism using a variety of spectroscopic tools and electron microscopy. The self-aggregation of AgNPs leads to the generation of new LSPR modes due to coupling of nearby existing modes. The conclusion of our experimental findings is duly supported by our developed numerical modelling based on the quasi-static approximation that the generated new LSPR modes are solely due to formation of chain-like aggregation of AgNPs. We have also monitored the LSPR spectra in presence of other metal ions, however, only Pb 2+ found to give such unique self-assembled geometry may due to its high interaction affinity with citrate. These findings play a key role for citrate functionalised AgNPs to be used as a low cost highly selective and sensitive lead ion sensor for potential application in industrial lead pollution monitoring. We have further varied several sensor parameters such as AgNPs size, concentration and the allowed reaction time for it to be practically implemented as an efficient lead sensor meeting the Environmental Protection Agency recommendations.
First-Line Methadone For Cancer Pain. Titration Time Analysis
Authors: Guillermo Mammana , Mariela Bertolino , Eduardo Bruera , Fernando Orellana , Fanny Vega , Gabriela Peirano , Sofía Bunge , Arnaldo Armesto , Dran Graciela 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background. Methadone is a low-cost, strong opioid that is increasingly used as a first-line treatment for pain in palliative care (PC). Its long and unpredictable half-life and slow elimination phase can make titration challenging. Evidence for titration modalities is scarce.Objective. To describe the titration phase of the treatment with low dose first-line methadone and the use of methadone for breakthrough pain.Methods. Prospective study with strong opioid-naïve patients with moderate to severe cancer pain followed at a tertiary PC unit in Argentina. Starting methadone dose was 2.5-5 mg/day every 8, 12, or 24 hours. Titration allowed daily dose increases from Day 1, and prescription of oral methadone 2.5 mg every 2 hours with a maximum of 3 rescue doses/day for breakthrough pain. Pain control, methadone stabilization dose, and adverse effects, among other variables, were daily assessed over the first 7 days (T0 –T7).Results. 62 patients were included. Initial median (IQR) methadone dose was 5(2.5) mg/day. Pain intensity decreased from a median (IQR) of 8(2.3) at T0 to 4(2.3) at T1 and remained ≤4 until T7 (all p<0.0001 compared to T0). Similar results were obtained through the categorical and tolerability scales for pain. Fifty patients (81%) reached pain control, 66% in the first 48 hours. Methadone daily dose at T2 and T7 were higher than that at T0: 7.5(3) and 6.7(5.5) versus 5(2.5); respectively (all p<0.05). The opioid escalation index at T7 was 1.7%. The median (IQR) number of rescues, stabilization dose and time for stabilization were 0 (1), 5(4.5) mg and 3(2) days, respectively. Two patients were discontinued due to delirium. All the other side effects were mild.Conclusions. First-line, low-dose methadone using rescue methadone resulted in a pronounced and rapid decrease in pain, with minimal need for titration and for breakthrough doses, and no evidence of accumulation or sedation by the end of the week.
Plumbing vs Nudging: The Lasting Effect of Efficiency Improvements on Water Conservation
Authors: Agarwal Sumit , Araral Eduardo , Fan Mingxuan , Yu Qin , Zheng Huanhuan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Mega-cities worldwide are facing water security challenges. We investigate two solutions to urban water security: improving plumbing and nudging consumers. We show that improving plumbing alone generates long-lasting effects in water conservation. Using anonymised water consumption data based on water bills from 1.5 million accounts in Singapore over 10 years, our staggered difference-in-differences estimates show that a nation-wide Home Improvement Programme reduces residential water consumption by 3.5%. The effect persists for a decade and is observed across population subgroups. The efficiency improvements also help in mitigating the effect of extreme environmental conditions on water use. Nation-wide nudging through peer comparison may not achieve similar outcomes.
Integration concept of Digital Shadows and BIM for a long-term optimal decision support in factory planning
Authors: Badenko Vladimir , Bolshakov Nikolai , Fedotov Alexander , Becker Florian , Müller Aleksandra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Industrial objects nowadays rapidly transform due to the development of digital technologies. The concept of the Factory of the Future (FoF) involves digitization of all parts of the factory. In this paper two technologies are motivated and considered as the basic technologies that should be used in FoF: Digital Shadow (DS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Basic theory on these issues is given and potentials of BIM and DS integration is formulated. Based on the ability of digital technologies, their integration and convergence to generate value, definition Digital Asset is introduced from the economic point of view as a digital resource which brings economic benefit. A concept of integrating BIM and DS technologies for decision support in factory planning is formulated, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and semantic modeling. The concept includes a description of the aggregate of technologies and their interconnections as a Digital Asset of the FoF. Further research objectives are focused on integration of BIM and DS which requires their interoperability ensured by an Ontology-Based Data Access (OBDA) approach, based on the Semantic web.
Organic acids induce by metal-tolerant Pantoea sp. WP-5 and biogas residues enhanced phytostabilization of cadmium in soil
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Bismillah , Shahid Muhammad , Ahmad Iftikhar , Khalid Umaira , Akram Muhammad , Dawood Ahmad , Kamran Muhammad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the phytoremediation potential of maize (Zea mays L.) in Cd contaminated soil through co-inoculation of metal tolerant plant beneficial rhzobacteria (MtPBR: Pantoea sp. strain WP-5) with organic manures (PM: poultry manure and BGR: biogas residues). The objectives of this study were to i) examine comparative efficiency of MtPBR, PM and BGR alone or in combined form to improve maize biomass and physiology, and ii) understand the role of organic acid production in root exudates of maize for Cd accumulation and translocation. Pantoea sp. WP-5 showed tolerance to high Cd concentration (1000 mg L− 1), thereby inoculated to maize seeds sown in soil spiked with 75 mg Cd kg− 1 soil and 500 g each of the organic manures per pot. The co-inoculation of MtPBR + BGR significantly (P < 0.05) increased chlorophyll contents, root/shoot dry weight, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and relative water contents, whereas decreased electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde contents, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activity in maize over the control treatment. The co-inoculation of MtPBR + BGR produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentrations of acetic and citric acid (52.7 ± 0.5 and 22.8 ± 0.08 µg g− 1 root fwt, respectively) in root exudates of maize, which immobilized Cd within plant roots inferred by the positive relation (root Cd vs. organic acids; R2 = 0.80–0.92) and reduced Cd translocation to shoots inferred by the negative relation (shoot Cd vs. organic acids; R2 = 0.81–0.90). It is concluded that the application of MtPBR + BGR enhanced organic acid induced phyto-stabilization and accumulation of Cd in roots and restricted its translocation to shoots.
NCOA3 as a critical oncogene in Thyroid cancer via modulating major signaling pathways
Authors: Li Yujun , Liang Junrong , Dang Hui , Zhang Rui , Chen Pu , Shao Yuan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Nuclear Receptor Coactivator (NCOA3) enhances transcriptional activation of nuclear hormone receptors. This study was designed to explore the role of NCOA3 in thyroid cancer. Our data demonstrated that protein expression of NCOA3 was significantly upregulated in thyroid cancer tissues. NCOA3 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in thyroid cancer. Conversely, ectopic expression of NCOA3 promoted cell proliferation and invasiveness in thyroid cancer. Mechanically, NCOA3 promotes thyroid cancer cell survival and invasiveness through modulating PI3K/AKT, MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Collectively, these findings suggest that NCOA3 is critical in the initiation and development of thyroid cancer, and maybe a possible marker for prognostic and therapeutic.
Single-cell tumor-immune microenvironment of BRCA1/2 mutated high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Launonen Inga-Maria , Lyytikäinen Nuppu , Casado Julia , Anttila Ella , Szabó Angéla , Haltia Ulla-Maija , Jacobson Connor , Lin Jia-Ren , Maliga Zoltan , Santagata Sandro , Elias Kevin , D'Andrea Alan , Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis , Sorger Peter , Färkkila Anniina 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The majority of high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) are deficient in homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair, most commonly due to mutations or hypermethylation of the BRCA1/2 genes. We aimed to discover how BRCA1/2 mutations shape the cellular phenotypes and spatial interactions of the tumor microenvironment.
Using a highly multiplex immunofluorescence and image analysis on 112 tumor cores we generated single-cell spatial data for 21 markers in 124,623 single cells from 31 tumors with BRCA1/2 mutation (BRCA1/2mut), and 13 tumors without any alterations in HR genes (HRwt). We identified a phenotypically distinct tumor microenvironment in the BRCA1/2mut tumors with evidence of increased immunosurveillance. Importantly, we found an opposing prognostic role of a proliferative tumor-cell phenotypic subpopulation in the HR-genotypes, which associated with enhanced spatial interactions in the tumor-immune cellular communities. The single-cell spatial landscapes indicate distinct patterns of spatial immunosurveillance with the premise to improve immunotherapeutic strategies and patient stratification in HGSC.
Occurrence of titanium dioxide nanoparticle in Taihu Lake (China) and its removal at a full-scale drinking water treatment plant
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Rui Min , Yu Shuili 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The occurrence of titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TNP), an emerging contaminant, in Taihu Lake of China was investigated. Ti was present at a concentration of 224 ± 59 µg/L in the water source of east Taihu Lake. Approximately 0.19% of the Ti-containing matter was at the nano-scale. Scanning Electron Microscope analysis verified the existence of Ti-containing components, such as TiOX and FeTiOX. Furthermore, Ti K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy was used to detect the phase composition of nano-scaled Ti-containing matter. The spectra showed the three characteristic peaks of TiO2 in the samples, suggesting the occurrence of TNP in Taihu Lake. A least-squares linear combination fitting analysis indicated that the TNP concentration in the water source was 0.86 µg/L, with a crystal composition of 0.44 ± 0.1 µg/L amorphous, 0.14 ± 0.03 µg/L anatase and 0.28 ± 0.06 µg/L rutile. The removal performance of the TNP at a full-scale conventional drinking water treatment plant indicated that 58.8% of TNP was removed via coagulation/sediment, sand filtration and disinfection/clear water reservoir. The coagulation/sediment process accounted for approximately 76.6% of the total removed TNP. The finished water contained 0.33 µg/L TNP with a crystal composition of 0.24 ± 0.13 µg/L anatase and 0.09 ± 0.05 µg/L rutile. This study is the first that reported the presence and transport of TNP in a drinking water treatment system.
Year-round high abundances of the world’s smallest marine vertebrate (Schindleria) in the Red Sea and worldwide associations with lunar phases
Authors: Robitzch Vanessa , Molina-Valdivia Victor , Solano-Iguaran Jaiber , Landaeta Mauricio , Berumen Michael Lee 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Very little is known about the ecology and biology of the smallest marine vertebrates, fishes in the genus Schindleria. Even though over half of named Schindleria species have been described from the Red Sea, very few specimens have been identified. Here, we assessed abundance patterns of nearly two thousand Red Sea adults and found evidence for putative seasonal and spatial differences, likely related to differing habitat and environmental conditions. Within the Red Sea, the highest abundances were neither found during seasonal temperature extremes nor during peaks of coral reef fish recruitment. We also found evidence for global trends in abundances related to lunar cycles, for which data from a recently published large collection of specimens from the DANA Expedition (1928-1930) were included. The abundance of Schindleria in relation to lunar phases differed significantly, with most Schindleria being caught outside the full moon. Adult specimens in our Red Sea collections were most abundant during the new moon, while the 3rd quarter moon yielded the highest abundances in the DANA collection. We further suggest that the abundances of Schindleria at coral reefs may be related to reproductive cycles and that these cycles may be timed with the moon, since back-calculations of hatch dates from otoliths resulted significantly around the new moon. Schindleria may be the most numerous coral reef fish in the world, for which we encourage increased research.
Influence of kaolin filler on the mechanical properties of Luffa cylindrica/ polyester composite
Authors: Yaro Aliyu , Kuburi Laminu , Moshood Musa Abiodun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Polymeric materials are used in different industrial applications because they retain good environmental properties, low-cost, and easy to produce compared to conventional materials. This study investigated the effect of adding kaolin micro-filler (KF) on the mechanical properties of Luffa Fiber (LCF) reinforced polyester resin. Luffa cylindrica fiber treated with 5% NaOH, varied in weight fraction (5, 10, and 15%wt) was used to reinforce unsaturated polyester resin using hand lay-up method, whereas for the hybrid composite kaolin filler were kept constant at 6wt% fraction while the fibers varied as in the mono-reinforced composite. The samples were machined for mechanical and microstructural analysis. Analysis of the result revealed that the addition of kaolin has enhanced greatly the mechanical properties of Luffa-fibre based composites. The result reveal of the microstructure analysis, shows that there is an improvement in fiber-matrix adhesion.