bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression, Prognosis and Immune Infiltration of KPNA Family in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Xiangyi , Yu Dechen , Zhou Hai-Yu , Zhang XiaoBo , Hu Yicun , Zhang Ruihao , Gao Xidan , Lin Maoqiang , Guo Taowen , Zhang Kun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The primary function of the Karyophorin alpha family (KPNAs) is to assist the transport of proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Studies have found that KPNAs are involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors. However, the expression level of KPNAs family members in HCC, its influence on prognosis, its relationship with immune infiltration, and its clinical significance are still unclear.Methods: We used UALCAN, GEPIA, HPA, TIMER, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, CBioPortal, String and Metascape databases to analyze the expression and mutation of KPNAs in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the expression level of KPNAs and the prognosis of patients, tumor immune cell infiltration, HCC clinicopathological characteristics Relationship. Finally, the biological functions of KPNAs related genes are analyzed. Results: The protein and mRNA of KPNAs were significantly up-regulated in HCC, and their expression levels were closely related to the prognosis of patients and the clinical characteristics of the tumor (tumor grade, stage, etc.). In addition, KPNAs in HCC are prone to mutations, which are not conducive to the prognosis of patients. Moreover, the expression of HCC is positively correlated with the infiltration of immune cells. Enrichment analysis found that KPNAs-related genes are mainly related to biological processes such as nuclear and cytoplasmic signaling, protein chromosome localization, and their pathways mainly include cell cycle and MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusion: KPNAs are significantly related to the occurrence, development and patient prognosis of HCC and may become the target of HCC immunotherapy in the future.
The Health-trash Nexus in Challenging Environments: A Spatial Mixed Methods Analysis of Accra, Ghana
Authors: Bempah Sandra Owusuaah , Curtis Andrew , Awandare Gordon , Ajayakumar Jayakrishnan , Nyakoe Nancy 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Increasing urbanization in Ghana has led to a waste management crisis with multiple public health consequences. The contextualized mapping of what is dumped, where and why might provide vital on-the-ground support to address the problem itself, as well as the spillover disease impacts. One of the biggest challenges, however, are the required spatial and temporal granular data. Methods: In this paper, we employ a spatial mixed methods approach to investigate the issue of waste management through the lens of health and disparity in Teshie, a suburb of Accra, Ghana. Environmental health risks digitized and mapped from these data sources included trash, plant overgrowth, drains and stagnant water. Results: There was an overlaying relationship between trash and open drains. Open drains encouraged the indiscriminate disposal of trash and also served as a cheaper alternative to paying for waste pick up. Poverty played an intricate role in influencing a trash disposal complex at the sub-neighborhood scale.Conclusion: The trash situation in Teshie is a complex one with varied levels of risks for infectious diseases.
Expression of the NSE, SP, NFH and DβH in Normal and Cryptorchid Testes of Bactrian Camel
Authors: Yuan Ligang , Wang Hua , Yang Hongzao , Chen Shaoyu , Yang Dapeng , Zhang Yong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Neuroendocrine substances play important roles in regulating the normal physiological functions of testicles.The purpose of this study is to explore the localization and effects of four neuroendocrine markers(NSE, SP, NFH and DβH) in normal and cryptorchid testes of Bactrian camels.Methods: The cryptorchid testes were located in the abdominal cavity and were collected by orchiectomy. Fresh testes tissues were processed into small pieces and then divided into three samples. One sample was frozen in liquid nitrogen for western blotting hybridization reaction, while the other sample was fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde solution for histochemical analysis, and the third fixed in glutaraldehyde for transmission electron microscopy observation.Results: The results showed that cryptorchidism caused a reduction in layers of spermatogenic epithelium and decreased glycogen positivity in the basement membrane.The ultrastructure revealed that macrophages were always found around the Leydig cells, which were crowded with swelling mitochondria in cryptorchidism. Expression of NSE in the Leydig cells of cryptorchidism was significantly weakened compared to that in the normal group(p<0.01). We found that SP was always distributed along the nerve fibers in normal testes and was expressed in the Leydig cells of cryptorchidism. However, expression of NFH in the cryptorchidic tissue was strongly positive in spermatogenic epithelium, with limited expression in Leydig cells and no expression in peritubular myoid cells. Therefore, expression of DβH in the Sertoli cells was comparatively strong in both the normal and cryptorchidism groups.NFH and DβH expression was significantly increased in the cryptorchidism group compared with the nomal group(p<0.01).Conclusions: These findings indicated that the underdeveloped seminiferous epithelium and pathological changes in cryptorchid tissue in Bactrian camels were potentially related to a disorder in glycoprotein metabolism.Our results suggest that NSE and SP could helpful to judge the pathological changes of cryptorchidism. The present study provides the first evidence at the protein level for the existence of NFH and DβH in Sertoli and Leydig cells in Bactrian camel cryptorchidism and provides a more in-depth understanding of neuroendocrine regulation is crucial for animal cryptorchidism.
High PPT1 expression predicts poor clinical outcome and PPT1 inhibitor DC661 enhances sorafenib sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xu Jianjun , Su Zhe , Cheng Xiang , Hu Shaobo , Wang Wenjie , Zou Tianhao , Zhou Xing , Song Zifang , Xia Yun , Gao Yang , Zheng Qichang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Adaptive resistance and side effects of sorafenib treatment result in unsatisfied survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) plays a critical role in progression of various cancers. However, its role on prognosis and immune infiltrates in HCC remains unclarified.
Methods
By data mining in the Cancer Genome Atlas databases, the role of PPT1 in HCC were initially investigated. Furthermore, HCC cell lines Hep 3B and Hep 1–6 were treated with DC661 against PPT1. The biological function of PPT1 was determined by CCK-8 test, colony formation assay, TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, and PI-Annexin V apoptosis assays in vitro. Animal models of subcutaneous injection were applied to investigate the therapeutic role of targeting PPT1.
Results
Wefound that PPT1 levels were significantly upregulated in HCC tissues compared with normal tissues and were significantly associated with a poor prognosis. Multivariate analysis further confirmed that high expression of PPT1 was an independent risk factor for poor overall survival of HCC patients. We initially found that PPT1 was significantly upregulated in sorafenib-resistant cell lines established in this study. Upon sorafenib treatment, HCC cells acquired adaptive resistance by inducing autophagy. We found that DC661, a selective and potent small-molecule PPT1-inhibitor, induced lysosomal membrane permeability, caused lysosomal deacidification, inhibited autophagy and enhanced sorafenib sensitivity in HCC cells. Interestingly, this sensitization effect was also mediated by the induction mitochondrial pathway apoptosis. In addition, the expression level of PPT1 was associated with the immune infiltration in the HCC tumor microenvironment, and PPT1 inhibitor DC661 significantly enhanced the anti-tumor immune response by promoting dendritic cell maturation and further promoting CD8+ T cell activation. Moreover, DC661 combined with sorafenib was also very effective at treating xenograft models in immunized mice.
Conclusions
Our findings suggested that targeting PPT1 with DC661 in combination with sorafenib might be a novel and effective alternative therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Effectiveness of a Fortified Drink in Improving B Vitamin Biomarkers in Older Adults: A Controlled Intervention Trial
Authors: Heffernan Maria , Doherty Leanne C , Mendes Roberta Hack , Clarke Michelle , Hodge Stephanie , Clements Michelle , McAnena Liadhan , Rivelsrud Mari , Ward Mary , Strain JJ , Nulty Helene Mc , Brennan Lorraine 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOlder adults are reported to have sub-optimal B vitamin status; targeted food-based solutions may help to address this. The objectives of the OptiAge food intervention study were to develop and investigate the effectiveness of a B vitamin-fortified drink in improving B vitamin biomarkers in older Irish adults with a primary outcome of change in B vitamin biomarker concentrations.MethodsA multicentre double-blind randomised controlled trial was performed in University College Dublin and Ulster University. Participants aged > 50 years were recruited following screening for exclusion criteria i.e. taking medications known to interfere with B vitamin metabolism, supplements containing B vitamins, consuming >4 portions of B-vitamin fortified foods per week or diagnosed with gastrointestinal, liver or pulmonary disease. Recruited participants were randomised with gender and centre as factors in the randomisation to receive either B vitamin-fortified or placebo drinks (developed by Smartfish, Norway) daily for 16 weeks.ResultsA total of 95 participants were randomised, of which 81 commenced the trial. Of these, 70 completed - 37 in the active and 33 in the placebo groups. Intention to treat (ITT) analysis of the B vitamins demonstrated a significant improvement in all B vitamins biomarkers in the active compared to placebo groups (p<0.01 for Folate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, and Riboflavin). A significant lowering of plasma homocysteine from 11.9 (10.3-15.1) µmol/L to 10.6 (9.4-13.0) µmol/L (functional marker of B vitamin status) was also observed in response to the active treatment (P<0.001). Similar results were seen in a per-protocol analysis.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that a B vitamin-fortified drink was effective in optimising B vitamin status, making this a useful intervention strategy to improve B vitamin status in older adults. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN61709781. - Retrospectively registered, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN61709781
A Model to Facilitate Research Uptake in Health Care Practice and Policy Development for Low-resource Countries
Authors: sigudla jerry , Maritz Jeanette 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of numerous models for knowledge translation into health care practice and policy development, research uptake remains low in resource-limited countries. Recent reports have indicated that this trend of low research uptake is likely to continue for some time in low-resource countries unless initiatives to promote research uptake strategies consider challenges faced by these countries. This paper aimed to develop a tailored model to enable the optimal uptake of public health research findings for health care practice and policy development in a low-resource country.

APPROACH: The study used a two-phase exploratory sequential approach. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 21 participants. Quantitative data were collected through an online cross-sectional survey administered to 212 respondents who conducted research studies in the study area between 2014 to 2019.

HIGHLIGHTS: The findings indicated a lack of awareness of research results and champions to lead engagements among research stakeholders. Researchers also fail to align public health research projects to existing local contexts and available resources as well as establish and sustain beneficial collaboration between all research stakeholders. The survey indicated a total of 13 factors needed for research uptake, namely four individual factors (support, experience, motivation & time factor); four organisational factors (research agenda, funding, resources & partnerships), and five research characteristics factors (gatekeeping, local research committees, accessibility of evidence, quality of evidence and critical appraisal skills). The Spearman's correlation coefficient revealed that of the 13 factors, only six factors had a significant positive correlation with research uptake, namely: support, experience, motivation, time factor, resources, and critical appraisal skills.

CONCLUSION: In the context of research uptake for healthcare practice and policy development, we consider this model unique and appropriate for low-resource countries in that it integrated the PARIHS framework with the logical framework to streamline the research uptake process.
Keywords: Healthcare Policy, Healthcare Practice, Low-resource countries, Research Uptake, Model
Sensitivity Analysis of Biome-BGCMuSo for Gross and Net Primary Productivity of Typical Forests in China
Authors: Ren Hongge , Zhang Li , Yan Min , Tian Xin , Zheng Xingbo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Process-based models are widely used to simulate forest productivity, but complex parameterization and calibration challenge the application and development of these models. Sensitivity analysis of numerous parameters is an essential step in model calibration and carbon flux simulation. However, parameters are not dependent on each other, and the results of sensitivity analysis usually vary due to different forest types and regions. Hence, global and representative sensitivity analysis would provide reliable information for simple calibration. Methods: To determine the contributions of input parameters to gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP), regression analysis and extended Fourier amplitude sensitivity testing (EFAST) were conducted for Biome-BGCMuSo to calculate the sensitivity index of the parameters at four observation sites under climate gradient from ChinaFLUX. Results: Generally, GPP and NPP were highly sensitive to C:N leaf (C:N of leaves), W int (canopy water interception coefficient), k (canopy light extinction coefficient), FLNR (fraction of leaf N in Rubisco), MR pern (maintenance respiration in kg C/day per kg of tissue N), VPD f (vapor pressure deficit complete conductance reduction), and SLA1 (canopy average specific leaf area in phenological phase 1) at all observation sites. Various sensitive parameters occurred at four observation sites within different climate zones. GPP and NPP were particularly sensitive to FLNR, SLA1 and W int , and C:N leaf in temperate, alpine and subtropical zones, respectively. Conclusions: The results indicated that sensitivity parameters of China's forest ecosystems change with climate gradient. We found that parameter calibration should be performed according to plant functional type (PFT), and more attention needs to be paid to the differences in climate and environment. These findings contribute to determining the target parameters in field experiments and model calibration.
Robotic-assisted Thoracoscopic Resection of Anterior Mediastinal Cystic Teratoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ramcharran Harry , Wallen Jason 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMediastinal teratomas are rare tumors that most frequently occur in the anterior mediastinum. The majority of these tumors are benign and slow growing. Due to their low malignant potential, the treatment for these tumors is surgical resection. The surgical management has shifted from invasive approaches such as a sternotomy to minimally invasive ones such as robotic-assisted thoracoscopic resections. Though many cases of mediastinal teratomas have been reported, we present a rare case of a locally advanced mediastinal teratoma requiring patient repositioning and change in ventilatory management mid-procedure to facilitate complete resection.Case PresentationA 43 year-old female was found to have an anterior mediastinal mass during work-up for an intermittent cough in 2009. Chest imaging and biopsy at the time showed evidence of a cystic teratoma without concerning features. She underwent imaging surveillance until 2018, when chest imaging showed increasing growth and worrisome radiologic features concerning for malignant degeneration. She underwent an elective robotic-assisted thoracoscopic resection utilizing double lung ventilation, but due to extensive involvement of the right lung, pericardium, superior vena cava, and right phrenic nerve the patient had to be repositioned and started on single lung ventilation mid-procedure to facilitate a safe and complete resection.ConclusionsAnterior mediastinal teratomas can be successfully removed by robotic-assisted thoracoscopic resections utilizing single lung ventilation. Though robotic-assisted thoracoscopic resection utilizing double lung ventilation can be effective in performing lung wedge resections and pleural biopsies, it is limited in removing locally advanced mediastinal tumors.
A Near-natural Experiment on Factors Influencing Larval Drift in Salamandra Salamandra
Authors: Schafft Malwina , Wagner Norman , Schuetz Tobias , Veith Michael 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The larval stage of the European fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) inhabits both lentic and lotic habitats. In the latter, they are constantly exposed to unidirectional water flow, which has been shown to cause downstream drift in a variety of taxa. In this study, an artificial stream was used to examine the individual movement patterns of marked larval fire salamanders exposed to unidirectional flow with simulated flood events. Movements were tracked by marking the larvae with VIAlpha tags individually and by using downstream and upstream traps. Most individuals showed stationarity, while downstream drift dominated the overall movement pattern. Upstream movements were rare and occurred only on small distances of about 30 cm; downstream drift distances exceeded 10 m (until next downstream trap). The simulated flood events increased drift rates significantly, even days after the flood simulation experiments. Drift probability increased with decreasing body size and decreasing nutritional status.
Gelidiella Acerosacompounds Target NFKB Cascade in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Begum S.M.Fazeela Mahaboob , S.Hemalatha  
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In carcinogenesis, increased metabolism, abnormal functioning of mitochondria, peroxisomes, aberrant cell signaling and prolonged inflammation can result in the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In turn, excess ROS can upregulate the expression of various signaling pathways including the MAP kinase, PI3K/Akt and NFKB cascades in cancer. The constitutive expression of NFKB causes drug resistance in lung cancer. Hence, drugs that can enhance the antioxidant activity of enzymes and regulate the NFKB activity are of prime target to manage the drug resistance and inflammation in cancer. This study evaluated the effect of compounds present in ethyl acetate extract of Gelidiella acerosa on inflammation and on antioxidant enzymes in lung cancer. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined under in silicoandin vitro conditions. The in silico analysis showed that the phyto-constituents of G.acerosainhibit the IKBα-NFKB-p65-p50 complex in a similar way as that of doxorubicin and dexamethasone.Similarly,G.acerosatreatment enhanced the efficiency of antioxidant enzymes peroxidases and superoxide dismutase in A549 lung cancer cells. Further, the results of in vitro analysis showed that G.acerosa can inhibit the activation of NFKB, production of proinflammatory cytokines and upregulate the expression of IL 10. As inflammation causes cancer progression, the inhibition of inflammation inhibits tumorigenesis. Hence, based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that G.acerosa exerts anti- inflammatory activity through inhibition of NFKB cascade and moreover,the phyto-constituents ofG.acerosa may have the potential to treat cancer successfully.
Classification of Surgery-Related Language Impairments in Patients with Glioma Based on Tumor Locations
Authors: Fang Shengyu , Liang Yuchao , Li Lianwang , Wang Lei , Fan Xing , Wang Yinyan , Jiang Tao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
IntroductionMany patients with glioma experience surgery-related language impairment. This study developed a classification system to predict postoperative language prognosis.MethodsSixty-eight patients were retrospectively reviewed. Based on their location, tumors were subtyped as follows: I) inferior frontal lobe or precentral gyrus; II) posterior central gyrus or supramarginal gyrus (above the lateral fissure level); III) posterior region of the superior or middle temporal gyri or supramarginal gyrus (below the lateral fissure level); and IV) insular lobe. The distance from the tumor to the superior longitudinal fasciculus/arcuate fasciculus was calculated. The recovery of language function was assessed using the Western Aphasia Battery before surgery, and a comprehensive language test was conducted on the day of surgery; 3, 7, and 14 days later, and 3 months later.ResultsThirty-three patients experienced transient language impairment within 1 week of surgery. Fourteen patients had permanent language impairment. Type II tumors, shorter distance from the tumor to the posterior superior longitudinal fasciculus/arcuate fasciculus, and isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations were risk factors for surgery-related language impairment. Regarding the presence or absence of permanent surgery-related language impairments, the cut-off distance between the tumor and posterior superior longitudinal fasciculus/arcuate fasciculus was 2.75 mm.ConclusionsAccording to our classification, patients with type II tumors had the worst language prognosis and longest recovery time. Our classification, which is based on tumor location, can reliably predict postoperative language status and may be used to guide tumor resection.