bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chromatin Accessibility Reveals Potential Prognostic Value of the Peak Set Associated with Smoking History in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liang Han , Deng Jianlian , Luo Tian , Luo Huijuan , Wu Xuan , Ye Yiwang , Wang Shubin , Li Fuqiang , Wu Kui , Lin Cong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Considerable differences in molecular characteristics have been defined between non-smoker and smokers in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), yet studies of open chromatin patterns associated with LUAD progression caused by smoking are still lacking. Here, we constructed a novel network based on correlations between each ATAC-seq peak from TCGA data using our previously developed algorithm. Subsequently, principal component analysis was performed on LUAD samples with retained peaks filtered by the correlation network and pathway analysis was conducted for potential pathways identification. We identified a set of peaks that discriminated smokers in LUAD patients according to levels of exposure to tobacco quantified in pack-years, and also significantly associated with progression-free survival and overall survival of these patients. We then investigated the gene set related to those peaks and found that the comprising genes are strongly associated with LUAD development, such as B3GNT3, ACTN4 and CLDN3. They are consistent with the important roles for the associated pathways in LUAD oncogenesis induced by smoking, including glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and tight junction pathways. In summary, our study may provide valuable insights on exploration of ATAC-seq peaks and on smoking-related LUAD carcinogenesis from a perspective of open chromatin changes.
Early Quality of Life Outcomes In Head And Neck Cancer Survivors With EORTC QLQ-C30 And EORTC QLQ-HN35 In An Asian Tertiary Center
Authors: Kao Nern Hoong , Iyer Gopalakrishna , Chua Alice Foong Sin , Nagadia Rahul Harshad 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background The objective of the study was to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of head and neck cancer survivors after treatment and to identify patients’ main concerns. The study also aims to establish pre-treatment reference values particularly for the Asian patient. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Head and Neck module (EORTC QLQ-HN35) were used for objective evaluation.Methods Patients planned for elective surgery for head and neck cancers were enrolled in the study. The questionnaires were completed at pre-treatment and at 6 months after surgery. Results were compared with previously published reference values. Results 140 patients completed both questionnaires. Locally advanced tumour and extent of surgery [tracheostomy (p<0.01), surgical flap (p<0.01)] were associated with lower global health scores. Adjuvant treatment was also a contributory factor (p<0.01). Dysphagia and social eating was a primary concern within our population. Conclusion Treatment of head and neck cancers is safe but there is poor QOL in the early post-treatment period especially with eating. Previously published data suggests improvement after a year.
Disposable Medical Masks: Environmental Costs
Authors: TÜRKMEN BURÇİN ATILGAN 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A massive increase in the use and production of masks worldwide has been seen in the current COVID-19 pandemic, which has contributed to reducing the transmission of the virus globally. This paper aims to evaluate the environmental impacts of disposable medical masks using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method, first for the selected functional unit related to the manufacturing of one disposable medical mask and then for the global manufacturing of this type of mask in 2020. The inventory data was constructed directly from the industry. The system boundaries include the fabric, nose wire, and ear loops parts, transportation of materials, body making, ultrasonic vending, and packaging steps. The results suggest that the global warming potential of a disposable medical mask is 0.02 g CO2-Eq. for which the main contributor is the packaging step (44%) followed by the life cycle of fabric (27%), and nose wire (14%) parts. In total, 52 billion disposable medical masks used worldwide consumes 25 TJ of energy in 2020. The global warming potential of disposable medical masks supplied in a year of the COVID-19 pandemic is 1.1 Mt CO2 eq., equivalent to around 1.3 billion return flights from Istanbul to New York. This paper assessed the hotspots in the medical mask, allowing for a significant reduction in the environmental impact of mask use. This can be used as a roadmap for future mask designs.
RBP-J Deficiency Promoted The Proliferation and Differentiation of CD133-Positive Ependymal Cells In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Ye Xin , Li Mengyi , Bian Wei , Li Junwei , Zhang Ting , Zhou Peng , Cui Huairui , Ding Yu-Qiang , Qi Shuangshuang , Wu Anting , Liao Min , Sun Chenyou 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Although the ependymal cells were reported to have the characteristics of neural stem cells (NSCs), the properties of CD133-ependymal cells have not been uncovered, in particular, it is largely unknown about the effect of Notch signaling pathway on the neurogenesis of CD133-positive ependymal cells. By using the transgenic mouse and primarily cultured ependymal cells, we found that the immunoreactivity for prominin-1/CD133 was exclusively localized in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and ependymal layer of ventricles, moreover, most CD133-positive ependymal cells were co-labeled with Nestin. In addition, RBP-J, a key nuclear effector of Notch signaling pathway, was highly active in CD133-positive ependymal cells. Our results demonstrated that CD133-positive ependymal cells can differentiate into the immature and mature neurons, in particular, the number of CD133-positive ependymal cells differentiating into the immature and mature neurons was significantly increased following the deficiency or interference of RBP-J in vivo or in vitro. By using real-time qPCR and Western blot, we found that RBP-J and Hes1 were down-regulated while Notch1 was up-regulated in the expression levels of mRNAs and proteins following the deficiency or interference of RBP-J in vivo or in vitro. These results demonstrated RBP-J deficiency promoted the proliferation and differentiation of CD133-positive ependymal cells. Therefore, we speculated that RBP-J could maintain CD133-positive ependymal cells in the characteristics of NSCs possibly by regulating Notch1/RBP-J/Hes1 pathway.
Processing of Orange Peel Biomass waste of Juice Industries and Valorization to Smart Acoustic Material
Authors: Nath Ganeswar , Singh Priyanka P 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Non-destructive technique like ultrasonication has played crucial role in fabrication of effective graded acoustic material using carbon rich organic waste material. The peculiar structural configuration inside the fibrous material like orange peel have attract the researcher to create special interest in designing of some building acoustic material as well as many technological products. The noise reduction property of orange peel fibres of different particle size has been improved considerably after ultrasonically mercerization of NaOH.High penetrating and dispersive property of ultrasonic wave to assemble and regrouping among the fibrous material are quite remarkable for enhancing noise attenuation inside the composite. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectra(EDS), Fourier Transform Infra-Red(FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction(XRD) analysis of both untreated and treated orange peel fibre of different particle size indicate the deformation in cellulose as well as anti cellulose with the aid of ultrasonicationpermits the composites to be a suitable acoustic material. The result confirm that ultrasonic treated composite has potential to absorb 88.6% of sound which makes it a class- B noiseabsorber with peripheral mechanism within the composite.
Financial Management Practices And Profitability of Small Scale Enterprises Uganda, A Case of Kabale Municipality
Authors: Eton Marus , Mwosi Fabian , Mpora Eliab Byamukama , Ogwel Bernard Patrick 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine how financial Management Practices affect profitability amongst small scale enterprises. The study adopted descriptive and correlational research designs. The study used a multi regression analysis that determined the linear effect of financial management practices on profitability. A multi regression model also provided a basis for hypothesis testing. The findings established a significant influence of financial management practices on profitability. Evidence showed that working capital and cash management practices had strong associations with profitability. This study also established a triad-factor that limits profitability, characterizing operational costs, microeconomic, and personal characteristics. This study provided empirical evidence on the contribution of the innovation theory and managerial efficiency theory of profits to management of operational and production costs in business. The study recommends that Small business firms should ensure sound financial management practices in order to experience positive changes in their profitability levels. Small scale enterprise owners must pay a lot of attention to their working capital dynamics, cash management which highly affect their profitability levels. Small scale entrepreneurs should hire professionals and experts in financial management.
Physiological and Genetic Response Characteristics of Stenotrophomonas Rhizophila JC1 Under Heavy Metal Stress
Authors: Sun Shangchen , Zhang Kexin , Wu Yamiao , Wang Yonggang , Chen Jixiang , Leng Feifan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this study, the Cu2+ (120 mg/L) and Cr6+(80 mg/L) removal rate of S. rhizophila JC1 reached at 79.9% and 89.3%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed that Pb2+ and Zn2+ had no obvious effect on cell structure, but the cells became smaller and brighter under Cu2+ stress, and many nanoparticles formed on the cell surface under Cr6+ stress. The physiological response analyses demonstrated that moderate change of membrane permeability was necessary for adsorption. FI-IR and EDS analyses showed that exopolysaccharides (EPS) and the replacement of basic elements (ie., C, O) might be the main means of heavy metals adsorption by strain. In addition, 323 transport proteins were predicted in the genome of S. rhizophila JC1. Among them, two, six and five proteins of the cation diffusion facilitator, resistance-nodulation-division efflux and P-type ATPase families were respectively predicted. The expression of genes showed that the synergistic action of transport proteins played an important role in the process of adsorption. The comparative genomics analysis revealed that S. rhizophila JC1 has long-distance evolutionary relationships with other strains, but the efflux system of S. rhizophila JC1 contained the same types of metal transport proteins as other metal-resistant bacteria.
Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation Decreases Incidence of Liver Cancer in End-Stage Liver Disease Patients: A Retrospective Analysis Over 5 Years
Authors: Luo Le , Lai Cun-You , Feng Tian-Hang , Yao Yu-Tong , Xue Hua , Xiang Guang-Ming , Zou Hai-Bo , Luo Lan-Yun , Wang Guan , Huang Xiao-Lun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is the final stage of a liver disease, which is characterized by liver cirrhosis. ESLD largely increases possibility of liver cancers in the world. The stem cell transplantation has become an emerging therapy to treat various liver diseases including ESLD, while whether it causes liver cancer remains unclear. The study aims to analysis the long-term therapeutic effect of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) transplantation in ESLD patients. Patients and Methods: 50 ELSD patients of non-UC-MSCs transplantation and 45 ELSD patients of UC-MSCs transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical outcomes in clinical and biochemical data, complications, and quality of life were recorded at 3, 6, 12, 36, and 60 months. Results: It was found that the incidence of liver cancer was much lower in ESLD patients with UC-MSCs transplantation than in ESLD patients without UC-MSCs transplantation (12% VS 2.2%). The survival percentage was improved by treatment with UC-MSCs transplantation compared with non-UC-MSCs transplantation in ESLD patients during the five years follow-up. The inflammation and fibrosis scores were decreased in the ESLD patients with UC-MSCs transplantation. The liver cirrhosis was largely improved, and Child-Pugh scores were decreased. Conclusions: UC-MSCs transplantation is able to decrease the risks of liver cancers in ELSD patients. The reduction of liver cancer incidence might be related to decrease of inflammation by UC-MSCs transplantation. More efforts should be investigated towards increasing the number of patients and follow-up time to further verify the therapeutic benefits of UC-MSCs translations in treating liver cancers.
Forecasting CO2 Emissions Due To Electricity Power Generation In Bahrain
Authors: Qader Mohammed Redha , Khan Shahnawaz , Kamal Mustafa , Usman Muhammad , Haseeb Mohammad 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Global warming is one of the biggest challenges among the leaders and scientists from developed and developing countries. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have given the boost to the amount of greenhouse gases’ emission. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a significant of greenhouse gases and is the major contributing factor for global warming. CO2 emissions concentrations in the atmosphere have increased by 47% over the past 170 years due to human activities. As per Doha amendment of the Kyoto protocol in 2012, the target for maximum CO2 emission per capita for Bahrain was set to 20.96 metric ton for 2020. However, the current amount of CO2 emission per capita is 21.64 metric ton as of 2019. This research has applied multiple methods such as neural network time series nonlinear autoregressive, Gaussian Process Regression and Holt’s methods for CO2 emission forecasting. It attempts to forecast the CO2 emission of Bahrain. These methods are evaluated for performance. Neural network model has the RMSE of merely 0.206 while the GPR-RQ model has RMSE of 1.0171 and Holt’s method has RMSE of 1.4096. Therefore, it can be concluded that neural network time series nonlinear autoregressive model has performed better for forecasting the CO2 emission of Bahrain.
Analysis of The Expression And Prognosis For Leukocyte Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Subfamily B In Human Liver Cancer
Authors: Fan Jing , Wang Lili , Chen Miao , Zhang Jiakang , Li Jiayan , Song Fangnan , Gu Aidong , Yin Dandan , Yi Yongxiang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B (LILRB), including 5 subtypes, is a group of inhibitory receptors in immune system. The LILRB family is known to be involved in the tumor progression of various cancer types, especially liver cancer. However, the expression patterns and prognostic values of LILRB family members in liver cancer tissues remain unclear.Methods: We used the Oncomine database, GEPIA database, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, Timer, TISIDB and cBioPortal to assess the expression and prognostic value of the LILRB family in liver cancer patients. We also verified the expression of the LILRB family in tumor tissues and tumor-free liver tissues at the protein level by using immunohistochemistry. The STRING website was used to explore the interaction between the LILRB family and their related genes. The DAVID database was used to perform the GO and KEGG analyses. Flow cytometry was used to assess the infiltrated NK cells in liver cancer tissues.Results: Our study revealed that the mRNA expression of LILRB1, LILRB2, LILRB3 and LILRB5 was downregulated, while compared with normal tissues, the mRNA expression of LILRB4 was upregulated in liver cancer tissues. Survival analysis revealed that LILRB2 and LILRB5 mRNA expression levels were significantly associated with OS and DSS and that the mRNA expression of all LILRB family members was significantly correlated with RFS and PFS. Next, we further found that the mRNA expression of all LILRB family members was significantly associated with the infiltration of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and neutrophil dendritic cells in liver cancer. Finally, GO and KEGG analyses found that the LILRB family and its related genes were involved in antigen processing and presentation and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways.Conclusions: Our study suggested that LILRB family expression was associated with the prognosis of liver cancer patients and infiltrated immune cells. The LILRB family might be involved in antigen processing and presentation and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways.
Flexible All-biomass Gas Sensor based on Doped Carbon Quantum Dots/nonwoven Cotton with Discriminative Function
Authors: wu zhaofeng , Zhang Min , Cao Shuai , Wang Long , Qin Zhangjie , Zhong Furu , Duan Haiming 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) co-doped with N, P and S derived from expired milk was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. Through the hydrogen bond interaction between CQDs and cellulose of pure cotton face towel (PCFT), CQDs were uniformly anchored on the cotton fibers to form a flexible all-biomass CQDs/PCFT sensor for the first time. Due to the heteroatom doping, extremely small particle size of CQDs and excellent permeability of CQDs/PCFT film, the flexible CQDs/PCFT sensor showed the high sensitivity and bending stability. In the range of 0 ~ 60o bending states, the responses of flexible CQDs/PCFT sensor to four target analytes changed by less 5%. Interestingly, due to the abundant functional groups and defects of CQDs, the flexible CQDs/PCFT sensor displayed sensing curves of different shapes for different target analytes. In this way, by establishing a database of sensing curves of target analytes, multiple analytes can be detected discriminatively by relying only on single sensor with the help of image recognition. In addition, the binary parameter method of response and response time was created, which also showed that a single sensor could achieve the discriminative detection. This work expanded the application of biomass CQDs and cellulose, and made a useful exploration for environment friendly flexible gas sensor.
Mycelium chemistry differs markedly between ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Huang Weilin , Bodegom Peter , Declerck Stéphane , Heinonsalo Jussi , Cosme Marco , Viskari Toni , Liski Jari , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The chemical quality of soil carbon (C) inputs is a major factor controlling litter decomposition and soil C dynamics. Mycorrhizal fungi constitute one of the dominant pools of soil microbial C, while their litter quality is understood poorly, leading to the major uncertainties in estimating soil C dynamics. For the first time, we examined chemical recalcitrance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal species using fungal samples obtained from in vitro cultivation. We show that the chemical composition of AM and EM fungal mycelium differs significantly: EM fungi have higher concentrations of labile (water-soluble, ethanol-soluble) and recalcitrant (non-extractable) chemical components, while AM fungi have higher concentrations of acid-hydrolysable components. Our results imply that differences in chemical decomposability traits among mycorrhizal fungal guilds represent a critically important driver of the soil C cycle, which could be as vital as is recognized for differences among aboveground plant litter.
Hesitancy Towards COVID-19 Vaccine Among Older People in Luzhou, China: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ren Jianlan , Zheng Yu , Luo Yue , Li Mei , Xie Rendie , Zhang Daiying 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background:Vaccination is one of the most effective and low-cost health measures to prevent COVID-19. Vaccine hesitancy is an obstacle to COVID-19 vaccination. Objective:This study aims to inform the vaccine hesitancy and analyze related factors towards COVID-19 vaccination among elderly in Luzhou, so as to provide suggestions for increasing vaccines uptake. Methods:A face-to-face questionnaire cross-sectional survey was conducted among the elderly people over 60 years old in Luzhou City in April 2021 by multi-stage sampling method. Results: A total of 1047 valid questionnaires were received. 42.0%（440/1047）vaccine hesitancy was reported among elderly in total. Female (OR=1.282, 95%CI:1.003-1.649), live in the rural (OR=3.659, 95%CI:2.813-4.758), poor health (OR=2.318, 95%CI:1.473-3.649), individuals not having regular medical check-ups (OR=2.669, 95%CI:2.072-3.437) and no history of self-funded influenza vaccination ( OR=2.408, 95% CI:1.656-3.502) reported slightly higher vaccine hesitancy. Being in low-risk areas and no need to get vaccinated (OR=16.877, 95%CI:11.750-24.242), being considered that the current protective measures had been able to avoid infection (OR=5.539, 95%CI:3.596-8.532), being considered that the natural immunity get from the disease was better than getting COVID-19 vaccine (OR=5.297, 95%CI:3.666-7.653), being concerned about side effects (OR=5.155, 95%CI:3.655-7.270) and being concerned that the vaccine was ineffective (OR=10.244, 95%CI:6.831-15.362) had higher prevalence of vaccine hesitancy. Those who believing the COVID-19 vaccine was safe and reliable (OR=0.075, 95%CI:0.044-0.130), the vaccine was free (OR=0.466, 95%CI:0.312-0.697) and individuals with higher education (OR=0.189, 95%CI:0.126-0.284) were more willing to get vaccinated. Conclusion: Confidence in vaccines and perceptions of benefits and risk are associated with vaccine hesitancy. It’s very important to strengthen vaccine health literacy education for older people and enhance vaccine confidence. Countries need to supervise the public opinions in social media, television broadcasting and other media, so as to ensure the correct orientation of public opinion. Open and transparent evidence-based information is also needed which can help improve the vaccination coverage rate of the public.