bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MHC Class Ia Empowers MHC Class Ib-restricted CD8+ T Cells with Strong Tumoricidal Capacity
Authors: Shi Yufang , Li Qing , Lin Liangyu , Shou Peishun , Keli Liu , Xue Yueqing , Hu Mingyuan , Ling Weifang , Huang Yin , Du Liming , Zheng Chunxing , Wang Xuefeng , Zheng Fanjun , Zhang Tao , Wang Yu , Shao Changshun , Wang Ying 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The tumoricidal effects of CD8+T cells are well acknowledged, but how MHC Ib-restricted CD8+T (Ib-CD8+T) cells contribute to anti-tumor immunity remains obscure. Here, we show that infusion of MHC Ia+ cells to Kb-/-Db-/- mice induced the expansion of Ib-CD8+T cells in tumors and potently inhibited tumor progression. Such priming of Ib-CD8+T cells by MHC-Ia is not MHC haplotype restricted and MHC Ia tetramers alone can prime Ib-CD8+T cells for activation. The MHC Ia priming promoted Tbet expression in Ib-CD8+T cells and in absence of Tbet, such priming effect diminished. Importantly, these tumoricidal Ib-CD8+T cells are positive for CX3CR1, and exhibit rapid proliferation, high expression of cytotoxic factors, and prolonged persistence at tumor sites. Adoptive transfer of CX3CR1+Ib-CD8+T cells to wild type mice resulted in potent anti-tumor effects. Our findings unravel an uncharacterized function of MHC Ia molecules in immunoregulation and raise the possibility of using Ib-CD8+T cells in tumor immunotherapy.
Stability and transformation of metabolic syndrome in adolescents A prospective assessment in relation to the change of metabolic risk factors
Authors: Wu Pei-Wen , Lai Yi-Wen , Chin Yu-Ting , Tsai Sharon , Yang Tun-Min , Lin Wei-Ting , Lee Chun-Ying , Tsai Wei-Chung , Huang Hsiao-Ling , Seal David W. , Lee Chien-Hung 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background

Underlying pathophysiological mechanisms drive excessive clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors, causing metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, MetS status may transform as adolescents transition to young adulthood. This study evaluated the latent clustering structure and its stability for MetS during adolescence and investigated the determinants for MetS transformation over 2 years of follow-up.
Methods

A community-based representative adolescent cohort (n=1516) was evaluated for MetS using four diagnostic criteria and followed for 2.2 years to identify new-onset MetS. Factor analysis and polytomous logistic regression were separately applied to investigate the latent clustering structure for MetS and the relationship between changes in metabolic risk factors and transformations in MetS status.
Results

The clustering pattern of cardiometabolic parameters was comparable at baseline and follow-up surveys; both comprised a fat‒blood pressure‒glucose three-factor structure (total variance explained: 68.8% and 69.7%, respectively). Among adolescents who were MetS-negative at baseline, 3.2%‒4.4% had incident MetS after 2 years. Among adolescents who were MetS-positive at baseline, 52.0%‒61.9% experienced MetS remission, and 38.1%‒48.0% experienced MetS persistence. Increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) was associated with a higher risk of MetS incidence, and decreased SBP, triglycerides, and glucose levels were associated with MetS remission. Compared with adolescents with a normal metabolic status at baseline, those having an initial abnormal status in the five MetS components all had greater risks for persistent metabolic abnormality 2 years later, with abdominal obesity and increased triglycerides rendering a 15.0- and 5.7-fold risk, respectively.
Conclusions

The structure of cardiometabolic parameter clustering for MetS is stable during adolescence. Changes in metabolic risk factors affect typological transformation of adolescent MetS. Abnormal MetS components have a high probability of persisting. Early identification of each abnormal component and attendant intervention are vital in adolescents to minimize the future risk of cardiometabolic disorders.
Use of The WISN Method to Assess the Health Workforce Requirements for the High-volume Clinical Biochemical Laboratories
Authors: Stankovic Sanja , Milicevic Milena Santric 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: The clinical laboratory services, as an essential part of health care, require appropriate staff capacity to assure satisfaction and improve outcomes for both patients and clinical staff. This study aimed to apply the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) method for estimating required laboratory staff requirements for the high-volume clinical biochemical laboratories. Methods: In 2019, we applied the WISN method in all 13 laboratories within the Center for Medical Biochemistry of the University Clinical Centre of Serbia (CMB UCCS). A review of annual routinely collected statistics, laboratory processes observations, and structured interviews with lab staff helped identify their health service and additional activities and duration of these activities. The study outcomes were WISN based staff requirements, WISN ratio and difference, and a recommendation on the new staffing standards for two priority laboratory workers (medical biochemists and medical laboratory technicians).Results: Medical biochemists' and laboratory technicians' annual available working time in 2019 was 1508 and 1347 working hours, respectively, for the workload of 1,848,889 samples. In general, the staff has four health service, eight support, and 15 additional individual activities. Health service activities per sample can take from 1.2 to 12.6 min. Medical biochemists and medical laboratory technicians spend almost 70% and more than 80% of their available working time, undertaking health service activities. The WISN method revealed laboratory workforce shortages in the CMB (i.e., current 40 medical biochemists and 180 medical laboratory technicians as opposed to required 48 medical biochemists and 206 medical laboratory technicians). Workforce maldistribution regarding the laboratory workload contributes to a moderate-high workload pressure of medical biochemists in five and medical laboratory technicians in nine organizational units.Conclusions: The WISN method showed mainly a laboratory workforce shortages and workload pressure in the CMB UCCS. WISN is a simple, easy-to-use method that can help decision-makers and policymakers prioritize the recruitment and equitable allocation of laboratory workers, optimize their utilization, and develop normative guidelines in the field of clinical laboratory diagnostics. WISN estimates require periodic reviews.
KRT17 Facilitates Proliferation, Migration and Invasion in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Regulating mTOR/S6K1 pathway
Authors: Liu Lei , Shao Mengqi , Wang Youyu , Li Gang , Xie Shenglong , Jia Kegang , Feng Gang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies worldwide which originates from the malignant transformation of esophageal epithelial cells. Dysregulated expression of Keratin17 (KRT17) has been claimed in a variety of malignancies, while its role in ESCC remains unclear. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the potential function and underlying molecular mechanism of KRT17 in ESCC.MethodsData-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) workflow was used to analysis KRT17 expression between ESCC and adjacent non-cancerous esophageal tissues. The online database gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) was used to further determine the differential expression of KRT17 in tissues. The function of KRT17 in ESCC was tested on two human esophageal cancer cell lines (EC9706 and ECA109). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to inhibit KRT17 expression. Cell proliferation was examined by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) reagent, colony formation assay, cell cycle distribution analysis and apoptosis. Cell migration was examined by transwell and wound healing assay. Cell invasion was also examined by transwell assay. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to evaluate protein and mRNA levels, respectively.ResultsKRT17 expression was higher in cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. Transfected with siKRT17 attenuated protein and mRNA levels of KRT17, inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion, and decreased mTOR/S6K1 phosphorylation levels in EC9706 and ECA109.ConclusionKRT17 facilitates proliferation, migration and invasion in ESCC cells, and these cell viability functions were mediated by mTOR/S6K1 pathway.
Technoeconomic Evaluation of Recent Process Improvements in Production of Sugar and High-Value Lignin Co-Products via Two-Stage Cu-Catalyzed Alkaline-Oxidative Pretreatment
Authors: Yuan Zhaoyang , Bals Bryan D. , Hegg Eric L. , Hodge David B. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background

A lignocellulose-to-biofuel biorefinery process that enables multiple product streams is recognized as a promising strategy to improve the economics of this biorefinery and to accelerate technology commercialization. We recently identified an innovative pretreatment technology that enables of the production of sugars at high yields while simultaneously generating a high-quality lignin stream that has been demonstrated as both a promising renewable polyol replacement for polyurethane applications and is highly susceptible to depolymerization into monomers. This technology comprises a two-stage pretreatment approach that includes an alkaline pre-extraction followed by a metal-catalyzed alkaline-oxidative pretreatment. Our recent work demonstrated that H2O2 and O2 act synergistically as co-oxidants during the alkaline-oxidative pretreatment and could significantly reduce the pretreatment chemical input while maintaining high sugar yields, high lignin yields, and improvements in lignin usage.
Results

This study considers the economic impact of these advances and provides strategies that could lead to additional economic improvements for future commercialization. The results of the technoeconomic analysis (TEA) demonstrated that adding O2 as a co-oxidant at 50 psig for the alkaline-oxidative pretreatment and reducing the raw material input reduced the minimum fuel selling price from $1.08/L to $0.85/L, assuming recoverable lignin is used as a polyol replacement. If additional lignin can be recovered and sold as more valuable monomers, the minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) can be further reduced to $0.73/L.
Conclusions

The present work demonstrated that high sugar and lignin yields combined with low raw material inputs and increasing the value of lignin could greatly increase the economic viability of a poplar-based biorefinery. Continued research on integrating sugar production with lignin valorization is thus warranted to confirm this economic potential as the technology matures.
Diel Activity Patterns of Two Distinct Populations of Aedes Aegypti in Miami, FL and Brownsville, TX
Authors: Mutebi John-Paul , Wilke André Barretto Bruno , Ostrum Erik , Vasquez Chalmers , Cardenas Gabriel , Carvajal Augusto , Moreno Maday , Petrie William D. , Rodriguez Arturo , Presas Henry , Rodriguez Jesus , Barnes Fred , Hamer Gabriel L. , Juarez Jose , Vitek Christopher J. , Beier John C. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The diel biting activity of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L) populations was extensively investigated in the early 1900s to gain more information on the biology of Ae. aegypti, and this information was used to devise effective approaches to controlling populations of this species and protect the human population from widespread arbovirus outbreaks. However, few contemporary studies are available regarding the diel activity patterns of Ae. aegypti. To assess the diel activity patterns of Ae. aegypti in southern Florida and Texas, we conducted 96-hour uninterrupted mosquito collections once each month from May through November 2019 in Miami, Florida, and Brownsville, Texas, using BG-Sentinel 2 Traps. The overall diel activity pattern in both cities was bimodal with morning and evening peak activity between 7:00 and 8:00 and between 19:00 and 20:00. There were significant daily, monthly, seasonal, and site-specific differences in activity patterns, but these differences did not affect the overall peak activity times. These differences suggest daily, monthly, seasonal, and site-specific variations in human exposure to Ae. aegypti. Our observations can be used in planning and executing Ae. aegypti vector control activities in southern Florida and Texas, especially those targeting the adult mosquito populations.
Medical Factors Associated With Fracture Nonunion: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Rongrong , Wang Dawei , Chen Zheng , Ma Jingyu , Wang Lili , Wang Yong , Bai Xiaohui 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Nonunion is one of the medical conditions challenging the trauma specialists. Timely identification of people at high risk of nonunion is important to improve the prognosis of patients.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the demographic and laboratory hematological characteristics of 338 patients with either clavicle or femoral fractures treated with ORIF in Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University from January 2010 to May 2019. Descriptive statistics, univariate regression analysis, and multivariate regression analysis were conducted to confirm the independent factors associated with nonunion after ORIF.Results: The overall nonunion rate among the patients investigated in this study was ~6.8%, while the nonunion rates were 5.6% and 10.3% in clavicle and the femur fractures, respectively. Results of the univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the serum fibrinogen concentration (FIB), the hemoglobin count (HGB), the lymphocyte absolute value (LYMPH), the coefficient of variation of red blood cell distribution width (RDW-CV), the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and the mechanism of injury were related to the occurrence of nonunion (p < 0.05). Results of the multivariate regression analysis showed that FIB (OR = 1.64, 95% CI of 1.14 to 2.36, p < 0.01), LYMPH (OR = 0.34, 95% CI of 0.15 to 0.77, p < 0.01), ASA classification (OR = 3.52, 95% CI of 1.20 to 10.31, p = 0.02), and injury mechanism (OR=3.13, 95% CI of 1.20 to 8.21, p = 0.02) were independently associated with the occurrence of nonunion.Conclusions: Our study has revealed that FIB, LYMPH, ASA classification, and injury mechanism are independently related to the occurrence of nonunion after ORIF, providing important guidance for clinicians to identify patients with high risk of nonunion in time, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life of patients.
Development and Feasibility of a Group, Household Level Intervention To Improve Preconception Health in Rural Nepal.
Authors: Diamond-Smith Nadia G , Mitchell Ashley , Cornell Alia , Dahal Minakshi , Gopalakrishnan Lakshmi , Johnson Mallory , Weiser Sheri , Puri Mahesh 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: In a setting such as Nepal with malnutrition and persistent poor maternal and infant health outcomes, developing interventions to improve the nutrition of preconception and pregnant women is essential. Aside from factors related to access and knowledge about diverse and adequate diets, inequitable gender norms and women’s low status and autonomy also feed into a lack of emphasis on women’s nutrition.Methods: In this paper we describe the three phases of the design of an intervention for newly married women, their husbands, and mothers-in-law in rural Nepal. We first discuss findings from a mixed methods formative phase, and how that fed into the design of the intervention itself, in close partnership with community members. We the describe the intervention, and findings from a mixed methods feasibility and acceptability pilot among 90 participants.Results: Our formative work highlighted not just lack of awareness about nutrition, but also how factors such as women eating last, and limited mobility, played into poor diets. Low lack of communication and household and community inequitable gender norms were also important factors. Thus we designed Sumadhur, an intervention that brought groups of households (newly married wife, husband, and mother-in-law) together weekly for 4 months to strengthen relationships and gain knowledge through interactive content. We found Sumadhur to be highly feasible and acceptable by all respondents, with most (83%) attending 80% of sessions or more, the majority (73%) of participants reported “no difficulties” in attending sessions, and 99% reporting that they would like it to continue. Pre/post surveys showed a decrease in the proportion of women of women eating last and increase in knowledge about nutrition in preconception and pregnant. Qualitative interviews suggested that respondents felt it made large impacts on their lives, in terms of strengthening relationships and trust, understanding each other, and changing behaviors.Conclusions: We show how a designing an intervention in close partnership with the target recipients and local stakeholders can lead to an intervention that is able to target complicated and culturally held practices and beliefs, positively benefit health and wellbeing, and that is very well received.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04383847, registered 05/12/2020https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT04383847?view=results
Activation of the GTPase ARF6 regulates Invasion of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Stimulating MMP14 Activity
Authors: Fiola-Masson Emilie , Artigalas Julie , Campbell Shirley , Claing Audrey 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Hormones and growth factors stimulate vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) invasive capacities during the progression of atherosclerosis. The GTPase ARF6 is an important regulator of migration and proliferation of various cell types, but whether this small G protein can be activated by a variety of stimuli to promote invasion of VSMC remains unknown. Here, we aimed to define whether Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a mitogenic stimulant of vascular tissues, and Angiotensin II (Ang II), a potent vasoactive peptide, can result in the activation of ARF6 in a human model of aortic SMC (HASMC). We report that these two stimuli can promote loading of GTP on this ARF isoform. Knockdown of ARF6 reduced the ability of both PDGF and Ang II to promote invasion suggesting that this GTPase regulates key molecular mechanisms mediating degradation of the extracellular matrix and migration. We report that PDGF-BB-mediated stimulation of ARF6 results in the activation of the MAPK/ERK1/2, PI3K/AKT and PAK pathways essential for invasion of HASMC. However, Ang II-mediated stimulation of ARF6 only promotes activation of the MAPK/ERK1/2 and PAK pathways. These ARF6-mediated signaling cascades leads to activation of MMP14, which in turns controls the activity of MMP2 to degrade the extracellular matrix. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that the GTPase ARF6 acts as a molecular switch to regulate specific signaling pathways that coordinate the process of invasion.
Sustainable Microwave Assisted Synthesis And Anti-Proliferative Response of Starch-Based CNT-IO and CNT-ZO Nanocomposites: A Comparative Study
Authors: Reddy G. Deepthi , Haseena M. , Noorjahan M. , Ratnamala A. , Naidu Chandra Babu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Starch based Carbon nanotubes-iron oxide (CNT-IO) and Carbon Nanotubes-Zirconium oxide (CNT-ZO) Nanocomposites (NCs) were fabricated by using facile microwave irradiation technique from different plant-based starch sources namely Tapioca sago (TS), Hordeum vulgare (HV) and Eleusina coracona (EC) and metal oxide precursor solutions. These NCs were studied using different characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. The Structural morphology of Starch based CNT-IO and CNT-ZO NCs observed like a rolled tubular structures and exhibiting strong blue luminescence with the charge transfer between CNT and Metal oxide. We have evaluated the anti-proliferative and anti-oxidant activity of starch-based CNT-IO and CNT-ZO NCs using MCF-7 cell line compared with the standard drug camptothecin and DPPH assay. Among the various NCs studied antiproliferative activity, CNT-IO and CNT-ZO obtained from starch source Eleusina coracona was effective with IC 50 values of 12.3 and 18.2 µg/mL respectively. Moreover, the enhanced radical scavenging activity has also been observed for these NCs.
The potential diagnostic use of clinical characteristics and mitochondrial DNA copy numbers of peripheral blood and ovarian tissue in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patient
Authors: Song Yi , Deng Yan , Chung Pui Wah Jacqueline , Li Tin Chiu , Wang Chi Chiu , Li Hu , Yang Tao , Sui Yi , TANG Tao 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex, heterogeneous syndrome of uncertain etiology characterized by hyperandrogenemia, hyperinsulinemia, chronic anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. Recent studies showed that the abnormalities of mitochondrial metabolism are related to PCOS. We hypothesized that mtDNA copy number is an important marker that can reflect mitochondrial function. In this study, 135 PCOS patients and 57 age-matched healthy participants were studied. Mitochondrial DNA copy number in peripheral blood and PCOS ovarian tissues, and some clinical parameters were assessed. From the single factor analysis, we can find some clinical parameters are different between PCOS and healthy women and the mitochondrial DNA copy numbers in peripheral blood in PCOS women were significantly lower than in healthy women. We also found that there was no correlation between mtDNA copy numbers in peripheral blood and in ovarian tissue. After multiple logistic regressions, we identified the occurrence of PCOS was significantly positively correlated with BMI and pulse, and negatively correlated with mitochondrial DNA copy numbers in peripheral blood. We also found the decreased mtDNA copy numbers in PCOS patients are independent of these clinical parameters. We constructed the ROC curve based on these risk factors and found if they have potential to predict the patient’s outcome. In conclusion, the changes in mtDNA copy number and some clinical parameters may provide new ideas for PCOS diagnosis. More studies are necessary for further validation of their use in PCOS diagnosis.
WITHDRAWN: Conceptual Research and Verification of a Single-stage High-precision Pointing Technology
Authors: Du Yong-Gang , Wang Yu-Lin , Wang Xue-song , Yan Chun-Jie 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
High-precision pointing plays a critical role in optical equipment and laser communication systems. In order to reach the level of sub mrad for pointing accuracy, a two-stage pointing technology is currently widely used. However, this results in significant technical complexity. Therefore, the realization of a high-precision pointing technology under single-stage control is highly challenging. In this study, we find that erase the floating errors of the middle link of the mechanism can effectively improve the pointing accuracy. Based on this assumption, we propose the concept of a single-stage high-precision pointing technology and also establish its mathematical model of drive and an error elimination algorithm. Using modern computer technology, we study the working principle of this single-stage high-precision pointing technology in detail. We also build a prototype and test its performance. The test results show that the uniaxial error of the prototype is no greater than 0.004°, while its spatial synthetic error is no greater than 0.006° and the stability time is less than 100 ms. The test results show that this concept is completely feasible. It is also found that the accuracy of the pointing system can further be improved when the vibration is suppressed, which also represents an important concept for further research. We anticipate that an ultra-high-precision pointing system with single-stage control will be established in the near future.