bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNF213 inhibits metastasis via mediating KRT16 ubiquitination in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pei Xiaofeng , Liu Xiaoli , Zeng Huanwen , Zeng Fangfang , Wei Chunren , Zhang Zhaoyuan , Chen Nan , Zhang Hongyu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) accounts for 40% of NSCLC. Ring finger protein 213(RNF213) has been shown to inhibit the progression of many different cancers including glioblastoma and breast cancer. However, the role of RNF213 in LUAD has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RNF213 on the progression of LUAD.
Methods：The expression of RNF213 in LUAD tissues was analyzed by western blot, TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and GTEx (Genotype_Tissue Expression Project) databases. Kaplan-Meier Plotter database was used to predict the clinical significance of RNF213 in LUAD. We determined the role of RNF213 in LUAD cell lines through migration and invasion assay. The relationship of RNF213 and KRT16 were demonstrated via co-immunoprecipitation, ubiquitination, protein degradation assay and immunoblotting. We next confirmed the oncogenetic role of KRT16 using migration and rescue assay. The clinical roles of RNF213 and KRT16 were explored by immunohistochemical staining assay (IHC) and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.
Results Our data manifested that RNF213 expression was reduced in LUAD, thereby suppressing LUADmetastasis. The molecular study revealed that RNF213 functions by promoting KRT16 ubiquitination. IHC data analysis showed that KRT16 was negatively correlated with RNF213 protein expression, and downregulation of RNF213 was associated with poor overall survival.
Conclusion RNF213 is a tumor suppressor that inhibits metastasis of LUAD by mediating KRT16 ubiquitination.
Akaluc/AkaLumine bioluminescence system enables highly sensitive, non-invasive and temporal monitoring of gene expression in Drosophila
Authors: Chihara Takahiro , Ito Akira , Matsuda Nagisa , Ukita Yumiko , Okumura Misako 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Bioluminescence generated by luciferase and luciferin has been extensively used in biological research. However, detecting signals from deep tissues in vivo poses a challenge to traditional methods. To overcome this, the Akaluc and AkaLumine bioluminescent systems were developed, resulting in improved signal detection. We evaluated the potential of Akaluc/AkaLumine in Drosophila melanogaster to establish a highly sensitive, non-invasive, and temporal detection method for gene expression. Our results showed that oral administration of AkaLumine to flies expressing Akaluc provided a higher luminescence signal than Luc/D-luciferin, with no observed harmful effects on flies. The Akaluc/AkaLumine system allows for monitoring of dynamic temporal changes in gene expression. Additionally, using the Akaluc fusion protein and fusion gene allows for protein level and mRNA splicing monitoring. Our findings indicate that the Akaluc/AkaLumine system is a powerful bioluminescence tool for analyzing gene and protein expression in deep tissues and small numbers of cells in Drosophila.
Individual and combinatorial effects of stiffness and electrical conductivity on host-immune responses to conductive hydrogels
Authors: Lee Jae Young , Lee Sanghun , Park Junggeon 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Electrically conductive hydrogels (ECHs) with mechanical softness and electrical conductivity are promising materials for biomedical engineering applications, e.g., tissue engineering and bioelectronics. However, the effects of the mechanical and electrical properties of ECH on the immune system remain unexplored. Thus, we prepared several graphene oxide-incorporated polyacrylamide hydrogels with varying stiffnesses and conductivities, and examined their interactions with macrophages and host tissues in vitro and in vivo. Stiff ECHs can reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and increase the anti-inflammatory marker expression in the acute phase, however, it eventually causes severe inflammation, regardless of the conductivity. In contrast, ECH conductivity generally attenuated inflammation and affected fibrotic collagen deposition depending on stiffness. Overall, high-conductivity soft ECHs exhibited the lowest inflammatory reactions, and high-conductivity rigid ECHs provided the greatest acceleration of fibrous collagen encapsulation. The present findings provide vital insights for the future development of hydrogel-based electronics and electroactive tissue-engineering scaffolds.
Capture and Reaction of CO2 and H2 Catalyzed by a Complex of Coronene: A Computational Study.
Authors: Guillén Luis Gustavo , Fomina Lioudmila , Salcedo Roberto 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
An organometallic complex of coronene and chromium was designed and used as a catalyst in a simulated process in which a CO2 molecule is captured, activated, and then reacts with a hydrogen molecule (H2) to yield formic acid (HCOOH). The thermodynamic and kinetic results from this process are analyzed, as well as the nature of the orbitals in which the process is carried out.
Soluble Prorenin Receptor: A Novel Biomarker for the Prediction of Renal Interstitial Fibrosis and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ye Xiaojie , Xu Jiachun , Zhu Ye , Song Kai 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objective Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the common pathological feature of Chronic kidney disease (CKD). The diagnosis of RIF requires kidney biopsy, while non-invasive methods are still lacking. Given the association between (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) and organ fibrosis, and the secrete nature of soluble (pro)renin receptor (soluble PRR), we postulate that serum soluble PRR may serve as a potential biomarker of renal fibrosis in CKD patients.Methods 90 CKD patients received kidney biopsy were included, 75 of them were followed up for 1 year. Serum soluble PRR concentration was determined by ELISA kits. Masson staining and PRR immunohistochemical staining were performed on their renal biopsy specimens.Results (1) Serum soluble PRR was statistically significant in patients with different degrees of RIF (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that serum soluble PRR could independently predict the risk of RIF (P = 0.046). (2) Serum soluble PRR was positively correlated with serum creatinine (r = 0.282, P = 0.007) and negatively correlated with eGFR (r=-0.321, P = 0.002). With the progression of CKD, the serum soluble PRR level was increased significantly (P = 0.010). (3) PRR expression in renal tissues was positively correlated with the area of RIF (r = 0.836, P < 0.001). (4) Patients in the high soluble PRR group had a 4 months shorter mean retention time of renal function than that in the low soluble PRR group (P = 0.048).Conclusions Serum soluble PRR and renal PRR expression in CKD patients were positively correlated with the degree of RIF. Serum soluble PRR can independently predict the risk of RIF and the progression of CKD.
Prevalence of Subclinical Systolic Dysfunction in Takayasu’S Arteritis and its Association with Disease Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Figueirôa Maria de Lourdes Castro de Oliveira , Costa Maria Carolina Moura , Costa Maria Clara Moura , Lobo Paulo Rocha , Sanches Leonardo Vinicius , Martins Kátia Maria Alves , Sousa Anna Paula Mota Duque , Pedreira Ana Luísa Sousa , Santiago Mittermayer Barreto 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a vasculitis that affects the aorta and its branches and causes stenosis, occlusion, and aneurysms. Up to 60% of TA patients are associated with cardiac involvement which confers a poor prognosis. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) analysis is an echocardiographic technique that can detect the presence of subclinical systolic dysfunction. Hence, this study aimed to describe the prevalence of subclinical systolic dysfunction in patients with TA using the GLS method and to correlate this finding with disease activity using the ITAS-2010 (Indian Takayasu Activity Score).Methods Thirty patients over 18 years of age who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 criteria for TA were included. The sample was submitted for medical record review, clinical and echocardiographic evaluation, and application of ITAS-2010. The cutoff for systolic dysfunction was GLS > – 20%.Results Of the 30 patients analyzed, 25 (83.3%) were female, and the mean age was 42.6 years (± 13.2). The median time since diagnosis was 7.5 years [range, 3–16.6 years], and the type V angiographic classification was the most prevalent (56.7%). Regarding echocardiographic findings, the median ejection fraction (EF) was 66% [61–71%] and the GLS was − 19.5% [-21.3 to -15.8%]. Although half of the participants had reduced GLS, only two had reduced EF. Ten patients (33.3%) met the criteria for activity. An association was found between disease activity and reduced GLS in eight patients (P = 0.02) using the chi-square test.Conclusion GLS seems to be an instrument capable of the early detection of systolic dysfunction in TA. The association between GLS and disease activity in this study should be confirmed in a study with a larger sample size.
Use of Space and Movement Patterns of Reproductive Female Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Akyatan Rookery in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: YILMAZ Can , Oruç Ayşe 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
For threatened animals with distinct breeding and foraging areas, it is important to identify key habitats for appropriate conservation and management. The Mediterranean Sea represents the northernmost limits for green turtle breeding activity, with 46% of nesting sites (n = 6) located in the Eastern Mediterranean, though knowledge about their post-breeding distributions is limited to date. Thus, we evaluated 14 adult female green turtles breeding at Akyatan in Turkey using satellite transmitters, including their breeding, migratory and foraging movement and distribution patterns. The home ranges of green turtles during the inter-nesting period were along the eastern Mediterranean bordering the Turkish coast. The mean core home range was 56 ± 52.64 km2 (range=4-151 km2) and the core home ranges of female individuals during the inter-nesting period were along the shores of Akyatan beach. Most turtles migrated south (n = 12) to Egypt and Libya (6 and 6, respectively) with two distinct migratory routes one coastal, one cutting across the open ocean, while two migrated to the shores of Egypt until their signals were cut off (1364 km, range=1317-1430). Migration lasted up to 13-53 days (mean 31 days) at mean speeds of 2.57 km/h. Twelve green turtles frequented five different foraging sites on the Egyptian and Libyan coasts. Of those that migrated to Egypt, 5 frequented a highly saline lagoon (Bardawil), with four strongly overlapping core home ranges. Also, the home ranges of two turtles in Libya strongly overlapped (Gulf of Sirte). Efforts to implement protection should focus on foraging areas, in addition to breeding areas, to safeguard green sea turtles in this region
Industrial scale composting process as a successful method for inactivation of potato cyst nematodes (Globodera spp. Behrens) and sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii Schmidt)
Authors: Schumann Lisa , Berger Beatrice , Daub Matthias , Böhlke Tanja , König Stephan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Cyst producing nematodes are persistent soil-born organisms causing severe damage to cultivated plants. Persistence of the economically relevant cyst nematode species Globodera pallida, G. rostochiensis and Heterodera schachtii was investigated at different stages during a large-scale industrial composting process to evaluate its efficiency to prevent spread of these nematodes into natural and agricultural habitats. Using reference cyst nematodes incorporated into organic waste from households and the processing industry the effect of anaerobic fermentation as well as aerobic composting processes were investigated. Treated cysts were analysed for viability and reproductive potential by performing hatching tests and bioassays on susceptible host plants. The investigated composting plant showed maximum temperatures between <40 and 72°C at aerobic composting conditions relative to the position of the pile the samples were incorporated. We found no viable juveniles or reproductive potential of Globodera spp. and less than five percent reproduction in H. schachtii. Additionally to temperature conditions, we presume that competition of the microbial community and their released bio-digestants also play a major role in successful treatment of these severe pest organisms.
Value of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in predicting fall and fall-induced injury among old Chinese adults
Authors: Li Weiqiang , Rao Zhenzhen , Fu Yanhong , Schwebel David C. , Li Li , Ning Peishan , Huang Jiaqi , Hu Guoqing 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: The short physical performance battery (SPPB) is an easy-to-use tool for fall risk prediction, but its predictive value among community dwellers has not been examined through a large-sample longitudinal study.
Methods: We analyzed five-round follow-up data (2, 3, 4, 5, 7 years) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) (2011-2018). The Cochran-Armitage trend test examined trends in fall incidence rate across SPPB performance levels. Multivariable logistic regression and negative binomial regression models were fitted to examine associations between SPPB performance and subsequent fall and fall-induced injury. The goodness-of-fit and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) were used together to quantify the value of the SPPB in predicting fall and fall-induced injury among community-dwelling older adults.
Results: The CHARLS study included 9279, 6153, 4142, 4148, and 3583 eligible adults aged 60 years and older in the five included follow-up time periods. SPPB performance was associated with fall and fall-induced injury in two or three of the five follow-up time periods (P<0.05). The goodness-of-fit for all predictive models was poor, with both Cox-Snell R2 and Nagelkerke R2 under 0.10 and AUCs of 0.53-0.57 when using only SPPB as a predictor and with both Cox-Snell R2 and Nagelkerke R2 lower than 0.12 and AUCs of 0.61-0.67 when using SPPB, demographic variables, and self-reported health conditions as predictors together. Sex and age-specific analyses displayed highly similar results.
Conclusions: The use of SPPB together with demographic variables and self-reported health conditions does not appear to offer good predictive performance for falls or fall-induced injuries among community-dwelling older Chinese adults.
Differences in the earthquake preparedness of low- and high-income countries: The cases of Panay island, Philippines and Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Atando Ramil Basquez , Sugawara Daisuke 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Panay island, Philippines and Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan are populated communities, highly vulnerable to earthquake hazards especially tsunami, and having recognized preparedness measures. This study differentiates their disaster management strategies as they vary in resources. It further compares their earthquake countermeasures to assess the level of compliance with the four priority areas of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk 2015–2030. The previous experiences of researchers as practicing geologist, seismologist, and disaster manager have reinforced the needed information that were gathered through on-site visit, in-depth interview with disaster managers, and data mining using the websites of government agencies and private media entities. The collected data were subjected to content and narrative analyses. Findings revealed that Panay has minimal resources, yet utilizing the synergy of national and local governments and collaborating with foreign institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations have enabled it prepare for devastating earthquakes. The high-income Shizuoka prefecture invested in innovation, logistics, provision of incentives, and flexibility to achieve an advanced and a considerable earthquake preparedness.
Measuring Efficiency of Public Hospitals Under the Impact of Covid-19 in Türki̇ye
Authors: SÜLKÜ SEHER NUR , Mortaş Alper , Küçük Aziz 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic has had serious medical, administrative and financial effects on the health system and hospitals around the world. In Türkiye, compared to 2019 realizations, in 2020 and 2021 respectively there were 39% and 21% decrease in the number of outpatient services and 29% and 17% decline in total inpatient services of public hospitals. The main subject of this research is how the pandemic period affects the Turkish public hospitals’ efficiency. We have measured the technical efficiency of outpatient and inpatient care services of Turkish public hospitals using Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). The dataset includes 563 hospitals for the years 2015 through 2021. Inputs of number of physicians, nurses and other medical staff, and number of beds and their interactions with each other are introduced to the SFA models of outputs of outpatient visits and inpatient discharges adjusted with case mix index are derived. Firstly, we found that the years associated with Covid-19 have a significant negative impact on the inpatient service efficiency. Training and Research and City Hospitals have low efficiency scores in outpatient services but high efficiency scores in inpatient services. In addition, the regions with high population rates have positive impact in outpatient efficiency and negative impact in inpatient efficiency. During the pandemic, city hospitals, have received large investments, gained a key role by increasing both the patient load and their efficiency. Future reforms can be guided by taking advantage of the efficiency differences of hospitals in different environmental factors.
JEL Codes: D22, D24, I11, I180
Host, reproductive, and lifestyle factors in relation to quantitative histologic metrics of the normal breast
Authors: Abubakar Mustapha , Klein Alyssa , Fan Shaoqi , Lawrence Scott , Mutreja Karun , Henry Jill E. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Duggan Maire A. , Gierach Gretchen L. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Emerging data indicate that variations in quantitative epithelial and stromal tissue composition and their relative abundance in benign breast biopsies independently impact risk of future invasive breast cancer. To gain further insights into breast cancer etiopathogenesis, we investigated associations between epidemiological factors and quantitative tissue composition metrics of the normal breast.
Methods
The study participants were 4,108 healthy women ages 18-75 years who voluntarily donated breast tissue to the US-based Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank (KTB; 2008-2019). Using high-accuracy machine-learning algorithms, we quantified the percentage of epithelial, stromal, adipose, and fibroglandular tissue, as well as the proportion of fibroglandular tissue that is epithelium relative to stroma (i.e., epithelium-to-stroma proportion, ESP) on digitized hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained normal breast biopsy specimens. Data on epidemiological factors were obtained from participants using a detailed questionnaire administered at the time of tissue donation. Associations between square root transformed tissue metrics and epidemiological factors were investigated using multivariable linear regression models.
Results
With increasing age, the amount of stromal, epithelial, and fibroglandular tissue declined and adipose tissue increased, while that of ESP demonstrated a bimodal pattern. Several epidemiological factors were associated with individual tissue composition metrics, impacting ESP as a result. Compared with premenopausal women, postmenopausal women had lower ESP [β (95% Confidence Interval (CI))= -0.28 (-0.04 to -0.013); P<0.001] with ESP peaks at 30-40 years and 60-70 years among pre- and post-menopausal women, respectively. ESP was higher among gravid than nulligravid women [β (95%CI)= 0.19 (0.08-0.30); P<0.001], increasing with increasing number of live births (P-trend <0.001). A positive family history of breast cancer was associated with higher ESP [β (95%CI)= 0.13 (0.02-0.25); P=0.02]. Further, overweight [β (95%CI)= 0.18 (0.06-0.30); P=0.004] or obese [β (95%CI)= 0.33 (0.21-0.44); P<0.0001] women had higher ESP than those with normal body mass index (BMI), while Black women had higher ESP than White women [β (95%CI)= 0.13 (0.01-0.26); P=0.03].
Conclusion
Our findings provide strong epidemiological evidence on the potential role of joint variations in stromal-epithelial tissue composition in the etiopathogenesis of breast cancer and underscore the need for further research into how exposure-tissue interactions shape breast cancer development and etiologic heterogeneity.
A Confirmatory and Exploratory Approach to the Dimensions and Sources of Foreign Language Enjoyment Among Japanese University English Learners
Authors: Xethakis Larry 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The Foreign Language Enjoyment Scale is a popular measure of enjoyment, however the validity of this scale has yet to be examined in the Japanese context. This study used mixed methods to investigate the validity of this scale and uncover sources of positive classroom emotions in a sample of 514 Japanese university English learners in a blended learning course. Results from confirmatory factor analysis indicated poor fit for four models of the scale from past studies. Exploratory factor analysis subsequently revealed two dimensions. One factor, Foreign Language Enjoyment-Social, comprised items related to the social aspects of a positive learning experience, while the second, Foreign Language Enjoyment-Private, concerned personal feelings of achievement and success in learning. Several prominent sources of social and private enjoyment, including pride, realization of progress and meaningful engagement with peers, emerged from analysis of qualitative data from a subset of 329 respondents. The findings add to knowledge on the structure and validity of the Foreign Language Enjoyment Scale in the Japanese context and suggest the need for further in-depth study of this emotion in different cultural contexts.
An Empirical Comparison of Deep Learning Explainability Approaches for EEG using Simulated Ground Truth
Authors: Ravindran Akshay Sujatha , Contreras-Vidal Jose 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Recent advancements in machine learning and deep learning (DL) based neural decoders have significantly improved decoding capabilities using scalp electroencephalography (EEG). However, the interpretability of DL models remains an under-explored area. In this study, we compared multiple model explanation methods to identify the most suitable method for EEG and understand when some of these approaches might fail. A simulation framework was developed to evaluate the robustness and sensitivity of twelve back-propagation-based visualization methods by comparing to ground truth features. Multiple methods tested here showed reliability issues after randomizing either model weights or labels: e.g., the saliency approach, which is the most used visualization technique in EEG, was not class or model-specific. We found that DeepLift was consistently accurate as well as robust to detect the three key attributes tested here (temporal, spatial, and spectral precision). Overall, this study provides a review of model explanation methods for DL-based neural decoders and recommendations to understand when some of these methods fail and what they can capture in EEG.