bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An effective ER stress-related gene signature predicts overall survival and associates with tumor immunity of patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Zhang Tangansu , Zhang Qian , Zhang Jun , Zhao Rong , Wei Sitian , Shi Rui , Liu Shuangge , Zhang Qi , Wang Hongbo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the worldwide gynecological malignancies with a very high incidence. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a disturbance of cellular homeostasis that promotes cancer progression. In general， ER stress plays a critical role in tumor cell activities in various cancers. However, the mechanisms of ER stress on the progression of EC have not been fully elucidated.
Method: The ER Stress-related genes were obtained from GeneCards and GSEA, and both the RNA-seq and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The risk signature was constructed based on 4 prognosis-related genes with the Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses. According to common method, the EC patients were randomly classified into the training and testing groups, and also categorized into a high-risk or a low-risk group based on the predetermined risk score. In addition, the factors such as functional enrichment, immune infiltration, and potential chemotherapies, were also analyzed.
Result: An ER Stress-related risk signature consisting of four genes (TRIB3, CREB3L3, XBP1, and PPP1R15A) was identified to predict the prognosis of EC patients. Based on the signature, all patients were classified into the high-risk and low-risk groups, respectively. Patients in the low-risk group demonstrate better prognoses than those in the high-risk group. A nomograph combined risk scores and clinical characteristics were employed to offer the survival of EC patients. As shown, the signature was closely related to the immune microenvironment corresponding to both the cell and pathway infiltration. In addition, several typical immune checkpoints including CTLA4 and CD28, already expressed a higher level in the low-risk group. Patients from both the high-risk and the low-risk responded differently to various chemotherapies.
Conclusion: In this paper, we established an effective ER Stress-related signature that could be utilized to prominently predict the overall prognosis of EC patients, as well as the association with immune infiltration and chemotherapy efficacy.
Diameter Growth of Eucalyptus Trees in Agroforestry Systems and Its Relation to Air Temperature and Precipitation
Authors: Flumignan Danilton Luiz , Silva Staël Caroline Rego Ribeiro da , Salton Júlio Cesar , Comunello Éder 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

In agroforestry systems, such as Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest (iCLF), the agricultural, livestock and arboreal components are explored in the same field in rotation, succession or intercropping. Our objective was to investigate if the diameter growth of eucalyptus in agroforestry systems differs from those cultivated as a planted forest, as well as to assess whether there is a difference in its growth in face of the air temperature and precipitation. The study was held at Ponta Porã, Brazil, a region of humid subtropical climate with hot summers and soil classified as Oxisol, fertile, deep and clayey. Dendrometer bands measured the diameter growth of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urograndis) cultivated as a forest and in iCLF, with eucalyptus rows distance of 12.5x12.5 m, 12.5 m one side x 25 m another side and 25x25 m. The study took place from four years and nine months after transplanting till six years and seven months (22 months). On iCLF, the inter-row was explored with grain crops (soybean or corn) and pasture. Climate data of air temperature and precipitation were used to investigate their influence or not on diameter growth. Eucalyptus diameter growth is higher when cultivated in agroforestry systems and this growth is as higher as larger is the distance between eucalyptus rows. Precipitation proved to strongly and positively influence the diameter growth, especially when cultivated in agroforestry systems. On the other hand, under the conditions of this study, air temperature showed little or no influence over the eucalyptus diameter growth.
Incisional Hernia rates between Intracorporeal and Extracorporeal Anastomosis in Minimally Invasive Ileocolic Resection for Crohn's disease
Authors: Calini Giacomo , Abdalla Solafah , Aziz Mohamed A. Abd El , Behm Kevin T. , Shawki Sherief F. , Mathis Kellie L. , Larson David W. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose: One-third of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) require multiple surgeries during their lifetime. So, reducing the incisional hernia rate is crucial. We aimed to define incisional hernia rates after minimally invasive ileocolic resection for CD, comparing intracorporeal anastomosis with Pfannenstiel incision (ICA-P) versus extracorporeal anastomosis with midline vertical incision (ECA-M).
Methods: This retrospective cohort compares ICA-P versus ECA-M from a prospectively maintained database of consecutive minimally invasive ileocolic resections for CD performed between 2014 and 2021 in a referral center.
Results: Of the 249 patients included: 59 were in the ICA-P group, 190 in the ECA-M group. Both groups were similar according to baseline and preoperative characteristics. Overall, 22 (8.8%) patients developed an imaging-proven incisional hernia: seven at the port-site and 15 at the extraction-site. All 15 extraction-site incisional hernias were midline vertical incisions [7.9%; p=0.025], and 8 patients (53%) required surgical repair. Time-to-event analysis showed a 20% rate of extraction-site incisional hernia in the ECA-M group after 48 months (p =0.037). The length of stay was lower in the intracorporeal anastomosis with Pfannenstiel incision group [ICA-P: 3.3±2.5 vs. ECA-M: 4.1±2.4 days; p=0.02] with similar 30-day postoperative complication [11(18.6) vs. 59(31.1); p=0.064] and readmission rates [7(11.9) vs. 18(9.5); p=0.59].
Conclusion: Patients in the ICA-P group did not encounter any incisional hernias while having shorter hospital length of stay and similar 30-day postoperative complications or readmission compared to ECA-M. Therefore, more consideration should be given to performing intracorporeal anastomosis with Pfannenstiel incision during Ileocolic resection in patients with CD to reduce hernia risk.
Genomic Analyses of Germline and Somatic Variation in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Adamson Aaron W. , Ding Yuan Chun , Steele Linda , Leong Lucile A. , Morgan Robert , Wakabayashi Mark T. , Han Ernest S. , Dellinger Thanh H. , Lin Paul S. , Hakim Amy A. , Wilczynski Sharon , Warden Charles D. , Tao Shu , Bedell Victoria , Cristea Mihaela C. , Neuhausen Susan L. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) display a high degree of complex genetic alterations. In this study, we identified germline and somatic genetic alterations in HGSC and their association with relapse-free and overall survival. Using a targeted capture of 577 genes involved in DNA damage response and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, we conducted next-generation sequencing of DNA from matched blood and tumor tissue from 71 HGSC participants. In addition, we performed the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants to examine somatic copy number alterations.
Results Approximately one-third of tumors had loss-of-function germline (18/71, 25.4%) or somatic (7/71, 9.9%) variants in the DNA homologous recombination repair pathway genes BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, MRE11A, BLM, and PALB2. Loss-of-function germline variants also were identified in other Fanconi anemia genes and in MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway genes. Most tumors harbored somatic TP53 variants (65/71, 91.5%). Using the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants, we identified focal homozygous deletions in BRCA1, BRCA2, MAP2K4, PTEN, RB1, SLX4, STK11, CREBBP, and NF1. In total, 38% (27/71) of HGSC patients harbored pathogenic variants in DNA homologous recombination repair genes. For patients with multiple tissues from the primary debulking or from multiple surgeries, the somatic mutations were maintained with few newly acquired point mutations suggesting that tumor evolution was not through somatic mutations. There was a significant association of loss-of-function variants in homologous recombination repair pathway genes and high-amplitude somatic copy number alterations. Using GISTIC analysis, we identified NOTCH3, ZNF536, and PIK3R2 in these regions that were significantly associated with an increase in cancer recurrence and a reduction in overall survival.
Conclusions From 71 patients with HGCS, we performed targeted germline and tumor sequencing and provided a comprehensive analysis of these 577 genes. We identified germline and somatic genetic alterations including somatic copy number alterations and analyzed their associations with relapse-free and overall survival. This single-site long-term follow-up study provides additional information on genetic alterations related to occurrence and outcome of HGSC. Our findings suggest that targeted treatments based on both variant and SCNA profile potentially could improve relapse-free and overall survival.
Corneal Endothelial Pathology and Thickening in Early Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gushansky Konstantin , Pitchkhadze Anry , Bilenko Natalia , Levy Jaime , Lifshitz Tova , Belfair Nadav 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose To compare endothelial properties and central corneal thickness (CCT) between nondiabetic and early type-two diabetic (T2DM) patients with good glycemic control.
Methods This is a retrospective case-control study. We included patients who were diagnosed with T2DM in the previous 10 years, and nondiabetic patients, who underwent a comprehensive ocular examination and specular microscopy. Endothelial Cell Density (ECD), CCT and the coefficient of variation were measured and compared.
Results A total of 312 eyes from 180 patients were included in this study: 118 eyes in the T2DM group, and 194 eyes in the nondiabetic group. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in terms of age and sex distribution (p = 0.08; p = 0.49, respectively). Mean ECD was significantly lower in the diabetic group (2467.8 ± 334.5 and 2553.5 ± 289.2, respectively; p = 0.028). CCT was significantly greater in the diabetic group (558.8±48.8 and 547.1±44.6, respectively, p = 0.034). No statistically significant differences were found in Coefficient of Variation.
Conclusions The present study reveals significant differences between early T2DM and nondiabetic patients in ECD and CCT values. These changes are evident even in early disease with good glycemic control.
Detecting temporal and spatial malaria patterns from first antenatal care visits
Authors: Pujol Arnau , Brokhattingen Nanna , Matambisso Gloria , Mbeve Henriques , Cisteró Pau , Escoda Anna , Maculuve Sonia , Cuna Boaventura , Melembe Cardoso , Ndimande Nelo , Munguambe Humberto , Lopez Julia Montana , Nhamussa Lidia , Simone Wilson , Tetteh Kevin , Drakeley Chris , Gamain Benoît , Chitnis Chetan , Chauhan Virander Singh , Quintó Llorenç , Chidimatembue Arlindo , Soler Helena Martí , Galatas Beatriz , Guinovart Caterina , Saute Francisco , Aide Pedro , Macete Eusebio , Mayor Alfredo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Pregnant women attending first antenatal care (ANC) visits represent a promising malaria surveillance target in Sub-Saharan Africa. Here we assessed the spatio-temporal relationship between malaria at ANC (n=6,471), in children at the community(n=9,362) and at health facilities (n=15,467) in southern Mozambique (2016-2019). ANC P. falciparum rates detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction mirrored rates in children, regardless of gravidity and HIV status (Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC]>0.8, χ²<1.1), with a 2-3 months lag. Only at rapid diagnostic test detection limits at moderate-to-high transmission, multigravidae showed lower rates than children (PCC=0.61, 95%CI[-0.12-0.94]). Seroprevalence against the pregnancy-specific antigen VAR2CSA reflected declining malaria trends (PCC=0.74, 95%CI[0.24-0.77]). 80% (12/15) of hotspots detected from health facility data using a novel hotspot detector, EpiFRIenDs, were also identified with ANC data. The results show that ANC-based malaria surveillance offers contemporary information on temporal trends and the geographic distribution of malaria burden in the community.
Analysis Study of a Real Photovoltaic Plant In Desert Conditions
Authors: DAHBI Abdeldjalil , Bouchelga Fatma , Benmedjahed Miloud , Khelfaoui Abderrahmane , Bouraiou Ahmed , Slimani Abdeldjalil 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to investigate the behavior of the poly crystalline photovoltaic field installed in the site of Oued Nechou in Ghardaia, Algeria. The cellule, panel, and array have been modeled and simulated in STC then in various input conditions in order to understand the performances of this PV plant. Moreover, the poly crystalline PV plant has been simulated using real climate data in order to identify the potential of solar energy in the studied area and evaluate the PV plant. According to the results, it should be highlighted that the environmental factors, particularly the sun irradiation and temperature, have a significant impact on the photovoltaic system's performance, which results in fluctuations in electrical energy output and performance ratio. Additionally, they show that the location has significant solar potential, which enables it to produce electricity that is acceptable despite the local environment, this encourages the construction of new PV plants there.
Brief periods of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improve autonomic balance and alters circulating monocytes and endothelial cells in patients with metabolic syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Moraes Tercio Lemos , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Cabral Danielly Gomes , Fernades Daniella Marques , Sangaleti Carine Teles , Dalboni Maria Aparecida , Mota Josiane Mota e , de Souza Maria Liliane Appratto , Irigoyen Maria Claudia , Brines Michael , Tracey Kevin , Pavlov Valentin A , Colombo Fernanda 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background: There is emerging evidence that the nervous system regulates immune and metabolic alterations mediating Metabolic syndrome (MetS) pathogenesis via the vagus nerve. This study evaluated the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (TAVNS) on key cardiovascular and inflammatory components of MetS.
Methods: We conducted an open label, randomized (2:1), two-arm, parallel-group controlled trial in MetS patients. Subjects in the treatment group (n=20) received 30 mins of TAVNS with a NEMOS® device placed on the cymba conchae of the left ear, once weekly. Patients in the control group (n=10) received no stimulation. Hemodynamic, heart rate variability (HRV), biochemical parameters, and monocytes, progenitor endothelial cells, circulating endothelial cells, and endothelial micro particles were evaluated at randomization, after the first TAVNS treatment, and again after 8 weeks of follow-up.
Results: An improvement in sympathovagal balance (HRV analysis) was observed after the first TAVNS session. Only patients treated with TAVNS for 8 weeks had a significant decrease in office BP and HR, a further improvement in sympathovagal balance, with a shift of circulating monocytes towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype and endothelial cells to a reparative vascular profile.
Conclusion: These results are of interest for further study of TAVNS as treatment of MetS.
New insights into membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles for the treatment of ETX intoxication
Authors: Xu Jinglin , Li Dongxue , Kang Lin , Liu Tingting , Huang Jing , Li Jiaxin , Lv Jing , Wang Jing , Gao Shan , Li Yanwei , Yuan Bing , Zhao Baohua , Wang Jinglin , Xin Wenwen 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Clostridium perfringens ε-toxin (ETX) is the main toxin leading to enterotoxemia of sheep and goats and is classified as a potential biological weapon. In addition, no effective treatment drug is currently available in clinical practice for this toxin. We developed membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles (MNPs) with different membrane origins to neutralize ETX and protect the host from fatal ETX intoxication. We evaluated the safety and therapeutic efficacy of these MNPs in vitro and in vivo. Compared with membranes from karyocytes, such as Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells (N2a cells), membrane from erythrocytes, which do not induce any immune response, are superior in safety. The protective ability of MNPs was evaluated by intravenous injection and lung delivery. We demonstrate that nebulized inhalation is as safe as intravenous injection and that both modalities can effectively protect mice against ETX. In particular, pulmonary delivery of nanoparticles more effectively treated the challenge of inhaled toxins than intravenously injected nanoparticles. Moreover, MNPs can alter the biological distribution of ETX among different organs in the body, and ETX was captured, neutralized and slowly delivered to the liver and spleen, where nanoparticles with ETX could be phagocytized and metabolized. This demonstrates how MNPs treat toxin infections in vivo. Finally, we injected the MNPs into mice in advance to find out whether MNPs can provide preventive protection, and the results showed that the long-cycle MNPs could provide at least a 3-day protection in mice. These findings demonstrate that MNPs provide safe and effective protection against ETX intoxication, provide new insights into membrane choices and delivery routes of nanoparticles, and new evidence of the ability of nanoparticles to provide preventive protection against infections.
Scaling and Integration of site specific fourier spectra, response spectra, design response and ratios of H/V spectra of earthquakes in North-eastern India and vicinity : implication in seismic hazard assessment
Authors: Sharma Sangeeta , Baruah Saurabh , Gogoi Ashim 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Understanding the behaviour of soil and site in highly seismically active Assam valley, Shillong-Mikir Hills Plateau and Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis of Northeastern India is important for seismic hazard assessment. Constrained by this tectonic interaction, we estimate the ground motion parameters of these tectonic domains through the inversion of 129 three component strong motion records of earthquakes with magnitude Mw>4.0 & Mw<6.0. Remarkably, parameters estimated at 9 different sites help to classify the region into four different site class subjected to magnitude and epicentral distance of the earthquake. Higher spectral acceleration observed at low period in Diphu, Nongstoin, Tezpur and Guwahati infer embedded site condition as rock subjected to removal of source and path effect. On the other, low spectral acceleration at high period in Kokrajhar, Golaghat, Goalpara and Nagaon indicate distinctly thick alluvial basin. Fourier spectrum width in Guwahati, Diphu, Nongstoin and Tezpur, within 2-10 Hz indicate the presence of compact & hard subsurface strata while the broad spectrum width of Kokrajhar, Golaghat, Boko, Nagaon and Goalpara within 0.5 – 10 Hz suggests presence of loose alluvium soil or soft sediments. Simultaneously, site specific response study on 11/08/2009, M5.6 Myanmar-Manipur Border earthquake indicate that high spectral acceleration is evolved due to thrust mechanism. This integrative approach comprising site specific fourier spectra, design response, influence of fault type and horizontal to vertical spectral amplitude ratios offer an unique method to characterize the site in various seismically active regions of the world.
Discovery of WS-384, a first-in-class dual LSD1 and DCN1-UBC12 protein-protein interaction inhibitor for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Li Anqi , Ma Ting , Wang Shuai , Guo Yueyang , Song Qianqian , Yu Bin , Feng Siqi , Liu Hongmin 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Abnormally high expression of lysine-specific demethylase 1A (LSD1) and DCN1 plays a vital role in the occurrence, development, and poor prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Accumulating evidence has shown that the development of small-molecule inhibitors dually targeting LSD1 and the UBC12-DCN1 interaction probably have therapeutic promise for cancer therapy. This work reported that WS-384 dually targeted LSD1 and UBC12-DCN1 interactions and evaluated its antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, WS-384 inhibited A549 and H1975 cells viability and decreased colony formation and EdU incorporation. WS-384 could also trigger cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Moreover, WS-384 significantly decreased tumor weight and volume in A549 xenograft mice. Mechanistically, WS-384 increased the gene and protein level of p21 by suppressing the neddylation of cullin 1 and decreasing H3K4 demethylation at the CDKN1A promoter. The synergetic upregulation of p21 contributed to cell cycle arrest and the proapoptotic effect of WS-384 in NSCLC cells. Taken together, our proof of concept studies demonstrated the therapeutic potential of dual inhibition of LSD1 and the UBC12-DCN1 interaction for the treatment of NSCLC. WS-384 could be used as a lead compound to develop new dual LSD1/DCN1 inhibitors for the treatment of human diseases in which LSD1 and DCN1 are dysregulated.
Comparation of robotic-assisted surgery and laparoscopic‑assisted surgery in children with Hirschsprung’s disease
Authors: Zhang Shuhao , Cai Duote , Chen Qingjiang , Zhang Yuebin , Pan Tao , Chen Ken , Jin Yi , Luo Wenjuan , Huang Zongwei , Hu Di , Gao Zhigang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
There are few studies comparing robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) and laparoscopic-assisted surgery (LAS) in Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR). This study aimed to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between RAS and LAS performed during the same period.
Methods
All consecutive 75 patients with pathologically diagnosed as HSCR who underwent RAS or LAS Swenson pull-through from April 2020 to Nov 2022, were included. Patients were assigned to either RAS or LAS groups and a retrospective study was performed.
Results
A total of 75 patients were included, among which, 23 patients received RAS and 44 received LAS. The RAS and LAS groups had similar ages, sex, weight, postoperative hospital stays, and fasting times. Compared with LAS, blood loss (p = 0.002) and the incidence of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (p = 0.046) were significantly lower in the RAS group. The first onset of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis in patients younger than 3 months occurred significantly earlier (p = 0.043). Two patients experienced anastomotic leakage in the LAS group. The cost of RAS was significantly higher than that of LAS (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
RAS is a safe and effective treatment for HSCR, and can be considered as ideal alternative for the treatment in selected HSCR children (> 6 months or > 7.5 kg), without considering its cost.