bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STOML2 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression by Promoting Lipid Raft Formation and NF-κB Activation
Authors: Gong Hui , Hu Qianying , Chen Shaojing , Li Yixuan , Huang Kaimeng , Li Riqing , Li Guiqiu , Fang Lishan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background As one member of lipid raft proteins, STOML2 is up-regulated in several tumor types and participates in the tumor progression. We investigated the biological function and the underlying mechanism of STOML2 in colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods We used Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analysis to access the levels of STOML2 in 7 CRC cell lines and 119 human paraffin-embedded CRC samples. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to measure the expression of Ki67, CD31 and VEGFC in 50 human CRC samples. We determined the ability of STOML2 to activate NF-κB signaling using luciferase reporter assay, Real-time PCR and western blotting. The effects of STOML2 overexpression and knockdown with its specific short hairpin RNAs in CRC cell lines were detected using colony formation and tube formation assays. We analyzed development of CRC xenograft tumors in nude mice.Results STOML2 expression levels were increased in CRC cell lines and samples from CRC patients, compared with normal controls, and were associated with disease stage and survival outcomes. Overexpression of STOML2 in HCT116 and SW480 cell lines promoted proliferation and angiogenesis via promoting lipid raft formation and activating the NF-κB pathway. STOML2-induced angiogenesis effects could be greatly reversed by bevacizumab, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody against target with VEGF. Moreover, STOML2-overexpressing CRC cells formed larger tumors featured with more neovascularization in nude mice as compared to vector-control CRC cells. We identified STOML2 as independent prognostic factor in CRC.Conclusions The lipid raft protein STOML2 is up-regulated in CRC cell lines and tissues from patients and promotes CRC cell proliferation and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. STOML2 promotes lipid raft formation and activates the NF-κB signaling pathway in CRC cells. Our findings suggest that STOML2 functions as an oncoprotein and a prognostic factor in CRC, which might use to identify whether CRC patients may benefit from bevacizumab therapy.
Platelet count as a prognostic marker for acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Wang Qianwen , Zhang Ge 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of platelet count(PLT) in the prognosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients.
Methods
We extracted data from the MIMIC-IV database, patients who diagnosed with ARDS according to criteria from Berlin Definition and had the PLT taken within the first day after intensisve care unit admission were analyzed.ARDS patients were assigned to one of four categories based on platelet counts (PLT ≤ 100×10^9/L,PLT 101–200×10^9/L,PLT 201–300×10^9/L,PLT > 300×10^9/L).The primary outcome was 28-day mortaily.Survival probabilities was anayled by Kaplan-Meier.Further,the association between platelets count and mortality in ARDS patients was assessed by univariate and multivariable cox proportional hazards model.
Results
Overall, 3207 eligible participants with ARDS were included in the final analysis. From the Kaplan–Meier curves for 28-day mortality of PLT, PLT ≤ 100×10^9/L was associated with higher incidence of mortality(P = 0.001),the same trends were found in the 60-day(P = 0.001) and 90‐day mortality(P = 0.001). In the multivariate model adjusted for the potential factors, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) at PLT 101–200×10^9/L group,PLT 201–300×10^9/L,and PLT > 300×10^9/L was 0.522 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.433–0.613,P = 0.000],0.572(95%CI,0.472–0.692,P = 0.000),and 0.681(95%CI,0.541–0.859,P = 0.000) compared with the reference group (PLT ≤ 100×10^9/L) relatively.In most subgroups,similar associations between PLT ≤ 100×10^9/L group and 28-day mortality were obtained.
Conclusion
Platelet count ≤ 100×10^9/L was strongly correlated with mortality in ARDS patients.These findings promoted the use of PLT as a prognostic biomarker with high predictive value for ARDS patients.
Regional Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions In Saudi Arabia: Impacts of Electricity Price Reforms
Authors: Darandary Abdulelah , Soummane Salaheddine , Mikayilov Jeyhun 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Evaluating potential outcomes of energy price reforms is essential for policymakers to assess their effectiveness. In 2016 and 2018, the Saudi government enacted two waves of energy price reforms to curb historically fast-growing electricity demand. We quantify the effects of these measures on regional fuel consumption and carbon emissions. We develop an econometric model using Autometrics and Structural Time Series Modelling approach to assess demand changes following price reforms. These approaches, utilizing different channels, detect exogenous interventions leading to biased parameter estimations if not addressed. We model the resulting emissions and fuel savings on the supply side using an optimization model representing Saudi Arabia’s power generation sector. We estimate that between 2016 and 2019, electricity demand is lower by 8.8% per year on average following price reforms, resulting in USD 1.4 billion in fuel savings. Considering international oil prices would bring the total savings up to USD 9.8 billion. Moreover, we show that the two waves of reforming electricity prices avoided 81–102 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, i.e., a potential increase of 8.2%-10.4% of the power sector's emissions. Our results for Saudi Arabia demonstrate the benefits of reforming energy prices for countries with administered tariffs as an effective tool to reduce inefficient demand and carbon emissions to achieve climate pledges.JEL codes:C3, C5, C32, Q410, Q430, O210
Time-lapse analyses of epithelial and mesenchymal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma sphere formation and spread on plates
Authors: Shichi Yuuki , Gomi Fujiya , Hasegawa Yasuko , Nonaka Keisuke , Shinji Seiichi , Takahashi Kimimasa , Ishiwata Toshiyuki 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
The most pancreatic cancers are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), which have been classified as cells with epithelial or mesenchymal features. We recently found that the morphology of spheres formed in three-dimensional cultures and the effect of anticancer drugs differed between epithelial and mesenchymal PDAC cell lines. Cancer forms a mass and metastasizes in the human body; however, there are differences in the ability of epithelial and mesenchymal PDAC to invade the surrounding area.
Methods
Sphere formation and the ability of spheres to adhere and spread on culture plates were examined by time-lapse imaging using five epithelial and three mesenchymal PDAC cell lines.
Results
Immunocytochemical staining confirmed that E-cadherin was highly expressed in epithelial PDAC spheres, and vimentin was highly expressed in mesenchymal PDAC spheres. In the process of forming spheres using ultra-low attachment plates, the majority of epithelial PDAC cell lines showed an early decrease in sphere area. When this decrease ceased, the covering cells on the sphere surface fused to form a smooth surface. Mesenchymal PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells showed decreased reduction in the spherical area and few fused surface areas. When the formed PDAC spheres were seeded onto normal plates, the spheres of PK-8 cells with the highest E-cadherin expression did not adhere to the normal plates, even after 60 h, and epithelial PK45-P and T3M-4 spheres hardly adhered. In contrast, the area of adhesion and spread of mesenchymal PANC-1 and KP4 cell spheres on normal plates markedly increased from the early period.
Conclusions
Three-dimensional cultures of epithelial or mesenchymal PDAC spheres play an important role in examining the diversity of tumor formation and invasion in pancreatic cancer.
Step-by-step Guided Nanoplatforms for Efficiently Sensitizing Phototherapy via Mitochondrial Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Gao Yajie , Zhang Tingting , Li Bowen , Deng Kaili , Li Qiong , Tian Hailong , Li Jialin , Nice Edouard C. , Huang Canhua , Ding Huiqing , Xuan Rongrong 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Phototherapy, a promising chemotherapy alternative, has been widely utilized for cancer treatment. However, heat shock protein (HSP70) mediated-heat tolerance in photothermal therapy (PTT), and the attenuated therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment still limit its clinical applications, where both processes are intimately linked to energy metabolism.
Results
We designed a site-specific nanoplatform (CS@ATO/CHC/T780 NPs) modulating energy metabolism to down-regulate the expression of HSP70 and alleviate hypoxia for enhanced phototherapy by integrating a mitochondria-targeted triphenylphosphine (TPP) derivative (T780), mitochondrial electron transport chain inhibitor atovaquone (ATO) and monocarboxylic acid transporter 1 (MCT1) inhibitor α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (CHC), and modified with chondroitin sulfate (CS). Mechanistically, CS and TPP-tailored IR780 were used to achieve site-specific delivery to tumor tissues and mitochondria in tumor cells, respectively. After efficient cellular internalization, the nanoplatform could effectively disassemble to release cargoes in the acid tumor microenvironment. ATO, a mitochondrial electron transport chain complex III inhibitor, could reduce the production of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and further downregulate the expression of HSP70 to overcome the thermo-resistance of PTT. Meanwhile, CHC could reduce the uptake rate of lactic acid (LA) to save oxygen consumption for improving the effectiveness of PDT.
Conclusion
The CS@ATO/CHC/T780 NPs exhibits excellent anticancer activity and good biosafety in vitro and in vivo, providing a prospective strategy for efficient phototherapy by manipulating energy metabolism.
Long COVID is primarily a Spike protein Induced Thrombotic Vasculitis
Authors: Kerr Robin , Carroll Harriet A. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Long COVID describes an array of often debilitating symptoms in the aftermath of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with similar symptomatology affecting some people post-vaccination. With an estimated > 200 million Long COVID patients worldwide and cases still rising, the effects on quality of life and the economy are significant, thus warranting urgent attention to understand the pathophysiology. Herein we describe our perspective that Long COVID is a continuation of acute COVID-19 pathology, whereby coagulopathy is the main driver of disease and can cause or exacerbate other pathologies common in Long COVID, such as mast cell activation syndrome and dysautonomia. Considering the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can independently induce fibrinaloid microclots, platelet activation, and endotheliitis, we predict that persistent spike protein will be a key mechanism driving the continued coagulopathy in Long COVID. We discuss several treatment targets to address the coagulopathy, and predict that (particularly early) treatment with combination anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs will bring significant relief to many patients, supported by a case study. To help focus attention on such treatment targets, we propose Long COVID should be referred to as Spike protein Induced Thrombotic Vasculitis (SITV). These ideas require urgent testing, especially as the world tries to co-exist with COVID-19.
Computational Models and Their Applications in Biomechanical Analysis of Mandibular Reconstruction Surgery
Authors: Aftabi Hamidreza , Eghbal Atabak , McGregor Sophie , Zaraska Katrina , Prisman Eitan , Hodgson Antony , Fels Sideny 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Advanced head and neck cancers involving the
mandible often require surgical removal of the diseased parts
and replacement with donor bone or prosthesis to recreate the
form and function of the premorbid mandible. The degree to
which this reconstruction successfully replicates key geometric
features of the original bone critically affects the cosmetic
and functional outcomes of speaking, chewing, and breathing.
With advancements in computational power, biomechanical
modeling has emerged as a prevalent tool for predicting the
functional outcomes of the masticatory system and evaluating
the effectiveness of reconstruction procedures in patients
undergoing mandibular reconstruction surgery. These models
enable surgeons to provide cost-efficient and patient-specific
treatment tailored to the needs of individuals. To underscore
the significance of biomechanical modeling, we conducted a
review of 66 studies that utilized computational models in the
biomechanical analysis of mandibular reconstruction surgery.
These studies were categorized based on the main components
analyzed, including bone flaps, plates/screws, and prostheses, as
well as their design and material composition.
Emission Measurements and in-situ Observation of Ionic Liquid Electrospray Thrusters with Longitudinally Grooved Emitters
Authors: Matsukawa Koki , Nakashima Yuiko , Takao Yoshinori 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
An externally wetted emitter array with longitudinally grooved structures for ionic liquid electrospray thrusters has been fabricated to improve the ionic liquid transport to the emitter tips. Two grooved emitter shapes with different groove depths were successfully fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical systems process techniques. We evaluated the current-voltage characteristics and conducted in-situ observation with a high-speed microscope. The experimental results of the ion emission have shown that the absolute emission current increases compared with our previous emitter without grooves. This tendency becomes stronger with deeper grooves. In addition, the slope of the current-voltage curve for grooved emitters does not decrease even when high voltages are applied, indicating that the grooved structure improves the ionic liquid transport to the emitter tips. However, it was found that deeper grooving also increased the percentage of the current intercepted by the extractor electrode. The high-speed microscope observation has shown that too much ionic liquid deposited on the extractor causes the ion emission from the extractor to the emitter, known as backspray, and implied that no large droplets are emitted for both grooved emitter structures.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the influenza vaccine among the adult population in North Macedonia
Authors: Gacova Ivana , Radevska Ana Marija , Ivkovska Sanja , Brava Edmond , Skeparovska Keti , Poposki Kostadin , Rangelova Vanya , Jakimovski Dejan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Vaccination against seasonal influenza is the most effective way to prevent infections, hospitalization, morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of the North Macedonia adult population towards seasonal influenza vaccine Methods A prospective cross-sectional study in November-December 2022 among the adult population of North Macedonia was conducted. A total of 1012 respondents filled in the 4-item semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire collected information on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the influenza vaccine. The chi-square test was used to test for associations and logistic regression was used to determine the effect of variables on the possibility of vaccination. Results The median age of the respondents was 36 years, predominantly female (73.5%). Only 7.8% of respondents received the influenza vaccine in the previous season (2021/2022) and 12.4% planned to vaccinate in the current season. A statistically significant difference between the vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals was established in terms of age groups and the presence of comorbidity (χ2 = 11.246, p = 0.004). The main source of information for vaccinated respondents were official sources such as MH, WHO, and CDC for information about the influenza vaccine compared to non-vaccinated (χ2 = 8.099, p = 0.004). The vaccinated respondents significantly more often tend to consider the influenza vaccine as safe (χ2 = 5.026, p = 0.025) and effective (χ2 = 11.247, p = 0.001). Respondents who had comorbidities, who considered the vaccine as effective were 3 times and 1.9 times more likely respectively to have received an influenza vaccine. Conclusion The study discovered that in North Macedonia the coverage with influenza vaccine is low. Addressing influenza vaccine safety, efficacy, patient-specific recommendations and encouraging effective physician communication and counselling are some of the key areas for increasing knowledge and awareness.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Nanotube and Nanochain from Ag/Chloroquine /Cyclodextrin and Ag/Co/Chloroquine /Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex
Authors: Mani A. , Ramasamy P. , Prabhu A. Antony Muthu , Senthilraja P. , Rajendiran N. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Chemical reduction method was used to form a silver and silver/cobalt nanoparticles. Ag and Ag/Co nanoparticles with a chloroquine-cyclodextrin inclusion complex were examined using UV-Visible, fluorescence, computational technique, FE-SEM, TEM, FTIR, Differential Scanning Colorimeter and XRD. Silver and silver/cobalt nanoparticles exhibit a blue-shifted absorption maximum in the presence of CQ/CD inclusion complex. All of the experimental findings supported the interaction of Ag and Ag/Co nanoparticles with CQ:CD inclusion complexes. There was only one emission found across all solvents and CDs. TEM image showed the presence of nanochain in Ag/CQ/β-CD and nanotubes in Ag/Co/CQ/β-CD. The pure isolated CQ drug has a stronger antibacterial effect than samples A and B. Additionally, sample A exhibits greater efficacy for all six infections than sample B.
Higher Education for Sustainable Construction: A Global Overview of Nine Burundian Universities ‘Commitment
Authors: Rudahinyuka Samuel , Ngenzi Jean Claude , HongBing Li , Kubwarugira Gamaliel , Hongjie Xie , Ndihokubwayo Athanase 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Civil engineering is moving to meet the needs of present and future generations through education, which is one of the ways to convey this dynamism. Thus, there is a vast literature on the contribution of higher education to the promotion of sustainable construction through the curricula provided by higher education institutions. However, there is an absence of studies that focus on the commitment of higher education institutions through their faculties’ objectives, which in turn drive the training curricula. This study, therefore, seeks to assess the commitment of nine Burundian universities involved in the training of construction engineers and architects, who are the main stakeholders in the construction industry in Burundi. Through qualitative and quantitative approaches, this study shows that Burundian universities involved in the training of construction engineers and architects are not well engaged in the promotion of sustainable construction. A reorientation of their faculties of civil engineering and architecture by redefining the objectives pursued both globally and specifically is desirable. This will generate a contribution of their part to sustainable development through the promotion of constructions inspired by the needs of the present generations without harming the needs of the future ones. The scarcity of studies and publications in this field in the Burundian context has limited this research.
A dunite fragment in meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 11421: A piece of the Moon’s mantle
Authors: Treiman Allan H. , Semprich Julia 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
A centimeter-sized fragment of dunite, the first recognized fragment of Moon mantle material, has been discovered in the lunar highlands breccia meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 11421. The dunite consists of 95% olivine (Fo83), with low-Ca and high-Ca pyroxenes, plagioclase, and chrome spinel. Mineral compositions vary little across the clast and are consistent with chemical equilibration. Mineral thermobarometry implies that the dunite equilibrated at 980 ± 20 °C and 0.4 ± 0.1 gigapascal (GPa) pressure. The pressure at the base of the Moon’s crust (density 2550 kg/m3) is 0.14–0.18 GPa, so the dunite equilibrated well into the Moon’s upper mantle. Assuming a mantle density of 3400 kg/m3, the dunite equilibrated at a depth of 88 ± 22 km. Its temperature and depth of equilibration are consistent with the calculated present-day selenotherm (i.e., lunar geotherm).
The dunite’s composition, calculated from mineral analyses and proportions, contains less Al, Ti, etc., than chondritic material, implying that it is of a differentiated mantle (including cumulates from a lunar magma ocean). The absence of phases containing P, Zr, etc., suggests minimal involvement of a KREEP component, and the low proportion of Ti suggests minimal interaction with late melt fractionates from a lunar magma ocean. The Mg/Fe ratio of the dunite (Fo83) is significantly lower than models of an overturned unmixed mantle would suggest, but is consistent with estimates of the bulk composition of the Moon’s mantle.
Exaggerated arsenic removal efficiency and pH adaptability by adsorption using monodispersed porous pinecone-like magnesium hydroxide
Authors: Lin Qiwei , Chen Wendan , Lin Fangjie , Zhu Hu , Wang Xuesong 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Arsenic compounds are classified as Class I carcinogens due to their high toxicity to the organism. Also, they are easily accumulated in water bodies, and both H2AsO4− and HAsO42− are present simultaneously and convert to each other in a wide pH range. Based on the strategy of simultaneous removal of protons to immobilize AsO43−, a monodispersed porous pinecone-like Mg(OH)2 (PLMH) was prepared via a facile and environmentally friendly ultrasound-assisted precipitation route for deep As(V) removal. The PLMH presents a porous and stable framework structure formed by crossed lamellae, and the As(V) solution can be completely immersed inside, which gives a ‘surface effect’ inside the microsphere and makes the As(V) capture performance much higher than the general adsorbents by the removal of protons to immobilize AsO43−. In addition, the PLMH has an extremely wide pH applicability range (pH 3–12), special pH effects, and symmetry phenomena. These performances indicate that the PLMH can be a good candidate for the treatment of real arsenic industrial wastewater.
Apple peels as a potential adsorbent for removal of Cu and Cr from wastewater
Authors: Shahzadi Iram , Mubarak Shafaq , Farooq Ariba , Hussain Naqi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Solid waste management (SWM) is one of the biggest concerns of society and agricultural waste is generated in vast amounts. In this study removal of Cu and Cr from wastewater using chemically modified apple peels was studied by following batch sorption experiments. Effects of metal concentration, adsorbent dose, pH, temperature and contact duration on the adsorption of Cu & Cr were investigated by using atomic adsorption spectrophotometer (AAS). SEM & EDX analysis of the adsorbents were recorded to study the morphology of the prepared adsorbents. Qmax value of apple peels is 25 for Cr and 22 for Cu, while for apple peel charcoal it is 33 for Cr and 47 for Cu, for treated apple peels Qmax is 50 for Cr and 52 for Cu adsorption. The data was processed using pseudo first, second order kinetic and intraparticle diffusion. Results depicted that the calculated adsorption capacities (qecal) were found to be close to the experimental values (qecal) by following pseudo-second-order kinetics. The applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms was tested. Results showed that the Langmuir model is best fitted on adsorption data because regression factor R2 values are good for the Langmuir model.