bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SOX30, a valuable diagnostic marker, suppresses tumor growth via inducing autophagy as key cadres in ovarian cancer
Authors: Li Qian , Guo Peng , Gu Jing , Sun Na , Deng Yating , Wang Fei , Ding Jun , Liu Jinyi , Han Fei 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Discovering and identifying novel diagnostic markers and effective therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer is urgently required. SOX30 has recently been demonstrated to suppress tumor metastasis and represent prognostic and chemotherapeutic marker for advanced-stage ovarian cancer. We aim to investigate the expression pattern, expression regulation, and diagnostic value of SOX30, as well as determining the role of SOX30 on tumor growth and the corresponding mechanism in ovarian cancer.
Methods
Using The Cancer Genome Atlas database, the association between the expression levels of SOX30 with copy number variation and DNA methylation in ovarian cancer were comprehensively analyzed. The function of SOX30 in tumor growth was studied by MTS assay, colony formation assay, rescue assay, and xenograft models. Flow cytometry, western blotting, and confocal microscopy were used to investigate the role of SOX30 on apoptosis and autophagy. Genes co-expressed with SOX30 were analyzed, and functional enrichment analysis was performed.
Results
SOX30 was frequently overexpressed which was closely associated with its copy number amplification, and the aberrant expression of SOX30 could clearly discriminate tumor from normal tissues very well in ovarian cancer. Functionally, SOX30 led to significant inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo with induction of slight cell apoptosis but apparent cell autophagy in ovarian cancer. The inhibition of SOX30 on cancer cell proliferation is dependent on regulation of autophagy. At the molecular level, SOX30 could regulate biological processes and signaling pathway of autophagy rather than of apoptosis in ovarian cancer. Moreover, SOX30 was indeed positively correlated with various autophagic key genes in ovarian cancer.
Conclusions
The findings provide a new diagnostic marker and promising therapeutic target, and highlight unappreciated roles of SOX30 on cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth mainly through an autophagic mechanism in ovarian cancer.
Catastrophic health expenditure and health-related quality of life among older adults in Shandong, China: The moderation effect of daily care by adult children
Authors: Li Jiayan , Gao Tingting , Zhao Dan , Chai Shujun , Luo Jingjing , Wang Xuehong , Wang Xueqing , Sun Jingjie , Li Peilong , Zhou Chengchao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) has a considerable impact on older people in later life, but little is known about the relationship between catastrophic health expenditure and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between catastrophic health expenditure and health-related quality of life in older people, and to explore whether the daily care provided by adult children is a moderator in this relationship.
Methods: Data from the sixth National Health Services Survey in Shandong Province, China. The sample consisted of 8599 elderly people (age ≥ 60 years; 51.7% of female). Health-related quality of life was measured by the health utility value of EQ-5D-3L. Interaction effects were analyzed using Tobit regression models and marginal effects analysis.
Results: The catastrophic health expenditure prevalence was 60.5% among older people in Shandong, China. catastrophic health expenditure was significantly associated with lower health-related quality of life (β= - 0.142, P<0.001). We found that adult children providing daily care services to their parents mitigated the effect of catastrophic health expenditure on health-related quality of life among older people (β= 0.027, P=0.040).
Conclusions: Our findings suggested that catastrophic health expenditure was associated with health-related quality of life and the caring role of older adult children moderated this relationship. Reducing the damage caused by catastrophic health expenditure helps to improve health-related quality of life in older people. Adult children should increase intergenerational contact, provide timely financial and emotional support to reduce the negative impact of catastrophic health expenditure on health-related quality of life.
Effect of some parameters on keratin extracted from waste chicken feathers
Authors: Meko Ogochukwu Augustina , Eraga Sylvester Okhuelegbe , Arhewoh Matthew Ikhuoria 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The knowledge on the extraction parameters is an important aspect for researchers in converting feathers waste to resourceful keratin. This work aims at investigating the effect of extraction parameters on the yield of keratin obtained from waste chicken feathers as well as carrying out some characterization of the extracted keratin. Keratin was extracted using the alkaline hydrolysis method. Optimum extraction was determined under different experimental conditions, viz: concentration of sodium hydroxide, retention time, and temperature. Their percentage yields were calculated and the keratin extracted was subjected to morphological (Scanning Electron Microscopy), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermal characterization (Differential scanning calorimetry). A yield of 62% keratin was obtained from 3 M NaOH solution at 37°C and 24 h reaction time. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) reveals keratin powder topography with an unsmooth surface and a mean particle size in diameter of 100 µm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of amides functional groups at 1,600 to 1,200 cm-1 wave number. The DSC analysis showed a melting point of 110oC. The extraction method is easy, economical and environmentally friendly. Extraction conditions significantly impact the quality and quantity of keratin extracted.
Breakthrough infection after SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with hemoglobinopathies and blood-transfusion management: a single Center experience
Authors: Duminuco Andrea , Bulla Anna , Rosso Rosamaria , Romeo Marina , Cambria Daniela , Spina Enrico La , Ximenes Benedetta , Giallongo Cesarina , Tibullo Daniele , Romano Alessandra , Raimondo Francesco Di , Cerchione Claudio , Palumbo Giuseppe A. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Immune system impairment is frequently reported in patients affected by hemoglobinopathies due to various mechanisms, including iron accumulation, antigenic stimulation due to numerous transfusions, chronic hemolysis, and a hyperinflammatory state. The antigenic immune response after a vaccine could be ineffective.
Methods
We evaluated the anti-spike IgG production after 2 doses of vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 in patients affected by hemoglobinopathies, reporting the risk of breakthrough infections, monitoring the outcome and the risk of severe disease or complications related to the basal hematological disease.
Results
All 114 enrolled patients developed adequate antibody production, with a median value of serum anti-S IgG of 2184.4 BAU/mL. The amount of antibody was unrelated to any other clinical characteristics evaluated, including transfusion dependence, age, gender, disease type, ferritin, blood count, spleen status, and therapy with hydroxyurea or iron chelators (p > 0.05). Moreover, 47 (41.2%) patients developed breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection during the follow-up, all with a mildly symptomatic course, without requiring hospitalization or experiencing a significative drop in hemoglobin values, allowing for a slight delay in their transfusion regimen.
Conclusion
Vaccination has been an effective and safe tool in this category of patients, preventing severe complications. Watchful waiting in the transfusion strategy can be safely ensured, guaranteeing better management of transfusion components.
Invasion of Pieris mannii butterflies across Central Europe facilitated by urbanization
Authors: RUFFENER Simona C. , MATTHEY-DE-L’ENDROIT Nathalie , BERNER Daniel 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Urbanization progresses world-wide and the frequency of biological invasions increases. Understanding to what extent urban environments facilitate biological invasions and how this affects ecosystems within and outside urbanized areas thus becomes crucial. We here examine the role of urban environments in the invasion of the butterfly Pieris mannii that expanded across Central Europe within the last two decades. Using standardized butterfly captures at paired urban and (semi)natural field sites within the invaded range in Switzerland, we demonstrate that P. mannii is strongly associated with cities and towns. At least at some urban localities, this species is now the most common butterfly, and abundances tend to be particularly high where urban areas are large. Urbanization has thus clearly promoted the species’ rapid invasion because this butterfly is pre-adapted to non-native host plants common in urban environments, and perhaps also to the physical structure of urban habitats. Studying phenology over an entire season, we further infer that P. mannii has up to six generations per year, which may allow the species to adjust its life cycle to changing season length during northward expansion. Elucidating the origin of the range-expansive population and investigating potential ecological consequences of the invasion are exciting next steps to understanding this butterfly invasion.
Stigmasterol and barasertib target cuproptosis-related prognostic model for the synergistic treatment of breast cancer.
Authors: wang Yongqin wang , Ma Yuxiao , Tan Junyi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer (BRCA) has a high incidence and a poor prognosis. Cuproptosis is a crucial regulator of carcinogenesis and tumor progression. However, it has not been reported how cuproptosis in BRCA patients is treated using Chinese and Western medicines.
Methods
This study investigated how cuproptosis is used to diagnose and treat BRCA. A cuproptosis prognostic model was constructed using a bioinformatics approach. We used LASSO to establish a prognostic model associated with cuproptosis, and demonstrated the reliability of the model with survival analysis.
Results
CIBERSORT analysis showed that the prognostic model was associated with immune infiltration. An interesting finding from the CellMiner database analysis revealed a high correlation between the risk score and Barasertib. According to network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis, stigmasterol, an active ingredient of Curcuma longa L., may target the gene ADAM9 in the prognostic model. The combination of drugs confirmed that stigmasterol and barasertib had a significant synergistic effect on BRCA cells.
Conclusion
Our study provides a potential strategy for treating cuproptosis in combination with Chinese and Western medicines for BRCA.
Comparative taxonomic investigation and its systematics application in Astragalus L. sect. Aegacantha Bunge (Fabaceae-Galegeae) from Pakistan; A phylogenetic approach
Authors: Khan Amjad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Sultan Amir , Shah Syed Nasar , Majeed Khawar , Zafar Muhammad , Avila-Quezada Graciela Dolores , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The species of Astragalus L. sect. Aegacantha Bunge, occurring in a specific geographical range comprises eighteen species present in Pakistan. The present study was circumscribed seventeen delimiting species within the section with morphological, anatomical and seed macro- and micromorphological characterizations. In morphological study, shape and size of stipule, calyx, vexillum, wing, keel, stamen, pistil and pod were assessed and illustrated. In spine anatomy most reliable characters i.e. (outline shape, cortical cell and collenchymatous layers, numbers of vascular bundles, types of sclerenchymatous and pith parenchymatous cells, diameter of dorsal-median and ventral lateral vascular bundles, diameter of pith) were studied. In addition, in seed macro- and micromorphology were assessed using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy in order to describe and evaluate the diagnostic features in the species. The seed shape, size, colour, surface ornamentation and epidermal cells features were most significant characters in the systematic implication of studied species. Therefore, UPGMA and cluster biplot (K-means cluster analysis) analyses were performed for the phylogenetic relationship among studied species within section. Further, based on studied characters taxonomic keys were constructed for easy and adequate identification of species. The results of this study contribute novelties traits that will be helpful in phylogenetic and evolutionary study of section Aegacantha.
Spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and risk assessment of heavy metals in groundwater of Pingshuo Mining area
Authors: Sun Long , Liu Tingxi , Duan Limin , Tong xin , Zhang rui , Cui He , Wang Zhiting , Zheng Guofeng 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Groundwater pollution in the Pingshuo mining area is strongly associated with mining activity, with heavy metals (HMs) represent predominant pollutants. To achieve accurate information about the pollution status and health risks of groundwater, 189 groups of samples were collected, tested and analyzed for HMs. The results showed that Fe, Mn, and Zn had the highest average concentrations across various types of groundwater. The concentration of HMs in groundwater was higher near the open pit, waste slag pile, riverfront area, and high anthropic zone. Compared with the standard threshold, except for Ordovician groundwater, excessive HMs were found in other groundwater. Fe, in particular, exceeded the threshold in 20% 75% of the groundwater samples. Three sources of HMs were identified and quantified by Pearson’s correlation analysis and the PMF model, including coal mining activities (68.22%), human life and agricultural activities (16.91%), and natural sources (14.87%). In terms of health risks, the health risk index for HMs in groundwater ranged from 0.18 to 0.42 for adults, indicating an acceptable level. Additionally, high carcinogenic risks were identified in Quaternary groundwater (95.45%), coal series groundwater (91.67%), and Ordovician groundwater (26.67%). Both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks were greater for children than adults, highlighting their increased vulnerability to HMs in groundwater. This study provides a scientific foundation for managing groundwater quality and ensuring drinking water safety in mining areas.
Comparison of airborne antibiotic resistance genes in a chicken farm during winter and summer: A case study
Authors: Song Lu , Ma Jinbiao , Jiang Guanyu , Wang Can , Zhang Yuan , Chen Hong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background Information regarding the abundance and dissemination of airborne antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in chicken farms and their correlations with airborne bacteria is limited.
Methods In this study, we investigated the bacterial communities and quantified the ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in fecal and air samples in summer and winter.
Results The concentrations of nearly all the airborne ARG and MGE subtypes in winter is three or four orders of magnitude higher than those in summer. Findings reveal that the indoor air of a chicken farm is a reservoir of ARGs. The antibiotic target protection was the dominant resistance mechanism of ARGs in all the samples from this chicken farm. On the basis of the fecal samples, bacteria might be easily distributed in air in the intensive chicken farm during winter. Horizontal gene transfer could be a major transmission route in the atmosphere of chicken farms during winter. These results may improve the understanding of airborne ARGs transmission and its distribution characteristics and provide a reference for assessing the risks arising from chicken farms. More effort is needed to prevent and control the potential health risks induced by airborne ARGs.
SOX7: Novel Autistic Gene Identified by Analysis of Multi-Omics Data
Authors: Gonzales Samantha , Zhao Jane Zizhen , Choi Na Young , Acharya Prabha , Jeong Sehoon , Lee Moo-Yeal 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Despite thousands of variants identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is unclear which mutations are causal because most are noncoding. Consequently, reliable diagnostic biomarkers are lacking. RNA-seq analysis captures biomolecular complexity that GWAS cannot by considering transcriptomic patterns. Therefore, integrating DNA and RNA testing may reveal causal genes and useful biomarkers for ASD.
Methods
We performed gene-based association studies using an adaptive test method with GWAS summary statistics from two large Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) datasets (ASD2019: 18,382 cases and 27,969 controls; ASD2017: 6,197 cases and 7,377 controls). We also investigated differential expression for genes identified with the adaptive test using an RNA-seq dataset (GSE30573: 3 cases and 3 controls) and DESeq2.
Results
We identified 5 genes significantly associated with ASD in ASD2019 (KIZ-AS1, p = 8.67×10− 10; KIZ, p = 1.16×10− 9; XRN2, p = 7.73×10− 9; SOX7, p = 2.22×10− 7; LOC101929229 (also known as PINX1-DT), p = 2.14×10− 6). Two of the five genes were replicated in ASD2017: SOX7 (p = 0.00087) and LOC101929229 (p = 0.009), and KIZ was close to the replication boundary of replication (p = 0.06). We identified significant expression differences for SOX7 (p = 0.0017, adjusted p = 0.0085), LOC101929229 (p = 5.83×10− 7, adjusted p = 1.18×10− 5), and KIZ (p = 0.00099, adjusted p = 0.0055). SOX7 encodes a transcription factor that regulates developmental pathways, alterations in which may contribute to ASD.
Limitations:
The limitation of the gene-based analysis is the reliance on a reference population for estimating linkage disequilibrium between variants. The similarity of this reference population to the population of study is crucial to the accuracy of many gene-based analyses, including those performed in this study. As a result, the extent of our findings is limited to European populations, as this was our reference of choice. Future work includes a tighter integration of DNA and RNA information as well as extensions to non-European populations that have been under-researched.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that SOX7 and its related SOX family genes encode transcription factors that are critical to the downregulation of the canonical Wnt/\(\beta\)-catenin signaling pathway, an important developmental signaling pathway, providing credence to the biologic plausibility of the association between gene SOX7 and autism spectrum disorder.
Determinants of Unmet Needs of Contraception among Married Women Aged 15-24 in India: Evidence from NFHS-5
Authors: Keshwani Vanshika , Gupta Saptorshi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Keeping in view the substantial risk of obstetric complications due to a high prevalence of pregnancies among adolescent and young adult women across the globe, this study aims to ascertain an association between independent risk factors and unmet needs of contraception among currently married women, aged 15–24 years, living in India. The present study utilized the recently published data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS, Wave-5, 2019-20). The sample size of this study was 72, 714. Univariate and bivariate analysis was used to understand the prevalence and preliminary association of covariates and the dependent variable. Over 18% of women in the selected sample had total unmet needs for contraception which were divided into 14% for spacing and 4% for limiting. Binary logistic regression and multinomial regression were used to determine the independent effect of covariates on total unmet needs, unmet needs for spacing, and unmet needs for limiting while controlling the selected background characteristics. The likelihood of total unmet needs was lesser among women of relatively higher age, higher educational attainment, better wealth status, urban areas, and those hailing from households with males as the head and those with the same desire for children as their husbands. The multinomial analysis found higher education, urban settlement, male head of household and equal desire of couples for children to be associated with lower unmet needs for both spacing and limiting. Additionally, unmet need for spacing was less likely in higher ages, among Hindu women and those belonging to the ‘none’ category of caste. The likelihood of unmet need for limiting was higher among women aged 21–24 and lower among scheduled tribes. To improve the scenario and bring down the prevalence of unmet needs in India, it is important to have targeted interventions among women of various age groups and different socio-demographic sects.
Study on the influencing parameters of rough-strip energy dissipators of curved spillways based on orthogonal tests and numerical simulation
Authors: Zhang Honghong , Mu Zhenwei , Wang Yiyun , Zhou Zhen , Fan Fan , Li Fanqi , Ma Hao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Rough-strip energy dissipators (R-SEDs) can be arranged at the bend bottom of curved spillways to dissipate energy and divert flow for bend flow. Using the entropy weight and TOPSIS methods, a multi-criteria evaluation system was established for comprehensive energy dissipation and flow diversion effects of R-SEDs. Orthogonal tests and numerical simulation were conducted to analyze factors affecting these effects (average R-SED height, R-SED angle, R-SED spacing, bend width, bend centerline radius and discharge flow rate). It was found that bend width and bend centerline radius significantly affected R-SEDs' energy dissipation effects. Average R-SED height, R-SED spacing and bend centerline radius significantly affected R-SEDs' flow diversion effects. Bend width, average R-SED height and bend centerline radius significantly affected R-SEDs' combined effects of energy dissipation and flow diversion. Their energy dissipation effects were larger than the flow diversion effects. R-SEDs can effectively alleviate adverse hydraulic phenomena in curved spillways. With the recommended parameters, R-SEDs showed the best performance, with the energy dissipation rate increasing by 18.67% and the water surface superelevation coefficient decreasing by 26.14%. The accuracy of the multi-criteria evaluation system was verified. This study can provide a reference for the R-SED design of similar curved spillways.
Modeling of truncated normal distribution for estimating hydraulic parameters in water distribution systems: taking nodal water demand as an example
Authors: Shao Yu , Li Kun , Zhang Tuqiao , Yang Y. Jeffrey , Chu Shipeng 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The normal probability density function (PDF) is widely used in parameter estimation in the modeling of dynamic systems, assuming that the random variables are distributed at infinite intervals. However, in practice, these random variables are usually distributed in a finite region confined by the physical process and engineering practice. In this study, we address this issue through the application of truncated normal PDF. This method avoids a non-differentiable problem inherited in the truncated normal PDF at the truncation points, a limitation that can limit the use of analytical methods (e.g., Gaussian approximation). A data assimilation method with the derived formula is proposed to describe the probability of parameter and measurement noise in the truncated space. In application to a water distribution system (WDS), the proposed method leads to estimating nodal water demand and hydraulic pressure key to hydraulic and water quality model simulations. Application results to a hypothetical and a large field WDS clearly show the superiority of the proposed method in parameter estimation for WDS simulations. This improvement is essential for developing real-time hydraulic and water quality simulation and process control in field applications when the parameter and measurement noise are distributed in the finite region.