bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WDFY3 cell autonomously controls neuronal migration
Authors: Schaaf Zachary , Tat Lyvin , Cannizzaro Noemi , Green Ralph , Rülicke Thomas , Hippenmeyer Simon , Zarbalis Konstantinos 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background Proper cerebral cortical development depends on the tightly orchestrated migration of newly born neurons from the inner ventricular and subventricular zones to the outer cortical plate. Any disturbance in this process during prenatal stages may lead to neuronal migration disorders (NMDs), which can vary in extent from focal to global. Furthermore, NMDs show a substantial comorbidity with other neurodevelopmental disorders, notably autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Our previous work demonstrated focal neuronal migration defects in mice carrying loss-of-function alleles of the recognized autism risk gene WDFY3. However, the cellular origins of these defects in Wdfy3 mutant mice remain elusive and uncovering it will provide critical insight into WDFY3-dependent disease pathology . MethodsHere, in an effort to untangle the origins of NMDs in Wdfy3lacZ mice, we employed mosaic analysis with double markers (MADM). MADM technology enabled us to genetically distinctly track and phenotypically analyze mutant and wild type cells concomitantly in vivo using immunofluorescent techniques. ResultsWe revealed a cell autonomous requirement of WDFY3 for accurate laminar positioning of cortical projection neurons and elimination of mispositioned cells during early postnatal life. In addition, we identified significant deviations in dendritic arborization, as well as synaptic density and morphology between wild type, heterozygous, and homozygous Wdfy3 mutant neurons in Wdfy3-MADM reporter mice at postnatal stages. Limitations While Wdfy3 mutant mice have provided valuable insight into prenatal aspects of ASD pathology that remain inaccessible to investigation in humans, like most animal models, they do not a perfectly replicate all aspects of human ASD biology. The lack of human data makes it indeterminate whether morphological deviations described here apply to ASD patients. Conclusions﻿Our genetic approach revealed several cell autonomous requirements of Wdfy3 in neuronal development that could underly the pathogenic mechanisms of WDFY3-related ASD conditions. The results are also consistent with findings in other ASD animal models and patients and suggest an important role for Wdfy3 in regulating neuronal function and interconnectivity in postnatal life.
miR-211-3p enhances induction chemotherapy insensitivity by upregulating CSF2/CCL20/TNF signaling in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Lingwa , Wang Ru , Huang Tianqiao , Yang Yifan , Feng Ling , Fang Jugao 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose To investigate the potential mechanisms of miR-211-3p on induction chemotherapy (IC) sensitivity in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC).Methods qRT-PCR was assessed to compare the miR-211-3p expression between IC sensitive and insensitive tumor tissues. The MTT assay was performed to analyze cell proliferation and viability to paclitaxel after alteration of miR-211-3p. Flow cytometry assay was conducted to explore cell apoptosis. Transwell assay was used to explore the effect of miR-211-3p on cell migration. Transcriptome sequencing was then performed to select differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after over-expression of miR-211-3p. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted to annotate DEGs. PPI analysis was conducted to screen candidate genes. The differential expression and survival status of candidate genes were further validated in TCGA-HNSCC data. The single sample GSEA method was used to investigate the association between downstream genes and immune cell infiltration.Results MiR-211-3p was up-regulated in IC insensitive larynx-hypopharyngeal tumor tissues. Over-expression of miR-211-3p promoted cell proliferation and migration, and inhibited apoptosis. The IC50 value of miR-211-3p overexpression (OE) group was significantly higher than negative control (NC) group treated with paclitaxel, suggesting miR-211-3p enhanced IC insensitivity in HSCC. We found 778 DEG after over-expression of miR-211-3p and 11 significant genes were then identified. Finally, CSF2 and CCL20 were validated to be significantly high expressed and associated with poorer overall survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, which were involved in TNF signaling pathway and then regulated immune cell infiltration.Conclusion The miR-211-3p could promote HSCC progression and upregulates CSF2/CCL20/TNF signaling to promote IC insensitivity in HSCC, which may provide new ideas for HSCC therapy.
Antimicrobial Activities and Antioxidant Properties of Bacillus Mojavensis I4 Lipopeptides and Application in the Biocontrol of Potato Dry Rots Caused by Fusarium Solani
Authors: Ghazala Imen , Charfeddine Safa , Charfeddine Mariam , Gargouri Radhia , Ellouze Semia , Haddar Anisssa 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Lipopeptides are diverse metabolites produced by various bacterial and fungal genera known for their antimicrobial and surfactant activities with diverse environmental, pharmaceutical application and also agronomic applications as biocontrol agents. In this study, the presence of NRPS genes in Bacillus mojavensis I4 was confirmed by PCR and this bacterial strain could produce diverse lipopeptides which belonged to fengycin, and surfactin families. The antioxidant activity of I4 biosurfactants was determined through four different in vitro assays. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity assays indicated that I4 lipopeptides exhibited marked inhibitory activity against several bacterial and fungal strains. The I4 lipopeptides were effective in the biocontrol of Fusarium solani that causes potato dry rot disease. Preventive treatment decreased the fungi penetration by almost 80 % after 15 days. This finding suggested promising application of I4 lipopeptides in potato tuber storage.
An Enhanced Rsa Algorithm For Data Security Using Gaussian Interpolation Formula
Authors: Dawson John Kwao , Twum Frimpong , Acquah James Benjamin Hayfron , Ayawli Beklisi Kwame 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Data security is a crucial concern that ought to be managed to help protect vital data. Cryptography is one of the conventional approaches for securing data and is generally considered a fundamental data security component that provides privacy, integrity, confidentiality, and authentication. In this paper, a hybrid data security algorithm is proposed by integrating traditional RSA and Gaussian Interpolation formulas. The integration raises the security strength of RSA to the fifth degree. The Gaussian First Forward Interpolation is used to encrypt the ASCII values of the message after which the traditional RSA is used to encrypt and decrypt the message in the second and third levels. The last stage employs Gaussian Backward Interpolation to decrypt the data again. The integration helps to cater to the factorization problem of the traditional RSA. Comparative analysis was performed using four different algorithms; RSA, SRNN, 2-Key pair algorithms, and the proposed algorithm. It is proven that when the data size is small the encryption and decryption times are lower for the proposed algorithm but higher when the data size is big.
Preclinical Evaluation of Endoscopic Placement of a Steroid-eluting Metal Stent in an In Vivo Porcine Benign Biliary Stricture Model
Authors: Jang Sung Ill , Fang Sungsoon , Nahm Ji Hae , Cho Jae Hee , Do Min Young , Lee Su Yeon , Jeong Seok , Lee Don Haeng , Lee Dong Ki 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Treatment of benign biliary strictures (BBS) using fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) has a high success rate, but recurrence can occur. Corticosteroids may be useful based on their anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the safety and efficacy of corticosteroid-eluting FCSEMS in an animal model. BBSs were created by radiofrequency ablation in 12 mini-pigs. Four weeks later, FCSEMS coated with 0 mg (control), 15 mg (steroid 1x group), or 30 mg (steroid 2x group) triamcinolone were inserted endoscopically. The in vitro drug release assay revealed that the optimal stent had 15 mg of triamcinolone and a hydrophilic membrane. No transmural necrosis or perforation occurred in any animal. Fibrous wall thickness tended to decrease macroscopically and microscopically in a triamcinolone dose-dependent manner (control vs. steroid 2x group: 773.1 vs. 468.5 µm, P = 0.037). Thickness also decreased over time in the steroid 2x group (3 days vs. 4 weeks: 907.9 vs. 468.5 µm, P = 0.025). Blood parameters tended to improve after stent insertion. In a porcine BBS model, steroid-eluting FCSEMS showed potential as a safe and effective treatment modality to reduce fibrotic tissue. Studies are required to confirm their safety and efficacy in humans with refractory BBS.
High-Performance Sustainable Tissue Paper from Agricultural Residue: A Case Study on Fique Fibers from Colombia
Authors: Kumar Rajnish , Zambrano Franklin , Peszlen Ilona , Venditti Richard , Pawlak Joel J. , Jameel Hasan , Gonzalez Ronalds W. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Global sustainability megatrends are promoting the utilization of sustainably perceived fibers such as recycled and agricultural residue fibers in hygiene tissue applications. Tissue paper products advertised as sustainable have higher prices and inferior performance than conventional products manufactured from virgin wood fibers. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using agricultural residues from fique plantations (Furcraea microphylla genus) as an alternative to Northern Bleached Softwood Fibers (NBSK) in high-performance hygiene tissue applications. For our study, fiber residues were mechanically cleaned and upgraded to a tissue pulp using a simple pulping and bleaching process. A complete characterization of tissue paper properties (bulk, softness, water absorbency, tensile strength) was performed and compared against the NBSK market pulp. Additionally, fique residue pulp was blended with Bleached Eucalyptus Kraft (BEK) to match the performance of a selected benchmark consisting of 70% BEK and 30% NBSK. Results indicate fique residue bleached pulp has similar fiber morphology and comparable strength properties in terms of the tensile strength (+6%) and tear strength (+10%), but superior bulk (+12%), water absorbency (+28%), and softness (-29 % TS7 values) than NBSK pulp. A fiber blend of 70% BEK and 30% fique residue showed superior tensile strength (+21%), tear strength (+54%), bulk (+ 5.5%), water absorbency (+1.5%), and softness (-8.7% TS7 values) over a similar fiber blend of BEK and NBSK. Our findings demonstrate that fibers from fique residue can substitute NBSK in hygiene tissue applications. Upgrading residues from fique fibers as raw materials for the tissue industry can bridge the gap between sustainability and product performance, simultaneously opening the possibility of new revenue streams for millions of small farmers in the producing countries.
Precisely Translating Computed Tomography Diagnosis Accuracy into Therapeutic Intervention by a Carbon-Iodine Conjugated Polymer
Authors: Yin Mingming , Liu Xiaoming , Lei Ziqiao , Gao Yuting , Liu Jiacheng , Tian Sidan , Liang Zhiwen , Wang Ye , Meng Fanling , Luo Liang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The boomed development of precision medicine has underlined an immense need for ultraefficient, multifunctional markers to bridge diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Particularly, ultraefficient X-ray computed tomography (CT) contrast agents that can precisely translate diagnostic findings into optimal therapeutic intervention represents an unsurmountable clinical challenge. Here, poly(diiododiacetylene) (PIDA), a conjugated polymer composed of only carbon and iodine atoms, is reported as an ultraefficient CT contrast agent to bridge CT diagnostic imaging with therapeutic intervention. PIDA has an unusually high iodine payload (>84 wt%), and the aggregation of nanofibrous PIDA can further amplify CT intensity for over 10 folds with improved geometrical and positional stability in vivo. Moreover, with a highly conjugated backbone, PIDA is in deep blue color, making it dually visible by both CT imaging and naked eyes. The supreme performance of PIDA in CT-guided preoperative planning and visualization-guided surgery has been validated on orthotopic xenograft rat models. More strikingly, PIDA excels clinical fiducial markers of imaging-guided radiotherapy in efficiency and biocompatibility, and exhibits successful guidance of robotic radiotherapy on Beagles, demonstrating great clinical potential to translate CT diagnosis accuracy into therapeutic intervention for precision medicine.
EGFR-Targeted Fluorescent Imaging Using The Da Vinci® Firefly™ Camera For Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Choi Jung Ha , Kang Chang Moo , Park Jeong Youp 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Fluorescent imaging may aid with precise diagnosis and treatment of patients with gallbladder cancer. In this study we sought to demonstrate whether the da Vinci® surgical system and Firefly™ camera could detect EGFR-targeted fluorescent images in orthotopic mouse models of gallbladder cancer. An orthotopic mouse model of gallbladder cancer was created by injecting NOZ gallbladder cancer cells mixed with Matrigel into the gallbladder. In vivo imaging of subcutaneous and orthotopic gallbladder tumors was performed after injection of DyLight 650- or 800-conjugated EGFR antibody. Western blotting, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy showed the presence of EGFR in NOZ cells, but not in HEK cells. Subcutaneous NOZ cell tumors fluoresced after injection with fluorescent EGFR antibody, but subcutaneous HEK tumors did not. Fluorescent EGFR antibody made orthotopic NOZ tumors fluoresce, with an intensity stronger than in surrounding normal tissues. Histochemical examination confirmed the location of the tumors inside the gallbladder and adjacent liver parenchyma. Fluorescent signal was also detected in orthotopic gallbladder tumors with Firefly™ camera. Our study showed that fluorescent EGFR antibodies and the Firefly camera in the da Vinci system can detect fluorescing gallbladder tumors, which demonstrates its potential use for molecular imaging based prevision surgery in near future.
Characterization of ACE2 naturally occurring missense variants: impact on subcellular localization and trafficking
Authors: Badawi Sally , Mohamed Feda E. , Alkhofash Nesreen R. , John Anne , Ali Amanat , Ali Bassam R. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background:Human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a type I transmembrane receptor physiologically acting as a carboxypeptidase enzyme within the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), is a critical mediator of infection by several severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) corona viruses. For instance, it has been demonstrated that ACE2 is the primary receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 entry to many human cells through binding to the viral spike S protein. Consequently, genetic variability in ACE2 gene has been suggested to contribute to the variable clinical manifestations in COVID-19. Many of those genetic variations result in missense variants within the amino acid sequence of ACE2. The potential effects of those variations on binding to the spike protein has been speculated and, in some case, demonstrated experimentally. However, their effects on ACE2 protein folding, trafficking and subcellular targeting have not been established. Results:In this study we aimed to examine the potential effects of 28 missense variants (V801G, D785N, R768W, I753T, L731F, L731I, I727V, N720D, R710H, R708W, S692P, E668K, V658I, N638S, A627V, F592L, G575V, A501T, I468V, M383I, G173S, N159S, N149S, D38E, N33D, K26R, I21T, S19P) distributed across the ACE2 receptor domains on its subcellular trafficking and targeting through combinatorial approach involving in silico analysis and experimental subcellular localization analysis. Our data show that none of the studied missense variants (including 3 variants predicted to be deleterious R768W, G575V and G173S) has a significant effect on ACE2 intracellular trafficking and subcellular targeting to the plasma membrane. Conclusion: Loss of proper trafficking and targeting of ACE2 is expected to lead to loss of the protein function and therefore our results support the notion that loss of this protein function is not tolerated in humans due to its many essential physiological functions.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Heat Waves in Jordan
Authors: Alwadi Yazan , Abdulla Fayez 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Heatwaves are durations of relatively extreme high temperatures. The literature presents multiple methods and criteria of identifying heatwaves based on Temperature exceedance parameter, and a duration parameter. All these presented criteria when applied result in different characteristics measures of heatwaves. Heatwaves are usually studied to identify their impact on one of the affected sectors (Human health, Energy consumption, Ecological conditions, urban air quality, environmental conditions, and any other sector that might be impacted). However, the literature provides little assistance in selecting which criteria to use for which purpose. In this work the idea of using different criterion based on the impacted sector being studied was introduced, we also defined a best fit heatwave criterion to assess the impact of heatwaves on human health based on the existing literature. We then use this criterion to identify heatwaves in 13 stations in Jordan and study the spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal distributions and development of these heatwaves throughout the study duration (1970-2005). The result of the study shows a dramatic increase in heatwaves characteristics across Jordan. The area subjected to the highest change was the Jordanian capital (Amman), with an increase of 7 folds in number of heatwave days per year, 3 folds in number of heatwaves per year, and a 10% increase in the average temperature in the yearly maximum heatwave. The trends showed no signs of slowing down in the heatwaves’ characteristic change. When projected Amman is expected to have 41 heatwave days and 9.8 heatwaves per year by 2050.
Appropriateness and adherence to guidelines in perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients undergoing clean surgery: results from a Quality Control Circle intervention
Authors: Zou Jian , Zhong Jia-yun , Liu Yu , Huang Dan , Liu Yan-xin , Li Xi-wen , Gong Wen-jun , Tao Jia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Appropriate implementation of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery is considered an effective measure to prevent the incidence of surgical site infection and the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. To reduce the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, there is a need to improve the correct implementation of PAP. Methods: A QCC activity team was established to grasp the current situation of PAP in clean surgery procedure, set target, formulated corresponding countermeasures and implement and review them in stages. The plan-do-check-act method was cyclically applied. The appropriateness of PAP before (July to December 2018) and after (April to September 2019) the implementation of QCC activities were evaluated based on relevant international and Chinese perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines. Results: The appropriate rate of PAP was significantly improved from 68.72% (n=406) before QCC to 93.7% (n=508) post QCC implementation (P＜0.01). A significant improvement (P＜0.05) was also determined for each category: selection (from 78.82 to 96.06%), duration (from 90.15 to 96.46%), indication (from 94.09 to 97.64%), timing of first dose (from 96.55 to 99.21%), antibiotic usage (from 96.8 to 99.41%), re-dosing of antibiotic (from 96.55 to 99.21%). Conclusions: The appropriate application of PAP is improved through QCC activities, providing a useful reference for the prevention of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and the development of medical quality improvement activities.
cRGD Nanoparticles Loaded with Microbubbles for Enhancing Anti-Proliferation and Anti-Angiogenesis
Authors: Zhang Xia , Xie Rongping , Luo Zhixiong , Liao Haihong , Ouyang Da , Chen Man , Zhou Bing 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The inhibition of angiogenesis leads to the degeneration of tumors; thus, anti-angiogenesis therapy is a strategy for the treatment of tumors. Accumulating documents has demonstrated effective anti-angiogenic strategies should simultaneously inhibit endothelium-dependent vessels (EDV) and tumor cell-mediated vasculogenic mimicry (VM). Although cRGD peptide enabling to bind with avb3 integrin can specifically inhibit both EDV and VM, however peptide-based drug delivery platforms have not obtained the expected therapeutic efficacy due to their rapid degradation and low tumor accumulation. Results: Herein, we developed cRGD nanoparticles (cRGD Nano) loaded microbubbles (MB) to enhance their anti-EDV and anti-VM ability for endothelial cells and ovarian cancer cells due to the sonoporation effect from ultrasound (US). Heparin as backbone conjugated with cRGD to prepare cRGD-H conjugate and then loaded with biotin thereby following dialysis to fabricate cRGD Nano. Subsequently, the cRGD Nano were incorporated with MB via avidin-biotin linkage to fabricate cRGD Nano-MB. The enhanced anti-angiogenic effect can take profit of cRGD from cRGD Nano and sonoporation effect from US combined with MB. cRGD Nano has been characterized, and cRGD Nano-MB combined with US exhibited the best intracellular uptake ability than cRGD Nano and cRGD Nano-MB without US by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Also, cRGD Nano-MB combined with US could efficiently discourage the tube formation of endothelial cells and cancer cells, and presented excellent significant anti-proliferation activity in vivo. Conclusions: The combination of cRGD Nano-MB and US is expected to be a promising strategy for peptide drug delivery and enhancing anti-proliferation and anti-angiogenesis.
Incidence and risk factors for tuberculosis among people living with HIV in Bangui: a cohort study
Authors: Longo Jean De Dieu , Woromogo Sylvain Honoré , Diemer Henri Saint-Clavaire , Tékpa Gaspard , Belec Laurent , Grésenguet Gérard 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background. Tuberculosis-HIV co-infection is the leading cause of death for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Central African Republic. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors of TB among PLHIV in Bangui.Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out on a cohort of PLHIV followed in an HIV infection management center in Bangui. PLHIV aged 18 or older, with no history of TB, enrolled between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 were included in the study. The software, Epi Info 7, made it possible to enter and analyze the data. The chi-square test was used only to compare the proportions at the 5% significance level.Results: A total of 677 patients including 618 (91.28%) on antiretroviral therapy were included in the study. The median age was 34 with extremes ranging from 18 to 57. Of the patients followed, 104 developed TB. The overall incidence of TB was 15.37 (104/677) cases per 100 PLHIV-years. This incidence was 13.10 (81/618) cases per 100 in patients on ART-years and 38.99 (23/59) cases per 100 patients on pre-ART-years. In pre-ART patients the incidence of TB was therefore almost 3 times higher than that of PLHIV on ART (p = 0.03). WHO clinical stages III and IV (p = 0.02), absence of ART (p = 0.03), poor adherence (p = 0.004) and low functional capacity (p = 0.04) were the risk factors associated with the occurrence of TB among PLHIV in Bangui.Conclusions: The high incidence of TB in our context is essentially linked to delay in diagnosis and the quality of care. Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy, systematic screening for TB in PLHIV upon entry into the active queue and better monitoring of patients on ART are strongly recommended.