bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MICAL2 contributes to gastric cancer cell migration via Cdc42- dependent activation of E‑cadherin/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Qianwen , Qi Chenxiang , Min Pengxiang , Wang Yueyuan , Ye Fengwen , Xia Tianxiang , Zhang Yujie , Du Jun 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Gastric cancer is a common and lethal human malignancy worldwide and cancer cell metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. MICAL2, a flavoprotein monooxygenase, is an important regulator of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of MICAL2 on gastric cancer cell migration and determine the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Methods
Cell migration was examined by wound healing and transwell assays. Changes in E-cadherin/β-catenin signaling were determined by qPCR and analysis of cytoplasmic and nuclear protein fractions. E-cadherin/β-catenin binding was determined by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Cdc42 activity was examined by pulldown assay.
Results
MICAL2 was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues. The knockdown of MICAL2 significantly attenuated migratory ability and β-catenin nuclear translocation in gastric cancer cells while LiCl treatment, which activates β-catenin signaling, reversed these MICAL2 knockdown-induced effects. Meanwhile, E-cadherin expression was markedly enhanced in MICAL2-depleted cells. MICAL2 knockdown led to a significant attenuation of E-cadherin ubiquitination and degradation in a Cdc42-dependent manner, then enhanced E-cadherin/β-catenin binding, and reduced β-catenin nuclear translocation.
Conclusions
Together, our results indicated that MICAL2 promotes E-cadherin ubiquitination and degradation, leading to enhanced β-catenin signaling via the disruption of the E-cadherin/β-catenin complex and, consequently, the promotion of gastric cell migration.
The application of internal traction technique in retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for renal ventral tumors
Authors: Jiang Xiao-Lu , OuYang Kui , Yang Rui , Yu Xiao-Yang , Yang Dian-Dong , Wu Ji-Tao , Zhao Hong-Wei 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
BackgroundFor patients with prior intra-abdominal surgery or multiple arteries, the retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (rRAPN) is a better choice. The renal ventral tumor poses an additional challenge due to poor tumor exposure. This study is determined to assess the feasibility of an internal traction technique (ITT) in rRAPN for the management of renal ventral tumors.MethodsFrom November 2019 to March 2021, a total of 28 patients with renal ventral tumor underwent rRAPN. All patients had prior abdominal surgery or multiple arteries. The ITT group (20 patients), which improved the tumor exposure by traction of the kidney with suture, was compared with the traditional technique group (8 patients) in terms of warm ischemia time, estimated blood loss and postoperative hospital stay, retroperitoneal drainage, R.E.N.A.L. score and serum creatinine. Differences were considered significant when P < 0.05. ResultsAll rRAPN surgeries were successful without conversion to radical nephrectomy or open partial nephrectomy. The warm ischemia time was lower in the ITT group (17.10 min vs. 24.63 min; p<0.05). Estimated blood loss in the traditional technique group was 324.88±79.42 mL, and in the ITT group was 117.45±35.25 mL (p<0.05). No significant differences with regards to postoperative hospital stay, retroperitoneal drainage, R.E.N.A.L. score and serum creatinine were observed between both groups. Surgical margins were negative and no intraoperative complications occurred in all the patients. After 10 months follow-up, no recurrence or metastasis occurred in all cases.ConclusionITT is a feasible, safe, and valid procedure in rRAPN for renal ventral tumors. Application of ITT improved the exposure and reduces warm ischemic time in comparison with conventional procedure.
Average-Case Competitive Ratio of Scheduling Algorithms of Multi-User Cache
Authors: Berend Dani , Dolev Shlomi , Hassidim Avinatan , Kogan-Sadetsky Marina 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The goal of this paper is to present an efficient realistic metric for evaluating cache scheduling algorithms in multiuser multi-cache environments. In a previous work, the requests sequence was set deliberately by an opponent (offline optimal) algorithm in an extremely unrealistic way, leading to an unlimited competitive ratio and to extremely unreasonable and unrealistic cache management strategies. In this paper, we propose to analyze the performance of cache management in a typical scenario, i.e., we consider all possibilities with their (realistic) distribution. In other words, we analyze the average case and not the worst case of scheduling scenarios. In addition, we present an efficient, according to our novel average case analysis, online heuristic algorithm for cache scheduling. The algorithm is based on machine-learning concepts, it is flexible and easy to implement.
Early-phase efficacy and adverse effects of liposomal amikacin inhalation for refractory Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease: A case series
Authors: Morita Atsuho , Namkoong Ho , Yagi Kazuma , Asakura Takanori , Hosoya Makoto , Tanaka Hiromu , Lee Ho , Ogawa Takunori , Kusumoto Tatsuya , Azekawa Shuhei , Nakagawara Kensuke , Kamata Hirofumi , Ishii Makoto , Ozawa Hiroyuki , Fukunaga Koichi , Hasegawa Naoki 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Amikacin liposome inhalation suspension (ALIS), which efficiently allows amikacin to reach the pulmonary periphery for drug effect while minimising systemic adverse effects, was recently approved for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections. The international phase 3 open-label clinical trials showed promising results, contributing to sputum culture conversion, but few reports have examined the efficacy and adverse effects using real-world data. We have identified the clinical outcome and adverse effects in the early-phase of treatment to use ALIS more effectively and safely in clinical practice.
Methods
The study population consisted of patients with MAC lung disease (MAC-LD) who were introduced to ALIS therapy after July 2021 at Keio University Hospital due to poor response to multidrug therapy. The sputum smear/culture results, symptoms and adverse effects of the early-phase of ALIS inhalation therapy were retrospectively reviewed. The serum amikacin concentrations in the earliest phase were also measured to assess PK/PD.
Results
A total of 11 cases (9 women; median age 64.6 years) were included in this study. The median disease duration of MAC-LD was 13.7 years, and all patients had a positive culture at the beginning of ALIS inhalation. Eight patients (72.7%) completed ALIS inhalation without interruption during the first month of treatment. Five patients (45.5%) were smear-negative at the start and none were positive at the 1 month follow-up. Three of the six patients (50.0%) who were sputum-smear-positive at the initiation were confirmed to have become sputum-smear-negative within one month, including one culture conversion. ALIS inhalation therapy caused some adverse effects in nine patients (81.8%); however, no serious systemic adverse effects were observed. The most common adverse effect was hoarseness (72.7%), which mostly occurred around 1 week after initiation. The medians of peak serum amikacin concentrations were 1.4 and 2.3 µg/mL for the first and third inhalations, respectively. On the other hand, trough serum concentrations just before the third inhalation were < 1.2 µg/mL in all patients.
Conclusions
ALIS therapy might be a treatment option for patients having refractory MAC infection with long disease duration who have had a poor response to guideline-based therapy.
Unraveling of the mVOCs produced by Trichoderma spp. against Sclerotium rolfsii using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: AYYANDURAI M , Akila R , Manonmani K , Mareeswari P , Vellaikumar S , L Mini M. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Groundnut is an important oilseed crop, and it severely infected with S. rolfsii. Trichoderma sp. is widely distributed antagonistic fungi that used for the control of Sclerotium rolfsii. Six different Trichoderma spp. in vitro efficacy and it producing microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs) assessed against the S. rolfsii through dual culture assay and paired plate assay respectively. The Trichoderma sp. T(SP)-20 exhibited the maximum percentage inhibition (84.44%) followed by T(AR)-10 (75.44%) and TNAU TA (75.33%) in dual culture assay. Among them T. longibrachiatum T(SP)-20 and T. asperellum T(AR)-10 effectively reduced the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii by 61.11 and 54.44 per cent respectively in paired plate assay. Trichoderma spp. co cultured with S. rolfsii produced antimicrobial properties having mVOCs such as Isolongifolan-7-ol,Trans-sesquisabinene hydrate, Bis(2-ethlhexyl)phthalate, Methyl 2-methoxypropenote, Butane,1-propoxy, Pentane,2,dimethyl, 1,3-Dioxolane-4-ethanol,2,2,4-trimethyl, Heptadecane,8-methyl, (1R,5R)-4-methylene-1-(R)-6 methylhept-5 which could induce the plant growth promotion and inhibit the S. rolfsii compared to Trichoderma sp. cultured alone. Trichoderma longibrachiatum effectively reduced the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii. Which exhibited several mode of actions, among them mVOCs effectively reduce the mycelial growth of Sclerotium rolfsii.
A Comparison of FDG PET/CT Segmentation Threshold Methods on Quantification of Brown Adipose Tissue Volume
Authors: Lee Min-Young , Crandall John P. , Wahl Richard L. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a thermogenically active fat that has been identified as a potential target for obesity treatment. BAT presence, activity, and volume are commonly assessed using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT) imaging following a cold activation protocol. Accurate segmentation of BAT is necessary in order to effectively characterize metabolic activity and tissue mass. This study aimed to compare various BAT segmentation methods.Methods: Healthy volunteers 18-35 years of age, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or less, were eligible to participate in this prospective, IRB-approved study. Eligible subjects underwent FDG PET/CT following a cold intervention intended to activate BAT. Active BAT was then segmented using the BARCIST 1.0 recommendations and several other published BAT segmentation methods, as well as methods based on the PET response criteria in solid tumors (PERCIST). Areas of FDG uptake where BAT is typically located were segmented manually and then reduced using various thresholds to produce the final BAT volume. In addition, a repeatability assessment was performed on a subset of participants who underwent repeated BAT imaging studies.Results: A total of 32 participants were enrolled in this study and active BAT was detected in 27 subjects. The median active BAT volumes indicated that the individual BAT volume varied based on the segmentation method used. The highest and lowest median(IQR) segmented BAT volumes were 259.6(195.8) and 17.9(59.6) mL, respectively. The BARCIST and a PERCIST methods resulted in visual scores closest to 0 (0.43 and -0.37, respectively), indicating a strong correlation with the qualitative assessment of active BAT seen on FDG PET/CT images. The inclusion of voxels with standardized uptake values (SUV) greater than 1.0 and Hounsfield unit ranges up to -10 resulted in highly repeatable total BAT volumes (CCC>0.95).Conclusions: BAT volume and activity, as determined using FDG PET/CT, highly depend on the quantification criteria used. In this study, a simple method employing a PERCIST 1.0 threshold provided similar absolute volumes qualitatively, but the BARCIST 1.0 method showed superior repeatability performance.
The comparison of food patterns and food expenditures in different socioeconomic statuses of Iranian households
Authors: Nachvak Seyed Mostafa , Gholami Mohammad Saeed , Mostafai Roghayeh , Najafabadi Maryam Sharifi , Kabiri Seyedeh Sarina , Moludi Jalal , Saber Amir 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Food and nutrition have an undeniably important role in the occurrence of social inequalities in the health of people in society. The household income level, food prices, and the amount of money spent on food are effective factors in food choices and people's health. Our objective was to determine and compare households’ food patterns based on food prices and their income in different socioeconomic statuses (SES).Method: 125 households were randomly selected from five of the Kermanshah city districts based on the SES, including very poor, poor, middle, rich, and very rich. Data were collected using a personal information questionnaire, SES questionnaire, semi-quantitative weekly food purchase registration questionnaire, outdoor food purchase registration questionnaire, and a medium and long-term food purchase reminder questionnaire. The relationship between SES and households’ income with the amount spent for each food group was performed by Spearman's nonparametric correlation technique. Results: The average total cost of households for food per day was 2.51±0.18 $. The highest and lowest daily food expenditures were related to the protein group (39.9%) and the dairy group (3.8%), respectively. Also, dairy and starch groups were the most expensive and cheapest food groups with 5.5 and 0.45 cents per unit. Households in the first SES spent 75.2% of their total income on food and there was a direct and significant correlation between SES, education, and income level with energy, macronutrients, and fiber (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings showed that SES can influence the amount and type of nutrients purchased by households. The households usually met their nutritional requirements by overeating, resulting in food insecurity and cellular starvation. Increasing nutritional knowledge and making the right decisions by food policymakers may reduce food insecurity at the community level.
Classification of rectal cancer according to recurrence types - Comparison of Japanese guidelines and Western guidelines-
Authors: Miyakita Hiroshi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
ObjectivesLocal recurrence (LR) and lung metastasis are more common in rectal cancer than in colon cancer. However, the diagnosis of rectal cancer is not standardized as there is no global consensus on its definition and classification. The classification of rectal cancer differs between Japanese and Western guidelines. Thus, we aimed to elucidate how rectal cancer is classified by investigating the relationship between rectal cancer localization and recurrence in the patientsMethods A total of 958 patients with cStage II and III colorectal cancer were included in the analysis: 323 with right-sided colon cancer (RC), 284 with left-sided colon cancer (LC), and 351 with rectal cancer. Localization of rectal cancers was assessed by enema examination and rigid endoscopy. Results There were no significant differences between rectal Rs, RC and LC in rates of liver and lung metastasis or LR . Lung metastasis or LR were significantly more common among Rab rectal cancers (in Japan) than among right-sided and left-sided colon cancers (p=0.0043, p=0.0002). Lung metastases and LR occurred at significantly higher rates in rectal cancers measuring ≤12 cm and ≤10 cm than in colon cancers (p=0.0117, p=0.0467, p=0.0036, p=0.0010 respectively). Finally, the liver and lung metastases and LR rates of rectal cancers measuring 11 to 15 cm were 6.9%, 2.8%, and 5.7%, respectively. This indicated Equivalent to colon cancer . Conclusions The upper rectum may have the same treatment strategies as the colon cancer. There was no difference in the classification of colorectal cancer between Japan and western countries
Simultaneous Birefringence and Absorption Mapping in Large-Size Sapphire Substrates for Gravitational-Wave Interferometry
Authors: Zeidler Simon , Li Pengbo , Eisenmann Marc , Bazzan Marco , Leonardi Matteo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In high-sensitive laser interferometers, such as the gravitational-wave detector KAGRA, ultra-high quality mirrors are essential. In the case of KAGRA, where cavity-mirrors are cooled down to 20 K, we are using large-size Sapphire crystals as the substrate for the main mirrors to achieve both a good optical quality (i.e., low absorption and uniform refractive index) and optimized thermal behavior under cryogenic temperatures. In order to characterize refractive-index inhomogeneities of large-size uniaxial samples such as the KAGRA Sapphire test-masses, we developed a dedicated setup, allowing to resolve birefringence changes with a sensitivity in the order of ∆n ≈ 10 −10 and a spatial resolution of 0.3 × 0.3 mm 2. In this paper, we will further show how we could draw information of internal stress distributions from the measured birefringence and present for the first time measurements on a KAGRA-sized Sapphire substrate which has been characterized in terms of absorption already in an earlier work. Both birefringence inhomogeneities and absorption distributions will be compared and correlations discussed.
The prognostic significance of nomogram-based pretreatment inflammatory indicators in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma receiving intensity- modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Xu Zhiyang , Ke Hongqian , Zheng Binglin , Lin Chuyan , Zhang Yiping , Wang Liyan , Lin Yu , Ye Yuling , Cai Lifang , You Mengxing , Chen Junqiang , Xu Yuanji 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Currently, there is no objective prognostic index for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). The current study aimed to develop a nomogram based on hematologic inflammatory indices for prognostic prediction and risk-stratification of patients with ECSS treated by IMRT.Methods: 434 patients with treatment-naïve ESCC in Fujian Cancer Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016 were defined as the training cohort. In addition, 147 newly-diagnosed ESCC patients between January 2008 and December 2011 were used as the validation cohort. Independent predictors of overall survival (OS) identified by multivariate survival analysis were employed to establish a nomogram model. The predictive ability was evaluated by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to assess the clinical benefits of the nomogram model. The entire series was divided into three risk subgroups stratified by the total nomogram scores.Results: On multivariate analyses, cTNM, primary gross tumor volume (GTVp), chemotherapy (CT), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were independent predictors of OS. Nomogram was developed incorporating these factors. The C-index for 5-year OS (0.627 and 0.629) and the AUC value of 5-year OS (0.706 and 0.719) in the training and validation cohorts (respectively) were superior to the 8th AJCC staging. Furthermore, the nomogram model presented higher NRI and IDI than the 8th AJCC staging (P=0.001; P=0.001, respectively). DCA showed greater clinical benefit of the nomogram model compared to 8th AJCC staging. Finally, according to the total nomogram score, patients with <84.8, 84.8–151.4, and >151.4 points were categorized into low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups. Their 5-year OS rates were 44.0%, 23.6% and 8.9%, respectively. The C index was 0.625, which was higher than the 8th AJCC staging.Conclusions: We developed a nomogram model for risk-stratification of ESCC patients receiving definitive IMRT. Our findings may provide a reference for individualized treatment.
Laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis in children: Does the post-operative peritoneal drain make any difference? A prospective randomised control trial
Authors: Human MJ , Tshifularo Nyawaleni , Mabitsela Matlou 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
This was a randomised, prospective study, which aimed to determine and compare the post-operative complications of paediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) for complicated appendicitis, with and without a peritoneal drain.
Methods
Patients younger than 13 years, undergoing LA for complicated appendicitis at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), over a 15-month period during 2019–2020 were enrolled. Randomisation was achieved by a blocked randomisation plan. Patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio into the “drain” (D) and “no drain” (ND) groups.
Results
Thirty-four patients were included in this study, seventeen in each group. The complication rate was 26%. Intra-abdominal collection accounted for 89% of the complications. The complication rate in the “D” group was 18% and 35% in the “ND” group, with no statistically significant difference. Complication rates were higher (38%) in patients with generalised pus when compared to localised pus (7%), although not statistically significant. The mean theatre time, hospital stay and duration of antibiotic use did not differ significantly between the groups.
Conclusion
From our study, the post-operative peritoneal drain did not make any statistically significant difference in patient outcome. The amount of intra-abdominal contamination is more likely to contribute in the development of complications.
APOBEC3C Served as a Novel Immune-Related Prognosis Biomarker in Glioma: A Pan-Cancer Analysis
Authors: Jiang Xingjun , Kuang Yirui , Xin Zhaoqi , Yin Wen , Zhou Quanwei , Zhou Yi , Guo Youwei , Jiang Zhipeng , Li Can , Cao Yudong , Wu Zhaoping , Huang Haoxuan , Xie Dongcheng , Huang Hailong , Zhan Chaohong , Wang Lei , Ren Caiping 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic subunit 3C (APOBEC3C) belongs to the cytidine deaminase family, and its function remains unknown in some cancers. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of APOBEC3C in immune infiltration and tumor progression in glioma.Methods: In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the transcriptional expression levels of the APOBEC3C among 33 cancer types by downloading data from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and GTEx (the Genotype-Tissue Expression) databases. Moreover, correlation analyses of the APOBEC3C with cancer prognosis, immune infiltration, immune checkpoints, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), mismatch repair (MMR) and methylation were explored. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and experiments in vitro were performed to validation our findings.Results: Our study found that APOBEC3C was aberrantly expressed in multiple types of human cancers, and associated with immune infiltration and tumor progression. The overexpression of APOBEC3C was observed in human pan-cancer, and plays an important role in overall survival (OS) of glioma and disease-specific survival (DSS) on glioma according to survival analysis results. Besides, APOBEC3C expression is strongly associated with MMR defects and methylation in glioma. High APOBEC3C expression was associated with malignancy in glioma detected by IHC staining. APOBEC3C knockdown reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells. CCK8, clone formation assay, wound healing and Transwell assays confirmed the results in vitro.Conclusion: Our results indicate that APOBEC3C could be a novel biomarker for predicting prognosis and immune response in glioma.