bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of hub genes associated with HCV-related HCC progression based on risk score model
Authors: nie jiao , du chao , lin lu , gao xiaozhong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis is still one of the common etiologies of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Most patients are already at advanced stage of due to the lack of reliable biomarkers. The aim of our study was to identify hub genes associated with early progression of HCV-related cirrhosis to HCV-related HCC by employing transcriptomic profiling datasets. Material and Methods: The datasets incorporating healthy controls and HCV-related HCC liver tissues from Gene Expression Omnibus database were analyzed to extract differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Enrichment analyses were performed to study biological function of common DEGs. The protein–protein interaction network from STRING was constructed in Cytoscape, and highly clustered hub genes were retrieved. Hub genes-related risk score prediction model was then established for further analysis.Results: We identified 188 common DEGs from GSE6764 and GSE62232, and highly clustered 28 hub genes were obtained. The expression of hub genes was associated with HCV-related HCC progressed from HCV-related cirrhosis. The risk score model performed well for distinguishing HCV-related HCC at very early stage, early stage, advanced stage, or very advanced stage from HCV-related cirrhosis (AUCs: 0.887~1). Among the hub genes, FAM83D expression was markedly reduced in HCV-related cirrhosis by comparison to controls and was progressively increased as HCC development. Risk score model based on FAM83D also revealed good performance in distinguishing between HCV-related HCC and cirrhosis (AUCs: 0.838~1).Conclusion: The 28 hub genes especially FAM83D might serve as potential biomarkers for identifying HCV-related HCC at earlier stage and as promising therapeutic targets.
Genomics Improves Risk Stratification of Adults with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients Enrolled in Measurable Residual Disease-Oriented Trials
Authors: González-Gil Celia , Morgades Mireia , Lopes Thaysa , Fuster-Tormo Francisco , García-Chica Jesús , Zhao Ran , Montesinos Pau , Torrent Anna , Diaz-Beya Marina , Coll Rosa , Hermosín Lourdes , Mercadal Santiago , González-Campos José , Zamora Lurdes , Artola Teresa , Vall-Llovera Ferran , Tormo Mar , Gil-Cortés Cristina , Barba Pere , Novo Andrés , Ribera Jordi , Bernal Teresa , Ugarriza Paula López , Queipo María-Paz , Martínez-Sánchez Pilar , Giménez Alicia , González-Martínez Teresa , Cladera Antonia , Cervera José , Fernández-Martín Rosa , Ardaiz María Ángeles , Vidal María Jesús , Baena Ángela , López-Bigas Nuria , Bigas Anna , Maciejewski Jaroslaw , Orfao Alberto , Ribera Josep Maria , Genescà Eulalia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Genetic information has been crucial to understand the pathogenesis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) at diagnosis and at relapse, but still now a days has a limited value in a clinical context. Few genetic markers are associated with the outcome of T-ALL patients, independently of measurable residual disease (MRD) status after therapy. In addition, the prognostic relevance of genetic features may be modulated by the specific treatment used. We analyzed the genetic profile of 145 T-ALL patients by targeted deep sequencing. Genomic information was integrated with the clinical-biological and survival data of a subset of 116 adult patients enrolled in two consecutive MRD-oriented trials of the Spanish PETHEMA (Programa Español de Tratamientos en Hematología) group. Genetic analysis revealed a mutational profile defined by DNMT3A/ N/KRAS/ MSH2/ U2AF1 gene mutations that identified refractory/resistant patients. Mutations in the DMNT3A gene were also found in the non-leukemic cell fraction of patients with T-ALL, revealing a possible mutational-driven clonal hematopoiesis event to prime T-ALL in elderly. The prognostic impact of this adverse genetic profile was independent of MRD status on day +35 of induction therapy. Both variables allowed risk-stratification of T-ALL into standard or high-risk groups with significantly different 5-year overall survival (OS) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 52% (37-67 %) and 17% (1-33%), respectively. These results confirm the relevance of the tumor genetic profile in predicting patient outcome in adult T-ALL and highlight the need for novel gene-targeted chemotherapeutic schedules to improve the OS of poor-prognosis T-ALL patients.
Evaluation of Porcine Somatic and Testicular Germ Cells During Differentiation and Proliferation
Authors: Tabar Amirreza Niazi , Azizi Hossein , Roshan Mehdi Mehdinezhad , Alipour Hiva 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Spermatogenesis is the complex process of sperm production to transmit paternal genetic information to the subsequent generation. This process is determined by the collaboration of several germ and somatic cells, most importantly spermatogonia stem cells and Sertoli cells. To characterize germ and somatic cells in the tubule seminiferous contort in porcine and consequently has an impact on the analysis of porcine fertility.Materials and methods: Germ cells were extracted from porcine testis by enzymatic digestion before being expanded on Sandos inbred mice (SIM) embryo-derived thioguanine and ouabain-resistant fibroblasts (STO) feeder layer supplemented with FGF, EGF, and GDNF. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunocytochemistry (ICC) analysis for Sox9, Vimentin, and PLZF markers were performed to examine the generated colonies of porcine testicular cells. Electron microscopy was also utilized to analyze the morphological features of the extracted porcine germ cells.Results: IHC analysis revealed that Sox9 and Vimentin were expressed in the basal compartment of the seminiferous tubules. Moreover, ICC results showed that the cells have low expression of PLZF while expressing vimentin. Heterogeneity of the in vitro cultured cells was detected via morphological analysis by the electron microscope. Conclusion: In this experimental study, we tried to reveal the exclusive information which obviously could be helpful for future success in achievement to proper therapies against infertility and sterility as an important global issue.
The Illumination Problem In Open Systems: Observation Of A Half-Illuminated Mode In A Penrose Cavity
Authors: An Kyungwon , Kim Juman , Kim Jinuk , Seo Jisung , Park Kyu-Won , Moon Songky 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The illumination problem in mathematics questions the existence of a bounded region in which light rays from a point light source do not illuminate the whole region. Since R. Penrose disproved the illumination problem with elliptical reflective boundaries, the interest has mostly remained in ray optics mainly because there can be no completely dark region for light waves due to diffraction. Here, in a two-dimensional Penrose cavity with elliptical boundaries, we report experimental observation of a symmetry-broken mode in the long-wavelength regime with the half of the cavity region with reflection symmetry almost unilluminated in the steady state. The half-illuminated mode (HIM) was observed in an acoustic cavity by using the schlieren method. The HIM originated from the coherent superposition of near-degenerate modes, among which two scarred modes with opposite parities played a major role. The illuminated part of the HIM could be even flipped by choosing different coefficients in the coherent superposition of the participating modes. The HIM of the Penrose cavity provides new perspective to the illumination problem in an open system.
Artificial Weathering of Rock Types Bearing Petroglyphs from Murujuga, Western Australia
Authors: Neumann Jolam T , Black John L , Hoerlé Stéphane , Smith Benjamin W , Watkins Ron , Lagos Markus , Ziegler Alexander , Geisler Thorsten 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Murujuga in Western Australia has the largest concentration of ancient rock engravings (petroglyphs) in the world. However, the Murujuga rock art is potentially threatened by local industrial air pollution, in particular by acid rain, but unambiguous scientific evidence is still missing. Here, we report on results of an accelerated weathering experiment, simulating Murujuga weather and climate conditions that was designed and performed to test whether the expected small changes in chemical, mineralogical, and physical characteristics of the rock surface can be detected and reliably quantified by various analytical means. Locally acquired Murujuga granophyre and gabbro samples with natural varnish were artificially weathered for up to four months in a climate chamber under conditions that simulated two years of natural weathering. Mineralogical, chemical, and physical changes were qualitatively monitored by X-ray diffraction and confocal Raman spectroscopy, and quantified by colorimetry, portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and micro-computed tomography. In addition, artificial rainwater that was sprinkled over the rock samples was collected and analysed by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results show significant chemical and physical changes of the surfaces of the rock varnish after one month of artificial weathering. The analytical results demonstrate that it is possible to quantitatively monitor small changes caused by the weathering of gabbro and granophyre. Therefore, such a semi-actualistic experimental approach, when carefully designed, potentially allows testing the hypothesis that the weathering rate of the Murujuga petroglyphs is increased by local industrial air pollution. Further experimental work is currently under way.
Critical effect of reaction pH on the microstructural, optical and electrical behavior of ZnO/CuO hetero-structured nanocomposite films
Authors: ER Irmak KARADUMAN , Ajjaq Ahmad , Ateş Aytunç , Acar Selim 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
CuO nanocomposite films and ZnO/CuO nano-heterostructures were synthesized by a series of chemical reactions at different pH values based on the hydrothermal and SILAR (successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction) methods. The ultimate purpose of this work is to explore the impacts of solution pH value and ZnO-based heterostructure on the structural, optical and electrical features of CuO films using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmittance spectrum, current-voltage (I-V) measurements and capacitance-conductance (C-G) measurements in 300–600 K temperature range and 20 Hz–1.5 MHz frequency range. XRD analysis revealed that the crystallite size and strain lattice parameters decrease with the increase in pH value without affecting the crystalline structure of the synthesized films. SEM images revealed the regular growth of ZnO structure without any deterioration in the CuO substrate layer where an increase in the thickness of the formed rods was observed with the increase in reaction pH value. Transmittance dropped greatly with the formation of heterojunction from about 40% (for CuO) to about 1% (for ZnO/CuO) in the visible range followed by a crystallite size-induced change in bandgap from 2.29 eV to 2.32 eV (for CuO) and from 2.03 eV to 2.11 eV (for ZnO/CuO). The increase in pH from 11.0 to 11.2 increased the room-temperature resistance of ZnO/CuO composites from 377 MΩ to 474 MΩ, the ideality factor from 4.41 to 4.68 and the barrier height from 0.74 eV to 0.83 eV. It can be deduced that reaction pH value is an important synthesis parameter that can tune the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of ZnO/CuO nanocomposite films for advanced industrial or technological implementations by controlling the nucleation and crystal growth rates during chemical synthesis processes.
FIB-4 as a non-invasive marker in predicting fatty liver in select populations from Tamil Nadu State.
Authors: Varanasi Bhargav , Alen Tom , Mu Karthikeyan , Selvan Thamarai S , Venkataraman Jayanthi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: FIB 4 score is known to have a significant negative and positive predictive value in predicting lower and higher grades of liver fibrosis. Aim: To determine the cut off of FIB-4 in patients with a normal ultrasound and in those with Fatty Liver (all grades) as a predictor of fibrosis. Methods: Prospective data on hemogram, liver biochemistry and ultrasound (USG) were collected in Master Health Check (MHC). USG findings were classified as normal Grade 1, 2 and 3 FL.FIB-4 were calculated. Patients with known liver disease were excluded. Statistical Analysis: Appropriate non parametric tests were used. AUROC was obtained for FIB-4 cut off. SPSS version 23v was used. Results: There were 741 subjects (274 men; 64%). 418 (56.4%) were > 45 years. Liver was normal in 297 (40.1%); grade 1, 2 and 3 FL in 293 (39.5%), 114 (15.4%) and 37 (5%) subjects respectively. The overall mean FIB-4 score was high in males (1.37 ± 1.06 vs 1.15±0.83, p value 0.009) and remained so for age > 45 years (1.69+ 1.09 versus 1.33+ 0.88, p value 0.000). Mean FIB-4 scores increased with grades of FL (p 0.126). AUROC was 0.538, 0.516 and 0.602 respectively for Gr 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Conclusion: FIB-4 score in our study is lower than that reported in the west with poor prediction for any grade of FL.
Reference Values For Diaphragm Electrical Activity (Edi) In Newborn Infants
Authors: Gurumahan Varappriyangga , Thavalingam Sriganesh , Schindler Tim , Smyth John , Lui Kei , Bolisetty Srinivas 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist is an emerging mode of respiratory support that uses the electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) to provide synchronised inspiratory pressure support, proportional to an infant's changing inspiratory effort. Data on Edi reference values for neonates are limited. The objective of this study was to establish reference Edi values for preterm and term neonates.Methods: This was a prospective observational study of newborn infants breathing spontaneously in room air. The Edi signal was monitored by a specialised intragastric feeding tube with embedded electrodes positioned at the level of the diaphragm. Edi minimums and peaks were recorded continuously for four hours.Results: 24 newborn infants (16 preterm [<37 weeks’ gestation]; 8 term) were studied. All infants were breathing comfortably in room air at the time of study. Edi data were successfully captured in all infants. The mean (±SD) Edi minimum was 3.02 (±0.94) µV and the mean Edi peak was 10.13 (±3.50) µV. In preterm infants the mean (±SD) Edi minimum was 3.05 (±0.91) µV and the mean Edi peak was 9.36 (±2.13) µV. In term infants the mean (±SD) Edi minimum was 2.97 (±1.05) µV and the mean Edi peak was 11.66 (±5.14) µV. Conclusion: Reference Edi values were established for both preterm and term neonates. These values can be used as a guide when using diaphragm-triggered modes on respiratory support in newborn infants.
Metformin prevents the psoriasis under hyperlipidemia via activation of the FOXO3
Authors: Li Chengxin , Zhang Li , Liu Xiaoling , Huang Min , Wang Rui , Zhu Wenwei , Li Yu , Shen Lin , Xie Fang , Wang Wenjuan , Song Cuihao , Tang Zijie 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Psoriasis patients have obvious lipid metabolism disorders. The hyperlipidemia aggravates the development of psoriasis. In this study, we investigated that under the hyperlipidemia conditions, whether metformin could alleviate psoriasis via a Forkhead box O 3 (FOXO3)-driven pathway, as well as the mechanisms underlying. Methods: Wild type or FOXO3 knockdown HaCat cells were treated with free fatty acids (FFA) for 10 days and then co-treated with metformin for another 4 days. Triglyceride (TG) level, cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, antioxidant enzymes, ROS levels, as well as the transcription activity of FOXO3 were analyzed. Results: Our data showed that FFA treatment promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis in HaCat cells. However, metformin could reversed all of these changes. Metformin treatment significantly increased the expressions and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, while FFA inhibited the antioxidant enzymes and increased the ROS level in HaCat cells. Metformin significantly promoted the autophagy and increase FOXO3 protein level in the nucleus under hyperlipidemia conditions, which was significantly inhibited by FFA treatment. However, all of the effects from metformin were partially blocked by FOXO3 knockdown. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that under the hyperlipidemia conditions, metformin has significant antiproliferation and proapoptosis effects by reducing ROS level as well as increasing autophagy. Both of these were responsible for the alleviation of psoriasis. All of these effects from metformin were through FOXO3-dependent pathway.
Subacute Effects of Vaccination with a Messenger RNA-based Vaccine Against Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Elderly Japanese Patients with Cardiac Disorder
Authors: Tamimoto Ryuichi , Fujii Toshiharu , Nagamatsu Hirofumi , Murakami Tsutomu , Miyazaki Koji , Goto Shinya , Cho Yasunori , Mori Hidezo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The present observational study assessed the occurrence of adverse cardiac events following vaccination of patients (n = 100) with an mRNA-based vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Death and deterioration of heart failure were evaluated as side effects. The status of heart failure was assessed using the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) ratio, for which the BNP or NT-pro BNP values were divided by their upper normal limits (UNL); values (i.e., post-BNP levels minus pre-BNP levels) ≥ 10-fold higher than the UNL denoted significant increment. Here we show that vaccination with an mRNA-based vaccine against COVID-19 was associated with a high risk of death or decompensated heart failure for elderly patients with a BNP ratio ≥ 4-fold higher than the UNL. Six and 15 patients expired and exhibited significant increment of the BNP ratio, respectively; these patients had a pre-BNP ratio ≥ 4-fold higher than the UNL. Forty-five patients with a pre-BNP ratio < 4-fold higher than the UNL did not expire or show significant increase in the BNP ratio. The pre-BNP ratio was a reliable parameter for predicting cardiac deterioration after vaccination. For the booster or initial vaccination against COVID-19, the BNP ratio may be useful in assessing the cardiac status of elderly patients.
Performance evaluation of mixed-halide perovskites in p-i-n solar cells with a monolayer-based hole transport layer
Authors: Murdey Richard , Ishikura Yasuhisa , Matsushige Yuku , Truong Minh Anh , Nakamura Tomoya , Wakamiya Atsushi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The efficiency and operational stability of p-i-n perovskite solar cells fabricated with a molecular monolayer, MeO-2PACz, as the hole transport material are assessed for two triple-cation mixed halide lead perovskite compositions. The performance of a wide bandgap formula with high Br content (Br/I ratio 1:2, bandgap 1.72 eV) is compared against a reference narrow bandgap formula with low Br content (Br/I ratio 1:11, bandgap 1.57 eV). The stable output after 100 h operation under simulated sunlight and a 3-week recovery period is 19.1% for the low-Br device and 16.6% for the high-Br device. The open circuit voltages are 1.07 V and 1.16 V, respectively. Operation in low light is stable, with the high-Br device achieving 30% power conversion efficiency under a white LED at 250 µW cm− 2 irradiance (835 lx). Overall, our findings confirm the wide bandgap, high-Br monolayer-based p-i-n device to be a reliable and efficient candidate for ambient light harvesting.
Techniques, Challenges and Future Prospects for Cell-based Meat
Authors: Upadhyay Rituja , Benny Anmariya , Pandi Kathiresan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The food industry has come up with a wide range of innovations, changes, and possibilities to create meat through in vitro conditions as a result of a proportionally expanding population and food demands. This breakthrough has the potential to completely transform the meat business, with far-reaching repercussions for the environment, human health, and animal welfare. Thus, animal cells rather than slain animals are used to make cell-based meat, where the proliferation and differentiation of the cells take place in the culture media. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the overall mechanism and various techniques involved in cell-based meat production. It also discusses upcoming challenges such as technical, consumer, regulatory aspects, environmental issues, product costs, the economy, health safety concerns, ethical, religious, and social taboos. Finally, it analyzes the prospects of the cell-based meat production technique.
Tonic down-rolling and eccentric down-positioning of eyes under general anaesthesia: Case series and review of Literature
Authors: Chaurasia Shweta , Soni Shiv Lal , Ram Jagat , Sukhija Jaspreet , Chaurasia Swati , Takkar Aastha , Rasal Abhijit 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background. Unexpected tonic down-rolling and eccentric down-positioning of eyes during general anesthesia can have serious implications in ocular surgeries.Objectives. To summarize abrupt eccentric eye positioning in downgaze following the downward movement of eyes encountered in patients undergoing ophthalmic surgeries under general anesthesia (GA) and analyze the relationship between the fluctuation in the depth of anesthesia (DOA) and eccentric eye positioning. Subjects and Methods. Patients undergoing ophthalmic surgeries under GA without nondepolarizing muscle relaxant between January 2018-December 2019 in a tertiary-eye-care who witnessed a sudden tonic downward movement of eyes were included in the retrospective case series. Results. A total of 9 patients out of 199 were enrolled in this study with a median (IQR) age of 1.1years (0.79-1.5). All cases were performed under GA with sevoflurane as an inducing agent. Downward movement was seen before the start of surgery in 4 cases and during surgery in 5 cases. Downward drift of eyes appeared tonic as a strong tug was felt in an extreme downward eccentric position. It was preceded by an eccentric upward drift of eyes in 5 cases Downward movement was quick but return movement of eyes to the central position was gradual (median 1.5 minutes). Median (IQR) MAC and eye position/score in 9 cases at the time of eccentric movement in downgaze was 1.62 (1.4-1.8) and -4 (-4 to -2.5) respectively while median (IQR) MAC at the time of centralized position was 1.3 (1.2-1.4). BIS values in two cases corroborated elevated and downward eye positions with lighter and deeper DOA respectively. A strong negative correlation was seen between DOA and eccentric eye position (r=-0.89, p=0.000).Conclusions. Tonic-downward movement of eyes or its eccentric positioning in downgaze is not an uncommon entity in children under GA without muscle-relaxant and fluctuations in DOA should be avoided to circumvent inadvertent complications during ocular surgery.