bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STMN2 overexpression promotes cell proliferation and EMT in pancreatic cancer mediated by WNT/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Shao Mingrui , Wang Li , Zhang Qi , Wang Tianlong , Wang Shiyang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: STMN2, as a key regulator in microtubule disassembly and dynamics, has been recently reported to participate in cancer development. However, the corresponding role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PC), to our knowledge has not been reported. Methods: We investigate the potential role of STMN2 in the development of PC in vitro and vivo. Results: Overexpression of STMN2 was prevalently observed in human PC tissues compared with that in paired pancreas (44/81,54.3% vs 15/81, 18.5%, P<0.01), which was positively with multiple advanced stage of PC patients (tumor size, T stage, lymph-node metastasis and the poor survival). Meanwhile, a close correlation between high STMN2 and cytoplasmic/nuclear β-catenin expression (P=0.007) was observed in PC tissues and cell lines. STMN2 overexpression induced EMT and cell proliferation in vitro, which stimulated EMT-like cellular morphology, cell motility and proliferation, and the change of EMT (Snail1, E-cad and Vimentin) and Cyclin D1 signaling. However, XAV939 inhibited STMN2 overexpression-enhanced EMT and proliferation. Conversely, KY19382 reversed STMN2 silencing- inhibited EMT and cell proliferation in vitro. In addition, STMN2 promoted subcutaneous tumor growth with the overexpression of EMT and Cyclin D1 signaling. Finally, activated STMN2 and β-catenin were co-localized in cytoplasm/nuclear in vitro. Conclusions: β-catenin/TCF-mediated the transcription of STMN2. STMN2 overexpression promotes aggressive clinical stage of PC patients and promotes EMT and cell proliferation in vitro and vivo mediated by WNT/β-catenin signaling.
The role of palliative care in relapsed and metastatic head and neck cancer patients in a single ESMO Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care centre.
Authors: Espeli Vittoria Guro , Schimdhauser Tanja Fusi , Dylan Mangan , Gamondi Claudia 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Palliative care (PC) for patients with advanced cancer improves symptom management and quality of life and may promote home deaths. Limited data are available regarding PC in advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. The aim of this study was to describe the type of care and modalities of integration of specialized PC in a population of relapsed and/or metastatic head and neck cancer patients, followed in a single institution over 4 years.Methods: Between January 2016 and December 2019, data on patients with relapsed and/or metastatic head and neck cancer not suitable for curative treatment diagnosed at the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland were reviewed retrospectively. Site, type and lines of treatment, treatment response, referral to specialist palliative care (yes or no), type of symptoms, tracheostomy and/or feeding-tube presence, and site of death were documented. Comparisons were made between patients benefitting from PC integration versus standard care.Results: Eighty-six patients with relapsed/metastatic HNC were identified, 63 (73.3%) of whom were referred to specialized PC. Patients were mainly men (66, 76.7%), with a median age of 69 years (range 44–95). The most common site of tumour was the oropharynx (31, 36%), followed by the larynx (21, 24.4%), oral cavity (19, 22.1%), hypopharynx (14, 16.3%), and unknown primary (1, 1.2%). Forty-four patients (51.2%) were treated with systemic treatment. The median time interval between the diagnosis and palliative care referral was 1.7 months. At the time of our analysis, 69 patients had died (58 in the PC group and 11 in the non-PC group).Fifteen patients (25.9%) in the PC group and 4 (36.4%) in the non-PC group had received aggressive treatment (chemotherapy, tracheostomy and/or feeding tube) in the last month of life, with no significant difference between groups (p=0.44). There was no difference in the incidence of home death (19.1% PC group vs 9.1% non-PC group, p=0.67) or presence of caregiver (69.8% PC group vs 78.2% non-PC group, p=0.58) between groups, while palliative care was associated with more opioid use (90.5% vs 17.4%, p<0.0001).Patients in the PC group had a shorter survival compared to the non-PC group (5.7 months vs 19.9 months, p=0.0063).Conclusions: This study shows that patients appear to be at risk of receiving inappropriate invasive treatments close to death and of dying in hospital settings. Further research is needed to investigate how early PC may affect decision-making around treatments and improve HNC patients’ holistic wellbeing.
Rapid diagnosis of malaria by chemometric peak-free LIBS of trace biometals in blood
Authors: Musioka Wayua Debrah , Kalambuka Angeyo Hudson , Alix Dehayem-Massop , Amiga Kaduki Kenneth 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) trace atomic species of diseased biofluids are very subtle (peak-free) in complex spectra. Trace analysis requires a considerable push in analytical strategy. Enabling LIBS with chemometrics can help identify, extract, analyze and interpret the species’ spectral signatures to give an insight on the biophysiological status of the bodies from which the biofluids originate.
Methods
We report on the trace quantitative performance of peak-free LIBS enabled by chemometrics modeling using principal components analysis (PCA) for direct artificial neural network (ANN)–based analysis of Cu, Zn, Fe and Mg in plasmodium falciparum-infected blood in the context of rapid spectral diagnosis of malaria utilizing the biometals as the disease biomarkers. Only one standard is required in this method - to delineate the analyte spectral regions (feature selection) and to test for accuracy.
Results
Based on the alteration of the biometal levels and their multivariate and correlational patterns in cultured blood, peripheral finger blood drops dried directly on Nucleopore membrane filters was accurately discriminated as either malaria-infected or healthy utilizing principal components analysis (PCA) modelling. Further the morphological evolution of plasmodium was accurately predicted using spectral features of the biometals wherein high negative correlations between Fe (-0.775) and Zn (-0.881) and high positive correlations between Cu (0.892) and Mg (0.805) with parasitemia was observed. During the first 96 hours of malaria infection Cu increases profoundly (from 328 to 1,999 ppb) while Fe, Zn and Mg decrease (from 1,206 to 674 ppb), (from 1,523 to 499 ppb) and (from 23,880 to 19,573 ppb) respectively. Compared with healthy, plasmodium falciparum-infected blood has high Cu but low levels of Fe, Zn and Mg. Cu and Zn are highly (≥0.9) positively correlated while Fe and Cu as well as Zn and Cu are highly (≥ 0.9) negatively correlated.
Conclusion
Chemometric peak-free LIBS has demonstrated the potential for direct rapid malaria diagnostics in blood based on the levels, alterations and multivariate associations of analyzed trace biometals which are used as biomarkers of the disease.
Prediction of Tunnel Squeezing in Soft Sedimentary Rocks by Geo-electrical Data
Authors: Akbariforouz Mohammadreza , Taherdangkoo Reza , Baghbanan Alireza , Butscher Christoph 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Squeezing is time-dependent deformations of tunnels which can cause technical difficulties and financial consequences. This study employs geo-electrical resistivity data to predict squeezing intensity along Beheshtabad tunnel in the Sanandaj-Sirjan formation located in Northwest Iran. For comparison analysis, a combination of semi-empirical approach and numerical modeling was used to evaluate tunnel squeezing at design stage. The squeezing intensity obtained for Beheshtabad tunnel was then compared with the instability observations along Golab tunnel excavated in sedimentary rocks of the same formation. We developed a relationship between electrical resistivity and strains, and provided a new strain-based squeezing classification system. The calibrated electrical data are the most accurate method to predict tunnel squeezing as compared to the conventional approach. The results show that rock type, joint properties and water saturation have noticeable impacts on squeezing.
Accurate Identification and Prognostication of End-of-Life State in Japan Using A Guideline-Based Diagnostic Method: A Diagnostic and Prognostic Study
Authors: Arahata Masahisa , Asakura Hidesaku , Morishita Eriko , Minami Shinji , Shimizu Yukihiro 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Prognostic uncertainty can be a barrier to providing palliative care. Accurate prognostic estimation in patients at the end of life is a challenging issue.Methods: A retrospective longitudinal observational study was conducted collaborated by three medical facilities in a rural super-aged community in Japan. We established a unique end-of-life diagnostic process consisting of (1) physicians’ judgement, (2) disclosure to patients, and (3) discussions at an end-of-life case conference (EOL-CC), which were based on Japanese end-of-life related guidelines. Participants were consecutive patients discussed at EOL-CC between January 1, 2010, and September 30, 2017. The primary study outcome was mortality within 6 months after the initial EOL-CC decision. The secondary outcome was diagnostic odds ratio using EOL-CC diagnosis (end-of-life or non-end-of-life) as an index test and overall survival (less than 6 months or 6 months and more) as a reference standard.Results: A total of 315 patients were eligible for survival analysis (189 women, median [range] age 89 [54–107] years). In the survival analysis, end-of-life diagnosis was associated with much lower survival rate at 6 months after EOL-CC than non-end-of-life diagnosis (6.9% vs 43.5%, respectively; P < 0.001). However, 10 of the end-of-life patients were alive more than 1 year later (maximum 6.3 years). Of participants, 297 were eligible for diagnostic accuracy analysis (165 women, age 89 [54–107] years). The EOL-CC diagnosis showed high sensitivity (0.95; 95% CI 0.92–0.97) but low specificity (0.35; 95% CI 0.20–0.53) against the outcomes. It also showed the highest negative predictive value (0.44; 95% CI 0.23–0.64), the lowest negative likelihood ratio (0.14; 95% CI 0.07–0.29), and the highest diagnostic odds ratio (10.32; 95% CI 4.08–26.13) compared with other prognostic prediction tools (Charlson Comorbidity Index, Palliative Performance Scale, and Advanced Dementia Prognostic Tool).Conclusions: The diagnostic process using the Japanese end-of-life guidelines enabled more accurate identification and prognostication of end of life than existing prognostic tools. However, the study population was limited to patients with severe conditions, thus further research is necessary to build full consensus.
Macrophage-derived GPNMB Trapped by Fibrotic Extracellular Matrix Promotes Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Xinxin , Yuan Mengqin , Yin Juan , Luo Wei , Wang Sha , Cai Yu , Jiang Wei , Chao Jie 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a form of progressive lung disease characterized by chronic inflammation and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. The pulmonary ECM undergoes profound changes during fibrosis. However, the protein changes that occur in fibrotic ECM during silica-induced progressive PF and their contribution to fibrosis progression are unclear. Here, we established a model of progressive PF induced by silica, observed the effect of fibrotic ECM on normal fibroblast activation and explored the possible mechanism. Proteomic analysis of the ECM revealed that obvious changes in the expression of ECM components and ECM remodeling occurred. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) combined with spatial transcriptomics revealed that during transport, macrophage-derived glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) captured by fibrotic ECM may activate resident normal fibroblasts around fibrotic foci. Functional experiments showed activation of normal fibroblasts in fibrotic ECM, which was alleviated by GPNMB-neutralizing antibodies or macrophage deletion in the ECM of silica-instilled mice, implying that macrophage-derived GPNMB may contribute to progressive PF. Transcriptome analysis showed that the Serpinb2 expression level was increased in fibroblasts in fibrotic ECM, and the expression of CD44, a cell receptor for GPNMB, was increased in mice after silica instillation according to scRNA-seq combined with spatial transcriptomics. Therefore, macrophage-derived GPNMB is trapped by fibrotic ECM during transport and may activate fibroblasts via the CD44/Serpinb2 pathway, leading to further development of fibrosis.
Perfectionism as a Predictor of Physician Burnout
Authors: Martin Sarah R. , Fortier Michelle A. , Heyming Theodore W. , Ahn Kyle , Nichols Whitney , Golden Charles , Saadat Haleh , Kain Zeev N. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Burnout is common among physicians and has detrimental effects on patient care and physician health. Recent editorials call attention to maladaptive perfectionism in medicine and the potential role of perfectionism in physician burnout; however, no studies to date have examined the effect of perfectionism on burnout in physicians practicing in the United States. This study examined the unique effects of demographics, perfectionism and personality traits on burnout among physicians. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and included 69 attending physicians. Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment burnout were assessed via the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Validated instruments were used to measure personality and perfectionism. Data were analyzed using linear regression models. Results: Across physicians assessed, 42% reported either high emotional exhaustion burnout or depersonalization burnout. High self-critical perfectionism uniquely predicted both high emotional exhaustion burnout (B =0.55, 95%CI 0.25-0.85) and depersonalization burnout (B = 0.18, 95%CI 0.05-0.31). Low conscientiousness (B = -6.12; 95%CI, -10.95- -1.28) predicted higher emotional exhaustion burnout and low agreeableness (B = -3.20, 95%CI -5.93- -0.46) predicted higher depersonalization burnout. Conclusions: Perfectionism is understudied among physicians and the current findings suggest that addressing system and individual-level factors that encourage maladaptive perfectionism is warranted and may reduce risk for physician burnout.
Physically Constrained Generative Adversarial Networks for Improving Earth System Model Precipitation Output
Authors: Hess Philipp , Drüke Markus , Petri Stefan , Strnad Felix , Boers Niklas 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Precipitation results from complex processes across many scales, making its accurate simulation in Earth system models (ESMs) challenging. Existing post-processing methods can improve ESM simulations locally, but cannot correct errors in modelled spatial patterns. Here we propose a framework based on physically constrained generative adversarial networks (GANs) to improve local distributions and spatial structure simultaneously. We apply our approach to the computationally efficient ESM CM2Mc-LPJmL. Our method outperforms existing ones in correcting local distributions, and leads to strongly improved spatial patterns especially regarding the intermittency of daily precipitation. Notably, a double-peaked Intertropical Convergence Zone, a common problem in ESMs, is removed. Enforcing a physical constraint to preserve global precipitation sums, the GAN can generalize to future climate scenarios unseen during training. Feature attribution shows that the GAN identifies regions where the ESM exhibits strong biases. Our method constitutes a general framework for correcting ESM variables and enables realistic simulations at a fraction of the computational costs.
A seven-year surveillance of epidemiological trends of Serratia marcescens with different infection types in a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Zhu Qingtang , Chen Caiyun , Ge Zijun , Zang Feng , Yang Yue , Zhang Yongxiang , Liu Bo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective
To explore the trend of detection and antimicrobial resistance of Serratia marcescens with different infection types for 7 consecutive years, to provide a reference for future studies for the control of S. marcescens infections and a rational selection of antibiotics.
Methods
S. marcescens isolates were collected from 2014 to 2020, and the trend of detection and antimicrobial resistance were analyzed according to different types of infection.
Results
For 7 consecutive years, the data showed that patients with S. marcescens infections were mainly from the intensive care unit (ICU) (384 isolates, 40.98%), and the isolates recovered were mainly from sputum samples (743 isolates, 79.30%). The number of isolated strains increased every year, and the average rate of detection ranged from 0.60–0.80%. The detection rate of S. marcescens with hospital-acquired infections (HAI) showed a downward trend and that of S. marcescens with colonization showed an upward trend. The detection rate of multidrug-resistant S. marcescens fluctuated between 8.33–16.89%. The resistance rate of S. marcescens to piperacillin was 17.0–29.06% and the resistance rate to piperacillin tazobactam was 2.95–13.13%. For cephalosporin antibiotics, the resistance rates of S. marcescens to cefuroxime and cefazolin were > 99% and the resistance rates to ceftazidime and cefepime were < 13%. The resistance rate of S. marcescens to aminoglycoside antibiotics, especially amikacin, was the lowest. The resistance rate of S. marcescens with community-acquired infections (CAI) to carbapenems was higher than that with HAI and colonization.
Conclusion
The different infection types of S. marcescens have different detection and epidemic trends. In addition, resistance to carbapenems is different across the strains.
COVID-19 Spreading Prediction in a Control Room of Power Plant Using CFD Simulation
Authors: Karami Shahram , Lakzian Esmail , Lee Bok Jik , Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi , Mahian Omid , Ahmadi Goodarz 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Coughing and sneezing are the main ways of spreading coronavirus-2019 (SARS-CoV-2). Strategically critical facilities such as power plants cannot be shut down even in challenging situations like the COVID-19 outbreak. The personnel of the power plants' control room need to work together at close distances. This study presents the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation results on the dispersion and transport of respiratory droplets emitted by an infected person coughs in a control room with an air ventilation system. This information would be helpful for risk assessment and for developing mitigation measures to prevent the spread of infection. The turbulent airflow in the control room is simulated using the k-ε model. The particle equation of motion included the drag, the Saffman lift, the Brownian, gravity/buoyancy, and thermophoresis forces. The simulation results showed that after 115 s, the cough droplets are dispersed in the entire room, and there is no safe (virus-free) space in the control room. Therefore, a safer design for the ventilation system is proposed by placing the ventilation air inlet and outlet registers across the control room and creating airflow patterns similar to air curtains that divided the room into three compartments.
The Shear Strength Behaviour of Yamuna Sand-A preliminary study
Authors: Bhardwaj Sandeep 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
To describe the strength parameter in the loaded soil mass are the cohesion and internal frictional angle of the soil. The shear strength determination to study the shear strength after tillage a schematic study on Yamuna sand is conducted. Yamuna sand which is present in the banks of river Yamuna in around Delhi is taken for this study. The shear strength behaviour of Yamuna sand was tested through triaxial and direct shear. For this consolidated drained triaxial test (CD) was conducted on Yamuna sand and results are very different from direct shear test results. The angle of internal friction is more in CD triaxial test as compared to direct shear test. Also some cohesive strength is also find in CD triaxial test which was not found in Direct Shear Test (DST). Direct shear test was conducted for dense and loose state of relative density and saturated state of Yamuna sand. The angle of internal friction was found to be highest in saturated state for Yamuna sand. Among dense and loose, dense state giving higher internal angle of friction.
Genetic diversity and prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in aquatic environment receiving untreated hospital effluents
Authors: Pillai Devika , Kalasseril Sneha Girijan , paul Robin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The spread of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria in the environment has been recognized as a challenge to public health. Currently one of the most important mechanisms of resistance in Enterobacteriaceae is the synthesis of enzymes that contribute to modern expanded spectrum cephalosporin resistance, mainly extended spectrum beta-lactamases. The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae from selected water bodies receiving hospital effluents in Kerala, India. Nearly 69.8% of Enterobacteriaceae isolates were multi-drug resistant by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Double disc synergy test was used to detect the ESBL production and the genes responsible for imparting resistance was detected by PCR. Conjugation experiments confirmed the mechanism of plasmid-mediated transfer of resistance. The prevalence of ESBL production in E. coli and K. pneumoniae was 37.4% and 11.2% respectively. Among the ESBL encoding genes, blaCTX−M was the most prevalent group followed by blaTEM, blaOXA, blaCMY and blaSHV. The results suggest that healthcare settings are one of the key contributors in the spread of ESBL-producing bacteria, not only through cross-transmission and ingestion of antibiotics, but also through the discharge of waste without a proper treatment, leading to harmful effects on the aquatic environment. The high prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae with resistance genes in public water bodies even post-treatment poses a serious threat. .
Fundamental applications of the Bruun model to project land loss of coastal cities: A case study of Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.
Authors: Bagheri Milad , Ibrahim Zelina Z , Manaf Latifah Abd , Akhir Mohd Fadzil , Talaat Wan Izatul Asma Wan , Wolf Isabelle D. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Shoreline erosion is a topic of high urgency in coastal cities that suffer from climate change induced sea-level rise and inundation. Knowledge is needed to protect ecologically sensitive coastal areas with high social and economic value such as the Kuala Terengganu area in Malaysia. The current study applies environmental geospatial modeling to evaluate the impact of changes in sea level on shoreline erosion in Kuala Terengganu. We present an analysis and framework for model formulation adopting the Bruun model for coastal areas that can serve as a blueprint for other studies. The goal was to assess the rate of shoreline erosion and to predict erosion based on changes in sea level. Key assumptions in the model include the beach profile and its equilibrium. We identified several areas at greatest risk for erosion including Kuala Nerus and Pengadang Buluh and discuss measures and challenges for erosion mitigation. The findings of this study can enhance the planning, policy, and decision-making for climate change adaptation in shoreline and coastal areas.