bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of factors influencing hand function in patients with Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa following surgery
Authors: Wu Chong , Jiao Xin-He , Yang Tao 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a hereditary disease characterized by increased fragility of the epidermis and mucosa and is accompanied by blister formation following minor trauma. The patient develops blisters on the skin, which heal after being broken. Repeated injuries cause contracture and scar formation, which can further result in hand deformity, leading to a decline in hand ability and a lower quality of life.It is thus, critical to reconstructing the function and appearance of their hands through surgical manipulation to aid their reintegration into society. Objectives This study aimed to analyze patients' clinical and follow-up information to investigate the influencing factors of hand function in patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa after the release of scar contracture in both hands.Methods The hand function of the patients two years after the operation was assessed in accordance with the evaluation criteria formulated by the hand surgery branch of the Chinese Medical Association in 2000. According to the scoring results, the patients were divided into two groups. Those with excellent and good grades were assigned to the open hand function group, and those with poor and poor grades were allocated to the restricted hand function group. The primary conditions, the use of a postoperative hand brace, and some common factors in the two groups were compared to determine whether these parameters influence postoperative hand function.Results There were no significant differences in age, gender, nationality, body mass index, ADL assessment index, albumin concentration, hemoglobin concentration, fasting blood glucose level, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time between the two groups (p>0.05). In contrast, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the use of hand braces following the operation (p<0.05). The odds ratio of patients fixed with a brace compared with patients not fixed with a brace was 11.01.Conclusions Hand brace is a critical factor impacting the hand function of patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa after scar contracture release in both hands. Indeed, a hand brace worn after the operation can delay the recurrence of scar contracture in both hands and offer patients a longer time to use their hands effectively.Level of Evidence IV
MicroRNA-708 emerges as a potential candidate to target undruggable NRAS
Authors: Lin Kai-Ti , Pang Jia Meng , Chien Po-Chen , Kao Ming-Chien , Chiu Pei-Yun , Chen Pin-Xu , Hsu Yu-Ling , Liu Chengyang , Liang Xiaowei 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

RAS (KRAS, NRAS, HRAS), the most frequently mutated oncogene in cancers, drives tumorigenesis by promoting cell proliferation, survival, and motility, was perceived undruggable for the past three decades. Intense research mainly focused on KRAS mutation, however, targeted therapy for NRAS mutation, which is frequently observed in several cancer types, including melanoma (15–20%), leukemia (10%), and occasionally other cancer types, remained an unmet medical need. Here we report using miRNA-708 that targets the distinct 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) of NRAS to develop a miRNA-based precision medicine to treat NRAS mutation-driven cancers. We identify NRAS as a direct target of miRNA-708. Overexpression of miRNA-708 successfully reduced NRAS protein levels in NRAS-mutated melanoma, leukemia, and lung cancer cell line, resulting in suppressed cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and promotion of reactive oxygen species-induced apoptosis. Consistent with the functional data, the activities of NRAS-downstream effectors, PI3K-AKT-mTOR or RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, were impaired in miR-708 overexpressing cells. On the other hand, cell proliferation was not disturbed by miRNA-708 in cells carrying wildtype NRAS. Collectively, our data unveil the therapeutic potential of using miRNA-708 in NRAS mutation-driven cancer through direct depletion of constitutively active NRAS and thus inhibit its downstream effectors to decelerate cancer progression. Harnessing the beneficial effects of miR-708 may therefore offer a potential avenue for small RNA-mediated precision medicine in cancer treatment.
Designing the evaluation model of evidence-based performance in Tehran medical sciences educational hospitals
Authors: Azamakhlaghi Atoosa , Alimohammadzadeh Khalil , Hosseini Seyed Mojtaba , Maher Ali , Jafari Mehrnoosh 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Evidence-based performance (EBP) helps to make decisions in relation to providing and/or promoting healthcare via integrating the best evidences. It is important to know the factors affecting the EBP. This study was conducted to design a comprehensive model for the EBP in 14 hospitals in Tehran medical sciences educational.
Methods
The statistical population was including 6208 staff in the Medical Sciences of Tehran and 362 people were selected using Cochran’s formula. Semi-structured interviews were performed and a self-questionnaire was designed for EBP, clinical effectiveness, self-requirements, strategic planning, organizational mission statement, patient-centered, empowering human resources, satisfaction, accountability governance, supportive services, employee-oriented, quality and safety of services, management of hospital and responsibility. The data were analyzed by Smart PLS software.
Results
The results showed that clinical effectiveness (coefficient = 0.303, T = 3.344), employee requirements (coefficient = 0.317, T = 3.626), strategic planning (coefficient = 0.279, T = 2.738), organization's mission statement (coefficient = 0.391, T = 4.54), patient-centered (coefficient = 0.341, T = 3.544), human resource empowerment (coefficient = 0.289, T = 2.997), satisfaction (coefficient = 0.374, T = 3.99), accountability governance (coefficient = 0.303, T = 3.049), support services (coefficient = 0.707, T = 9.08), employee-oriented (coefficient = 0.356, T = 3.649), service quality and safety (coefficient = 0.459, T = 6.589), hospital management (coefficient = 0.317, T = 3.586) and central employee (coefficient = 0.515, T = 7.404) had positive significant effects on the EBP (P < 0.01).
Conclusions
In conclusion, all the variables had significant effects on the EBP and must be considered to improve the EBP.
Cryosphere changes drive an Arctic fox decline at the Arctic’s edge
Authors: Verstege Jacqueline S , Roth James 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Responses of one species to changing climate may influence population dynamics of others, particularly in the Arctic where food webs are strongly linked. Specifically, changes to the cryosphere can limit prey availability for predators. We examined Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) and red fox (V. vulpes) population trends near the southern edge of the Arctic fox distribution using fox harvest data from Churchill, Manitoba from 1955–2014. Arctic fox harvest, corrected for trapping effort, declined over time, whereas the red fox harvest was stable. The positive relationship between the number of harvested Arctic foxes and red foxes suggested interspecific competition did not promote the Arctic fox decline. To investigate alternative mechanisms, we compared harvest estimates to climate, sea-ice phenology, and snowpack characteristics in a series of models using Akaike’s Information Criterion. We examined two time periods: the full 60 years (1955–2014) and the most recent 25 years when climate change has been most intense (1989–2014). The strongest influences on Arctic fox harvest were snow thickness in February (1955–2014) and the length of the summer ice-free period (1989–2014). Thicker snow may benefit lemmings, their primary year-round prey, by creating an insulated microclimate that promotes winter population growth. Earlier sea-ice breakup and later freeze-up on Hudson Bay may reduce access to seal carrion as an alternative winter food source when lemming densities decline. Predators have an important ecological role, so understanding the influence of changes in cryosphere on predator-prey interactions may better illuminate the broader influence of climate change on food-web dynamics.
Clinical correlates of craving among patients seeking treatment for substance use disorder
Authors: Cless Mallory M. , Courchesne-Krak Natasia S. , Bhatt Kush V. , Marienfeld Carla , Mittal Maria Luisa 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Craving has been implicated as a central feature of addiction and a predictor of relapse. However, a complete understanding of how craving varies across patient populations is lacking. This study aimed to better inform the effective and accurate use of craving as a clinical prognostic tool for patients with substance use disorders (SUD).
Methods
This cross-sectional study utilized information gathered on patients (n = 112) entering specialty treatment for a SUD. Craving in the prior 30 days was assessed with a single item with other intake questionnaires.
Results
Patients who reported Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity were less likely to report craving compared to patients who did not report Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity (AOR = 0.28 [95% CI, 0.08–0.95], p-value = 0.04). Patients who reported substance use in the last 30 days were more likely to report craving compared to patients who did not report substance use in the last 30 days (AOR = 6.86 [95% CI, 2.17–21.7], p-value = 0.001). There was no association between craving and Adverse Childhood Events (OR = 1.03 [95% CI, 0.84–1.25], p-value = 0.81).
Conclusion
The association between recent substance use and craving supports previous findings. The observed variation in craving among patients who report Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity is novel and suggests socio-cultural influences and genetic factors may influence reported craving amongst patients. Additional research is needed to further understand the underlying factors leading to this finding, in order for better utilization of craving as a clinical indicator across patient populations.
The COOL process – a holistic approach towards Lithium recycling
Authors: Mende Robert , Kaiser Doreen , Pavón Sandra , Bertau Martin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Lithium is a key element in reducing mobility-induced emissions. However, processes aimed at producing lithium from hard rock mining are based on the usage of large amounts of chemicals. Additionally, only a small quantity of the mined mineral concentrates is actually valorized. In contrast, the COOL process (CO2 Leaching process) is a process that makes use of water and carbon dioxide to leach lithium from any silicate mineral, making geopolymers from the residues. On the other hand, the COOL process enables the recovery of lithium from pretreated spent lithium-ion batteries.The leaching step has been investigated concerning the selective mobilization of lithium. Further attention was brought to the mobilization of potentially disturbing ions such as fluoride, aluminum, and silicon. It was found that the CO2 leaching step is indeed suitable for the selective mobilization of lithium. Up to 65 % of lithium mobilization was achieved without adding any additives and 78 % by adding Na2CO3. Fluoride and silicon mobilization could be addressed by heating zinnwaldite under a wet atmosphere respectively under the addition of a carbonate. Concerning secondary resources, up to 95 % of lithium could be leached from black mass, and the residue was then leached and the leach liquor separated by liquid-liquid extraction to yield the heavy metals in high recovery and selectivity. Overall, the COOL process enables the recovery of lithium from different feedstocks and valorizes the residues from the lithium leaching. This makes the COOL process a universal approach to lithium recovery.
Assessment of livestock production system and their constraints in smallholder dairy farmers in lowland and highland regions of Rwanda
Authors: Umunezero Olive , Gachuiri Charles Karuku , Mutimura Mupenzi 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
A survey was conducted to assess livestock production systems and their constraints in smallholder dairy farmers in Lowlands and Highlands regions of Rwanda. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 247 and 145 households randomly selected in lowland (Rwamagana District) and highland (Musanze District), respectively. A Chi-square test was used to examine associations between categorical variables. Independent sample t-test was used to separate means. Excel Pivot table was used to rank raised constraints. Results showed that agro-ecological location had a significant influence (p<5%) on household characteristics; for gender of respondents (p=.019), gender of household head (p=0.012), age group of respondent (p=0.006), marital status of household head (p=.000), family members who live permanently in the household (p=0.025), education level of household head (p=0.003), primary activity of household head (p=.000) and source of dairy cattle (p=.000). It had a high significant influence (p<1%) on livestock production system; for feeding system (p=0.000); milking patterns (p=0.000); number of cattle per household (p=0.001); land allocation (p=0.005) and area for fodder production (p=.000). It had significant influences (p<5%) on the reproductive system; for the age at first artificial insemination (p=.000); number of calves born during the past 12 months (p=0.039) and average lactation length (p=0.043). It had a significant influence (p<5%) on sources of income; from cattle (p=.000); milk (p=0.034) and in farm yard manure (p=0.002). Farmers claimed fodder shortage as main constraint followed by land scarcity. They were challenged by high cost of inputs for milk production compared to the price of milk at farm gate and insufficiency of AI providers.
Studies of the Symmetric Binding Mode of Daclatasvir and Analogs Using a New Homology Model of HCV NS5A GT-4a
Authors: Saad Kholoud A. , Eldawy Mohammed A. , Elokely Khaled M. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4a (GT-4a) is widespread in Egypt. Despite its high resistance, it received insufficient scientific attention. Since the crystal structure of full-length HCV NS5A has not yet been resolved, and the 3D structure of NS5A in complex with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) is a point of controversy, as seven groups present different interaction models to elucidate the NS5A binding site, there is currently no consensus on the NS5A binding site. Hence, homology modeling was used to construct a 3D model of HCV NS5A GT -4a, and dynamic simulation was used to validate the generated model. Intriguingly, the constructed model shows a new orientation of the AH relative to the domain I (D-I). Following this, docking was carried out for the approved NS5A inhibitors to understand their mechanism of action. The suggested model reveals for the first time the exact binding mode of daclatasvir and its analogs to HCV NS5A GT -4a. It also facilitates the design of novel NS5A-directed drugs, which may confer less resistance and/or a broader spectrum of efficacy against HCV.
Early relapse is an adverse prognostic factor for survival outcomes in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: Results from a nationwide registry study
Authors: Tsai Chi-Ying , Wen Yu-Wen , Lee Shu-Ru , Ng Shu-Hang , Kang Chung-Jan , Lee Li-Yu , Hsueh Chuen , Lin Chien-Yu , Fan Kang-Hsing , Wang Hung-Ming , Hsieh Chia-Hsun , Yeh Chih-Hua , Lin Chih-Hung , Tsao Chung-Kan , Fang Tuan-Jen , Huang Shiang-Fu , Lee Li-Ang , Fang Ku-Hao , Wang Yu-Chien , Lin Wan-Ni , Hsin Li-Jen , Yen Tzu-Chen , Cheng Nai-Ming , Liao Chun-Ta 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
To investigate whether the time interval between surgery and first relapse affects survival outcomes in Taiwanese patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). The prognostic significance of the relapse interval in patients with resected OCSCC is a matter of ongoing debate. To our knowledge, there are no published studies that have addressed this issue on a nationwide scale. This large-scale registry-based cohort study conducted in Taiwanese patients with OCSCC was specifically designed to address this issue.
Methods
To this aim, data made available by the Taiwan Health Promotion Administration as of 2004 were obtained. The study cohort consisted of patients included in the registry between 2011 and 2017. Disease staging was performed according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging manual, eight edition. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 13789 patients with OCSCC who received surgical treatment. We identified 2327 (16.9%) patients who experienced a first relapse. The optimal cutoff value for the relapse interval was 330 days when both 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) (≤ 330/>330 days, n = 1630/697) were taken into account. We also undertook a propensity score (PS)-matched analysis of patients (n = 654 each) with early (≤ 330 days) versus late (> 330 days) relapse.
Results
Compared with patients who experienced late relapse, those with early relapse showed a higher prevalence of the following adverse prognostic factors: pT4, pN3, pStage IV, poor differentiation, depth ≥ 10 mm, and extra-nodal extension. Multivariable analysis revealed that early relapse was an independent adverse prognostic factor for both 5-year DSS and OS (average hazard ratio [AHR]: 3.24 and 3.91, respectively). In the PS-matched cohort, patients who experienced early relapse had less favorable 5-year DSS: 58% versus 30%, p < 0.0001 (AHR: 3.10 [2.69 − 3.57]) and OS: 49% versus 22%, p < 0.0001 (AHR: 3.32 [2.89 − 3.81]).
Conclusions
After adjustment for potential confounders and PS matching, early relapse was an adverse prognostic factor for survival outcomes in patients with OCSCC. Collectively, our findings may have significant implications for risk stratification.
KCNQ3 normalizes hyperactivity of VTA-NAcLat circuit and attenuates methamphetamine addiction in mice
Authors: Liu E , Pang Kunkun , Liu Min , Tan Xu , Hang Zhaofang , Mu Shouhong , Han Weikai , Yue Qingwei , Comai Stefano , Sun Jinhao 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The brain circuit projecting from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the lateral shell nucleus accumbens (NAcLat) has a key role in methamphetamine (MA) addiction. As different VTA dopamine (DA) neuronal subpopulations participate in different neuronal circuits, it is still a challenge to isolate these DA subtype cells. Using retrograde tracing, Patch-seq in MA-addicted mice, we isolated the DA neurons of the VTA-NAcLat circuit and profiled its gene expression. We found that in this circuit the KCNQ3 (Kv7.3) gene, encoding K+ channel protein, was among the differentially expressed genes. Injection of the Kv7.3 channels agonist ICA069673 or overexpression of Kv7.3 channels in the VTA-NacLat circuit could reverse MA addiction. Furthermore, enhancement of Kv7.3 channels activity decreased neural oscillation, neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity and DA release in the VTA-NacLat circuit of MA-addicted mice. Activation of Kv7.3 channels in the VTA may become a potential novel treatment strategy for MA addiction.
Macrophages maintain mammary stem cell activity and mammary homeostasis via TNF-α-Cdk1/Cyclin B1 axis
Authors: Cai Cheguo , Zhou Yu , Ye Zi , Wei Wei , Zhang Mengna , Huang Fujing 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Adult stem cell niche is a special environment composed of a variety stromal cells and signals, which cooperatively regulate tissue development and homeostasis. It is of great interest to study the role of immune cells in niche. Here, we show that mammary resident macrophages regulate mammary epithelium cell division and mammary development through TNF-α- Cdk1/Cyclin B1 axis. In vivo, depletion of macrophages reduces the number of mammary basal cells and mammary stem cells (MaSCs), while increases mammary luminal cells. In vitro, we establish a three-dimensional culture system in which mammary basal cells are co-cultured with macrophages, and interestingly, macrophage co-culture promotes the formation of branched functional mammary organoids. Moreover, TNF-α produced by macrophages activates the intracellular Cdk1/Cyclin B1 signaling in mammary cells, thereby maintaining the activity of MaSCs and the formation of mammary organoids. Together, these findings reveal the functional significance of macrophageal niche and intracellular Cdk1/Cyclin B1 axis for maintaining MaSC activity and mammary homeostasis.
112G baud sub pJ/bit integrated CMOS-silicon photonics transmitter
Authors: Li Ke , Thomson David , Liu Shenghao , Zhang Weiwei , Cao Wei , Littlejohns Callum , Yan Xingzhao , Ebert Martin , Banakar Mehdi , Tran Dehn , Meng Fanfan , Du Han , Reed Graham 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
A new design philosophy for integrated CMOS-silicon photonic transmitters is introduced where switching current is applied to the silicon Mach Zehnder Modulator (MZM) rather than operating in the traditional voltage driving mode. With this approach the total electrical energy can be selectively distributed to different frequency components by choosing appropriate inductance and near-end termination impedance values. 112G baud (112Gb/s OOK and 224Gb/s PAM-4) transmission has been experimentally demonstrated with a real power efficiency down to the sub pJ/bit regime without the requirement for power hungry pre-emphasis or signal shaping in the data source. A thorough investigation of the BER for different electrical and optical power conditions of our fully integrated optical transmitter at 100G baud + is performed including the electrical power consumption of the driver which is often neglected in other work.
Cyclic Expansion Microscopy: Expanding Biological Tissue through Multiple Cycles for Ultrastructure Imaging
Authors: Xu Huizhong , Xia Qin , Chen Lili , Wang Aidong , Liu Xiaolong , Chen Qiu , Lv Haijun , Cai Tianyu , Li Quan , Li Hangyuan , Yan Zhiyang , Lu Jingjing , Hao Shipeng , Lu Guoyuan , Qin Jie 
Published: September 2022

AbstractExpansion microscopy allows super resolution imaging of cellular structures by fluorescence microscopy. However, current protocols achieving large expansion factors (near 8 and beyond), are only applicable to cultured cells and thin tissue slices, but not to bulk tissue in general. Here, we present a method that allows unlimited cycles of expansion of bulk tissue with high isotropy, which we term as Cyc-ExM. The protocol uses identical gel recipe and denaturation reagents in each expansion cycle, which provides ease to the procedure. Cyc-ExM expands biological tissues ~9 fold in each dimension from 7 cycles of expansion and 17-27 fold from 10 cycles. The covalent staining procedure was also optimized to reveal ultrastructural features. Besides, Cyc-ExM is compatible with antibody labeling and multi-scale 3D imaging. Despite volume dilution of signal during expansion, we developed a signal amplification method achieving 8-fold increase in signal, which greatly facilitates the resolution of sub-organelle structures within various tissues.
The Effect of new reduced form of Schiff-base Ligands on corrosion inhibition of API 5L in seawater
Authors: Jafari Hojat , Soltanolkottabi Fariba , Rezaeivala Majid , Berisha Avni , Ameri Elham 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Three synthesized Schiff base named 2,2’- (((2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diyl)bis(azanediyl)bis(methylene)disphenol (I1), 4,4’- (((2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diyl)bis(azanediyl)bis(methylene)bis(2-methoxyphenol) (I2) and 6,6’- (((2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diyl)bis(azanediyl)bis(methylene)bis(2-methoxyphenol) (I3) were evaluated as corrosion inhibitors for API 5L grade B steel in the artificial seawater by electrochemical impedance, polarization and Quantum chemical calculations methods. The results showed that all three compounds act as good inhibitors for carbon steel, but the I3 has the best inhibition efficiency of about 58% at 1mg/L. The results of density functional theory method were consistent with the experimental results.