bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of ctDNA in predicting postoperative recurrence of non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Li Yifan , Yin Qifan , Qie Peng , Han Shaohui , Li Xiaoning , Zhou Shaohui , Zhang Guibin , Wang Huien 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective: Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor worldwide, and non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of all lung carcinoma cases. Despite surgical operation is still the primary method for treating early NSCLC, there are still a considerable postoperative recurrence patients even after complete resection. Currently, circulating tumor DNA(ctDNA) is being recognised as a molecular biomarker of minimal residual disease(MRD) in predicting postoperative recurrence of NSCLC in clinical trials and has not been confirmed. The goal of our study is to evaluate the value of ctDNA in predicting postoperative recurrence in NSCLC patients.Method: A comprehensive systematic literature research was performed for studies exploring the value of ctDNA in predicting postoperative recurrence in NSCLC patients up to February 2022. The eligible studies were collected, and the dependent variable analysis was performed to compare the relative risk (RR) of recurrence in the postoperative ctDNA positive and negative groups. The relative ratio (RR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were determined as comparative measures of postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS). Ten researches comprising 799 patients, published between 2017 and February 2022, were finally enrolled into our meta-analysis.Result: A total of 10 studies including 799 patients were summarized for meta-analysis of ctDNA in predicting recurrence in NSCLC. The combined RR was 3.75 ( 95 % CI : 1.98-4.72, P < 0.05 ), which indicated that patients with postoperative ctDNA positive had a higher postoperative recurrence rate in NSCLC than postoperative ctDNA negative. In addition, Meta-analysis of 4 studies with available data showed that preoperative peripheral blood ctDNA positive showed poor prognosis of RFS with combined HR = 3.40(95%CI: 2.72-4.69, P < 0.05).Conclusion: For NSCLC patients, ctDNA is a promising biomarker for predicting postoperative recurrence, which can be used as a supplement to the current monitoring of radiation and blood biomarkers to better guide the treatment selection and prognosis of patients after surgery.
MicroRNA-433 Inhibits Migration and Proliferation of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Targeting Hypoxia- Induced Factor 1α
Authors: Chai Linlin , Cai Jing , You Bo , Zhang Qicheng , Gu Miao , Shan Ying , Zhang Jie 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy of head and neck cancer. miR-433 was downregulated in various of cancers. However, the roles and underlying mechanisms of miR-433 in the hypoxic microenvironment of NPC have not been clarified.
Methods
Real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot assay were performed to examine miR-433 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) levels in NPC tissue and cells. Cell proliferation, migration of differentially expressed miR-433 cells was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell analysis in vitro. Nude mice and zebrafish model were used to confirm the effect of miR-433 in vivo. Luciferase reporter assays was used to determine whether HIF-1α was a direct target of miR-433.
Results
RT-qPCR, Western blot assay were performed to show that miR-433 was down-regulated while hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was overexpressed in NPC. Cell proliferation, migration of differentially expressed miR-433 cells was measured by CCK8, Transwell analysis in vitro. Our data showed that miR-433 suppressed proliferation and migration of hypoxic NPC cells by directly binding the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of HIF-1α. Knockdown the expression of HIF-1α in the miR-433 inhibitor treated hypoxic CNE2 cells partially reversed the effect. Nude mice and zebrafish model were used to confirm the effect of miR-433 in vivo. Luciferase reporter assays was used to determine whether HIF-1α was a direct target of miR-433.
Conclusions
NPC cells proliferation, migration, cell cycle arrest, colony formation, and the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression were all inhibited by miR-433 by directly targeting HIF-1α. miR-433 could act as cancer suppressor miRNA and represent an effective therapeutic strategy for NPC.
Signal Dynamic Range Expansion and Power Supply Voltage Reduction for an Exponentiation Conversion IC
Authors: Nishiyama Naoya , Matsui Fumiya , Sano Yuji 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In order to compensate for the non-linearity of an electronic device, an exponentiation conversion circuit that can change the power exponent to any value has been proposed. The exponentiation conversion circuit multiplies the logarithmically converted input signal by a power exponent value to perform exponential conversion. As a result, we can obtain the power function characteristic of a power exponent value. This circuit is a small-scale circuit that utilizes the exponential characteristics of the MOSFET subthreshold region. In a conventional circuit, expansion of the signal dynamic range and reduction of the power supply voltage have been an issue. In this paper, it was confirmed by simulation that the signal dynamic range has expanded by optimizing the current density of MOSFETs. In addition, the linearity of the multiplying circuit was improved by feedback produced by the operational amplifier circuits. We proposed reducing its power supply voltage from 6.0 V to 3.3 V by a new multiplying circuit that can eliminate the restriction of maximum voltage gain. Our circuit expands its signal dynamic range from 17.5 dB to 42.7 dB in condition of the power exponent value from 0.50 to 2.0.
SeparaFill：Two generators connected mural image restoration based on generative adversarial network with skip connect
Authors: Shen Yinghua , Li Zilu , Li Jinghua , Zheng Jin , Lv Chaohui 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Murals are the important components of culture and arts of Dunhuang. Unhappily, these murals have been ruined or are being ruined by some diseases such as cracking, hollowing, falling off, getting mildewed, dirt, and so on. Due to a lack of a standard mural datasets, Dunhuang mural datasets are created by ourselves. Meanwhile, our proposed network architecture SeparaFill which is connected two generators based on U-Net. First, the contour restoration generator network is used to repair contour lines. Then, the color mural image is repaired by the content completion network with help of the repaired contour. Next, global and local discriminant networks are applied to determine whether the repaired mural image is authentic in terms of both the modified and unmodified areas. Compared with existing mural restoration algorithms, the proposed method increases the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PNSR) and increases the structural similarity (SSIM). SeparaFill shows good performance in restoring the line structure of the damaged mural images and retaining the contour information of the mural images.
Empathy for the Health Professional in Online Asynchronous Graduate Education: A Design Thinking Approach to Program Improvement
Authors: Bayer Ilana , Elma Asiana , Nasser Muhammadhasan , Grierson Lawrence 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Health professionals engage in continuous professional development through higher education. As traditional university learning environments pose a challenge, distance education allows health professionals to engage higher education in alignment with their learning preferences and needs. Literature on health professional learners’ experiences in online learning environments report findings at the course level and/or focus on a singular aspect of the online learning experience. In this study, we aim to understand the health professional learner’s perspective in a distance graduate education program and make normative recommendations to improve the learner experience.Objective(s): To gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities health professional learners experience in an online asynchronous graduate program.Methods: Within the context of the Empathy arm of Deitte and Omary’s (2019) Design Thinking methodology, we completed a two-part sequential explanatory qualitative study involving students and stakeholders of the Health Science Education Graduate Program at McMaster University (Hamilton, Canada). An unconstrained approach to descriptive content analysis was used to analyze the data and construct themes relating to the learner experience in an online graduate program.Results: An overarching theme of ‘the learner experience is an autonomous-supportive online learning environment’ was constructed, with two sub-themes: learner autonomy and building community.Conclusion: Learners valued an autonomous-supportive online learning environment wherein they could tailor their educational experiences while also fostering a sense of community. Future research should consider how a balance between maintaining learner freedom and building community can be achieved to enhance the health professional learner experience in an online learning environment.
The value of YKL-40 level in early thrombolytic treatment decision-making in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors: Kerget Buğra , Özkan Hatice Beyza , Koçak Abdullah Osman , Laloglu Esra , Uçar Elif Yılmazel , Sağlam Leyla 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction:
Pulmonary embolism (PE) often occurs secondary to deep vein thrombosis and is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between YKL-40 level and clinical risk score in patients with PE.
Methods
The study included a total of 100 patients, 80 patients diagnosed with PE in the emergency department and 20 healthy controls. Patients with PE were divided into four groups: high-risk patients (n = 20), high-intermediate-risk patients (n = 20), low-intermediate-risk patients (n = 20), and low-risk patients (n = 20). Serum YKL-40 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pulmonary artery obstruction index (PAOI) was calculated from computed tomography angiography images.
Results
PAOI increased in correlation with PE risk and differed significantly between all patient groups (p < 0.001). Troponin-I levels were significantly higher in the high-risk and high-intermediate-risk groups compared to the other groups (p < 0.001), but did not differ significantly between high-risk and high-intermediate-risk patients (p = 0.09). YKL-40 level was significantly higher in the high-risk PE group than the high-intermediate-risk group (p < 0.001). In receiving operator characteristic curve analysis assessing the discriminatory value of YKL-40 for high-risk PE patients, a cut-off value of 227.2 ng/mL had sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 70%.
Discussion
YKL-40 may be an important biomarker in decisions regarding early thrombolytic treatment in patients with high-intermediate-risk PE. In addition, medical treatments targeting YKL-40 may also reduce thrombotic tendency in high-risk patient groups.
RNA profile of immuno-magnetically enriched exosomes isolated from Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Singh Shefali , Goyal Deevanshu , Karthikeyan R , Kumar Sachin , Malik Prabhat Singh , Elangovan Ravikrishnan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Exosomes are ubiquitous extracellular vesicles secreted during diseased and physiological conditions. Exosomal RNA has been associated with cancer development and progression. Enriching clinically relevant tissue-specific exosomes may assist in focusing more on key RNA molecules packaged during cancer, but the current exosome isolation methods isolate total exosomes. Therefore, this study focused on isolating lung cancer cell-derived exosomes to get insights into the altered biology of the disease. Method: We developed a rapid immunomagnetic exosome enrichment method that enables the separation of lung cancer cell-derived exosomes from human plasma. The total RNA purified from these immunomagnetically enriched exosomes was characterized using a high throughput sequencing to profile the different RNA biotypes packaged and their differential expression in these exosomes. Further, functional enrichment was performed to determine the functional annotation terms significantly correlated with the list of identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Results: In total, 1383 mRNAs and 64 lncRNA were identified as differentially expressed between patient plasma exosomes than healthy controls (fold change > 2, P < 0.05). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in the cancer-related pathways, purine metabolism, calcium and cGMP-PKG (cyclic-guanosine 3’,5’monophosphate-protein kinase G) signaling pathways.Conclusion: The method developed here provided adequate RNA quality for high throughput sequencing. The total transcriptome analysis of lung cancer cell-derived exosomes revealed that the majority of DEGs were involved in cancer-related pathways suggesting that this method could be further utilized to identify disease-specific exosome biomarkers for liquid biopsy-based diagnostic applications.
WDR5 drives the development of cervical squamous cell carcinoma by inducing epithelial- mesenchymal transition and cancer-associated fibroblasts formation
Authors: Sun Fangli , Mo Linmei , Lan Ying , Lu Qiuping , Wu Nengxian , Song Honglin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
WD repeat domain 5 (WDR5) has been indicated to be involved in tumor progression, however, its role in cervical cancer (CC) has not been investigated yet. A total of 350 pairs of CC tissues and para-carcinoma tissues (PCT) were collected. Primary human cervical epithelial cells (hCECs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were isolated from PCT and cancer tissues. MM102 was used to block the interaction between WDR5 and mixed lineage leukemia protein-1 (MLL1), and it was used in vivo to investigate its therapeutic value. WDR5 was up-regulated in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) tissues compared to that in PCT. C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) was indicated to be the target gene of WDR5. Highly expressed CXCL8 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to form CAFs, and enhanced the cytokine secretions in CAFs to promote CSCC progression. CXCL8 expression was regulated by the interaction between WDR5 and MLL1, and blocking the interaction between these two proteins using MM102 significantly suppressed tumor growth in mice models. WDR5 plays a key role in CSCC progression by inducing CXCL8 expression and promoting the transformation of CAFs from epithelial cells.
Effects of air pollutants on pneumonia hospital admissions in Lanzhou: Evidence of ecological time-series study using distributed lag non-linear model
Authors: Jin Limei , Fang Shuya , Zhou Xiaowen , Han Bisen , Zhou Tian , Bai Yana 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction:
A study on effects of air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O38h, and CO) on pneumonia hospital admissions was performed in Lanzhou (an ex-heavily polluted city in Northwestern China).
Methods
A time-series design with distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was used for statistical analysis. Daily pneumonia hospital admissions data in Lanzhou from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019, were collected, as well as air pollutant data and meteorological data. We used DLNM to estimate relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of pneumonia hospital admissions associated with per 10µg/m3 rise in exposure to air pollutants (per 1 mg/m3 rise in CO). stratification analysis was performed by gender (male and female), age (0–14 years, 15–64 years and ≥ 65 years old), and season (warm season and cold season).
Results
A total of 20,071 pneumonia hospital admissions were enrolled for analysis. Pneumonia hospital admissions risk were 1.044(1.029,1.060), 1.009(1.005,1.013), 1.086(1.053,1.121), 1.073(1.052,1.093), and 1.157(1.094, 1.223), respectively, corresponding to per 10µg/m3 rise in exposure to PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and 1 mg/m3 rise in exposure to CO. Every 10µg/m3 increase in O38h was associated with decreased of pneumonia hospital admissions, the RR(95%CI) was 0.949(0.935, 0.962). The adverse effects for gaseous pollutants (except O38h) on pneumonia hospital admissions were stronger than particulate matter. Six exposure-response curves between air pollutants and pneumonia hospital admissions were approximate linear with no thresholds. Female and children (0–14 years age group) were more sensitive to the effects of air pollutants, particularly in cold season.
Conclusion
Exposure to air pollutants(except O38h) might be associated with increased risk of pneumonia hospital admissions. The association remained signifcant after adjustment for other environmental factors.
Sonication of whole blackberries as a pretreatment for the anthocyanin enrichment of juices obtained by pressing
Authors: Moraes Débora P. , Ferreira Daniele F. , Farias Carla A. A. , Nehring Priscila , Barcia Milene T. , Cichoski Alexandre J. , Barin Juliano S. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
An ultrasound pretreatment was used to increase anthocyanins content in blackberry juice. Whole fruits were inserted into a glass vessel without contact with any solvent, sonicated in an ultrasonic bath, and then pressed with a manual juicer. The experimental design showed that the most suitable conditions were reached in 7 min at 65% of ultrasound amplitude, increasing the anthocyanin content in juices from 31 to 56% for BRS Xingu, Guarani, and Xavante cultivars. Two major anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside were found in higher concentrations for sonicated fruits. Therefore, ultrasonic pretreatment of whole fruits increased the anthocyanins in blackberry juices using a simple, fast, and green approach.
Impact of Retardation in the Holstein-Hubbard Model: a two-site Calculation
Authors: Marsiglio Frank 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Eliashberg theory provides a theoretical framework for understanding the phenomenon of superconductivity when pairing between two electrons is mediated by phonons, and retardation effects are fully accounted for. However, when a direct Coulomb interaction between two electrons is also present, this interaction is only partially accounted for. In this work we use a well-defined Hamiltonian, the Hubbard-Holstein model, to examine this competition more rigorously, using exact diagonalization on a two-site system. We find that the direct electron-electron repulsion between two electrons has a significantly more harmful effect on pairing than suggested through the standard treatment of this interaction.
Transport mobility restrictions as a pandemic response: a case study Germany
Authors: Lane Hakan , Otto Philipp , Sahin Mehmet 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The COVID19 pandemic has caused a large number of infections and fatalities, causing administrations at various levels to limit public mobility. This paper analyzes the complex association between the stringency of restrictions, public mobility, and reproduction rate (R-value) on a national level for Germany. The goals were to analyze; a) the correlation between government restrictions and public mobility and b) the association between public mobilities and virus reproduction. In addition to correlations, a Gaussian Process Regression Technique is used to fit the interaction between mobility and R-value. The main findings are that: (i) Government restrictions has a high association with reduced public mobilities, especially for non-food stores and public transport, (ii) Out of six measured public mobilities, retail, recreation, and transit station activities have the most significant impact on COVID19 reproduction rates. (iii) A mobility reduction of 30% is required to have a critical negative impact on case number dynamics, preventing further spread.
Clinical effects of early removal of an external stent from the viewpoint of postoperative pancreatitis following pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Kurimoto Makoto , Yamanaka Kenya , Hanabata Yusuke , Shinkura Akina , Aoki Hikaru , Harada Kaichiro , Kayano Masashi , Tashima Misaki , Tamura Jun 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: An external stent (ES) prevents clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), although it requires a longer postoperative hospital stay. Early ES removal has been suggested to overcome this issue. This study aimed to examine the effect of early ES removal on the pathophysiology of postoperative acute pancreatitis (POAP).Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted between May 2018 and December 2020 at Amagasaki General Medical Center. The ES was removed on postoperative day 10 if the patient showed no clinical signs of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The early removal group included patients whose ES was removed within 10 days.Results: Fifty consecutive patients underwent PD with an ES. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 14.5 days in the early removal group and 19.5 days in the late removal group (P=0.0055). In the multivariate analysis, to eliminate the effects of postoperative complications, late ES removal was associated with a longer postoperative hospital stay (hazard ratio: 2.0, P=0.037). In the multivariate analysis of factors for early ES removal, early removal of the intra-abdominal tubes was statistically significantly associated with early ES removal (odds ratio: 8.4, P=0.03). Although patients with POAP showed a statistically significant delay in the removal of both ES and intra-abdominal drainage tubes, no statistically significant association was observed between CR-POPF and postoperative hospital stay.Conclusions: An ES may manage POAP to reduce the risk of subsequent CR-POPF. Early removal of ES can be a method to shorten hospital stay.
Biofilm thickness restraint carriers enhance free nitrous acid inhibition for partial nitritation
Authors: Schopf Alexander , Christensson Magnus , Piculell Maria , Tian Xin , Delatolla Robert 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Ammonia is a deleterious pollutant present in municipal wastewater that can be hazardous if released into the environment. There is a need for the development of novel processes to advance ammonium removal technologies. Partial nitritation (PN) and anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) are modern treatment processes that can be combined to provide energy-efficient ammonia removal; however, these processes have been shown to be challenging to implement as a two-stage system. New methods to achieve steady PN need to be discovered. Free nitrous acid (FNA) exposure has been explored as a possible strategy for achieving PN; however, exposure time to FNA and FNA dosage is dependent on the treatment system. For biofilm technologies, such as the moving bed biofilm reactor and biofilm characteristics, including biofilm thickness, can cause inconsistent results. Therefore, this study compares defined maximal biofilm thickness with undefined biofilm thickness and their capacity to achieve PN using FNA. This study found that a defined maximal biofilm thickness designed carrier maintained a thin biofilm capable of achieving PN after FNA exposure while the undefined biofilm thickness designed carrier was not suitable for stable PN.