bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The significance of EphA2-regulated Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway in promoting the metastasis of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yidan , Zhang Zhenting , Zhu Zhengyan , Wang Peng , Zhang Jinjuan , Liu Hui , LI Jianyu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Backgroud
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is closely associated with the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism involved in the HBV-related HCC development remains poorly understood. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate the regulatory mechanism of EphA2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the metastasis of HBV-related HCC cells.
Methods and results
The expression level of EphA2 was determined in HBV-related human HCC cells. Then, the effects of EphA2 silencing on the EMT-associated proteins, the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway and the metastatic potential of HBV-related HCC cells were evaluated. Finally, the inhibitory role of Entecavir (a potent antiviral drug for HBV) on EphA2-induced EMT was explored. The present study revealed that the EphA2 expression level was increased in HBV-related HCC cells compared with non-related HCC cells. Following EphA2 knockdown, the downregulation of Vimentin, β-catenin and p-GSK-3βSer9 expressions, the upregulation of E-cadherin expression, and the suppressed migration and invasion ability of HBV-related HCC cells were found. Additionally, Entecavir was proved to have a significant inhibitory effect on EphA2-induced EMT via attenuating the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.
Conclusions
In this study, we found that EphA2-induced EMT was involved in the enhanced metastatic potential of HBV-related HCC cells through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.
Use of silver coated nano-polystyrene balls for efficiency enhancement of thin film solar cells
Authors: Panda Arnab , Maiti Soumen , Palodhi Kanik , Chakraborty Rajib 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The performance of thin film solar cells in terms of photonic conversion efficiency (PCE) is presently not satisfactory. Several techniques are being applied to enhance their efficiency by considering optical trapping and/or by improvement in electrical properties. Among many optical trapping processes, use of surface plasmon effect is a promising technique for significant improvement in optical absorption as well as photonic conversion efficiency mainly in semi-transparent active material based solar cells. This effect obtained by interaction of the metal nano structure with incident electromagnetic radiation can result in massive increment in effective absorption of photons inside active material of solar cells. On the other hand, the properties of surface plasmon can be tuned by changing the shape, size and environmental dielectric of metallic nano-structures. In this work, silver nano balls of particular size and position are suitably placed in perovskite thin film solar cells to produce surface plasmon effect and the corresponding improvement in performance is observed with the help of theoretical simulations. To make the solar cell cost effective as well as efficient, silver nano balls are replaced with nano balls of polystyrene coated with silver. By proper optimization of size and position of silver coated polystyrene nano balls, we propose a 500nm thick methylammonium lead tri-iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) based solar cell of maximum photonic conversion efficiency (η) 22.56% having short circuit current density (JSC) 25.68mA/cm2 and open circuit voltage (VOC ) 1.003V with a fill factor (FF) 87.59% while considering 1.5AM solar irradiance.
APOBEC3B Improves Response to PD-1 Blockade Through DSBs–ATR–CHK1 Pathway
Authors: Yang Hong , Chen Shiyu , Ma Yueyun , Wang Rong , Wang Yanxia , Zeng Qin , Guo Wei , Xie Bin , Zhou Xiaomei , Liu Tongxin , Luo Ziyi , Chu Shuai , Wang Wei 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) family enzymes are considered to induce base substitutions and strand breaks, which contribute significantly to mutation and genomic instability. In the APOBEC family, APOBEC3B (A3B) is a major mutational source in multiple cancers, which fuels tumor diversity and subclonal evolution. Although the APOBEC mutational signature is enriched in immune checkpoint inhibitor responders, it remains unclear whether and how APOBEC influences the immunotherapy.
Methods
The association between A3B and anti-PD-1 treatment sensitivity was evaluated with mouse bearing subcutaneous Hepa1-6 and 4T1 tumors which was trasfected with mouse APOBEC3, immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry were utilized to estimated the tumor immune microenvironment. The effects of A3B on programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and mechanistic detection were investigated with bioinformatics analysis, the results were validated in vitro and in vivo.
Results
High A3B expression increased sensitivity to anti-PD-1 antibody, accompanied by PD-L1 upregulation, and improved tumor-infiltrating T cells and NK cells. We further clarified that A3B induced double-stranded DNA breaks, thereby activating the ATR–Chk1–STAT–IRF1 pathway and resulting in PD-L1 overexpression in tumor. Moreover, Chk1 inhibitor, MK8776, notably reversed the PD-L1 upregulation, aggravated the tumor microenvironment, and eventually abrogated the enhanced sensitivity to anti-PD-1 antibody.
Conclusions
There findings support the notion that A3B had increased sensitivity to anti-PD-1 antibody, providing direct evidence to illustrate the potential of A3B as a marker of response to immunotherapy.
serUM-Px Liquid Biopsies Predicts Mortality in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Herrspiegel Christina , Plastino Flavia , Lardner Emma , Seregard Stefan , André Helder , Stålhammar Gustav 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
PurposeTo develop a prognostic test based on serum samples obtained at diagnosis of uveal melanoma (UM).DesignRetrospective cohort study.SubjectsEighty-three patients diagnosed with primary melanoma in the choroid or ciliary body at St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden between 1996 and 2000. Serum samples from peripheral blood were obtained at diagnosis and kept at -80 °C until this analysis.MethodsProteome profiling of 84 different cancer-related proteins was used to screen for potential biomarkers. ELISA was then performed to evaluate the serum levels of the best candidates. Receiver operating characteristics were used to define thresholds for metastatic risk. A prognostic test that stratifies patients into low, intermediate, and high metastatic risk categories was developed (serUM-Px) in a training cohort and tested in a validation cohort.ResultsOf the 83 included patients, 43 (52 %) were female. The mean tumor diameter and thickness was 9.8 mm (SD 3.7) and 4.9 mm (SD 2.3), respectively. Twenty-two patients succumbed to metastatic UM and forty-two patients died from other causes. The median follow-up for the 19 survivors was 22.7 years (IQR 22.3-23.0). In proteome profiling, five proteins (Leptin, Osteopontin, Progranulin, Tenascin C and DLL1) were included for further analysis. After ELISA of individual proteins, Leptin and Osteopontin were selected for inclusion in the serUM-Px prognostic test. The test was developed in a training cohort (n=17) and then validated in an independent cohort (n=62). Patients had gradually shorter metastasis-free survival and greater incidence of UM-related mortality in competing risk analysis with increasing metastatic risk category (p = 0.02 and 0.027, respectively). In multivariate Cox regression, serUM-Px was an independent predictor of metastasis with tumor diameter, tumor thickness and patient age at diagnosis as covariates (hazard ratio 2.4, 95 % CI 1.0 to 5.3).ConclusionsserUM-Px, a prognostic test based on a single peripheral venous blood sample at the time of UM diagnosis, stratifies patients into low, intermediate and high metastatic risk categories. It predicts metastases many years in advance in a validation cohort with very long follow-up. Future studies should aim to confirm these findings prospectively.
Mapping of Livestock Value Chains as a Tool for Understanding Disease Risks in Agro-Pastoral Systems of Kajiado County, Kenya
Authors: Mochabo Kennedy Miyoro , Onono Joshua Orungo , Oluga Gabriel Aboge , Nanyingi Mark , Mbaria James , Fevre Eric , Baylis Mathew 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND
Ruminant production plays a major role in the Kenyan livestock sector, but they face a myriad of disease threats including zoonoses. The objective of this study was to map the ruminant livestock value chains and describe disease risks and their implication to pastoral livelihoods in Kajiado South sub-county, Kenya. This area is characterised by a highly intertwined wildlife-livestock-human interface which is ideal for transmission of zoonoses and other livestock diseases to connected systems and farms.
METHODS
The study used a cross-sectional design, where primary sampling units were people including pastoralists who operated in critical livestock value chain nodes including slaughterhouses, slaughter slabs and livestock markets. Data were collected using focus group discussions (FGDs), semi-structured interviews (SSIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) using published participatory methods including listing, probing and pairwise ranking.
RESULTS
A number of constraints to livestock production including diseases, poor extension services and drought were encountered in the study area. In the disease constraint, they treated their animals by themselves, whichlead to misuse of drugs thus to antibacterial resistance. The kind of diseases they may contract due to their livelihoods were mentioned among others, anthrax, brucellosis, Rift Valley Fever, tuberculosis, tapeworms and rabies, in that order. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD) were mentioned across the FGDs that using the animal products, the pastoralists came down with similar flu symptoms.
CONCLUSION
From the pastoralists’ point of view the inputs in the value chains were self-medication of their animals leading a possible misuse of drugs without proper withdrawal periods; they were able to identify the disease risks including zonooses they were faced with. A better understanding of infection processes at the along the ruminant value chains is needed to minimise disease transmission, and it is this which this study aimed to improve.
Dual-channel ratiometric colorimetric sensor array for quantification and discrimination of o-, m- and p-phenols
Authors: Lan Chengwu , Meng Lei , Xu Na 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The determination of trace o-, m- and p-phenols in food samples was of great significance, but it is still very challenging due to the low concertation and complex matrix. In comparison to traditional sensors based on “Lock-and-key” strategy, the sensor arrays that mimicked human olfactory system exhibited excellent universality and efficiency in assays of structural analogues. Herein, we described a costless and robust colorimetric sensor array for ratiometric quantification and discrimination of o-, m- and p-phenols. The obtained Cu2(OH)3Cl with peroxidase-like (POD) activity was served as nanozyme to accelerate oxidation of 3,3’,5,5’ -tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) with H2O2. UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy displayed remarkable enhancements both at 652 nm and 450 nm, individually attributable to formation of single and dual electron-oxidized TMB (TMBox) substances. Then varied phenols regulated the absorbance via specific electron transfer processes. With the two peaks as dual signals, a ratiometric colorimetric sensor was designed to monitor different phenols. The ratio (I652/I450) was recorded to quantify phenols sensitively, where internal reference ruled out interferences from environment and equipment. Moreover, a ratiometric colorimetric sensor array was also explored for simultaneous discrimination of o-, m- and p-phenols. By integrating with colorimetric fingerprints and principal component analysis (PCA), each phenol was distinctly discriminated even at a very low concentration. This work demonstrated the reliability of a ratiometric colorimetric sensor array for identification of multiple phenols.
Designing a Model for Villager Empowerment to Access Self-sufficiency, Case Study: Zanjan Province
Authors: Ganjkhanloo Azra , Poursaeed Alireza , Samani Roya Eshraghi , Vahedi Marjan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Empowering or gaining power is considered as a process through which villagers get capability to form and organize themselves in order to increase their self-confidence, ask for their right to choose freely and independently, being able to control the resources, cope with and eliminate poverty. Accordingly, the present study (a descriptive and non-experimental study) aimed to design a capability model for villagers in Zanjan province in order to achieve self-efficiency and assess the model through structural equations modeling. The main components of the intended model were compared through post-event technique, and the variables of self-sufficiency in villagers were validated by using descriptive-correlational design and structural equations modeling. Furthermore, statistical population included all villagers living in Zanjan province among which 384 ones were selected as the sample population through stratified random sampling with proportional allocation through distributing researcher-made questionnaire among villagers in the province. The data related to descriptive and inferential statistics sections were respectively analyzed by SPSS 25 and AMOS 24 softwares. Based on the results of structural equations, financial connector and condition were determined as the most effective latent variables on capability as a mediator dependent variable. Finally, the highest effect on self-sufficiency was observed in capability.
Radiographic structural damage predicted increased epicardial adipose tissue thickness in Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Tekaya Aicha Ben , Mehmli Takwa , Saidane Olfa , Mrad Imtinene Ben , Rouached Leila , Bouden Selma , Tekaya Rawdha , Fendri Ahmed , Mahmoud Ines , Abdelmoula Leila 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction: There is a growing interest in the role of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) as a novel marker of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. We aimed to assess EAT thickness in spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients compared with healthy controls and to identify its predictive factors.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including SpA patients and age and gender-matched healthy volunteers without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. General and biological data were obtained for all participants. Disease characteristics and therapeutic modalities were recorded at the time of inclusion. Both patients and control groups underwent echocardiography with measurement of EAT thickness. Results: A total of 47 SpA patients and 47 healthy controls were included, with a median age of 36 years and a sex-ratio of 2.35.Ultrasound EAT thickness was significantly increased in SpA patients compared with healthy controls (median value of 3.1 mm versus 2.4 mm; p=0.001). EAT thickness was positively correlated with patient-related parameters (age, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride level). Regarding disease-related characteristics, EAT thickness was positively correlated to age at onset of SpA and negatively correlated to chest expansion. Moreover, EAT thickness was significantly associated with radiographic structural damage (syndesmophytes, bony bridging, facet joint arthritis, and mSASSS score). In multivariate linear regression, age at onset of SpA, triglyceride level, and mSASSS were identified as the independent predictive factors of increased EAT thickness in SpA.Conclusion: SpA patients exhibited significantly more subclinical coronary atherosclerosis than controls. EAT thickness was independently associated with mSASSS score supporting the role of the inflammatory process in cardiovascular risk.
Morphometric Study of the Facial Nerve in the Presigmoid Retrolabyrinthine Approach
Authors: Konan Meleine Landry , Ghomsi Nathalie Christelle , Ouattara Djibril Charles , Chatigre Richard , Gbazi Marc Sidoine , Kamissoko Yaya , Djonde Grace , Kakou Medard 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The pre-sigmoid retro labyrinthine space is a narrow corridor that provide a shorter approach to the cerebellopontine angle lesion while preserving the audition and the facial nerve function. However, during this approach, the labyrinth and the mastoid segment of the facial nerve are particularly at risk. Although anatomical landmarks have been reported to minimize such risks, in this study, we aimed at producing morphometric data to facilitate the delineation of the vertical segment of the mastoid facial nerve, labyrinth, and jugular bulb during a pre-sigmoid retro labyrinthine approach.
Methods
Pre-sigmoid retro labyrinthine approach was performed on five cadaveric specimens to evaluate the metric relationships of the labyrinth, the mastoid (vertical) facial nerve and the sigmoid sinus within the mastoid bone.
Results
The distance from the sinuso-dural angle to the FN's vertical segment ranged between 10-16mm.The genu of the FN has a mean distance of 12-18.5mm from the cortical mastoid bone. The anteroposterior diameter of the labyrinth from the lateral edge of the lateral semicircular canal to the posterior edge of the posterior semicircular canal ranges from 5-10mm.The the pre-sigmoid dura between the sigmoid sinus and the medial edge of the labyrinth varied between 4 to 19mm.
Conclusions
When working within the narrow pre sigmoid retro labyrinthine corridor, accurate measures of the relationship between the facial nerve, labyrinth and sigmoid sinus are critical for surgeons.
DAB2IP stabilizes p27Kip1 via suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jiancheng , Deng Zhuo , Pei Xinqi , Lai Jiawei , Wu Kaijie , Qu Weixing 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most lethal of the urologic malignancies. We previously discovered that DAB2IP, a novel Ras-GTPase-activating protein, was frequently epigenetically silenced in RCC, and DAB2IP loss was correlated with the overall survival of RCC patients. In this study, we determined the biological functions of DAB2IP in RCC and its potential mechanisms of action. Correlations between DAB2IP expression level and RCC tumor size and patient survival were analyzed, and the results showed that RCC patients with high DAB2IP mRNA level exhibited smaller tumor size and better survival than the patients with low DAB2IP. Compared to control cells, DAB2IP knockdown (KD) cells showed enhanced cell proliferation, promoted G1/S phase cell cycle progression and decreased expression of p27. Mechanism studies demonstrated that loss of DAB2IP promoted p27 protein phosphorylation, cytosolic sequestration and subsequently ubiquitination-mediated degradation in RCC cells. Further studies confirmed that the proline-rich domain in C terminal (CPR) of DAB2IP suppressed AKT phosphorylation and induced p27 phosphorylation on S10. Hence, DAB2IP is essential for p27 protein stabilization in RCC, which is at less partly mediated by PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
A1 adenosine receptor activation inhibits P2X3 receptor-mediated ATP currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Hao Jia-Wei , Qiao Wen-Long , Li Qing , Wei Shuang , Li Xue-Mei , Liu Ting-Ting , Qiu Chun-Yu , Hu Wang-Ping 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purinergic signaling plays an important role in multiple pain processes. P2X3 receptor is considered to be a target in pain therapeutics, and A1 adenosine receptor signaling is essential for analgesia. However, it is still unclear whether there is a link between A1 adenosine receptors and P2X3 receptors in pain process. Herein, we show that the A1 adenosine receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) suppressed α,β-methylene-ATP (α,β-meATP)-evoked inward currents mediated by P2X3 receptors in a concentration- dependent and voltage-independent manner in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. CPA shifted the concentration-response curve for α,β-meATP downwards, with a decrease of 38.44 ± 5.87% in the maximal current response of P2X3 receptors to α,β-meATP in the presence of CPA. The CPA-induced suppression was blocked by the A1 adenosine receptor antagonist KW-3902 and prevented by intracellular application of either the Gi/o-protein inhibitor pertussis toxin, the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin, or the cAMP analog 8-Br-cAMP. CPA also suppressed the membrane excitability of DRG neurons, with a significant decrease in the amplitude of the depolarization and the number of spikes induced by α,β-meATP in the presence of CPA. Finally, intraplantar pretreatment of CPA dose-dependently relieved α,β-meATP-induced nociceptive responses in rats through peripheral A1 adenosine receptors. These results suggested that CPA suppressed the functional activity of P2X3 receptors in rat primary sensory neurons via A1 adenosine receptor, intracellular Gi/o-proteins and cAMP signaling cascades, suggesting a novel peripheral mechanism underlying its analgesic effect.
Long–Term, Basin–Scale Salinity Impacts from Desalination in the Arabian/Persian Gulf
Authors: Paparella Francesco , D’Agostino Daniele , Burt John 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The nations on the shoreline of the Arabian/Persian Gulf are the world’s largest users of desalination technologies, which are essential to meet their freshwater needs. Desalinated freshwater production is projected to rapidly increase in future decades. Thus, concerns have been raised that desalination activities may result in non–negligible long–term, basin–wide increases of salinity, which would have widespread detrimental effects on the Gulf marine ecosystems, with ripple effects on fisheries, as well as impacting the desalination activities themselves. We find that current desalinated freshwater production amounts to about 2% of the net evaporation from the Gulf. Projections to 2050 bring this value to 8%, leading to the possibility that, later in the second half of the century, desalinated freshwater production may exceed 10% of net evaporation, an amount which is comparable to interannual fluctuations in net evaporation. With the help of a model we examine several climatological scenarios, and we find that, under IPCC’s SSP5-8.5 worst–case scenarios, end–of–century increases in air temperature may result in salinity increases comparable or larger to those produced by desalination activities. The same scenario suggests a reduced evaporation and an increased precipitation, which would have a mitigating effect. Finally we find that, owing to a strong overturning circulation, high–salinity waters are quickly flushed through the Strait of Hormuz. Thus, even in the worst–case scenarios, basin–scale salinity increases are unlikely to exceed 1 psu, and, under less extreme hypothesis, will likely remain well below 0.5 psu, levels that have negligible environmental implications at the basin-wide scale.