bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of LOXL2 induced by glucose metabolism-activated NF-κB in maintaining drug resistance through EMT and cancer stemness in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lee Yun Sun , Kim Hyung Sun , Kim Hyo Jung , Kang Hyeon Woong , Lee Da Eun , Kim Myeong Jin , Hong Woosol Chris , Kim Ju Hyun , Kim Minsoo , Park Joon Seong 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Gemcitabine is considered a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer, but developing drug resistance greatly limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and increases the rate of recurrence. Lysyl oxide-like 2 (LOXL2) is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and is involved in carcinogenesis and EMT regulation. However, studies on the role of LOXL2 in drug resistance are limited. Here, we investigated the mechanism of LOXL2 induction and the effect of LOXL2 on EMT and CSC in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer.
Methods
Tissue samples from 20 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who received adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy at Gangnam Severance Hospital. Expression of EMT and stemness markers was analyzed by western blot, qPCR, and flow cytometry, and stem cell capacity was compared using a 3D culture system and spheroid formation assay. Tumor growth and response to gemcitabine in vivo were also determined in mouse models.
Results
Activated NF-κB directly induces transcription by binding to the promoters of LOXL2 and ZEB1. The EMT process was significantly inhibited by the coregulation of ZEB1 and LOXL2. In addition, LOXL2 inhibition reduced the expression of cancer stemness markers and stemness by regulating MAPK signaling activity. LOXL2 inhibits tumor growth of gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells and increases the sensitivity to gemcitabine in mouse models.
Conclusion
We identified a specific mechanism for inducing LOXL2 overexpression in gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer. Taken together, our results suggest LOXL2 has an important regulatory role in maintaining gemcitabine resistance and may be an effective therapeutic target to treat pancreatic cancer.
Morphology, mechanical performance and flame resistance of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/polyphenylene oxide (PPO) blends incorporated with halloysite nanoclay and polyphenylene ether-grafted maleic anhydride
Authors: Tuan Vu Manh , Dat Nguyen Huu , Huynh Mai Duc , Trung Tran Huu , Cong Do Van , Thai Nguyen Thi , Long Pham The , Hai Luong Nhu , Giang Nguyen Vu 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

In this work, the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and polyphenylene ether-grafted maleic anhydride copolymer (FB) into acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/polyphenylene oxide (PPO) blend has been investigated with the aim of enhancing the compatibility and performance of the blends. ABS/PPO blend (AP) with the weight ratio of ABS/PPO = 70/30 with 5 wt.% loading of FB and different weight contents of HNTs were elaborated by melt blending process, and their properties were studied. The SEM observation revealed that AP blend exhibited dispersed phases of PPO droplets with clear gaps between PPO and ABS phases, indicating poor adhesion between the polymers in the blend. As the compatibilizer, FB effectively enhanced the inter-phase interaction, minimizing the formation of interfacial gaps, which was evidenced by the SEM images, leading to the adhesion between ABS, PPO and HNTs phases. As the result, the mechanical performance of the AP blend were significantly improved with the addition of FB and HNTs. At 5 wt.% of HNT, the AP/FB/HNT blend exhibited tensile strength of 37.47 MPa and flexural strength of 59.09 MPa compared to 26.60 MPa and 39.45 MPa of neat AP, respectively. The glass transition points of the modified blends showed shifts compared to the neat AP, which indicating the improvement in miscibility of the modified-AP blends. The thermal stability and flame resistance of the blends were also enhanced with the introduction of HNTs and FB, evidenced with the V-1 rating in the UL-94 test as well as the increase in limiting oxygen index (LOI). These results demonstrated that the incorporation of HNTs and FB is a promising and simple method to improve the properties of ABS/PPO blends.
The psoas muscle density as a predictor of postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing rectal cancer resection
Authors: Xiao Yunzhou , Wen Xiaoting , Ying Yingying , Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Luyao , Wang Zhongchu , Su Miaoguang , Zheng Xiangwu , Miao Shouliang 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
ObjectiveMuscle depletion that impairs normal physiological function in elderly patients leads to poor prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association between total abdominal muscle area (TAMA), total psoas area (TPA), psoas muscle density (PMD), and short-term postoperative complications in elderly patients with rectal cancer.
MethodsAll elderly patients underwent rectal cancer resection with perioperative abdominal computed tomography (CT). Complications were assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Severe complications were defined as grade III-V following the Clavien-Dindo classification. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors of short-term severe postoperative complications.
ResultsThe cohort consisted of 191 patients with a mean age of 73.60±8.81 years. Among them, 138 (72.25%) patients had Clavien-Dindo 0- II, 53 (27.75%) patients had severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo III-V), and 1(0.52%) patient died within 30 days of surgery. PMD was significantly higher in the Clavien-Dindo 0-II cohort compared to the Clavien-Dindo III-V cohort (p=0.004). Nevertheless, TAMA and TPA failed to exhibit significant differences. Moreover, the multivariate regression analysis implied that advanced age [OR 1.07 95%CI (1.02–1.13) p=0.013], male [OR 5.03 95%CI (1.76-14.41) p=0.003], high CCI score [OR 3.60 95%CI (1.44-9.00) p=0.006], and low PMD [OR 0.94 95%CI (0.88-0.99) p=0.04] were independent risk factors of Clavien-Dindo III-V.
ConclusionPreoperative assessment of the PMD on CT can be a simple and practical method for identifying elderly patients with rectal cancer at risk for severe postoperative complications.
Granulomatous Prostatitis after Bacille Calmette-Guérin Instillation Resembles Prostate Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Yao Yu , Ji Jun-Jie , Wang Hai-Yun , Sun Li-Jiang , Zhang Gui-Ming 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation is recommended in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer who have intermediate-risk and high-risk tumors. However, granulomatous prostatitis is a rare complication induced by BCG instillation, which can easily be misdiagnosed as prostate cancer. Here, we report a case of granulomatous prostatitis that resembled prostate cancer.
Case presentation: A 64-year-old Chinese man who was diagnosed with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer received BCG instillation. Three days later, he was diagnosed with urinary tract infection. He stopped BCG instillation and received anti-infective therapy. BCG instillation was restarted 14 months later. Three months after BCG restart, he presented with rising levels of total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (9.14 ng/mL) and a decreasing ratio of free PSA/total PSA (0.09). Digital rectal examination revealed a moderately enlarged, non-painful prostate gland with normal density. In multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), axial T2-weighted images showed a 28 mm × 20 mm diffuse abnormality with a low signal in the right peripheral zone. On diffusion-weighted MRI with a high b-value, the lesion was seen as a markedly hyperintense focus, which was consistent with a lesion with a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score of 5, with a hypointense signal on an apparent diffusion coefficient map image. Considering the possibility of prostate cancer, a prostate biopsy was conducted. Histopathology showed benign prostate tissue with typical features of granulomatous prostatitis. The nucleic acid test for tuberculosis was performed and the result was positive. The patient was finally diagnosed with BCG-induced granulomatous prostatitis. Thereafter, he stopped BCG instillation again and received anti-tuberculosis treatment. During a follow-up visit after 10 months, the patient presented with no evidence of tumor recurrence or symptoms of tuberculosis.
Conclusion: Although histopathology is the only way to accurately differentiate between BCG-induced granulomatous prostatitis and prostate cancer, some clues such as temporarily elevated PSA levels and a high signal followed by a low-signal abnormality on high b-value diffusion-weighted MRI are important indicators of BCG-induced granulomatous prostatitis.
How the Quantity and Hue Contrast of Interface Color Coding Affect Human Perception: Evidence from Two EEG Studies
Authors: Ma Changyun , Wang Haiyan , Wu Jinchun , Xue Chengqi 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background Color has considerable effects on physiological and psychological perception in human-machine interaction, but it is unclear how the coding methods of interface color affect users’ perception. The present study investigated the impacts of two dimensions of color coding, quantity and hue contrast, on visual perception from three aspects: brain activity, emotional experience, and visual comfort.
Methods Based on the HSV color space, two sets of experiments were designed with three quantity levels of colors and four quantity levels of hues (8, 16, 36 X 1, 2, 4, Random) as well as five combinations of two hue contrasts (30º, 60º, 120º, 180º, 240º in the HSV hue wheel). Participants’ brain activities were monitored within 2000ms of viewing the color stimuli, and subjective evaluations of their emotional and visual experiences were collected. Significant differences were observed in the synchronization of delta (0-4 Hz) and theta (4–8 Hz) bands in the 0-500ms time window and gamma (30-100Hz) oscillation throughout the presentation by using event-related spectral perturbations (ERSPs).
Results Expanded color elicited significantly higher arousal of emotion, along with stronger delta and theta band synchronization in the parietal and occipital lobes and enhanced gamma power in the posterior cortex, indicating increased visual processing workload and attention input. Grouping on identical hue significantly weakened the activation of delta and theta bands and did not enhance gamma oscillation as shape Gestalt as the number of groups rose, suggesting that color grouping capably lessens the perceptual load of visual processing. In addition, sharper hue contrasts significantly boosted delta and theta band activity and enhanced low gamma (30-50Hz) activation, and undermined visual experience compared with softer combinations, which might relate to the concentric antagonistic receptive fields of visual cells.
Conclusion This paper gives the first elucidation of the eﬀects of color coding on neural activity and subjective perceptions, contributing to the neuroergonomic study of interface color design. These findings bridge the gap between the neural activity of color vision and mental experience during color perception.
Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Serum Vitamin D Levels with the Risk of Colorectal Cancer: An Observational Case-Control Study
Authors: Yassıbaş Emine , Önen Hacer İlke , Kerem Mustafa , Toka Onur , Samur Gülhan 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the world, and its incidence is steadily rising. Understanding the role of modifiable risk factors in colorectal carcinogenesis is one of the primary prevention strategies. This research was conducted to evaluate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels, vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms, and CRC risk.
Methods: Fifty-one CRC patients who were diagnosed within the last three months prior to the study and 51 individuals adjusted by age and sex with the study group were included as controls. Serum vitamin D levels and four different VDR gene polymorphisms (ApaI, BsmI, FokI, and TaqI) were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was made for the serum vitamin D levels and VDR gene polymorphisms.
Results: It was determined that serum vitamin D deficiency (≤20 ng/mL) increases the CRC risk approximately 5.5 times (OR: 5.452, 95%CI: 1.909-15.568). Also, BsmI, ApaI, TaqI and FokI polymorphisms were not significantly associated with CRC risk (p>0.05). Serum 25(OH)D levels were evaluated according to VDR polymorphism genotypes, it was found that CRC patients with heterozygous (Bb and Aa) genotypes of BsmI and ApaI polymorphisms had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels than controls with the same genotype (p<0.05). The distribution of haplotypes did not differ statistically between the groups (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Developing strategies to achieve normal serum vitamin D levels are important to decrease CRC prevalence. To better understanding these associations, further studies with larger sample sizes and other vitamin D pathway genes are needed.
Carbon footprint assessment of a wood multi-residential building considering biogenic carbon
Authors: Ouellet-Plamondon Claudiane , Ramseier Livia , Balouktsi Maria , Delem Laetitia , Foliente Greg , Francart Nicolas , Garcia Antonio , Hoxha Endrit , Lützkendorf Thomas , Rasmussen Freja Nygaard , Peuportier Bruno , Butler Jared , Birgisdottir Harpa , Dowdell David , Dixit Manish , Gomes Vanessa , Silva Maristela Gomes da , Gómez Juan Carlos , Wiik Marianne Kjendseth , Llatas Carmen , Mateus Ricardo , Pulgrossi Lizzie M. , Röck Martin , Saade Marcella Ruschi Mendes , Passer Alexander , Satola Daniel , Seo Seongwon , Verdaguer Bernardette Soust , Veselka Jakub , Volf Martin , Zhang Xiaojin , Frischknecht Rolf 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Wood and other bio-based building materials are often perceived as a good choice from a climate mitigation perspective. This article compares the life cycle assessment of the same multi-residential building from the perspective of 16 countries participating in the international project Annex 72 of the International Energy Agency to determine the effects of different datasets and methods of accounting for biogenic carbon in wood construction. Three assessment methods are herein considered: two recognized in the standards (the so-called 0/0 method and –1/+1 method) and a variation of the latter (–1/+1* method) used in Australia, Canada, France, and New Zealand. The 0/0 method considers neither fixation in the production stage nor releases of biogenic carbon at the end of a wood product’s life. In contrast, the –1/+1 method accounts for the fixation of biogenic carbon in the production stage and its release in the end-of-life stage, irrespective of the disposal scenario (recycling, incineration orlandfill). The -1/+1 method assumes that landfills offer only a temporary sequestration of carbon. In the –1/+1* variation, landfills and recycling are considered a partly permanent sequestration of biogenic carbon and thus fewer emissions are accounted for in the end-of-life stage. We examine the variability of the calculated life cycle-based greenhouse gas emissions calculated for a case study building by each participating country, within the same assessment method and across the methods. The results vary substantially. The main reasons for deviations are whether or not landfills and recycling are considered a partly permanent sequestration of biogenic carbon and a mismatch in the biogenic carbon balance. Our findings support the need for further research and to develop practical guidelines to harmonize life cycle assessment methods of buildings with bio-based materials.
Effects of Adriamycin-Cytoxan Chemotherapy on Hematological and Electrolyte Parameters among Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Abiye Fikremariam , Leminie Abebaye Aragaw 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background Adriamycin-Cytoxan (AC) is a common chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer (BC) patients. Its electrolyte and hematological adverse effects have not been addressed adequately. Objective This study aimed to assess the effect of AC on hematological and electrolyte parameters among BC patients. Methods A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted from March to November 2022. Randomly selected AC-treated (n = 100) and untreated (n = 100) patients were included. Structured questionnaire and medical records were used to collect sociodemographic data. Anthropometric parameters, hematological indices, and serum electrolytes were measured. Cobas Integra 400+and SYSMEX-XT-4000i were used to analyze serum electrolytes and hematological indices respectively. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Independent t-test and chi-square test were used. P-value \(<\)0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results AC-treated patients’ mean TWBC, NE, LY, RBC, Hgb, HCT, and Na+values were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) than patients with no treatment. However, mean EO, PLT counts, RDW, K+, and PCT values were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mean EO count was significantly increased (p < 0.05) for AC-treated advanced cancer-stage patients. Conclusion The majority of blood cells and serum sodium were affected by AC treatment. Incorporating these parameters in the routine analysis and further studies on the detailed mechanism of action of this drug is required.
Embryogenesis induction of carrot (Daucus carota L.) in isolated microspore culture
Authors: Romanova Olga , Vjurtts Tatiana , Mineykina Anna , Tukuser Yana , Kulakov Yuri , Akhramenko Vladislav , Soldatenko Alexey , Domblides Elena 
Published: November 2022

Haploid technologies are used to create homozygous lines for accelerated breeding. We aimed to optimize the technology for using the isolated microspore culture in vitro to obtain doubled haploids of the carrot (Daucus carota L.).
We studied two carrot varieties with different responsiveness to embryogenesis, Altajskaya lakomka and Breeding line 17. Carrot microspores were isolated from buds and cultivated in liquid nutrient media supplemented with an antibiotic and activated carbon in vitro. They were exposed to different thermal treatments.
The experiment showed the benefits of combining cold pre-treatment of buds (5°C for 1 day) with heat shock of isolated microspores in vitro (32°C for 2 days). The induction of embryogenesis on the NLN-13 medium was twice as high as on the MSm-13 medium. The use of 1% activated carbon in 0.5% agarose increased the yield of embryoids by more than 1.5 times. 100 mg/L of ampicillin was found to be the most efficient concentration. After 30 days of cultivation under optimized conditions, the yield was 161.3 and 44.0 embryoids per Petri dish for the cultivar Altajskaya lakomka and Breeding line 17, respectively.
The induction of carrot embryogenesis is determined by the type and duration of thermal stress, the composition of the nutrient medium, the use of activated carbon as a sorbent, the addition of β-lactam antibiotics, and the type of explant exposed to thermal treatment. Our technology enabled us to obtain homozygous doubled haploid lines of carrots during a year, and these lines were included in the breeding process to create F1 hybrids.
Algerian date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit cultivars: HPLC fingerprinting and antibacterial activity
Authors: Ali Haimoud Safia , Allem Rachida 
Published: November 2022

The abusive use of antibiotics causes the destruction of intestinal flora and the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Date palm is used in traditional medicine in the Saharan regions due to its biological properties.
The study aimed to identify the phytochemical composition and assess the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extracts of three date cultivars from Algeria. Their total phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol contents were measured spectrophotometrically. The phytochemical screening was conducted by HPLC fingerprinting using twenty-three pure phenolic compounds as standards. The antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacterial species was assessed using the disk diffusion method.
The colorimetric methods showed that the total phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol contents ranged from 2.13 ± 0.09 to 2.67 ± 0.02 mg GAE/100 g DW, 1.33 ± 0.21 to 1.55 ± 0.13 mg CEQ/100 g DW, and 0.41 ± 0.23 to 0.47 ± 0.05 mg REQ/100 g DW, respectively. HPLC fingerprinting showed that the extracts of date cultivars served as an excellent source of bioactive compounds (gallic acid, tannic acid, ferulic acid, vanillin, caffeine, quercetin, luteolin, rutin, aspegenin, isorhamnetin, and hesperidin). They also exhibited an antibacterial potential with an inhibition zone diameter ranging from 8.40 to 12.50 mm.
The results clearly demonstrate the antibacterial potency of date palm fruits, which could be attributed to their considerable content of phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, rutin, quercetin, and luteolin.
A Key Comprehensive System for Biobehavioral Surveillance of Populations Disproportionately Affected by HIV (National HIV Behavioral Surveillance): Cross-sectional Survey Study
Authors: Kanny Dafna , Broz Dita , Finlayson Teresa , Lee Kathryn , Sionean Catlainn , Wejnert Cyprian ,   NHBS Study Group
Published: November 2022

Background
The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) is a comprehensive system for biobehavioral surveillance conducted since 2003 in 3 populations disproportionately affected by HIV: gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM); people who inject drugs; and heterosexually active persons at increased risk for HIV infection (HET). This ongoing and systematic collection and analysis of data is needed to identify baseline prevalence of behavioral risk factors and prevention service use, as well as to measure progress toward meeting HIV prevention goals among key populations disproportionately affected by HIV.

Objective
This manuscript provides an overview of NHBS from 2003 to 2019.

Methods
NHBS is conducted in rotating, annual cycles; these 3 annual cycles are considered a round. Venue-based, time-space sampling is used for the MSM population. Respondent-driven sampling is used for people who inject drugs and HET populations. A standardized, anonymous questionnaire collects information on HIV-related behavioral risk factors, HIV testing, and use of prevention services. In each cycle, approximately 500 eligible persons from each participating area are interviewed and offered anonymous HIV testing.

Results
From 2003 to 2019, 168,600 persons were interviewed and 143,570 agreed to HIV testing across 17 to 25 cities in the United States. In the fifth round (2017 to 2019), over 10,000 (10,760-12,284) persons were interviewed each of the 3 population cycles in 23 cities. Of those, most (92%-99%) agreed to HIV testing. Several cities also conducted sexually transmitted infection or hepatitis C testing.

Conclusions
NHBS is critical for monitoring the impact of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States initiative. Data collected from NHBS are key to describe trends in key populations and tailor new prevention activities to ensure high prevention impact. NHBS data provide valuable information for monitoring and evaluating national HIV prevention goals and guiding national and local HIV prevention efforts. Furthermore, NHBS data can be used by public health officials and researchers to identify HIV prevention needs, allocate prevention resources, and develop and improve prevention programs directed to the populations of interest and their communities.