bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel protein encoded by circHNRNPU promotes multiple myeloma progression by regulating the bone marrow microenvironment and alternative splicing
Authors: Tang Xiaozhu , Deng Zhendong , Ding Pinggang , Qiang Wanting , Lu Yue , Gao Shengyao , Hu Ye , Yang Ye , Du Juan , Gu Chunyan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Backgroud
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy in the bone marrow (BM), while immunoglobulin D type of MM (IgD MM) is a very rare but most severe subtype in all MM cases. Therefore, systemic study on IgD MM is purposeful to disclose the recurrent and refractory features in both IgD and other types of MM, and beneficial to the development of potent therapeutic strategy on MM.

Methods
Agilent SBC-ceRNA microarray chips were employed to examine 3 normal plasma cell samples (NPCs), 5 lgD MM samples and 5 lgG MM samples, respectively. Sanger sequencing, RNase R digestion and qPCR assays were used to detect the existence and expression of circHNRNPU. BaseScope™ RNA ISH assay was performed to test circHNRNPU levels in paraffin-embedded MM tissues. The protein encoded by circHNRNPU was identified by LC-MS/MS, which was named as circHNRNPU_603aa. The function of circHNRNPU_603aa on cellular proliferation and cell cycle was assessed by MTT test, colony formation assay, flow cytometry and MM xenograft mouse model in vivo. RIP-seq, RIP-PCR and WB analysis for ubiquitination were performed to explore the potential mechanism of circHNRNPU_603aa in MM. Exosomes were isolated from the culture supernatant of MM cells by ultracentrifugation and characterized by Transmission Electron Microscope and WB confirmation of exosomes markers Alix and CD9.

Results
CircHNRNPU was one of the top most abundant and differentially expressed circRNA in IgD MM relative to lgG and NPCs samples. Increased circHNRNPU was associated with poor outcomes in four independent MM patient cohorts. Intriguingly, MM cells secreted circHNRNPU, which encoded a protein named as circHNRNPU_603aa. Overexpressed circHNRNPU_603aa promoted MM cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, in contrast knockdown of circHNRNPU_603aa by siRNA abrogated these effects. Due to circHNRNPU_603aa including RNA-binding RGG-box region, it regulated SKP2 exon skipping, thereby competitively inhibited c-Myc ubiquitin so as to stabilize c-Myc in MM. MM cells secreted circHNRNPU through exosomes to interfere with various cells in the BM microenvironment.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that circHNRNPU_603aa is a promising diagnostic and therapeutic marker in both MM cells and BM niche.
Accuracy of heparin-binding protein for the diagnosis of nosocomial meningitis and ventriculitis
Authors: Kong Yueyue , Ye Yi , Ma Jiawei , Shi Guangzhi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The sensitive and accurate diagnosis of nosocomial meningitis and ventriculitis is still a critical problem. This study was designed to explore the diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid heparin-binding protein (HBP) in nosocomial meningitis and ventriculitis in comparison with procalcitonin and lactate.

Methods
In this observational study, 323 suspected patients were enrolled, of which 42 participants were excluded because they could not be accurately grouped, 131 subjects who were eventually diagnosed with nosocomial meningitis or ventriculitis and 150 patients in whom infection was ultimately ruled out were included in the final analysis. The main results are expressed as medians (interquartile ranges). The Chi-squared test was used to compare the baseline characteristics. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used for group and subgroup analyses. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to describe the diagnostic accuracy of the biomarkers. Spearman's partial correlation was used to analyze associations between the biomarkers. Statistical significance was set when p value < 0.05.

Results
HBP achieved the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, which was 0.99 (95% confidence interval 0.98—1.00) compared with 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.96—0.99) for lactate and 0.69 (95% confidence interval 0.62—0.75) for procalcitonin. With a cutoff level at 23 ng/mL, HBP achieved a sensitivity of 97%, a specificity of 95%, a positive predictive value of 93% and a negative predictive value of 98%. The levels of HBP presented no significant discrepancy between patients who received previous empiric anti-infective therapy and those who did not (p > 0.05). Higher concentrations of HBP were present in patients with positive microbiological findings (p < 0.05). Levels of HBP positively correlated with polymorphonuclear cell count (Spearman's rho = 0.68, p < 0.01), white blood cell count (Spearman's rho = 0.57, p < 0.01) and lactate (Spearman's rho = 0.34, p < 0.01).

Conclusions
Cerebrospinal fluid heparin-binding protein is a reliable auxiliary diagnostic marker that is preferable over lactate and procalcitonin in identifying nosocomial meningitis and ventriculitis, and it also contributes to solving the diagnostic difficulties caused by empiric antibiotherapy.
Noma disease (cancrum oris, orofacial gangrene) in an acute myeloid leukemia patient: a case report
Authors: Park Jiho , Kim Sanghun , Shin Seung-Woo , Lyu Chuhl Joo , Kim Dongwook 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Noma is a rare disease that occurs mainly in malnourished patients in developing countries. Noma starts as facial swelling and gingival necrosis that eventually necrotizes underlying tissues including the jaw bone, leaving severe disfigurement. It is reported extremely rarely in patients with severe immunosuppression or blood dyscrasia.

Case presentation
The gingivitis that occurred in a 12-year-old Asian female patient with acute myeloid leukemia was getting increasingly worse. Although the proper treatment was done, the patient’s condition did not improve, and eventually, a large full-thickness defect was left in the maxillofacial part.

Conclusions
Early diagnosis and management is the only way to prevent the progression, which leads to facial disfigurement. We present a case of noma in a pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patient, in which oral function was restored through surgical intervention.
Toluene sensing characteristics of tin oxide-based gas sensor deposited with various amounts of metalloporphyrin
Authors: Cho Byeonghwa , Kim Jongbaeg 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this study, the sensing characteristics of tin oxide-based gas sensors deposit with different amounts of metalloporphyrin, which is a functionalization substance, are evaluated. The mass of metalloporphyrin deposited is 3, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg for 5 different sensors prepared. The deposition of 3 mg of metalloporphyrin result in an island form of functionalization instead of a thin film; meanwhile, thin films with thicknesses of 25, 35, 74, and 92 nm are formed for the other four cases. As the deposition amount of metalloporphyrin increase, the performance of the sensor deteriorate. The samples are prepared by subdividing the amount of metalloporphyrin source to determine the optimized deposition amount. A sample is prepared with deposition amounts ranging between 1 to 10 mg. The sensors deposit with 3–5 mg metalloporphyrin has excellent response, response, and recovery time characteristics.
An alternative to STEBI-A: validation of the T-STEM science scale
Authors: Unfried Alana , Rachmatullah Arif , Alexander Alonzo , Wiebe Eric 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument A (STEBI-A; Riggs & Enochs, 1990 in Science Education, 74(6), 625-637) has been the dominant measurement tool of in-service science teacher self-efficacy and outcome expectancy for nearly 30 years. However, concerns about certain aspects of the STEBI-A have arisen, including the wording, validity, reliability, and dimensionality. In the present study, we revised the STEBI-A by addressing many concerns research has identified, and developed a new instrument called the T-STEM Science Scale. The T-STEM Science Scale was reviewed by expert panels and piloted first before it was administered to 727 elementary and secondary science teachers. The combination of classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT) approaches were used to validate the instrument. Multidimensional Rasch analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were run.

Results
Based on the results, the negatively worded items were found to be problematic and thus removed from the instrument. We also found that the three-dimensional model fit our data the best, in line with our theoretical conceptualization. Based on the literature review and analysis, although the personal science teaching efficacy beliefs (PTSEB) construct remained intact, the original outcome expectancy construct was renamed science teacher responsibility for learning outcomes beliefs (STRLOB) and was divided into two dimensions, above- and below-average student interest or performance. The T-STEM Science Scale had satisfactory reliability values as well.

Conclusions
Through the development and validation of the T-STEM Science Scale, we have addressed some critical concerns emergent from prior research concerning the STEBI-A. Psychometrically, the refinement of the wording, item removal, and the separation into three constructs have resulted in better reliability values compared to STEBI-A. While two distinct theoretical foundations are now used to explain the constructs of the new T-STEM instrument, prior literature and our empirical results note the important interrelationship of these constructs. The preservation of these constructs preserves a bridge, though imperfect, to the large body of legacy research using the STEBI-A.
Post-chikungunya arthritis: a longitudinal study in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Sigma , Choudhury Minhaj Rahim , Islam Md. Ariful , Hassan Md. Masudul , Yeasmin Surayea , Hossain Farzana , Zaman Mohammad Mostafa 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background and objective
To identify the clinical patterns and consequences of post-chikungunya arthritis was the study's objective.

Methods
This longitudinal study was carried out among 143 Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infected adult patients at the rheumatology department, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the outbreak of CHIKV infection in 2017.﻿ The disease was categorized into three phases: acute or febrile (lasting up to 10 days), subacute (11–90 days), and chronic (> 90 days). Patients who progressed towards the chronic phase were followed up to 1-year. Post-CHIKV de novo chronic inflammatory rheumatisms (CIRs) were characterized by persistent mono or oligoarthritis, undifferentiated polyarthritis, or meet the criteria rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Spondyloarthritis (SpA). In addition, functional status was assessed by the validated Bangla version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).

Results
Mean age was 43.3 ± 11.5 years, and 51.0% were male. Within 1-year follow-up, 60 (41.9%) patients were suffering from arthralgia/ arthritis. Of them 52 patients did not have any pre-existing arthralgia/arthritis. 35 (65.3%) had undifferentiated arthritis, 10 (19.2%) had SpA, and 7 (13.5%) had RA. Patients with pre-existing rheumatological disorders, 6(4.2%) had SpA, 1(0.7%) had RA and 1(0.7%) had osteoarthritis. Polyarthralgia (n = 33, 55.0%) and polyarthritis (n = 20, 33.3%) were the main presentations. Female gender (OR: 0.45; CI: 0.21–0.96), positive IgG (OR: 0.30; CI: 0.12–0.76), and moderate to severe functional disability (OR: 3.46; CI: 1.62–7.40) were independent predictors of developing chronic post-CHIKV rheumatism.

Conclusions
At 1-year follow-up, more than one-third of the patients remained symptomatic. Female gender, positive IgG, and moderate to severe functional disability contributed to the development of chronicity.
Metagenomics reveals differences in microbial composition and metabolic functions in the rumen of dairy cows with different residual feed intake
Authors: Xie Yunyi , Sun Huizeng , Xue Mingyuan , Liu Jianxin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Rumen microbial composition and functions have vital roles in feed digestion and fermentation and are linked to feed efficiency in cattle. This study selected Holstein cows, which are high in both milk protein content and milk yield, to analyse the relationship between the rumen microbiota and residual feed intake (RFI). Eighteen multiparous lactating cows were divided into low RFI (LRFI, high efficiency, n = 9) and high RFI (HRFI, low efficiency, n = 9) groups to investigate the differences in microbial composition and functions.

Results
The relative abundances of butyrate producers, including the Clostridium, Butyrivibrio, Eubacterium and Blautia genera, were higher in HRFI cows than in LRFI cows (P < 0.05). Four carbohydrate metabolic pathways (glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway, fructose and mannose metabolism, and butanoate metabolism) and one energy metabolism pathway (methane metabolism), were more abundant in HRFI animals (P < 0.05). Quorum sensing and DNA replication pathways were more abundant in HRFI cows. For CAZyme profiles, 14 out of 19 genes encoding carbohydrates-deconstructing enzymes were more abundant in HRFI cows (P < 0.05). Seven Lachnospiraceae species associated with carbohydrate metabolism and quorum sensing may contribute to the difference in feed efficiency. Moreover, the LRFI cows had lower abundances of Methanosphaera (P < 0.01), Methanobrevibacter ruminantium (P = 0.09) and methanogenesis functions (P = 0.04).

Conclusions
The rumen microbiota of low-efficiency cows has stronger abilities to degrade carbohydrates and produce methane, and quorum sensing pathways could also be associated with differences in feed efficiency. This study provides a deeper understanding of the microbial ecology of dairy cows with different feed efficiencies and highlights the possibility of modulating the rumen microbiome or microbial functions to improve the feed efficiency of dairy cows.
Automated measurement and analysis of sidewall roughness using three-dimensional atomic force microscopy
Authors: Yoo Su-Been , Yun Seong-Hun , Jo Ah-Jin , Cho Sang-Joon , Cho Haneol , Lee Jun-Ho , Ahn Byoung-Woon 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAs semiconductor device architecture develops, from planar field-effect transistors (FET) to FinFET and gate-all-around (GAA), there is an increased need to measure 3D structure sidewalls precisely. Here, we present a 3-Dimensional Atomic Force Microscope (3D-AFM), a powerful 3D metrology tool to measure the sidewall roughness (SWR) of vertical and undercut structures. First, we measured three different dies repeatedly to calculate reproducibility in die level. Reproducible results were derived with a relative standard deviation under 2%. Second, we measured 13 different dies, including the center and edge of the wafer, to analyze SWR distribution in wafer level and reliable results were measured. All analysis was performed using a novel algorithm, including auto flattening, sidewall detection, and SWR calculation. In addition, SWR automatic analysis software was implemented to reduce analysis time and to provide standard analysis. The results suggest that our 3D-AFM, based on the tilted Z scanner, will enable an advanced methodology for automated 3D measurement and analysis.
Effect of different parameters on lateral-torsional buckling behavior of I-girders with circular corrugated webs
Authors: Swelem Sh. M. , Fahmy A. Sh. , El Sherif N. F. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractI-girders with circular corrugated webs are considered as a new fabrication technology. The corrugation of the web considerably increases the stiffness of the cross-section to resist shear forces and also increases the out-of-plane stiffness. However, investigations on the lateral-torsional buckling behavior of the circular corrugated web girders are still scarce. Therefore, the present study focuses on the lateral-torsional buckling performance of these types of girders. A numerical study is performed in order to simulate the inelastic lateral-torsional buckling behavior of the I-girders with the circular corrugated web using ABAQUS software. A parametric study is carried out taking into account both linear and non-linear buckling analyses, to investigate the effect of different geometrical parameters on the inelastic lateral-torsional buckling behavior using three different corrugated web profiles. The results indicate that increasing the corrugation depth, flange width, flange thickness, and web height increases the moment capacity of these girders. The results of the parametric study show that the moment capacity of the I-girders with the circular corrugated web is higher than those with flat web girders.
Lung Cancer Diagnosed Through Screening, Lung Nodule, and Neither Program: A Prospective Observational Study of the Detecting Early Lung Cancer (DELUGE) in the Mississippi Delta Cohort
Authors: Osarogiagbon Raymond U. , Liao Wei , Faris Nicholas R. , Meadows-Taylor Meghan , Fehnel Carrie , Lane Jordan , Williams Sara C. , Patel Anita A. , Akinbobola Olawale A. , Pacheco Alicia , Epperson Amanda , Luttrell Joy , McCoy Denise , McHugh Laura , Signore Raymond , Bishop Anna M. , Tonkin Keith , Optican Robert , Wright Jeffrey , Robbins Todd , Ray Meredith A. , Smeltzer Matthew P. 
Published: March 2022

PURPOSELung cancer screening saves lives, but implementation is challenging. We evaluated two approaches to early lung cancer detection—low-dose computed tomography screening (LDCT) and program-based management of incidentally detected lung nodules.METHODSA prospective observational study enrolled patients in the early detection programs. For context, we compared them with patients managed in a Multidisciplinary Care Program. We compared clinical stage distribution, surgical resection rates, 3- and 5-year survival rates, and eligibility for LDCT screening of patients diagnosed with lung cancer.RESULTSFrom 2015 to May 2021, 22,886 patients were enrolled: 5,659 in LDCT, 15,461 in Lung Nodule, and 1,766 in Multidisciplinary Care. Of 150, 698, and 1,010 patients diagnosed with lung cancer in the respective programs, 61%, 60%, and 44% were diagnosed at clinical stage I or II, whereas 19%, 20%, and 29% were stage IV ( P = .0005); 47%, 42%, and 32% had curative-intent surgery ( P < .0001); aggregate 3-year overall survival rates were 80% (95% CI, 73 to 88) versus 64% (60 to 68) versus 49% (46 to 53); 5-year overall survival rates were 76% (67 to 87) versus 60% (56 to 65) versus 44% (40 to 48), respectively. Only 46% of 1,858 patients with lung cancer would have been deemed eligible for LDCT by US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2013 criteria, and 54% by 2021 criteria. Even if all eligible patients by USPSTF 2021 criteria had been enrolled into LDCT, the Nodule Program would have detected 20% of the stage I-II lung cancer in the entire cohort.CONCLUSIONLDCT and Lung Nodule Programs are complementary, expanding access to early lung cancer detection and curative treatment to different-risk populations. Implementing Lung Nodule Programs may alleviate emerging disparities in access to early lung cancer detection.
Kink scattering in a Lorentz-violating ϕ
6 model
Authors: Yan Haobo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The role played by a Lorentz-violating term on the outcomes of kink scattering in the

model is investigated by using the Fourier spectral method. Impacts of the Lorentz-violating term on the critical velocities, the location of two-bounce windows, and the maximal values of various types of energy densities are analyzed. Some novel features of kink-antikink collisions are discussed. The interactions between three and four kinks are also considered.
The evolution of asymmetrical gaits in gnathostome vertebrates
Authors: McElroy Eric J. , Granatosky Michael C. 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
The difficulty of quantifying asymmetrical limb movements, compared with symmetrical gaits, has resulted in a dearth of information concerning the mechanics and adaptive benefits of these locomotor patterns. Further, no study has explored the evolutionary history of asymmetrical gaits using phylogenetic comparative techniques. Most foundational work suggests that symmetrical gaits are an ancestral feature and asymmetrical gaits are a more derived feature of mammals, some crocodilians, some turtles, anurans and some fish species. In this study, we searched the literature for evidence of the use of asymmetrical gaits across extant gnathostomes, and from this sample (n=308 species) modeled the evolution of asymmetrical gaits assuming four different scenarios. Our analysis shows strongest support for an evolutionary model where asymmetrical gaits are ancestral for gnathostomes during benthic walking and could be both lost and gained during subsequent gnathostome evolution. We were unable to reconstruct the presence/absence of asymmetrical gaits at the tetrapod, amniote, turtle and crocodilian nodes with certainty. The ability to adopt asymmetrical gaits was likely ancestral for Mammalia but was probably not ancestral for Amphibia and Lepidosauria. The absence of asymmetrical gaits in certain lineages may be attributable to neuromuscular and/or anatomical constraints and/or generally slow movement not associated with these gaits. This finding adds to the growing body of work showing the early gnathostomes and tetrapods may have used a diversity of gaits, including asymmetrical patterns of limb cycling.
Legs as linkages: an alternative paradigm for the role of tendons and isometric muscles in facilitating economical gait
Authors: Usherwood James R. 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Considerable attention has been given to the spring-like behaviour of stretching and recoiling tendons, and how this can reduce the work demanded from muscle for a given loss–return cycling of mechanical energy during high-speed locomotion. However, even completely isometric muscle–tendon units have the potential to act as tension struts, forming links in linkages that avoid the demand for mechanical work-cycling in the first place. Here, forelimb and hindlimb structures and geometries of quadrupeds are considered in terms of linkages that avoid mechanical work at the level of both the whole limb and the individual muscles. The scapula, isometric serratus muscles and forelimb can be viewed as a modified Roberts' straight-line mechanism that supports an approximately horizontal path of the body with vertically orientated forces, resulting in low work demand at the level of both limb and muscle. Modelled isometric triceps brachii inserting to the olecranon form part of a series of four-bar linkages (forelimb) and isometric biceps femoris cranial, rectus femoris and tensor fascia latae form part of a series of six-bar linkages (hindlimb), in both cases potentially resulting in straight-line horizontal motion, generating appropriate moments about shoulder and hip to maintain vertical ground reaction forces and again low mechanical work demand from the limb. Analysing part of the complexity of animal limb structure as linkages that avoid work at the level of both the whole limb and the supporting muscles suggests a new paradigm with which to appreciate the role of isometric muscle–tendon units and multiple muscle origins.