bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying and Verifying AR, ERBB2, and VEGFA Are the Targets of Qigesan in the Treatment of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma In Silico and In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Dong , Guo Lang , Wu Xiaoting , Luo Meng , Liang Xinyi , Jiang Cheng , Wang Tao , Gao Yong , Zou Qiuping
Published: August 2021

The Chinese medicine Qigesan can be used to treat esophageal adenocarcinoma in the Chinese mainland widely, but its mechanism is unclear. In order to investigate the mechanism of Qigesan in the treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma, the concept of network pharmacology was used in this study. The database named TCMSP was used to identify the active therapeutic components as well as targets of Qigesan. The TTD, OMIM, CTD, DrugBank, and GeneCards database were used to identify genes related to esophageal adenocarcinoma. In STRING database, the potential targets were imported to obtain a PPI network, and then Cytoscape software has been used to analyse the results. Subsequently, important components and targets were simulated by molecular docking. Finally, experiments on the cell have been done to verify well docking targets. A total of 124 effective compounds and 646 corresponding targets were filtered. 1478 genes were found to be related to esophageal adenocarcinoma. 68 genes were identified as potential targets for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of the 68 potential targets indicated that the genes were mainly involved in cell transcription, translation, and apoptosis and mostly expressed in cancer-related pathways. The molecular docking analysis of the hub targets with their corresponding compounds indicated that the well docking targets were AR, ERBB2, and VEGFA. The cell experiments showed that Qigesan can reduce the expression of AR, ERBB2, and VEGFA at transcription and translation level. This network pharmacology study described that the possible targets of Qigesan in treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma were AR, ERBB2, and VEGFA.
Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Verified the Efficacy of Qianyangyuyin Granules in Alleviating Left Ventricular Remodeling in a Hypertensive Rat Model
Authors: He Anxia , Qian Lijun , Yan Shihai , Zhu Menglin , Zhao Xixuan , Ma Wenjie , Li Jie , Xu Di
Published: August 2021

Background. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) can be assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) to express the degree of cardiac fibrosis. Qianyangyuyin (QYYY) granules can effectively improve GLS in hypertensive patients. Using a hypertensive rat model, we carried out speckle tracking echocardiography to validate the effect of QYYY in diminishing LV remodeling. Methods. We randomly divided 16 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) into SHR, SHR + valsartan (SHR + V), SHR + low-dose QYYY (SHR + QL), and SHR + high-dose QYYY (SHR + QH) groups, with four rats in each group. Another group of 4 Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were selected into a normal control (WKY) group. At the 8th week, conventional echocardiographic parameters were measured by GE Vivid E95 ultrasound (12S probe, 10–12 MHz) and GLS by speckle tracking echocardiography with EchoPAC (version 203) software. HE and Masson’s trichrome staining were performed to detect the cardiomyocyte width and collagen volume fraction after rat sacrifice. Collagen I, α-SMA, S100A4, TGF-β, Smad 3, MYH6, and MYH7 were further analyzed by Western blot. Results. The absolute values of GLS significantly increased in the SHR + QH group compared to the SHR group, while the CVF and CW values significantly decreased. In addition, Collagen I, α-SMA, S100A4, TGF-β, Smad3, MYH7, and MYH7/MYH6 ratio remarkably reduced in the SHR + QH group. The value of GLS could be repetitively measured and positively correlated with the collagen volume fraction of the myocardium and the cardiomyocyte width of the left ventricular free wall. Conclusions. GLS is a reliable indicator to evaluate the therapeutic effect on left ventricular remodeling in hypertension. QYYY granules can inhibit the development of cardiac fibrosis in the hypertensive rat model.
Identification of Potential Metabolic Markers of Hypertension in Chinese Children
Authors: Sun Jiahong , Zhao Min , Yang Liu , Liu Xue , Pacifico Lucia , Chiesa Claudio , Xi Bo
Published: August 2021

Background. Studies in adults have shown that several metabolites across multiple pathways are strongly associated with hypertension. However, as yet, to our knowledge, no study has investigated such association in childhood. We, therefore, compared the serum metabolite profile of children with normal and elevated blood pressure (BP) to identify potential metabolic markers and pathways that could be useful for the assessment of pediatric hypertension. Methods. The study included 26 hypertensive children (age range, 6–11 years) and 26 age- and sex-matched ones with normal BP, who were recruited from the baseline survey of the Huantai Childhood Cardiovascular Health Cohort Study. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry was performed to assess the serum metabolite profile. Logistic regression analysis was used to select significant metabolites associated with hypertension after adjustment for body mass index, waist circumference, and lipid profile. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and MetaboAnalyst were utilized to search for the potential pathways of metabolites. Results. A total of 45 and 34 metabolites were preliminarily screened in positive and negative modes, respectively (variable importance in the projection (VIP) > 1.0 and

P
<
0.05

). After adjustment for the false discovery rate, 7 and 1 differential metabolites in the positive and negative modes, respectively, remained significant (VIP > 1.0 and q < 0.05). These metabolites were mainly involved in amino acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Among these, two significant metabolites including ethanolamine and 2-methyl-3-hydroxy-5-formylpyridine-4-carboxylate displayed an area under the curve value of 0.820 (95% confidence interval, 0.688–0.951), with a sensitivity of 0.846 and a specificity of 0.769. Conclusion. The untargeted metabolomics approach effectively identified the differential serum metabolite profile in children with and without hypertension. Notably, two metabolites including ethanolamine and 2-methyl-3-hydroxy-5-formylpyridine-4-carboxylate exhibited a good discriminative ability to identify children with hypertension, providing new insights into potential mechanisms of pediatric hypertension.
Travelers’ Adoption Behavior towards Electric Vehicles in Lahore, Pakistan: An Extension of Norm Activation Model (NAM) Theory
Authors: Ashraf Javid Muhammad , Ali Nazam , Abdullah Muhammad , Campisi Tiziana , Shah Syed Arif Hussain
Published: August 2021

This study aims to identify the travelers’ adoption behavior towards electric vehicles (EVs) using the theoretical background of the Norm Activation Model (NAM) theory. A questionnaire was designed and conducted in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 402 usable samples were obtained. The collected data were analyzed using factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling methods. The factor analysis confirmed the hypothesis of the statements designed according to the NAM theory, that is, awareness of consequences (AC), ascription of responsibility (AR), and personal norm (PN). Other factor analyses resulted in the following reliable factors: social and economic values (SEV), personal preferences (PP), willingness to buy (Buy), and willingness to use (Use) of an EV. The results of SEM revealed that the AC, AR, and SEV are significant predictors of PN, whereas the PN and PP are also positive predictors of travelers’ willingness to buy and use. The young travelers (≤30 years), motorcycle users, employees, and trip distance (>10 km) have significant and positive correlations with the PN. The car ownership status of travelers has a positive correlation with the ownership and usage of EVs. Suitable behavioral intervention techniques were derived to promote the ownership and usage of EVs in the context of developing regions.
[Retracted] Neural Network‐Based Mapping Mining of Image Style Transfer in Big Data Systems
Authors: Li Hong-an , Zheng Qiaoxue , Qi Xin , Yan Wenjing , Wen Zheng , Li Na , Tang Chu
Published: August 2021

Image style transfer can realize the mutual transfer between different styles of images and is an essential application for big data systems. The use of neural network‐based image data mining technology can effectively mine the useful information in the image and improve the utilization rate of information. However, when using the deep learning method to transform the image style, the content information is often lost. To address this problem, this paper introduces L1 loss on the basis of the VGG‐19 network to reduce the difference between image style and content and adds perceptual loss to calculate the semantic information of the feature map to improve the model’s perceptual ability. Experiments show that the proposal in this paper improves the ability of style transfer, while maintaining image content information. The stylization of the improved model can better meet people’s requirements for stylization, and the evaluation indexes of structural similarity, cosine similarity, and mutual information value have increased by 0.323%, 0.094%, and 3.591%, respectively.
Optimum Design of Straight Circular Channels Incorporating Constant and Variable Roughness Scenarios: Assessment of Machine Learning Models
Authors: Niazkar Majid
Published: August 2021

In this study, two machine learning (ML) models named as artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic programming (GP) were applied to design optimum canals with circular shapes. In this application, the earthwork and lining costs were considered as the objective function, while Manning’s equation was utilized as the hydraulic constraint. In this design problem, two different scenarios were considered for Manning’s coefficient: (1) constant Manning’s coefficient and (2) the experimentally proved variation of Manning’s coefficient with water depth. The defined design problem was solved for a wide range of different dimensionless variables involved to produce a large enough database. The first part of these data was used to train the ML models, while the second part was utilized to compare the performances of ANN and GP in optimum design of circular channels with those of explicit design relations available in the literature. The comparison obviously indicated that the ML models improved the accuracy of the circular channel design from 55% to 91% based on two performance evaluation criteria. Finally, application of the ML models to optimum design of circular channels demonstrates a considerable improvement over the explicit design equations available in the literature.
Sequential Bilateral Cochlear Implantation in a Child with Severe External, Middle, and Inner Ear Malformations: Surgical Considerations and Practical Aspects
Authors: Zhang Dejun , Yuan Yongyi , Su Yu , Wang Guojian , Guo Chang , Wang Qiuquan , Gao Song , Gao Xue , Dai Pu
Published: August 2021

Cochlear implantation (CI) is a safe and beneficial surgery for children with congenital inner ear malformations, with the exception of cochlear nerve aplasia. The combination of microtia with middle and inner ear abnormalities is extremely uncommon and sufficiently severe to make a surgical approach to the cochlea difficult. We report herein the case of a 2-year-old girl who presented with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, congenital aural atresia, microtia, and inner ear malformations. High-resolution computed tomography revealed poor development of the bilateral middle ear spaces, absence of the incus and stapes, aberrant courses of facial nerves, aplastic lateral semicircular canals, and covered round windows. With intraoperative imaging assistance, sequential bilateral CI was performed using a transmastoid approach with no complication. We propose that CI is feasible in patients with severe external and middle ear malformations. However, major malformations increase the risk of complications. As the facial nerve and cochlea are difficult to locate due to the lack of important anatomical landmarks, detailed planning and adequate preparation, including review of the preoperative imaging data, and the use of facial nerve monitoring and intraoperative imaging are very important. In addition, experienced surgeons should perform CI to ensure the success of the operation.
Crosstalk among DNA Damage, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Impaired Mitophagy, Stem Cell Attrition, and Senescence in the Accelerated Ageing Disorder Werner Syndrome
Authors: Gudmundsrud Ruben , Skjånes Tarjei H. , Gilmour Brian C. , Caponio Domenica , Lautrup Sofie , Fang Evandro F.
Published: August 2021

Werner syndrome (WS) is an accelerated ageing disease caused by multiple mutations in the gene encoding the Werner DNA helicase (WRN). The major clinical features of WS include wrinkles, grey hair, osteoporosis, and metabolic phenomena such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and fatty liver, and resemble those seen in normal ageing, but occur earlier, in middle age. Defective DNA repair resulting from mutations in WRN explain the majority of the clinical features of WS, but the underlying mechanisms driving the larger metabolic dysfunction remain elusive. Recent studies in animal models of WS and in WS patient cells and blood samples suggest the involvement of impaired mitophagy, NAD+ depletion, and accumulation of damaged mitochondria in metabolic dysfunction. This mini-review summarizes recent progress in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of metabolic dysfunction in WS, with the involvement of DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, mitophagy reduction, stem cell impairment, and senescence. Future studies on NAD+ and mitophagy may shed light on potential therapeutic strategies for the WS patients.
Novel Speckle Tracking Analysis Showed Excellent Reproducibility for Size and Shape of the Fetal Heart and Good Reproducibility for Strain and Fractional Shortening
Authors: Huntley Erin S. , Hernandez-Andrade Edgar , Soto Eleazar , DeVore Gregory , Sibai Baha M.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate reproducibility and agreement of fetal cardiac shape and deformation using FetalHQ. Methods: Fifty normal fetuses at 20–38 weeks of gestation were evaluated. Two operators independently selected an optimal cardiac cycle using FetalHQ®™software for speckle tracking analysis. Intra- and interobserver correlation coefficient and limits of agreement for cardiac shape and deformation were estimated. Results: Global cardiac markers: high correlation (r = 0.98) and agreement (mean difference, standard deviation [MD, SD] 5.07, 75.8) for ventricular area; moderate correlation (r = 0.78) and agreement (MD, SD: 0.016, 0.08) for global sphericity index (SI) and for left ventricle (LV) global strain (r = 0.65; MD, SD: −4.48, 11.9); and low but still significant correlation (r = 0.58) and agreement (MD, SD: −3.77, 12.27) for right ventricle (RV) global strain. For individual ventricular parameters: high correlation for LV ([median r; range] 0.98; 0.93–0.99) and RV (r = 0.98; 0.97–1.0) SI, and for LV (r = 0.92: 0.56–0.99) and RV (r = 0.96; 0.67–0.99) end diastolic diameters; moderate correlation for LV fractional shortening (r = 0.53; 0.87–0.98); and no significant correlation for RV fractional shortening (r = 0.36; 0.32–0.97). Inter- and intraobserver correlation and agreement were similar for all evaluated parameters. Conclusion: Speckle tracking analysis of the fetal heart provides reliable estimations of global and LV shape and deformation. Low correlation in the RV can be related to anatomical structures such as the moderator band.
Orai1: A New Therapeutic Target for the Acute Kidney Injury-to-Chronic Kidney Disease Transition
Authors: Basile David P. , Collett Jason A.
Published: August 2021

This review focuses on the potential mediation in the acute kidney injury (AKI)-to-chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition by lymphocytes. We highlight evidence that lymphocytes, particularly Th17 cells, modulate the severity of both acute injury and chronic kidney disease. Th17 cells are strongly influenced by the activity of the store-operated Ca2+channel Orai1, which is upregulated on lymphocytes in animal models of AKI. Inhibition of this channel attenuates both acute and chronic kidney injury in rodent models. In addition, Oria1+ cells are increased in peripheral blood of patients with AKI. Similarly, peripheral blood cells manifest an early and sustained increase in Orai1 expression in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion, suggesting that blood cell Orai1 may represent a marker informing potential Th17 activity in the setting of AKI or the AKI-to-CKD transition.
Guidelines in Gastroenterology: Careful Interpretation Is Essential
Authors: Correia Catarina , Almeida Nuno , Figueiredo Pedro Narra
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) contain recommendations that aim to guide physicians in the diagnosis of and therapeutic approach toward patients affected by gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies. These CPG systematically combine scientific evidence and clinical judgment, culminating in recommendations that have been shown to improve patient care. Material and Methods: European and North American guidelines published in the area of gastroenterology in 2018 and 2019 were considered for inclusion. To standardize the results, only guidelines that used GRADE as an evidence system were included. Thus, in the end, 1,233 recommendations from 29 guidelines published between 2018 and 2019 were analyzed. Results: Of the 1,233 recommendations collected, 324 (26.3%) had a low level of evidence and 127 (10.3%) had a very low level of evidence, indicating little evidence or expert opinion. Of the 29 publications analyzed, 14 (48.3%) did not present any recommendation with a high level of evidence. Regarding the 1,233 individual recommendations expressed in these 29 publications, only 336 (27.25%) assumed a high level of evidence, with 277 (82.44%) referring to liver pathology. Of the recommendations evaluated, 77 were from North American societies and the remaining 1,156 were European recommendations. In relation to the first group, only 3 (3.9%) had a high level of evidence belonging to the Guidelines for Sedation and Anesthesia in GI Endoscopy. Conclusions: More than 25% of all recommendations currently accepted to guide patients with gastroenterological disorders are based on low-quality evidence or expert opinion. Thus, these documents should guide our performance, but clinical sense and multidisciplinarity must not be overlooked in dubious cases and with weak scientific evidence. Research should focus on the development of randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews to improve the evidence supporting the guidelines that guide clinical practice.
Sonothrombolysis in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke With Large Vessel Occlusion: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tsivgoulis Georgios , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Eggers Jürgen , Larrue Vincent , Thomassen Lars , Grotta James C. , Seitidis Georgios , Schellinger Peter D. , Mavridis Dimitris , Demchuk Andrew , Novotny Vojtech , Molina Carlos A. , Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Köhrmann Martin , Soinne Lauri , Khanevski Andrej Netland , Barreto Andrew D. , Saqqur Maher , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Muir Keith W. , Fiebach Jochen B. , Rothlisberger Travis , Kent Thomas A. , Mandava Pitchaiah , Alexandrov Anne W. , Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose:

Evidence about the utility of ultrasound-enhanced thrombolysis (sonothrombolysis) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is conflicting. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sonothrombolysis in patients with AIS with large vessel occlusion, by analyzing individual patient data of available randomized-controlled clinical trials.

Methods:

We included all available randomized-controlled clinical trials comparing sonothrombolysis with or without addition of microspheres (treatment group) to intravenous thrombolysis alone (control group) in patients with AIS with large vessel occlusion. The primary outcome measure was the rate of complete recanalization at 1 to 36 hours following intravenous thrombolysis initiation. We present crude odds ratios (ORs) and ORs adjusted for the predefined variables of age, sex, baseline stroke severity, systolic blood pressure, and onset-to-treatment time.

Results:

We included 7 randomized controlled clinical trials that enrolled 1102 patients with AIS. A total of 138 and 134 confirmed large vessel occlusion patients were randomized to treatment and control groups respectively. Patients randomized to sonothrombolysis had increased odds of complete recanalization compared with patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis alone (40.3% versus 22.4%; OR, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.03–4.54]; adjusted OR, 2.33 [95% CI, 1.02–5.34]). The likelihood of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was not significantly different between the 2 groups (7.3% versus 3.7%; OR, 2.03 [95% CI, 0.68–6.11]; adjusted OR, 2.55 [95% CI, 0.76–8.52]). No differences in the likelihood of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, 3-month favorable functional and 3-month functional independence were documented.

Conclusions:

Sonothrombolysis was associated with a nearly 2-fold increase in the odds of complete recanalization compared with intravenous thrombolysis alone in patients with AIS with large vessel occlusions. Further study of the safety and efficacy of sonothrombolysis is warranted.
Male homophily in South American herpetology: one of the major processes underlying the gender gap in publications
Authors: Grosso Jimena , Fratani Jessica , Fontanarrosa Gabriela , Chuliver Mariana , Duport-Bru Ana Sofía , Schneider Rosio Gabriela , Casagranda María Dolores , Ferraro Daiana Paola , Vicente Natalin , Salica María José , Pereyra Laura , Medina Regina Gabriela , Bessa Carla , Semhan Romina , Vera Miriam Corina
Published: August 2021

The growing number of gender studies encourages more refined analyzes and greater conceptualization of the underlying processes of gender gap in science. In Herpetology, previous studies have described gender disparities and a scrutiny of individual interactions may help revealing the mechanisms modelling the global pattern. In this contribution we modeled a co-authorship network, a previously unexplored methodology for gender studies in this discipline, in addition to a broad and classic bibliometric analysis of the discipline. Co-authorship networks were modelled for two South American journals, because this geo-political location is considered to present the best gender balance within general scientific communities. However, we found a pattern of male preferential connections (male homophily) that marginalizes women and maintains the gender gap, at both regional and global scales. This interpretation arises from results coming from multiple analyses, such as high homophily index in collaboration networks, lower female representation in articles than expected in a non-gender biased environment, the decrease of female co-authors when the article leader is a man, and the extreme masculinization of the editorial boards. The homophilic dynamics of the publication process reveals that academic activity is pervasive to unbalanced power relationships. Personal interactions shape the collective experience, tracing back to the Feminist Theory’s axiom: “the personal is political”.
Hexametric Poetesses ante Homerum
Authors: Chesi Giulia Maria
Published: August 2021

This paper discusses an issue relevant to the history of the Greek hexameter, that is, the female and oracular origins of the so-called heroic verse, which, according to Plutarch in De Pythiae oraculis (402d), was first heard in Delphi at the shrine of Earth. I am going to look at two hexametric poetesses ante Homerum, Phemonoe and Herophile. My analysis unfolds in three steps, and focuses on several passages in Pausanias’ book on Delphi and Phocis – our most important source for the oracular and female inception of hexameter. Firstly, in addressing the attribution of the invention of hexameter to Phemonoe, I dwell on the characterization of her hexametric oracular song as aeidein as well as on the notion of the hexameter as a product of technē (‘craft’). Secondly, I discuss why Phemonoe and Herophile can be deemed to have authored epos ante Homerum. Finally, I examine oracular silence as the very source of the oracle-myth surrounding the female invention of the hexametric verse.
Alala ou ololugē
Authors: Semenzato Camille
Published: August 2021

On the basis of a controversial passage from Euripides’ Bacchae, this paper raises again the question to what extent the two onomatopoeias ἀλαλά and ὀλολυγή are strictly related to one or the other sex. The valorization of the sound meanings of these cries as they emerge from the contexts in which they are used opens up new perspectives of interpretation.
The Pantomimic Voice
Authors: Koenig Amy A.
Published: August 2021

Ovid’s Metamorphoses, as scholars have demonstrated, can be read in dialogue with Roman pantomime dance, and the tale of Echo and Narcissus is one of its most ‘pantomimic’ episodes. While others have focused on the figure of Narcissus in this vein, I turn instead to Echo, whose vocal mimicry can be seen as a mirror of the pantomime’s art, and whose juxtaposition with Narcissus seems emblematic of the body-voice relationship in pantomime. Echo’s desire for Narcissus engages with an existing lyric tradition of depicting the relationship between singing voice and dancing body in erotic terms. In such situations, the desire is fulfilled if the performers are both singing and dancing, uniting body and voice in performance. The thwarted union of Echo and Narcissus, however, embodies instead the dynamics of pantomime: the subordination or absence of the voice in favor of the body, and the connection created between dancer and audience.
Taxonomic notes on some species in the genus Clausena (Rutaceae) in China based on molecular and morphological data
Authors: Mou Fengjuan , Li Shuangzhi , Peng Yun , Li Yiguo
Published: August 2021

Clausena (Rutaceae) is only one genus native both to the Monsoon region and to tropical and subtropical Africa in the subfamily Aurantioideae. The most distinctive morphological character in this genus is the gynophore supporting the ovary and the morphology of pistil can help to define the natural groups of species. Based on the morphological data of flowers and molecular phylogeny of ITS, trnL-F and atpB-rbcL, the taxonomic problems of some species in China are resolved here. The species C. lenis has a separate status in the genus Clausena, then C. lansium stands apart from other species except C. lenis; the species status of five species, C. odorata, C. vestita, C. dunniana, C. emarginata, and C. anisum-olens are restated.
Exploring the Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis Mechanisms of Curcumin
Authors: Junjun Qin , Mingdong Li
Published: August 2021

Objective: To research curcumin on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms. Materials and Methods: Dividing Sixty SD male rats among six groups: normal control group, model group, dexamethasone (DXM) group and curcumin low, medium and high dosage groups (25, 50, 100 mg/kg body
weight) every days. We adopted the CIA (collagen induced arthritis) rat model. All rats were subjected to 28 days of intragastric administration wherein we observed the rats’ state, weight, degree of paw swelling, arthritis index and pathological changes of ankle joints. Their serologic
contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were examined by Elisa method and IKK-α, IKK-β and NF-κB in joint synovial tissues were tested via IHC assay. Results: Curcumin inhibited paw swelling within the CIA rat model, decreasing
the serologic content of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. It also decreased the protein expressions of IKK-α, IKK-β and and NF-κB in synovial tissues. Its effects were dose-dependent and weaker than those of DXM. Conclusion: Curcumin
is effective against RA by means of transcribing the IKK-α/-β/NF-κB pathway
Interfering with Long Non-Coding RNA FBXL19-AS1 Inhibits the Proliferation, Invasion and Migration of Hepatoma Carcinoma Cells via Targeting miR-541-5p
Authors: Lu Weijun , Wang Qun , Fu Changbo
Published: August 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and the morbidity and mortality of HCC rate in the first few malignant tumors, seriously threatening the safety of human life. LncRNA is a hot topic in tumor research in recent years. The abnormal
expression of LncRNA FBXL19-AS1 and its potential target as a tumor diagnostic marker have been confirmed in colon cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer, etc. However, the study on LncRNA FBXL19-AS1 in HCC has not been reported. Rt-qPCR was used to detect the expression of FBXL19-AS1 and miR-541-5p
in HCC cell lines, and luciferase reporter gene was used to detect whether there were binding sites between LncRNA FBXL19-AS1 and miR-541-5p. Interfered with FBXL19-AS1 and overexpressed miR-541-5p were detected by cell transfection. Then CCK-8 and colony formation assay were used to detect
cell viability and cell proliferation. Wound healing detected the rate of cell migration and Transwell detected the rate of cell invasion. Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins related to cell migration and invasion. The expression of FBXL19-AS1 in HCC cell lines was significantly
higher than that in normal liver cells (LO2). Moreover, FBXL19-AS1 can promote HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Luciferase reporter gene confirmed the binding site between LncRNA FBXL19-AS1 and miR-541-5p. After interfering with the expression of FBXL19-AS1, miR-541-5p was significantly
increased. Subsequently, overexpression of miR-541-5p can inhibit the expression of lncRNA FBXL19-AS11 and promote proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma. So we can conclude that lncRNA FBXL19-AS1 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells through
targeting miR-541-5p.
Downregulation of Sulfiredoxin (Srx) Suppressed Cell Proliferation Migration and Invasion Through Inhibiting Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase/Nrf2 Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Xuejuan , Lu Danqian
Published: August 2021

Background: Sulfiredoxin (Srx) has been identified to play important roles in the development of various cancers. However, the precise effects and underlying mechanism of Srx on the progression of HCC are far from being fully understood. Materials and Methods: The abundances
of Srx in THLE-2 cell and HCC cell lines were determined by western blot and RT-qPCR. Next, SK-Hep-1 cells were transfected with shRNA-Srx or shRNA-NC and treated with TBHQ (an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activator) for functional experiments. Then, CCK8 and colony formation
assays were used to determine cell proliferation and clone-forming abilities in vitro. Cell migration and invasion were assessed via wound healing and transwell assays. The expression of MMP2, MMP9 and key members in ERK/nuclear factor E2 related factor (Nrf2) signaling pathway was
detected by performing western blot analysis. Results: We reported evidence that Srx was frequently up-regulated in HCC cell lines. Srx interference constrained cell proliferation, colony formation rate, migration and invasion of SK-Hep-1 cells. Moreover, mechanistic investigations
indicated that Srx interference significantly inhibited the activation of ERK/Nrf2 signaling pathway, and ERK activator TBHQ can reverse the functions of Srx interference in SK-Hep-1 cells. Conclusion: Overall, Downregulation of Srx might impede HCC progression by suppressing ERK/Nrf2
signaling pathway. Findings in the current study reported the functional involvement and molecular mechanism of Srx in HCC, suggesting that Srx might have a potential therapeutic value in HCC treatment.
MicroRNA-204 Attenuates Oxidative Damage in Cardiac Stem Cell Through Regulation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cell (BMSC) Adipogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Liu Hong , Cai Ansheng , Li Zhiying , Ma Haifang , Fan Limiung , Ma Jinghong , Zhao Danhua
Published: August 2021

Exosomes (exo) derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are known to promote cell growth through delivering multiple kinds of bioactive molecule including microRNAs (miR-NAs). This study aimed to explore the mechanism underlying miR-204 secreted by exo interacting oxidative
damage of cardiac stem cell (CSCs). Exosomes were extracted from BMSCs (BMSC-exo) and characterized by immunofluorescence and electron microscope, while BMSC-exo were internalized by CSCs. ARS and ALP staining confirmed the mineralization of BMSCs and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation
of BMSCs. Then BMSCs were cultured in ordinary culture medium (OM) and normal medium. RT-qPCR identified miR-204 level in BMSCs disposed by OM was about five times as that of controls. miR-204 was up-regulated in the osteogenic differentiation of CSCs. Functional experiment revealed up-regulation
of miR-204 inhibited the BMSC adipogenic differentiation with decreased ROS and MDA expression and elevated SOD level in the CSCs. Treatment with BMSC-exos or miR-204 up-regulation alleviated oxidative damage of CSCs. Collectively, miR-204 attenuates the oxidative damage of CSCs through regulating
BMSC adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation.
Micro-RNA Regulation on Oct4 Gene Expression and Functional Differentiation in Skin Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Yuan , Dai Yongjiang , Bai Shun , Yang Bin
Published: August 2021

Micro-RNA has a very important role in gene regulation. The stem gene Oct4 is related with the growth, mobility, and infiltration of skin cancer cells. Studying the regulatory mechanism of micro-RNAs of Oct4 in skin cancer cells is of important clinical significance. Oct4 gene was analyzed
using bioinformatics methods to find mir-RNA with regulatory functions. mir-RNA high-expression vector and suppression vector with pcDNA3.1-EGFP was transfected to skin cancer cell line HS-4 followed analysis of Oct4 expression 24 h and 48 h after transfection and transwell in-vitro
cell invasion assay. Bioinformatics showed that mir-335 has relationship with the Oct4 gene. pcDNA3.1-EGFP-335-up and pcDNA3.1-EGFP-335-down were successfully constructed. 24 and 48 hours after transfection, the Oct4 expression in the high-expression group was gradually and significantly decreased
(P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the cell migration and infiltration capacity was decreased significantly and showed time dependence with significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). mir-335 expression in suppression group was reduced without change of Oct4 (P > 0.05).
Increased mir-335 can decrease the performance of Oct4 in skin cancer cells and inhibit the infiltration ability of cells without affecting cell infiltration capability.
Exosomes Derived from Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSC) Protect Submandibular Glands in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Zhang Cong , Zhang Xiaohong , Zhang Min
Published: August 2021

Our study assess whether exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) ameliorates diabetic salivary gland complications. 10 SD rats were assigned into diabetes group I and exosome treatment group II. Diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and injected
with DMSO or exosomes through tail vein followed by collection of submandibular salivary gland samples for histological analysis and TGFβ, Smad2 and Smad3 level by PCR, saliva IgA and serum amylase level. Compared with control mice, exosome treatment mice showed less fibrosis of
the submandibular salivary glands and duct components with a more complete structure. Exosome treatment inhibited TGFβ, Smad2 and Smad3 level to reduce diabetic salivary gland complications, effectively decreased blood sugar level, improved salivary glands function with significantly
reduced serum amylase and salivary IgA levels. In conclusion, BM-MSC-derived exosomes may be a new therapeutic strategy for treating diabetic salivary gland complications.
The Effect of Icariin on Human Hepatoellular Carcinomas Cell Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Feng Zhenyu , Chen Chao , Ye Zhenyu , Xie Jiaming , Chen Wei , Li Wei , Xing Chungen
Published: August 2021

Background: Natural products often have novel frameworks and unique mechanisms, It is an important way to develop new anti-tumor drugs.The paper explored the effect of Icariin on HepG2 cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Material and methods: Human liver cancer HepG2
cells were studied. The biological activity of Icariin on HepG2 cells was comprehensively investigated. The mechanism was preliminarily explored from the aspects of proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Results: Icariin showed significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation
after administration, and the effect was time-and-concentration-dependent. Annexin V-PI detection showed that, after 48 hours of administration of Icariin at different concentrations, the apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The results of Hoechst 33342
staining showed that, after 48 hours of intervention with Icariin at different concentrations, HepG2 cells appeared densely stained and granular fluorescence, characterizing apoptosis. In the JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential experiment, Icariin was found to destroy cell mitochondrial
membrane potential and induce HepG2 cell apoptosis. After 48 h administration of Icariin at different concentrations, Bcl-2 and survivin proteins were down-regulated, and Bax was up-regulated, both in a concentration-dependent manner. PI single staining combined with flow cytometry to detect
cell cycle results showed that, Icariin can induce G2/M phase arrest of HepG2 cells, and is time-and-concentration-dependent. Western Blot detection revealed that Icariin can down-regulate the cycle-related proteins Cyclin B and CDK1 in a concentration-dependent manner, and also significantly
down-regulate the expressions of p-AKT, AKT, p-ERK and ERK proteins. Conclusion: Icariin is a selectively potential active compound that can treat liver cancer. The paper provided theoretical basis and experimental support for the clinical application of Icariin in the drug treatment
of liver cancer. It is necessary to further study the antitumor effect of Icariin, explore and find the target, and provide higher selectivity for the treatment of liver cancer by Icariin.
Material Properties of Strontium Doped Bioactive Glasses/Hydroxyapatite Composite and Its Mechanism of Promoting Bone Repair
Authors: Zhao Jian , Li Wei , Dong Xin , Chen Jiying
Published: August 2021

Based on bioactive glasses (BG) of 58S, sol–gel method is used to prepare strontium oxide substituted bioactive glasses (SrO-BG) with different strontium content. SrO-BG and nano hydroxyapatite (HAp) composite materials were synthesized using precipitation method. The phase composition
and morphologies of the prepared materials were examined by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The dissolution and bio-mineralization of SrO-BG and SrO-BG/HAp composites in SBF are investigated by immersion method. The effects of secretion components
of macrophages regulated by strontium doped SrO-BG/HAp composites on the osteogenic differentiation (OD) of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are analyzed. The results demonstrate that the SrO-BG can inhibit the dissolution of BG. Different proportions of SrO-BG/HAp composites show
good ability to induce HAp in SBF. The bio-mineralization ability of SrO-BG/HAp composites increases with the increase of SrO-BG content. The results of dissolution behavior and bio-mineralization of SrO-BG/HAp composite show that the dissolution rate of each ion can be controlled by adjusting
the content of SrO-BG in the composite, and then the degradation rate can effectively be controlled. The results of in vitro experiments show that SrO-BG/HAp composites with 2%, 5% and 8% strontium content are more effective in promoting M2 polarization of macrophages than SrO-BG/HAp
composites with 0% strontium content. Among them, 5% strontium doped SrO-BG/HAp has the strongest effect on M2 polarization of macrophages, and the secretion of macrophages regulated by 5% strontium doped SrO-BG/HAp composite is more conducive to bone repair.
Effects of Long-Chain Non-Coding Ribonucleic Acid Hox Tran Antisense RNA on Proliferation and Migration of Epithelial Cells of Cataract Lens
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Luo Yiting
Published: August 2021

In order to explore effects of long-chain non-coding ribonucleic acid (RNA) HOTAIR on proliferation and migration of human lens epithelial cells, SRA01/04 cells were selected as the research strain in this study and divided into S1 group (no HOTAIR transfection), S2 group (siHOTAIR
transfection), S3 group (siHOTAIR+10 ng/mL TGF-β2), and S4 group (no HOTAIR transfection+10 ng/mL TGF-β2) according to the presence or absence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 and silent HOTAIR treatment. 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide
(MTT) colorimetric method was applied to detect cell proliferation.Western blot was used for detection of E-cadherin, zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), Vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), Snail, Slug, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), and Smad-2 expressions. Results showed
that the number of transmembrane cells in S4 group was higher markedly than that of the other groups, but that of S2 group dropped steeply compared with the other groups (P <0.05); E-cadherin (2.59±0.58) and ZO-1 (1.95±0.56) of S2 group increased hugely compared with
the other groups, while Vimentin (0.57±0.14) and α-SMA (0.64±0.28) decreased sharply compared with the other groups (P < 0.05); Snail (2.51±0.59), Slug (2.11±0.47), and ZEB1 (2.83±0.53) of S4 group rose obviously compared with the other
groups, but the above of S2 group reduced hugely compared with the other groups (P < 0.05); pSmad-2 and pSmad-3 of S4 group elevated greatly compared with the other groups, and those of S2 group reduced hugely compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HOTAIR
high expression could promote TGF-β2-induced SRA01/04 cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal trans-differentiation, which was related to TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
How Undergraduate Students Learn Atmospheric Science: Characterizing the Current Body of Research
Authors: McNeal Peggy , Flynn Wendilyn , Kirkpatrick Cody , Kopacz Dawn , LaDue Daphne , Maudlin Lindsay C.
Published: August 2021

Educators can enrich their teaching with best practices, share resources, and contribute to the growing atmospheric science education research community by reading and participating in the scholarship of teaching and learning in atmospheric science. This body of scholarship has grown, particularly over the past 15 years, and is now a sizable literature base that documents and exemplifies numerous teaching innovations in undergraduate atmospheric science education. This literature base benefits the entire atmospheric science community because graduates of atmospheric science programs are better prepared to enter the workforce. This literature base has not yet been examined, however, to see how well the evidence supports education practices in the atmospheric science education literature. In this study, we characterized that evidence and show that the majority of papers we reviewed share education innovations with anecdotal or correlational evidence of effectiveness. While providing useful practitioner knowledge and preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of numerous innovative teaching practices, opportunities exist for increasing readers’ confidence that the innovations caused the learning gains. Additional studies would also help move conclusions toward generalizability across academic institutions and student populations. We make recommendations for advancing atmospheric science education research and encourage atmospheric science educators to actively use the growing body of education literature as well as contribute to advancing atmospheric science education research.
Blacklist or Short List: Do Employers Discriminate against Union Supporter Job Applicants?
Authors: Kreisberg Nicole , Wilmers Nathan
Published: August 2021

Starting in the 1980s, US employers revived aggressive action against unions. Employers’ public opposition to unions yielded a scholarly consensus that US employers actively and consistently discriminate against union supporters. However, evidence for widespread employer anti-union discrimination is based mainly on employer reactions to rare union organizing campaigns. To measure baseline or preventive anti-union discrimination, the authors field the first ever US-based résumé correspondence study of employer responses to union supporter applicants. Focus is on entry-level, non-college degree jobs and findings show no difference in employer callback rates for union supporter applicants relative to non-union applicants. Drawing on interviews and survey data, the authors suggest that union weakness itself may have hollowed preventive employer discrimination against union supporters.
The Dilemma of Global South’s Contributions to Critical Security Studies: The African Case
Authors: Ezemenaka Kingsley Emeka , Ekumaoko Chijioke Egwu
Published: August 2021

Most states in Africa, if not all, adopt the measures of security theorized, studied, and practiced by the West, yet conflict and insecurity abound. Over-dependency and over-reliance on Western security models culminate in the “one-size fits all” model of critical security studies produced by the West. However, in Africa, insecurity is growing. This paper argues that there is a need for security models that address African countries’ particular cultures, values, and realities, hence our advocacy of afro-democracy. This study introduces the concept of afro-democracy as a model that can facilitate security and development in Africa. It also argues that the field of critical security studies should welcome contributions from other parts of the world, namely the Global South.
The Influence of Teachers’ Emotional Intelligence on Academic Performance With Mediating Effect of Job Satisfaction
Authors: Singh Sonika , Ryhal Piar Chand
Published: August 2021

This study examined the influence of teachers’ emotional intelligence (EI) on academic achievement and outlined the model with the mediating effect of job satisfaction (JS) between the EI and academic achievement. Survey method was employed to collect the information from 728 secondary school teachers belong to Himachal Pradesh, a state of Northern India, through various statistical tools. The results of the study showed that teachers’ emotional abilities were significantly and positively associated with academic achievement of students and showed R2 61% variance in academic achievement. The relationship between EI and academic achievement of students is partially mediated by JS.