bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection of lncRNAs That Influence the Prognosis of Osteosarcoma Based on Copy Number Variation Data
Authors: Zhang Jian , Huang Chi , Zhu Guiqi , He Guanyi , Xu Wenbo , Li Jianming , Wang Dong , Han Kecheng , Shen Zilong , Liu Jianyu
Published: March 2022

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy in the musculoskeletal system. It is reported that copy number variation- (CNV-) derived lncRNAs contribute to the progression of osteosarcoma. However, whether CNV-derived lncRNAs affect the prognosis of osteosarcoma remains unclear. Here, we obtained osteosarcoma-related CNV data and gene expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. CNV landscape analysis indicated that copy number amplification of lncRNAs was more frequent than deletion in osteosarcoma samples. Thirty-four CNV-lncRNAs with DNA-CNV frequencies greater than 30% and their corresponding 294 mRNAs were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses revealed that these mRNAs were mainly enriched in olfaction, olfactory receptor activity, and olfactory transduction processes. Furthermore, we predicted that a total of 23 genes were cis-regulated by 16 CNV-lncRNAs, while 30 transcription factors (TFs) were trans-regulated by 5 CNV-lncRNAs. Through

t

-tests, univariate Cox regression analysis, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), we constructed a CNV-related risk model including 3 lncRNAs (AC129492.1, PSMB1, and AC037459.4). The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves indicated that patients with high-risk scores showed poor prognoses. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) for predicting 3-, 5-, and 7-year overall survival (OS) were greater than 0.7, showing a satisfactory predictive efficiency. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed that the prognostic signature was intimately linked to skeletal system development, immune regulation, and inflammatory response. Collectively, our study developed a novel 3-CNV-lncRNA prognostic signature that would provide theoretical guidance for the clinical prognostic management of osteosarcoma.
Myosin Light Chain Kinase Modulates to Improve Myocardial Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury
Authors: Zhang Qibo , Liu Xiaoxiao , Yi Wen , Zhang Chunquan
Published: March 2022

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) knockdown attenuated H9C2 cell hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury and downstream signaling pathway. Methods. The MLCK expression in H/R injury model H9C2 cell was determined by western blot and qRT-PCR. H/R cells were transfected with si-MLCK in the presence of P38 inhibitor (SB203580) or ERK inhibitor (U0126). Then, cell apoptosis was verified by flow cytometry. Apoptosis-related proteins were detected by western blot. The contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin (IL)-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured using flow cytometry and colorimetric assays, respectively. Results. MLCK expression was higher in H/R cells. Knockdown of MLCK diminished the amounts of ROS, LDH, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α and elevated the release of SOD in H/R model H9C2 cells. Additionally, H/R injury induced the cumulative expression and phosphorylation of ERK and the phosphorylation of P38, whereas MLCK siRNA-treated cells showed decreased ERK1/2 and P38 activation. Inversely, P38 inhibitor (SB203580) and ERK inhibitor (U0126) could reverse the cardioprotective effects induced by si-MLCK. Conclusion. MLCK knockdown attenuated H/R injury in H9C2 cells via regulating the ERK/P38 signaling pathway. MLCK/ERK/p38 axis may provide novel insight into therapeutic targets to restrain I/R injury caused by revascularization therapy after acute myocardial infarction.
Effects of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Promotion Mode Intervention Combined with Oxygen Therapy on Cardiopulmonary Function and Blood Gas Analysis Indexes of COPD Patients with Cor Pulmonale
Authors: Xie Xiangmei , Chen Huihong , Fan Jie , Min Qin , Fan Donghua
Published: March 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common respiratory disease. This paper observes the effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation promotion mode intervention combined with oxygen therapy on cardiopulmonary function and blood gas analysis indexes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated with cor pulmonale. A total of 136 COPD patients with cor pulmonale admitted to our hospital from July 2018 to October 2020 were selected as the research objects and divided into two groups by a simple random method. 136 patients are given oxygen therapy while the traditional group and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation group are given traditional mode and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation promotion mode intervention. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation promotion mode intervention combined with oxygen therapy can improve the cardiopulmonary function of COPD patients with cor pulmonale, regulate the expression of related serum factors, improve self-care ability, and reduce the number of hospitalizations.
Insight in Hypoxia-Mimetic Agents as Potential Tools for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Priming in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Nowak-Stępniowska Agata , Osuchowska Paulina Natalia , Fiedorowicz Henryk , Trafny Elżbieta Anna
Published: March 2022

Hypoxia-mimetic agents are new potential tools in MSC priming instead of hypoxia incubators or chambers. Several pharmaceutical/chemical hypoxia-mimetic agents can be used to induce hypoxia in the tissues: deferoxamine (DFO), dimethyloxaloylglycine (DMOG), 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), cobalt chloride (CoCl2), and isoflurane (ISO). Hypoxia-mimetic agents can increase cell proliferation, preserve or enhance differentiation potential, increase migration potential, and induce neovascularization in a concentration- and stem cell source-dependent manner. Moreover, hypoxia-mimetic agents may increase HIF-1α, changing the metabolism and enhancing glycolysis like hypoxia. So, there is clear evidence that treatment with hypoxia-mimetic agents is beneficial in regenerative medicine, preserving stem cell capacities. These agents are not studied so wildly as hypoxia but, considering the low cost and ease of use, are believed to find application as pretreatment of many diseases such as ischemic heart disease and myocardial fibrosis and promote cardiac and cartilage regeneration. The knowledge of MSC priming is critical in evaluating safety procedures and use in clinics. In this review, similarities and differences between hypoxia and hypoxia-mimetic agents in terms of their therapeutic efficiency are considered in detail. The advantages, challenges, and future perspectives in MSC priming with hypoxia mimetic agents are also discussed.
Relationships among Coracobrachialis, Biceps Brachii, and Pectoralis Minor Muscles and Their Correlation with Bifurcated Coracoid Process
Authors: Zielinska Nicol , Tubbs R. Shane , Podgórski Michał , Konschake Marko , Aragonés Paloma , Grzelecki Dariusz , Olewnik Łukasz
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the relationship between the proximal attachment of the coracobrachialis muscle and the short head of the biceps brachii and the distal attachment of the pectoralis minor. Their correlation with the bifurcated coracoid process (CP) will be also assessed. On the basis of these observations, a new classification of structures attached to the coracoid process is proposed. Classical anatomical dissection was performed on one hundred forty‐five upper limbs. Three types of relationship between the coracobrachialis muscle and the short head of the biceps brachii were observed in the cadavers. In type I (occurring in 54%), the coracobrachialis and the short head of the biceps brachii created a common junction attached to a single CP. Type II was divided into two subtypes (a and b). Subtype IIa (frequency 10%) was represented by independent proximal attachments of the short head of the biceps brachii and the coracobrachialis muscles to the CP. In subtype IIb (frequency 5%), the coracobrachialis muscle was two‐headed (the first head located under the second) and not connected to the short head of the biceps brachii; all heads were attached to a single CP. Type III (frequency 31%) was characterized by a two‐headed coracobrachialis muscle, the first head originating from a bifurcated CP laterally to the short head of the biceps brachii and the second medially to this structure. Different variations connected with the mentioned structures could be problematic for surgeons during operations, so detailed knowledge of them could contribute to more efficient procedures.
A Machine Learning Model for Early Prediction and Detection of Sepsis in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Singh Yash Veer , Singh Pushpendra , Khan Shadab , Singh Ram Sewak
Published: March 2022

In today’s scenario, sepsis is impacting millions of patients in the intensive care unit due to the fact that the mortality rate is increased exponentially and has become a major challenge in the field of healthcare. Such peoples require determinant care which increases the cost of the treatment by using a large number of resources because of the nonavailability of the resources. The treatment of sepsis is available in the early state, but treatment is not started at the right time, and then it converts to the advanced level of sepsis and increases the fatalities. Thus, an intensive analysis is required to detect and identify sepsis at the early stage. There are some models available that work based on the manual score and based on only the biomark features, but these are not fully automated. Some machine learning-based models are also available, which can reduce the mortality rate, but accuracy is not up to date. This paper proposes a machine learning model for early detecting and predicting sepsis in intensive care unit patients. Various models, random forest (RF), linear regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), naive Bayes (NB), ensemble (of SVM, RF, NB, and LR), XGBoost, and proposed ensemble (of SVM, RF, NB, LR, and XGBoost), are simulated by using the collected data from intensive care unit patient’s database that is based on the clinical laboratory values and vital signs. The performance of the models is evaluated by considering the same datasets. The balanced accuracy of RF, LR, SVM, NB, ensemble (of SVM, RF, NB, and LR), XGBoost, and proposed ensemble (of SVM, RF, NB, LR, and XGBoost) is 0.90, 0.73, 0.93, 0.74, 0.94, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively. It is also evident from the experimental results that the proposed ensemble model performs well as compared to the other models.
A Simple Conservative Chaotic Oscillator with Line of Equilibria: Bifurcation Plot, Basin Analysis, and Multistability
Authors: Veeman Dhinakaran , Natiq Hayder , Ali Ahmed M. Ali , Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Hussain Iqtadar
Published: March 2022

Here, a novel conservative chaotic oscillator is presented. Various dynamics of the oscillator are examined. Studying the dynamical properties of the oscillator reveals its unique behaviors. The oscillator is multistable with symmetric dynamics. Equilibrium points of the oscillator are investigated. Bifurcations, Lyapunov exponents (LEs), and the Poincare section of the oscillator’s dynamics are analyzed. Also, the oscillator is investigated from the viewpoint of initial conditions. The study results show that the oscillator is conservative and has no dissipation. It also has various dynamics, such as equilibrium point and chaos. The stability analysis of equilibrium points shows there are both stable and unstable fixed points.
Detection of Types of Mental Illness through the Social Network Using Ensembled Deep Learning Model
Authors: Nasrullah Syed , Jalali Asadullah
Published: March 2022

In today’s era, social networking platforms are widely used to share emotions. These types of emotions are often analyzed to predict the user’s behavior. In this paper, these types of sentiments are classified to predict the mental illness of the user using the ensembled deep learning model. The Reddit social networking platform is used for the analysis, and the ensembling deep learning model is implemented through convolutional neural network and the recurrent neural network. In this work, multiclass classification is performed for predicting mental illness such as anxiety vs. nonanxiety, bipolar vs. nonbipolar, dementia vs. nondementia, and psychotic vs. nonpsychotic. The performance parameters used for evaluating the models are accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. The proposed ensemble model used for performing the multiclass classification has performed better than the other models, with an accuracy greater than 92% in predicting the class.
Cryptocurrency Mining Malware Detection Based on Behavior Pattern and Graph Neural Network
Authors: Zheng Rui , Wang Qiuyun , He Jia , Fu Jianming , Suri Guga , Jiang Zhengwei
Published: March 2022

Miner malware has been steadily increasing in recent years as the value of cryptocurrency rises, which poses a considerable threat to users’ device security. Miner malware has obvious behavior patterns in order to participate in blockchain computing. However, most miner malware detection methods use raw bytes feature and sequential opcode as detection features. It is difficult for these methods to obtain better detection results due to not modeling robust features. In this paper, a miner malware identification method based on graph classification network is designed by analyzing the features of function call graph and control flow graph of miner malware, called MBGINet. MBGINet can model the behavior graph relationship of miner malware by extracting the connection features of critical nodes in the behavior graph. Finally, MBGINet transforms these node features into the feature vectors of the graph for miner malware identification. In the test experiments, datasets with different volumes are used for simulating real-world scenarios. The experimental results show that the MBGINet method achieves a leading and stable performance compared to the dedicated opcode detection method and obtains an accuracy improvement of 3.08% on the simulated in-the-wild dataset. Meanwhile, MBGINet gains an advantage over the general malware detection method Malconv. These experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the MBGINet method, which has excellent characteristics in adapting to realistic scenarios.
Inhibiting Ferroptosis: A Novel Approach for Ulcerative Colitis Therapeutics
Authors: Huang Jinke , Zhang Jiaqi , Ma Jinxin , Ma Jing , Liu Jiali , Wang Fengyun , Tang Xudong
Published: March 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a recurrent and persistent nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that greatly affects human survival and social wealth. Despite the advances in the treatment of UC, there is still a high demand for novel therapeutic strategies for UC patients. Cell death is critical to the development and progression of UC. Understanding how intestinal cells die and how to prevent damage to intestinal cells is of great interest for the diagnosis and early treatment of UC. Ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death (RCD) manifested by iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, has been shown to contribute to the development and progression of UC. Inhibitors of ferroptosis have been validated in models of UC. Here, we reviewed the mechanisms of initiation and control of ferroptosis and summarize the therapeutic activity of ferroptosis inhibitors in models of UC. We further discussed the possibility of inhibiting ferroptosis as a novel therapeutic target for UC. These findings revealed novel mechanisms to protect the colonic mucosa and highlighted the importance of ferroptosis in the disease process.
Comparison of PLIF and TLIF in the Treatment of LDH Complicated with Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Fang Xinbo , Zhang Mingjie , Wang Lili , Hao Zhengke
Published: March 2022

Objective. The purpose was to compare the clinical effects of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) complicated with spinal stenosis. Methods. 96 LDH patients complicated with spinal stenosis treated in our hospital (April 2018–April 2020) were chosen as the subjects, and split into the PLIF group and the TLIF group according to different surgical approaches, with 48 cases in each group. The clinical effects of the two groups were compared. Results. There was no significant difference in hospitalization time between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the PLIF group, the TLIF group had obviously shorter operation time and greatly lesser intraoperative blood loss (P<0.05). The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores of lower limb pain and low back pain in the two groups at 3 months after surgery were significantly lower than those before surgery (P<0.001). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores of the two groups at 3 months after surgery were significantly higher than those before surgery (P<0.001). The Spitzer Quality of Life Index (SQLI) scores of the two groups at 3 months after surgery were significantly higher than those before surgery (P<0.001). Conclusion. The two surgical approaches have similar efficacy in treating LDH complicated with spinal stenosis. However, PLIF is better than TLIF in terms of operation time and intraoperative blood loss, which should be adopted as the preferred surgical scheme.
Risk Assessment and Regulation Algorithm for Financial Technology Platforms in Smart City
Authors: Liu Xiaoxi , Yuan Xiaoling , Zhang Rui , Ye Nan
Published: March 2022

The informatization of cities has been further promoted, and the construction of smart cities supported by technological innovation has been upgraded. The financial industry and data are closely related. Whether the financial industry can make good use of new information technology is the key to its successful transformation. The development of smart cities has a significant effect on the development of people’s livelihood, the process of urbanization, the use of technology, the solution of urban problems, and the improvement of economic levels. This also provides a good choice for the development of cities in each country. For better development, it needs technical support. Therefore, it is very important to improve the technical level. This research mainly discusses the risk assessment and regulation algorithms of financial technology platforms in smart cities. This study divides the risk decision channels into two paths based on the smart city theory, considers the internal risk factors and external risk factors of the robo-advisory service platform from the three perspectives of platform characteristics, corporate characteristics, and investor characteristics and exploring the construction of a robo-advisory service platform risk prediction model based on the machine learning perspective. The design and implementation of a personalized financial investment prototype system, a Python-based web development framework Django, and a variety of toolkits have realized a B/S architecture robo-advisor. Among them, the function of buying and selling ETF and the trend recording function after buying are realized by simulating the transaction data collected by the data collection module. The study found that the key potential characteristics that constitute platform risks are mainly the listing year of the background company, the age of the platform, the investment threshold, and the search index. To a certain extent, this provides data support for investors and regulatory authorities to evaluate platform capabilities and platform selection. Investors should comprehensively consider platform qualifications when making platform decisions and pay attention to information such as the age of listing of companies with platform background, platform age, and investment thresholds. Only when the quality of people is improved, the quality of the population of this city improves, so that the development of the city has a broad room for growth. The accuracy of the similar formula calculation method in the big data proposed in this study reached 88%. This research provides new ideas for perfecting the black box regulatory system of robo-advisory algorithms.
Intelligent Monitoring of Basketball Teaching Action Optimization considering Heterogeneous Grouping Algorithm
Authors: Wang Bingyang
Published: March 2022

With the continuous development of social economy, sports have become an important part of people’s daily life, especially ball sports are becoming more and more popular. However, in physical education, the standardization and rationality of teaching actions are extremely important. In view of these needs and limitations, a heterogeneous grouping algorithm is introduced in this paper, taking basketball teaching as the entry point, the situation of heterogeneous grouping teaching and learning are analyzed under different teaching organization through combing the business flow of basketball teaching, and the modified factor algorithm is used to conduct a process evaluation of basketball teaching. The simulation experiment results show that the heterogeneous grouping algorithm is effective, can support the intelligent monitoring of basketball teaching action optimization, and promote the improvement of basketball teaching effect, and students can get more room and level for improvement.
Chalcone Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors of P‐Glycoprotein and NorA: An In Silico and In Vitro Study
Authors: Le Minh-Tri , Trinh Dieu-Thuong Thi , Ngo Trieu-Du , Tran-Nguyen Viet-Khoa , Nguyen Dac-Nhan , Hoang Tung , Nguyen Hoang-Minh , Do Tran-Giang-Son , Mai Tan Thanh , Tran Thanh-Dao , Thai Khac-Minh
Published: March 2022

The human P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and the NorA transporter are the major culprits of multidrug resistance observed in various bacterial strains and cancer cell lines, by extruding drug molecules out of the targeted cells, leading to treatment failures in clinical settings. Inhibiting the activity of these efflux pumps has been a well‐known strategy of drug design studies in this regard. In this manuscript, our earlier published machine learning models and homology structures of P‐gp and NorA were utilized to screen a chemolibrary of 95 in‐house chalcone derivatives, identifying two hit compounds, namely, F88 and F90, as potential modulators of both transporters, whose activity on Staphylococcus aureus strains overexpressing NorA and resistant to ciprofloxacin was subsequently confirmed. The findings of this study are expected to guide future research towards developing novel potent chalconic inhibitors of P‐gp and/or NorA.
Distribution and habitat-use of Dhole Cuon alpinus (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) in Parsa National Park, Nepal
Authors: Thing Santa Bahadur , Karki Jhamak Bahadur , Lamichhane Babu Ram , Shrestha Shashi , Regmi Uba Raj , Ranabhat Rishi
Published: March 2022

Dhole Cuon alpinus is one of the top predators in Asian forests but is one of the least studied species of carnivores. We surveyed an area of 499 km2 of Parsa National Park (PNP) during the winter (November–January) of 2016–17 using camera-traps to determine the spatial distribution and habitat-use patterns of Dhole.  We overlaid 2 x 2 km2 grid cells (n= 126) across the study area and set up a pair of motion sensor cameras in each grid cells for 21 days.  We modeled the habitat-use by Dholes as a function of sampling covariates and fine-scale habitat covariates using single species single season occupancy models. We estimated the parameters in two steps. First, we defined a global model for probability of habitat-use and modeled detection probability (p) either as an intercept-only model or as a function of covariates.  Second, we modeled the habitat-use probability (Ψ) incorporating the top-ranked model for probability of detection (p) in the first step. A total effort of 2,520 camera-trap-nights resulted in 63 independent detections of dholes at 27 locations in PNP. The naïve occupancy estimate of Dholes in PNP was 0.21. The estimated probability of habitat-use (Ψ) and detection (p) were 0.47±0.27 and 0.24±0.05, respectively. Grassland availability (βG= 8.00±3.09), terrain ruggedness index (βTRI= 0.73±0.34), and Sambar (prey) presence (βS= 1.06±0.51) strong positive association, whereas, stream/exposed surfaces (βSES= -0.45±0.43) had negative association with the habitat use by Dholes. Similarly, detection probability was positively associated with presence of Sambar (βS= 2.44±1.02) but negatively associated with streams/exposed surfaces (βSES= -0.99±0.32) and terrain ruggedness (βTRI= -0.09±0.23). Our study provides quantitative information on the ecology of Dholes with potential applications for improving their conservation efforts in Nepal.
Breeding biology of Sri Lanka White-eye Zosterops ceylonensis (Aves: Passeriformes: Zosteropidae) in tropical montane cloud forests, Sri Lanka
Authors: W.D.S.C. Dharmarathne  , P.H.S.P. Chandrasiri  , W.A.D. Mahaulpatha
Published: March 2022

Breeding biology of the endemic Sri Lanka White-eye Zosterops ceylonensis was studied from January 2017 to January 2018 in the montane cloud forests of Horton Plains National Park, in Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka. A total of 46 active nests were studied. Breeding occurred March–May. The peak egg-laying was in March and April. Mean nest construction period 11±2.87 days (n= 17), nest height was 3.16±1.22 m from the ground. Majority of nests were built on Sarcococca brevifolia, Berberis ceylanica, and Cinnamomum ovalifolium trees of 4–12 m tall. Most number of pen cup nests were constructed by the fine grass stalks and mosses woven with cobwebs and internal cup lined with grass roots. Eggs were pale blue. Mean clutch size 2.15±0.37 eggs (n= 11). The incubation period was 10.92±0.9 days (n= 11). Nestling period was 28.33±1.55 days (n= 11). Both sexes participate in nest construction, incubation and brood rearing. About 25.53% of nests were depredated (N= 12). The overall nest success was 74.46%. The study reveals that undisturbed cloud forests are critical to conservation of Sri Lanka White-eye.
Habitat preference and population density of threatened Visayan hornbills Penelopides panini and Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni in the Philippines
Authors: Reintar Andrew Ross T. , Paguntalan Lisa J. , Jakosalem Philip Godfrey C. , Quidet Al Christian D. , Warguez Dennis A. , Peñaranda Emelyn
Published: March 2022

The habitat preference and population density of the Critically Endangered Rufous-headed Hornbill Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni and Endangered Visayan Tarictic Hornbill Penelopides panini were studied in the Central Panay Mountain range in Panay Island, western Visayas. Point counts were established to survey for hornbills and habitat variables were measured in a 30 x 30 m plot at each point. P. panini was recorded in primary and secondary forest, while records of R. waldeni were mostly in primary forest, with only one record in secondary forest. Spearman’s rank order correlation and stepwise multiple regression showed that R. waldeni is positively correlated to density of large trees (>70cm DBH), with the Visayan Tarictic Hornbill showing moderate correlation with density of medium-sized trees (31–70 cm DBH). Central Panay Mountains is the largest remaining forests block in western Visayas. It is the stronghold area of R. waldeni and other western Visayas threatened species, supporting the need to declare the site a protected area.
Status and distribution of Mugger Crocodile Crocodylus palustris in the southern stretch of river Cauvery in Melagiris, India
Authors: Gour Rahul , Whitaker Nikhil , Kartik Ajay
Published: March 2022

A study was conducted to examine the population estimate and spatial distribution of Mugger Crocodile in the southern stretch of river Cauvery, Hosur Forest Division from February 2019 to May 2019. In total, 53 basking sites and 45 Muggers were encountered by direct sighting in the 24-km river stretch using daytime ground based survey approach. N-mixture models estimated an average Mugger density of 2.05 individuals per kilometre for daytime survey. A night spotlight survey across the seven segments of river stretch was also conducted which yielded direct sightings of 54 Muggers with an average encounter rate of 2.25 individuals per kilometre. Two crocodile nests with hatched egg shells were also observed on the sand banks of the river. We concluded that a potential healthy and breeding population of Mugger inhabits the studied stretch of the river. Multiple corresponding analysis was also performed, which demonstrated that Mugger responds to sandy banks alongside deep water pools for basking in contrast to river segments with shallow depth and dense riparian cover.
Nest colonies of Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus (Linnaeus, 1766) on overhead power transmission cables in the agricultural landscape of Cuddalore and Villupuram districts (Tamil Nadu) and Puducherry, India
Authors: M. Pandian
Published: March 2022

Nesting habits of Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus with specific reference to overhead power transmission cables was studied between April and November 2021 in the agrarian landscape of 10 villages covering Cuddalore and Villupuram districts (Tamil Nadu), and Puducherry. A total of 408 nests of various stages (wad stage-35, ring stage-21, helmet stage-227, egg-chamber closed stage-49, complete nests-22, and abnormal nests-54) and 411 birds were enumerated on 25 nest colonies. The number of nests in each colony ranged from 1 to 82. Baya Weavers had selected power cables as nesting sites despite the availability of three nest-supporting trees (n= 2,255), such as Cocos nucifera, Borassus flabellifer, and Phoenix sylvestris within 500 m of nesting cables. Birds used leaves of sugarcane Saccharum officinarum, Indian Date Palm Phoenix sylvestris, and Narrow-leaf Cattail Typha angustifolia as a source of fibres for the construction of nests. Twenty-three out of 25 nest colonies were found on power cables running over sugarcane crops. Abnormal nests constituted 13.23% (n= 54) of the total nests and 92.91% (n= 223) helmet stage nests had clay deposits on the inner walls. A total of 285 fallen nests in various stages of development were scattered on the ground. There were opportunistic sightings of avian predators, such as House Crow Corvus splendens, Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos, Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda, and Shikra Accipiter badius found perched on power cables bearing nests and caused damages to eight nests.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Co-Culture Inhibited the Proliferation of Endometrial Cancer Cells by Upregulating miR-141-3p/Death Associated Protein Kinase 1 (DAPK1) Axis
Authors: Chen Keming , Jiang Tao , Zeng Qingsong , Wang Sufei , Li Li
Published: March 2022

MicroRNAs are involved in the biological processes of a variety of cancers. Here, we intend to assess the effect of BMSC-derived exosomal miR-141-3p on endometrial cancer (EC) cells. EC tumor and normal tissues were collected to measure miR-141-3p and death associated protein kinase
1 (DAPK1) expression. EC cells transfected with miR-141-3p mimic were cultured with BMSCs followed by measuring cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration. miR-141-3p and DAPK1 level was significantly decreased in EC tissues and cell lines. After miR-141-3p mimics transfection, miR-141-3p
and DAPK1 expression was increased significantly, along with inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion and increased cell apoptosis. Moreover, co-culture with BMSC decreased EC cells in vitro activity, and upregulated miR-141-3p and DAPK1 expression. In conclusion, miR-141-3p
and DAPK1 is reduced in EC and miR-141-3p overexpression inhibited EC cell biological behaviors, indicating that miR-141-3p might be a potential target for treatment of EC.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs)-Triggered Up-Regulation of miR-198 Impedes the Aggressive Migration and Invasion of Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Gao Xueying , Tang Ying , Ma Yunping
Published: March 2022

As a subset of RNAs without protein-coding function, short non-coding RNAs (microRNAs) are reported to contribute to the progress of multiple disorders. Nevertheless, the precise function of miR-198 in human cervical cancer is still an open question. RNA sequencing between cervical cancer cell lines and normal cervical epithelial cells identified CCAR1 to be highly expressed in cervical cancer. Cells were transfected with si-CCAR1 followed by analysis of cell behaviors using clonogenic assay and transwell migrating assay. The binding of miR-198 and CCAR1 was verified by a dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment. CCAR1 was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines and associated with tumor staging. Knockdown of CCAR1 restrained the malignant phenotypes of cervical cancer cells. CCAR1 was a target of miR198. Co-culture with BMSCs upregulated miR-198 expression, resulting in impediment of the aggressive phenotypes of cervical cancer cells, which was mediated by suppression of CCAR1 and release of inflammatory factors. In conclusion, CCAR1 level is increased in cervical cancer tissues or cell lines. Co-culture of BMSCs can facilitate the proliferating, migrating and invading activities of cervical cancer cells but reduce the release of inflammatory factors which is possibly through manipulating the axis of miR-198/CCAR1.
Effect of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-2, -4, and -7 on Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (PDLSCs)
Authors: Li Juedan , Wang Min , Cui Min , Chen Cheng , Cheng Zheng
Published: March 2022

Aim: To assess the effects of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, BMP-4, and BMP-7 on human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Methods: PDLSCs were isolated by an immunomagnetic method. Cell surface antigen (CD146, CD44,
and CD34) expression and pluripotency (osteogenic and adipogenic) were determined. In doseresponse and time-course experiments, cultured PDLSCs were treated with individual BMPs, a combination of BMPs in 1:1 ratios, and a mixture of all three BMPs (1:1:1 ratio). In the dose-response experiments,
PDLSCs were incubated for 12 d with medium containing BMPs at a dose of 0, 10, 25, 50, or 100 ng/ml. In the time-course experiments, PDLSCs were administered 50 ng/ml BMPs for different times (0, 3, 6, 12, or 24 d). The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay
and an enzyme kit were used to quantify cell growth and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to assess the expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins, i.e., osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, collagen type I, and collagen type
III. Results: PDLSCs expressed CD146 (93%) and CD44 (91.2%) but not CD34 (1.8%). All cells exhibited osteogenic and adipogenic potential. PDLSC proliferation and ALP activity in PDLSCs treated with individual BMPs and BMPs combinations increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner;
proliferation and ALP activity were greater upon treatment with BMP combinations than upon treatment with individual BMPs. Compared with those in the control group, osteogenic differentiation-related proteins levels in PDLSCs treated with 50 ng/ml BMPs for 12 d were markedly increased, whereas
no obvious differences were detected between the groups subjected to different BMP treatments. Conclusion: BMP-2, BMP-4, and BMP-7 alone and in combination promoted the development and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, and the promotion of these cellular processes was more pronounced
upon treatment with BMP combinations.
Mir-29a Promotes the Migration of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Li Min , Zhou Quanying , Xiao Yi
Published: March 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a tumor in the oral cavity and around oral mucosa. Mir-29a level was differentially expressed in OSCC patients. However, whether its exact role and function in OSCC remains to be further elucidated. Our study investigated the effect of Mir-29a
on the migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (OSCCs). Mir-29a level was measured in OSCCs and BMSCs by real-time quantitative PCR and its relationship with Panc-1 was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene. After up-regulation of Mir-29a
or treatment with Panc-1 siRNA, BMSCs migration to OSCCs was assessed by transwell assay and Panc-1 and Mir-29a were measure. Mir-29a level was downregualted in OSCCs and Panc-1 was upregulated in BMSCs. Panc-1 and Mir-29a was negatively correlated and Mir-29a could bind and target Panc-1.
Down-regulation of Panc-1 inhibited the migration of BMSCs to OSCCs and elevated Mir-29a level promoted cell migration. After co-transfection of Mir-29a inhibitor and Panc-1 siRNA, the inhibited cell migration function can be restored. In conclusion, Mir-29a promotes the migration of BMSCs
to OSCCs through targeting Panc-1.
Effects of ACE2/GHRL Axis on Proliferation, Apoptosis and Inflammatory Factor Levels of Synovial Cells in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhang Huadong , Jing Shangfei , Wang Xingxing , Yang Chenyuan , Liu Xiaoxu , Yang Tieyi
Published: March 2022

We aimed to assess the effects of ACE2/GHRL on the proliferation and apoptosis of synovial cells in osteoarthritis (OA). 20 healthy mice were randomly assigned into blank group and experimental group (ACE2 was knocked down). In addition, 30 mice were subdivided into 3 group (n
= 10) and treated with saline solution, GHRL (auxin), and GHRL+CHPAA (Auxin inhibitor) followed by analysis of synovial cell proliferation, apoptosis and inflammatory factor level by Western blot analysis, MTT and flow cytometry. Experimental group exhibited decreased cell proliferation, increased
apoptosis upon silencing of ACE2 (p < 0.05) along with elevated expressions of Caspase3 and Bax protein and decreased Bcl-2, inflammatory factors and the GHRL level (p < 0.05). Treatment with GHRL increased cell proliferation cells and decreased apoptosis. Meanwhile, Bcl-2
expression and IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 levels in GHRL group were significantly lower than other two groups whilst Caspase-3 and Bax level was significantly higher (p < 0.05). After CHPAA treatment, ACE2 expression in CHPAA group was dramatically declined (p < 0.01).
In conclusion, ACE2/GHRL might alleviate OA progression through regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis and inflammation of synoviocytes, providing insight into a therapeutic target for treating OA.
miRNA Expression Profile of Magnetic Field Combined with Nano-Scaffolds Enhance Chondrogenesis
Authors: Huang Jianghong , Zhao Ling , Xiong Jianyi , Liang Yujie
Published: March 2022

The differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into cartilage is a critical step in the cartilage damage repair. Pulsed electromagnetic fields may provide a solution to promote the differentiation and proliferation of MSC, with a promisingly strong synergistic effect apparent when
MSC subjected to magnetic nanoparticles and pulsed electromagnetic fields simultaneously. Previously, we developed a magnetic nanoparticles hydrogel (MagGel) that, when combined with magnetic fields, substantially enhanced cartilage tissue repair; however, we still know little about the mechanisms
underlying its effectiveness. Here, we examined the role of magnetic fields and nano-scaffolds in promoting differentiation of MSCs into chondrocytes. Our results suggest that the mechanism causing MSC differentiation under these conditions resulted from the activation of multiple miRNAs and
signaling pathways. These results can be built upon by future molecular studies to identify which miRNAs are involved in to chondrogenesis. By identifying these miRNAs and their targeted pathways, we can better manipulate the expression of the specific miRNAs that promote MSC differentiation
and cartilage repair. Our study provides a starting point for the study of magnetic field-induced differentiation of the magnetic nanoparticles within stem cells.
MiR-141 Modulates Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Osteogenic/Adipogenic Differentiation Under Oxidative Stress
Authors: You Chuanfei , Liu Jun , Qiu Ruoyu , Xu Leijun , Dai Furen , Ni Qianzhao , Qiu Weisheng
Published: March 2022

BMSCs Osteogenic differentiation is beneficial to the construction of bone tissue engineering. Oxidative stress can affect BMSCs differentiation. MiR-141 regulates BMSCs proliferation. However, MiR-141’s role in BMSCs osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation under oxidative stress
is unclear. Mice BMSCs were assigned into control group; oxidative stress group; and si-MiR-141 group followed by detecting miR-141 level. After 14 days of osteogenesis or adipogenesis induction, RUNX2, OPN and FABP4 mRNA level was analyzed together with analysis of ROS and SOD content, ALP
activity and TGFβ/smad signaling protein level by Western blot. Under oxidative stress, MiR-141 was significantly upregulated and RUNX2 and OPN level was decreased, along with increased ROS content and FABP4 level, reduced SOD and ALP activity and expression of TGFβ1
and smad2 (P < 0.05). Transfection of MiR-141 siRNA into BMSCs under oxidative stress down-regulated MiR-141, significantly upregulated RUNX2 and OPN, reduced ROS, elevated SOD activity, downregulated FABP4, and increased ALP activity and TGFβ1 and smad2 expression (P
< 0.05). In conclusion, MiR-141 expression is increased in BMSCs under oxidative stress. Down-regulating MiR-141 improves the redox imbalance through TGFβ/smad signaling pathway, promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and inhibits differentiation to adipocytes.
The Effect of Zinc Finger Domain Protein Spalt Like Transcription Factor 4 (SALL4A)-Mediated DNA Demethylation on Cardiac Development and Function
Authors: Sun Luoying , Chai Xiaoli , Xiao Pengfei , Liu Xiulan , Deng Feimeng
Published: March 2022

SALL4 is one of the important members of SALL4 gene family and participates in embryo development, including organogenesis, maintenance and reconstruction of pluripotency, such as heart development and function. This study explores the effects of SALL4A-mediated DNA demethylation on
heart development and function. The ventricular weight/body weight, ventricular diameter, septal thickness, LVEF% and LVFS% of the SALL4A gene knockout and normal SD mice were compared. ChIP/DIP-Seq and RNA-Seq technology were used to assess the mechanism by how SALL4Adependent DNA demethylation
affects heart development and function. We found that compared with control group of SD mice, the ventricular weight/body weight of SD mice in SALL4A knockout group was significantly lower. In addition, SALL4A knockout group showed significantly lower interval thickness, LVEF%, LVFS% and other
indicators related to heart development than normal SD mice. In addition, SALL4A-mediated DNA demethylation was closely related to TET. Both TET1 and TET2 were enriched in the SALL4A binding site. SALL4A targeted 5hmC gene in vitro and occupied the enhancer in mouse embryonic stem cells
(ESCs) to promote 5hmC oxidation depending on TET enzyme. Therefore, SALL4A promoted oxidation of 5hmC and caused DNA demethylation which finally affected heart development and function. In conclusion, SALL4A, as a gene that can target and bind 5hmC, promotes the oxidation of 5hmC by stabilizing
TET enzyme binding, thereby regulating the DNA demethylation process in ESCs to further regulate heart development and function.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Expressing Netrin-1 Alleviates Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)-Induced Inflammation
Authors: He Baohua , Gai Qifei , Fan Tao
Published: March 2022

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common central nervous system (CNS) injury. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation is a potential treatment for traumatic SCI. However, the role and mechanism of BMSCs with high expression of Netrin-1 on the repair and inflammation of
spinal cord injury cells remains unclear. Our study intends to assess the effect of BMSCs with high Netrin-1 level on the repair of SCI cells. BMSCs or Netrin-1 transfected BMSCs were co-cultured with mechanically injured nerve cells followed by analysis of the differentiation of BMSCs by
light microscope, apoptosis activity, expression of TLR-4 and NF-κB, and the TNF-α and IL-1β content in cell supernatant by ELISA. BMSCs with high Netrin-1 expression promoted the proliferation of BMSCs, inhibited apoptosis, and promoted the differentiation
of nerve cells along with increased ALK activity, and the expression of GFAP and BDNF. Co-culture with BMSCs or BMSCs with high Netrin-1 expression increased mechanically damaged nerve cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, downregulated TLR-4 and NF-κB (P < 0.05)
with more significant changes after co-culture with BMSCs with high Netrin-1 expression. In conclusion, Netrin-1 can promote BMSCs proliferation and differentiation, and inhibit apoptosis. By inhibiting inflammation, it can promote damaged nerve cell proliferation and repair.
The Effect of Insurance Status on Bariatric Surgery Outcomes: A Retrospective Chart Review Study
Authors: Akhtar Shaan J. , Helmer Stephen D. , Quinn Karson R. , Lancaster Brent A. , Howes Jeremy L. , Brown Nicholas M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Prior studies have shown socioeconomic factors and race to affect weight loss after bariatric surgery, but few have focused on the impact of insurance status. The purpose of this study was to determine if insurance status affects bariatric surgery patients’ surgical outcomes and weight loss.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of 408 bariatric patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Patients were stratified by insurance status and surgery type to evaluate weight loss and surgical outcomes.

Results

Overall, patients experienced 71.0% excess weight loss at 1-year postoperatively. Patients undergoing LRYGB had greater percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1-year (74.5% vs 63.3%, P < .001) than SG patients. Upon multiple regression analysis, insurance type did not affect %EWL. Instead, younger age, female gender, LRYGB procedure, and lower initial BMI were all associated with greater %EWL.

Conclusions

Insurance type is not a useful independent predictor of successful weight loss in bariatric surgery patients.
Evaluation of the Nelson Criteria as an Indicator for Nonsurgical Admission in Trauma Patients
Authors: Lee Janet S. , Khan Abid D. , Schlitzkus Lisa , Schmoekel Nathan , Stassinopoulos Jerry , Brockman Valerie , Schroeppel Thomas J.
Published: March 2022

Geriatric patients with complex medical comorbidities who sustain minor injuries may warrant admission to nonsurgical services. The Nelson score provides an objective scoring system that helps identify patients appropriate for nonsurgical admission (NSA). The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of the Nelson criteria in determining the most appropriate admission service. A retrospective review was performed on patients ≥65 years admitted from 12/2016 to 11/2020. 2410 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients with Nelson score ≥6 were older with more comorbidities, had a lower injury severity score (7.5 vs 12.5, p<0.0001), and a higher rate of NSA (29.2% vs 12.7%, p<0.0001) compared to patients with Nelson score <6. On the multivariable logistic regression, admission service was not identified as an independent predictor of mortality. Utilizing the Nelson criteria may provide an objective measure to stratify and identify patients who would benefit from NSA.