bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remotely monitoring ecosystem respiration from various grasslands along a large-scale east-west transect across Northern China
Authors: Tang Xuguang , Zhou Yanlian , Li Hengpeng , Yao Li , Ding Zhi , Ma Mingguo , Yu Pujia 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Grassland ecosystems play an important role in the terrestrial carbon cycles through carbon emission by ecosystem respiration (Re) and carbon uptake by plant photosynthesis (GPP). Surprisingly, given Re occupies a large component of annual carbon balance, rather less attention has been paid to developing the estimates of Re compared to GPP.Results: Based on 11 flux sites over the diverse grassland ecosystems in northern China, this study examined the amounts of carbon released by Re as well as the dominant environmental controls across temperate meadow steppe, typical steppe, desert steppe and alpine meadow, respectively. Multi-year mean Re revealed relatively less CO2 emitted by the desert steppe in comparison with other grassland ecosystems. Meanwhile, C emissions of all grasslands were mainly controlled by the growing period. Correlation analysis revealed that apart from air and soil temperature, soil water content exerted a strong effect on the variability in Re, which implied the great potential to derive Re using relevant remote sensing data. Then, these field-measured Re data were up-scaled to large areas using time-series MODIS information and remote sensing-based piecewise regression models. These semi-empirical models appeared to work well with a small margin of error (R2 and RMSE ranged from 0.45 to 0.88 and from 0.21 to 0.69 g C m-2 d-1, respectively). Conclusions: Generally, the piecewise models from the growth period and dormant season performed better than model developed directly from the entire year. Moreover, the biases between annual mean Re observations and the remotely-derived products were usually within 20%. Finally, the regional Re emissions across northern China's grasslands was approximately 100.66 Tg C in 2010, about 1/3 of carbon fixed from the MODIS GPP product. Specially, the desert steppe exhibited the highest ratio, followed by the temperate meadow steppe, typical steppe and alpine meadow. Therefore, this work provides a novel framework to accurately predict the spatio-temporal patterns of Re over large areas, which can greatly reduce the uncertainties in global carbon estimates and climate projections.
Improvement of a Delayed Swallowing Reflex with Treatment in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Ohkoshi Akira , Kato Kengo , Ogawa Takenori , Nakanome Ayako , Ishii Ryo , Katori Yukio 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The latency of the swallowing reflex is an important factor causing dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients. Although there are many reports comparing voluntary swallowing function before and after treatment, few studies have focused on the latency of the swallowing reflex, which is a risk factor for pneumonia due to silent aspiration. The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify the changes in the latency of the swallowing reflex before and after treatment.Methods: The latency of the swallowing reflex was quantified using the time from the injection of 1 ml of distilled water into the pharynx through a nasal catheter to the onset of swallowing. Results: The latency time of the swallowing reflex was significantly decreased 3 months after treatment compared to before treatment. A significant reduction was also observed in patients with pharyngeal cancer who underwent chemoradiation therapy.Conclusions: This retrospective study showed that a delayed swallowing reflex improved with treatment in advanced head and neck cancer patients.Trial registration number: The Institutional Review Board of Tohoku University Hospital (Number 2014-1-274).
Early ghrelin intervention protects against the progressive dopaminergic neuron loss in Parkinson’s disease mice
Authors: Jiao Lingling , Jia Fengju , Du Xixun , Zhang Pei , Li Yong , Zhu Dexiao , Tang Tingting , Jiao Qian , Jiang Hong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundGhrelin has been identified as a multifunctional peptide that has many potential applications for the treatment of various diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, little is known about the pathophysiological function and mechanism of ghrelin in PD. MethodELISA was used for detecting plasma total and active ghrelin levels, dopamine (DA) content was measured by HPLC-ECD, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot were used to detect protein expressions, and cytokine was tested by Bio-PlexPro™ assay.ResultsHere, we reported a PD model that overexpressing mutant human A53T α-syn mice exhibited a decreased levels of total and active ghrelin in plasma, fewer tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the substantia nigra (SN), lower DA content in the striatum (Str), and less weight. These changes were rescued by the subcutaneous administration of low-dose ghrelin. Interestingly, ghrelin had no effect on weight gain in wild-type mice but improved weight loss in A53T mice. In addition, ghrelin administration also attenuated the decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio and superoxide dismutase1 (SOD1) protein levels and inhibited the upregulation pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor a (TNFa) and the downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In addition, ghrelin inhibited the increase in Iba1-positive cells in mice with PD.ConclusionsHere we reported that ghrelin had a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons and against weight loss from PD via anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, which suggested that ghrelin could be an endogenous protective factor that prevents the onset or the progression of PD.
Urinary exosomal CA9 as a liquid biopsy for diagnosis of bladder cancer
Authors: Wen Jin , Li HanZhong , Li Guo R 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the possibility of using urinary exosomal CA9 as a new liquid biopsy for the diagnosis of bladder cancer.Methods158 bladder cancer patients and 88 healthy subjects were included in the study. An in-house technique was developed to isolate urinary exosomes. The expression level of CA9 was detected by RT-qPCR. The diagnostic performance of urinary urinary exosomal CA9 was evaluated.ResultsThe level of urinary exosomal CA9 was significantly higher in bladder cancer group than in healthy control group (p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.806 (95% CI: 0.753–0.858). With an optimal cutoff of 0.433, the sensitivity was 68.35% and the specificity was 85.23% for the diagnosis of bladder cancer.ConclusionsThe urinary exosomes were abundant in the urine of cancer patients. CA9 could be detectable in urinary exosomes. The urinary exosmal CA9 may present a new liquid biopsy for the diagnosis of bladder cancer.*Contributed equally to this work
The effect of maternal education on preventive behaviors of iron deficiency anemia in children: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Larijani Nayereh Mohammadzadeh , khorsandi Mahboobeh , Shamsi Mohsen , Ranjbaran Mehdi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common hematological disease in infancy and childhood. Therefore, it is necessary to provide maternal education using models that identify factors affecting behavior. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of maternal education based on the health belief model (HBM) on preventive behaviors of IDA in children aged 1–6 years in rural health centers of Babol, Mazandaran Province, Iran in 2015.MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study, 119 mothers were selected through multi-stage random sampling and divided into two groups of intervention and control. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were studied and confirmed. A pretest was conducted in both groups. Need assessment was done according to the pretest results, and educational intervention was performed in four educational sessions in the intervention group. The same questionnaire was applied for posttest three months after the intervention. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the mean scores of awareness, HBM constructs, and performance of the mothers between the two groups before the intervention (P < 0.05) while the difference was significant after the intervention (P < 0.001). The mean score of performance, increased significantly from 80.84 to 88.68 in the intervention group after the intervention (P < 0.001).ConclusionEducational intervention, according to the HBM based on a primary needs assessment effectively improves maternal performance about IDA prevention in children. Therefore, it is suggested that these interventions replace conventional educational programs.Trial registration: This trial has been registered at IRCT, IRCT2014082118892N1. Registered on 2014-11-23, https://en.irct.ir/trial/17015
Characterization of Codon Usage Pattern in Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hou Wei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 due to a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has posed significant threats to international health. In this study we perform bioinformatic analysis to take a snapshot of the codon usage pattern of SARS-CoV-2 and uncover that this novel coronavirus has a relatively low codon usage bias. The information from this research may not only be helpful to get new insights into the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, but also have potential value for developing coronavirus vaccines.
CXCL1 contributes to IL-6 expression in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts by CXCR2, c-Raf, MAPK and AP-1 pathway
Authors: Chen PoChun , Hou Sheng-Mou , Liu Ju-Fang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are common joint disorders that are considered to be different diseases due to their unique molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis. Chemokines and their corresponding receptors have been well-characterized in RA progression, but less so in OA pathogenesis.
Methods
The human primary synovial fibroblasts (SFs) were obtained from human OA and RA tissue samples. The Western blot and qPCR were performed to analyze expression levels of CXCL1, as well as CXCL-promoted IL-6 expression in both OASFs and RASFs. The signal cascades that mediate the CXCL1-promoted IL-6 expression were identified by using chemical inhibitors, siRNAs and shRNAs.
Results
Here, we found that both diseases feature elevated levels of CXCL1 and interleukin (IL)-6, an important proinflammatory cytokine that participates in OA and RA pathogenesis. In OASFs and RASFs, CXCL1 promoted IL-6 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In OASFs and RASFs overexpressing CXCL1 or transduced with shRNA plasmid, IL-6 expression was markedly upregulated. CXCR2, c-Raf and MAPKs was found to regulate CXCL1-induced IL-6 expression in OASFs and RASFs. Finally, CXCL1 triggered the transcriptional activities of c-Jun (which regulates the expression of proinflammatory proteins) in OASFs and RASFs.
Conclusions
Our present work suggests that the CXCL1/CXCR2 axis helps to orchestrate inflammatory responses in OA and RA SFs.
Study on tsunami-resistance of a reinforced soil wall based on water tank experiment
Authors: Kuribayashi Kentaro , Hara Tadashi , Hazarika Hemanta , Tsuji Shinichiro , Kuroda Shuichi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background：The 2011 off the pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake (Mw=9.0) caused great damage of geotechnical structures in the vicinity of the eastern coasts. In contrast, many of reinforced soil walls constructed along the coast were less damaged by the tsunami. In this study, a model test using water tank is conducted to evaluate the behavior of a reinforced soil wall under strong water flow and water pressure like tsunami as an experimental prototype. The scale of model is 1/40, the height of wall is 25cm and the water level is 20cm, supposing that a tsunami hit the wall whose height is 10m in a full-scale without overflowing. Water flow hit the wall keeping its velocity and level. When the water penetrates into the backfill soil until ground water level is same as the level of water flow, the water was stopped and drained out of the tank.In this study, 2 test cases were conducted. One is a sound wall, and the other is a wall with some opening of the front panels which simulates the gap of the wall due to residual settlement after an earthquake.Results：The sound wall has no deformation during and after the tsunami action. In the wall with some opening, around 30 minutes after the start of the tsunami action, the wall panel showed gradual deviations such as slippage. In all cases, the pore water pressure in the backfill soil rises with seepage of the water, but the soil was not completely saturated.Conclusions：It was found that a reinforced soil wall does not have large deformation unless there are some opening of the front panels and the backfill soil flow out of the wall. This result shows that reinforced soil wall does not collapse by seepage to the backfill soil or wave force of tsunami, but collapses by backfill soil flowing out from wall surface. Our results support that a reinforced soil wall has high tsunami-resistance. Given this information, it is necessary to prevent the wall from making some opening and prevent the backfill soil from flowing out.
Fast Fluorine-18 Labeling and Preclinical Evaluation of Novel Mucin1 and its Folate Hybrid Peptide conjugate for Targeting Breast Carcinoma.
Authors: aljammaz ibrahim , Al-Otaibi Basem , Al-Malki Yousif , Abousekhrah Abdel , Okarvi S. M. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: There is a need to develop new and more potent radiofluorinated peptide and their hybrid conjugates for multiple-receptors targeting properties that overexpress on many cancers. Methods: We have synthesized MUC1-[18F]SFB and MUC1-FA-[18F]SFB hybrid conjugates using a convenient and one-step nucleophilic displacement reactions. In vitro cell binding and in vivo evaluation in animals were performed to determine the potential of these radiolabeled compounds. Results: Radiochemical yields for MUC1-[18F]SFB and MUC1-FA-[18F]SFB conjugates were greater than 70% in less than 30 min synthesis time. Radiochemical purities were greater than 97% without HPLC purification, which make these approaches amenable for automation. In vitro studies on MCF7 breast cancer cells showed that the significant amounts of the radiofluorinated conjugates were associated with cell fractions and held good affinity and specificity for MCF7 cells. In vivo characterization in Balb/c mice revealed rapid blood clearance with excretion predominantly by urinary as well as hepatobiliary systems for MUC1-[18F]SFB and MUC1-FA-[18F]SFB, respectively. Biodistribution in SCID mice bearing MCF7 xenografts, demonstrated excellent tumor uptake (12% ID/g) and favorable kinetics for MUC1-FA-[18F]SFB over MUC1-[18F]SFB. The tumor uptake was blocked by the excess co-injection of cold peptides suggesting the receptor-mediated process. Conclusion: Initial PET/CT imaging of SCID mice with MCF7 xenografts, confirmed these observations. These results demonstrate that MUC1-FA-[18F]SFB may be useful PET imaging probe for breast cancer detection and monitoring tumor response to the treatment.
Cellphone laws and teens’ calling while driving: analysis of repeated cross-sectional surveys in 2013, 2015, and 2017
Authors: Li Li , Pope Caitlin N , Andridge Rebecca R , Bower Julie K , Hu Guoqing , Zhu Motao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Distracted driving among teen is a public health and safety concern. Most states in the U.S. have sought to restrict cellphone use while driving by enacting laws. This study aims to examine the difference in prevalence of self-reported calling while driving (CWD) between states with different types of cellphone bans.
Methods
Demographics and CWD data were extracted from state Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS) from 14 states in 2013, 2015 and 2017. The state YRBS is conducted every two years with a representative sample of 9th through 12th grade students attending public school. States were grouped by type of enacted cellphone law(s): concurrent bans (concurrently enacted handheld calling ban and young driver ban); young driver ban (no handheld calling and enacted young driver ban only); and no ban (no handheld calling and no young driver ban). Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to estimate prevalence ratios comparing CWD prevalence across cellphone laws.
Results
In total, 109,069 high school students participated in the surveys, and 56, 492 (56%) participants reached the minimum learner’s permit age for their states and drove during the 30 days before the survey. Approximately 46% of participants reported CWD at least once during the previous 30 days and the percentages varied widely across states (range: 29%-62%). Compared to students from states with no ban enacted, those from states with concurrent bans were 14% less likely to engage in CWD (95% CI: 3%-23%). Students in states with concurrent bans were 15% less likely to engage in CWD compared to students in states with young driver bans (95% CI:7%-21%). Young driver bans were not associated with a decrease of CWD.
Conclusions
Engaging in CWD is common among teen drivers. The concurrent implementation of a handheld calling ban and a young driver ban was associated with a decrease of CWD. States without a handheld calling ban are encouraged to implement such law to reduce teen drivers engaging in cellular-based distraction behind the wheel.
MEK inhibitor augments antitumor activity of B7-H3-redirected bispecific antibody
Authors: Li Hongjian , Huang Cheng , Zhang Zongliang , Feng Yunyu , Wang Zeng , Tang Xin , Zhong Kunhong , Hu Yating , Guo Gang , Zhou Liangxue , Guo Wenhao , Xu Jianguo , Yang Hui , Tong Aiping 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Targeting cancer antigens by T cell-engaging bispecific antibody (BiAb) or chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy has achieved successes in haematological cancers, but attempts to use them to fight solid cancers have been disappointing, in part due to antigen escape. MEK inhibitor had limited activity as a single agent, but enhanced antitumor activity when combined with other therapies, such as targeted drugs or immunotherapy agents. This study aimed to analyze the expression of B7-H3 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and bladder cancer (BC) and to evaluate the combinatorial antitumor effect of a B7-H3 × CD3 BiAb with MEK inhibitor trametinib.
Methods

We analyzed the mRNA expression of B7-H3 in NCSLC and BC using Oncomine database and validated its expression by immunohistochemistry staining of clinical samples. B7-H3 expression and the effects of trametinib on RAS-mutated NSCLC and BC cell lines were determined by flow cytometry. Antitumor efficacy of B7-H3 × CD3 BiAb alone and its combination with trametinib were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.
Results

B7-H3 was highly expressed in NSCLC and BC compared with normal samples and its increased expression was associated with poor prognosis. Treatment with trametinib alone could induce apoptosis in tumor cell, while has no effect on T cell proliferation, and a noticeable elevation of B7-H3 expression in tumor cells was also observed following treatment. B7-H3 × CD3 BiAb specifically and efficiently redirected their cytotoxicity against B7-H3-overexpressing tumor cells both in vitro and in xenograft mouse models, which was synergized by trametinib. While trametinib treatment alone affected tumor growth, the combined therapy increased T cell infiltration and significantly suppressed tumor growth.
Conclusion

Together, these data suggest that combination therapy with B7-H3 × CD3 BiAb and MEK inhibitor may serve as a new therapeutic strategy in the future clinical practice for the treatment of NSCLC and BC.
TMEM88 inhibits TGF-β1-induced-extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program in human pleural mesothelial cells through modulating TGF-β1/Smad pathway
Authors: Sun Zhongmin , Qian Ning , Li Hong , Hu Tinghua , Tang Ling , Wen Qing , liangrong_shen@126.com Liangrong Shen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Pleural fibrosis is an irreversible pathological process occurred in the development of several lung diseases. TMEM88 is a member of transmembrane (TMEM) family and has been found to be involved in the regulation of fibrogenesis. However, the role of TMEM88 in pleural fibrosis remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of TMEM88 in pleural fibrosis in vitro using TGF-β1-induced human pleural mesothelial cell line MeT-5A cells. Our results showed that the expression levels of TMEM88 were downregulated in pleural fibrosis tissues and TGF-β1-treated Met-5A cells. Overexpression of TMEM88 inhibited the proliferation of Met-5A cells under TGF-β1 stimulation. In addition, TMEM88 overexpression prevented TGF-β1-induced extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Met-5A cells with decreased expression levels of Col I and fibronectin, increased levels of cytokeratin-8 and E-cadherin, as well as decreased levels of vimentin and α-SMA. Furthermore, overexpression of TMEM88 inhibited the expression of TGF-β receptor I (TβRI) and TβRII and suppressed the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 in Met-5A cells. In conclusion, these results indicated that TMEM88 exhibited an anti-fibrotic activity in pleural fibrosis via inhibiting the activation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.