bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of microRNA-34a expression profile and rs2666433 variant in colorectal cancer: a pilot study
Authors: Fawzy Manal S. , Ibrahiem Afaf T. , AlSel Baraah T. Abu , Alghamdi Saleh A. , Toraih Eman A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in every stage of carcinogenesis and play an essential role as genetic biomarkers of cancer. We aimed to evaluate microRNA-34a gene (MIR34A) expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues compared with non-cancer one and to preliminarily explore the association of one related variant to CRC risk. A total of 116 paraffin-embedded colon specimens were enrolled. MiR-34a was quantified by qPCR, and rs2666433 (A/G) genotyping was performed by TaqMan Real-Time PCR. Also, the somatic mutation burden was assessed. MIR34A expression in the CRC specimens was significantly upregulated (median = 21.50, IQR: 7.0–209.2; P = 0.001) relative to the non-cancer tissues. Allele (A) was highly prevalent in CRC tissues represented 0.56 (P < 0.001). AA/AG genotype carriers were 5.7 and 2.8 more likely to develop cancer than GG carriers. Tumor-normal tissue paired analysis revealed genotype concordance in 33 out of 58 tissue samples. Approximately 43% of the specimens showed a tendency for G to A shift. Additionally, a higher frequency of somatic mutation (92%) was observed in adenocarcinoma (P = 0.006). MIR34A expression and gene variant did not show associations with the clinicopathological data. However, G > A somatic mutation carriers had more prolonged DFS and OS. Bioinformatics analysis revealed miR-34a could target 30 genes that are implied in all steps of CRC tumorigenesis. In conclusion, this study confirms MIR34A upregulation in CRC tissues, and its rs2666433 (A/G) variant showed association with CRC and a high somatic mutation rate in cancer tissues. MiR-34a could provide a novel targeted therapy after validation in large-scale studies.
Indirect exposure to socially defeated conspecifics using recorded video activates the HPA axis and reduces reward sensitivity in mice
Authors: Nakatake Yuko , Furuie Hiroki , Ukezono Masatoshi , Yamada Misa , Yoshizawa Kazumi , Yamada Mitsuhiko 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRodents perceive the emotional states of conspecifics using vision. In the present study, we demonstrated that exposure to the video-recorded distress of conspecifics induces stress responses in male C57BL/6J mice. A single exposure to a video-recorded scene of the social defeat stress (SDS) increased plasma corticosterone levels in these mice. This physiological change was suppressed by blocking the visual information, suggesting that vision plays a crucial role in inducing stress responses. Furthermore, after exposure to the video, there were increased numbers of c-Fos-positive neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex and other brain areas that are associated with the negative valence and empathy systems, but not in the regions related to the pain signaling. In addition, repeated exposure to SDS videos induced an apparent reduction in reward sensitivity in the sucrose preference test, but did not affect avoidance behaviour in the social interaction test or immobility behaviour in the forced swim test. Reduced reward sensitivity in mice reflects anhedonia, which is a core symptom of depression in humans. Our video SDS model therefore provides a unique opportunity to not only understand the mechanisms underlying stress-induced anhedonia, but also to screen effective candidate molecules for stress-related disorders with greater reproducibility.
A bioinformatic study of antimicrobial peptides identified in the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: Moretta Antonio , Salvia Rosanna , Scieuzo Carmen , Di Somma Angela , Vogel Heiko , Pucci Pietro , Sgambato Alessandro , Wolff Michael , Falabella Patrizia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play a key role in the innate immunity, the first line of defense against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. AMPs are small molecules, ranging from 10 to 100 amino acid residues produced by all living organisms. Because of their wide biodiversity, insects are among the richest and most innovative sources for AMPs. In particular, the insect Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) shows an extraordinary ability to live in hostile environments, as it feeds on decaying substrates, which are rich in microbial colonies, and is one of the most promising sources for AMPs. The larvae and the combined adult male and female H. illucens transcriptomes were examined, and all the sequences, putatively encoding AMPs, were analysed with different machine learning-algorithms, such as the Support Vector Machine, the Discriminant Analysis, the Artificial Neural Network, and the Random Forest available on the CAMP database, in order to predict their antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the iACP tool, the AVPpred, and the Antifp servers were used to predict the anticancer, the antiviral, and the antifungal activities, respectively. The related physicochemical properties were evaluated with the Antimicrobial Peptide Database Calculator and Predictor. These analyses allowed to identify 57 putatively active peptides suitable for subsequent experimental validation studies.
Comparison of soil microbial community between reseeding grassland and natural grassland in Songnen Meadow
Authors: Zhu Ruifen , Liu Jielin , Wang Jianli , Han Weibo , Shen Zhongbao , Muraina Taofeek O. , Chen Jishan , Sun Dequan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMicroorganisms have important ecological functions in ecosystems. Reseeding is considered as one of the main strategies for preventing grassland degradation in China. However, the response of soil microbial community and diversity to reseeding grassland (RG) and natural grassland (NG) remains unclear, especially in the Songnen Meadow. In this study, the soil microbial community compositions of two vegetation restoration types (RG vs NG) were analyzed using a high-throughput sequencing technique. A total of 23,142 microbial OTUs were detected, phylogenetically derived from 11 known bacterial phyla. Soil advantage categories includedProteobacteria,Acidobacteria,Actinobacteria, andBacteroidetes, which together accounted for > 78% of the all phyla in vegetation restoration. The soil microbial diversity was higher in RG than in NG. Two types of vegetation restoration had significantly different characteristics of soil microbial community (P< 0.001). Based on a molecular ecological network analysis, we found that the network in RG had a longer average path distance and modularity than in NG network, making it more resilient to environment changes. Meanwhile, the results of the canonical correspondence analysis and molecular ecological network analysis showed that soil pH (6.34 ± 0.35 in RG and 7.26 ± 0.28 in NG) was the main factor affecting soil microbial community structure, followed by soil moisture (SM) in the Songnen meadow, China. Besides, soil microbial community characteristics can vary significantly in different vegetation restoration. Thus, we suggested that it was necessary and reasonable for this area to popularize reseeding grassland in the future.
A comprehensive study on classification of COVID-19 on computed tomography with pretrained convolutional neural networks
Authors: Pham Tuan D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe use of imaging data has been reported to be useful for rapid diagnosis of COVID-19. Although computed tomography (CT) scans show a variety of signs caused by the viral infection, given a large amount of images, these visual features are difficult and can take a long time to be recognized by radiologists. Artificial intelligence methods for automated classification of COVID-19 on CT scans have been found to be very promising. However, current investigation of pretrained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for COVID-19 diagnosis using CT data is limited. This study presents an investigation on 16 pretrained CNNs for classification of COVID-19 using a large public database of CT scans collected from COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 subjects. The results show that, using only 6 epochs for training, the CNNs achieved very high performance on the classification task. Among the 16 CNNs, DenseNet-201, which is the deepest net, is the best in terms of accuracy, balance between sensitivity and specificity, $$F_1$$

F
1

score, and area under curve. Furthermore, the implementation of transfer learning with the direct input of whole image slices and without the use of data augmentation provided better classification rates than the use of data augmentation. Such a finding alleviates the task of data augmentation and manual extraction of regions of interest on CT images, which are adopted by current implementation of deep-learning models for COVID-19 classification.
Endothelial-specific overexpression of cationic amino acid transporter-1 prevents loss of kidney function in heart failure
Authors: Giam Beverly , Nomura Haru , Kuruppu Sanjaya , Chu Po-Yin , Essid Sumia , Kiriazis Helen , Du Xiao-Jun , Kaye David M. , Rajapakse Niwanthi W. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is associated with impaired L-arginine transport. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that augmented L-arginine transport prevents the loss of kidney function in HF. Renal function was assessed in wildtype mice (WT), transgenic mice with HF (dilated cardiomyopathy, DCM) and double transgenic mice (double transgenic mice with DCM and CAT-1 overexpression, HFCAT-1) with HF and endothelial-specific overexpression of the predominant L-arginine transporter, cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1) (n=4-8/group). Cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography and left ventricular catheterisation. Renal function was assessed via quantification of albuminuria and creatinine clearance. Plasma nitrate and nitrite levels together with renal fibrosis and inflammatory markers were also quantified at study end. Albumin/creatinine ratio was two-fold greater in DCM mice than in WT mice (P=0.002), and tubulointerstitial and glomerular fibrosis were approximately eight- and three-fold greater, respectively, in DCM mice than in WT mice (P≤0.02). Critically, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio and tubulointerstitial and glomerular fibrosis were less in HFCAT-1 mice than in DCM mice (P&lt;0.05). Renal CAT-1 expression and plasma nitrate and nitrite levels were less in DCM mice compared with WT (P≤0.03) but was greater in HFCAT-1 mice than in DCM mice (P≤0.009). Renal expression of IL-10 was less in DCM mice compared with WT (P&lt;0.001) but was greater in HFCAT-1 mice compared with DCM mice (P=0.02). Our data provide direct evidence that augmented L-arginine transport prevents renal fibrosis, inflammation and loss of kidney function in HF.
The process of production of liquefied methane - the component of rocket propellant
Authors: Domashenko Anatoly M. , Dovbish Andrey L. 
Published: October 2020

The use of new fuel components, such as LNG or liquefied methane, in rocket-space, aviation and other special-purpose engineering is promising. On the basis of these fuel components it is possible to provide a number of technical and tactical parameters of aircrafts, which are not achievable when using standard fuels.
Considered were the cryogenic systems developed by PJSC "Cryogenmash" for natural gas liquefaction with liquid methane recovery by the method of low-temperature condensation, stage separation and rectification. The second method allows to reduce the content of not only low boiling but also high boiling liquids in methane liquefied.
The Impact of Artificial Tear Viscosity on the Results of Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Hannemann Elisa , Erb Carl 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background In earlier studies, an irregular tear film could be responsible for artifacts in imaging procedures in ophthalmology. As a result, this study will investigate the influence of hyaluronic acid-containing tear substitutes of different viscosities on the measurement results of optical coherence tomography and on the non-invasive tear film break-up time.
Methods The study included three sessions in which three hyaluronic acid tear substitutes of different viscosities (Hylo-Vision 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, OmniVision GmbH, Puchheim, Germany) were applied to each subject. In 20 healthy volunteers, the non-invasive tear film break-up time was measured before and after the application of the tear substitutes using Keratograph 5M (Oculus GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) and optical coherence tomography using 3D OCT-2000 (Topcon, Hamburg, Germany).
Results The median age of the volunteers was 28.5 years. 11 women (55%) and 9 men (45%) were examined. The non-invasive tear film break-up time improved significantly (p = 0.027) after the application of 0.3% hyaluronic acid. In the study, no significant difference was found in all OCT parameters used before and after application of the different viscous hyaluronic acid-containing tear substitutes.
Conclusion In this study, no influence of tear substitutes containing different viscosities of hyaluronic acid on the measurement results of optical coherence tomography could be determined. Therefore, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% hyaluronic acid can be applied to the patient to improve the corneal surface before the examination with optical coherence tomography, without influencing the measurement results of optical coherence tomography.
Addendum to S3-Guidelines Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: Management of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the COVID-19 Pandemic – open questions and answers
Authors: Stallmach Andreas , Sturm Andreas , Dignass Axel , Kucharzik Torsten , Blumenstein Irina , Helwig Ulf , Koletzko Sibylle , Lynen Petra , Schmidt Carsten ,   Collaborators:
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic is a global outbreak of new onset infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. To date, more than 3.4 million people have been infected throughout the world. In Germany, approximately 450,000 patients suffer from inflammatory bowel disease; these patients generally require continuous expert care and support. Against the background of a rapidly accumulating knowledge base on SARS-CoV-2, 68 expert authors of the current DGVS guidelines for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis took part in a virtual meeting to compile up-to-date, practice-orientated recommendations aimed at improving the care of patients with IBD. These recommendations address the risk of infection, including the risk for specific patient groups, the possible course of the disease, and consequences for pharmacological and surgical therapies of the underlying disease, as well as general measures for infection prevention and adjuvant prophylactic and therapeutic options.
Let7b-5p is Upregulated in the Serum of Emirati Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Regulates Insulin Secretion in INS-1 Cells
Authors: Aljaibeji Hayat , Elemam Noha Mousaad , Mohammed Abdul Khader , Hasswan Hind , Thahyabat Mahammad Al , Alkhayyal Noura , Sulaiman Nabil , Taneera Jalal 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLet7b-5p is a member of the Let-7 miRNA family and one of the top expressed miRNAs in human islets that implicated in glucose homeostasis. The levels of Let7b-5p in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients or its role in β-cell function is still unclear. In the current study, we measured the serum levels of let7b-5p in Emirati patients with T2DM (with/without complications) and control subjects. Overexpression or silencing of let7b-5p in INS-1 (832/13) cells was performed to investigate the impact on insulin secretion, content, cell viability, apoptosis, and key functional genes. We found that serum levels of let7b-5p are significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2DM-patients or T2DM with complications compared to control subjects. Overexpression of let7b-5p increased insulin content and decreased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, whereas silencing of let7b-5p reduced insulin content and secretion. Modulation of the expression levels of let7b-5p did not influence cell viability nor apoptosis. Analysis of mRNA and protein expression of hallmark genes in let7b-5p transfected cells revealed a marked dysregulation of Insulin, Pancreatic And Duodenal Homeobox 1 (PDX1), glucokinase (GCK), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), and INSR. In conclusion, an appropriate level of let7b-5p is essential to maintain β-cell function and may be regarded as a biomarker for T2DM.
Imaging Anatomy of the Jaw and Dentition with Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Dhont Kathleen , Bernaerts Anja , Vanhoenacker Charlotte , Vanhoenacker Filip M. , De Foer Bert 
Published: October 2020

AbstractKnowledge of dental, maxillary, and mandibular anatomy and the use of correct nomenclature is critical in the evaluation of a mandibulofacial and/or maxillofacial imaging data set. The use of the correct diagnostic imaging tool tailored to the patient's needs is of equal importance. This article highlights imaging anatomy and cross-sectional imaging modalities mainly focusing on cone beam computed tomography of the mandibulofacial and maxillofacial region.
Hybrid optogenetic and electrical stimulation for greater spatial resolution and temporal fidelity of cochlear activation
Authors: Thompson Alex C , Wise Andrew K , Hart William L , Needham Karina , Fallon James B , Gunewardene Niliksha , Stoddart Paul R , Richardson Rachael T 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objective. Compared to electrical stimulation, optogenetic stimulation has the potential to improve the spatial precision of neural activation in neuroprostheses, but it requires intense light and has relatively poor temporal kinetics. We tested the effect of hybrid stimulation, which is the combination of subthreshold optical and electrical stimuli, on spectral and temporal fidelity in the cochlea by recording multiunit activity in the inferior colliculus of channelrhodopsin (H134R variant) transgenic mice. Approach. Pulsed light or biphasic electrical pulses were delivered to cochlear spiral ganglion neurons of acutely deafened mice, either as individual stimuli or as hybrid stimuli for which the timing of the electrical pulse had a varied delay relative to the start of the optical pulse. Response thresholds, spread of activation and entrainment data were obtained from multi-unit recordings from the auditory midbrain. Main results. Facilitation occurred when subthreshold electrical stimuli were applied at the end of, or up to 3.75 ms after subthreshold optical pulses. The spread of activation resulting from hybrid stimulation was significantly narrower than electrical-only and optical-only stimulation (p < 0.01), measured at equivalent suprathreshold levels of loudness that are relevant to cochlear implant users. Furthermore, temporal fidelity, measured as maximum following rates to 300 ms pulse trains bursts up to 240 Hz, was 2.4-fold greater than optical-only stimulation (p < 0.05). Significance. By significantly improving spectral resolution of electrical- and optical-only stimulation and the temporal fidelity of optical-only stimulation, hybrid stimulation has the potential to increase the number of perceptually independent stimulating channels in a cochlear implant.
Network structure of cascading neural systems predicts stimulus propagation and recovery
Authors: Ju Harang , Kim Jason Z , Beggs John M , Bassett Danielle S 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objective. Many neural systems display spontaneous, spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity that are crucial for information processing. While these cascading patterns presumably arise from the underlying network of synaptic connections between neurons, the precise contribution of the network’s local and global connectivity to these patterns and information processing remains largely unknown. Approach. Here, we demonstrate how network structure supports information processing through network dynamics in empirical and simulated spiking neurons using mathematical tools from linear systems theory, network control theory, and information theory. Main results. In particular, we show that activity, and the information that it contains, travels through cycles in real and simulated networks. Significance. Broadly, our results demonstrate how cascading neural networks could contribute to cognitive faculties that require lasting activation of neuronal patterns, such as working memory or attention.
Efficiency of the crystallizing waterproofing admixture in lower-quality concrete
Authors: Figmig R 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The article deals with the topic of a crystallizing waterproof admixture using in concrete. This type of admixture is designated for making a hardened concrete more durable by minimizing its permeability. Considering that concretes of higher strength classes meet the requirements for durability parameters in most cases, in this experiment 3 low-durability (in terms of high w/c ratio) concrete (Dmax8) batches were mixed. From each of mixture, 2 sets of samples (with and without the admixture) were prepared for depth of penetration of water under pressure test, strength test and water absorption test after 28 days of curing. Likewise, samples for microscopic visual assessment of crack-filling process were produced. Cracks onto these samples were intentionally introduced after their curing in time of 7 days and subsequently were further cured under water and regularly observed. According to the results, tested admixture acted more counter-productive than helpfully.
Indoor air quality in classrooms of a newly built school
Authors: Harčárová K 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The presented paper deals with the evaluation of the quality of the indoor environment in a new school building with modular construction. The required short-term measurements were carried out in two selected classrooms. Selected physical-chemical factors such as thermal comfort, sound level, lighting conditions, concentration of CO2, particulate matter (PM0.5-PM10) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) were monitored. Based on the obtained results, it was shown that the values of operative temperature, relative humidity and air velocity measured in selected rooms meet the requirements given by legislation. The average CO2 concentration was exceeded in both classes, which may lead to headaches and concentration problems in pupils. Concentrations of PM2.5 were below the acceptable limit, while PM10 concentrations were exceeded in both classes. The recommended TVOC concentration of 200 ug/m3, which does not yet cause discomfort and has no adverse health effects, was exceeded in both classrooms.
Improvement of the backfilling characteristics by activation of halite waste for non-waste geotechnology
Authors: Khayrutdinov A M , Kongar-Syuryun Ch , Kowalik T , Faradzhov V 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
To reduce the frequency of man-made disasters it is recommended to use development of deposits systems with backfilling of working space at potash mines. The use of halite enrichment waste in the filing mixture is proposed in order to improve the technical and economic indicators of the mine and the environmental situation in the mining area. The factors influencing the choice of development technology with artificial maintaining of winning area are considered. The advantages and disadvantages of using the technology of the backfilling are indicated. Aspects of preparation of hardening backfill and questions of improvement of its quality by disintegration activation of components are revealed. The possibility of activation of halite enrichment waste used as an inert aggregate in disintegrators is considered.