bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astragaloside IV attenuates high glucose-induced EMT by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad pathway in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Wang Ya-Ning , Zhao Shi-Li , Su Yan-Yan , Feng Jun-Xia , Wang Shuai , Liao Xiao-Ming , Wang Li-Na , Li Jing-Chun , Meng Ping , Li Hong-Yan , Zhang Yun-Fang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
In the present study, we examined the molecular mechanism of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) in high glucose (HG)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTCs). NRK-52E cell viability and apoptosis were determined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and occludin were measured by Western blot, and those of E-cadherin and N-cadherin were additionally measured by immunofluorescence analysis. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expressions were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The expressions of Smad2, Smad3, phosphorylated-Smad2 (p-Smad2), and p-Smad3 were measured using Western blot. We found that AS-IV could recover NRK-52E cell viability and inhibit HG-induced cell apoptosis. TGF-β1, α-SMA, Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 expressions were decreased in the AS-IV-treated groups compared with the HG group. Moreover, the expressions of E-cadherin and occludin were remarkably up-regulated and those of N-cadherin and vimentin were down-regulated in the AS-IV-treated groups compared with the HG group. Interestingly, the TGF-β1 activator SRI-011381 hydrochloride had an antagonistic effect to AS-IV on HG-induced EMT behavior. In conclusion, AS-IV attenuates HG-induced EMT by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad pathway in renal PTCs.
Myc is involved in Genistein protecting against LPS-induced myocarditis in vitro through mediating MAPK/JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Chunhua , Zhang Yan , Qi Hongli , Xu Xintan , Yang Lin , Wang Jianjun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Genistein is widely used as a pharmacological compound as well as a food additive. However, the pharmaceutical effects of Genistein on myocarditis and its potential mechanisms have not been studied in detail. Methods: H9c2 cells were continuously stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 12 h to simulate the in vitro model of myocarditis injury. DrugBank, String, and GEO dataset were used to investigate specific genes that interacting with Genistein. KEGG and GO enrichment analysis were employed to explore Myc-related signaling pathways. Biological behaviors of H9c2 cells were observed with the support of cell counting kit-8, MTT and flow cytometry. Expression levels of cytokines including TNF-α and ILs were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was applied to detect the expression of Myc and MAPK pathway related proteins. Results: Genistein alleviated the damage of H9c2 cells subjected to LPS from the perspective of elevating cells growth ability, and inhibiting cells apoptosis and inflammatory response. Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified Myc as the potential target of Genistein in myocarditis, and MAPK as the signaling pathway. Significantly, Myc was highly up-regulated in myocarditis samples. More importantly, by performing biological experiments, we discovered that Genistein relieved H9c2 cells apoptosis and inflammatory reaction which caused by LPS stimulation through inhibiting Myc expression. Additionally, the marked augmentation of p-P38 MAPK and p-JNK expression in LPS-induced cardiomyocyte model were blocked by Genistein and si-Myc. Conclusions: Our research revealed that Myc mediated the protective effects of Genistein on H9c2 cells damage caused by LPS partly through modulation of MAPK/JNK signaling pathway.
Cimifugin ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation via NF-κB/MAPK pathway
Authors: Liu Aimin , Zhao Wei , Zhang Buxin , Tu Yuanhui , Wang Qingxing , Li Jing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Cimifugin is an important component of chromones in the dry roots of Saposhikovia divaricata for treating inflammatory diseases. However, the possible effect of cimifugin in psoriasis needs further investigation. This current work was designed to evaluate the effects of cimifugin in psoriasis in vivo and in vitro, and unravel the underlying molecular mechanism. Here, we used imiquimod (IMQ) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α to induce a psoriasis-like model in mice or keratinocytes. Obviously, the results showed that cimifugin reduced epidermal hyperplasia, psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores, ear thickness and histological psoriasiform lesions in IMQ-induced mice. The decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in skin tissues by IMQ were attenuated by cimifugin. Furthermore, it was observed that cimifugin effectively reversed IMQ-induced up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17A, and IL-22. Mechanically, we noticed that cimifugin inhibited IMQ-activated phosphorylation of NF-κB (IκB and p65) and MAPK (JNK, ERK, and p38) signaling pathways. Similar alterations for oxidative stress and inflammation parameters were also detected in TNF-α-treated HaCaT cells. In addition, cimifugin-induced down-regulation of ICAM-1 were observed in TNF-α-treated cells. Altogether, our findings suggest that cimifugin protects against oxidative stress and inflammation in psoriasis-like pathogenesis by inactivating NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway, which may develop a novel and effective drug for the therapy of psoriasis.
Discovery of novel isoliquiritigenin analogue ISL-17 as a potential anti-gastric cancer agent
Authors: Huang Fengchang , Wang Jin , Xu Yi , Zhang Yunfei , Xu Ning , Yin Liang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a natural product isolated from licorice root, exhibits anti-gastric cancer effects. However, applications of ISL are still limited in clinical practice due to its poor bioavailability. To discovery of more effective anti-gastric cancer agents based on ISL, aldol condensation reaction was applied to synthesize the ISL analogues. MTS assay was used to evaluate the inhibitory activities of ISL analogues against SGC-7901, BGC-823 and GES-1 cells in vitro. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were detected by flow cytometry. Western blot assay was used to analyze the expression levels of related proteins. The drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties were predicted with Osiris property explorer and PreADMET server. As a result, 18 new ISL analogues (ISL-1 to ISL-18) were synthesized. Among these analogues, ISL-17 showed the strongest inhibitory activities against SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells, and could induce G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in these two cell lines. Treatment with ISL-17 resulted in increased ROS production and elevated autophagy levels in SGC-7901 cells. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was down-regulated after treatment with ISL-17 in SGC-7901 cells. The results of drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic prediction indicated that all the ISL analogues complied with Lipinski's rule of five and Veber rule and had a favorable ADME character. Overall, our results attest that ISL-17 holds promise as a candidate agent against gastric cancer.
Which Measures Better Discriminate Language Minority Bilingual Children With and Without Developmental Language Disorder? A Study Testing a Combined Protocol of First and Second Language Assessment
Authors: Bonifacci Paola , Atti Elena , Casamenti Martina , Piani Barbara , Porrelli Marina , Mari Rita 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
This study aimed to assess a protocol for the evaluation of developmental language disorder (DLD) in language minority bilingual children (LMBC). The specific aims were (a) to test group differences, (b) to evaluate the discriminant validity of single measures included in the protocol, and (c) to define which model of combined variables had the best results in terms of efficacy and efficiency.

Method

Two groups of LMBC were involved, one with typical development (
n
= 35) selected from mainstream schools and one with DLD (
n
= 20). The study protocol included the collection of demographic information and linguistic history; a battery of standardized tests in their second language (Italian), including nonword repetition, morphosyntactic comprehension and production, and vocabulary and narrative skills; and direct (children's evaluation) and indirect (parents' questionnaire) assessment of linguistic skills in their first language.

Results
Results showed that the two groups differed in almost all linguistic measures. None of the single measures reached good specificity/sensitivity scores. A combined model that included direct and indirect assessment of first language skills, morphosyntactic comprehension and production, and nonword repetition reached good discriminant validity, with 94.5% of cases correctly classified.

Discussion
The study defines a complex picture of the linguistic profile in bilingual children with DLD, compared to typically developing bilingual peers. The results reinforce the idea that no single measure can be considered optimal in distinguishing children with DLD from typical peers. The study offers a concrete example of an effective and efficient protocol with which to discriminate LMBC with and without DLD.
The LOFAR view of intergalactic magnetic fields with giant radio galaxies
Authors: Stuardi C. , O’Sullivan S. P. , Bonafede A. , Brüggen M. , Dabhade P. , Horellou C. , Morganti R. , Carretti E. , Heald G. , Iacobelli M. , Vacca V. 
Published: June 2020

Context. Giant radio galaxies (GRGs) are physically large radio sources that extend well beyond their host galaxy environment. Their polarization properties are affected by the poorly constrained magnetic field that permeates the intergalactic medium on megaparsec scales. A low frequency (< 200 MHz) polarization study of this class of radio sources is now possible with LOFAR.
Aims. Here we investigate the polarization properties and Faraday rotation measure (RM) of a catalog of GRGs detected in the LOFAR Two-meter Sky Survey. This is the first low frequency polarization study of a large sample of radio galaxies that were selected on their physical size. We explore the magneto-ionic properties of their under-dense environment and probe intergalactic magnetic fields using the Faraday rotation properties of their radio lobes. LOFAR is a key instrument for this kind of analysis because it can probe small amounts of Faraday dispersion (< 1 rad m−2), which are associated with weak magnetic fields and low thermal gas densities.
Methods. We used RM synthesis in the 120−168 MHz band to search for polarized emission and to derive the RM and fractional polarization of each detected source component. We study the depolarization between 1.4 GHz and 144 MHz using images from the NRAO VLA Sky Survey. We investigate the correlation of the detection rate, the RM difference between the lobes, and the depolarization with different parameters as follows: the angular and linear size of the sources and the projected distance from the closest foreground galaxy cluster. In our sample, we also included 3C 236, which is one of the largest radio galaxies known.
Results. From a sample of 240 GRGs, we detected 37 sources in polarization, all of which have a total flux density above 56 mJy. We detected significant RM differences between the lobes, which would be inaccessible at gigahertz frequencies, with a median value of ∼1 rad m−2. The fractional polarization of the detected GRGs at 1.4 GHz and 144 MHz is consistent with a small amount of Faraday depolarization (a Faraday dispersion < 0.3 rad m−2). Our analysis shows that the lobes are expanding into a low-density (< 10−5 cm−3) local environment that is permeated by weak magnetic fields (< 0.1 μG) with fluctuations on scales of 3−25 kpc. The presence of foreground galaxy clusters appears to influence the polarization detection rate up to 2R500. In general, this work demonstrates the ability of LOFAR to quantify the rarefied environments in which these GRGs exist and highlights them as an excellent statistical sample to use as high precision probes of magnetic fields in the intergalactic medium and the Milky Way.
Morphology and surface photometry of a sample of isolated early-type galaxies from deep imaging
Authors: Rampazzo R. , Omizzolo A. , Uslenghi M. , Román J. , Mazzei P. , Verdes-Montenegro L. , Marino A. , Jones M. G. 
Published: June 2020

Context. Isolated early-type galaxies are evolving in unusually poor environments for this morphological family, which is typical of cluster inhabitants. We investigate the mechanisms driving the evolution of these galaxies.
Aims. Several studies indicate that interactions, accretions, and merging episodes leave their signature on the galaxy structure, from the nucleus down to the faint outskirts. We focus on revealing such signatures, if any, in a sample of isolated early-type galaxies, and we quantitatively revise their galaxy classification.
Methods. We observed 20 (out of 104) isolated early-type galaxies, selected from the AMIGA catalog, with the 4KCCD camera at the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey g and r bands. These are the deepest observations of a sample of isolated early-type galaxies so far: on average, the light profiles reach μg ≈ 28.11 ± 0.70 mag arcsec−2 and μr ≈ 27.36 ± 0.68 mag arcsec−2. The analysis was performed using the AIDA package, providing point spread function-corrected 2D surface photometry up to the galaxy outskirts. The package provides a model of the 2D galaxy light distribution, which after model subtraction enhances the fine and peculiar structures in the residual image of the galaxies.
Results. Our re-classification suggests that the sample is composed of bona fide early-type galaxies spanning from ellipticals to late-S0s galaxies. Most of the surface brightness profiles are best fitted with a bulge plus disc model, suggesting the presence of an underlying disc structure. The residuals obtained after the model subtraction show the nearly ubiquitous presence of fine structures, such as shells, stellar fans, rings, and tails. Shell systems are revealed in about 60% of these galaxies.
Conclusions. Because interaction, accretion, and merging events are widely interpreted as the origin of the fans, ripples, shells and tails in galaxies, we suggest that most of these isolated early-type galaxies have experienced such events. Because they are isolated (after 2–3 Gyr), these galaxies are the cleanest environment in which to study phenomena connected with events like these.
Suburbanization as a problem of rural development
Authors: Stręk Żanna , Postek Paweł , Sobczak Angelika , Rybaczek Paulina 
Published: June 2020

Polish agriculture is now facing many problems. One of them is the fragmentation of land. This phenomenon is rooted in history. Farmers willing to distribute their assets among their children gave a certain part of the farm to each of them. Due to their intention to split the assets fairly between the heirs, the fragmentation of land increased. The arduousness of this phenomenon is manifested in the fact that plots that are too small or too narrow and their irregular shape make running profitable agricultural activity difficult. Another negative factor affecting the spatial arrangement of rural areas is the process of suburbanization. During suburbanization specific links are formed between the city and rural areas such as the flow of people, goods or capital. They play an important role in transforming those areas, and in particular in determining the method of management of such areas and the location of respective types of activity. Suburbanization leads to a decrease in the population density in city centres and an increase in the suburbs. The emigration of the indigenous city people to the suburbs grew in popularity. The effect of the process is a growing fragmentation of plots in order to separate building plots that are smaller and smaller. In many cases the plots used for agricultural purposes but in local spatial development plans destined for housing development are split into multiple smaller plots and with time they are turned into suburban single-family housing estates. The influx of urban communities and the related expansion of building development in rural areas lead to the loss of rural identity. This is how the agricultural nature of rural areas where farms withdraw from agricultural activity changes.
This article aims at exploring the selected spatial factors such as the analysis of use and fragmentation of land owned by private farmers, as well as the analysis of the suburbanization process in the villages within the commune of Konopnica in the Lublin county, Lublin voivodeship. The surveys were based on a cartographic and descriptive method. The method comprised a detailed survey of the spatial structure of selected villages within the commune of Konopnica based on a cadastral map, the index of plots and a reconnaissance. Information about the area of each plot and information about the registration unit was used as input data for a detailed analysis of the fragmentation of private plots in five area ranges, an analysis of the use of land, and a detailed analysis of changes in the size of farms in 2012-2017. The results of studies will make it possible to determine the direction and scope of changes in the fragmentation of land in the villages situated within the analysed commune.
Predictive Value of VIBE using Subtraction to Evaluate Idiopathic Facial Palsy after Starting Therapy
Authors: Tomita Hayato , Detmar Klaus , Manava Panagiota , Nakajima Yasuo , Lell Michael , Adamus Ralf 
Published: June 2020

Purpose To determine the predictive value of 3-dimensional spoiled gradient-echo volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) using subtraction to evaluate the short-term effect of therapy for facial palsy.
Materials and Methods We included 97 patients with idiopathic facial palsy (52 male, 45 female; aged 50.7 ± 19.4 years) who underwent MR imaging with a contrast agent after starting therapy. The mean interval between onset and therapy was 1.55 ± 1.69 days, between therapy and MR imaging was 3.19 ± 2.78 days, and between MR imaging and assessment of the therapeutic effect was 3.50 ± 0.71 days. The degree of therapeutic effect was determined using a 4-grade scale based on the House–Brackmann scale for grading facial nerve function. Two radiologists reviewed VIBE with pre- and postcontrast subtraction using the 4-point scale. We evaluated the diagnostic performance and compared the degree of therapeutic effect and enhancement of facial nerves that were divided into 5 segments bilaterally.
Results We identified 98 facial palsy initially and significant enhancement in 55 facial nerves after the start of therapy and residual palsy in 87. Sensitivity for all facial palsy was 62.0 %, specificity was 90.9 %, positive predictive value was 98.2 %, negative predictive value was 23.3 %, and accuracy was 65.3 %. Eleven patients recovered completely, 1 showed significant enhancement, and the remaining 10 did not show significant enhancement of the facial nerve.
Conclusion VIBE has a potential to predict the prognostic outcome and assess facial palsy after the start of therapy.
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Citation Format
Telehealth Uptake into Prenatal Care and Provider Attitudes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in New York City: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Madden Nigel , Emeruwa Ukachi N. , Friedman Alexander M. , Aubey Janice J. , Aziz Aleha , Baptiste Caitlin D. , Coletta Jaclyn M. , D'Alton Mary E. , Fuchs Karin M. , Goffman Dena , Gyamfi-Bannerman Cynthia , Kondragunta Sneha , Krenitsky Nicole , Miller Russell S. , Nhan-Chang Chia-Ling , Saint Jean Ashanda M. , Shukla Hemangi P. , Simpson Lynn L. , Spiegel Erica S. , Yates Hope S. , Zork Noelia , Ona Samsiya 
Published: June 2020

Objective This study aimed to (1) determine to what degree prenatal care was able to be transitioned to telehealth at prenatal practices associated with two affiliated hospitals in New York City during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and (2) describe providers' experience with this transition.
Study Design Trends in whether prenatal care visits were conducted in-person or via telehealth were analyzed by week for a 5-week period from March 9 to April 12 at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC)-affiliated prenatal practices in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visits were analyzed for maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) and general obstetrical faculty practices, as well as a clinic system serving patients with public insurance. The proportion of visits that were telehealth was analyzed by visit type by week. A survey and semistructured interviews of providers were conducted evaluating resources and obstacles in the uptake of telehealth.
Results During the study period, there were 4,248 visits, of which approximately one-third were performed by telehealth (n = 1,352, 31.8%). By the fifth week, 56.1% of generalist visits, 61.5% of MFM visits, and 41.5% of clinic visits were performed via telehealth. A total of 36 providers completed the survey and 11 were interviewed. Accessing technology and performing visits, documentation, and follow-up using the telehealth electronic medical record were all viewed favorably by providers. In transitioning to telehealth, operational challenges were more significant for health clinics than for MFM and generalist faculty practices with patients receiving public insurance experiencing greater difficulties and barriers to care. Additional resources on the patient and operational level were required to optimize attendance at in-person and video visits for clinic patients.
Conclusion Telehealth was rapidly implemented in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic and was viewed favorably by providers. Limited barriers to care were observed for practices serving patients with commercial insurance. However, to optimize access for patients with Medicaid, additional patient-level and operational supports were required.
Key Points