bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fiscal sustainability in theEUafter the global crisis: Is there any progress? Evidence from Poland
Authors: Wysocki Maciej , Wójcik Cezary 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn response to the global crisis, a number of new institutional measures have been introduced in the fiscal framework, both on the EU and on the member states' level, and the question is: Have these measures provided better fiscal sustainability outcomes? We approach this question by looking at the evolution of fiscal sustainability in Poland, which is an interesting case of a member state that without significant market pressure (the only EU country without recession during the crisis) actively promoted several changes in the EU fiscal framework (e.g., six‐pack) and effectively internalized some of these key changes in its domestic fiscal policy, including a domestic expenditure fiscal rule. Our analysis reveals that the fiscal sustainability in Poland has significantly improved in the post‐crisis period of 2009–2017: We detect both improvement of the fiscal sustainability parameters and structural breaks in the fiscal outcomes after the crisis. Namely, in comparison to the whole sample of 2004–2017 the strength of reaction of the primary deficit to a change of the public debt increased in the post‐crisis time by nearly 50%. Importantly, these results are robust with respect to the pension fund reform which led to a one‐off redemption of T‐bonds in amount of 8.5% of GDP. The analysis also reveals a cycle of structural breaks of 2‐and 4 years lags: For the output gap in 2008 Q4, for the primary deficit in 2010 Q4 and for the public debt in 2014 Q1. The case of Poland seems to suggest that the post‐crisis EU fiscal measures can be effectively used to increase fiscal sustainability, if properly approached and internalized into the domestic fiscal framework. More research should be devoted to understanding the political and economic conditions under which such positive outcomes were possible.
Modern money and Islamic banking in the light of Islamic law of riba
Authors: Siddique Muhammad Zahid 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTheory of Islamic banking is based on neoclassical theory of money and banking which assumes that money is a neutral lubricant that facilitates exchange while bank is an intermediary institution that equates savings and investments in the economy. Endogenous money supply has demonstrated the fallacy of these assumptions by showing that it is not the deposits that create loans, rather the other way round. Unlike commodity money, modern money is credit, generated by the central and commercial banks in the process of advancing reserves and loans. When this correct version of money and banking is evaluated in the light of the correct understanding of riba, it becomes evident that modern money involves riba and this result is equally valid for Islamic banking. Genuine Islamic monetary and banking systems require commodity money, which may include gold and silver, such that its face value is equal to its intrinsic value and it does not represent credit. Riba is not merely a matter of eliminating the institution of interest from economic system, it is about eliminating credit‐based monetary or financial system because credit creation is as much riba as is charging interest.
LncRNA PVT1 exacerbates the inflammation and cell‐barrier injury during asthma by regulating miR‐149
Authors: Ma Lianmei , Zhang Qian , Hao Jinping , Wang Jianqiang , Wang Chunjian 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundAsthma is a prevailing respiratory disease among children, characterized by allergic airway inflammation, airway remodeling, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Although it is well‐known that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are linked to a variety of human diseases and well‐documented, very few studies explore its role in asthma. In this study, we investigate the effects of lncRNA PVT1 on the promotion of airway inflammation and its associated mechanisms.Methods and MaterialsHuman small airway epithelial cells (HSAECs) with PVT1 overexpressed or knocked down were constructed, and platelet activating factor (PAF) was used to treat HSAECs to mimic the pathological process of asthma in vitro. The expressions of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of PKC, MyD88, and NF‐ĸB were measured by Western blot. Monolayer permeability of HSAECs was also compared within different groups. Luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to detect the targeting relationship between PVT1 and miR‐149.ResultsThe knockdown of PVT1 attenuated the levels of inflammatory factors induced by PAF and destruction of cell‐barrier function. The overexpression of PVT1 facilitated the pathological development. Additionally, miR‐149 was identified as a target microRNA of PVT1, and the overexpression of miR‐149 could reverse the effects of PVT1 on PAF‐induced HSAECs.ConclusionThese findings suggest that PVT1 may represent a novel potential target for treatment of asthma.
Catechin and epicatechin as an adjuvant in the therapy of hemostasis disorders induced by snake venoms
Authors: Cesar Pedro H. S. , Trento Marcus V. C. , Konig Isaac F. M. , Marcussi Silvana 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSnake toxins, such as phospholipases A2 and proteases, are used as research tools to evaluate biological activities and to understand physiopathological processes of natural compounds better. In the present study, the phenolic compounds catechin and epicatechin were incubated with snake venoms to evaluate their inhibition against different substrates. Catechin and epicatechin exerted inhibitions between 20% and 95% on the activity of phospholipases A2 present in the venom of Bothrops alternatus. In the hemolytic activity, catechin exerted inhibitions between 20% and 25% in all proportions evaluated on the B. jararacussu venom, whereas epicatechin inhibited 20% of the venom activity. Coagulation induced by B. atrox and B. jararacussu venoms was significantly inhibited by catechin and epicatechin, where the time for coagulation was two to three times higher after previous incubation of the venoms with the compounds. The most significant inhibitions for the proteolytic activity on casein were 17% and 27%, respectively, by both compounds. Catechin inhibited serine protease activity induced by B. atrox venom by 64% and epicatechin by 65%. Regarding B. atrox‐induced thrombolysis, catechin exerted 40% inhibition and epicatechin around 30%. The fibrinogen proteolysis was completely inhibited by catechin acting on the B. atrox venom in the proportion of 1:1 and by epicatechin on B. jararacussu venom. Catechin and epicatechin showed promising inhibitory action on proteases and phospholipases A2. Therefore, these compounds can be explored as an adjuvant for serum therapy or pharmaceutical purposes, once they act on homologous enzymes that are present in humans.
The protective effect of natural compounds against rotenone‐induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Yarmohammadi Fatemeh , Wallace Hayes A. , Najafi Nahid , Karimi Gholamreza 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRotenone is a widely used organic pesticide; its serious side effect for off‐target species is neurotoxicity. The primary mechanism of rotenone toxicity is inhibition of the mitochondrial complex I. Oxidative stress, apoptosis, and reduction of autophagy are key outcomes of the inhibition of complex I. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown antioxidant, anti‐apoptotic, and autophagy enhancement of a variety of natural compounds (NCs). In this manuscript, we reviewed several NCs, which have protective effects against rotenone‐induced neurotoxicity.
microRNA‐320a prevent Müller cells from hypoxia injury by targeting aquaporin‐4
Authors: Chen Zhen , Yang Zhengrong , Li Xiaoliang , Wang He , Wang Yonggang , Ding Chao , Yang JingYing , Ni Ninghua , Mei Yan , Zhang Shiwen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMüller cells are closely related to diabetic retinopathy (DR). Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) can effectively promote the diffusion of water across cellular membranes. However, the dynamic balance of water plays key role in many diseases, such as cerebral edema. Meanwhile, the unusual expression and distribution of AQP4 in the retina are the significant causes of ocular hypertension and reperfusion injury. To explore the functional significance between microRNA‐320a (miR‐320a) and AQP4 in pathological hypoxia‐induced DR related retinal edema, we hypothesized that miR‐320a regulates AQP4 expression and internalization to relieve the edema of Müller cells under the pathological retinal hypoxia stress by targeting AQP4, thereby attenuate the damage of Müller cells. Results demonstrated that miR‐320a mimics inhibited the expressions of AQP4 in Müller cells. Furthermore, overexpression miR‐320a protected Müller cells by suppressing superoxide anion. In addition, overexpression miR‐320a markedly attenuated hypoxia‐induced injury, significantly increased the cell viability, and promoted the internalization of AQP4. Furthermore, miR‐320a can also regulate the stable anchoring of AQP4 on the cell membrane. Our study indicated that miR‐320a may be a potential modulator which can mediate AQP4 expression and attenuate the hypoxia damage of Müller cells. In conclusion, miR‐320a may be a potential target for DR therapy by targeting AQP4.
Circadian transcription factor Dbp promotes rat calvarial osteoprogenitors osteogenic differentiation through Kiss1/GnRH/E2 signaling pathway loop
Authors: Zhao Yanhui , Wu Yanan , Wang Jie , Liao Chongshan , Mi Xiaohui , Chen Fengshan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTo determine the mechanism by which D‐site‐binding protein (Dbp) regulates rat calvarial osteoprogenitors (OPCs) osteogenic differentiation. α‐Smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) + rat calvarial OPCs were extracted and purified using immunomagnetic beads. Cells were transduced with Dbp‐lentivirus and divided into Dbp knockdown, Dbp overexpression and vehicle groups. After osteogenic induction for 21 days, Alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were examined. Expression levels of Runx2, Ocn, Osterix, Bmp4, Kiss1, and GnRH were determined using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The observed changes in Kisspeptin, GnRH, ERα, and Runx2 were further validated via Western blot analysis. Furthermore, E2 and GnRH secretion levels were detected via an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase assay were used to assess the effects of Dbp on the Kiss1 gene promoter. The coexpression of Dbp and Kisspeptin or GnRH was also evaluated via immunofluorescence. Following osteogenic induction, Dbp overexpression significantly increased calcium nodule formation and ALP activity, as well as Runx2, Ocn, Osterix, Bmp4, Kiss1, and GnRH messenger RNA expression, while Dbp knockdown presented the opposite results. Western blot analysis and ELISA results showed that Dbp significantly promotes Runx2, E2/ERα, Kisspeptin, and GnRH expression. These findings were confirmed by the ChIP assay, which indicated that the estrogen receptor promotes Kisspeptin expression after binding to the Kiss1 gene promoter, which is regulated by Dbp. Immunofluorescence assay showed that Dbp coexpression with Kisspeptin or GnRH varied depending on Dbp expression levels. Collectively, the circadian transcription factor Dbp promotes α‐SMA + rat calvarial OPCs osteoblastic differentiation through Kiss1/GnRH/E2 signaling pathway loop.
Soybean peroxidase‐catalyzed degradation of a sulfonated dye and its azo‐cleavage product
Authors: Kaur Amanpreet , Taylor Keith E , Biswas Nihar 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe presence of azo dyes in wastewater from the textile industry is a major environmental concern. The dyes not only make water aesthetically unacceptable, but also have severe toxicological concerns. Research into treatment processes for removal of dyes has focused primarily on decolourization and little attention has been focused on analysis of the degradation products, that could plausibly be more toxic than the parent compound. This study focusses on soybean peroxidase (SBP)‐catalyzed treatment of two azo dyes, Methyl Orange (MO) and CI Direct Yellow 12 (DY12) in water, chosen because they lack phenolic and primary anilino functional groups, which are usually expected to form free radicals under peroxidase catalysis.RESULTSDY12 was found not to be a substrate of SBP, but optimized reaction conditions for 0.50 mmol L–1 MO and 1.0 mmol L–1 p‐anisidine (structurally analogous to 4‐ethoxyaniline, a possible azo‐cleavage product of DY12) achieved ≥95% conversion at exceptionally low minimum effective SBP activities (0.0070 and 0.0018 U mL–1) at pH optima of 4.0 and 5.5 and [hydrogen peroxide]/[substrate] of 2 and 1, respectively.CONCLUSIONSMass spectrometric (MS) analysis for the substrates revealed formation of dimers and trimers for p‐anisidine. For MO, high‐performance liquid chromatography, UV‐visible spectrophotometry and MS provided evidence of azo‐bond cleavage, hetero‐coupling of the dye with the cleavage product and also self‐coupling of the dye through tertiary amine activation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Mechanical, biochemical, and morphological topography of ovine knee cartilage
Authors: Risch Makayla , Easley Jeremiah T. , McCready Erin G. , Troyer Kevin L. , Johnson James W. , Gadomski Benjamin C. , McGilvray Kirk C. , Kisiday John D. , Nelson Brad B. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe knee is the most common site for translational cartilage research in sheep, though topographic features of articular cartilage across surfaces are unspecified. We aimed to characterize the mechanical, morphological, and biochemical properties of articular cartilage across ovine knee surfaces and document variations between and within surface locations. Regions of interest (ROIs) were delineated across surfaces of 10 healthy ovine knees. Articular cartilage at each ROI was measured for creep indentation, thickness, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen content. Variables were compared between surface locations (trochlea, and lateral [LFC] and medial [MFC] femoral condyles) and between ROIs within each surface location. Correlations between variables were also assessed. Articular surface location had a significant effect on creep (P < .0001), thickness (P < .0001), and collagen (P = .0007), but not GAG (P = .28). Significant differences in percent creep between ROIs were found within the LFC (P < .0001), MFC (P < .0001), and trochlea (P = .0002). Cartilage thickness was different between ROIs within the LFC, MFC, and trochlea (all P < .0001). The LFC (P = .002) and trochlea (P = .01) each had significant differences in GAG between ROIs. Collagen content between ROIs was different within the LFC (P = .0003), MFC (P = .0005), and trochlea (P < .0001). Collagen content was correlated with thickness (r = −.55), percent creep (r = .47), and GAG (r = −.21). Percent creep was correlated with thickness (r = −.64) and GAG (r = −.19). Topographic variations in mechanical, morphological, and biochemical properties exist across knee cartilage surfaces in sheep. Recognition of this variability is important to optimize study protocols and improve accuracy of results.
Detection and Differentiation of Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas in the Transverse Sinus/Sigmoid Sinus and Cavernous Sinus Using Carotid Ultrasound
Authors: Hisaeda Emiko , Shimada Hirofumi , Ogata Toshiyasu , Fukuda Kenji , Higashi Toshio , Inoue Tooru 
Published: August 2020

ObjectivesDural arteriovenous fistula (DAVFs) in the transverse sinus (TS)/sigmoid sinus (SS) and cavernous sinus (CS) are observed frequently in the clinic. This study aimed to detect DAVFs with ultrasound and compare carotid ultrasound findings between these conditions.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 26 patients with either a TS/SS DAVF or a CS DAVF who were admitted to our hospital for evaluation of DAVFs from 2014 to 2018. The shunt site decision was made by neuroendovascular experts, whereas carotid ultrasound examinations were performed by ultrasound specialists. The flow velocity of the ipsilateral external carotid artery was reviewed in all 26 patients, whereas that of the occipital artery (OA) was examined in 20 patients. Blood flow velocities were compared between the TS/SS DAVF and CS DAVF groups.ResultsThe study included 18 patients with a TS/SS DAVF (11 women and 7 men; mean age ± SD, 65.3 ± 18.6 years) and 8 patients with a CS DAVF (7 women and 1 man; mean age, 70.4 ± 9.3 years). Evaluations of feeder arteries on cerebral angiography showed that all patients had dural branches from the internal carotid and middle meningeal arteries as feeders of CS DAVFs, whereas the OA was the major feeder source of all TS/SS DAVF cases. The end‐diastolic velocity (EDV) of the external carotid artery was significantly higher in patients with a TS/SS DAVF compared with those with a CS DAVF (P = .004). The EDV of the OA was significantly elevated in TS/SS DAVF cases compared with CS DAVF cases (P < .001).ConclusionsDuplex ultrasound parameters are significantly different between patients with TS/SS and CS DAVFs. An increased EDV of the OA can predict the presence of a TS/SS DAVF.
Silencing of microRNA‐3175 represses cell proliferation and invasion in prostate cancer by targeting the potential tumor‐suppressor SCN4B
Authors: Huang He , Qing Xiao‐Yan , Zhou Qiong , Li Han‐Dan , Hu Zhu‐Yun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMicroRNA‐3175 (miR‐3175) expression is upregulated in prostate cancer, but its roles and the underlying mechanisms in prostate cancer cell growth and invasion need to be elucidated. This study aimed to uncover the roles of miR‐3175 in regulating cell growth and migration, as well as the expression of its predicted target gene cardiac sodium channel β4‐subunit gene (SCN4B). Real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) and/or western blotting techniques were used to measure miR‐3175 and SCN4B expression levels in prostate cancer cells. Inhibitor or mimics transfections were used to overexpress or silence miR‐3175 in prostate cancer cells. MTT and Edu assays were applied to assess cell viability. Scratch assay and transwell chambers were used to examine cell migration and invasion abilities. The interaction between miR‐3175 and SCN4B was determined by means of luciferase gene reporter, RT‐qPCR, and western blotting assays. The results showed that miR‐3175 expression was increased and SCN4B expression was decreased in prostate cancer cell lines as compared with normal human prostatic epithelial cells. Compared with the control group, knockdown of miR‐3175 resulted in strong inhibitions of cell growth, migration, invasion, and N‐cadherin expression, together with an increase in E‐cadherin expression. In addition, knockdown of miR‐3175 dramatically increased the luciferase activity of the luciferase vector of SCN4B, and increased SCN4B expression. Together, this study illustrated that downregulation of miR‐3175 repressed the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells, which might be induced by SCN4B downregulation.
2D Chiral Stripe Nanopatterns Self‐Assembled from Rod‐Coil Block Copolymers on Microstripes
Authors: Tang Zhengmin , Xu Zhanwen , Cai Chunhua , Lin Jiaping , Yao Yuan , Yang Chunming , Tian Xiaohui 
Published: August 2020

AbstractChiral nanoarchitectures usually possess unique and intriguing properties. However, the construction of 2D chiral nanopatterns through polymer self‐assembly is a challenge. Reported herein is the formation of chiral stripe nanopatterns through surface self‐assembly of polypeptide‐based rod‐coil block copolymers on microstripes. The nanostripes align oblique to the boundary of the microstripes, resulting in the chirality of the nanopatterns. The chirality of the nanopatterns is closely related to the width of the microstripes, i.e., a narrower width results in higher chirality. Besides, the chiral sense of the nanopatterns can be regulated by the chirality of the polypeptide blocks. This work demonstrates the transmission of chirality from polymer to nanoarchitecture on a confined surface, which can guide the preparation of nanopatterns with tuned chiral features.
Templated Polymerization of Nucleobase Complexes via Molecular Recognition
Authors: Wang Mu , Chu Fuke , Xiao Jingjing , Choi Bonnie , Wei Xiaohu , Feng Anchao 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMacromolecules have a strong tendency to interact with each other in solution to form a supramolecular structure through various secondary binding forces. In this study, nucleobase‐containing templates poly(9‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)adenine) (PSAH) and poly(1‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)cytosine) (PSCH) are prepared by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Vinylbenzyl thymine (MST) is polymerized in the presence of these two nucleobase‐containing templates. MST shows higher affinities toward the template PSAH compared with the template PSCH. In accordance with the Watson–Crick pairing principle, thymine forms hydrogen bonding (H‐bonding) with adenine, but not between thymine and cytosine. A complex is formed when PSAH is used as template which indicates that there is a template polymerization of nucleobase complexes via molecular recognition.
Detection of Arcobacter species in different intestinal compartments of broiler chicken during slaughter and processing
Authors: Schönknecht Antje , Alter Thomas , Gölz Greta 
Published: August 2020

AbstractArcobacter spp. are commonly present on meat products. However, the source of contamination on chicken meat is under dispute. Since different studies reported contradictory results on the occurrence of Arcobacter spp. inside the intestinal tract of chicken, our study examined four intestinal compartments at four significant production steps during broiler slaughter and processing in the slaughterhouse. Altogether, 157 intestinal tracts from 19 flocks were examined qualitatively and semiquantitatively applying a selective enrichment. Further verification was performed by mPCR and rpoB sequencing. Arcobacter spp. were only detected sporadically in intestinal contents after bleeding (2/32) and in none after scalding (0/32). After defeathering, Arcobacter spp. were detected in 62% (18/29) of the intestinal contents with 28% (8/29) of the duodenal, 21% (6/29) of the jejunal, 3% (1/29) of the cecal, and 55% (16/29) of the colonic samples tested positive with loads up to 24,000 MPN/g in the colonic content. Further 88% (7/8) of colonic tissue samples were tested positive. After evisceration, the prevalences (58/64) and loads of Arcobacter spp. display comparable levels in the intestinal contents like after defeathering. In conclusion, our data point out that Arcobacter spp. are most likely detected in the colonic intestinal compartment of the chicken after defeathering and evisceration. Therefore, not only cross‐contamination originating from the environment inside the slaughterhouse may cause carcass contamination with Arcobacter spp. on broiler chicken carcasses. The detection of Arcobacter spp. in duodenal and jejunal contents as well as in the colonic tissue indicates that there possibly exists an Arcobacter reservoir inside the chicken.