bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoid promotes osteoblast viability by activating autophagy via the SGK1/FOXO3a signal pathway
Authors: Yu Xianghua , Xu Xiaoming , Zhang Shengxiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Autophagy is important for cellular survival under numerous stimuli. Previous studies have demonstrated that endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) could induce autophagy, contribute to bone metabolism and development under physiological condition, but the precise mechanisms involved are unknown. Methods: Mouse embryonic osteoblastic precursor cells, MC3T3-E1 cells, were treated with low dose of GCs (10-8M dexamethasone, Dex) and/or autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) for different time periods. Gene interference with serum- and glucocorticoid induced kinase-1 (SGK1) was performed before above stimulations. After that, CCK-8 assay was performed to determine cell viability and the flow cytometry was performed to detect the apoptosis rates of the osteoblast cells. The expressions of SGK1, phosphorylated-FOXO3a (p-FOXO3a)/FOXO3 and autophagy-related proteins were detected with the western blotting. Results: A low dose (10-8M) of Dex induced a significant time-dependent increase in the expression and activation of SGK1 in MC3T3-E1 cells，accompanied by an increase in cell viability and decrease in cell apoptosis. 3-MA significantly inhibited the viability-promoting effect of Dex. Moreover, we found that Dex increased LC3II and Beclin-1 levels and decreased SQSTM/p62 levelin a time-dependent manner, which could be attenuated by pretreatment with 3-MA. Transfection of MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to Dex with shRNA-SGK1 resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability, and an increase in apoptosis. 3-MA further aggravated the effects of SGK1 inhibition on cell viability and apoptosis. Knocking down SGK1 before Dex exposure significantly downregulated p-FOXO3a/FOXO3, suppressed LC3II and Beclin-1 levels and increased SQSTM/p62 levels in MC3T3-E1 cells, which could be amplifies by 3-MA. Conclusions: A low dose of GCs increased osteoblast viability by activating autophagy via SGK1/FOXO3a pathway.
Spatial Covariant Management of Thermodynamics Contributes to Protein Fold Function through Quality Assurance
Authors: Angles Frederic , Wang Chao , Balch William 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Although the impact of genome variation on the thermodynamic properties of the protein fold has been studied in vitro, it remains a challenge to assign these relationships across the entire polypeptide sequence in vivo. Using the Gaussian process regression-based principle of Spatial CoVariance (SCV), we globally assign on a residue-by-residue the biological thermodynamic properties contributing to the functional fold in the cell using CFTR as an example. We demonstrate the existence of a thermodynamically sensitive region of the CFTR fold involving the interface between NBD1 and ICL4 that contributes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) export. At the cell surface a new set of residues contribute uniquely to the management of channel function. These results support a general 'quality assurance' (QA) view of global protein fold management as an SCV principle describing the differential pre- and post-ER residue interactions contributing to compartmentalization of the energetics of the protein fold for function.
Adaptive Neural Backstepping Control of Nonlinear Fractional-Order Systems with Input Quantization
Authors: Cheng Chao , Wang Huanqing , Shen Haikuo , Liu Peter Xiaoping 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This article addresses the tracking control problem of uncertain fractional-order nonlinear systems in the presence of input quantization and external disturbance by combining with radial basis function(RBF) neural networks(NNs), fractional-order disturbance observer(FODO) and backstepping method. The unknown nonlinearities of fractional-order systems is approximated by RBF NNs. The design of hysteretic quantizer achieves quantification of input signal and avoids chattering. The FODO is utilized to evaluate the external disturbance exist in fractional-order systems. According to fractioanlorder Lyapunov stability analysis, the bounds of all the signals in the closedloop system is proved. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by the simulation results.
Insights into the mechnisms of the differential abilities of two N2O reducers, Pseudomonas sp., isolated from paddy soil
Authors: Liu Chunmei , Sheng Rong , Chen Xing , Liu Yi , Wei Wenxue 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Microbial reduction of nitrous oxide (N 2 O) in soil plays an important role in mitigating N 2 O emission, and it is the only known biological process for N 2 O sink. However, it is not clear about the mechnisms of differential N 2 O reducing function of N 2 O reducers. In this study, the N 2 O reducing activities and nosZ gene transcript abundance of two N 2 O reducers named P. veronii DM15 (DM15) and P. frederiksbergensis DM22 (DM22) were determined under varied temperature and oxygen concentration conditions, as well as the whole genomes were sequenced by Illumina sequencing. The results showed that DM15 generally exhibited significantly higher abilities in N 2 O reduction than DM22 in regardless of low or high temperature and aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Coincidently, DM15 expressed significantly more nosZ gene transcripts under above environments. Genomic analysis further revealed that DM15 possessed about 30% more transcription related genes than DM22 and the nos cluster of the former contained a transcriptional regulator gene of dnr which not found in that of the later. Additionally, the nos genes of DM15 possessed obviously higher expression potentials (CAI value). In conclusion, the transcriptional regulation of nos gene region would be a crucial factor in determining the differences of N 2 O reducing abilities of the two N 2 O reducing isolates.
Role of Exosomal microRNAs and lncRNAs in the Follicular Fluid of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Ye Tianmin , Lin Suxia , Ding Shufang , Cao Dandan , Luo Longdan , Yeung William Shubiu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex class of endocrine disorders with insulin resistance, compensatory hyperinsulinaemia and obesity. However, the pathogenesis and therapies of PCOS have not been fully elucidated. Exosomal miRNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers and therapies for a wide range of medical conditions. In this study, we isolated exosomes from follicular fluid collected from 5 PCOS patients and 5 non-PCOS patients. miRNA cDNA library sequencing identified 124 miRNAs that were significantly upregulated nearly twofold, while 33 miRNAs were significantly downregulated nearly twofold in PCOS follicular fluid exosomes. These miRNA target genes were mainly involved in metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, the MAPK signalling pathway, endocytosis, the Ras signalling pathway, the Hippo signalling pathway, and cellular senescence. According to the previously reported exosomal lncRNA data of PCOS follicular fluid, a miRNA and lncRNA coexpression network developed from data from starBase strictly screened 29 differentially expressed miRNAs. This network also helped to identify miRNA signatures associated with metabolic processes in PCOS. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential pathogenesis of PCOS, and follicular fluid exosomal miRNAs may be efficient targets for the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS in long-term clinical studies.
Improved Feasibility of Joint Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analyses Performance for Complex Scenario of Accidental Radioactivity Release into the Calm Atmosphere
Authors: Pecha Petr , Kárný Miroslav 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
During several hours of the calm meteorological situation, a relatively significant level of radioactivity can be accumulated around the source. At the second stage, the calm situation is assumed to terminate and convective movement of the air induced by wind immediately starts. Random realisations of the input atmospheric dispersion model parameters for the CALM scenario are generated using LHS (Latin Hypercube Sampling) scheme. The resultant complex random radiological trajectories passing through both calm and convective stages of the release scenario represent inevitable prerequisite for prospective uncertainty analysis (UA) and sensitivity analysis (SA). Novel concept of Approximate Based (AB) solution approximates non-Gaussian sum of individual puffs at the end of the calm period by only one Gaussian “superpuff” distribution. Substantial acceleration of generation of sufficiently large number of random realisation makes further UA and SA feasible. Both procedures come from common mapping of the pairs of matrix random dependant output fields and vector of random input parameters realisations. Examples of 2-D random trajectories of deposited 137Cs are presented. Global sensitivity analysis utilising random sampling methods is outlined.
BcMF27, A Pectin Methylesterase Gene, Regulates Pollen Development and Pollen Tube Growth in Brassica Campestris
Authors: Yue Xiaoyan , Cao Jiashu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Functional pollen grains are an essential ingredient of successful reproduction in flowering plants and are protected by outer walls. Pectin methylesterases (PMEs) modify pectin, a structural component of pollen intine. However, there are few studies on PMEs. Artificial microRNA (amiRNA) and overexpression technology was performed to investigate the function of pollen-specific PME gene, BcMF27, in pollen development. Knockdown of BcMF27 led to pollen wall collapse, 20% of which unknown material adhered to. Wall-collapsed pollen had abnormally thick intine outside of the germinal furrows. A portion of the cytoplasm was degraded in the remaining pollen with unknown material on the wall, in addition to a thick intine. Overexpression of BcMF27 resulted in 66.67% pollen wall disruption, causing an abnormally thick intine. In addition, functional interruption of BcMF27 gave rise to pollen tubes twisted in vitro. Taken together, BcMF27 contributes to the intine morphogenesis during pollen development and stabilizes pollen tube elongation. This research can promote knowledge of PMEs function and the molecular mechanism in pollen wall construction.
The Protective Effect of Epimysium Preservation and FTY720 on Functional Gracilis Transfer: Experimental Rabbit Study
Authors: chen Jianping , Li Zhenpeng , Jiang An , Gu Fanbin , Fang Jintao , Qin Bengang , Wang Honggang , Yang Jiantao , Gu Liqiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background Free functional gracilis transfer (FFGT) is one of the most important methods for the treatment of total brachial plexus avulsion. However, postoperative adhesion and fibrosis of the transferred muscle compromise the effectiveness. This study is to investigate whether intact epimysium and FTY720 could reduce adhesion and fibrosis following FFGT in rabbits.Methods A total of 60 New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group 1 was set as control, and orthotopic gracilis transfer models were established in Group 2-4, with different interventions: epimysium resection (Group 2), epimysium preservation (Group 3) and epimysium preservation combined with FTY720 treatment (Group 4). After that, at each time points (1, 3, 7, 14, and 56 days postoperatively), three rabbits in each group were selected to harvest their gracilis and adjacent muscles for histological analysis including hematoxylin & eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and anti-transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) immuno-histochemical staining. Additionally, the thickness of extragracilis adhesion band by ultrasonography were also assessed at days 56.Results All of HE, Masson and TGF-β1 stains confirmed that there were least inflammatory cell infiltration, adhesion and fibrosis of the transferred gracilis in Group 4 than those in Groups 2 and 3. At the 56 days postoperatively, the thickness of the adhesion band of gracilis was lightest in group 4 than that in Groups 2 and 3. Conclusions For the functional gracilis transfer, epimysium preservation and FTY720 could relieve the inflammatory response between gracilis and adjacent muscles, reduce the fibrosis and adhesion.
Optimal Targeted Temperature in Targeted Temperature Management without Automated Devices Using a Temperature Feedback System: A Prospective, Multicenter Observational Study (KoCARC Registry)
Authors: Kong Taeyoung , You Je Sung , Lee Hye Sun , Jeon Soyoung , Park Yoo Seok , Chung Sung Phil 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Targeted temperature management (TTM) at 32ºC–36ºC improves patient outcomes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). TTM using automated temperature management devices with feedback systems (TFDs) is recommended, but the equipment is often unavailable. This study aimed to investigate therapeutic relations between targeted temperatures and TFDs on the outcomes of OHCA patients with TTM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify the optimal targeted temperature in TTM without TFD with regards to neurological outcomes in OHCA patients. Methods: This prospective multicenter study analyzed nontraumatic OHCA registry data between October 2015 and June 2020 from 62 institutions. Patients were classified into four groups based on targeted temperatures and TFD implementation: TTM at 36ºC with TFD (36TFD), TTM at 33ºC with TFD (33TFD), TTM at 36°C without TFD (36NTFD), and TTM at 33°C without TFD (33TNFD). Clinical outcomes were neurological status at discharge. Results: A total of 938 patients were included in the analysis. A significant interaction was found between targeted temperatures and TFD use on neurological outcomes (P=0.032). There was an independent association between the 33NTFD patients with the least favorable neurological outcomes among the four groups after adjustment for covariates. However, no significant differences were observed in neurological outcomes among the 36TFD, 33TFD, and 36NTFD groups after adjusting for covariates. Compared to 33NTFD patients, 36NTFD patients exhibited significantly higher adjusted ORs for favorable neurological status (OR: 4.28, 95% CI: 1.50–12.16, P<0.01). Conclusions: In OHCA patients receiving TTM without TFDs, the adjusted predicted probability of favorable neurological outcomes at hospital discharge was greater for TTM at 36°C than that at 33°C. The 36NTFD group displayed similar therapeutic effect as the TFD groups. This suggests that a TTM of 36°C rather than 33°C is associated with more favorable neurological outcomes if TFDs are unavailable.
Laparoscopic Surgery vs. Open Surgery for Older Patients with Rectal Cancer: A Comparative Study of Propensity Score
Authors: Li Qiang , Gao Hong , Wang Jin-Zhong , Zhu Yu-Bing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery to open rectal cancer surgery in patients aged 70 years and older. Methods Consecutive patients (≥70 years old) who underwent rectal cancer surgery were retrospectively selected. Based on the covariates (age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ASA, TNM staging), the propensity score was calculated for paired comparison. The Tumor Distance from the Anal Verge (TDAV), history of abdominal surgery, combined diseases, time of operation, amount of blood loss, anastomosis method, postoperative hospital stay, time to first exhaust, time to first oral diet, postoperative complications, postoperative 30-day mortality and postoperative pathological staging of two groups were collected. Results Shorter operating time, higher intraoperative blood loss, slower intestinal function, longer time to first exhaust, longer postoperative hospital stay, higher incidence of postoperative complications (no statistical difference), and shorter duration of analgesics were observed in the OS group (all P<0.05). The sphincter preserving rate was basically the same in the two groups. For low rectal cancer with TDAV < 5 cm, more patients tended to choose LS (P=0.051); for middle rectal cancer with TDAV of 5-10 cm, more patients tended to choose OS (P=0.032). There was no significant difference in postoperative survival rate between the two groups. Conclusions In older patients, laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery led to less trauma, and a faster recovery compared to open surgery, with significant short-term advantages and no significant long-term advantages. For low rectal cancer, the advantage of LS was more prominent.
HERV-K18 Env Expression and the Potential Association With TGF-β and Epstein–Barr Virus Infection in the Presence and the Absence of Vitamin D in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Latifi Tayebeh , Teymoori-Rad Majid , Nejati Ahmad , Shahmahmoodi Shohreh , Rezaei Farhad , Marashi Sayed Mahdi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Previous studies have reported that Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) such as HERV-K18 is associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study aimed to evaluate the association between the expression of HERV-K18 env, TGF-β, and in vitro effect of EBV infection on the expression level of HERV-K18 env in PBMC of MS patients in both presence and absence of vitamin D (1,25-OHD). The levels of HERV-K18 env was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 20 MS patients and 20 healthy controls by quantitative real-time PCR. PBMCs were further treated with EBV in the presence or the absence of vitamin D. After 72 hours, cells were collected for measurement of HERV-K18 env expression using Real-time PCR. While the expression of HERV-K18 env was significantly higher in MS patients than healthy controls, the expression of TGF–β was found to be significantly lower in MS patients compare to healthy controls. Interestingly, an inverse correlation was found between HERV-K18 env expression and TGF-β expression in MS patients but not for healthy controls. Although in vitro stimulated PBMCs with EBV showed no significant differences in terms of HERV-K18 expression, EBV infected cells revealed different patterns in the presence and the absence of vitamin D treatment. These findings not only support the important role of HERV-K18 env expression but also highlight the plausible interactions with different risk factors in MS.
Correlation Analysis Between Preoperative Systemic Immune Inflammation Index and Prognosis of Gastric Carcinoma Patients: Based on Propensity Score Matching Method
Authors: Xu Zhaojun , Chen Xiaobin , An Juan , Yuan Jiaqi , Jiang Shuyun , Liu Tao , Cai Baojia , Wang Cheng , Ma Xiaoming 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: To explore the correlation between the preoperative systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and the prognosis of patients with gastric carcinoma (GC).Methods: The clinical data of 771 GC patients surgically treated in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital from June 2010 to June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed, and their preoperative SII was calculated. The optimal cut-off value of preoperative SII was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the confounding factors between the two groups were eliminated using the propensity score matching (PSM) method, and the correlation between preoperative SII and clinicopathological characteristics was assessed by chi-square test. Moreover, the overall survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method, the survival curve was plotted, and log-rank test was performed for the significance analysis between the curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses were also conducted using the Cox proportional hazards model.Results: It was determined by the ROC curve that the optimal cut-off value of preoperative SII was 489.52, based on which 771 GC patients were divided into high SII (H-SII) group and low SII (L-SII) group, followed by PSM in the two groups. The results of Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that before and after PSM, the postoperative 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates in L-SII group were superior to those in H-SII group, and the overall survival rate had a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Before PSM, preoperative SII [hazard ratio (HR) =2.707, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.074-3.533, P<0.001] was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of GC patients. After 1:1 PSM, preoperative SII (HR=2.669, 95%CI: 1.881-3.788, P<0.001) was still an independent risk factor for the prognosis of GC patients.Conclusions: Preoperative SII is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of GC patients. The increase in preoperative SII in peripheral blood indicates a worse prognosis.
Paeonol Inhibits the Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis Through the Formyl Peptide Receptor 2
Authors: yubao shao , Dan Ji , Lanxin Bao , Wenhao Li , Jinchen Dai , Mengmeng Chen , Taorong Wang , Jing Ye , Dahai Zhao , Xiaoyu Chen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a refractory systemic autoimmune disease associated with synovial inflammation. Previous studies postulate that paeonol has good anti-arthritis effects on RA. However, its systematic description remains unknown. Herein, we used bioinformatics tools to evaluate the mechanism of paeonol in arthritis systematically. A macrophage model was employed to study the differentially expressed genes between the inflammation and normal group, revealing 169 inflammation-related genes. Another 275 key genes affected by paeonol were identified in the same model. Three key genes, FPR2, Cd83, and Cfb, were obtained after combining the two data sets. Paeonol inhibited the release of inflammatory factors and the proliferation of synovial. However, its inhibitory effect was blocked by Fpr2 blocker WRW4. In summary, paeonol can inhibit the development of arthritis through FPR2. This provides new scope for the design and development of FPR2 ligands.
Selection of Species Specific Panel of Reference Genes Across Native Livestock Species Adapted to Trans-Himalayan Region of Leh-ladakh
Authors: Tiwari Manish , Sodhi Monika , Verma Preeti , Vivek Prince , Kataria Ranjit S , Niranjan Saket K , Bharti Vijay K , Masharing Nampher , Gujar Gayatri , Chanda Divya , Mukesh Manishi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The identification of appropriate references genes is an integral component of any gene expression-based study for getting accuracy and reliability in data interpretation. In this study, we evaluated the expression stability of 10 candidate reference genes (GAPDH, RPL4, EEF1A1, RPS9, HPRT1, UXT, RPS23, B2M, RPS15, ACTB) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of livestock species that are adapted to high altitude hypoxia conditions of Leh-Ladakh. A total of 37 PBMCs samples from six native livestock species of leh-Ladakh region such as Ladakhi cattle (LAC), Ladakhi yak (LAY), Ladakhi donkey (LAD), Chanthangi goat (CHG), Double hump cattle (DHC) and Zanskar ponies (ZAP) were included in this study. The commonly used statistical algorithms such as geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder were employed to assess the stability of these RGs in all the livestock species. Our study has identified different panel of reference genes in each species; for example, EEF1A1, RPL4 in Ladakhi cattle; GAPDH, RPS9, ACTB in Ladakhi yak; HPRT1, B2M, ACTB in Ladakhi donkey; HPRT1, B2M, ACTB in Double hump camel, RPS9, HPRT1 in Changthangi goat, HPRT1 and ACTB in Zanskar ponies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic attempt to identify panel of RGs across different livestock species types adapted to high altitude hypoxia conditions. In future, the findings of the present study would be quite helpful in conducting any transcriptional studies to understand the molecular basis of high altitude adaptation of native livestock population of Leh-Ladakh.