bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Keloid-Specific Gene Expression Profiling for Accurate Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Choi Miae , Lyu Jaemyun , Muthuramalingam Karthika , Lee Eunmyong , Oh Yoojoung , Sohn Insuk , Lee Jong-Hee , Kim Seok-Hyung 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Scars are a heterogeneous disease including normotrophic scars, hypertrophic scars, and keloids. Of these lesions, keloids are a distinct subtype from any other type of scar. Clinically, it causes pain, itching, or tenderness, causing life discomfort and characteristically irreversible. Despite various treatment modalities, restoring keloids to normal tissues is difficult, and frequent recurrences have been reported. Therefore, it is essential to identify keloid-specific genes for accurate diagnosis and treatment of keloids. In an effort to find out keloid-specific genes, several studies compared keloids with scar-free normal skin, which leading general scar-related genes to be chosen rather than keloid-specific genes. To select for highly accurate keloid-specific genes and pathways, we compared the transcriptome profile of keloids with those of normotrophic scars and hypertrophic scars, which acquired from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human skin samples using high-throughput RNA-sequencing techniques. Differential expression analyses and over-representation analyses revealed that genes related to nervous system process were upregulated in keloids, whereas genes related with immune responses were downregulated in keloids. Additionally, the extracellular matrix related processes were highlighted in both hypertrophic scars and keloids. Finally, we highlight potential keloid-specific biomarkers and expression changes that can be employed for future therapeutics of keloids.
Experimental Analyses of the Additive Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Tribological Properties of Lubricating Oil
Authors: BIRLEANU CORINA , PUSTAN MARIUS , CIOAZA MIRCEA , MOLEA ANDREEA , POPA FLORIN , CONTIU GLAD 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising lubricant additive for enhanced engine efficiency. In this study, pure base engine oil 10 W-30 was improved with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles at different concentrations and experimentally evaluated with the scope of tribological behavior improvement. The tribological tests were performed at ambient temperature as well as at 75°C using a four ball tribometer for 30 minutes. Due to their small particle size (approx. 21 nm), the TiO2 nanoparticles were properly dispersed in oil based on optical microscopy evaluation. The tribological results indicate that the friction coefficient of engine oil with 0.075 wt.% TiO2 reached 0.05 at 75°C, which was much lower that of pure oil (1.20), and at room temperature (23°C), it decreased from 1.8 for pure oil to 0.4 for oil with 0.075 wt.% TiO2 due to the formation of a stable tribofilm formed by the MoS2, MoO3, FeS, and FeSO4 composite within the wear track. The lowest wear volume was measured on samples tested at 75°C for the oil with 0.075 wt.% TiO2. The TiO2 additive lubricant effect on the tribofilm properties led to a decrease in friction and wear at an operating temperature of 75°C. The main objective of the paper is to present the recent progress and, consequently, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the tribological behavior of engine oil mixed with TiO2 nanoparticles.
Effects of Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Placental Global DNA Methylation and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine Levels in Mother-new-born Binomials
Authors: Diaz-Garcia Hector , Vilchis-Gil Jenny , Castro-Cerritos Karla Viridiana , García-Roca Pilar , Klünder-Klünder Miguel , Gómez-López Jaqueline , Granados-Riveron Javier Tadeo , López-Torres Adolfo , Sánchez-Urbina Rocio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Smoking is practiced worldwide for both men and women, and it is associated with different diseases and deleterious effects on gestational products, chiefly during pregnancy. Epigenetic alterations induced by cigarette smoke must be related to perinatal abnormalities. Methods: 219 pregnant women, aged 16 to 34 years, with or without a history of cigarette consumption (1–5/day) during the first trimester of pregnancy and their offspring were studied in this work. A validated dietary questionnaire was used to estimate daily consumptions of macronutrients and micronutrients, including total energy, during pregnancy. As a marker of DNA damage, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were determined in plasma of women, before delivery, in umbilical cord blood after delivery, in the new-borns. The proportion of methylated DNA in the placentas (metDNA) was determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). Results: Non-significant differences were observed between smoking and non-smoking women groups, or between the new-borns groups (p > 0.05). Smoking women showed up higher intakes of vitamins, lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates in comparison with non-smoking women (p < 0.01). 8-OHdG levels correlated among the mothers and new-borns (p = 5.386e-15) and were lower in the smoking binomials in comparison with non-smoking binomials (β = −1.20 to −64). Negative correlations were found between micronutrients and macronutrients but Vitamin C, and 8-OHdG levels of the women (p < 0.01). However, the new-borns 8-OHdG correlated with proteins, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 (p < 0.05). Cigarettes consumed per day correlated to the 8-8HdG levels (Rho = −0.247, p = 0.012), alcohol consumption (Rho = 0.219, p = 0.001), to macronutrients (Rho = 212 to 332, p < 0.01), micronutrients (Rho = 186 to 289, p < 0.01), and to energy (Rho = 0.286, p = 0.001). Finally, metDNA deceased in the smoking women than in the non-smoking women (β = −0.12, p < 0.05), and correlated with the number of cigarettes consumed per day (Rho = −0.229, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Cigarette smoking alters metDNA levels of the placenta, however, their clinical effects come out over years or transgenerationally.
Surgical Treatment of Ruptured Infectious Femoral Pseudoaneurysms Caused By Intravenous Drug Abuse: A Nonemergent (Postponed) Operation Pattern May Be a Possible Alternative
Authors: Luo Xing , Li Ke , He Chao Gui , Chen Ke Qin , Gong Dao Xing , Yang Bo , Li Bo , Liu Zheng Yu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the possibility of surgical treatment of ruptured infectious femoral pseudoaneurysms caused by intravenous drug abuse in a nonemergent operation pattern, with retrospective analysis of clinical data and experience at a single center.Methods: Clinical data of 85 consecutive patients presenting with groin area active or recent hemorrhage due to a ruptured infectious femoral artery pseudoaneurysm related to drug abuse who were treated in the First Hospital of Changsha, China, from July 2008 to June 2020 were collected and analyzed.Results: A total of 74.1% of patients presented with active hemorrhage, and 36.5% presented with significant hypotension at admission. The average interval between arrival and operation was 34.7±4.7 hours. Vital physiological parameters and overall situation improved significantly after sufficient preoperative preparation. Satisfactory hemostasis can be achieved by bandage compression or local skin suture. No case was transferred to urgent operation due to severe bleeding, and 1 postoperative death case was observed in the cohort. The main operative- and postoperative-related indicators were satisfactory and close to those in the emergent operation pattern.Conclusion: While emergent or urgent operation is the mainstream surgical treatment for ruptured infectious femoral pseudoaneurysms, nonemergent (postponed) operation with sufficient preoperative preparation might also be an acceptable and comparable choice in some cases.
Increased Expression of TIGIT And KLRG1 Correlates With Impaired CD56Bright NK Cell Immunity In HPV16-Rrelated Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: You Nie , Dandan Liu , Wen Yang , Yazhuo Li , Lihua Zhang , Xia Cheng , Ruyu Chen , Bingbing Yuan , Guangzheng Zhang , Hongwei Wang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: The onset and progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) are closely associated with the persistent infection of high-risk HPV (especially type16), which is mainly caused by immune escape. Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role against virally infected cells and tumor cells through a fine balance of signals from multiple surface receptors. Overexpression of non-MHC-I specific inhibitory receptors TIGIT, KLRG1, Siglec-7, LAIR-1, and CD300a on NK cells correlates with cellular exhaustion and immune evasion, but these receptors have not been investigated in CIN. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential role of NK cell non-MHC-I specific inhibitory receptors expression in immune escape from HPV16-related CIN patients .Methods: the subset distribution, IFN-γ and TNF-α expression levels and immunophenotype of TIGIT, KLRG1, Siglec-7, LAIR-1, and CD300a of NK cells were investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples by flow cytometry from 82 women, including HPV16(+) subjects with CIN 0, CIN I, and CIN II-III, and HPV subjects with CIN 0 (control). immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the expression of ligands for NK receptors in the cervical tissues. HPV types were identified by PCR assays.Results: The HPV16(+) subjects with high-grade lesions had an increased number of circulating peripheral blood CD56bright NK cells with reduced functionality and IFN-γ secretion. The expression levels of the inhibitory molecules TIGIT and KLRG1 on CD56bright NK cells increased in parallel with increasing CIN grade. In addition, TIGIT and KLRG1 related ligands, PVR, N-Cadherin and E-Cadherin expression level was also elevated with increasing CIN grade. Conclusions: Our results suggested that the reduced viability of CD56bright NK cells and increased TIGIT and KLRG1 expression represent an escape mechanism associated to persistent HPV16 infection and CIN progression. These results may facilitate the development of early-warning immune predictors and therapeutic strategies for HPV16-associated CIN based on the TIGIT and KLRG1 inhibitory pathways of NK cells.
Frequency of hypothyroidism after cardiac catheter in infants with congenital heart diseases: A single center prospective study
Authors: Elbaz Boshra , Elmarsafawy Hala , Laimon Wafaa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study aims to determine the incidence, potential onset and clinical course of hypothyroidism following cardiac catheter (CC) in infants with congenital heart diseases (CHD) and to evaluate the predictors for hypothyroidism in this vulnerable group. This prospective study included 102 patients with CHD, aged ≤ 3 years who underwent CC. Thyroid function tests were assessed before CC, one day, one week, two weeks and four weeks after the procedure. 12% of the studied group showed hypothyroidism four weeks after CC. Univariate analysis revealed that the significant predictors of hypothyroidism following CC are aortic stenosis (RR=10.0 (1.49-66.99), P=0.018), duration of fluoroscopy (RR=1.12 (0.99-1.26), P=0.05), and total cumulative dose of iodinated contrast media (iCM) (RR=1.01 (1.003 -1.01), P=0.019). Multivariate analysis revealed that iCM cumulative dose was the only significant predictor of developing hypothyroidism (RR=1.00 (1.00-1.01), P=0.04). ROC curve analysis showed that the cut-off point of iCM dose for prediction of hypothyroidism evolution is 8.7 gm/kg (26.1 ml/kg), (sensitivity: 83.3%, specificity: 65.1%), while the cut-off point of fluoroscopy duration which predicts development of hypothyroidism is 24 minutes, (sensitivity: 83.3%, specificity: 65.9%). In a median follow-up duration of 20 months, acquired hypothyroidism after CC persists in 5% of this cohort. Conclusion: Exposure to higher dose of iCM and longer duration of fluoroscopy during CC are risk factors for evolution of hypothyroidism. We recommend assessment of thyroid profile 4 weeks after CC particularly in patients who received a dose of iCM higher than 8.7 gm/kg and/or exposed to fluoroscopy for more than 24 minutes.
Clptm1 Downregulation Exerts Antiepileptic Activity by Regulating GABAAR-mediated Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission in PTZ-induced Epileptic Model
Authors: Zhang Peng , Lin Lan , Mei Rong , Zhang Fengli , Chen Yangmei , Li Rong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Disruption of GABAAR synaptic clustering and a decrease number in their cell surface are thought to contribute to the alteration in the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, which contributes to seizure induction and propagation. Cleft lip and palate transmembrane protein 1 (Clptm1), a multi-pass transmembrane protein, has been showed that it is an intracellular molecule that controls forward trafficking of GABAAR. Clptm1 downregulating increased miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current (mIPSC) in vivo. Thus, Clptm1 controls phasic and tonic inhibitory transmission in brain. In this study, we hypothesized that Clptm1 may be involved in epileptic seizure by regulating GABAAR-mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission in epileptic model.Methods and Results: In PTZ-induced epileptic model, we found that Clptm1 was increased in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients as well as in epileptic model. Then, we showed that Clptm1 downregulation exerted antiepileptic activities in epileptic model, which was associated to the increased surface GABAARγ2 expression and mIPSCs amplitudes.Conclusions: Clptm1 downregulation exerted antiepileptic activities in epileptic model, thus, it may be a promising target for antiepileptic treatments.
Ionic Liquids Based on Chromotropic Acid: Excellent Lubricating Additives for Aqueous System
Authors: Wang Peng , Gao Peng , Ma Lin , Wen Ping , Han Yunyan , Dong Rui , Fan Mingjin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In this paper, four ionic liquids based on chromotropate (CAILs) were prepared and applied to heighten the tribological performance of aqueous system on different metal friction contacts. Taking for the potential choice for water-based lubricating additive, CAILs exhibited excellent water solubility and corrosion resistance. Tribological results showed that the CAILs, especially the phenolic hydroxyl group decorated samples (TsnN4444 and TsnP4444), demonstrated extremely effective lubricating properties with the efficient friction and wear descent (69% and 83% for Fe, 47% and 94% for Cu, 74% and 69% for Al, respectively). Especially, the excellent load-carrying capacity was also presented with the highest PB (833N) and PD (1568N) values for TsnP4444. It is speculated that the CAIL molecular adsorption on the interface and further generation of tribochemical films are beneficial for their lubricating effects. resulting from the systematic discussion and analysis of CA, QCM, SEM, XPS, and FIB-TEM tests. However, TsN4444 and TsP4444 showed less effective lubricating performances and poor load-carrying capacities due to tribocorrosion of hydroxyl groups at the interface.
Effect of Cornus Mas L. Fruit Extract on Blood Pressure, Anthropometric and Body Composition Indices in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yarhosseini Faezeh , Sangouni Abbas Ali , Sangsefidi Zohreh Sadat , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh , Akhondi-Meybodi Mohsen , Ranjbar Alimohammad , Fallahzadeh Hossein , Mozaffari-Khosravi Hassan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background:Obesity is an important factor in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Patients with NAFLD are at increased risk for hypertension. Some investigations have hypothesized that Cornus mas L. fruit can improve blood pressure and obesity. We investigated the effect of Cornus mas L. fruit extract on blood pressure variables, anthropometric and body composition indices in patients with NAFLD.Methods:This double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted on fifty patients with NAFLD. Patients received 20 cc/d Cornus mas L. fruit extract or placebo for 12 weeks. We measured diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat mass (BFM), body fat percent (BFP) and fat free mass (FFM) at the baseline and after intervention.Results:The treatment group compared to the control group showed a significant reduction in DBP (-8.62 ± 11.86 vs. 0.53 ± 8.53; P = 0.009), SBP (-8.63 ± 14.37 vs. 0.0 ± 12.67; P = 0.04), BFM (-0.2 ± 3.9 vs. 0.7 ± 2.4; P = 0.02) and BFP (-0.2 ± 4.9 vs. 0.8 ± 2.8; P = 0.05) after adjusting for confounding factors. However, we found no significant difference between groups in weight, WC, HC, WHR and FFM (P > 0.05). Conclusions:Cornus mas L. can improve blood pressure. Further studies with higher dosages of extract are needed to clarify its effects on obesity. Trial registration: Registered on 30 September 2018 at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20180419039359N1 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/30707).
Angiopoietin-Like 4 Promotes Glucose Metabolism by Regulating Glucose Transporter Expression in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Mizuno Shodai , Seishima Ryo , Yamasaki Juntaro , Hattori Kaoru , Ogiri Masayo , Matsui Shimpei , Shigeta Kohei , Okabayashi Koji , Nagano Osamu , Liang Li , Kitagawa Yuko 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) was recently shown to be associated with cancer progression but little is known about its contribution to cancer metabolism. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of ANGPTL4 in glucose metabolism in colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods

Immunohistochemical staining of CRC specimens classified 84 patients into two groups according to ANGPTL4 expression. Clinicopathological characteristics, gene mutation status obtained by next-generation sequencing, and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake measured by positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, the impact of ANGPTL4 expression on cancer metabolism was investigated by a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model using the ANGPTL4 knockout CRC cell line and glucose transporter (GLUT) expression was evaluated.
Results

There were significantly more cases of T3/4 tumours (94.3% vs. 57.1%, P < 0.001) and perineural invasion (42.9% vs. 22.4%, P = 0.046) in the ANGPTL4-high group than in the low group. Genetic exploration revealed a higher frequency of KRAS mutation (54.3% vs. 22.4%, P = 0.003) in the ANGPTL4-high tumours. All the FDG uptake parameters were significantly higher in ANGPTL4-high tumours. In vivo analysis showed a significant reduction in tumor size due to ANGPTL4 knockout with lower expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3, and suppression of AKT phosphorylation.
Conclusion

ANGPTL4 regulates the expression of GLUTs by activating the PI3K-AKT pathway and thereby promoting glucose metabolism in CRC. These findings establish a new functional role of ANGPTL4 in cancer progression and lay the foundation for developing a novel therapeutic target.
Acid Black 194 Dye Clarifications Onto Natural And Acid/Base Activated Smectitic Clays
Authors: Chakroun Salima , Elleuch Haitham , Sghaier Dalel , Gaied Mohamed 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The present work is concerned the Acid Black 194 dye adsorption by Two smectitic clays (BJ and AJ) aged upper Eocene were sampled from Atlas Central of Tunisia in Kairouan region. Technical characterization was carried out using calcimetry and X-ray diffraction. The activation studies of clays by HCl/ Na2CO3 have been conducted to improve their physicochemical properties. The optimum result of the surface area after acid activation (aa) was 398 m2/g for BJ aa and AJ aa, after basic activation (ab) the surface area was 460 m2 /g for BJ ab and 440 m2/g for AJ ab. The characterization by XRD, chemical analysis and SEM observations, were performed before and after optimum activation.Moreover, the raw and activated samples (aa/ab) under the optimum activation conditions were used in the effluent treatment. Adsorption tests were made by batch system at 25 °C in different pH (2-12) and by varying the adsorbent amount (0.025-0.1 g). The best adsorption results were recorded with pH = 11 and amount adsorbent 0.025 g. The raw clay adsorption capacity was slightly better than activated samples. The best yield was given by BJ (94%). Therefore, clay can be used in various applications without any characteristic modification.
Chicken or the egg: Vitamin D deficiency in Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology in Sri Lanka
Authors: Godawita R , Nayanamali MAA , Silva KDRR , Abeysundara HTK , Antonypillai CN , Nanayakkara N 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Vitamin D deficiency is a poorly studied nutritional disorder in CKDu. There are no published studies on vitamin D levels in CKDu; a unique environmental nephropathy in tropical countries. This study was aimed to describe the prevalence of vitamin D, iron and vitamin B12 status in CKDu patients and to determine associations between vitamin D status and socio demographic factors, nutritional status and dietary intake of vitamin D.
Method

This was a cross sectional survey conducted among the CKDu patients in Wilgamuwa area, in Mathale district located in the Central province of Sri Lanka. Data was collected by laboratory evaluation, clinical examination and interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS statistical software.
Results

Out of the 150 of respondents, 74.0% (n = 111) had vitamin D deficiency, 72.0% (n = 108) had anemia, and 3.3% (n = 5) had vitamin B12 deficiency, in both genders. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of anemia, low serum ferritin and vitamin B12 deficiency between males and females. Gender was significantly associated with the vitamin D deficiency (p<0.05). Females were 7.69 times more likely to have vitamin D deficiency compared to males. Vitamin D deficiency was 1.7 times higher among those who received social welfare benefits than those who did not receive it. High intake of fish was protective against vitamin D deficiency.
Conclusion

Isolated Vitamin D deficiency was the most prevalent nutritional deficiency among CKDu patients of Sri Lanka. Correction of these deficiencies may have a favorable effect on CKDu outcome.