bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nuclear Lamin A in Rotator Cuff Tear Margin Tenocytes: An Antiapoptotic and Cell Mechanostat Factor.
Authors: Gumina Stefano , Peruzzi Barbara , Leopizzi Martina , Porta Natale , Maio Valeria Di , Rocca Carlo Della , candela vittorio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe network of intermediate filament proteins underlying the inner nuclear membrane forms the nuclear lamin. A and B-type lamins are the major components of the nuclear lamina. Lamins function in many nuclear activities. The role of lamin-A and transcription factors (NF-kB) as anti-apoptotic is well documented. Recently, lamin-A has also been considered as mechanosensor protein able to maintain nuclear integrity from mechanical insults. We aimed to verify how lamin-A expression varies in healthy cuff cells and in those with different sized tears where various mechanical stresses are present. MethodsForty-three patients with rotator cuff tear (RCT) [23M-20F, mean age (SD): 63.5 (6.1)] were enrolled. Tissue samples excised from the most medial point of tear margins were analyzed for lamin-A expression by immunohistochemistry. Controls were represented by samples obtained by seven healthy supraspinatus tendons excised from patients submitted to reverse shoulder prosthesis implant [3M-4F, mean age (SD): 67.1 (6.3)]. The intensity of staining was graded, and an H-score was assigned. Statistical analysis was performed.ResultsOur study revealed a moderate intensity of lamin-A in the healthy cuff tendons, a higher expression of this protein in the small tears, and a significant decrease of lamin-A with increasing tear size (p<0.0001).ConclusionsOur study emphasizes the importance of early repair of small RCTs since nuclear stability is maintained, and the cellular function is protected by lamin-A overexpression. High re-tear of massive cuff repair could be due to cellular apoptosis and nuclear modifications induced by lamin-A lack.Level of Evidence: III
Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Reverses Synaptic Plasticity Deficits in Striatum of DYT1&nbsp;Dystonia Mice
Authors: Cai Huaying , Ni Linhui , Hu Xingyue , Ding Xianjun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background & objectiveStriatal plasticity alterations caused by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is supposed to be critically involved in the mechanism of DYT1 dystonia. In the current study, we expanded this research field by investigating the critical role of ER stress underlying synaptic plasticity impairment imposed by mutant heterozygous Tor1a+/- in a DYT1 dystonia mouse model.Methods & resultsLong-term depression (LTD) was failed to be induced, while long-term potentiation (LTP) was further strengthened in striatal spiny neurons (SPNs) from the Tor1a+/- DYT1 dystonia mice. Spine morphology analyses revealed a significant increase of both number of mushroom type spines and spine width in Tor1a+/- SPNs. In addition, increased AMPA receptor function and the reduction of NMDA/AMPA ratio in the postsynaptic of Tor1a+/- SPNs was observed, along with increased ER stress protein levels in Tor1a+/- striatum. Notably, ER stress inhibitors, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), could rescue LTD as well as AMPA currents.ConclusionThe current study illustrated the role of ER stress in mediating structural and functional plasticity alterations in Tor1a+/- SPNs. Inhibition of the ER stress by TUDCA is beneficial in reversing the deficits at the cellular and molecular levels. Remedy of dystonia associated neurological and motor functional impairment by ER stress inhibitors could be a recommendable therapeutic agent in clinical practice.
Analysis of Soil and Microbial Characteristics and Microbial Response in Rare Earth Mining Areas in Jiangxi Province, China.
Authors: Liang Zhentian , Zhang Wenjing , Yang Yuesuo , Ma Jincai , Li Shuxin , Wen Zong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
There is a certain connection between the microbial community and functional flora in rare earth mining areas, but the pollution characteristics and pollution metabolic pathways in the mining area are still unclear. The conditions of heavy metals, rare earth elements, and microorganisms after the mining of rare earth mines were studied in this paper. It was found that after mining, all the sampling areas showed low pH and low total organic carbon(TOC), accompanied by high iron and aluminum concentrations. The development of vegetation is closely related to the development level of microorganisms. In the complex environment of rare earth mining areas, the Proteobacteria showed an absolute competitive advantage. In the process of mine environmental recovery, the relative abundance of Acidobacteria will increase significantly, but with the further development of restoration, the relative abundance of Firmicutes in rare earth mining areas will gradually decrease. There are many genera of bacteria related to the N cycle and heavy metal metabolism in the study area, indicating important metabolic pathways of ammonia nitrogen and heavy metals in rare earth mining areas. At the same time, the study found that there are bacterial genera that promote plant nitrogen fixation in the area, further revealing the nitrogen cycle.
Risk of SARS-CoV2-related Mortality in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With First-line Immunotherapy Alone or in Combination With Chemotherapy
Authors: Banna Giuseppe Luigi , Cantale Ornella , Friedlaender Alex , Yusof Harliana , Addeo Alfredo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Patients with cancer are vulnerable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), although the impact of solid cancer types and systemic anticancer treatments on its related mortality is still debatable.Methods: To weigh the real impact of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) by exploring the risk of SARS-CoV-2-related mortality in a retrospective analysis of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with first-line Pembrolizumab or in combination with chemotherapy (ChT) during the first surge of the pandemic. Results: The risk of death was significantly higher in the group of patients treated with ChT+Pembrolizumab than with Pembrolizumab alone (OR 2.43 (1.23-4.82, p=0.01). The SARS-CoV-2-related mortality rate was 8% and significantly associated with ChT+Pembrolizumab as compared to Pembrolizumab alone (18% vs. 0%, respectively, p=0.03). Patients dead because of SARS-CoV-2 were older than 70 years (100 vs. 34%, respectively, p=0.03) and tended to have a heavier smoking history (67 vs. 29% of current smokers, respectively, p=0.17). Higher baseline values of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (with 67 vs. 50% ≥ 4.0, p=0.58) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (with 67 vs. 50% ≥ 1236, p=0.58) were observed in patients dead due to the SARS-CoV-2.Conclusions: Immunotherapy might not impact the risk of SARS-CoV-2-related mortality, whilst the addition of ChT was either associated with an overall increased risk of mortality and to the risk of SARS-CoV-2-related mortality. The co-existence of other clinical factors may have contributed to the latter.
On the evolution equation with a dynamic Hardy-type potential
Authors: Chern Jann-Long , Hwang Gyeongha , Takahashi Jin , Yanagida Eiji 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Motivated by the celebrated paper of Baras and Goldstein (1984), we study the heat equation with a dynamic Hardy-type singular potential. In particular, we are interested in the case where the singular point moves in time. Under appropriate conditions on the potential and initial value, we show the existence, non-existence and uniqueness of solutions, and obtain a sharp lower and upper bound near the singular point. Proofs are given by using solutions of the radial heat equation, some precise estimates for an equivalent integral equation and the comparison principle.
The Influence of Friction Blocks Connection Configuration on High-speed Railway Brake Systems Performance
Authors: Yin Jiabao , Wu Yuanke , Lu Chun , Chen Wei , Mo Jiliang , Zhou Zhongrong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The influence of friction blocks connection configuration on the interfacial tribology behavior and FIVN (friction-induced vibration and noise) of high-speed railway braking system is systematically investigated with a scaled brake test bench. The potential relationship among interface contact status, friction, wear, pressure distribution, heat distribution and vibration noise of the system is studied under dragging test condition. The results indicate that the connection configuration of the friction blocks has a significant impact on systematic interfacial tribology behavior, heat distribution and vibration noise. A floating connection mode can suppress the vibration noise of brake system. The interfacial heat distribution and systematic vibration noise are quite relevant with the contact status, interfacial wear and pressure distribution. The increase of interfacial wear will lead to an expansion of pressure concentration area and an aggravation of vibration noise. The result of this research is helpful for a further design optimization and noise reduction of railway brake system.
Prevalence of High-Riding Vertebral Arteries and Narrow C2 Pedicles Among Central-European Population: A Computed Tomography-Based Study
Authors: Klepinowski Tomasz , Żyłka Natalia , Pala Bartłomiej , Poncyljusz Wojciech , Sagan Leszek 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHigh-riding vertebral artery (HRVA) and narrow C2 pedicles (C2P) pose a great risk of injuring the vessel during C2 pedicle or transarticular screw placement. Recent meta-analysis revealed a paucity of European studies regarding measurements and prevalence of these anatomical variants.Methods383 consecutive cervical spine CT scans with 766 potential screw insertion sites were analyzed independently by two trained observers. C2 internal height (C2InH), C2 isthmus height (C2IsH), and C2P width were measured. Kappa statistics for inter- and intraobserver reliability as well as for inter-software agreement were calculated. HRVA was defined as C2IsH of ≤ 5 mm and/or C2InH of ≤ 2 mm. Narrow C2P was defined as C2P width ≤ 4 mm. STROBE checklist was followed.ResultsAt least 1 HRVA was found in 25,3% (95% CI 21,1-29,8) of patients (16,7% of potential sites). At least 1 narrow C2P was seen in 36,8% (95% CI 32,1-41,7) of patients (23,8% of potential sites). Among those with HRVA, unilateral HRVA was present in 68,0% (95% CI 58,4-77,0), whereas bilateral HRVA in 32,0% (95% CI 23,0-41,6). No difference in terms of laterality (right or left) was seen neither for HRVA nor narrow C2P. Significant differences were found between females and males for all measurements. Each parameter showed either good or excellent inter- or intraobserver, and inter-software agreement coefficients. Conclusions﻿HRVA and narrow C2P are common findings in Central-European population and should be appreciated at the planning stage before craniocervical instrumentation. Measurements can be consistently reproduced by various observers at varying intervals using different software.
Kraken: A wirelessly controlled octopus-like hybrid robot utilizing stepper motors and fishing line artificial muscle for grasping underwater
Authors: Almubarak Yara , Schmutz Michelle , Perez Miguel , Shah Shrey , Tadesse Yonas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Underwater exploration or inspection requires suitable robotic systems capable of maneuvering, manipulating objects, and operating untethered in complex environmental conditions. Traditional robots have been used to perform many tasks underwater. However, they have limited degrees of freedom, manipulation capabilities, portability, and have disruptive interactions with aquatic life. Research in soft robotics seeks to incorporate ideas of the natural flexibility and agility of aquatic species into man-made technologies to improve the current capabilities of robots using biomimetics. In this paper, we present a novel design, fabrication, and testing results of an underwater robot known as Kraken that has tentacles to mimic the arm movement of an octopus. To control the arm motion, Kraken utilizes a hybrid actuation technology consisting of stepper motors and twisted and a coiled fishing line polymer muscle (TCP FL ). TCPs are becoming one of the promising actuation technologies due to their high actuation stroke, high force, light weight, and low cost. We have studied different arm stiffness configurations of the tentacles tailored to operate in different modalities (curling, twisting, and bending), to control the shape of the tentacles and grasp irregular objects delicately. Kraken uses an onboard battery, a wireless programmable joystick, a buoyancy system for depth control, all housed in a three-layer 3D printed dome-like structure. Here, we present Kraken fully functioning underwater in an Olympic-size swimming pool using its servo actuated tentacles and other test results on the TCP FL actuated tentacles in a laboratory setting. This is the first time that an embedded TCP FL actuator within elastomer has been proposed for the tentacles of an octopus-like robot along with the performance of the structures. Further, as a case study, we showed the functionality of the robot in grasping objects underwater for field robotics applications.
Laboratory Diagnosis and Management of Covid-19 Cases: Creating A Safe Testing Environment
Authors: Lekan-Agunbiade Titilayo Tosin , Agunbiade Olalekan Isaiah 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUNDCOVID-19 disease has had a profound impact worldwide since it was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Laboratory testing is crucial to prompt identification of positive cases, initiation of treatment and management strategies. However, medical scientists are vulnerable to infection due to the risk of exposure in the laboratory and the community. This study sought to determine the awareness of laboratory safety measures, assess the personal efforts of medical scientists in creating a safe laboratory environment for testing and examine the laboratory safety enabling factors.METHODSAn internet-broadcasted and validated questionnaire was developed to obtain data from 131 medical scientists in Nigeria. The data generated were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.RESULTSThe majority of the respondents had a high awareness of laboratory safety measures (60.3%, mean ± SD= 52.4 ±2.4) and demonstrated good personal efforts in creating a safe laboratory testing environment (63%, mean ± SD= 48.5±5.9). The level of awareness of laboratory safety measures was significantly associated with respondents’ level of education (χ2 = 6.143; p = 0.046) and influences respondents’ efforts in creating a safe laboratory testing environment (F-ratio = 7.529, p = 0.007).However, just a few respondents could convincingly attest to the availability of adequate and appropriate PPE with proper utilization training (45.1%), adequate rest and other welfare packages (45.8%) as well as access to appropriate Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) and other essential equipment in their laboratories (48.8%). Furthermore, a significant association existed between the availability of laboratory safety enabling factors and respondents’ efforts in creating a safe environment for testing with the p-value ranging between <0.0001 to 0.003. CONCLUSION This study revealed that despite the high awareness of safety measures and good personal efforts of the study participants in creating a safe laboratory-testing environment, there was poor availability of safety facilities, equipment, support and welfare packages required to enhance their safety. It is, therefore, crucial to provide necessary laboratory biosafety equipment and PPE in order not to compromise medical scientists’ safety as they perform their duties in COVID-19 pandemic response.
Anti-cancer effect of orally absorbable heparin on orthotopically induced exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hwang Hae Hyun , Jeong Hee Jeong , Yoon Sangwoo , Byun Youngro , Okano Teruo , Kim Sung Wan , Lee Dong Yun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Pancreatic cancers are classified based on where they occur into those derived from exocrine glands and endocrine glands, thereby showing different anti-cancer effect with medication. Therefore, it is necessary to develop anti-cancer drugs that can inhibit both of these types. To this end, we developed a heparin-taurocholate conjugate, i.e., LHT, to suppress tumor growth via its anti-angiogenic activity. Here we conducted a study to determine the anti-cancer efficacy of LHT on various types of pancreatic cancer, i.e., human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and human pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET), at orthotopic animal model. LHT reduced not only proliferation of all three cancer cells, but also attenuated the production of VEGF through ERK dephosphorylation. Especially, these effects of LHT were much stronger to PNET (RINm cells). Also, LHT effectively reduced the migration, invasion and tube formation of endothelial cells via dephosphorylation of VEGFR, ERK1/2, and FAK protein. Eventually LHT reduced strongly ~ 50% tumor weights and tumor volumes of all three cancer cells at orthotopic model via anti-proliferation of cancer cells and anti-angiogenesis of endothelial cells. Interestingly, LHT was highly effective to PNET tumor tissue in vivo. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that LHT could be a potential anti-pancreatic cancer medication, regardless of pancreatic cancer types.
Lung adenocarcinoma radiosensitivity depends on EGFR signaling pathway or other pathways? —— a research based on gene sequencing and data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry
Authors: Jiang Chang , Wang Yi-ting , Zhu Xue-ru , Feng Wen , Yu Wen , Sun Li , Sun Qian , Jiang Hao , Fu Xiao-long 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate the biological basis of radiosensitivity difference in lung adenocarcinoma cells, EGFR mutant or a wide variety of signal pathways？﻿Methods: There were fourteen lung adenocarcinoma cell lines used to carry out experiments in this study. The SF2 experimental test data of fourteen cell lines used in this study are from the previous work we did. EGFR mutation in each cell line detected by Next-Generation Sequencing. Statistical difference in SF2 about fourteen cells used the Kruskal-Wallis test. Correlation between EGFR mutant or not and SF2 analyzed by Student’s t-test. The proteomes of the 14 lung adenocarcinoma organisms were identified by DIA in LC-MS/MS proteomic technology. P < 0.05 showed statistical significance. R language software was used to perform the bioinformatics analysis.Results: The SF2(Surviving fractional 2Gy ) median value is 0.351(0.122-0.825). The number of cell lines in the EGFR mutatant-type is five, wild-type is nine. We obtained a mean coverage of 5425 proteins from fourteen lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. There are thirty-nine different expression proteins in total. Significant differences of SF2 was found among fourteen cell lines (P=0.004 < 0.05). showed that there is no correlation between the EGFR mutant-type group and the EGFR wild-type group（P=0.822> 0.05）. The R language analyzed based on proteomic explored that there were thirty-nine DEPs(differently expresse proteins) and four KEGG pathways: ECM-receptor interaction, Focal adhesion, Hematopoietic cell lineage, and Prion diseases. LAMC1, ITGB4/ITGA6, and CD44 participated in multiple signaling pathways. PPI examined that LAMC1, ITGB4/ITGA6, CD44, FLNB, CD59, PRNP interacted more concentratedly.Conclusion: The inherent radiosensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cell lines is not determined by the status of EGFR mutant, maybe by other signal pathways such as LAMC1, ITGB4/ITGA6, CD44, and PRNP.
The tragedy of the cows: exploring the short and long-term warming effect of methane emissions in agricultural mitigation
Authors: Domínguez Ignacio Pérez , Prado Agustin del , Mittenzwei Klaus , Hristov Jordan , Frank Stefan , Tabeau Andrzej , Witzke Peter , Havlik Petr , Meijl Hans Van , Lynch John , Stehfest Elke , Pardo Guillermo , Barreiro-Hurle Jesus , Koopman Jason , Sánchez María José Sanz 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper investigates how the short-lived character of methane could have important implications for the design of global climate change mitigation policies in agriculture, sector which is often seen to have a limited contribution to a net-zero carbon economy. Motivated by the renewed attention for the short-term versus long-term warming effects of methane, we explore how various appreciations of global warming affect cost-efficient mitigation policies and dietary transitions, and the implied warming. Results show that the choice of a particular metric is decisive if used to determine optimal mitigation options. For instance, focusing on the long-term warming effect of agricultural methane emissions could lead to a higher relevance of low meat diets relative to stringent mitigation policies. Moreover, a combination of stringent mitigation and dietary changes could help reverse the contribution of agriculture to global warming.
Sharia and Moon Sighting and Calculation examining moon sighting Controversy in Nigeria
Authors: Hassan-Bello Abdulmajeed Bolade 
Published: February 2021

One of the t important issue Muslims face which needs to be addressed scholarly and juristically is the issue of whether the start and end of the lunar months through Astronomical Calculations is valid in Islamic Jurisprudence, or is physical moon sighting the only valid opinion. Scholars on the two sides of the divide present arguments and support their views by citing the same sources. In Nigeria moon sighting has been a serious problem for many years. The Islamic calendar is lunar. Lunar calendars follow the phases of the moon, beginning with the crescent moon and ending with the conjunction of the moon. The foundation of legal ruling in Islam is the Qur’an and the Sunnah. It is in the absence of decisively authentic and unequivocal texts that, scholars may resort to ijtihad. There are several positions on moon sighting. The most prominent are regional sighting, physical sighting globally, Mecca time-point for reference and Astronomical Calculation. The popular view among Muslim jurists is actual sighting of the crescent. The paper therefore concludes that all the aforementioned trends, are acceptable. Eid al-adha is independent of Arafah because both are observed on different days, therefore the observance of eid al-adha on Arafah day in any part of the world is allowed and acceptable However, the evidence compels Muslims to follow the opinion of the majority of Muslims in any country. The paper therefore, recommended the establishment of a Federal Ministry of Islamic Affairs to be in charge of moon sighting and Eids.