bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells As a Type-II Alveolar Surrogate Cell Culture Model for ABCA-3 Deficiency
Authors: Shaw Nicole C. , Kicic Anthony , Fletcher Sue , Wilton Stephen D. , Stick Stephen M. , Schultz André 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily A Member 3 (ABCA-3) is a lipid transporter protein highly expressed in type-II alveolar (AT-II) cells. Mutations in ABCA3 can result in severe respiratory disease in infants and children. To study ABCA-3 deficiency in vitro, primary AT-II cells would be the cell culture of choice although sample accessibility is limited. Our aim was to investigate the suitability of primary nasal epithelial cells, as a surrogate culture model for AT-II cells, to study ABCA-3 deficiency. Expression of ABCA3, and surfactant protein genes, SFTPB and SFTPC, was detected in primary nasal epithelial cells but at a significantly lower level than in AT-II cells. ABCA-3, SP-B and SP-C were detected by immunofluorescence microscopy in primary nasal epithelial cells. However, SP-B and SP-C were undetectable in primary nasal epithelial cells using western blot. Structurally imperfect lamellar bodies were observed in primary nasal epithelial cells using transmission electron microscopy. Functional assessment of the ABCA-3 protein demonstrated that higher concentrations of doxorubicin reduced cell viability in ABCA-3 deficient nasal epithelial cells compared to controls in an assay-dependent manner. Our results indicate that there may be a role for primary nasal epithelial cell cultures to model ABCA-3 deficiency in vitro although additional cell culture models that more effectively recapitulate the AT-II phenotype may be required.
Evaluation of heavy metals composition of drinking water distributed to Addis Ababa City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Gebre Solomon Genet , Tilahun Anmut 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background

Compromised drinking water quality due to accumulation of heavy metals is becoming a serious concern for many countries, including Ethiopia. Chronic exposure to heavy metals is associated with many human diseases. This study aimed at determining the levels of heavy metals in drinking water supplied to Addis Ababa city. There has been no such study done on drinking water supplied to the city
Methodology:

A community based cross-sectional study design was employed from April 2018 to December 2018. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to measure the concentration of heavy metals in drinking water samples.
Result

The highest concentration of lead was recorded in water samples taken from Gefersa, Asko and Kolfie areas. Results of this study also showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean levels of lead in water samples taken from different treatment plants and their respective catchments (p-value < 0.01).
Conclusion

The mean lead level in water samples were higher than the maximum admissible limit set by the WHO in 2011. The mean level of cadmium concentration was higher than the maximum admissible limit of cadmium set by WHO in 2011 in water samples of the Gefersa surface water & catchment area. However, all values of heavy metals were lower than their respective maximum contaminant level set by USEPA in 2010.
RelB Upregulates PD-L1 and Exacerbates Prostate Cancer Immune Evasion
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Zhu Shuyi , Du Yuanyuan , Xu Fan , Sun Wenbo , Xu Zhi , Wang Xiumei , Qian Peipei , Zhang Qin , Feng Jifeng , Xu Yong 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background Interaction between programmed death receptor (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) is essential for suppressing activated T-lymphocytes. However, the precise mechanisms underlying PD-L1 overexpression in tumors remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we describe that RelB participates in immune evasion of prostate cancer (PCa) via cis/trans transcriptional upregulation of PD-L1.MethodsBased on transcriptome results, RelB was manipulated in multiple human and murine PCa cell lines. The activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were co-cultured with PCa cells with different levels of RelB to examine the effect of tumorous RelB on T-cell immunity. Male mice were injected with murine PCa cells to validate the effect of RelB on the PD-1/PD-L1-mediated immune checkpoint using both tumor growing and metastatic experimental models.Results PD-L1 uniquely expresses at a high level in PCa with high constitutive RelB and correlates to the patients’ Gleason scores. Indeed, the ligh level of PD-L1 is associated with RelB nuclear translocatiob in AR-negative aggressive PCa cells. The silence of RelB in advanced PCa cells resulted in reducing PD-L1 expression and enhancing the susceptibility of PCa cells to the T-cell immune response in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, a proximal NF-kB enhancer element was identified in the core promoter region of the human CD274 gene, which is responsible for RelB-mediated PD-L1 transcriptional activation. The finding provides an informative insight into immune checkpoint blockade by administering RelB within the tumor microenvironment.ConclusionsThis study deciphers the molecular mechanism by which tumorous RelB contributes to immune evasion by inhibiting T-cell immunity via the amplification of PD-L1/PD-1-mediated immune checkpoint.
Gas Discrimination by Simultaneous Sound Velocity and Attenuation Measurements using Uncoated Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers
Authors: Hernandez Luis Iglesias , Shanmugam Priyadarshini , Michaud Jean-Francois , Alquier Daniel , Certon Dominique , Dufour Isabelle 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Chemically functionalized or coated sensors are by far the most employed solution in gas sensing. However, their poor long term stability represents a concern in applications dealing with hazardous gases. Uncoated sensors are durable but their selectivity is poor or non-existent. In this study, multi-parametric discrimination is used as an alternative to selectivity for uncoated capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs). This paper shows how measuring simultaneously the attenuation coefficient and the time of flight under different nitrogen mixtures allows to identify hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane from each other and determine their concentration along with identification of temperature drift. Theoretical comparison and specific signal processing to deal with the issue of multiple reflections are also presented. Some potential applications are monitoring of refueling stations, vehicles and nuclear waste storage facilities.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Protein Family Diversity Provides Insights into Species-Specific Protein Family Expansions in Insects
Authors: DAYI Mehmet 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Insects are one of the earliest land animals with more than 400 million years old history on Earth, and they compose more than 80% of species. Insects invade a wide range of ecosystems and are considered one of the most evolutionary successful organism groups. Today, many insect species’ genomes have been sequenced to encode molecular mechanisms behind this magnificent evolutionary plasticity. However, only limited genome-wide studies have been carried out to compare protein family diversity in insects. A total of 20 insect species belonging to seven insect orders and two morphogenesis groups were investigated for evolutionary relationships and to uncover protein family diversity in the present study. The phylogenetic analysis inferred from a total of 530 one-to-one single-copy ortholog genes were separated insects into two evolutionary clades based on morphogenesis. Protein family analyses showed that insects share core protein families that perform essential tasks in development and metabolic processes, such as Pkinase and Zinc Finger, cellular signaling and odorant perception (7tm), digestion of food molecules (Trypsin), and detoxification (p450) with copy number expansion compared to other protein families. Additionally, species-specific protein family expansion was observed in various protein families. This study provided insights into protein family diversity and variation among insects and highlights high copy number variation in protein families species-wide.
Are Polyploid Species Less Vulnerable to Climate Change? A Case Study in North American Crataegus
Authors: Naghiloo Somayeh , Vamosi Jana 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms underlying plant responses to climate change is an important step towards developing effective mitigation strategies. Polyploidy is an important evolutionary trait that can influence the capacity of plants to adapt to climate change. The environmental flexibility of polyploids suggests their resiliency to climate change, however, such hypotheses have not yet received empirical evidence. To understand how ploidy level may influence response to climate change, we modeled the current and future distribution of 54 Crataegus species under moderate to severe environments and compared the range change between diploids and polyploids.The majority of studied species are predicted to experience considerable range expansion. We found a negative interaction between ploidy and ecoregions in determining the response to climate change. In extreme environments polyploids are projected to experience a higher range expansion than diploids with climate change, while the opposite is true for moderate environments.The range expansion of Crataegus species can be attributed to their tolerance for a wide range of environmental conditions. Despite higher tolerance of polyploids to extreme environments, they do not necessarily outperform diploids in moderate environments, which can be attributed to the varying nature of species interactions along a stress gradient.
Anti-Tumor Activity and Mechanism of Gemcitabine Derivative SZY-200 Assembled from Gemcitabine-Lauric Acid Conjugate on Human Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Shao Zhiyu , Xu Zhiwen , Ye Binghao , Zheng Qiaoqiao , Li Ming , Ma Xingyuan , Shi Ping 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Gemcitabine is a first-line drug for the treatment of bladder cancer. One of the most important mechanisms of gemcitabine resistance is the low expression of cellular membrane transporter hENT1. Various derivatives containing fatty acid side chains have been developed in order to facilitate gemcitabine uptake and prolong its retention in cells, such as CP-4126. In this study, the anti-tumor effect and mechanism of a new derivative of gemcitabine named SZY-200 on bladder cancer cells was investigated. SZY-200 was assembled from gemcitabine-lauric acid conjugate. Our data showed that SZY-200 could inhibit the proliferation of bladder cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The inhibitory effects were comparable to gemcitabine and CP-4126. Importantly, SZY-200 was independent of the membrane transport system in bladder cancer cells. Moreover, we found that lauric acid could also inhibit the proliferation of bladder cancer cells. SZY-200 could downregulate the expressions of PPARG and PTGS2 which were related to the occurrence and development of bladder cancer. Overall, these results indicate that SZY-200 could be an ideal candidate drug for further in vivo investigation.
Molecular-metabolic interaction of pituitary-adrenal axis with adrenocorticotropic and glucocorticoid hormone in Cushing’s disease
Authors: Ding Jie , Feng Ming , Hacker Marcus , Huo Li , Li Xiang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose

This study aimed to investigate C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) molecular signaling pathway and the glucose metabolism of pituitary-adrenal axis in Cushing’s disease (CD) by using 68Ga-pentixafor and 18F-FDG PET/CT.
Methods

We recruited eleven patients including 4 primary CD, 3 recurrent CD and 4 non-functional pituitary adenoma (NFPA) patients. Both 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT were performed. The radio-uptake of pituitary-adrenal axis was correlated with the hormone levels (including serum adrenocorticotropin, serum cortisol and 24-h urine free cortisol).
Results

The uptake of pituitary adenomas and bilateral adrenals in primary and recurrent CD patients were significantly higher than NFPA patients in 68Ga-pentixafor PET. Besides, hormone level was significantly correlated with the uptake of 68Ga-pentixafor in pituitary adenomas and adrenal tissue but not with glucose metabolism determined by 18F-FDG PET.
Conclusions

In this pilot study, we found activated CXCR4 molecular signaling rather than glucose metabolism regulation along the pituitary-adrenal axis in CD patients. 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT might have the potential in detecting ACTH-producing pituitary microadenoma.
Breeding in the Pandemic: Short-Term Lockdown Restrictions Do Not Alter Reproductive Decisions and Avian Life-History Traits in a European Capital City
Authors: Corsini Michela , Jagiello Zuzanna , Walesiak Michał , Redlisiak Michał , Stadnicki Ignacy , Mierzejewska Ewa , Szulkin Marta 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Humans are transforming natural habitats into managed urban green areas and impervious surfaces with unprecedented pace. Yet the effects of human presence per se on animal life-history traits are rarely tested. This is particularly true in cities, where human presence is often indissociable from urbanisation itself. The onset of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, along with the resulting lockdown restrictions, offered a unique, “natural experiment” context to investigate wildlife responses to a sudden reduction of human activities. We analysed four years of avian breeding data collected in a European capital city to test whether lockdown measures altered nestbox occupancy and life-history traits in two urban adapters: great tits (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). Lockdown measures, which modulated human presence, did not influence any of the life-history traits inferred. In contrast, tree cover, a distinct ecological attribute of the urban space, positively influenced clutch size, a key avian life-history and reproductive trait. This highlights the importance of habitat and food webs over human activity on animal reproduction in cities. We discuss our results in the light of other urban wildlife studies carried out during the pandemic, inviting the scientific community to carefully interpret all lockdown - associated shifts in biological traits.
Genomically hardwired regulation of gene activity orchestrates cellular iron homeostasis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hsieh En-Jung , Lin Wendar , Schmidt Wolfgang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient that plays pivotal roles as electron donor and catalyst across organisms. In plants, variable, often insufficient Fe supply necessitates mechanisms that constantly attune Fe uptake rates and recalibrate cellular Fe homeostasis. Here, we show that short-term (0.5, 6, and 12 h) exposure of Arabidopsis thaliana plants to Fe deficiency triggered massive changes in gene activity governed by transcription and alternative splicing (AS), regulatory layers that were to a large extent mutually exclusive. Such preclusion was not observed for genes that are directly involved in the acquisition of Fe, which appears to be concordantly regulated by both expression and AS. Generally, genes with lower splice site strengths and higher intron numbers were more likely to be regulated by AS, no dependence was on gene architecture was observed for transcriptionally controlled genes. Conspicuously, specific processes were associated with particular genomic features and biased towards either regulatory mode, suggesting that genomic hardwiring is functionally biased. Early changes in splicing patterns were, in many cases, congruent with later changes in transcript or protein abundance, thus contributing to the pronounced transcriptome-proteome discordance observed in plants.
Photocatalytic degradation of reactive black dye using ZnO – CeO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: M. Saravanan , S. Vigneshwar , Jegadeesan Gautham B. , Venkatachalam Ponnusami 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Nano-CeO2 was synthesized via the chemical precipitation of cerium precursor solution, and then mixed with nano-ZnO at various weight ratios to obtain ZnO-CeO2nanocomposites. The composites were characterized for their morphological and photocatalytic properties. X-ray diffraction patterns of the pristine metal oxides corresponded well with (1 0 1) and (1 1 1) peaks of hexagonal wurtzite like-ZnO and cubic-phase CeO2, respectively. The band gap of the ZnO-CeO2nanocomposite was 3.08 eV, while that of pristine CeO2 and ZnO powder was 3.24 eV and 3.12 eV respectively. Photocatalytic activity of ZnO-CeO2composite was evaluated at various Reactive Black (RB) dye and catalyst concentrations. A 1:1 wt ratio ZnO-CeO2 nanocompsite provided the maximum (~ 85%) RB oxidation under UV light within 90 minutes. Rate of dye degradation obtained with ZnO-CeO2nanocomposite was almost 1.5 times more than that obtained with bare ZnO. It was observed that increase in CeO2 to ZnO ratio increased oxidation rates up to 1:1 wt ratio. Increasing CeO2 ratio beyond 1:1 wt. ratio did not significantly increase RB oxidation. The results confirm that addition of CeO2 to ZnO has resulted in lowering its bandgap energy and in-turn favors oxidation of RB dye under UV light.
Atomic ruthenium coordinated with chlorine and nitrogen as efficient and multifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting and rechargeable zinc-air battery
Authors: Huang Jianfeng , Chen Junsheng , Feng Yongqiang , Wang Ran , Feng Weihang , Wang Hai , Luo Tianmi , Hu Yuzhu , Yuan Chengke , Feng Liangliang , Kajiyoshi Koji , He Chaozheng , Cao Liyun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Design and fabrication of multifunctional efficient and durable single atom electrocatalyst is highly desirable and challenging for overall water splitting and zinc-air battery. Herein, a novel and efficient ruthenium coordinated with Cl and N single atom catalyst (Ru–Cl–N SAC) was synthesized. X-ray adsorption spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculation results unveiled an atomic configuration of RuCl2N2. Electrochemical measurement disclosed that the Ru–Cl–N SAC exhibited superior electrocatalytic activities toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with low overpotential and long-term durability in alkaline medium. Furthermore, a well-qualified assembly of overall water splitting cell requiring only 1.49 V to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm− 2 and a rechargeable zinc-air battery with a specific capacity of 804.26 mAh g− 1 and long-term durability for 360 h were fabricated based on the Ru–Cl–N SAC. The present work would pave the way for design and fabrication of novel and efficient multifunctional electrocatalyst in the realm of energy conversion and storage.
TSG–6 Released from Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells Derived Small Extracellular Vesicle Protects Against Spinal Cord Ischemia Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Lu Xiao , Lv Chengtang , Zhao Yuechao , Li Yao , Ji Chengyue , Wang Zhuanghui , Ye Wu , Yu Shunzhi , Bai Jianling , Cai Weihua 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSpinal cord ischemia reperfusion injury (SCIRI) is a complication of aortic aneurysm repair or spinal cord surgery that is associated with permanent neurological deficits. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been shown to be potential therapeutic options for improving motor functions after SCIRI. Due to their easy access and multi-directional differentiation potential, adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) are preferable for this application. However, the effects of ADSC-derived sEVs (ADSC-sEVs) on SCIRI have not been reported.ResultsWe found that ADSC-sEVs inhibited SCIRI induced neuronal apoptosis, degradation of tight junction proteins and suppressed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, in the presence of the ER stress inducer, tunicamycin, its anti-apoptotic and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) protective effects were significantly reversed. We found that ADSC-sEVs contain tumor necrosis factor-(TNF) stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) whose overexpression inhibited ER stress in vivo by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.ConclusionsADSC-sEVs inhibit neuronal apoptosis and BSCB disruption in SCIRI by transmitting TSG-6, which suppresses ER stress by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Ischemic Succinate Accumulation Inhibits Neural Stem Cell Proliferation after Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion via Inducing Cdc42 Succinylation
Authors: Huang Linyan , Ma Juyun , Song Jinxiu , Xu Jingjing , Fan Haidi , Cai Heng , Wang Wan , Wang Yanling , Hu Zhaoli , Shen Jiangang , Qi Suhua 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundNeural stem cell proliferation is a critical process in endogenous neurogenesis after ischemic/reperfusion injury. Ischemic succinate accumulation causes cerebral damage due to excess reactive oxygen species production. However, it remains elusive whether ischemic succinate accumulation affects neural stem cell proliferation.MethodsIn this study, we established rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model to mimic ischemic/reperfusion injury in vivo. Primary neural stem cell and neural stem cell line C17.2 were challenged with oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation. The level of succinate was assessed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Cell proliferation was tested by cell counting kit 8. The infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. G protein coupled receptor GPR91 was detected by immunofluorescence. Sirtuin 5 knockdown was performed with Sirt 5 siRNA transfection. Cdc42 GTPase activity and succinylation were evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation.ResultsWe showed that succinate increased in the serum and brain (cortex and hippocampus) in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. oxygen-glucose deprivation also induced abundant succinate in neural stem cell. Diethyl succinate inhibited C17.2 cell proliferation. Intraperitoneal administration of DS (800mg/kg) increased the infarct volume in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. Besides, Diethyl succinate increases Cdc42 succinylation but represses Rho family GTPase Cdc42 activity, without affecting the level of its receptor G protein-coupled receptor-91 in neural stem cells. Increasing Cdc42 succinylation by desuccinylacylase Sirt5 knockdown inhibited GTPase Cdc42 activity. Accordingly, Cdc42 inhibtor ML141 also inhibited C17.2 proliferation.ConclusionsOur observations showed that accumulation of succinate inhibited neural stem cell proliferation by inducing Cdc42 succinylation, which reduced Cdc42 GTPase activity and was detrimental for neurogenesis after ischemic/reperfusion injury. Our data revealed a new mechanism that ischemic succinate accumulation aggrevated cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury.