bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AP-1 complex activation is a conserved signature of immune system aging and a potential regulator of inflammaging in human and mice
Authors: Karakaslar Emin Onur , Hasham Muneer , Katiyar Neerja , Youn Ahrim , Sharma Siddhartha , Chung Cheng-han , Marches Radu , Korstanje Ron , Banchereau Jacques , Ucar Duygu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Increased inflammation with age (i.e., inflammaging) is a hallmark of aging conserved in human and mice, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, partially because a systematic comparative study of mouse and human immune system aging is lacking. We uncovered epigenomic/transcriptomic signatures of aging in spleen and peripheral blood lymphocytes from young (3 months) and old (18 months) mice in two strains: C57BL/6J (long-lived) and NZO/HILtJ (short-lived) and compared these to the aging signatures of human peripheral blood cells. The most predominant and conserved genomic signature of aging in human and mice tissues studied here was the epigenetic activation of several AP-1 complex members (Fos, Fosl2, Junb, Jund). Footprinting analyses showed that these transcription factors ‘bind’ more frequently with age and target pro-inflammatory and effector molecules, including the pro-inflammatory Il6. Analysis of single cell RNA-seq data from the mouse aging cell atlas (Tabula Muris Senis) revealed that AP-1 activation with age is a common feature across all immune cell types within spleens, yet macrophages express these molecules more often than other cells. Functional assays confirmed that spleen cells from older animals have increased c-JUN protein binding and increased IL6 production upon myeloid cell activation using poly(I:C) via TLR3. Western blot data revealed that c-JUN activation with age is not post-transcriptional since its phosphorylation levels were similar between young and old mice. Together, these data established that Jun and Fos families in the AP-1 complex are transcriptionally activated with age and target pro-inflammatory molecules and aging-related increases in the binding of these proteins likely modulate increased inflammation with age.
MELK Predicts Poor Prognosis and Promotes Metastasis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Via Activating the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Ye Jiecheng , Deng Wanying , Zhong Ying , Liu Hui , Guo Baoyin , Qin Zixi , Li Peiwen , Zhong Xueyun , Wang Lihui 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide with a low 5-year survival rate due to the lack of effective therapeutic strategies. Accumulating evidence has indicated that Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is highly expressed in several tumors and correlates with tumor development. However, the biological effects of MELK in ESCC are still unknown.Methods: We used data from ESCC patient tissue specimens and online datasets to evaluate differences in MELK expression between paired carcinoma. Two ESCC cell lines were selected and MELK was stably knocked down by small hairpin RNA (shRNA) of MELK. Cell phenotypical experiments and animal metastasis assays were performed to detect the influence of MELK knockdown in vitro and in vivo. The potential molecular mechanism of MELK-mediated ESCC metastasis was further investigated by Western blotting and Immunofluorescence staining.Results: In this study, the expression of MELK in human ESCC tissues was higher than that in adjacent normal tissues and was positively correlated with the poor prognosis of patients. Reducing MELK expression resulted in growth inhibition and suppression of the invasive ability of ESCC cells in vitro and in vivo. MELK inhibition induced alterations of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition associated proteins. Mechanistically, MELK interacted with IκB kinase (IKK) and promoted the phosphorylation of IKK, by which MELK regulated activation of the NF-κB pathway.Conclusions: Collectively, our study reveals the function and mechanism of MELK in the cell metastasis of ESCC, which may be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.
Diversities in the Place of Delivery Choice: A Study Among Expectant Mothers in Ghana
Authors: Baba Mahama Ibrahim , Kyei Kofi Adesi , Kyei Justina Baaba , Daniels Joseph , Biney Isaac Justice Kobina , Oswald John , Tschida Patrick , Brunet Michael 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: In this study, the factors that influence the choice of place of delivery among expectant mothers in both rural and urban settings in the northern part of Ghana were identified and compared using the conceptual framework provided by Thaddeus and Maine. Methods: A mixed-method study was used to examine expectant mothers and their responses related to factors that affect their choice of place of delivery through a concurrent triangulation using health professional interviews and a detailed participant survey. The sample consisted of 552 expectant mothers between the ages of 15 and 49 years. Individual interviews were held with 8 health professionals and a focus group discussion with randomly selected pregnant women and lactating mothers. Themes were generated through open coding of the interview data, while multiple regression was performed to identify the factors associated with choice of place of delivery, rural area.Results: Preference (60.1%) was for home delivery compared to 20.7% for urban participants. Statistically significant variables affecting the choice of place of delivery among study participants were found to be educational background, the experience of previous deliveries, the attitude of hospital staff toward pregnant women during labor, and frequency of accessing antenatal careConclusion: The study’s implications may lead to positive change where stakeholders develop and implement policies to promote health facility delivery for expectant mothers in Ghana.
Investigation of Er:YAG laser-activated irrigation for the removal of biofilm and observations of laser-induced cavitation behavior
Authors: Nagahashi Taiji , Yahata Yoshio , Handa Keisuke , Nakano Masato , Suzuki Shigeto , Kakiuchi Yusuke , Tanaka Toshinori , Kanehira Masafumi , Venkataiah Venkata Suresh , Saito Masahiro 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWe investigated the biofilm removal effects of LAI using a pig model, focusing on the impact of the fiber tip position, and used a high-speed camera to observe the occurrence and positioning of the cavitation associated with laser irradiation.MethodsA total of 16 roots of deciduous mandibular second premolars from 4 pigs were used. After a pulpectomy, the canals were left open for two weeks and sealed for 4 weeks to induce intraradicular biofilm. Then, root canal irrigation was performed with Er:YAG laser activation. The fiber tip was inserted at two different positions, i.e., into the root canal in the intracanal LAI group and into the pulp chamber in the coronal LAI group. Intracanal needle irrigation with saline or 5% NaOCl was utilized in the positive control and CNI groups. SEM and qPCR were carried out to evaluate treatment efficacy. For qPCR, ANOVA and a Tukey-Kramer post hoc test were performed with α=0.05. A high-speed camera was used to observe the generation of cavitation bubbles and the movement of the induced bubbles after laser irradiation.ResultsThe intracanal and coronal LAI groups showed significantly lower amounts of bacteria than either the positive control or CNI groups. There was no significant difference found between the intracanal and coronal LAI groups. SEM images revealed opened dentinal tubules with the destruction of biofilm in both LAI groups. High-speed camera images demonstrated cavitation bubble production inside the root canal after a single pulse irradiation pulse. The generated bubbles moved throughout the entire internal multi-rooted tooth space.ConclusionsCoronal LAI can generate cavitation in the root canal with a simply placed fiber inside the pulp chamber, leading to effective biofilm removal. This method could thus contribute to the future development of endodontic treatments for refractory apical periodontitis caused by intraradicular biofilm.
Carbohydrates and Secondary Compounds of Alpine Tundra Shrubs in Relation to Experimental Warming
Authors: Zhou Yumei , Yang Ming , Tai Zhijuan , Jia Jingjing , Luan Dongtao , Ma Xia 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: It is critical to understand the sensitivity, response direction and magnitude of carbohydrates and secondary compounds to warming for predicting the structure and function of the tundra ecosystem towards future climate change. Results: Open-top chambers (OTCs) were used to passively increase air and soil temperatures on Changbai Mountain alpine tundra. After seven years’ continuous warming, the vegetation coverage, nonstructural carbohydrates (soluble sugars and starch) and secondary compounds (total phenols, flavonoids and triterpenes) of leaves and roots in three dominant dwarf shrubs, Dryas octopetala var. asiatica, Rhododendron confertissimum and Vaccinium uliginosum, were investigated during the growing season. Warming did not significantly affect the concentrations of carbohydrates but decreased total phenols for the three species. Carbohydrates and secondary compounds showed significantly seasonal pattern and species-specific variation. No significant trade-off between carbohydrates and secondary compounds was observed. Warming significantly increased the coverage of Dr. octopetala var. asiatica, did not change it for V. uliginosum and decreased it for Rh. confertissimum. Rh. confertissimum had significantly lower carbohydrates and higher secondary compounds investment than the other two species. Enhanced dominance and competitiveness of Dr. octopetala var. asiatica was companied by increased trend in carbohydrate concentrations and decreased ratio of secondary compounds to total carbon in the warming OTCs. Conclusions: We, therefore, predict that Dr. octopetala var. asiatica will continue to maintain dominant status, but the competition ability of V. uliginosum could gradually decrease with warming, leading to changes in species composition and community structure of the Changbai tundra ecosystem under future climate warming.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in the Utilization of Dental Services Among Adults in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sahab Deema A. , Bamashmous Mohammed S. , Ranauta Amitha , Muirhead Vanessa 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background

This study used the Anderson Behavioral Model to assess the socioeconomic inequalities in dental services utilization among adults in Saudi Arabia, along with other predictors of utilization, to inform future planning of dental care services.
Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we conducted secondary analysis using national data from the 2019 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia World Health Survey (KSAWHS). The survey consisted of two interviewer-administered questionnaires, one for the household and one individual interview. The questionnaires included questions covering predisposing factors (age, gender, marital status, nationality, education, employment), enabling factors (income, household wealth, area-based socioeconomic class, health insurance, eligibility for free governmental health care, transportation and region of residence) and self-reported need for dental treatment. The main outcome was dental utilization. The independent variables were the predisposing, enabling and need factors. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses identified significant predictors of dental utilization, applying survey weights to adjust for the complex survey design. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and p values were reported in the final model.
Results

The final dataset included 8,535 adults (response rate = 95.4%). Twenty percent of adults visited the dentist at least once in the past year (95%CI: 18% -21%). The socioeconomic factors associated with the higher likelihood of dental service utilization in the final fully adjusted model were high household income (OR = 1.43, p = 0.043), second and middle household wealth status (OR = 1.51, p = 0.003 and OR = 1.57, p = 0.006) and access to free governmental health care (OR = 2.05, p = 0.004). In addition to self-reported oral problems (OR= 52.09, p < 0.001).
Conclusion

Socioeconomic inequalities in the utilization of dental services exist in Saudi Arabia. The main driver of dental services utilization in adults was the need for treatment suggesting predominantly symptomatic attendance. Increasing awareness about the importance of preventive dental visits rather than symptomatic attendance could be an important policy implication to improve oral health and optimize dental care expenditure. Further research should explore the drivers for adults to seek preventive care in the absence of any recognized dental problems.
­Improved Luminescence and Photocatalytic Proprieties of Sm3+-doped ZnO Nanoparticles Via Modified Sol-Gel Route: An Unified Experimental and DFT+U Approach
Authors: Ayon Sikder Ashikuzzaman , Hasan Sajjad , Billah Md Muktadir , Nishat Sadiq Shahriyar , Kabir Alamgir 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
In the current study, a modified sol-gel route was followed to produce undoped and Sm3+ doped (1, 3 and 5 mol %) nanoparticles. The study of opto-structural properties of Sm3+ doped NPs was carried out both experimentally and theoretically. Complete dissolution of Sm3+ ions into the ZnO lattice was obvious from XRD analysis. Morphological evolution with doping was studied using FESEM and TEM. XPS was carried out to confirm the presence of Sm3+ on the surface of the doped NPs. Increasing dopant quantity resulted in a red shift of the NPs along with a reduction in band gap with increasing absorption in the visible range, and a minimum of 3.18 eV of optical band gap for Zn0.97Sm0.03O was found. Photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed a drop in the recombination rate of electron-hole with increasing doping till 3 mole %, followed by an increase for Zn0.95Sm0.05O. Photogenerated electron-hole pair recombination was revealed by the orange band in the luminescence spectra. Theoretical analysis was also carried out with density function theory (DFT). This work also unfolds the fundamental understanding of the structural properties of the synthesized NPs to enhance photocatalytic activity successfully. Later, photocatalytic activity for the optimum composition i.e., 3 mole percent, was assessed experimentally.
Simultaneous Improvement of the Electric Conductive and Mechanical Properties of Nanostructured Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Prazeres Emerson , Loayza Cristian , Reis Vinicius , Melo Victor , Quaresma José , Reis Marcos , Silva José , Braga Eduardo 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Aluminum nanocomposites demonstrate improvements in the mechanical properties, as well as in thermal and electric conductivity. The incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in the aluminum matrix, using conventional melting methods, is a long-standing issue. In this paper, Aluminum nanocomposites were fabricated via conventional casting method, using a nanostructured stainless-steel (SS) powder. Carbon nanotubes were treatment treated with hydrogen peroxide, allowed which led to an attachment with to the metal matrix particles. In this sense, The the SS powder, added as an element alloy, refinement refined the grains, and the MWCNT providedled the electric conductive to a better performance. Given this, the best alloy analyzed presented an approximate 10% increase in all of its characterized properties, that is,therefore presenting a microhardness of 48 HV, a Ultimate Tensile Stress of 183 Mpa, and and an electrical conductivity of 67% of IACS..
Digenetic Trematode Parasites in Two Fresh Water Fishes Ophiocephalus Punctatus and Xenentodon Cancila From North West Himalayas
Authors: Rajput Sukanya , Langer Seema 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The study was conducted during September 2018-August 2019 to study the digenetic trematode infection in fresh water fishes of some of the water bodies viz. Gho-manhasan, Chakrali and Chadwal of Jammu region of J&K union territory A total of 220 fishes comprising Ophiocephalus punctatus and Xenentodon cancila belonging to families Channidae and Belonidae respectively were examined. A total of 4 digenetic trematode parasites belonging to 4 different families i.e., Euclinostomum heterostomum (Clinostomidae Luhe, 1901); Phyllodistomum tripathi (Gorgoderidae Looss, 1901); Genarchopsis piscicola (Hemiuridae, Luhe, 1901), and Bucephalopsis karvei (Bucephalidae Poche, 1907) were detected. The overall prevalence of digenetic trematode infection was 65.90% and the mean intensity was 3.58. Among these Genarchopsis piscicola showed the highest prevalence (40.38%) with mean intensity 2.95 in the host fish Xenentodon cancila, while in other species the prevalence ranged between 26.23% and 34.62%. Present study authenticates the presence of several species of digenetic trematode parasites in the fishes inhabiting freshwater of J&K union territory.
Effects of Isochronal Induced Feed Restriction With Transition Period On mRNA Abundance of The Hepatic Genes Related to Lipid Metabolism in Fat-Tailed Ewes
Authors: Hasanpour Zahra , Zarrin Mousa , Oryan Ahmad , Mohaghegh-Dolatabad Mostafa , Ahmadpour Amir 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The process of fat mobilization during the transition period requires deep re-orchestration of the energy indices, and understanding its mechanism has generated considerable interest among the TP-related studies. The present study aims to validate the effect of feed restriction and TP on the mRNA abundance of hepatic genes related to fat metabolism in fat-tailed sheep. Twenty pregnant ewes with the age of 40.8 ± 6.2 (mean ± standard error) month were randomly assigned to Control (n=10) or Restriction (n=10), and investigated from week -5 to 5 relative to parturition. Control animals received 100% DM during the trial. Restriction animals received 100% DM through weeks -5, -1, 1 and 5 and were fed with 50, 65, and 80% DM in the weeks -4, -3, -2 and 2,3, and 4, respectively. On the third week of experiment (65%) during both pre and post-partum, the hepatic tissue was biopsied, and the mRNA load of the fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) 1, CPT2, and acyl-CoA synthase long-chain family member-1 genes was quantified by the TaqMan qPCR technique. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Model procedure of SAS. The mRNA abundance of the target genes was not influenced by feed restriction, during the pre and postpartum periods. Parturition suppressed the mRNA abundance of target genes in both groups. It can be concluded that the liver of the fat-tailed sheep would have a higher capacity for the metabolism of free fatty acids mobilization during the feed insufficiency and the challenging period of transition.
SIRT7 is a prognostic biomarker in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma that is correlated with immune cell infiltration
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qian Yue , Jin Xue , Wang Yixian , Mu Lili , Jiang Zhixia 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: SIRT7 has been shown to be expressed in many cancer types, including kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), but its functional role in this oncogenic context remains to be firmly defined. This study was designed to explore correlations between SIRT7 and KIRC characteristics using the TCGA database. Methods: Relationships between SIRT7 expression and KIRC patient clinicopathological characteristics were assessed through Kruskal-Wallis tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and logistic regression analyses. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) values were used to assess the prognostic value of SIRT7 as a means of classifying KIRC patients. The functional role of SIRT7 in this cancer type was assessed through GO/KEGG enrichment analyses and immune cell infiltration analyses. Results: In KIRC patients, higher levels of SIRT7 expression were associated with Race, M stage, T stage (all P < 0.05). SIRT7 offered significant diagnostic value in ROC curve analyses (AUC = 0.912), and elevated SIRT7 levels were linked to worse patient overall survival (OS; P < 0.001). The expression of SIRT7 was independently related with KIRC patient OS (HR: 1.827; 95%CI: 1.346-2.481; P<0.001). In GO/KEGG analyses, SIRT7 was found to be associated with ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and nucleotide excision repair. Higher SIRT7 expression was related to the enhanced infiltration of certain immune cells.Conclusions: Increased SIRT7 expression was associated with a worse KIRC patient prognosis, and immune infiltrates, suggesting it may offer value as a prognostic biomarker for this cancer type.
Characterization and pollution potential of leachate from urban landfills during dry and wet periods in arid regions
Authors: Siddiqi Sajjad Ahmad , Al-Mamun Abdullah , Sana Ahmad , Baawain Mahad Said , Choudhury Mahbuboor Rahman 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Leachate originating from municipal solid waste landfills poses a serious contamination threat to public health. The study performed a bio-physicochemical characterization of leachate from two landfills in Oman, i.e., Multaqa landfill leachate (MLL) and Barka landfill leachate (BLL) before and after rainfall. Samples were characterized for 92 parameters. Additionally, the leachate pollution index (LPI) was estimated to assess the expected contamination levels and potential environmental health risks. The study found a high value of the leachate parameters without any rainfall incidents. Pearson correlations (±ve) are seen at more than 90% in all cases, which is a strong association (r&gt;0.75) for the measured parameters in both MLL and BLL. Rainfall significantly reduced the concentrations of organic contaminants and solids in leachate due to dilution. The study revealed about 18%–29% and 14%–28% reductions in the LPI sub-index for organic and inorganic contaminants, respectively, after rainfall. The overall LPI values were higher compared with similar findings from the literature. Such deviations could be attributed to the unsegregated nature of solid waste, resulting in the formation of contaminants or from the disposal of a high volume of solid waste in a smaller area. Therefore, the study recommends efficient management strategies for landfills to reduce potential leachate groundwater contamination.
Understanding the Role and Uses of Alternative Therapies for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Tripathy Archana , Swain Nitish , Gupta Bhawna 
Published: November 2021

Abstract:With the growing popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among individuals with chronic pain and muscular problems, a number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) show their interest in CAM interventions for disease improvement. Various reports published on CAM are based on an animal model of RA; however, there is often a lack of high-quality clinical investigations for explaining the success stories of CAM therapies in patients with RA. CAMs having the potential to be used for therapy in patients with RA have been identified, however lack of awareness and skepticism of their efficacy has made the patients reluctant to choose these drug-less therapies. In this review, we have summarized the existing evidence which suggests promising efficacy of different alternative therapies in managing RA and providing both physical and mental well-being to RA patients.