bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cordyceps militaris extract induces apoptosis and pyroptosis via caspase‐3/PARP/GSDME pathways in A549 cell line
Authors: Hu Zixuan , Lai Yijing , Ma Chaoya , Zuo Lina , Xiao Guanlin , Gao Haili , Xie Biyuan , Huang Xuejun , Gan Haining , Huang Dane , Yao Nan , Feng Baoguo , Ru JieXia , Chen Yuxing , Cai Dake 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCordyceps militaris (CM) is traditionally used as dietary therapy for lung cancer patients in China. CM extract (CME) is hydrosoluble fraction of CM and extensively investigated. Caspase‐3‐involved cell death is considered as its major anticancer mechanism but inconclusive. Therefore, we explore its caspase‐3‐dependent programmed cell death nature (apoptosis and pyroptosis) and validate its caspase‐3‐dependent property in loss‐of‐function experiment. Component profile of CME is detected by High Performance Liquid Chromatography‐ quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (HPLC‐qTOF). Results show that CME causes pyroptosis‐featured cell bubbling and cell lysis and inhibits cell proliferation in A549 cell. CME induces chromatin condensing and makes PI+/annexin V+ staining in bubbling cells, indicating genotoxicity, apoptosis, and pyroptosis cell death are caused by CME. High concentration of CME (200 μg/ml) exerts G2/M and G0 cell cycles arresting and suppresses P53‐downstream proliferative proteins, including P53, P21, CDC25B, CyclinB1, Bcl‐2, and BCL2 associated agonist of cell death (BAD), but 1–100 μg/ml of CME show less effect on proteins above. Correspondingly, caspase‐3 activity and caspase‐3 downstream proteins including pyroptotic effector gasdermin‐E (GSDME) and apoptotic marker cleaved‐poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) are significantly promoted by CME. Moreover, regarding membrane pore formation in pyroptotic cell, expression of membrane GSDME (GSDME antibody conjugated with PE‐Cy7 for detection in flow cytometry) is remarkably increased by CME treatment. By contrast, other pyroptosis‐related proteins such as P2X7, NLRP3, GSDMD, and Caspase‐1 are not affected after CME treatment. Additionally, TET2 is unexpectedly raised by CME. In present of caspase‐3 inhibitor Ac‐DEVD‐CHO (Ac‐DC), CME‐induced cytotoxicity, cell bubbling, and genotoxicity are reduced, and CME‐induced upregulation of apoptosis (cleaved‐PARP‐1) and pyroptosis (GSDME‐NT) proteins are reversed. Lastly, 22 components are identified in HPLC‐qTOF experiment, and they are classified into trophism, neoadjuvant component, cytotoxic component, and cancer deterioration promoter according to previous references. Conclusively, CME causes caspase‐3‐dependent apoptosis and pyroptosis in A549 through caspase‐3/PARP and caspase‐3/GSDME pathways, and it provides basic insight into clinic application of CME for cancer patients.
Costing Analysis of Scalable Carbon‐Based Perovskite Modules Using Bottom Up Technique
Authors: Kajal Priyanka , Verma Bhupesh , Vadaga Satya Gangadhara Rao , Powar Satvasheel 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn recent years, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 25.5%, indicating that they are a promising alternative to dominant Si photovoltaic (PV) technology. This technology is expected to solve the world's energy demand with minimal investment and very low CO2 emissions. The market has shown a lot of interest in PSCs technology. A technoeconomic analysis is a useful tool for tracking manufacturing costs and forecasting whether technology will eventually achieve market‐driven prices. A technoeconomic analysis of a 100 MW carbon‐based perovskite solar module (CPSM) factory located in India is presented in this paper. Two CPSMs architectures—high‐temperature processed CPSMs (Module A) and low‐temperature processed CPSM's (Module B)—are expected to offer minimum sustainable prices (MSPs) of $ 0.21 W‐1 and $ 0.15 W‐1. On the basis of MSP, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) is calculated to be 3.40 ¢ kWh‐1 for module A and 3.02 ¢ kWh‐1 for module B, with a 10‐year module lifetime assumption. The same modules with a 25‐year lifespan have LCOEs of 1.66 and 1.47 ¢ kWh‐1, respectively. These estimates are comparable to market dominant crystalline silicon solar modules, and they are also favorable for utilizing perovskite solar cell technology.
Contribution of the multi‐echo approach in accelerated functional magnetic resonance imaging multiband acquisition
Authors: Kovářová Anežka , Gajdoš Martin , Rektor Ivan , Mikl Michal 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe wanted to verify the effect of combining multi‐echo (ME) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with slice acceleration in simultaneous multi‐slice acquisition. The aim was to shed light on the benefits of multiple echoes for various acquisition settings, especially for levels of slice acceleration and flip angle. Whole‐brain ME fMRI data were obtained from 26 healthy volunteers (using three echoes; seven runs with slice acceleration 1, 4, 6, and 8; and two different flip angles for each of the first three acceleration factors) and processed as single‐echo (SE) data and ME data based on optimal combinations weighted by the contrast‐to‐noise ratio. Global metrics (temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio, signal‐to‐noise separation, number of active voxels, etc.) and local characteristics in regions of interest were used to evaluate SE and ME data. ME results outperformed SE results in all runs; the differences became more apparent for higher acceleration, where a significant decrease in data quality is observed. ME fMRI can improve the observed data quality metrics over SE fMRI for a wide range of accelerated fMRI acquisitions.
Breviscapine alleviates NASH by inhibiting TGF‐β‐activated kinase 1‐dependent signaling
Authors: Lan Tian , Jiang Shuo , Zhang Jing , Weng Qiqing , Yu Yang , Li Haonan , Tian Song , Ding Xin , Hu Sha , Yang Yiqi , Wang Weixuan , Wang Lexun , Luo Duosheng , Xiao Xue , Piao Shenghua , Zhu Qing , Rong Xianglu , Guo Jiao 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background and Aims
NAFLD is a key component of metabolic syndrome, ranging from nonalcoholic fatty liver to NASH, and is now becoming the leading cause of cirrhosis and HCC worldwide. However, due to the complex and unclear pathophysiological mechanism, there are no specific approved agents for treating NASH. Breviscapine, a natural flavonoid prescription drug isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Erigeron breviscapus, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties, including effects on metabolism. However, the anti‐NASH efficacy and mechanisms of breviscapine have not yet been characterized.

Approach and Results
We evaluated the effects of breviscapine on the development of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro under metabolic stress. Breviscapine treatment significantly reduced lipid accumulation, inflammatory cell infiltration, liver injury, and fibrosis in mice fed a high‐fat diet, a high‐fat/high‐cholesterol diet, or a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient diet. In addition, breviscapine attenuated lipid accumulation, inflammation, and lipotoxicity in hepatocytes undergoing metabolic stress. RNA‐sequencing and multiomics analyses further indicated that the key mechanism linking the anti‐NASH effects of breviscapine was inhibition of TGF‐β‐activated kinase 1 (TAK1) phosphorylation and the subsequent mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling cascade. Treatment with the TAK1 inhibitor 5Z‐7‐oxozeaenol abrogated breviscapine‐mediated hepatoprotection under metabolic stress. Molecular docking illustrated that breviscapine directly bound to TAK1.

Conclusion
Breviscapine prevents metabolic stress–induced NASH progression through direct inhibition of TAK1 signaling. Breviscapine might be a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of NASH.
Impact of Platelet Count on Perioperative Bleeding in Patients With Cirrhosis Undergoing Surgical Treatments of Liver Cancer
Authors: Ronca Vincenzo , Barabino Matteo , Santambrogio Roberto , Opocher Enrico , Hodson James , Bertolini Emanuela , Birocchi Simone , Piccolo Gaetano , Battezzati PierMaria , Cattaneo Marco , Podda Gian Marco 
Published: October 2021

In patients with cirrhosis with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count [PC] <50 × 109/L) and undergoing invasive procedures, it is common clinical practice to increase the PC with platelet transfusions or thrombopoietin receptor agonists to reduce the risk of major periprocedural bleeding. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between native PC and perioperative bleeding in patients with cirrhosis undergoing surgical procedures for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We retrospectively evaluated 996 patients with cirrhosis between 1996 and 2018 who underwent surgical treatments of HCC by liver resection (LR) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) without prophylactic platelet transfusions. Patients were allocated to the following three groups based on PC: high (>100 × 109/L), intermediate (51‐100 × 109/L), and low (≤50 × 109/L). PC was also analyzed as a continuous covariate on multivariable analysis. The primary endpoint was major perioperative bleeding. The overall event rate of major perioperative bleeding was 8.9% and was not found to differ significantly between the high, intermediate, and low platelet groups (8.1% vs. 10.2% vs. 10.8%, P = 0.48). On multivariable analysis, greater age, aspartate aminotransferase, lower hemoglobin, and treatment with LR (vs. RFA) were found to be significant independent predictors of major perioperative bleeding, with associations with disease etiology and year of surgery also observed. After adjusting for these factors, the association between PC and major perioperative bleeding remained nonsignificant. Conclusion: Major perioperative bleeding was not significantly associated with PC in patients with cirrhosis undergoing surgical treatment of HCC, even when their PC was <50 × 109/L. With the limit of a retrospective analysis, our data do not support the recommendation of increasing PC in patients with severe thrombocytopenia in order to decrease their perioperative bleeding risk.
Numerical solution for natural convection flow near a vertical porous plate having convective boundary condition with nonlinear thermal radiation
Authors: Jha Basant K. , Samaila Gabriel 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article presents the theoretical study of the effects of suction/injection and nonlinear thermal radiation on boundary layer flow near a vertical porous plate. The importance of the convective boundary condition as regards the heat transfer rate is taken into account. The coupled nonlinear boundary layer equations are translated into a set of ordinary differential equations via a similarity transformation. The consequences of the active parameters like the suction parameter, injection parameter, convective heat transfer parameter, nonlinear thermal radiation parameters, and Grashof number dictating the flow transport are examined. The numerical result obtained shows that with suction/injection, the heat transfer rate could be increased with nonlinear thermal radiation parameter augment whereas decays with the convective heat transfer parameter and Grashof number. In the presence of suction/injection, the wall shear stress generally increases with nonlinear thermal radiation parameter, convective heat transfer parameter, and Grashof number. The suction has an increasing effect on Nusselt number and shear stress whereas a decreasing effect on Nusselt number and skin friction is seen with injection augment. The nonlinear thermal radiation is an increasing function of the temperature gradient far away from the plate whereas a decreasing function near the porous plate.
The influence of climate on water chemistry states and dynamics in rivers across Australia
Authors: Lintern Anna , Liu Shuci , Minaudo Camille , Dupas Rémi , Guo Danlu , Zhang Kefeng , Bende‐Michl Ulrike , Duvert Clément 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFor effective water quality management and policy development, spatial variability in the mean concentrations and dynamics of riverine water quality needs to be understood. Using water chemistry (calcium, electrical conductivity, nitrate‐nitrite, soluble reactive phosphorus, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total suspended solids) data for up to 578 locations across the Australian continent, we assessed the impact of climate zones (arid, Mediterranean, temperate, subtropical, tropical) on (i) inter‐annual mean concentration and (ii) water chemistry dynamics as represented by constituent export regimes (ratio of the coefficients of variation of concentration and discharge) and export patterns (slope of the concentration‐discharge relationship). We found that inter‐annual mean concentrations vary significantly by climate zones and that spatial variability in water chemistry generally exceeds temporal variability. However, export regimes and patterns are generally consistent across climate zones. This suggests that intrinsic properties of individual constituents rather than catchment properties determine export regimes and patterns. The spatially consistent water chemistry dynamics highlights the potential to predict riverine water quality across the Australian continent, which can support national riverine water quality management and policy development.
Proteomic analysis of zearalenone toxicity on mouse thymic epithelial cells
Authors: Geng Hongrui , Tan Xiaotong , Zhao Miao , Ma Yongjiang , Li Yugu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractZearalenone (ZEA) is one of the most major food contaminants in cereal crops worldwide, risking health of both livestock and humans. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity and the underlying mechanism of ZEA on thymic epithelial cells. By using proteomics analysis, we identified 596 differentially expressed proteins in MTEC1 cells upon zearalenone exposure, of which 245 were upregulated and 351 were downregulated. Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggested that differentially expressed proteins were participated in protein synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and ATP binding. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed proteins were mainly related to mitochndrial metabolism, such as citrate cycle (TCA cycle) and oxidative phosphorylation. We demonstrated that ZEA treatment was able to increase the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, to decrease ΔΨm, ATP level, and the copy number of mtDNA, leading to necrotic cell death. Moreover, we showed that ZEA treatment inhibited cell proliferation and induced G2/M phase arrest by downregulation of proliferation‐associated proteins ERK, p‐ERK, CDK1, and p‐CHK1. Taken together, we found that the toxicity of ZEA on thymic epithelial cells is mainly caused by the inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction and cell proliferation. Our study might open new avenues for treatment strategies.
Multi‐ion‐doped nano‐hydroxyapatite‐coated titanium intramedullary pins for long bone fracture repair in dogs—Clinical evaluation
Authors: Gaddam Vani , Podarala Veena , Rayaduram Venkata Suresh Kumar , Mukku Santhi Lakshmi , Devalam Raniprameela , Kundu Biswanath 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPlasma spray nano‐hydroxyapatite‐coated titanium intramedullary implants doped either with 5% zinc, 2.5% strontium, and 2.5% fluorine ions or with 5% zinc, 5% strontium, and 2.5% silver ions were evaluated compared with plasma spray nano‐hydroxyapatite‐coated titanium intramedullary implant and uncoated titanium intramedullary implants for open reduction and internal immobilization in 24 clinical cases of long bone fracture repair in dogs. Fracture‐healing limb outcome was evaluated clinically, that is, radiographically. Biochemical estimation of serum calcium, serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bone markers (bone ALP [BALP] and C‐telopeptide of type 1 collagen [CTX]) was carried out on 0th day, 3rd week, 6th, and 9th week postoperatively. Multi‐ion‐doped plasma spray nano‐hydroxyapatite‐coated titanium intramedullary implants were found to be superior to plasma spray nano‐hydroxyapatite‐coated titanium intramedullary implants and uncoated titanium intramedullary implants in terms of all the parameters studied. Using plasma spray nano‐hydroxyapatite‐coated titanium implants doped with multi ions, that is, 5% zinc, 5% strontium, and 2.5% silver gave the best results in fracture repair followed by the implants doped with 5% zinc, 2.5% strontium, and 2.5% fluorine ions. Earliest and excellent limb usage with no postoperative complications was the hallmark of the use of these multi‐ion‐doped implants with higher serum calcium, serum phosphorus, ALP, BALP, and CTX values up to 3rd postoperative week and no lameness on the 21st day.
Eriocitrin, a dietary flavonoid suppressed cell proliferation, induced apoptosis through modulation of JAK2/STAT3 and JNK/p38 MAPKs signaling pathway in MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Yuan Chengliang , Chen Guoping , Jing Chengbao , Liu Mengxue , Liang Bo , Gong Guojin , Yu Mei 
Published: November 2021

AbstractEriocitrin, a lemons flavanone, exhibits several biological properties, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic effects. However, its molecular mechanical action is not entirely clarified. Oxidative stress causes abnormal stimulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling has been strongly connected with the ruling of cell survival and apoptosis of cancer cells. Herein, we investigated an antiproliferative and proapoptotic effect that Eriocitrin modulates STAT3/MAPKs signaling activation in MCF‐7 cells. We noticed that Eriocitrin strongly enhances reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, alteration of mitochondrial outer membrane potential, and enhances apoptotic morphological changes. Furthermore, Eriocitrin suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation via inhibiting an upstream molecule of JAK2 and Src kinase activation, thereby blocking STAT3 nuclear translocation. Similarly, Eriocitrin causes oxidative stress‐mediated JNK/p38 MAPK signaling activation. We confirmed that Eriocitrin induced ROS‐mediated apoptosis inhibited by the antioxidant substance of N‐acetylcysteine. Eriocitrin induced apoptosis via suppression of STAT3 signaling regulated proteins, activating proapoptotic factors Bax, caspase 7, 8, 9 and suppressing Bcl‐2, Bcl‐x expression in MCF‐7 cells. Overall, these results evidenced that Eriocitrin can affect multiple signaling events associated with tumorigenesis. From this evidence, Eriocitrin, a novel chemotherapeutic agent, can be used to treat breast cancer.
A five‐gene methylation signature predicts overall survival of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Jing Xiao , Xu Gang , Gong Yu , Li Junlong , LingfengWu  , Zhu Wei , He Yi , Li Zhongyi , Pan Shouhua 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn this study, we aimed to screen methylation signatures associated with the prognosis of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).MethodsGene expression and methylation profiles of ccRCC patients were downloaded from publicly available databases, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs)‐differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were obtained. Subsequently, gene set enrichment and transcription factor (TF) regulatory network analyses were performed. In addition, a prognostic model was constructed and the relationship between disease progression and immunity was analyzed.ResultsA total of 23 common DEGs‐DMGs were analyzed, among which 14 DEGs‐DMGs were obtained with a cutoff value of PCC < 0 and p < 0.05. The enrichment analysis showed that the 14 DEGs‐DMGs were enriched in three GO terms and three KEGG pathways. In addition, a total of six TFs were shown to be associated with the 14 DEGs‐DMGs, including RP58, SOX9, NF‐κB65, ATF6, OCT, and IK2. A prognostic model using five optimized DEGs‐DMGs which efficiently predicted survival was constructed and validated using the GSE105288 dataset. Additionally, four types of immune cells (NK cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and cancer‐associated fibroblasts), as well as ESTIMATE, immune, and stromal scores were found to be significantly correlated with ccRCC progression (normal, primary, and metastasis) in addition to the five optimized DEGs‐DMGs.ConclusionA five‐gene methylation signature with the predictive ability for ccRCC prognosis was investigated in this study, consisting of CCNB2, CDKN1C, CTSH, E2F2, and ERMP1. In addition, potential targets for methylation‐mediated immunotherapy were highlighted.
Psychometric evaluation of the Norwegian Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20) in a multisite clinical sample of patients with personality disorders and personality problems
Authors: Pedersen Geir , Normann‐Eide Eivind , Eikenæs Ingeborg Ulltveit‐Moe , Kvarstein Elfrida Hartveit , Wilberg Theresa 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivePsychometric properties of 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20) have been widely analyzed, but the validity and psychometric qualities of the TAS‐20 in populations with personality disorders are still poorly understood. The aim of the current study was to analyze the factor structure and validity of TAS‐20.MethodData were extracted from a multisite clinical sample of patients with personality disorders or personality‐related problems referred to specialist mental health services in Norway.ResultsWith one exception, TAS‐20 revealed acceptable psychometric properties. Variations of TAS‐20 are associated with other clinical measures of distress and severity. Anxiety disorders, borderline, and avoidant personality disorders were all highly related to levels of TAS‐20. The TAS‐20 also revealed unique variance not accounted for by subjective distress, symptom disorders, or dysfunctional personality traits.ConclusionThe TAS‐20 is a relevant instrument for use in assessment of personality disorders, but one subscale should be improved.
Comparison among various configurations of hybrid distillation–membrane setups for the energy efficiency improvement of bioethanol distillery: a simulation study
Authors: Iftikhar Sherafghan , Aslam Zaheer , Ali Usman , Akhtar Adnan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDHybrid distillation–membrane setups have attracted attention in recent years due to their lower energy usage for ethanol purification. Membrane separation processes operate without heating that reduces energy demand. However, it is somewhat challenging to select the optimal material and process for a membrane purifying ethanol, especially to get an ethanol purity of 99.99% with maximum recovery.RESULTSIn this study, three different configurations of hybrid distillation–membrane setups are proposed consisting of distillation–pervaporation/vapor permeation processes by considering ceramic, polymeric and composite membranes. The design of hybrid processes is performed by coupling the membrane model built in Aspen Custom Modeler with a simulator of a distillation column. It was observed that distillation–membrane setups exhibited relatively lower operating energy requirement compared to state‐of‐the‐art distillation with near 70% energy savings for the case of distillation–vapor permeation. In terms of the process, we found that vapor permeation is more feasible than pervaporation due to its lower operating cost. Furthermore, it was determined that ceramic membranes exhibit low areas (about 1.64 to 2.62 m2) for ethanol purification compared to polymeric membranes (about 162.94 to 278.47 m2). It is concluded that hybrid processes are less energy intensive compared to the conventional process for ethanol purification.CONCLUSIONSThe results of the sensitivity analysis revealed that the best configuration to get 99.99% pure ethanol with maximum recovery and least operational cost and capital investment would be distillation and vapor permeation configured with NaA zeolite. These findings would be a useful contribution to process intensification concerning ethanol purification plants. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).