bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poly-L-arginine promotes asthma angiogenesis through induction of FGFBP1 in airway epithelial cells via activation of the mTORC1-STAT3 pathway
Authors: Chen Xu , Miao Manli , Zhou Meng , Chen Jie , Li Dapeng , Zhang Ling , Sun Anjiang , Guan Minglong , Wang Zixi , Liu Ping , Zhang Shengquan , Zha Xiaojun , Fan Xiaoyun 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAngiogenesis is a key characteristic of asthma airway remodeling. By releasing cationic granule proteins, such as major basic protein (MBP), activated eosinophils play a prominent role in asthma, but the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor-binding protein 1 (FGFBP1) was dramatically upregulated in airway epithelial cell lines treated by poly-L-arginine (PLA), a mimic of MBP. Elevated FGFBP1 expression was also detected in asthma clinical samples, as well as in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced chronic asthma mouse models. PLA enhanced FGFBP1 expression through activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (mTORC1-STAT3) signaling pathway. STAT3 transactivated FGFBP1 by directly binding to the promoter of the FGFBP1 gene. Furthermore, we identified that FGFBP1 secreted by PLA-treated airway epithelial cells served as a proangiogenesis factor. Lastly, we found the mTORC1-STAT3-FGFBP1 signaling pathway was activated in an OVA-induced chronic asthma model with airway remodeling features. Rapamycin treatment alleviated respiratory symptoms and reduced angiogenesis in asthmatic mice. Therefore, activation of the mTORC1-STAT3-FGFBP1 pathway in the airway epithelium contributes to the progress of angiogenesis and should be targeted for the treatment of asthma.
Mixed alkali-ion transport and storage in atomic-disordered honeycomb layered NaKNi2TeO6
Authors: Masese Titus , Miyazaki Yoshinobu , Rizell Josef , Kanyolo Godwill Mbiti , Chen Chih-Yao , Ubukata Hiroki , Kubota Keigo , Sau Kartik , Ikeshoji Tamio , Huang Zhen-Dong , Yoshii Kazuki , Takahashi Teruo , Ito Miyu , Senoh Hiroshi , Hwang Jinkwang , Alshehabi Abbas , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Matsunaga Toshiyuki , Fujii Kotaro , Yashima Masatomo , Shikano Masahiro , Tassel Cédric , Kageyama Hiroshi , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Hagiwara Rika , Saito Tomohiro 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHoneycomb layered oxides constitute an emerging class of materials that show interesting physicochemical and electrochemical properties. However, the development of these materials is still limited. Here, we report the combined use of alkali atoms (Na and K) to produce a mixed-alkali honeycomb layered oxide material, namely, NaKNi2TeO6. Via transmission electron microscopy measurements, we reveal the local atomic structural disorders characterised by aperiodic stacking and incoherency in the alternating arrangement of Na and K atoms. We also investigate the possibility of mixed electrochemical transport and storage of Na+ and K+ ions in NaKNi2TeO6. In particular, we report an average discharge cell voltage of about 4 V and a specific capacity of around 80 mAh g–1 at low specific currents (i.e., < 10 mA g–1) when a NaKNi2TeO6-based positive electrode is combined with a room-temperature NaK liquid alloy negative electrode using an ionic liquid-based electrolyte solution. These results represent a step towards the use of tailored cathode active materials for “dendrite-free” electrochemical energy storage systems exploiting room-temperature liquid alkali metal alloy materials.
Rheological inheritance controls the formation of segmented rifted margins in cratonic lithosphere
Authors: Gouiza M. , Naliboff J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObservations from rifted margins reveal that significant structural and crustal variability develops through the process of continental extension and breakup. While a clear link exists between distinct margin structural domains and specific phases of rifting, the origin of strong segmentation along the length of margins remains relatively ambiguous and may reflect multiple competing factors. Given that rifting frequently initiates on heterogenous basements with a complex tectonic history, the role of structural inheritance and shear zone reactivation is frequently examined. However, the link between large-scale variations in lithospheric structure and rheology and 3-D rifted margin geometries remains relatively unconstrained. Here, we use 3-D thermo-mechanical simulations of continental rifting, constrained by observations from the Labrador Sea, to unravel the effects of inherited variable lithospheric properties on margin segmentation. The modelling results demonstrate that variations in the initial crustal and lithospheric thickness, composition, and rheology produce sharp gradients in rifted margin width, the timing of breakup and its magmatic budget, leading to strong margin segmentation.
A kinetically controlled platform for ligand-oligonucleotide transduction
Authors: Zhang Qiu-Long , Wang Liang-Liang , Liu Yan , Lin Jiao , Xu Liang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLigand-oligonucleotide transduction provides the critical pathway to integrate non-nucleic acid molecules into nucleic acid circuits and nanomachines for a variety of strand-displacement related applications. Herein, a general platform is constructed to convert the signals of ligands into desired oligonucleotides through a precise kinetic control. In this design, the ligand-aptamer binding sequence with an engineered duplex stem is introduced between the toehold and displacement domains of the invading strand to regulate the strand-displacement reaction. Employing this platform, we achieve efficient transduction of both small molecules and proteins orthogonally, and more importantly, establish logical and cascading operations between different ligands for versatile transduction. Besides, this platform is capable of being directly coupled with the signal amplification systems to further enhance the transduction performance. This kinetically controlled platform presents unique features with designing simplicity and flexibility, expandable complexity and system compatibility, which may pave a broad road towards nucleic acid-based developments of sophisticated transduction networks.
Impact of estrogen receptor levels on outcome in non-metastatic triple negative breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Dieci Maria Vittoria , Griguolo Gaia , Bottosso Michele , Tsvetkova Vassilena , Giorgi Carlo Alberto , Vernaci Grazia , Michieletto Silvia , Angelini Silvia , Marchet Alberto , Tasca Giulia , Genovesi Elisa , Cumerlato Enrico , Lo Mele Marcello , Conte PierFranco , Guarneri Valentina 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAlthough 1% is the recommended cut-off to define estrogen receptor (ER) positivity, a 10% cut-off is often used in clinical practice for therapeutic purposes. We here evaluate clinical outcomes according to ER levels in a monoinstitutional cohort of non-metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy. Clinicopathological data of 406 patients with ER < 10% HER2-negative BC treated with (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy between 01/2000 and 04/2019 were collected. Patients were categorized in ER-negative (ER < 1%; N = 364) and ER-low positive (1–9%, N = 42). At a median follow-up of 54 months, 88 patients had relapsed and 64 died. No significant difference was observed in invasive relapse-free survival (iRFS) and overall survival (OS) according to ER expression levels, both at univariate and multivariate analysis (5-years iRFS 74.0% versus 73.1% for ER-negative and ER-low positive BC, respectively, p = 0.6; 5-years OS 82.3% versus 76.7% for ER-negative and ER-low positive BC, respectively, p = 0.8). Among the 165 patients that received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, pathological complete response rate was similar in the two cohorts (38% in ER-negative, 44% in ER-low positive, p = 0.498). In conclusion, primary BC with ER1–9% shows similar clinical behavior to ER 1% BC. Our results suggest the use of a 10% cut-off, rather than <1%, to define triple-negative BC.
Ecological and health risk assessment of trace metals in water collected from Haripur gas blowout area of Bangladesh
Authors: Howladar M. Farhad , Hossain Md. Numan , Anju Khaleda Akter , Das Debjani 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe study aims to assess the trace metals and physicochemical properties of water in the adjacent to the Sylhet gas blowout area. Trace metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer, whereas physicochemical parameters were evaluated in-situ state using portable instruments and also in the laboratory. Trace metals Pb, Cd, and Ni were found in the water samples higher than the acceptable limit by WHO standards, whereas the concentration of Cu and Zn were within acceptable limit, respectively. The correlation coefficient matrix and factor loading analysis spectacle that the interrelationship among the physicochemical parameters, trace elements, as well as other ions are moderate to strongly corellated which reflecting the homogeneous source of origin. According to contamination factor, Nemerow multi-factor index, pollution load index, and also, potential ecological risk index, the water of the region is quite polluted in case of Pb, Cd, and Ni but unpolluted for Cu and Zn. The water quality index indicates that treatment of water is required before using it for domestic purposes. The health quotient and hazard index results are less than standard value 1 suggesting that there is no noncarcinogenic risk in the area. The carcinogenic analysis shows that the lifetime incremental cancer risk mean value of Cd and Ni are fairly insignificant and Pb is more significant for children to cause health problem. The ILCR value of Cd and Ni are insignificant whereas Pb is significant to pose health risk for adults. Physicochemical parameters revealed that the water was slightly acidic and soft in nature implying to avoid the water from this area for drinking purposes. At the end, it can be concluded that this study will be useful for the residence as well as the policymaker to take the protective surveillance measures around the areas.
Genomic insights into the antibiotic resistance pattern of the tetracycline-degrading bacterium, Arthrobacter nicotianae OTC-16
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhu Rongrong , Li Weilin , Ma Junwei , Lin Hui 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAlthough many bacteria have the potential to remove antibiotic residues from environmental niches, the benefits of using antibiotic-degrading bacteria to manage antibiotic pollution should be assessed against the risk of the potential expansion of antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated the antibiotic resistance pattern of the bacterium Arthrobacter nicotianae OTC-16, which shows substantial biodegradation of oxytetracycline (OTC)/tetracycline. The results showed that this strain could be resistant to at least seven categories of 15 antibiotics, based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The genome of A. nicotianae OTC-16 contains one chromosome (3,643,989 bp) and two plasmids (plasmid1, 123,894 bp and plasmid2, 29,841 bp). Of the 3,561 genes isolated, eight were related to antibiotic resistance. During OTC degradation by the strain OTC-16, the expression of ant2ia, sul1, tet33, and cml_e8 in the plasmid, and one gene (tetV) in the chromosome were tracked using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Only the plasmid-derived resistance genes were up-regulated in the presence of OTC. The presence of OTC increased the tolerance of strain OTC-16 to streptomycin sulphate. The findings of this study can help deepen our understanding of the behavioural characteristics of resistance genes and adaptive evolution of drug-resistant bacteria.
Protein supplementation during an energy-restricted diet induces visceral fat loss and gut microbiota amino acid metabolism activation: a randomized trial
Authors: Bel Lassen Pierre , Belda Eugeni , Prifti Edi , Dao Maria Carlota , Specque Florian , Henegar Corneliu , Rinaldi Laure , Wang Xuedan , Kennedy Sean P. , Zucker Jean-Daniel , Calame Wim , Lamarche Benoît , Claus Sandrine P. , Clément Karine 
Published: August 2021

AbstractInteractions between diet and gut microbiota are critical regulators of energy metabolism. The effects of fibre intake have been deeply studied but little is known about the impact of proteins. Here, we investigated the effects of high protein supplementation (Investigational Product, IP) in a double blind, randomised placebo-controled intervention study (NCT01755104) where 107 participants received the IP or an isocaloric normoproteic comparator (CP) alongside a mild caloric restriction. Gut microbiota profiles were explored in a patient subset (n = 53) using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Visceral fat decreased in both groups (IP group: − 20.8 ± 23.2 cm2; CP group: − 14.5 ± 24.3 cm2) with a greater reduction (p < 0.05) with the IP supplementation in the Per Protocol population. Microbial diversity increased in individuals with a baseline low gene count (p < 0.05). The decrease in weight, fat mass and visceral fat mass significantly correlated with the increase in microbial diversity (p < 0.05). Protein supplementation had little effects on bacteria composition but major differences were seen at functional level. Protein supplementation stimulated bacterial amino acid metabolism (90% amino-acid synthesis functions enriched with IP versus 13% in CP group (p < 0.01)). Protein supplementation alongside a mild energy restriction induces visceral fat mass loss and an activation of gut microbiota amino-acid metabolism.Clinical trial registration: NCT01755104 (24/12/2012). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT01755104?term=NCT01755104&draw=2&rank=1.
Mortality and predictors of acute kidney injury in adults: a hospital-based prospective observational study
Authors: Abebe Abinet , Kumela Kabaye , Belay Maekel , Kebede Bezie , Wobie Yohannes 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a major global public health problem. It is expensive to manage and associated with a high rate of prolonged hospitalization and in-hospital mortality. Little is known about the burden of acute kidney injury in moderate to low-income countries. We aim to assess predictors of in-hospital mortality among AKI patients admitted to the medical ward. We prospectively identified patients meeting kidney disease improving global outcomes (KIDGO) AKI definitions from April to August 2019. Patients with underlying CKD and patients hospitalized for less than 48 h were excluded. The Cox regression model was fitted to identify predictors of mortality and statistical significance was considered at the p-value of less than 0.05. A total of 203 patients were enrolled over 5 months. Out of this, 121(59.6%) were males, 58(28.6%) were aged greater than 60 years, and 141(69.5%) had community-acquired acute kidney injury. The most common causes of AKI were Hypovolemia 99(48.77%), Glomerulonephritis 51(25.11%), and sepsis 32(15.79%). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 12.8%. Stage 3 AKI (AHR = 9.61, 95% CI 1.17–28.52, p = 0.035), duration of AKI (AHR = 7.04, 95% CI 1.37–36.08, p = 0.019), length of hospital stay (AHR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.05–0.73, p = 0.012), and hyperkalemia (AHR = 3.61, 95% CI 1.12–11.71, p = 0.032) were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. There is a high rate of acute kidney injury-related in-hospital mortality in adult patients admitted to the medical ward. The severity of AKI, hyperkalemia duration of AKI, and a short length of hospital stay were predictors of 30-days in-hospital mortality. Most of the causes of AKI are preventable and patients may benefit from early identification and treatment of these reversible causes.
Neuromorphic computation with a single magnetic domain wall
Authors: Ababei Razvan V. , Ellis Matthew O. A. , Vidamour Ian T. , Devadasan Dhilan S. , Allwood Dan A. , Vasilaki Eleni , Hayward Thomas J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMachine learning techniques are commonly used to model complex relationships but implementations on digital hardware are relatively inefficient due to poor matching between conventional computer architectures and the structures of the algorithms they are required to simulate. Neuromorphic devices, and in particular reservoir computing architectures, utilize the inherent properties of physical systems to implement machine learning algorithms and so have the potential to be much more efficient. In this work, we demonstrate that the dynamics of individual domain walls in magnetic nanowires are suitable for implementing the reservoir computing paradigm in hardware. We modelled the dynamics of a domain wall placed between two anti-notches in a nickel nanowire using both a 1D collective coordinates model and micromagnetic simulations. When driven by an oscillating magnetic field, the domain exhibits non-linear dynamics within the potential well created by the anti-notches that are analogous to those of the Duffing oscillator. We exploit the domain wall dynamics for reservoir computing by modulating the amplitude of the applied magnetic field to inject time-multiplexed input signals into the reservoir, and show how this allows us to perform machine learning tasks including: the classification of (1) sine and square waves; (2) spoken digits; and (3) non-temporal 2D toy data and hand written digits. Our work lays the foundation for the creation of nanoscale neuromorphic devices in which individual magnetic domain walls are used to perform complex data analysis tasks.
Characteristics and risk assessment of occupational exposure to ultrafine particles generated from cooking in the Chinese restaurant
Authors: Gao Xiangjing , Zhang Meibian , Zou Hua , Zhou Zanrong , Yuan Weiming , Quan Changjian , Cao Yiyao 
Published: August 2021

AbstractUltrafine particles have been increasingly linked to adverse health effects in restaurant workers. This study aimed to clarify the exposure characteristics and risks of ultrafine particles during the cooking process, and to provide a reasonable standard for protecting the workers in the Chinese restaurant. The temporal variations in particle concentrations (number concentration (NC), mass concentration (MC), surface area concentration (SAC), and personal NC), and size distributions by number were measured by real-time system. The hazard, exposure, and risk levels of ultrafine particles were analyzed using the control banding tools. The NC, MC, and SAC increased during the cooking period and decreased gradually to background levels post-operation. The concentration ratios of MC, total NC, SAC, and personal NC ranged from 3.82 to 9.35. The ultrafine particles were mainly gathered at 10.4 and 100 nm during cooking. The exposure, hazard and risk levels of the ultrafine particles were high. These findings indicated that the workers during cooking were at high risk due to exposure to high levels of ultrafine particles associated with working activity and with a bimodal size distribution. The existing control strategies, including engineering control, management control, and personal protection equipment need to be improved to reduce the risk.
Improvement of binocular summation in intermittent exotropia following successful postoperative alignment
Authors: Li YuePing , Ding Juan , Zhang Wei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTo investigate the improvement of binocular summation (BiS) at high contrast (100%) and different low contrasts (10, 5 and 2.5%) in patients with intermittent exotropia (IXT) after successfully postoperative alignment. A total of 76 patients (aged 9–40 years) with IXT and poor control at distance before surgery were enrolled in this study. The postoperative deviations ranged between 4 PD esophoria to 10 PD exotropia in the primary position (at near and at distance) in all the enrolled patients. The follow-up visits were 2–3 months after the surgery. We analyzed preoperative and postoperative BiS and the proportions of patients with different BiS for the high contrast and the low contrasts. Binocular summation (BiS) was classified into three situations: binocular summation, equal and inbibition. The results of the distant random dots stereograph (RDS) were grouped into A, unable to recognize; B, moderate, 200″ ≤ RDS ≤ 400″ and C, good, RDS < 200″. Following the successful postoperative alignment, the proportion of patients with BiS were increased from 9.2 to 40.8%, 17.1 to 53.9%, 21.1 to 76.1% and 21.1 to 72.4% at 100%, 10%, 5% and 2.5% contrasts respectively. At 2.5% contrast, (1) more patients presented binocular summation in the groups B and C; (2) postoperative improvements of binocular visual acuity (BVA) in groups B (1.5 ± 1.03 lines) and C (1.57 ± 1.26 lines) were significantly different from the BVA in the group A (0.74 ± 1.00 line); and (3) in the group with central fusion, more patients presented BiS after surgery and the postoperative BVA improved by 1.43 ± 1.16 lines. Binocular summation for high contrast and different low contrasts can be improved in patients with IXT after successful surgical treatment. The improvement of BiS was associated with obtaining central fusion, recovering distant stereopsis and good alignment after the surgeries. The most significant improvement was shown at 2.5% contrast and was associated with good stereopsis and central fusion. The improvement of BiS, particularly at low contrast, has benefits for the daily activities in the real environment. BiS improvement could be used as a supplementary assessment of binocular function in patients with IXT before and after treatment.
Diploid genomic architecture of Nitzschia inconspicua, an elite biomass production diatom
Authors: Oliver Aaron , Podell Sheila , Pinowska Agnieszka , Traller Jesse C. , Smith Sarah R. , McClure Ryan , Beliaev Alex , Bohutskyi Pavlo , Hill Eric A. , Rabines Ariel , Zheng Hong , Allen Lisa Zeigler , Kuo Alan , Grigoriev Igor V. , Allen Andrew E. , Hazlebeck David , Allen Eric E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA near-complete diploid nuclear genome and accompanying circular mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes have been assembled from the elite commercial diatom species Nitzschia inconspicua. The 50 Mbp haploid size of the nuclear genome is nearly double that of model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, but 30% smaller than closer relative Fragilariopsis cylindrus. Diploid assembly, which was facilitated by low levels of allelic heterozygosity (2.7%), included 14 candidate chromosome pairs composed of long, syntenic contigs, covering 93% of the total assembly. Telomeric ends were capped with an unusual 12-mer, G-rich, degenerate repeat sequence. Predicted proteins were highly enriched in strain-specific marker domains associated with cell-surface adhesion, biofilm formation, and raphe system gliding motility. Expanded species-specific families of carbonic anhydrases suggest potential enhancement of carbon concentration efficiency, and duplicated glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis pathways across cytosolic and organellar compartments may enhance peak metabolic output, contributing to competitive success over other organisms in mixed cultures. The N. inconspicua genome delivers a robust new reference for future functional and transcriptomic studies to illuminate the physiology of benthic pennate diatoms and harness their unique adaptations to support commercial algae biomass and bioproduct production.