bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Protects Endothelial Barrier Against Oxidative Stress and Mitochondria-dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Meng Shan-Shan , Xia Fei-Ping , Xu Jing-Yuan , Zhang Xi-Wen , Xue Ming , Gu Ming-Yuan , Guo Feng-Mei , Huang Ying-Zi , Qiu Hai-Bo , Yang Yi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells(PMVECs) were incomplex and endothelial barrier was destroyed in the pathogenesis progress of acute lung injury(ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). Previous studies have demonstrated that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) could decrease endothelial apoptosis. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which HGF-suppressed oxidative stress contributes to endothelial mitochondria-dependent apoptosis is poorly understood. Methods: In our current study, we introduced lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced PMEVCs with HGF treatment. To investigate the effects of mTOR/STAT-3 pathway in endothelial oxidative stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, mammalian TOR (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) inhibitor S3I-201 were respectively used to inhibit mTOR/STAT-3 signaling. Moreover, lentivirus vector-mediated HGF, mTORC1(raptor) and mTORC2(rictor) gene knockdown modification were introduced to evaluate mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathway. Calcium measurement, ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential and protein complex I expression, cell proliferation, apoptosis and endothelial junction protein were detected to evaluate HGF effects.Results: Our study demonstrated that HGF protected endothelium via the suppression of ROS production and intracellular calcium uptake, which leading to increased mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 and mitochondria tracker green detection)and specific proteins(complex I), decreased endothelial apoptosis specific protein(Caspase-3), raised anti-apoptosis mRNA level(Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL), and increased endothelial junction proteins (VE-cadherin and occludin). Reversely, mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and STAT-3 inhibitor S3I-201 could raise oxidative stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis even with HGF treatment in LPS-induced endothelial cells. Similarly, mTORC1 as well as mTORC2, have the same protective effects in mitochondria damage and apoptosis. Conclusion: In all, these reveal that mTOR/STAT-3 signaling mediate the HGF suppression effects to oxidative level, mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and endothelial junction protein in LPS-stimulated PMVECs, which contributing to the endothelial survival and barrier integrity.
Brain Connectivity Dynamics in Untreated Transmen and Cisgender Individuals
Authors: Uribe Carme , Junque Carme , Gómez-Gil Esther , Díez-Cirarda María , Guillamon Antonio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Large-scale brain network interactions have been described between trans- and cis-gender identities. However, a temporal perspective of the brain spontaneous fluctuations is missing. We investigated the functional connectivity dynamics in transmen with gender incongruence and its relationship with interoceptive awareness. We describe four states in native and meta-state spaces: i) one state highly prevalent with sparse overall connections; ii) a second with strong couplings mainly involving components of the salience, default and executive control networks. Two states with global sparse connectivity but positive couplings iii) within the sensorimotor network, and iv) between salience network regions. Transmen had more dynamical fluidity than cismen, while cismen presented less meta-state fluidity and range dynamism than transmen and ciswomen. A positive association between attention regulation and fluidity, and meta-state range dynamism was found in transmen. There exist gender differences in the temporal brain dynamism, characterized by distinct interrelations of the salience network as catalyst interacting with other networks. We provide a functional explanation to the neurodevelopmental hypothesis proposing different brain phenotypes in the construction of the gendered-self.
Sintering Behavior and Microwave Dielectric Properties of MgO-2B 2 O 3 - Xwt %H 3 BO 3 - Ywt %BCB Ceramics
Authors: WANG Haiquan , LI Shixuan , WANG Kangguo , ZHOU Huanfu , Chen Xiuli 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The bulk density, sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties of MgO-2B2O3 series ceramics synthesized by solid-state reaction method were systematically studied in this paper. X-ray diffraction and microstructural analysis revealed that the as-prepared MgO-2B2O3 ceramics possessed a single-phase structure with rod-like morphology. Through the investigation of the effects of different dosages of H3BO3 and BCB on bulk density, sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties of MgO-2B2O3 ceramics, the optimum sintering temperature was obtained at an addition of 30wt%H3BO3 and 8wt%BCB and the sintering temperature was reduced to 825 oC. The addition of 40wt %H3BO3 and 4 wt%BCB increased the quality factor Q×f, permittivity εr and temperature coefficient of resonance frequency τf of MgO-2B2O3 to 44,306 GHz, 5.1 and -32 ppm/oC, respectively, meeting the criteria of low-temperature co-fired ceramics.
Effect of The Calcination Process On The Magnetotransport Properties in Co-Precipitation Derived La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 Ceramics
Authors: Li Yule , Yu Ping , Wang Xiaojin , Ling Fuxin , Chen Qingming , Zhang Hui 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 (LCMO) attracts considerable attention as a quintessential example for colossal magnetoresistance (CMR), metal-insulator transition and related temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) studies. Here, co-precipitation method was utilized to prepare the LCMO ceramics, whose magnetotransport properties as a function of calcination temperature (Tcal) and calcination time (tcal) were investigated. The magnetotransport properties of these LCMO ceramics were significantly enhanced compared with LCMO derived by sol-gel methods. The TCR of LCMO increased firstly and then decreased as the Tcal increased, whereas the metal-insulator transition temperature (TMIT) shifted towards to the lower temperature. Magnetoresistance (MR) increased as Tcal rose and reached 82.4 % at Tcal = 800 ℃. The mechanism of such magnetotransport properties with different temperature ranges was discussed. The optimal TCR of 32.3%·K-1 in LCMO was prepared with Tcal = 500 ℃ and tcal = 8 h, showing that co-precipitation method would facilitate the potential application of LCMO in infrared detecting and magnetoresistive switching.
A Novel Monitoring Method for Belt Wear State Based on Machine Vision and Image-processing Under Varying Grinding Parameters
Authors: Wang Nina , zhang guangpeng , Ren Lijuan , Pang Wanjing , Li Yongchang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The wear state of abrasive belt is one of the important factors affecting the grinding precision of belt grinding processes. Accurate monitoring of abrasive belt wear can not only provide the basis for accurate material removal model to improve grinding accuracy, but also can replace the belt to avoid surface burn in time. However, most of the existing abrasive belt wear monitoring methods are only suitable for monitoring the belt wear state under specific grinding parameters, are not universal. This paper introduces a method of belt wear state monitoring based on machine vision and image-processing. All the surface images of the belt were obtained from the new belt to the worn-out of the belt by a non-contact electron microscope. The features of abrasive belt surface images are extracted from RGB color space and wavelet texture. By analyzing the trendency of the extracted features in the whole grinding process, the wear state is divided into three categories. Three image features related to the wear state are selected: the first order distance of color component R, the entropy of horizontal subgraph, and vertical subgraph of texture feature. Based on the selected features and the random forest classification algorithm, the wear state classifier of abrasive belt is established. The performance of the classifier is verified and evaluated by using the data subset of different images. The results show that the proposed method has high recognition accuracy for the belt wear state, and the accuracy can reach 99% in the accelerated wear stage. The proposed method is suitable for the monitoring of the belt wear state by the surface images of the abrasive belt measured under different grinding parameters and different measurement parameters.
Off-Label Use of Bevacizumab in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Estarreja João , Valente Carina , Silva Carina , Camacho Pedro , Mateus Vanessa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is considered the leading cause of vision loss in elderly people. Taking into account the phenomenon of aging worldwide, the prevalence of AMD is expected to increase gradually in the future. AMD can be divided into early, intermediate and late stages, where early and intermediate are mainly asymptomatic and, late-stage can be classified in non-vascular AMD and vascular AMD. Current pharmacological treatment in vascular AMD is associated with the administration of anti-VEGF agents, such as ranibizumab, pegaptanib, and aflibercept. Additionally, it has been reported the off-label use of bevacizumab, commonly associated with oncology, in this condition through intravitreal administrations, demonstrating efficacy allied with a lower cost in comparison to other agents used, which makes it a new possible pharmacological approach. In this sense, this review aims to evaluate the off-label use profile of bevacizumab in the treatment of neovascular AMD. Methods/design: To identify and select relevant articles present in current literature, it will be developed a highly sensitive search strategy. To develop this search, it will be used MEDLINE via the Pubmed platform. It will be only considered clinical studies, where it is compared the use of bevacizumab with another pharmacological agent, such as ranibizumab, or even a placebo, in patients aged 50 years and older, diagnosed with vascular AMD.Discussion: This review will provide a synthesis of the current information and underlying evidence, about the influence of the off-label use of bevacizumab in this disease. Altogether, it will allow having a clearer vision on a new possible accepted pharmacological approach for the treatment of vascular AMD.Systematic review registration: The protocol for this review will be submitted and registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO).
Low-level Chlorpyrifos Exposure Affects Synaptic Plasticity in Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Zhou Wenjuan , Zhang Chen , Wang Peipei , Deng Yuanying , Dai Hongmei , Xi Qiong , Tian Jing , Zhao Mengwen , Wu Guojiao , Zhao Lingling 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used organophosphorus pesticide and exhibits environmental persistence and bioaccumulation. Increasing evidence has shown that exposure to CPF in early life might induce neurodevelopmental disorders in adulthood. Synaptic plasticity plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CPF on synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons and establish the cellular mechanism of these effects. We analysed the impact of CPF on the expression level of a presynaptic protein, a postsynaptic protein, and ionotropic glutamate receptors, as well as the effects on the Wnt7a/β-catenin pathway in primary hippocampal neurons. We found that CPF decreased the expression of synaptophysin, PSD-95, NMDAR1, GluR1, and Wnt7a, as well as active β-catenin, in primary hippocampal neurons. Our study suggests that low-level CPF exposure affects synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons.
Secondary Attack Rates of COVID-19 in Norwegian Families: A Nation-Wide Register-Based Study
Authors: Telle Kjetil , Jørgensen Silje B. , Hart Rannveig , Greve-Isdahl Margrethe , Kacelnik Oliver 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
To characterize the family index case for detected SARS-CoV-2 and describe testing and secondary attack rates in the family, we used individual-level administrative data of all families and all PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 in Norway in 2020. All families with at least one parent and one child below the age of 20 who lived at the same address (N=662 582), where at least one member, i.e. the index case, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in 2020, were included. Secondary attack rates (SAR7) were defined as the share of non-index family members with a positive PCR test within seven days after the date when the index case tested positive. SARs were calculated separately for parent- and child-index cases, and for parent- and child-secondary cases. We identified 7548 families with an index case, comprising 26 991 individuals (12184 parents, 14808 children). The index was a parent in 66% of the cases. Among index children, 42% were in the age group 17-20 and only 8% in the age group 0-6. When the index was a parent, SAR7 was 24% (95%CI 24 to 25), whilst SAR7 was 14% (95%CI 13 to 15) when the index was a child. However, SAR7 was 24% (95%CI 20 to 28) when the index was a child aged 0-6 years and declined with increasing age of the index child. SAR7 from index parent to other parent was 35% (95%CI 33 to 36), and from index child to other children 12% (95%CI 11 to 13). SAR7 from index child aged 0-6 to parents was 27% (95%CI 22 to 33). The percent of non-index family members tested within 7 days after the index case, increased from about 20% in April to 80% in December, however, SAR7 stabilized at about 20% from May. We conclude that parents and older children are most often index cases for SARS-CoV-2 in families in Norway, while parents and young children more often transmit the virus within the family. This study suggests that whilst the absolute infection numbers are low for young children because of their low introduction rate, when infected, young children and parents transmit the virus to the same extent within the family.
Interleukin 6 (rs1800795) and Pentraxin 3 (rs2305619) Polymorphisms - Association with Inflammation and All-Cause Mortality in End-stage-renal Disease Patients on Dialysis
Authors: Rocha Susana , Valente Maria João , Coimbra Susana , Catarino Cristina , Rocha-Pereira Petronila , Oliveira José Gerardo , Madureira José , Fernandes João Carlos , Sameiro-Faria Maria , Miranda Vasco , Belo Luís , Santos-Silva Alice , Bronze-da-Rocha Elsa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the progression and outcome of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The inflammatory biomarkers interleukin-6 (IL6) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) are enhanced in CKD patients and associated with progression of the disease and higher risk for cardiovascular events, the major cause of death in these patients. Our aim was to study how the polymorphisms of their encoding genes affect the inflammatory response and outcome of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis. We analyzed two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), the IL6 (rs1800795) polymorphism in the promoter region (-174G/C), and the PTX3 polymorphism in the intron 1 (+ 281A/G), in ESRD patients on dialysis and in heathy individuals. The allelic frequencies, genotype distribution and their association with the circulating levels of the inflammatory markers high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL6), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and PTX3, were determined in ESRD patients; events of death were recorded along one year to evaluate all-cause mortality and the association between inflammation and the studied polymorphisms. The allelic frequencies and genotyping distribution for IL6 and PTX3 in controls and ESRD patients were similar and in agreement with European reports. For the IL6 polymorphism, we found an association of the GG and CC genotype with higher IL6 levels; the CC genotype showed also high PTX3, hsCRP and GDF15 levels. For the PTX3 polymorphism, the AA genotype was linked to the highest values of hsCRP and IL6. The mortality rate after 1-year follow-up was 10.4%. The CC genotype (IL6 polymorphism), in deceased patients, was associated to increased levels of hsCRP, IL6 and PTX3, with low levels of GDF15 and with a highest mortality risk. The AA genotype for PTX3 polymorphism, in spite of the enhancement in inflammation, showed no significant impact on mortality. Our results show that the CC genotype of the IL6 polymorphism was associated with an enhanced inflammatory state and a poorer survival rate. Both IL6 and PTX3 polymorphisms seem to modulate the inflammatory response and, therefore, disease progression and outcome. Our data also highlights the importance of research on genetic variants that, although less frequent, may have significant biological value.
Prediction of Distant Metastatic Recurrence By Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Takada Koji , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Asano Yuka , Goto Wataru , Kouhashi Rika , Yabumoto Akimichi , Ishihara Sae , Morisaki Tamami , Shibutani Masatsune , Tanaka Hiroaki , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer subtypes are known to have different metastatic recurrence sites. Distant metastases are often observed during the post-operative course in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-enriched breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer, but are relatively rare in those with hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) breast cancer. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) serve as an index to monitor tumor immune microenvironment and may possibly predict the prognosis and therapeutic effect in breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between TIL density and recurrence site in HR+/HER2- breast cancer.Methods: Four-hundred and seventy-one patients with HR+/HER2- breast cancer underwent surgery as the first treatment and received adjuvant endocrine therapy (except adjuvant chemotherapy) at the Osaka City University Hospital from April 2007 to October 2015. Needle biopsy specimens were obtained from all patients to evaluate tumor morphology and examine TILs. Morphological assessment was conducted using conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining.Results: Breast cancer recurrence was observed in 42 patients. In patients with no TIL density, local recurrence was significantly less (p = 0.022), while distant metastases were significantly more (p = 0.015) compared to those in patients with TIL density. Therefore, for the prediction of distant metastases in HR+/HER2- breast cancer without chemotherapy, TILs could be used as predictors in univariate analysis (p = 0.015, odds ratio [OR] = 0.127), although not as independent factors (p = 0.285, OR = 0.144).Conclusions: Our findings indicate that TILs may predict distant metastatic recurrence in stages I–II of HR+/HER2- breast cancer.
Community Pharmacists' Roles in Optimising Opioids Therapy for Chronic Non-malignant Pain Patients: a Qualitative Study.
Authors: Alenezi Aziza Ali , Paudyal Vibhu , Yahyouche Asma 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Opioids are currently widely used to manage chronic non-malignant pain, but there is a growing concern about harm resulting from opioid misuse, and the need for medicine optimisation, in which pharmacists could potentially play a key role.Objective: This study seeks to identify challenges to community pharmacists’ role in optimizing prescribed opioids for Chronic Non-Malignant Pain (CNMP).Setting: Community pharmacies in the UK.Method: Semi-structured interviews based on the Theoretical Domains Framework were conducted with 20 community pharmacists recruited through professional networks and analysed thematically.Result: Pharmacists perceive themselves as guardians of patients’ welfare and aspire to contribute to prescribed opioid optimisation. However, they are challenged by the lack of relevant training, inadequate time and resources, infrastructural and systemic constraints (such as repeat prescribing and prescription delivery services, lack of access to medical records and information about diagnosis), personal factors, including communication with doctors, and relationship with patients.Conclusion: The role of community pharmacists in optimising chronic opioid therapy is neither well-defined nor implemented in the UK. Utilisation of their potential skills and knowledge in this area requires an appropriate training curriculum, tackling the infrastructural and systemic constraints, support and resources to facilitate pharmacists’ engagement in patient monitoring and education. The findings in this study can contribute to inform policy makers with potentials to enhance pharmacists’ role in opioids therapy optimisation and, hence, ensure patients' safety when using prescribed opioids.
Investigation on the Properties of Sustainable Reactive Powder Concrete by Utilization of Coir Pith Aggregates and Pyrogenic Silica
Authors: A Oorkalan , S Chithra 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The present study investigates the properties of RPC developed using low cost eco-friendly materials such as pyrogenic silica (PS) and coir pith (CP) fine aggregates. This study investigates the effects of PS as silica fume replacement which is the main constituent for the production of reactive powder concrete which contained coir pith as a fine aggregate replacement instead of quartz sand up to 25%. The use of silica fume increases the particle packing density of RPC but increases the shrinkage phenomenon in RPC due to the minimum w/b ratio adopted. Therefore, in this research PS is used as a partial substitute for SF up to 30% and its effect on the mechanical and durability properties of coir pith containing RPC is studied. The test results showed that the mechanical strength values decreased with an increase in the addition of CP aggregate beyond 5% whereas the decrement in compressive strength was partially reduced when PS is used as silica fume replacement up to a maximum of 30%. The chloride penetration resistance was also improved with increasing PS substitution in RPC containing CP aggregates. The autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage were also significantly reduced due to the internal curing ability of the CP aggregates in combination with PS. The development of dense CSH gels from hydration is also evident from low CaO/ SiO2 ratio obtained from the EDS analysis. Hence the combination of PS with CP aggregates can reduce the shrinkage characteristics of RPC thereby providing eco-friendly sustainable concrete at low cost.