bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Intracellular Processes in Quinolinic Acid-Induced Brain Damage by Imaging Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Mitochondrial Complex I Activity
Authors: Hosoi Rie , Fujii Yuka , Hiroyuki Ohba , Shukuri Miho , Nishiyama Shingo , Kanazawa Masakatsu , Todoroki Kenichiro , Arano Yasushi , Sakai Toshihiro , Tsukada Hideo , Inoue Osamu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose Our study aimed to elucidate the intracellular processes associated with quinolinic acid (QA)-induced brain injury by acquiring semiquantitative fluorescent images of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and positron emission tomography (PET) images of mitochondrial complex I (MC-I) activity.MethodsEx vivo fluorescent imaging with dihydroethidium (DHE) and PET scans with 18F-BCPP-EF were conducted at 3 hours and 1 day after QA injection into the rat striatum. Immunohistochemical studies were performed 1 day after QA injection into the rat brain using monoclonal antibodies against neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and CD11b.ResultsA strong DHE-derived fluorescent signal was detected in a focal area within the QA-injected striatum 3 hours after QA injection, and increased fluorescent signal spread throughout the striatum and parts of the cerebral cortex after 1 day. By contrast, 18F-BCPP-EF uptake in the QA-injected rat brain was unchanged after 3 hours and markedly decreased after 1 day, not only in the striatum but also in ​​the cerebral hemisphere. The fluorescent signal in the striatum 1 day after QA injection colocalised with microglial marker expression.ConclusionsWe successfully obtained functional images of focal ROS generation during the early period of excitotoxic injury, and microglial ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction were observed during the progression of the inflammatory response. Both ex vivo DHE imaging and in vivo 18F-BCPP-EF-PET were sufficiently sensitive to detect the respective processes of QA-induced brain damage. Our study contributes to the functional imaging of multiple events during the pathological process.
Predicting the 10-year Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases and Its Relation to Healthy Diet Indicator in Iranian Military Personnel
Authors: Parastouei Karim , Sepandi Mojtaba , Eskandari Eslam 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: epidemiological studies indicate increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among military personnel. Accordingly, identifying at-risk individuals and modifying lifestyle such as increasing the dietary quality can have inhibitory effects against this trend. The aim of the study was predicting the 10-year risk of CVD and its association with healthy diet indicator (HDI) among military personnel. Methods: the participants in this cross-sectional study included 400 male military personnel within the age range of 30-75 years. HDI score was calculated based on food frequency questionnaire, and the 10-year risk of CVD was evaluated using Framingham risk score (FRS). The FRS items include age, gender, total cholesterol, HDL-C, systolic blood pressure, status of diabetes and status of smoking. Partial correlation test was employed to investigate the relationship between Framingham risk score and HDI score.Results: the participants had the mean age and BMI of 38.67±5.3 year and 25.28±3.22 kg/m2, respectively. Prediction of Framingham risk was as follows: 96.5% were low risk, 2% were moderate risk, and 1.5% were high risk. The mean score of HDI index for the participants in this study was 5.98±1.36. Although HDI score did not show a significant relationship with FRS (r:0.028, p:0.575), increased dietary sodium intake led to a significant rise in Framingham risk score (r: 0.110, p:0.030).Conclusion: a wide range of participants (96.5%) had low risk of developing CVD in the next 10 years. Meanwhile, the FRS showed no significant relationship with HDI score. Further research is required to confirm the results of the present study.
Enhancement of Luminous Power and Efficiency in InGaN/GaN based Light Emitting Diode using High-K Dielectric Material
Authors: G saranya , M Sivamangai N 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A novel high-k dielectric material is proposed for InGaN/GaN-LED to improve the performance. The proposed LED is analyzed and benchmarked with conventional LED using Technological Computer Aided Design (TCAD). The qualitative consistency of the optical characteristics of LED in this work has been observed that validate the TCAD simulation. Further, it is observed that proposed LED recorded higher luminous power and internal quantum efficiency than that of conventional LED. At the injection current of 600 mA, the proposed and conventional LED yielded luminous power of 1600 mw and 1400 mW, respectively. Further, IQE of the proposed LED is higher than that of conventional LED by 12%. The improvement in the optical performance is attribute to high-k dielectric material induced additional electric field and radiative recombination rate. Thus, the proposed LED with high-k dielectric material is an outstanding device in lightning application.
Effects of the SLCO1B1 A388G single nucleotide polymorphism on the development, clinical parameters and survival of multiple myeloma cases in a Polish population
Authors: Michalska Katarzyna , Balcerczak Ewa , Pietrzak Jacek , Żebrowska-Nawrocka Marta 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disease of plasma cells with complex etiopathogenesis, causing significant morbidity due to multi-organ damage. Changes in the genes encoding transport proteins, resulting in changes in their function, affect the cell defense potential and response to the chemotherapy applied. The aim of this study was to determine the A388G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the SLCO1B1 gene in Polish multiple myeloma patients. The material for the study included DNA isolated from nucleus cells of peripheral blood in patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Clinicopathological characteristics, treatment processes, laboratory findings, and treatment outcomes were summarized and statistically analyzed. The studied polymorphism does not seem to affect the increased risk of development or treatment outcomes of multiple myeloma. Our research primarily focuses on investigating the association of transporter polymorphisms with multiple myeloma and providing theoretical evidence. Further studies are needed to better understand molecular mechanisms underlying an altered function of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) in MM.
Buspirone, a 5-HT1A agonist attenuates anger, aggression and suicidal tendencies in rats.
Authors: Aswar Urmila , Shende Hrudaya , Aswar Manoj 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The purpose of the work was to evaluate the effect of buspirone (BUS) on social isolation induced anger, aggression and suicidal tendencies in rats. The male Wistar rats were randomized in 6 groups (n = 6) and caged individually for 14 days to elicit anger and aggression. They were then divided into the following groups vehicle control (no isolation), Stress control (SC), fluoxetine (Flx; 30 mg/kg, p.o), BUS (10 mg/kg, p.o), BUS (20 mg/kg, p.o), BUS (40 mg/kg, p.o). All treatments were administered from day 14 through day 28. On the last day of treatment, assessment of anger, aggression and suicide-related traits were performed. Serum cortisol, blood pressure were measured and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the rat's brain and of BDNF expression were performed. SC group showed significant increase in anger (wheel rolling activity), aggression (increased number of attack bites, wrestling, chasing behavior), irritability score, learned helplessness (number of attempts of escape success and failure, escape latency), increased level of serum cortisol as compared to normal confirming induction of anger, aggression and suicidal ideation. BUS significantly reduced all behavioral traits associated with anger, aggression and suicidal ideation, reduced cortisol levels and significantly increased BDNF compared to stress control. Blood pressure increased substantially in stress control was significantly reduced by BUS, but not by Flx. Neuroimaging studies in stress control brains showed a reduction in amygdala size compared to normal, while animals under BUS treatment mitigated this reduction. Buspirone has been found to be effective in preventing anger, aggression and suicidal tendencies.
The influence of N-Acetylcysteine on locomotor activity, brain oxidative damage, and demyelination in MK-801 model of schizophrenia
Authors: Akosmans Murat Sırrı , Turkmen Ruhi , Demirel Hasan Hüseyin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on potential cerebral demyelination, oxidative damage and schizophrenia-like behaviors caused by MK-801 which is an N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist. For this, 4 groups were formed by dividing 24 male BALB/c mice into groups of six. The control group was given a saline solution (10 ml/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.). While MK-801 (1 mg/kg-i.p.) was given both alone and with NAC (100 mg/kg-i.p.), the last group was given only NAC (100 mg/kg-i.p.). The injections were made for 14 days. It was observed that, MK-801 caused behavioral problems. When the brain was examined, it was determined that it caused a reduction in the weight of the brain, glial cell infiltration, vacuolization in neurons and shrinking in the cell nuclei in the hippocampus. A reduction in myelin basic protein (MBP) secretion was also observed. In the mice given NAC as a protector, it was observed that behavioral problems covered, antioxidant levels increased, and other impairments were repaired. It was concluded that NAC may have a neuroprotective effect.
Improved antimicrobial spectrum of the N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase from Latilactobacillus sakei upon LysM domain deletion
Authors: López-Arvizu Adriana , Rocha-Mendoza Diana , Farrés Amelia , Ponce-Alquicira Edith , García-Cano Israel 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The gene encoding N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase in Latilactobacillus sakei isolated from a fermented meat product was cloned in two forms: its complete sequence (AmiC) and without one of its anchoring LysM domains (AmiLysM4). Deletion of the LysM domain is believed to affect the target microorganism’s affinity to the cell wall, which influences antimicrobial activity. To compare activity and inhibitory spectra, AmiC and AmiLysM4 were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. Using the zymography technique, two bands with lytic activity were observed, which were confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis, with molecular masses of 71 kDa (AmiC) and 66 kDa (AmiLysM4). The recombinant proteins were active against Listeria innocua and Staphylococcus aureus strains; however, the inhibitory spectrum of AmiLysM4 was broader because AmiLysM4 could inhibit Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Weissella viridescens, which are microorganisms associated with food deterioration. Optimal temperature and pH values were determined for both proteins using L-alanine-p-nitroanilide hydrochloride as a substrate for N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase activity. Both proteins showed similar maximum activity values for pH (8) and temperature (50°C). Furthermore, in silico predictions did not show differences for the catalytic region, but differences were found for the region called 3dom, which includes 3 of the 5 LysM domains. Therefore, the modification of the LysM domain offers new tools for the development of novel food biopreservatives.
Genetic characterization of Blastocystis from wild animals in Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve, southwestern of China-Zoonotic potential
Authors: Chen Shanyu , Meng Wangyu , Zhou Ziyao , Deng Lei , Shi Xiaogang , Chai Yijun , Liu Haifeng , Cheng Yuehong , Zhong Zhijun , Fu Hualin , Shen Liuhong , Zhang Kun , He Tingmei , Peng Guangneng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Blastocystis, a highly prevalent eukaryotic parasite, has been identified in a wide range of hosts, including humans, domestic and wild animals. Many animals are potential sources of Blastocystis infection for humans, while few information about the prevalence of Blastocystis in wild animals have being documented. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis in wild animals of Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve, southwestern of China, so as to assess the zoonotic potential of these animals.Methods: A total of 300 faecal samples were collected from 27 wildlife species in three areas of Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve in southwestern China. The subtype (ST) genetic characteristics and prevalence of Blastocystis were determined by PCR amplification of the barcode region (a fragment of ∼600 bp) of the SSU rRNA gene, and phylogenetic analysis were further performed to determine the genetic characteristics of Blastocystis subtypes.Results: 30 of 300 faecal samples (10.0%) were Blastocystis-positive. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis was found in Yinchanggou (18.3%), which was significantly higher than that in Niutoushan (7.5%), and Genda (5.5%) (P < 0.05). Specifically, the highest prevalence of Blastocystis was found in primates (20.0%, 1/5), followed by rodentia 14.3% (1/7), artiodactyla 13.1% (26/198), carnivora 2.3% (2/87), galliformes 0% (0/3). Sequence analysis showed 5 subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST5, ST13, and ST14), with ST13 and ST14 as the predominant subtype (33.3%, 10/30), followed by ST1 (20.0%, 6/30).Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular investigation on Blastocystis infection in wild animals in southwestern of China. ST1, ST3, and ST5 were identified in both humans and wild animals, suggesting that these wild animals may be potential reservoirs of Blastocystis for human infection.
Short and Long-Term Follow up Results of Daily 5 Mg Tadalafil as a Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Gharib Tarek , Abdelal Ibrahim , Elatreisy Adel , Salih Elsayed , Sebaey Ahmed 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate effectiveness and safety of a 5mg tadalafil daily treatment for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) and assessment of long-term follow up by persistence of improvement 2 years after stoppage of tadalafil.Materials and Methods: The study included 160 patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction from April 2018 to June 2020. All were evaluated using the international index of erectile function questionnaire-5 (IIEF-5) to evaluate ED and intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) for PE. Patients subdivided into two equal groups. I included 80 patients treated with tadalafil 5 mg daily for 3 months, and group II included 80 patients treated with a placebo for same period. After 3 months treatment and 2 years later after stoppage of tadalafil, all patients were assessed for ED and PE using the same questionnaires. Results: The mean IELT and IIEF pretreatment were 37±11.24 s and 13.2±4.2 respectively for group I, while in group II was 35.98±10.8 s and 13.12±4.11, respectively. After 3 months of treatment, the mean value of IELT in group I showed a highly significant improvement from 37±11.24 sec to 120.5±47.37 sec (p-value < 0.001), but for group II, the mean values of IELT showed no significant improvement from baseline 35.98±10.8 to endpoint 39.43±13.6 ( p-value > 0.05). As regarding the IIEF, there was a highly significant improvement from baseline 13.2±4.2 to endpoint 20.45±4.5 in group I (p-value < 0.001) while there was no significant difference in group II from baseline 13.12±4.11 to endpoint 15±4.84 (p-value > 0.05) . 2 years later after stoppage of tadalafil , 75 patients from group I complete follow up and there was significant improvement in IELT and IIEF form base line (37±11.24) (13.2±4.2) to endpoint (98±18.3) (19.1±2.3) respectively but less than the results after 3 months treatment.ConclusionDaily Tadalafil 5 mg was effective, tolerable, and safe treatment for patients suffering from ED and PE. Long-term follow up after 2 years declared persistence of significant improvement.
Quantification of Litter Fall and Estimation of Nutrient Release Through in-Situ Decomposition of Leaf Litter From Some Important Mangrove Species of Indian Sundarbans
Authors: Das S.K. , Manna Ranjan Kumar , Gogoi Pranab , M. Roshith C. , M. Sajina A. , Das Basanta Kumar 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Looking into the importance of mangrove leaf litter in regulation of sediment carbon sequestration and nutrient flux in Sundarbans ecosystem, an experiment was conducted at Jharkhali island of Sundarbans. In this experiment, collection of leaf litter-shedding from nine dominant mangrove species during December 2012 to November 2013 was donemonthly using ‘litter traps’ (1 m2) in Eco-garden on the bank of Herobhanga creek.Seasonal litter fall was highest in Geon (Excoecariaagallocha)(103 gm-2) followed by Keora (Sonneratiaapetala) (98.5 gm-2). Kal Bain (Avicennia alba) produced the highest amount (414.37 gm-2) of total annual leaf litter followed by Bruguieragymnorrhiza (410.43 gm-2). Kankra (Bruguieragymnorrhiza), Garjan (Rhizophoramucronata) and Geon (Excoecariaagallocha) dry leaf litters contained more than 50% carbon (oven dry basis). Litter from Avicennia group contained more nitrogen and carbon. Decomposition rates of various mangrove litters were estimated through twoshort-term (30 days and 52 days) in-situ experiments using mangrove leaf litter in nylon net bags (0.6 mm mesh) subjected to periodical diurnal submergence by tidalriver water at Jharkhali. During decomposition process,observation said thatmost susceptible and resistant litter with respect to mass loss were Geon (Excoecariaagallocha) (81±5.5%) and Taura (Aegialitisrotundifolia) (26±4%) respectivelyafter 30 days. The biomass retained after decomposition losses (average45±15.2%after 30 days and 56±20.2 % after 52 days) indicated the amount of carbon retained in mangrove soil and ultimately determines the carbon sequestered in soil through mangrove litter fall. The study gives important insight into contribution of different mangrove species in carbon sequestration and nutrient dynamics in mangrove ecosystem of Indian Sundarbans.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Prognostic Value and Immune Cell Infiltration of Chromobox Family Proteins in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: xia liangjiang , Jiang Wei , Pan Liangbin , Yuan Jingkang , Feng Yu , Ma Haitao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundChromobox (CBX) family proteins (CBXs) are important components of epigenetic regulation complexes. Abnormal expression of CBXs is related to the occurrence and development of various cancers. However, the role and mechanism of CBXs in esophageal cancer (ESCA) need further research. MethodsThe mRNA expression of CBXs, clinicopathological parameters, prognostic values, genetic alteration, enrichment analysis, and immune cell infiltration were analyzed with several databases including Oncomine, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier plotter, cBioPortal, DAVID, and TIMER2.0.ResultsThe expression level of CBX1/2/3/4/8 was significantly upregulated in ESCA while that of CBX7 was down-regulated. Besides, mRNA expressions of CBX1/2/3/4/5/7/8 were correlated with patients’ individual cancer stages and the nodal metastatic status. The mRNA expression of CBX3/4/7/8 was significantly correlated with the overall survival (OS) in ESCA. What is more, high mutation rate of CBXs (49%) was also observed in ESCA patients. Then, CBXs were related to the infiltration of a variety of immune cells.Conclusions﻿This study may provide new ideas for the selection of prognostic biomarkers in the CBXs in ESCA.
On the freeze–thaw cycles of shallow soil and connections with environmental factors over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Ning , Cuo Lan , Zhang Yongxin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Changes in the freeze–thaw cycles of shallow soil have important consequences for surface and subsurface hydrology, land–atmosphere energy and moisture interaction, carbon exchange, and ecosystem diversity and productivity. This work examines the shallow soil freeze–thaw cycle on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) using in–situ soil temperature observations in 0–20 cm soil layer during July 1982 – June 2017. The domain and layer averaged beginning frozen day is November 18 and delays by 2.2 days per decade; the ending frozen day is March 9 and advances by 3.2 days per decade; the number of frozen days is 109 and shortens by 5.2 days per decade. Altitude and latitude combined could explain the spatial patterns of annual mean freeze–thaw status well. Stations located near 0–ºC contour line experienced dramatic changes in freeze–thaw cycles as seen from subtropical mountain coniferous forest in the southern TP. Soil completely freezes from surface to 20–cm depth in 15 days while completely thaws in 10 days on average. Near–surface soil displays more pronounced changes than deeper soil. Surface air temperature strongly influences the shallow soil freeze – thaw status but snow exerts limited effects. Different thresholds in freeze–thaw status definition lead to differences in the shallow soil freeze–thaw status and multiple–consecutive–day approach appears to be more robust and reliable. Gridded soil temperature products could resolve the spatial pattern of the observed shallow soil freeze–thaw status to some extent but further improvement is needed.
A comparison of a novel formulation of rigid polyurethane foams synthesis by hydrocarbon blowing agents
Authors: Bakiri Zahir 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A simple formulation of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) is presented for obtaining a material, with good thermal insulation and long-term stability, based on the different hydrocarbon blowing agents (HBAs). The obtained formulation is prepared from isocyanate and polyol for construction application or appliances. A method and a particular experimental approach have realized to replace hazardous blowing agents (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)) with other less harmful agents to improve the thermal resistance of this polymer. The obtained results are very encouraging in certain foams prepared from HBA and provide excellent performance.