bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics Analysis of Circular RNA Expression Profiles in HBx-Transfected HepG2 Cells by Transcriptional Sequencing
Authors: Liu Luzheng , Chen Jiacheng , Chen Liang , Chen Cheng , Xu Dafeng , Lin Shixun , Luo Xiangxiang , Wu Jincai 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND

Circular RNA (CircRNA) and HBx genes separately play essential roles in the occurrence and development of hepatitis B (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether HBx expression in HCC is co-related to differential circRNA patterns remains unknown.
METHODS

HCC cell lines with HBx overexpression (HepG2 H6679) and empty vector control (HepG2 H5298) were successfully constructed. The high-throughput second-generation transcriptome sequencing technology (RNA-seq) was employed to sequence the two cell lines, and the selected circRNAs were verified by qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR). The differentially expressed circRNAs were analyzed. Bioinformatics analyses, including clustering, differential expression, GO analysis, and KEGG pathway, were performed. Target Scan and Miranda software were employed to predict miRNAs corresponding with circRNAs.
RESULTS

We identified 1120 circRNAs upregulated and 1447 circRNAs downregulated in HepG2 cell lines with HBx overexpression compared to its control. We selected 36 circRNAs with significant differences (also consistent with log2fold change absolute value ≥ 1.0 or P ≤ 0.05) displayed by cluster analysis and then performed qPCR validation. Among them, 15 circRNAs (hsa_circ_0005603, hsa_circ_0004448, hsa_circ_0006845, hsa_circ_0064654, hsa_circ_0006460, hsa_circ_0045350, hsa_circ_0000824, hsa_circ_0005227, hsa_circ_0067991, hsa_circ_0064656, hsa_circ_0005224, circRNA11716, circRNA759, circRNA14848 and circRNA13751) are consistent with sequencing results. Hsa_circ_0005603 and hsa_circ_0006845 showed significant differences and were chosen for further study. GO analysis shows that many target genes are involved in biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Nearly 193 target genes were enriched on KEGG pathways analysis. Actin cytoskeleton regulation, tight junction, and FoxO signaling pathway are among the top three pathways involved in most genes. We predicted that hsa_circ_0005603 might interact with micro-RNAs, including miR-182-5p, hsa-miR-27a-3p, hsa-miR-98-5p, and hsa-miR-198, that might thereby regulate downstream genes involved in tumor progression. Similarly, hsa_circ_0006845 was predicted to be referred to HBV-related HCC by acting as a sponge for hsa-miR-106a-3p and hsa-miR-198. Furthermore, we discovered two novel circular RNAs (circRNA11716 and circRNA13751) which might be involved in HCC occurrence.
CONCLUSION

In this study, we comprehensively explored the differentially expressed circRNAs in HepG2 cells with different HBx expression, and our results indicate that hsa_circ_0005603, hsa_circ_0006845, and novel circular RNAs (circRNA11716 and circRNA13751) might play an important role in HBV-related HCC, deserving further research.
Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 P.1 variant in Southern Brazil and reinfection of the same patient by P.2
Authors: Silva Mariana Soares da , Demoliner Meriane , Hansen Alana Witt , Gularte Juliana Schons , Silveira Flávio , Heldt Fágner Henrique , Filippi Micheli , Silva Francini Pereira da , Mallmann Larissa , Fink Pietra , Silva Luana Letícia da , Weber Matheus Nunes , Almeida Paula Rodrigues de , Fleck Juliane Deise , Spilki Fernando Rosado 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Multiple variants of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are constantly reported across the world. B.1.1.28 lineage has been evolving in Brazil since February 2020 and originated P.1 (VOC) and P.2 (VOI). Here we describe an early case of P.1 primary infection in Southern Brazil in late November 2020, soon after the emergence of the variant in Manaus, Northern Brazil. The same patient suffered a reinfection case by another B1.1.28 variant, namely P.2, in March, 2021. Genomic analysis showed genetically significant differences between the viruses recovered in both infections. P.1 lineage at the first episode and P.2 at the reinfection. We also have investigated the circulation of P.1 in the same region by differential RT-qPCR, showing that this was an isolated case of P.1 at the time of detection, whereas the variant disseminated and became prominent from late January 2021 to the end of March 2021.
Mechanism of miR-590-3p carried by tumor-derived extracellular vesicles in promoting invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer
Authors: Zheng Yunyun , Zhu Kang , Wang Guihu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains a common gynecologic malignancy. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to pro-metastasis microenvironment by carrying microRNAs (miRs). This study investigated the mechanism of miR-590-3p carried by OC cell-derived EVs in OC metastasis.
Methods

miR-590-3p expression in OC tissues and cells was measured. EVs were extracted from healthy serum and the serum of patients with OC or metastatic OC. EVs were extracted from OC cells and normal OC epithelial cells in vitro. miR-590-3p expression in EVs was tested. The effect of EVs-miR-590-3p on the proliferation, migration and invasion of OC cells was measured. The target of miR-590-3p was predicted and verified. The effect of miR-590-3p targeting CPEB3 on OC cells was confirmed by functional rescue assays. Xenograft tumor experiment was performed to verify the mechanism of EVs-miR-590-3p in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of OC.
Results

miR-590-3p expression was enhanced in OC, and correlated with OC metastasis. miR-590-3p was elevated in OC cell-derived EVs and could be transferred to other OC cells by EVs. OC cell-derived EVs facilitated proliferation, invasion and migration of OC cells by transferring miR-590-3p. miR-590-3p targeted CPEB3. Overexpressing CPEB3 repressed the promoting effect of EVs-miR-590-3p on OC cells. In vivo experiment confirmed that EVs-miR-590-3p facilitated tumorigenesis and metastasis of OC cells by targeting CPEB3.
Conclusion

OC cell-derived EVs facilitated progression and metastasis of OC via the miR-590-3p/CPEB3 axis.
Alterations of Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Children with Spina Bifida: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Kim Sang Woon , Franco Israel , Lee Yong Seung , Han Sang Won 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We compared heart rate variability parameters of patients with spina bifida with those of a control group during urodynamic study to evaluate the autonomic nervous system dysfunction of spina bifida. Continuous heart rate variability parameters were recorded during 3 successive periods (P0: 2 minutes before the start of filling; P1: start of filling to the first desire to void; P2: P1 to the end of filling or the start of voiding). Children with vesicoureteral reflux who underwent video-urodynamic study were established as a control group. We included 11 patients with spina bifida and 9 controls. At baseline, patients with spina bifida had lower values of RMSSD, pNN50, and HF, while LF/HF ratio was increased (5.04 ± 4.75 vs 0.67 ± 0.42, p = 0.014). During bladder filling, LF/HF values increased in the control group (P0 0.67 ± 0.42 vs P1 0.89 ± 0.34 vs P2 1.21 ± 0.64, p = 0.018) while it was decreased in spina bifida patients (P0 5.04 ± 4.75 vs P1 3.96 ± 4.35 vs P2 3.26 ± 4.03, p < 0.001). HF were significantly increased in spina bifida children during bladder filling (p = 0.002). In time domain, SDNN was increased only in control group during bladder filling. Parasympathetic activity domains were decreased in children with spina bifida at baseline. During the bladder filling phase, parasympathetic activity increased with fixed sympathetic activity in spina bifida group while the control group demonstrated a shifted balance toward sympathetic preponderance at the end of bladder filling. These findings may be related to the pathophysiology of neurogenic bladder in spina bifida.
Numerical and experimental study on the flow characteristics and the erosive ability of magnetorheological jet
Authors: Lv Zhe , Hou Rongguo , Lu Ping , Wang Xiangtian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Fluid jet machining has been widely used in machining of hard-brittle materials. However, the diffusion of jet flow significantly affects the erosion capacity. Magnetorheological fluid has been considered to take the role of pure water for carrying abrasive particles, due to its better concentration when the external magnetic field is applied. The present investigation focuses on the flow characteristics of magnetorheological jet, which are involved in the basic aspects of erosion mechanism. Numerical models of excitation coil and jet flow field were established to investigate the fluid pressure distribution on the target surface and the trajectories of laden particles. Experiments were also conducted to verify the simulation results and evaluate the feasibility of MR jet on surface finishing. The results indicated that the utilization of high magnetic intensity can effectively improve the concentration of jet flow and the processing quality of workpiece surface.
Decreasing Trend of Plasmodium Falciparum and Vivax Transmission in Mojo Health Center, East Shoa Oromia Region, Ethiopia: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Abate Andargie , Golassa Lemu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Malaria continues to strike hardest against the public health and economic development in Ethiopia. Its transmission tends to be highly heterogeneous within or between years, and from area to area which need understanding of the contextual diversity of malaria prevalence within each site to deliver optimal intervention according to the site specific situation of the disease. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the trend prevalence of malaria in Mojo health center, East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Mojo health center, East Shoa zone, Ethiopia from February to March, 2021. Malaria cases and related data reported 2016-2020 were carefully reviewed from laboratory registration logbooks. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 25 software.Results: A total of 19, 106 blood films were examined from malaria suspected patients. The overall microscopically confirmed prevalence of malaria was 4.2%. P. vivax was the predominant species accounting 76.2% of positive samples. Malaria cases declined from 259 in 2016 to 77 in 2020. The proportion of malaria was higher among males (64.8%) than females (35.2%) in all five years. Higher malaria cases was observed from the age group 15-24 years old followed by the age group of 25-34. Malaria cases were at a peak level from September-November and lowest from December-February.Conclusion: Although the declining trend of malaria prevalence was observed, malaria still remains a public health burden in the area. The high burden of malaria among reproductive age group, males, and during cultivation season reflects its impact on health and economic development. Shifting of P. falciparum to P.vivax related malaria should get an attention during prevention and control strategies for the successful progress of malaria elimination programme.
Green Synthesis of Cobalt and Iron Incorporated Citric Acid/β-cyclodextrin Composites: Efficient H2O2 Scavengers
Authors: Pirouzmand Mahtab , Kojanag Behnaz Nikzad , Hosseini-Yazdi Seyed Abolfazl , Aghabeigy Nasrin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Sonochemical procedure was used to synthesize Co/β-cyclodextrin complex. For the first time Fe/β-cyclodextrin complex was also synthesized in alkaline media. Moreover, β-cyclodextrin was modified by citric acid (CA) and reacted with metal salts under ultrasonic irradiation. The prepared catalysts were characterized by using EDX, UV-vis and FTIR analytical techniques. The highest incorporation of metal into β-cyclodextrin was observed in the citric acid cross linked β-CD. The catalase like activity (peroxide scavenging) of Co/β-CD and Fe/β-CD complexes and composites was evaluated by UV–visible spectrophotometer and their superoxide scavenging capacity were measured using the pyrogallol method. The Co3/CA-β-CD complex showed the best catalase mimetic activity (93.2%) even in comparison to catalase enzyme extracted from potato. By contrast Fe3/CA-βCD complex had stronger capability to eliminate superoxide anion radicals.
Student Satisfaction Survey: A Key for Quality Improvement in the Higher Education Institution
Authors: Kanwar Anita 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In India there are many higher education institutions and with growing population the number is incrementing day by day. Before taking admission in an institution student analyse the facilities and standard of the institution from the website and by taking peer opinions. Student contentment and feedback is gaining larger importance with mushrooming higher education institutions in India. This paper illustrates a method to analyse student feedback obtained from undergraduate and postgraduate students to assess the Student Satisfaction Index. The feedback is taken on overall infrastructure facilities, academic environment, services offered by the college, additional activities for overall development, quality of experiences and outcomes. This paper gives detailed information about the methodology, calculation and outcome of the exercise utilizing Likert scale analysis. With the recent emerging trends, this innovative method offers flexibility to integrate more parameters, group certain parameters to get feedback on a particular issue and transmute the type of questions with changing environment and structure. The analysis is done using a statistical method. The sample result directly highlights the importance and flexibility of method to evaluate overall satisfaction, satisfaction cognate to a single parameter and satisfaction for questions grouped together underlining some paramount aspects of higher education.
"Effect of Market-Driven Strategies on The Competitive Growth of SMEs in Lesotho".
Authors: Amadasun Donald Edes Osakpamwan , Mutezo Ashley T 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background : This paper established some market-driven strategies that influence the competitive growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in Lesotho. The paper identified the following factors; market orientation, competitive intensity, and technological dynamics as variables that influence SMEs’ competitive growth. The investigation insight shows that these critical factors of market-driven strategies are significant market facets in the enterprise that could capacitate SME entrepreneurs and managers to attain competitive growth. Findings: The results indicated that the market-driven strategic factors influence SMEs capacity to attaining competitive growth in the business environment. More specifically, the independent variables of market orientation, competitive intensity and technological dynamics are seen as key tenets of market-driven strategies that influence small and medium-sized enterprises’ competitive growth. Conclusions: From the analyses, this paper recommended that market-driven strategic constructs of market orientation, competitive intensity and technological dynamics are inimitable and tangible significant resources if harnessed in the enterprises, could serve as critical operational factors that influence SMEs competitive growth in Lesotho.
Blended Coatings from Polyaniline (PANI) and Chemically Doped Sodium Docecyl Benzene Sulphonate (SDBS)/SiO2 Nanocomposites: Influence on Corrosion Protection of Mild Steel
Authors: Raj N.Dhana , Mohanty Smita , (Self-nomination) Sanjay Nayak 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this work, investigation on corrosion protection performance of chemically synthesized polyaniline (PANI) / SiO2nanocomposite coatings has been carried out on Mild Steel (MS). Sodium docecyl benzene sulphonate (SDBS) doped conducting PANI / SiO2at different ratios was synthesized by employing in -situ polymerization technique. The developed coatings were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Contact angle, Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and corrosion analysis. The FTIR analysis indicates the strong interaction between PANI and SiO2 nanoparticles. The contact angle study reveals the hydophillicity character of the nanocomposite coatings with a water contact angle of 74.9°. Corrosion resistanceof uncoated mild steel and the coated sample in 3.5 % NaCl aqueous solution has been evaluated using weight loss methods. Additionally the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) studies have been also conducted to evaluate the coorision protection characteristics of the coatings. PANI containing SiO2 (PSC III) coating showed excellent resistance after immersion in 3.5 % NaCl solution for 1 month time period.
Ceramide Levels and Covid-19 Respiratory Distress, a Causal Relationship
Authors: Khodadoust Mehran 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A causal relationship between plasma ceramide concentration and Covid-19 patients with respiratory distress symptoms is presented. Hence, monitoring of plasma ceramide concentration, targeting ceramide synthesis, its salvage and its regulatory mechanisms, are validated approach towards enhancing survival from Covid-19 respiratory distress. In this study, plasma samples of 52 individuals infected with Covid-19 were utilized in a lipidomic analysis. Lipids belonging to ceramide class exhibited a 400-fold increase in total plasma concentration in infected patients. Further analysis lead to demonstration of concentration dependency, for severe Covid-19 respiratory symptoms, in a subclass of ceramides. The subclasses Cer(d18:0/24:1), Cer(d18:1/24:1), and Cer(d18:1/22:0) are shown to be increased by 48, 40, and 33–folds respectively in infected plasma samples, and to 116, 91 and 50-folds in plasma samples with respiratory distress.
How Does Environmental Regulations Effect Pattern of Carbon Emission and Energy Efficiency: A Provincial Level Analysis of Chinese Energy-Intensive Industries?
Authors: Ngo Thanh Quang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Energy has a huge environmental and economic implications in the modern community. Despite the rapid economic growth of China in the past two decades, it can further improve through sustainable green energy with more energy-efficient industries, so as to maintain a good balance between economic and social development. The performances of energy and carbon dioxide emissions are the critical indicators. On this basis, this work measures the impact of environmental regulations on energy efficiency based on 2008-17 panel data from 30 provinces in China. The total factor energy efficiency index (TFEEI) is calculated by the non-radial distance function (NDDF). In order to study the nonlinear relationship between environmental regulations and TFEEI, the dynamic threshold panel model is used under different environmental regulations, which can solve effectively endogenous problems and regional heterogeneity. The results show that, for energy-intensive industries, the overall average TFEEI level is still very low, with average values of 0.55 and 0.58, which are well below the ideal value (i.e., 1). Further, the dynamic panel data model findings showed a U-shaped significant relationship between China's TFEEI and environmental regulation. The findings reveal that environmental regulation effect on TFEI rises steadily as the values of Market-Based Environmental Regulations (MERs) and Command and control Environmental Regulations (CCERs) and surpass the corresponding thresholds. This research can help policymakers understand the effectiveness of various levels of environmental legislation to make more informed decisions.
Exercise stress assessed by automated measurements of salivary testosterone and cortisol levels and testosterone/cortisol ratio within circadian rhythms in male long-distance runners
Authors: Martha Larasati , Tsunekawa Katsuhiko , Ushiki Kazumi , Shoho Yoshifumi , Yanagawa Yoshimaro , Hase Koji , Shimoda Nozomi , Murata Mai , Aoki Tomoyuki , Yoshida Akihiro , Nakajima Kiyomi , Kimura Takao , Murakami Masami 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Exercise stress promoted cortisol and testosterone secretions that have their own circadian rhythms. It is necessary that the testosterone, cortisol and testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C ratio) are measured through their rhythms for use in monitoring exercise-induced stress in athletes. Automated measurement has not been applied to salivary testosterone, which requires passive drooling difficult to collect sufficient saliva rapidly. This study aimed to verify whether automated measurements of the testosterone and cortisol concentrations and T/C ratio using saliva collected sequentially can effectively assess exercise intensity differences within circadian rhythms in male athletes.Methods: We investigated the correlations of testosterone and cortisol concentrations measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) between saliva and sera collected from 20 male long-distance runners. We collected the runners' saliva sequentially by passive drooling on two consecutive days involving different intensity trainings in the morning and evening; salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations were measured by ECLIA. Each exercise intensity was measured by running distances, velocities, Borg scale score and maximum pulse rate during exercise.Results: The salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations were positively correlated with the respective total serum hormone concentrations. The runners were divided into low-intensity exercise group (n = 8) and high-intensity exercise group (n = 7), in which five runners were excluded because measurable saliva samples could not be obtained due to low volume and high-viscosity. Sequential saliva collection and automated measurements detected the runners' circadian rhythms of testosterone, cortisol and T/C ratio. The rate of change in the salivary cortisol concentrations were significantly higher and that in the T/C ratio was significantly lower in the evening interval training on day 1 in the high-intensity exercise group which had significantly higher running velocity, Borg scale score, and maximum pulse rate values; this relationship was not shown for salivary testosterone.Conclusions: Automated measurements of the salivary cortisol concentration and the T/C ratio reflected different exercise intensities may be useful for creating appropriate exercise programs for athletes. Conversely, the automated measurements of salivary testosterone and T/C ratio, which require passive drooling to collect saliva, may be less suitable for practical use with athletes than the salivary cortisol-only measurement