bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Posthatch Thermal Conditioning Reduces Heat Stress In Three Broiler Strains
Authors: Folarin Itunuola Anne , Olowofeso Olajide , Ikeobi Christian Obiora Ndubuisi , Akinyemi Olukayode Dewunmi , Oduoye Olusola Thomas , Ilori Babatunde Moses , Wheto Mathew 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Heat stress is an increasing challenge to the sustainability of poultry production in the tropics due to global warming. This study determined the effect of posthatch thermal conditioning on heat stress indices, haematological parameters and expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene in three meat type chickens; Cobb 500 (C500), Ross 308 (R308) and improved Nigerian indigenous broiler - FUNAAB Alpha (FA). The interplay of individual bird’s genetics and thermal treatment at critical periods on thermoregulation was largely unpublished as at the time this study was conducted. Thermal conditioning was carried out on day 6 by exposing 20 chicks from each strain to high temperature of 40±1 °C for 3 hours. Both conditioned and unconditioned chicks were exposed to acute heat challenge of 40±1 °C for 15 minutes on day 10. Blood samples were collected to determine haematological parameters. Tissue samples were collected from which RNA were extracted, synthesized into cDNA and subjected to qPCR. Strain and thermal conditioning interaction was significant (p<0.05) on haematological parameters with conditioned C500 having the highest means for packed cell volume, haemoglobin and red blood cell counts. Interactive effect was also significant (p<0.05) on BDNF gene expression, with conditioned FA having the highest. The study concluded that variation in traits due to thermal treatment is strain-specific and thermal conditioning is recommended for commercial broilers in southwestern Nigeria.
Sequence, Structure, and Function of DNA-Binding Protein in Deinococcus Wulumuqiensis R12
Authors: Chen Yao , Yang Zhihan , Zhou Xue , Jin Mengmeng , Dai Zijie , Ming Dengming , Zhang Zhidong , Zhu Liying , Jiang Ling 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Deinococcus wulumuqiensis R12, which was isolated from arid irradiated soil in Xinjiang province of China, belongs to a genus Deinococcus that is well-known for its extreme resistance to ionizing radiation and oxidative stress. The DNA-binding protein Dps has been studied for its great contribution to oxidative resistance. To explore the role of Dps in D. wulumuqiensis R12, the Dps sequence and homologous structure were analyzed. In addition, the dps gene was knocked out and proteomics was used to verify the functions of Dps in D. wulumuqiensis R12. Docking data and DNA binding experiments in vitro showed that the R12 Dps has a better DNA binding ability with the N-terminal than the R1 Dps1. When the dps gene was deleted in D. wulumuqiensis R12, its resistance to H2O2 and UV rays was greatly reduced, and the cell envelope was destroyed by H2O2 treatment. Additionally, the qRT-PCR and proteomics data suggested that when the dps gene was deleted, the catalase gene was significantly down-regulated in cells. And the proteomics data indicated the metabolism, transport and oxidation-reduction processes in D. wulumuqiensis R12 were down-regulated after the deletion of dps gene. Dps protein might play an important role in Deinococcus wulumuqiensis R12.
Identification of Immune Activation-Related Biomarkers in Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) by Bioinformatic Analysis and Clinical Validation
Authors: Xi Xiangwen , Chen Yu , Yu Li , Sun Meiling , Qian Zhipeng , Tian Jiangtian , Gu Xia 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Although reperfusion therapy is widely performed in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the residual risk of poor outcomes remains substantial. The immune system plays an important role in AMI, and therapies targeting immune cells have proved effective in improving prognosis after AMI. However, the activation and regulation of immune signaling pathways during AMI have not been systematically studied.Objective: This study aimed to reveal the activation status of immune-related signals and the immune status after AMI.Methods and results: Three publicly available datasets (GSE48060, GSE66360, and GSE97320) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using peripheral blood tissue samples from 22 AMI patients and 22 individuals without AMI. Subsequent weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed for CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and regulatory T cells, and the 387 genes with the most significant correlations with the three immune cells were identified. Then, we intersected the 192 DEGs with 387 genes from WGCNA to reveal , a total of 151 overlapping genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed to identify the hub genes. Furthermore, we recruited 44 patients and collected blood samples to validate the stability and reliability of the predicted hub tragets TLR2, TLR4, TLR8, MMP-9 and TYROBP using qRT-PCR assay.Conclusions： The immune-related genes TLR2, TLR4, TLR8, MMP9 and TYROBP may be potential biomarkers to identify immune signal activation after AMI, therefore providing information for the evaluation of both immune status and early intervention.
Chromatin bound by survivin regulates the glycolytic switch in interferon-γ producing CD4+ T cells
Authors: Erlandsson Malin , Andersson Karin , Oparina Nina , Chandrasekaran Venkataragavan , Damdimopoulos Anastasios , Garcia-Bonete Maria-Jose , Einbeigi Zakaria , Silfverswärd Sofia , Pekna Marcela , Katona Gergely , Bokarewa Maria 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Upon activation, CD4+ T cells adapt metabolically to fulfill their effector function in autoimmunity. Here we show that nuclear survivin is essential for transcriptional regulation of glucose utilization. We found that the glycolytic switch in interferon (IFN) g–producing CD4+ cells is dependent on a complex of survivin with interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), and Smad3 and was reversed by survivin inhibition. Transcriptome analysis of CD4+ cells and sequencing of survivin-bound chromatin identified a hub of metabolism regulating genes whose transcription depended on survivin. Direct binding of survivin to IRF1 and SMAD3 promoted IRF1-mediated transcription, repressed SMAD3 activity, and lowered PFKFB3 production. Inhibiting survivin upregulated PFKFB3, restored glycolysis, and reduced glucose uptake, improving control over IFNg-dependent T-cell functions. Thus, IRF1-survivin-SMAD3 interactions are important for metabolic adaptation of CD4+ cells and provide an attractive strategy to counteract IFNg-dependent inflammation.
Closing an Eye for the Reliability of Orbital Tightening in Pain Detection: A Model-Specific Simplification of the Mouse Grimace Scale
Authors: Ernst Lisa , Bruch Stefan , Kopaczka Marcin , Merhof Dorit , Bleich André , Tolba René H. , Talbot Steven R. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Despite its long establishment and its applicability in pain detection in mice, the Mouse Grimace Scale still seems to be underused in terms of acute pain detection during chronic experiments. However, a broadening of its applicability can identify possible refinement approaches such as cumulative severity and habituation to painful stimuli. Therefore, this study focuses on two main aspects: First, five composite MGS criteria were evaluated with two independent methods (the MoBPs algorithm and a penalized least squares regression) and ranked for their relative importance. The most important variable was used in a second analysis to specifically evaluate the context of pain after an i.p. injection (intervention) in two treatment groups (CCl4 and oil (control)) at fixed times throughout four weeks in 24 male C57BL/6N mice. One hour before and after each intervention, video recordings were taken and the MGS assessment was performed. In this study, the results indicate orbital tightening as the most important criterion. In this experimental setup, a highly significant difference after treatment between week 0 and 1 was found in the CCl4 group, resulting in a medium-sized effect (W = 62.5, p-value <0.0001, rCCl4= 0.64). The oil group showed no significant difference (week 0 vs 1, W = 291.5, p-value = 0.7875, rcontrol= 0.04). Therefore, the study showed that the pain caused by i.p. injections was only dependent on the applied substance and no significant cumulation or habituation occurred due to the intervention. Further, the results indicated that the MGS system can be simplified.
Application of the Classical Nucleation Theory for Quasi-real Systems Differ in Dipole Moment Value – the Role of Diffusion
Authors: Koperwas Kajetan , Kaśkosz Filip , Affouard Frederic , Grzybowski Andrzej , Paluch Marian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we examine the crystallization tendency for two quasi-real systems, which differ exclusively in the dipole moment's value. The main advantage of the studied system is the fact that despite that their structures are entirely identical, they exhibit different physical properties. Hence, the results obtained for one of the proposed model systems cannot be scaled to reproduce the results for another corresponding system, as it can be done for simple model systems, where structural differences are modeled by the different parameters of the intermolecular interactions. Our results show that both examined systems exhibit similar stability behavior below the melting temperature. This finding is contrary to the classical nucleation theory predictions, which differ significantly for them. On the basis of the performed studies, we suggest that a kinetic aspect of the classical nucleation theory seems to be a reason for reported discrepancies.
Playing Ping Pong With Light: Directional Emission of White Light
Authors: Wankerl Heribert , Wiesmann Christopher , Kreiner Laura , Butendeich Rainer , Luce Alexander , Sobczyk Sandra , Stern Maike Lorena , Lang Elmar Wolfgang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Over the last decades, light-emitting diodes (LED) have replaced common light bulbs in almost every application, from flashlights in smartphones to automotive headlights. Illuminating nightly streets requires LEDs to emit a light spectrum that is perceived as pure white by the human eye. The power associated with such a white light spectrum is not only distributed over the contributing wavelengths but also over the angles of vision. For many applications, the usable light rays are required to exit the LED in forward direction, namely under small angles to the perpendicular. In this work, we demonstrate that a specifically designed multi-layer thin film on top of a white LED increases the power of pure white light emitted in forward direction. Therefore, the deduced multi-objective optimization problem is reformulated via a real-valued physics-guided objective function that represents the hierarchical structure of our engineering problem. Variants of Bayesian optimization are employed to maximize this non-deterministic objective function based on ray tracing simulations. Eventually, the investigation of optical properties of suitable multi-layer thin films allowed to identify the mechanism behind the increased directionality of white light: angle and wavelength selective filtering causes the multi-layer thin film to play ping pong with rays of light.
Excess Iodine Exposure Acutely Increases Salivary Iodide And Antimicrobial Hypoiodous Acid Concentrations In Humans
Authors: Akiba Yasutada , Leung Angela M. , Bashir Muhammad-Tariq , Ebrahimi Ramin , Currier Jesse W. , Neverova Natalia , Kaunitz Jonathan D 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The lactoperoxidase (LPO)-hydrogen peroxide-halides reaction (LPO system) converts iodide and thiocyanate (SCN-) into hypoiodous acid (HOI) and hypothiocyanite (OSCN-), respectively. Since this system has been implicated in defense of the airways and oropharynx from microbial invasion, we measured the concentrations of these analytes in human saliva before and after iodine administration to test the hypothesis that an iodide load increases salivary iodide and HOI concentrations. Salivary iodide, SCN-, HOI and OSCN- were measured using standard methodology. Salivary iodide and HOI levels significantly increased after iodinated contrast injection compared with baseline levels, whereas there was no significant change in salivary SCN- and OSCN- levels. The contrast dye iodine load and changes of salivary iodide and HOI levels were positively correlated, suggesting that higher iodide in the circulation increases iodide output and salivary HOI production. Excess iodine exposure in humans increases the salivary output of iodide, increasing salivary HOI concentrations with no effect on SCN-/OSCN- levels. This first of its kind study suggests that a sufficient but safe iodide supplementation may augment the generation of antimicrobial HOI by the salivary LPO system against airborne viral pathogens, including coronaviruses and influenza viruses, a possible inexpensive means of effectively curbing viral pandemics.
Effect of Ambient Lighting on Frequency Dependence in Transcranial Electrical Stimulation-Induced Phosphenes
Authors: Evans Ian , Palmisano Stephen , Croft Rodney J. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Inconsistencies have been found in the relationship between ambient lighting conditions and frequency-dependence in transcranial electric current stimulation (tECS) induced phosphenes. Using a within-subjects design across lighting condition (dark, mesopic [dim], photopic [bright]) and tECS stimulation frequency (10, 13, 16, 18, 20 Hz), this study determined phosphene detection thresholds in 24 subjects receiving tECS using an FPz-Cz montage. Minima phosphene thresholds were found at 16 Hz in mesopic, 10 Hz in dark and 20 Hz in photopic lighting conditions, with these thresholds being substantially lower for mesopic than both dark (60% reduction) and photopic (56% reduction), conditions. Further, whereas the phosphene threshold-stimulation frequency relation was linear in the dark (increasing with frequency) and photopic (decreasing with frequency) conditions, a quadratic function was found for the mesopic condition (where it followed the linear increase of the dark condition from 10-16 Hz, and the linear decrease of the photopic condition from 16-20 Hz). The results clearly demonstrate that ambient lighting is an important factor in the detection of tECS-induced phosphenes, and that mesopic conditions are most suitable for obtaining overall phosphene thresholds.
Pyroptosis Accelerates Spiral Ganglion Neuronal Degeneration Induced by Aminoglycosides in the Cochlea
Authors: Xing Yazhi , Fang Jia , Li Zhuangzhuang , Li Mingxian , Liu Chengqi , Zhang Xiaoxu , Li Yini , Mao Song , Shi Haosong , Su Kaiming , Yu Dongzhen , Shi Haibo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
In aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss, damage to spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) accelerates gradually after the acute outer hair cell death, accompanied by macrophage infiltration and cytokine release. Pyroptosis plays a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we explored the potential role of pyroptosis in SGN degeneration.
Methods
C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a kanamycin plus furosemide group and saline control group. Auditory functions were evaluated by auditory brainstem response tests conducted before treatment and at 1, 5, 15, and 30 days after treatment. HCs and SGNs were assessed for morphological alterations. SGNs were subjected to RNA sequencing and mRNA and protein analyses of NLRP3 inflammasome-related molecules. Macrophage activation was evaluated based on morphological and mRNA alterations. The effect of NLRP3 inhibition on SGN survival after kanamycin treatment was evaluated in organ explant cultures treated with Mcc950, a specific inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Results
Kanamycin and furosemide administration led to irreversible deterioration of the auditory brainstem response threshold, accompanied by acute loss of outer hair cells and gradually progressive loss of inner hair cells. SGNs showed a progressive decrease in quantity, as well as swelling and membrane rupture, at 15 and 30 days. RNA sequencing of SGNs showed that inflammation and immune-related responses were significantly upregulated, as was the expression of the inflammasome-related gene NLRP3. During 30 days of kanamycin exposure, the canonical pyroptosis pathway was constantly activated in SGNs. Activation and infiltration of microglia-like cells/macrophages, and increased production of cytokines, hallmarks of neuroinflammation, were also observed. Mcc950 significantly ameliorated SGN degeneration by inhibiting NLRP3 expression and promoting release of interleukins 1β and 18.
Conclusions
Pyroptosis causes cell death during aminoglycoside-induced SGN degeneration. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome leads to a cascade of inflammatory events in SGNs. Inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome significantly alleviates SGN damage, suggesting that it could serve as a new molecular target for the treatment of aminoglycoside-induced SGN degeneration.
TIGAR Enhanced Free Ca2+ Concentration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells to Accelerate the Sustained Proliferation and Drug Resistance
Authors: Xie Jia-ming , Sui Yi-qun , Feng Xin-yu , Feng Zhen-yu , Li Wei , Ma Xiao-ming , Gao De-kang , Du Peng , Zhang Heng , Ye Zhen-yu , Chen Wei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: To study the role of TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and drug resistance.Methods: HCC cells (HepG2 and SMMC7721) were used in this study. Fura 2-AM was used to assess cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) within the two HCC cell lines. Nimodipine (NMDP), a Ca2+ antagonist, was used to reduce cytosolic [Ca2+]i level. Proliferation of HCC was measured using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). The roles of TIGAR and Ca2+ in drug resistance of HCC cells were assessed using epirubicin (Epi), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), or cisplatinum (DDP).Results: Knockdown of TIGAR significantly suppressed cell viability, reduced [Ca2+]i, restrained protein expression of Ca2+-activated cysteine proteinases (Calpain1 and 2), as well as blocked the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) through an increase of cytoplasmic NF-κB and reduction of nuclear NF-κB. However, overexpression of TIGAR (oeTIGAR) resulted in the opposite. Evidence also shows that oeTIGAR suppressed the sensitivity of HCC to Epi, which was retarded by NMDP as an additional treatment. TIGAR interference could enhance the sensitivity of HCCs with high TIGAR expression to drugs.Conclusions: TIGAR promoted HCC progression and induced drug resistance, and the mechanism involved was [Ca2+]i-mediated activation of Calpain 1 and 2 and NF-κB signaling.
Contextualizing adverse event following immunization data of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in VigiAccess: An approach for reducing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Yamoah Peter , Mensah Kofi Boamah , Mpoku Thelma Alalbila , Padayachee Neelaveni , Oosthuizen Frasia , Bangalee Varsha 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
IntroductionVaccination features high among the public health interventions that have contributed significantly to global health. Following the March 2020 declaration by the World Health Organization that coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic, several vaccines have been developed and administered to curb the spread of COVID-19. One of the threats to attaining adequate vaccination uptake for these relatively new vaccines are concerns people have about the adverse event following immunization (AEFI) information. This study sought to assess AEFIs reported on COVID-19 vaccines approved for use so far in VigiAccess and to make a case for why AEFIs data in the database must be interpreted with caution.MethodsThe study followed a cross-sectional quantitative study design. VigiAccess was searched on November 10, 2021 for AEFIs reported so far for all the 12 approved COVID-19 vaccines. Data were captured among age groups, sex and continents of the world. Descriptive data were summarized using tables. Frequencies and percentages were used to categorize descriptive variables. No ethical approval was obtained before the commencement of the study as this was essentially a secondary data analysis of AEFI reports which cannot be linked to any individual. Consequently, there was no need for the informed consent process.ResultsOverall, 2,457,386 AEFIs had been reported in VigiAccess. AEFIs were found to be highest among the 18-44 age group (39.7%) and lowest in vaccine recipients below 12 years (0.1%). AEFIs were more common in females than male vaccine recipients with over two-thirds of the vaccine recipients being females. Among the continents of the world, AEFI reports were highest for Europe (50%) and lowest for Africa (3%). The top 10 commonly reported AEFI types were as follows: general disorders and vaccine administrative site conditions (1,481,549, 60.1%), nervous system disorders (1,046,928, 42.6%), musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (704,657, 28.6%), gastrointestinal disorders (495,997, 20.2%), investigations with undesirable outcomes (341,677, 13.9%), skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (335,932, 13.6%), respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders (262,158, 10.6%), infections and infestations (180,873, 7.3%), vascular disorders (132,533, 5.3%) and injury, poisoning and procedural complications (122,519, 5%).ConclusionThe study showed that over 2 million COVID-19 AEFIs were spontaneously reported in VigiAccess, however, no causal relationships could be established between the vaccines and the AEFIs. The public accessing VigiAccess data should be made aware of this lack of association so that they may make well informed health decisions.
In Vitro Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity of Combinations of Meropenem, Colistin, Tigecycline, Rifampin, and Ceftolozane/Tazobactam Against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii
Authors: Ju Yong Guk , Lee Hak Joon , Yim Hong Soon , Lee Chang Kyu , Lee Mingoo , Sohn Jang Wook , Yoon Young Kyung 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro activity of various antimicrobial combinations against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) isolates producing OXA-23 carbapenemases.In vitro activity of six two-drug combinations against CRAB isolates collected from patients with CRAB bacteremia was evaluated using the checkerboard method and time-kill assay [0.5 ×, 1 ×, 2 × minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC)], to identify potential synergistic and bactericidal two-drug combinations against CRAB isolates, using meropenem, colistin, tigecycline, rifampin, and ceftolozane/tazobactam. All 10 CRAB isolates in our study carried the OXA-58-type and OXA-23-type carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinase. The colistin-ceftolozane/tazobactam combination demonstrated a synergistic effect in both the time-kill assay (using an antibiotic concentration of 1 × MIC) and the checkerboard method, while simultaneously showing a bactericidal effect in the time-kill assay. For all 10 CRAB isolates, time-kill curves showed a significant synergistic bactericidal activity of the colistin-ceftolozane/tazobactam combination at 0.5 × MIC. Overall, there is substantial discordance of synergistic activity between the checkerboard microdilution and time-kill assay (with a concordance of 35%). Our study demonstrated that the two-drug combinations of colistin and ceftolozane/tazobactam can be a potential alternative for treating CRAB infections. The effect of these antibiotic combinations should be evaluated through clinical trials.