bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR-338-3p inhibits HIF-1α to Attenuate Nucleus Pulposus Cell Proliferation and Promote Apoptosis Through the Hippo-YAP Pathway
Authors: Zhan Daolu , Liu Jian , Lin Mingxia , Chen Jian , Fang Yehan , Li Yibo , Wu Bin , Cai Wentao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The proliferation and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells (NPCs) play a crucial role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). we aimed to discover the role of miRNA-induced IDD. We analyzed the miRNA expression of three NP tissues from IDD patients and three normal NP samples using the GEO2R tool, and The results revealed that miR-338-3p was upregulated in NPCs from IDD patients. miR-338-3p suppressed NPCs proliferation, and the related proteins PCNA and Ki-67 were downregulated, as demonstrated via western blotting. miR-338-3p promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, we predicted that HIF-1α was targeted by miR-338-3p, using the miRDB database, and this target was validated via dual luciferase assay. HIF-1α reversed miR-338-3p-induced NPCs proliferation and apoptosis. The Hippo-YAP pathway activation proteins YAP, CTGF, and PCNA were upregulated, unlike the inhibitory YAP phosphorylation. In conclusions, our results suggestive that miR-338-3p inhibited HIF-1α/ Hippo-YAP pathway to attenuate NPCs proliferation and apoptosis.
Development of an Inducible Secretory Expression Vector and Host System for High Yield Production of Recombinant Protein
Authors: Yoon Sunghyun , Seo Keun Seok , Park Nogi , Rutter Jaime , Thornton Justin A , Park Joo Youn 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEscherichia coli has been the most widely used recombinant protein expression system due to the availability of various protein expression vectors and ease of genetic manipulation. However, recombinant proteins expressed in E. coli are often contaminated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) highly toxic to humans and must be removed from FDA-approved biologics, a process which requires extensive and expensive procedures. Gram-positive bacteria possess a single layer of cytoplasmic membrane free of LPS which make it ideal for producing recombinant protein. However, a lack of inducible protein expression systems limits a large-scale protein production in Gram-positive bacteria.ResultsThe HptARS is a three-component regulatory system in Staphylococcus aureus which senses extracellular glucose-6-phosphate and activates the uhpT gene promoter to facilitate uptake of extracellular G6P. To construct an inducible and secretory protein expression vector system, the promoter of the uhpT gene and the N-terminal signal peptide sequence of the hlb gene was fused in-frame with a C-terminal 6x-histidine sequence. For constitutive expression, we generated S. aureus expression host strain lacking the uhpT gene which could not uptake extracellular G6P, resulting in constitutive activation of HptARS system. With this newly established expression vector system and host strain, we demonstrated large-scale production of biologically active and highly pure staphylococcal leukotoxin E. ConclusionExtracellular expression of recombinant protein in LPS-free bacteria has a tremendous advantage in industrial production of FDA-approved biologics. Our newly established inducible and secretory expression vector system and S. aureus host strain will be useful to produce recombinant proteins for vaccine applications and other industrial purposes.
Pregnancy Outcomes for Single Frozen-thawed Blastocyst Transfer of Day 5 and Day 6 With Different Quality: a Large Matched-cohort Study
Authors: Yu Qiong , He Hui , Ren Xinling , Hu Shifu , Jin Lei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Whether the day of blastocyst expansion affects pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT) cycles remains controversial. The conflicting results may be attributed to the potential confounders of FBT cycles between day 5 and day 6. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) of FBT cycles on day 5 versus day 6 accounting for the baseline comparability and determine the transfer order of FBT cycles.Methods: This was a retrospective match-cohort study, FBT cycles of day 5 and day 6 were matched by the general characteristics of patients, 2207 matched pairs of FBT cycles were included from January 2016 to December 2019 in our reproductive medicine center.Results: The CPR and LBR of day 5 blastocyst were significantly higher than day 6 with the same quality. In the FBT cycles with good quality, the CPR of day 5 and day 6 was 61.30%, 57.56% respectively (P=0.045), the LBR was 44.79%, 36.16% respectively (P<0.001). While in the FBT cycles with poor quality, the CPR of day 5 and day 6 was 48.61%, 40.89% respectively (P=0.006), the LBR was 31.71%, 25.74% respectively (P=0.019). The CPR of FBT cycles on day 6 with good quality was statistically higher than day 5 with poor quality (57.56% versus 48.61%, P=0.001). Maternal age, AMH, endometrial thickness, embryo quality and the day of blastocyst expansion was independently correlated with CPR and LBR. The FBT cycles of day 5 exhibited significantly higher CPR [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.246, 95% confidence intervals (Cl): 1.097-1.415, P=0.001] and LBR (adjusted OR=1.435, 95% Cl: 1.258-1.637, P<0.001) compared with day 6.Conclusions: The embryo quality should be the primary indicator in the FBT cycles. The blastocyst of day 5 should be preferred if the embryo quality of day 5 and day 6 is equal.Trial registration: Not applicable.
A Retrospective Case-control Study on a Triad of Risk Predictors Associated With Periodontitis; a Regression Analysis
Authors: MAHMOOD HINA , NAEEM SEHAR , SAEED UZMA , ZARA BATOOL 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
AIMS: This case-control study was conducted to analyze the association of periodontitis with risk predictors i.e. education status, brushing habits and past dental visits in systemically healthy patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1097 systemically healthy, non-tobacco using patients with age ≥18 years who reported to periodontology department were included. The demographic details and dental care pattern of the patients were extracted from the records of periodontology department and their frequencies were formulated. The association of three predicting factors i.e. education status, brushing habits and past dental visits was assessed on SPSS using binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 471(42.9%) patients were diagnosed with periodontitis. Higher frequency of periodontitis was observed in patients who were male and >50 years of age. Subjects with ≥ 12 years of education, regular brushing habits and regular past dental visits showed greater odds of being safe from periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: A positive association between the study variables and periodontitis was observed, which will help the clinicians in prediction of periodontitis in systemically healthy, non-smoking individuals. It also indicates a need of tailor made dental educational and awareness programs for prevention and control of periodontitis in systemically healthy individuals.
Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy For Thyroid Nodules: Double-Edged Sword in Thyroid Cancer Treatment in China
Authors: Zhan Jing , Xie Bing-Luan , Chen Yu-Jun , Liu Ye-Huan , Lv Shi-Xu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: To compare the necessity between Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy and ultrasound examination in the diagnosis of different sizes of the thyroid nodules. Does the FNA biopsy have to do it all? Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed to 8352 thyroid patients who underwent thyroid operations between 2011 and 2016 in our hospital. Results: In FNA(+) group, the nodule was more smaller, the increment speed of the amount of operation increased more faster. In no FNA group, the increment speed decreased not obvious in nodules ≥10mm sub-group, but tremendous in both nodules 5mm-10mm sub-group and nodules ≤ 5mm sub-group no matter the nodules were malignant or benign. Over the six years, the total operation number increased, but operation of patients with nodules ≥10mm decreased slightly and operation of patients with nodules <10mm increased markedly especially in nodules ≤ 5mm sub-group. In no FNA group, to compare the malignancy or benign tumor after surgery between nodules 5mm-10mm sub-group and nodules ≥10mm sub-group, χ2=12.000，P=0.001, and between nodules ≤ 5mm sub-group and nodules ≥10mm sub-group, χ2=7.968，P=0.005, but between nodules 5mm-10mm sub-group and nodules ≤ 5mm sub-group, χ2=0.669，P=0.414. Further pairwise comparison showed, in nodules 5mm-10mm sub-group and nodules ≤ 5mm sub-group, the probability of benign tumor was greater than nodules ≥10mm sub-group. Conclusions: In thyroid nodules ≥10mm sub-group, there is no statistical difference between ultrasound diagnosis and biopsy. In nodules <10mm sub-groups, FNA biopsy has the great significance in the diagnosis to add more references for the subsequent treatment.
Optimal Oxygen Saturation Targets in Patients with Sepsis- Associated Encephalopathy: A Cohort Study from the MIMIC-IV Database
Authors: Zhao Lina , Wang Yunying , Ge Zengzheng , Zhu Huadong , Li Yi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Patients with sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) in the intensive care unit (ICU) are treated with supplemental oxygen. However, few studies have investigated the impact of oxygenation status on the patient with SAE, and the optimal oxygenation status target remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between optimal oxygenation status and patients with SAE.Methods: This study is a retrospective cohort study. Patients were diagnosed with sepsis3.0 at the first ICU admission between 2008 and 2019 from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC IV). We use generalized additive models to estimate the optimal oxygen saturation targets in patients with SAE. Multivariate logistic analysis to further confirm it. Measurements and Main Results: A total of 6714 patients with SAE were included. The incidence of patients with SAE was 66.8%, and hospital mortality was 7.9%. SpO2≤92% was the independent risk factor of incidence in patients with SAE. The optimal range of SpO2 was 93%–97%, which can reduce the incidence of patients with SAE. The optimal range of SpO2 was 92%–96%, reducing the hospital mortality of patients with SAE.Conclusions: The optimal range of SpO2 was 93%–96% reduce the hospital mortality and incidence of patients with SAE. SAE patients need conservative oxygen therapy
Mechanism of Charge Accumulation of Poly(heptazine imide) Gel
Authors: Seo Goichiro , Saito Yuki , Nakamiti Miyu , Nakano Kyohei , Tajima Keisuke , Kanai Kaname 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Photo-stimuli response in materials is a fascinating feature with many potential applications. A photoresponsive gel of poly(heptazine imide), PHI, termed PHIG, exhibits photochromism, photoconductivity, and photo-induced charge accumulation, and is generated using ionic liquids and PHI. Although there are several examples of ionic liquid gels that exhibit photochromism and photoconductivity, this is the first report of an ionic liquid gel that exhibits both these properties as well as charge accumulation. We conducted experimental and theoretical investigations to understand the mechanism of the photostimulus response of PHIG, especially charge accumulation. The proposed model explains both the mechanism of charge accumulation and dark photocatalysis by PHI and provides new concepts in the field of photo-functional materials.
Capture Silk Scaffold Production in the Cribellar Web Spider
Authors: SUN Yan , LEE Seung-Min , KU Bon-Jin , PARK Eun-Ah , Moon Myung-Jin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Spider capture silk is a kind of natural scaffold material that outperforms almost any synthetic material in its combination of strength and elasticity. Among the various kinds of silk threads, the cribellar thread is the most primitive type of prey-capturing thread found in spider webs. We analyze the functional organization of the sieve-like cribellum spigots and a specialized comb bristles of calamistrum for capture thread production in the titanoecid spider Nurscia albofasciata. It's outer surface of the cribellum is covered with thousands of tiny spigots, and this cribellum plate produces the non-sticky threads which composed of thousands of finest nanofibers. Average length of the cribellum spigot in N. albofasciata is 10 µm, and each cribellate spigot appeared as singular, long shafts with pagoda-like tiered tips. Each spigot has five distinct segments as a definitive characteristic of this spider. This segmented and flexible structure not only allows it to bend by itself and join together with adjacent spigots, but also enable to draw the silk fibrils from its cribellum with a row of leg bristles of calamistrum to form a cribellar prey capture thread.
Combined Efficacy of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum And Doxorubicin Against Leukemia Through Regulation of TRAIL And NF-Kappa B Pathways In Rat Model
Authors: Bukhari Sidra , Naeem Anum , Khan Inam Ullah , Siddique Muhammad Hamid , Ali Zain , Essa Asiya , Anis Riffat Aysha , Moran Lukas , Sultan Aneesa , Murtaza Iram , Vanhara Petr , Anees Mariam 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Recent discoveries in cancer therapeutics have proven combination therapies more effective than individual drugs. This study describes the efficacy of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and doxorubicin combination against benzene-induced leukemia. Methods and Results: Brine shrimp assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, doxorubicin and their combination. After AML induction in Sprague Dawley rats, the same drugs were given to rat groups. Changes in organ weights, haematological profile, and hepatic enzymes were determined. Real-time PCR was used to elucidate the effect on the expression of STMN1, GAPDH, P53 and various TRAIL and NF-kappa B components. Cinnamomum zeylanicum reduced the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin. The combination treatment showed better anti-leukemic potential than any of the individual drugs as evident from STMN1 expression (p<0.001). It was particularly useful in reducing total white blood cell counts and recovering lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils along with hepatic enzymes ALT and AST (p<0.001). All doses recovered relative organ weights and improved blood parameters. The combination therapy was particularly effective in the inhibition of proliferation marker GAPDH (p<0.001) and NF-kappa B pathway components Rel-A (p<0.001) and Rel-B (p<0.05). Expressions of TRAIL components c-FLIP (p<0.001), TRAIL ligand (p<0.001) and caspase 8 (p<0.05) were also altered. Conclusion: Cinnamomum zeylanicum in combination with doxorubicin helps to counter benzene-induced cellular and hepatic toxicity and improve haematological profile. The anti-leukemic effects are potentially mediated through inhibition of GAPDH and NF-kappa B pathway and regulation of TRAIL pathway. Our data suggest the use of Cinnamomum zeylanicum with doxorubicin to improve anti-leukemic therapeutic regimes.
Effect of Prohexadione-calcium on the Shoot Growth, Fruits, Endogenous Hormones and Expression of GA-related Genes in ‘Fuji’ Apple (Malus Domestica Borkh.)
Authors: Wang Linlin , Song Yaofeng , chen Fengnan , Kang Dan , Zhang Linsen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The shoot growth of ‘Fuji’ apple is vigorous, which causes a poor lighting condition and a high cost to prune. Prohexadione-calcium (ProCa) has been proven to regulate the shoots growth, fruits and return flowering in apple abroad but there are fewer studies on its effect on the shoot growth, fruits and return flowing in ‘Fuji’ apple in China. Moreover, the mechanism of its action is incompletely understood. So different treatments were applied as foliar sprays to dwarf self-rooted ‘Fubrax Red Fuji ’/M9-T337 trees at 3, 14, 35 and 56 DAPF (Days after petal fall). The results showed that at the end of the growing season, spraying ProCa effectively inhibited the growth of shoots compared to control and one spray of 500 and 750 mg L-1 ProCa, two sprays of 250 mg L-1 ProCa and four sprays of 250 mg L-1 ProCa showed the highest reduction. ProCa had very slight effect on yield, quality and return flowing. During the growing season, two applications of ProCa of 250 mg L-1 on 3 and 14 DAPF significantly reduced the content of GA 1+3 , IAA and ZR but increased the content of ABA in long terminal shoot leaves in at least one time point. The expression patterns of GA-regulated genes showed that ProCa down-regulated MdGA3ox transcript level at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 DAPF and down-regulated MdCPS, MdGA20ox, MdRGL1a, MdSLY1 transcripts in at least one time point. This study provided a valuable insight to regulate the vegetative growth of ‘Fuji’ apple and explored the mechanism of ProCa action.
Institutional Level Drivers of Gender Inequitable Scientific Career Progression in Sub-saharan Africa
Authors: Liani Millicent L. , Nyamongo Isaac K. , Pulford Justin , Tolhurst Rachel 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: This study sought to find out how institutional environments, including values, policies, and their implementation shape inequities in scientific career progression for women and men, and their disadvantages in relation to their multiple social identities in Sub-saharan Africa (SSA). The findings are drawn from a wider research study that was aimed at gaining an in-depth understanding of the barriers and enablers of gender equitable scientific career progression for researchers in SSA. This was nested within the context of ‘Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training and Science in Africa’ (DELTAS Africa) – a health-based scientific research capacity strengthening initiative.Methods: The study adopted an exploratory qualitative cross-sectional study design. In-depth interviews (IDIs) with trainees/research fellows at various career stages supported and/or affiliated to three purposively selected DELTAS Africa Research Consortia was the main method of data collection. In addition, key informant interviews (KIIs) with consortia research leaders/directors, co-investigators, and the consortia management team were also conducted to corroborate information gathered from the IDIs, and also to provide additional insights on the drivers of intersectional gender inequitable career progression. In total, fifty-eight IDIs (32 female and 26 male) and twenty KIIs (4 female and 16 male) were conducted. The interviews were carried out between May and December 2018 in English. The data was analysed inductively based on emergent themes.Results: Three interrelated themes were identified. First: characterisation of the institutional environment as highly complex and competitive, pertaining to progression opportunities and funding structure. Second: Inequitable access to support systems within institutions. Third: Informal rules: Everyday experiences of negative practices and culture at workplace characterised by negative stereotypical attitudes; gender biases; sexual harassment, bullying and intimidation.Conclusions: We contend that understanding and addressing the social power relations at the meso-institutional environment and macro level contexts could benefit career progression of both women and men researchers through improving working culture and practices, resource allocation and better rules and policies thus fostering positive avenues for systemic and structural policy changes.
Forest Fire Risk Estimation in a Typical Temperate Forest in Northeastern China using the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index, Case of Autumn 2019 and 2020
Authors: Masinda Maombi Mbusa , Li Fei , Liu Qi , Sun Long , Hu Tongxin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
China's forest cover has increased by about 10% as a result of sustainable forest management since the late 1970s. The forest ecosystems area affected by fire is increasing at the alarming rate of roughly 600.000 ha per year. The northeastern part of China, with a forest cover of 41.6%, has the greatest percentage of acres affected by forest fires. This study combines field and satellite weather data to determine factors that influence dead fuel moisture content (FMC). It assesses the use of the Canadian forest fire weather index (FWI) to determine the daily forest fire danger in a typical temperate forest in northeastern China in the fall season. Based on the Wilcoxon test for paired samples, the observed and predicted values of FMC showed similar variation in 63.6% of sampling sites, with p-value > 0.05; and 36.4 % of sampling sites presented lower predicted values of FMC than observed values, with p-value < 0.05. The Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System estimated the fire danger level as very low, low, moderate, high, or very high in our Maoer mountain forest ecosystems.
Changing profile of platelet activity and turnover indices during treatment response of immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ou Chewei , Chang Hung , Hung Yu-Shin , Kuo Ming-Chung , Li Pei-Ling , Lin Tung-Liang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Both platelet count and function change after treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Platelet function can be measured by plasma markers, including platelet activity (e.g. soluble P-selectin [sP-selectin] and soluble CD40 ligand [sCD40L]) and platelet turnover markers (e.g. glycocalicin [GC]). Patients were classified into no response (NR, including new diagnosis), partial response (PR) and complete response (CR). One hundred and sixteen samples (29 CR, 32 PR, and 55 NR) from 79 patients were collected. Plasma markers (sP-selectin, sCD40L and GC) were measured by ELISA. Platelet counts and mean platelet volume (MPV) were obtained in the clinical laboratory using GenS System-2. The results showed that responsive patients (PR + CR) had higher levels of sP-selectin (P = 0.026) and sCD40L (P = 0.001). Although there was no difference in MPV (P = 0.077) or GC (P = 0.078), there was a marked decrease of GC index (P < 0.001) in responsive patients. Paired sample analysis showed no difference in sP-selectin, sCD40L, MPV or GC but significant difference in GC index (P = 0.017) between NR and PR. Another paired sample analysis showed no difference in sP-selectin, sCD40L, MPV or GC but significant difference in GC index (P = 0.029) between PR and CR. Patients with refractory and newly diagnosed disease had significant difference in GC (P = 0.020) and sCD40L (P = 0.001), despite similarly low platelet counts. In conclusion, platelet activity markers (sP-selectin and sCD40L) and GC indices change in parallel with treatment response. Plasma levels of GC and sCD40L may be predictors of treatment response.