bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Puerarin protects the retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE19) against hypoxia-induced blood-retinal barrier breakdown and Akt/Bcl2-dependent apoptosis
Authors: Le Minh-Anh Nguyen Ngo , Wen Yao-Tseng , Trinh Dieu-Thuong Thi , Tsai Rong - Kung 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Puerarin, an isoflavonoid, is a neuroprotectant against many ischemic brain injuries. The research purpose was to investigate whether puerarin treatment can inhibit hypoxia-induced apoptosis and barrier breakdown on human retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE-19) cells.Methods: Treatment with 100 µM of puerarin showed no ARPE-19 cytotoxicity. Treatments with 50 µM or 100 µM of puerarin significantly preserved cell viability under hypoxic conditions for 12 h (p < 0.05). Moreover, treatments with 50 µM and 100 µM of puerarin significantly reduced the proportion of Annexin V- and PI-positive ARPE cells under hypoxic conditions (p < 0.05). The TER analysis and junctional protein staining demonstrated that treatments with 50 µM or 100 µM of puerarin prevented the hypoxia-induced barrier disruption in APRE-19 cultures. In contrast to the untreated group, treatment with puerarin significantly increased the level of Bcl-2 and decreased the levels of p-Bad, Bax, and cleaved caspase 3 in RPE cell under hypoxic conditions (p < 0.05). Treatment with puerarin maintained Akt1 activation in the ARPE-19 cells under hypoxic conditions (p < 0.05), and inhibition of PR-induced Akt1 activation abolished the protective effect of puerarin in ARPE-19 cells under hypoxic conditions.Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that treatment with puerarin protected RPE cell against hypoxia-induced blood-retinal barrier breakdown and Akt-dependent apoptosis. These findings suggest that puerarin could be developed as an alternative treatment for ischemic and hypoxic retinal injuries.
A porous biochar supported nanoscale zero-valent iron highly efficient for the remediation of cadmium and lead contaminated soil
Authors: Qian Wei , Diao Zeng-Hui 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Risk associated with heavy metals in soil has been received widespread attention. In this study, a porous biochar supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (BC-nZVI) was applied to immobilize cadmium (Cd) and/or lead (Pb) in clayey soil. Experiment results indicated that the immobilization of Cd or Pb by BC-nZVI process was better than that of BC or nZVI process, and about 80 % of heavy metals immobilization was obtained in BC-nZVI process. Addition of BC-nZVI could increase soil pH and organic matter (SOM). Cd or Pb immobilization was inhibited with coexisting organic compound 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), but 2,4-DCP could be removed in a simultaneous manner with Cd or Pb immobilization at low concentration levels. Simultaneous immobilization of Cd and Pb was achieved in BC-nZVI process, and both Cd and Pb availability significantly decreased. Stable Cd species inculding Cd(OH)2, CdCO3 and CdO were formed, whereas stable Pb species such as PbCO3, PbO and Pb(OH)2 were produced with BC-nZVI treatment. Simultaneous immobilization mechanism of Cd and Pb in soil by BC-nZVI was thereby proposed. This study well demonstrates that BC-nZVI has been emerged as a potential technology for the remediation of multiple metals in soil.
Intelligent Fuzzy Enabled Wireless Sensor Network Energy Optimization Scheme using IoT
Authors: K RAJU , R Lavanya , M.G Kavitha , D Radha 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this modern world, energy optimization is the major concern to deal with communication environments especially on Wireless Sensor Networks. Due to the rapid development of Wireless Sensor Network usages, the requirement of energy preservation is also increased in a drastic level. The energy preservation over communication medium is the most important logic to deal with such kind of network based communication model as well as the channel selection and packet forwarding is the most important tasks to take care with such mediums. A Wireless Sensor Networking based channel is considered to be the communication port, in which it takes care of carrying the information and data packets between source and destination entities. The wireless communication channel is containing many important things such as bandwidth, connectivity, connecting wires and so on. The specified things are necessary to carry the data packets between entities, in which the affection on the specified metrics causes the affection on network communications and cause a loss on data packets. The another important constrain is the packet forwarding principles, in which the data packets are moved to the respective selected channel for successful communication as well as the procedure is used to communicate the packets across the region based on the selected channel for communication. These processes are extensively taken care with the Wireless Sensor Network environment management scheme. Several literatures and analysts provide a huge solution to such things, but all are strucked up with certain level of precedence. In this paper, a new methodology is introduced to provide a successful data communication between source and destination based on WSN environment channel selection and packet forwarding principles, the proposed approach is called as Fuzzy based Neural Data Forwarding Scheme (FNDFS). This approach of FNDFS eliminates the unwanted data processing and delays to provide a successful communication between entities using two constraints such as Internet of Things (IoT) and the Fuzzy Logic. The concept of IoT is enabling a internet services to the WSN environment to make the communication between entities without any hurdles as well as the associated functions will be clearly illustrated over the further summaries. These logics are associated together to improve the overall energy efficiency level of the proposed approach in next level. This paper assures the usage of proposed approach FNDFS improves the level of WSN performance based on throughput enhancements, network lifetime improvements, energy efficiency and reduced end-to-end delay. These assured things are clearly proved with the graphical results emulated in resulting section of this paper.
Inhibition of CPT1a as a Prognostic Marker can Synergistically Enhance the Antileukemic Activity of ABT199
Authors: mao shihui , Ling Qing , Pan Jiajia , Li Fenglin , Huang Shujuan , Ye Wenle , Wei Wenwen , Lin Xiangjie , Qian Yu , Wang Yungui , Huang Xin , Huang Jiansong , Wang Jinghan , Jin Jie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) provides an important source of energy to promote the growth of leukemia cells. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a(CPT1a), a rate-limiting enzyme of the essential step of FAO, can facilitate cancer metabolic adaptation. Previous reports demonstrated that CPT1a acts as a potential molecular target in solid tumors and hematologic disease. However, no systematic study was conducted to explore the its prognostic value and possible treatment strategies on acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Methods

The expression of CPT1a in 325 cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML) cases was evaluated using RT-PCR. The combination effects of ST1326 and ABT199 were studied in AML cells and primary patients. MTS was used to measure the cell proliferation rate. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry analysis was used to measure the apoptosis rate. western blot were used to measure the expression of Mcl-1. RNAseq and GC-TOFMS were used for genomic and metabolic analysis.
Results

In this study, we found AML patients with high CPT1a expression (n = 245) had a relatively short overall survival (P = 0.01) and event free survival (P = 0.032) compared to patients in low expression group (n = 80). In parallel, downregulation of CPT1a inhibits proliferation of AML cells. We also conducted genomic and metabolic interactive analysis in AML patients, and found several essential genes and pathways related to aberrant expression of CPT1a. Moreover, we found downregulation of CPT1a sentitizes BCL-2 inhibitor ABT199 and CPT1a-selective inhibitor ST1326 combined with ABT199 has a strong synergistic effect to induce apoptosis in AML cells and primary patient blasts for the first time. The underlying synergistic mechanism might be that ST1326 inhibits pGSK3β and pERK expression, leading to downregulation of Mcl-1.
Conclusion

Our study indicates that overexpression of CPT1a predicts poor clinical outcome in AML. CPT1a-selective inhibitor ST1326 combined with Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT199 showed strong synergistic inhibitory effects on AML.
Achieved High Energy Density and Excellent Thermal Stability in (1-x)(Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3-xBi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3&nbsp;Relaxor Ferroelectric Thin Films
Authors: Yan Hao , Song Baijie , Zhu Kun , Xu Liuxue , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this work, lead-free (1-x)(Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3-xBi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3 (abbreviated as BNBT-xBMT, x = 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6) thin films were prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates using sol-gel method. The microstructures, dielectric and energy storage properties were investigated. The results showed that the addition of BMT disrupted the long-range ferroelectric order and enhanced the relaxor behavior of BNBT-xBMT thin films. In addition, the leakage current density of thin films was also reduced by the doping of moderate amount of BMT. A high recoverable energy density of 34.36 J/cm3 with an efficiency of 56.63% was achieved in the BNBT-0.5BMT thin film under the electric field of 2149 kV/cm. Furthermore, BNBT-0.5BMT thin film exhibited superior stability in the temperature range of 30°C − 145°C and frequency range of 500 Hz − 5 kHz, as well as long-term fatigue durability after 1 × 105 cycles. These results suggest that BNBT-0.5BMT thin film may be a promising material for lead-free dielectric energy storage applications.
Fostering Learning Capacities for Meaningful, Healthy and Efficient Studying in Undergraduate Medical Education - Evaluation of a Longitudinal Learning Workshop
Authors: Thye Miriam , Tauschel Diethard 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:Medical studies place high demands on the development of learning capacities. Learning environment, self-regulation, self-determination and self-care play a major role in this context. Impaired health of students in particular has a negative impact on learning and subsequent professional life. Learning life can be defined as the sum of all the factors influencing the students’ entire life; this includes physical, physiological, psychological and mental dimensions of learning. This study describes and evaluates a longitudinal learning workshop for undergraduate medical students which aims to foster academic learning life with an anthropologically grounded holistic approach.Methods:Fifty evaluations by medical students underwent a qualitative analysis of open-ended questions concerning their experienced changes in their learning life. In addition, general satisfaction with the learning workshop was measured quantitatively.Results:Qualitative results revealed an impact on five core dimensions of medical students´ learning: knowledge, awareness, action, experience and regulation. Quantitative results demonstrated good overall satisfaction.Conclusions:Taking students’ physiology, body, psychology and mentality into account within a seven weeks longitudinal learning workshop, impact on the fields of knowledge, awareness, action, experience and regulation can be achieved. To support the multidimensional learning life of medical students, a holistic approach could be considered as an enhancement to foster healthy, meaningful and efficient ways of learning. Thus, this learning workshop seems to be a useful and transferable tool to support medical students’ learning.
Development and validation of a Nomogram for predicting the Overall Survival of Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Head of the Pancreas
Authors: Liu Zhilong , Yu Haohui , Cao Mingrong , Li Jiexing , Huang Yulin , Feng Bin , Xing Liubo , Cai Ke 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a nomogram to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Head of the Pancreas (PDAC-HP).Methods: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we collected patients with PDAC-HP in the United States between 2004 and 2015. Patients were randomly divided into training set and validating set at a ratio of 7:3. The training set is used to develop a nomogram for predicting OS. These indicators such as the C index, the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration plots and the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to evaluate the prediction accuracy of the nomogram.Results: A total of 33,893 patients with PDAC-HP over 20 years old were diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 were collected from the SEER database. Using multivariable Cox regression analysis, we identified eight risk factors that were associated with OS, such as age at diagnosis, sex, marital status at diagnosis, race, AJCC staging, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A nomogram was constructed based on these variables. Compared with the AJCC staging system, the nomogram has a better C index and AUC in the training set and validatiing set. The calibration plots indicated that the nomogram was able to accurately predict the OS of patients with PDAC-HP at 1, 3, and 5 years.Conclusions: We developed and validated a nomogram, and predicted the OS of patients with PDAC-HP at 1, 3, and 5 years. Compared with the AJCC staging system, the nomogram we constructed has better performance. It shows that our nomogram could be served as an effective tool for prognostic evaluation of patients with PDAC-HP.
Potential of Cold Plasma to Control Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in Chickpea Cultivars during Four Year Storage
Authors: Pathan F , Deshmukh R. , Annapure U. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Cold plasma has proven itself as a promising method of food preservation by controlling food spoilage bacteria at very low temperatures. It is showing potential for insect control. Synthetic pesticides are mostly used to control Callosobruchus chinensis to which it has developed resistance. The prospective potential of cold plasma treatment to control pulse beetle infestation of chickpea in the storage for about 4 years of plasma treatment was studied. The four chickpea cultivars were treated with cold plasma at different power 40, 50, and 60 W each for 10, 15, 20 min. Plasma treated and untreated chickpeas were stored in an airtight ziplock pouch. At regular intervals, the grains were observed for infestation. It was found most effective in controlling the pulse beetle infestation of treated chickpea samples. While plasma untreated chickpeas were attacked and damaged mostly by pulse beetle within the first quarter of the storage study. To avoid the problems created by the use of pesticides cold plasma treatment is found to be the best alternative in the protection of chickpea invasion by pulse beetle during a longer storage period. The findings in the present research may be used for the preparation of legumes which may also soak and cook faster like quick-cooking legumes and preserved for years without invasion of pulse beetle.
Design and Analysis of Imaging Chip Using High-Speed AXI-Interface for MPSOC Applications on FPGA Platform
Authors: R Archana H , Reddy C R Byra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The recent innovations in real-time video and image enhancements are allowing much advancement in a wide range of diverse applications. These innovations and advancements provide a new hardware architecture which aims to improve the image visualization, processing speed, and complexity reduction in hardware. The imaging chip concept is introduced in this article to support the Multiprocessing system on chip (MPSoC) applications in real-time scenarios on a single chip. The imaging chip model is designed using high-speed interface protocol, which includes different image enhancement algorithms acts as a master model, Advanced Extensible Interface (AXI)-4 as an interface model, and dual-port memory as a slave model. The image enhancement algorithm includes mainly, Brightness control, contrast stretching, Adaptive median filtering (AMF), Edge-detection techniques, image Thresholding, and Image Histogram method. The AXI-4 provides a high-speed interface for communicating master and slave modules. The proposed model work based on the modes of the operation to process the enhanced image output in MPSoC. The design supports multiple masters and multiple slave modules with reconfigurable nature. The imaging chip is a module on the Xilinx ISE environment and implemented on Artix-7 FPGA, along with the performance metrics like chip Area, time, power, and memory utilization are analyzed with improvements. The model offers low latency and high throughput architecture for real-time Multimedia applications.
An Effective S-Box Construction Based on Linear Recurrences With Constant Co-Efficient
Authors: Iftikhar wajeeha , SIDDIQUI NASIR , Haq Muhammad Ehtisham ul 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we propose an algorithm for the construction of substitution-box through a linear recurrence relation. S-box is considered as the building block of block ciphers; here we present a technique to construct Substitution-boxes by using linear recurrence relation to comply with the standards of good quality S-boxes. We have witnessed that the latest research relies more on improving already existing techniques, rather than developing wholly new methods. We use linear recurrence in an entirely new way. Real initial and obtained values are concealed by converting it into new numbers to avoid any pattern to follow. The obtained S-boxes are analyzed through performance tests to check the strength and quality of our S-boxes. Later we will encrypt an image and also perform encryption and decryption in noise channels to make it more applicable in low profile applications.
DNA Preparation in Vitis Vinifera L. For Third Generation Sequencing
Authors: Bibi Androniki C. , Kollias Anastasios , Astrinaki Maria , Vassou Despoina , Kafetzopoulos† Dimitris , Kalantidis Kriton , Moschou Panagiotis N. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: There have been several attempts to sequence the genome of Vitis vinifera L. (grapevine), utilizing low-resolution second-generation platforms. Nevertheless, the characterization of the grapevine genetic resources and its adaptation to vulnerable conditions could be better addressed through extensive and high-resolution genome sequencing.MinION is a third-generation sequencer preferred by many laboratories due to its relatively low cost, ease of use and small size. Even though this long-read technology has been rapidly improving, to reach its full potential requires high-quality DNA.Results: Here we establish a workflow for DNA extraction suitable for MinION sequencing long reads from grapevine. This protocol was tested with leaf samples from different positions on annual growing branches of grapevine, Purified nuclei from fresh young leaves that led to high quality, long DNA fragments, suitable for long-read sequencing were successfully generated. It is evident that longer reads in grapevine associate with both fresh tissue and adjusted conditions used for nuclei purification.Conclusions: We propose that this workflow presents a significant advancement for long-read quality DNA isolation for grapevine and likely other plant species.
Haar Algorithm for The Analysis of Fractional Order Calculus Based Computation Problems Associated With Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: kumar Arun , Hashmi Mohammad Shabi , Ansari Abdul Quaiyum , Arzykulov Sultangali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes a haar algorithm with the phase wise flow for three distinct cases of fractional order calculus-based electromagnetic wave machine problem. The numerical solution to these programming problems was presented in tabular and graphic form using precise, approximate analysis and haar schema for comparative analysis. Convergence research was also carried out to validate the accuracy and efficacy of the system suggested. The proposed scheme is suited for the numerical solution of the addressed type of computational problem due to its uncomplicated and easy-to-implement, professional, fastness and high convergence rate.
Association of Syndemic Conditions and Quality of Life among People Living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Gomes Mariana Oliveira , Castro Rodolfo , Mota Jurema Corrêa , Boni Raquel B. De 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

The syndemics theory seeks to understand the effect of multiple synergic problems in promoting poor health outcomes. To disentangle which and how syndemic conditions affect quality of life (QoL) may be important to improve well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This study evaluates the association between syndemic conditions and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS.
METHODS

This was a secondary analysis from data obtained between 2014 and 2017 among PLWHA under care in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The outcomes were the six QoL domains (physical, psychological, level of independence, social relationships, environmental, and spirituality) measured through the World Health Organization Quality of Life in HIV infection scale, abbreviated version (WHOQOL-HIV-BREF). The independent variables were demographic and clinical characteristics, syndemic conditions (binge drinking, compulsive sexual behavior, polysubstance use, intimate partner violence, and depression), and syndemics (two or more syndemic conditions simultaneously). Bivariate analysis (t-test and ANOVA) and linear regressions were performed for each quality-of-life domain.
RESULTS

The analytical sample comprised 1530 participants, mostly male at birth (64%) and with median age of 43 years. The syndemic conditions most frequently observed were binge drinking (56%), IPV (13%), and depression (9%). Both individual syndemic conditions and syndemics were associated with worse QoL. In the multivariate analysis, positive screening for depression was associated with worse QoL in all domains. Polysubstance users presented worse QoL at social and environmental domains. Intimate partner violence was associated with worse QoL at environment domain while binge drinking was associated with worse scores in the physical domain. The presence of syndemics increased the likelihood of worse scores in the psychological, social, and environment domains.
CONCLUSIONS

Our study expands the understanding of QoL in PLWHA, as it considers a holistic/integral, multifactorial, and synergistic approach to the determinants of QoL. Seeking strategies that target syndemics may be important to improve patient-centered outcomes in health.
miR-3934 suppresses basophil apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory cytokines by targeting RAGE in asthma
Authors: Han Kaiyu , Dou Liyan , Wang Junwei , Wang Wenyu , Chen Hong , Zhang Xiaofei , Zhao Shuai , Yu Baiquan , Yu Yao , Hu Xiaoman , Zheng Weili , Wu Yuhan , Lv Fuzhen , Wang Guangyou 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Several miRNAs are now known to have clear connections to the pathogenesis of asthma. The present study focused on the potential role of miR-3934 during asthma development. Results miR-3934 was down-regulated in the basophils of asthmatic patients. The expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and IL-33 was enhanced in basophils from asthmatic patients, and this effect was partially reversed by transfection of miR-3934 mimics. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that miR-3934 levels can be used to distinguish asthma patients from healthy individuals. miR-3934 partially inhibited advanced glycation end products-induced increases in basophil apoptosis by suppressing expression of RAGE. Conclusion Our results indicate that miR-3934 acts to mitigate the pathogenesis of asthma by targeting RAGE and suppressing TGF-β/Smad signaling.