bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Static magnetic field-induced IL-6 secretion in periodontal ligament stem cells accelerates orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Luo Shitong , Li Zhilian , Liu Lizhiyi , zhao Juan , ge Wenbing , Zhang kun , Zhou Zhi , Liu Yali 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Static magnetic field (SMF) promoting bone tissue remodeling is a potential non-invasive therapy technique to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). The periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), which are mechanosensitive cells, are essential for force-induced bone remodeling and OTM. However, whether and how the PDLSCs influence the process of inflammatory bone remodeling under mechanical force stimuli in the presence of SMFs remains unclear. In this study, we found that local SMF stimulation significantly enhanced the OTM distance and induced osteoclastogenesis on the compression side of a rat model of OTM. Further experiments with macrophages cultured with supernatants from force-loaded PDLSCs exposed to an SMF showed enhanced osteoclast formation. RNA-seq analysis showed that interleukin-6 (IL-6) was expressed at the highest level in force-loaded PDLSCs exposed to SMFs. IL-6 expression was also elevated on the pressure side of a rat OTM model with an SMF. The OTM distance induced by an SMF was significantly decreased after injection of the IL-6 inhibitor tocilizumab. These results imply that SMF promotes osteoclastogenesis by inducing force-loaded PDLSCs to secrete the inflammatory cytokine IL-6, which accelerates OTM. This will help to reveal the mechanism of SMF accelerates tooth movement and should be evaluated for application in periodontitis patients.
Identification of anticancer enzymes and biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma through constraint-based modeling
Authors: Wang Feng-Sheng , Zhang Hao-Xiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results in the abnormal regulation of cellular metabolic pathways. Constraint-based modeling approaches can be utilized to dissect metabolic reprogramming, enabling the identification of biomarkers and anticancer targets for diagnosis and treatment. In this study, two genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs) were reconstructed by employing RNA-sequence expressions of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their healthy counterparts. An anticancer target discovery (ACTD) framework was integrated with the two models to identify HCC targets for anticancer treatment. The ACTD framework encompassed four fuzzy objectives to assess both the suppression of cancer cell growth and the minimization of side effects during treatment. Ten different nutrient media were employed for nutrient uptake in the ACTD framework to identify corresponding anticancer enzymes. The results indicated that target enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway were successfully identified in a cholesterol-free cell culture medium. Additionally, the enzymes PGS1 and CRL1 were identified across the ten-nutrient media. Furthermore, the ACTD framework encompasses two-group representations of target combinations involving the pairing of a single-target enzyme with an additional nutrient uptake reaction. Computational results revealed that the cell viability for all two-target combinations surpassed those for their corresponding one-target enzymes. Thus, combining a target enzyme while modulating an additional exchange reaction can effectively reduce the rates of cell proliferation and ATP generation in treated cancer cells. However, most two-target combinations result in enhanced side effects compared with their corresponding single-target enzymes. Furthermore, differential expressions of metabolites between cancer cells and their healthy counterparts were evaluated through parsimonious flux variability analysis using the GSMMs to identify potential biomarkers. The variabilities of fluxes and metabolite flow rates in cancer and healthy cells were classified into seven categories. Accordingly, two secretions and thirteen uptakes (including eight essential amino acids and two conditionally essential amino acids) were identified as potential biomarkers. The findings of this study indicated that cancer cells exhibit a higher uptake of amino acids compared with their healthy counterparts.
Phase angle and its determinants among adolescents: influence of body composition and physical fitness level
Authors: Ferreira Giovana O. C. , Ferrari Gerson , Langer Raquel D. , Cossio-Bolaños Marco , Gomez-Campos Rossana , Lázari Evandro , Moraes Anderson M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
To examine the association between levels of physical fitness, parameters of body composition and phase angle amongst adolescents.
Methods
A total of 152 adolescents (84 girls) aged 11–16 years were included in this study. Flexibility, abdominal strength, upper and lower limb strength, agility, speed and cardiorespiratory fitness were analysed. Generalized Linear Models were applied to verify significant differences across sexes. Stepwise linear regression was used to establish an association between the variables studied.
Results
The study established a significant association between PhA and weight, FFM, BMI, FM, %FM and medicine ball throw (MBT) for girls. As for the boys, a significant association was verified between PhA and weight, FFM, BMI, standing long jump (SLJ), MBT and the three allometric VO2peak variables analyzed. A negative association was found between PhA and the boys’ square agility test (SAT) and 20-m shuttle run test (20SRT).
Conclusion
Boys showed a greater phase angle than girls; In girls, BMI and %FM, were determinant of 32.4% (r = 0.57). PhA variability which is influenced by physical fitness, body composition and, therefore, the tissues electrical conductivity. Furthermore, boys’ height, FFM, upper limb strength, and agility account for 58.4% (r = 0.76) PhA variability. There was a positive correlation between the physical fitness tests and the PhA.
The composition and diversity of soil microbial community were changed by introducing Phallus impudicus into a Gastrodia elata Bl.-based soil
Authors: Wang Yanhong , Xu Jiao , Yuan Qingsong , Guo Lanping , Zheng Gang , Xiao Chenghong , Yang Changgui , Jiang Weike , Zhou Tao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The Gastrodia elata Bl. has an ancestral and historical usage in traditional Chinese medicine to treat headache. Being as Orchid, its growth and cultivation demand the species from Armillaria, e.g. Armillaria gallica, or Armillaria mellea etc. The strong competitiveness of Armillaria members has always been a concern of major threat to other soil organisms, thus disrupt the equilibrium of soil biodiversity. A rotation management by introducing other object could possibly alleviate the problems associated with that; however, the underlying mechanisms and their impact on the soil microbial community remains unclear.
Results
This study aimed to characterize the microbial groups associated with soil biochemical properties responding to different cultivation objects, i.e. G. elata and Phallus impudicus. To assess the composition and diversity of soil microorganisms, we performed the 16 S rRNA and ITS rRNA amplicons analysis of samples collected from soil adhering to the G. elata and P. impudicus. Biochemical properties of soil samples were also measured. The results revealed the composition and diversity of soil microbial community were changed by cultivations of G. elata and P. impudicus. Besides that, the cultivation of G. elata induced significant increases in soil pH and NO3−-N content compared with fallow land. Whereas, subsequent cultivation of P. impudicus reversed the G. elata-induced decreases in soil pH and nutrient levels, which were coincidence with the changes of relative abundances of several potentially beneficial genera. The results of CCA and heatmap also confirmed that the soil microbial community had strong correlations with soil pH and available nutrient.
Conclusions
Our findings suggested that the cultivation of P. impudicus might have potential benefits as result of affecting soil microorganisms through changes in soil nutrient profile.
Associations between Polypharmacy and Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Study in Wuhan, Hubei Province
Authors: FENG DA , Ge Handa , Wang Jia , Zou Jian , Liu Yuxin , Chen Chaoyi , Zheng Zehao , Cao Yan , Huang Rui , Sun Yangfan , Zhong Qiao , Feng Zhanchun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Exploring the relationship between polypharmacy behaviors and depressive symptoms in patients with chronic diseases is crucial for public health. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between polypharmacy behaviors and depression in patients with chronic diseases.
Methods: A cluster sampling survey of patients with chronic diseases was initially conducted in March-April 2019 in 8 administrative districts of Wuhan. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D10). To reduce confounding bias, the propensity score weighting method was applied, then a multivariate logistic regression model was conducted to test the relationship between polypharmacy behaviors and depressive symptoms.
Results: Inpatients with polypharmacy behaviors exhibited a higher risk of depressive symptoms (OR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.17-2.16) compared to individuals without polypharmacy behaviors. In addition, higher education level (OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.30-0.87),physical exercise (OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.34-0.76) and usage of Chinese medicine for treatment were associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms. It also has been found that depression was linked to hypertension (OR=1.47, 95%CI: 1.00-2.17), poor (OR=5.15, 95%CI: 3.43-7.84) and fair (OR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.61-3.86) self-rated health status, as well as have more chronic diseases (OR=1.27, 95%CI: 1.11-1.47).
Conclusion: The occurrence of polypharmacy behaviors was significantly related to the patient's depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the patient's health information and educational level were related to depression. For chronic diseases patients who have poor mental health, interventions should be taken to reduce their inappropriate polypharmacy behaviors.
GIV Modulation of Microglial Activation in Ischemic Stroke: Impact of FTO- Mediated m6A Modification
Authors: Xie Peng , Xia Mingyan , Long Tingting , Guo Dongfen , Cao Wenpeng , Sun Ping , Yu Wenfeng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Ischemic stroke is one of the most common causes of death in the world. The lack of effective pharmacological treatments for ischemic stroke is primarily due to a lack of understanding of its pathogenesis. Gα-Interacting vesicle-associated protein (GIV) is a multimodular signal transducer and guanine nucleotide exchange factor that controls important signaling downstream of multiple receptors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of GIV in ischemic stroke. In the present study, we found that GIV is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). However, GIV protein levels decreased, while GIV transcript level was increased in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Additionally, GIV was insensitive LPS exposure. Additionally, we found that GIV overexpression dramatically restrained microglial activation, inflammatory response and M1 polarization in BV2 microglia induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R). On the contrary, GIV knockdown had the opposite impact. Mechanistically, we found that GIV activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by interacting with DVL2. Notably, FTO decreased the m6A modification-mediated increase of GIV expression and attenuated the inflammatory response in BV2 stimulated by OGD/R. Taken together, our results demonstrate that GIV inhibited the inflammatory response via activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway which expression regulated in an FTO-mediated m6A modification in IS. These results broaden our understanding of the role of the FTO-GIV axis in IS development.
Human pancreatic islet-derived stromal cells reveal combined features of mesenchymal stromal cells and pancreatic stellate cells
Authors: Ebrahim Nour , Kondratyev Nikolay , Artyuhov Alexander , Timofeev Alexei , Gurskaya Nadya , Andrianov Aleksey , Izrailov Roman , Volchkov Egor , Dyuzheva Tatyana , Kopantseva Elena , Kiseleva Ekaterina , Golimbet Vera , Dashinimaev Erdem 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) show great potential in the field of regenerative medicine due to their multipotent differentiation capabilities and immunomodulatory properties. However, the characterization and classification of MSCs, particularly those derived from the pancreas, remains challenging, leading to a proliferation of terminology in the literature. Here, we present a comprehensive study elucidating the successful isolation of human pancreas-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hPD-MSCs) from pancreatic tissue, their immortalization using lentiviral transduction of hTERT, and the maintenance of characteristic spindle-shaped morphology over extended passages. Flow cytometry analysis confirms the expression of classical MSC markers CD90, CD73, CD105, and CD44, along with CD106 (VCAM-1), indicative of immunomodulatory potential. Moreover, hPD-MSCs exhibit multilineage differentiation capacity into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. Transcriptomic analysis reveals distinct gene expression profiles, highlighting similarities to pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and identifying specific genes that characterize hPD-MSCs in comparison with mesenchymal cells of different origins. Notably, among these genes, hPD-MSCs exhibit differential expression in genes associated with pancreatic function, such as ISL1, and neural development (for example, NPTX1 and ZNF804A). The analysis also reveals a gene with an unknown function (ENSG00000286190). Our findings contribute to the understanding of hPD-MSCs and their potential in regenerative medicine, particularly in pancreatic pathology.
Congruent evaporation of borosilicate glass strengthening silica fiber
Authors: Eronyan M. A. , Kulesh A. Yu. , Tsibinogina M. K. , Glita D. V. , Untilov A. A. , Sitnikova V. E. , Dukelskiy K. V. , Zlobin P. A. , Meshkovskiy I. K. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The work aims to study the evaporation process of borosilicate glass used for strengthening of silica fiber light guides. The composition of glass after high-temperature treatment was determined based on refractive index measurement. It was found that at temperature 2100 oC two-component SiO2-B2O3 glass vaporizes without changing its composition at a boron oxide content of ≈ 4 mol% in both oxygen and nitrogen atmospheres. The IR absorption spectra of borosilicate glass indicate the absence of boroxol rings of B2O3, which can explain the low partial pressure of its vapors compared to the ideal melt state. It is experimentally shown that the content of only 1 mol % B2O3 in the outer cladding of silica fiber increases its strength by 10% when the drawing temperature is reduced to 1900°C. Such a small addition of boron oxide to silica glass decreases its viscosity, ensuring the occurrence of compressive stresses in the borosilicate cladding.
Fabrication and Analysis of Surface Patterned Regular Porous Silicone Films
Authors: Rehman Hafiz Sami ur , Manzoor Tareq , Islam Ghalib ul , Anwer Tauseef , Manzoor Habibullah , Cristiano Carlomagno 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we present fabrication and characterization of surface patterned regular porous silicones using the breath figure arrays (BFAs) method with a controlled pore size. The purpose of this study is to develop the regular porous surface patterned films with high consistency silicone elastomers MED-4035 and MED-4080 that could be potentially used for various applications like filtration and separation, energy storage and thermal insulation. The influence of process parameters on morphology of BFAs was studied. The study was carried out at various conditions to achieve the optimized porous regular films. The structure of obtained films characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy that revealed the surface feature of films like pore regularity, pores geometry and pores size distribution. The geometrical features of films are analyzed and regularity of the films has been evaluated.
Persistent umbilical cord cysts and pregnancy outcome: a ten-year retrospective study in a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Yang Linyi , Zhou Shu , Ruan Jie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background Umbilical cord cysts represent the second most common anomalies of the umbilical cord structure, although they seldom persist in the second and third trimesters. The majority of these cysts exhibit a favorable prognosis when fetal chromosomal abnormalities are ruled out; however, a small subset has been associated with acute fetal distress or demise due to compression of the umbilical vessels.
Methods A retrospective review was conducted on pregnant women who delivered at our centre in the past decade and were prenatally diagnosed with umbilical cord cysts. Information on pathological results, prenatal sonographic findings, maternal demographics, and perinatal outcomes was extracted from the medical records. Follow-up assessments for surviving children involved phone interviews to collect data on language and motor development, as well as any developmental complications.
Results 24 hospitalized patients were identified with umbilical cord cysts on postnatal examination. Two of these cases involved combined fetal chromosome abnormalities or severe fetal structural anomalies, leading to an overall poor prognosis. Intrauterine death occurred in two cases, and the remaining 22 fetuses had a preterm birth rate of 31.8%, with two instances of fetal distress and three cases of combined small-for-gestational-age infants. Caesarean section was the predominant mode of delivery.
Conclusion This study represents the largest investigations into persistent umbilical cord cysts. Cysts persisting into the second and third trimesters may cause local complications, increasing the risk of fetal distress and demise. Currently, there are no validated indicators to predict adverse intrauterine events in umbilical cord cysts. Physicians, in cases of particular concern, may discuss the need for and feasibility of intrauterine therapy with patients. Aspiration of cyst fluid may not provide complete relief and could be more suitable for women desiring vaginal delivery to reduce cyst volume before delivery. For those wishing to continue the pregnancy, umbilical cord cyst ostomy may be considered as another option for intrauterine treatment.
Functional Redundancy in Candida auris Cell Surface Adhesins Crucial for Cell-Cell Interaction and Aggregation
Authors: Jabra-Rizk Mary Ann , Wang Tristan , Sofras Dimitrios , Montelongo-Jauregui Daniel , Paiva Telmo , Carolus Hans , Dufrene Yves , Alfaifi Areej , McCracken Carrie , Bruno Vincent , Dijck Patrick Van 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Candida auris is an emerging nosocomial fungal pathogen associated with life-threatening invasive disease due to its persistent colonization, high level of transmissibility and multi-drug resistance. Aggregative and non-aggregative growth phenotypes for C. auris strains with different biofilm forming abilities, drug susceptibilities and virulence characteristics have been described. Using comprehensive transcriptional analysis we identified key cell surface adhesins that were highly upregulated in the aggregative phenotype during in vitro and in vivo grown biofilms using a mouse model of catheter infection. Phenotypic and functional evaluations of generated null mutants demonstrated crucial roles for the adhesins Als5 and Scf1 in mediating cell-cell adherence, coaggregation and biofilm formation. While individual mutants were largely non-aggregative, in combination cells were able to co-adhere and aggregate, as directly demonstrated by measuring cell adhesion forces using single-cell atomic force spectroscopy. This co-adherence indicates their role as complementary adhesins, which despite their limited similarity, may function redundantly to promote cell-cell interaction and biofilm formation. Functional diversity of cell wall proteins may be a form of regulation that provides the aggregative phenotype of C. auris with flexibility and rapid adaptation to the environment, potentially impacting persistence and virulence.
Do special economic zones help the diversification of African economies?
Authors: MASSIL JOSEPH KENECK , ERIC TAMNO TEKAM JACQUES 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This paper analyses the effect of special economic zones (SEZs) on economic diversification using a sample of 45 African countries over the period 1996–2021. After constructing the SEZ variable by means of a literature search and using Bayesian analysis to select the relevant determinants of diversification and the entropy balance method to assess the impact, we established that countries that have adopted SEZs notice an improvement in their level of economic diversification compared to those that have not, all other things being equal. This result remains valid when controlling for a range of economic, geographic, socio-cultural and institutional variables. The results are robust with various alternative measures of SEZs, the use of alternative estimation methods and sample heterogeneity by geographic region. Financial development, technological development and labour force are the main channels through which SEZ adoption increases economic diversification in African countries.
Granulomatous hypophysitis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhou Hao , Guo Junxiao , Wei Xingrong , Zeng Defeng , Wang Xiaolu , Zhang Chenggong , Zhang Shuguang , Wei Zhenqing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Granulomatous hypophysitis (GRH) is an extremely rare inflammatory disease of the pituitary. GRH commonly presents with nonspecific clinical and radiological patterns and is commonly misdiagnosed as pituitary adenoma—a 48-year-old male patient presented with a one-week history of headache, dizziness, and blurred vision. An MRI scan confirmed the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma, and further evaluation revealed decreased levels of thyrotropin, indicating pituitary dysfunction. The patient underwent transnasal sella resection, during which inflammatory hyperplastic tissue was identified. Post-surgery, the patient received glucocorticoid shock therapy, resulting in significant relief of symptoms. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of a patient diagnosed with granulomatous pituitaritis through operation and pathology. We discussed the patient's clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, and treatment methods by incorporating relevant literature from both domestic and international sources.