bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BIRC5 expression correlated with immunosuppressive phenotype and predicted inferior response to immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Shuo , Liu Xiaozhen , Mao Shiqi , Shao ChuChu , Li Xuefei , Zhao Chao , Wang Yan , Fang Qiyu , Chen Bin , Wu Fengying , Chen Xiaoxia , Ren Shengxiang , Chen Xiaohui , Jia Yu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Considering the pivotal role of BIRC5 in tumorigenesis, recurrence, and chemoresistance, this study aimed to investigate its impact on the clinical and tumor microenvironmental features of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), together with its predictive and prognostic values.
Methods
Clinical and transcriptomic data of 535 LUAD samples, 59 normal lung, and 54 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) received immune checkpoint blockades (ICB) were analyzed. Deconvolution analysis was conducted to uncover the relationship between tumor microenvironmental features and BIRC5 expression level. The predictive and prognostic values of BIRC5 was also evaluated with Log-rank test and Cox regression analysis.
Results
LUAD had a significantly higher BIRC5 expression level than normal lung tissues. The elevated BIRC5 expression was markedly associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing data analysis revealed that tumors with high BIRC5 expression was correlated with multiple pathways’ enrichment. Deconvolution analysis indicated a negative correlation between BIRC5 expression and infiltration levels of CD8 + T cells, dendritic cells, and NK cells in LUAD, but a positive correlation was observed between BIRC5 expression and regulatory T cells (Tregs) infiltrations. Importantly, NSCLC patients received ICB with high BIRC5 expression had dramatically shorter progression-free (1.2 vs. 4.5 months; P = 0.012) and overall survival (3.1 vs. 12.7 months; P = 0.005) than those with low BIRC5 expression.
Conclusions
These findings suggested that high BIRC5 expression was associated with DNA damage/repair, cell invasion and proliferation related pathways enrichment and increased Tregs infiltration, which would result in inferior outcomes in NSCLC received ICB.
Monitoring of Alizarin Red S (an environmental toxic dye) Using Cu-Ni Bimetallic Hybrid Nanoparticles Synthesized with Various Rations
Authors: Nawaz Saleem , Rahman Latif ur , Shah Luqman Ali , Javed Fatima , Ullah Faheem , Rehman Noor , Khan Abdullah , Salman Syed Muhammad 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The development of novel nanomaterials opens the windows of research in several areas. However, its optimal synthesis and characterization is a challenging task for its performance in specific fields of use. Cu-Ni bimetallic hybrid alloy nanoparticles were manufactured by reinforcing Cu with Ni using ethylene glycol as a solvent as well as a reducing agent, and polyvinyl pyrrolidon as a fabrication material, for sensing application. UV-Vis spectroscopy, steady-state fluorescence, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques were used for the confirmation and morphological studies of synthesized nanoparticles. Results display that Cu portrays enhanced characteristics. SEM shows outstanding topographic properties for Cu-Ni bimetallic hybrid nanoparticles. A composite electrode of Cu-Ni/PVP/GCE (Cu-Ni NPs based electrochemical sensor) is developed by coating Cu-Ni (3:1) hybrid nanoparticles embedded in polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) at the surface of cleaned Glassy Carbon Electrode (GCE). The lowest possible concentration of Alzarin Red S (0.12 µM) was detected by using Cu-Ni bimetallic hybrid nanoparticles based electrochemical sensor.
Association of TM6SF2 (E167K) with NAFLD in adult Greek people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
Authors: Meritsi Angeliki , Rapti Stamatia , Latsou Dimitra , Kousis Panagiotis , Zoumpoulis Pavlos , Thanopoulou Anastasia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose: TM6SF2 (E167K) variant is considered as one of the most important determinants of inter-individual and ethnicity-related differences in hepatic fat content and NAFLD progression. We aimed to investigate TM6SF2 genotype frequency and its association with Hepatic Steatosis (HS) and Fibrosis (HF) in adult Greek individuals with established T2DM.
Methods: 120 consecutive subjects with T2DM attending the Diabetic Outpatient Clinic at an Academic Hospital in Athens, Greece included in our study. All had demographic, clinical and biochemical data recorded. HS was estimated with Proton Density Fat Fraction Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI- PDFF) and defined as percentage of total liver fat divided by liver volume. HS of >5% was considered abnormal. HF was estimated with FibroTest (FIBROMAXTM) and Liver Siffness Measurements (LSM) by using Two Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography (2D SWE, Supersonic Image, Aix-en-Provence, France). TM6SF2 (E167K) was evaluated by standard molecular techniques.
Results: 95 subjects had HS >5% and only 16 had LSM >8.0kPa.TM6SF2(E167K) GG/GA/AA genotype frequencies were 87.5%, 10.83% and 1.67%. There was no association between TM6SF2(E167K) and any liver or lipid biochemical parameter estimated or HS. No correlation was found between TM6SF2 (E167K) and FibroTest (p=0.346) or LSM (SWE) (p=0.232).
Conclusion: In conclusion, the role of TM6SF2 (E167K) remains controversial in our specific study population as no association with HS or HF was identified although its frequency in our population was significant (12.5% vs 7% in Europe).
Expression Profiles of Claudin Gene Family Members in Patients with Recurrent Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones
Authors: Uysal Umit , Mogul Cansu Baris , Caner Vildan , Tuncay Omer Levent 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
OBJECTİVES: It is thought that genetic variations observed in members of the Claudin (CLDN) gene family may be responsible for the pathogenesis of recurrent kidney stone disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the expression profiles of CLDN gene family members responsible for the mechanism of stone formation in patients with recurrent calcium oxalate stones and in a control group without a history of renal stones.
METHODS: Nineteen patients with recurrent calcium oxalate renal calculi who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy and 21 control patients without renal calculi who underwent surgery for other reasons were included in the study. Biopsy samples were taken from the intact renal parenchymal tissue consistent with computerized tomography images of all individuals. Total RNA was isolated from biopsy samples and expression profiles of target genes (Claudin 1-4, 7, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 19) were determined by real-time PCR(Polymerase Chain Reaction).
RESULTS: It was determined that CLDN1 gene expression in patients with recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones was approximately 4 times higher than in the control group, this difference was significant (p<0.050). CLDN1 expression was also strongly positively correlated with CLDN4 (r=0.642), CLDN7 (r=0.753) and CLDN14 (r=0.651)
CONCLUSIONS: We thought that CLDN1 overexpression might play a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent calcium oxalate stone formation. CLDN1 together with CLDN2, CLDN4, CLDN7, and CLDN14 are also probably responsible for this pathogenesis. More studies are needed on CLDN gene family members responsible for the pathogenesis of recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones
Effect of low energy ion beam irradiation on the structural and optical properties of flexible PVA/CuO nano composite films
Authors: Altuijri Reem , Abdel-Hamid M. M. , Ahmed Ali , Abdel-Hamid H. M. , Ezzeldian Mohammed 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The solution casting production process was used to synthesis the composite PVA/CuO that is consisting of copper oxide nanoparticle (CuONP) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for use in optoelectronic. The PVA/CuO composite were then irradiated with argon fluences of 3x1017, 6x1017, and 9x1017 ions.cm− 2 by cold cathode ion source. The XRD, FTIR, and UV/Vis are employed to investigate the structural, functional group, and optical impacts of PVA/CuO. In addition, the dispersion properties of the investigated films were calculated using the Wemple and Di-Domenico method, which led to the determination of various optical parameters. Pure and irradiated films were estimated for their optical susceptibility and refractive index. At the fluence of 6x1017 ions.cm− 2, the single oscillator energy Eo rises from 3.25 eV for the un-irradiated film to 3.89 eV and the dispersion energy Ed rises from 0.098 eV to 0.26 eV. Therefore, the results reveal that irradiated PVA/CuO composite are more applicable for optoelectronics.
Combining multiple data to invert the rupture process of the Wenchuan, China, Earthquake
Authors: Yin Deyu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

A reasonable three-dimensional complex fault model was established by comprehensively considering the three-dimensional seismic structure model, aftershock distribution, and surface rupture investigation. Two possible rupture modes were adopted, and based on parallel non negative least squares method and multi time window technology, combined with far-field, near-field, GPS, and surface rupture data, the precise rupture process of the Wenchuan earthquake was inverted, and a reasonable rupture mode was provided. The results are as follows: (1) The occurrence of bilateral rupture at the intersection of the Beichuan fault and the Xiaoyudong fault is more in line with the actual situation for the Wenchuan earthquake. When the bilateral rupture occurs, dislocations that match the observed surface rupture are generated in the near surface area from Hongkou to Yingxiu. The synthetic records amplitude of the station in the near field behind the rupture direction is closer to the observation record. (2) The joint inversion results show that the duration of the Wenchuan earthquake rupture reached 100s, and the released seismic moment was 1.058×1021N·m. There are 5 asperities on the fault plane, indicating that this earthquake is composed of at least 5 subevents. The slip is mainly distributed on the Beichuan Fault, indicating that the Beichuan Fault is the main rupture fault.
What are the stumbling blocks to shared prosperity in China
Authors: Guo Jiahong , Yang Lidan , CAO Shixiong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
statement: Sharing prosperity is a goal of human society, but unreasonable income distributions develop that lead to social unrest and regime change. However, around the world, a small number of people have begun to own most of society’s wealth. China, the world's largest socialist country, is supposed to fight for the rights of the proletariat, but has also been suffering from an increasingly serious wealth inequality. We studied the available income data for Chinese provinces (from 2003 to 2019) and in contrast with previous research, found that the wealth gap depended on how the inequality index was calculated and on differences in regional characteristics. Our results provide insights that will benefit other countries plagued by wealth inequality.
Automatic microtube capper/decapper system for clinical examinations and biological experiments
Authors: Jinno Makoto , Nonoyama Ryosuke 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is an effective testing method for diagnosing infectious diseases, and it has been the primary testing method during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. PCR tests (from specimen collection to result acquisition) involve a pretreatment process, ribonucleic acid extraction, and real-time PCR testing. From the perspective of infection and contamination risks, there is significance in automating the pretreatment process, where centrifuge tubes, cryopreservation tubes, and microtubes are used. Many automated systems have been designed for centrifuge tubes with screw-type caps; however, few systems have been designed for microtubes with press-type caps. Capper/decapper systems for press-type caps have been proposed; however, there are no small microtube cappers that are compatible with a wide range of microtubes. Thus, in this study, we developed a microtube capper/decapper system that can be used with a wide variety of microtubes. First, to clarify the required specifications for the microtube capper/decapper system, the shapes and opening/closing forces of 15 types of microtubes from 10 manufactures were measured. Then, conceptual, basic, and control system design processes were performed based on the identified requirements. Finally, a prototype model of the proposed microtube capper/decapper system was developed, and verification experiments were performed. The results confirmed that the proposed system can open and close the caps of 15 different types microtubes. Thus, the proposed system can be used in the pretreatment process of PCR tests. We also believe that the proposed system can be used to automate similar tasks in a wide range of clinical examinations and biological experiments.
Complete series method (CSM): a convenient method to reduce daily heterogeneity when evaluating the regeneration time (RT) of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs)
Authors: Lugenge Aidi Galus , Odufuwa Olukayode G. , Mseti Jilly Jackson , Swai Johnson Kyeba , Skovmand Ole , Moore Sarah Jane 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: "Regeneration time" (RT), denotes the time required to obtain a stable mortality rate for mosquitoes exposed to insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) after three consecutive washes of a net in a day. The RT informs the wash interval of ITNs used to artificially age ITNs to simulate their lifetime performance under user conditions (20 washes). RT was estimated following World Health Organization (WHO) longitudinal method (LM) bioassay procedures. However, longitudinal evaluation may introduce daily heterogeneity due to mosquito batch variability, complicating RT determination. To overcome this, nets at each stage of regeneration (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 5 &7 days post wash) were prepared in advance and refrigerated, then a complete regeneration series was tested with a single mosquito batch on one testing day over 4 days (N=1 per timepoint /day). This study validated the complete series method (CSM) against the LM.
Methods: The RT of two incorporated alpha-cypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and one incorporated permethrin with PBO ITNs were determined using laboratory-reared resistant Anopheles arabiensis under standard laboratory conditions. LM methods and CSM were compared in two experiments 1) refrigerated nets acclimatized for two hours (Test 1), and 2) refrigerated nets acclimatized for three hours (Test 2). Four replicates per day of regeneration were tested per ITN product with 50 mosquitoes exposed per replicate to give an equivalent sample size to that of LM. The RTs and overall heterogeneity from these methods were compared descriptively.
Results: The RT measured by the CSM showed 100% agreement with that measured by LM. The intra-method variability for unwashed pieces was minimal, with variance of 1.26 for CSM and 1.18 for LM. For unwashed nets LM had substantially greater variance, ratio of LM:CSM was 2.66 in test one and 2.49 in test two. The magnitude of mortality measured in bioassays depended on sample acclimation after refrigeration.
Conclusion
The CSM is a convenient method for determining the regeneration times of ITNs that are prepared in advance, and a complete series of samples is removed from the fridge, defrosted and evaluated on a single day allowing easy facility scheduling and reduced daily heterogeneity. The CSM gave comparable estimates of regeneration time as the LM.
Network pharmacology analysis of Huangqi reveals quercetin as a therapeutic for allergic rhinitis via the RELA-regulated IFNG/IRF1 axis response
Authors: Deng Yongjun , Shen Limin , Zhu Huilan , Zhou Yanying , Hu Xin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Despite the complexity of allergic rhinitis (AR) pathogenesis, no FDA-approved drug has been developed to achieve optimal therapeutic results. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has proven advantageous in AR therapy. The present study aimed to explore the potential bioactive components of Hedysarum Multijugum Maxim (Radix Astragali or Huangqi) in the treatment of AR by network pharmacology and experimental approaches. The bioactive components of Huangqi were identified and used for predicting potential therapeutic target genes. Genes related to AR were retrieved from GeneCard and Disgenet and merged with the targets of the bioactive components of Huangqi to obtain key target genes used for generating the "bioactive compound-target gene" pharmacological network. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model was established to assess the anti-AR effect of Huangqi and its hub ingredient in AR, quercetin (QUE). We identified 13 active ingredients of Huangqi that could target 67 AR pathogenesis-related genes. In addition, QUE was detected as the bioactive component targeting the highest number of AR-related genes. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed that IFNG, IRF1, JUN, RELA, and NFKBIA were important targets of QUE in AR treatment. Experimentally, we demonstrated that Huangqi and QUE counteracted AR in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice by regulating the IFNG/IRF1 signaling via NF-κB pathway in AR mice. This study sheds light on efficacious constituents, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of Huangqi in treating AR. Such knowledge is deemed crucial in advancing the development of tailored therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing AR.
3D printing and biological study of PEEK/Alginate/CNT composite bone scaffolds
Authors: Fatemi Afshin , Biglari Farid Reza 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Developing novel scaffold structures that combine biological qualities with suitable strength and mechanical properties is a major goal in bone tissue engineering. In this study, bone scaffolds are 3D printed using polyether ether ketone (PEEK) in three distinct porous structures. To improve the biological properties of scaffolds, 3D printed structures were coated with alginate/carbon nanotube (CNT) using freeze-drying method. After construction, biological properties including biocompatibility and bioactivity were determined in simulated body fluid (SBF). Results of FESEM analysis showed 3D printed PEEK scaffolds, have porous, uniform and interconnected structure with appropriate pore size in the range of 321–378 µm. EDS and XRD evaluations demonstrated precipitation of hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioactive calcium phosphate (Ca-P) on scaffold surface which proves bioactivity of scaffolds. To characterize cell biocompatibility, an MTT assay was carried out. The scaffolds exposed high cell viability around 97% and no significant toxicity was observed. 3D printed PEEK scaffold coated with Alginate/0.3%wt CNT was found with feasible microstructure, bioactivity and biocompatibility characteristics for bone tissue regeneration.
Mechanobiological Optimization of Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Josephson Timothy O. , Morgan Elise F. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Synthetic bone graft scaffolds aim to generate new bone tissue and alleviate the limitations of autografts and allografts. To meet that aim, it is essential to have a design approach able to generate scaffold architectures that will promote bone formation. Here we present an efficient and flexible topology-varying design optimization method, the "mixed-topology" approach, that generates new designs from a set of starting structures. This approach was used with objective functions focusing on improving the scaffold's local mechanical microenvironments to mechanobiologically promote bone formation within the scaffold and constraints to ensure manufacturability and achieve desired macroscale properties. The results demonstrate that this approach can succesfully generate scaffold designs with improved microenvironments, taking into account different combinations of relevant stimuli and constraints.
Drivers of Private Equity Activity across Europe: An East-West Comparison
Authors: Kočenda Evžen , Rai Shivendra 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We investigate the key macroeconomic and institutional determinants of fundraising and investment activities and compare them across Europe, covering 13 Central and Eastern European (CEE) and 16 Western European (WE) countries. Five macroeconomic variables and nineteen institutional variables are selected. These variables are studied using panel data analysis with fixed effects and random effects models over an eleven-year observation period (2010–2020). Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) is applied to select the key variables. Our results suggest that macroeconomic variables have no significant impact on fundraising and investment activity in either region. Investment activity is a significant driver of fundraising across Europe. Similarly, fundraising and divestment activity are significant drivers of investments across Europe. Institutional variables, however, affect fundraising and investment activity differently. While investment freedom has a significant effect on funds raised in the WE and CEE countries, government integrity and trade freedom are both significant determinants of investments in both European regions. In addition, the results demonstrate that, in contrast to the WE region, fundraising in the CEE region is not country specific.
JEL Classifications: C11, C23, C52, E22, G15, G24, G28, O16
Effect and mechanism of saikosaponin A on mouse myeloid-derived suppressor cells
Authors: Qin Yahan , Lei Fan , Qi Xiaotian , Zhang Ke , Cui Zhao , Fu Xiaoyan , Liu Yanqing , Peng Meiyu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the effect and mechanism of saikosaponin A (SSA) on mouse myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).
Methods
In vitro: Bone marrow cells (BMC) isolated from normal mouse were treated with Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and SSA for 96 h, flow cytometer (FCM) detected the effect of SSA on differentiation of mouse MDSCs. MDSCs were treated with SSA, FCM detected the effect of SSA on apoptosis, LXRα expression, ROS, ARG-1, p-STAT1 and p-NF-κB p65 expression levels. RT-qPCR detected the LXRα and ARG-1 mRNA expression. In vivo: After SSA gavage (ig) and intraperitoneal injection (ip) treatment, FCM detected the proportion of immune cells (T cells, B cells, NK cells, monocytes/macrophages and MDSCs) in the spleen of mice.
Results
In vitro, SSA could up-regulate the LXRα expression of MDSCs, reduce differentiation of M-MDSCs, induce early apoptosis and decrease the ROS and ARG-1 expression of MDSCs, SSA inhibits STAT1 and NF-κB signaling pathways. In vivo, compared with the control group, SSA up-regulated the proportion of splenic T cells, CD8+T cells and mononuclear/macrophage cells, and decreased the proportion of MDSCs in SSA ip group; SSA up-regulated the proportion of splenic CD8+T cells, B cells and mononuclear/macrophage cells, while decreased the proportion of splenic CD4+T cells and MDSCs in the SSA ig group.
Conclusion
SSA could regulate differentiation, induce apoptosis of MDSCs, and inhibit their immunosuppressive function, which may be associated with the up-regulation of LXRα expression in MDSCs by SSA. These results may provide a new theoretical basis for the clinical application of SSA.
Tax Policy with Heterogeneous Agents, Corruption and Tax Evasion in Developing Countries : case of Cameroon
Authors: Signe Franck Xavier 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article quantitatively assesses the role of tax evasion and corruption in the conduct of fiscal policy in developing countries such as Cameroon. Using Bayesian estimation techniques via the SSJ (Sequence Space Jacobian) method, we estimate two heterogeneous agent models (HANK model), one with corruption and tax evasion and another without corruption and tax evasion. The results show that corruption and tax evasion increase inequality, hinder economic growth by slowing investment, reducing productivity and increasing the cost of economic activity, discourage investment, leading to a fall in economic activity and employment, and increase public debt.
JEL Classification E21, E31, E40, E50, E52, E62