bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SMAD4 Inhibits CXCL1/CXCR2 to Trigger Antitumor Immunity in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lian Bin , Dong Tingyan , You Na , Wen Yunjie , Wang Jiandong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
SMAD4 plays a crucial role in the TGF-β signaling pathway and acts as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer (CRC), where it is frequently downregulated and associated with an unfavorable prognosis. However, its role in tumor immunity is unknown.
Methods
SMAD4 overexpression and knockdown based on the cell experiments and mice model were performed. Utilizing a SMAD4-deficient CRC model, we investigated the role of SMAD4 on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) within the immune microenvironment of MSI-H CRC.
Results
It was observed that knockdown of SMAD4 promoted cell invasion. Conversely, overexpression of SMAD4 inhibited cell invasion and migration. In a murine xenograft tumor model, loss of SMAD4 promoted tumor growth. Analysis of mouse serum samples demonstrated that the loss of SMAD4 caused a significant increase in CXCL1 and CXCR2 levels, while SMAD4 overexpression caused a decrease in their levels. Further investigations indicated that SMAD4 deletion notably decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ, and the levels of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. Flow cytometry analysis of the relationship between MDSCs and SMAD4 revealed that loss of SMAD4 facilitated MDSCs recruitment via activation of the CXCL1-CXCR2 axis.
Conclusions
Our results provide evidence that SMAD4 deficiency promotes CXCL1/CXCR2-induced MDSC accumulation and reduces the infiltration of IFN-γ, CD4 + T, CD8 + T cells, thus facilitating immune escape and CRC progression. Targeting MDSCs through the regulation of SMAD4 could be an innovative strategy for treating CRC patients.
Central Attention with Sliding Window for Efficient Visual Tracking
Authors: Chen Zhen , Xiao Xianbing , Xiong Xingzhong , Meng Fanqin , Liu Jun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Cross-correlation is often used for feature fusion, especially in Siamese-based trackers. However, capturing complex nonlinear relationships is challenging and susceptible to outliers in the sample. Recently, researchers have used Transformers for feature fusion and achieved more significant performance. However, most rely on modeling global token relationships, which can destroy the local and spatial correlations inherent in 2D structures. This paper proposes an efficient tracking algorithm based on central attention and sliding window sampling called SiamCAT. Specifically, significant context augments with sliding windows are suggested to maintain the stability of the 2D input spatial structure. It is based on attention to simulate the processing of 2D data by convolution, and the internal memory composed of learnable parameters realizes the dynamic adjustment of the attention layer. Second, to learn efficient feature fusion, this paper constructs a feature fusion network to effectively combine template features and search features. Experiments show that SiamCAT achieves state-of-the-art results on LaSOT, OTB100, NFS, UAV123, GOT10K, and TrackingNet benchmark and runs in real-time at 47 frames per second on the CPU. The code will be released in https://github.com/cnchange/SiamCAT.
IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2, IL-10 and VEGF stability in autologous and allogeneic serum-based eye drops
Authors: Janus Joanna , Chmielewska Katarzyna , Mikołowska Agata , Wrzodak Karolina , Stącel Marta , Antoniewicz-Papis Jolanta 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Serum-based eye drops are an effective treatment for dry eye syndrome. Most of the proteins and growth factors in serum are thought to remain stable for several months, but there are no standardized protocols for preparation of the product. Also, the time from thawing to drop administration is of significant importance. Stability testing of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2, IL-10 and VEGF using flow cytometry was performed. Concentrations in samples thawed prematurely and directly before measurement and before after 5-month storage were studied. Mean concentration in the samples thawed immediately before measurement is higher in VEGF and IL-10 and in samples thawed prematurely concentrations of in IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6. Results for measuring the stability after 5-moth storage were: in most samples the levels of IL-1β and IL-2 interleukins were higher after 5-month storage, while the IL-6 and IL-10 and VEGF were lower. Premature thawing and storage of serum at 20°C significantly alters the concentration of cytokines, which reduces the effectiveness of the serum eye drops. Storing serum at -20°C for several months influences the change in VEGF and the studied cytokines concentration. It is necessary to extend the studies to other serum proteins and to establish a shelf life.
Prediction Model of Cardiovascular Risk Factors through Modified Fasting Therapy in 3449 Patients with Hyperglycemia
Authors: Liu Taoli , Ye Ziheng , Feng Jiahao , Zhao Jin , Zeng Dongkai , Huang Peng , Qu Changbo , Zhang Tingying , Zhang Li , Qin Jian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop a matrix prediction model based on weight loss and improvement in CVD risk factors to evaluate the cardiovascular benefits of modifiedfasting therapyin overweight/obese patients with hyperglycemia.Methods: CVD-related clinical predictors were extracted from a group of 3449 hospitalizedindividuals after modifiedfasting therapy using logistic regression. Matrix prediction models were formulated, and a corresponding scoring system was developed in a separate cohort. A separate validation was conducted on a separate cohort of 715 inpatients.Results:Three Cox prediction models based on the improvement of CVD risk factors associated with weight loss were assessed. The AUC of model 3 was higher than that of prediction model 1 and model 2 (AUC = 0.91 > 0.73 > 0.79). Two matrix prediction models were employed to assess the sensitivity of predicting weight loss outcomes. Effective weight loss indicators included diastolic blood pressure (DBP) > 80 mmHg, fasting C-peptide (FCP) ≥ 260 pmol/L, and total cholesterol (TC) ≥ 5.2 mmol/L.Conclusions:The prediction model showed that the weight loss of fasting therapy had a higher clinical benefit on CVD risk factors in overweight/obese patients with hyperglycemia by DBP > 80 mmHg, FCP ≥ 260 pmol/L, and TC ≥ 5.2 mmol/L.
Investigating the anti-diabetic, anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effect of euphorbia prostrata in alloxan monohydrate induced mice
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Rafiq Muhammad , Waqas Muhammad Yasir , Niaz Kamal , Nisar Muhammad Farrukh , Munawar Shaukat Hussain , Manzoor Zahid , Ayaz Mazhar , FarrukhNisar Muhammad , YasirWaqas Muhammad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The present study aims to scientifically validate certain pharmacological activities ofEuphorbia prostrata(E. prostrata) plant extracts and investigate their anti-diabetic, anti-depressant, and anti-anxiety effects. The extraction process employed the Soxhlet apparatus method, using methanol as the solvent. Thirty albino mice were purchased from the local market and divided into five groups, each comprising six mice. Group I served as the negative control, while Group II acted as the positive control. Groups III and IV received two different concentrations (150 and 300 mg/kg) of methanolic plant extract, and Group V was treated with the standard drug Glibenclamide at 10 mg/kg. Blood glucose levels were measured using a glucometer. In diabetic control mice treated with high doses of the plant extract, the blood glucose-lowering impact was more pronounced during this period. Glibenclamide also reduced glucose concentrations comparably to the high dose of plant extract. The anti-diabetic effect of mice administered 300 mg/kg methanol extract paralleled that of mice receiving 10 mg/kg Glibenclamide on the 31st day. To evaluate the anti-depressant activity ofE. prostrata, the forced swim test, tail suspension test, and sucrose preference test were conducted. Similarly, the anti-anxiety activity was assessed through the open field test, novel object recognition test, and elevated plus maze test. These tests were carried out on days 1st, 15th, and 30th, and on days 2nd, 16th, and 31st during treatment, respectively, except for the novel object recognition test, which was performed on the last two days of treatment. Results from the behavioural tests indicated thatE. prostrataexhibited a potent effect against depressive and anxiolytic behaviour. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA presented all results as mean ± SD, with significance considered at P < 0.05.
Comparison of the cadmium and lead removal from three soils by electrokinetic remediation
Authors: Mei Zhang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The use of citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium as electrolytes on the removal of lead and cadmium from three soils were investigated for the first time by electrokinetic remediation. The experimental results showed that: under the voltage gradient of 2 V/cm and remediation time of 4 d, the best electrolyte for brown soil (ZR) was EDTA, and the removal rates of Cd and Pb were 17.8% and 13.2%, which were lower than those of red soil (HR)and black soil (BR). It seemed that electrokinetic remediation was less effective for ZR due to the high soil pH, and could combined with other remediation techniques to improve the efficiency. For HR, extending the remediation time to 10 d, the Cd removal rate reached 91.1% when the electrolyte was citric acid, and the Pb removal rate reached 63.2% when the electrolyte was EDTA. For BR, it was more sensitive to electrokinetic remediation technology, and the focusing phenomenon was serious. The removal rate of Cd in S1 of BR1 was 99%, and the focusing phenomenon occurs in S4 and S5 zones, resulting in an average removal rate of 22%, which could be improved by cathodic control; the removal rate of Pb in S5 of BR2 was 84.8%, and the focusing phenomenon occurred in S1, which could be improved by anodic control.
A Power-aware Vision-based Virtual Sensor for Real-Time Edge Computing
Authors: Contoli Chiara , Calisti Lorenzo , Fabrizio Giacomo Di , Kania Nicholas , Bogliolo Alessandro , Lattanzi Emanuele 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Graphics Processing Units and Tensor Processing Units coupled with tiny machine learning models deployed on edge devices are revolutionizing computer vision and real-time tracking systems. However, edge devices often pose constraints regarding computational resources and power consumption. This paper proposes a visual-based virtual sensor paradigm that provides power-aware multi-object tracking at the edge while preserving tracking accuracy and enhancing privacy. The virtual sensor implements a new Dynamic Inference Power Manager (DIPM) based on an adaptive frame rate. We implement and deploy the virtual sensor and the DIPM on the NVIDIA Jetson Nano edge platform to prove the effectiveness and efficiency of our solutions. Extensive experimental results show that the proposed virtual sensor can achieve a 40% reduction in energy consumption, with a marginal decrease of less than 6% in tracking accuracy.
CXCL10-dependent epithelial-vascular cross-talk for endothelial activation following Sars-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Chaillot Laura , Blondot Marie-Lise , Recordon-Pinson Patricia , Pellegrin Isabelle , Boizard-Moracchini Andrea , Sliusar Myroslava , Pujol Nadège , Andreola Marie-Line , Bonnet Fabrice , Recher Gaelle , Andrique Leatitia , Nassoy Pierre , Mathivet Thomas , Bikfalvi Andreas 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The vasculature is heavily impacted by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conflicting results exist about the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 virus acts on the vasculature. The presence of the virus within endothelial cells has been reported in patients’ samples. However, the ACE2 receptor is not detected in endothelial cells when analyzed by RNAseq analysis. Thus, it is not clear how SARS-CoV-2 is contributing to vascular inflammation and whether a cross-talk between epithelial cells and endothelial cells is involved. We, therefore, investigated the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the vasculature using 2D and 3D in vitro models including our previously developed 3D vesseloid model. We first determined the suitability of the 3D vesseloid model for our study and then assessed whether SARS-CoV-2 is able to directly infect endothelial cells. In the absence of ACE2 in endothelial cells, no infection could be detected. When ACE2 was overexpressed in endothelial cells, a low uptake of viral particles in endothelial cells has been observed without efficient viral production. We then explored the possibility of an indirect effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection involving an epithelial-endothelial cells cross-talk. After infection of epithelial cells, a significant inflammatory response was detected in endothelial cells. Furthermore, we investigated the cytokines possibly implicated and identified CXCL10 as the most expressed pro-inflammatory cytokine and explored its function in this context. Finally, clinical relevance of our findings was confirmed by CXCL10 and alternative cytokines dosage in blood samples of Sars-CoV-2 infected patients, and validated in silico in an independent patient’s cohort.
Plohophorini Glyptodonts (Xenarthra, Cingulata) From the Late Neogene of Northwestern Argentina. Insight Into Their Diversity, Evolutionary History, and Paleobiogeography
Authors: Núñez-Blasco Alizia , Zurita Alfredo E. , Bonini Ricardo , Miño-Boilini Angel R. , Quiñones Sofia I. , Toriño Pablo , Zamorano Martín , Georgieff Sergio M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Northwestern Argentina (NWA) contains, together with the Pampean region (PR), one of the most complete late Neogene continental sequences, in which a great diversity of palaeofauna was recognized, among which glyptodonts stand out. Recent evidence suggests that the Late Miocene was a period of extra-Patagonian diversification in southern South America for glyptodonts, perhaps stimulated by the expansion of C4 grasses and open environments (known as “Edad de las Planicies Australes”). Here we focus on one of the most poorly known glyptodonts of NWA, the Plohophorini, from the Villavil-Quillay basin (Catamarca Province). Our results show that, like other clades (e.g., Doedicurini), a single species can be recognized, Stromaphorus ameghini (Ameghino, 1889; ex Moreno, 1882), whose stratigraphic record spans from the latest Miocene to the Pliocene (ca. 7.14–3.3 Ma; Messinian-Zanclean). Cladistic analysis confirms the status of natural group of the tribe Plohophorini within Hoplophorinae (“austral clade”), in which S. ameghini appears as the sister species of the Pampean species S. trouessarti (Moreno, 1888) nov. comb. The oldest precise records of S. ameghini (ca. 7.14 Ma) provide a minimum age for the Plohophorini lineage. The evidence suggests that the diversity of glyptodonts from the late Neogene of NWA is composed of endemic species, different from those of the PR, although both areas share the same genera, as observed in other mammalian clades such as Hegetotheriidae and Dasypodidae. Finally, the cladistic analysis reveals, in a broader context, that the spine-like structure observed in the caudal tube of some genera (ie, Nopachtus, Propanochthus, and Panochthus) is a homologous structure rather than a convergence as usually interpreted. On the contrary, the similar appearance of the ornamentation pattern represented by the multiplication of peripheral figures in the carapaces of the genera Stromaphorus and Nopachtus is, in fact, a convergence.
Suspected olfactory meningioma and synchronous pituitary microadenoma in a canine patient treated with radiation therapy
Authors: Vanhaezebrouck Isabelle Francoise , Mendez-Valenzuela Carlos Roberto , Bentley R.Timothy , Scarpelli Matthew Louis , Blake Jeanna , Ekenstedt Kari J 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The authors report on the rare occurrence of dual synchronous primary brain tumors in a canine patient, successful treatment with radiation therapy, and medical therapy with patient stabilization for almost three years. A 12.5-year-old spayed mixed-breed female Labrador was referred to Purdue Veterinary Hospital to treat hyperadrenocorticism of suspected pituitary origin. During MRI imaging, the presence of two possible brain neoplasms was detected: a possible right olfactory bulb meningioma and a microadenoma of the pituitary gland. The patient was treated with a fractionated course of radiation in both tumors, 15 treatments of 3Gy, which limited the tumor growth. Lysodren therapy corrected the hormonal dysregulation. The dog had a normal life for nearly three years and recently passed. Cancer cells were not found at necropsy. No MEN1 germline mutations were identified in constitutional DNA (from blood) via high-coverage whole genome sequencing.
WITHDRAWN: Av-h-mac: Adaptable Variable Homomorphic Mac Based Intrusion Detection System for Network Coding Enabled Small Cells
Authors: Nabi Faisal , Attaullah H M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Mobile small cells enabled by Network Coding (NC) are seen as a viable solution for 5G networks that can span the urban environment by being put up on demand anywhere and at any time across any device. Despite the advantages that NC-enabled mobile small cells provide to the 5G of mobile networks, there are some security threats (due to their vulnerabilities) owing to pollution attacks, in which intermediate nodes are used to tamper with packets in transit. Due to these polluted packets Erroneous decoding will occur at the receivers end. Detecting the polluted packets in NC enabled mobile small cell is a challenging task. The proposed An Adaptable Variable Homomorphic MAC based Intrusion Detection System (AV-H-MAC-IDS) effectively detects the polluted packets in the NC-enabled small cell environment. This model consists of different stages like region –based node clustering, node registration, homomorphic key-pair generation, and pollution attack detection. This method analyses the data of each node in the network to check whether data is altered or not. Due to region based clusters, it can effectively identify the attacker and their neighbours. Next to detection, it labels the nodes such that the malicious nodes can be isolated in subsequent data transmissions. This approach not only detects polluted packets, but also identifies the attacker's location, so that future packet pollution can be avoided up to some extent. It has been demonstrated that the proposed model outperforms both the state-of-the-art models and the more conventional models in terms of detection accuracy and time complexity.
Two-dimensional ferromagnetic semiconductor Cr2XP: First-principles calculations and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Wei Xiao-Ping , Du Lan-Lan , Meng Jiang-Liu , Tao Xiaoma 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
According to the Mermin Wagner theorem, two-dimensional material is difficult to have the Curie temperature above room temperature. By using the method of band engineering, we design a promising two-dimensional ferromagnetic semiconductor Cr2XP (X=P, As, Sb) with large magnetization, high Curie temperature and sizable band gap. The formation of gap is discussed in terms of the hybridizations, occupation and distribution of electronic states and charge transfer. Large magnetic moments about 6.16∼6.37µB origin from the occupation of Cr-d electrons in crystal field. Competition and cooperation between d-d (Cr-d∼Cr-d) and d-p-d (Cr-d∼X-p∼Cr-d) exchange interactions lead to the emergence of ferromagnetic ordering phase. Furthermore, Curie temperatures, approaching to 269 K, 332 K and 400 K for Cr2P2, Cr2AsP and Cr2SbP, are estimated by employing Monte Carlo simulation based on the Heisenberg model. Magnetic anisotropy energy of Cr2XP is determined by calculating the total energy dependence on the angle along different directions, and the origin is also discussed by the second-order perturbation theory. In addition, the Cr2XP possesses excellent thermodynamical, dynamical and mechanical stabilities, and can overcome their own gravity to keep their planar structure without the support of substrate. These above-mentioned advantages will offer some valuable hints for two-dimensional ferromagnetic semiconductor Cr2XP in spintronic devices.
Prokaryotic Expression and Affinity Purification of DDX3 Protein
Authors: Huang Lan , Liang Yue , Hou Huijin , Tang Min , Liu Xinpeng , Ma Yan-ni , Liang Shufang 
Published: February 2024

Background:
DDX3 is a protein with RNA helicase activity that is involved in a variety
of biological processes, and it is an important protein target for the development of broad-spectrum
antiviral drugs, multiple cancers and chronic inflammation.

Objective:
The objective of this study is to establish a simple and efficient method to express and
purify DDX3 protein in E. coli, and the recombinant DDX3 should maintain helicase activity for
further tailor-made screening and biochemical function validation.

Methods:
DDX3 cDNA was simultaneously cloned into pET28a-TEV and pNIC28-Bsa4 vectors
and transfected into E. coli BL21 (DE3) to compare one suitable prokaryotic expression system.
The 6×His-tag was fused to the C-terminus of DDX3 to form a His-tagging DDX3 fusion protein
for subsequent purification. Protein dissolution buffer and purification washing conditions were
optimized. The His-tagged DDX3 protein would bind with the Ni-NTA agarose by chelation and
collected by affinity purification. The 6×His-tag fused with N-terminal DDX3 was eliminated
from DDX3 by TEV digestion. A fine purification of DDX3 was performed by gel filtration chromatography.

Results:
The recombinant plasmid pNIC28-DDX3, which contained a 6×His-tag and one TEV
cleavage site at the N terminal of DDX3 sequence, was constructed for DDX3 prokaryotic expression
and affinity purification based on considering the good solubility of the recombinant His-tagging
DDX3, especially under 0.5 mM IPTG incubation at 18°C for 18 h to obtain more soluble
DDX3 protein. Finally, the exogenous recombinant DDX3 protein was obtained with more than
95% purity by affinity purification on the Ni-NTA column and removal of miscellaneous through
gel filtration chromatography. The finely-purified DDX3 still retained its ATPase activity.

Conclusion:
A prokaryotic expression pNIC28-DDX3 system is constructed for efficient expression
and affinity purification of bioactive DDX3 protein in E. coli BL21(DE3), which provides an
important high-throughput screening and validation of drugs targeting DDX3.