bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in the Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Li Juncheng , Xu Ruirui , Zhao Canbin , liu chunmei 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objective
Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD) is well supported by data from the animal experiments and clinical efficacy in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction. This study aims to determine its molecular targets and therapeutic mechanisms through network pharmacology and molecular docking.
Methods
The targets of the drug are confirmed using the TCMSP platform with setting conditions of oral bioavailability (OB)≥30% and drug-like properties (DL)≥0.18. Potential targets of cognitive dysfunction are obtained by searching DisGenNET, DrugBank, GeneCard, PharmGKB and Therapeutic Target Database. The core targets of Gegen Qinlian Decoction and cognitive dysfunction have been determined by building a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network through the intersection of two sets of genes so as to carry out the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. After screening key components and target genes, AutoDock software is used for molecular docking to select the best binding target and verify the binding activity.
Results
Finally, it is determined that there are 140 active ingredients and 2,660 targets of Gegen Qinlian Decoction, of which 269 targets are retained after deleting duplicates. There are 1,514 potential targets of cognitive dysfunction and 85 common target genes of the Gegen Qinlian Decoction and cognitive dysfunction. VEGFA, IL1B, AKT1, IL6 and MMP9 are identified as potential core genes by PPI network protein analysis. GO analysis results reveal 2,142 entries (P<0.05), in which biological processes such as response to oxidative stress, extracellular stimulus and peptides are significantly enriched. KEGG enrichment analysis has identified 30 signaling pathways, mainly including lipid metabolism and nerve cell senescence, among which genes are extremely enriched in the AGE−RAGE signaling pathway and PI3K−Akt signaling pathway. Through the component-target-pathway network and molecular docking, it shows that the three active ingredients of Gegen Qinlian Decoction have good affinity with the six core targets, which may be the key to the treatment of cognitive dysfunction.
Conclusion
By preliminarily discussing the active molecules, targets and pathways of Gegen Qinlian Decoction involved in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction, this study suggests that the therapeutic mechanism of cognitive dysfunction can be attributed to the inflammatory response, cellular senescence and regulation of cellular metabolism.
Staphylococcus aureus cell wall phenotypic changes associated with biofilm age and water stress: a key contributing factor for biocide resistance
Authors: Parvin Farhana , Rahman Md. Arifur , Deva Anand K. , Vickery Karen , Hu Honghua 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus biofilms are tolerant to antibiotics and disinfectants. Staphylococci cell walls, principally composed of peptidoglycan, are a key target for antimicrobial agents. S. aureus proteomics and cell walls, grown as planktonic organisms, 3-day hydrated biofilm, 12-day hydrated biofilm and 12-day dry surface biofilm (DSB) were analysed. High-throughput tandem mass tag-based mass spectrometry showed upregulation of proteins involved in cell wall synthesis in biofilms compared to planktonic growth. Bacterial cell wall width (measured by transmission electron microscopy) and peptidoglycan production (detected using a silkworm larva plasma system) increased with biofilm culture duration (P < 0.001) and dehydration (P = 0.002). Similarly, disinfectant tolerance was greatest in DSB, followed by 12-day hydrated biofilm, then 3-day biofilm and least in planktonic bacteria, suggesting cell wall is one of the key determinants for S. aureus biofilm biocide resistance. Our findings shed light on possible new target to combat biofilm-related infections and hospital dry surface biofilms.
Travel distance, frequency of return and the spread of disease
Authors: Heine Cate , O'Keeffe Kevin P. , Santi Paolo , Yan Li , Ratti Carlo 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In 2020 and 2021, the spread of COVID-19 was globally addressed by imposing restrictions on the distance of individual travel. Recent literature has uncovered a clear pattern in human mobility that underlies the complexity of urban mobility: r*f, the product of distance traveled r and frequency of return f per user to a given location, is invariant across space. This paper asks whether the invariant r*f also serves as a driver for epidemic spread, so that the risk associated with human movement can be modeled by a unifying variable r*f. We use two large-scale datasets of individual human mobility to show that there is in fact a simple relation between r and f and both speed and spatial dispersion of disease spread. This discovery could assist in modeling spread of disease and inform travel policies in future epidemics---based not only on travel distance r but also on frequency of return f.
NEK2 Promotes the Migration, Invasion, Proliferation and Drug Resistance of ESCC Through the E2F1-IGF2 Pathway
Authors: Gu Shaorui , Wang Mengying , Zhu Pengyuan , Yasen YakuFujiang , Zhou Yongxin , Wang Wenli 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose:Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) is a disease with a high incidence rate and high mortality worldwide. The Never in Mitosis A (NIMA) family member NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2) plays an important role in mitosis. However, the role of NEK2 in the pathogenesis of ESCC remains unclear.
Patients and methods:The expression and function of NEK2 in TCGA and GEO data sets were analyzed by bioinformatics.We verified the expression of NEK2 in ESCC tissues and cell lines by Western blotting and immunohistochemical methods and further explored the relationship between tumor stage and NEK2 expression. The differences in NEK2 expression and survival in patients with EC were verified by bioinformatics analysis. ESCC cell lines with stable knockdown of NEK2 were established by lentivirus-mediated shRNA delivery. The effects of NEK2 on ESCC cells were analyzed on the cytological level with assays including CCK-8, EdU, cell scratch, Transwell migration and invasion, colony formation, flow cytometry and apoptosis assays. Tumor growth was measured in a mouse xenograft model.
Results: We found that NEK2 is highly expressed in ESCC tissues and ESCC cells and that the high expression of NEK2 is associated with poor tumor healing. Knockdown of the NEK2 gene inhibits the migration, proliferation, invasion and cell cycle of ESCC cells. Biologic analysis shows that NEK2 is involved in biological processes such as progression and apoptosis of esophageal cancer, and is related to E2F.Mechanistically, NEK2 knockdown decreases the expression levels of E2F1 and IGF2. NEK2 competes with the transcription factor E2F1 to bind CDC20, resulting in decreased degradation and increased expression of E2F1. There is a positive correlation between E2F1 expression and IGF2 expression; thus, IGF2 expression is also increased, which promotes the expression of thymidylate synthase, further promoting the drug resistance of ESCC cells.
Conclusion: NEK2 is highly expressed in ESCC and can promote the migration, proliferation and invasion of ESCC cells. The NEK2-E2F1-IGF2 signaling pathway has great significance for the treatment of ESCC.
No increase in body mass index in a healthy Chinese population during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Ye Ya-Fei , Chen Ya-Hong , Xu Hong-Fang , Jiesisibieke Zhu Liduzi , Tung Tao-Hsin , Zhang Mei-Xian 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic continues to spread worldwide. This study aimed to investigate (1) the change in body mass index (BMI) before and after the COVID-19 outbreak and (2) the impact of behaviours on BMI during the quarantine period.
Methods We recruited 197 healthy adults who underwent a physical examination within two months after the Spring Festival holidays of 2018, 2019 and 2020 in Taizhou, China. Of them, 138 respondents answered a questionnaire on lifestyle behaviours during the quarantine period. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression models were used to analyse the impact of behaviours during the quarantine period on changes in BMI.
Results The average BMI of the population increased from 2018 to 2019 (P<0.05) and then decreased from 2019 to 2020 (P>0.05). The proportion of BMI increase after the COVID-19 outbreak was significantly lower than that in the previous year (41.6% vs. 59.4%, paired χ2=8.151, P=0.002). Young age and living in an urban area were risk factors for a BMI increase in men from 2019 to 2020 (P<0.05), while the habit of eating late-night snacks increased the risk of higher BMI in women (OR=6.11, 95% CI: 1.87–19.98, P<0.05).
Conclusions The results of this study demonstrated that there was no significant increase in BMI among the healthy population during the COVID-19 outbreak. Late-night snacking should be discouraged to prevent BMI increases, especially in at-risk women.
Level of Evidence: Level III，well-designed cohort
A hybrid DNA editing-inspired gray wolf algorithm for kinetic parameter estimation of oxidation in supercritical water
Authors: Qin Zhenhua 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
A chemical kinetics model can be used to analyze the influence of various factors (such as concentrations, pressures, temperatures, and catalysts.) on reaction rates. It is the basis of process design, optimization and control. However, the chemical kinetics model often contains multiple adjustable parameters, which are very difficult to estimate accurately through experimental data by using traditional methods. In this paper, a hybrid DNA-GWO algorithm is proposed to obtain an accurate kinetics model. Inspired by the genetic operation, a new DNA crossover operator and mutation operator are designed to enhance the diversity of individuals and prevent prematurity. The effectiveness is proven by numerical experiments on benchmark functions, and the operators are compared with the basic GWO and PSO operators. The kinetic parameter estimation results on experimental supercritical water oxidation data also indicate the better search capability of the model.
Assisting Drivers around Stop Sign Road Intersections and Connected Vehicles
Authors: Younes Maram Bani 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Road intersections are shared among several conflicted traffic flows. Stop signs have been used to safely control the competing traffic flows at road intersections. Then, driving rules are constructed to control the competing traffic flows at these stop sign road intersections. Vehicles have to apply a complete stop with no motion in front of stop signs. First to arrive, first to go, straight before turns, and right then left are the main driving rules at stop sign intersections. Drivers have to be aware of the stop sign’s existence, the architecture of the signalized road intersection, and traffic distribution in the competing traffic flows. This is in order to take the best decision to pass the intersection or to wait for other conflicted flows to pass according to the current situation. Due to bad weather conditions, obstacles, or heavy existing vehicles, drivers may miss capturing the stop sign. Moreover, the architecture of the road intersection and the characteristics of the competing traffic flows are not always clear to the drivers. In this work, we aim to keep the driver ahead of time aware of the existing stop signs, the architecture of the road intersection, and the traffic characteristics of the competing traffic flow at the targeted destination. Besides, the best speed and driving behaviors are recommended to each driver. This is based on his/her position and the distribution of the existing traffic there. From the experimental results, we can see that the proposed driving assistant protocol has succeeded to enhance the safety conditions around road intersections controlled by stop signs. This is by reducing the percentage of accident occurrences. Fortunately, the traffic efficiency of these road intersections has also been enhanced.
Arbitrary bias control of LiNbO3 based Mach-Zehnder Intensity Modulators for QKD system
Authors: Teng Jun , Wang Shuang , Yin Zhen-Qiang , Chen Wei , Fan-Yuan Guan-Jie , Guo Guang-Can , Han Zheng-Fu 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Quantum key distribution (QKD) can help distant agents to share unconditional secret keys, andthe achievable secret key rate can be enhanced with the help of decoy-state protocol. To implementQKD experimentally, the agents are supposed to accurately transmit a number of different intensitypulses with the LiNbO3 based Mach-Zehnder (LNMZ) intensity modulator. However, the bias driftof LNMZ intensity modulator may affect the performance of a QKD system. In this letter, we reveala simple RC circuit model to demonstrate the bias drift in the LNMZ intensity modulator. Andbased on the model, we propose a multi-step bias stable scheme to control the bias working point.Experimental result shows that our scheme can eliminate the bias drift of at arbitrary working pointwithin a long time range. Besides, there is no need of any feedback mechanisms in the scheme. Thismeans our scheme will not lead to any increasement in system complexity, making it more suitablefor a QKD system.
Morpho-chemical characterization of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) genotypes
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Ahmet , KURNAZ Onur Can , Faizi Zaki Ahmad 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Morphological and chemical characterization of loquat genotypes to select superior genotypes was carried out between 2018-2021 in the coastal region of Black Sea. In the study, characterization of 70 genotypes with 20 g and above fruit weight of loquat which are grown as chance seedlings in the mentioned region were done. We found soluble solide contents between 6.95-18.30%, acidity 0.22-0.82%, SSC/acidity ratio 16.39-67.68%, pH 2.85-4.94, dry matter ratio 47.29-54.73%, fresh weigt 35.13-103.76 g, and dry weight 20.78-85.59 g. Considering morphological characteristics we found leaf width between 5.41-12.71 cm, leaf length 15.63-41.22 cm, leaf length/width ratio 1.37-5.57%, petiole diameter 3.74-8.00 mm, petiole length 8.87-46.72 mm, and leaf area between 77.59-312.92 cm2. Correlation between SSCAcR and AC (0.836) obtained strongly negative. While DW and FREWE (0.636), pH and SSCAcR (0.544) showed significantly stronge positive correlation. In case of chemical characteristics, percentage of variences of components 1 to 5 respectively observed (29.13%, 20.37%, 14.96%, 10.84%, and 10.22%) which cumulatively encompassed 85.54% of variances. In case of morphological characteristics, correlation between LWi and LLWR (-0.670), LL and LLWR (0.597), LWi and PD (0.311), LLWR and PD (-0.312), PD and PL (-0.260) obtained significant at P<0.05. Percentage of variance explained by each principle component from component 1 to 4 respectively observed (28.54%, 22.18%, 16.06%, and 10.70%) which cumulatively encompassed 77.50% of variances. As a conclusion out of 70 evaluated genotypes, the genotypes GN10, GN14, GN50, GN68 and GN69 were determined as superior based on high scores of “Weighed Rating”which they received, and we are suggecting them for further consideration.
Fine dust after sanding untreated and thermally modified spruce, oak, and meranti wood
Authors: Sydor Maciej , Majka Jerzy , Hanincová Luďka , Kučerka Martin , Kminiak Richard , Krišťák Ľuboš , Pędzik Marta , Rogoziński Tomasz 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Airborne wood dust causes health and safety hazards in the construction and furniture industry. The study verified whether the thermal modification affects the share of the finest wood dust particles (< 10 μm) created by sanding oak, spruce, and meranti wood. The experimental research included nine variants of materials (three species of wood in three states: untreated, thermally modified at 160°C, and thermally modified at 220°C). A belt sander with a dust collector allowed the collection of at least 200 g of each dust variant (P80 sandpaper and 10 m/s belt speed). Next, a set of sieves with 2000, 1000, 500, 250, and 125 µm aperture sizes was used to recognize the gradation of the wood particle aggregate. A laser particle sizer was used to determine details of dust with particle sizes smaller than 125 μm. The size distribution of the finest particles was analyzed in four fractions with particle sizes < 2.5, 2.5-4, and 4-10 μm. The results show that, surprisingly, sanding dust from thermally modified wood generates a lower average mass share of potentially harmful particle fractions than dust from untreated wood. When comparing tested wood species, it is noticed that oak dust has a higher proportion of the best particles than spruce and Meranti dust. Dust from thermally modified oak and meranti has a lower content of harmful particle fractions than dust from untreated wood. The average mass shares of these dust fractions formed during the sanding of modified wood at 160 and 220°C are not significantly different (p <0.05). The opposite was observed in the case of spruce wood because spruce dust has a low content of fine fractions, and its particles have a more irregular elongated shape. The study took into account the extreme temperatures used in the thermal modification of wood (160 and 220°C), then it can be assumed that the statements mentioned above are valid in all intermediate thermos-modification temperatures.
High-performance robust 2D graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets embedded membranes for desalination through direct contact membrane distillation
Authors: ashrafian Sahar , Saljoughi Ehsan , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud , Jahanshahi Mohsen 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-based membranes have received widespread attention in the last ten years due to their fantastic separation performance. In the present investigation, for the first time, we tried to assess the desalination performance of membranes incorporated with g-C3N4 nanosheets through the membrane distillation (MD) process. for this purpose, different concentrations (0-0.06 wt.%) of synthesized nanosheets were embedded as fillers within the hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix by using simple phase inversion method. Various techniques such as FTIR, XRD, SEM, AFM, water contact angle and LEP, tensile strength measurements as well as direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) experiments were utilized to study the effect of the g-C3N4 contents on the elemental properties, crystalline structure, morphology, topography, surface hydrophobicity, mechanical resistance, and desalination performance of the membranes. The surface roughness parameters suggest that the membrane surface became even rougher by integrating g-C3N4 nanosheets into the membrane matrix. Upon loading with a small amount of 0.03 wt.% g-C3N4 in the polymer network, the water contact angle and LEP augmented from circa 80.5º and 6 bar for the pure PVDF membrane to 95.2º and 8 bar, respectively. Adding the g-C3N4 nanosheets also improved the mechanical properties of the PVDF membrane; so that, both the tensile strength and the elongation at break increased to 21.32% and 36.46% in comparison to the pristine PVDF membrane, respectively. The prepared mixed matrix membranes favorably improved MD performance; so that, 0.03 wt.% g-C3N4 embedded membrane exhibited a flux of 27.63 kg/m2h with an enhancement of 70% relative to its pure counterpart, despite having a trace amount of the nanosheets. Continuous testing for up to 24 h filtration of a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution still showed a stable flux and almost complete salt rejection (i.e., 100%) for the mentioned mixed matrix membrane. This work holds promise for developing next-generation MD membranes with superior desalination performance in terms of water vapor permeability and salt rejection.
SNARE-ing the reason for post-cardiac surgery critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency
Authors: Diehl Nicholas , Kibiryeva Nataliya , Marshall Jennifer , Erickson Lori 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) can cause hemodynamic instability in neonates after congenital heart surgery with manifestations that increase morbidity and potential mortality. We retrospectively reviewed neonates who underwent cardiac surgery between August 2018 to July 2020 at a Midwest freestanding children’s hospital. Of the 96 neonates who had cardiac surgery, for further inclusion, neonates had to have had both a cortisol level and next gene sequencing (NGS) drawn as a standard of care after cardiac surgery. Demographics and surgical outcomes were compared. Groups were defined by CIRCI with a cortisol level < 4.5 mcg/dL and non-CIRCI groups (level > 4.5 mcg/dL). DNA-Seq analysis was performed for each neonate in the DNA module of Partek FLOW software and filtered for confidence of mutations of 20 or above. Analysis excluded all common variants (detectable in more than 1% of the general population). Additionally, Bowtie2 was used to align reads to hg38 and Partek Genotype likelihood algorithm to identify a list of aberrations for each neonate. Those de-identified cohorted groups (CIRCI and non-CIRCI) were uploaded into Clinical Insight (Qiagen) for variant interpretation with biologic filters of pulmonary hypertension and hemodynamic instability. Neonates included in study analysis (n=16) demonstrated 206,409 variants which were then evaluated through biological filters. Similar types of cardiac diagnosis and surgeries were seen with trending rates of higher reintubation rate and longer lengths of stay within the CIRCI group. Seven gene mutations were found present in 75-100% of neonates with CIRCI (n=8) with 0-25% incidence of those corresponding mutations in neonates in the non-CIRCI group (n=8). CIRCI group had 100% incidence of heterozygous gene mutation on STX1A with splicing or loss of function with no findings of this mutation in the non-CIRCI group. Additional gene mutations were found in CIRCI group on RAB6A, ABCA3, SIDT2, and LILRB3 with no incidence in the non-CIRCI group. There were three additional mutations found across CIRCI 3Click here to enter text. group in INPPL1 and FAM189A2 (both splicing and missense) with 12-25% of patients in the non-CIRCI group also displaying these mutations. Novel genetic abnormalities were seen in neonates with symptoms of CIRCI with potential cardiac implications from gene mutation for STX1A. Additionally, compounding effects of the same patients having gene mutations on RAB6A, ABCA3, SIDT2, and LILRB3, INPPL1, and FAM189A2 need to be confirmed and explored for potential predisposition for hemodynamic instability during times of stress. Long-term potential aligns with the development of a genetic biomarker panel to be performed prior to neonatal cardiac surgery to identify genes predisposing neonates to the development of postoperative complications of CIRCI.