bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astragalus polysaccharide alleviates angiotensin II‐induced glomerular podocyte dysfunction by inhibiting the expression of RARRES1 and LCN2
Authors: Peng Ling , Zhang Chunhu , Xiao Gong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPodocyte loss is a predictor of kidney disease development, including diabetic nephropathy. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) was considered a renoprotective drug, whereas the mechanisms operated by APS on podocyte dysfunction are rarely mentioned. This study aims at the mechanistic underlying of APS on angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced podocyte dysfunction. Mouse glomerular podocytes MPC5 were induced with Ang II, the morphologic changes were observed and nephrin, desmin and Wilms’ tumour protein‐1 (WT‐1) levels were determined. The MPC5 cells were treated with APS (50, 100 and 200 μg/mL) and transduced with retinoic acid receptor responder protein 1 (RARRES1) overexpression vectors. The expression of RARRES1, lipocalin‐2 (LCN2), nephrin and desmin was tested, MPC5 cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated, and the levels of an endocytotic receptor megalin, Bcl‐2, Bax, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were assessed. The binding of RARRES1 to LCN2 was predicted and verified. Mice were infused with Ang II to evaluate histopathological alterations and 24‐h urinary albumin content. Ang II induction suppressed MPC5 cell viability, reduced the expression of nephrin, WT‐1, megalin and Bcl‐2, and augmented the expression of desmin, Bax, IL‐6, IL‐1β and TNF‐α, which were significantly nullified by APS treatment. RARRES1 interacted with LCN2, and APS treatment inhibited RARRES1 and LCN2 expression in a dose‐dependent manner, thereby alleviating Ang II‐induced podocyte dysfunction. Ang II infusion in mice facilitated pathological alterations in renal tissues and increased urinary albumin content, which were attenuated after APS treatment. Overall, APS treatment alleviated Ang II‐induced podocyte dysfunction by inhibiting RARRES1/LCN2 expression and blocked kidney injury development in vivo.
Engineered bacteria producing aryl‐hydrocarbon receptor agonists protect against ethanol‐induced liver disease in mice
Authors: Kouno Tetsuya , Zeng Suling , Wang Yanhan , Duan Yi , Lang Sonja , Gao Bei , Hartmann Phillipp , Cabré Noemí , Llorente Cristina , Galbert Chloé , Emond Patrick , Sokol Harry , James Michael , Chao Chun Cheih , Gao Jian‐Rong , Perreault Mylene , Hava David L. , Schnabl Bernd 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackground and PurposeGut bacteria metabolize tryptophan into indoles. Intestinal levels of the tryptophan metabolite indole‐3‐acetic acid are reduced in patients with alcohol‐associated hepatitis. Supplementation of indole‐3‐acetic acid protects against ethanol‐induced liver disease in mice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of engineered bacteria producing indoles as Aryl‐hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) agonists.MethodsC57BL/6 mice were subjected to chronic‐plus‐binge ethanol feeding and orally given PBS, control Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) or engineered EcN‐Ahr. The effects of EcN and EcN‐Ahr were also examined in mice lacking Ahr in interleukin 22 (Il22)‐producing cells.ResultsThrough the deletion of endogenous genes trpR and tnaA, coupled with overexpression of a feedback‐resistant tryptophan biosynthesis operon, EcN‐Ahr were engineered to overproduce tryptophan. Additional engineering allowed conversion of this tryptophan to indoles including indole‐3‐acetic acid and indole‐3‐lactic acid. EcN‐Ahr ameliorated ethanol‐induced liver disease in C57BL/6 mice. EcN‐Ahr upregulated intestinal gene expression of Cyp1a1, Nrf2, Il22, Reg3b, and Reg3g, and increased Il22‐expressing type 3 innate lymphoid cells. In addition, EcN‐Ahr reduced translocation of bacteria to the liver. The beneficial effect of EcN‐Ahr was abrogated in mice lacking Ahr expression in Il22‐producing immune cells.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that tryptophan metabolites locally produced by engineered gut bacteria mitigate liver disease via Ahr‐mediated activation in intestinal immune cells.
The value of communication: Evidence from in‐depth investor relations management data
Authors: Yu Shilei , Hu Ning , Chen Wanyi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the value of investor communication in a firm's market valuations. The higher the frequency of communication and degree of investor involvement, the greater the increase in firm value. This effect is more prominent in companies with less information transparency, more volatile performance, and investor relations officers holding multiple executive positions and are highly experienced. Furthermore, investor relations (IR) activities can affect market valuations, including liquidity, market visibility, and institutional holdings. This study provided a new approach to measuring IR management and practical implications for governments to actively encourage companies to improve IR.
Mutation c.−379 C>T in DGAT1 affects intramyocellular lipid content by altering MYOD1 binding affinity
Authors: Zhao Jindi , Wei Wei , Zhao Yuelie , Lin Weimin , Tang Yonghang , Yu Wensai , Zhang Lifan , Chen Jie 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntramuscular fat (IMF) is one of the most important indexes of pork taste quality. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), belonging to the acyl‐coenzyme A: DGAT enzymes family, is a rate‐limiting enzyme responsible for the final step of triglyceride (TG) synthesis. It is involved in TG storage in skeletal muscle; however, the underlying mechanism is not well understood. This study aimed to uncover functional mutations that can influence DGAT1 expression and consequently affect IMF deposition in pork. Two experimental groups containing individuals with high and low IMF content (6.23 ± 0.20 vs. 1.25 ± 0.05, p < 0.01) were formed from 260 Duroc × Large White × Yorkshire (D × L × Y) cross‐bred pigs. A novel SNP c.−379 C>T was uncovered in the DGAT1 gene using comparative sequencing with pool DNA of high‐ and low‐IMF groups. The IMF content of CT genotype individuals (3.19 ± 0.11%) was higher than that of CC genotype individuals (2.86 ± 0.11%) when analyzing 260 D × L × Y pigs (p < 0.05). The DGAT1 expression levels revealed a significant positive correlation with IMF content (r = 0.33, p < 0.01). Luciferase assay revealed that the DGAT1 promoter with the c.−379 T allele has a higher transcription activity than that bearing the C allele in C2C12 myoblast cells, but not in 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocytes. Online prediction followed by chromatin immunoprecipitation‐polymerase chain reaction assay confirmed that myogenic determination factor 1 (MYOD1) binds to the DGAT1 promoter with the c.−379 C allele but not the T allele. In vitro experiments demonstrated that MYOD1 represses DGAT1 transcription and lipogenesis. As a muscle‐specific transcription factor, MYOD1 can inhibit the transcription of DGAT1 with the c.−379 C allele in muscle cells. However, in the absence of MYOD1 binding to the mutated DGAT1 promoter with the c.−379 T allele, DGAT1 expresses at a higher level in the muscle cells of the c.−379 T genotype, leading to more intramyocellular lipid accumulation than in the muscle cells of the c.−379 C genotype. The SNP c.−379 C>T in the promoter region of the DGAT1 gene provides a promising molecular marker for improving pork IMF content without affecting other fat depots.
Leishmania species: A narrative review on surface proteins with structural aspects involved in host–pathogen interaction
Authors: Kaushal Radhey Shyam , Naik Nidhi , Prajapati Maitri , Rane Shruti , Raulji Himali , Afu NGO Festus , Upadhyay Tarun Kumar , Saeed Mohd 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn tropical and subtropical regions of the world, leishmaniasis is endemic and causes a range of clinical symptoms in people, from severe tegumentary forms (such as cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and diffuse leishmaniasis) to lethal visceral forms. The protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania causes leishmaniasis, which is still a significant public health issue, according to the World Health Organization 2022. The public's worry about the neglected tropical disease is growing as new foci of the illness arise, which are exacerbated by alterations in behavior, changes in the environment, and an enlarged range of sand fly vectors. Leishmania research has advanced significantly during the past three decades in a few different avenues. Despite several studies on Leishmania, many issues, such as illness control, parasite resistance, parasite clearance, etc., remain unresolved. The key virulence variables that play a role in the pathogenicity‐host‐pathogen relationship of the parasite are comprehensively discussed in this paper. The important Leishmania virulence factors, such as Kinetoplastid Membrane Protein–11 (KMP‐11), Leishmanolysin (GP63), Proteophosphoglycan (PPG), Lipophosphoglycan (LPG), Glycosylinositol Phospholipids (GIPL), and others, have an impact on the pathophysiology of the disease and enable the parasite to spread the infection. Leishmania infection may arise from virulence factors; they are treatable with medications or vaccinations more promptly and might greatly shorten the duration of treatment. Additionally, our research sought to present a modeled structure of a few putative virulence factors that might aid in the development of new chemotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The predicted virulence protein's structure is utilized to design novel drugs, therapeutic targets, and immunizations for considerable advantage from a higher understanding of the host immune response.
Being disliked and bullied: A case revealing interplay between peer status and bullying
Authors: Vorlíček Radek , Kollerová Lenka 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTo better understand chronic bullying, this school ethnographical case study mapped peer rejection processes that fuel bullying. The study focused on a case of a victimized 13‐year‐old girl and analysed observations of the classroom social interactions, interviews with teachers and students' essays. Thematic analysis elucidated how students, together with the class teacher, constructed the girl as having annoying personal characteristics, being a misfit to the group, and as being on the bottom of the classroom hierarchy. Next, it suggested how these processes made her more vulnerable to being bullied and not defended by teachers or classmates. The study showed that interventions in chronic bullying need to not only stop bullying, but also target the social processes underlying peer rejection.
Epigenetic regulation of chemokine (CC‐motif) ligand 2 in inflammatory diseases
Authors: Chen Yingyi , Liu Siyan , Wu Lili , Liu Yitong , Du Juan , Luo Zhenhua , Xu Junji , Guo Lijia , Liu Yi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAppropriate responses to inflammation are conducive to pathogen elimination and tissue repair, while uncontrolled inflammatory reactions are likely to result in the damage of tissues. Chemokine (CC‐motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2) is the main chemokine and activator of monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils. CCL2 played a key role in amplifying and accelerating the inflammatory cascade and is closely related to chronic non‐controllable inflammation (cirrhosis, neuropathic pain, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, deforming arthritis, ischemic injury, cancer, etc.). The crucial regulatory roles of CCL2 may provide potential targets for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we presented a review of the regulatory mechanisms of CCL2. Gene expression is largely affected by the state of chromatin. Different epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, post‐translational modification of histones, histone variants, ATP‐dependent chromatin remodelling, and non‐coding RNA, could affect the ‘open’ or ‘closed’ state of DNA, and then significantly affect the expression of target genes. Since most epigenetic modifications are proven to be reversible, targeting the epigenetic mechanisms of CCL2 is expected to be a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases. This review focuses on the epigenetic regulation of CCL2 in inflammatory diseases.
Efficacy and safety of enavogliflozin, a novel SGLT2 inhibitor, in Korean people with type 2 diabetes: A 24‐week, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase III trial
Authors: Kwak Soo Heon , Han Kyung Ah , Kim Kyung‐Soo , Yu Jae Myung , Kim EunSook , Won Jong Chul , Kang Jun Goo , Chung Choon Hee , Oh Seungjoon , Choi Sung Hee , Won Kyu Chang , Kim Sin Gon , Cho Seung Ah , Cho Bo Young , Park Kyong Soo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, enavogliflozin 0.3 mg monotherapy, in Korean people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with diet and exercise.Materials and MethodsThis study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial conducted in 23 hospitals. Individuals with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7.0%‐10.0% after at least 8 weeks of diet and exercise modification were randomized to receive enavogliflozin 0.3 mg (n = 83) or placebo (n = 84) for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was a change in HbA1c at week 24 from baseline. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of participants achieving HbA1c <7.0%, change in fasting glucose, body weight and lipid levels. Adverse events were investigated throughout the study.ResultsAt week 24, the placebo‐adjusted mean change in HbA1c from baseline in the enavogliflozin group was −0.99% (95% confidence interval −1.24%, −0.74%). The proportions of patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% (71% vs. 24%) at week 24 was significantly higher in the enavogliflozin group (p < .0001). Placebo‐adjusted mean changes in fasting plasma glucose (−40.1 mg/dl) and body weight (−2.5 kg) at week 24 were statistically significant (p < .0001). In addition, a significant decrease in blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were observed, along with a significant increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. No significant increase in treatment‐related adverse events was observed for enavogliflozin.ConclusionsMonotherapy with enavogliflozin 0.3 mg improved glycaemic control in people with T2DM. Enavogliflozin therapy also exerted beneficial effects on body weight, blood pressure and lipid profile.
Comparing electrical stimulation functional mapping with subdural electrodes and stereoelectroencephalography
Authors: Aungaroon Gewalin , Vedala Kishore , Byars Anna W. , Ervin Brian , Rozhkov Leonid , Horn Paul S. , Ihnen S. K. Z. , Holland Katherine D. , Tenney Jeffrey R. , Kremer Kelly , Fong Susan L. , Lin Nan , Liu Wei , Arthur Todd M. , Fujiwara Hisako , Skoch Jesse , Leach James L. , Mangano Francesco T. , Greiner Hansel M. , Arya Ravindra 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveElectrical stimulation mapping (ESM) is the clinical standard for functional localization with subdural electrodes (SDE). As stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) has emerged as an alternative option, we compared functional responses, afterdischarges (ADs), and unwanted ESM‐induced seizures (EISs) between the two electrode types.MethodsIncidence and current thresholds for functional responses (sensory, motor, speech/language), ADs, and EISs were compared between SDE and SEEG using mixed models incorporating relevant covariates.ResultsWe identified 67 SEEG ESM and 106 SDE ESM patients (7207 and 4980 stimulated contacts, respectively). We found similar incidence of language and motor responses between electrode types; however, more SEEG patients reported sensory responses. ADs and EISs occurred less commonly with SEEG than SDE. Current thresholds for language, face motor, and upper extremity (UE) motor responses and EIS significantly decreased with age. However, they were not affected by electrode type, premedication, or dominant hemispheric stimulation. AD thresholds were higher with SEEG than with SDE. For SEEG ESM, language thresholds remained below AD thresholds up to 26 years of age, whereas this relationship was inverse for SDE. Also, face and UE motor thresholds fell below AD thresholds at earlier ages for SEEG than SDE. AD and EIS thresholds were not affected by premedication.SignificanceSEEG and SDE have clinically relevant differences for functional brain mapping with electrical stimulation. Although evaluation of language and motor regions is comparable between SEEG and SDE, SEEG offers a higher likelihood of identifying sensory areas. A lower incidence of ADs and EISs, and a favorable relationship between functional and AD thresholds suggest superior safety and neurophysiologic validity for SEEG ESM than SDE ESM.
Insuring reproductive assistance: The need for a federal mandate requiring insurance companies to pay for fertility treatments
Authors: Hecker Nicole 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn the United States, one in nine women of reproductive age struggles with fertility. Luckily, due to advancements in reproductive technology, there are various options to combat this problem such as in vitro fertilization and cryopreservation. However, these treatments are not guaranteed to work and can be very expensive, leaving low‐income families at a disadvantage. In fact, 31 states do not require insurance companies to pay these costs. A federal mandate directing states to require that insurance companies cover fertility treatments is necessary to allow struggling infertile families an opportunity to reproduce.
Bondline thickness effect on fracture and cohesive zone model of sintered nano silver adhesive joints under end notched flexure tests
Authors: Dai Yanwei , Li Yanning , Zan Zhi , Qin Fei 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBondline thickness effect on fracture behaviors and cohesive zone model (CZM) is an important topic for adhesive joints. In this paper, the fracture and CZM of sintered nano silver adhesive joints are investigated based on end notched flexure (ENF) test. Results show that load versus displacement curves of sintered silver adhesive joints is sensitive to the bondline thickness. With compliance‐based beam method (CBBM), the shearing fracture toughness of sintered silver bonded joints heightens with the increase of bondline thickness, which indicates that shearing fracture toughness is highly dependent on bondline thickness. R curves increase steeply for short equivalent crack length and become plateau for long equivalent crack length. The cracking morphology shows that the cracking paths are mainly interfacial and interlayer types. The bilinear CZM is also presented. The bondline thickness effect on CZM parameter is presented and discussed. The CZM given in this paper can be adopted for reliability analysis in power devices.
Land use/land cover on the South Downs, England in the 1870s: A case study mapping and applying landscape metrics to the Ordnance Survey Parish Books of Reference
Authors: Walford Nigel 
Published: March 2023

AbstractLand use/land cover sits alongside other basic types of information about a country, such as its population and economy. However, in contrast with population data, which have been supplied by the decennial British Population Census since 1801 (apart from 1941), the routine and periodic collection of land‐use/land‐cover data has proved more challenging. Notable exceptions include the First and Second Land Utilisation surveys of the 1930s and 1960s, and the Countryside Surveys using a stratified sample of 1‐km grid squares undertaken periodically since 1984. The focus here is on the land‐use/land‐cover data collected by the Ordnance Survey from the 1850s to 1880s as part of the cadastral mapping of the country at 1:2500 scale. This information was published in Parish Books of Reference. These documents for parishes covering the South Downs, a National Character Area and National Park, in East and West Sussex provide the attribute data for the land parcels that have been joined to digitised polygons in order map land use/land cover across this area for the mid‐1870s. Classification of these data into 20 land‐use/land‐cover types enabled visual assessment and quantitative analysis using statistical techniques and spatial indices to explore the complexity of the landscape. Having shown the feasibility of mapping land‐use/land‐cover data for the South Downs, the paper concludes by considering issues involved in extending this work to other counties for which the Books of Reference were published.
Mixtures of grasses: An alternative to traditional pasture monocultures in the tropics
Authors: Medeiros‐Neto Cauby , Barbosa Rodrigo Amorim , Schmitt Daniel , Miqueloto Tiago , da Silva Sila Carneiro , Sbrissia André Fischer 
Published: March 2023

AbstractA two‐year experiment assessed herbage production and above‐ and below‐ground characteristics of a highly productive monoculture (‘BRS Zuri’ guineagrass [Panicum maximum Jacq.]) and two mixtures of three grasses (Mixture 1: ‘BRS Zuri’ guineagrass, ‘BRS Xaraés’ palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha Stapf.], and ‘Basilisk’ signalgrass [Brachiaria decumbens Stapf.]; Mixture 2: ‘BRS Quênia’ guineagrass [Panicum maximum Jacq.], ‘Marandu’ palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha Stapf.], and ‘BRS Paiaguás’ palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha Stapf.]), cultivated in the Brazilian tropical savanna. Mixtures 1 and 2 were subjected to two grazing intensities (removal of 40 or 60% of pre‐grazing height) and ‘BRS Zuri’ guineagrass monoculture was defoliated to a single grazing intensity of 50%. Treatments were randomly assigned to fifteen 0.25‐ha plots and managed under intermittent stocking by cattle. Herbage accumulation rate was similar among pastures and years (p > .1). The root mass in the tussocks did not differ (p > .1), with mean values ranging between 0.62 to 1.81 kg DM m−2. Root density in the tussock interspaces was greater in the mixtures (p < .001), regardless of seasons (p = .405) and years (p = .292). The mixtures were dominated by guineagrass (70%) and palisadegrass (30%) at the end of the experiment, with the population of ‘Basilisk’ and ‘BRS Paiaguás’ being completely suppressed throughout the experimental period. Mixing guineagrass and brachiariagrasses can be an alternative to the traditional pastoral systems in the tropics, as it does not compromise herbage production and presents a capacity to produce more roots than a very productive monoculture of ‘BRS Zuri’ guineagrass.
Comparing physico‐chemical characteristics, antioxidant properties, glycemic response, and volatile profiles of eleven banana varieties
Authors: Kumar Paramasivam Suresh , Thayumanavan Shuprajhaa , Pushpavalli Subramaniyan , Saraswathi Marimuthu Somasundaram , Backiyarani Suthanthiram , Mohanasundaram Arumugam , Uma Subbaraya 
Published: March 2023

SummaryBanana with different genomic groups has a greater varietal diversity. New varieties are also developed which have unique tastes, and tolerance to biotic or abiotic stresses. Eleven varieties belonging to different genomic groups are evaluated for their nutrients, secondary metabolites, techno‐functional characteristics, antioxidant activities, glycemic indices, and shelf life. Bioactive profiling was also carried out using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS). Results revealed that plantain and cooking bananas recorded higher fruit weight than dessert bananas. Pulp to peel ratio was higher in the dessert variety Ney Poovan and dual‐purpose variety Popoulu compared to cooking varieties indicating the presence of a thicker skin. Higher resistant starch (39% dry weight) and lower glycemic index (45%–50%) were observed in Kaveri Saba and Monthan. Total phenolics in ripe bananas were significantly higher than in unripe stages. GCMS results showed the predominance of esters and hydrocarbons among banana varieties and the presence of unique volatiles like linoelaidic acid, 9,12‐octadecadienoic acid in Kaveri Sugantham. PCA and cluster analysis indicated that the biochemical parameters also varied with the genomic groups. The study creates new business opportunities for varieties beyond cv. Grand Naine both in the domestic and export markets.