bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibiting Anti-angiogenic VEGF165b Activates a Novel miR-17-20a-Calcipressin-3 Pathway that Revascularizes Ischemic Muscle in Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Ganta Vijay , Batan Sonia , Kuppuswamy Sivaraman , Wood Madison , Reddy Meghana , Annex Brian 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: VEGF165a increases the expression of microRNA-17-92 cluster, promoting developmental, retinal, and tumor angiogenesis. We have previously shown that VEGF165b, an alternatively spliced VEGF-A isoform, inhibits the VEGFR-STAT3 pathway in ischemic endothelial cells (ECs) to decrease their angiogenic capacity. In ischemic macrophages (Møs), VEGF165b inhibits VEGFR1 to induce S100A8/A9 expression, which drives M1-like polarization. Our current study aims to determine whether VEGF165b inhibition promotes perfusion recovery by regulating the miR-17-92 cluster in preclinical PAD.
Methods: Hind limb ischemia (HLI) induced by femoral artery ligation and resection was used as a preclinical PAD model. Hypoxia serum starvation (HSS) was used as an in vitro PAD model. VEGF165b was inhibited/neutralized by an isoform-specific VEGF165b antibody.
Results: Systematic analysis of miR-17-92 cluster members (miR-17-18a-19a-19b-20a-92) in experimental-PAD models showed that VEGF165b-inhibition induces miRNA-17-20a (within miR-17-92 cluster) in HSS-ECs and HSS-bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) vs. respective normal and/or isotype matched IgG controls to enhance perfusion-recovery. Consistent with the bioinformatics analysis that revealed RCAN3 as a common target of miR-17 and miR-20a, Argonaute-2 pull-down assays showed decreased miR-17-20a expression and higher RCAN3 expression in the RISC complex of HSS-ECs and HSS-BMDMs vs. the respective controls. Inhibiting miR-17-20a induced RCAN3 levels to decrease ischemic angiogenesis and promoted M1-like polarization to impair perfusion recovery. Finally, using STAT3 inhibitors, S100A8/A9 silencers and VEGFR1-deficient ECs and Møs, we show that VEGF165b inhibition activates the miR-17-20a-RCAN3 pathway independent of VEGFR1-STAT3 or VEGFR1-S100A8/A9 in ischemic ECs and ischemic Møs, respectively.
Conclusion: Our data revealed a hereunto unrecognized therapeutic ‘miR-17-20a-RCAN3’ pathway in the ischemic vasculature that is VEGFR1-STAT3/S100A8/A9 independent and is activated only upon VEGF165b inhibition in PAD.
Immunomodulatory Effect of Probiotic Exopolysaccharides in a Porcine in vitro Co-culture Model Mimicking the Intestinal Environment on ETEC Infection
Authors: Kiššová Zuzana , Mudroňová Dagmar , Link Róbert , Tkáčiková Ľudmila 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of EPS-L26 isolated from the probiotic strain Lactobacillus (Limosilactobacillus) reuteri L26 BiocenolTM, in a model of infection with an enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) by establishing monocultures consisting of the IPEC-J2 cell line or monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) and creating a 3D model of cell co-cultures established with IPEC-J2 cells and moDCs. The immunomodulatory and immunoprotective potential of used EPS-L26 was confirmed in monocultures in an experimental group of pretreated cells, where our study showed that pretreatment of cells with EPS-L26 and subsequent exposure to infection resulted in significantly down-regulated mRNA levels of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines compared to ETEC challenge in single cell cultures (in IPEC-J2, decreased mRNA levels for TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12p35; in moDCs, decreased mRNA levels for IL-1β). Similar to monocultures, we also demonstrated the immunostimulatory potential of the ETEC strain in the co-culture model on directly treated IPEC-J2 cells cultivated on insert chambers (apical compartment) and also on indirectly treated moDCs cultivated in the lower chamber (basolateral compartment), however in the co-culture model the expression of inflammatory cytokines was attenuated at the mRNA level compared to monocultures. Pretreatment of the cells on the insert chambers pointed to the immunoprotective properties of EPS-L26, manifested by decreased mRNA levels in both cell lines compared to ETEC challenge (in IPEC-J2 decreased mRNA levels for IL-12p35; in moDCs decreased mRNA levels for IL-1β, IL-6). Our results suggest intercellular communication via humoral signals derived from IPEC-J2 cells by influencing the gene expression of indirectly treated moDC cells located in the basolateral compartment.
Impact of IL-6 rs1800795 and IL-17A rs2275913 Gene Polymorphisms on the COVID-19 Prognosis and Susceptibility in a Sample of Iranian Patients
Authors: Khafaei Mostafa , Asghari Reza , zafari fariba , sadeghi morteza 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background:
Elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17A have been linked to hyper inflammation in COVID-19 patients, and their levels are indicative of the progression of the disease. This study aimed to investigate whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-6 and IL-17A are linked to COVID-19 susceptibility and prognosis in Iranian patients.
Methods:
The study enrolled 280 COVID-19 patients, divided into 140 non-severe and 140 severe cases. Genotyping for IL-6 rs1800795 and IL-17A rs2275913 was performed using tetra primer-amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (tetra-ARMS-PCR). IL-6 and IL-17A circulating levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study also investigated predictors of COVID-19 mortality.
Results:
The rs1800795 GG genotype (78/140 (55.7%)) and G allele (205/280 (73.2%)) were significantly associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection (OR = 2.19, 95%CI: 1.35–3.54, P = .006 and OR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.25–2.56, P < .001, respectively). The rs1800795 GG genotype was also significantly linked to disease mortality (OR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.06–3.61, P = .04). In contrast, the rs2275913 GA genotype was found to be protective against severe COVID-19 (OR = 0.5, 95%CI: 0.31–0.80, P = .012), but no significant association was observed with disease mortality. Several predictors of COVID-19 mortality were identified, including INR ≥ 1.2 (OR = 2.19, 95%CI: 1.61–3.78, P = .007), D-dimer ≥ 565.5 ng/mL (OR = 3.12, 95%CI: 1.27–5.68, P = .019), respiratory rate ≥ 29 (OR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.12–1.28, P = .001), IL-6 serum concentration ≥ 28.5 pg/mL (OR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.942–2.06, P = .013), and IL-6 rs1800795 GG genotype (OR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.06–3.61, P = .04).
conclusion:
The results of this study suggest that the rs1800795 GG genotype and G allele are associated with greater disease severity in COVID-19 patients, while the rs2275913 GA genotype is protective. These findings provide insights into the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying COVID-19 and may inform the development of more effective therapies and prognostic tools for this disease.
Dominance of Cotton leaf curl Multan virus-Rajasthan strain associated with third epidemic of cotton leaf curl disease in Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood Muhammad Arslan , Ahmed Nasim , Hussain Athar , Naqvi Rubab Zahra , Amin Imran , Mansoor Shahid 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is an economically potent crop in many countries including Pakistan, India, and China. For the last three decades, cotton production is under the constant stress of cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) caused by begomoviruses/satellites complex that is transmitted through the insect pest, whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Previously, in 2018, we have identified a highly recombinant strain; Cotton leaf curl Multan virus-Rajasthan (CLCuMuV-Raj) associated with the single strain of Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite-Vehari (CLCuMuBVeh) that are dominant in cotton-growing hub areas of central Punjab, Pakistan causing third CLCuD epidemic. In the present study, we have explored the CLCuD diversity from central to southern districts of Punjab (Faisalabad, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan) and the major cotton-growing region of Sindh (Tandojam), Pakistan for two years (2020-21). Interestingly, we found same virus strain (CLCuMuV-Raj) and associated betasatellite strain that was previously reported with the third epidemic in the central Punjab region. Furthermore, we found minor mutations in two genes of CLCuMuV-Raj C4 and C1 in 2020 and 2021 respectively as compared to its isolates in 2018, which exhibited virus evolution. Surprisingly, we did not find these mutations in CLCuMuV-Raj isolates identified from Sindh province. The findings of the current study represent the stability of CLCuMuV-Raj strain and its spread toward the Sindh province where previously Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus (CLCuKoV) and Cotton leaf curl Shahdadpur virus (CLCuShV) have been reported. The findings of the current study demand future research on CLCuD complex to explore the possible reasons for prevalence in the field and how the virus-host-vector compatible interaction can be broken to develop resistant cultivars.
Introduction of the potter’s wheel as a reflection of social and economic changes during the La Tène period in Central Europe
Authors: Thér Richard , Mangel Tomáš 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The use of the potter’s wheel or, more generally, rotational motion in pottery-forming was one of the fundamental innovations in pottery technology. This study focuses on the introduction of pottery-forming methods employing rotational movement in relation to social and economic conditions and their transformations during the La Tène period in Central Europe. It builds on our previous work and explores the diversity of technological practices on a broader geographical scale in several regions of the Czech Republic with various demographic, social and environmental conditions during the period. The analysis relies on a recently developed quantitative analytical technique based on calculating the orientation of components of the ceramic body. This approach enhances the structural analysis by delineating intervals of orientation variability for individual forming techniques. This methodology is applied to estimate the contribution of rotational movement in pottery-forming and identify the initial forming techniques. The quantitative analysis of thin sections is supplemented by qualitative classification of diagnostic features observed on X-ray images and CT reconstructions. By implementing this analysis, we have discovered specific developments of pottery-forming practices in the selected regions. The specifics demonstrate the expected links of the studied innovation to local socio-economic conditions, as well as surprising findings indicating that neither the use of the technology nor the resulting products are subject to unilateral selection based on the criterion of economic efficiency.
Establishment and verification of a nomogram to predict risk and prognostic factors of triple-negative breast cancer with organ metastasis based on the SEER cohort study
Authors: Niu Yingjie , Chen Qiuyun , Ni Yi , Zhu Renfei , Wu Jinzhu , Liu Lei , Xu Tonglin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background:This study aims to identify the risk and prognostic factors of TNBC patients with organ metastasis, furthermore, establish and validate a nomogram to forecast the overall survival (OS).
Methods:The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to collect the clinicopathological data of TNBC patients from 2010 to 2020. All the TNBC patients were divided into two groups: no organ metastasis cohort (n = 32154) and organ metastasis cohort (n = 1199) based on the presence or absence of organ metastasis, including liver, lung, bone, and brain). TNBC patients with organ metastasis were further randomly assigned into a training cohort and testing cohort in a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify the independent prognostic factors. A nomogram was developed to predict the OS for TNBC patients with organ metastasis. The calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC), and the decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to estimate the accuracy and clinical effectiveness of the nomogram.
Results: The median OS after organ metastasis was 12 months and 62 months in the group without organ metastasis. The 2-year survival rate in the liver metastasis cohort was 14.88%, the bone metastasis cohort was 22.17%, the lung metastasis cohort was 25.17% and the brain metastasis cohort was 12.08%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age, T stage, surgery, and chemotherapy were independent factors affecting prognosis in the group with organ metastasis. The nomogram was established by the aforementioned variables.
Conclusions:TNBC patients with organ metastasis had a worse prognosis. Age, T stage, surgery, and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors of TNBC patients with organ metastasis. The nomogram was recommended for TNBC patients with organ metastasis and helped to make personalized clinical treatment plans.
Transcriptome analysis of reproductive tract tissues of male river prawn Macrobrachium americanum
Authors: Martín-Manzo Miriam Victoria , Morelos-Castro Rosa María , Munguia-Vega Adrian , Soberanes-Yepiz Maritza Lourdes , Cortés-Jacinto Edilmar 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe river prawn,Macrobrachium americanum (M. americanum), is one of the largest prawns of the genus in Latin America and is an amphidromous species distributed along the Pacific coast of America. This prawn has commercial value due to its size and taste, making it a good option for aquaculture production. Its culture has been attempted in ponds and concrete tanks, but no successful technique can still support commercial production. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate reproduction at the molecular level is very important. This knowledge can provide tools for manipulating transcripts, which could increase the number or size of animals in the culture. However, our understanding of the mechanism that regulates the reproduction ofM. americanumat the molecular level is limited. In this study, we performed transcriptome assembly of the testes, vas deferens, and terminal ampulla ofM. americanum.The cDNA library was constructed and sequenced for each tissue to identify novel transcripts. A combined transcriptome with the three tissues was assembled using Trinity software. Unigenes were annotated using BLASTx and BLAST2GO. The transcriptome assembly generated 1,059,447 unigenes, of which 7,222 genes had significant hits (e-value < 1x10− 5) when compared against the Swiss-Prot database. Around 75 genes were related to sex determination, testis development, spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis, fertilization, maturation of testicular cells, neuropeptides, hormones, hormone receptors, and/or embryogenesis. These results provide new molecular information aboutM. americanumreproduction, representing a reference point for further genetic studies of this species.
Dynamic Weight Assignment with Least Connection Approach for Enhanced Load Balancing in Distributed Systems
Authors: Almhanna Mahdi S. , Murshedi Tariq A. , Al-Turaihi Firas S. , Almuttairi Rafah M. , Wankar Rajeev 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Load balancing is a critical aspect of managing server resources efficiently and ensuring optimal performance in distributed systems. The Weighted Round Robin (WRR) algorithm is commonly used to allocate incoming requests among servers based on their assigned weights. However, static weights may not reflect the changing demands of servers, leading to imbalanced workloads. To address this issue, this study proposes a dynamic mechanism for assigning weights to servers in the WRR algorithm based on the data rate and incorporates the Least Connection approach for the best result. The dynamic mechanism takes into account the real-time data rate of each server, representing its current load. Servers with higher data rates are assigned higher weights to attract a larger share of incoming requests, while those with lower data rates receive lower weights to manage their loads effectively. This dynamic weight assignment allows the algorithm to adapt to varying workloads and achieve better load balancing across servers. To further refine the distribution of requests, the Least Connection approach is employed to handle tie-breaking situations and for more fairness in distributing the loads. The proposed algorithm is a hybrid of data rate and the Least Connection, it is evaluated through simulations and real-world experiments. The results demonstrate its superiority in achieving improved load balance compared to traditional static-weight WRR algorithms. By dynamically adjusting weights based on data rate and employing the Least Connection approach, the algorithm optimizes server resource usage, minimizes response times, and enhances overall system performance in distributed environments.
Comparative Analysis of Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Four Tapeworms (Platyhelminthes: Cestoda) and Specific Primers for Identifying the Tapeworms from Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis)
Authors: Zhang Xincheng , Ren Tong , Zhang Jiping , Li Qingyong , Li Jiansong , Chen Chen , Wang Yakun , Ji Liqin , Hong Xiaoyou , Liu Xiaoli , Lei Luo , Zhu Junxian , Wang Yongchang , Wu Congcong , Chen Haigang , Su Junyu , Zhu Xinping , Li Wei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Testudotaenia sp. WL-2016(Platyhelminthes, Cestoda), as a member of Onchoproteocephalidea, was isolated from Pelodiscus sinensis in our previous study in 2016 (GenBank: KU761587.1). It was a new tapeworm found in China, and the only mitochondrial DNA of Testudotaenia reported worldwide. Traditional classification methods are challenging to identify specific cestode species rapidly for performing taxonomic research and disease control studies.We annotated the mitochondrial genome based on the previous sequencing, including analyses of nucleotide composition, codon usage. Ka/Ks, p‑distance, the nucleotide and amino acid similarity of the mitochondrial genomes of Dipylidium caninum, Digramma interrupta, Spirometra erinaceieuropaei, Testudotaenia sp. WL-2016 were analyzed and compared. Testudotaenia sp. WL-2016 and 65 others related cestodes were used to construct a phylogenetic tree with 10 common genes. We chose the trnG and COX3 genes to design specific PCR primers for identification. Testudotaenia sp. WL-2016 was strongly skewed away from A and biased towards G (AT skew= −0.292, GC skew= 0.22). Corresponding to the high T content (42.71%), codons also show relatively high T bias. Both Ka/Ks and p‑distance were less than 1. Data from the mitochondrial genome of Testudotaenia sp. WL-2016 is also valuable for species identification, phylogenies, and biogeography studies. The specific PCR primers enabled us to identify Testudotaenia sp. WL-2016rapidly and accurately at the molecular level, thus providing a basis for classification and identification.
Determinants of credit-seeking among women farmers in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Balasha Arsene Mushagalusa , Fyama Jules Nkulu Mwine , Lenge Emery Kasongo , Tambwe Alex Nyumbaiza 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Smallholder women farmers play a crucial role in agricultural food production and rural development but have limited access to the necessary productive resources. This study sheds light on factors associated with credit-seeking among smallholder women farmers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, explores priority areas for credit allocation, and investigates the role of Village Savings and Loan Associations in providing mutual financial assistance. We collected data from 232 women marshland farmers in Kabare, South Kivu, and Mulungwishi, Upper Katanga, through interviews and two focus groups. Findings indicate that more female farmers in Upper Katanga (60%) intended to seek credit than in South Kivu (48%). Their intention to do so was associated with factors such as age, discussion with fellow farmers, landholding status perception, market access, income generated, and decision-making within the household. Further, findings showed that the absence of microfinance institutions, the lack of credit-related information, and stereotypes around women are considered major limiting factors to accessing credit. This situation has prompted 35% of women farmers to engage in Village Savings and Loan associations, enabling them to support each other and overcome financing challenges. Although there is a notable contrast between the two study areas and the type and amount of credit needed, purchasing agricultural inputs to enhance agricultural productivity is the primary focus for most farmers. The findings provide directions for formulating policies and initiatives that support financial inclusion and offer credit products that meet the specific needs of farmers to sustain inclusive rural development.
Fokas-Lenells equation dark soliton and gauge equivalent spin equation
Authors: Dutta Riki , Talukdar Sagardeep , Saharia Gautam Kumar , Nandy Sudipta 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We propose the Hirota bilinearization of the Fokas-Lenells derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a non-vanishing background. The bilinear method is applied using an auxilary function to obtain the dark one soliton solution, dark two soliton solution and eventually the scheme for obtaining dark N soliton solutions. The use of auxilary function in bilinearization makes the method simpler than the ones reported earlier. Later, we have introduced a Lax pair for this integrable equation and using a transformation we have shown that this system is gauge equivalent to a spin system, namely the Landau-Lifshitz equation.
Mapping the QTLs associated with pre and post-anthesis developmental stages of wheat under normal and heat conditions
Authors: Fard Mohsen Brajeh , Siahpoosh Mohmmad Reza , Modarresi Mohmmad 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Global warming affects the crop productions. In this regards, a recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population derived from Kauz (heat-tolerant) × Montana (heat sensitive) was used to mapping the quantitative trait locis (QTLs) associated with phenological durations in normal and heat conditions over two years. The range of broad-sense heritability was recorded between 0.55 and 0.90. Ninety three QTLs were identified in the wheat genome, some of which were stable in two years and some in one year with minor and major effects. The most stable QTLs mapped on chromosomes 1A and 5A at 0.01cM and another on chromosome 2D at 22.83cM regions. Chromosome 2D carried 45% of all QTLs detected in the present study. The genetic distance between two gwm132-gwm484 markers on chromosome 2D consisted of QTLs with the highest LOD (19) and R2 (76.9%). This study provides valuable information for genes controlling the phenological stages in bread wheat.