bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TNFα induces matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in monocytic cells through ACSL1/JNK/NF- kB signaling pathways
Authors: Al-Roub Areej , Akhter Nadeem , Al-Rashed Fatema , Wilson Ajit , Alzaid Fawaz , Al-Mulla Fahd , Sindhu Sardar , Ahmad Rasheed 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Studies have established the association between increased plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and adipose tissue inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) was elevated in obesity and is involved in the induction of MMP-9 in monocytic cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanism was incompletely understood. As per our recent report, TNFα mediates inflammatory responses through long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1). Therefore, we further investigated the role of ACSL1 in TNFα-mediated MMP-9 secretion in monocytic cells and macrophages.
Methods
Monocytic THP-1 cells and macrophages were used to study MMP-9 expression. mRNA and protein levels of MMP-9 were determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively, and its biological activity was determined by zymography. Signaling pathways were studied using Western blotting, inhibitors, and NF-kB/AP1 reporter cells.
Results
We found that THP-1 monocytic cells and macrophages displayed increased MMP-9 mRNA expression, as well as biologically active protein secretion after incubation with TNFα. Inhibition of ACSL1 in the cells with triacsin C significantly reduced MMP-9 secretion. However, inhibition of β-oxidation and ceramide biosynthesis was not affected by TNFα-induced MMP-9 production. Using small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown, we further confirmed that TNFα-induced MMP-9 secretion was significantly reduced in ACSL1-deficient cells. Moreover, TNFα-mediated MMP-9 expression was significantly reduced by inhibition of ERK1/ERK2, JNK, and NF-kB signaling pathways. We further observed TNFα-induced phosphorylation of JNK, ERK1/ERK2, and NF-kB. On the other hand, inhibition of ACSL1 reduced TNFα-mediated phosphorylation of JNK, c-Jun, ERK1/2, and NF-kB in THP-1 monocytic cells. In addition, increased NF-κB/AP-1 activity was inhibited in triacsin C-treated cells.
Conclusion
Altogether, our findings suggest that ACSL1/JNK/ ERK/NF-kB axis plays an important role in the regulation of MMP-9 induced by TNFα in monocytic THP-1 cells and macrophages.
A PhC-SOA based cancerous cell detection biosensor
Authors: Moshfe Sajjad , Zarei Mahtab 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we present a novel method to design an ultra-small photonic integrated biosensor to detect cancerous cells. The proposed biosensor is based on the self-phase modulation in PhC-SOA, inducing a frequency shift on a pulse traveling through the device. The amount of the frequency chirp depends on the group velocity of the active medium waveguide being determined by the refractive index of the microfluidic infiltrating the holes around the waveguide. The refractive index of the microfluidic is also determined by the cell type that can be normal or cancerous. Since the refractive index of a cancerous cell is higher than that of a normal one, the group index of the waveguide and the output chirp will decrease. By measuring the amount of the output chirp, we can detect the cell type. The Simulation results showed that for a 0.02 change in the refractive index of the cell, a 3.71 nm central wavelength shift occurred for a 10-ps 71-mW gaussian pulse input with a central wavelength of 1533.53876 nm. In terms of the wavelength shift, the sensitivity and figure of merit are 185.5 and 530, respectively. To detect the cell type, we integrated a PhC channel drop filter to drop the chirped signal due to the cancerous cell infiltration. Designing an appropriate PhC-CDF leads to achieving an ultra-small cancerous detection cell biosensor with more than 97% precision.
Examination of thrombolytic and anticoagulant activities of purified fibrinolytic enzyme extracted from Cochliobolus hawaiiensis under solid state fermentation
Authors: Abu-Tahon Medhat Ahmed , Abdel-Mageed Ahmad Mohammad , Ghareib Mohamed , Housseiny Manal Maher , Abdallah Wafaa E. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Cochliobolus hawaiiensis Alcorn AUMC 8606 was chosen from the screened twenty fungal species as the potent producer of fibrinolytic enzyme on skimmed-milk agar plates. The greatest enzyme yield was attained when the submerged fermentation (SmF) conditions were optimized, and it was around (39.7 U/mg protein). Moreover, Upon optimization of fibrinolytic enzyme production under solid state fermentation (SSF), the maximum productivity of fibrinolytic enzyme was greatly increased recorded a bout (405 U/mg protein) on sugar cane bagasse. The yield of fibrinolytic enzyme by C. hawaiiensis under SSF was higher than that of SmF with about 10.20 fold. The purification procedures of fibrinolytic enzyme caused a great increase in its specific activity to 2581.6 U/mg protein with an overall yield of 55.89%, 6.37 purification fold and molecular weight of 35kDa. Maximal activity was recorded at pH 7 and 37oC. The enzyme showed the highest affinity towards Fibrin, with Vmax of 240 U/ml and an apparent Km value of 47.61 mmol. Mg2+ and Ca2+ moderately induced fibrinolytic activity, while Cu2+ and Zn2+ greatly suppressed the enzyme activity. The produced enzyme is categorized as serine protease and non metalloprotease due to the great suppression in its activity by using phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and thylenediamine-tetraacetat, respectively. The purified fibrinolytic enzyme showed efficient thrombolytic and antiplaetlet aggregation activities by completely prevention and dissolution of the blood clot which confirmed by microscopic examination and amelioration of blood coagulation assays. These findings suggested that the produced fibrinolytic enzyme is a promising agent in management of blood coagulation disorders
Optimization of Ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions for Pigment Compounds of the Brown Algae Sargassum angustifolium using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Sourkohi Niloofar Aghajanpoor , Babakhani Aria 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
In this study, the extraction of Sargassum angustifoliumbrown alga pigments was investigated by ultrasound to identify process variables and optimize the extraction conditions.
Methods
Experimental design using central composite design (CCD) with four independent variables including the percentage of ethanol concentration (at three levels of 50, 75 and 100), extraction time (at three levels of 10, 20 and 30 minutes), solid-liquid ratio (at three levels 1: 5, 1:10 and 1:15) and the power of ultrasound (at three levels 80, 240 and 400 watts) was performed for the responses of chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, total carotenoids and fucoxanthin.
Results
The results showed that the highest amount of total fucoxanthin and carotenoids was obtained in 75% ethanol, duration 20 minutes, solid-liquid ratio 1:5 and ultrasonic power of 240 watts. In the mentioned optimal conditions, fucoxanthin and total carotenoids were 0.42 and 1.11 mg/g, respectively.
Conclusion
The values obtained in the experiment have a logical relationship with the values predicted by the software, which indicates the appropriateness of the models used.
Preparation and characterization of nano Muscovite by intercalation method for adsorption of heavy metals from polluted water
Authors: Rashed M. N. , Arifien A. S.A. , El-Dowy F. A. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this work, nanomuscovite adsorbents were prepared via intercalation with different organic intercalates (DTAB- TTAB- DTPA- PA- PN). The prepared nanoadsorbents were used to evaluate the removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ from polluted water. Best nanomuscovite was prepared by Muscovite with DTPA. The selected nanomuscovite was characterized by XRD, TEM, EDX, FTIR and BET surface area. The maximum Cd2+ and Pb2+ removal efficiency of the prepared nanomuscovite ( 91.5% Cd and 97% Pb ) was observed at intial metal concentration 50 ppm, pH 6 for Pb2+ and pH 7 for Cd2+, adsorbent dosage 0.2 g, contact time 60 min, and solution temperature 25oC. Isotherm models (Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubunin–Radushkevich and Temkin isotherm models) were applied for the adsorption of Cd2+ and Pb2+ on nanomuscovite adsorbent. The Langmuir isotherm model was well-fit by the adsorption of Cd2+ and Pb2+ on nanomuscovite. The kinetics of adsorption were validated using the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich, and intra-particle diffusion models.. Adsorption of Cd2+ and Pb2+ on nanomuscovite follows a pseudo-second order kinetic model in all four of the kinetic models. Thermodynamics parameters of Cd and Pb adsorption indicated exothermic and spontaneous processes for Cd2+ and Pb2+. The obtained results were applied to the real wastewater which indicated high Cd and Pb removal.
Investigating the consumption status of Functional drinks (fortified) based on the theory of planned behavior and the stages of change model in female employees
Authors: Toorani Azam , Moodi Mitra , Zeinali Tayebeh , Salmani Fatemeh , Norozi Ensiyeh 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Introduction:Functional foods are foods that by adding certain components to them reduce the risk of disease or improve the health of the body. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the consumption status of functional (enriched) drinks based on the theory of planned behavior and the stages of change model.
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study that was conducted on534 female employees of Birjand offices in 2022 who were selected by stratified sampling method. The data was collected by using the functional food questionnaire, which includes three parts, demographic information, measuring the stages of change, and planned behavior theory constructs regarding the consumption of functional drinks. The data was analyzed using SPSS software through descriptive and analytical statistical tests. The significance level was considered as p <0.05.
Results: Most of the participants were married (87.9%) and 7.6% were on a special diet. The majority of the participants (45.5%) made their purchases from chain stores. More than half of the people (74.1%) read food labels. Half of the participants (51%) were familiar with functional food. Based on the structure of the stages of change, the largest number of people consume probiotic drinks (buttermilk, kefir, etc.) were in the maintenance stages (31.2%) and who consume milk fortified with vitamin D were in the contemplation stage (37.3%) and who consume vitamin-enriched juices and fortified milk with iron and fat-free milk and vegetable milk were in the pre-contemplation stage, which consisted 38.4%, 42.5%, 30.8%, and 37.7% of participants, respectively. The mean score of the participants in the subscales of attitude, behavioral control, and subjective norm was 17.69±3.05, 16.83±2.88, 21.73±4.33, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the most drinks that female employees consumed regularly were probiotic drinks, while they did not intend to use functional juices (pre-contemplation stage) and subjective norms had the greatest effect on the intention to use drinks. Therefore, it seems that these theories can be used as a framework in designing educational programs in order to increase the consumption of functional foods and improve women's health.
Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis Identifies a Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Signature for Predicting Prognosis and Therapeutic Responses in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cao Xinyuan , Yang Fan , Jiang Shitao , Deng Kaige , Dong Yucheng , Wei Jiaxin , Zheng Yongchang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are vital in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and response to therapy. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of CAFs in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and to develop a CAF-based risk signature for predicting the prognosis of this disease.
Methods: The mRNA expression and clinical information of 235 LUSC samples were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE 157010). 498 LUSC samples were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-LUSC database. We identified stromal CAF-related genes using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The CAF risk signature was built through cox regression. We utilized the Spearman test to clarify the correlation among CAF risk score, CAF markers, and CAF infiltrations. The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was then applied to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying.
Result: The 3-gene (EFEMP2, MICAL2, and CRISPLD2) prognostic CAF model was constructed. LUSC patients were divided into high- and low-CAF-risk groups based on their median CAF risk score. Those with high CAF risk scores showed significantly worse prognoses. The CAF risk score was highly positively related to stromal and CAF infiltrations. Besides, the 3-gene model presented substantial accordance with CAF markers. ECM receptor interaction, MAPK, and TGF-β signaling pathway were reported as pivotal roles in the CAF risk model by GSEA.
Conclusion:The 3-gene prognostic CAF signature could predict prognosis efficiently for LUSC patients. Our findings will provide new knowledge for potential guiding tailored antiCAF therapy for LUSC patients.
Generalized Power Summability Methods for Dunkl-gamma Type Operators Including Appell Polynomials and Their Applications
Authors: Braha NAIM 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this paper we give some properties of the Dunkl-Gamma type operators including Appell polynomials, using into consideration the generalized power summability method. In the first section are given moments of the operators including Appell Polynomials. In second section are given some direct estimation related to the Dunkl-Gamma type operators including Appell Polynomials, including Korovkin type theorem. In the third section, we give some results related to the weighted spaces of continuous functions, and in the last section we give some properties in the sense of $A-$ statistically convergence, including Voronovskaya and Gr\"uss-Voronovskaya type theorem.
Hostile and threatening interpretation biases in adolescent inpatients are specific to callous-unemotional traits and social anxiety
Authors: Dapprich Anna L. , Derks Laura M. , Holtmann Martin , Lange Wolf-Gero , Legenbauer Tanja , Becker Eni S. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Psychopathological syndromes, such as disruptive behavior and anxiety disorders in adolescence, are characterized by distorted cognitions and problematic behavior. Biased interpretations of ambiguous social situations can elicit both aggressive and avoidance behavior. Yet, it is not well understood whether different interpretation biases are specific to different syndromes, or whether they can co-occur. We assessed both hostile and threatening interpretation biases in identical social situations, and proposed that they are uniquely related to callous-unemotional (CU) traits and social anxiety, respectively. We also explored the role of gender and age herein. The sample consisted of 390 inpatients between 10 to 18 years of age with a variety of psychiatric disorders. Hostile and threatening interpretations were assessed with the Ambiguous Social Scenario Task (ASST) consisting of 10 written vignettes. Both CU-traits and social anxiety were assessed with self-report questionnaires. Results showed that, overall, CU-traits were related to more hostile interpretations, whereas social anxiety was related to more threatening interpretations. In addition, in boys, hostile and threatening interpretations correlated significantly positive with each other. Age was not related to interpretation biases. Together, these results generally support the content-specificity of interpretation biases in concepts relevant to disruptive behavior disorders and anxiety disorders, and indicate that different interpretation biases can co-occur specifically in boys.
Winter sources of ascorbic acid for Pleistocene hominins in northern Eurasia
Authors: Schwarcz H. P. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Hominins emerging from Africa in the Pleistocene required sources of vitamins in addition to sources of energy and substance (carbohydrates, proteins and fats). Most of their vitamin requirements could be provided by eating the flesh of herbivores but vitamin C is in low concentrations in animal muscle tissue. Lack of vitamin C causes fatal disease of scurvy. In southern Eurasia hominins would have been able to harvest fruits and vegetables throughout the year but as they migrated further to the north, they would encounter regions in which no plants were growing in mid-winter. Vitamin C is enriched in organ meats but their mass was probably too low for adequate provision. Storage of summer crops of fruit was possible. Hominins could however fulfil ascorbic acid requirements by drinking aqueous extracts from the needles of pines and other conifers which contain adequate amounts of vitamin C to satisfy human needs. We show evidence of pine needle and related consumption in Paleolithic sites.
Biocompatible Dressing for Pediatric Hypospadias Repair
Authors: Sharma Shilpa , Rathore Jogender , Arora Varun , B Bhawna , Jangir Hemlata , Subramanian Arulselvi , Jhinjer Hardeep Singh , Upadhyay Ashish Datt , Agrawal Ashwini K , Jassal Manjeet 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose: The search for an ideal Hypospadias repair dressing continues. We aimed to develop a hypoallergenic optimized biocompatible dressing (BD)
Method: BD with a multi-layered structure of hydrophilic treated Polypropylene with three-layered technologies; Absorbent -Spun lace Hydroentanglement of polyester/viscose blend, outer Polypropylene, Polyester, Acrylic, and Spandex, with super Absorbent Polymer and Acrylic adhesive. Wistar rat abdominal wound model was divided into two groups: Control (normal gauze dressing with adhesive) and Study (BD). The physical properties and wound characteristics were compared.
Results: Average mass: thickness of BD was 626.7±5.6g m-2: 2.6±0.015 mm. Absorption was 1425.2±127.6%. Percentage desorption of solution A from dressings at 24:40h was 395.0±21.1%:1335.2±101.4%. BD was hydrophilic with no particles/residue after immersion and pH neutral. The average air permeability was 11.6±1.6 cm3/cm2/sec. The tensile force was 200N-220N with an extension on the breaking point at 24mm. BD was superior for ease of removability on Day 6(p=0.012) and sticking quality(p=0.036), absorption(p=0.036), ease of removability(p=0.036), and sustenance (p=0.030) on Day 10. BD dressing demonstrated better wound healing (p=0.015) and decreased redness (p=0.002) on Day 10. Histopathological healing was better with BD on Day 14(p=0.025) and Day 20 (p=0.034)
Conclusion: BD demonstrated better desirable physical and wound healing qualities with less inflammation compared with control normal dressing.
Treatment Recommendation Based on SYNTAX score 2020 Derived from Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography and Invasive Coronary Angiography
Authors: Masuda Shinichiro , Serruys Patrick W. , Kageyama Shigetaka , Kotoku Nozomi , Ninomiya Kai , Garg Scot , Soo Alan , Morel Marie-Angele , Puskas John D. , Narula Jagat , Schneider Ulrich , Doenst Torsten , Tanaka Kaoru , de Mey Johan , Meir Mark La , Bartorelli Antonio L. , Mushtaq Saima , Pompilio Giulio , Andreini Daniele , Onuma Yoshinobu 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The diagnostic performance of the SYNTAX score 2020 (SS-2020) when calculated using CCTA remains unknown. This study aimed to compare treatment recommendations based on the SS-2020 derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) versus invasive coronary angiography (ICA).
Methods
This interim analysis included 57 of the planned 114 patients with de-novo three-vessel disease, with or without left main coronary artery disease, enrolled in the ongoing FASTTRACK CABG trial. The anatomical SYNTAX scores derived from ICA or CCTA were evaluated by two separate teams of blinded core-lab analysts. Treatment recommendations were based on a maximal individual absolute risk difference in all-cause mortality between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) of 4.5% ([predicted PCI mortality] – [predicted CABG mortality]). The level of agreement was evaluated with Bland-Altman plots and Cohen’s Kappa.
Results
The mean age was 66.2±9.2 years and 89.5% of patients were male. Mean anatomical SYNTAX scores derived from ICA and CCTA were 35.1±11.5 and 35.6±11.4 (p=0.751), respectively. The Bland-Altman analysis showed mean differences of -0.26 and -0.93, with standard deviation of 3.69 and 5.23, for 5- and 10-year all-cause mortality, respectively. The concordance in recommended treatment for 5- and 10-year mortalities were 84.2% (48/57 patients) and 80.7% (46/57 patients), with Cohen’s κ coefficients of 0.672 and 0.551.
Conclusion
There was moderate to substantial agreement between treatment recommendations based on the SS-2020 derived using CCTA and ICA, suggesting that CCTA could be used as an alternative to ICA when making decisions regarding the modality of revascularization.
The role of bidding agreements in the US radio frequency auctions
Authors: Tęcza Jakub 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In the US spectrum auctions which allocate radio frequency rights to the private sector, firms are allowed to form multilateral bidding agreements. These agreements explicitly allow bidders to discuss their strategies and bids. Using public auction- and firm-level data from the Federal Communications Commission, I empirically investigate whether the bidding agreement rule leads to differential auction outcomes for firms that are members of such agreements, versus other firms. I find that firms which are member of a bidding agreement, bid more aggressively and pay up to 43% higher prices than firms who have no such agreements. Moreover, results of further empirical tests do not support the hypothesis that bidding agreements result in anti-competitive behavior. In contrast, I find suggestive evidence in favor of a resource pooling argument. Consequently, the regulator's rule of permitting bidding agreements appears to be justified on economic grounds, and should be reinstated in future frequency auctions. My result corroborates findings of earlier empirical studies on joint bidding, conducted in other types of auctions.
JEL codes: D44, L24, L40, L86, L96
Deep Convolution Neural Networks and Image Processing for Malware Detection
Authors: Ksibi Amel , Zakariah Mohammed , Almuqren Latifah AbdulRahman , Alluhaidan Ala Saleh 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Current anti-malware technologies have exposed its glaring vulnerabilities as a result of a signature-based approach as more sophisticated malware has been appearing in recent years, particularly in the android operating system. The state-of-the-art literature offers a wide range of possibilities, but none of them are flawless in terms of providing clear and timely solutions. The current study used a CNN-based deep learning architecture to address this problem. The proposed method collected RGB images from unprocessed malware binaries. We explored complex high-level aspects that effectively identify malware families using an image-based method rather than feature representations in order to detect and identify malware families. The RGB graphics were extracted from the raw APK files because colour images may hold more data in the source code. We developed deep CNNs using produced images that extract higher-level semantics associated with malware. This has allowed us to develop more complex software with enhanced security and made it more challenging for attackers to avoid detection. We trained a customised CNN and a refined Vgg-16 architecture using their covered images. The Android malware datasets CIC-AndMal2017 and CICMalDroid 2020 were used in this analysis. Results show that the shallow CNN model is defeated by the pretrained vgg-16. The accuracy of the suggested method, which is substantially better than earlier studies on the topic, has been assessed to detect malware samples with a 97.81% accuracy rate.