bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesoporous polydopamine delivering 8-gingerol for the target and synergistic treatment to the spinal cord injury
Authors: Yang Jinpei , Wang Meng , Zheng Shuai , Huang Ruodong , Wen Ganjun , Zhou Pan , Wang Wenbo , Zhou Shihao , Jiang Xinlin , Liu Shuangjiang , Li Zhizhong , Ma Dong , Jiao Genlong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI), the complex process of secondary injury is mainly responsible for preventing SCI repair or even exacerbating the injury. In this experiment, we constructed the 8-gingerol (8G)-loaded mesoporous polydopamine (M-PDA), M@8G, as the in vivo targeting nano-delivery platform, and investigated the therapeutic effects of M@8G in secondary SCI and its related mechanisms. The results indicated that M@8G could penetrate the blood-spinal cord barrier to enrich the spinal cord injury site. Mechanism research has shown that all of the M-PDA,8G and M@8G displayed the anti-lipid peroxidation effect, and then M@8G can inhibit the secondary SCI by suppressing the ferroptosis and inflammation. In vivo assays showed that M@8G significantly diminished the local injury area, reduced axonal and myelin loss, thus improving the neurological and motor recovery in rats. Based on the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients, ferroptosis occurred locally in SCI and continued to progress in patients during the acute phase of SCI as well as the stage after their clinical surgery. This study showcases effective treatment of SCI through the aggregation and synergistic effect of M@8G in focal areas, providing a safe and promising strategy for the clinical treatment of SCI.
LncRNA landscape and associated ceRNA network in placental villus of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Tang Minyue , Li Qingfang , Wan Shan , Chen Qingqing , Feng Shujun , You Jiali , Wang Wei , Zhu Yimin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) is one of the most challenging conditions frustrates women of childbearing age profoundly. The gene expression patterns and biological characteristics of placental villus in patients with URSA remain largely unknown. The aim of our study was to identify potential lncRNAs as well as their action mechanisms in URSA.

Method
The ceRNA microarray was used to identify the mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles of URSA patients and normal pregnancy. Functional enrichment analyses for differentially expressed mRNAs in URSA were performed. Protein-protein interaction analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs was performed to identify hub genes and key modules. Subsequently, the co-dysregulated ceRNA network of URSA was established, and the enrichment analyses for the mRNAs in the ceRNA network was implemented. qRT-PCR was performed to validated the expression of key ENST00000429019 and mRNAs in URSA.

Results
We found that URSA placental villus have distinct mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles through ceRNA microarray, with a total of 347 mRNAs and 361 lncRNAs differentially expressed compared with controls. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that ncRNA processing, DNA replication, cell cycle, apoptosis, cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction were the potentially disrupted pathways in URSA patients. Then we constructed a co-dysregulated ceRNA network and found differentially expressed mRNAs were regulated by a small fraction of hub lncRNAs. Finally, we found a key network of ENST00000429019 and three cell proliferation or apoptosis related key mRNAs (CDCA3, KIFC1, NCAPH), and validated their expression and regulation in tissue and cellular levels.

Conclusions
This study identified a key ceRNA network, which might take part in URSA and correlate with cell proliferation and apoptosis. Optimistically, this study may deepen our apprehensions about the underlying molecular and biological causes of URSA and provide an important theoretical basis for future therapeutic strategies for patients with URSA.
The Prognostic and therapeutic value and clinical implications of fibroblast activation protein-α as a novel biomarker in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kalaei Zahra , Manafi-Farid Reyhaneh , Rashidi Bentolhoda , Kiani Fariba Karoon , Zarei Asieh , Fathi Mehrdad , Jadidi-Niaragh Farhad 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe identification of contributing factors leading to the development of Colorectal Cancer (CRC), as the third fatal malignancy, is crucial. Today, the tumor microenvironment has been shown to play a key role in CRC progression. Fibroblast-Activation Protein-α (FAP) is a type II transmembrane cell surface proteinase expressed on the surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor stroma. As an enzyme, FAP has di- and endoprolylpeptidase, endoprotease, and gelatinase/collagenase activities in the Tumor Microenvironment (TME). According to recent reports, FAP overexpression in CRC contributes to adverse clinical outcomes such as increased lymph node metastasis, tumor recurrence, and angiogenesis, as well as decreased overall survival. In this review, studies about the expression level of FAP and its associations with CRC patients' prognosis are reviewed. High expression levels of FAP and its association with clinicopathological factors have made as a potential target. In many studies, FAP has been evaluated as a therapeutic target and diagnostic factor into which the current review tries to provide a comprehensive insight.
Mutual impact of adipocytes and colorectal cancer cells growing in co-culture conditions
Authors: Olszańska Joanna , Pietraszek-Gremplewicz Katarzyna , Domagalski Mikołaj , Nowak Dorota 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide. CRC cells are situated in an adipocyte-rich microenvironment, which leads to interactions between adipocytes and CRC cells. Upon exposure to cancer cells, adipocytes transform into cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs), and as a result, they gain features that promote tumor progression. The aim of this research was to shed more light on the detailed role of interactions between adipocytes and CRC cells associated with cancer progression in the context of these alterations.MethodsTo implement adipocyte-CRC cell interaction, a co-culture model was applied. The analyses mainly focused on the metabolic modifications within CAAs and CRC cells, as well as the proliferation and migration potential of CRC cells. The impact of CRC on adipocytes was investigated by qRT-PCR analysis and Oil Red O staining. Proliferation and migration of CRC cells upon co-culture were tested with videomicroscopy, XTT, and a wound healing assay. Metabolic changes within CAAs and CRC cells were investigated based on lipid droplet formation, cell cycle analysis, gene and protein expression by qRT-PCR, and western blotting techniques.ResultsCRC cells induced reprogramming of adipocytes into CAAs, which was connected with downregulation of lipid droplet formation in CAAs and alteration in adipocyte features. CAAs showed decreased metabolism-related gene expression, phosphorylation of Akt, ERK kinases, STAT3, and lactate secretion in comparison to the control. CAAs also promoted the migration, proliferation, and lipid droplet accumulation of CRC cells. After co-culturing with adipocytes, there was a shift to the G2/M phase of the cell cycle according to the differences in cyclin expression.ConclusionThere are complex bidirectional interactions between adipocytes and CRC cells that may be connected with the induction of CRC cell progression.
CircNFATC3 promotes the proliferation of gastric cancer through binding to IGF2BP3 and restricting its ubiquitination to enhance CCND1 mRNA stability
Authors: Yang Feifei , Ma Qiang , Huang Bo , Wang Xiaolin , Pan Xiaojuan , Yu Ting , Ran Lingyu , Jiang Shan , Li Haiping , Chen Ye , Liu Yuying , Liang Ce , Ren Junwu , Zhang Yuying , Wang Shimin , Li Wei , Xiao Bin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Insulin like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) is an RNA binding protein with multiple roles in regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and is implicated in tumorigenesis and progression of numerous cancers including gastric cancer (GC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a diverse endogenous noncoding RNA population that have important regulatory roles in cancer. However, circRNAs that regulate the expression of IGF2BP3 in GC is largely unknown.

Methods
CircRNAs that bound to IGF2BP3 were screened in GC cells using RNA immunoprecipitation and sequencing (RIP-seq). The identification and localization of circular nuclear factor of activated T cells 3 (circNFATC3) were identified using Sanger sequencing, RNase R assays, qRT-PCR, nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation and RNA-FISH assays. CircNFATC3 expression in human GC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were measured by qRT-PCR and ISH. The biological role of circNFATC3 in GC was confirmed by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Furthermore, RIP, RNA-FISH/IF, IP and rescue experiments were performed to uncover interactions between circNFATC3, IGF2BP3 and cyclin D1 (CCND1).

Results
We identified a GC-associated circRNA, circNFATC3, that interacted with IGF2BP3. CircNFATC3 was significantly overexpressed in GC tissues and was positively associated with tumor volume. Functionally, the proliferation of GC cells decreased significantly after circNFATC3 knockdown in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, circNFATC3 bound to IGF2BP3 in the cytoplasm, which enhanced the stability of IGF2BP3 by preventing ubiquitin E3 ligase TRIM25-mediated ubiquitination, thereby enhancing the regulatory axis of IGF2BP3-CCND1 and promoting CCND1 mRNA stability.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that circNFATC3 promotes GC proliferation by stabilizing IGF2BP3 protein to enhance CCND1 mRNA stability. Therefore, circNFATC3 is a potential novel target for the treatment of GC.
TIMELESS upregulates PD-L1 expression and exerts an immunosuppressive role in breast cancer
Authors: Dong Xinrui , Dai Huijuan , Lin Yanping , Sheng Xiaonan , Li Ye , Wang Yaohui , Zhang Xueli , Jiang Shuheng , Yin Wenjin , Lu Jinsong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Upregulation of the PD-L1 (CD274) immune checkpoint ligand on the tumor surface facilitates tumor immune escape and limits the application of immunotherapy in various cancers, including breast cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying high PD-L1 levels in cancers are still poorly understood.

Methods
Bioinformatics analyses and in vivo and in vitro experiments were carried out to assess the association between CD8+ T lymphocytes and TIMELESS (TIM) expression, and to discover the mechanisms of TIM, the transcription factor c-Myc, and PD-L1 in breast cancer cell lines.

Results
The circadian gene TIM enhanced PD-L1 transcription and facilitated the aggressiveness and progression of breast cancer through the intrinsic and extrinsic roles of PD-L1 overexpression. Bioinformatic analyses of our RNA sequencing data in TIM-knockdown breast cancer cells and public transcriptomic datasets showed that TIM might play an immunosuppressive role in breast cancer. We found that TIM expression was inversely associated with CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration in human breast cancer samples and subcutaneous tumor tissues. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that TIM knockdown increased CD8+ T lymphocyte antitumor activity. Furthermore, our results showed that TIM interacts with c-Myc to enhance the transcriptional capability of PD-L1 and facilitates the aggressiveness and progression of breast cancer through the intrinsic and extrinsic roles of PD-L1 overexpression. Moreover, public database analysis suggested that high TIM levels were positively related to PD-L1 inhibitor therapeutic response.

Conclusions
Mechanistically, we first found that TIM could upregulate PD-L1 by interacting with c-Myc to enhance the transcriptional capability of c-Myc to PD-L1. Altogether, our findings not only provide a novel therapeutic strategy to treat breast cancer by targeting the oncogenic effect of TIM but also indicate that TIM is a promising biomarker for predicting the benefit of anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy.
Endocrine profiles and cycle characteristics of infertile 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase Deficiency Patients undergoing assisted Reproduction Treatment: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pan Ping , Zheng Lingyan , Huang Jia , Chen Xiaoli , Ni Renmin , Zhang Qingxue , Yang Dongzi , Li Yu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency (17-OHD) is a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by CYP17A1 gene variants. Female patients with 17-OHD demonstrate a broad clinical spectrum, including oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea and infertility, often as the sole manifestation. However, no spontaneous pregnancies in affected women have been reported.

Objective
This retrospective cohort study aimed to explore the endocrine characteristics and assisted reproductive technique (ART) performance in women with 17-OHD.

Methods
Five women were referred for primary infertility in a university-affiliated hospital over an eight-year period. The endocrine profiles and cycle characteristics during a total of nine cycles of ovarian stimulation and eight cycles of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) were described in details.

Results
Three cases had homozygous variants and two cases had compound heterozygous variants, including one novel missense variant (p.Leu433Ser) in the CYP17A1 gene. Despite dual-suppression of progesterone (P) production by glucocorticoid and gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist, gradually increased P level, relatively low estradiol concentrations and thin endometrium were observed, negating fresh embryo transfer. During FET cycles, appropriate treatment resulted in low serum P levels and adequate endometrial thickness, leading to four live births.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that continuous elevation of serum P during follicular growth impairs endometrial receptivity, the likely cause of female infertility in 17-OHD. Therefore, female infertility caused by 17-OHD is suggested as an indication for freeze-all strategy, with promising reproductive prognoses following segmented ovarian stimulation and FET treatment.
Adsorption of Cd (II) by a novel living and non-living Cupriavidus necator GX_5: optimization, equilibrium and kinetic studies
Authors: Li Xingjie , Xiao Qiusheng , Shao Qin , Li Xiaopeng , Kong Jiejie , Liu Liyan , Zhao Zhigang , Li Rungen 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBiosorbents have been extensively studied for heavy metal adsorption due to their advantages of low cost and high efficiency. In the study, the living and non-living biomass of Cupriavidus necator GX_5 previously isolated were evaluated for their adsorption capacity and/or removal efficiency for Cd (II) through batch experiments, SEM and FT-IR investigations. The maximum removal efficiency rates for the live and dead biomass were 60.51% and 78.53%, respectively, at an optimum pH of 6, a dosage of 1 g/L and an initial Cd (II) concentration of 5 mg/L. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was more suitable for fitting the experimental data, indicating that the rate-limiting step might be chemisorption. The Freundlich isotherm model fit better than the Langmuir isotherm model, implying that the adsorption process of both biosorbents was heterogeneous. FT-IR observation reflected that various functional groups were involved in Cd (II) adsorption: –OH, –NH, C=O, C–O and C–C groups for the living biomass and –OH, –NH, C–H, C = O, C–N and N–H groups for the dead biomass. Our results imply that non-living biosorbents have a higher capacity and stronger strength for absorbing Cd (II) than living biomass. Therefore, we suggest that dead GX_5 is a promising adsorbent and can be used in Cd (II)-contaminated environments.
Comparing leaf area index estimates in a Mediterranean forest using field measurements, Landsat 8, and Sentinel-2 data
Authors: Sebastiani Alessandro , Salvati Riccardo , Manes Fausto 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Leaf area index (LAI) is a key indicator for the assessment of the canopy’s processes such as net primary production and evapotranspiration. For this reason, the LAI is often used as a key input parameter in ecosystem services’ modeling, which is emerging as a critical tool for steering upcoming urban reforestation strategies. However, LAI field measures are extremely time-consuming and require remarkable economic and human resources. In this context, spectral indices computed using high-resolution multispectral satellite imagery like Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8, may represent a feasible and economic solution for estimating the LAI at the city scale. Nonetheless, as far as we know, only a few studies have assessed the potential of Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 data doing so in Mediterranean forest ecosystems. To fill such a gap, we assessed the performance of 10 spectral indices derived from Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 data in estimating the LAI, using field measurements collected with the LI-COR LAI 2200c as a reference. We hypothesized that Sentinel-2 data, owing to their finer spatial and spectral resolution, perform better in estimating vegetation’s structural parameters compared to Landsat 8.

Results
We found that Landsat 8-derived models have, on average, a slightly better performance, with the best model (the one based on NDVI) showing an R2 of 0.55 and NRMSE of 14.74%, compared to R2 of 0.52 and NRMSE of 15.15% showed by the best Sentinel-2 model, which is based on the NBR. All models were affected by spectrum saturation for high LAI values (e.g., above 5).

Conclusion
In Mediterranean ecosystems, Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 data produce moderately accurate LAI estimates during the peak of the growing season. Therefore, the uncertainty introduced using satellite-derived LAI in ecosystem services’ assessments should be systematically accounted for.
Applicant qualifications and characteristics in STEM faculty hiring: an analysis of faculty and administrator perspectives
Authors: Wu Jue , Cropps Torrie , Phillips Canek Moises Luna , Boyle Samara , Pearson Yvette E. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
The lack of racial diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines is perhaps one of the most challenging issues in the United States higher education system. The issue is not only concerning diverse students, but also diverse faculty members. One important contributing factor is the faculty hiring process. To make progress toward equity in hiring decisions, it is necessary to better understand how applicants are considered and evaluated. In this paper, we describe and present our study based on a survey of current STEM faculty members and administrators who examined applicant qualifications and characteristics in STEM faculty hiring decisions.

Results
There are three key findings of the present research. First, we found that faculty members placed different levels of importance on characteristics and qualifications for tenure track hiring and non-tenure track hiring. For example, items related to research were more important when evaluating tenure track applicants, whereas items related to teaching and diversity were more important when evaluating non-tenure track applicants. Second, faculty members’ institutional classification, position, and personal identities (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity) had an impact on their evaluation criteria. For instance, we found men considered some diversity-related items more important than women. Third, faculty members rated the importance of qualifications with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related constructs significantly lower than qualifications that did not specify DEI-related constructs, and this trend held for both tenure track and non-tenure track faculty hiring.

Conclusions
This study was an attempt to address the issue of diversity in STEM faculty hiring at institutions of higher education by examining how applicant characteristics are considered and evaluated in faculty hiring practices. Emphasizing research reputation and postdoctoral reputation while neglecting institutional diversity and equitable and inclusive teaching, research, and service stunt progress toward racial diversity because biases—both implicit and explicit, both positive and negative—still exist. Our results were consistent with research on bias in recruitment, revealing that affinity bias, confirmation bias, and halo bias exist in the faculty hiring process. These biases contribute to inequities in hiring, and need to be addressed before we can reach, sustain, and grow desired levels of diversity.
Recycling of cotton apparel waste and its utilization as a thermal insulation layer in high performance clothing
Authors: Bhuiyan M. A. Rahman , Ali Ayub , Mohebbullah Md. , Hossain M. Firoz , Khan Ayub Nabi , Wang Lijing 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRecycling and converting textile waste into value-added products with enhanced functional properties pave the way toward a circular economy for sustainability. This research investigates the utilization of recycled cotton fiber from apparel cutting waste for fabricating high-performance thermal barrier fabrics. The physical characterization of the developed fabrics revealed a regular arrangement of fibers, consequently the uniform thickness of the fabric with no distortion on fiber surfaces due to the recycling operation of cotton waste. The developed fabrics also demonstrated a high softness index and low compression and bending average rigidity compared to the commercial fabric with similar thickness. The heat protection performance revealed an increase in fabric conductive and radiative heat resistance with increasing the amount of recycled cotton fiber in the fabrics. The inherent thermal resistance of cotton fiber and the low inter-fiber spacing because of their uniform orientation in the fabric lead to the high thermal resistance of developed fabrics. In the case of fabric air permeability concerning the clothing thermal comfort, no significant difference in breathability was observed among the test specimens. Besides, the moisture management profile of developed fabrics indicated the capability to create favorable thermal comfort within the clothing-skin microenvironment because of improved liquid transportation and diffusion of perspiration vapor through the fabric.