bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An investigation of the expression of the NKX2-1 gene in nodular goiter
Authors: Javadirad Seyed-Morteza 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The reported risk of papillary thyroid cancer among patients with benign nodular goiter is variable. Therefore, understanding the cause of goiters can assist in their management. No consensus has been reached regarding the genetic factors that influence the development of nodular goiter. The objective of this study was to determine the expression level of NKX2-1 in benign goiter tumors.
Methods
A case-control study was conducted on 18 samples of fresh goiter tissue collected during thyroidectomy in Isfahan, Iran and 18 samples of healthy tissue around the goiter. Following extraction of RNA, cDNA was synthesized. RT-qPCR was used to determine the expression of NKX2-1 using specific primers (exon-junction and intron-spanning).
Results
The extracted RNAs were intact and suitable for cDNA synthesis. Melting curve analysis revealed distinct amplifications of the NKX2-1 gene. A significant difference was observed in the level of expression of NKX2-1 between nodular goiter and adjacent healthy tissues (relative expression = 1.172, p = 0.04).
Conclusion
It was found that the expression of NKX2-1 was different between nodular goiter tissues and adjacent healthy tissues.
Single-cell sequencing reveals the optimal time window for anti-inflammatory treatment in spinal cord injury
Authors: Ye Jingjia , Wen Zhengfa , Wu Tianxin , Chen Liangliang , Sheng Lingchao , Wang Chenhuan , Teng Chong , Wu Bingbing , Xu Jian , Wei Wei 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a necessary response to spinal cord injury (SCI) as it helps to clear antigens and promote tissue repair. However, excessive inflammation can result in the death of cells and axon dieback. The efficacy of anti-inflammatory medication in clinical treatment is still up for debate due to inappropriate therapeutic scheduling that does not align with the biological process of immune response. A better understanding of the immune process is crucial for effective anti-inflammatory therapeutics, but it is challenged by cellular heterogeneity and complex cellular functions. To address this, we conducted a single-cell RNA sequencing study and profiled tissue proximity to the injury site at various time points after SCI. Based on our analysis of single-cell data and histochemistry observations, we recommend an appropriate time window of 1-3 days post-injury for anti-inflammatory medication treatment. We also verified the mechanism of MPSS, a typical anti-inflammatory medication, which was found to inhibit the activation of cells with pro-inflammatory phenotypes by downregulating pathways such as TNF, IL2, and MIF. These pathways could be potential targets for anti-inflammatory treatment. In summary, we recommend a therapeutic schedule of 1-3 days post-injury to argue against classical early pulse therapy and provide potential pathways for target therapy in the future.
Prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria and recommendations for therapeutic appropriateness in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Suárez María Del Mar Sánchez , Roldán Alicia Martín , Cuenca Maria Rosa Cantudo , Morales Alberto Jiménez 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The ageing population with multiple sclerosis could be related to potentially inappropriate medication prescriptions, drug-drug interactions and therapeutic non-adherence. The PIMDINAC criteria aim to jointly analyse these problems. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria in a multiple sclerosis population aged 55 years or older.
Methods
Observational, cross-sectional study that included patients over 55 years of age in pharmacotherapy follow-up between November 2022 and January 2023. The main variable was the percentage of compliance with the PIMDINAC criteria.
Results
95 patients were included, detecting the presence of PIMDINAC criteria in 67.4%. The most frequently detected was non-adherence to concomitant treatment in 84.4% of cases followed by drug-drug interactions in 56.2% and potentially inappropriate medication in 25%. The number of drugs and polypharmacy were related to a higher occurrence of PIMDINAC criteria. A total of 20 pharmaceutical interventions were performed in 17 patients (17.9%), PIM criteria were responsible for 11 interventions, NAC for 7 and DI for 2. Of the 11 interventions on PIM criteria, 9 (81.8%) were accepted resulting in the discontinuation of 15 drugs that were appropriately prescribed.
Conclusion
The prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria in elderly MS patients is high.
Dietary intake of recreational cyclists: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cruz Grazielle Sardeiro , Silva Danielle Cristina Guimarães da , Cunha Marcela de Sá Barreto da 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the dietary intake of recreational cyclists.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 34 recreational cyclists of both sexes, aged between 20 and 59 years, from Western Bahia, who had practiced cycling for over a year. Food intake was evaluated by performing two sets of 24-hour food recall. The data of nutrient intake were compared with the existing recommendations for the sport and the Dietary Reference Intakes for micronutrient.
Results: Women had low intake of carbohydrates and lipids, while men had low intake of carbohydrates. Cyclists of both sexes had low intake of dietary fiber. As regards micronutrient intake, men had prevalence of inadequacy higher than 50% for calcium, magnesium, selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E intake. Meanwhile, women had high prevalence of inadequacy calcium, magnesium, selenium, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin E intake.
Conclusion:Our data show that recreational cyclists tend to have inadequate dietary intake, which can influence their health and sports performance.
Study on the effect of excavation sequence of three-hole shield tunnel on surface settlement and segment deformation
Authors: wang you , Dai Fang , Ding Bosong , Zhong Ming , Zhang Heng 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of excavation sequence of three-hole parallel shield tunnel on surface settlement and segment convergence, this paper conducts theoretical analysis and numerical simulation to find the optimal excavation sequence of three-hole parallel shield tunnel. Firstly, a "three-stage analysis method" is proposed to calculate the surface settlement of the three-hole parallel tunnel. This method is based on Peck’s formula and uses the first tunnel monitoring values as the base data to obtain the single tunnel surface settlement curve. The additional settlement curve is determined by the relationship between the repeat disturbance range and the line spacing. The single tunnel settlement curve and the additional settlement curve are offset and superimposed to obtain the total settlement curve. Then, using a shield interval in Jiangsu, China as the engineering background, FLAC3D was used to simulate the three-hole parallel shield tunnel in "right-center-left", "right-left-center", "center-left-right ", "right-center (reverse)-left", and analyze the surface deformation law and segment deformation law caused by these four working conditions. For the surface settlement law, it is found that the width of settlement trough caused by different excavation sequences is basically the same. However, there are differences in the maximum settlement values caused by the ground surface. The maximum settlement value obtained by numerical simulation is -11.8 mm, while the maximum settlement value predicted by the formula of "three-stage analysis method" is -11.66 mm, and the error is 1.46% and 0.25% respectively compared with the maximum settlement value of -11.63 mm obtained by fitting the measured fitting data. For the segment deformation law, the tunnel deformation caused by different excavation sequences changed from the standard circular shape to an ellipse with flat top and bottom and wide ends. However, there are differences in the offset process and the final segment convergence values. To integrate the surface settlement and segment convergence offset, and to consider economic factors such as construction efficiency and efficiency, the excavation sequence selection in the actual construction process gives priority to the excavation sequence of Case 4, i.e., the three tunnels are excavated in S-shaped sequence. The second choice is Case 1, i.e., the three tunnels are excavated sequentially. It can provide reference for the actual construction.
Pollutant concentration prediction from traffic data analysis for concrete durability studies in Madrid Calle 30 urban tunnels
Authors: de Abajo Lucia Lopez , Alberti Marcos G. , Galvez Jaime C. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The possibility of assessing and predicting the concrete damage is essential in order to apply an adequate and accurate maintenance and reparation policy for infrastructure management. In urban tunnels, concrete is exposed to pollutant emissions from the engines of the vehicles which can cause neutralization issues that may lead to the corrosion of the steel reinforcement. As pollutant concentration is an indispensable parameter to evaluate and forecast concrete neutralization damage, the aim of this work was to quantify gas concentrations inside an urban tunnel based on available traffic intensity data. This study was carried out performing in-situ concentration measures, comparing these values with available traffic data during the same period and developing a traffic intensity study to obtain the total concentrations at which the infrastructure had been exposed since its construction. This analysis was performed in a ventilation gallery of the Madrid Calle 30 tunnels as a part of a study in development with the aim of determining the service lifespan of the structure based on a predictive numerical model for concrete carbonation.
Examination of Current Landslide Areas and Improving the Landslide Inventory Map With the Multi-sar Images
Authors: Kadi Fatih , Saralioglu Ekrem 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This study aims to examine current landslide areas, improve the landslide inventory map (LIM) and identify new unreported landslide areas with the help of SNAP-StaMPS/MTI integration. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the PSI points in the region had velocity values between -19 mm/year and +20 mm/year. Statistical analyses of the PSI points falling into the landslide areas were revealed by overlaying the PSI points with the existing landslide inventory map produced. There are a total of 3653 PSI points falling into landslide areas. In addition, the surface model was produced with the help of kriging interpolation using the position and velocity information of the PSI points. Eight new landslide areas with a total of 832 hectares have been identified. In addition, these new landslide areas were examined in terms of slope degree and soil groups by overlapping with land use capability maps. As a result of the examination, it was observed that all new landslide areas were located on landslide-prone areas. In this way, using the methodology specified in this study, SAR images and existing landslide areas have been updated in a low-cost, wide area and accurately.
The structure-activity interactions of Cu/Zn, In/Pd and Fe/K catalysts supported on mesoporous SBA-15; CO2 Hydrogenation at Low Pressure
Authors: Abelniece Zane , Cutrufello Maria Giorgia , Rombi Elisabetta , Stanke Agija , Piirsoo Helle-Mai , Mändar Hugo , Tamm Aile 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
To minimize greenhouse gas emissions, efficient carbon dioxide capture and utilization need to be addressed. In this study, to determine the structure-activity interplay, three different promising catalytic systems for the CO2 hydrogenation process were synthesized using mesoporous silica SBA-15 as a support material: copper-based catalyst with zinc, indium-based catalyst with palladium and iron-based catalyst with potassium. The role of metal–metal oxide interaction has been showed. The use of Cu/Zn catalytic system and SBA-15 allowed to obtain very small crystallite size of tenorite and zinc oxide, good dispersion of active phases with strong basic sites. In order to find the most effective catalyst providing the maximal methanol yield and selectivity, these catalytic systems were compared under the same reaction conditions (250°C, 20 bar, H2 to CO2 molar ratio 4 to 1) using fixed-bed tubular micro-activity reactor. Results showed that the highest methanol yield can be obtained with Cu/Zn/SBA-15 catalyst as might be expected according to obtained characterization.
Ulinastatin Ameliorates Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Inhibiting the tissue kallikrein-kinin system
Authors: Ran Xiao , Ruan Hang , Li Shu-sheng , Wu Rongxue , Luo Ailin , Zhang Qin 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Endothelial cells (ECs) are considered more sensitive to cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury compared to cardiomyocytes. However, current research is mainly focused on molecular mechanisms and preventive strategies targeting cardiomyocyte I/R injury, whereas insufficient attention is placed on protecting endothelial function. In this study, we established an interlink among ulinastatin (UIT; a serine protease inhibitor), the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS), and EC injury in response to cardiac reperfusion for the first time, using in vitro and in vivo experiments, and bioinformatic analysis. Our data indicated that UTI affected I/R by inhibiting the activation of KKS and simultaneously down-regulating both bradykinin receptor 1 (Bdkrb1) and bradykinin receptor 2 (Bdkrb2) related signaling such as extracellularsignal–regulated kinase (ERK)/inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), thereby reducing infarct size, attenuating inflammation and edema, and improving cardiac function and mortality. Interestingly, UIT significantly suppressed KLK1 activity but did not down-regulate the KKS in normal conditions, suggesting inhibition of KLK1 might be the crucial mechanism for UIT-induced cardioprotection in reperfusion injury. Moreover, knockdown of Bdkrb1 in reperfusion-induced cardiac endothelial cells (MCECs) injury significantly prevented ERK translocation into the nucleus, reducing apoptosis, junction disruption, and expression levels of cytokines, whereas Bdkrb2 deletion could not protect MCECs against I/R injury. Thus, our findings imply that inhibition of KLK1/Bdkrb1 is a critical target for UIT in the treatment of reperfusion-induced cardiac endothelial inflammation, apoptosis, and leakage and might be a potential therapeutic strategy for cardiac reperfusion injury.
Stability analysis of integer-order and fractional-order malware spread models on WSNs
Authors: Hoang Manh Tuan 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In a recent work [J. D. Hernández Guillén, A. Martín del Rey, A mathematical model for malware spread on WSNs with population dynamics, Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications 545(2020) 123609], an integer-order model for the spread of malicious code on wireless sensor networks was introduced and analyzed. The global asymptotic stability (GAS) of the disease-endemic equilibrium (DEE) point was only resolved partially under technical hypotheses. In the present work, we use a simple approach, which is based on a suitable family of Lyapunov functions in combination with characteristics of Volterra-Lyapunov stable matrices, to establish the GAS of the DEE point. Consequently, we obtain a simple and easily-verified condition for the DEE point of the integer-order model to be globally asymptotically stable. In addition, we generalize the inter-order model by considering it in the context of the Caputo fractional derivative. After that, the proposed approach is utilized to analyze the GAS of the fractional-order model. The result is that the GAS of the DEE point of the fractional-order model is also established. As an important consequence, the advantage of the present approach is shown. Finally, the theoretical findings are supported by numerical and illustrative examples, which indicate that the numerical results are consistent with the theoretical ones.
2010 MSC: 34C60, 34D05, 33C75, 37N99
Single-center Experience of Robotic-Assisted Donor Nephrectomy with Transvaginal Extraction
Authors: Rofaiel George , Forandi Katalin , Aviles-Ovalle Leonardo , Baker Nick , Molnar Miklos , Hall Isaac , Adelman Marisa , Hopwood Caleb 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Living donation provides the best available treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This technique has slowly evolved over the years. Continued innovation is still needed to provide safe, low-complication, and less-invasive surgery for living donors. In this descriptive paper we aim to report on our center’s experience.
Methods:
101 female patients donating their kidney between July 2019 and June 2022 were included in this single center retrospective study. 64 patients had hand assisted donor nephrectomy (HDN), 29 robotic assisted donor nephrectomy (RDN) and 8 patients received RDN with transvaginal extraction (TVE). Therapeutic donors (n=4) were excluded from this cohort. Demographic, preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data including short term, 6 months and 12 months donor and recipient outcomes were collected from electronic health records.
Results:
This cohort consisted of mostly Caucasian women with a mean BMI of 27±5 kg/m2. RND-TVE patients were older, had more history of abdominal surgeries, were more likely postmenopausal and all of them had simple hilar anatomy. Only the HDN group included patients with complex hilar anatomy. Mean operative time and total post-operative opioid usage was higher in the HDN-TVE group. Estimated median blood loss was comparable in all groups. There were minimal procedurally related intraoperative or postoperative complications reported in the cohort.
Conclusions:
Overall, RDN with TVE seems to offer low morbidity risk for a very highly functional, female patients. The utilization of computer-assisted surgery has provided an advantage in making this surgery more achievable with few complications for living donors.
Role of nerve growth factor on cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease patients carrying apolipoprotein E ε4
Authors: He Mingyue , Lian Tenghong , Guo Peng , Zhang Wenjing , Huang Yue , Zhang Yanan , Liu Gaifen , Zhang Weijiao , Li Jinghui , Guan Huiying , Zhang Weijia , Luo Dongmei , Qi Jing , Yue Hao , Liu Zhan , Wang Xiaomin , Zhang Wei 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 and neurotrophic factors are related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to investigate roles of neurotrophic factors on cognition in AD patients carrying APOE ε4.
Methods
173 AD patients were divided into the APOE ε4 carrier and the APOE ε4 non-carrier groups. Demographics, cognition, and neurotrophic factors in CSF were compared between two groups. Correlations among APOE ε4, neurotrophic factors, and cognition were analysed.
Results
55 AD patients carried APOE ε4. Global cognition and multiple domains were impaired in the APOE ε4 carrier group. Nerve growth factor (NGF) in CSF from the APOE ε4 carrier group were decreased. NGF correlated with global cognition and multiple domains. NGF mediated associations between APOE ε4 and language, attention/executive function. All P < 0.05.
Conclusion
In AD, APOE ε4 is associated with cognitive impairment and patients carrying APOE ε4 have decreased NGF in CSF. Declined NGF correlates with compromised cognition. NGF mediates APOE ε4-related cognitive impairment.
GRP78/BiP alleviates oxLDL-induced hepatotoxicity in familial hypercholesterolemia caused by missense variants of LDLR
Authors: Varghese Divya Saro , Oommen Deepu , John Anne , Ali Bassam 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress, caused by aberrantly trafficked proteins that are encoded by genetic variants of functional genes, is a critical consequence in human disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular and hepatic diseases. In addition to the identification of ER stress as a contributing factor to pathogenicity, extensive studies on the role of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and its ill effects in expediting cardiovascular diseases and other metabolic comorbidities are well documented. However, our current understanding of its role in hepatic insults is inadequate. Our study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of oxLDL and ER stress-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2.
Methods-HepG2 cells stably expressing wild-type (WT) LDLR and missense variants of LDLR that are pathogenically associated with familial hypercholesterolemia were used as the in vitro models. The relative mRNA expression and protein profiles of ER stress sensors, inflammatory and apoptotic markers, together with cytotoxic assays and measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential were carried out in HepG2 cells treated with 100 µg per ml oxLDL for 24 to 48 hours. 1-way or 2-way ANOVA were used for statistical analyses of datasets.
Results-ER stress responses are elicited along all three arms of the UPR, with adverse cytotoxic and inflammatory responses in oxLDL-treated conditions. Interestingly, oxLDL-treated ER-stressed HepG2 cells manifested intriguingly low expression of BiP- the master regulator of ER stress, as observed earlier by various researchers in liver biopsies of NASH patients. In our study, we show that overexpression of BiP rescues hepatic cells from cytotoxic and inflammatory mechanisms instigated by ER stress in combination with oxLDL, along the ER and mitochondrial membrane and restores cellular homeostasis.
Conclusion-Our data provide interesting leads that identify patients with familial hypercholesterolemia conditions and potentially other ERAD diseases as highly susceptible to developing hepatic insults with molecular signatures similar to those manifested in NAFLD and NASH.
Predicting clinical outcomes of post-operative focal neurological deficits after glioma resection based on MRI characteristics: A retrospective chart review
Authors: Bukhari Syed Sarmad , Saeed Faizan , Tahir Izza , Kazmi Maryam , Angez Meher , Khalid Muhammad Usman , Nasir Roua , Jawed Amna , Enam Syed Ather 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background: The standard of care for gliomas includes maximum safe resection of the tumor. This may lead to inadvertent damage to tissue directly or vasculature supplying normal brain tissue. This may result in perilesional brain infarction which is readily seen on early postoperative MRI scans. Their relationship with the presence of a deficit and recovery from said deficit is unclear.
Methods: We did a retrospective chart and radiology review to study this relationship.
Results: Out of 225 included patients, 24% had infarcts on their postoperative MRI while the rest did not have infarcts. The incidence of new deficits in these two groups was not significantly different. The presence of these infarcts did not appear to affect recovery from deficits against patients with deficits and no infarcts. Moreover, the location of the tumor did not significantly correlate with the presence of infarcts, new deficits or recovery from deficits. The extent of resection also failed to show a strong correlation with new infarcts or deficits. Only a small percentage of all patients failed to show some or complete improvement from deficits at 6 months follow up.
Conclusion: Perilesional infarcts are a common finding on postoperative scans after glioma surgery but their presence does not help to predict the presence of a deficit nor the recovery from a deficit.