bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of miR-107 suppresses Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling in degenerated intervertebral disc cells following hyperbaric oxygen treatment—in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Niu Chi-Chien , Lin Song-Shu , Chan Yi-Sheng , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Ueng Steve W.N. , Yuan Li-Jen , Chong Kowit-Yu , Yang Chuen-Yung , Liu Shih–Jun , Liu Jia-Wei , Hsiao Hui-Yi , Hsueh Yi-Jen , Liu Shiau-Chin , Chen Chung-An 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) 107 expression is downregulated but Wnt3a protein and β-catenin are upregulated in degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD). We investigated mir-107/Wnt3a-β-catenin signaling in degenerated nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) following hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment. Methods: MiRNA profiling was accomplished via microarray and real-time PCR. MiRNA targets were identified using bioinformatics and a luciferase reporter assay. After HBO treatment, the changes in Wnt3a, phosphorylated LRP6, β-catenin, cyclinD1, metalloproteinases (MMPs) were evaluated. In addition, the translocation of β-catenin was detected, the TOP flash and FOP flash activity and the secreted MMPs were quantified. Subsequently, we investigated the effects of HBO on Wnt3a /β-catenin expression and serum keratan sulfate (KS) levels in a rabbit degenerated IVD model. Results: Our results showed ninety-six miRNAs were upregulated and 66 downregulated following HBO intervention. The 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the Wnt3a mRNA contained the “seed-matched-sequence” for miR-107. MiR-107 was induced by HBO and a marked suppression of Wnt3a was observed simultaneously in degenerated NPCs. Knockdown of miR-107 upregulated Wnt3a expression in hyperoxic cells. HBO downregulated the protein expression of Wnt3a, phosphorylated LRP6, and cyclin D1. There was decreased TOP flash activity following HBO stimulation, whereas the FOP flash activity was not affected. HBO decreased the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and decreased the secretion of MMP 3 and 9. Moreover, rabbit serum KS levels and the area stained positive for Wnt3a and β-catenin tended to be lower in the HBO group. Conclusions: HBO inhibits Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling related pathways by upregulating miR-107 expression in degenerated NPCs. HBO may play a protective role against IVD degeneration and could be used as a future therapeutic treatment
On the mechanism of marine fouling-prevention performance of oil-containing silicone elastomers: A comprehensive laboratory, field and theoretical study
Authors: Kolle Stefan , Ahanotu Onyemaechi , Meeks Amos , Stafslien Shane , Kreder Michael , Vanderwal Lyndsi , Cohen Lucas , Waltz Grant , Lim Chin Sing , Slocum Dave , Maldonado-Greene Elisa , Hunsucker Kelli , Swain Geoffrey , Wendt Dean , Teo Serena Lay-Ming , Aizenberg Joanna 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
For many decades, silicone elastomers with oil incorporated have served as fouling-release coating for marine applications. In a comprehensive study involving a series of laboratory-based marine fouling assays and extensive global field studies of up to 2-year duration, we compare polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coatings of the same composition loaded with oil. Methods using a traditional, one-pot pre-cure oil addition approach (o-PDMS) and a newer post-cure infusion approach (i-PDMS) were evaluated. The latter display a substantial increase in biofouling prevention performance that exceeds an established commercial silicone-based fouling-release coating standard. We interpret the differences in performance between one-pot and infused PDMS by developing a mechanistic model based on the Flory-Rehner theory of swollen polymer networks. Using this model, we propose that the chemical potential of the incorporated oil is a key consideration for the design of future fouling-release coatings, as the improved performance is driven by the formation and stabilization of an anti-adhesion oil overlayer on the polymer surface.
Diverse roles of heterogenous drugs in facilitating crime in East London. The input of East London community.
Authors: Bala Samkelo , Kang'ethe Simon 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Drug problem continues to escalate and facilitate crime in South Africa. This study explored the role of eclectic drugs in facilitating crime in East London environs. Qualitative paradigm was applied to collect data through a case study design. Focus groups and one-on-one interviews were conducted among thirty-two (32) participants. The findings revealed a significant role of new drugs and increase of ungovernable lawlessness; Nyaope/whoonga drug continues to produce bizarre crimes; methamphetamine (tik) remained the major influence of criminal behaviour; and East London business entities remained victims of crimes associated with drugs abuse. The study recommends a collaborative and synergistic interventions between the government and private sector to address the drug problem.
Effect of sodium selenite concentration and culture time on extracellular and intracellular metabolite profiles of Epichloë sp. isolated from Festuca sinensis in liquid culture
Authors: zhou lianyu , Qiao Feng , Ma Xuelan , Ju Jiasheng , Luo Qiaoyu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Selenium (Se) is a member of trace elements which are critical for proper functioning of an organism, and is one of the abiotic stressors which affect living organisms growth and metabolite. In this study, Epichloë sp. from Festuca sinensis was submitted to increasing Na2SeO3 concentrations (0, 0.1, and 0.2 mmol/L) in the liquid media for 8 weeks. Epichloë sp. mycelia and fermentation broth were collected by centrifuging at 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 weeks of cultivation, respectively. About 157 and 198 metabolites were respectively determined in fermentation broth and mycelia using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis. Diverse changes in extracellular and intracellular metabolites were observed as Epichloë sp. exposured to selenite conditions and cultivation time. Eight common contributed metabolites (alanine, valine, isoleucine, glycine, serine, aminomalonic acid, 4-aminobutyric acid, and phenylalanine) were determined in fermentation broth and mycelia using principal component analysis (PCA). Some metabolites had highly accumulated in fermentation broth while others decreased after different time of exposure to Se as compared to the control media. However some metabolites were presented at lower concentrations in mycelia cultivated at selenite concentrations. These metabolites changed were involved in amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, fatty acids, and nucleotides under Se conditions, as well as ones over time. Based on these results, we conclude that selenite concentrations and culture time influenced the extracellular and intracellular metabolite profiles of Epichloë sp. from F. sinensis.
The Effects of Plant Growth-promoting Bacteria on Lead Uptake by Chromolaena Odorata (Siam Weed)
Authors: Alori Elizabeth Temitope. , Dimowo Faith Oyerei , Olaniyan Faridat Temilomo. , Adekiya Aruna Olasekan , Ayorinde Bisola Bolajoko , Daramola Fisayo Yemisi , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
A study was designed to access the phytoremediation potential of microbial-assisted Chromolaena odorata of lead (Pb). The pots experiment was carried out in a Factoria experiment in a Completely Randomized Design, with nine treatments and three replications. Viable seeds of Chromoleana odorata were planted in 10kg of soil placed in each plastic pot having 10ppm, 20ppm, and 30ppm of Pb, respectively. Seedlings were inoculated with either Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Bacillus subtilis. The study was carried out for 12 weeks under natural conditions. Physiochemical properties of the soil were determined using standard methods. The results revealed that the microbes (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis) used showed the potential for remediating lead. However, C. odorata inoculated with Bacillus subtilis remediated lead (Pb) was significantly higher than that inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 10 weeks after planting. The levels of Pb in the roots and shoot of C. odorata after 12 weeks (B10, 0.22) showed that a more bioavailable pool of Pb was translocated from the root to leaves and stem in the Bacillus subtilis assisted C. odorata compared with other treatments. The results suggested that C. odorata has phytoextraction ability and could restore soil polluted with Pb. Bacillus subtilis assisted C. odorata to extract Pb via phytoaccumulation in shoot while Pseudomonas aeruginosa assisted C. odorata in removing Pb via phytostabilization. It also suggested that plant growth-promoting bacteria helped the uptake of lead from the soil.
Public expenditure for water facility and road transport infrastructure in Ethiopia: A comparison of impacts using an economy-wide model
Authors: Mosa Abdulaziz Abdulsemed 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Ethiopian government is investing in a wide range of pro-poor sectors but the economic effects of public investment widely vary across sectors. With a limited public resource, public investment across sectors has to be prioritized based on their potential socio-economic contributions and/or economy-wide benefits. Therefore, the objective of this study is to compare and explore the economy-wide returns of public expenditure on water facility and energy technology (such as improved cooking stoves) on the one hand and public expenditure on road infrastructure on the other hand.Methods: The source of data for this study is the 2005/06 updated Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) of Ethiopia. The analysis applies the STAGE Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model developed by McDonald (2007). This study analyses two policy scenarios; the first scenario is an increase in the total factor productivity (TFP) of water fetching and firewood collection activities due to public investment in water facility and improved cooking stoves and the second scenario is a decrease in the trade and transport margins due to public investment in road transport infrastructure. For ensuring the comparability of the return of public expenditure, the same amount of public capital is invested in both scenarios. Results: The simulation outcome indicates that public investment in water facility and improved stoves results relatively higher domestic production in most sectors, larger household consumption, improved household welfare and improve in the major macroeconomic indicators (GDP, absorption, private consumption, and total domestic production) as compared to public investment in road transport infrastructure. Conclusion: It is conducive to explore the potential economic contribution of public expenditure across the different pro-poor sectors before launching public investment in any specific sector. This will ensure limited public budgets are appropriately invested in the sector that can bring relatively highest economic-wide benefits to the wider society.
Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP‑2) and MMP‑9 Promoter Variants, their Serum Levels, and Activities with Aortic Valve Calcification (AVC) in a Population from Western Iran
Authors: Heidari-Moghadam Reza , Babajani Fatemeh , Karami Afshin , Elieh-Ali-Komi Daniel , Hoseini Faeghe , Salehi Nahid , Elahirad Saeed , Mohammadi‑Noori Ehsan , Mohammadi Hossein , Kiani Amir 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzyme gene polymorphisms, particularly MMP- 2 -1575G / A and MMP-9-1562 C / T promoter polymorphism, also their serum levels and activity were reported to have an association with aortic valve calcification (AVC). We investigated the possible relationship between allele A of MMP-2 and T allele of MMP-9 in synchrony and synergism and risk of AVC. 92 cases with AVC with a mean age of 63 years and 92 healthy individuals with a mean age of 61.78 years from West of Iran were included, and MMP- 2 -1575G / A and MMP-9-1562 C / T promoter polymorphism were detected using PCR–RFLP. We also investigated the serum levels of MMP- 2 and 9 and their activity by using ELISA and gelatin zymography methods, respectively. In addition, serum biochemical parameters including FBS, urea and creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, calcium, phosphorus, blood pressure SBP and DBP were measured. The frequency of A alleles from the MMP2-1575 variant was slightly higher in the presence of heart valve calcification disease (P = 0.002). Additionally, the frequency of T allele of the MMP9-1562 variant was higher than the control group (P = 0.007). Serum levels and activity of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 were found to be significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.001). Increased serum levels and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in patients, then the control group predispose them to cardiovascular disease.
Synergy between FATP2 and RIPK3 pathways promotes PMN-MDSCs-potentiated suppressive immunity in bladder cancer
Authors: Shi Xiaojun , Pang Shiyu , Zhou Jiawei , Yan Guang , Sun Jie , Tan Wanlong 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background Polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) promote tumor immune tolerance and cause tumor immunotherapy failure. In this study, we found that high PMN-MDSCs infiltration, overexpressed fatty acid transporter protein 2 (FATP2) and underexpressed receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) existed in the mouse and human bladder cancer tissues. However, the related mechanisms remain largely unknown. Methods and results Both FATP2 and RIPK3 expressions were associated with clinical stage. FATP2 knockout or up-regulating RIPK3 reduced the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in PMN-MDSCs, attenuated the suppressive activity of PMN-MDSCs on CD8+ T cells functions and inhibited the tumor growth. There was a PGE2-mediated synergy between FATP2 and RIPK3 pathways, which markedly promoted the immunosuppressive activity of PMN-MDSCs. Combination therapy with inhibition of FATP2 and activation of RIPK3 can effectively inhibit tumor growth. Conclusions This study demonstrated that a synergy between FATP2 and RIPK3 pathways in PMN-MDSCs significantly promoted the synthesis of PGE2, which severely impaired the CD8+ T cell functions. This study may provide new ideas for immunotherapy of human bladder cancer.
MSANTD3 is a novel high expressed gene in HNSCC metastasis and interferes with cell migration
Authors: Liu Shuzhou , Zhang Yuliang , Zhou Anyan , Zheng Jing , Nian Jiabin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common cancer in the world. This study proposed MSANTD3 as a prognostic biomarker for HNSCC and a regulator for cancer cell migration. Methods We analyzed the expression and survival association of MSANTD3 in HNSCC using open data. We compared the expression of MSANTD3 in tumors from primary and metastasis HNSCC tissues using QPCR and western blotting. We determined the migration velocity of multiple HNSCC cell lines using a chemotaxis migration assay. We analyzed the correlation between MSANTD3 expression and HNSCC cell migration. We also test the effect of MSANTD3 knockdown and overexpression on HNSCC cell migration. Results MSANTD3 was overexpressed in HNSCC than normal head and neck tissues and metastasis HNSCC than primary HNSCC. MSANTD3 expression was associated with significantly poorer overall survival of HNSCC patients. MSANTD3 level was correlated with the migration velocity in HNSCC cell lines. Knockdown of MSANTD3 reduced the migration and the overexpression of MSANTD3 promoted the migration of HNSCC cell line YD-15 and BICR-56. Conclusion 1) MSANTD3 is higher expressed in HNSCC than normal tissue and in metastatic than primary tumor; 2) cells with high MSANTD3 presented higher migration velocity; 3) the overexpression and knockdown of MSANTD3 interfered on cell migration.
Reliability and Validity of Chinese Version of MBIS and HerQles on Postpartum Women Who Have Diastasis Recti Abdominis
Authors: Zhu Ying , Liu Yan , Jiang Liyuan , Sun Li , Xiao Lijuan , Chen Jiayu , Wang Ting , Ren Yinghua , Xu Hongjun , Zhao Huihui , Mao Xiaozhen , Shen Tiantian 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The study aims to develop a tool with the Modified Body Self-Image Scale (MBIS) and Hernia-Related Quality-of-Life Survey (HerQles) and to analyze its reliability and validity among Chinese postpartum women.
Method: Paper questionnaires were collected from 150 women who participated in the Postpartum Rehabilitation clinic to analyze the difference. Construct validity for MBIS was analyzed by factor analysis, HerQles was compared to SF-36.
Results: 114 women with DRA and 36 without completed MBIS, HerQles, and SF-36. Age over 35-year-old was not a significant risk factor for DRA (P=0.056). Bodily pain of postpartum women without DRA had a significant increase compared to DRA ones (P=0.017). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) of MBIS was 0.897 (Bartlett’s Test χ2=777.841, df 36.000, P<0.05), and that of HerQles was 0.802 (Bartlett’s Test χ2=921.490, df 66.000, P<0.05). MBIS got a cumulative variance contribution rate of 62.439%, and HerQles 72.154%. Intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) of MBIS was between 0.584-0.794 (Cronbach’s α=0.913). ICC of HerQles was between 0.399-0.663 (Cronbach’s α=0.872). The test-retest showed that the ICC of MBIS and HerQles was 0.834 (95%CI:0.778-0.877) and 0.758 (95%CI:0.681-0.819).
Conclusion: Most women have DRA after childbirth, age over 35-year-old is a prevalent but not significant risk factor for DRA. Postpartum women with DRA have less bodily pain. The Chinese version of MBIS, HerQles are reliable and valid.
Keywords: Modified Body Self-Image Scale (MBIS); Hernia-Related Quality-of-Life Survey (HerQles); Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA); Postpartum; Reliability; Validity
Three Bayesian tracer models: Which is better for determining sources of root water uptake based on stable isotopes under various soil water conditions?
Authors: Liu Junming , Si Zhuanyun , Li Shuang , Abubakar Sunusi Amin , Zhang Yingying , Wu Lifeng , gao yang , Duan Aiwang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background and aims Stable isotope methods provide a powerful technique to quantify the sources of plant root water uptake (RWU). Although many models coupled with stable isotopes have been developed to estimate RWU, little is known about their pros and cons, especially their performance under different soil water content (SWC) conditions. Methods In this study, three Bayesian mixing models, including MixSIAR, MixSIR and SIAR, were tested their merit and demerit in determining RWU of winter wheat with six sampling events under various SWC conditions (normal, dry and wet) in the North China Plain. Results The proportions of RWU in different soil layers showed significant differences among the three Bayesian models, for example, the proportion of 0-20 cm soil layer calculated by MixSIR, MixSIAR and SIAR were 69.7%, 50.1% and 48.3% for the 3rd sampling under the dry condition, respectively. Furthermore, the average proportion of 0-20 cm layer under dry condition was lower than that under normal and wet conditions, taken MixSIR as an example, being 51.4%, 82.5% and 65.4%, respectively. The performance of three models in determining plant water source appointment varied with SWC conditions: the performance indicators such as coefficient of determination, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient in MixSIAR were higher than that in MixSIR and SIAR, showing that MixSIAR performed well under the normal and wet condition. While the rank of performance under the dry condition was MixSIR, MixSIAR and SIAR, respectively. Conclusions Overall, MixSIAR performed relatively better than other models in predicting RWU under various soil moisture conditions.
The correlation of psoas muscle index with bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women
Authors: Zhang Yihui , Dilixiati Yilihamu , Cao Xiufeng , Guo Hui 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the correlation of psoas muscle index(PMI) with bone mineral density(BMD) and vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women
Methods
A total of 184 postmenopausal female patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to December 2021 were included in the study. We measured the cross-sectional area of the psoas major on both sides (at the level of the lower border of the Lumbar (L)3 vertebrae) by computed tomography (CT), and then calculated the PMI. We measured the BMD of the study subjects’ lumbar spine and hip joint by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). According to the T value, the subjects were divided into the osteoporosis group (T value≤-2.5) and the non-osteoporosis group (T value>-2.5). Then, they were further grouped according to whether they had vertebral fractures. The data was collected and then statistically analyzed.
Results
Height, weight, body mass index(BMI), bilateral psoas major area, and PMI of the non-osteoporosis group were higher than those of the osteoporosis group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in age, age of amenorrhea, and incidence of spinal fractures between the two groups (P > 0.05). BMD of the L1-3 vertebrae, femoral neck, and femoral trochanter was positively correlated with the PMI (P < 0.05). For non-osteoporosis subjects, the PMI of the vertebral fracture group was lower than that of the non-vertebral fracture group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the PMI for patients with osteoporosis between the vertebral fracture and non-vertebral fracture groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis have lower skeletal muscle mass than those without osteoporosis. Decreased lumbar spine and hip BMD are associated with decreased skeletal muscle mass in postmenopausal women. Sarcopenia may be an independent risk factor for spinal fractures in postmenopausal women without osteoporosis.
Primary Central Nervous System Vasculitis in Childhood, a case series study
Authors: Salehzadeh Farhad , Akbari Omid 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Primary CNS angiitis of childhood (cPACNS) is an autoimmune process of CNS vascular structure. It is considered a novel and challenging clinical problem in pediatric neurology and rheumatology. This study discusses as a significant case series study of cPACNS. Methods: From 1994 to 2021 at pediatric rheumatology clinic, patients <18 years of age were enrolled this study with diagnosis of cPACNS if they had: a clinical symptoms compatible with primary CNS vasculitis, and MRA findings demonstrating arterial stenosis and or aneurism that are not attributable to other disease and background. Results: There were 22 patients with mean age 10 years, 12 patients (54%) were female. The mean delayed time to diagnosis was 4 years. The most common neurologic symptoms were headache (88%) then seizure and mental disorder in (45%). Fever was in (54%) and positive ANA result in (31%) patients. 14 patients (63 %) showed abnormality in both MCA and ACA, whereas PCA showed this abnormity in 36% (8) patients. Most of patients 86 %( 19) had normal EEG findings. Five patients (22%) had severe and permanent neurological damage and sequel.Conclusion: Although cPACNS seems to be a rare and unfamiliar disorder, however it can be conceptualized much in the same way as pediatric ischemic disorder, and it should be considered in any patient with unexplained headache, seizure and mental disorder.