bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wedelolactone promotes the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by suppressing EZH2 in both methyltransferase activity-dependent and -independent manner
Authors: Qin wei , Yang Lin , Chen Xiaotong , Ye Shanyu , Liu Aijun , Chen Dongfeng , Hu Kunhua 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that leads to the progressive destruction of articular cartilage. Current clinical therapeutic strategies are moderately effective at relieving pain, but often cannot induce chondrocyte differentiation and achieve cartilage regeneration. Wedelolactone, an active chemical ingredient derived from Eclipta alba, has been reported to facilitate osteoblastogenesis but inhibits adipogenesis in MSCs. However, the effects of wedelolactone on chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs remain largely unknown. Methods: Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MSCs and rat bone marrow MSCs were treated with wedelolactone. Then, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemical staining, and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the effects of wedelolactone on chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. To explore the potential mechanism of the effects of wedelolactone on chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs, we performed RNA-seq, miRNA-seq, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) analysis, and ChIP-qPCR. Results: We demonstrated that wedelolactone had a beneficial effect on the chondrogenic differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and rat bone marrow MSCs. Notably, the forkhead box O (FOXO) signaling pathway was upregulated by wedelolactone during chondrogenic differentiation. The FOXO1 inhibitor attenuated the effect of wedelolactone on chondrocyte differentiation. Mechanistically, wedelolactone reduced the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)-mediated histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) on the promoter region of FOXO1 to increase its transcription. Additionally, wedelolactone repressed microRNA (miR)-1271-5p expression in an EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 independent manner. Further, miR-1271-5p post-transcriptionally suppressed FOXO1 expression dependent on the binding of miR-1271-5p to the FOXO1 3′-UTR. Conclusion: These results indicate that wedelolactone suppresses EZH2 to facilitate the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs by activating the FOXO1 signaling pathway, suggesting that wedelolactone might improve cartilage regeneration in diseases characterized by inflammatory tissue destruction, such as OA.
Inference and Validation of an Integrated Regulatory Network of Autism
Authors: Ganji Maedeh , Emadi-Baygi Modjtaba , Mohammadtaheri Farnaz , Mirmohammadsadeghi Nahid , Malek Maryam , Nikpour Parvaneh 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which non-coding transcripts influence its pathobiology. Using the data provided by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, we composed a three-component regulatory network. Functional analysis and phenotype annotation of mRNAs and miRNAs in the network showed strong involvement of these elements in autism-related pathways and validated behavioral phenotypes reported in mouse models of autism. Four candidate lncRNAs were confirmed through quantitative real-time RT-PCR in the brain of valproic acid-exposed autistic mice. We further identified a novel splice variant, designated as Gm10033-ΔEx2, which was expressed in various mouse tissues. This integrative approach combines the analysis of a three-component regulatory network with experimental validation of targets in an animal model of autism. We prioritized a set of candidate autism-associated lncRNAs which add to a common understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that are involved in disease etiology, specifically in autism.
Extrapolating contaminant effects from individuals to populations: a case study on nanoparticle toxicity to Daphnia
Authors: Stevenson Louise , Krattenmaker Katherine , McCauley Edward , Nisbet Roger 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Ecological risk assessment (ERA) is charged with assessing the likelihood a chemical will have adverse environmental or ecological effects. When assessing the risk of a potential contaminant to biological organisms, ecologists are most concerned with the sustainability of populations of organisms, rather than protecting every individual. However, ERA most commonly relies on data on the effect of a potential contaminant on individuals because these experiments are more feasible than costly population-level exposures. In this work, we address the challenge of extrapolating these individual-level results to predict population-level effects. Previous per-capita population growth rate estimates calculated from individual-level exposures of Daphnia pulicaria to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at different food rations predict a critical daily food requirement for daphnid populations exposed to 200 μg/L AgNPs to avoid extinction. To test this, we exposed daphnid populations to the same AgNP concentration at three different food inputs, with the lowest ration close to the extinction threshold predicted from data on individuals. The two populations with the higher food inputs persisted, and the population with the lowest food input went extinct after 50 days but did persist through two generations. We demonstrate that we can extrapolate between these levels of biological organization by parameterizing an individual-level biomass model with data on individuals’ response to AgNPs and using these parameters to predict the outcome for control and AgNP-exposed populations. Key to successful extrapolation is careful modeling of temporal changes in resource density, driven by both the experimental protocols and feedback from the consumer. The implication for ecotoxicology is that estimates of extinction thresholds based on studies of individuals may be reliable predictors of population outcomes, but only with careful treatment of resource dynamics.
Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat as a Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Asensio Joana , García Rodrigo D. , Benitez Sergio G , Valdez Susana R , Seltzer Alicia Mabel 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction or foetal growth restriction (IUGR/FGR), is a condition associated to motor and cognitive deficits in which a foetus fails to achieve its genetically determined growth potential due to placental insufficiency. Spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is a strain that endure pregnancy with placental insufficiency and their offspring are currently considered as an experimental model for ADHD and potentially for IUGR. Our study confirmed a delay in physical and neurological development, decreased brain genomic expression of IGF-1, alterations in cerebellar corticogenesis, foliation and Bergmann glia (fragmentation of GFAP labelling) during the immediate postnatal period. In the cerebellar cortex and white matter, using the isolectin B4, we observed the presence of microglial cells of amoeboid phenotype at P14. In most brain areas, including the meninges, we observed a marked number of dilated blood vessels. The cerebral cortex microvasculature analysis with CAV-1 presented a large index of Lacunarity and reduced expansion all through the brain parenchyma. On the basis of the present results, we reinforce the proposal of considering the pregnant SHR rat as a suitable experimental model of asymmetric IUGR and neurodevelopmental delay. The offspring of these rats display useful cellular and molecular markers for the monitoring of therapeutic interventions that could prevent or attenuate the disturbances initiated during the gestational stage.
Penetrating renal injuries: an observational study of non operative management and the impact of opening Gerota’s fascia
Authors: Clements Thomas West , Ball Chad Geoffrey , Nicol Andrew J , Edu Sorin , Kirkpatrick Andrew W , Navsaria Pradeep 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Non-operative management has become increasingly popular in the treatment of renal trauma. While data is robust in blunt mechanisms, the role of non-operative management in penetrating trauma is less clear. Additionally, there is a paucity of data comparing gunshot and stab wounds.Methods: A retrospective review of patients admitted to a high-volume level 1 trauma center (Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town) with penetrating abdominal trauma was performed. Patients with renal injuries were identified and compared based on mechanism (gunshot (GSW) versus stab) and management strategy (operative vs non operative). Primary outcomes of interest were mortality and failure of non-operative management. Secondary outcomes of interest were nephrectomy rates, Clavien-Dindo complication rate, hospital length of stay, and overall morbidity rate.Results: A total of 150 patients with renal injuries were identified (82 GSW, 68 stab). Overall, 55.2% of patients required emergent/urgent laparotomy. GSWs were more likely to cause grade V injury and concurrent intra-abdominal injuries (p>0.05). The success rate of non-operative management was 91.6% (89.9% GSW, 92.8% stab, p=0.64). The absence of hematuria on point of care testing demonstrated a negative predictive value of 98.4% (95% CI=96.8%-99.2%). All but 1 patient who failed non-operative management had associated intra-abdominal injuries requiring surgical intervention. Opening of Gerota’s fascia resulted in nephrectomy in 55.6% of cases. There were no statistically significant risk factors for failure of non-operative management identified on univariate logistic regression. Conclusions: NOM of penetrating renal injuries can be safely and effectively instituted in both gunshot and stab wounds with a very low number of patients progressing to laparotomy. Most patients fail NOM for associated injuries. During laparotomy, the opening of Gerota’s fascia may lead to increased risk of nephrectomy. Ongoing study with larger populations is required to develop effective predictive models of patients who will fail NOM.
Suppression of the Transfer Efficiency in the Disordered LH1-RC Photosynthetic Unit
Authors: Andrews Roger , Wyke Ethan , Aiyejina Abuenameh 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The single-photon transfer efficiency of a disordered LH1-RC complex was investigated. In contrast to uniform couplings, photon-ring coupling disorder significantly suppressed the transfer efficiency within a finite photon-detuning range, while intra-ring coupling disorder had a negligible effect. The lifetimes of the photon, ring excitation, and acceptor-site excitation were also numerically determined. It was found that the minimum in the transfer efficiency for photon-ring disorder decreased exponentially with increasing disorder strength, and was associated with the shortest lifetimes and the absence of a dark-state channel. A phonon dephasing bath decreased the transfer efficiency, except in the near-resonant detuning region where it was enhanced in the presence of photon-ring disorder.
Non-executive Director Compensation and Financial Distress in China and South Africa: A Comparative Analysis in State-Owned Enterprises
Authors: Emuron Abraham Otim , Yixiang Tian , Coffie Cephas 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The 21st century has witnessed the rise of new and major economic regions that were initially overlooked by traditional economic superpowers. This study examines two such economies namely: China and South Africa. Certain attributes of the agency theory are examined. Henceforth, the research investigates the relationship between non-executive directors (NEDs) compensation and financial distress within listed firms. Emphasis is placed on the operations of listed state-owned enterprises (SOEs). NEDs play a vital role in reducing agency costs through the advising and monitoring of the firm’s senior management, thereby aligning shareholder interests with those of senior management. This study therefore attempts to explore these aspects through the use of quantitative research methods and comparative analysis. The revised Altman Z-score model which incorporates features unique to emerging markets is used to measure financial distress. The findings indicate that in both countries financial distress will result in a reduction in NEDs pay.
Combined proton and carbon ion radiotherapy for uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Yu Zhan , Hong Zhengshan , Li Ping , Wang Zheng , Cai Xin , Jiang Guoliang , Zhang Qing 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: To skip brachytherapy from external radiation and brachytherapy for cervical carcinomas, a combined proton and carbon ion radiotherapy (PCRT) was used. This retrospective study reported the toxicity and short-term outcome. Methods: 16 cervical SCC patients were consecutively treated with PCRT in our center from August 2016 to July 2019. The acute and late toxicities, overall survival (OS), local control rate (LC), progression-free survival (PFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were analyzed.Results: For 16 cervical SCC, the prescribed dose for tumor was 76 Gy to 85.6 Gy (relative biologic efficacy (RBE)). With a median follow-up of 34.3 (range, 20.7-56.8) months, all of the acute toxicity were grade1-2 with 12.5% of hepatic toxicity, 75% of hematological toxicity and 18.8% of gastroenteric toxicity. No acute urinary toxicity occurred. No severe late toxicity was observed during the follow-up period. At the last follow-up visit, 11 patients were alive, 4 patients died and 1 lost for follow-up; 3 patients had local recurrences and 6 patients had distant metastases. OS, LC, PFS, and DMFS at 1-year, 2-year and 3-year were 100%, 100% and 77.9%; 86.7%, 86.7% and 78.0%; 75.0%, 68.8% and 61.9%; and 87.5%, 81.3% and 75.0%, respectively. Conclusions: PCRT was feasible to deliver high dose to cervical SCC, and the outcome was quite good. We thought that brachytherapy had the potential to be skipped when PCRT was used and long term results need to be further investigated.Trial registration: This was a retrospective analysis and it was retrospectively registered. The registration number was NCT05141825 and the date of registration was November 30th, 2021.
Rolling e-learning courses on COVID-19: an Italian experience
Authors: Fabrizio Pregliasco , Rosa Valetto Maria , Filippo Anelli , Andrea Mandelli , Nicoletta Scarpa , Pietro Dri 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
We report the results of an e-learning project focused on the progressively acquired knowledge on Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), targeted to Italian healthcare professionals. and funded by the Italian National Federation of the Associations of Doctors, Surgeons and Dentists (FNOMCeO) and the Federation of Orders of Italian Pharmacists (FOFI).
Methods
The core course was launched as soon as the first cases of COVID-19 occurred in Italy. Several courses have been published throughout 2020 to meet the pandemic-related educational needs and offer continuously updated and evidence-based contents, supported by evidence-based scientific information and institutional sources.
Results
From February 22nd to December 31st, 2020, 70,825 health professionals enrolled in the main course and 67,103 (94.7%) passed, obtaining the Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. The participants accounted for approximately 19% and 12% of all Italian practising physicians/dentists and pharmacists, respectively. Over 99.5% of participants considered the contents of high quality, relevant and appropriate for their immediate educational needs.
Conclusion
The Italian e-learning offer developed in the first nine months of the pandemic achieved wide dissemination and excellent acceptance by healthcare professionals working in the field. This educational model provides healthcare professionals with evidence-based and tailored information. During pandemics it offers several advantages: time flexibility, remote participation, continuous updating following the emerging evidence.
Application of tunnel mathematics for solving the steady Lamé and Navier-Stokes equations.
Authors: Shvydkyi O. G. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The theory of functions of a complex variable is a hybrid of vector algebra and ordinary algebra. It makes it possible to work with vector quantities as with algebraic ones. The modern theory of functions of a complex variable was created by the French mathematician Augustin Cauchy (1789-1857), later it was rapidly developed and found its application in solving various problems of physics - in aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, elasticity theory, etc. However, this theory is used exclusively for solving problems on the plane. Therefore, the next natural step is to extend this theory into space, so that we can obtain the solution of physical problems directly in space. The creation of such a theory is associated with some serious problems, for example, the appearance of so-called zero divisors, spatial complex numbers that are not equal to zero but when multiplying for some reason give zero. There is also a Frobenius theorem which prohibits the propagation of complex numbers into a space without abandoning some ordinary algebraic operations (for example, commutative multiplication). In this article an attempt is made to construct a theory of spatial complex functions (shortly, tunnel mathematics) in which zero divisors do not appear and all the usual algebraic operations are preserved. The possibility of applying this theory to some problems of the theory of elasticity and hydrodynamics (the steady Lamé and Navier-Stokes equations) is also considered.
Fabrication of C6-Fluorocarbon-dendrimer based superhydrophobic cotton fabrics for multifunctional aspects
Authors: Mondal Md. Ibrahim H. , Saha Joykrisna 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
C6-Fluorocarbon-dendrimer has been applied to the cotton knit fabric to develop oil-water repellent, oil-water separation, acid-resistant, self-cleaning, flame retardant, UV resistant, and antibacterial properties. The C6-Fluorocarbon (FC)-dendrimer-coated 100% cotton single jersey knitted fabric samples were prepared using the “pad-dry-cure” method. The 90 g/L and 100 g/L FC-dendrimer-treated cotton fabrics showed excellent water repellency and oil-water separation as well as good self-cleaning performance. However, air permeability and heat conductivity were reduced by 13%, 15%, and 40%, 54%, for 90 g/L and 100 g/L FC-dendrimer-treated cotton fabrics compared to untreated fabrics. The presence of FC-dendrimer in the treated fabric was confirmed by FTIR, SEM, EDS, and XRD analyses. SEM analysis was employed to study the morphology of deposited FC-dendrimer particles on the fabric surface. TGA and DTA evaluated thermal performance. The FC-dendrimer-treated fabric also showed acid resistance, self-cleaning performance, and UV resistant attribute. In addition, Bacterial population growth appears to be less on the FC-dendrimer-treated sample than on the untreated sample. Overall, the result suggests that FC-dendrimer can be a valuable ingredient in the manufacture of multifunctional products.
Discriminators of pseudoprogression and true progression in high-grade gliomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Taylor Christopher , Ekert Justyna , Sefcikova Viktoria , Fersht Naomi , Samandouras George 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundHigh-grade gliomas remain the most common primary brain tumour with limited treatments options and early recurrence rates following adjuvant treatments. However, differentiating true tumour progression (TTP) from treatment-related effects or pseudoprogression (PsP), may critically influence subsequent management options. Structural MRI is routinely employed to evaluate treatment responses, but misdiagnosis of TTP or PsP may lead to continuation of ineffective or premature cessation of effective treatments, respectively. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) method. The entirety of the Embase and MEDLINE databases were searched for methods differentiating PsP and TTP, and studies were selected using pre-specified eligibility criteria. The sensitivity and specificity of included studies were summarised in a forest plot. Three of the identified methods were assessed in a separate subgroup meta-analysis.ResultsTwenty-six studies assessing seven distinct neuroimaging methods in 1145 patients were included in the systematic review. 18F-fluoroethyltyrosine PET (FET PET) and amide proton transfer-weighted MRI (APTw-MRI) showed high diagnostic accuracy, but results were based on single low-powered studies. The highest performing methods in the subgroup analysis were DWI (AUC = 0.95 [0.92 – 0.96]) and DSC-pMRI (AUC = 0.94 [0.91 – 0.95]), compared to DCE-pMRI (AUC = 0.90 [0.87 – 0.93]).ConclusionsBoth DWI and DSC-pMRI performed with high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating PsP from TTP. Considering the technical parameters and feasibility of each identified method, DSC-pMRI was found to be the most promising technique.
Prediction of hydraulic conductivity of porous media using a statistical grain-size model
Authors: Chandel Abhishish , Sharma Shivali , Shankar Vijay 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Hydraulic conductivity (K) estimation of porous media is of great significance in contaminant movement and groundwater investigations. The present study examines the influence of effective grain size (d10) and standard deviation (σ) on the K value of borehole soil samples using 5.08, 10.16, and 15.24 cm diameter permeameters. A statistical grain size model was developed and the feasibility of seven empirical equations was evaluated with the measured K values. The K of soil samples increases with the increase in the d10 grain size and decreases with the increase in the σ value. Evaluation of K using empirical equations establishes that the Hazen equation shows relatively good agreement with the measured K values. The study substantiates the efficacy of the developed model as the Kmodel and Kmeasured based R2 (determination coefficient), MAE (mean absolute error), and RMSE (root mean square error) values are (0.982, 0.007, and 0.008), (0.972, 0.005, and 0.007), (0.953, 0.004, and 0.005) for 5.08, 10.16, and 15.24 cm diameter permeameters respectively. The developed model was validated by assessing its efficiency in the prediction of K values for independent soil samples. The developed model-based K accedes to the precise computation of the aquifer yield and groundwater recharge.
Experimental and numerical study of flow at a 90 degree lateral turnout with enhanced roughness coefficient and invert level changes
Authors: Bagheri Maryam , Ali Zomorodian Seyed M. , Zolghadr Masih , Azamathulla H. Md. , Venkata Siva Rama Prasad C. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Flow separation at the upstream side of lateral turnouts (intakes) is a critical issue causing eddy currents at the turnout entrance. It reduces the effective width of flow, turnout capacity and efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to identify the dimensions of the separation zone and propose remedies to reduce its dimensions. Installation of 7 types of roughening elements at the turnout entrance and 3 different bed invert levels, with 4 different discharges (making a total of 84 experiments) were examined in this study as a method to reduce the dimensions of the separation zone. Additionally, a 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model was utilized to evaluate the flow pattern and dimensions of the separation zone. Results showed that enhancing the roughness coefficient can reduce the separation zone dimensions up to 38% while the drop implementation effect can scale down this area differently based on the roughness coefficient used. Combining both methods can reduce the separation zone dimensions up to 63%.