bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes and Variability in rainfall onset, cessation and length of rainy season in the IGAD region of Eastern Africa
Authors: Omay Paulino Omoj , Muthama Nzioka John , Christopher Oludhe , Kinama Josiah Mwivandi , Artan Guleid , Atheru Zachary Atheru Zachary 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Rainfall Onset Dates (ROD), Rainfall Cessation Dates (RCD) and Length of rainy Season (LRS) are crucial for Crop production and food security in Eastern Africa yet scantily documented. This paper seeks to investigate the spatial patterns of these parameters. Data used are Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gridded temperature. Threshold of 0.1mm for rainy day, 20mm over 5 days with at least 3 rain days and dry spell not exceeding 7 days in the next 21 days were used to determine RODs, while Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) and Water Balance (WB) criteria were computed to determine RCDs then differences between ROD and RCD were used in calculating LRS. The results showed early rainfall cessation over more than 30 counties in Kenya lead to shortened rainy season by 10–20 days during MAM season. Similarly, 20–40 days early onset dates are observed in most counties in upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei states in South Sudan, while 20–40 days delayed rainfall onset was observed in Khartoum and southern parts of Nile state western Darfur, eastern and Aljazeera states in Sudan, most parts of Ethiopia and Eritrea districts during JJA season. Highlands of western and Nyanza region in Kenya, most parts of Uganda observed rainfall onset by March and no sign of cessation before November. Early cessation over northern Uganda districts was behind shortened LRS, furthermore, the early RODs over western and southwestern Uganda districts increased LRS. Prolonged dry conditions over northern Sudan, southeastern parts of South Sudan, northern Kenya, central Somalia, northern Darfour, Kordofan and northern parts of Sudan exacerbated by significant delayed onset and early cessation of rainfall. These findings are important for rain-fed agricultural planning and food security in the IGAD region of Eastern Africa.
Effects of Vitamin E and D on the Stiffness of MCF-7
Authors: Khameneh Armin Jarahi , Heydarian Ashkan , Babaei Nasibeh , Hannani Negin , Milani Dornaz , Sahbafar Hossein 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Several investigations have demonstrated that vitamins can be used to treat or prevent cancer by altering actin filaments, inhibiting cell migration and cancer cell proliferation. Vitamins D and E are fat-soluble. This research aims to determine the short-term impact of vitamin D and E on the mechanical characteristics of breast cancer cells before comparing them with normal breast cells.
Method
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to examine the deformation of MCF-10 normal breast cells, MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with 0.03 µM vitamin D and 16 µM vitamin E solution. Young's modulus was calculated employing the Hertz model to determine cell stiffness.
Results
The Young's modulus of vitamin D-treated cancer cells (585.8 Pa) was substantially similar to that of normal cells (455.6 Pa). Nevertheless, vitamin E treatment had no effect on Young's modulus of cancer cells, which remained remarkably similar to that of untreated cancer cells (216.6 and 203.4 Pa, respectively).
Conclusion
Despite vitamin E, vitamin D enhances the stiffness of tumor cells and puts their mechanical characteristics similar to normal cells by interfering with actin filaments and cell skeletons, which may inhibit tumor cell migration. According to these findings, Vitamin D appears to be an effective drug for cancer treatment.
Positivity rates of thyroid-associated autoantibodies and thyroid morphological changes in subjects with chronic thyroiditis
Authors: Iwamoto Yuichiro , Kimura Tomohiko , Itoh Takashi , Mori Shigehito , Sasaki Taku , Sugisaki Toshitomo , Nakao Erina , Ohnishi Mana , Kusano Takashi , Takenouchi Haruka , Iwamoto Hideyuki , Sanada Junpei , Fushimi Yoshiro , Katakura Yukino , Shimoda Masashi , Nakanishi Shuhei , Mune Tomoatsu , Kaku Kohei , Kaneto Hideaki 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Most primary hypothyroidism in adults is caused by chronic thyroiditis. Autoantibodies such as anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic thyroiditis. On the other hand, there have been reports of seronegative chronic thyroiditis, which can make the clinical diagnosis difficult clinically. This study aimed to determine the positivity rate of thyroid-related autoantibodies in patients with chronic thyroiditis and to evaluate the differences in clinical findings in seropositive and seronegative chronic thyroiditis.
Method
In 804 patients with hypothyroidism who attended Kawasaki Medical School Hospital between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2021, 360 patients were diagnosed with chronic thyroiditis by thyroid antibody testing and ultrasonography. Their thyroid antibody positivity rates and clinical findings were compared.
Results
Among the patients with chronic thyroiditis, 27.5% were participants with seronegative chronic thyroiditis. The positive rate of each antibody was 68.3% for TgAb and 52.2% for TPOAb. The participants with seropositive chronic thyroiditis had significantly more thyroid gland enlargement on thyroid ultrasound examination (p < 0.05). Thyroid-stimulating hormone was significantly higher in participants with seropositive compared to seronegative chronic thyroiditis. Levothyroxine dosage did not differ between the both groups.
Conclusion
The present study reveals a positive rate of thyroid-related autoantibodies at the time of diagnosis of chronic thyroiditis. The data of this study also revealed differences in the clinical presentation of seropositive and seronegative chronic thyroiditis.
Classification of odorant substances that trigger migraine attacks: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Imai Noboru , Osanai Ayako , Moriya Asami , Katsuki Masahito , Kitamura Eiji 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Migraine is a common primary headache disorder that can be induced by various factors such as stress, hormones in women, fasting, weather, and sleep disturbance. Odorant substances are also common triggers of migraine attacks. We aimed to categorize odorant substances that trigger migraine and explore their relationships with clinical characteristics.
Methods
A total of 101 migraineurs were included in our study. A questionnaire was used to determine the types of odorant substances that triggered migraine attacks. We performed factor analysis to explore the common factors of the odorant substances and the relationship between these factors and the clinical characteristics.
Results
The factor analysis estimated six common factors. We defined factor 1 as fetid odor, factor 2 as cooking products, factor 3 as oil derivatives and others, factor 4 as shampoo and conditioner, factor 5 as hair styling preparation and cleaning products, and factor 6 as perfumes, insecticides, and rose. Factor 5 also included hair styling preparation, laundry detergent, and fabric softener, usually added with floral fragrances. It was more likely to trigger migraine attacks in chronic than in episodic migraine patients (p = 0.037).
Conclusion
Our study showed that odorant substances that trigger migraine attacks could be categorized into six groups and suggested that some chemicals were more likely to trigger migraine attacks in patients with chronic migraine than in those with episodic migraine.
Engineered kirigami design of PVDF-Pt core-shell nanofiber network for flexible transparent electrode
Authors: Park Heesung , Si Hyeokjun , Gu Junseo , Lee Donghyun , Park Donghyuck , Lee Young-In , Kim Kwanlae 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Nanofiber networks comprising polymer-metal core-shell structures exhibit several advantages, such as high uniformities and considerable flexibilities. Additionally, the flexibility of the nanofiber network may be further enhanced by engineering the network topology. Therefore, in this study, the topologies of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-Pt core-shell nanofiber (CS NF) networks were engineered, and their performances as flexible transparent electrodes were comprehensively evaluated. Three distinct topologies of nanofiber networks were induced using circular, square, and rectangular electrode collectors. A highly uniform nanofiber network was obtained using the square electrode collector, which generated a high density of nanofiber junctions (nodes). Consequently, this nanofiber network exhibited the smallest sheet resistance (Rs) and lowest optical transmittance (T) among the three CS NF networks. In contrast, nanofiber bundles were frequently formed in the randomly aligned CS NF network prepared using the circular electrode collector, reducing the node density. As a result, it simultaneously exhibited a very small Rs and high T, generating the largest percolation figure of merit (Π = 330.5). Under certain strain directions, the CS NF network with the engineered topology exhibited a significantly enhanced mechanical durability. Finally, a flexible piezoelectric pressure sensor with CS NF network electrodes was fabricated and its sensing performance was excellent.
Bioinformatics Analysis of the Cross-talk Between Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis on the Hub Genes and Key Pathways
Authors: Ding Jiayi , Kong Chunli , Ji tongyao , Chen Xiaoxiao , Chen Weiyue , Shen Lin , Su Yanping , Wu Xulu , Ye Yongjun , Fang Shiji , Chen Minjiang , Ji Jiansong , Wang Dan 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease of unknown cause, and there is increasing evidence that Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is closely related to IPF. However, the mechanism of their interaction relationship remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the common genetic features and underlying molecular and immune mechanisms between HT and IPF.
Methods: Microarray data of HT and IPF were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The R software was used to identify the differential genes between two datasets and take the common differential genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of common DEGs present in HT and IPF using R software. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of their DEGs was constructed Utilizing the Search Tool for Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database, identified and visualized hub genes by the Cytoscape software. To further investigate the diagnostic value of the hub genes, the receptor operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed utilizing the ‘pROC’ package. Subsequently, ROC analysis in two independent GEO datasets further validates the diagnostic value of these six hub genes. A miRNA-gene interactions network, TF-gene interactions network, and TF-miRNA coregulatory network were constructed by the NetworkAnalyst using hub genes and visualized by the Cytoscape for further analysis. In addition, R software was also applied to analyze immunological infiltration.
Results: A total of 572 common DEGs were identified from the two datasets for subsequent analysis, which were primarily enriched in immune and inflammatory-related pathways. The plug-in ‘cytoHubba’ of the Cytoscape software was utilized to recognize six shared hub genes after validation, including CYBB, CD68, CD8A, CCL2, CCL5, and PTPRC. We predicted the miRNAs related to hub genes, including miR-106b-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-98-5p, let-7g-3p, and potential TFs (SPI1, NFKB1, NFKB2) through the interaction network. In addition, immune cell infiltration analysis revealed a significant infiltration of central memory CD4+ T cells infiltration in both IPF and HT samples.
Conclusions: Bioinformatics studies reveal the common pathogenesis and immunological features between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These common pathways and hub genes may serve as molecular biomarkers for diagnosable as well as prognostic assessment, providing new targets and ideas for further mechanistic studies. Additionally, the immune system plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of both diseases. Keywords: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, hub gene, immune process, bioinformatics
Attenuation of PM2.5-induced alveolar epithelial cells and lung injury through regulation of mitochondrial fission and fusion
Authors: Liu Qi , Weng Jiali , Li Chenfei , Feng Yi , Xie Meiqin , Wang Xiaohui , Chang Qing , Li Mengnan , Chung Kian Fan , Adcock Ian M , Huang Yan , Zhang Hai , Li Feng 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background:Exposure to particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5μm (PM2.5) is a risk factor for developing pulmonary diseases and the worsening of ongoing disease. Mitochondrial fission and fusion are essential processes underlying mitochondrial homeostasis in health and disease. We examined the role of mitochondrial fission and fusion in PM2.5-induced alveolar epithelial cell damage and lung injury. Key genes in these processs include dystrophin-related protein 1 (DRP1) and optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) respectively.
Methods: Alveolar epithelial (A549) cells were treated with PM2.5 (32mg/ml) in the presence and absence of Mdivi-1 (10μM, a DRP1 inhibitor) or BGP-15 (10μM, an OPA1 activator). Results were validated using DRP1-knockdown (KD) and OPA1-overexpression (OE). Mice were injected intraperitoneally with Mdivi-1(20mg/kg), BGP-15 (20 mg/kg) or distilled water (control) one hour before intranasal instillation of PM2.5 (7.8 mg/kg) or distilled water for two consecutive days.
Results:PM2.5 exposure of A549 cells caused oxidative stress, enhanced inflammation, necroptosis, mitophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction indicated by abnormal mitochondrial morphology, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), reduced mitochondrial respiration and disrupted mitochondrial fission and fusion. Regulating mitochondrial fission and fusion pharmacologically using Mdivi-1 and BGP-15 and genetically using DRP1 KD and OPA1 OE prevented PM2.5-induced celluar damage in A549 cells. Mdivi-1 and BRG-15 attenuated PM2.5-induced acute lung injury in mice.
Conclusion:Increased mitochondrial fission and decreased mitochondrial fusion may underlie PM2.5-induced alveolar epithelial cell damage in vitro and lung injury in vivo. Regulation of mitochondrial fission and fusion may represent a useful future therapeutic strategy.
Automatic trajectory generation for metal surface droplet coloring
Authors: Shen Shiquan , REN KUN , Fu Mingjie , Yang Mingming , Chen Yaoting 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
In this study, an automatic trajectory-generation algorithm is proposed to achieve uniform droplet coloring on the metal surfaces. First, by taking into account key parameters such as contact angle, surface tension, and droplet mass, the coloring technology was analyzed, and the size of a droplet was estimated. Then, the zones of the same color as those in the color reference pattern image were extracted and grouped by pixel searching. Zone erosion and pixel points-sorting algorithms were used to select trajectory points successively. Subsequently, nonuniform rational B-splines (NURBS) curves were used to interpolate the sorted trajectory points and generate G1 continuous curves. Finally, the continuous curves were discretized, and coloring trajectories were generated. Experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm achieved automatic color block extraction, arbitrary trajectory generation, and uniform surface coloring.
MiR-183-5p Promotes the Cell Proliferation of Colorectal Cancer by Targeting QKI-5
Authors: Liu Hui , Mei Yangyang , Qin Minchao , Chen Zhen , Zhang Jing , Hua Feng 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignant tumor in the world and the fourth most common cancer-related death cause. Previous studies have confirmed that miR-183-5P is considered to be a cancer-associated miRNA in several tumor types.
Methods
We analyzed the expression of miR-183-5P in cancer tissues and adjacent tissues in TCGA database. The expression of miR-183-5P and QKI-5 mRNA was measured by RT-qPCR and western blot. CCK-8 were used to indicate the proliferation capacity. BALB/c nude mice were used to simulate in vivo experiments.
Results
In this study, we identified miR-183-5p as a tumor promoter in colorectal cancer. The expression of miR-183-5p was found upregulated in human colorectal cancer tissues while QKI-5 was down-regulated. CCK-8 assay demonstrated that miR-183-5p promoted colorectal cancer cell proliferation. We also found miR183-5P can target QKI-5 and inhibit its expression in CRC cell lines. Restoration of QKI-5 reversed the effects of miR-183-5p in colorectal cancer cells.
Conclusion
Taken together, our results suggest that miR-183-5p might function as a tumor-promoting factor in colorectal cancer and might contribute to its proliferation.
Omentin-1 Genetic Variation (rs2274907) and Serum Level Serve as Prospective Markers for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Amber , Kulsoom Ume , Ghouri Maham , Rehman Shafique , Fatima Sehrish , Saleem Saima , Zehra Sitwat 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is second leading arthritis worldwide which is characterized by severe joint inflammation. There are several environmental and genetic factors that can influence its pathogenesis. Omentin-1, produced by omental adipose tissues has anti-inflammatory property. The study is designed to evaluate the association between Omentin-1 serum levels and single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2274907 and rs2274908) with susceptibility to Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods and Results
The study involved 792 participants, 396 RA patients and 396 healthy controls. It was found from ELISA that serum Omentin-1 levels were significantly different between cases and controls (p < 0.0001). After DNA extraction Amplification Refractory Mutation System and Allele-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction were performed. Genotype association analysis showed significant distribution in genotype frequency of rs2274907 (χ2 = 72.6, p < 0.001) in RA patients. According to genetic models, co-dominant AT (4.02 times) and dominant (3.95 times) genotypes for rs2274907 could increase the risk of RA. Allele association analysis suggested that the patients with the T allele conferred higher risk (1.73 times, p < 0.0001) for development of RA. There was no association found for rs2274908 variations. Multi-locus analysis between the targeted polymorphisms showed that TG haplotype was involved in progression of RA (OR = 1.79, p < 0.0001) while AG haplotype have a protective effect towards the disease (OR = 0.44, p < 0.0001). These haplotypes can be inherited with 90% linkage disequilibrium.
Conclusions
It is evaluated from the results that the genetic variant of Omentin-1 polymorphism (A/T rs2274907) may act as possible molecular and genetic targets for early diagnosis of RA and help to develop better therapeutic protocols.
Radiomics features recommending surgical intervention among persistent subsolid lung nodules during health check-ups: A retrospective monocentric analysis
Authors: Yoshiyasu Nobuyuki , Kojima Fumitsugu , Hayashi Kuniyoshi , Yamada Daisuke , Bando Toru 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Persistent subsolid nodules requiring follow-up are often detected during lung cancer screening; however, changes in their invasiveness can be overlooked owing to slow growth. The purpose of this exploratory study was to develop a method to automatically identify invasive tumors during multiple health check-ups.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent screening using low-dose computed tomography (CT) between 2014 and 2019. Patients with lung adenocarcinomas manifesting as subsolid nodules resected after 5 years of follow-up were enrolled. The resected tumors were categorized into invasive or less-invasive groups. The annual growth or change rate (Δ) of the nodule voxel histogram on three-dimensional CT (e.g., tumor volume [cm3], solid volume percentage [%], mean CT value [HU], variance, kurtosis, skewness, and entropy) was assessed using radiomics. Multivariate regression modeling was employed to design a discriminant model.
Results
Forty-seven tumors (282 detectable lesions over 5 years) were included (23 and 24 in the invasive and less-invasive groups, respectively). The median tumor volumes at the initial screening were 130 and 106 mm3 in the less-invasive and invasive groups, respectively; the difference was not significant (P = 0.489). In the multivariate regression analysis to identify the invasive group, Δskewness was an independent predictor (adjusted odds ratio, 0.021; P = 0.043). When combined with Δvariance (odds ratio, 1.630; P = 0.037), the assessment method had high accuracy for detecting invasive lesions (true-positive rate, 88%; false-positive rate, 80%).
Conclusions
During check-ups, close investigation by surgery for subsolid nodules can be suggested with the application of radiomics, particularly focusing on skewness.
Trial registration:
Not applicable.
Lean Adipose Tissue Macrophage Derived Exosome Confers Immunoregulation to Improve Wound Healing in Diabetes
Authors: Xia Wenzheng , Liu Yunhan , Jiang Xingyu , Li Minxiong , zheng Shengwu , Hou Meng , Zan Tao 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Chronic non-healing wounds, an important complication of diabetes, are associated with increased mortality in patients afflicted with this disease. Excessive accumulation of M1 macrophages in diabetic wounds promotes inflammation and results in dysregulated tissue repair. Adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) derived from healthy lean donors have the abilities to improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and modulate inflammation. MiRNAs (miRs), which can be packaged into exosomes (Exos) and secreted from cells, serve as essential regulators of macrophage polarization. Here, we reveal that adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) isolated from lean mice secrete miR-containing Exos, which modulate macrophage polarization and promote rapid diabetic wound healing when administered to diabetes-prone db/db mice. MiRs sequence of tissue samples from wounds treated with Exos secreted by lean ATMs (ATM-Exos) revealed that miR-222-3p was upregulated. Further analyses showed that inhibition of miR-222-3p using miR inhibitor impaired the macrophage-reprogramming effect of lean ATM-Exos. In the excisional skin wound mouse model, locally inhibiting miR-222-3p disrupted healing dynamics and failed to modulate macrophage polarization. Mechanistic studies revealed a link between miR-222-3p; Bcl2l11/Bim, an inflammatory response effector; macrophage polarization; and diabetic wound healing. In summary, lean ATM-Exos act as positive regulators of macrophage polarization by regulating miR levels in wounds and accelerating wound healing and thus have important implications for wound management in diabetes.