bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Dietary Pioglitazone Supplementation On Milk Yield, Insulin Sensitivity And GH-IGF-I Axis In Holstein Dairy Cows During Transition Period
Authors: Mirzaie Saeed , Yousefi Ali Reza , Masoumi Reza , Rostami Behnam , Amanlou Hamid 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
High-yielding dairy cows develop insulin resistance during the late gestation, which eventually disrupts the GH-IGF-I axis and cause metabolic and reproductive disorders. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of dietary pioglitazone (PIO) supplementation, as an insulin sensitizer agent, on milk yield, plasma metabolite status and GH-IGF-I axis in transitional Holstein dairy cows. Two experimental groups of twenty multiparous cows were randomly assigned (10 animals/group) and either fed by basal diet (control) or fed by the basal diet supplemented with 6 mg PIO/ kg body weight (BW) from d 14 before parturition to d 21 postpartum. The BW and body condition score (BCS), and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), insulin, glucose, GH, and IGF-I concentrations were measured, weekly. Milk production and composition were also measured weekly during the postpartum period. The BW and BCS losses were lower in PIO cows than the control (P<0.05). The percentage and amount of milk fat were decreased and the amount of protein increased only in the first week after calving in the PIO-treated cows compared to the control (P<0.05). Dietary PIO supplementation increased glucose at calving and insulin concentration at calving and in the first week after calving compared to the control (P<0.05). Plasma concentrations of IGF-I and the ratio of IGF to GH was increased in PIO group (P<0.05). The mean RQUICKI-BHBA, as insulin sensitivity index, was greater in PIO-supplemented cows (P<0.05). The findings of current study revealed the beneficial effect of PIO supplementation on improving insulin sensitivity and also the GH-IGF-I axis. Dietary PIO feeding may assist in a lower negative energy balance (NEB) and better metabolic and health status in transition dairy cows.
Pretreatment of NPMSCs with Appropriate Concentration of H2O2 Enhances its Ability to Treat IVDD
Authors: Zhang Yuyao , Hu Zhilei , Qi Yuhan , Li Haiyin , Chang Xian , Gao Xiaoxin , Liu Chenhao , Li Yueyang , Lou Jinhui , Zhai Yu , Li Changqing 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Nucleus pulposus mesenchymal stem cells (NPMSCs) transplantation is a promising treatment for intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). However, the transplanted NPMSCs exhibited weak cell proliferation, high cell apoptosis, and low ability to resist the harsh microenvironment of the degenerated intervertebral disc. There is an urgent need in exploring feasible methods to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of NPMSCs transplantation.Objective: To identify the optimal concentration for NPMSCs pretreatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and explore the therapeutic efficacy of NPMSCs transplantation using H2O2 pretreatment in IVDD.Methods: Rat NPMSCs were pretreated with different concentrations of H2O2. The proliferation, ROS level, and apoptosis of NPMSCs were detected by CCK-8 test, EdU staining, and flow cytometry in vitro. The underlying signaling pathways were explored utilizing western blot. A rat needle-puncture stimulated IVDD model was established. X-ray, histological staining, and multi-mode small animal live imaging system were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of H2O2-pretreated NPMSCs in vivo.Results: 75 μM H2O2 pretreated NPMSCs demonstrated the strongest elevated cell proliferation by inhibiting the Hippo pathway. Meanwhile, 75 μM H2O2 pretreated NPMSCs exhibited significantly enhanced anti-oxidative stress ability, which is related to downregulated Brd4, Keap1, and upregulated Nrf2. 75 μM H2O2 pretreated NPMSCs also exhibited distinctly declined apoptosis. In vivo experiments results verified that 75 μM H2O2 pretreated NPMSCs-transplanted rats exhibited enhanced disc height index (DHI%) and better histological morphology, which means 75 μM H2O2 pretreated NPMSCs can better adapt to the environment of degenerative intervertebral discs and promote the repair of IVDD.Conclusions: Pretreatment with 75 μM H2O2 was the optimal concentration to improve the ability of proliferation, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-apoptosis of transplanted NPMSCs, which is expected to provide a new feasible method to improve the stem cell therapy efficacy of IVDD.
Reactivating the phototransduction cascade by universally applicable gene therapy preserves retinal function in Rod-Cone dystrophy
Authors: Simon Cardillia-Joe , Khabou Hanen , Finzi Marion , Chaffiol Antoine , Grieve Kate , Norberg Nat , Grimaud Anais , Eickelbeck Dennis , Rucli Marco , Desrosiers Mélissa , Sancho Serge , Bonilha Vera , Mohand-Said Saddek , Duebel Jens , paques Michel , Picaud Serge , Sahel José-Alain , Audo Isabelle , Herlitze Stefan , Dalkara Deniz 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Rod-cone dystrophy (RCD), also known as retinitis pigmentosa, is a group of inherited disorders characterized by rod degeneration followed by degeneration of peripheral cones, leaving patients with tunnel vision in mid stages and blindness in the latest stages. Previous studies expressed microbial chloride pumps, in degenerating cone photoreceptors to restore these cells’ activity and prolong vision. Microbial opsins lack intracellular signal amplification, requiring high light intensities. To develop a more sensitive strategy; we examined the phototransduction cascade in degenerating cones, in two RCD mouse models. We found that opsin and arrestin expression is maintained in the soma during outer segment degeneration. We thus hypothesized that cone reactivation based on cone opsin signaling may be feasible by expressing a target channel activated by G proteins recruited by cone opsin. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) mediated expression of G protein coupled inwardly rectifying K (GIRK) channel provided improvements in visual function in two RCD mouse models with mutations in two distinct genes. Importantly, we confirmed cone opsin and cone arrestin expression in cones of late-stage RCD patients, validating the rationale of GIRK-mediated gene therapy in humans. We propose GIRK channel expression in cones as a new approach to maintain high acuity, high sensitivity, color vision in RCD independently of the underlying mutation.
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike mediated immune escape and tropism shift
Authors: Gupta Ravindra 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 variant emerged in late 2021 and is characterised by multiple spike mutations across all spike domains. Here we show that Omicron BA.1 has higher affinity for ACE2 compared to Delta, and confers very significant evasion of therapeutic monoclonal and vaccine-elicited polyclonal neutralising antibodies after two doses. mRNA vaccination as a third vaccine dose rescues and broadens neutralisation. Importantly, antiviral drugs remdesevir and molnupiravir retain efficacy against Omicron BA.1. We found that in human nasal epithelial 3D cultures replication was similar for both Omicron and Delta. However, in lower airway organoids, Calu-3 lung cells and gut adenocarcinoma cell lines live Omicron virus demonstrated significantly lower replication in comparison to Delta. We noted that despite presence of mutations predicted to favour spike S1/S2 cleavage, the spike protein is less efficiently cleaved in live Omicron virions compared to Delta virions. We mapped the replication differences between the variants to entry efficiency using spike pseudotyped virus (PV) entry assays. The defect for Omicron PV in specific cell types correlated with higher cellular RNA expression of TMPRSS2, and accordingly knock down of TMPRSS2 impacted Delta entry to a greater extent as compared to Omicron. Furthermore, drug inhibitors targeting specific entry pathways demonstrated that the Omicron spike inefficiently utilises the cellular protease TMPRSS2 that mediates cell entry via plasma membrane fusion. Instead, we demonstrate that Omicron spike has greater dependency on cell entry via the endocytic pathway requiring the activity of endosomal cathepsins to cleave spike. Consistent with suboptimal S1/S2 cleavage and inability to utilise TMPRSS2, syncytium formation by the Omicron spike was dramatically impaired compared to the Delta spike. Overall, Omicron appears to have gained significant evasion from neutralising antibodies whilst maintaining sensitivity to antiviral drugs targeting the polymerase. Omicron has shifted cellular tropism away from TMPRSS2 expressing cells that are enriched in cells found in the lower respiratory and GI tracts, with implications for altered pathogenesis.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of Triterpenoid Biosynthetic Pathway Gene HMGS in Centella Asiatica (Linn.)
Authors: Rahman Laiq Ur , Afroz Shama , Warsi Zafar Iqbal , Khatoon Kahkashan , Sangwan Neelam S , Khan Feroz 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The flux of isoprenoids and the total accumulation of triterpenoid saponins known as centellosides in C. asiatica are controlled by the key genes of the Mevalonate pathway (MVA). These genes were reported to have positive regulation of the pathway in providing isoprenoid moieties. For the study, full-length pathway gene Hydroxymethyl glutaryl-CoA-synthase (CaHMGS; GenBank accession number: MZ997833), was isolated from previously annotated transcriptome data of Centella asiatica leaves. HMGS has been successfully cloned and heterologously expressed in bacteria E. coli strain DH5α. The cloned gene has been sequenced and further characterized through in silico studies by different bioinformatics tools. Also, the gene sequences have been submitted in NCBI. In silico studies of isolated gene sequence revealed the nature, characteristics of genes. The ORF of HMGS is 1449 bp encoding 482 amino acids. Predicted molecular weight (MW) of HMGS was 48.09 kDa and theoretical pI was 5.97. Blast results and Multiple sequence alignments of the gene showing the similarity with HMGS of other plants of their respective families. The Molecular Evolutionary Genetic Analysis (MEGA) version 10.1.6 was used to construct a phylogenetic tree. Differential tissue-specific expression of different plant parts was also checked. Tissue expression patterns unveiled that the highest expression level of the CaHMGS had been seen in the roots and lowest in the node of the plant. Functional complementation experiment of the CaHMGS in Saccharomyces cerevisiae wild strain YSC1021 and haploid strain YSC1021 which lack HMGS protein confirmed that the CaHMGS gene encodes functional CaHMGS that catalyzed the biosynthesis of mevalonate in yeast. Though, some information is available on the pathway and secondary metabolites. However, most of the pathway steps are not characterized functionally. As the genes were not reported in Centella asiatica yet. Hence, understanding this biosynthetic pathway gene will further help in the improvement of plants for enhanced secondary metabolites production.
Mental Health Consequences from COVID-19 Pandemic and Strategies for Community Level Recovery
Authors: Somasundaram Daya , Rajeshkannan Nadarajah , Kumarendran Balachandran , Kumanan Thirunavukarasu , Sugirthan Nalayini , Aloysius Ivan Dinesh , Sasikumar Sivanandan , Jegathesan Nalayini 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the globe from 2019 affecting millions of people physically, mentally, and socio-economically. The purpose of the study was to map out the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and suggest recovery strategies.Methods: A qualitative inquiry into the mental health aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic using observations from working in busy health clinics, general practices, primary and community care setting, and dedicated COVID acute care wards during the pandemic in Australia, United Kingdom and Sri Lanka; discussions with colleagues worldwide; analyzing social and news media comments; literature survey and experience of dealing with past disasters were used to map out mental health consequences and put forward recovery strategies.Results: In covid sufferers, neuropsychiatric symptoms lasting months, unrelated to respiratory insufficiency suggested brain damage due to vascular endothelial injury and/or cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). A third went onto develop or have a relapse of a psychological or neurological conditions. In the general population, common consequences included common mental health disorders; changing patterns of substance abuse including alcohol; increased domestic violence and child abuse. Family relationships, interactions and understanding improved in many but minority had strained dynamics. Vulnerable groups included the elderly, women, youth; children; disabled; frontline and health workers; minorities and severely mentally ill. At the community level, there were signs of collective (mass) hysteria from panic buying to conspiracy theories, public shaming, fake news and disinformation spreading on social media and mass protests. There were also positive effects such as better understanding of bio-knowledge; interventions (rapid vaccine production, contact tracing methods) and discoveries (mRNA Vaccines), health systems improvements (tele-health), online learning, gratitude toward heath care workers, increased social/community/family cohesion, closer international networking, reduction in suicide rates and drop in interstate and civil conflicts, road accidents, crime and communicable diseases with their resultant morbidity, mortality and mental health consequences. Conclusions: In view of the widespread mental health and psychosocial consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic, a community-based approach is suggested while treating more severe mental disorders at the primary care or specialist level.
Combined Use of Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Neuronavigation for Microsurgical Approach of Intractable Epilepsy:a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tuleasca Constantin , Peciu-Florianu Iulia , Chochoi Maxime , Levivier Marc , Derre Benoit , Derambure Philippe Derambure , Reyns Nicolas 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
IntroductionEpilepsy is a major feature of multiple types of lesional epilepsy (LE) and non-lesional (NLE). However, there is an important heterogeneity in the use of such nomenclature. A favorable outcome is correlated to an identifiable cause and the extent of resection. Here, we evaluate the use of intraoperative MRI (iMRI) combined with neuronavigation, in improving the complete and/or adequate resection rates in patients with intractable epilepsy of various etiologies. We further discuss whether this results in better clinical outcomes. Material and methodsA medical librarian performed a comprehensive review of literature, searching the Medline®, Embase®, Index Medicus® and Cochrane® databases. Two reviewers independently applied following inclusion criteria: reports of at least two cases of any age undergoing microsurgical resection for epilepsy surgery, the use of iMRI as mandatory for intraoperative assessment, evaluation of LE versus NLE, describing if second resection after iMRI was necessary, detailing the extent of resection, qualitative reports of seizure outcome (Engel class). ResultsWe report 15 studies, encompassing 867 patients, with various types of LE and NLE. Most common surgical indications for the use of iMRI in LE were dysembrioplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) and gangliogliomas, cavernomas, hypothalamic hamartomas, or primary brain tumors. For NLE these were sclerosis, dysplasia, ischemia and gliosis, which are further separately detailed in a supplementary material. With the use of iMRI, the rate of complete or adequate resection significantly increased from 74.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 67.3-82.3%) to 97.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 95.8-99.3%). Hundred and twenty-six cases out of 820 underwent additional resection after iMRI, for an overall rate of 24.4% (range 16.9-31.8). This was translated in an overall clinical benefit with 77.1% (95% CI 71-83.2%) Engel class I at last follow-up (p<0.001).DiscussionIntraoperative MRI might improve the extent of resection in LE and NLE. This might translate into a favorable clinical outcome (Engel class I as high as 77%). This is fairly comparable to what one expects in temporal lobe epilepsy surgery. We suggest that iMRI is beneficial when proposed in selected cases of intractable epilepsy. However, the reader should take into account that such data are not provided by randomized controlled trials and that such conclusions should be carefully interpreted.
Association Between Foot Posture and Tibiofemoral Contact Forces During Barefoot Walking in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kubo Takanari , Uritani Daisuke , Ogaya Shinya , Kita Syunsuke , Fukumoto Takahiko , Fujii Tadashi , Inagaki Yusuke , Tanaka Yasuhito , Imagita Hidetaka 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background

Accumulating evidence indicates that abnormal foot posture and function are risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the relationship between foot posture and function and tibiofemoral contact force (CF) during habitual weight-bearing activities remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the association between CF and foot posture and function while walking.
Methods

In total, 18 patients with knee OA and 18 healthy individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. Foot parameters were evaluated by foot Posture Index (FPI), Staheli Arch Index (SAI), hallux valgus angle, calcaneus inverted angle relative to the floor as a static rearfoot posture, navicular height, and toe grip strength. In addition, all participants underwent kinetic and kinematic measurements during a self-selected speed gait. The measurement device used was the three-dimensional motion analysis system with a sampling rate of 120 Hz. The musculoskeletal model, which has 92 Hill-type muscle-tendon units with 23 degrees of freedom, was used to calculate CF. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the association between foot parameters and total, medial, and lateral CF of the first and second peaks.
Results

A significant negative correlation was observed between Walking SAI and first medial CF in control participants (r = -0.515, p = 0.029). SAI was also significantly positively correlated with first medial CF in patients with knee OA (r = 0.488, p = 0.040).
Conclusions

Our findings reveal a correlation between the medial first peak CF and the SAI. This study indicates that people with knee OA and flatfoot have excessive first medial CF during walking.
Financial Inclusion and Its Influence on Renewable Energy Consumption-Environmental Performance: The Role of ICTs in China
Authors: Feng Jingchao , Sun Qing , Sohail Sidra 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Financial inclusion means that individuals and businesses can easily avail financial goods and services at an affordable cost. It is widely recognized that financial inclusion can help preserve the environment by increasing the consumption of renewable energy sources. Hence, our aim is to investigate whether financial inclusion has any effect on renewable energy consumption and environmental quality in China. To get the estimates of the variables, we have preferred the ARDL model. The estimates of the model confirm that a rise in the number of ATMs and total insurance has a positive impact on renewable energy consumption in China in long-run. Conversely, an increase in the number of ATMs and total insurance negatively affects CO2 emissions in China. In general, we can say that financial inclusion increases renewable energy consumption and reduces CO2 emissions in China. Therefore, by using financial inclusion, policymakers should try to divert the resources towards environmentally friendly consumption and production activities.
Sorafenib Alleviates Inflammatory Signaling of Tumor Microenvironment in Lung Cancer
Authors: Cicek Betul , Hayme Serhat , Kuzucu Mehmet , Cetin Ahmet , Yeni Yesim , Genc Sidika , Yildirim Serkan , Bolat Ismail , Kantarci Mecit , Gul Mustafa , Hacimuftuoglu Ahmet 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: This study was designed to assess the possible beneficial effects of sorafenib (SOR) in diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced lung carcinogenesis in male rats and also to examine its probable mechanisms of action. Methods and results: A total of 30 adult male rats were divided into three groups as (1) control, (2) DEN, and (3) DEN+SOR. The chemical induction of lung carcinogenesis was performed by injection of DEN intraperitoneally at 150 mg/kg once a week for two weeks. The DEN-administered rats were co-treated with SOR of 10 mg/kg by oral gavage for 42 alternate days. Serum samples were analyzed to determine SOX2 levels. Levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured in lung tissue supernatants. Lung sections were evaluated histopathologically. Also, COX-2 and JNK were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence methods respectively. SOR reduced the level of SOX2 that maintenance of cancer stemness and tumorigenicity, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels. Furthermore, SOR reduced lung histopathological structure and suppressed COX-2 and JNK expressionConclusions: These results suggest that SOR reduces inflammation in the tumor microenvironment and decreases the level of SOX2 which has an important role in maintaining cancer stem cell properties.
Detecting COVID-19 in Chest CT Images Based on Several Pre-Trained Models
Authors: Hassan Esraa , Shams Mahmoud Y. , Hikal Noha A. , Elmougy Samir 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) is causing a worldwide pandemic of severe respiratory illnesses (SARS-CoV-2). The unique virus was discovered in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 and has since spread throughout the world. For fear of spreading, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This paper attempted to offer an autonomous prediction of COVID-19 disease using chest CT scan images by using transfer learning techniques and deep learning algorithms. The dataset included 13413 samples divided into two categories: 7395 CT chest scan images of individuals with confirmed COVID-19 and 6018 images of suspicious cases. The Resnet (50) model has the best training results, Specificity, precision, Negative Predictive Value, False Positive Rate, False Discovery Rate, False Negative Rate, Accuracy, F1 Score, and Matthews Correlation Coefficient with values 0.9880, 0.9892, 0.9891, 0.9882, 0.0108, 0.0109, 0.0120, 0.9886, 0.9885, and 0.9772 respectively.
3D Printing of Photonic Colloidal Glasses into Objects with Isotropic Structural Color
Authors: Demiroers Ahmet , Poloni Erik , Chiesa Maddalena , Bargardi Fabio , Binelli Marco , Woigk Wilhelm , de Castro Lucas , Kleger Nicole , Studart André 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Structural color is frequently exploited by living organisms for biological functions and has also been translated into synthetic materials as a more durable and less hazardous alternative to conventional pigments. Additive manufacturing approaches were recently exploited for the fabrication of exquisite photonic objects, but the angle-dependence observed limits a broader application of structural color in synthetic systems. Here, we propose a manufacturing platform for the 3D printing of complex-shaped objects that display isotropic structural color generated from photonic colloidal glasses. Structurally colored objects are printed from aqueous colloidal inks containing monodisperse silica particles, carbon black and a gel-forming copolymer. Rheology and Small-Angle-X-Ray-Scattering measurements are performed to identify the processing conditions leading to printed objects with tunable structural colors. Multimaterial printing is eventually used to create complex-shaped objects with multiple structural colors using silica and carbon as abundant and sustainable building blocks.