bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β-Asarone Promotes Autophagy by Inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway in a Rat Model of Depression in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Wang Zhifang , Wang Nanbu , Zhang Qinxin , Kang Jian , Fang Yongqi , Ning Baile , Li Ling 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Depression in Parkinson’s disease (DPD) is a major non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and is accompanied by monoamine neurotransmitter degradation in DPD rats. Autophagy is neuroprotective because it helps degrade abnormal deposition of α-synuclein (α-syn). The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is a key autophagy pathway. β-Asarone, derived from Acorus tatarinowii Schott, has anti-PD and anti-depression effects. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of β-asarone in the treatment of DPD model rats. We found that oral administration of β-asarone (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg) for 4 weeks increased dopamine, L-DOPA (levodopa; L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine), and serotonin levels in the midbrain and decreased α-syn levels in DPD model rats compared with model group. As the neurotransmitter levels changed, the expression of Beclin-1 increased while that of p62 decreased in β-asarone-treated DPD rats compared with that in controls. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that β-asarone treatment also improved the number of autophagosomes and decreased mitochondrial damage in the striatum compared with that in untreated animals. These results suggest that β-asarone activates autophagy. Furthermore, western blotting and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway played an important role in β-asarone treatment-induced activation of autophagy. Furthermore, β-asarone increased the levels of Beclin-1 protein and reduced the expression of p62, p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR in the hippocampus. Lastly, transmission electron microscopy results demonstrated that the β-asarone-treated animals displayed abundant autophagosomes in the prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that β-asarone exerts neuroprotective effects in this DPD model via the promotion of autophagy, and may be an effective therapeutic agent for DPD treatment.
Developmental miR-17-92 cluster and sfmbt2 miRNA cluster can’t rescue the abnormal embryonic development caused by the obstructive epididymal environment
Authors: Wu Xunwei , He Xiaomei , Liu Qian , Li Honggang 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Sperms during epididymal transit acquire microRNAs(miRNAs), which are crucial for embryonic development. However, whether miRNAs transmitted from an obstructive epididymal environment affect embryonic development remains unknown. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of an obstructive epididymal environment on embryonic development.
Method
The control group (CON) and the obstructive epididymal environment group(OEE) were treated with sham operation and vasectomy, respectively. The effects of an obstructive epididymal environment on testis, epididymis, sperm, and embryonic development were analyzed via hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE staining), sperm quality test, epididymosomes fusion, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfer. Moreover, sRNA sequence, RT-qPCR, and DNA methylation were conducted to investigate the regulation of sperm miRNAs by an obstructive epididymal environment. miRNAs microinjection and embryo transfer were used to explore the impacts of sperm miRNAs on embryonic development.
Results
The long obstructive interval impaired the morphology of the testis and epididymis. In comparison to the CON group, the OEE group had lower sperm quality and developmental potential. Sperm miRNAs profiles were also altered in the OEE group, particularly the developmental miR-17-92 cluster and Sfmbt2 miRNA clusters; the expression of these two miRNA clusters was regulated via epididymal DNA methylation; however, the disruption of neither the miR-17-92 cluster nor the Sfmbt2 miRNA clusters into normal zygotes did not impair embryonic development.
Conclusion
The obstructive epididymal environment influences embryonic development and the abundance of the sperm miR-17-92 cluster and the sfmbt2 miRNA cluster, but these miRNA clusters are not the cause of abnormal embryo development. It implies that epididymis is important in early embryonic development and may play a potential role in sperm epigenome.
Plumbagin rescues the granulosa cell's pyroptosis by reducing WTAP-mediated N6-methylation in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Cai Zhaowei , He Shaojuan , Liu Rongju , Zhou Liling , Zhao Li 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The survival of ovary granulosa cells (GC) is critical in the initiation and progression of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in females. Here, we found that the PCOS process is accompanied by massive GC pyroptosis resulting from Caspase-1 inflammasome activation. Administration of plumbagin, an effective compound isolated from plant medicine, can prevent the pyroptosis of GC and the onset of PCOS. Mechanistic study indicates the over activation of inflammasome in GC is due to the upregulation of WTAP, a key regulator of the RNA N6-methylase complex. WTAP mediates the mRNA N6-methylation of NLRP3 inflammasome component ASC and enhances ASC RNA stability, which results in the overactivation of the inflammasome in GCs from the PCOS model. Plumbagin treatment suppresses the WTAP-mediated N6-methylation of ASC mRNA and reduces the pyroptosis of GCs. This study supports the profound potential of plumbagin in PCOS treatment.
Construction and evaluation of a prognostic risk model of aging-related genes in bladder cancer
Authors: Wang Delin , Ning Hao , Wu Haihu , Song Yufeng , Chu Yaru , Liu Feifan , Zhao Zhenlin , Lyu Jiaju , Wu Fei 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Bladder cancer (BLCA) is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary system. With the aging of the population, the incidence of bladder cancer is increasing year by year. Thus, the current research aimed to determine the role of aging-related biomarkers in bladder cancer.Methods: Based on TCGA, we downloaded gene expression data of 410 BLCA samples and 19 control samples. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between BLCA and normal samples were intersected with human aging-related genes (ARGs). TCGA cohort was divided into train set and test set according to the proportion of 7:3. The univariate Cox regression and LASSO Cox regression algorithms were applied to identify prognostic aging-related signatures, followed by the construction of the risk score model and nomogram for predicting the survival of BLCA patients. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were conducted to assess its prognostic power. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to explore the tumor immune microenvironment characteristics.Results: We identified 6194 DEGs closely related to BLCA. A total of 83 differentially expressed aging-related genes (DEARGs) were found in BLCA. Subsequently, seven genes (IGF1, NGF, GCLM, PYCR1, EFEMP1, APOC3, IFNB1) were determined and used to build a prognostic risk model. In the training and test dataset, survival analysis demonstrated that the overall survival of high-risk patients was worse compared with the patients in the low-risk group (P <0.05). The AUC of the ROC curve reached 0.66, 0.675, and 0.684 at 1, 2, and 3 years in the training dataset. Also, AUC of 1, 2, and 3 years were 0.625, 0.675, and 0.534 in the test dataset. T4, N3 or female BLCA patients had a significantly increased risk score. However, M stage had no significant difference in the risk score. We further found seven immune cells and many immune checkpoints with significant differences between the low- and high-risk groups.Conclusion: The seven aging biomarkers can be used for prognostic prediction in bladder cancer. Additionally, the immune microenvironment and immune checkpoints can provide a potential target for individualized therapy.
Neutrophil-driven CD206hiMHCIIlo macrophages are critical for skin fibrosis during systemic sclerosis
Authors: shi Yufang , Gong Pixia , Ding Yayun , Li Wen , Su Xiao , Tian Ruifeng , Zhou Yipeng , Wang Tingting , Jiang Junjie , Liu Rui , Fang Jiankai , Feng Chao , Shao Changshun , Li Peishan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a recalcitrant autoimmune disease characterized by progressive fibrosis in the skin and internal organs, such as the lungs. A key feature of this disease is the infiltration of innate immune cells, yet, how they contribute to the pathogenesis of SSc is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that the CD206hiMHCIIlo macrophages were the dominant immune cell population accumulated in the fibrotic skin of SSc mice, and these cells were found to be critical in mediating the profibrotic response by producing TGF-β1 in a MerTK signaling-dependent manner. Interestingly, the neutrophil infiltration was a prerequisite for the accumulation of CD206hiMHCIIlo macrophages and depletion of neutrophils or inhibition of CXCR1/2 could reduce CD206hiMHCIIlo macrophages and alleviate SSc progression. Detailed investigations revealed that in the fibrotic skin, neutrophils released neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) ensnared macrophages and were responsible for the differentiation of CD206hiMHCIIlo macrophages. Our findings uncovered a key role of the neutrophil-macrophage-fibrosis axis in the pathogenesis of SSc and provide critical information for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Performance Analyses of Photonic-Crystal Surface-Emitting Laser: Toward High-Speed Optical Communication
Authors: Peng Chun-Yen , Cheng Hao-Tien , Hong Yu-Heng , Hsu Wen-Cheng , Hsiao Fu-He , Lu Tien Chang , Chang Shu-Wei , Chen Shih-Chen , Wu Chao-Hsin , Kuo Hao-Chung 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
This study conducts comprehensive performance analyses of a commercial photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) via small-signal measurement and the bit-error-rate test (BERT). Meanwhile, the radio frequency (RF) characteristics of the PCSEL are unveiled for the first time. Compared to the vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), the PCSEL shows great potential for a broader optical bandwidth that is benefited from the high optical-confinement factor. A maximum bandwidth of around 2.32 GHz is experimentally observed when the PCSEL was biased at 340 mA. Moreover, a theoretical calculation was applied to shed light on the characteristics of the small-signal measurement, providing a deep insight into the corresponding intrinsic response model. The signal transmission capability of the PCSEL was investigated as well. The maximum bit rate and corresponding rise time transmitted at 500 Mbps are 1.2 Gbps and 186.16 ps, respectively. Thus, a high-speed PCSEL can be realized with a shrunk form factor, serving as a promising candidate for the next-generation light sources in high-speed optical communication.
Biodiversity and antimicrobial activity of intestinal fungi from three species of coral reef fishes
Authors: Wu Jin-Ying , Chen Zi-Hui , Zeng E-Na , Mo Li , Sun Zu-Wang , Wang Yi-Zhuo , Zhang Xiao-Yong 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Although intestinal microbiota plays crucial roles in fish digestion and health, little is known about intestinal fungi in fishes. This study investigated the intestinal fungal diversity of three coral reef fishes (Lates calcarifer, Trachinotus blochii and Lutjanus argentimaculatus) from the South China Sea using a culturable method. A total of 387 isolates were recovered and identified by sequencing their internal transcribed spacer sequences, belonging to 29 known fungal species. The similarity of fungal community in intestines of the three fishes verified the fungal colonization may be influenced by their surrounding environments. Furthermore, the fungal communities in different intestines of some fishes were significantly different, and the number of yeasts in hindgut was less than that in fore- and mid-intestine, suggesting that the distribution of fungi in fishes intestines may be related to the physiological functions of various intestinal segment. In addition, 51.4% tested fungal isolates exhibited antimicrobial activity against at least one marine pathogenic microorganisms. Notably, isolate Aureobasidium pullulans SCAU243 exhibited a strong antifungal activity against Aspergillus versicolor, and isolate Schizophyllum commune SCAU255 displayed extensive antimicrobial activity against four marine pathogenic microorganisms. This study contributed to our understanding of intestinal fungi in coral reef fish and further increasing the library of fungi available for natural bioactive product screening.
Investigation of Defect Behavior in Cylindrical Spur Gears Using Condition Monitoring
Authors: Gonçalves Aparecido Carlos 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The catastrophic failure of gearboxes results in production losses and maintenance costs. The mechanical component that most fails in gearboxes are the gears. These failures usually occur before the end of useful life projected by criteria of failure standards, due to teeth defects as severe wear and cracking. The condition monitoring of gearboxes evaluates parameters which can indicate the mechanism of failure in process in the gear. The most commonly used monitoring techniques of gearboxes are vibration analysis and lubricant analysis. The experimental analysis consists of the evaluation of an experimental workbench under two conditions: notched gear for crack simulation and; gear with variation of notch for simulation of a crack propagation. The workbench condition was evaluated using vibration signal treatment techniques such as Time Synchronous Averaging, Residual Signal, Demodulation, Statistical Moments, Crest Factor and Statistical Analysis using Beta Probability Density Function .The vibration techniques were adequate to identify the presence of an evolution of the notch. Statistical analysis using Beta PDF was useful to identify the degradation of a tooth as the notch size evolved.
Constructs Influencing Performance of National Examinations Examinees: The Case of Grade Ten Amhara Regional State Students
Authors: Alemu Kidanie Aragaw 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Examinations are given to certify and select candidates for higher educations. The Ethiopian General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (EGSECE) was administered for the first time at a national level to students who completed grade 10 by the year 2001. It included 9 exams on academic subjects. From 2001 to 2019 it was the national examinations given to grade ten students. This study was done on grade ten students’ results who were taken the EGSECE exams in Amhara region 2001 to 2017. Year to year though the numbers of Ethiopian General Secondary Education Certificate Examination exam sitters were increased, the relative numbers of passers were very low. The purpose of the research was to extract the hidden risk factors affecting passers size in the region and measure correlation between passers size and constructs. To analyze the data, we used factor analysis model. The analysis with varimax and promax rotation methods on passers size separated by zonal area revealed two constructs. The correlation between the numbers of national exam passers and latent variables, and the total influences of the constructs in deteriorating passers size in the different zones of the region were very high. Identifying constructs affect student’s performance in examinations will help education bureaus and offices, policy makers, planners, teachers and supervisors alleviate their influences in the future, and increase efficiency and quality of the education in the region and in the country.
Evaluation of Certain Eighteen-Treatment Efficient Semi-Latin Squares in Blocks of Size Three
Authors: Mba Emmanuel I. , Chigbu Polycarp E. , Ukaegbu Eugene C. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Semi-Latin squares with side six and block size three, constructed by superimposing each of the 9408 reduced Latin squares of order six on each of certain semi-Latin squares, are here presented. A Microsoft Excel program was used to facilitate the construction by superposition and the statistical evaluation of the corresponding semi-Latin squares of sides six in blocks of size three by computing their A, D, E and MV statistical efficiency measures. A total of 65856 Semi-Latin squares with side six and blocks of size three where constructed. A semi-Latin square with side six and block size three was identified to be A-optimal, D-optimal, E-optimal and MV-optimal. Also, with respect to the efficiency measures, the same optimal semi-Latin square is the most efficient of the 65856 Semi-Latin squares. This efficient semi-Latin square having canonical efficiency factors, 0.5980 with multiplicity three, 0.6667 with multiplicity ten, 0.8464 with multiplicity three and 1.0 with multiplicity one, is a simple orthogonal multi-array (SOMA) of order six; specifically, SOMA(3, 6). This optimal and efficient semi-Latin square has the same A, D, E and MV statistical efficiency values with the two indecomposable SOMA(3, 6) developed by Soicher and an efficient semi-Latin square of order six by Bailey.
Understanding the Experience of Geriatric Care Professionals in Using Telemedicine to Care for Older Patients in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Flanagan Ashley , Nippak Pria MD , Nicin Michael , Sinha Samir K 
Published: July 2022

Background
Geriatric care professionals were forced to rapidly adopt the use of telemedicine technologies to ensure the continuity of care for their older patients in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is little current literature that describes how telemedicine technologies can best be used to meet the needs of geriatric care professionals in providing care to frail older patients, their caregivers, and their families.

Objective
This study aims to identify the benefits and challenges geriatric care professionals face when using telemedicine technologies with frail older patients, their caregivers, and their families and how to maximize the benefits of this method of providing care.

Methods
This was a mixed methods study that recruited geriatric care professionals to complete an online survey regarding their personal demographics and experiences with using telemedicine technologies and participate in a semistructured interview. Interview responses were analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results
Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from 30 practicing geriatric care professionals (22, 73%, geriatricians, 5, 17%, geriatric psychiatrists, and 3, 10%, geriatric nurse practitioners) recruited from across the Greater Toronto Area. Analysis of interview data identified 5 CFIR contextual barriers (complexity, design quality and packaging, patient needs and resources, readiness for implementation, and culture) and 13 CFIR contextual facilitators (relative advantage, adaptability, tension for change, available resources, access to knowledge, networks and communications, compatibility, knowledge and beliefs, self-efficacy, champions, external agents, executing, and reflecting and evaluating). The CFIR concept of external policy and incentives was found to be a neutral construct.

Conclusions
This is the first known study to use the CFIR to develop a comprehensive narrative to characterize the experiences of Ontario geriatric care professionals using telemedicine technologies in providing care. Overall, telemedicine can significantly enable most of the geriatric care that is traditionally provided in person but is less useful in providing specific aspects of geriatric care to frail older patients, their caregivers, and their families.
Patients’ Willingness to Provide Their Clinical Data for Research Purposes and Acceptance of Different Consent Models: Findings From a Representative Survey of Patients With Cancer
Authors: Köngeter Anja , Schickhardt Christoph , Jungkunz Martin , Bergbold Susanne , Mehlis Katja , Winkler Eva C 
Published: July 2022

Background
Secondary use of clinical data for biomedical research purposes holds great potential for various types of noninterventional, data-driven studies. Patients’ willingness to support research with their clinical data is a crucial prerequisite for research progress.

Objective
The aim of the study was to learn about patients’ attitudes and expectations regarding secondary use of their clinical data. In a next step, our results can inform the development of an appropriate governance framework for secondary use of clinical data for research purposes.

Methods
A questionnaire was developed to assess the willingness of patients with cancer to provide their clinical data for biomedical research purposes, considering different conditions of data sharing and consent models. The Cancer Registry of the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg recruited a proportionally stratified random sample of patients with cancer and survivors of cancer based on a full census.

Results
In total, 838 participants completed the survey. Approximately all participants (810/838, 96.7%) showed general willingness to make clinical data available for biomedical research purposes; however, they expected certain requirements to be met, such as comparable data protection standards for data use abroad and the possibility to renew consent at regular time intervals. Most participants (620/838, 73.9%) supported data use also by researchers in commercial companies. More than half of the participants (503/838, 60%) were willing to give up control over clinical data in favor of research benefits. Most participants expressed acceptance of the broad consent model (494/838, 58.9%), followed by data use by default (with the option to opt out at any time; 419/838, 50%); specific consent for every study showed the lowest acceptance rate (327/838, 39%). Patients expected physicians to share their data (763/838, 91.1%) and their fellow patients to support secondary use with their clinical data (679/838, 81%).

Conclusions
Although patients’ general willingness to make their clinical data available for biomedical research purposes is very high, the willingness of a substantial proportion of patients depends on additional requirements. Taking these perspectives into account is essential for designing trustworthy governance of clinical data reuse and sharing. The willingness to accept the loss of control over clinical data to enhance the benefits of research should be given special consideration.