bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The GPR120 Agonist TUG-891 Alleviates Neuronal Pyroptosis by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress after Experimental Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Mice
Authors: Wang Haoxiang , Liu Chang , Li Yuanyou , Cao Yi , Zhao Long , Zhao Yanjie , Deng Ziang , Tong Aiping , Zhou Liangxue 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a disease with high disability and mortality rate and lacks specific therapy, and which basic causes lies in the unclear mechanism. Recently, the pyroptosis in central nervous system diseases has received more attention, which is closely related to traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic stroke. Furthermore, excessive endoplasmic reticulum stress can cause dysfunction of endoplasmic reticulum and even cell pyroptosis by regulating NLRP3 pathway. However, the relationship between pyroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress after IVH is unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress and its relationship with pyroptosis in a mouse model of IVH. Our results show that intracerebroventricular injection of autologous blood induced pyroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The mechanism is that after IVH, the endoplasmic reticulum stress–NLRP3 inflammatory body–pyroptosis pathway is activated, which results in brain tissue damage. This effect can be reversed by the combination of TUG-891 and GPR120. In summary, we revealed that TUG-891 inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress and reduces neuronal pyroptosis by activating GPR120, which might be a therapeutic target for the treatment of IVH.
Novel expression cassettes for increasing apolipoprotein AI transgene expression in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Sethuraman Meena , Dronadula Nagadhara , Bi Lianxiang , Wacker Bradley , Knight Ethan , De Bleser Pieter , Dichek David 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Transduction of endothelial cells (EC) with a vector that expresses apolipoprotein A-I (APOAI) reduces atherosclerosis in arteries of fat-fed rabbits. However, the effects on atherosclerosis are partial and might be enhanced if APOAI expression could be increased. We tested 4 strategies—primarily in vitro—to increase APOAI expression from our current highest-expressing vector: addition of 2 types of enhancers, addition of computationally identified EC-specific cis-regulatory modules (CRM), and insertion of the rabbit APOAI gene at the transcription start site (TSS) of genomic sequences cloned from genes that are highly expressed in cultured EC. Addition of a shear stress-responsive enhancer did not increase APOAI expression. Addition of 2 copies of a Mef2c enhancer increased APOAI expression from a moderately active promoter/enhancer, but decreased APOAI expression from our most highly active promoter/enhancer. Of 11 computationally identified CRM, 3 increased APOAI expression from the moderately active promoter (2–7-fold; P < 0.05); none increased expression from the highly active promoter/enhancer. Insertion of the APOAI gene into the TSS of highly expressed EC genes did not increase expression above levels obtained with moderately active promoter/enhancer. High performance of our current highest-expressing vector was confirmed; new strategies are needed to further increase APOAI transgene expression in EC.
Mitral paravalvular leak 3D printing from 3D- transesophageal echocardiography – proof of concept and preparation flowchart
Authors: Jędrzejek Marek , Kozłowski Michał , Jadczyk Tomasz , Peszek-Przybyła Ewa , Pysz Piotr , Wojakowski Wojciech , Smolka Grzegorz 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Paravalvular leaks (PVLs) can be detected in almost 15% of patients after mitral valve prosthesis implantation. This complication can result in congestive heart failure and hemolysis. Despite advancements in non-invasive imaging, percutaneous closure of PVLs is not always successful. Therefore, efforts are made to improve treatment outcomes by using 3D-printed models of defects as pre-procedural support for interventional cardiologists. Retrospectively, 3D-TEE recordings of 8 patients with clinically significant mitral PVLs were analysed. Qlab Software was used to export DICOM images of each PVL channel, including surrounding tissue. Image segmentation was performed in 3D Slicer, a free, open-source software package used for imaging research. Models were printed to actual size with the polyjet Stratasys Objet 30 printer with a transparent, rigid material. Duration of model preparation and printing, as well as total cost were calculated. Mean total time of model preparation was 430,5 ± 196 min. 3D-printing from 3D-TEE is technically feasible. Both shape and location of PVLs are preserved during model preparation and printing. It remains to be tested if 3D-printing would improve outcomes of percutaneous PVL closure.
Active Control and Electronic Simulation of a Novel Fractional Order Chaotic Jerk System
Authors: Adelakun Adedayo , Ogunjo Samuel T 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
he chaotic jerk system represents a class of nonlinear systems with unique, varied, and interesting characteristics and behaviour. In this study, we proposed a modified fractional-order chaotic Jerk system by the introduction of two novel nonlinear terms and two constant terms. The nonlinear terms introduced are the exponential and tangential functions while the two parameters are a and b. Stability analysis of the fractional-order Jerk system was used to establish the parameter ranges for chaotic behaviour in the system. Chaos in the system was confirmed via the Lyapunov exponents. The bifurcation diagram with respect to the parameters, a and b, as well as the fractional order, α were examined. The synchronization of the system was implemented using the active control method. Finally, the studied novel circuit was realized using analog components for experimental validation.
A case of recurrent ovarian cancer with renal dysfunction associated with the use of olaparib
Authors: Yamano Yukiko , Minakata Tomokazu , Tsuji Takahiro , Hayashi Shiko , Hashimoto Seiji 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Many anticancer drugs have been reported to damage the kidneys. Olaparib (ORB) is known not to largely affect renal function due to its specific pharmacological mechanism, and there are no reports on renal dysfunction associated with the drug. The patient was found to have diagnosed with recurrent ovarian cancer. She started therapy with Bevacizumab (BEV). Unfortunately, BEV was discontinued due to development of progressive renal dysfunction with proteinuria. Therefore, she started administration of ORB. However, after switching to ORB, her renal dysfunction progressed. Renal histopathology revealed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). During the clinical course, her renal function deteriorated after administration of ORB and improved after the drug was discontinued because of bone marrow suppression. Moreover, sustained improvement of renal function was observed after complete discontinuation of the drug. This case is considered to be the first report of renal dysfunction due to ORB. Although ORB is not considered to cause renal damage when administered alone, it can be considered to further exacerbate the preceding BEV-induced renal dysfunction. Since switching of anticancer drugs is common, clinicians should be aware of the risk of developing renal dysfunction.
14-3-3ζ mediates GABAAR activation by interacting with BIG1
Authors: Li Cuixian , Huang Shen , Peng Jin , Hong Tianguo , Zhou Chun , Tang Jie 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Most fast synaptic inhibitions in the mammalian brain are mediated by GABAA receptors (GABAARs). An appropriate level of GABAAR expression at the cell surface is essential for neurodevelopment and the efficacy of GABAergic synaptic transmission. We previously reported that brefeldin A-inhibited GDP/GTP exchange factor 1 (BIG1), a binding partner of GABAARs, plays an important role in trafficking GABAARs to the cell surface. However, its regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, we identified a new cellular protein, 14-3-3ζ, which can interact with the β subunit of GABAARs and BIG1 both in vitro and in vivo and colocalizes in the soma, dendrites and axons of hippocampal neurons. Overexpression of 14-3-3ζ-WT increased the surface expression of BIG1 in dendrites and axons, as well as the binding of BIG1 with GABAAR. Depleted 14-3-3ζ with efficacious siRNA attenuated the interaction between BIG1 and GABAARs and resulted in significant decreases in the surface expression levels of BIG1 and GABAAR. GABAAR agonist treatment increased the expression levels of BIG1 and 14-3-3ζ on the surface, indicating that 14-3-3ζ is involved in regulating BIG1-mediated GABAAR surface expression. Depletion of BIG1 or 14-3-3ζ significantly decreased GABAAR expression at the cell surface and suppressed the GABA-gated influx of chloride ions. These data indicate that the combination of 14-3-3ζ and BIG1 is required for GABAAR membrane expression. Our results provide a potential promising therapeutic target for neurological disorders involving GABAergic synaptic transmission.
Temporal Patterns of Voice Onset Time of English-Sindhi Stops
Authors: Abbasi Abdul Malik , Channa Mansoor Ahmed , Husain Imtiaz , Khan Ms Ahlam 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The paper examines the temporal voice onset time (VOT) duration of consonantal stops between the release burst of stops and the onset of vibration of the voice box. This is an acoustic study of Voice Onset Time of L1 Sindhi and L2 English stops. It aims to determine the acoustic average values of Voice Onset Time (VOT) in Sindhi English stop consonants i.e. L1 and L2 production of speech. According to the author, this descriptive study Voice Onset Time (VOT) in Sindhi-English stop consonants has been conducted first time on English-Sindhi VOT (ms) stops. The study recruited 10 (5 females and 5 male participants), who were Sindhi native speakers and English as a Second Language (ESL) Learners. The stimuli were designed in which three voicing pairs were selected from both Sindhi and English. The VOT (ms) of six Sindhi and English voicing stop pairs /p/, /t/, /k/ & /b/, /d/, and /ɡ/ were measured i.e. one voiceless and one voiced. The undergraduate students recorded their voice samples in both Sindhi and English. The data were separately analyzed from Sindhi and English languages. There were acoustic differences within the groups and between the groups in VOT (ms) of English and Sindhi. The statistical tests were run on the results where the significance level of p-value was fixed on < 0.05. The results illustrate that there is a significant difference between voiceless sounds i.e. /p/ & /k/ means. The findings of the data reveal that there is no statistically significant difference between VOT (ms) means of male & female for the voiceless & voiced consonantal sounds i.e., /t/, /b/, /d/ & /ɡ/. The data further discovered that English-Sindhi VOT characteristics of stops are not associated with gender; however, English-Sindhi VOT altered as a function of the place of articulation.
Historical temperature variability in a representative high-latitude region in the monsoon-continental climate transition zone in China
Authors: Wei Yingnan , Ma Long , Sun Bolin , Zhang Jing , Jing Quanpu , Xing Jianjun 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Global warming has exacerbated the instability of the climate and has led to the frequent occurrence of extreme cold and warm events. In this study, we constructed a standardized tree-ring width chronology of Korean spruce (Picea koraiensis Nakai) growing in a representative high-latitude region in the monsoon-continental climate transition zone in China from 1845 to 2016 and used it to analyse the response of the radial growth of Korean spruce to climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation. The results show that the annual mean temperature was the dominant climatic factor affecting the growth of Korean spruce. Hence, we reconstructed the annual mean temperature series of this region spanning the past 172 years. The analysis results show that the study area experienced five warm periods and five cold periods in the past 172 years. Cold years were dominant before 1960s, while temperature continuously rose and changed drastically in the early 21st century. The reconstructed annual mean temperature series has variability cycles of 3 a, 7 a, 10–12 a, 15–22 a, and 30–40 a. The results of this reconstruction enrich the tree-ring database in the representative regions of the monsoon-continental climate transition zone in China and provide a reference for systematically understanding the climate change patterns in the representative regions of the transition zone.
The Effects of Informal Competition on Manufacturing Firm Productivity in Ethiopia
Authors: Endale Kefyalew 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This study investigates the relationships of informal competition with formal manufacturing firms labor productivity measured by value added per total fulltime workers and capacity utilization rates in Ethiopia. A combination of cross-sectional and panel regression methods are employed to investigate the relationships using the 2011 and 2015 World Bank Enterprise Surveys. The results from both the cross-sectional and panel analyses show that informal competition is significantly associated with lower labor productivity and capacity utilization rate. The negative effects of informal competition are large especially on large manufacturing firms which is a disincentive to firm growth. An additional finding is that those formal firms competing against the unregistered firms are found to engage in innovation practices especially in the methods of production and marketing to mitigate the negative consquences of informal competittors on their market performance. The policy implication of the findings is that Competition and Consumers’ Protection Authority (incollaboration with police and judciary) should exert more efforts to reduce the malpractices of informal competitors especially those engaging in brand piracy. Formalizing the informal competitors through imrpived access to credit, tax incentive, and training can also play an indispensable role. Firms should also promote their producs aggressively through different methods to help their customers identify genuine produtts from fakes.
Challenges in Facilitating Online Teaching for Secondary Education during the Covid-19 Pandemic, based on a case study in Sri Lanka.
Authors: de Silva Arosha Gertrude , de Silva Arosha Gertrude 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This research aims to evaluate the challenges in facilitating online teaching for secondary education during the Covid-19 pandemic based on a case study in the western province of Sri Lanka. With the pandemic, teachers had to face many challenges concerning online teaching, as they were unprepared for the remote teaching process that was to follow. For this research, teachers were able to give an account of their experiences, challengers and the sacrifices that had to be made in adapting to this new method of teaching. A mixed method of data collection and analysis was used in this research, as both quantitative and qualitative methods in combination would provide a better understanding of research problem enhancing the validity of the results. Through the findings of this research, it was revealed that most schools and its teachers had embraced online teaching in the midst of the many challengers during Covid-19. Thereby it is vital that measures are taken to overcome and to mitigate the effects these challenges faced in online teaching, making it possible for teachers to deliver an online education for students that is on par with other technologically advanced education system.
Prevalence of depression in Systemic sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cui Yafei , Ming Jingyi , Guo Li , Fan Chaolin , Qi Panpan , Liu Chengcheng , Zhang Jianjiang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease associated with increased functional impairment, body image distress due to skin lesions, and psychosocial comorbidity, particularly depression. However, there is substantial uncertainty concerning the prevalence of depression in SSc. We conducted a systematic review aiming to establish pooled prevalence levels of depression among adult SSc patients.Methods: We systematically reviewed databases including PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane database library from their inception to June 2018. Studies were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and the qualities of included studies were evaluated. The data were analyzed using Stata13 software and the random-effect meta-analysis was conducted on all eligible data.Results: A total of 30 studies including adult 2239 patients were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The results of meta-analysis revealed that the prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms in SSc patients was 41% (95% CI: 34%-48%, P＜0.01). The depression score in SSc patients (standardized mean difference(SMD) = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.23-1.04, P＜0.05) was higher than in the control group.Conclusion: Depression is highly prevalent in adult SSc patients and these patients should be carefully monitored and a psychological assistance counselled whenever necessary. Medical staffs should also pay attention to the possible risk factors for depressive symptoms.Trial registration: Current Meta-analysis PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD 42018087380.
Growth, abundance, and diversity of black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) pneumatophores in deforested and sand-filled mangrove forest at Eagle Island, Niger Delta Nigeria
Authors: Numbere Aroloye , Camilo Gerardo 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Pneumatophore is a major channel of oxygen circulation in mangrove forest. It is hypothesized that soil condition, canopy cover and stagnant pool of water can influence pneumatophore growth. Pneumatophore abundance, diversity indices, microbial and chemical composition in sand-filled mangrove forest was studied. Six plots were established within a rectangular area measuring 4152.24m2 in a random block design to investigate the effect of soil conditions on pneumatophore growth. A total of 9,586 pneumatophores were physically counted and differentiated into four types namely 1-branch, 2-branch, 3-branch, and 4-branch pneumatophores. The ANOVA results shows that there is significant difference in the abundance of pneumatophore types (F3, 20 = 7.61, p < .001). The most abundant pneumatophore type is the one branch pneumatophore (n = 4747) while the least is the four branched pneumatophores. The stagnant pool site with silty and muddy soil has the most abundant pneumatophore growth whereas plots in the seashore site with sandy soil has the least abundant pneumatophores. In contrast, the seashore site has the highest diversity (H = 1.367) while the stagnant pool has the lowest diversity (H = 0.956). Metal concentration was higher in the stagnant pool site while microbial count is higher in the seashore site. The study shows that soil condition, canopy cover, stagnant pool plus tidal action influenced pneumatophore growth.
Design of novel Channel Propagation model for underwater acoustic wireless communication inside a tank
Authors: Panchal Sweta , Patel Sagar , Panchal Sandipkumar , Pabari Jayesh 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The absorption of underwater acoustic signal travelling in tank filled with water having saturation of sodium chloride is demonstrated by model developed specifically for attenuation. The simulation results of developed model for attenuation is performed using soft computing technique like fuzzy logic (MATLAB). The acoustic signal propagation in underwater acoustic communication results in multipath signals, this occurs obstacle in communication. Due to physical geometry of bounded medium, the acoustic signal suffers from more reflections compared to unbounded medium like sea. The Multipath propagation model proposed path lengths of multiple reflected signals. Development of multipath propagation model helps to remove problem of ISI, latency time of protocol and arrival time lag. To remove such problems, knowledge of number of multipath components is of prime importance. The empirical relation is developed between range of communication and number of multipaths. Because behaviour of acoustic sensors is completely different under water than terrestrial sensors, this arises requirement for developing topology of sensor network. Thus the acoustic model is developed which is suitable to work at acoustic frequency and sustain losses that occurs due to physical phenomena. The area of coverage of received signal in terms of percentage is devised by wireless channel propagation model. Ultimately underwater acoustic signal channel propagation model is demonstrated that will help to focus on faithful underwater communication and accordingly proceed for its application.
Comparative analysis of the gut microbiota of adult rats from nine locations in Hainan, China
Authors: Niu Lina , Zhang Guannan , Xuan Duanduan , Cao Peipei , Lu Zi , Chen Shaowen , Zhang Yong , Cui Xiuji , Lin Chong , Hu Shoukui 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background: Emerging infectious diseases are mainly dominated by zoonotic diseases and rats are potential reservoirs for zoonotic infectious diseases. It is essential for preventing and treating such diseases to understand the composition of gut microbial communities in rats. As a tropical island locating in the south of China, Hainan province has abundant rat species. Here, we examined the gut microbial composition in adult rats from Hainan province of China.Methods: A total of 162 fresh faecal samples were collected from adult wild rats, including three species (Rattus norvegicus, Leopoldamys edwardsi, and Rattus losea), from nine regions of Hainan province in 2018. We analyzed the composition of gut microbiota using the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.Results: We identified 4,903 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (30 phyla, 175 families, and 498 genera), which is different among distinct geographical distributions. Totally, Firmicutes were the most abundant phyla, followed by Bacteroidetes (15.55%), Proteobacteria (6.13%) and Actinobacteria (4.02%). The genus Lactobacillus (20.08%), unidentified_Clostridiales (5.16%), Romboutsia (4.33%), unidentified_Ruminococcaceae (3.83%), Bacteroides (3.66%), Helicobacter (2.40%) and Streptococcus (2.37%) were dominant in the samples. Among locations for rat species, the gut microbial communities were different in composition and abundance.Conclusion: This work provides information to identify microbial communities using for disease control in Hainan province.