bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of sulfonium lipids as potential nonviral gene vectors
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Ying , Zhang Lei , Lin Yue , Zhou Xiaodong , Liu Bingling , Jin Chenghao 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
IntroductionNon-viral gene vectors have attracted much attention in the last few decades, because of its potential activity and less side effects. Headgroup chemistry is a key aspect in lipid design. MethodsIn this study, a group of sulfonium lipids were designed and constructed by combining tetrahydrothiophene or tetrahydrothiopyran with an ethoxy linker and carbon aliphatic chains. 12 sulfonium lipids were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and Mass. The compounds were evaluated in terms of their ability as potential gene vectors. Condensates of sulfonium lipids (SL) and DNA were examined by gel electrophoresis and particle size and zeta potential were measured. Sulfonium compounds were tested on HepG2 cells for cytotoxicity. SL/DNA condensates were studied incellular uptake and distribution using fluorescent microscopy.ResultsThe results showed that sulfonium cation can effectively interact with phosphorous in DNA. Compounds containing a longer lipid chains can effectively retard DNA at S/P ratio higher than 10/1 and can condense DNA into a nanosize particles with particle size in the range 150 nm ~ 300 nm, zeta potential in the range of +20~+40. Sulfonium compounds were calculated IC50s on HepG2 cells in the range of 3.52 ng/mL to 1.64 μg/mL. The intra-cellular uptake experiments revealed that SL/DNA nano particle was taken into the cell at low efficiency.ConclusionSulfonium headgroup can interact with phosphate of DNA. The structural environment of sulfonium ion influences the DNA bonding effect. The designed cyclic sulfonium ion was buried in the middle of structure, and thus was hindered interaction with DNA. This type of molecule is worthy of further modification to increase DNA capacity and to reduce cell cytotoxicity.
Effect of cortical extracellular GABA on motor response
Authors: Hoshino Osamu , Zheng Meihong , Fukuoka Yasuhiro 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
To elucidate how the flattening of sensory tuning due to a deficit in tonic inhibition slows motor responses, we simulated a neural network model in which a sensory cortical network (N S) and a motor cortical network (N M) are reciprocally connected , and the N M projects to spinal motoneurons (Mns). The N S was presented with a feature stimulus and the reaction time of Mns was measured. The flattening of sensory tuning in N S caused by decreasing the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in extracellular space resulted in a decrease in the stimulus-sensitive N M pyramidal cell activity while increasing the stimulus-insensitive N M pyramidal cell activity , thereby prolonging the reaction time of Mns to the applied feature stimulus. We suggest that a reduction in extracellular GABA concentration in sensory cortex may interfere with selective activation in motor cortex, leading to slowing the activation of spinal motoneurons and therefore to slowing motor responses.
Pamoic acid is an inhibitor of HMGB1•CXCL12 elicited chemotaxis and reduces inflammation in murine models of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia
Authors: De Leo Federica , Rossi Alice , De Marchis Francesco , Cigana Cristina , Melessike Medede , Quilici Giacomo , De Fino Ida , Mantonico Malisa Vittoria , Fabris Chantal , Bragonzi Alessandra , Bianchi Marco Emilio , Musco Giovanna 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background. High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is an ubiquitous nuclear protein that once released in the extracellular space acts as a Damage Associated Molecular Pattern and promotes inflammation. HMGB1 is significantly elevated during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and has a clinical relevance in respiratory diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Salicylates are HMGB1 inhibitors. To address pharmacological inhibition of HMGB1 with small molecules, we explored the therapeutic potential of pamoic acid (PAM), a salicylate with limited ability to cross epithelial barriers. Methods. PAM binding to HMGB1 and CXCL12 was tested by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy using chemical shift perturbation methods, and inhibition of HMGB1•CXCL12–dependent chemotaxis was investigated by cell migration experiments. Aerosol delivery of PAM, with single or repeated administrations, was tested in murine models of acute and chronic P. aeruginosa pulmonary infection in C57Bl/6NCrlBR mice. PAM efficacy was evaluated by read-outs including weight loss, bacterial load and inflammatory response in lung and bronco-alveolar lavage fluid. Results. Our data and three-dimensional models show that PAM is a direct ligand of both HMGB1 and CXCL12. We also showed that PAM is able to interfere with heterocomplex formation and the related chemotaxis in vitro . Importantly, PAM treatment by aerosol was effective in reducing acute and chronic airway murine inflammation and damage induced by P. aeruginosa . The results indicated that PAM reduces leukocyte recruitment in the airways, in particular neutrophils, suggesting an impaired in vivo chemotaxis. This was associated with a decrease in myeloperoxidase and neutrophil elastase levels. Modestly increased bacterial burdens were recorded with single administration of PAM in acute infection; however, repeated administration in chronic infection did not affect bacterial burdens, indicating that the interference of PAM with the immune system has a limited risk of pulmonary exacerbation. Conclusions. This work established the efficacy of treating inflammation in chronic respiratory diseases, including bacterial infections, by topical delivery in the lung of PAM, an inhibitor of HMGB1.
Social acceptance and practicality of cattle-administered endectocides for malaria control in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Makhanthisa Takalani , Braack Leo , Bornman Maria S. , Lutermann Heike 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Malaria continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa and conventional malaria control strategies such as indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) are increasingly losing their effectiveness. Consequently, the development of alternative or supplementary strategies is required. One potential strategy is the use of cattle/livestock-administered endectocides to control vector mosquitoes that feed outdoors on livestock. However, since this strategy requires support from local communities and livestock owners consenting for their animals to be treated, it can only be implemented if acceptance by affected communities is sufficiently high. The aim of this study was to assess the social acceptance and practicality of the use of cattle/livestock-administered endectocides in the malaria endemic villages of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa, where malaria incidence is high. Methods: Questionnaires were administered in the Vhembe District in 103 livestock-owning households from four villages, namely, Gumbu, Malale, Manenzhe and Bale. The assessment included questions on the acceptability of the strategy, the type and number of livestock owned, distances between houses and kraals (overnight pens) as well as previous use and awareness of endectocides. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. Results: The types of livestock owned by the participants comprised, cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys, with the most dominant being goats (n = 1040) and cattle (964). The majority of the participants had their kraals less than 10 meters from their houses. Most participants (72.5%) reported that they were already using chemicals to treat their livestock for parasites. About 33.3% of the livestock owners reported that they or their family members had previous infections of malaria. All participants indicated that they would accept the implementation of the strategy and would give consent for their animals to be treated by endectocides. Conclusions: The use of cattle/livestock-administered endectocides appears to be a feasible and acceptable approach for control of animal-feeding malaria vector species in the malaria endemic villages of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. This is based on a high percentage of rural residents keeping suitable livestock close to their homes and expressing willingness to use endectocides for mosquito control.
Evaluating adherence to post-treatment surveillance of colorectal cancer at a reference center in Mexico: A retrospective analysis.
Authors: Hernandez-Felix Jorge Humberto , Noguez-Ramos Alejandro , Aguilar Mauricio Rivera , Valenzuela-Vidales Ana K. , Rosas-Camargo Vanessa , Cedro-Tanda Alberto , Torres-Valdiviezo Lucero Itzel , Arce-Sandoval Cesar Rodrigo , Cisneros-Cordero Miriam Heidi , Luviano Andrea , Huitzil-Melendez Fidel David , Meneses-Medina Monica I. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose: After colorectal cancer (CCR) treatment, adequate follow-up is recommended to improve overall survival. We aimed to assess the adherence to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical practice guidelines on post-treatment surveillance for CRC at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran in Mexico City, Mexico. Methods: We included patients with stage I-III CRC treated between January 2014 and December 2016. We evaluated adherence to surveillance during the first three years after completion of CRC treatment or until recurrence, whichever came first. We defined adequate compliance with guidelines as ≥2 physician visits annually for three years, ≥2 serum carcinoembryonic antigen blood tests annually for two years, and at least one colonoscopy during the three-year surveillance period. Results: Overall-three-year adherence to surveillance recommendations was 53.8% (n=49). Colonoscopy was the component with the highest adherence with 91.2% (n=83) of the patients, followed by medical visits with 71.4% (n=65) of the patients. During the three-year period of follow-up, 23% (n=21) of patients lost follow-up. Three-year recurrence rate was 6.6% (n=6). In a bivariate analysis, we did not find any significant association between clinical and demographic factors and adherence to surveillance.Conclusions: At our institution, compliance to the guidelines on post-treatment surveillance is higher than the reported at similar centers in other world regions, though there is a decreasing trend in adherence during the study period. More evidence is needed to understand the potential barriers to surveillance and implement strategies to improve compliance to surveillance and the survival of patients.
Antibody- and T cell-dependent responses elicited by a SARS-CoV-2 adenoviral-based vaccine in a socially vulnerable cohort of elderly individuals
Authors: Moya Martin , Aleksandroff Ariel , Marrama Marcela , Veigas Florencia , Cocco Montana N. Manselle , Moreno Tomás Dalotto , Rabinovich Gabriel A 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background In spite of compelling evidence demonstrating safety and immunogenicity of adenoviral-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the general population, its effects in socially vulnerable elderly individuals is poorly understood Here we aimed to investigate the efficacy of two doses of combined vector vaccine, the Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V), at 14, 42 and 180 days after immunization, in a nursing home for low-income and homeless individuals. Methods: A phase 3, open-label clinical trial involving administration of two adenoviral vectors (Ad26 - Ad5) vaccine, in elderly individuals over the ages of 60 years was performed. SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-specific IgG antibodies at days 21-, 42- and 180 post-vaccination was analyzed in sera of individuals receiving two doses of the Sputnik V vaccine with an interval of 21 days. SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8 T cell responses, measured by intracellular tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was determined by flow cytometry following antigen-specific cultures. Results A total of 72 elderly adults with a mean age of 72.6 ±9.5 years-old was selected after applying the inclusion criteria, all corresponding to a very low-income population. Two-doses vaccination with Sputnik V vaccine elicited an antibody-mediated immune response (revealed by quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies, CMIA) 70% at day 21, 90% at day 42s and 66.1% at day 180. Fully vaccinated individuals had robust SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses, evidence by TNF production in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in all time periods analyzed.Conclusion: Six months after receipt of the second dose of the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine, SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG levels declined substantially among the tested population, whereas CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell-mediated immunity remained at high levels. These data suggest that two doses of combined adenoviral-based vaccine elicits a considerable level of SARS-CoV-2 immune responses in elderly individuals, highlighting its safety and immunogenicity in this highly vulnerable population.
Integrating microarray-based spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals tissue architecture in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhou Bolun , Liu Xiang , Huai Qilin , Guo Lei , Xue Xuemin , Tan Fengwei , Li Yin , Xue Qi , Gao Shugeng , He Jie 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
The tumour microenvironment (TME) serves as an important factor in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Although distinct cell subsets can be identified via single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), the spatial composition of cells within the TME is difficult to characterise.
Methods
Tissue samples were collected from three patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and scRNA-seq was performed to identify distinct cell subsets. In addition, a microarray-based spatial transcriptomic (ST) method was used to characterise the spatial landscape of expression data via an array of spots. Using multimodal intersection analysis (MIA) to integrate scRNA-seq and ST, the exact cellular components of the tumour and stromal regions were annotated.
Results
The subpopulations of seven stromal cells were identified within the TME of ESCC, and the architecture of scRNA-seq-determined subsets was mapped in cancer and stromal regions. The distribution of various stromal cells and their subpopulations was heterogeneous. Compared with immune cells, non-immune stromal cells were significantly enriched in the TME. Most subsets of epithelial cells were enriched in the cancer regions, whereas inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts were correlated with the stromal regions. Furthermore, TME features were different between metastatic and non-metastatic samples and between the primary and metastatic sites of the metastatic sample.
Conclusions
This study revealed the spatial landscape of various cell subsets within the TME and the potential cross-talk among diverse cells, which provides novel insights into cancer intervention.
Semi-quantum Key Agreement Protocol against Dishonest Third-party with Delegating Quantum Measuring
Authors: Zhou Yi-Hua , Xu Yang , Yang Yu-Guang , Shi Wei-Min , Chen Ze-Song 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In quantum cloud environment, most application protocols have the problems of using a lot of quantum resources, high communication costs, and inability to check the honesty of cloud server. Therefore, a semi-quantum key agreement protocol based on GHZ-like state with a dishonest delegated measuring center is proposed. In our protocol, the application system consists of a quantum cloud server which only needs to prepare GHZ-like states and distributes all the particles to other participants, a quantum measuring center which performs complicated quantum measurement, such as X-base measurement and Bell measurement, and many classical semi-quantum participants which perform key agreement. Our protocol has many advantages. First, our protocol removes the assumption of honest or semi-honest cloud server because the dishonesty of cloud sever can be checked by delegated measuring center and classical semi-quantum participants. Second, the dishonesty of measuring center can also be found by classical semi-quantum participants through joint measurement. Third, only classical semi-quantum participants can obtain random shared key even if quantum cloud server and measuring center are interested in shared keys. Fourth, a large number of participants may be semi-quantum users which saving a lot of quantum resources. Our protocol is especially suitable for applications such as a large number of classical users arbitrarily performing key agreement in a real cloud environment which only need fewer resources, being easy to implement, and controllable. Security analysis and efficiency analysis show that our protocol can not only effectively resist external and internal attacks, but also resist collusion attack, which is more efficient than similar protocols.
Assessment of Adsorption and Removal Efficacy of Spirulina Powder for Strontium and Thallium
Authors: Yadav Mahendra , Kumar Vivek , Jain Shelly , Sandal Nidhi , Chauhan Meenakshi Kanwar 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
A nuclear accident or incident releases a large number of radionuclides. The most important fission produced radionuclides are cesium, strontium, iodine, and thallium. It enters the body through ingestion, inhalation and skin, and accumulates in tissues and organs. Thus, it is extremely important to remove these radionuclides as soon as possible. In concern of this, the present study was envisaged to evaluate the adsorption and removal efficacy of Spirulina for radionuclides viz., cobalt (Co), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), cesium (Cs) and thallium (Tl). The adsorption efficacy was investigated in terms of weight of Spirulina (0.1 g), contact time (3h), metal ion concentration (10-100 mg L-1), and simulated physiological fluids viz., simulated gastric (SGF) and intestinal fluid (SIF). The removal efficacy of Spirulina was evaluated for strontium and thallium in mice. The strontium and thallium content in major tissues, urine and faeces were estimated. The maximum binding capacity of Spirulina for Co+2,, Sr+2, Ba+2, Cs+1 and Tl+1 was found to be 3.774, 0.655, 0.337, 1.328 and 0.129 mg g-1 in water, respectively, and 0.838, 0.575, 0.697, 0.334 and 6.098 mg g-1 in SGF, respectively, whereas in SIF it was found to be 18.182, 0.329 and 1.203 mg g-1 for Sr+2, Cs+1 and Tl+1, respectively. Spirulina significantly reduced the whole body retention of strontium and thallium and enhanced their excretion through urine and faeces. In conclusion, pulverized Spirulina showed potential adsorption efficiency and may be used as a cost-effective, efficient and non-toxic agent for removal of strontium and thallium from body.
Hsa-miR-374b-5p and hsa-miR-106a-5p are associated with inflammatory bowel disease through targeting IL-10/STAT3 axis
Authors: Li Dongjie , Du Xiancai , Ma Wen , Zhang Jing , Piao Wenhua 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), is a common gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Recent studies revealed that there is a strong connection between the regulatory mechanism of miRNA and IBD etiology. In the current study, we aim to investigate the potential role of hsa-miR-374b-5p(miR-374b-5p) and hsa-miR-106a-5p (miR-106a-5p)in regulating IBD development.
Methods
Serum was obtained from vein blood of IBD patients and healthy controls ,qRT-PCR was performed to study the expression of miR-374b-5p and miR-106a-5p. Furthermore ,we investigate the effects of overexpression or inhibition of miR-374b-5p on naïve CD4 + T cell subsets differentiation from vein blood of healthy controls by qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and western blot. And more the prediction and confirmation of the targeting genes of miR-374b-5p and miR-106a-5p were performed by bioinformatics softwares and dual-luciferase reporter assay.
Results
We found that miR-106a-5p and miR-374b-5p were markedly upregulated in the serum of IBD patients, and hsa-miR-374b-5p was able to facilitate the Th1 and Th17 differentiation and is associated with IBD pathogenicity. Overexpression of miR-374b-5p increased IFN-γ, IL-17A mRNA levels, and decreased IL-10 mRNA levels in CD4+T cells by qRT-PCR. Moreover, inhibition of miR-374b-5p decreased IFN-γ, IL-17A, and increased IL-10 mRNA levels in CD4+ T cells; these were further confirmed at protein level by flow cytometry and western blot. Additionally, we confirmed IL-10 as a novel target gene of miR-374b-5p by dual-luciferase reporter assay, which has been identified as anti-inflammatory cytokine to negatively regulate the development of IBD. Otherside, we identified STAT3 as a target gene of miR-106a-5p by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Our subsequent study observed that the JAK1/STAT3 pathway were regulated by miR-374b-5p through IL-10/STAT3 axis in CD4+T cells. Overexpression of miR-374b-5p could significantly decrease STAT3 mRNA levels and serine phosphorylation(ser-727) of STAT3 protein levels and inhibition of miR-374b-5p could significantly increase STAT3 mRNA levels and serine phosphorylation(ser-727) of STAT3 protein levels respectively.
Conclusion
MiR-374b-5p and miR-106a-5p may play an important role in IBD pathogenesis through targeting IL-10/STAT3 axis.
High-throughput discovery of chemical structure-polarity relationships combining automation and machine learning techniques
Authors: Mo Fanyang , Xu Hao , Lin Jinglong , Liu Qianyi , Chen Yuntian , Zhang Jianning , Yang Yang , Young Michael , Xu Yan , Zhang Dongxiao 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
As an essential attribute of organic compounds, polarity has a profound influence on many molecular properties such as solubility and phase transition temperature. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) represents a commonly used technique for polarity measurement. However, current TLC analysis presents several problems, including the need for a large number of attempts to obtain suitable conditions, as well as irreproducibility due to non-standardization. Herein, we describe an automated experiment system for TLC analysis. This system is designed to conduct TLC analysis automatically, facilitating high-throughput experimentation by collecting large experimental datasets under standardized conditions. Using these datasets, machine learning (ML) methods are employed to construct surrogate models correlating organic compounds’ structures and their polarity using retardation factor (Rf). The trained ML models are able to predict the Rf value curve of organic compounds with high accuracy. Furthermore, the constitutive relationship between the compound and its polarity can also be discovered through these modeling methods, and the underlying mechanism is rationalized through adsorption theories. The trained ML models not only reduce the need for empirical optimization currently required for TLC analysis, but also provide general guidelines for the selection of conditions, making TLC an easily accessible tool for the broader scientific community.