bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA for gene transfer to MCF-7 cells
Authors: Afrouz Mehdi , Ahmadi-Nouraldinvand Farnaz , Ajirlu Yahia yaghooti , Arabnejad Fateme , Eskanlou Hadi , Yaghoubi Hashem 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The ability of Chitosan-Folic acid and PLA-PEG polymers for gene delivery into MCF-7 cells was evaluated. The PLA-PEG copolymer is one of the most appealing nanoparticles for gene transfer to human cells because of its biocompatibility and high blood circulation. However, one of the barriers to the use of these polymers in gene therapy has always been the low effectiveness of these nanoparticles. In this study, Chitosan and folic acid were utilized to improve gene transfer efficiency and encapsulation of PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles. PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles with different concentrations of Chitosan-FA were prepared using double emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. The biological properties (i.e., biocompatibility, DNA release, and gene transfer ability to MCF-7 cells in vitro) as well as the physical and chemical properties (i.e., particle size, zeta potential, and the morphology of the resultant nanoparticles) of PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles were investigated. The results showed that increasing the Chitosan-FA concentration in the PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles resulted in an increase in zeta potential, DNA release, encapsulation, and gene delivery efficiency. The MTT assay showed PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles exhibit low cytotoxicity and good compatibility. On the other hand, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to test the ability of PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles with varied concentrations of chitosan-folic acid to transfer the gene to MCF-7 cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy analysis showed that increasing the concentration of chitosan-folic acid in PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles improved gene transfer efficiency to MCF-7 cells.
Continuous Wavelet Transform based Phonocardiogram Delineation Method
Authors: Shervegar Vishwanath Madhava 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Time frequency-based methods have been employed for event detection in audio signals. The spectrogram can be used to extract loudness and energy functions by taking the row sum. The loudness function has been differentiated to obtain the on-set events of the audio. The same could be replicated in case of bio-signals such as phonocardiograms to extract on-set and off-set boundaries. Continuous Wavelet Transform based Time-Frequency algorithm for on-set and off-set Event-detection has been developed for Phonocardiograms and the same has been tested on the PCG dataset hosted in Physionet repository. To validate the simulation, real implementation has also been carried out with real heart sound recordings obtained from Bluetooth based stethoscope called the stemoscope. The simulation carried out using PCG sounds from the Physionet database gave an F1-score of 99.11%. Similar results were found using the real heart sound recordings from stemoscope with an F1- score of 99.30%. Experimental evaluation and Simulations both indicate that Continuous Wavelet Transform based time frequency algorithm can be used to derive on-set and off-set events of the sounds in the PCG signal.
SIRT4 functions as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting glutamine metabolism
Authors: Cai Liangliang , Ge Zhuhui , Xu Yunqiu , Sun Pingliang , Huang Guoyu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
SIRT4, localized in the mitochondria, is an nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) -dependent adenosine diphosphate (ADP) -ribosyltransferase and is one of the least characterized members of the sirtuin family. Although it is well known that it shows deacetylase activity for energy metabolism, little is understood about its function in tumorigenesis. Recent research suggests that SIRT4 may work as both a tumor suppressor gene and an oncogene. However, the clinical significance of SIRT4 in prostate cancer remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated SIRT4 protein levels in cancerous prostate tissue and corresponding non-tumor prostate tissue via immunohistochemical staining on a tissue microarray including tissues from 89 prostate cancer patients. The association between SIRT4 expression and Gleason score was also determined. Further, shSIRT4 or stable prostate cancer cell lines (22RV1) overexpressing SIRT4 were constructed via lentiviral infection. Using Cell-Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound healing assay, migration, and invasion and apoptosis assays, the effects of SIRT4 on the migration, invasion ability, and proliferation of prostate cancer cells were investigated. We also determined the effect of SIRT4 on glutamine metabolism in 22RV1 cells. We found the protein levels of SIRT4 in prostate cancer tissues were significantly lower than those in their non-neoplastic tissue counterparts (P < 0.01); a lower SIRT4 level was also significantly associated with a higher Gleason score (P < 0.01). SIRT4 suppressed the migration, invasion capabilities, and proliferation of prostate cancer cells and induced cellular apoptosis. Furthermore, the invasion and migration of 22RV1 cells were mechanistically inhibited by SIRT4 via glutamine metabolism inhibition. In conclusion, the present study's findings showed that SIRT4 protein levels are significantly associated with the Gleason score in patients with prostate cancer, and SIRT4 exerts a tumor-suppressive effect on prostate cancer cells by inhibiting glutamine metabolism. Thus, SIRT4 may serve as a potential novel therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
Nutritional and antioxidant changes in lentil and quinoa induced by fungal solid-state fermentation with Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Sánchez-García Janaina , Asensio-Grau Andrea , García-Hernández Jorge , Heredia Ana , Andrés Ana 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Solid-state fermentation (SSF) could be considered a suitable bioprocess to produce protein-vegetal ingredients with increased nutritional and functional value. This study aimed at assessing changes in phenols and antinutrients contents, along with biomass and protein production, resulting from the metabolic activity of Pleurotus Ostreatus, and edible fungus, in lentil and quinoa during 14 days of solid-state fermentation. The impact of particle size on these parameters was also assessed as the process was conducting in both seeds and flours. According to the obtained results, fungus biomass raised along fermentation and reached 30.0 ± 1.4 mg/ g dry basis and 32 ± 3 mg/ g dry basis in lentil grain and flour, and 52.01 ± 1.08 mg/ g dry basis and 45 ± 2 mg/ g dry basis in quinoa seed and flour after 14 days of SSF. Total protein content also increased about 20-25% along fermentation, excepting in lentil flour. However, soluble protein fraction remained constant. Regarding phytic acid, a positive impact of SSF was found with a progressive decreased, being higher in flours (90% of reduction) than in seeds. With respect to antioxidants properties, autoclaving of the substrates promoted the release of polyphenols together with an antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) in all substates. These parameters, however, drastically decreased as along as fermentation progressed. In conclusion, these results provide scientific knowledge for producing a based-lentil or quinoa fermented ingredients with higher protein content and low antinutrients content than their counterparts.
Practice of non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 and reduction of the risk of influenza-like illness: A retrospective cross- sectional population-based study
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Issa Ola , Kanso Maysaloun , Youssef Janet , Abou-Abbas Linda , Abboud Edmond 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction:
While this widespread implementation of the non-pharmaceutical interventions was intended to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, such measures could be also effective in limiting the spread of other respiratory infections. This study aimed to examine the association between the implementation of personal protective measures and the occurrence of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the general population.
Methods:
An online retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in April 2021 to assess cases of ILI among Lebanese adults aged 18 years and above, from all Lebanese governorates during the 2020–2021 flu season. Data was collected using a convenient sampling method. In addition to their sociodemographic information, participants were asked about their frequency of implementing personal protective measures and if they have experienced symptoms of ILI in the previous six months. The overall score of the personal protective measures was computed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between participants’ level of adoption of personal protective measures against COVID-19 and the occurrence of ILI.
Results:
Among the 1019 Lebanese adults participating in this study, 352 (34.54%) of them reported symptoms of ILI between October 2020 and March 2021. Lebanese adults who wore their facemasks frequently or always were less likely to suffer from symptoms of ILI than others who did not wear the mask (aOR = 0.452, 95% CI = 0.349– 0.693, p < 0.001). Similarly, adults who adopt the following protective measures washing hands (aOR = 0.608, 95% CI = 0.524– 0.922, p < 0.001), respecting cough etiquette (aOR = 0.763, 95% CI = 0.598– 0.918, p < 0.001), disinfecting surface (aOR = 0.892, 95% CI = 0.632–0.911, p = 0.012), avoiding crowded places surface (aOR = 0.739, 95% CI = 0.688–0.903, p = 0.049), respecting physical distancing surface (aOR = 0.646, 95% CI = 0.482–0.833, p = 0.031) on a regular basis (frequently/always) were less likely to report symptoms of influenza-like illnesses when compared with those who did not adhere at all to these measures.
Conclusion:
Our study highlighted the potential of personal protective measures against COVID-19 in reducing the transmission of respiratory infections such as ILI. Such findings might be invested during influenza season, particularly among groups at high risk of developing severe complications. Exploring trends detected by the national severe acute respiratory infection surveillance system is recommended to confirm the utility of these measures.
The Function Changes of the Ala348to Thr Polymorphism in the P2X7R Closely Related to the Onset of Gout
Authors: Li Man-Yun , Fang Xuan , Ma Yan , Pan Xian-Yang , Dai Xiao-Juan , Li Xiao-Mei , Li Xiao-ling , Wang Yi-Ping , Tao Jin-Hui , Li Xiang-Pei 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Gout is a common disease of inflammatory arthritis caused by hyperuricemia and the deposition of MSU crystals. Our previous study has shown that ATP action on P2X7R could be the second signal to induce the onset of gouty arthritis. However, the biological function changes of SNPs in the P2X7R, which affect the ATP-P2X7R-IL-1β signaling pathway with high uric acid, remained unknown. To further research P2RX7 gene variant (encoded by the SNP as rs1718119) polymorphism association between the gout susceptibility and the functional effect, 270 patients with gout and 70 hyperuricemia patients without history of gout flare (over 5-years course) were recruited in this study. The current study first time analyzed the genotyping study in genomic DNA samples from gout and hypeluricemia patients, then flow cytometry was used to test the transfected Ala348to Thr mutant in HEK-293T cells. Expression levels of IL-1β, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 mRNA in THP-1 cells were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expression levels of IL-1β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gout-sensitivity allele at rs1718119 was A. The AA and AG genotypes exhibited a higher risk of gout and the gout-sensitivity allele at rs1718119 was A. Moreover, Ala348to Thr increased P2X7-dependent ethidium+ bromide uptake. What’s more, Ala348 to Thr significantly up-regulated the serum and mRNA levels of IL-1β compared with wild type (P=0.0007;P=0.0334,respectively). Expression levels of NLRP3 mRNA in cells with Ala348 to Thr also showed a higher level than wild type(p=0.0003). However, no statistical significance were found in the mRNA expression of ASC and caspase-1 between Ala348to Thr and wild type in all three groups(P＞0.05). Our study revealed that the biological function changes of one SNP (rs1718119) mutation affected the ATP-P2X7R-IL-IL-1β signaling pathway with high uric acid. And, both rs1718119 was dominant gene. The genetic variability of the P2X7R rs1718119 gene might, in part, be associated with susceptibility for gout onset.
Did the Samalas Volcano Eruption in 1257 Initiate Climate Change That Resulted in LIA (Little Ice Ages)? Statistical Study of Global Climate Proxy Data since 1000
Authors: Aminy Ika Umratul Asni , Bijaksana Satria , Dahrin Darharta 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The Little Ice Age (LIA) describes cold conditions that lasted for centuries associated with the expansion of glaciers that could be initiated by a large volcanic eruption. The 1257 eruption of the Samalas volcano caused climatic impacts worldwide and possibly has played a role in starting the LIA. The injected volcanic material was so extraordinary that statistically significant results were obtained. To test whether the Samalas eruption triggered climate change that resulted in LIA, the data used in this study refers to 7 curves of temperature reconstruction in the Northern Hemisphere because they are formed based on multi-proxy data. Furthermore, data processing is carried out in 4 stages, namely selecting the temperature reconstruction curve for the years 1000–2000, digitizing the curve, interpolating, and normalizing the temperature value. The data is then selected first based on the similarity of the shape of the digitization curve, the results of descriptive statistics are in accordance with the LIA periodization, and the results of inferential statistics show that there is no difference in temperature between the data. Based on the results obtained, the trend curve of temperature changes at 50-year intervals from each data group in the Northern Hemisphere can show global climate change due to the Samalas eruption and prove that the eruption of Samalas initiated climate change which resulted in LIA.
Associations of exposure to multiple metals with blood pressure and hypertension: a cross- sectional study in Chinese preschool children
Authors: Liu Yanli , Yu Lili , Zhu Meiqin , Lin Wei , Liu Yang , Li Mingzhu , Zhang Yao , Ji Hongxian , Wang Jing 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background:Exposure to metals might be a risk factor for hypertension, which contributes largely to the global burden of disease and mortality. However, relevant epidemiological studies of associations between metals exposure with hypertension among preschoolers are limited. This study aimed to explore the associations of urine metals with blood pressure and hypertension among Chinese preschoolers.Methods: A total of 1220 eligible participants who had urine metals measurement, blood pressure measurements, and relevant covariates were included in this cross-sectional study. Urine concentrations of metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The single and multiple metals regression models were used to investigate the associations of urine metal with blood pressure and the risk of hypertension after adjusting for potential confounders. Results: We observed urine concentrations of chromium, iron, and barium were negatively associated with levels of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and the risk of hypertension in the single metal model (all P-FDR adjustment < 0.05). Significant associations of urine chromium concentrations with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and the risk of hypertension were found in the multi-metal model ((β or odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was -3.07 (-5.12, -1.02) , -2.25 (-4.29, -0.22), and 0.51 (0.26, 0.97) for 3rd quartile, compared with 1st quartile, respectively). The same association was found for barium concentrations in the multi-metal model, while none of the associations among iron quartiles was significant. In addition, urine chromium, iron and barium may have joint effects on levels of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure and risk of hypertension. Children’s age and body mass index could modify the associations of chromium, iron, and barium concentrations with blood pressure.Conclusions: Our findings suggested that exposure to chromium, iron, and barium was inversely associated with blood pressure and hypertension among preschool children. These findings need further validation in prospective studies.
A Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Mixed Encoding for Community Detection
Authors: Yang Simin , Wei Wenhong , Zhang Yuhui 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Community structure is one of the most significant features of complex networks and community detection is a crucial method to analyze community structure. Existing representations in community detection are inflexible and easily generate invalid solutions. To address the drawbacks, this paper proposed a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on mixed encoding (MOGAME). The algorithm combines the locus-based representation and labels-based representation, which can avoid generating invalid solution and improve the performance. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real-word networks show that the proposed algorithm performs better than the existing algorithms with respect to accuracy and stability.
Morbidity and mortality in the modern antiretroviral treatment era in a tertiary teaching hospital in Durban, South Africa.
Authors: Ghislain Manimani Riziki , Gumede Lungile Puritty , Magula Nombulelo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Worldwide despite the availability of antiretroviral therapy, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome still causes morbidity and mortality among patients. This study aimed at identifying the determinants of morbidity and mortality in the era of modern antiretroviral treatment (ART).
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted; data were obtained from medical records of all HIV infected patients admitted to King Edward medical wards from January to December 2018. This included demographic profile, clinical attributes and laboratory records. Data were analysed using R software where descriptive and inferential statistics were presented. The inferential statistics were five numbers summaries, box plot, Chi square, all fisher exact test and t test or rank some test.
Results
A total of 577 (50.6%) females and 564 (49.4%) males aged 12 years old and older infected by HIV were included in the study. The mean age of all the patients was 39.6 ± 12.2, 506 (44.3%) patients had CD4 less than 200 cells /mm3 and 273 (23.9%) had VL ˃ 1000 copies/ml. Association between CD4 cell count and Viral load (p˂ 0.05) was found. Male gender [OR 1.39(1.07–1.8) p = 0.015], Age [OR1.02 (1.01–1.03) p˂ 0.001], CD4 < 200 cells/mm3 [OR 2.14(1.37–3.45) p = 0.001], VL ˃ 1000 copies/ml [OR 1.93(1.08–3.63) p = 0.032] were associated with mortality in our cohort. Tuberculosis was the most common diagnosis on admission and the leading cause of death.
Conclusion
These findings illustrate that advanced HIV disease remains significant among inpatients despite the roll-out of ART. There is a need for raising the awareness of early appropriate treatment.
Influence of Gender Roles and Responsibilities on Family Planning Decisions in Adults, in Karachi, Pakistan: A Qualitative Analysis of Open-Ended Interviews
Authors: Sajwani Zara , Khan Murad Moosa , Sachwani Saima , Ahmed Warda , Ali Tazeen Saeed 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
In Pakistan, the slow pace of declining fertility rate accounts for troubling consequences like multiple pregnancies, induced abortions, the low 34% contraceptive prevalence rate, and overpopulation. This coupled with the lack of literature on this topic in the country makes it pivotal to explore the gender roles and responsibilities of adults in marital life and within the family and their influence on Family Planning decisions in adults, in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods
The study design involved purposive selection of 12 consenting married adults belonging to Gulberg Town, from whom detailed qualitative data was collected using open-ended, semi-structured interviews, supported by field notes. For the sake of anonymity, participants were assigned codes. Furthermore, all discussions were conducted in English or Urdu language by the female investigator herself and were audio recorded after obtaining participants’ consent. Thereafter, a rigorous thematic analysis of the interviews was carried out, with the results being double-checked before being securely stored in soft or hard copy.
Results
The study observations identified that gender roles and responsibilities do affect Family Planning decisions in Pakistan. The results were broadly categorized into two themes: superficial reasons and deeper reasons affecting FP decisions. The first theme has three main categories; interpretation of FP, awareness about FP, and couple as representative of FP decision making whereas the second theme has five categories; roles and responsibilities of men in the family, roles and responsibilities of women in the family, women autonomy, mind the gap or taming the women, and way forward.
Conclusions
Our study findings suggest that while superficial reasons must be resolved, it is primarily crucial to eliminate the subtler, tap root factors influencing FP decisions by strongly addressing school curricula, nurses, and other Health Care Workers (HCWs) to positively impact the society. Further qualitative and quantitative research is ultimately necessary for assessing the viewpoint of important stakeholders and how, using a multiprong approach, the stringent perceptions pertaining to Family Planning can be altered to benefit the society.
Elevated CO2 could reduce spikelet fertility and grain appearance quality of rice (Oryza sativa) grown under high-temperature conditions
Authors: Yamaguchi Masahiro , Kamiya Shoma , Kokubun Dai , Nakayama Tomoki , Yonekura Tetsushi , Kohno Yoshihisa 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
· It is projected that atmospheric CO2 concentrations will increase because of industrial activities. Elevated CO2 reduces transpiration from leaves via stomatal closure, which increases plant temperature; therefore, higher levels of CO2 could adversely affect crop production via increasing plant temperature, particularly for plants that are susceptible to heat stress, such as rice (Oryza sativa). · Two Japanese rice cultivars with different heat-tolerance, Hinohikari and Nikomaru, were grown in pots inside open-top chambers and exposed to ambient CO2 (400 µmol mol–1) or elevated CO2 (550 µmol mol–1) from the beginning of the tillering stage to maturity. The study was conducted in Nagasaki, in the Kyushu region of Japan, where heat stress on rice has become increasingly evident.· During the flowering period, the air temperature was sufficiently high to induce heat stress effects in rice, such as low spikelet fertility, even under ambient CO2 conditions for both cultivars. Although elevated CO2 significantly improved the net photosynthesis and whole-plant growth of the cultivars, there were no significant effects on grain yield, which in turn reduced harvest index. In both cultivars, adverse effects on other processes occurred with elevated CO2, such as reductions in spikelet fertility and grain appearance quality, which are typical manifestations of heat stress in rice. The elevated CO2 treatment showed significant reductions in stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of flag leaves, which could increase plant temperature.· Under high-temperature condition, therefore, elevated CO2 could induce manifestations of heat stress in Japanese rice via reduction in transpiration due to stomatal closure.