bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Methylprednisolone in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries by Evaluation of microRNA-21: An Experimental Study
Authors: Abdallah Anas , Tekin Abdurrahim , Oztanir Mustafa Namik , Süsgün Seda , Yabacı Ayşegül , Çınar İrfan , Can Engin , Tokar Sadık , Akbaş Fahri , Seyithanoğlu Mehmet Hakan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background and Study Aims Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most complicated pathologies that affect active young males. miR-21 primarily regulates several cellular processes. We aimed to elucidate the regulatory role of miR-21 and test methylprednisolone as a disease-modifying agent on experimental SCI tissues.
Methods A total of 36 8- to 10-week-old adult female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 to 300 g were used. Animals were randomly divided into six groups. Except for groups 1 and 4, the spinal trauma model was applied to all animal groups using the clipping method. In groups 3 and 6, methylprednisolone was given. For real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) investigations, rats in groups 1, 2, and 3 were reoperated on after the first postoperative day, whereas those in groups 4, 5, and 6 were reoperated on after postoperative day 7 and spinal cord samples from the laminectomy area were removed for gene expression analysis. Relative gene expression of miR-21, Gfap, Vim, Stat3, Faslg, Pten, Bax, Bcl2, Cox2, and Il6 were determined with quantitative reverse transcription (qRT) PCR.
Results In group 3, the miR-21 expression significantly increased compared with groups 1 and 2. When compared with group 3, a decrease in miR-21 expression was observed in group 6 (p < 0.05). When compared with group 4, group 6 had lower levels of Gfap, Pten, Stat3, and Bax (p < 0.05).
Conclusions miR-21 supports the beneficial aspects of the body's healing mechanisms following SCI. In the acute phase, the use of methylprednisolone increases miR-21 expression in the early period of trauma. Methylprednisolone increases some astrogliosis and inflammation biomarkers' levels; however, it did not affect the apoptotic biomarkers.
Recognizing Kounis Syndrome, the Unusual Possible Culprit of Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Kamarullah William , Firmansyah Dena Karina 
Published: April 2022

AbstractKounis syndrome encompasses acute coronary syndrome features associated with severe vasospasm of the coronary artery. It is related to allergic anaphylactic reaction triggered by the release of inflammatory cells and mediators. This entity, however, is often not properly diagnosed. In this report, we aimed to discuss a case of Kounis syndrome mimicking acute coronary syndrome. We presented a 58-year-old man with dyspnea, chest pain, dizziness, and itchiness 30 minutes following sodium diclofenac ingestion. His physical examination was remarkable for shock with hypoxia and features of anaphylactic reaction. An urgent electrocardiogram was obtained, manifesting deep ST-segment depression in anterolateral leads with ST elevation of aVR, which hinted a severe three-vessel disease or left main disease. Allergic acute coronary syndrome was suspected. Thus, the patient was managed with fluid resuscitation, epinephrine, and corticosteroid injection along with acute coronary syndrome treatment algorithm with a favorable clinical response. One-hour serial ECG showed complete resolution of ST depression with aVR normalization. This pointed to possible acute coronary spasm. No further coronary intervention was performed, the patient was discharged after 2 days in good condition and planned for further cardiac evaluation during follow-up. Kounis syndrome is an intriguing process caused by the presence of two disease entities that must be treated simultaneously. The difficulty in treating this condition stems from the fact that treating one of both entities may aggravate the other. Thus, a comprehensive approach and health education are strongly advised to ensure that this condition does not reoccur in the future.
Randomized Double-Blind Comparative Study of First Global Denosumab Biosimilar in Oncology
Authors: Apsangikar Prasad , Shirsath Prashant , Naik Manoj , Vasudeva Sonya 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to compare first global biosimilar denosumab for the prevention of skeletal-related events (SREs) in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors.
Methods It was a randomized, double-blind, comparative clinical study. Total of 136 patients of solid tumor were dosed (i.e., 102 subjects in study arm and 34 subjects in the reference arm) with initial double-blind period of 24 weeks (primary efficacy) followed by open-label phase till week 36. Primary endpoint was the incidence of first on-study SRE including hypercalcemia of malignancy with co-primary endpoint of median time to first on-study SRE. Secondary endpoints included mean number and time to first and subsequent on-study SREs (week 12, 24, 36), incidence/proportion of patients with first and subsequent on-study SREs (week 24, 36), change from baseline in nuclear bone scan, quality of life assessment, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic, and safety.
Results In biosimilar study arm, 06 (5.83%) patients suffered SRE from baseline to week 24 compared with 02 (5.71%) patients in reference arm with one (0.97%) patient showing pathological fracture in study arm and one (2.86%) patient having spinal cord compression in reference arm. There was no statistically significant difference in median time to first SRE, mean number of SRE/patient in both arms and improvement in bone repair on nuclear scan at 12, 24 and 36 weeks. Though the study arm showed better health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mean change in HRQoL was statistically not different in both the arms. Pharmacodynamics, serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, pharmacokinetic and safety evaluation did not show any statistical difference between arms.
Conclusion There was no clinically meaningful difference in the biosimilar denosumab and reference product after detailed efficacy and safety evaluation.
Nitrogen accumulation and remobilisation in wheat and barley plants exposed to waterlogging at different developmental stages
Authors: de San Celedonio Romina P. , Abeledo L. Gabriela , Striker Gustavo G. , Miralles Daniel J. 
Published: April 2022

Context Although waterlogging is known to decrease grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), its effect on plant N traits is still unknow. Aims This study evaluated biomass N dynamics and partitioning to grains, in wheat and barley plants subjected to waterlogging. Methods Under contrasting environmental conditions, two pot experiments exposing wheat and barley plants to waterlogging events for 15–20 days at five different developmental stages, from emergence to maturity were performed. Grain N concentration, grain N content, biomass N concentration, N utilisation efficiency (NUE) and N remobilisation were recorded. Key results Both species responded similarly to waterlogging for most N traits. Reductions in grain N content differed according to the moment waterlogging occurred. The greatest reductions (46–77% compared to the control) being for waterlogging from the beginning of stem elongation to anthesis, which also showed the highest reductions in N remobilisation, N uptake at maturity, and N partitioning to the grains, but only a slight decrease in NUE. Grain N concentration raised drastically (up to 45 mg N g DW−1) with minimal grain yields. N concentration of aboveground biomass decreased during waterlogging, recovering control values at maturity. N content at maturity was related to the total biomass. Conclusions Waterlogging differentially reduced N uptake and remobilisation to grains of wheat and barley depending on the developmental stage when water excess occurred. Implications The impact of waterlogging on N economy of wheat and barley appears indirect and predominantly related to carrying effects of the stress on carbon economy due to growth reductions.
Identification and characterisation of blue light photoreceptor gene family and their expression in tomato (
Authors: Batcho Agossa Anicet , Nwogwugwu Joy Oluchi , Ali Mohsin , Jabbar Basit , Javaid Ayesha , Fellner Martin 
Published: April 2022

The Arabidopsis thaliana L. photoreceptor genes homologues in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genome were analysed using bioinformatic tools. The expression pattern of these genes under cold stress was also evaluated. Transcriptome analysis of the tomato sequence revealed that the photoreceptor gene family is involved in abiotic stress tolerance. They participate in various pathways and controlling multiple metabolic processes. They are structurally related to PAS, LIGHT-OXYGEN-VOLTAGE-SENSING (LOV), DNA photolyase, 5,10-methenyl tetrahydrofolate (MTHF), flavin-binding kelch F-box, GAF, PHY, Seven-bladed β-propeller and C27 domains. They also interact with flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), (5S)-5-methyl-2-(methylsulfanyl)-5-phenyl-3-(phenylamino)-3,5-dihydro-4H-imidazol-4-one (FNM) and Phytochromobilin (PϕB) ligands. These interactions help to create a cascade of protein phosphorylation involving in cell defence transcription or stress-regulated genes. They localisation of these gene families on tomato chromosomes appeared to be uneven. Phylogenetic tree of tomato and Arabidopsis photoreceptor gene family were classified into eight subgroups, indicating gene expression diversity. Morphological and physiological assessment revealed no dead plant after 4 h of cold treatment. All the plants were found to be alive, but there were some variations in the data across different parameters. Cold stress significantly reduced the rate of photosynthesis from 10.06 to 3.16 μmol m−2 s−1, transpiration from 4.6 to 1.3 mmol m−2 s−1, and stomatal conductance from 94.6 to 25.6 mmol m−2 s−1. The cold stressed plants also had reduced height, root/shoot length, and fresh/dry biomass weight than the control plants. Relative expression analysis under cold stress revealed that after 4 h, light stimulates the transcript level of Cry2 from 1.9 to 5.7 and PhyB from 0.98 to 6.9 compared to other photoreceptor genes.
18 months on: an interrupted time series analysis investigating the effect of COVID-19 on chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing and test positivity at the Gold Coast, Australia
Authors: Thng C. , Hughes I. , Poulton G. , O’Sullivan M. 
Published: April 2022

Background STI rates have been reported as reduced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study evaluates the number of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections recorded relative to the number of tests performed in 2017–2021, thus accurately depicting trends over time and evaluate the effect of COVID-19 restrictions since these were implemented in March 2020. Methods Data was extracted from an electronic database of pathology and clinical records used at Gold Coast Sexual Health Service (GCSHS) in Queensland, Australia from January 2017 to October 2021. Poisson regression-based interrupted time series analyses were performed for number of tests performed and test positivity over the study period. The COVID-19 period was defined as starting from March 2020 when public health directives were implemented. Results CT and NG testing dropped significantly in the month after COVID-19 restrictions were brought in, by 30% and 23% respectively. Over the 5 year study period, the proportion of positive CT tests has consistently decreased by approximately 0.33% points per year (P ≤ 0.001). The instigation of COVID-19 restrictions had no effect on this trend. The proportion of NG positive tests remained steady prior to COVID-19 (P = 0.96) at approximately 3.5%, decreased immediately at the onset of COVID-19 restrictions to approximately 2.5% (P < 0.001) and has remained at this level post-COVID restrictions (P = 0.54). Testing at GCSHS continued to target gay and bisexual men, accounting for ≥50% of all tests performed. Conclusion Our study suggests that there has been a sustained reduction in test positivity of NG infections in the 18 months since COVID-19 restrictions were implemented, and that this is not an artifact of reduced testing. It highlights the importance of maintaining health messaging including screening for sexually transmissible infections and maintaining access to services, which may include alternative models of care such as Telehealth, self-testing and collaboration between all sexual health service providers.
Extracellular vesicles from triple negative breast cancer promote pro-inflammatory macrophages associated with better clinical outcome
Authors: Tkach Mercedes , Thalmensi Jessie , Timperi Eleonora , Gueguen Paul , Névo Nathalie , Grisard Eleonora , Sirven Philemon , Cocozza Federico , Gouronnec Alizée , Martin-Jaular Lorena , Jouve Mabel , Delisle Fabien , Manel Nicolas , Rookhuizen Derek C. , Guerin Coralie L. , Soumelis Vassili , Romano Emanuela , Segura Elodie , Théry Clotilde 
Published: April 2022

Significance
Our work uncovers mechanisms by which tumor cells impact tumor-associated macrophages in human triple-negative breast cancer. Via extracellular vesicles (EVs), these tumors promote macrophages with proinflammatory features, correlated with better clinical outcome. Our results suggest exploration of these EVs as tools, alone, or in combination with other therapies, to promote a favorable environment for the generation of anti-tumor immune responses.
Nuclear lamin isoforms differentially contribute to LINC complex-dependent nucleocytoskeletal coupling and whole-cell mechanics
Authors: Vahabikashi Amir , Sivagurunathan Suganya , Nicdao Fiona Ann Sadsad , Han Yu Long , Park Chan Young , Kittisopikul Mark , Wong Xianrong , Tran Joseph R. , Gundersen Gregg G. , Reddy Karen L. , Luxton G. W. Gant , Guo Ming , Fredberg Jeffrey J. , Zheng Yixian , Adam Stephen A. , Goldman Robert D. 
Published: April 2022

Significance
Interactions between the cell nucleus and cytoskeleton regulate cell mechanics and are facilitated by the interplay between the nuclear lamina and linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes. To date, the specific contribution of the four lamin isoforms to nucleocytoskeletal connectivity and whole-cell mechanics remains unknown. We discover that A- and B-type lamins distinctively interact with LINC complexes that bind F-actin and vimentin filaments to differentially modulate cortical stiffness, cytoplasmic stiffness, and contractility of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). We propose and experimentally verify an integrated lamin–LINC complex–cytoskeleton model that explains cellular mechanical phenotypes in lamin-deficient MEFs. Our findings uncover potential mechanisms for cellular defects in human laminopathies and many cancers associated with mutations or modifications in lamin isoforms.
The impact of predeparture instruction on pragmatic development during study abroad
Authors: Matsumura Shoichi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This study investigates the impact of a predeparture intervention on developing pragmatic knowledge in a study abroad context. The study included 66 university-level Japanese learners of English who participated in a four-month study abroad program in Canada. The intervention consisted of the implicit-inductive, explicit-deductive, and explicit-inductive methods of instruction on speech acts. Pragmatic development was measured by gain scores on a written a discourse completion test requiring realization of apologies. Results of the analysis of covariance, controlling for levels of English proficiency, revealed that the explicitly taught groups had significantly larger gains in pragmatic knowledge than the implicitly taught group, and that when comparing the deductive and inductive approaches in the explicit instruction, the two groups did not differ significantly. Follow-up interviews using extreme-case sampling revealed that the metacognitive strategies they had acquired at the predeparture stage contributed to the gains. Implications for maximizing pragmatic development during study abroad are discussed.
Second language pragmatic development in study abroad contexts
Authors: Sánchez Hernández Ariadna 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis special issue illustrates current research on the development of second language (L2) pragmatic competence in study abroad (SA) contexts. In doing so, it accounts for the complexity entailed in learning the linguistic and sociocultural norms of interaction with people of diverse backgrounds while facing the multiple challenges involved in adapting to a new and unknown setting. This introduction to the special issue presents key topics and previous findings that frame such processes of L2 pragmatic development. These include (1) a description ofstudy abroadas a context for L2 pragmatic development, (2) pragmatic targets that students learn during SA, (3) internal and external factors that are likely to play a role in the learning process, and (4) the role of instruction in helping students maximize their stays abroad in terms of pragmatic learning. Finally, an overview of the articles included in this special issue is provided, highlighting how they contribute to the key themes illustrated throughout this introductory section.
Disappearance of squeezing in superposition states and its manifestation in the energy density
Authors: Kannan S , Sudheesh C 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We have classified the superposition of squeezed wavepackets into two kinds and studied their quadrature squeezing. We have shown that the squeezing and higher-order squeezing in the quadrature disappear for the states of the first kind. However, for the second kind, it is possible to achieve the maximum amount of squeezing by adjusting the parameters in the superposition. The absence of squeezing for the superposition states is explained based on the expectation value of the energy density. We find that the expectation value of energy density in quantum wavepackets that shows no squeezing is positive. We have also studied the relationship between energy density and the squeezing in the decoherence dynamics of single and two-mode squeezed states. Our further analysis shows that different types of squeezed states, including states which are not wavepackets, exhibit negative energy density.
Random anisotropy magnet at finite temperature
Authors: Garanin Dmitry A , Chudnovsky Eugene M 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We present finite-temperature Monte Carlo studies of a 2D random-anisotropy (RA) magnet on lattices containing one million spins. The correlated spin-glass state predicted by analytical theories is reproduced in simulations, as are the field-cooled and zero-field-cooled magnetization curves observed in experiments. The orientations of lattice spins begin to freeze when the temperature is lowered. The freezing transition is due to the energy barriers generated by the RA rather than due to random interactions in conventional spin-glasses. We describe freezing by introducing the time-dependent spin-glass order parameter q and the spin-melting time τ
M defined via q = τ
M/t above freezing, where t is the time of the experiment represented by the number of Monte Carlo steps.
Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of Ge–Sb–Te thin film crystallization
Authors: Portavoce A , Roland G , Remondina J , Descoins M , Bertoglio M , Amalraj M , Eyméoud P , Dutartre D , Lorut F , Putero M 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Simulation of atomic redistribution in Ge–Sb–Te (GST)-based memory cells during SET/RESET cycling is needed in order to understand GST memory cell failure and to design improved non-volatile memories. However, this type of atomic scale simulations is extremely challenging. In this work, we propose to use a simplified GST system in order to catch the basics of atomic redistribution in Ge-rich GST (GrGST) films using atomistic kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Comparison between experiments and simulations shows good agreements regarding the influence of Ge excess on GrGST crystallization, as well as concerning the GST growth kinetic in GrGST films, suggesting the crystallized GST ternary compound to be off-stoichiometric. According to the simulation of atomic redistribution in GrGST films during SET/RESET cycling, the film microstructure stabilized during cycling is significantly dependent of the GST ternary phase stoichiometry. The use of amorphous layers exhibiting the GST ternary phase stoichiometry placed at the bottom or at the top of the GrGST layer is shown to be a way of controlling the microstructure evolution of the film during cycling. The significant evolution of the local composition in the amorphous solution during cycling suggests a non-negligible variation of the crystallization temperature with operation time.
Investigation of the role of hydrogen molecules in 1D simulation of divertor detachment
Authors: Zhou Yulin , Dudson Benjamin , Militello Fulvio , Verhaegh Kevin , Myatra Omkar 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The role of neutral and charged hydrogenic molecules in detached regimes of tokamak plasmas is investigated using a simplified 1D numerical model. Using MAST Upgrade like conditions, simulations are implemented to study the rollover of target flux

Γ

in upstream density scan. It is found that if

H

2

and

H

2

+

are considered in simulations a lower target temperature and a larger upstream density will be required to trigger divertor detachment under the same input power and particle flux, and the critical detachment threshold (the critical ratio of upstream static pressure to the power entering the recycling region) is found to be

p

up

P

recl

∼
8.1

N

M

W

−

1

at rollover. Molecule–plasma interactions are found to be as crucial as atom–plasma interactions during divertor detachment, both of which account for the majority of plasma momentum loss in the cases studied here. Further analysis of the momentum loss decomposition shows molecule-plasma elastic collisions dominate molecule-plasma interactions, while molecular charge exchange cannot effectively reduce plasma momentum. In terms of

H

alpha

emission, a strong rise of

H

alpha

signal is found to be due to molecular excitation channels when the upstream density further increases after rollover.
The effects of contact area on pressure sensing of ionic polymer metal composite sensor with a soft substrate
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Tang Gangqiang , Zhao Chun , Mei Dong , Zhao Xin , Ji Yujun , Li Bo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) has been extensively studied as a pressure sensor. Nevertheless, few works have focused on the size effects of external loadings on IPMC pressure sensing. Herein, we investigated the effects of contact area on pressure sensing of an IPMC sensor. By placing a soft substrate behind the IPMC, we enlarged the strain zone when IPMC was deformed. A series of experiments were carried out by changing the radius of loading. And the experimental results revealed that the signal generation of IPMC sensor depends on the compression and bending coupling effects, which even performed a reversal from negative to positive (from −0.184 mV to 0.102 mV) with the increase of the radius of loadings (from 1 mm to 4 mm). Combining the compression model and finite element simulation, we calculated the theoretical voltage and quantitatively compared the experimental results, which showed good consistency. It may provide a new and effective way to simplify the measurement of the contact area.