bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Circulating hsa_circ_0063425 and hsa_circ_0056891 as Novel Biomarkers for Detection of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lu Ya-Ke , Chu Xi , Wang Shuo , Sun Yue , Zhang Jie , Dong Jing , Yan Yu-Xiang
Published: February 2021

Context

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are involved in the development of diseases by regulating gene expression, have become promising novel biomarkers for diseases.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to identify the circulating circRNA biomarkers for early detection of type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

The circRNA expression profiles were screened by microarray and compared between 5 new T2D cases and 5 healthy controls. The expression of candidate circRNAs that may be involved in the insulin phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway were validated by RT-qPCR in a second sample with 30 T2D cases and 30 controls. The association between circRNAs and T2D and their clinical significances were further assessed by logistic regression model, correlation analysis, and ROC curve in a large cohort comprising 313 subjects. The microRNA (miRNA) targets of circRNAs were verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay.

Results

Low expressed circ_0063425 and hsa_circ_0056891 were independent predictors of T2D, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and insulin resistance. The 2-circRNA panel had a high diagnostic accuracy for discriminating T2D and IFG from healthy controls, especially when body mass index was integrated. miR-19a-3p and miR-1-3p were identified as the miRNA targets of hsa_circ_0063425 and hsa_circ_0056891, respectively. Significant positive correlations were found between the expression levels of AKT and hsa_circ_0063425, PI3K and hsa_circ_0056891, in the total sample and subgroups stratified by glucose levels.

Conclusion

Downregulated hsa_circ_0063425 and hsa_circ_0056891 might contribute to the pathogenesis of T2D. They are valuable circulating biomarkers for early detection of T2D, which may be involved in regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling.
Anastrozole Improves Final Adult Height in Severe Hypothyroidism With Rapid Pubertal Progression
Authors: Hodax Juanita K , Topor Lisa Swartz , Bialo Shara R , Quintos Jose Bernardo
Published: February 2021

Severe prolonged hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto thyroiditis may lead to rapid pubertal progression and compromised adult height after initiation of levothyroxine (LT4) therapy. There are no reports of aromatase inhibitor use to augment height in these patients. We describe a patient with severe hypothyroidism and growth failure who experienced rapid pubertal and bone age maturation on initiation of LT4 therapy. Anastrozole was added after 2 years to delay epiphyseal fusion.

A boy aged 12 years and 1 month presented to the endocrine clinic with short stature and a markedly delayed bone age of 6 years. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a 1.5 × 1.0 × 1.2-cm enlarged lobular anterior pituitary. On examination, his height was –3.5 SD score (SDS) and weight was –2.87 SDS. Laboratory studies showed elevated thyrotropin (TSH) 850.6 μIU/mL, low free thyroxine 0.25 ng/dL, and elevated antithyroid antibodies. LT4 was initiated with normalization of TSH after 6 months. After 2 years of treatment he demonstrated catch-up growth with rapid bone age maturation, and his predicted adult height was compromised at 164.6 cm vs a midparental target height of 175.4 cm. Anastrozole 1 mg once daily was initiated. After 1.5 years of anastrozole treatment, the rate of his bone age advancement had slowed and his linear growth remained robust. The patient’s near-final height (167 cm) was 2.4 cm taller than his height prediction prior to starting anastrozole.

Anastrozole slowed the rate of bone age advancement in a patient with severe hypothyroidism and rapidly progressive puberty during treatment with LT4, leading to improvement in near-final height.
The Deconstruction of Philology
Authors: Golumbia David
Published: February 2021

The history of philology provides an exceptionally rich vein for locating what Derrida came to call deconstructions: nodes or pseudo-events in the development of discourse where it appears that foundations collapse, only to be rebuilt in forms that may or may not have changed. The history of philology engages language, the sciences (especially evolutionary biology), and race, all of which are evidenced in the work of the German philologist Wilhelm von Humboldt. The relationships among these discourses have been repeatedly subject to deconstruction, sometimes so as to enhance appreciation of human diversity, and at other times against it. Understanding the history of philology is critical to understanding our present, but there remains significant work to do to reconstruct its liberatory aspects in the service of a more egalitarian future.
biogitflow: development workflow protocols for bioinformatics pipelines with git and GitLab
Authors: Kamoun Choumouss , Roméjon Julien , de Soyres Henri , Gallois Apolline , Girard Elodie , Hupé Philippe
Published: February 2021

The use of a bioinformatics pipeline as a tool to support diagnostic and theranostic decisions in the healthcare process requires the definition of detailed development workflow guidelines. Therefore, we implemented protocols that describe step-by-step all the command lines and actions that the developers have to follow. Our protocols capitalized on the two powerful and widely used tools git and GitLab, and are based on gitflow, a well-established workflow in the software engineering community. They address two use cases: a nominal mode to develop a new feature in the bioinformatics pipeline and a hotfix mode to correct a bug that occurred in the production environment. The protocols are available as a comprehensive documentation at https://biogitflow.readthedocs.io and the main concepts, steps and principles are presented in this report.
A theoretical model for optimal control of banana Moko (Musa AAB Simmonds)
Authors: Grajales Amorocho Marly , Muñoz Loaiza Anibal
Published: February 2021

A population simulation model with non-linear ordinary differential equations is presented, which interprets the dynamics of the banana Moko, with prevention of the disease and population of susceptible and infected plants over time. A crop with a variable population of plants and a logistic growth of replanting is assumed, taking into account the maximum capacity of plants in the delimited study area. Also, with the help of farmers, the costs of implementing prevention strategies and elimination of infected plants were calculated per week in order to determine the optimal conditions that control the disease and reduce production costs. We found that the implementation of prevention strategies (f) plays an important role, but the parameter that most influences the threshold value is the elimination of infected plants g.  However, to reduce production costs due to the high implementation of prevention strategies and to maintain the disease in a controlled state, both controls u1 and u2 should be implemented between 40% and 60%, obtaining with this percentage an approximate reduction of 51.37% in production costs per week, where in 23 weeks following the same conditions it is expected to have a healthy plantation without infected plants.
Operation, maintenance and repair of the common property of an apartment building
Authors: Akimov Vladimir , Komkov Vladimir , Timahova Nadezhda
Published: February 2021

The textbook provides information on the operation, maintenance and repair of the common property of an apartment building. Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation. It is intended for students of secondary vocational educational institutions studying in the specialty 08.02.11 "Management, operation and maintenance of an apartment building". For students of secondary professional educational organizations and educational organizations of additional professional education.
Fundamentals of processing technology and commodity science of food products from raw materials of animal origin
Authors: Chebakova Galina , Gorbacheva Mariya , Esepenok Konstantin
Published: February 2021

Technologies of milk and dairy products production, technologies of slaughter of farm animals, poultry and rabbits, commodity characteristics of milk and dairy products, meat of slaughtered animals, offal, ghee, sausage products, canned meat and semi-finished products, chicken eggs and egg products are considered. The classification and characteristics of dairy and meat products are given, taking into account the new national standards developed in recent years; the terms and definitions for dairy and meat products are presented in a new interpretation. Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation. For university students studying in the field of training 38.03.07 "Commodity science". It can be useful for experts, researchers and a wide range of consumers.
Mechanochemical method of polishing a polycrystalline diamond coating
Authors: Ohlupin Dmitriy , Korolev Al'bert , Sinev Il'ya
Published: February 2021

The monograph presents a solution to the technological problem of polishing a polycrystalline diamond coating by a mechanochemical method in order to ensure the required surface roughness and high processing performance. The analysis of existing schemes and methods of polishing diamonds and diamond coatings is carried out. A technology for polishing diamond coatings with a metal brush is proposed, which provides brittle destruction of the vertices of large micro-roughnesses and graphitization of small micro-roughnesses. For researchers, postgraduates and specialists of industrial enterprises involved in the technology of polishing the surfaces of parts.
Geometry in education and science
Authors: Sal'kov Nikolay
Published: February 2021

This monograph consists of the author's articles on geometry, geometric education, and the formation of the teaching staff. Various problems concerning the development of geometric science itself, as well as those that periodically arise in the pedagogical environment of universities, are considered. It is intended for a wide range of readers: not only geometers and those interested in geometry, but also those related to pedagogy and science.
Learning to solve problems in physics: preparing for the Unified State Exam
Authors: Fridman Yuriy , Korzhenevich Aleksandr
Published: February 2021

If you are holding this textbook in your hands, it means that you understand the need to solve problems when studying a physics course at school. Indeed, it is difficult to overestimate the effect that the solution of problems in the study of physics gives. The textbook contains about 800 problems for the high school physics course. The tasks are based on the examination materials of various universities, including the Republic of Crimea, data from the magazines "Kvant", "Physics at School", information received from correspondence physics and mathematics schools of the Moscow State University named after M. V. Lomonosov, National Research Nuclear University "MEPhI", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University). We also used the problem books that were released in various years to help those entering universities. The number of problems and their selection are not random and allow, according to the compilers, to demonstrate the types of problems that are often found in the high school physics course, the most rational methods, general approaches and ideas for solving them, and also help to acquire certain skills in solving problems. Can be useful for use in secondary schools when working with students for whom physics is of interest, optional, if you prepare for the entrance exams for physics, a specialized school with advanced study of physics, as well as anyone who wants to learn how to solve problems in physics.
Trends in Risk‐Adjusted 28‐Day Mortality Rates for Patients Hospitalized with COVID‐19 in England
Authors: Jones Simon , Mason Neil , Palser Tom , Swift Simon , Petrilli Christopher M , Horwitz Leora I
Published: February 2021

Early reports showed high mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Mortality rates have recently been lower; however, patients are also now younger, with fewer comorbidities. We explored 28‐day mortality for patients hospitalized for COVID‐19 in England over a 5‐month period, adjusting for a range of potentially mitigating variables, including sociodemographics and comorbidities. Among 102,610 hospitalizations, crude mortality decreased from 33.4% (95% CI, 32.9‐34.0) in March 2020 to 15.5% (95% CI, 14.1‐17.0) in July. Adjusted mortality decreased from 33.4% (95% CI, 32.8‐34.1) in March to 17.4% (95% CI, 11.3‐26.9) in July. The relative risk of mortality decreased from a reference of 1 in March to 0.52 (95% CI, 0.34‐0.80) in July. This demonstrates that the reduction in mortality is not solely due to changes in the demographics of those with COVID‐19.
Oral healthcare in the older population: An increasing challenge to the uk dental profession
Authors: Barrow Hannah , Ashley Martin
Published: February 2021

The percentage of the UK population that is over 65 years old is growing and this brings a number of complex challenges for the dental profession. Patients are struggling to attend for appointments and those who do are attending with increasing physical and mental morbidities and greater care needs, with dementia, in particular, bringing significant difficulties and complications during dental management. This article describes the oral manifestations of dementia and provides clinical advice to practitioners in supporting these patients, and discusses communication, diagnosis, treatment planning, consent, the dental practice environment and home care advice.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article highlights the challenges an older population brings to the dental profession, focusing on the complications dementia creates. It describes its oral manifestations, as well as providing clinical advice to help practitioners support these patients in all aspects of their care.
Understanding COVID-19 vaccines and immunity
Authors: Samaranayake Lakshman , Anil Sukumaran
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 Vaccines are currently the talk of the world. The internet is full of memes on COVID-19 vaccines - myths more than truths. In this commentary we further review some of the issues related to the success and failure of COVID-19 vaccines, and the theoretical and practical elements on vaccinations and immunity that the dental health care providers have to be knowledgeable, so as to offer advice and guidance to their team, the patients, as well as the public.
GaSb-based laser diodes grown on MOCVD GaAs-on-Si templates
Authors: Monge-Bartolome Laura , Shi Bei , Lai Billy , Boissier Guilhem , Cerutti Laurent , Rodriguez Jean-Baptiste , Lau Kei May , Tournié Eric
Published: February 2021

We report GaSb-based laser diodes (LDs) grown on on-axis (001) Si substrates and emitting at 2.3 µm. Two series of LDs were studied and compared. For the first series, a GaAs-based buffer layer was first grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) before growing the laser heterostructure by molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE). For the second series, a MOCVD GaSb buffer layer was added between the MOCVD GaAs buffer layer and the MBE laser heterostructure. Both series of LDs exhibited threshold currents in the 50–100 mA range and several mW output power at room temperature. They demonstrated continuous wave operation (CW) up to 70°C (set-up limited) without thermal rollover. Broad area LDs exhibited record threshold-current densities in the 250–350 A.cm−2 range for the second series of LDs, in spite of cracks that appeared during device processing. These results show that the design and fabrication steps of the buffer-layer stacks are critical issues in the epitaxial integration of GaSb-based optoelectronic devices on Si substrates and offer room for much performance improvement.
Ultra-fast RSOP tracking via 3 pilot tones for short-distance coherent SCM systems
Authors: Jiang Hexun , Zhai Zhiqun , Zeng Xiaobo , Fu Mengfan , Fan Yunyun , Yi Lilin , Hu Weisheng , Zhuge Qunbi
Published: February 2021

We propose an algorithm to track the rotation of state of polarization (RSOP) for short-distance coherent subcarrier-multiplexing systems. 3 pilot tones are used to estimate RSOP matrices on a block-by-block basis and recover phase noise as well. An ultra-fast RSOP tracking ability using the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by experiment. Specifically, the bit error rate increases from 2.3×10−3 to 5.6×10−3 when the RSOP speed increases from 0 rad/s to 50 Mrad/s. We also demonstrate the robustness of the algorithm against polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent loss.
High bandwidth laser frequency locking for wideband noise suppression
Authors: Jing Mingyong , Zhang Peng , Yuan Shaoxin , Zhang Linjie , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: February 2021

Ultra-low frequency noise lasers have been widely used in laser-based experiments. Most narrow-linewidth lasers are implemented by actively suppressing their frequency noise through a frequency noise servo loop (FNSL). The loop bandwidths (LBW) of FNSLs are currently below megahertz, which is gradually tricky to meet application requirements, especially for wideband quantum sensing experiments. This article has experimentally implemented an FNSL with loop-delay-limited 3.5 MHz LBW, which is an order higher than the usual FNSLs. Using this FNSL, we achieved 70 dB laser frequency noise suppression over 100 kHz Fourier frequency range. This technology has broad applications in vast fields where wideband laser frequency noise suppression is inevitable.
Cascaded frequency conversion under nonlinear stimulated Raman adiabatic passage
Authors: Aashna Pragati , Thyagarajan K.
Published: February 2021

A comprehensive study of two simultaneous three wave mixing
processes,
a
second harmonic
generation
followed by difference frequency generation, under nonlinear
stimulated Raman adiabatic passage
(STIRAP)
is presented. An input pump is up-converted to its second harmonic,
which then gets down-converted to a signal and idler pair with
frequencies lying very close to the input pump in such a manner that
complete conversion from the pump to the signal and idler takes place
without exciting the second harmonic under counterintuitive adiabatic
passage. This process involves nonlinear STIRAP with a nonlinear dark
state similar to atomic population transfers, and we bring an analogy
from atomic systems to our nonlinear dynamics to linearize the problem
and analytically obtain the adiabaticity condition required for
complete conversion. We also show that the nonlinear STIRAP mechanism
results in a large bandwidth of about 380 nm with almost complete
conversion of the pump to the signal and idler.
Transient-grating single-shot supercontinuum spectral interferometry (TG-SSSI): publisher’s note
Authors: Hancock S. W. , Zahedpour S. , Milchberg H. M.
Published: February 2021

This publisher’s note contains corrections to Opt. Lett. 46, 1013 (2021)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.417803.
Femtosecond laser writing low-loss waveguides in silica glass: highly symmetrical mode field and mechanism of refractive index change
Authors: Tan Dezhi , Sun Xiaoyu , Qiu Jianrong
Published: February 2021

Here, single-mode waveguides are written in silica glass by femtosecond (fs) laser. The waveguides exhibit a low propagation loss of 0.15 dB/cm and a symmetrical mode field. The loss performance and the mode field symmetry are demonstrated to strongly depend on the pulse repetition and polarization of fs laser, respectively. Raman and photoluminescence properties indicate that an increase of refractive index originates from an increment in the total density of glass networks consisting of small and large rings, but only increasing the number of small rings does not necessarily lead to an increase in refractive index. The long working distance of the objective lens promises to fabricate low-loss waveguides in a large depth of glass, which would inspire manufacturing integrated photonic devices by fs laser writing. Clarifying the mechanism of refractive index change offers a new perspective to understand the fs laser-matter interaction.
Distributed measurement of the Brillouin dynamic grating spectrum using the correlation-domain method with a fixed correlation peak position
Authors: Okawa Youhei , Hotate Kazuo
Published: February 2021

We demonstrated the distributed measurement of Brillouin dynamic grating spectra along a polarization-maintaining optical fiber without moving the correlation peak position, which is a measurement position scanned in the conventional correlation-domain methods. Our results present new possibilities for developing spatially resolved measurement methods using the correlation-domain technique.
Efficient and flexible Integration of variant characteristics in rare variant association studies using integrated nested Laplace approximation
Authors: Susak Hana , Serra-Saurina Laura , Demidov German , Rabionet Raquel , Domènech Laura , Bosio Mattia , Muyas Francesc , Estivill Xavier , Escaramís Geòrgia , Ossowski Stephan
Published: February 2021

Rare variants are thought to play an important role in the etiology of complex diseases and may explain a significant fraction of the missing heritability in genetic disease studies. Next-generation sequencing facilitates the association of rare variants in coding or regulatory regions with complex diseases in large cohorts at genome-wide scale. However, rare variant association studies (RVAS) still lack power when cohorts are small to medium-sized and if genetic variation explains a small fraction of phenotypic variance. Here we present a novel Bayesian rare variant Association Test using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (BATI). Unlike existing RVAS tests, BATI allows integration of individual or variant-specific features as covariates, while efficiently performing inference based on full model estimation. We demonstrate that BATI outperforms established RVAS methods on realistic, semi-synthetic whole-exome sequencing cohorts, especially when using meaningful biological context, such as functional annotation. We show that BATI achieves power above 70% in scenarios in which competing tests fail to identify risk genes, e.g. when risk variants in sum explain less than 0.5% of phenotypic variance. We have integrated BATI, together with five existing RVAS tests in the ‘Rare Variant Genome Wide Association Study’ (rvGWAS) framework for data analyzed by whole-exome or whole genome sequencing. rvGWAS supports rare variant association for genes or any other biological unit such as promoters, while allowing the analysis of essential functionalities like quality control or filtering. Applying rvGWAS to a Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia study we identified eight candidate predisposition genes, including EHMT2 and COPS7A.
Recovery of kidney function after dialysis initiation in children and adults in the US: A retrospective study of United States Renal Data System data
Authors: Ku Elaine , Hsu Raymond K. , Johansen Kirsten L. , McCulloch Charles E. , Mitsnefes Mark , Grimes Barbara A. , Liu Kathleen D.
Published: February 2021

Background

Little is known about factors associated with recovery of kidney function—and return to dialysis independence—or temporal trends in recovery after starting outpatient dialysis in the United States. Understanding the characteristics of individuals who may have the potential to recover kidney function may promote better recognition of such events. The goal of this study was to determine factors associated with recovery of kidney function in children compared with adults starting dialysis in the US.

Methods and findings

We determined factors associated with recovery of kidney function—defined as survival and discontinuation of dialysis for ≥90-day period—in children versus adults who started maintenance dialysis between 1996 and 2015 according to the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) followed through 2016 in a retrospective cohort study. We also examined temporal trends in recovery rates over the last 2 decades in this cohort. Among 1,968,253 individuals included for study, the mean age was 62.6 ± 15.8 years, and 44% were female. Overall, 4% of adults (83,302/1,953,881) and 4% of children (547/14,372) starting dialysis in the outpatient setting recovered kidney function within 1 year. Among those who recovered, the median time to recovery was 73 days (interquartile range [IQR] 43–131) in adults and 100 days (IQR 56–189) in children. Accounting for the competing risk of death, children were less likely to recover kidney function compared with adults (sub-hazard ratio [sub-HR] 0.81; 95% CI 0.74–0.89, p-value <0.001; point estimates <1 indicating increased risk for a negative outcome). Non-Hispanic black (NHB) adults were less likely to recover compared with non-Hispanic white (NHW) adults, but these racial differences were not observed in children. Of note, a steady increase in the incidence of recovery of kidney function was noted initially in adults and children between 1996 and 2010, but this trend declined thereafter. The diagnoses associated with the highest recovery rates of recovery were acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) in both adults and children, where 25%–40% of patients recovered kidney function depending on the calendar year of dialysis initiation. Limitations to our study include the potential for residual confounding to be present given the observational nature of our data.

Conclusions

In this study, we observed that discontinuation of outpatient dialysis due to recovery occurred in 4% of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and was more common among those with ATN or AIN as the cause of their kidney disease. While recovery rates rose initially, they declined starting in 2010. Additional studies are needed to understand how to best recognize and promote recovery in patients whose potential to discontinue dialysis is high in the outpatient setting.
The intersection of land use and human behavior as risk factors for zoonotic pathogen exposure in Laikipia County, Kenya
Authors: Kamau Joseph , Ashby Elizabeth , Shields Lindsey , Yu Jennifer , Murray Suzan , Vodzak Megan , Kwallah Allan Ole , Ambala Peris , Zimmerman Dawn
Published: February 2021

A majority of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are zoonotic, mainly caused through spillover events linked to human-animal interactions. We conducted a survey-based human behavioral study in Laikipia County, Kenya, which is characterized by a dynamic human-wildlife-livestock interface. Questionnaires that assessed human-animal interactions, sanitation, and illnesses experienced within the past year were distributed to 327 participants among five communities in Laikipia. This study aimed to 1) describe variation in reported high-risk behaviors by community type and 2) assess the relationship between specific behaviors and self-reported illnesses. Behavioral trends were assessed in R via Fisher’s exact tests. A generalized linear mixed model with Lasso penalization (GLMMLasso) was used to assess correlations between behaviors and participants’ self-reported illness within the past year, with reported behaviors as independent variables and reported priority symptoms as the outcome. Reported behaviors varied significantly among the study communities. Participants from one community (Pastoralist-1) were significantly more likely to report eating a sick animal in the past year (p< 0.001), collecting an animal found dead to sell in the past year (p<0.0001), and not having a designated location for human waste (p<0.0001) when compared to participants from other communities. The GLMMLasso revealed that reports of an ill person in the household in the past year was significantly associated with self-reported illness. Sixty-eight percent of participants reported that bushmeat is available within the communities. Our study demonstrates community-level variation in behaviors that may influence zoonotic pathogen exposure. We further recommend development of targeted studies that explore behavioral variations among land use systems in animal production contexts.
Subcellular localization of glypican-5 is associated with dynamic motility of the human mesenchymal stem cell line U3DT
Authors: Takeuchi Masao , Takeuchi Kikuko , Takai Tomoyo , Yamaguchi Ritsuko , Furukawa Tetsushi , Akagi Ken-ichi , Takeuchi Jun K.
Published: February 2021

Glypican-5 (GPC5) is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) localized to the plasma membrane. We previously reported that in the human mesenchymal stem cell line UE6E7T-3, GPC5 is overexpressed in association with transformation and promotes cell proliferation by acting as a co-receptor for Sonic hedgehog signaling. In this study, we found using immunofluorescence microscopy that in transformed cells (U3DT), GPC5 localized not only at primary cilia on the cell surface, but also at the leading edge of migrating cells, at the intercellular bridge and blebs during cytokinesis, and in extracellular vesicles. In each subcellular region, GPC5 colocalized with fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and the small GTPases Rab11 and ARF6, indicating that GPC5 is delivered to these regions by Rab11-associated recycling endosomes. These colocalizations suggest that GPC5 plays an important role in FGF2 stimulation of cell migration, which was abrogated by knockdown of GPC5. Our findings indicate that GPC5 plays a role in regulation of U3DT cell migration and provides several insights into the functions of GPC5 that could be elucidated by future studies.
Fish harvesting advice under climate change: A risk-equivalent empirical approach
Authors: Duplisea Daniel E. , Roux Marie-Julie , Hunter Karen L. , Rice Jake
Published: February 2021

The rate of climate change (CC) has accelerated to the point where it now affects the mid- to long-term sustainability of fishing strategies. Therefore, it is important to consider practical and effective ways to incorporate CC into fisheries advice so that the advice can be considered conditioned to CC. We developed a model to characterise the empirical relationship between a variable affected by climate and fish production. We then used model projections as a foundation for a risk analysis of CC effects on harvesting of Greenland halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides in the Gulf of St Lawrence, Canada. The risk-based approach quantified a) the relative change in risk of a status quo fishing strategy under various CC scenarios, and b) the change in fishery exploitation rates required to achieve a management objective over a specified time period at a level of risk considered acceptable (risk equivalent fishery exploitation advice). This empirical approach can be used to develop risk-based advice for any other external variable that affects stock production in addition to climate-related variables and it can be applied in most situations where there is an index of stock biomass and fisheries catch. Shifting the focus from process-based understanding of the responses of fish stocks to CC to quantification of how CC-contributed uncertainty can alter the risks associated with different fishing strategies and/or management options, can ensure timely delivery of robust scientific advice for fisheries under non-stationary environmental conditions.
Ecosystem engineers drive differing microbial community composition in intertidal estuarine sediments
Authors: Wyness Adam J. , Fortune Irene , Blight Andrew J. , Browne Patricia , Hartley Morgan , Holden Matthew , Paterson David M.
Published: February 2021

Intertidal systems are complex and dynamic environments with many interacting factors influencing biochemical characteristics and microbial communities. One key factor are the actions of resident fauna, many of which are regarded as ecosystem engineers because of their bioturbation, bioirrigation and sediment stabilising activities. The purpose of this investigation was to elucidate the evolutionary implications of the ecosystem engineering process by identifying, if any, aspects that act as selection pressures upon microbial communities. A mesocosm study was performed using the well characterised intertidal ecosystem engineersCorophium volutator,Hediste diversicolor, and microphytobenthos, in addition to manual turbation of sediments to compare effects of bioturbation, bioirrigation and stabilisation. A range of sediment functions and biogeochemical gradients were measured in conjunction with 16S rRNA sequencing and diatom taxonomy, with downstream bacterial metagenome function prediction, to identify selection pressures that incited change to microbial community composition and function. Bacterial communities were predominantly Proteobacteria, with the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Alphaproteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia being partially displaced by Deltaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi as dissolved oxygen concentration and redox potential decreased. Bacterial community composition was driven strongly by biogeochemistry; surface communities were affected by a combination of sediment functions and overlying water turbidity, and subsurface communities by biogeochemical gradients driven by sediment reworking. Diatom communities were dominated byNitzschia laevisandAchnanthessp., and assemblage composition was influenced by overlying water turbidity (manual or biogenic) rather than direct infaunal influences such as grazing.
An artificial neural network approach to detect presence and severity of Parkinson’s disease via gait parameters
Authors: Varrecchia Tiwana , Castiglia Stefano Filippo , Ranavolo Alberto , Conte Carmela , Tatarelli Antonella , Coppola Gianluca , Di Lorenzo Cherubino , Draicchio Francesco , Pierelli Francesco , Serrao Mariano
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Gait deficits are debilitating in people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD), which inevitably deteriorate over time. Gait analysis is a valuable method to assess disease-specific gait patterns and their relationship with the clinical features and progression of the disease.

Objectives

Our study aimed to i) develop an automated diagnostic algorithm based on machine-learning techniques (artificial neural networks [ANNs]) to classify the gait deficits of PwPD according to disease progression in the Hoehn and Yahr (H-Y) staging system, and ii) identify a minimum set of gait classifiers.

Methods

We evaluated 76 PwPD (H-Y stage 1–4) and 67 healthy controls (HCs) by computerized gait analysis. We computed the time-distance parameters and the ranges of angular motion (RoMs) of the hip, knee, ankle, trunk, and pelvis. Principal component analysis was used to define a subset of features including all gait variables. An ANN approach was used to identify gait deficits according to the H-Y stage.

Results

We identified a combination of a small number of features that distinguished PwPDs from HCs (one combination of two features: knee and trunk rotation RoMs) and identified the gait patterns between different H-Y stages (two combinations of four features: walking speed and hip, knee, and ankle RoMs; walking speed and hip, knee, and trunk rotation RoMs).

Conclusion

The ANN approach enabled automated diagnosis of gait deficits in several symptomatic stages of Parkinson’s disease. These results will inspire future studies to test the utility of gait classifiers for the evaluation of treatments that could modify disease progression.
Pharmacological inhibition of catalase induces peroxisome leakage and suppression of LPS induced inflammatory response in Raw 264.7 cell
Authors: Mu Yizhu , Maharjan Yunash , Kumar Dutta Raghbendra , Wei Xiaofan , Kim Jin Hwi , Son Jinbae , Park Channy , Park Raekil
Published: February 2021

Peroxisomes are metabolically active organelles which are known to exert anti-inflammatory effects especially associated with the synthesis of mediators of inflammation resolution. However, the role of catalase and effects of peroxisome derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by lipid peroxidation through 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediated inflammatory pathway are largely unknown. Here, we show that inhibition of catalase by 3-aminotriazole (3-AT) results in the generation of peroxisomal ROS, which contribute to leaky peroxisomes in RAW264.7 cells. Leaky peroxisomes cause the release of matrix proteins to the cytosol, which are degraded by ubiquitin proteasome system. Furthermore, 3-AT promotes the formation of 4HNE-IκBα adduct which directly interferes with LPS induced NF-κB activation. Even though, a selective degradation of peroxisome matrix proteins and formation of 4HNE- IκBα adduct are not directly related with each other, both of them are could be the consequences of lipid peroxidation occurring at the peroxisome membrane.
Design method for the relocation of plastic hinges in prefabricated steel beams with corrugated webs
Authors: Jiang Haotian , Jin Chenhua , Yan Lei , Li QN , Lu Wei
Published: February 2021

The plastic hinge is a key factor in the ductile and plastic design of structures and an important basis for the seismic strengthening of structures. The formation and behavior of plastic hinges is critical for the seismic performance of an entire structure. The relocation of plastic hinges away from the beam end is an effective way of addressing brittle failure. In this paper, the cause of the shear buckling failure of prefabricated steel beams with corrugated webs and the strain variation at the flanges of steel beams are theoretically analyzed through structural tests. Based on the analysis results, a local strengthening method is proposed, and the effects of the beam sizes and the strengthening steel plate on the plastic hinges are obtained. In addition, a calculation method for determining the size of the strengthening steel plate that promotes the relocation of the plastic zone away from the beam end is given, a design method for plastic hinge relocation is proposed based on the test data, and its validity is verified.
Relationship between fatness, physical fitness, and academic performance in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players in Qatar State
Authors: Hermassi Souhail , Chelly Mohamed Souhaiel , Michalsik Lars Bojsen , Sanal Nilihan E. M. , D. Hayes Lawrence , Cadenas-Sanchez Cristina
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between physiological parameters (namely fatness and physical fitness) with academic performance (namely mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players. Thirty-six young male team handball players (age: 9±1 years; body mass: 45.5±14.2 kg; height: 1.38±9.1 m; body fat: 19.7±5.6%) at the highest national league for their age group participated. Anthropometry was examined by measuring body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Fitness testing included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat jumps (SJ) and counter-movement jumps (CMJ), and upper-limb throwing performance (2 kg medicine ball seated front throw), a 15 m sprint test, and a T-half test for change-of-direction (COD) ability. Academic performance was evaluated through school records of grade point average (GPA) of mathematics and science. BMI was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = -0.57, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = -0.39, p<0.001). Significant correlations between Yo-Yo test performance and science GPA (r = 0.73, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.66, p<0.001) existed. T-half test score (less time taken meant a superior performance) was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = 0.48, p = 0.003) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.63, p<0.01). In conclusion, fatness and physical fitness (except for the upper-muscular strength) were significantly related to academic performance in in schoolchild handball players. Based on results of this study, it seems pragmatic and appropriate to engage young schoolchild in physical activity as it associates with superior academic performance.
Conservation biology of threatened Mediterranean chasmophytes: The case of Asperula naufraga endemic to Zakynthos island (Ionian islands, Greece)
Authors: Valli Anna-Thalassini , Koumandou Vassiliki Lila , Iatrou Gregoris , Andreou Marios , Papasotiropoulos Vasileios , Trigas Panayiotis
Published: February 2021

Asperula naufragais a rare and threatened obligate chasmophyte, endemic to Zakynthos island (Ionian islands, Greece). In this study, we provide a combined approach (including monitoring of demographic and reproductive parameters and study of genetic diversity) to assess the current conservation status of the species and to estimate its future extinction risk. The five subpopulations ofA.naufragawere monitored for five years (2014–2018). Population size markedly fluctuated between 68–130 mature individuals during the monitoring period. The extent of occurrence (EOO) was estimated at 28.7 km2and the area of occupancy (AOO) was 8 km2. Stage-structure recordings were similar for all subpopulations, characterized by high proportions of adult and senescent individuals, following a common pattern, which has been observed in other cliff-dwelling plants. Preliminary genetic analysis with SSRs markers revealed low heterozygosity within subpopulations and significant departure from H-W equilibrium, which combined with small population size suggest increased threat of genetic diversity loss. Our results indicate that the species should be placed in the Critically Endangered (CR) IUCN threat category, while according to Population Viability Analysis results its extinction risk increases to 47.8% in the next 50 years. The small population size combined with large fluctuations in its size, low recruitment and low genetic diversity, indicate the need of undertaking effectivein situandex situconservation measures.
Left ventricular myocardial strain and tissue characterization by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in immune checkpoint inhibitor associated cardiotoxicity
Authors: Higgins Angela Y. , Arbune Amit , Soufer Aaron , Ragheb Elio , Kwan Jennifer M. , Lamy Jerome , Henry Mariana , Cuomo Jason R. , Charifa Ahmad , Gallegos Cesia , Hull Sarah , Coviello Jessica Shank , Bader Anna S. , Peters Dana C. , Huber Steffen , Mojibian Hamid R. , Sinusas Albert J. , Kluger Harriet , Baldassarre Lauren A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are highly effective in treating cancer; however, cardiotoxicity can occur, including myocarditis. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is useful for evaluation of myocarditis, although it has not been well studied in ICI cardiotoxicity.

Methods

We identified patients referred for CMR evaluation of ICI cardiotoxicity from September 2015 through September 2019. We assessed structural and functional parameters, feature tracking (FT) left ventricular and atrial strain, T2- weighted ratios and quantitative late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). We also applied the Updated Lake Louise Criteria for diagnosis of myocarditis.

Results

Of the 20 patients referred, the median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 52.5% ± 19.1 and 50% had a normal LVEF (≥53%). FT strain analysis revealed an average abnormal global longitudinal strain (GLS) of −9.8%± 4.2%. In patients with a normal LVEF, the average GLS remained depressed at −12.3%± 2.4%. In all patients, GLS demonstrated a significant negative correlation with LVEF (rs= −0.64, p 0.002). Sixteen patients (80%) had presence of LGE (14 non-ischemic pattern and 2 ischemic). Percent LGE did not correlate with any CMR parameters and notably did not correlate with LVEF (rs= −0.29, p = 0.22) or GLS (rs= 0.10, p = 0.67), highlighting the value of tissue characterization beyond functional assessment. Nine patients (45%) met full Updated Lake Louise Criteria and 85% met at least one criterion, suggestive of myocarditis in the correct clinical context. Thirteen patients (65%) were treated for ICI-associated myocarditis and, of these, 54% (n = 7) had recovery of LVEF to normal. There was no correlation between LVEF (p = 0.47), GLS (0.89), or % LGE (0.15) and recovery of LVEF with treatment.

Conclusion

In patients with suspected ICI cardiotoxicity, CMR is an important diagnostic tool, even in the absence of overt left ventricular dysfunction, as abnormalities in left ventricular strain, T2 signal and LGE can identifying disease.
Return and volatility transmission between oil price shocks and agricultural commodities
Authors: Umar Zaghum , Gubareva Mariya , Naeem Muhammad , Akhter Ayesha
Published: February 2021

This paper studies the connectedness between oil price shocks and agricultural commodities. Our sample period ranges from January 2002 to July 2020, covering the three global crises; Global Financial Crisis, the European sovereign debt crisis and Covid-19 pandemic crisis. We employ Granger causality tests, and the static and dynamic connectedness spillover index methodology. We find that the shocks in oil prices are Granger-caused mainly by price changes of grains, live cattle, and wheat, while supply shock granger causes variations mostly in grain prices. We find that, from the point of view of static connectedness, for both, price and volatility spillovers, the livestock is the largest transmitter, while the lean hogs are the major receiver. Our dynamic analysis evidences that connectedness increases during the financial crisis period. Our results are potentially useful for investors, portfolios managers and policy makers.
No association of GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case-control study in the Brazilian population
Authors: Barros Jéssica Barletto de Sousa , Santos Kamilla de Faria , Azevedo Rômulo Morais , de Oliveira Rayana Pereira Dantas , Leobas Ana Carolina Dourado , Bento Dhiogo da Cruz Pereira , Santos Rodrigo da Silva , Reis Angela Adamski da Silva
Published: February 2021

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons and promotes progressive muscle atrophy. It has a multifactorial etiology, where environmental conditions playing a remarkable role through the increase of oxidative stress. Genetic polymorphisms in cell detoxification genes, such asGlutathione S-Transferase Pi 1(GSTP1) can contribute to excessive oxidative stress, and therefore may be a risk factor to ALS. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of theGSTP1rs1695 polymorphism in ALS susceptibility in different genetic inheritance models and evaluate the association of the genotypes with risk factors, clinical and demographic characteristics of ALS patients from the Brazilian central population. This case-control study was conducted with 101 patients with ALS and 101 healthy controls.GSTP1rs1695 polymorphism genotyping was performed with Polymerase Chain Reaction–Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS statistical package and SNPStats software. Analysis of genetic inheritance models was performed by logistic regression, which was used to determine the Odds Ratio. The results of this first study in the Brazilian population demonstrated that there was no risk association between the development of ALS and theGSTP1rs1695 polymorphism in any genetic inheritance model (codominant, dominant, recessive, overdominant, and logarithmic); and that the polymorphic variants were not associated with the clinical and demographic characteristics of ALS patients. No association of theGSTP1rs1695 polymorphism and ALS development in the Brazilian central population was found. These findings may be justified by the multifactorial character of the disease.