bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fen Bilgisi Öğretmen Adaylarının Fen Öğretimine Yönelik Zihinsel Modelleri
Authors: Günay Hilal , Bakır Selda
Published: November 2022

Fen bilgisi öğretmen adaylarının fen öğretimine yönelik zihinsel modellerini belirlemek ve zihinsel modellerin cinsiyet, sınıf düzeyi, anne baba eğitim durumlarına, genel akademik başarı puanları ve mezun oldukları lise değişkenlerine göre incelemek amacıyla yapılan bu çalışmada tarama yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemini bir devlet üniversitesinin Eğitim Fakültesi Fen Bilgisi Eğitimi Anabilim Dalında, 1,2,3 ve 4. sınıfta öğrenim gören 200 öğretmen adayı oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak Thomas, Pedersen ve Finson (2001) tarafından geliştirilen “Fen Öğretmeni Çizim testi-Kontrol Listesi (FÖÇT-KL)” ve bireysel bilgi formu kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonunda, öğretmen adaylarının %39’unun kavramsal, %34,5’unun araştırmacı, %26,5’unun ise açıklayıcı zihinsel modele sahip oldukları tespit edilmiştir. Öğretmen adaylarının cinsiyete göre zihinsel modelleri arasında anlamlı bir farklılık bulunmamışken, sınıf düzeyine göre zihinsel modeller arasında anlamlı farklılık bulunmuştur. Sınıf düzeyi ilerledikçe öğretmen adaylarının zihinsel modellerinin açıklayıcı modelden araştırmacı modele doğru değiştiği belirlenmiştir Öğretmen adaylarının zihinsel modelleri arasında, anne baba eğitim düzeyleri ve mezun oldukları lise türüne göre anlamlı bir fark yokken, genel akademik başarı puanları ile zihinsel modelleri arasında düşük düzeyde, negatif ve anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu bulunmuştur. Sınıf düzeyi arttıkça zihinsel modelin öğrenci merkezli modele doğru kayması sonucuna dayanarak, öğretmen adaylarının öğrenci merkezli teknikleri kullanabilecekleri, öğrenci merkezli yaşantılar geçirmeleri için fırsatlar sunulması önerilebilir.
An investigation into ‘community expectations’ surrounding animal welfare law enforcement in Australia
Authors: Morton Rochelle , Hebart Michelle L. , Ankeny Rachel A. , Whittaker Alexandra L.
Published: November 2022

Nature of reform to animal welfare legislation in Australia has commonly been attributed to increasing alignment with the ‘communities’ expectations’, implying that the community has power in driving legislative change. Yet, despite this assertion there has been no publicly available information disclosing the nature of these ‘expectations’, or the methodology used to determine public stance. However, based on previous sociological research, as well as legal reforms that have taken place to increase maximum penalties for animal welfare offences, it is probable that the community expects harsher penalties for offences. Using representative sampling of the Australian public, this study provides an assessment of current community expectations of animal welfare law enforcement. A total of 2152 individuals participated in the survey. There was strong support for sentences for animal cruelty being higher in magnitude (50% support). However, a large proportion (84%) were in favour of alternate penalties such as prohibiting offenders from owning animals in the future. There was also a belief that current prosecution rates were too low with 80% of respondents agreeing to this assertion. Collectively, this suggests a greater support for preventing animal cruelty through a stronger enforcement model rather than punishing animal cruelty offenders through harsher sentences. This potentially indicates a shift in public opinion towards a more proactive approach to animal welfare, rather than a reactive approach to animal cruelty.
Progress in the total synthesis of resin glycosides
Authors: Wang Wenli , Li Yuxin , He Ye , Jiang Xing , Yi Ying , Zhang Xihan , Zhang Shiyu , Chen Guangtong , Yang Min , Luo Jia-Lie , Fan Boyi
Published: November 2022

Resin glycosides, mainly distributed in plants of the family Convolvulaceae, are a class of novel and complex glycolipids. Their structural complexity and significant biological activities have received much attention from synthetic chemists, and a number of interesting resin glycosides have been synthesized. The synthesized resin glycosides and their analogues not only helped in structural verification, structural modification, and further biological activity exploration but also provided enlightenment for the synthesis of glycoside compounds. Herein, the present review summarizes the application of various efforts toward the synthesis of resin glycosides in the last decade.
Accelerated loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for the rapid detection of Streptococcus suis serotypes 2 and 14 based on single nucleotide polymorphisms
Authors: Meng Jiajia , Li Chunling , Wang Yu , Bian Zhibiao , Chu Pinpin , Zhai Shaolun , Yang Dongxia , Song Shuai , Li Yan , Jiang Zhiyong , Zhang Kunli , Li Yugu , Gou Hongchao
Published: November 2022

Streptococcus suis serotypes 2 and 14 are the most prevalent zoonotic strains. The establishment of a sensitive and extremely accurate method for point-of-care testing for Streptococcus suis serotype 2 and 14 strains is highly desirable. In this study, a loop primer probe-introduced loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay was developed to differentiate Streptococcus suis serotypes 2 and 14 based on SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism). The specific fluorescent probes were designed for the SNP site specific for serotype 2 and 14 Streptococcus suis cpsK genes, and the loop primer probe-introduced loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed using the specific cleavage properties of the RNase H2 enzyme. Rapid and efficient LAMP assays were realized through the use of loop forward primers and stem forward primers. The results showed that the amplification reaction can be performed efficiently at 59°C. The results can be real-time detected or judged using a smartphone and a 3D-printed visualization cassette. The sensitivity of the LAMP assay can reach 18.4 CFU within 40 minutes. The detection rate of the assay system was evaluated using 19 clinical samples with suspected Streptococcus suis infection, and the detection rate was consistent with the sequencing method, suggesting that the test is highly practical. The LAMP assay for Streptococcus suis serotypes 2 and 14 established in this study has strong specificity, high sensitivity, and simple operation, while the reaction can be performed at an isothermal temperature and is not dependent on complex instruments or professional operators, making it suitable for field testing.
Bacterial extracellular vesicles and their novel therapeutic applications in health and cancer
Authors: Hosseini-Giv Niloufar , Basas Alyza , Hicks Chloe , El-Omar Emad , El-Assaad Fatima , Hosseini-Beheshti Elham
Published: November 2022

Bacterial cells communicate with host cells and other bacteria through the release of membrane vesicles known as bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEV). BEV are established mediators of intracellular signaling, stress tolerance, horizontal gene transfer, immune stimulation and pathogenicity. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria produce extracellular vesicles through different mechanisms based on cell structure. BEV contain and transfer different types of cargo such as nucleic acids, proteins and lipids, which are used to interact with and affect host cells such as cytotoxicity and immunomodulation. The role of these membranous microvesicles in host communication, intra- and inter-species cell interaction and signaling, and contribution to various diseases have been well demonstrated. Due to their structure, these vesicles can be easily engineered to be utilized for clinical application, as shown with its role in vaccine therapy, and could be used as a diagnostic and cancer drug delivery tool in the future. However, like other novel therapeutic approaches, further investigation and standardization is imperative for BEV to become a routine vector or a conventional treatment method.
Outcomes of catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in non-ischemic idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ammar Ahmed , Sharief Mohamed , Abouelmagd Khaled , Riad Omar , Ibrahim Mokhtar
Published: November 2022

Objective

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of available trials regarding the outcomes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM).

Methods

A comprehensive database search of large four electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Institute for Scientific Information network meta-analysis, identified five studies enrolling 666 patients for patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) underwent catheter ablation (CA) for VT. The short-term outcomes assessed included procedural success, VT non-inducibility and procedural complications, whereas the long-term outcomes assessed included VT recurrence, heart transplantation, antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) use after ablation and death.

Results

A total of 5 observational studies reported outcomes in 666 patients with NIDCM undergoing VT CA. The complete procedural success was moderately high; 65.5% of the patients (95% CI 0.402- 0.857, p < 0.001) and the procedural complications occurred in 5.8% of the patients (95% CI 0.040–0.076, P = 0.685). Epicardial mapping and ablation were performed among 61.5% and 37% of patients with NIDCM respectively. During a follow up period of 12 to 45 months, there were VT recurrence in 34.2% of the patients (95% CI 0.301–0.465, p < 0.080), death in 20.2% of the patients (95% CI 0.059–0.283, p < 0.017) and heart transplantation in 12.9% of the patients (95% CI −0.026–0.245, P < 0.012).

Conclusion

Ventricular tachycardia CA is effective and safe approach for management of patients with NIDCM with the epicardial approach to be considered as initial strategy especially in presence of ECG and CMR findings suggestive of epicardial substrate. A multicenter randomized trial is crucial to look at the short- and long-term outcomes of VT ablation in NIDCM especially with the advances in mapping and ablation techniques and predictors of success.
Case report: Rare restrictive cardiomyopathy with ventricular fibrillation as initial symptom rescued by automatic external defibrillator in a pediatric patient
Authors: Ji Lianfu , Chen Jinlong , Qin Yuming , Yang Shiwei
Published: November 2022

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare form of heart muscle disease with poor prognosis. Its primary manifestations were caused by systemic or pulmonary circulation congestion. Here, we reported a case of RCM with ventricular fibrillation as initial symptom in a 7-year-old boy. The child suffered cardiac and respiratory arrest suddenly while exercising at school and immediately was given external chest compression and defibrillation by the school’s equipped automatic external defibrillator (AED). The rescue was successful. At the time of the AED discharge, his electrocardiogram (ECG) indicated ventricular fibrillation. Upon further examination, the echocardiogram revealed enlarged bilateral atria, decreased diastolic function and normal ventricular thickness. Genetic analysis identified a heterozygous missense mutation [c.611(exon8)G>A,p.R204H] of TNNI3 in the proband boy. This case contributes to our understanding of RCM in children and emphasizes the importance of having AEDs available in public places.
Sensitivity analysis of anisotropic parameter inversion simultaneously with microseismic source location in layered VTI media
Authors: Zheng Yikang , Wang Yibo
Published: November 2022

The hypocenters of microseismic events induced by hydraulic fracturing are conventionally located with an initial model established from well logs or perforation shots. In most geological settings, the arrival times are insufficiently explained without accounting for the velocity changes introduced by the reservoir stimulation process. The model parameters and source locations should be inverted simultaneously with arrival time information. Therefore, the joint inversion of event locations and velocity model requires the information of anisotropy parameters, which leads to the problem of the selection of degree of symmetry of anisotropic media in the inversion process. Since it is not possible to retrieve all elastic moduli from limited passive seismic data, the joint inversion is constrained to layered vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) media. Various methods have been proposed to invert the velocity model and source locations from the arrival times in anisotropic media, but the number of retrievable parameters in different parametrization types and acquisition scenarios have not been decisively discussed. We analyze the sensitivities for event locations and anisotropic parameters by the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the Fréchet derivatives in a layered anisotropic medium with vertical axis of symmetry. The singular values and eigenvectors obtained from SVD can be used to predict which unknown parameters are better constrained by the available traveltimes. The comparison of different parametrizations and monitoring array configurations allows to design a better inversion strategy to provide microseismic event locations and anisotropic parameters.
Synthesis of field and satellite data to elucidate recent mass balance of five ice rises in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
Authors: Goel Vikram , Morris Ashley , Moholdt Geir , Matsuoka Kenichi
Published: November 2022

We investigated mass balance changes over five ice rises in the last few decades near Fimbul and Nivl ice shelves in central Dronning Maud Land. We use the Input-Output Method constrained using field-based geophysical measurements conducted during the austral summers of 2012–14 over three ice rises near the Fimbul Ice Shelf. Further, we use satellite altimetry data (ICESat, ICESat-2, and CryoSat-2) to estimate geodetic mass balance over all five ice rises in recent decades. Both field- and satellite-based estimates show that until 2010, three out of five ice rises were thickening (0.4–0.2 mieq a−1) while two were close to balance. However, over the last decade, the ice rises thickening previously started to thin (−0.2–−0.6 mieq a−1) while the other two remained close to balance. Much of this variability is likely associated with regional surface mass balance trends, with each ice rise exhibiting its characteristics depending on its local glaciological settings.
A model to design financially sustainable algorithm-enabled remote patient monitoring for pediatric type 1 diabetes care
Authors: Dupenloup Paul , Pei Ryan Leonard , Chang Annie , Gao Michael Z. , Prahalad Priya , Johari Ramesh , Schulman Kevin , Addala Ananta , Zaharieva Dessi P. , Maahs David M. , Scheinker David
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Population-level algorithm-enabled remote patient monitoring (RPM) based on continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data review has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in diabetes patients, especially children. However, existing reimbursement models are geared towards the direct provision of clinic care, not population health management. We developed a financial model to assist pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) clinics design financially sustainable RPM programs based on algorithm-enabled review of CGM data.

Methods

Data were gathered from a weekly RPM program for 302 pediatric patients with T1D at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital. We created a customizable financial model to calculate the yearly marginal costs and revenues of providing diabetes education. We consider a baseline or status quo scenario and compare it to two different care delivery scenarios, in which routine appointments are supplemented with algorithm-enabled, flexible, message-based contacts delivered according to patient need. We use the model to estimate the minimum reimbursement rate needed for telemedicine contacts to maintain revenue-neutrality and not suffer an adverse impact to the bottom line.

Results

The financial model estimates that in both scenarios, an average reimbursement rate of roughly $10.00 USD per telehealth interaction would be sufficient to maintain revenue-neutrality. Algorithm-enabled RPM could potentially be billed for using existing RPM CPT codes and lead to margin expansion.

Conclusion

We designed a model which evaluates the financial impact of adopting algorithm-enabled RPM in a pediatric endocrinology clinic serving T1D patients. This model establishes a clear threshold reimbursement value for maintaining revenue-neutrality, as well as an estimate of potential RPM reimbursement revenue which could be billed for. It may serve as a useful financial-planning tool for a pediatric T1D clinic seeking to leverage algorithm-enabled RPM to provide flexible, more timely interventions to its patients.
Life-course blood pressure trajectories and incident diabetes: A longitudinal cohort in a Chinese population
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen Xiaohong , Li Chunxia , Fan Bingbing , Lv Jiali , Qu Yanlin , Cai Yongjiang , Zhang Tao
Published: November 2022

Background

Blood pressure levels are correlated with diabetes among middle-aged or older adults. However, longitudinal trajectories of blood pressure during young adulthood and their impact on diabetes have been insufficiently studied.

Methods

The longitudinal cohort consisted of 4,625 adults who had blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) repeatedly measured five to nine times during 18–60 years of age. Distinct systolic blood pressure (SBP) trajectories were identified by a group-based trajectory model. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association between trajectory patterns or quartiles of area under the curve values of SBP trajectories and incident diabetes, respectively.

Results

Four distinct trajectory groups were identified for SBP: normotensive-stable (n = 761, 16.5%), prehypertension-stable (n = 2,381, 51.5%), stage I hypertension-increasing (n = 1,231, 26.6%), and stage II hypertension-increasing (n = 251, 5.4%). Compared with subjects who remained at SBP <120 mmHg in the normotensive-stable group, individuals in the prehypertension-stable trajectory exhibited a normal SBP range (<140 mmHg), and they still had a significantly higher risk of diabetes (adjusted OR = 1.82, p = 0.029). Individuals had a greater risk of diabetes in the stage I hypertension-increasing group (adjusted OR = 2.31, p = 0.006) and the highest risk in the stage II hypertension-increasing group (adjusted OR = 3.91, p < 0.001) relative to the normotensive-stable group. Furthermore, compared with the first quartile, adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of the fourth quartile of SBP incremental and total AUC were 2.50 (1.61–3.97) and 1.82 (1.15–2.94), respectively.

Conclusions

Long-term SBP trajectory is a significant predictor for incident diabetes, which is independent of baseline SBP and body weight, attaching importance to maintaining optimal blood pressure levels and controlling changing slopes of SBP for preventing diabetes.
Study of bone marrow microstructure in healthy young adults using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted MRI
Authors: Wu Wenqi , Gong Tong , Niu Jinliang , Li Wenjin , Li Jianting , Song Xiaoli , Cui Sha , Bian Wenjin , Wang Jun
Published: November 2022

Bone marrow is one of the most important organs in the human body. The evaluation of bone marrow microstructure and gender-related cellular and capillary networks in healthy young adults can help to better understand the process of bone metabolism. Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) provides both diffusion and perfusion quantifications without requiring intravenous contrast agent injection. In this prospective study, 60 healthy young age-matched volunteers (30 men and 30 women) underwent MRI scans at 1.5 T using multi–b-value diffusion-weighted imaging on sagittal planes covering the lumbar bone marrow. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true ADC (D), pseudo-ADC (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) were calculated from the diffusion-weighted images using the mono- and bi-exponential models. Lumbar cancellous bone (L2–L4) was selected as the region of interest. An independent t-test was used to detect significant differences in ADC values and IVIM parameters between men and women. The differences in IVIM parameters among the L2, L3, and L4 groups were compared with analysis of variance. The D and f values in women were significantly higher than that in men (p = 0.001, 0.026). However, D* was significantly lower in women than that in men (p = 0.001). Furthermore, there was no significant gender difference for the conventional ADC value (p = 0.186). Moreover, there were no significant differences in the D, f, and D* values among the L2, L3, and L4 vertebras of women or men. IVIM parameters can show differences in bone marrow between young women and men. As a non-invasive method, it can assess bone marrow microstructure, such as cellularity and perfusion.
Screening of Mercury pollution sources to European inland waters using high resolution earth surface data
Authors: Pistocchi Alberto , Cinnirella Sergio , Mouratidis Pavlos , Rosenstock Nele , Whalley Caroline , Sponar Michel , Pirrone Nicola
Published: November 2022

Mercury pollution is a cause of high concern for European freshwaters. In this study, we use modelled atmospheric deposition and novel high-resolution water cover and impervious urban areas data to quantify the input of Mercury to European rivers and lakes. This information, combined with estimates of releases from industrial installations and urban wastewater and from soils, yields an overall European budget of water Mercury. Compared to previous estimates, the calculation highlights that direct deposition to permanent and temporary inland water surfaces is a dominant source of pollution. We also show that an important source is the washout of impervious urban surfaces, while releases from soil and industrial and urban wastewater play a lesser, albeit sizable role. The contribution of wastewater to Mercury releases is expected to decrease over time because of more stringent regulations on Mercury use. The analysis confirms that reducing atmospheric deposition (hence air releases) of Mercury remains the single key action to control pollution. However, we show that control of urban runoff discharges to water bodies may be the most effective water management measure in order to reduce Mercury input to coastal and in-land water bodies.
Climatic threshold of crop production and climate change adaptation: A case of winter wheat production in China
Authors: Huang Na , Song Yu , Wang Jialin , Zhang Ziyuan , Ma Shangqian , Jiang Kang , Pan Zhihua
Published: November 2022

Global climate change has adversely affected agricultural production. Identifying the climatic threshold is critical to judge the impact and risk of climate change and proactively adapt agriculture. However, the climatic threshold of agriculture, especially crop production, remains unclear. To bridge this gap, taking winter wheat production from 1978 to 2017 in China as an example, this study clarified the definition of the climatic threshold of crop production and calculated it based on a mechanism model considering multiple factors and their synergies. The results showed that (1) the climate presented a warmer and wetter trend from 1978 to 2017, especially after 1996. (2) Water, fertilizer, and winter wheat yields increased significantly (22.4 mm/decade, 96.4 kg/ha·decade, and 674.2 kg/ha·decade, respectively, p < 0.01). (3) The average optimal temperature and water thresholds for winter wheat were 7.3°C and 569 mm, respectively. The temperature rise was unfavorable for winter wheat production, and the water supply increase was beneficial to winter wheat production. (4) Increasing irrigation and fertilization could raise the optimal temperature threshold and adapt to climate warming in most provinces, while Shandong and Shaanxi both needed to reduce fertilization. We established a generalized method for calculating the climatic threshold of agricultural production and found that multifactor synergistic effects could influence the climatic threshold. The climatic threshold of winter wheat changed with different adaptation levels. However, considering the limitations in resource availability and environmental capacity, increasing the use efficiency of water and fertilizer is more important for adapting to climate change in the future.
Dental topography and dietary specialization in Papionini primates
Authors: Avià Yasmina , Romero Alejandro , Estebaranz-Sánchez Ferran , Pérez-Pérez Alejandro , Cuesta-Torralvo Elisabeth , Martínez Laura Mónica
Published: November 2022

Our understanding of primate adaptive evolution depends on appreciating the way in which dental functional morphology affects food processing. The Papionini tribe ofCercopithecoideaprimates shows great dietary versatility and ecological adaptations to resource seasonality across the African and Asian ecosystems, however, there are few studies focusing on the occlusal topography of the bilophodont teeth and the effect of tooth wear in the crown shape. Here, we explore the relationship between wear-related dental functional morphology and dietary ecological constraints within the Papionini. Three-dimensional (3D) polygonal meshes of the upper permanent molar row (M1-3) were obtained in a large papionine sample (838 specimens) of known dietary preferences including species from six genera (Cercocebus,Lophocebus,Macaca,Mandrillus,Papio, andTheropithecus). All the sample was classified in four diet categories and four topographic metrics (orientation patch count rotated, OPCR; Dirichlet normal energy, DNE; occlusal relief, OR; and ambient occlusion, portion de ciel visible, PCV) were measured for each tooth-type according to wear stage (lightly and moderately worn) to determine diet-related interspecific morphological changes with long-term functionality. The results indicate that hard-object feeders (CercocebusandLophocebus) and grass eaters (Theropithecus gelada) exhibit a pattern of occlusal complexity (OPCR), surface curvature (DNE), relief (OR), and morphological wear resistance (PCV) that is significantly different from the omnivores and folivore-frugivore species (MandrillusandMacaca) despite the overall homogeneity of the bilophodont dentition. A multifactorial ANOVA showed that the topographic metrics were sensitive to tooth wear as expected. The results also indicate that the interspecific variability of dental topography of the upper molars reflects dietary specializations rather than phylogenetic proximity. These findings support the hypothesis that evolutionary convergence processes could have affected the Papionini, clustering the hard-object feeders (LophocebusandCercocebus)together in the morphospace, and clearly discriminating this group from the graminivorous and frugivores-folivores.
The role of RNA modification in the generation of acquired drug resistance in glioma
Authors: Yan Yu , Wei Wei , Long Shengrong , Ye Shengda , Yang Bin , Jiang Jiazhi , Li Xiang , Chen Jincao
Published: November 2022

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor in the central nervous system. The clinical treatment strategy is mainly surgery combined with concurrent temozolomide chemotherapy, but patients can develop drug resistance during treatment, which severely limits its therapeutic efficacy. Epigenetic regulation at the RNA level is plastic and adaptable, and it can induce a variety of tumor responses to drugs. The regulators of RNA modification include methyltransferases, demethylases, and methylation binding proteins; these are also considered to play an important role in the development, prognosis, and therapeutic response of gliomas, which provides a basis for finding new targets of epigenetic drugs and resetting the sensitivity of tumor cells to temozolomide. This review discusses the relationship between the development of adaptive drug resistance and RNA modification in glioma and summarizes the progress of several major RNA modification strategies in this field, especially RNA m6A modification, m5C modification, and adenosine-to-inosine editing.
The grain yield regulator NOG1 plays a dual role in latitudinal adaptation and cold tolerance during rice domestication
Authors: Huo Xing , Xiao Junyi , Peng Xin , Lin Yanhui , Liu Dilin , Liu Wuge , Liao Yilong , Li Jinhua , Zhu Manshan , Fu Chongyun , Zeng Xueqin , Ma Xiaozhi , Kong Le , Wang Feng
Published: November 2022

Rice originated in tropical and subtropical regions and is distributed worldwide. Low temperature is one of the most critical abiotic stresses affecting grain yield and geographical distribution of rice. It is vital to elucidate the molecular mechanism of chilling tolerance in rice for ensuring cereals production. Previously we isolated the domestication-related gene NOG1 which affects rice grain number and yield. In this study, we specified that rice varieties harboring high-yielding NOG1 allele are more distributed in low-latitude regions. Additionally, we observed NOG1 influences the chilling tolerance of rice. Through genome-wide transcriptional analysis after cold treatment at 10°C, there were 717 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in nog1 near-isogenic lines compared with the control Guichao 2, including 432 up-regulated DEGs and 284 down-regulated DEGs. Gene ontology annotations and KEGG enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that various biological processes and signaling pathways were related to cold stress, such as lipid metabolism and genetic information processing. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of chilling tolerance in rice and the molecular basis of environmental adaptation during rice domestication.
Case report: Molecular analysis of a 47,XY,+21/46,XX chimera using SNP microarray and review of literature
Authors: Charalsawadi Chariyawan , Jaruratanasirikul Somchit , Hnoonual Areerat , Chantarapong Aussanai , Sangmanee Pornsiri , Trongnit Sasipong , Jinawath Natini , Limprasert Pornprot
Published: November 2022

Chimerism is a very rare genetic finding in human. Most reported cases have a chi 46,XX/46,XY karyotype. Only three non-twin cases carrying both trisomy 21 and a normal karyotype have been reported, including two cases with a chi 47,XY,+21/46,XX karyotype and a case with a chi 47,XX,+21/46,XY karyotype. Herein we describe an additional case with a chi 47,XY,+21/46,XX karyotype. For the case, a physical examination at the age of 1 year revealed ambiguous genitalia with no features of Down syndrome or other malformations. Growth and developmental milestones were within normal ranges. We performed short tandem repeat (STR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray analyses to attempt to identify the mechanism underlying the chimerism in this patient and the origin of the extra chromosome 21. Cytogenetic analyses of the patient’s peripheral blood revealed approximately 17% of a 47,XY,+21 lineage by G-banding karyotype analysis, 13%–17% by FISH analyses of uncultured peripheral blood, and 10%–15% by SNP microarray analysis. Four years later, the percentage of trisomy 21 cells had decreased to approximately 6%. SNP microarray and STR analyses revealed a single maternal and double paternal genetic contribution to the patient for the majority of the markers, including the chromosome 21 markers. The extra chromosome 21 was paternally derived and meiosis I nondisjunction likely occurred during spermatogenesis. The mechanisms underlying chimera in our case was likely fertilization two spermatozoa, one with an ovum and the other with the second polar body.
Efficacy and safety of copanlisib in relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A meta-analysis of prospective clinical trials
Authors: Wang Jinjin , Zhou Hui , Mu Mingchun , Zhao Ailin , Cai Zhaolun , Li Linfeng , Wang Mengyao , Niu Ting
Published: November 2022

Background

Copanlisib is an intravenously administered pan-class I PI3K inhibitor that has been demonstrated to have appreciable effects in the treatment of patients with lymphoma. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of copanlisib for treating patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL).

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant studies published prior to July 2022. The efficacy evaluation included complete response rate (CR), partial response rate (PR), rate of stable disease (SDR), overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), rate of progressive disease (PDR), median progression-free survival (PFS), and median overall survival (OS). Any grade adverse events (AEs) and grade ≥3 AEs were synthesized to assess its safety.

Results

Eight studies with a total of 652 patients with R/R B-NHL were identified. The pooled CR, PR, ORR, SDR, DCR, and PDR from all 8 articles were 13%, 40%, 57%, 19%, 86%, and 9%, respectively. The CR and ORR of combination therapy with rituximab were higher than those with copanlisib monotherapy for R/R B-NHL (34% vs. 6%, p<0.01; 89% vs. 42%, p<0.01). For patients with R/R indolent B-NHL, CR and ORR were lower with copanlisib monotherapy than with combination therapy with rituximab (7% vs. 34%, p<0.01; 58% vs. 92%, p<0.01). In R/R B-NHL patients receiving copanlisib monotherapy and combination therapy with rituximab, the risk of any grade AEs was 99% and 96%, respectively, and the risk of grade ≥3 AEs was 84% and 91%, respectively. The common any grade AEs included hyperglycemia (66.75%), hypertension (48.57%), diarrhea (35.06%), nausea (34.98%) and fatigue (30.33%). The common grade ≥3 AEs included hyperglycemia (45.14%), hypertension (35.07%), and neutropenia (14.75%). The comparison of AEs between the copanlisib monotherapy and the combination therapy with rituximab showed that hyperglycemia of any grade (p<0.0001), hypertension of any grade (p=0.0368), fatigue of any grade (p<0.0001), grade ≥3 hypertension (p<0.0001) and grade ≥3 hyperglycemia (p=0.0074) were significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the efficacy of both copanlisib monotherapy and combination therapy with rituximab in patients with R/R B-NHL was satisfactory, while treatment-related AEs were tolerable. Compared with copanlisib monotherapy, combination therapy with rituximab showed superior efficacy for treating R/R B-NHL, and its safety was manageable.

Systematic Review Registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-10-0008/, identifier INPLASY2022100008.
Tailoring biomaterials and applications targeting tumor-associated macrophages in cancers
Authors: Jing Fangqi , Liu Xiaowei , Chen Xiaoxuan , Wu Fanglong , Gao Qinghong
Published: November 2022

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a critical role in supporting tumor growth and metastasis, taming host immunosurveillance, and augmenting therapeutic resistance. As the current treatment paradigms for cancers are generally insufficient to exterminate cancer cells, anti-cancer therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs have been developed. Since TAMs are highly heterogeneous and the pro-tumoral functions are mediated by phenotypes with canonical surface markers, TAM-associated materials exert anti-tumor functions by either inhibiting polarization to the pro-tumoral phenotype or decreasing the abundance of TAMs. Furthermore, TAMs in association with the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor immunity have been extensively exploited in mounting evidence, and could act as carriers or accessory cells of anti-tumor biomaterials. Recently, a variety of TAM-based materials with the capacity to target and eliminate cancer cells have been increasingly developed for basic research and clinical practice. As various TAM-based biomaterials, including antibodies, nanoparticles, RNAs, etc., have been shown to have potential anti-tumor effects reversing the TME, in this review, we systematically summarize the current studies to fully interpret the specific properties and various effects of TAM-related biomaterials, highlighting the potential clinical applications of targeting the crosstalk among TAMs, tumor cells, and immune cells in anti-cancer therapy.
Implication of platelets and complement C3 as link between innate immunity and tubulointerstitial injury in renal vasculitis with MPO-ANCA seropositivity
Authors: Baier Eva , Tampe Désirée , Kluge Ingmar Alexander , Hakroush Samy , Tampe Björn
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a potentially life-threatening systemic small-vessel vasculitis that is characterized by pauci-immune glomerulonephritis, depicting in turn a major denominator of AAV mortality. It is well established that AAV patients feature an increased risk of developing thrombotic events, and platelets are activated in AAV patients being triggered by the alternative complement pathway. Platelets guard vessels integrity and initiate thrombus formation in response to endothelial damage, further constituting a triangular interconnection with the activation of neutrophils and the complement system. We here aimed to systematically assess the relevance of platelet counts and systemic complement system activation regarding distinct histopathological lesions in ANCA-associated renal vasculitis.

Methods

A cohort of 53 biopsy-proven cases of ANCA-associated renal vasculitis were retrospectively enrolled in a single-center observational study. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify parameters associated with platelet counts in ANCA-associated renal vasculitis compared to disease controls. Finally, the relevance of platelets for disease course and recovery was assessed by survival analysis.

Results

Lower platelet counts correlated with markers of kidney injury including eGFR loss (p=0.0004) and lower complement C3 levels (p=0.0037). Multivariate and subgroup analysis revealed that this association was only present in the subgroup with MPO-ANCA seropositivity (eGFR loss: p=0.0009, lower C3: p=0.0032). While lower platelet counts correlated with kidney injury in the PR3-ANCA subgroup (eGFR loss: p=0.0272), we did not observe an independent association with complement C3 levels (p=0.4497). Independent of any glomerular lesion, lower platelet counts correlated with interstitial fibrosis (p=0.0313), tubular atrophy (p=0.0073), and tubulitis in areas of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (p=0.0033). Finally, we observed significant differences with increased requirement of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) or death in the subgroup below median platelet counts (HR: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.6-10, p=0.0047), associated with a lower probability of discharge and prolonged hospitalization in this subgroup (HR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9, p=0.0113).

Conclusion

Based on our observation that an association between platelets and complement system activation is only observed in the MPO-ANCA subgroup, this could implicate that platelets and complement C3 link innate immunity to tubulointerstitial injury in the presence of MPO-ANCA autoantibodies.
Diversity and temporal dynamics of breast milk microbiome and its influencing factors in Chinese women during the first 6 months postpartum
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhao Junying , Liu Yanpin , Qiao Weicang , Jiang Tiemin , Chen Lijun
Published: November 2022

Human breast milk (HBM) plays an important role in providing nutrients, beneficial microorganisms and bioactive components for infants, helping maturation of their immune system and gastrointestinal development. Here, we present a study aiming to investigate the diversity and temporal dynamics of the milk microbiome across the first 6 month postpartum in Chinese healthy breastfeeding women, and to investigate to what extent other variables (e.g., sampling location, infant sex, and mode of delivery) might also be related to variations in the human milk microbiome, and the association with maternal diet and nutrients. Fifty-three healthy pregnant women from four cities were recruited from a China Maternal and Infant Health Cohort Study and breast milk samples were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing. We illustrated the diversity and temporal dynamics during lactation (Adonis p-value = 3e–04). Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the most abundant phyla, and Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Serratia, and Corynebacterium were the core genera. Partitioning around medoids clustering identified two major internal clusters of breast milk microbiota. Cluster 1 was dominated by Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas, while Cluster 2 was dominated by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Among other environmental variables, sampling location showed significant influence on breast milk microbiome (Adonis p-value = 4e–04), while infant sex (Adonis p-value = 0.33) and mode of delivery (Adonis p-value = 0.19) were less related to variations in the human milk microbiome. Maternal diet such as tuber was significantly correlated with the relative abundance of Neisseria (rho = 0.34, adjusted p-value = 0.01) and Cutibacterium (rho = −0.35, adjusted p-value = 0.01), and nutrients such as carbohydrates were significantly correlated with the relative abundance of Aquabacterium (rho = −0.39, adjusted p-value = 0.0027), and vitamin B12 was significantly correlated with the relative abundance of Coprococcus (rho = 0.40, adjusted p-value = 0.0018), etc. These results illustrated the dynamic changes of composition and diversity during the lactation phases of the Chinese breast milk microbiome and addressed the importance of geographic location on milk microbiota, and associations with maternal diet consumption, which have potential benefits on the establishment and future health of breastfeeding infants.
Genome sequencing analysis of a novel thermophilic strain Geobacillus sp. CX412
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Wei , Zhong Xin-Ru , Han Hao-Xuan , Dong Bin
Published: November 2022

The thermophilic spore-forming strain Geobacillus sp. CX412 was isolated from hot spring soil in Tengchong City, Yunnan Province, China. We sequenced the complete genome of Geobacillus sp. CX412 using PacBio SMRT Sequencing. Genome-scale phylogenetic analysis and average nucleotide identity (ANI) results indicated that Geobacillus sp. CX412 is a novel species in the genus Geobacillus. The metabolic potential of Geobacillus sp. CX412 based on COG, KEGG, and CAZymes analysis demonstrated that Geobacillus sp. CX412 was a highly adaptable strain with an unusually high number of 73 annotated transposons in the genome, which is relatively rare in Geobacillus. Compared with the near-derived strains, it was found that Geobacillus sp. CX412 has the unique β-lactam resistance and more active metabolism (more than 50.5–100.1%). Additionally, its genome encodes glycoside hydrolases and other genes related to lignocellulose breakdown, suggesting that Geobacillus sp. CX412 has a considerable biomass degradation potential. Thus, Geobacillus sp. CX412 is a new thermophilic bacterial species that add to the increasing repertoire of known lignocellulose degraders.
Lidocaine- and chloramphenicol-loaded nanoparticles embedded in a chitosan/hyaluronic acid/glycerol matrix: Drug-eluting biomembranes with potential for guided tissue regeneration
Authors: Vasconcelos Mariana Oliveira , Silva Luís Antônio Dantas , Sousa-Junior Ailton Antonio , dos Santos Thaís Rosa Marques , da Silva Carla Afonso , Valadares Marize Campos , Lima Eliana Martins
Published: November 2022

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a dentistry technique based on the use of polymeric biomembranes as physical barriers for selective cell exclusion, directing the growth of gingival tissue, bone tissue, and periodontal ligaments in a region previously affected by periodontitis. Postoperative pain and microbial infection constitute, however, two major challenges to be tackled right after implantation. To address these challenges, we prepared and characterized eight chitosan/hyaluronic acid/glycerol (CS/HA/GL) bioresorbable membranes embedded with lidocaine- and chloramphenicol-loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles (LDNP and CHNP, respectively), combining the local anesthetic effects of lidocaine with the antibacterial effects of chloramphenicol. The formulations were prepared with varying amounts of CS, HA, GL, LDNP, and CHNP. As a plasticizing agent, GL could modulate the samples mechanical properties such as thickness, morphology, tensile strength, elongation at break, as well as swelling and degradation in simulated saliva. Two samples exhibited greater resistance to biodegradation and were selected for further studies. Their drug release profiles indicated that LDNP and CHNP first detach from the membrane matrix, and a zeroth order drug release kinetics from the detached NPs dominates the overall process thereafter, with lidocaine being released 3 times faster than chloramphenicol, in a controlled and sustained rate over time. Drug encapsulation efficiency was such that optimal samples exhibited bactericidal activity (inhibition halos) against gram-positive S. aureus and gram-negative A. actinomycetemcomitans strains similar to that observed for free chloramphenicol. Finally, one of these samples showed no intrinsic toxicity against healthy mammalian model cells (99% viability for the unloaded membrane; 80% viability for the fully LDNP- and CHNP-loaded membrane), and may now be further optimized as a drug-eluting biomembrane with potential for GTR.
Dance emotion recognition based on linear predictive Meir frequency cepstrum coefficient and bidirectional long short-term memory from robot environment
Authors: Shen Dianhuai , Qiu Xiaoxi , Jiang Xueying , Wang Dan
Published: November 2022

Dance emotion recognition is an important research direction of automatic speech recognition, especially in the robot environment. It is an important research content of dance emotion recognition to extract the features that best represent speech emotion and to construct an acoustic model with strong robustness and generalization. The dance emotion data set is small in size and high in dimension. The traditional recurrent neural network (RNN) has the problem of long-range dependence disappearance, and due to the focus on local information of convolutional neural network (CNN), the mining of potential relationships between frames in the input sequence is insufficient. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a novel linear predictive Meir frequency cepstrum coefficient and bidirectional long short-term memory (LSTM) for dance emotion recognition. In this paper, the linear prediction coefficient (LPC) and Meier frequency cepstrum coefficient (MFCC) are combined to obtain a new feature, namely the linear prediction Meier frequency cepstrum coefficient (LPMFCC). Then, the combined feature obtained by combining LPMFCC with energy feature is used as the extracted dance feature. The extracted features are input into the bidirectional LSTM network for training. Finally, support vector machine (SVM) is used to classify the obtained features through the full connection layer. Finally, we conduct experiments on public data sets and obtain the better effectiveness compared with the state-of-art dance motion recognition methods.