bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Band Gap Reduction in Ferroelectric BaTiO3 Through Heterovalent Cu-Te Co-Doping for Visible-Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Rohj Rohit Kumar , Hossain Akmal , Mahadevan Priya , Sarma D. D.
Published: May 2021

It is believed that ferroelectrics may serve as efficient photocatalysts as well as photovoltaic materials but for their large bandgaps which does not allow them to absorb a large part of the solar spectrum. We have explored theoretically within ab-initio density functional theory-based calculations, the efficacy of Cu and Te to co-dope BaTiO3 in reducing its bandgap while retaining its ferroelectric properties. Examining a dopant concentration of 11%, we find an insulating ground state being realized with a band gap reduction of 0.42 eV from the value for undoped BaTiO3 for some doping configurations. Ferroelectric distortions are found to survive even in the presence of doping suggesting possible applications in photocatalysis as well as photovoltaics.
Conversion of Cyclohexane to 6-Hydroxyhexanoic Acid Using Recombinant Pseudomonas taiwanensis in a Stirred-Tank Bioreactor
Authors: Bretschneider Lisa , Heuschkel Ingeborg , Wegner Martin , Lindmeyer Martin , Bühler Katja , Karande Rohan , Bühler Bruno
Published: May 2021

6-hydroxyhexanoic acid (6HA) represents a polymer building block for the biodegradable polymer polycaprolactone. Alternatively to energy- and emission-intensive multistep chemical synthesis, it can be synthesized directly from cyclohexane in one step by recombinant Pseudomonas taiwanensis harboring a 4-step enzymatic cascade without the accumulation of any intermediate. In the present work, we performed a physiological characterization of this strain in different growth media and evaluated the resulting whole-cell activities. RB and M9* media led to reduced gluconate accumulation from glucose compared to M9 medium and allowed specific activities up to 37.5 ± 0.4 U gCDW−1 for 6HA synthesis. However, 50% of the specific activity was lost within 1 h in metabolically active resting cells, specifying growing cells, or induced resting cells as favored options for long-term biotransformation. Furthermore, the whole-cell biocatalyst was evaluated in a stirred-tank bioreactor setup with a continuous cyclohexane supply via the gas phase. At cyclohexane feed rates of 0.276 and 1.626 mmol min−1 L−1, whole-cell biotransformation occurred at first-order and zero-order rates, respectively. A final 6HA concentration of 25 mM (3.3 g L−1) and a specific product yield of 0.4 g gCDW−1 were achieved with the higher feed rate. Product inhibition and substrate toxification were identified as critical factors limiting biocatalytic performance. Future research efforts on these factors and the precise adjustment of the cyclohexane feed combined with an in situ product removal strategy are discussed as promising strategies to enhance biocatalyst durability and product titer and thus to enable the development of a sustainable multistep whole-cell process.
Coronary Assessment and Revascularization Before Transcutaneous Aortic Valve Implantation: An Update on Current Knowledge
Authors: Sabbah Muhammad , Engstrøm Thomas , De Backer Ole , Søndergaard Lars , Lønborg Jacob
Published: May 2021

Transcutaneous aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS) in the elderly and is expanding to still younger and lower-risk patients with severe AS as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). While the role of coronary artery bypass grafting with SAVR is well-documented, the analog of percutaneous coronary intervention with TAVI is less so. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the important challenges in treating severe AS and co-existing coronary artery disease in patients planned for TAVI.
Diversity in the Development of the Neuromuscular System of Nemertean Larvae (Nemertea, Spiralia)
Authors: von Döhren Jörn
Published: May 2021

In studies on the development of nervous systems and musculature, fluorescent labeling of neuroactive substances and filamentous actin (f-actin) of muscle cells and the subsequent analysis with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), has led to a broad comparative data set for the majority of the clades of the superphylum Spiralia. However, a number of clades remain understudied, which results in gaps in our knowledge that drastically hamper the formulation of broad-scale hypotheses on the evolutionary developmental biology (EvoDevo) of the structures in question. Regarding comparative data on the development of the peptidergic nervous system and the musculature of species belonging to the spiralian clade Nemertea (ribbon worms), such considerable knowledge gaps are manifest. This paper presents first findings on fluorescent labeling of the FMRFamide-like component of the nervous system and contributes additional data on the muscle development in the presently still underrepresented larvae of palaeo- and hoplonemertean species. Whereas the architecture of the FMRFamide-like nervous system is comparably uniform between the studied representatives, the formation of the musculature differs considerably, exhibiting developmental modes yet undescribed for any spiralian species. The presented results fill a significant gap in the spiralian EvoDevo data set and thus allow for further elaboration of hypotheses on the ancestral pattern of the musculature and a prominent component of the nervous system in Nemertea. However, with respect to the variety observed, it is expected that the true diversity of the developmental pathways is still to be discovered when more detailed data on other nemertean species will be available.
Computational Studies of the Structural Basis of Human RPS19 Mutations Associated With Diamond-Blackfan Anemia
Authors: An Ke , Zhou Jing-Bo , Xiong Yao , Han Wei , Wang Tao , Ye Zhi-Qiang , Wu Yun-Dong
Published: May 2021

Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA) is an inherited rare disease characterized with severe pure red cell aplasia, and it is caused by the defective ribosome biogenesis stemming from the impairment of ribosomal proteins. Among all DBA-associated ribosomal proteins, RPS19 affects most patients and carries most DBA mutations. Revealing how these mutations lead to the impairment of RPS19 is highly demanded for understanding the pathogenesis of DBA, but a systematic study is currently lacking. In this work, based on the complex structure of human ribosome, we comprehensively studied the structural basis of DBA mutations of RPS19 by using computational methods. Main structure elements and five conserved surface patches involved in RPS19-18S rRNA interaction were identified. We further revealed that DBA mutations would destabilize RPS19 through disrupting the hydrophobic core or breaking the helix, or perturb the RPS19-18S rRNA interaction through destroying hydrogen bonds, introducing steric hindrance effect, or altering surface electrostatic property at the interface. Moreover, we trained a machine-learning model to predict the pathogenicity of all possible RPS19 mutations. Our work has laid a foundation for revealing the pathogenesis of DBA from the structural perspective.
Ranking Biomarkers of Aging by Citation Profiling and Effort Scoring
Authors: Hartmann Alexander , Hartmann Christiane , Secci Riccardo , Hermann Andreas , Fuellen Georg , Walter Michael
Published: May 2021

Aging affects most living organisms and includes the processes that reduce health and survival. The chronological and the biological age of individuals can differ remarkably, and there is a lack of reliable biomarkers to monitor the consequences of aging. In this review we give an overview of commonly mentioned and frequently used potential aging-related biomarkers. We were interested in biomarkers of aging in general and in biomarkers related to cellular senescence in particular. To answer the question whether a biological feature is relevant as a potential biomarker of aging or senescence in the scientific community we used the PICO strategy known from evidence-based medicine. We introduced two scoring systems, aimed at reflecting biomarker relevance and measurement effort, which can be used to support study designs in both clinical and research settings.
Anti-Alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazolepropionic Acid Receptor Encephalitis: A Review
Authors: Zhang Tian-Yi , Cai Meng-Ting , Zheng Yang , Lai Qi-Lun , Shen Chun-Hong , Qiao Song , Zhang Yin-Xi
Published: May 2021

Anti-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) encephalitis, a rare subtype of autoimmune encephalitis, was first reported by Lai et al. The AMPAR antibodies target against extracellular epitopes of the GluA1 or GluA2 subunits of the receptor. AMPARs are expressed throughout the central nervous system, especially in the hippocampus and other limbic regions. Anti-AMPAR encephalitis was more common in middle-aged women and most patients had an acute or subacute onset. Limbic encephalitis, a classic syndrome of anti-AMPAR encephalitis, was clinically characterized by a subacute disturbance of short-term memory loss, confusion, abnormal behavior and seizure. Magnetic resonance imaging often showed T2/fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery hyperintensities in the bilateral medial temporal lobe. For suspected patients, paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing with cell-based assay were recommended. CSF specimen was preferred given its higher sensitivity. Most patients with anti-AMPAR encephalitis were complicated with tumors, such as thymoma, small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. First-line treatments included high-dose steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange. Second-line treatments, including rituximab and cyclophosphamide, can be initiated in patients who were non-reactive to first-line treatment. Most patients with anti-AMPAR encephalitis showed a partial neurologic response to immunotherapy.
Natural Killer Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Novel Players in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Wu Feifeng , Xie Min , Hun Marady , She Zhou , Li Cuifang , Luo Senlin , Chen Xiaoyu , Wan Wuqing , Wen Chuan , Tian Jidong
Published: May 2021

Natural killer (NK) cells are critical components of host innate immunity and function as the first line of defense against tumors and viral infection. There is increasing evidence that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in the antitumor activity of NK cells. NK cell-derived EVs (NKEVs) carrying cargo such as cytotoxic proteins, microRNAs, and cytokines employ multiple mechanisms to kill tumor cells, but also exhibit immunomodulatory activity by stimulating other immune cells. Several studies have reported that NKEVs can reverse immune suppression under tolerogenic conditions and contribute to NK-mediated immune surveillance against tumors. Thus, NKEVs are a promising tool for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we describe the biological effects and potential applications of NKEVs in antitumor immunity.
Shallow-Water Scavengers of Polar Night and Day – An Arctic Time-Lapse Photography Study
Authors: Balazy Piotr , Anderson Marti J. , Chelchowski Maciej , Włodarska-Kowalczuk Maria , Kuklinski Piotr , Berge Jørgen
Published: May 2021

Until recently, polar night constituted truly a “mare incognitum” of our times. Yet, the first records from this very little-explored period showcased a surprisingly rich and active ecosystem. This investigation aims to reveal the level of scavenger activity during both Arctic polar night and day. It compares the shallow-water scavenging fauna observed during two contrasting seasons (winter vs. summer) in a high Arctic fjord (Kongsfjorden, 79° N, Spitsbergen, Svalbard Archipelago). In each of January and July 2015, two different bait types – Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and a bird carcass (chicken meat) were deployed at a depth of 12 m. Fauna were monitored remotely using time-lapse cameras equipped with bait traps, with photographs taken every 15 min over a period of 4 days. Thirty taxa were recorded at baits, dominated by lysianassid amphipods (Onisimus sp. 88%, Anonyx sp. 2%, but only during winter), and buccinid gastropods (B. undatum 5%, B. glaciale 1%, Buccinum sp. 3%, in both seasons). In most cases, buccinids were the first animals to appear at bait. The total number of recorded taxa, mean species richness per sampling unit, total abundance and associations among taxa were higher, on average, in winter than in summer deployments, while Pielou’s evenness index showed the opposite pattern. Scavenger assemblages differed significantly between the two seasons and also in response to the two different bait types, with seasonal effects being strongest. Contrary to expectations, bait consumption rates differed very little between the two seasons, being slow in general and only slightly faster in summer (0.05 g of cod bait consumed in 1 min) compared to winter (0.04 g min–1), yielding novel insights into ecological interactions and functions in shallow marine ecosystems during Arctic polar nights.
Modeling and Multi-Objective Optimization of Thermophysical Parameters of Hybrid Nanodiamond–Ni-Based Nanofluids via Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Alsaady Mustafa
Published: May 2021

The present study comprises the modeling and optimization of the thermal and viscous properties of nanodiamond–nickel (Ni) particle-based nanofluid in ethylene glycol. The temperature and nanoparticle weight percentage are selected as the process variables, which are considered crucial for the operational condition of the application and the economic factor. The impact of these process variables was investigated on thermal conductivity and viscosity simultaneously using response surface methodology (RSM). The models for thermal conductivity and viscosity were developed and validated using experimentally measured property data. The validated model was further used for the prediction. A detailed multi-objective optimization study was conducted to maximize thermal conductivity and minimize viscosity. The optimum results suggested that the maximum values for thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluids were estimated to be 0.282 Wm/°C and 5.867 mPa·s, respectively. The optimum values for the input parameters such as temperature and nanodiamond–Ni concentration were calculated to be 60°C and 2.998 wt.%, respectively. The coefficient of determination R2 for the developed model showed 0.9971 and 0.9975 for thermal conductivity and viscosity, respectively.
Digital Innovation in Medicinal Product Regulatory Submission, Review, and Approvals to Create a Dynamic Regulatory Ecosystem—Are We Ready for a Revolution?
Authors: Macdonald Judith C. , Isom David C. , Evans Daniel D. , Page Katy J.
Published: May 2021

The pace of scientific progress over the past several decades within the biological, drug development, and the digital realm has been remarkable. The’omics revolution has enabled a better understanding of the biological basis of disease, unlocking the possibility of new products such as gene and cell therapies which offer novel patient centric solutions. Innovative approaches to clinical trial designs promise greater efficiency, and in recent years, scientific collaborations, and consortia have been developing novel approaches to leverage new sources of evidence such as real-world data, patient experience data, and biomarker data. Alongside this there have been great strides in digital innovation. Cloud computing has become mainstream and the internet of things and blockchain technology have become a reality. These examples of transformation stand in sharp contrast to the current inefficient approach for regulatory submission, review, and approval of medicinal products. This process has not fundamentally changed since the beginning of medicine regulation in the late 1960s. Fortunately, progressive initiatives are emerging that will enrich and streamline regulatory decision making and deliver patient centric therapies, if they are successful in transforming the current transactional construct and harnessing scientific and technological advances. Such a radical transformation will not be simple for both regulatory authorities and company sponsors, nor will progress be linear. We examine the shortcomings of the current system with its entrenched and variable business processes, offer examples of progress as catalysts for change, and make the case for a new cloud based model. To optimize navigation toward this reality we identify implications and regulatory design questions which must be addressed. We conclude that a new model is possible and is slowly emerging through cumulative change initiatives that question, challenge, and redesign best practices, roles, and responsibilities, and that this must be combined with adaptation of behaviors and acquisition of new skills.
Chicken Manure and Mushroom Residues Affect Soil Bacterial Community Structure but Not the Bacterial Resistome When Applied at the Same Rate of Nitrogen for 3 Years
Authors: Peng Shuang , Wang Yiming , Chen Ruirui , Lin Xiangui
Published: May 2021

Animal manure is a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and direct application of the manure will lead to spread of ARGs in farmland. Here, we explored the impacts of chicken manure and heat-treated chicken manure on the patterns of soil resistome after 3 years’ application, with mushroom residues set as the plant-derived organic manure treatment. A total of 262 ARG subtypes were detected in chicken manure using high-throughput qPCR, and heat treatment can effectively remove 50 types of ARGs. Although ARG subtypes and abundance were both higher in chicken manure, there was no significant difference in the ARG profiles and total ARG abundance among three manure-treated soils. Soil bacteria community compositions were significantly different among manure-treated soils, but they were not significantly correlated with soil ARG profiles. Fast expectation–maximization microbial source tracking (FEAST) was used for quantifying the contributions of the potential sources to microbial taxa and ARGs in manure-fertilized soil. Results revealed that only 0.2% of the chicken manure-derived bacterial communities survived in soil, and intrinsic ARGs were the largest contributor of soil ARGs (95.8–99.7%); ARGs from chicken manure only contributed 0.4%. The total ARG abundance in the heat-treated chicken manure-amended soils was similar to that in the mushroom residue-treated soils, while it was 1.41 times higher in chicken manure-treated soils. Thus, heat treatment of chicken manure may efficiently reduce ARGs introduced into soil and decrease the risk of dissemination of ARGs.
Structural Design and Analysis of the RHOA-ARHGEF1 Binding Mode: Challenges and Applications for Protein-Protein Interface Prediction
Authors: Gheyouche Ennys , Bagueneau Matthias , Loirand Gervaise , Offmann Bernard , Téletchéa Stéphane
Published: May 2021

The interaction between two proteins may involve local movements, such as small side-chains re-positioning or more global allosteric movements, such as domain rearrangement. We studied how one can build a precise and detailed protein-protein interface using existing protein-protein docking methods, and how it can be possible to enhance the initial structures using molecular dynamics simulations and data-driven human inspection. We present how this strategy was applied to the modeling of RHOA-ARHGEF1 interaction using similar complexes of RHOA bound to other members of the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor family for comparative assessment. In parallel, a more crude approach based on structural superimposition and molecular replacement was also assessed. Both models were then successfully refined using molecular dynamics simulations leading to protein structures where the major data from scientific literature could be recovered. We expect that the detailed strategy used in this work will prove useful for other protein-protein interface design. The RHOA-ARHGEF1 interface modeled here will be extremely useful for the design of inhibitors targeting this protein-protein interaction (PPI).
Fine Particulate Matter Related to Multiple Sclerosis Relapse in Young Patients
Authors: Januel Edouard , Dessimond Boris , Colette Augustin , Annesi-Maesano Isabella , Stankoff Bruno
Published: May 2021

Objective: Particulate matter (PM) of aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 μm (PM10) has been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse. However, the impact of smaller PM with a greater ability to penetrate human organism has never been assessed. We evaluated the impact of PM smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) on the risk of MS relapse.

Material and Methods: In a case-crossover study, we included 2,109 consecutive hospitalizations likely due to MS relapse in day hospital in 5 MS centers in the Paris area from January 2009 to December 2013. For each hospitalization, the natural logarithm of the average weekly PM2.5 concentrations (μg/m3) at the patient's residence address during each of the 6 weeks (week[0] to week[−5]) preceding admission was compared with the concentration during the previous week, using a conditional logistic regression adjusted on temperature, flu-like syndrome rate, pollen count, and holiday period.

Results: PM2.5 average concentration during week[−3] was significantly associated with the risk of hospitalization for MS relapse [OR = 1.21 (CI 1.01;1.46)]. The association was stronger in patients younger than 30 years [OR=1.77 (CI 1.10; 2.83)].

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates an association between exposure to PM2.5 and MS relapse, particularly in young people.
Surface Electromyography and Electroencephalogram-Based Gait Phase Recognition and Correlations Between Cortical and Locomotor Muscle in the Seven Gait Phases
Authors: Wei Pengna , Zhang Jinhua , Wang Baozeng , Hong Jun
Published: May 2021

The classification of gait phases based on surface electromyography (sEMG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) can be used to the control systems of lower limb exoskeletons for the rehabilitation of patients with lower limb disorders. In this study, the slope sign change (SSC) and mean power frequency (MPF) features of EEG and sEMG were used to recognize the seven gait phases [loading response (LR), mid-stance (MST), terminal stance (TST), pre-swing (PSW), initial swing (ISW), mid-swing (MSW), and terminal swing (TSW)]. Previous researchers have found that the cortex is involved in the regulation of treadmill walking. However, corticomuscular interaction analysis in a high level of gait phase granularity remains lacking in the time–frequency domain, and the feasibility of gait phase recognition based on EEG combined with sEMG is unknown. Therefore, the time–frequency cross mutual information (TFCMI) method was applied to research the theoretical basis of gait control in seven gait phases using beta-band EEG and sEMG data. We firstly found that the feature set comprising SSC of EEG as well as SSC and MPF of sEMG was robust for the recognition of seven gait phases under three different walking speeds. Secondly, the distribution of TFCMI values in eight topographies (eight muscles) was different at PSW and TSW phases. Thirdly, the differences of corticomuscular interaction between LR and MST and between TST and PSW of eight muscles were not significant. These insights enrich previous findings of the authors who have carried out gait phase recognition and provide a theoretical basis for gait recognition based on EEG and sEMG.
Encapsulated Food Products as a Strategy to Strengthen Immunity Against COVID-19
Authors: Tripathy Soubhagya , Verma Deepak Kumar , Thakur Mamta , Patel Ami R. , Srivastav Prem Prakash , Singh Smita , Chávez-González Mónica L. , Aguilar Cristobal N.
Published: May 2021

In December 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)—a novel coronavirus was identified which was quickly distributed to more than 100 countries around the world. There are currently no approved treatments available but only a few preventive measures are available. Among them, maintaining strong immunity through the intake of functional foods is a sustainable solution to resist the virus attack. For this, bioactive compounds (BACs) are delivered safely inside the body through encapsulated food items. Encapsulated food products have benefits such as high stability and bioavailability, sustained release of functional compounds; inhibit the undesired interaction, and high antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Several BACs such as ω-3 fatty acid, curcumin, vitamins, essential oils, antimicrobials, and probiotic bacteria can be encapsulated which exhibit immunological activity through different mechanisms. These encapsulated compounds can be recommended for use by various researchers, scientists, and industrial peoples to develop functional foods that can improve immunity to withstand the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the future. Encapsulated BACs, upon incorporation into food, offer increased functionality and facilitate their potential use as an immunity booster. This review paper aims to target various encapsulated food products and their role in improving the immunity system. The bioactive components like antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, polyphenols, omega (ω)-3 fatty acids, lycopene, probiotics, etc. which boost the immunity and may be a potential measure to prevent COVID-19 outbreak were comprehensively discussed. This article also highlights the potential mechanisms; a BAC undergoes, to improve the immune system.
Preoperative Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced MRI Based Nomogram Improves Prediction of Early HCC Recurrence After Ablation Therapy
Authors: Hu Chengguang , Song Yangda , Zhang Jing , Dai Lin , Tang Cuirong , Li Meng , Liao Weijia , Zhou Yuchen , Xu Yikai , Zhang Yong-Yuan , Zhou Yuanping
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to identify preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI features and establish a nomogram for predicting early recurrence (≤ 2 years) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after ablation therapy.

Methods

A total of 160 patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and ablation HCC therapy from January 2015 to June 2018, were included retrospectively and divided into a training cohort (n = 112) and a validation cohort (n = 48). Independent clinical risk factors and gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI features associated with early recurrence were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and used for construction of a nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.

Results

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, tumor number, arterial peritumoral enhancement, satellite nodule and peritumoral hypointensity at hepatobiliary phases in the training cohort were identified as independent risk factors for early recurrence after ablation. A new nomogram that was constructed with these five features showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.843 (95%CI 0.771-0.916) and 0.835 (95%CI 0.713-0.956) in the training and validation cohort, respectively. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) suggested that the nomogram had good consistency and clinical utility.

Conclusions

A new nomogram that was constructed using four preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI features and serum AFP level can predict the risk of early HCC recurrence after ablation therapy with AUC up to 0.843. The strong performance of this nomogram may help hepatologists to categorize patients’ recurrent risk to guide selecting treatment options and improve postoperative management.
Targeting SNARE-Mediated Vesicle Transport to Block Invadopodium-Based Cancer Cell Invasion
Authors: Gorshtein Genya , Grafinger Olivia , Coppolino Marc G.
Published: May 2021

During metastasis, cancer cells can invade extracellular matrix (ECM) through a process mediated by matrix-degrading protrusions of the plasma membrane, termed invadopodia. Formation of invadopodia correlates with cells’ invasive and metastatic potential, and thus presents a potential target for therapeutic approaches to target metastatic progression. Invadopodia formation is dependent on the recruitment of proteins involved in intracellular signaling, actin cytoskeleton remodeling, and proteolytic matrix modification. The latter includes matrix degrading enzymes such as MT1-MMP, MMP2, and MMP9. These essential invadopodium-associated enzymes are required for localized matrix degradation, and their localization at invadopodia is central to invadopodium-based cancer cell invasion. Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) facilitate intracellular vesicle traffic, including that involved in the transport of invadopodium-associated proteins, and in so doing promote modification of ECM and modulation of signaling pathways involved in the movement of cancer cells. Specific SNARE complexes have been found to support invadopodia formation, and these complexes are, in turn, regulated by associated proteins that interact specifically with SNAREs. Targeting SNARE regulatory proteins thus provides a possible approach to disrupt SNARE-dependent delivery of invadopodial proteins, including MT1-MMP, to sites of ECM modification. Here, we review recent studies of SNARE regulators that hold potential as targets for the development of anti-metastatic therapies for patients burdened with invadopodia-forming cancer types.
The Research Progress of Exosomes in Osteoarthritis, With Particular Emphasis on the Mediating Roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs
Authors: Miao Chenggui , Zhou Wanwan , Wang Xiao , Fang Jihong
Published: May 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a kind of degenerative disease, which is caused by many factors such as aging, obesity, strain, trauma, congenital joint abnormalities, joint deformities. Exosomes are mainly derived from the invagination of intracellular lysosomes, which are released into the extracellular matrix after fusion of the outer membrane of multi vesicles with the cell membrane. Exosomes mediate intercellular communication and regulate the biological activity of receptor cells by carrying non-coding RNA, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), proteins and lipids. Evidences show that exosomes are involved in the pathogenesis of OA. In view of the important roles of exosomes in OA, this paper systematically reviewed the roles of exosomes in the pathogenesis of OA, including the roles of exosomes in OA diagnosis, the regulatory mechanisms of exosomes in the pathogenesis, and the intervention roles of exosomes in the treatment of OA. Reviewing the roles of exosomes in OA will help to clarify the pathogenesis of OA and explore new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Implementation of Local Chiral Interactions in the Hyperspherical Harmonics Formalism
Authors: Li Muli Simone Salvatore , Bacca Sonia , Barnea Nir
Published: May 2021

With the goal of using chiral interactions at various orders to explore the properties of the few-body nuclear systems, we write the recently developed local chiral interactions as spherical irreducible tensors and implement them in the hyperspherical harmonics expansion method. We devote particular attention to three-body forces at next-to-next-to leading order, which play an important role in reproducing experimental data. We check our implementation by benchmarking the ground-state properties of 3H, 3He, and 4He against the available Monte Carlo calculations. We then confirm their order-by-order truncation error estimates and further investigate uncertainties in the charge radii obtained by using the precise muonic atom data for single-nucleon radii. Having local chiral Hamiltonians at various orders implemented in our hyperspherical harmonics suites of codes opens up the possibility to test such interactions on other light-nuclei properties, such as electromagnetic reactions.
Dynamics of DNA Methylation and Its Functions in Plant Growth and Development
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Mohapatra Trilochan
Published: May 2021

Epigenetic modifications in DNA bases and histone proteins play important roles in the regulation of gene expression and genome stability. Chemical modification of DNA base (e.g., addition of a methyl group at the fifth carbon of cytosine residue) switches on/off the gene expression during developmental process and environmental stresses. The dynamics of DNA base methylation depends mainly on the activities of the writer/eraser guided by non-coding RNA (ncRNA) and regulated by the developmental/environmental cues. De novo DNA methylation and active demethylation activities control the methylation level and regulate the gene expression. Identification of ncRNA involved in de novo DNA methylation, increased DNA methylation proteins guiding DNA demethylase, and methylation monitoring sequence that helps maintaining a balance between DNA methylation and demethylation is the recent developments that may resolve some of the enigmas. Such discoveries provide a better understanding of the dynamics/functions of DNA base methylation and epigenetic regulation of growth, development, and stress tolerance in crop plants. Identification of epigenetic pathways in animals, their existence/orthologs in plants, and functional validation might improve future strategies for epigenome editing toward climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture in this era of global climate change. The present review discusses the dynamics of DNA methylation (cytosine/adenine) in plants, its functions in regulating gene expression under abiotic/biotic stresses, developmental processes, and genome stability.
Effectiveness of Foliar Biofortification of Carrot With Iodine and Selenium in a Field Condition
Authors: Rakoczy-Lelek Roksana , Smoleń Sylwester , Grzanka Marlena , Ambroziak Krzysztof , Pitala Joanna , Skoczylas Łukasz , Liszka-Skoczylas Marta , Kardasz Hubert
Published: May 2021

Iodine (I) and selenium (Se) are essential to human and animal development. There is a worldwide deficit of I and Se in the diet of humans, as well as in animals. It is advisable to enrich plants with these elements to ensure adequate uptake in animals and humans. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the application of I and Se in the cultivation of carrot crops, to better understand the metabolic pathways and processes of I applied through foliar spray. Carrots were fertilized with 4-fold foliar applications of I and Se, which were applied as the liquid fertilizers “I + Se”, “Solo iodine” and “Solo selenium”, all containing an organic stabilizer, in two field trials. Foliar nutrient applications of I and Se were translocated by the plant for storage in the roots. The level of enriched I and Se in the roots was considered safe for the consumer. The Recommended Daily Allowance values for I and Se in the roots of 100 g of fresh carrots are 4.16% and 4.37%, respectively. Furthermore, I and Se accumulated in the roots to a level that was physiologically tolerated by carrot. Biofortification through foliar feeding did not impact negatively on the yield or quality of the carrot crop. Iodides applied via foliar application were the dominant form of I in the plant tissues and were included in the metabolic process of the synthesis of iodosalicylates, iodobenzoates, iodotyrosine (I-Tyr), and plant-derived thyroid hormone analogs. No synergistic or antagonistic interaction between I and Se, with respect to the effectiveness of biofortification in roots, was observed in any treatments. The molar ratio of I:Se in the roots after foliar application of both elements was approximately 1.6:1 and was similar to the control (1.35:1).
Changes in Reproductive Traits in Physalis philadelphica; An Unexpected Shift Toward Self-Incompatibility in a Domesticated Annual Fruit Crop
Authors: Solís-Montero Lislie , Aceves-Chong Lorena , Vega-Polanco Mayumi , Vargas-Ponce Ofelia
Published: May 2021

Domestication is an evolutionary process with an impact on plant reproduction. Many domesticated plants are self-compatible (i.e., they lack mechanisms to reject their own pollen), but few domesticated plants are fully or partially self-incompatible. We used the husk tomato,Physalis philadelphica, as a study model to investigate changes in the reproductive strategy of an annual partially self-incompatible plant during the process of domestication. Wild and cultivated populations of this species coexist in close proximity. These different populations present a high level of morphological and genetic variation associated with different degrees of domestication. We hypothesized that artificial selection favors self-compatibility in cultivated plants through changes in their reproductive strategy and some reproductive parameters associated with domestication. To test this hypothesis, we characterized the floral morphology and some reproductive parameters of weedy plants (wild plants), landraces (semi-domesticated plant), and commercial plants (domesticated plants). We conducted an artificial crossing experiment, germinated the seeds, and recorded seedling growth. Commercial plants had the largest flowers and the highest number of ovules. Yet, they did not differ in other reproductive parameters (e.g., herkogamy, size of pollen grains, stigmatic area, and pollen:ovule ratio) from landraces and weedy plants.Physalis philadelphicaproduced fruits by autonomous autogamy in the artificial crossing experiment. These fruits were the smallest and lightest fruits at all degrees of domestication; however, fruit set of autonomous autogamy was higher in weedy plants. In addition, fruit production was higher when weedy plants donated pollen to commercial plants. Although seeds produced by autonomous autogamy of weedy plants had a low germination percentage, their cotyledons and the embryonic foliage leaves appeared earlier than in landraces and commercial plants. In conclusion, the domestication syndrome in this plant was manifested as increments in flower size and ovule production. Contrary to expectations, there was higher fruit production by autonomous autogamy in weedy plants than in cultivated plants. It seems that artificial selection inP. philadelphicafavors self-incompatibility in cultivated plants. Nonetheless, spontaneous self-pollination seems to be advantageous in weedy populations because they produced viable seeds from which cotyledons and the embryonic foliage leaves emerged earlier than in cultivated plants.
Greenway Cyclists’ Visual Perception and Landscape Imagery Assessment
Authors: He Hui , Li Jiamin , Lin Xiaowu , Yu Yanwei
Published: May 2021

Greenway is a kind of corridors in the city that takes natural elements as the main constituent foundation and connects open spaces with functions such as leisure and recreation. The assessment of the built greenway is a review of the past construction experiences, and it is also a supplement and improvement to the future greenway planning concept system, which has important academic and application value. This study will explore how greenway design factors influenced the local cyclists’ perception of the landscape using on-site questionnaire and photo rating method. The results indicated that greenways with continuous cycling paths, high security awareness, open landscapes, and rich human activities evoke positive perceptions. Among the visual elements, natural elements such as plants and sky are more favorable than artificial elements. The research results show that the formation of greenway cyclists’ landscape imagery is affected by visual perception elements, which suggests that special consideration should be given to the laws of cyclists’ mental perception when designing greenways.
Development of a Salutogenesis Workshop for SPPs to Help Them, Their Athletes, and the Athlete’s Entourage Better Cope With Uncertainty During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Leisterer Sascha , Lautenbach Franziska , Walter Nadja , Kronenberg Lara , Elbe Anne-Marie
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is also called a crisis of uncertainty because of so many unforeseeable events like canceled qualification competitions, loss of training facilities, and postponement of the Olympic games. Athletes and their entourage experience this uncertainty as stressful. Sport psychology practitioners (SPPs) are in a key position to support athletes in coping with these unforeseeable stressors. However, SPPs are similarly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and simultaneously have to cope with stress. Salutogenesis, which describes how to manage stress and to stay well, provides a theoretical approach to how to cope with uncertainty. The salutogenetic approach aims at strengthening individuals’ sense of coherence (SoC) and consists of three components, namely comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. Although it is known that the SoC can be enhanced via psychological skills training, so far, this approach has not been systematically applied to the elite sport context. Athletes have been advised to see SPPs for help; thus, the question of how SPPs handle the time of uncertainty while supporting others emerges. The aim of this contribution was to outline how the salutogenetic approach can be applied to strengthening SPPs’ SoC via a single-day four-part workshop. Additionally, we applied the workshop to N = 26 volleyball coaches and evaluated the workshop’s effects on participants’ psychological aspects [i.e., the Sense of Coherence—Leipziger short version (SoC-L9), resilience (RS-13): coping with uncertainty, affective response, and stress via semantic differentials] and the workshop’s quality ratings (i.e., Quality Questionnaire for Sport Psychological Coaching, QS-17). The evaluation provides results that show a positive impact on a descriptive level of the participants’ SoC, uncertainty, affect, and stress perception; however, the results show no significant main effect of time [F(8, 10) = 1.04, p = 0.467, ηp2 = 0.454]. Workshop quality (on average, 3.60 ± 0.35 out of 4.00) and skill acquisition (on average, 3.00 ± 0.64 out of 4.00) were positively evaluated; 82.00% of the participants would use the learned tools in the future. Thus, we outline how this workshop might help strengthen SPPs’ SoC and at the same time empower them to strengthen their athletes’ SoC. Overall, we add a theoretical (i.e., salutogenesis in sports) and a practical perspective (i.e., coping techniques based on salutogenesis) on how to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic for SPPS, athletes, and their support network.
Aesthetic Literacy in Young People’s and Adults’ Awareness From a Developmental Learning Perspective
Authors: Cunha de Araújo Gustavo , Carlos Miguel José , Gomes de Araújo Rosane
Published: May 2021

In Brazilian schools, many teachers do not organize their teaching and students’ tasks and actions in a way that facilitates theoretical thinking based on the abstraction and generalization of the work content. Because many students struggle to accomplish the tasks and actions themselves, teachers guide them. Over time, the students begin to have more autonomy in executing the proposed activities, as they completed mental operations while learning. This article aims to investigate how young people’s and adults’ awareness of the countryside is formed based on visual elements and writing, facilitating an understanding of their reality. A didactic–formative experiment was performed based on the cultural–historical theory. The comic books produced by the participants allowed them to develop their overall thinking, moving from the abstract to the concrete. They also formed an awareness of reality, which allowed them to have greater autonomy in the production of these stories as a means of representation and transformation of reality.
Social Inference May Guide Early Lexical Learning
Authors: Tripp Alayo , Feldman Naomi H. , Idsardi William J.
Published: May 2021

We incorporate social reasoning about groups of informants into a model of word learning, and show that the model accounts for infant looking behavior in tasks of both word learning and recognition. Simulation 1 models an experiment where 16-month-old infants saw familiar objects labeled either correctly or incorrectly, by either adults or audio talkers. Simulation 2 reinterprets puzzling data from the Switch task, an audiovisual habituation procedure wherein infants are tested on familiarized associations between novel objects and labels. Eight-month-olds outperform 14-month-olds on the Switch task when required to distinguish labels that are minimal pairs (e.g., “buk” and “puk”), but 14-month-olds' performance is improved by habituation stimuli featuring multiple talkers. Our modeling results support the hypothesis that beliefs about knowledgeability and group membership guide infant looking behavior in both tasks. These results show that social and linguistic development interact in non-trivial ways, and that social categorization findings in developmental psychology could have substantial implications for understanding linguistic development in realistic settings where talkers vary according to observable features correlated with social groupings, including linguistic, ethnic, and gendered groups.
Burden of Eating Disorders in China, 1990-2019: An Updated Systematic Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Li Zhitao , Wang Lili , Guan Haixia , Han Cheng , Cui Peng , Liu Aihua , Li Yongze
Published: May 2021

Background: Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), are complex mental disorders. A better understanding of the burden of eating disorders is essential for improving their management. Information about the burden of eating disorders at the national level in China remains unclear.

Methods: This is a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019. The sex- and age-specific prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of eating disorders in China were estimated by systematically reviewing all available epidemiological data and inputting these data into a Bayesian meta-regression tool (DisMod-MR 2.0). Trends in the age-standardized prevalence, incidence, and DALYs due to AN and BN were assessed from 1990 to 2019.

Results: The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), prevalence rate (ASPR), and DALY rate per 100,000 population were estimated to be 13.22 (95% UI, 9.35–18.23), 38.08 (95% UI: 26.37–55.73), and 8.38 (95% UI, 4.87–13.35) for AN and 130.05 (95% UI, 84.02–187.13), 75.21 (95% UI, 48.52–105.97), and 16.16 (95% UI, 9.23–25.40) for BN, respectively, in 2019. The prevalence, incidence, and DALY rate of AN peaked at 15–19 years old. The prevalence and DALY rate of BN peaked at 30–34 years old. Females had a higher burden of AN and a lower burden of BN than males. The ASIR, ASPR, and DALY significantly increased by 1.3% (95% CI: 1.3–1.4%), 1.6% (95% CI, 1.5–1.6%), and 1.6% (95% CI, 1.5–1.7%) for AN and 1.4% (95% CI: 1.4–1.4%), 2.0% (95% CI, 2.0–2.1%), and 2.0% (95% CI, 2.0–2.1%) for BN, respectively, from 1990 to 2019 in China. In addition, the increments in all the age-standardized measures of BN were higher in males than in females.

Conclusions: The burden of eating disorders in China showed unexpected patterns that varied by sex and age, with increasing trends of AN and BN from 1990 to 2019. More attention should be given to improving the burden of BN in males in China.
Cannabidiol and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children
Authors: Kwan Cheung Keith A. , Mitchell Murray D. , Heussler Helen S.
Published: May 2021

Neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder) have broad health implications for children, with no definitive cure for the vast majority of them. However, recently medicinal cannabis has been successfully trialled as a treatment to manage many of the patients' symptoms and improve quality of life. The cannabinoid cannabidiol, in particular, has been reported to be safe and well-tolerated with a plethora of anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. Lately, the current consensus is that the endocannabinoid system is a crucial factor in neural development and health; research has found evidence that there are a multitude of signalling pathways involving neurotransmitters and the endocannabinoid system by which cannabinoids could potentially exert their therapeutic effects. A better understanding of the cannabinoids' mechanisms of action should lead to improved treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders.