bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Many Concussions Would It Take for Athletes to Choose to Discontinue Participation in Their Primary Sport?
Authors: Monaco Matthew R. , Brewer Britton W. , Van Raalte Judy L. , May Christine N.
Published: February 2021

The process by which athletes decide to continue or discontinue sport participation after concussion has not been explicated. Intercollegiate and club sport athletes (N = 394) completed an online survey that included assessments of demographic factors, the total number of concussions (and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears) that would prompt sport retirement, concussion history, and athletic identity. On average, participants reported that they would retire from their primary sport after sustaining 3 to 4 concussions (and approximately 2 ACL tears). The total number of concussions reported was negatively correlated with the number of additional concussions it would take to precipitate sport retirement. Athletic identity was positively associated with the number of concussions that participants with a history of one or more concussions reported would prompt them to retire from their primary sport. The results provide information of potential utility to professionals implementing concussion education programs and working with athletes at risk of experiencing concussion.
Variation of DNA Methylation in Newborns Associated with Exhaled Carbon Monoxide during Pregnancy
Authors: De Queiroz Andrade Ediane , Gomes Gabriela Martins Costa , Collison Adam , Grehan Jane , Murphy Vanessa E. , Gibson Peter , Mattes Joerg , Karmaus Wilfried
Published: February 2021

Fetal exposure to tobacco smoke is an adverse risk factor for newborns. A plausible mechanism of how this exposure may negatively impact long term health is differential methylation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNAm) and its relation to birth weight. We examined whether self-reported gestational smoking status and maternal exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) during early pregnancy were associated with methylation of cytosine by guanines (CpG) sites that themselves predicted birth weight. We focused first on CpGs associated with maternal smoking, and secondly, among these, on CpGs related to birth weight found in another cohort. Then in 94 newborns from the Breathing for Life Trial (BLT) DNAm levels in cord blood were determined using Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip measuring >850K CpGs. We regressed CpGs on eCO and tested via mediation analysis whether CpGs link eCO to birth weight. Nine smoking related CpG sites were significantly associated with birth weight. Among these nine CpGs the methylation of cg02264407 on the LMO7 gene was statistically significant and linked with eCO measurements. eCO greater than six ppm showed a 2.3% decrease in infant DNAm (p = 0.035) on the LMO7 gene. A 1% decrease in methylation at this site resulted in decreased birth weight by 44.8 g (p = 0.003). None of the nine CpGs tested was associated with self-reported smoking. This is the first study to report potential mediation of DNA methylation, linking eCO measurements during early pregnancy with birth weight.
Clinical Knowledge Supported Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Risk Assessment Model for Elderly Patients
Authors: Shen Kao-Yi , Chuang Yen-Ching , Tung Tao-Hsin
Published: February 2021

From the clinical viewpoint, the statistical approach is still the cornerstone for exploring many diseases. This study was conducted to explore the risk factors related to acute kidney injury (AKI) for elderly patients using the multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. Ten nephrologists from a teaching hospital in Taipei took part in forming the AKI risk assessment model. The key findings are: (1) Comorbidity and Laboratory Values would influence Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment; (2) Frailty is the highest influential AKI risk factor for elderly patients; and (3) Elderly patients could enhance their daily activities and nutrition to improve frailty and lower AKI risk. Furthermore, we illustrate how to apply MCDM methods to retrieve clinical experience from seasoned doctors, which may serve as a knowledge-based system to support clinical prognoses. In conclusion, this study has shed light on integrating multiple research approaches to assist medical decision-making in clinical practice.
Bleeding Complications in Anticoagulated and/or Antiplatelet-Treated Patients at the Dental Office: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Martínez-Moreno Esther , Martínez-López Federico , Rodríguez-Lozano Francisco Javier , Oñate-Sánchez Ricardo Elías
Published: February 2021

Background: Bleeding complications in patients undergoing antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy have been one of the main concerns in dental practice. Upon the introduction of new antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, there is a search for new protocols that respond to a secure treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate bleeding complications in anticoagulated and antiplatelet-treated patients after performing simple dental extractions, in a period of 4 years. Material and Methods: 147 clinical records of anticoagulated and/or antiplatelet-treated patients undergoing a simple dental extraction over a period of 4 years (October 2015 to September 2019) were studied. Within the sample, 63 patients were antiplatelet-treated, 83 were anticoagulated, and 1 patient was under both therapies. Within the anticoagulated patients, 70 took classic anticoagulants and 14 new oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Quantitative data were studied with arithmetic mean and standard deviation (SD). The chi-square test was used for the qualitative variables. ANOVA tests were used to compare age and anticoagulated or antiplatelet-treated patients. Statistical significance was determined when p < 0.05. Results: From the 418 dental extractions performed, five severe bleeding complications took place in three patients (2.11%). From the five events, four were in patients treated with NOACs (1.68%) and one occurred in a patient anticoagulated with acenocoumarol (0.42%; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Considering the results of this retrospective clinical study, we can conclude that bleeding complications in anticoagulated and/or antiplatelet-treated patients after tooth extractions were low, with a higher incidence recorded in patients treated with NOACs, followed by classic anticoagulants, and there were no complications in antiplatelet-treated patients.
Whether Prolyl Hydroxylase Blocker—Roxadustat—In the Treatment of Anemia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Is the Future?
Authors: Grzeszczak Władysław , Szczyra Dariusz , Śnit Mirosław
Published: February 2021

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), anemia develops gradually, which is primarily due to an inadequate synthesis of erythropoietin by the kidneys, as well as to iron disorders in the body, blood loss, shortened erythrocyte survival and inflammation. The currently accepted treatment employs iron, vitamin B12, folic acid supplementation and the use of erythropoiesis stimulants, which are administered only parenterally. Research is currently underway on the new erythropoiesis drugs that can be orally administered, i.e., hypoxia-inducible factor-propyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI) inhibitors which temporarily block propyl hydroxylase [PHD] catalysis and promote a transient increase in the expression of genes regulated by HIF, including kidney and liver erythropoietin [EPO]. Roxadustat is the first oral drug in this class and a potent HIF-PHD inhibitor, exerted to treat anemia in patients with CKD. In phase 1, 2 and 3 studies with CKD-affected patients, roxadustat was more effective to stimulate erythropoiesis for anemia correction than previously used drugs. Roxadustat can be orally given, unlike other erythropoiesis drugs with parenteral administration only, which grants roxadustat a considerable advantage. Our paper presents the results of studies with roxadustat applied for the treatment of anemia in CKD patients with or without dialysis. We are currently not yet able to know the exact role of roxadustat in the treatment of anemia in patients with CKD, but time will tell. It is possible that roxadustat has benefits an iron metabolism and cardiovascular risk.
“I’ve Heard of It, Yes, but I Can’t Remember What Exactly It Was”—A Qualitative Study on Awareness, Knowledge, and Use of the UV Index
Authors: Diehl Katharina , Görig Tatiana , Jansen Charlotte , Hruby Maike Carola , Pfahlberg Annette B. , Gefeller Olaf
Published: February 2021

Pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians play an important role in counselling customers regarding sunscreen use and sun protection measures. A potentially helpful tool that can be used during counselling is the ultraviolet index (UVI), which informs individuals when and what sun protection measures are needed at a specific place and time. Our aim in this qualitative study was to explore awareness, knowledge, and use of the UVI during counselling in pharmacies. We used semi-structured interviews with pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians (n = 20) to answer our research questions. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. During the interviews pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians revealed a lot of uncertainty and lack of knowledge regarding the UVI. Eight professionals were able to give a correct definition of UVI. Amongst others, the UVI was confused with sun protection factor. Overall, the UVI was hardly used during the counselling of customers. The UVI was developed to provide guidance when which type of sun protection is required to avoid detrimental effects of ultraviolet radiation. For effective implementation, both the general population and health professionals (e.g., pharmacists) have to increase their knowledge about the UVI. This would strengthen its use during professional counselling in pharmacies and may help to reduce the incidence of skin cancer over the long term.
Nutritional Approach Targeting Gut Microbiota in NAFLD—To Date
Authors: Moszak Małgorzata , Szulińska Monika , Walczak-Gałęzewska Marta , Bogdański Paweł
Published: February 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant clinical and epidemiological problem that affects around 25% of the adult global population. A large body of clinical evidence highlights that NAFLD is associated with increased liver-related morbidity and mortality and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, extrahepatic cancers, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Recently, a series of studies revealed the pivotal role of gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis in NAFLD’s pathogenesis. The GM plays an essential role in different metabolic pathways, including the fermentation of diet polysaccharides, energy harvest, choline regulation, and bile acid metabolism. One of the most critical factors in GM stabilization is the diet; therefore, nutritional therapyappearsto be a promising tool in NAFLD therapy. This paper aims to review the current knowledge regardingthe nutritional approach and its implications with GM and NAFLD treatment. We discuss the positive impact of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics in a reverse dysbiosis state in NAFLD and show the potential beneficial effects of bioactive substances from the diet. The full description of the mechanism of action and comprehensive examination of the impact of nutritional interventions on GM modulation may, in the future, be a simple but essential tool supporting NAFLD therapy.
Effects of COVID-19 on Urban Population Flow in China
Authors: Jiang Xiaorong , Wei Wei , Wang Shenglan , Zhang Tao , Lu Chengpeng
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 epidemic has become a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Thus, this sudden health incident has brought great risk and pressure to the city with dense population flow. A deep understanding of the migration characteristics and laws of the urban population in China will play a very positive role in the prevention and control of the epidemic situation. Based on Baidu location-based service (LBS) big data, using complex networks method and geographic visualization tools, this paper explores the spatial structure evolution of population flow network (PFN) in 368 cities of China under different traffic control situations. Effective distance models and linear regression models were established to analyze how the population flow across cities affects the spread of the epidemic. Our findings show that: (1) the scope of population flow is closely related to the administrative level of the city and the traffic control policies in various cities which adjust with the epidemic situation; The PFN mainly presents the hierarchical structure dominated by the urban hierarchy and the regional isolation structure adjacent to the geographical location.(2) through the analysis network topology structure of PFN, it is found that only the first stage has a large clustering coefficient and a relatively short average path length, which conforms to the characteristics of small world network. The epidemic situation has a great impact on the network topology in other stages, and the network structure tends to be centralized. (3) The overall migration scale of the whole country decreased by 36.85% compared with the same period of last year’s lunar calendar, and a further reduction of 78.52% in the nationwide traffic control stage after the festival. (4) Finally, based on the comparison of the effective distance and the spatial distance from the Wuhan to other destination cities, it is demonstrated that there is a higher correlation between the effective distance and the epidemic spread both in Hubei province and the whole country.
The Counterintuitive Relationship between Telomerase Activity and Childhood Emotional Abuse: Culture and Complexity
Authors: Emery Clifton R. , Xie Qian-Wen , Chan Jessie S. M. , Leng Ling-Li , Chan Celia H. Y. , So Kwok-Fai , Li Ang , Po Kevin K. T. , Chouliara Zoe , Chan Cecilia Lai Wan , Choi Anna W. M. , Yuen L. P. , Ku Kam Shing , Kung Winnie , Ng Siu-Man
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: A burgeoning literature has found relationships between telomere length, telomerase activity, and human health and longevity. Although some research links a history of childhood adversity with shortened telomere length, our review found no prior research on the relationship between child maltreatment history and telomerase activity in adulthood. We hypothesized a negative relationship between child maltreatment and telomerase activity and hypothesized that the association would be moderated by sex. METHODS: These relationships were tested on a sample of 262 Hong Kong Chinese adults (200 females versus 62 males) with mild to moderate depression. RESULTS: Counterintuitively, emotional abuse was positively associated with telomerase activity, while other maltreatment types were non-significant. The positive relationship between emotional abuse and telomerase activity was significantly moderated by the sex of the participant. CONCLUSIONS: We advance two possible explanations for this finding (1) a culturally informed resilience explanation and (2) a homeostatic complexity explanation. The two explanations are not mutually exclusive. This trial is registered under Hong Kong Clinical Trial Register number HKCTR-1929. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Emotional abuse was significantly positively associated with telomerase activity. There are at least two non-mutually exclusive explanations for the findings. Simply put, either (1) in the cultural context of Hong Kong emotional abuse was not a risk factor, and/or (2) the conceptualization of telomerase activity as a straightforward indicator of longevity is overly simplistic. The first story we might term a “resilience explanation” while the second we might call a “homeostatic complexity” story.
Realfooders Influencers on Instagram: From Followers to Consumers
Authors: Gil-Quintana Javier , Santoveña-Casal Sonia , Romero Riaño Efrén
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: Realfooders have positioned themselves in social networks such as Instagram by posting photographs of recipes, advises, habits and nutritional behaviours which are advertised as reliable nutritional patterns and by their self-promotion as highly trained people in the field of nutrition which sometimes jeopardises the health of digital citizenry. (2) Methods: In this article, we develop a quantitative study for analysing the influence of selected Realfooders on 2,866,980 followers on Instagram, taking into account channel variables (gender, location, interests and motivations), followers’ variables (engagement, interaction and consumption) and some variables related to the message of 54 posts about breakfast. (3) Results: Selected Realfooders concentrate their followers in Spain, mostly women between 18 and 24 and between 35 and 44 years old who link their interests on food to the cult of the body and recreational areas. On the other hand, the content generated by Realfooders has been increasing its impact using advertising and marketing techniques for awaking consumer’s interest. (4) Conclusions: Educational and social agents are facing the challenge of low health literacy in young population. Therefore, it is necessary to design and implement strategies for developing critical thinking that allow them to assess the content generated by Realfooders and identify which recommendations can be harmful or beneficial to their health.
Intra-Rater (Live vs. Video Assessment) and Inter-Rater (Expert vs. Novice) Reliability of the Test of Gross Motor Development—Third Edition
Authors: Carballo-Fazanes Aida , Rey Ezequiel , Valentini Nadia C. , Rodríguez-Fernández José E. , Varela-Casal Cristina , Rico-Díaz Javier , Barcala-Furelos Roberto , Abelairas-Gómez Cristian
Published: February 2021

The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) is one of the most common tools for assessing the fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children between 3 and 10 years. This study aimed to examine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the TGMD—3rd Edition (TGMD-3) between expert and novice raters using live and video assessment. Five raters [2 experts and 3 novices (one of them BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science)] assessed and scored the performance of the TGMD-3 of 25 healthy children [Female: 60%; mean (standard deviation) age 9.16 (1.31)]. Schoolchildren were attending at one public elementary school during the academic year 2019–2020 from Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Raters scored each children performance through two viewing moods (live and slow-motion). The ICC (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) was used to determine the agreement between raters. Our results showed moderate-to-excellent intra-rater reliability for overall score and locomotor and ball skills subscales; moderate-to-good inter-rater reliability for overall and ball skills; and poor-to-good for locomotor subscale. Higher intra-rater reliability was achieved by the expert raters and novice rater with physical education background compared to novice raters. However, the inter-rater reliability was more variable in all the raters regardless of their experience or background. No significant differences in reliability were found when comparing live and video assessments. For clinical practice, it would be recommended that raters reach an agreement before the assessment to avoid subjective interpretations that might distort the results.
Long-Term Trends in Water Quality Indices in the Lower Danube and Tributaries in Romania (1996–2017)
Authors: Frîncu Rodica-Mihaela
Published: February 2021

The Danube River is the second longest in Europe and its water quality is important for the communities relying on it, but also for supporting biodiversity in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, a site with high ecological value. This paper presents a methodology for assessing water quality and long-term trends based on water quality indices (WQI), calculated using the weighted arithmetic method, for 15 monitoring stations in the Lower Danube and Danube tributaries in Romania, based on annual means of 10 parameters for the period 1996–2017. A trend analysis is carried out to see how WQIs evolved during the studied period at each station. Principal component analysis (PCA) is applied on sub-indices to highlight which parameters have the highest contributions to WQI values, and to identify correlations between parameters. Factor analysis is used to highlight differences between locations. The results show that water quality has improved significantly at most stations during the studied period, but pollution is higher in some Romanian tributaries than in the Danube. The parameters with the highest contribution to WQI are ammonium and total phosphorus, suggesting the need to continue improving wastewater treatment in the studied area. The methodology and the results of the study may be very useful instruments for specialists and decision makers in updating river basin management plans and prioritising intervention measures.
How Does Employee Green Behavior Impact Employee Well-Being? An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Zhang Baojie , Yang Lifeng , Cheng Xiangyang , Chen Feiyu
Published: February 2021

The issue of environmental protection and sustainable development is a key research focus across multiple fields. Employee green behavior is considered to be an important micro-activity to address this. Researchers in the field of organizational behavior and sustainable development have been focusing on the influencing factors of employee green behavior. However, few have explored the beneficial effects of employee green behavior on behavioral implementers. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationships among employee green behavior, self-esteem, perceived organizational support for employee environmental efforts, and employee well-being, and to explore a new dimension of employee green behavior. We empirically examined the underlying framework by conducting two surveys to collect data from 900 employees working in manufacturing, construction, and the service industry in China. We performed multilevel path analysis using SPSS and AMOS software, and confirmed that employee green behavior includes four dimensions: green learning, individual practice, influencing others, and organizational voices. Further, employee green behavior has a significant positive impact on self-esteem, which in turn is converted into employee well-being. Finally, perceived organizational support for employee environmental efforts not only positively moderated the relationship between employee green behavior and self-esteem, but was also confirmed as a moderated mediation model. This study enriches the current literature on the measurement framework and variables of employee green behavior.
A Review and Bibliometric Analysis on Applications of Microbial Degradation of Hydrocarbon Contaminants in Arctic Marine Environment at Metagenomic and Enzymatic Levels
Authors: Verasoundarapandian Gayathiri , Wong Chiew-Yen , Shaharuddin Noor Azmi , Gomez-Fuentes Claudio , Zulkharnain Azham , Ahmad Siti Aqlima
Published: February 2021

The globe is presently reliant on natural resources, fossil fuels, and crude oil to support the world’s energy requirements. Human exploration for oil resources is always associated with irreversible effects. Primary sources of hydrocarbon pollution are instigated through oil exploration, extraction, and transportation in the Arctic region. To address the state of pollution, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms and processes of the bioremediation of hydrocarbons. The application of various microbial communities originated from the Arctic can provide a better interpretation on the mechanisms of specific microbes in the biodegradation process. The composition of oil and consequences of hydrocarbon pollutants to the various marine environments are also discussed in this paper. An overview of emerging trends on literature or research publications published in the last decade was compiled via bibliometric analysis in relation to the topic of interest, which is the microbial community present in the Arctic and Antarctic marine environments. This review also presents the hydrocarbon-degrading microbial community present in the Arctic, biodegradation metabolic pathways (enzymatic level), and capacity of microbial degradation from the perspective of metagenomics. The limitations are stated and recommendations are proposed for future research prospects on biodegradation of oil contaminants by microbial community at the low temperature regions of the Arctic.
Frailty as a Moderator of the Relationship between Social Isolation and Health Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Mehrabi Fereshteh , Béland François
Published: February 2021

This research investigated the effects of social isolation on frailty and health outcomes and tested whether these associations varied across different levels of frailty. We performed a multivariate analysis of the first wave of Frailty: A longitudinal study of its expressions (FRéLE) among 1643 Canadian older adults aged 65 years and over. We assessed social isolation using social participation, social networks, and support from various social ties, namely, friends, children, extended family, and partner. Frailty was associated with disability, comorbidity, depression, and cognitive decline. Less social participation was associated with limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), depression, and cognitive decline. The absence of friends was associated with depression and cognitive impairment. Less social support from children and partner was related to comorbidity, depression, and cognitive decline. Overall, social isolation is linked to mental health rather than physical health. The associations of having no siblings, receiving less support from friends, and participating less in social activities with ADL limitations, depression, and cognitive decline were higher among frail than prefrail and robust older adults. This study corroborates the pivotal role of social connectedness, particularly the quality of relationships, on the mental health of older adults. Public health policies on social relationships are paramount to ameliorate the health status of frail older adults.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Senescence in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium of NFE2L2/PGC-1α Double Knock-Out Mice
Authors: Blasiak Janusz , Koskela Ali , Pawlowska Elzbieta , Liukkonen Mikko , Ruuth Johanna , Toropainen Elisa , Hyttinen Juha M. T. , Viiri Johanna , Eriksson John E. , Xu Heping , Chen Mei , Felszeghy Szabolcs , Kaarniranta Kai
Published: February 2021

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most prevalent form of irreversible blindness worldwide in the elderly population. In our previous studies, we found that deficiencies in the nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (NFE2L2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) genes caused AMD-like pathological phenotypes in mice. In the present work, we show hijacked epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) due to the common loss of PGC-1α and NFE2L2 (double knock-out, dKO) genes in aged animals. The implanted area was assessed by histology, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Confocal microscopy revealed altered regions in the filamentous actin ring. This contrasted with hexagonal RPE morphology in wild-type mice. The ultrastructural RPE features here illustrated loss of apical microvilli, alteration of cell-cell contact, loss of basal in-folding with deposits on Bruch’s membrane, and excessive lipofuscin deposition in dKO samples. We also found the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription factors, such as Snail, Slug, collagen 1, vimentin and OB-cadherin, to be significantly different in dKO RPEs. An increased immunoreactivity of senescence markers p16, DEC1 and HMGB1 was also noted. These findings suggest that EMT and senescence pathways may intersect in the retinas of dKO mice. Both processes can be activated by damage to the RPE, which may be caused by increased oxidative stress resulting from the absence of NFE2L2 and PGC-1α genes, important for antioxidant defense. This dKO model may provide useful tools for studying AMD pathogenesis and evaluating novel therapies for this disease.
The Identification of Small Molecule Inhibitors That Reduce Invasion and Metastasis of Aggressive Cancers
Authors: van de Merbel Arjanneke F. , van Hooij Onno , van der Horst Geertje , van Rijt-van de Westerlo Cindy C. M. , van der Mark Maaike H. , Cheung Henry , Kroon Jan , Verhaegh Gerald W. , Tijhuis Johan , Wellink Antoine , Maas Peter , Viëtor Henk , Schalken Jack A. , van der Pluijm Gabri
Published: February 2021

Transformed epithelial cells can activate programs of epithelial plasticity and switch from a sessile, epithelial phenotype to a motile, mesenchymal phenotype. This process is linked to the acquisition of an invasive phenotype and the formation of distant metastases. The development of compounds that block the acquisition of an invasive phenotype or revert the invasive mesenchymal phenotype into a more differentiated epithelial phenotype represent a promising anticancer strategy. In a high-throughput assay based on E-cadherin (re)induction and the inhibition of tumor cell invasion, 44,475 low molecular weight (LMW) compounds were screened. The screening resulted in the identification of candidate compounds from the PROAM02 class. Selected LMW compounds activated E-cadherin promoter activity and inhibited cancer cell invasion in multiple metastatic human cancer cell lines. The intraperitoneal administration of selected LMW compounds reduced the tumor burden in human prostate and breast cancer in vivo mouse models. Moreover, selected LMW compounds decreased the intra-bone growth of xenografted human prostate cancer cells. This study describes the identification of the PROAM02 class of small molecules that can be exploited to reduce cancer cell invasion and metastases. Further clinical evaluation of selected candidate inhibitors is warranted to address their safety, bioavailability and antitumor efficacy in the management of patients with aggressive cancers.
Cyclophilin BcCyp2 Regulates Infection-Related Development to Facilitate Virulence of the Gray Mold Fungus Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Sun Jiao , Sun Chen-Hao , Chang Hao-Wu , Yang Song , Liu Yue , Zhang Ming-Zhe , Hou Jie , Zhang Hao , Li Gui-Hua , Qin Qing-Ming
Published: February 2021

Cyclophilin (Cyp) and Ca2+/calcineurin proteins are cellular components related to fungal morphogenesis and virulence; however, their roles in mediating the pathogenesis of Botrytis cinerea, the causative agent of gray mold on over 1000 plant species, remain largely unexplored. Here, we show that disruption of cyclophilin gene BcCYP2 did not impair the pathogen mycelial growth, osmotic and oxidative stress adaptation as well as cell wall integrity, but delayed conidial germination and germling development, altered conidial and sclerotial morphology, reduced infection cushion (IC) formation, sclerotial production and virulence. Exogenous cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) rescued the deficiency of IC formation of the ∆Bccyp2 mutants, and exogenous cyclosporine A (CsA), an inhibitor targeting cyclophilins, altered hyphal morphology and prevented host-cell penetration in the BcCYP2 harboring strains. Moreover, calcineurin-dependent (CND) genes are differentially expressed in strains losing BcCYP2 in the presence of CsA, suggesting that BcCyp2 functions in the upstream of cAMP- and Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent signaling pathways. Interestingly, during IC formation, expression of BcCYP2 is downregulated in a mutant losing BcJAR1, a gene encoding histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) demethylase that regulates fungal development and pathogenesis, in B. cinerea, implying that BcCyp2 functions under the control of BcJar1. Collectively, our findings provide new insights into cyclophilins mediating the pathogenesis of B. cinerea and potential targets for drug intervention for fungal diseases.
Dynamic Assembly/Disassembly of Staphylococcus aureus FtsZ Visualized by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Fujita Junso , Sugiyama Shogo , Terakado Haruna , Miyazaki Maho , Ozawa Mayuki , Ueda Nanami , Kuroda Natsuko , Tanaka Shun-ichi , Yoshizawa Takuya , Uchihashi Takayuki , Matsumura Hiroyoshi
Published: February 2021

FtsZ is a key protein in bacterial cell division and is assembled into filamentous architectures. FtsZ filaments are thought to regulate bacterial cell division and have been investigated using many types of imaging techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), but the time scale of the method was too long to trace the filament formation process. Development of high-speed AFM enables us to achieve sub-second time resolution and visualize the formation and dissociation process of FtsZ filaments. The analysis of the growth and dissociation rates of the C-terminal truncated FtsZ (FtsZt) filaments indicate the net growth and dissociation of FtsZt filaments in the growth and dissociation conditions, respectively. We also analyzed the curvatures of the full-length FtsZ (FtsZf) and FtsZt filaments, and the comparative analysis indicated the straight-shape preference of the FtsZt filaments than those of FtsZf. These findings provide insights into the fundamental dynamic behavior of FtsZ protofilaments and bacterial cell division.
ERAP1 and ERAP2 Enzymes: A Protective Shield for RAS against COVID-19?
Authors: D’Amico Silvia , Tempora Patrizia , Lucarini Valeria , Melaiu Ombretta , Gaspari Stefania , Algeri Mattia , Fruci Doriana
Published: February 2021

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a wide variety of clinical outcomes ranging from asymptomatic to severe respiratory syndrome that can progress to life-threatening lung lesions. The identification of prognostic factors can help to improve the risk stratification of patients by promptly defining for each the most effective therapy to resolve the disease. The etiological agent causing COVID-19 is a new coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that enters cells via the ACE2 receptor. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a reduction in ACE2 levels, leading to an imbalance in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and consequently, in blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance. ERAP1 and ERAP2 are two RAS regulators and key components of MHC class I antigen processing. Their polymorphisms have been associated with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, hypertension, and cancer. Based on their involvement in the RAS, we believe that the dysfunctional status of ERAP1 and ERAP2 enzymes may exacerbate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection, aggravating the symptomatology and clinical outcome of the disease. In this review, we discuss this hypothesis.
Functional Characteristics Analysis of Dehydrins in Larix kaempferi under Osmotic Stress
Authors: Wang Xuechun , Zhang Meng , Xie Baohui , Jiang Xiangning , Gai Ying
Published: February 2021

Dehydrins (DHN) belong to the late embryogenesis abundant II family and have been found to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stress. In the present study, we reported four DHNs in Larix kaempferi (LkDHN) which were identified from the published transcriptome. Alignment analysis showed that these four LkDHNs shared close relationships and belonged to SK3-type DHNs. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated that these four LkDHNs all possess sequence-independent binding capacity for double-strands DNAs. The subcellular localizations of the four LkDHNs were in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, indicating that these LkDHNs enter the nucleus to exert the ability to bind DNA. The preparation of tobacco protoplasts with different concentrations of mannitol showed that LkDHNs enhanced the tolerance of plant cells under osmotic stress. The overexpression of LkDHNs in yeasts enhanced their tolerance to osmotic stress and helped the yeasts to survive severe stress. In addition, LkDHNs in the nucleus of salt treated tobacco increased. All of these results indicated that the four LkDHNs help plants survive from heavy stress by participating in DNA protection. These four LKDHNs played similar roles in the response to osmotic stress and assisted in the adaptation of L. kaempferi to the arid and cold winter of northern China.
A Proteomics Analysis of Calmodulin-Binding Proteins in Dictyostelium discoideum during the Transition from Unicellular Growth to Multicellular Development
Authors: Kim William D. , Yap Shyong Q. , Huber Robert J.
Published: February 2021

Calmodulin (CaM) is an essential calcium-binding protein within eukaryotes. CaM binds to calmodulin-binding proteins (CaMBPs) and influences a variety of cellular and developmental processes. In this study, we used immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to reveal over 500 putative CaM interactors in the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum. Our analysis revealed several known CaMBPs in Dictyostelium and mammalian cells (e.g., myosin, calcineurin), as well as many novel interactors (e.g., cathepsin D). Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment and Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting proteins (STRING) analyses linked the CaM interactors to several cellular and developmental processes in Dictyostelium including cytokinesis, gene expression, endocytosis, and metabolism. The primary localizations of the CaM interactors include the nucleus, ribosomes, vesicles, mitochondria, cytoskeleton, and extracellular space. These findings are not only consistent with previous work on CaM and CaMBPs in Dictyostelium, but they also provide new insight on their diverse cellular and developmental roles in this model organism. In total, this study provides the first in vivo catalogue of putative CaM interactors in Dictyostelium and sheds additional light on the essential roles of CaM and CaMBPs in eukaryotes.
Involvement of Anoikis in Dissociated Optic Nerve Fiber Layer Appearance
Authors: Ikeda Tsunehiko , Nakamura Kimitoshi , Sato Takaki , Kida Teruyo , Oku Hidehiro
Published: February 2021

Dissociated optic nerve fiber layer (DONFL) appearance is characterized by dimpling of the fundus when observed after vitrectomy with the internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in macular diseases. However, the cause of DONFL remains largely unknown. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings have indicated that the nerve fiber layer (NFL) and ganglion cells are likely to have been damaged in patients with DONFL appearance. Since DONFL appearance occurs at a certain postoperative period, it is unlikely to be retinal damage directly caused by ILM peeling because apoptosis occurs at a certain period after tissue damage and/or injury. However, it may be due to ILM peeling-induced apoptosis in the retinal tissue. Anoikis is a type of apoptosis that occurs in anchorage-dependent cells upon detachment of those cells from the surrounding extracellular matrix (i.e., the loss of cell anchorage). The anoikis-related proteins βA3/A1 crystallin and E-cadherin are reportedly expressed in retinal ganglion cells. Thus, we theorize that one possible cause of DONFL appearance is ILM peeling-induced anoikis in retinal ganglion cells.
Viral Nanoparticle System: An Effective Platform for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Lin Shujin , Liu Chun , Han Xiao , Zhong Haowei , Cheng Cui
Published: February 2021

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising therapy due to its efficiency and accuracy. The photosensitizer is delivered to the target lesion and locally activated. Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) have been explored as delivery vehicles for PDT in recent years because of their favorable properties, including simple manufacture and good safety profile. They have great potential as drug delivery carriers in medicine. Here, we review the development of PDT photosensitizers and discuss applications of VNP-mediated photodynamic therapies and the performance of VNPs in the treatment of tumor cells and antimicrobial therapy. Furthermore, future perspectives are discussed for further developing novel viral nanocarriers or improving existing viral vectors.
Investigation on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of CNTs-AlSi10Mg Composites Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Luo Shixuan , Li Ruifeng , He Peiyuan , Yue Hangyu , Gu Jiayang
Published: February 2021

CNT-AlSi10Mg composites fabricated by SLM have drawn a lot attention in structural application due to its excellent strength, elasticity and thermal conductivities. A planetary ball milling method was used to prepare the carbon nanotube (CNT)-AlSi10Mg powders, and the CNT-AlSi10Mg composites were fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM). The density, microstructure and mechanical properties of CNT-AlSi10Mg composites were studied. The density of the test samples increased at first and then decreased with increasing scan speed. When the laser scan speed was 800 mm/s, the test sample exhibited the highest density. The hardness increased by approximately 26%, and the tensile strength increased by approximately 13% compared to those values exhibited by the unreinforced AlSi10Mg. The grains of CNT-AlSi10Mg composite are finer than that in the AlSi10Mg. The CNTs were distributed along the grain boundaries of AlSi10Mg. Some of the CNTs reacted with Al element and transformed into Al4C3 during SLM, while some of the CNTs still maintained their tubular structure. The combination of CNTs and Al4C3 has a significant improvement in mechanical properties of the composites through fine grain strengthening, second phase strengthening, and load transfer strengthening.
High-Q-Factor Silica-Based Racetrack Microring Resonators
Authors: Yin Yue-Xin , Yin Xiao-Jie , Zhang Xiao-Pei , Yan Guan-Wen , Wang Yue , Wu Yuan-Da , An Jun-Ming , Wang Liang-Liang , Zhang Da-Ming
Published: February 2021

In this paper, ultrahigh-Q factor racetrack microring resonators (MRRs) are demonstrated based on silica planar lightwave circuits (PLCs) platform. A loaded ultrahigh-Q factor Qload of 1.83 × 106 is obtained. The MRRs are packaged with fiber-to-fiber loss of ~5 dB. A notch depth of 3 dB and ~137 pm FSR are observed. These MRRs show great potential in optical communications as filters. Moreover, the devices are suitable used in monolithic integration and hybrid integration with other devices, especially in external cavity lasers (ECLs) to realize ultranarrow linewidths.
A Review of Data Mining Applications in Semiconductor Manufacturing
Authors: Espadinha-Cruz Pedro , Godina Radu , Rodrigues Eduardo M. G.
Published: February 2021

For decades, industrial companies have been collecting and storing high amounts of data with the aim of better controlling and managing their processes. However, this vast amount of information and hidden knowledge implicit in all of this data could be utilized more efficiently. With the help of data mining techniques unknown relationships can be systematically discovered. The production of semiconductors is a highly complex process, which entails several subprocesses that employ a diverse array of equipment. The size of the semiconductors signifies a high number of units can be produced, which require huge amounts of data in order to be able to control and improve the semiconductor manufacturing process. Therefore, in this paper a structured review is made through a sample of 137 papers of the published articles in the scientific community regarding data mining applications in semiconductor manufacturing. A detailed bibliometric analysis is also made. All data mining applications are classified in function of the application area. The results are then analyzed and conclusions are drawn.
Ice Growth Suppression in the Solution Flows of Antifreeze Protein and Sodium Chloride in a Mini-Channel
Authors: Taira Kazuya , Waku Tomonori , Hagiwara Yoshimichi
Published: February 2021

The control of ice growth inside channels of aqueous solution flows is important in numerous fields, including (a) cold-energy transportation plants and (b) the preservation of supercooled human organs for transplantation. A promising method for this control is to add a substance that influences ice growth in the flows. However, limited results have been reported on the effects of such additives. Using a microscope, we measured the growth of ice from one sidewall toward the opposite sidewall of a mini-channel, where aqueous solutions of sodium chloride and antifreeze protein flowed. Our aim was to considerably suppress ice growth by mixing the two solutes. Inclined interfaces, the overlapping of serrated interfaces, and interfaces with sharp and flat tips were observed in the cases of the protein-solution, salt-solution, and mixed-solution flows, respectively. In addition, it was found that the average interface velocity in the case of the mixed-solution flow was the lowest and decreased by 64% compared with that of pure water. This significant suppression of the ice-layer growth can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the ions and antifreeze protein on the diffusion of protein.
The Impact of Attacks in LEM and Prevention Measures Based on Forecasting and Trust Models
Authors: Andrade Rui , Praça Isabel , Wannous Sinan , Ramos Sergio
Published: February 2021

In recent years Local Energy Markets (LEM) have emerged as an innovative and versatile energy trade solution. They bring benefits when renewable energy sources are used and are more flexible for consumers. There are, however, security concerns that put the feasibility of the local energy market at risk. One of these security challenges is the integrity of data in the smart-grid that supports the local market. In this article the LEM and the types of attacks that can have a negative impact on it are presented, and a security mechanism based on a trust model is proposed. A case study is elaborated using a multi-agent system called Local Energy Market Multi-Agent System (LEMMAS), capable of simulating the LEM and testing the proposed security mechanism.
Cloning and Expression of Levansucrase Gene of Bacillus velezensis BM-2 and Enzymatic Synthesis of Levan
Authors: Xu Min , Zhang Lixia , Zhao Fangkun , Wang Jingyue , Zhao Bo , Zhou Zhijiang , Han Ye
Published: February 2021

Levan is a versatile and valuable fructose homopolymer, and a few bacterial strains have been found to produce levan. Although levan products have numerous specific functions, their application and promotion were limited by the production capacity and production cost. Bacillus velezensis BM-2 is a levan-synthesizing strain, but its levan production is too low to apply. In this study, the levansucrase gene of B. velezensis BM-2 was cloned to plasmid pET-32a-Acma-zz, and the recombinant plasmids were transferred to Escherichia coli BL21. A transformed clone was selected to express and secrete the fusion enzymes with an Acma-tag efficiently. The expressed products were further purified by a self-developed separating material called bacterial enhancer matrix (BEM) particles. The purification efficiency was 93.4%, with a specific activity of 16.589 U/mL protein. The enzymatic reaction results indicated that the optimal reaction temperature is 50 °C, the optimal pH of the acetate buffer is 5.6, and the buffer system greatly influenced the enzyme activity. The enzyme activity was enhanced to 130% in the presence of 5 mM Ca2+, K+, Zn2+, and Mn2+, whereas it was almost abolished in the case of Cu2+ and Fe3+. The values of Km, kcat, and kcat/Km were 17.41 mM, 376.83 s−1, and 21.64 mM−1s−1, respectively. The enzyme amount of 20 U/g sucrose was added to the system containing 400 g/L sucrose, and the levan products with a concentration of 120 g/L reached after an incubation of 18 h, which was 8 times that of the yield before optimization. The results of molecular docking analysis indicated that the Asp86 might act as a nucleophilic catalytic residue for sucrose, Arg246 and Asp247 act as transition state stabilizer of transfructosylation, and Glu340 and Arg306 were recognized as general acid donors. They formed the catalytic-groups triad. The unique properties and catalytic activity of the levansucrase suggest that it deserves further research and might have good industrial application prospects.