bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of Satb2 in adult brain of key non-mammalian vertebrates: insights from evolution
Authors: Lozano Daniel , López Jesús M. , Morona Ruth , Jiménez Sara , Moreno Nerea
Published: August 2022

Satb2 is a transcription factor with functional and regulatory mechanisms, and post-translational modifications highly conserved in mammals. However, although its distribution has been analyzed in the mouse brain, there are few data in other non-mammal models. Therefore, in the present study we have analyzed the immunolocalization of Satb2 in the brain of adult specimens of different models at key evolutionary points of vertebrate diversification, including representative species of sarcopterygians and actinopterygians. In addition, we used other neuronal markers of highly conserved populations in the vertebrate brain, such as catecholaminergic, serotonergic and Otp populations, involved in the specificity of certain brain areas. The neuroanatomical pattern of Satb2, interpreted according to the current prosomeric model, serves to identify brain regions and compare them among the studied species, and with previous reported data, mainly for amniotes. We identified that Satb2 expressions have similar topologies in the subpallium of models studied, whereas striking differences were found in the pallium between sarcopterygian and actinopterygian vertebrates. Only the turtle showed expression in the dorsal derivatives of the pallium, specifically in the dorsal cortex, only scattered in Xenopus, whereas the lateral derivatives of the pallium expressed Satb2 in sarcopterygians, but not in actinopterygians. In the medial amygdala, or homologous structures, all models expressed Satb2, but only tetrapods also co-expressed Otp, probably originating from the paraventricular hypothalamic region, since only in those models a minor population of Satb2/Otp cells was also detected. In the caudal telencephalon, all models showed significant expression in the preoptic area, including the acroterminal domain of this region, where Satb2-expressing cells were dopaminergic. In the alar hypothalamus, all models showed Satb2 in the subparaventricular area, whereas in the basal hypothalamus only sarcopterygians showed a significant population in the tuberal hypothalamus, doubly labeled with Otp only in lungfish. The diencephalon of sarcopterygians showed Satb2 labeling in the prethalamus, and only turtles and lungfish showed expression in the thalamus. At midbrain levels, the optic tectum housed scattered Satb2 cells exclusively in turtles, while the expression along the rostrocaudal reticular formation and parabrachial nucleus was a conserved feature of sarcopterygians. The neuroanatomical pattern of Satb2 revealed important differences between sarcopterygians and actinopterygians, and these divergences may be related to the distinct functional involvement of Satb2 in the acquisition of various neural phenotypes and in the establishment of connectivity of these cells.
Cost-effective screen-printed carbon electrode biosensors for rapid detection of Microcystin-LR in surface waters for early warning of harmful algal blooms
Authors: Stoll Stephanie , Hwang Jae-Hoon , Fox David W. , Kim Keugtae , Zhai Lei , Lee Woo Hyoung
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Microcystins (MCs) are toxins produced by cyanobacteria commonly found in harmful algal blooms (HABs). Due to their toxicity to humans and other organisms, the World Health Organization (WHO) set a guideline of 1 µg L− 1 for microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) in drinking water. However, current analytical techniques for the detection of MC-LR such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and ELISA are costly, bulky, time-consuming, and mostly conducted in a laboratory, requiring highly trained personnel. An analytical method that can be used in the field for rapid determination is essential. In this study, an Anti-MC-LR/MC-LR/Cysteamine coated screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) biosensor was newly developed to detect MC-LR, bioelectrochemically, in water. The functionalization of the electrode surface was confirmed with surface characterization methods. The sensor performance was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), obtaining a linear working range of MC-LR concentrations between 0.1 and 100 µg L− 1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.69 ng L− 1. Natural water samples experiencing HABs were collected and analyzed using the developed biosensor, demonstrating the excellent performance of the biosensor with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.65%. The interference tests showed a minimal error and RSD values against other common MCs and possible coexisting ions found in water. The biosensor showed acceptable functionality with a shelf life of up to 12 weeks. Overall, the Anti-MC-LR/MC-LR/Cysteamine/SPCE biosensors can be an innovative solution with characteristics that allow for in situ, low-cost, and easy-to-use capabilities which are essential for developing an overarching and integrated “smart” environmental management system.
Genome-wide investigation and analysis of growth-regulating factor family in pineapple (Ananas comosus var. comosus)
Authors: yi wen , He Yehua , Qiu Mengqing , Chen Chengjie , Wu Jing
Published: August 2022

Background: growth-regulating factors（GRFs）are plant-specific transcription factors that play an important role in plant growth and development, Although the GRF gene family has been identified in many species, a genome-wide analysis of this gene family in pineapple has not been reported.Results: In this study, 8 pineapple GRF genes (AcGRF) were identified and renamed according to their chromosomal locations.8 AcGRFs were divided into three main families and subgroups based on their structural and phylogenetic characteristics. Genomic collinearity analysis found that segmental duplication played a more important role in the expansion of the pineapple GRF gene family. GRF gene collinearity analysis and phylogenetic analysis provide deeper insights into the evolutionary characteristics of pineapple GRF genes. Transcriptome data and real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed AcGRF gene expression patterns in various tissues and responses to different abiotic stresses and hormonal treatments.Conclusions: In this study, 8 GRF genes were identified in pineapple, and their coding gene structures, evolutionary characteristics, and expression patterns were analyzed. This systematic analysis provides a basis for further identification of pineapple GRF gene function.
Factors affecting gastrointestinal function after cesarean section among Chinese mothers: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Yi , Xiang Jie , Ren Jianhua , Gu Li , Wang Yu , Liu Xiuping , Wen Jiao
Published: August 2022

Aim
This study was conducted to learn about the influencing factors of gastrointestinal function after cesarean section (C-section), which could provide a reference for the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) in Obstetrics.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional survey on Chinese mothers receiving C-section. The participants’s socio-demographic characteristics, perioperative diet, medical condition and gastrointestinal function after surgery were collected by a self-designed questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the influencing factors of gastrointestinal function after C-section.
Results
A total of 1501 (94.76%) valid questionnaires were collected. The first borborygmus was 2.21 ± 0.63 hours, and the first anal exhaust was 35.73 ± 14.85 hours after the C-section. The incidence of abdominal distension and intestinal obstruction were 15.1% and 0.7%, respectively. The two-hours bleeding after surgery, time of first meal after surgery, whether performing sacrococcygeal physical therapy and taking peppermint water after surgery were the independent protective factors for gastrointestinal function recovery after C-section.
Conclusion
The new mothers with C-section should be encouraged to eat early, perform sacrococcygeal physical therapy and take peppermint water to promote intestinal peristalsis actively.
The expression of cellulases in Penicillium janthinellum NCIM 1366 is preceded by reorganization of metabolic and stress-responsive pathways and their associated regulators
Authors: Christopher Meera , Sreeja-R AthiraRaj , Abraham Amith , Gokhale Digambar Vitthal , Pandey Ashok , Sukumaran Rajeev K
Published: August 2022

Cellulase production by fungi is tightly regulated in response to environmental cues, and understanding this mechanism is a key pre-requisite in the efforts to improve cellulase secretion. Based on UniProt descriptions of secreted CAZymes, 13 proteins of the cellulase hyper-producer Penicillium janthinellum NCIM 1366 (PJ-1366) were annotated as cellulases- 4 cellobiohydrolases (CBH), 7 endoglucanases (EG) and 2 beta glucosidases (BGL). Cellulase, xylanase, BGL and peroxidase activities were higher for cultures grown on a combination of cellulose and wheat bran, while EG was stimulated by disaccharides. The BGLs also exhibited a low level of glucose tolerance, with docking studies indicating that they may have different binding sites for the substrate cellobiose and the product glucose, which helps to avoid feedback inhibition. Out of the 758 transcription factors (TFs) differentially expressed on cellulose induction, 13 TFs were identified whose binding site frequencies on the promoter regions of the cellulases positively correlated with their abundance in the secretome. Further, correlation analysis of the transcriptional response of these regulators and TF-binding sites on their promoters indicated that cellulase expression is possibly preceded by up-regulation of 12 TFs and down-regulation of 16 TFs, which cumulatively regulate transcription, translation, nutrient metabolism and stress response.
Cyclosporine A- induces cardiac remodeling through TGF-β/Smad3/miR-29 signaling pathway and gene expression alteration of miR-30b-5p/ CaMKIIδ isoforms pathway: alleviated effect of moderate exercises
Authors: Nourmohammadi Khatereh , bayrami abolfazl , naderi roya , shirpoor alireza
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced cardiac interstitial fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy is a highly known phenomenon, whereas the basic mechanisms of CsA cardiotoxicity are not clear yet. The present study evaluated the role of the TGF-β/Smad3/miR-29b signaling pathway and CaMKIIδ isoforms gene expression in cardiac remodeling under sole CsA exposure or in combination with moderate exercises.
Methods
A total of 24 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups as follows: control, cyclosporine (30mg/kg BW), and cyclosporine-exercise groups.
Results
After 42 days of treatment, the findings revealed a significant decline in miR-29 and miR-30b-5p gene expression, increases in gene expression of Smad3, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinaseIIδ (CaMKIIδ) isoforms, Matrix Metalloproteins (MMPs), protein expression of TGF-β, heart tissue protein carbonyl and oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL), as well as plasma LDL and cholesterol levels in CsA treated group in comparison to the controls. The CsA group, in comparison to the controls, presented histological heart changes like fibrosis, necrosis, hemorrhage, infiltrated leukocyte, and left ventricular weight/ heart weight. Moderate exercise and CsA, relatively improved gene expression changes and histological alternation in comparison to the CsA group.
Conclusion
These findings suggested that TGF-β-Smad3-miR-29 and CaMKIIδ isoforms may somehow have a main contribution to the progression of heart fibrosis and hypertrophy due to CsA exposure, which provides new insight into the pathogenesis and treatment of CsA induced side effects on heart tissue.
Experimental investigation of material removal in elliptical vibration cutting of cortical bone
Authors: bai wei , Zhai Yuhao , Zhao Jiaqi , Han Guangchao , Ye Linzheng , Zhu Xijing , Shu Liming , Wang Dong
Published: August 2022

To benefit the tissue removal and postoperative rehabilitation, the increased efficiency and accuracy and the reduced operating force are strongly required in osteotomy. A novel elliptical vibration cutting (EVC) has been introduced for the bone cutting compared with the conventional cutting (CC) in this paper. With the assistance of the high-speed micrcope imaging and the dynamometer, the material removals of cortical bone and their cutting forces from two cutting regimes were recorded and analysed comprehensively, which clearly demonstrated the chip morphology improvement and the average cutting force reduction in the EVC process. It also revealed that the elliptical vibration of the cutting tool could promote the fracture propagation along the shear direction. These new findings will be of important theoretical and practical values to apply the innovative EVC process to the surgical procedures of osteotomy.
Design of Intelligent and Connected Vehicle Driving System Based on Digital Twin
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zheng Zan , Yu Hailiang
Published: August 2022

Aiming at the application problem of digital twin technology in the driving scenario of intelligent and connected vehicles, this paper proposes the design scheme of intelligent and connected vehicles driving system based on digital twin. Firstly, the concept of the digital twin, the general establishment method of the twin model, and the design process of the system are introduced; the framework of the driving system of the intelligent and connected vehicles based on the digital twin is proposed based on the technical condition, value demand of the intelligent and connected vehicles, and the architecture of the digital twin. Then, according to the functional requirements of the driving system of the intelligent and connected vehicles, the establishment method of the relevant model of the driving system and the logic of the functional realization are deeply elaborated from three aspects: the entity modeling of the driving elements, the dynamic modeling of the driving process, the simulation modeling of the driving process, and the application of various technologies in the modeling are discussed comprehensively. Finally, it makes an outlook on the development of digital twin technology in the field of intelligent and connected vehicles.
Myelin restoration by antisense modulation of HuR and HuD ELAV RNA binding protein expression in mouse models of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Borgonetti Vittoria , Galeotti Nicoletta
Published: August 2022

Neuropathic pain is the most difficult to treat pain syndrome in multiple sclerosis. Evidence relates neuropathic pain to demyelination that often originates from unresolved neuroinflammation or altered immune response. Post–transcriptional regulation of gene expression might play a fundamental role in the regulation of these processes and the aim of this study was to investigate ELAV RNA binding proteins in demyelination-associated neuropathic pain states. The ubiquitous HuR and the neuronal HuD are involved in inflammatory phenomena and neuronal development and maintenance, respectively. Thus, we investigated their role in the mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. HuR resulted overexpressed in the spinal cord of MOG–EAE and PLP–EAE mice and was detected in CD11b+ cells. Intranasal delivery of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) to knockdown HuR increased myelin basic protein expression and Luxol Fast Blue staining, indication of increased myelin content, in both EAE models. These effects temporally coincided with attenuation of pain hypersensitivity. Conversely to HuR, HuD was largely downregulated in the MOG-EAE spinal cord, along with GAP43 and Neurofilament H, while in PLP-EAE mice HuD and neuronal markers remained unaltered. In MOG-EAE mice anti–HuR ASO increased the expression of HuD in GAP43 expressing cells and promoted a HuD–mediated neuroprotective activity. In PLP-EAE mice HuR silencing dampened pro–inflammatory response mediated by spinal microglia activation. In conclusion, anti–HuR ASO showed myelin protection at analgesic doses with multitarget mechanisms, and it deserves further consideration as an innovative agent to counteract demyelination in neuropathic pain states.
Evaluating Drug Response in 3D Triple Negative Breast Cancer Tumoroids with High Content Imaging and Analysis
Authors: Sirenko Oksana , Brock Courtney K , Lim Angeline , Macha Prathyushakrishna , Nikolov Ekaterina , Olsen Cathy , McConnell Emily C. , Wright Maryl , Collins-Burow Bridgette M , Cromwell Evan F , Burow Matthew E
Published: August 2022

There is a critical need to develop methods for efficient testing of drug efficacy in patient-derived tumor samples to discover new therapeutics. Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture remains the primary method of drug screening, despite being considered less physiologically relevant than three-dimensional (3D) culture. Increased complexity and technical challenges of 3D systems have limited its widespread adoption as a primary screening method. In this study, we demonstrate methods for increased throughput, imaging and automation in 3D assays that are suitable for compound screening using patient-derived samples. In addition, we show analysis approaches and descriptors that allow gain more information about disease phenotypes and compound effects. We measured responses to drug treatment in 3D tumoroids for cytotoxicity and altered morphology. Tumoroids were formed from primary cells isolated from a patient-derived tumor explant, TU-BcX-4IC, that represents metaplastic breast cancer with a triple-negative subtype and treated with 165 compounds, of approved cancer drugs, at multiple concentrations. We characterize multiple quantitative descriptors for tumor phenotypes and compound effects. Cell Painting method was used for 3D tumoroids for evaluation of phenotypic effects. Eight compounds were detected that demonstrated effects at low concentrations (10nM), including romidepsin, trametinib, bortezomib, carfilzomib, panobinostat, which will be further investigated as potential drug candidates.
Interesting Photodiode Characteristics of Silica Nanoparticles Extracted from Pleurosira laevis Diatom Frustules
Authors: Ashery Adel , El-Fatah Hesham M. Abd , Ali Dina M. , El-Din Rawheya A. Salah , El-Sayed Afaf
Published: August 2022

In this work, we measured the I-V characteristics for silica nanoparticles (SNPs) extracted from the Pleurosira laevis diatom and deposited on top of p-type Si(111) wafer. The electric response of SNPs-based photodiode is found to be more sensitive to thermal and optical powers than the fresh frustules-based photodiode by about 3 and 4 times, respectively. Moreover, they exhibit better photodiode parameters, e.g. ideality factor, series resistance, and shunt resistance. This is stimulating to use the extracted SNPs in innovative electronic and optoelectronic applications as an abundant, cheap, and easy-to-process material.
Job performance and associated factors among health workers working in public hospitals of West Hararghe zone, Oromia Region, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ousman Yassin Abrahim , Worku Biniam
Published: August 2022

Background: The success of any organization always depends on the participation and job performance of their employees. Health workers job performance level are cornerstone for better productivity of any health care organizations Less performance of health workers reduces public hospital productivity and a reason for poor hospitalized patient health outcome. However, little was understood about job performance and associated factors in low-income countries like Ethiopia including the study area.Objectives: To assess the level of job performance and associated factors among health workers working in public hospitals of West Hararghe zone, Oromia Region, East Ethiopia.Methods: A health facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted by using quantitative methods among 422 health workers. The study was conducted from August 27 to September 17, 2018 on public hospitals in West Hararghe zones [Chiro, Galemso and Asebot Hospitals]. Simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected from participants by using self-administered questionnaire. The data were entered in to Epidata version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to summarize the data. In bivariate analysis variables which had p-value p<0.25 were taken to multivariate regression model. Multivariate logistic regression was computed to identify predictor variables associated with level of job performance and variables with p ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant with 95% CI.Result: A total of 361 study participants were involved in the study with response rate of 86%. Among the respondents, 196 [54.3% were males. In professional types 243 [67.3%] were health professionals. The most predicting variable of health workers job performance: sex [AOR=1.896[1.130, 3.180]], marital status [AOR=1.910 [1.11, 3.27]], working hours [AOR=2.910[1.653, 5.123]], working condition [AOR= 2.164[1.128, 3.844]] and job satisfaction [AOR= 2.480[1.374, 4.476]].Conclusion: The findings our study has indicated that health workers in West Hararghe zone in public hospitals have poor level of job performance. The strong predicting variable such as sex, marital status, working hours, working condition and job satisfaction were significantly associated with job performance. Regional Health office, Zonal health office and hospitals should give more attention on job satisfaction and working condition to improve health worker‟s job performance.
Synthesis of eco-friendly ZnO-based heterophotocatalysts with enhanced properties under visible light
Authors: Mougnol Jean Bedel Batchamen , Waanders Frans , Ntwampe Seteno Karabo Obed , Fosso-Kankeu Elvis , Alili R. Al
Published: August 2022

Heterogeneous photocatalysts have been widely used for the removal of various organic pollutants from wastewater. The main challenge so far resides in the sustainability of the process, with regard to the synthesis and the application under visible light. In this study the precipitated materials from the moringa oleifera seed (MO), groundnut shells (GS) and apatite (A) agrowastes were functionalized with zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) solution, to produce novel bioheterophotocatalysts. Various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), photoluminescence (PL) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used for the characterization of the novel photocatalysts. It was proven that, besides the addition of metals into a semiconductor, agrowastes were also proven to be even better to enhance the photocatalytic activity of a ZnO-based photocatalyst. The combination of MO/GS/A/ZnO/Ag in a 1:1:1 ratio, resulted in a lower band gap of 1.59 eV, as compared to the larger band gap of 2.96 eV for ZnO/ Ag. These photocatalysts' efficiency was also tested on the photodegradation of PAHs derived from coal leaching in various water sources such as acidic mine drainage, alkaline mine drainage and sewage wastewater. From MO/GS/A/ZnO/Ag, the removal efficiency was obtained to be 69.59%, 62.19% and 61.68% while 52.62%, 37.96 and 44.30% using ZnO/Ag in acidic mine drainage, alkaline mine drainage and sewage wastewater in 60 min under solar irradiation. Which happens to highly influence the destabilization of PAHs in the water sources.
Forensic Significance of Perforation Pattern In Polycarbonate Sheet Against 9 × 19mm Projectile
Authors: Prajapati Abhishek , Rohatgi Richa , Kumar Saurabh
Published: August 2022

Polycarbonate is widely used as structural material due to its extreme resistance to impact and perforation. In a crime involving firearms, the bullet may impact various objects fitted with or made of polycarbonate sheets leaving high chances of discovering the fractured PC sheets and fragments at the scene of crime hence these objects may become objects of the criminal investigation. In the present work the perforation pattern of PC sheets of thicknesses 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 15mm at firing ranges 5m and 10m when impacted against 9×19mm Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullet were examined. It was observed that after impact the PC sheet develops entry hole smaller than the calibre of bullet; formation of crack zone, plastic zone; and petalling on the distal face were observed. It was found that as the thickness of the sheet increases, the diameter of the entry hole increases. The diameter of the exit hole initially increases and then becomes constant. At 5m range of fire the trend of crack zone becomes nearly constant from 8mm to 15mm thickness, however, at 10m range of fire crack zone increases from 8mm to 15mm thickness. Furthermore, the diameter of plastic zone increases as the thickness of the sheet increases (from 8mm to 15mm respectively).
Trends and influencing factors of ADRs associated with China’s national essential medicines: A time-series analysis based on data from the National ADR Monitoring Network
Authors: Tang Wan , Chen Hongdou , Zhang Zixin , Wu Gang , Lin Yanquan
Published: August 2022

Objective. To explore the drivers of the increase in adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with drugs in China's list of essential medicines and to analyse the ADR impact of the number of visits, based on the recorded annual increase in ADRs associated with essential medicines in China, to provide a reliable theoretical basis for further analysis and optimization of the safety of essential drugs. Methods. A time-series analysis was conducted based on the ADR data for essential medicines from 2011 to 2020 collected from the National ADR Monitoring Center. The relationship between the ADRs associated with essential medicines and the number of visits was explored by means of a vector autoregressive model, Granger causality test, impulse response analysis, variance analysis and other quantitative analysis methods. Results. There was a long-term cointegration relationship and one-way causality between the number of visits and ADRs caused by essential medicines. In the initial stage, the ADR response to the number of visits increased sharply, but with an increase in the number of lag periods, the impact remained basically stable, even showing a slight decreasing trend. Conclusion. The number of visits impacts ADRs caused by essential medicines, but this impact remains basically stable after reaching a certain level. In the long run, the impact may decrease.
Analysis of merged transcriptomic and genomic datasets to identify genes and pathways underlying residual feed intake in growing pigs
Authors: Ibragimov Emil , Pedersen Anni Øyan , Xiao Liang Hanlin , Cirera Susanna , Fredholm Merete , Karlskov-Mortensen Peter
Published: August 2022

Improvement of feed efficiency (FE) in pigs is an important milestone in order to reduce the economic and environmental impact of pig production. The goal of finding biomarkers for FE has been persisting for decades. However, due to the complexity of the FE trait, these goals have still not been met. Here, we search for quantitative trait loci (QTL), candidate genes, and biological pathways associated with FE using both genotype and RNA-seq data. We obtained genotype and colon epithelium RNA-seq data for 371 and 96 pigs, respectively. In total, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and differential expression (DE) analysis lead to detection of three QTL on SSC9 and 93 DE genes associated with FE. Possible intersection points between genes located in QTL and DE genes were found on levels of transcription factor-target and protein-protein interaction. Moreover, a cis-eQTL analysis revealed associations between genotype and expression levels of 19 DE genes including three genes located in the GWAS QTLs, which may fulfill the connection between genotype and phenotype through DE. Finally, single nucleotide polymorphism calling using RNA-seq data for genes located in RFI QTL revealed 53 polymorphisms, which may include causative mutations.
Synchronous high-amplitude co-fluctuations of functional brain networks during movie-watching
Authors: Tanner Jacob , Faskowitz Joshua , Byrge Lisa , Kennedy Daniel , Sporns Olaf , Betzel Richard
Published: August 2022

Recent studies have shown that functional connectivity can be decomposed into its exact framewise contributions, revealing short-lived, infrequent, and high-amplitude time points referred to as ``events.'' Although events contribute disproportionately to the time-averaged connectivity pattern, improve identifiability and brain-behavior associations, and have been linked to endogenous hormonal fluctuations and autism, their origins remain unclear. Here, we address this question using two independently-acquired imaging datasets in which participants passively watched movies. We find that events synchronize across individuals and based on the level of synchronization, can be categorized into three distinct classes: those that synchronize at the boundaries between movies, those that synchronize during movies, and those that do not synchronize at all. We find that boundary events, compared to the other categories, exhibit greater amplitude, distinct co-fluctuation patterns, and temporal propagation. We show that underlying boundary events is a specific mode of co-fluctuation involving the activation of control and salience systems alongside the deactivation of visual systems. Finally, we find a strong positive relationship between the similarity of time-locked co-fluctuation patterns and the propensity for those time-locked frames to involve synchronous events. Collectively, our results suggest that the spatiotemporal properties of events are non-random and locked to time-varying stimuli.
Ablation of CXCR4 expression in cardiomyocytes exacerbates isoproterenol-induced cell death and heart failure
Authors: cheng min , Chen Can , Yu kunwu , Zeng Qiutang , Zhu Feng
Published: August 2022

Heart failure is an ageing-associated disease. CXCR4, a seven-transmembrane-spanning Gi-coupled receptor for the SDF-1 chemokine, plays a critical role in organogenesis, healthy ageing, vascular post-injury repair and regeneration; however, the specific role of cardiomyocyte CXCR4 in heart function and the pathogenesis of heart failure is incompletely understood. We hypothesize that CXCR4 expression in cardiomyocytes is protective during β-adrenoceptor/Gs stress-induced cardiac dysfunction. Cardiomyocyte-specific CXCR4 knockout (CXCR4-CMKO) mice were generated by crossing CXCR4fl/fl and MHC-Cre+/− mice and shown to display normal cardiac structure and function in the basal state until at least 4 months old. However, following continuous administration of isoproterenol (Iso) via an osmotic mini-pump, their ventricular myocardial contractility, dilation, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and interstitial fibrosis were worsened compared to that of control MHC-Cre+/− littermates under same treatment. In the cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes, SDF-1 treatment markedly attenuated Iso-induced apoptosis and reduction in phospho-Akt, and these protective effects were diminished by knockdown of CXCR4 or by co-treatment with Gi inhibitors. Thus, cardiomyocyte SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling alleviates β-adrenergic stress-induced cell death and cardiac adverse remodeling, thus may be harnessed for treatment of heart failure.
A strategy for evaluating antiviral resistance: Application to small molecule drugs/inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sargsyan Karen , Mazmanian Karine , Lim Carmay
Published: August 2022

Alterations in viral fitness cannot be inferred from only mutagenesis studies of an isolated viral protein. To-date, no systematic analysis has been performed to identify mutations that improve virus fitness and reduce drug efficacy. We present a generic strategy to evaluate which viral mutations will diminish drug efficacy and applied it to assess how SARS-CoV-2 evolution may affect the efficacy of current approved/candidate small-molecule antivirals for Mpro, PLpro, and RdRp. For each drug target, we determined the drug-interacting virus residues from available structures and the selection pressure of the virus residues from the SARS-CoV-2 genomes. This enabled the identification of promising drug target regions and small-molecule antivirals that the virus can develop resistance. Our strategy of utilizing sequence and structural information from genomic sequence and protein structure databanks can rapidly assess the fitness of any emerging virus variants and can aid antiviral drug design for future pathogens.
A mathematical model for chemotactic endothelial cell migration through a fibrin-based extracellular matrix
Authors: Ferre-Torres Josep , Noguera-Monteagudo Adria , Lopez-Canosa Adrian , Romero-Arias J. Roberto , Barrio Rafael , Castaño Oscar , Hernandez-Machado Aurora
Published: August 2022

Migration is a fundamental cellular behaviour that plays an essential role in vascular development and angiogenesis. Due to its relevance to many aspects of human health, the ability to accurately reproduce cell migration is of broad and multidisciplinary interest. This work presents a model to reproduce a microfluidic assay in which endothelial cells chemotactically migrate into a fibrin-based porous hydrogel. Endothelial cells emanate from a parent vessel through the extracellular matrix towards the increasing chemotactic factor concentration. We couple into the same parameter the extracellular matrix and the chemotactic factor distribution. We focus our efforts on modelling sprouting dynamics and morphology, providing a new framework to understand cell migration and the influence of the extracellular matrix. The model naturally describes chemotactic cell behaviour in response to the extracellular matrix structure. We further extend our model to allow extracellular matrix sensing and degradation. We validated the model based on a hybrid in silico-experimental approach by comparing it against the experimental results obtained in the microfluidic assay. Together, our findings highlight the nontrivial role of the extracellular matrix structure in angiogenic sprouting and offer an approach to predicting the effect of the extracellular matrix.
Palynostratigraphy of the Paleocene-Eocene Shallow marine petroleum source rock sections, outcropping in Missole, Nkapa Formation, Douala/Kribi- Campo Basin, Cameroon
Authors: Njoh Olivier Anoh , Sama Naomi
Published: August 2022

Palynological content and organic petrography of some fine grained, dark-gray to black sedimentary sections, exposed in Missole, Douala/Kribi-Campo Basin, were studied, to determine the age, reconstruct their paleo-depositional environments and characterize the organic matter type of these potential petroleum source rocks. Standard laboratory methods to recover dispersed organic matter and palynomorphs, transmitted light microscopy for thin-sections and strew mounts, were performed on fractions of each sample collected. Palynological analysis, revealed a Paleocene-Eocene assemblage of palynomorphs, dominated by sporomorphs of land plant derivatives in association with dinoflagellates cysts and foraminifera linings of marine origin, indicative of a nearshore/shallow marine paleo-depositional environment, with a greater influx of continental debris. The organic matter revealed Kerogen Types-II, III and IV, confirming an admixture of sapropelic and humic organic matters, deposited in a nearshore/shallow marine environment. The Kerogen types supported the reconstruction of the depositional environment, and revealed that the rocks contain good quality organic matter which if under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions, will or could have produced oil/gas. As part of an on-going research project to investigate the hydrocarbon potential of this onshore part of the basin, the present work aims at providing a quick and firsthand data, required in the current search for the basin’s petroleum resources.
Design, synthesis, characterization and biomimetic evaluation of novel chrysin derivatives of copper(II) complexes as medicinal purpose
Authors: Bonpandi Ebenezer , Kandasamy Nagashri
Published: August 2022

Background
In the present investigations, a novel series of chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) derivatives were prepared using Mannich base approach. Copper complexes of molecular formulae, [Cu-L(OAc)(H2O)] where Cu-a to Cu-h represents Schiff base ligands [by the condensation of chrysin with aliphatic / aromatic / heterocyclic amines], have been prepared.
Methods
Synthesis copper complexes were characterized using analytical and spectral techniques. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the synthesized compounds were tested against the bacterial species and fungal species. Antioxidant activities and SOD effect of the copper complexes have also been studied. The DNA binding and DNA cleavage activity of copper complexes were studied. The screened for in vitro anti-proliferative activity against human cancer cells (HeLa and MCF-7). The effective complexes was subjected to anti-mycobacterial activity using MABA method and summarized. The Cholinesterase inhibitory activity (AChE and BuChE) of ligand was screened using modified Ellman’s method. The α-glucosidase inhibition activity was also carried out for the prepared copper complexex. In addition, CAT activity and lipophilic behaviour were also assessed.
Conclusion
The prepared compound exhibited strong anti-proliferative efficacies may be mimics the natural chrysin derivatives. The utmost promising structural lead molecules in particular the chrysin derivatives Cu-g and Cu-h, will be screened for their anti-proliferative activities against a broader range of cancer cell lines and may be potent molecule for anticancer agents.
Standard Quantification, Detection and Genetic Characterization of Small Ruminant Morbillivirus (SRM) in Iran
Authors: Babaoglu Ali Riza , Mahzounieh Mohammadreza , Dagalp Seval Bilge
Published: August 2022

In this study, the construction of a standard reference plasmid, molecular detection, and circulation of Peste des Petits Ruminant Virus (PPRV) was performed in Iran. All 341 specimens have been tested by RT-real time-qPCR, and the positivity rate of 29,91% was detected for PPRV. Sequence analysis of sixteen samples from different provinces at nucleotide homology showed that 96,8-100% between them, 97,6-100% for reference isolate Turkey00, and 88,2–89% for Nigeria 75/1 vaccine strain. In the secondary protein structure of the approximately 80 amino acid region of the nucleoprotein was similar for all PPRVs of Iranian origin except for two viruses. In the phylogenetic tree, PPRVs circulating in Iran belong to lineage IV as previously found in Iran.
Second Primary Cancer Occurrence after Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zahedi Mohammad , Yousefi Mohammad , Nasirzadeh Amirreza , Mortazavi Parham , Ghaheremani Sulmaz , Heydari Keyvan , Sheidaei Fateme , Alizadeh-Navaei Reza
Published: August 2022

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. There is evidence of an increased risk of developing a second primary colorectal cancer in CRC patients.
Objective
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide a pooled relative risk of second primary cancer after colorectal cancer (SPCAC) in CRC patients based on available evidence.
Data
Sources: Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for English cohort studies that reported standard incidence ratio (SIR) of SPCAC up to 10 Aug 2020. Heterogeneity across included studies was determined using the I2 statistic. We used the random‑effect models for pooled Standard Incidence Ratio (SIR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Study Selection
: Studies included if they met the following criteria: original studies with cohort design in the English language; studies that investigated and reported the SIR of second primary cancer after colorectal, colon, and rectum cancer.
Main Outcome Measures
: The pooled SIR of SPCAC based on the primary site of cancer was measured.
Results
Through 30 extracted papers, 142429 confirmed SPCAC adult patients (more than 19 years old) were included in this meta-analysis. The SIR of SPCAC was 1.27 (95% CI 1.16–1.37) and was reported by 12 studies. The SIR of SPCAC for digestive, reproductive, and urinary organ’s involvement was 1.31 (95% CI 0.89–1.72), 1.45 (95% CI 0.99–1.90), and 1.27 (95% CI 1.10–1.45), respectively.
Limitations
: Unavailable confounding characteristics such as smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, food, and lifestyle, may restrict the findings.
Conclusions
Colorectal cancer survivors (CCSs) are more vulnerable to SPCAC of the small intestine and endometrium. The result of this study might be helpful for both clinicians and policymakers. Further investigations on etiologic factors for prevention and early diagnosis of SPCAC are suggested.
High-efficiency near-infrared optical parametric amplifier for intense, narrowband THz pulses tunable in the 4 to 19 THz region
Authors: Seo Meenkyo , Mun Je-Hoi , Heo Jaeuk , Kim Dong Eon
Published: August 2022

Dynamic control of material properties using strong-field, narrowband THz sources has drawn attention because it allows selective manipulation of quantum states on demand by coherent excitation of specific low-energy modes in solids. Yet, the lack of powerful narrowband lasers with frequencies in the range of a few to a few tens of THz has restricted the exploration of hidden states in condensed matter. Here, we report the optimization of an optical parametric amplifier (OPA) and the efficient generation of a strong, narrowband THz field. The OPA has a total conversion efficiency of > 55%, which is the highest value reported to date, with an excellent energy-stability of 0.7% RMS over 3 hours. We found that the injection of a high-energy signal beam to a power amplification stage in an OPA leads to high-efficiency and a super-Gaussian profile. By difference-frequency generation of two chirped OPA signal pulses in an organic nonlinear crystal, we obtained a THz pulse with an energy of 3.2 µJ, a bandwidth of 0.5 THz, and a pulse duration of 860 fs tunable between the 4 and 19 THz regions. This corresponds to an internal THz conversion efficiency of 0.4% and a THz field strength of 6.7 MV/cm. This approach demonstrates an effective way to generate narrow-bandwidth, intense THz fields.
A Team-Based Learning Approach to Reimbursement and Billing Education for Emergency Medicine Residents
Authors: Turner Anisha , Haddock Alison , Andrabi Sara , Bicette Richina D. , Tran Theresa , Dark Cedric
Published: August 2022

Objective: We developed a curriculum to improve resident knowledge and comfort in charting and coding during emergency medicine (EM) encounters. Our tool kit includes simulated charts and assessments in a team-based learning (TBL) format. Settings: The curriculum was delivered at one an academic institution’s emergency medicine program. Participants: Thirty-one residents and 18 faculty and APP learners attended the TBL reimbursement workshop. Primary and secondary measures: Learners perceived knowledge and comfort in charting and coding
Results: The response to the TBL exercise was overwhelmingly positive, with an increase in learner’s comfort with understanding and placing the 6 different evaluation and management Current Procedural Terminology codes commonly used in EM significantly increasing. The learners also had a significant increase in distinguishing between new (e.g., alternative payment systems) and older (e.g., fee-for-service) payment systems had a significant 30-point increase (p<0.001).
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that TBL can successfully be used as part of EM residency curriculum to teach charting and coding skills. Our TBL exercise demonstrated significant gains in self-rated knowledge for the three learning objectives pertaining to EM reimbursement.
Invasion pattern of Aedes aegypti in the native range of Ae. albopictus in Vietnam revealed by biogeographic and population genetic analysis
Authors: Duong Cuong Van , Kang Ji Hyoun , Nguyen Vinh Van , Bae Yeon Jae
Published: August 2022

Since its introduction to Asia, Aedes aegypti has coexisted with the native species Ae. albopictus and has been reported to transmit many infectious diseases. However, the development of efficient disease prevention and vector control is hindered by the relatively poor understanding Ae. aegypti biogeography and genetic diversity in the region. Accordingly, the aims of the present study were to investigate the spatial distribution and relative abundance of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in different climatic regions (northern temperate and southern tropical) and habitats (domestic, peri-domestic, and natural) and to analyze the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Ae. aegypti populations in Vietnam using mitochondrial COI gene sequences. Although both Aedes species were observed in most of the study areas, only Ae. albopictus thrived in the northern mountainous areas, and in areas harboring both species, individual abundance of the species was influenced by climate and habitat. For example, the availability of domestic containers facilitated the dominance of Ae. aegypti, whereas temperate climate and natural breeding sites facilitated the dominance of Ae. albopictus. In addition, many genetic polymorphisms were detected in the Ae. aegypti populations, which formed two main genetic groups, and Ae. aegypti abundance seemed to be affected more by interspecific competition and/or climate than genetic diversity. These findings provide insights into the invasion mechanisms and patterns of Ae. aegypti, which depend on the climate and reproductive strategies in the native range of Ae. albopictus in Asia.