bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Post-Aspiration Giant Spermatocele in a Young Man: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Salama Nader , Hassan Omer Sirelkhatim
Published: May 2022

We report a case of a post-aspiration giant unilocular spermatocele in a young man. A 27-year-old man sought medical advice for a huge right scrotal swelling. The swelling first appeared following scrotal trauma and was aspirated. Shortly after, it reappeared and persisted for several years with a sense of heaviness, infrequent periods of right scrotal pain, and cosmetic concerns. Ultrasonography of the scrotum revealed a huge fluid cyst pushing the testis antero-inferiorly in the right hemi-scrotum. Scrotal exploration suggested the spermatocele nature of the cyst that emerged from the head of the epididymis. The cyst was excised, and its fluid content and wall underwent pathological examination for confirmation.
Does air pollution affect the tourism industry in the USA? Evidence from the quantile autoregressive distributed lagged approach
Authors: Chien Fengsheng , Zhang YunQian , Sharif Arshian , Sadiq Muhammad , Hieu Minh Vu
Published: May 2022

This study scrutinised the influence of air pollution on the USA’s tourism industry along with macroeconomic variables from 1990 to 2020. The analyses were conducted using a novel quantile autoregressive distributed lagged (QARDL) technique to examine the nonlinear association in the long and short run. Additionally, the constancy of the parameters under the short- and long-run estimations was investigated using the Wald test. The QARDL results under different quantiles confirmed that air pollution in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and particulate matter (PM2.5) had a negative association with the arrival of international tourists in the USA. However, the long-run estimation for the nonlinear association between gross domestic product (GDP) and tourists' arrival (TA) and between the real effective exchange rate (REER) and TA was positively significant under different quantiles. Alternatively, the estimation of the short run corroborated that the past and lagged values of TA showed a positive correlation with the current and lagged values of international TA. Moreover, the findings of the study confirmed, through Granger causality, the bidirectional causality between tourism, GDP, haze pollution such as PM2.5 and CO2 emissions and REER in the USA.
Farmers’ livelihood strategies and sensitivity to climate change: Evidence from southwest China
Authors: Lan Jing , Song Biqing , Li Qiuming , Liu Zhen
Published: May 2022

Although urbanization has deeply changed farmers’ livelihoods, the improvement of their adaptation to climate change is not yet particularly clear, due to many interactive pressures and complex differences in farmers’ livelihood strategies. This study uses 2-year household survey panel data from Na’Yong and Zhen’Xiong in southwest China, both of which are typically affected by meteorological disasters. First, we constructed a multi-dimensional induction of sensitivity indicators. Then, we divided farmers’ livelihood strategies and identified their sensitivity levels. Finally, we extracted the typical characteristics of farmers’ livelihood strategies that contribute to low sensitivity. The research shows that although non-agricultural labour can improve the income level of farmers, there is no clear positive relationship between farmers’ income and their sensitivity. Levels of sensitivity depend not only on the risk of farmers with a higher exposure to the natural environment but also on the ability of farmers to disperse and avoid natural risks. Livelihood strategies with lower sensitivities have three main characteristics: diversification, marketization and ecological sustainability. This study provides a practical basis for the sustainable livelihood of farmers in the context of climate change and attempts to provide a reference for other developing countries towards the end of achieving ecological poverty alleviation.
Borders of immersive fieldwork - a methodological critique of entrepreneurship
Authors: Yamamura Sakura , Lassalle Paul
Published: May 2022

Gerard McElwee's extensive research is characterised by his unconventional and yet strongly tangible topics in entrepreneurship, encompassing issues of illegality and criminality. In fact, beyond his published work, what has come up from discussions and interactions with him is his boundary-breaking approaches to the field itself, emphasising the collaborative nature of his research work. This contribution alludes to his unconventional and provocative approach to conducting research, crossing boundaries in qualitative research and extends his methodological critiques in entrepreneurship. We set out how the intentional crossing of borders in contrast to non-rigorous methodological mix-ups and empirical faults contributes to the actual innovation in knowledge accumulation and exploration of empirical fields. Giving some exemplary cases of our own empirical fieldworks, we illustrate the methodological, epistemological and systemic issues in entrepreneurship, and encourage more boundary-crossing and ‘breaking out’ of conventions - as entrepreneurs do to gain further market outreach - to enhance innovations in research as much as Ged has shown.
A Familial Case Study Exploring the Effects of a Strengths-Based Camp Intervention on Children’s Self-Perception
Authors: Campbell Kaytryn D. , Hasselle Amanda J. , Howell Kathryn H.
Published: May 2022

Childhood victimization can negatively affect children’s self-perception, a multifaceted developmental asset that can be delineated into Global Self-Worth, Social Competence, and Behavioral Conduct. Despite the importance of self-perception, few studies have examined how strengths-based interventions impact self-perception among youth experiencing victimization. Using a familial case study design, the current study evaluated how a camp-based intervention, known as Camp HOPE, affected self-perception among siblings who experienced childhood victimization. Participants included three siblings and their mother who all identify as Black/African American and reside in the Midsouth, United States. The siblings participated in a week-long, overnight camp with other children exposed to victimization. The family was evaluated across three timepoints: pre-camp, 1 month post-camp, and 4 months post-camp. Participating in Camp HOPE appeared to have differential effects on the siblings’ self-perception. Specifically, all three children endorsed small to medium improvements in perceived Behavioral Conduct, but the camp differentially impacted their Global Self-Worth and Social Competence. Findings suggest that Camp HOPE may enhance self-perception among Black/African American children who have experienced victimization. This intervention may also be more accessible and acceptable, compared to traditional treatment formats.
Convalescent serum-derived exosomes: Attractive niche as COVID-19 diagnostic tool and vehicle for mRNA delivery
Authors: Krishnan Anand , Gangadaran Prakash , Chavda Vivek P , Jogalekar Manasi P , Muthusamy Ramesh , Valu Disha , Vadivalagan Chithravel , Ramani Prasanna , Laishevtcev Alexey , Katari Naresh Kumar , Ahn Byeong-Cheol
Published: May 2022

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 over the entire world is more commonly known as COVID-19. COVID-19 has impacted society in every aspect of routine life. SARS-CoV-2 infection is often misdiagnosed as influenza or seasonal upper respiratory tract viral infections. General diagnostic tools can detect the viral antigen or isotypes of antibodies. However, inter- and intraindividual variations in antibody levels can cause false negatives in antibody immunoassays. On the contrary, the false-positive test results can also occur due to either cross-reactivity of the viral antigens or some other patient-related autoimmune factors. There is need for a cogent diagnostic tool with more specificity, selectivity, and reliability. Here, we have described the potential of convalescent serum-derived exosome as a diagnostic tool for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, even in asymptomatic patients, which is a limitation for currently practiced diagnostic tests throughout the globe. In addition, its potential as a vehicle for messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery is also emphasized.
Highly Diluted Antibodies to eNOS Restore Endothelium Function in Aortic Rings From Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Petrova Nataliya V. , Tarasov Sergey A. , Epstein Oleg I. , Dubroca Caroline , Sulpice Thierry
Published: May 2022

Background

Nitric oxide (NO) as a vaso- and cardio-protective agent could reduce vasomotor dysfunction in different cardiovascular diseases. One of the current therapeutics targeted at NO availability in the vascular wall are highly diluted antibodies to endothelial NO-synthase (eNOS). This drug has previously shown its endothelium-protective effect and effectiveness in reducing hypertension. Current study was dedicated to evaluate the direct impact of highly diluted antibodies to eNOS on the vessel constriction and dilation ex vivo.

Methods

For that purpose, we used thoracic aortas dissected from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. Endothelium-dependent relaxation in the presence of highly diluted antibodies to eNOS (1 mL) was examined after phenylephrine-induced pre-constriction of the aorta rings in response to gradually increased acetylcholine concentration (1 nM to 10 µM).

Results

Highly diluted antibodies to eNOS enhanced acetylcholine-induced relaxation in a statistically significant manner. Moreover, it was demonstrated that observed effect was similar to perindopril, a well-known angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, which works through relaxing and widening blood vessels.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that highly diluted antibodies to eNOS restored impaired endothelium function, as demonstrated by increased relaxation of SHR rats aorta rings. The revealed results suggest beneficial effect of highly diluted antibodies to eNOS to ameliorate hypertension and related diseases.
Influence of rotational speed on performance of low specific speed hydraulic turbine in turbine mode
Authors: Li Yanpin , Zhang Lihong , Chen Jinbao , Zhang Zichao , Jia Kaikai , Feng Ke , Wang Xikun
Published: May 2022

To study the influence of rotational speed on the performance of hydraulic turbine in turbine mode (T-type turbine), the performance of turbine at different rotational speed was predicted through theoretical analysis, based on the Navier-Stokes equation and standard k-ε turbulence model, numerical simulation was used to study the performance of turbine at different rotational speed. The head loss, pressure distribution, turbulence kinetic energy, and unsteady pressure pulsation were also clarified. The results shows that with the increase of rotational speed, the high efficiency area of turbine gradually becomes wider, and there is little difference of the maximum efficiency at different rotational speeds. Under the optimal working condition, the pressure difference between inlet and outlet increase gradually, and turbulent kinetic energy of runner also increase. The inlet circulation increases with the increase of rotational speed, the outlet circulation increases with the increase of speed under small flow conditions, and decreases with the increase of rotational speed under large flow conditions. The study of pressure pulsation shows that the increase of rotating speed can effectively reduce the pressure pulsation in the runner. When the rotating speed is 2100 r/min, the amplitude of pressure pulsation at P7 is 10.39% lower than that at 900 r/min. Considering the hydraulic characteristics and the pulsation characteristics, it is recommended that the hydraulic turbine operates at or above the rated speed as far as possible.
One-year duplex ultrasound–assessed closure outcomes of percutaneous endovenous microwave ablation for the treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs
Authors: Karnabatidis Dimitris , Papageorgiou Christos , Kitrou Panagiotis , Spiliopoulos Stavros
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of a new device using microwave technology for the endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV) causing symptomatic lower limb varicose veins (LLVV).

Materials and Methods

This prospective, single-arm, single-center, cohort study investigated the safety and effectiveness of endovenous microwave ablation for the treatment of symptomatic LLVV. Enrollment period was set between January and December 2020. Primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of procedure-related complications and primary efficacy endpoint was anatomical success defined as the duplex ultrasound (DUS)–proven GSV occlusion at 1 year follow-up. Secondary endpoints included 1-year clinical success (CEAP classification improvement), repeat procedures rate due to GSV recanalization, and pain assessment at 24 h post treatment.

Results

In total, 50 patients (42 female; mean age: 62 ± 12 years) with 64 limbs were treated. No procedure-related complications were noted. Technical success was 95.3% (61/64 GSVs), as three cases of GSV recanalization were detected. Clinical success was 100%, as in all cases symptoms improvement by at least one grade according to CEAP classification, was achieved. Mean CEAP grade significantly improved from 3.3 ± 0.72 (median: 3) at baseline to 1.8 ± 0.85 (median: 2) at 1-year ( p < 0.0001). There were no repeat procedures due to GSC recanalization. The median 24-h VAS value was 2 (mean: 1.9 ± 1.4).

Conclusions

Endovenous microwave ablation was safe and effective for the treatment of varicose veins, achieving high 1-year GSV occlusion rates.
Penetrating aortic ulcer and aortic intramural hematoma: Treatment strategy
Authors: Shao Tony , Bornak Arash , Kang Naixin
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The indication, timing, and choice of the treatment modality for penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) and intramural hematoma (IMH) are frequently challenging. This article reviews these pathologies and their relation to aortic dissection and proposes a diagnostic and treatment algorithm.

Methods

A review of literature on diagnosis and treatment of PAU and IMH was conducted. The PubMed database was searched using the terms “penetrating aortic ulcer” and “aortic intramural hematoma”. Articles were reviewed and the studies involving diagnosis and management of PAU and IMH were included. We subsequently proposed a management algorithm for PAU and IMH based on available evidence.

Results

PAU and IMH are distinct entities from aortic dissection, although they carry a significant risk of progression into dissection, aneurysm, and rupture. PAU and IMH originating in zone 0 of the aorta generally require surgical treatment. When the origin is beyond zone 0, a trial of medical therapy is recommended. Progression of disease on imaging studies, persistent uncontrolled pain, and certain high-risk features warrant surgery. High-risk features signaling risk of disease progression include PAU with IMH, PAU depth more than 10 mm, PAU diameter more than 20 mm, IMH thickness more than 10 mm, and maximum initial aortic diameter more than 40 mm.

Conclusions

High-quality evidence regarding the treatment of PAU and IMH is lacking. These entities can have a malignant course when they are present with associated symptoms and/or when they have associated high-risk features on imaging. An aggressive surgical approach is necessary in that group of patients.
Inflammation—Cause or consequence of late onset Alzheimer’s disease or both? A review of the evidence
Authors: Zhao Jinrong , Zhao Dong , Wang Jinpei , Luo Xiaoe , Guo Rui
Published: May 2022

Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation is involved in the development of late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). However, it is not clear whether inflammation is a cause or consequence, or both. The aim of this paper is to review the relationship between inflammation and LOAD. We also review the effect of anti-inflammation on the risk of LOAD to further elucidate the relationship between inflammation and LOAD.
Grace Wyndham Goldie at the BBC: Reappraising the ‘first lady of television’
Authors: Irwin Mary
Published: May 2022

This working paper explores the significance of the work of the assistant head of BBC Television Talks and Features, Grace Wyndham Goldie, in the development of current affairs and documentary television which took place at the BBC in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Wyndham Goldie was central to these processes. She was passionately committed to the creation of a ‘neutral’ current affairs television, built upon the veracity of the live image. This same passion was not evident in her attitude to the production of documentary television, and she disdained the carefully crafted process of documentary filmmaking. Notably, while Wyndham Goldie was one of a very few women to reach the top of the BBC management ladder, she offered limited encouragement and support to other women working at the corporation.
Ursolic acid inhibits Th17 cell differentiation via STAT3/RORγt pathway and suppresses Schwann cell-mediated Th17 cell migration by reducing CXCL9/10 expression
Authors: Xu Hua , Yu Ai-ling , Zhao Da-peng , Meng Guang-yuan , Wang Ling , Shan Min , Hu Nai-xia , Liu Yun-lin
Published: May 2022

Th17 cells represent important immune cells. Ursolic acid (UA) can regulate immune cell activities. This study was aimed to explore the effects of UA on Th17 cell differentiation and Schwann cell(SCs)-mediated migration and the potential mechanism. Naïve CD4+ T cells were isolated from rat peripheral blood, induced for Th17 cell differentiation, and treated with UA. The proportion of Th17 cells was detected by flow cytometry assay. SCs were co-cultured with Th17 cells. Th17 cell migration was detected by Transwell assay. The molecule expression was determined by Western blot and qRT-PCR. UA inhibited the Th17 cell differentiation and suppressed the STAT3/RORγt pathway. STAT3 overexpression up-regulated p-STAT3 and RORγt expression and promoted Th17 cell differentiation under the UA treatment. In LPS- and IFN-γ-stimulated-SCs, UA suppressed the expression of chemokines CXCL9/10, but had no significant effect of CCL20 expression. The expression CXCL9/10 receptor CXCR3 was higher in Th17 cells than that in Treg cells, while the expression CCL20 receptor CCR6 was lower in Th17 cells than that in Treg cells. UA, anti-CXCR3, and anti-CCR6 treatment inhibited SCs-mediated Th17 cell migration, and anti-CXCR3 exerted stronger inhibitory effect than Anti-CCR6. UA inhibited Th17 cell differentiation through STAT3/RORγt pathway and suppressed Th17 cell migration through down-regulating CXCL9/10 expression in SCs.
A prospective cross-sectional study of child healthcare competence among nurses within primary healthcare in Sweden
Authors: Hallgren Jenny , Bäckström Caroline , Pettersson Madelene , Sternehov Emelie , Larsson Margaretha
Published: May 2022

Child-centered care is based on the fact that children are individuals with their own rights. Since January 2020, The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is law in Sweden. Children's meeting with professionals is important because it becomes the children's impression of healthcare that may reflect the children's future image of and feelings about the whole healthcare system. This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to explore child healthcare competence among nurses within primary healthcare. Data were collected through a web-based questionnaire among 101 primary healthcare district nurses, specialist nurses, and registered nurses. The study was compliant with the STROBE checklist. The results showed that the nurses have a good ability to apply child-centered care during children's visits to primary healthcare. To further implement a child-centered approach in primary healthcare, nurses need to have access to workplace educational opportunities continually, to enhance their child competence throughout their nursing careers.
Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery From the Right Pulmonary Artery of an Infant
Authors: Hoang Ryan , Ikeda Nobuyuki , Combs Pamela , Elzein Chawki , Siddiqi Umar , Li Zhaozhi , Hu Kelli , Ilbawi Michel , Vricella Luca , Hibino Narutoshi
Published: May 2022

A female presented 2 weeks after birth with an unbalanced atrioventricular canal, double outlet right ventricle, mild pulmonary stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus that eventually caused pulmonary over circulation. After pulmonary artery banding, she experienced myocardial ischemia, suggesting interference with coronary blood flow by the band that had been placed on the main pulmonary trunk. The band was removed and revised to bilateral branch pulmonary artery banding, and cardiac function improved. An anomalous left coronary artery from the underside of the right pulmonary artery was identified. Eight weeks later, the patient underwent coronary transfer and reimplantation of the left coronary artery into the aorta followed by main pulmonary artery banding. She subsequently underwent bidirectional Glenn.
Perspectives on Leadership in Early Childhood Education and Care Centers Through Community of Practice
Authors: Heikkinen Kirsi-Marja , Ahtiainen Raisa , Fonsén Elina
Published: May 2022

This article investigates early childhood education and care (ECEC) leadership through the concept of community of practice (COP). The focus is on ECEC leaders’ perceptions regarding their leadership during the educational changes taking place in the context of Finnish ECEC. The purpose is to increase understanding of how leaders see themselves in relation to the ECEC multi professional working community and practices of distributed leadership. The data are five focus group interviews of ECEC leaders analyzed with directed content analysis within the theoretical frame of domain, practice, and community forming the core of COP in Lave and Wenger. The results show how all three COP components comprise several dimensions in ECEC leaders’ perceptions of their leadership. For example, the component of the leadership domain consists of ECEC values, ECEC legislation, and ECEC curriculum. The results indicate that a formal leadership role is essential in leading the community and its vision. Moreover, building flexible leadership structures and supporting multi professional cooperation in the community augment leadership as a community’s joint enterprise.
Urban-GAN: An artificial intelligence-aided computation system for plural urban design
Authors: Quan Steven Jige
Published: May 2022

The current urban design computation is mostly centered on the professional designer while ignoring the plural dimension of urban design. In addition, available public participation computational tools focus mainly on information and idea sharing, leaving the public excluded in design generation because of their lack of design expertise. To address such an issue, this study develops Urban-GAN, a plural urban design computation system, to provide new technical support for design empowerment, allowing the public to generate their own designs. The sub-symbolic representation and artificial intelligence techniques of deep convolutional neural networks, case-based reasoning, and generative adversarial networks are used to acquire and embody design knowledge as the density function, and generate design schemes with this knowledge. The system consists of an urban form database and five process models through which the user with little design expertise can select urban form cases, generate designs similar to those cases, and make design decisions. The Urban-GAN is applied to hypothetical design experiments, which show that the user is able to apply the system to successfully generate distinctive designs following the urban form “styles” in Manhattan, Portland, and Shanghai. This study further extends the discussion about the plural urban design computation to general reflections on the goals and values in AI technique application in planning and design.
Developmental cues license megakaryocyte priming in murine hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Kristiansen Trine A. , Zhang Qinyu , Vergani Stefano , Boldrin Elena , Krausse Niklas , André Oscar , Nordenfelt Pontus , Sigvardsson Mikael , Bryder David , Ungerbäck Jonas , Yuan Joan
Published: May 2022

The fetal-to-adult switch in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) behavior is characterized by alterations in lineage output and entry into deep quiescence. Here we identify the emergence of megakaryocyte (Mk)-biased HSCs as an event coinciding with this developmental switch. Single-cell chromatin accessibility analysis reveals a ubiquitous acquisition of Mk lineage priming signatures in HSCs during the fetal-to-adult transition. These molecular changes functionally coincide with increased amplitude of early Mk differentiation events after acute inflammatory insult. Importantly, we identify LIN28B, known for its role in promoting fetal-like self-renewal, as an insulator against the establishment of an Mk-biased HSC pool. LIN28B protein is developmentally silenced in the third week of life, and its prolonged expression delays emergency platelet output in young adult mice. We propose that developmental regulation of Mk priming may represent a switch for HSCs to toggle between prioritizing self-renewal in the fetus and increased host protection in postnatal life.
Reply to: “Research on agroforestry systems and biodiversity conservation: what can we conclude so far and what should we improve?” by Boinot et al. 2022
Authors: Mupepele Anne-Christine , Dormann Carsten F.
Published: May 2022

In our article ‘European agroforestry has no unequivocal effect on biodiversity: a time-cumulative meta-analysis’ (BMC Ecology and Evolution, 2021) we synthesize the effect of agroforestry on biodiversity. Boinot et al. (BMC Ecology and Evolution, 2022) criticise our approach arguing that our definitions of agroforestry and biodiversity are too narrow; that we use inappropriate control sites for primary studies lacking distance to the treatment sites; that there are too few studies for a meta-analysis in silvoarable systems; and that local practice should be emphasized. We agree on the importance of local practices and that more studies would improve the robustness of our meta-analytical results. However, our conclusions are robust to removing studies criticised for inappropriate controls. We also recognize the problem of different definitions of agroforestry and using species richness as sole proxy for biodiversity. We appreciate being given the opportunity to clarify our results and to trigger future discussions about definitions and the interpretation of results from meta-analysis.
Whole mitochondrial genome analysis of the Daur ethnic minority from Hulunbuir in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China
Authors: Wang Chi-Zao , Yu Xue-Er , Shi Mei-Sen , Li Hui , Ma Shu-Hua
Published: May 2022

Background

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations are often associated with bioenergetics, disease, and speciation and can be used to track the history of women. Although advances in massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology have greatly promoted our understanding of the population’s history (especially genome-wide data and whole Y chromosome sequencing), the whole mtDNA sequence of many important groups has not been fully studied. In this study, we employed whole mitogenomes of 209 healthy and unrelated individuals from the Daur group, a Mongolic-speaking representative population of the indigenous groups in the Heilongjiang River basin (also known as the Amur River basin).

Results

The dataset presented 127 distinct mtDNA haplotypes, resulting in a haplotype diversity of 0.9933. Most of haplotypes were assigned to eastern Eurasian-specific lineages, such as D4 (19.62%), B4 (9.09%), D5 (7.66%) and M7 (4.78%). Population comparisons showed that the Daurians do have certain connections with the ancient populations in the Heilongjiang River basin but the matrilineal genetic composition of the Daur group was also greatly influenced by other non-Mongolic groups from neighboring areas.

Conclusions

Collectively, the whole mtDNA data generated in the present study will augment the existing mtDNA database. Our study provides genetic links between the Daur population and the aborigine peoples from Siberia and the Amur-Ussuri Region. But on the whole, compared with other Mongolic-speaking groups, the modern Daur population is closer to the East Asian ancestry group.
Inverted base composition skews and discontinuous mitochondrial genome architecture evolution in the Enoplea (Nematoda)
Authors: Zou Hong , Chen Fang-Lin , Li Wen-Xiang , Li Ming , Lei Hong-Peng , Zhang Dong , Jakovlić Ivan , Wang Gui-Tang
Published: May 2022

Background

Within the class Enoplea, the earliest-branching lineages in the phylum Nematoda, the relatively highly conserved ancestral mitochondrial architecture of Trichinellida is in stark contrast to the rapidly evolving architecture of Dorylaimida and Mermithida. To better understand the evolution of mitogenomic architecture in this lineage, we sequenced the mitogenome of a fish parasite Pseudocapillaria tomentosa (Trichinellida: Capillariidae) and compared it to all available enoplean mitogenomes.

Results

P. tomentosa exhibited highly reduced noncoding regions (the largest was 98 bp), and a unique base composition among the Enoplea. We attributed the latter to the inverted GC skew (0.08) in comparison to the ancestral skew in Trichinellidae (-0.43 to -0.37). Capillariidae, Trichuridae and Longidoridae (Dorylaimida) generally exhibited low negative or low positive skews (-0.1 to 0.1), whereas Mermithidae exhibited fully inverted low skews (0 to 0.05). This is indicative of inversions in the strand replication order or otherwise disrupted replication mechanism in the lineages with reduced/inverted skews. Among the Trichinellida, Trichinellidae and Trichuridae have almost perfectly conserved architecture, whereas Capillariidae exhibit multiple rearrangements of tRNA genes. In contrast, Mermithidae (Mermithida) and Longidoridae (Dorylaimida) exhibit almost no similarity to the ancestral architecture.

Conclusions

Longidoridae exhibited more rearranged mitogenomic architecture than the hypervariable Mermithidae. Similar to the Chromadorea, the evolution of mitochondrial architecture in enoplean nematodes exhibits a strong discontinuity: lineages possessing a mostly conserved architecture over tens of millions of years are interspersed with lineages exhibiting architectural hypervariability. As Longidoridae also have some of the smallest metazoan mitochondrial genomes, they contradict the prediction that compact mitogenomes should be structurally stable. Lineages exhibiting inverted skews appear to represent the intermediate phase between the Trichinellidae (ancestral) and fully derived skews in Chromadorean mitogenomes (GC skews = 0.18 to 0.64). Multiple lines of evidence (CAT-GTR analysis in our study, a majority of previous mitogenomic results, and skew disruption scenarios) support the Dorylaimia split into two sister-clades: Dorylaimida + Mermithida and Trichinellida. However, skew inversions produce strong base composition biases, which can hamper phylogenetic and other evolutionary studies, so enoplean mitogenomes have to be used with utmost care in evolutionary studies.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of superoxide dismutases in four oyster species reveals functional differentiation in response to biotic and abiotic stress
Authors: Liu Youli , Bao Zhenmin , Lin Zhihua , Xue Qinggang
Published: May 2022

Background

Oysters inhabit in the intertidal zone and may be suffered from environmental stresses, which can increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in mass mortality. Superoxide dismutases (SODs) protect oysters from ROS damage through different mechanisms compared with vertebrates. However, the molecular and functional differentiation in oyster SODs were rarely analyzed.

Result

In this study, a total of 13, 13, 10, and 8 candidate SODs were identified in the genome of Crassostrea gigas, Crassostrea virginica, Crassostrea hongkongensis, and Saccostrea glomerata respectively. The domain composition, gene structure, subcellular locations, conserved ligands, and cis-elements elucidated the SODs into five groups (Mn-SODs, Cu-only-SODs, Cu/Zn ion ligand Cu/Zn-SOD with enzyme activity, Zn-only-SODs, and no ligand metal ions Cu/Zn-SODs). For single domain Cu/Zn-SODs, only one cytosolic Cu/Zn-SOD (cg_XM_034479061.1) may conserve enzymatic activity while most extracellular Cu/Zn-SOD proteins appeared to lose SOD enzyme activity according to conserved ligand amino acid analysis and expression pattern under biotic and abiotic stress in C. gigas. Further, multi-domain-SODs were identified and some of them were expressed in response to biotic and abiotic stressors in C. gigas. Moreover, the expression patterns of these genes varied in response to different stressors, which may be due to the cis-elements in the gene promoter.

Conclusion

These findings revealed the most extracellular Cu/Zn-SOD proteins appeared to lose SOD enzyme activity in oysters. Further, our study revealed that only one cytosolic Cu/Zn-SOD (cg_XM_034479061.1) may conserve enzymatic activity of SOD. Moreover, the expression patterns of these genes varied in response to different stressors, which may be due to the cis-elements in the promoter. This study provides important insights into the mechanisms through which oysters adapt to harsh intertidal conditions, as well as potential biomarkers of stress response in related species.
Genome-wide identification of sugar transporter gene family in Brassicaceae crops and an expression analysis in the radish
Authors: Liu Tongjin , Bao Chonglai , Ban Qiuyan , Wang Changyi , Hu Tianhua , Wang Jinglei
Published: May 2022

Background

Sugar not only is an important biomacromolecule that plays important roles in plant growth, development, and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance but also provides a skeleton for other macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Sugar transporter proteins (STPs) play essential roles in plant sugar transport and ultimately affect the abovementioned life processes. However, the evolutionary dynamics of this important gene family in Brassicaceae crops are still largely unknown, and the functional differentiation of radish STP genes remains unclear.

Results

In the present study, a comparative genomic study of STP genes in five representative Brassicaceae crops was conducted, and a total of 25, 25, 28, 36 and 49 STP genes were individually identified in Raphanus sativus (Rs), Brassica oleracea (Bo), B. rapa (Br), B. napus (Bn) and B. juncea (Bj), which were divided into four clades by phylogenetic analysis. The number of STP genes was no direct correlation with genome size and the total number of coding genes in Brassicaceae crops, and their physical and chemical properties showed no significant difference. Expression analysis showed that radish STP genes play vital roles not only in flower and seedpod development but also under heavy metal (cadmium, chromium and lead), NaCl and PEG-6000 stresses, Agrobacterium tumefaciens infection, and exogenous sugar treatment. RsSTP13.2 was significantly upregulated in the resistant radish cultivar by A. tumefaciens infection and induced by heavy metal, NaCl and PEG-6000 stress, indicating that it is involved in resistance to both biotic and abiotic stress in radish.

Conclusions

The present study provides insights into the evolutionary patterns of the STP gene family in Brassicaceae genomes and provides a theoretical basis for future functional analysis of STP genes in Brassicaceae crops.
Age- and sex-related differences of muscle cross-sectional area in iliocapsularis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yagi Masahide , Taniguchi Masashi , Tateuchi Hiroshige , Hirono Tetsuya , Fukumoto Yoshihiro , Yamagata Momoko , Nakai Ryusuke , Yamada Yosuke , Kimura Misaka , Ichihashi Noriaki
Published: May 2022

Background

This study aimed to determine in how many individuals the iliocapsularis muscle (IC) could be identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and whether age and sex are associated with the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the IC.

Methods

Thirty-seven healthy younger adults and 40 healthy older adults were assigned to four groups: 1) 20 younger men; 2) 17 younger women; 3) 20 older men; and 4) 20 older women. The CSAs of the IC, IP, the rectus femoris (RF) and the quadriceps (QUAD) were quantified on an axial MRI.

Results

The number of individuals with the identified IC was n = 17 (85.0%) of 20 younger men, n = 15 (88.2%) of 17 younger women, n = 18 (90.0%) of 20 older men, and 19 (95.0%) of 20 older women. Our results showed the main effect of sex, but not age, in the CSA of the IC. The men-groups had larger CSA of the IC than the women-groups; however, no difference in CSA of the IC was found between the younger and older groups. Meanwhile, the main effects of age and sex were found for the IP, RF, and QUAD; thus, younger or men groups have larger CSAs of the three muscles than the older or women groups. The IC muscle can be discriminated in 85% – 95% of healthy individuals.

Conclusion

Although sex and age are associated with the CSA of lower-limb muscles other than the IC, only sex is associated with the CSA of the IC.
Diagnostic gene biomarkers for predicting immune infiltration in endometriosis
Authors: Xie Chengmao , Lu Chang , Liu Yong , Liu Zhaohui
Published: May 2022

Objective

To determine the potential diagnostic markers and extent of immune cell infiltration in endometriosis (EMS).

Methods

Two published profiles (GSE7305 and GSE25628 datasets) were downloaded, and the candidate biomarkers were identified by support vector machine recursive feature elimination analysis and a Lasso regression model. The diagnostic value and expression levels of biomarkers in EMS were verified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting, then further validated in the GSE5108 dataset. CIBERSORT was used to estimate the composition pattern of immune cell components in EMS.

Results

One hundred and fifty-three differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified between EMS and endometrial with 83 upregulated and 51 downregulated genes. Gene sets related to arachidonic acid metabolism, cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions, complement and coagulation cascades, chemokine signaling pathways, and systemic lupus erythematosus were differentially activated in EMS compared with endometrial samples. Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and ZW10 binding protein (ZWINT) were identified as diagnostic markers of EMS, which were verified using qRT-PCR and western blotting and validated in the GSE5108 dataset. Immune cell infiltrate analysis showed that AQP1 and ZWINT were correlated with M2 macrophages, NK cells, activated dendritic cells, T follicular helper cells, regulatory T cells, memory B cells, activated mast cells, and plasma cells.

Conclusion

AQP1 and ZWINT could be regarded as diagnostic markers of EMS and may provide a new direction for the study of EMS pathogenesis in the future.
Standardization of the ethanolic extract of Crinum latifolium leaves by two bioactive markers with antiproliferative activity against TGF-β-promoted prostate stromal cells (WPMY-1)
Authors: Thongphichai Wisuwat , Uttarawichien Tamonwan , Chanvorachote Pithi , Pitiporn Supaporn , Charoen-ame Todsaphol , Kwankhao Pakakrong , Towiwat Pasarapa , Sukrong Suchada
Published: May 2022

Background

Crinum latifolium L. (Amaryllidaceae) has been used in Southeast Asian traditional medicine to alleviate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The pathological mechanism of BPH is associated with the induction of prostate stromal cell proliferation through transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Standardization as well as investigation of the potential anti-BPH activity of C. latifolium extract could benefit the further development of BPH-related analyses and provide evidence to support the application of this extract for BPH treatment. This study aimed to standardize and investigate the antiproliferative activity of the ethanolic extract of C. latifolium leaves. The major alkaloids isolated from C. latifolium were also explored for their potential use as bioactive markers.

Methods

Two major alkaloids were isolated from the ethanolic extract of C. latifolium leaves by chromatographic techniques, identified by NMR and MS, and quantified by a validated UHPLC method. Their antiproliferative activity was studied in human prostate stromal cells (WPMY-1) induced by TGF-β. The synergistic effect of combining the two major isolated alkaloids was analyzed by the zero interaction potency (ZIP) model.

Results

Two alkaloids, lycorine (1) and 6α-hydroxybuphanidrine (2), were isolated from the ethanolic leaf extract of C. latifolium. A UHPLC method for the quantification of (1) and (2) was developed and validated in terms of linearity, precision, and accuracy. The C. latifolium leaf extract contained 0.279 ± 0.003% (1) and 0.232 ± 0.004% (2). The crude extract was more potent than either (1) and (2) alone against TGF-β-treated WPMY-1 cell proliferation. The drug combination study revealed that the greatest synergistic effect of (1) and (2) was achieved at a 1:1 ratio.

Conclusions

The results of this study support the anti-BPH activity of C. latifolium in traditional medicine and suggest that these the two isolated alkaloids may promote the efficacy of the C. latifolium extract. Additionally, major alkaloids (1) and (2) can be used as bioactive markers for the standardization of C. latifolium extracts.
Identification of LINE retrotransposons and long non-coding RNAs expressed in the octopus brain
Authors: Petrosino Giuseppe , Ponte Giovanna , Volpe Massimiliano , Zarrella Ilaria , Ansaloni Federico , Langella Concetta , Di Cristina Giulia , Finaurini Sara , Russo Monia T. , Basu Swaraj , Musacchia Francesco , Ristoratore Filomena , Pavlinic Dinko , Benes Vladimir , Ferrante Maria I. , Albertin Caroline , Simakov Oleg , Gustincich Stefano , Fiorito Graziano , Sanges Remo
Published: May 2022

Background

Transposable elements (TEs) widely contribute to the evolution of genomes allowing genomic innovations, generating germinal and somatic heterogeneity, and giving birth to long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). These features have been associated to the evolution, functioning, and complexity of the nervous system at such a level that somatic retrotransposition of long interspersed element (LINE) L1 has been proposed to be associated to human cognition. Among invertebrates, octopuses are fascinating animals whose nervous system reaches a high level of complexity achieving sophisticated cognitive abilities. The sequencing of the genome of the Octopus bimaculoides revealed a striking expansion of TEs which were proposed to have contributed to the evolution of its complex nervous system. We recently found a similar expansion also in the genome of Octopus vulgaris. However, a specific search for the existence and the transcription of full-length transpositionally competent TEs has not been performed in this genus.

Results

Here, we report the identification of LINE elements competent for retrotransposition in Octopus vulgaris and Octopus bimaculoides and show evidence suggesting that they might be transcribed and determine germline and somatic polymorphisms especially in the brain. Transcription and translation measured for one of these elements resulted in specific signals in neurons belonging to areas associated with behavioral plasticity. We also report the transcription of thousands of lncRNAs and the pervasive inclusion of TE fragments in the transcriptomes of both Octopus species, further testifying the crucial activity of TEs in the evolution of the octopus genomes.

Conclusions

The neural transcriptome of the octopus shows the transcription of thousands of putative lncRNAs and of a full-length LINE element belonging to the RTE class. We speculate that a convergent evolutionary process involving retrotransposons activity in the brain has been important for the evolution of sophisticated cognitive abilities in this genus.
Unplanned reoperation after resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma: experience based on a high-volume sarcoma center
Authors: Zhuang Aobo , Zhao Mingkun , Fang Yuan , Ma Lijie , Lu Weiqi , Zhou Yuhong , Zhang Yong , Tong Hanxing
Published: May 2022

Background

Most retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) operations require combined multi-organ resection, and the proportion of unplanned reoperation is high. However, there are no relevant studies on reoperation for RPS.

Methods

Patients who underwent at least once unplanned reoperation at Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, China, from August 2009 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The baseline characteristics, primary surgery, and reoperation information, postoperative complications, and survival were analyzed.

Results

A total of 51 patients were included. Among them, 21 (41.2%) were male and 30 (58.8%) were female. The median age was 51 (interquartile range [IQR], 49-63) years. Most (88.3%) had a history of abdominal surgery. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma, well-differentiated liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and others accounted for 50.9%, 21.6%, 15.7%, and 11.8%, respectively. The conditions of the primary operation were as follows: 35 (68.6%) patients achieved complete surgical resection, 48 patients had combined organ resection, and a median of 3 (IQR, 2–4) organs was removed, of which 5 (9.9%) were combined with pancreaticoduodenectomy. The median operative time was 330 (IQR, 245–440) min, and the median estimated blood loss was 1500 (IQR, 500–2600) ml. The median postoperative hospital stay was 42 (IQR, 23–82) days. For reoperation, the most common reasons were bleeding (31.3%), complications related to intestinal anastomosis (27.4%), and intestinal perforation (19.9%). The mortality rate after reoperation was 39.2% (20/51). Twelve (23.5%) patients underwent reoperation at least twice.

Conclusions

Unplanned reoperation among retroperitoneal sarcoma correlates with established measures of surgical quality.
Banana plant counting and morphological parameters measurement based on terrestrial laser scanning
Authors: Miao Yanlong , Wang Liuyang , Peng Cheng , Li Han , Li Xiuhua , Zhang Man
Published: May 2022

Background

The number of banana plants is closely related to banana yield. The diameter and height of the pseudo-stem are important morphological parameters of banana plants, which can reflect the growth status and vitality. To address the problems of high labor intensity and subjectivity in traditional measurement methods, a fast measurement method for banana plant count, pseudo-stem diameter, and height based on terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) was proposed.

Results

First, during the nutritional growth period of banana, three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data of two measured fields were obtained by TLS. Second, the point cloud data was preprocessed. And the single plant segmentation of the canopy closed banana plant point cloud was realized furtherly. Finally, the number of banana plants was obtained by counting the number of pseudo-stems, and the diameter of pseudo-stems was measured using a cylindrical segmentation algorithm. A sliding window recognition method was proposed to determine the junction position between leaves and pseudo-stems, and the height of the pseudo-stems was measured. Compared with the measured value of artificial point cloud, when counting the number of banana plants, the precision,recall and percentage error of field 1 were 93.51%, 94.02%, and 0.54% respectively; the precision,recall and percentage error of field 2 were 96.34%, 92.00%, and 4.5% respectively; In the measurement of pseudo-stem diameter and height of banana, the root mean square error (RMSE) of pseudo-stem diameter and height of banana plant in field 1 were 0.38 cm and 0.2014 m respectively, and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) were 1.30% and 5.11% respectively; the RMSE of pseudo-stem diameter and height of banana plant in field 2 were 0.39 cm and 0.2788 m respectively, and the MAPE were 1.04% and 9.40% respectively.

Conclusion

The results show that the method proposed in this paper is suitable for the field measurement of banana count, pseudo-stem diameter, and height and can provide a fast field measurement method for banana plantation management.