bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With Circadian Rhythm, Job Burnout, And Perceived Stress Among Nurses In Chinese Tertiary Hospitals: A cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xie Jianfei , Li Jie , Zhang Chun , Zhou Yi , Luo Xiaofei , Liu Min , Wang Sha , Ding Siqing , Li Lijun , Cheng Andy SK
Published: September 2021

Background: Shift work is a common work pattern for nurses worldwide. Circadian rhythm dysregulation affects the quality of nurses’ work and their physical and psychological health. Eveningness and occupational stress might be associated with burnout syndrome.Methods: A Cross-sectional study design. Between July and September 2020, 23 tertiary hospitals were randomly selected from among 113 tertiary hospitals in Hunan Province for participation in this study. At least 25% of the nurses working in each hospital were targeted. Nurses’ circadian rhythm, job burnout, and perceived stress were evaluated. This paper complies with the STROBE reporting guideline for cross-sectional studies.Results: A total of 28.1% and 17.6% of nurses reported eveningness type and morningness type, respectively. The scores for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and perceived stress of eveningness nurses were higher than those of their morningness counterparts. Eveningness nurses also reported a lower sense of personal accomplishment (P<.05). Predictors of MEQ score included age 36-40 years, widowed or divorced, BMI ≥25 kg/m2, history of chronic disease, working for 11-20 years or 21 years and above, emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, perceived stress.Conclusions: A large proportion of nurses experience circadian rhythm dysregulation. It is necessary to understand the predictors and influencing factors of circadian rhythm dysregulation in nurses to relieve their job burnout and reduce perceived stress.
Inventory of leaf and flower odorants in plants associated with the life cycle of Japanese Papilio butterflies
Authors: Inoue Takashi A. , Otani Hitomi , Niihara Kinuko , Fukuda Tatsuya
Published: September 2021

The odorants of eight Japanese mainland native species (Citrus x deliciosa, Zanthoxylum ailanthoides, Z. schinifolium, Z. piperitum, Phellodendron amurense, Orixa japonica, Skimmia japonica, and Boenninghausenia albiflora), one tropical species (Euodia meliifolia), and one invasive species (Ruta graveolens) of the Rutaceae family and three Japanese mainland native species (Angelica keiske, Heracleum lanatum, Anthriscus sylvestris, and one invasive species (Foeniculum vulgare) of the Apiaceae family were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with dynamic–headspace and thermal–desorption methods. These plants are hostplants to Japanese Papilio butterflies. Herein, these 14 plants were classified into six major groups based on the odorant volatiles, which did not correspond to the current phylogenetic classification. Similarly, floral odorant analysis of the six plant species (Clerodendrum trichotomum, Cayratia japonica, Robinia pseudoacacia, Lonicera japonica, C. deliciosa, Z. ailanthoides) visited by Papilio butterflies for nectaring, revealed the presence of linalool in all the flowers. Floral volatiles in C. deliciosa and Z. ailanthoides exhibited moderate resemblance to their respective leaf volatiles. Interestingly, our results in C. trichotomum was not in complete agreement with previous reports, emphasizing the need for newer methods of extraction and analysis.
Comprehensive analyses of transcriptomes induced by Lyme spirochete infection to CNS model system
Authors: Wen Shiyuan , Xu Xin , Kong Jing , Luo Lisha , Yue Peng , Cao Wenjing , Zhang Yu , Liu Meixiao , Fan Yuxin , Chen Jingjing , Ma Mingbiao , Tao Lvyan , Peng Yun , Dong Yan , Li Bingxue , Luo Suyi , Wang Feng , Zhou Guozhong , Chen Taigui , Li Lianbao , Liu Aihua , Bao Fukai
Published: September 2021

Background

Lyme disease is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), the involvement of the nervous system in Lyme disease is usually referred to as Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). LNB has diverse clinical manifestations, most commonly including meningitis, Bell’s palsy, and encephalitis. However, the molecular pathogenesis of neuroborreliosis is still poorly understood. Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis following Bb infection could provide new insights into the pathogenesis of LNB and may identify novel biomarkers or therapeutic targets for LNB diagnosis and treatment.
Methods

In the present study, we pooled transcriptomic datasets (transcriptomic rhesus data from our laboratory and the GSE85143 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database) to screen common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the Bb infection group and the control group. Functional and enrichment analyses were conducted using the Database of Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery database, Protein-Protein Interaction network, and hub genes were identified using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interaction Genes database and the CytoHubba plugin. In addition, in vitro and ex vivo assays were performed to verify the above findings. The mRNA expression levels of these genes were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR).
Results

A total of 80 upregulated DEGs and 32 downregulated DEGs were identified. Among them, 11 hub genes were selected. Upregulated genes in the Gene Ontology analysis were significantly enriched in cell adhesion processes. The pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was significantly enriched. The mRNA levels of ANGPT1, TLR6, SREBF1, LDLR, TNC, and ITGA2 in U251 cells and/or rhesus brain explants by exposure to Bb were validated by qPCR.
Conclusion

Our study suggested that TLR6, ANGPT1, LDLR, SREBF1, TNC, and ITGA were differentially highly expressed in Bb-infected astrocytes compared to normal controls, and overexpression of LDLR might be a favorable prognostic factor of LNB patients. Further study is needed to explore the value of TLR6, ANGPT1, LDLR, SREBF1, TNC, and ITGA in LNB pathogenesis.
Predicting Stone-Free Status of Percutaneous Nephrolithtomy With Machine Learning System: Comparative Analysis With Guy’s Stone Score and S.T.O.N.E Score System
Authors: Zhao Hong , li Wanling , Li Junsheng , Li Li , Wang Hang , Guo Jianming
Published: September 2021

Purpose
Using machine learning methods (MLMs) to predict stone-free status after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We compared the performance of this system with Guy’s stone score and S.T.O.N.E score system.
Materials and Methods
Data from 222 patients (90 females, 41%) who underwent PCNL at our center were used. Twenty-six parameters, including individual variables, renal and stone factors, surgical factors were used as input data for MLMS. We evaluate the efficacy of four different techniques: Lasso-logistic (LL), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM) and Naive Bayes. Model performance was evaluated using area under curve (AUC) and compared with Guy’s stone score and S.T.O.N.E score system.
Results
Overall stone free rate was 50% (111/222). To predict the stone-free status, all receiver operating characteristic curves of the four MLMs were above the curve for the Guy’s stone score. The AUCs of LL, RF, SVM and Naive Bayes were 0.879, 0.803, 0.818, 0.803 respectively. Those values were higher than the AUC of the Guy’s score system, 0.800. The accuracies of the MLMs (0.803–0.818%) were also superior to S.T.O.N.E score system (0.788%). Among the MLMs, Lasso-logistic showed the most favorable AUC.
Conclusion
Machine learning methods can predict stone-free rate with AUCs no inferior to those of Guy’s stone score and S.T.O.N.E score system.
Dysregulation of Alternative Splicing was Associated with the Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Li Daowei , Tan Yue
Published: September 2021

Background: Although numerous risk loci of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) in the human genome have been identified, the pathogenesis of UC remains not fully understood. Recently, multiple transcriptomic analyses have shown that aberrant gene expression in UC patients’ colon tissues were associated with the disease progressing. A pioneer study also demonstrated that altered post-transcriptional regulation may be involved in the progression of UC. Methods: Herein, we provided a comprehensive analysis of alternative splicing (AS) signature on UC patients. We analyzed three datasets, which include 74 tissue samples from UC patients in total, and identified over 2,000 significant AS events in these datasets. Results: Skipped Exon (SE) and Alternative first exon (AFE) were found to be the top two significantly altered AS events. Immune response related pathways were significantly enriched. Genes that showed significantly AS events were more likely to be dysregulated at the expression level.Conclusion: Overall, these results suggested that alteration of AS may play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of UC.
Forecast the Supply of General Practitioners in Shanghai: Using an Agent-based Model
Authors: Cheng Jiejie , Yang Yong , Zhang Qingyang , Zhang Guangpeng , Sun Mei
Published: September 2021

BackgroundGeneral practitioners (GPs), as one important human resource for health, is facing a supply shortage in China. The diversity of individual decision-making behaviors of GPs and medical students increases the difficulty of supply forecasting. Agent-based simulation, as a bottom-up approach, has the potential to address this challenge.MethodsAn agent-based model was developed to forecast the supply of GPs in Shanghai, China. Based on the theory of working life cycle, we analyzed the life cycle of GPs and developed the ﻿framework. Publicly available data were used to parameterize the model. Several scenarios were conducted to test hypotheses and examine intervention stratigies. NetLogo 6.1.0 was used for model implemtation. ResultsThe model was run over a nearly 20-year time span from 2016 to 2035 in Shanghai. Simulated results showed that GPs in Shanghai will rise from 8,000 to 15,375 during this period. Sensitivity analysis showed that parameters of the health system had a greater impact on the results than those of the education system. ConclusionsReliable forecasting of the supply and demand is a prerequisite for solving the shortage of GPs. Comprehensive intervention strategies are needed to address the supply shortage. For example, as indiciated by our study, regions should increase their attractiveness to GPs and retain them more effectively, instead of just increasing the number of medical students enrolled.
Metabolic Risk Factors in Patients with Kidney Stones with and without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Spivacow Francisco , Valle Elisa Del , Boailchuk Juan , Allo Pablo Martínez , Pailler Martin
Published: September 2021

Background: In the past few decades, the prevalence of kidney stones in Western countries has increased in parallel with the growing overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus rates. An increased insulin resistance in these patients explains, in part, the rising prevalence of uric acid stones. The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate the metabolic abnormalities in type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients with kidney stones. All patients were evaluated following an ambulatory protocol for kidney stones. Methods: A total of 104 diabetic patients (age: 57.8 ± 11 years) and 130 non-diabetic (age: 52.1 ± 6.7 years) patients with kidney stones were selected. Higher rates of body mass index, hypertension, urinary tract infection, gout and hyperuricemia were observed in diabetic patients as compared to the non-diabetics, while similar rates were found for their family history of kidney stones. Results: Urinary pH was lower in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients. Metabolic abnormalities were detected in 95.2% and 81.5% of diabetic and non-diabetic, respectively. Unduly acidic urine pH was the most frequent abnormality in diabetic patients while hyperuricosuria was the second more common abnormality. On the other hand, in non-diabetics patients idiopathic hypercalciuria was the most common metabolic abnormality followed by hyperuricosuria. Conclusions: The main risk factor for lithogenesis in type 2 diabetes is unduly acidic urine pH, followed by hyperuricosuria and idiopathic hypercalciuria.
Effects of Submerged Convective Cooling In The Turning of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy For Tool Temperature And Wear Improvement
Authors: Zakaria Muhammad Syamil , Mustapha Mazli , Azmi Azwan Iskandar , Ahmad Azlan , Ismail Sikiru Oluwarotimi , Shuaib Norshah Aizat
Published: September 2021

Low melting point and material adhesion attributed by the magnesium alloy led to extreme built-up edge (BUE) and built-up layer (BUL) formations. Dry machining is favourable for machining magnesium alloy; however, this strategy inflicts excessive adhesive wear on the cutting tool. Therefore, this current work focuses on innovative cooling technique known as submerged convective cooling (SCC) for the turning of the AZ31 magnesium alloy. Prior to cutting experiment, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was conducted to evaluate internal structure of cooling module. Based on the CFD simulation, small inlet/outlet diameter significantly contribute to reduction of tool temperature because of effective heat transfer coefficient of cooling fluid in the SCC. Experimental results revealed that SCC has effectively reduced the tool temperature by 50% and contributed to 37% improvement in surface roughness when compared to dry cutting. Finally, both BUE and BUL were observed in dry and SCC conditions, but the severity of these wear mechanisms improved or decreased remarkably under SCC conditions.
Designing Chickpea For a Hotter Drier World
Authors: Akinlade Oluwaseun Johnson , Voss-Fels Kai , Costilla Roy , Kholova Jana , Choudhary Sunita , Varshney Rajeev K , Hickey Lee , Smith Millicent R
Published: September 2021

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important grain legumes in the world, but its current and future production is threatened due to the increased incidence of drought and heat stress. To address this challenge, an integrated crop improvement strategy encompassing breeding, genomics, physiology and agronomy is required. Here, we review the physiological traits known to confer drought and heat adaptation in chickpea and identify areas of drought and heat adaptation research that should be prioritised in the future. Furthermore, we underscore approaches to efficiently phenotype chickpea adaptation traits and highlight the significant challenges and importance of understanding the nexus between canopy and root development. Finally, we present the opportunity to adopt multi-trait genomic prediction approaches to efficiently utilise key physiological traits, that can be assayed using high-throughput phenotyping platforms, to accelerate genetic gain in drought and heat prone environments.
miR-208a-3p promotes NSCLC proliferation and migration by suppressing lncRNA-MEG3 expression
Authors: Yang Linfei , Li Qian , Zhong Hai , Ye Liang , Fang Surong , Gu Wei , Qian Yingying
Published: September 2021

Background The disordered expression of maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) has been observed in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the molecular mechanism accounting for this abnormal expression is not fully understood. Methods MEG3 expression was detected by qRT-PCR in 51 cases of NSCLC and adjacent normal tissues. Then, the relationship between MEG3 and miR-208a-3p was assessed in vitro by cell viability assay, cell migration assay, protein extraction and western blot analysis. Resoults We observed that MEG3 expression was decreased in NSCLC tissues. And MEG3 expression was negatively related to lymph node metastasis and differentiation. Moreover, MEG3 expression is regulated by miR-208a-3p expression by overexpression and knockout experiments. Furthermore, we focused on the underlying mechanism of MEG3 downregulation. We found that the overexpression of miR-208a-3p reduced the level of MEG3 expression based on computational predictions and in vitro assays. Using CCK-8 and transwell migration assays, we found that the overexpression of miR-208a-3p can increased proliferation and apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Moreover, the depletion of MEG3 rescued the proliferation and migration induced by miR-208a-3p knockdown. Conclusion Taken together, the results of this study reveal that miR-208a-3p promotes NSCLC tumorigenesis by negatively regulating MEG3 expression and functions as an oncogenic miRNA in NSCLC.
A Chelation-Enhanced Fluorescence Assay Using Thiourea Capped Carbonaceous Fluorescent Nanoparticles For As (III) Detection In Water Samples
Authors: Mohammadi Susan , Mohammadi Somayeh , Salimi Abdollah , Ahmadi Rezgar
Published: September 2021

Herein, we designed a sensitive and selective “Turn-On” fluorescence nanosensor using water-soluble carbonaceous fluorescent nanomaterials (CFNs) functionalized with thiourea (CFNs-thiourea) for efficient detection of trace amounts of arsenic (III) in aqueous samples. The CFNs and CFNs-Thiourea were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The emission peak intensity of proposed nanosensor at 425 nm was gradually enhanced on arsenite addition in wide detection range (3.3–828.5 µg L-1) attributed to the binding of arsenite species with sulfur groups of CFNs-thiourea. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.48 µg L-1 being much lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended threshold value of 10 µg L-1. Furthermore, the as prepared thiourea -CFNs exhibited an superb selectivity for As (III) compared various cations and anions such as; NO3−, NO2−, F−, Ni2+, Fe3+, Cu2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, F-, Cl-, Mn2+, Cr3+, Co2+, Cd2+, Bi3+, Al3+ and As (V) at 100 folds concentration of As (III). The turn on fluorescence nanosensor was successfully exploited for quantification of arsenic in spiked water samples with acceptable efficiencies.
Thermal-Induced Dielectric Response In Mechanically Durable Polyvinylidene Fluoride/Tubular Kapok Fiber Encapsulated Polyethylene Glycol Composite Films
Authors: Wu Wenqi , Pei Xianglin , Li Hairong , Tu Junyang , Li Qiong , Zhou Weijie , Gong Yutie , Jiang Ming , Gong Wei
Published: September 2021

Dielectric materials with thermally responsive property are being pursued in fields such as next-generation sensors, smart switches, and novel actuators. These applications require that the dielectric materials have mechanical durability and stable serviceability besides thermally responsive dielectric behavior. Herein, we report a novel thermally responsive, mechanically durable, and low-cost dielectric composite simply fabricated by vacuum impregnating polyethylene glycol (PEG) into Kapok fiber (KF) and compounding them with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). A remarkable dielectric susceptibility, controlled dielectric transition temperature and obvious thermal hysteresis of the composite films induced by the solid-liquid phase transition of PEG are demonstrated. The effect of molecular weights of PEG on the dielectric response behaviors is evaluated. Such thermally responsive dielectric materials with satisfactory mechanical durability will offer a chance toward constructing thermally responsive systems for safe and stable operation.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Antimicrobial Evaluation of New Metal Complexes of Novel Schiff Base Derived from 4,6-dihydroxy-1,3-phenylenediethanone
Authors: Ahmed Yasmin mamdoh hussien , Mohamed Gehad G.
Published: September 2021

A new tetradentate Schiff base ligand was prepared from condensation of 4,6-dihydroxy-1,3-phenylenediethanone with ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy)diethanamine. The ligand forms complexes in good yield. The Schiff base and its complexes were characterized by analytical (CHN elemental analyses, solubility, melting point, conductivity) measurements, spectral (IR, UV-vis, 1H NMR and MS) and magnetic measurements. The elemental analyses, Uv-vis spectra, and room temperature magnetic moment data and theoretically through density function theory were used as characterizing techniques in supporting of further interpretation of the complexes structures. The results of elemental analyses, EI-mass and conductivity measurements confirmed the stoichiometry of the ligand and its complexes while the characteristic absorption bands and resonance peaks in IR and NMR spectra confirmed the formation of the ligand frameworks around the metal ions. The octahedral environment for complexes derived from Schiff base ligand have been confirmed on the basis of results of electronic and diffused reflectance spectral studies and magnetic moment measurements. Detailed studies of the thermal properties of the Schiff base ligand and complexes were investigated by thermogravimetric technique. Moreover, the molecular docking into (PDB: 6NE0) was the DNA binding and supports the experimental finding and 6IY0 Crystal structure of conserved hypothetical protein SAV0927 from Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus Mu50. The synthesized ligand and its complexes were tested for in vitro antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus flavus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus by using agar-well diffusion method.
Non-Obligate Pairwise Metabolite Cross-Feeding Suggests Ammensalic Interactions Between Bacillus and Aspergillus Species
Authors: Singh Digar , Lee Sang Hee , Lee Choong
Published: September 2021

Metabolite trade-offs at bacterial-fungal interfaces determine their ecological interactions. We designed a non-obligate pairwise metabolite cross-feeding (MCF) between Bacillus and Aspergillus. Cross-feeding Aspergillus metabolites (MCF-1) affected higher growth and biofilm formation in Bacillus. LC-MS-based multivariate analyses (MVA) showed marked variations in the endogenous metabolite profiles between the cross-fed and control Bacillus. We observed and validated that Aspergillus-derived oxylipins were rapidly depleted in Bacillus cultures concomitant with lowered secretion of cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs). Conversely, Bacillus extracts cross-fed to Aspergillus (MCF-2) diminished its mycelial growth and conidiation. Fungistatic effects of Bacillus-derived cyclic surfactins were temporally reduced following their hydrolytic linearization. MVA highlighted disparity between the cross-fed (MCF-2) and control Aspergillus cultures with marked variations in the oxylipin levels. We conclude that the pairwise MCF selectively benefitted Bacillus while suppressing Aspergillus, which suggests their ammensalic interaction. Widening this experimental pipeline across tailored communities may help model and simulate BFIs in more complex microbiomes.
Evaluation of Four Methods to Identify the Homozygotic Sex Chromosome in Small Populations
Authors: Hansen Charles Christian Riis , Westfall Kristen M. , Pálsson Snaebjörn
Published: September 2021

BackgroundWhole genomes are commonly assembled into a collection of scaffolds and often lack annotations of autosomes, sex chromosomes, and organelle genomes (i.e., mitochondrial and chloroplast). As these chromosome types differ in effective population size and can have highly disparate evolutionary histories, it is imperative to take this information into account when analysing genomic variation. Here we assessed the accuracy of four methods for identifying the homogametic sex chromosome in a small population using two whole genome sequences (WGS) and 133 RAD sequences of white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla): i) difference in read depth per scaffold in a male and a female, ii) heterozygosity per scaffold in a male and a female, iii) mapping to a reference genome of a related species (chicken) with identified sex chromosomes, and iv) analysis of SNP-loadings from a principal components analysis (PCA), based on the low-depth RADseq data. ResultsThe best performing approach was the reference mapping (method iii), which identified 98.12% of the expected homogametic sex chromosome (Z). The read depth per scaffold (method i) identified 86.41% of the homogametic sex chromosome with few false positives. The SNP-loading scores (method iv) found 78.6% of the Z-chromosome and had a false positive discovery rate of more than 10%. The heterozygosity per scaffold (method ii) did not provide clear results due to a lack of diversity in both the Z and autosomal chromosomes, and potential interference from the heterogametic sex chromosome (W). The evaluation of these methods also revealed 10 Mb of likely PAR and gametologous regions.ConclusionIdentification of the homogametic sex chromosome in a small population is best accomplished by reference mapping or examining read depth differences between sexes.
Fear of COVID-19 Among Elderly Patients with a Chronic Physical or Mental Disease
Authors: Holeva Vasiliki , Nikopoulou Vasiliki Aliki , Parlapani Eleni , Karkaletsis Konstantinos , Kokkoni Styliani , Nouvakis Dimitrios , Theocharis Patroklos , Diakogiannis Ioannis
Published: September 2021

Older age renders individuals vulnerable during public emergency crises. Considering that older adults are a highly heterogeneous and continuously growing demographic subgroup, this study aimed to assess the mental health impact of COVID-19 on two groups of older patients: a group of chronic physical disease and a group of chronic mental disease. A total of 102 patients completed the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, the Brief Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and several questions regarding demographic characteristics. Suicidality was assessed by the 9th item of the PHQ-9.According to the results, older chronic disease patients showed higher levels of fear, whereas anxiety and depressive symptoms were present mainly in the group of older psychiatric patients. Suicidality was reported from a subtotal of 25.4% that was composed of 7.8% chronic disease patients and 17.6% psychiatric patients. Chronic physical disease and higher anxiety predicted more severe COVID-19-related fear.
Mapping of the CaPP2C35 Gene Involved in the Formation of Light-Green Immature Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.) Fruits via GWAS and BSA
Authors: Wu Lang , Wang Haoran , Liu Sujun , Liu Mengmeng , Liu Jinkui , Wang Yihao , Sun Liang , Yang Wencai , Shen Huolin
Published: September 2021

In pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), the common colors of immature fruits are yellowish white, milky yellow, green, purple, and purplish black. Some genes related to these colors have been cloned, but only those related to dark green, white, and purple immature fruits; few studies have investigated light-green immature fruits. Here, we performed a genetic study using light-green (17C827) and green (17C658) immature fruits. We found that the light-green color of immature fruits were controlled by a single locus-dominant genetic trait compared with the green color of immature fruits. We also performed a genome-wide association study and bulked segregant analysis of immature-fruit color and mapped the LG locus to a 35.07 kbp region on chromosome 10. Only one gene, Capana10g001710, was found in this region. A G-A substitution occurred at the 313th base of the Capana10g001710 coding sequence in 17C827, resulting in the α-helix of its encoded PP2C35 protein to turn into a β-fold. The expression of Capana10g001710 (termed CaPP2C35) in 17C827 was significantly higher than in 17C658. Silencing of CaPP2C35 in 17C827 resulted in an increase in chlorophyll content in the exocarp and the appearance of green stripes on the surface of the fruit. These results indicate that CaPP2C35 may be involved in the formation of light-green immature fruits by regulating the accumulation of chlorophyll content in the exocarp. Thus, this research lays the foundation for further studies and genetic improvement of immature-fruit color in pepper.
Ultraintense Laser-Driven Nonthermal Acceleration of Charged Particles in the Near-QED Regime
Authors: Hu Yulong , Shen Baifei , Xu Jiancai , Kuramitsu Yasuhiro , Takabe Hideaki , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: September 2021

Here, we have studied the nonthermal acceleration of energetic electrons/protons under the near-QED regime by extending the laser intensity beyond 1023 W/cm2 based on a two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation. The radiation-reaction (RR) effect plays a critical role and brings a quantum stochastic effect to the charged-particle acceleration process. Background electrons in plasma are accelerated in an intense laser field to several GeVs with strong oscillations and thus radiate γ-ray photons. The emitting γ-photons have a broad energy spectrum with maximal energy up to 3 GeV and result in radiation-reaction trapping of the electrons, forming a relativistic plasma bunch in the plasma channel. The accumulation of electrons and protons produces a charge-separation field for the acceleration/deceleration of charged particles. The accelerated electrons have a nonthermal spectrum with a power-law index of 1.5 with a laser intensity 1023 W/cm2 lower than that in the non-QED regime. As the laser intensity further increases over 1024 W/cm2, the power-law index further drops to 1.2. Moreover, the energy spectrum of accelerated protons has a nonthermal distribution with a power-law index of 0.7, which is much lower than that of electrons in the near-QED regime.
Heteroleptic C, N- Donor Pd(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, DNA/BSA Binding Interactions And Biological Studies
Authors: Patel Nikita J. , Dhaduk Milan P. , Dabhi Ravi A. , Bhatt Bhupesh S. , Bhatt Vaibhav D. , Patel Mohan N.
Published: September 2021

A series of trisubstituted pyrazole-based ligands (L1-L6) and corresponding palladium(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by conductivity measurement, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Synthesized compounds were screened for various biological activities. UV-Vis spectroscopy, viscosity measurement, fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking studies were used to determine the binding mode between HS-DNA and complexes, which suggest intercalation mode of binding. The protein binding study of complexes was evaluated by UV-visible spectroscopy. Antibacterial study of the complexes was screened against two Gram (+ve) and three Gram (-ve) bacteria and results show that all complexes are more effective against microorganisms than their respective ligands. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds was tested against brine shrimp and MCF-7 Cells. The LC50 values of the ligand and complexes were found in the range of 9.24-4.12 µg/mL and 5.68-7.94 µg/mL, respectively.
A Novel Ferroptosis-Related lncRNA Signature and an Immune Perspective of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Li Pengxiang , Qin Dongchun , Lv Xuefeng , Liu Lu , Peng Mengle
Published: September 2021

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common reproductive neoplasm in women, especially in developing countries. Ferroptosis, a novel type of cell death, and lncRNAs play critical roles in the prognosis of CC patients and antitumor immunity. Methods: A ferroptosis-related lncRNA signature (FRLS) was constructed by LASSO Cox regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, multivariate analysis, and nomogram were used to evaluate and predict the FRLS. Based on the FRLS, immune-related genes, the tumor microenvironment (TME), immune checkpoints, and immunotherapy were investigated. Results: The FRLS was composed of ten lncRNAs and was markedly associated with the overall survival (OS) of CC patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that the FRLS was largely associated with immune-related pathways. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to analyze immune-related genes and to identify the optimal modules and genes. TLR4 was eventually identified, and its expression was verified in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the results in CC and paracancerous tissues. Besides, our results showed that CD8+ T cells were significantly correlated between the low- and high-risk groups, and it could modulate ferroptosis during tumor immunotherapy. The expression of immune checkpoints was substantially different between the two groups. Additionally, tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) was applied to predict the sensitivity of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. Conclusion: The FRLS established was significantly associated with prognosis; moreover, the FRLS is a prospective therapeutic target, and combined with immunotherapy, can be used in the treatment of CC patients.
Modeling of Interstitial Microwave Hyperthermia for Hepatic Tumors Using Floating Sleeve Antenna
Authors: Eltigani Faihaa , Ahmed Sulafa , Yahya Maged , Ahmed Mawahib
Published: September 2021

Background: Liver tumor, also known as hepatic tumor is one of the most common cancers with 80% of cases occurs in developing countries. Microwave hyperthermia is one of the promising treatment modalities that use microwaves to destroy the cancer cells by rising their temperature to 41- 45°C. This temperature elevation is achieved by using an applicator such as antennas. This study aims to design a microwave sleeve antenna capable of heating hepatic tumors (with different sizes and locations) to the therapeutic range of temperature for hyperthermia. Method: The sleeve antenna was designed to be resonate at 2.45 GHz and tested in a free space. Then; the antenna was tested in 6 different 3D liver models: Model A: without a tumor or blood vessels, Model B: with a tumor (2B3cm) and without blood vessels, Model C: created by adding blood vessels to model B, then a small tumor (1.5a1.5cm) was created and its location (Model D) and size (Model E) were changed. Finally, a model with a spherical tumor of 1.5 cm diameter (Model F) was tested. Results: The return loss (S-parameters) of the antenna was varied from -45 dB to -25 dB in the different liver models. The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) reached 30W/kg in the tumor and less than 24 W/kg in the surrounding tissues, while the tumor temperature elevated to the therapeutic ranges of hyperthermia in the all models and the surrounding tissues remain at a safe temperature range. Conclusions: The obtained results showed the capability of the designed antenna to raise the temperature of hepatic tumors to the therapeutic ranges of hyperthermia.
Monitoring Land Subsidence With The Combination of Persistent Scatterer Interferometry Techniques And Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing Techniques: A Case Study In Suzhou, China
Authors: Sang Hongwei , Shi Bin , Zhang Dan , Liu Suping , Lu Yi
Published: September 2021

Land subsidence is a global geo-hazard caused by various natural and human factors, and it directly threatens the safety of the environment and infrastructures. Investigating the mechanism of land subsidence is becoming more and more important. In this paper, we use the Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) technique combining the Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) technique to detect the spatial-temporal distributions of land subsidence and investigate the stratum deformation characteristics in Shengze, Suzhou. By analyzing Sentinel-1A date between 2017 and 2019 with the PSI technique and the deformation date derived by the DFOS technique, we conclude that the land surface deformations are mostly affected by the transitional exploitation of groundwater. The average Line-Of-Sight (LOS) deformation rate is mostly concentrated in -3 to 2.2 mm/yr, and a maximum subsidence rate of up to -16.9 mm/yr is observed in four industrial areas. Meanwhile, the DFOS-derived results reveal that the compression strata are mostly concentrated in 41.2-137.9 m depth, which is closely associated with the pore water pressure in the second confined aquifer. And it also reveals that the groundwater over-exploitation may be the significant triggering factor of the subsidence in the study area. The InSAR-derived results are also evaluated by the deformation time series obtained by the DFOS technique. The combination of those two new sensing and monitoring technologies enables us to highlight the large deformation area and reveal the mechanism of its subsidence, which is conducive to urban development, disaster risk management, and rational exploitation and management of groundwater in Suzhou.
HIV Testing Preferences Among Trans Men and Trans Women: A Retrospective Study of Client Records from 2017 to 2019 in a Community-Based Transgender Health Center in Metro Manila, Philippines
Authors: Regencia Zypher Jude , Castelo Aisia , Eustaquio Patrick , Araña Yanyan , Corciega John Oliver , Rosadiño John Danvic , Pagtakhan Ronivin , Baja Emmanuel
Published: September 2021

Background: Transgender individuals are considered as high-risk for contracting HIV infection. Integrating HIV testing and counseling (HTC) services into current transgender health programs is necessary to increase its uptake. Our study aimed to describe the characteristics of trans men (TM) and trans women (TW) who accessed HTC services in a community-based transgender health center in Metro Manila, Philippines, and to examine the relationship between gender identity and their HIV testing preferences. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of TM and TW seeking care from 2017 to 2019. Medical records of clients were reviewed to ascertain their age, gender identity, year and frequency of clinic visits, lifestyle factors, and HIV testing preferences. The effect of gender identity on HIV testing preferences was estimated using a generalized linear model with Poisson distribution, log link function, and a robust variance, adjusted for confounding variables. Results: Five hundred twenty-five clients were included in the study, of which about four out of five clients declined the HTC services being offered. In addition, the prevalence of non-uptake of HTC services was 48% higher [adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR): 1.48; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.31–1.67] among TM compared to TW. Clients who initially consulted in 2017 had a 25% higher prevalence of refusal for HTC services (aPR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.08–1.43) than clients who initially consulted in 2019. Approximately 4% and 11% of the TM and TW, respectively, who accessed the HTC services were reactive and linked to antiretroviral therapy treatment. Conclusion: HTC service uptake of TM and TW is low. HIV program implementers should strategize solutions to reach this vulnerable population for increased and better HTC service uptake and linkage to care.
Investigation of The Impacts of Urban Morphology On Summer-Time Urban Heat Island Using GIS And Field Measurement
Authors: Lin Pingying , Song Dexuan , LAU Stephen Siu Yu , QIN Hao
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the relationships between urban morphology and summertime urban heat island in Hong Kong. A total of 33 urban design parameters describing complex high-rise high-density urban morphology are proposed and categorized into three groups, i.e., land-use intensity, built form, and space enclosure. A process combining the python script and the geoprocessing function is proposed to quickly calculate the morphological parameters for 10 sites and 160 points. Microclimate data were collected using onsite measurement equipment. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis are conducted to quantify the impact of each parameter on urban heat island (UHI) intensities at 3 pm (UHI_3pm) and 9 pm (UHI_9pm). 16 parameters are found to be statistically correlated with UHI_3pm and 9 parameters with UHI_9pm. Results show land-use intensity parameters have the highest correlation with UHI, followed by built form parameters and then space enclosure parameters. Furthermore, it is found that site-level parameters can better explain UHI variation compared to point-level parameters. This research paves the path for quickly extracting urban morphological parameters and enhances the understanding of the impact of complex high-rise high-density urban environment on summertime UHI. The results can inform policy makers with the guidelines to create more comfortable urban environment.
Integrated Endotoxin-Adsorption and Antibacterial Properties of Platelet-Membrane-Coated Copper Silicate Hollow Microspheres for Wound Healing
Authors: Peng Zaihui , Zhang Xiaochun , Yuan Long , Chen Yajie , Li Ting , Tian Hao , Ma Dandan , Deng Jun , Qi Xiaowei , Yin Xuntao
Published: September 2021

Serious infection caused by drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria and their secreted toxins (e.g., lipopolysaccharide) is a serious threat to human health. Thus, treatment strategies that efficiently kill bacteria and reducing the impact of their toxins simultaneously are urgently required. Herein, a novel antibacterial platform composed of a mesoporous copper silicate microsphere (CSO) core and a platelet membrane (PM) shell was prepared (CSO@PM). CSO@PM specifically targets bacteria owing to formyl peptide receptors on the PM and, combined with photothermal therapy (PTT), exhibits highly effective bactericidal activity. Importantly, CSO@PM can adsorb lipopolysaccharide secreted by gram-negative bacteria, resulting in inflammation reduction. Thus, CSO@PM stimulates re-epithelialization and granulation-tissue formation, promoting wound healing. Moreover, this antibacterial platform exhibits no obvious toxicity at all the test concentrations in vitro and in vivo. Thus, CSO@PM exhibits a robust antibacterial effect and a strong toxin-adsorption capacity, facilitating the clinical treatment of many bacterial infections and the development of next-generation antibacterial nanoagents.
Severe Hypoglycemia Contributing to Cognitive Dysfunction in Diabetic Mice is Associated with Pericyte and Blood–Brain Barrier Dysfunction
Authors: Lin Lu , Huang Lishan , Wang Lijing , Wu Yubin , Chen Zhou , Liu Libin
Published: September 2021

Background: Severe hypoglycemia can cause cognitive impairment in diabetic patients, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear.Objective: To assess the effect of severe hypoglycemia on cognitive function in diabetic mice to clarify the relationship between the mechanism and dysfunction of pericytes and the blood–brain barrier (BBB).Method: We established type 1 diabetes mellitus in 80 male C57BL/6J mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (180 mg/kg). Further abdominal injection of short-acting insulin induced severe hypoglycemia. The mice were divided into normal, diabetes, and diabetic + severe hypoglycemia groups, and their blood glucose and general weight index were examined. Pericyte and BBB morphology and function were detected by histological and western blot analyses, BBB permeability was detected by Evans blue staining, and cognitive function was detected with the Morris water maze.Results: Severe hypoglycemia aggravated the histological damage, BBB damage, brain edema, and pericyte loss in the diabetic mice. It also reduced the expression of the BBB tight junction proteins occludin and claudin-5, the expression of the pericyte-specific markers PDGFR-β (platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β) and α-SMA, and increased the expression of the inflammatory factor MMP9. At the same time, diabetic mice with severe hypoglycemia had significantly reduced cognitive function.Conclusion: Severe hypoglycemia leads to cognitive dysfunction in diabetic mice, and its possible mechanism is related to pericyte dysfunction and BBB destruction.
G-CSF: A Vehicle for Communication Between Trophoblasts and Macrophages, Which May Cause Problems in Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Gao Peng , Liu Haiyi , Zha Ying , Wei Lijie , Zhou Xuan , Zhu Shenglan , Zhang Huiting , Gao Xuan , Jiang Yi , Chen Yuting , Li Jiaqi , Zhang Jingyi , Yu Jun , Wang Shaoshuai , Feng Ling
Published: September 2021

Background: The etiology of about half of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) remains unclear. Imbalance of the immune inflammatory response at the mother-foetal interface may be one of the keys to the onset of RSA. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is thought to have a protective effect on pregnancy and its absence may lead to pregnancy failure. However, the evidence of the described effects of G-CSF is scant. This study aimed at investigating whether the loss of G-CSF induced RSA by affecting cell communication at the maternal-foetal interface.Results: It was found that G-CSF was mainly expressed in villus rather than decidua and expression in RSA tissues was lower than that in normal tissues. Further, the down-regulation of G-CSF in trophoblasts resulted to a decrease in cell activity. Trophoblast-derived exosomes inhibited macrophage activation, while G-CSF free exosomes did not. Intraperitoneal injection of G-CSF improved the pregnancy outcome in RSA mice and the expression of G-CSF as well as its receptor at the mother-foetal interface were also changed.Conclusion: The expression of G-CSF was found to be decreased in villi of patients with RSA. It was evident that the absence of G-CSF weakens the immune suppression of trophoblasts against macrophages and the function of trophoblasts is also impaired. Therefore, this may be a key factor in the occurrence of RSA. Further, G-CSF decreases the rate of abortion in RSA mice and may provide some assistance in the treatment of patients with RSA.
Evaluation of the anti-atherosclerosis effect of Shanhuaxiaozhi Formulation by combination of GC–MS-based metabolomics and TMT-based proteomics technology
Authors: Ren Xing , Yang Jing , Zhu Baochen , Ren Jianxun , Shi Shuai , Yang Qiaoning , Zhang Wantong , Gao Rui
Published: September 2021

Objective

Shanhuaxiaozhi formulation (SHXZF) is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation composed of Saffron, Crataegi Fructus, Chrysanthemi Flos, Tangerine Peel and Fructus Lycii. It is used in clinics for treating atherosclerosis with promising evidence of efficacy. Although some of the drugs in SHXZF have been reported to have significant therapeutic effects on atherosclerosis, the metabolic regulation and underlying mechanism of SHXZF during the remission of atherosclerosis are still unclear. This study aimed to integrate proteome and metabolome data sets for a holistic view of the molecular mechanisms of SHXZF in treating atherosclerosis.
Methods

Serum samples and aortic arch tissue from male ApoE−/− mice and C57BL/6L mice were analyzed respectively using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) based metabolomics technology and Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) based quantitative proteomics technology. Metabonomics and proteomics data were integrated to analyze the mechanism of SHXZF in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Results

A total of 24 potential biomarkers and 70 differential proteins were identified. These substances were mainly involved in three biological pathways: the cAMP signaling pathway, the lipid metabolism pathway, and the myocardial contraction pathway.
Conclusions

The results suggested that SHXZF could effectively treat atherosclerosis, partially by regulating the above three metabolic pathways. The combination of proteomics and metabolomics provided a feasible method to uncover the underlying interventional effect and therapeutic mechanism of SHXZF on atherosclerosis.