bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aging-dependent downregulation of SUV39H1 histone methyltransferase increases susceptibility to stress-induced depressive behavior
Authors: Lee Jung-Eun , Park So-Young , Han Pyung-Lim
Published: May 2021

Aging induces cellular and molecular changes including gene expression alteration in the brain, which might be associated with aging-dependent increase in vulnerability to stress-induced depression. However, the underlying mechanism is not clearly understood. In the present study, we investigate how aging changes the ability to cope with stress and increases sensitivity to stress. Aged mice have decreased expression of SUV39H1 histone methyltransferase and increased expression of Mkp-1 in the hippocampus. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of SUV39H1 increases Mkp-1 expression and suppresses p-CREB and Bdnf expression in HT22 cells and in the hippocampus of mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicate that the levels of SUV39H1 and methylated histone-H3 bound to the promoter of the Mkp-1 in the hippocampus are reduced in aged mice. Aged mice exhibit depression-like behavior following weak stress that does not induce depressive behavior in young mice. Rosmarinic acid, a phenolic compound that increases SUV39H1 expression, reverses stress-induced changes of SUV39H1, Mkp-1, and Bdnf expression in the hippocampus via an overlapping but distinct mechanism from those of fluoxetine and imipramine and produces anti-depressive effects. These results suggest that aging increases susceptibility to stress via downregulation of SUV39H1 and changes in SUV39H1-regulated signaling pathways in the hippocampus.
Probabilistic Seismic Loss Assessment of RC High-Rise Buildings in Southern Euro-Mediterranean Zone
Authors: Pejovic Jelena Radenko , Serdar Nina Nikola
Published: May 2021

In this paper probabilistic seismic loss assessment of RC high rise-buildings for seismic excitation typical for Southern Euro-Mediterranean zone is presented. The loss assessment methodology developed in paper is based on a comprehensive simulation approach which takes into account ground motion (GM) uncertainty, the random effects in seismic demand as well as in predicting the damage states (DSs). The methodology is implemented on three RC high-rise buildings of 20-story, 30-story and 40-story with core wall structural system designed according to Eurocode 8. The loss functions described by a cumulative lognormal probability distribution are obtained for two intensity level for a large set of simulations (non-linear time-history analyses) based on 60 GM records with wide range of magnitudes, distance to source and different site soil conditions. The losses expressed in percent of building replacement cost for RC high-rise buildings are obtained. In the estimation of losses, both structural (S) and non-structural (NS) damage for four DSs are considered. The effect of different GM characteristics (magnitude, distance to source and site soil condition) on the obtained losses are investigated. It is checked if the estimated performance of the RC high-rise buildings fulfill limit state requirements according to Eurocode 8.
Characterization of the R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor CsMYB113 Regulates Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Tea Plants (Camellia Sinensis)
Authors: Shui Liuyuan , Yan Meilin , Li Hui , Wang Pu , Zhao Hua , Wang Mingle , Wang Yu , Ni Dejiang , Guo Fei
Published: May 2021

Tea plant(Camellia sinensis) has very long history of cultivation and abundant germplasm resources in China. Purple bud is a characteristic variety, which has attracted the attention of breeding researchers because it accumulated a large number of anthocyanins naturally. In many species, R2R3-MYBtranscription factors (TFs)wereprovedto be involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis.Research on anthocyanin metabolism has been relatively clear in some species, but that needs to be further elucidated in tea plants. In this research, anR2R3-MYB transcriptionfactor CsMYB113 relate to the anthocyanin accumulation regulation was identified from tea plants. Spatial and temporal expressionanalysis revealed differential expression of CsMYB113among different tissues and organs, with highest expression occurringin the roots.Subcellular localization assays showed that CsMYB113 localizedin the nucleus.Ectopic expression of CsMYB113increased pigmentation and anthocyanin contentsby the up-regulationof theexpression levelsof genes in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathwayamongdifferent tissues of Arabidopsis.Moreover, transient overexpressionof 35S::CsMYB113in tea plant increased the anthocyanin contents in the leaves.Our results indicated that CsMYB113 play important role in the anthocyaninbiosynthesis regulation in tea plants. It will also provide useful candidate gene for the modification of anthocyanin metabolism by genetic engineeringin plants.
Weekly Chemotherapy as First Line Treatment in Frail Head and Neck Cancer Patients in the Immunotherapy Era
Authors: Botticelli Andrea , Pomati Giulia , Cirillo Alessio , Mammone Giulia , Ciurluini Fabio , Cerbelli Bruna , Sciattella Paolo , Ralli Massimo , Romeo Umberto , De Felice Francesca , Catalano Carlo , Vullo Francesco , Monaca Marco Della , Tomao Silverio , Valentini Valentino , De Vincentiis Marco , Tombolini Vincenzo , Rocca Carlo Della , Polimeni Antonella , Gioia Cira di , Corsi Alessandro , D’Amati Giulia , Mezi Silvia , Marchetti Paolo
Published: May 2021

Objective: First-line therapy for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M HNSCC) has been revolutionized by the introduction of anti-checkpoint monoclonal antibodies, that have shown a significant improvement in overall survival (OS) gaining the approval in first line setting. Efficacy and safety of first-line weekly chemotherapy, compared to three-weeks treatment, was retrospectively evaluated in frail patients’ population with R/M HNSCC with the aim to evaluate its role as part of a personalized first-line approach.Methods: A total of 124 patients with locally incurable R/M HNSCC receiving weekly (21) or three-weekly (103) chemotherapy plus cetuximab in first line setting from December 2010 to September 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment outcomes in terms of objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), OS and toxicities were analyzed.Results: Patients in the three-week subgroup were ECOG PS 0 (39) and 1 (64) while patients (21) in weekly group were all PS 2. No significant differences were reported in terms of age, sex, smoking and previous alcohol abuse considering the two distinct subgroups. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was found in PFS and OS between the two treatment subgroups. The response rate was 35 % (36 patients) and 34 % (7 patients) in three-week and weekly treatment group, respectively. Seventy patients (68%) in the three-week group experienced chemotherapy-related toxicities, predominantly G3. In the weekly group a predominantly low-grade toxicity was found in a lower number of patients (52%).Conclusion: The weekly schedule appears an active and safe strategy in frail patients with R/M HNSCC. Based on our data, the weekly schedule could currently be considered in all frail patients and study of combination of weekly chemotherapy and immunotherapy should be performed.
Lipid Bilayer Degradation Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein as Revealed by Neutron Reflectometry
Authors: Luchini Alessandra , Micciulla Samantha , Corucci Giacomo , Batchu Krishna Chaithanya , Santamaria Andreas , Laux Valerie , Darwish Tamim , Russel Robert A. , Thepaut Michel , Bally Isabelle , Fieschi Franck , Fragneto Giovanna
Published: May 2021

SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins are responsible for the membrane fusion event, which allows the virus to enter the host cell and cause infection. This process starts with the binding of the spike extramembrane domain to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a membrane receptor highly abundant in the lungs. In this study, the extramembrane domain of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (sSpike) was injected on model membranes, formed by supported lipid bilayers in presence and absence of the soluble part of receptor ACE2 (sACE2), and the structural features were studied at sub-nanometer level by neutron reflection. In all cases the presence of the protein produced a remarkable degradation of the lipid bilayer. Indeed, both for membranes from synthetic and natural lipids, a significant reduction of the surface coverage was observed. Quartz crystal microbalance measurements show that lipid extraction starts immediately after sSpike protein injection. All measurements indicate that the presence of proteins induces the removal of membrane lipids, both in the presence and in the absence of ACE2, suggesting that sSpike molecules strongly associate with lipids, and strip them away from the bilayer, via a non-specific interaction. A cooperative effect of sACE2 and sSpike on lipid extraction was also observed.
Development and Application of an in Vitro Method to Evaluate Anthracnose Resistance in Soybean Germplasm
Authors: Zhu Longming , Feng Lele , Yu Xiaomin , Fu Xujun , Yang Qinghua , Jin Hangxia , Yuan Fengjie
Published: May 2021

Background: Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum truncatum is a major fungal disease of soybean, especially vegetable soybean (edamame). Studies of this disease have mainly focused on resistance evaluation, but the primary methods used—in vivo inoculation of pods or plants under greenhouse or field conditions—have limitations with respect to accuracy, stability, scale, and environmental safety. Result: In this study, we developed a method for inoculating pods in vitro that entails soaking in a mycelial suspension. We optimized the crucial components, including the mycelial suspension concentration (40 to 60 mg mL-1), maturity of sampled pods (15 days after flowering), and post-inoculation incubation period (5 days). Application of the mycelial suspension by spraying rather than soaking improved the efficiency of inoculation and made large-scale evaluation possible. Using this method, we evaluated 589 soybean germplasm resources [275 cultivars (C), 233 landraces (L), and 81 wild-type accessions (W)]. This screening resulted 37 highly resistant (25 C, 11 L, and 1 W), 148 resistant (100 C, 43 L, and 5 W), 210 moderately susceptible (116 C, 77 L, and 17 W), 91 susceptible (23 C, 52 L, and 16 W), and 103 highly susceptible (11 C, 50 L, and 42 W) materials. Conclusions: The resistance levels of soybean germplasm resources were effectively distinguished by the method we developed. We thus identified many resistant cultivars but only a few resistant landraces and wild-type germplasm resources. Our results will greatly aid future research on soybean anthracnose resistance, including gene discovery, elucidation of molecular mechanisms, and the breeding of resistant cultivars.
Formation Mechanism and Anatomical Structure of the Knee Roots of Taxodium Ascendens
Authors: Qian Zhuangzhuang , Wu Lin , Tang Luozhong
Published: May 2021

Aims: Flooding seriously limits the growth and distribution of plants. Taxodium ascendens is a typical tree species with high flood tolerance, and it can generate knee roots in the wetlands. This study was conducted to understand the formation mechanism of the knee roots.Methods: The number and size of knee roots and soil flooding conditions were investigated in this study. Furthermore, physiology, biochemical responses, and the anatomical structure of knee roots and underground roots were measured at different developmental stages. Results: The results show that the formation of knee roots was significantly affected by the soil water table (P < 0.05). Moreover, knee root formation was affected by ethylene and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations in the roots. The 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) content and ACC synthase activity were significantly lower in the knee roots than in the underground roots. The ethylene release rate was significantly higher in the knee roots than in the underground roots (P < 0.05), and IAA content first increased and then decreased with knee root development. The cells of the periderm at the apex of the knee roots were dead and had a large number of intercellular spaces, which was beneficial for the growth of T. ascendens. Conclusions: Seasonal flooding induced the production of endogenous hormones, resulting in the formation of knee roots, which improved root respiration and ventilation. The results obtained can gain a basis for the formation mechanism of knee roots and provide scientific evidence for the afforestation and management under wetland conditions.
A Blast Resistance Gene Pi65 with LRR-RLK Domain is Required for Resistance to M. Oryzae
Authors: Wang Li-Li , Ma Zuo-Bin , Kang Hou-Xiang , Gu Shuang , Mukhina Zhanna , Wang Chang-Hua , Wang Hui , Bai Yuan-Jun , Sui Guo-Min , Zheng Wen-Jing , Ma Dian-Rong
Published: May 2021

Rice blast seriously threatens rice production worldwide. To control this disease, it is necessary to identify and utilize blast resistance genes to breed disease-resistant rice varieties. Here, we report a rice blast resistance gene, Pi65, isolated from the resistant variety GangYu129 (abbreviated GY129, O. sativa japonica) by map-based cloning. Pi65 overexpression in the susceptible variety LiaoXing1 (abbreviated LX1, O. sativa japonica) enhanced blast resistance, while Pi65 knockout in GY129 resulted in a decrease in its resistance to rice blast. Pi65 encodes two transmembrane regions, with 15 LRR domains and one serine/threonine protein kinase catalytic domain, conferring resistance to isolates of M. oryzae collected from northeast China. Sixteen amino acids differed between the resistance and susceptibility proteins. The Pi65 susceptibility allele had one fewer LRR duplication. Pi65 was constitutively expressed in whole plants, and M. oryzae inoculation significantly increased its expression level. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that numerous genes associated with disease resistance were specifically upregulated in GY129 24 h after M. oryzae inoculation, and photosynthesis-and carbohydrate metabolism-related genes were particularly downregulated, demonstrating disease resistance gene activation in GY129 mediated by Pi65 after rice blast fungal infection, cellular basal and energy metabolism was inhibited simultaneously. These combined factors endow GY129 with rice blast resistance. Our study provides genetic resources for improving rice blast resistance in japonica rice and enriches the study of rice blast resistance mechanisms.
Sox9+ Cell is Required for Salivary Gland Regeneration after Radiation Damage via Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Xu Xiuyun , Gan Xiong , Zhang Ming , Xie Jiaxiang , Chen Shuang , Li Jingting , Bao Yong , Wang Cheng , Chen Demeng
Published: May 2021

Background: Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer can cause serious side effects, including severe damage to the salivary glands, resulting in symptoms such as xerostomia, dental caries, oral infectious and so on. Due to lack of long-term treatment for the symptoms of saliva barren, current research has focused on finding endogenous stem cells that can differentiate into various cell lineage to replace lost tissue and restore function. Results: In our study, we identified Sox9+ cells can differentiate into various salivary epithelial cell lineages under homeostatic conditions. After ablating Sox9+ cells, the salivary glands of irradiated mice showed more severe phenotypes and reduced proliferative capacity. Analysis of online single cell RNA-sequencing data revealed enrichment of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in Sox9+ cell population. Furthermore, treatment of Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor to irradiated mice inhibited the regenerative capability of Sox9+ cells. Finally, we showed that Sox9+ cells were able to form organoids in vitro and transplanting these organoids into salivary glands after radiation restored part of salivary gland function. Conclusions: In short, our research indicated that regenerative therapy targeting Sox9+ cells is a promising method to solve the radiation induced salivary gland injury.
Sensory and Motor Electrophysiological Mapping of the Cerebellum in Humans
Authors: Ashida Reiko , Walsh Peter , Brooks Jonathan C.W. , Cerminara Nadia L. , Apps Richard , Edwards Richard J.
Published: May 2021

Cerebellar damage during posterior fossa surgery in children can lead to ataxia and risk of cerebellar mutism syndrome. Compartmentalisation of sensorimotor and cognitive functions within the cerebellum have been demonstrated in animal electrophysiology and human imaging studies. Electrophysiological monitoring was carried out to assess the limb sensorimotor representation within the human cerebellum for assessment of neurophysiological integrity to reduce the incidence of surgical morbidities. Thirteen adult and paediatric patients undergoing posterior fossa surgery were recruited. Sensory evoked field potentials were recorded in response to mapping (n=8): to electrical stimulation of nerves or muscles. For motor mapping (n=5), electrical stimulation was applied to the surface of the cerebellum and evoked EMG responses were sought in facial and limb muscles. Evoked potentials were found in two patients (25%). Responses were located on the surface of the right inferior posterior cerebellum to stimulation of the right leg in one patient, and on the left inferior posterior lobe in another patient to stimulation of left forearm. No evoked EMG responses were found for the motor mapping. The present study identifies challenges with using neurophysiological methods to map functional organization within the human cerebellum and considers ways to improve success.
Antibacterial Activity and Characteristics of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized From Carduus Crispus
Authors: Urnukhsaikhan Enerelt , Bold Bum-Erdene , Gunbileg Aminaa , Sukhbaatar Nominchimeg , Mishig-Ochir Tsogbadrakh
Published: May 2021

Recently, synthesizing metal nanoparticles using plants has been extensively studied and recognized as a non-toxic and efficient way for biomedical field. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of different parts of Carduus crispus medical plant on synthesizing silver nanoparticles and their characteristics. Our study showed that silver nanoparticles (AgNP) synthesized via whole plant extract exhibited a blue shift in absorption spectra with increased optical density, which correlates to a high yield and smaller size. Also, the results of zeta potential, XRD, PCCS analysis showed the surface charge of -54.29 ±4.96 mV (AgNP-S), -42.64 ±3.762 mV (AgNP-F), -46.02 ±4.17 mV (AgNP-W), the crystallite size of 36 nm (AgNP-S), 13 nm (AgNP-F), 14 nm (AgNP-W) with face-centered cubic structure and average grain size of approximately 100 nm. Another important characteristic, such as elemental composition and constituent capping agent has been determined by EDX and FTIR. The silver nanoparticles were composed of ~80% Ag, ~15% K, and ~7.5% Ca (or ~2.8% P) elements. Moreover, the results of the FTIR measurement suggested that AgNP-F and AgNP-S contained distinct functional groups, on the other hand, AgNP-W contained all of the functional groups present in AgNP-F and AgNP-S. The silver nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity on both gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (5.5 ± 0.2 mm to 6.5 ± 0.3 mm) and gram-positive bacterium Micrococcus luteus (7 ± 0.4 mm to 7.7 ± 0.5 mm). Our study is meaningful as a first observation indicating the possibility of using special plant organs to control the characteristics of nanoparticles.
Application of a Novel Osteotomy Instrumentation as a Substitute Tool in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Hu Yuehao , Zhang Jingwei , Sun Ziyang , Yu Degang , Li Huiwu , Zhu Zhenan , Mao Yuanqing , Yan Mengning , Zhai Zanjing
Published: May 2021

Background: Mechanical failure, power shortage, and unexpected contamination of oscillating saw occasionally happened in actualizing femoral neck osteotomy during total hip arthroplasty, while no appropriate alternative solution be available presently. This study aimed to introduce a novel osteotomy instrumentation (fretsaw, jig, cable passer hook) as a substitute tool while oscillating saw was unavailable in THA.Methods: This study included 40 patients (40 hips) who underwent femoral neck osteotomy during primary THA using the new osteotomy instrumentation (n=20) and oscillating saw (n=20). Clinical data and intraoperative findings of all patients were evaluated.Results: The mean osteotomy time was 22.3 ± 3.1 s (range, 17–30 s) and 29.4 ± 3.7 s (range, 25–39 s) in the oscillating saw group and the new osteotomy instrumentation group, respectively (P<0.001). The Harris Hip Score (HHS) improved in both groups; the mean HSS was 82.3 ± 2.5 and 83.3 ± 3.5 in the oscillating saw group and new osteotomy instrumentation group at 6 months after surgery, respectively (P=0.297).Conclusion: The original osteotomy instrumentation can be an ideal substitute tool for femoral neck osteotomy in THA, especially when the oscillating saw is unavailable or malfunctional.
Nontargeted Metabolomics Analysis of Oxacillin Resistance in Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Qiu Chengchao , Yuan Zichen , Wong Tin-Yan , Song Xiaofeng , Lam Henry
Published: May 2021

BackgroundStaphylococcus aureus has acquired resistance to antibiotics in the long-term struggle against antibiotics. Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection has become more difficult. In this study, based on nontargeted metabolic figure printing technique, the metabolome of a pair of isogenic methicillin-susceptible and resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA) strains treated with the sublethal dose of oxacillin was characterize to investigate the mechanism of antibiotic resistance.ResultsMassive alternations of metabolite expression were observed in both MSSA and MRSA treated with oxacillin. The results of accurate mass and mass fragmentation analysis showed that 7 and 29 metabolites of MRSA and MSSA have changed significantly after oxacillin treatment. The dysregulated metabolites suggested that CoA and fatty acids could help Staphylococcus aureus survive under antibiotic stress. Metabolic pathways engaged in antibiotic resistance were discovered through pathway enrichment analysis. The enriched pathways suggested that DNA repairing and flavin biosynthesis are universal pathways to help MSSA and MRSA survive under antibiotic stress. Compared with MSSA, MRSA systematically and effectively fight against oxacillin through precisely controlling energy producing, PBP2a substrate biosynthesis and antioxidant function. ConclusionsCoenzyme A and fatty acids help both MSSA and MRSA survive under the antibiotic stress. MSSA was susceptible to oxacillin and was forced to response. On the contrary, MRSA systematically and effectively fight against oxacillin. The different metabolome responses of MSSA and MRSA provide us with new insights into how Staphylococcus aureus develops antibiotics resistance.
A Method for Direct Estimation of Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain Rate from Echocardiograms
Authors: Meyers Brett A. , Brindise Melissa C. , Kutty Shelby , Vlachos Pavlos P.
Published: May 2021

We present a new method for measuring global longitudinal strain and global longitudinal strain rate from 2D echocardiograms using a logarithmic-transform correlation (LTC) method. Traditional echocardiography strain analysis depends on user inputs and chamber segmentation, which yield increased measurement variability. In contrast, our approach is automated and does not require cardiac chamber segmentation and regularization, thus eliminating these issues. The algorithm was benchmarked against two conventional strain analysis methods using synthetic left ventricle ultrasound images. Measurement error was assessed as a function of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) using mean absolute error and root-mean-square error. LTC showed better agreement to the ground truth for strain (𝑹𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟗1) and strain rate (𝑹𝟐 = 𝟎. 85) as compared to conventional algorithms (strain (𝑹𝟐 = 𝟎. 07), strain rate (𝑹𝟐 = 𝟎. 07)) and was unaffected by CNR. A 200% increase in strain measurement accuracy was observed compared to the conventional algorithms. Subsequently, we tested the method using a 54-subject clinical cohort (20 subjects diseased with cardiomyopathy, 34 healthy controls). Our method distinguished between normal and abnormal left ventricular function with an AUC = 0.85, a 10% improvement over the conventional GLS algorithms.
Identification of Neurodevelopmental Transition Patterns From Infancy to Early Childhood and Risk Factors Predicting Descending Transition: A Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Kato Takeo , Nishimura Tomoko , Takahashi Nagahide , Harada Taeko , Okumura Akemi , Iwabuchi Toshiki , Nomura Yoko , Tsuchiya Kenji J. , Takei Nori
Published: May 2021

It is unclear whether neurodevelopmental progress from infancy to early childhood remains stable. Moreover, little is known about the risk factors, if any, affecting neurodevelopmental descending transition patterns and the relationship between these patterns and later childhood adaptive behaviours. We used data of 875 children from the Hamamatsu Birth Cohort Study in Japan. Children’s neurodevelopment at 18 and 32 months and adaptive behaviours at 40 months were evaluated. Perinatal factors and infant overweight status at 18 months were investigated to identify descending-transition-associated risk factors. In the latent transition analysis, ultimately, three classes were identified for each time point, resulting in nine transition patterns; among them, 10.4% of children showed descending class shifts (normal to delayed class). Such decelerated growth was predicted by maternal pre-pregnancy overweight status (odds ratio [OR] = 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23, 5.02), low maternal educational history (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.36), and infant overweight status at 18 months (OR = 5.89; 95% CI: 1.26, 27.45). Children with descending transition showed poor functioning in adaptive behaviours at the age of 40 months. Interventions targeting children with risk factors for descending transition patterns may prevent decelerated growth and subsequent poor adaptive functioning.
High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Negatively Correlates with Bone Mineral Density and Has Potential Predictive Value for Bone Loss
Authors: Tang Yuchen , Wang Shenghong , Yi Qiong , Xia Yayi , Geng Bin
Published: May 2021

Background: In recent years, it was demonstrated that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), a critical lipid for human lipid metabolism, was not completely beneficial to human health, implying that extremely high HDL-C levels may also affect human health and contribute to various diseases. The correlation between HDL-C and bone metabolism was uncertain and controversial. This study aimed to explore the correlation between HDL-C level and bone mineral density (BMD), investigating whether this relationship is different in diverse populations by stratifying age and gender.Method: The data utilized were extracted from 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We reviewed the data to exclude the participants aged over or equal to 20 years old or with missing core data. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to estimate the association between HDL-C and BMD. A subgroup analysis was also utilized to estimate the difference in diverse populations by stratifying age and gender. Moreover, fitted smoothing curves and generalized additive models were also performed to address the nonlinear relationship between HDL-C levels and BMD.Result: Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models demonstrated that HDL-C was negatively associated with BMD, especially in females. Meanwhile, smooth curve fittings and generalized additive models also suggested an inverted U-shaped curve among females aged 30-40 or over 60. A U-shaped curve was observed for the relationship between HDL-C and BMD in femoral regions in females aged 20 to 30 or 50 to 60. Besides, female participants aged over 40 at a higher than or equal to 71 mg/dL HDL-C level were more likely to have a high risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis.Conclusion: HDL-C and BMD exhibited a negative correlation among females and different associations in diverse age groups. In addition, HDL-C can serve as a marker for osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Diagnostic accuracy of insulin-like growth factor-1 for screening growth hormone deficiency: a prospective, single-center, diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Iwayama Hideyuki , Kitagawa Sachiko , Sada Jyun , Miyamoto Ryosuke , Hayakawa Tomohito , Kuroyanagi Yoshiyuki , Muto Taichiro , Kurahashi Hirokazu , Ohashi Wataru , Takagi Junko , Okumura Akihisa
Published: May 2021

Purpose
We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) for screening growth hormone deficiency (GHD) to determine the usefulness of IGF-1 as a screening test.
Methods
Among 298 consecutive children who had short stature or decreased height velocity, we measured IGF-1 levels and performed growth hormone (GH) secretion test using clonidine, arginine, and, in cases with different results of the two tests, L-dopa. Patients with congenital abnormalities were excluded. GHD was defined as peak GH ≤ 6.0 ng/mL in the two tests.
Results
We identified 60 and 238 patients with and without GHD, respectively. The mean IGF-1 (SD) was not significantly different between the GHD and non-GHD groups (p = 0.23). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated the best diagnostic accuracy at an IGF-1 cutoff of −1.493 SD, with 0.685 sensitivity, 0.417 specificity, 0.25 positive and 0.823 negative predictive values, and 0.517 area under the curve. Correlation analysis revealed that none of the items of patients’ characteristics increased the diagnostic power of IGF-1.
Conclusion
IGF-1 level had poor diagnostic accuracy as a screening test for GHD. Therefore, IGF-1 should not be used alone in the screening of GHD. A predictive biomarker for GHD should be developed in the future.
A super-pangenome framework of the genus Glycine unveils polyploid evolution and life-strategy transition
Authors: Zhuang Yongbin , Wang Xutong , Li Xianchong , Hu Junmei , Fan Lichuan , Jackson Scott , Doyle Jeffrey , Zhang Xian Sheng , Zhang Dajian , Ma Jianxin
Published: May 2021

Polyploidy and life strategy transitions between annuality and perenniality often occur in flowering plants. However, the evolutionary propensities of polyploids and genetic bases of such transitions remain elusive. We assembled plantum genomes of representative perennial species across the genus Glycine including five diploids and a young allopolyploid, and constructed a Glycine super-pangenome framework by integrating 26 annual soybean genomes. The perennials exhibited greater genome stability than the annuals, with few centromere repeats abundant in the latter. Biased subgenome fractionation has occurred in the allopolyploid, primarily by accumulation of small deletions in gene clusters through illegitimate recombination, which was associated with preexisting local genomic differentiation. A gene annotated to modulate vegetative to reproductive phase transition was identified to have undergone adaptive evolution underlying the perenniality-annuality transition. Our study provides mechanistic insights into polyploid genome evolution and lays a foundation for unleashing genetic potential from the perennial gene pool for soybean improvement.
Investigating COVID-19 in Low-income Settings: Protocol for a Multidisciplinary Mixed Methods Research in Burkina Faso
Authors: Traoré Isidore , Ouedraogo Samiratou , Kania Dramane , Firmin Nongodo , Kaboré Blahima Konaté , Médah Rachel , Badolo Hermann , de Rekeneire Nathalie , Kamga Ariane Mamguem , Poda Armel , Diendere Arnaud Eric , Ouédraogo Boukary , Ouédraogo Esperance , Billa Oumar , Tinto Halidou , Dabakuyo-Yonli Tienhan Sandrine
Published: May 2021

Background: The world has high hopes of vaccination against COVID-19 to protect the population, boost economies and return to normal life. Vaccination programmes are being rolled out in high income countries, but the pandemic continues to rage in many low-income countries (LICs) despite implementation of strict hygiene measures. We aim to present a comprehensive research protocol that will generate epidemiological, sociological, and anthropological data about the COVID-19 epidemic in Burkina Faso a landlocked country in West Africa with scares resources. Methods: We will perform a multidisciplinary research using mixed methods in the two main cities in Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso). Data will be collected in general population and in COVID-19 patients, caregivers and health care professional in reference care centers: (i) to determine cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Burkinabe population using blood samples collected from randomly selected households according to the WHO-recommended protocol; (ii) develop a score to predict severe complications of COVID-19 in persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 using retrospective and prospective data; (iii) perform semi-structured interviews and direct observation on site, to describe and analyze the healthcare pathways and experiences of patients with COVID-19 attending reference care centers, and to identify the perceptions, acceptability and application of preventive strategies among the population. Discussion: This study will generate comprehensive data that will contribute to improve COVID-19 response strategies in Burkina Faso. The lessons learned from the management of the epidemic may serve as examples to the country authorities to better design preventive strategies in the case of future epidemics or pandemics.Ethics and disseminationThis project was approved by the Ministry for Health (N° 2020 - 00952/MS/CAB/INSP/CM) and the Ethics Committee for Health Research of Burkina Faso (N° 2020-8-140).
Negative Correlations Between Cultivable Pyrene-degrading Sphingomonas and Active Soil Pyrene Degraders Explain Bioaugmentation Postpone or Failure
Authors: Jiang Bo , Chen Yating , Xing Yi , Lian Luning , Shen Yaoxin , Zhang Baogang , Zhang Han , Sun Guangdong , Li Junyi , Wang Xinzi , Zhang Dayi
Published: May 2021

Background: Bioaugmentation is an effective approach to remediate soils contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), but suffers from unsatisfactory performance in engineering practices. It is hypothetically explained by the complicated interactions between indigenous microbes and introduced degrading consortium. This study isolated a cultivable pyrene degrader (Sphingomonas sp. YT1005) and an active pyrene degrading consortium consisting of Gp16, Streptomyces, Pseudonocardia, Panacagrimonas, Methylotenera and Nitrospira by magnetic-nanoparticle mediated isolation (MMI) from soils.Results: Pyrene biodegradation was postponed in bioaugmentation with Sphingomonas sp. YT1005, explained by its negative correlations with the active pyrene degraders. In contrast, amendment with the active pyrene degrading consortium, pyrene degradation efficiency increased by 30.17%. In addition, pyrene degradation efficiency was positively correlated with the abundance of pyrene dioxygenase encoding genes (nidA, nidA3 and PAH-RHDα-GP), which significantly increased in MMI-isolated consortium. Pyrene degradation by Sphingomonas sp. YT1005 only followed the phthalate pathway, whereas the MMI-isolated pyrene degrading consortium exhibited both phthalate and salicylate pathways. The results indicated that Sphingomonas sp. YT1005 was not the actual pyrene degrader in soils, and MMI could successfully isolate the active pyrene degraders that were suitable for bioaugmentation.Conclusion: This work revealed the microbial intra-correlations during the bioaugmentation process, uncovered the underlying mechanisms of bioaugmentation postpone with cultivable degraders, and provided a deeper insight into the actual pyrene degraders and degradation pathways in PAHs contaminated soils. Our findings gave new explanations for bioaugmentation postpone or failure, and offered clues to enhance bioaugmentation performance by the active degraders using MMI.
The Palliative Care Illusion on Acute Wards An Ethnographic Study of the Introduction of a Palliative Care Consultation Team
Authors: Friedrichsen Maria , Hajradinovic Yvonne , Jakobsson Maria , Brachfeld Kerstin , Milberg Anna
Published: May 2021

Acute care and palliative care are described as different incompatible organisational care cultures, with contrasts and contradictions. Few studies have observed the actual meeting between these two cultures. Purpose: To study the meeting and interaction of two different organisational care cultures, palliative care and curative acute wards, when a palliative care consultation team introduces consulting services to acute wards regarding end-of-life palliative care. Methods: An ethnographic study design was used, including observations, interviews and diary entries. A palliative care consultation team visited surgical and internal medicine wards during one year. An integrative bedside education approach was used, where physicians and nurses experienced in PC tried to embed PC principles and interventions into daily practice. The analysis was inspired by Spradley’s ethnography.Results: Three themes were found in the study: 1) Values, illusions, and wording in the acute care culture; 2) Didactic challenges and strategies, and 3) The palliative illusion becomes a fusion. On the acute wards, fast “turn over” was the goal of care: to treat patients quickly and send them home. Primary health care team members believed that they gave dying patients good care, a conclusion not supported by the palliative care team, who identified values problems and a knowledge shortage among all primary team members. Because the primary team did not have time for reflection regarding patients’ whole situation, and wanted to do as much as possible before “giving up”, their patients could be one hour from death before the primary team provided palliative care. After one year, primary team members wanted the palliative care consultation team to continue, since they felt they could not handle dying patients on their own.Conclusion: Palliative care consultation team make changes about end- of- life care when working with primary health care team members on acute wards. The didactic challenges are many and require efforts.
Validation of Satellite-Based Sea Surface Temperature Products Against in Situ Observations Off the Western Coast of Sumatra
Authors: MOTEKI Qoosaku
Published: May 2021

This study validated the sea surface temperature (SST) datasets from the Group for High-Resolution SST Multi Product Ensemble (GMPE), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Optimal Interpolation (OI) SST version 2 and 2.1 (OIv2 and OIv2.1), and Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean, Phase II (ECCO2) in the area off the western coast of Sumatra against in situ observations. Furthermore, the root mean square differences (RMSDs) of OIv2, OIv2.1, and ECCO2 were investigated with respect to GMPE, whose small RMSD < 0.2 K against in situ observations confirmed its suitability as a reference. Although OIv2 showed a large RMSD (1-1.5 K) with a significant negative bias, OIv2.1 (RMSD < 0.4 K) improved remarkably. In the average SST distributions for December 2017, the differences among the 4 datasets were significant in the areas off the western coast of Sumatra, along the southern coast of Java, and in the Indonesian inland sea. These results were consistent with the ensemble spread distribution obtained with GMPE. The large RMSDs of OIv2 corresponded to high clouds, and it was suggested that the change in the satellites used for SST estimation contributed to the improvement in OIv2.1.
Synthesis of Copper and Lead ion Imprinted Polymer Submicron Spheres to Remove Cu2+ and Pb2+
Authors: Jiang Yang , Tang Bolin , Zhao Pengfei , Xi Man , Li Yi
Published: May 2021

In this paper, methacrylic acid (MAA) and 4- vinyl pyridine (4-VP) as functional monomers, ethylene glycol two methyl acrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinking agent, isopropyl alcohol as the solvent, prepared the Cu(II)- and Pb(II)- imprinted polymers(IIPs) submicron spheres by precipitation polymerization. The presence/absence of the template ion in the preparation of the imprinted polymer was confirmed by EDX spectroscopy, and the structure of the particles was investigated using IR, SEM and BET analysis. From different components of crosslinker/monomer(C/M) ratio analysis, C/M at 1:3 was the optimal ratio for preparing IIPs. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was characterized the imprinted polymers absorption behavior. The results show that the maximum adsorption capacity of Cu2+ and Pb2+ -imprinted polymer were 26.9mg﹒g−1 and 25.3mg﹒g−1, respectively. They also have good adsorption capacity and superior selectivity property for Cu2+ and Pb2+ in water, respectively. The selectivity factors (α) for Ni2+, Zn2+, Co2+ and Fe2+ were 16.5(Cu2+) and 12.1(Pb2+), 13.8(Cu2+) and 16.2(Pb2+), 10.8(Cu2+) and 10.1(Pb2+), 20.4(Cu2+) and 20.7(Pb2+), respectively. The regeneration experiment result demonstrates an excellent re-utilization property of these two type IIPs, after ten uses, the adsorption capacity can maintain above 60%.
Constraining the secular variation of the gravitational constant using white-dwarf stars spectra
Authors: Le T. D.
Published: May 2021

Context Astrophysical observations play a critical role in the possibility of variations in fundamental physical constants. One of the ways of probing these variations would be based on the evolution of the white-dwarf stars. Aims We use the spectrum of white-dwarf star G191-B2B to find an upper limit on the possible deviation of the gravitational constant with strong gravitational fields. Methods We analyze archive observation of the Hubble Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (HSTIS) to determine the possible cosmological deviation of the gravitational constant from the observed gravitational redshift. Results Our analysis provided a strong estimate on an upper bound on the possible space-time variation of the gravitational constant ̇⁄ = (0.238 ± 2.959) × 10 yr comparing with previous results. Conclusions The obtained result in this study offers the possibility of testing parameters of modern unification theories.
Violacein, A Microbial Antiviral Product: Does Play Key Role as Active Agent Against SARS-CoV-2?
Authors: Duran Nelson , Justo Giselle Z , Nakazato Gerson , Fávaro Wagner J
Published: May 2021

Violacein, a microbial product was characterized after continuous attempts to feature it, based on degradation and synthesis procedures, at the University of Liverpool (England), from 1958 to 1960 and only at 2001 was chemically synthesized. It is a quite known antimicrobial and antiviral natural product. New attempts to solve the infection caused by, or find the proper therapy for, COVID19, must adopt multidisciplinary approach. The aim of the current study is to address the targets, possible strategies and perspectives of new technologies and therapies on COVID19. It also hypothesizes the potential of using the therapeutic drug called violacein as multifunctional agent to treat patients at different COVID19 contamination stages. Our experience and knowledge about violacein has led us to extrapolate the potential use of this pigment.  Violacein multiple biological activities as also knowledge on its toxicity and antiviral activity enabled suggesting that it could be the new important agent used to treat COVID19.  Violacein is highly likely to act as protease inhibitor, at ACE2 receptor level and as immunotherapeutic drug against Covid19. In term of chemotherapy, it will be discussed the actual antiviral used against COVID19, such as, thalidomide, ivermectin and melatonin, among others.
Small Non-coding RNAs in Embryonic Pre-implantation
Authors: Nazarian Hamid , Novin Marefat Ghaffari , Khaleghi Sara , Habibi Bahare
Published: May 2021

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Failure of embryo implantation has been introduced as an important limiting parameter in early assisted reproduction and pregnancy. The embryo-maternal interactions, endometrial receptivity, and detections of implantation consist of the embryo viability. For regulating the implantation, multiple molecules may be consistent; however, their specific regulatory mechanisms still stand unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted a lot of attention due to their important effect on human embryo implantation. MicroRNA (miRNA), which acts as the transcriptional regulator of gene expression, is consisted of embryo implantation. Recent studies indicated that miRNAs not only act inside the cells but also can be secreted by cells into the extracellular environment via multiple packaging forms, facilitating intercellular communication and providing indicative information related to various conditions. The detection of extracellular miRNAs provided new information in cases of implantation studies. For embryo-maternal communication, MiRNAs offered novel approaches. In addition, in assisted reproduction, for embryo choice and prediction of endometrial receptivity, they can act as non-invasive biomarkers and can enhance the accuracy in the process of reducing the mechanical damage for the tissue.
The Recent Development of Tetrahydro-Quinoline/Isoquinoline Based Compounds as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Yadav Pratik , Kumar Ashish , Althagafi Ismail , Nemaysh Vishal , Rai Reeta , Pratap Ramendra
Published: May 2021

Tetrahydroquinoline and isoquinoline scaffolds are important class of heterocyclic compounds,
which is implied for the development of new drugs and diagnostic for therapeutic function.
Naturally occurring as well as synthetic tetrahydroquinolines/isoquinolines possess many different
biological activities and have been testified as remarkable cytotoxic and potency in human cancer cell
lines. Tetrahydroquinoline/isoquinoline based compounds displayed a key role in the development of
anticancer drugs or lead molecules and acting through various mechanisms such as cell proliferation,
apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, inhibition of tubulin polymerization, induced cell cycle arrest, interruption
of cell migration, and modulation. The number of tetrahydroquinoline/isoquinoline derivatives
has been reported as potent anticancer agents. Due to promising anticancer activities and wideranging
properties of these molecules, we have compiled the literature for the synthesis and anticancer
properties of various tetrahydroquinolines and isoquinolines. We have reported the synthesis of
potent tetrahydroquinoline/isoquinoline molecules of the last 10 years with their anticancer properties
in various cancer cell lines and stated their half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). In addition,
we also considered the discussion of molecular docking and structural activity relationship wherever
provided to understand the possible mode of activity a target involved and structural feature responsible
for the better activity, so the reader can directly find the detail for designing new anticancer
agents.