bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ATG4D is the main ATG8 delipidating enzyme in mammalian cells and protects against cerebellar neurodegeneration
Authors: Tamargo-Gómez Isaac , Martínez-García Gemma G. , Suárez María F. , Rey Verónica , Fueyo Antonio , Codina-Martínez Helena , Bretones Gabriel , Caravia Xurde M. , Morel Etienne , Dupont Nicolas , Cabo Roberto , Tomás-Zapico Cristina , Souquere Sylvie , Pierron Gerard , Codogno Patrice , López-Otín Carlos , Fernández Álvaro F. , Mariño Guillermo
Published: April 2021

Despite the great advances in autophagy research in the last years, the specific functions of the four mammalian Atg4 proteases (ATG4A-D) remain unclear. In yeast, Atg4 mediates both Atg8 proteolytic activation, and its delipidation. However, it is not clear how these two roles are distributed along the members of the ATG4 family of proteases. We show that these two functions are preferentially carried out by distinct ATG4 proteases, being ATG4D the main delipidating enzyme. In mammalian cells, ATG4D loss results in accumulation of membrane-bound forms of mATG8s, increased cellular autophagosome number and reduced autophagosome average size. In mice, ATG4D loss leads to cerebellar neurodegeneration and impaired motor coordination caused by alterations in trafficking/clustering of GABAA receptors. We also show that human gene variants of ATG4D associated with neurodegeneration are not able to fully restore ATG4D deficiency, highlighting the neuroprotective role of ATG4D in mammals.
Building a cluster of NLR genes conferring resistance to pests and pathogens: the story of the Vat gene cluster in cucurbits
Authors: Chovelon Véronique , Feriche-Linares Rafael , Barreau Guillaume , Chadoeuf Joël , Callot Caroline , Gautier Véronique , Le Paslier Marie-Christine , Berad Aurélie , Faivre-Rampant Patricia , Lagnel Jacques , Boissot Nathalie
Published: April 2021

Most molecularly characterized plant resistance genes (R genes) belong to the nucleotide-binding-site-leucine-rich-repeat (NLR) receptor family and are prone to duplication and transposition with high sequence diversity. In this family, theVatgene in melon is one of the few R genes known for conferring resistance to insect, i.e.,Aphis gossypii, but it has been misassembled and/or mispredicted in the whole genomes of Cucurbits. We examined 14 genomic regions (about 400 kb) derived from long-read assemblies spanningVat-related genes inCucumis melo,Cucumis sativus, Citrullus lanatus, Benincasa hispida, Cucurbita argyrosperma, andMomordica charantia. We built the phylogeny of those genes. Investigating the paleohistory of theVatgene cluster, we revealed a step by step process beginning from a common ancestry in cucurbits older than 50 my. We highlightedVatexclusively in theCucumisgenera, which diverged about 20 my ago. We then focused on melon, evaluating a minimum duplication rate ofVatin 80 wild and cultivated melon lines using generalist primers; our results suggested that duplication started before melon domestication. The phylogeny of 44 Vat-CDS obtained from 21 melon lines revealed gain and loss of leucine-rich-repeat domains along diversification. Altogether, we revealed the high putative recognition scale offered in melon based on a combination of SNPs, number of leucine-rich-repeat domains within each homolog and number of homologs within each cluster that might jointly confer resistance to a large pest and pathogen spectrum. Based on our findings, we propose possible avenues for breeding programs.
Diversity and selection of the continuous-flowering gene, RoKSN, in rose
Authors: Soufflet-Freslon Vanessa , Araou Emilie , Jeauffre Julien , Thouroude Tatiana , Chastellier Annie , Michel Gilles , Mikanagi Yuki , Kawamura Koji , Banfield Mark , Oghina-Pavie Cristiana , Clotault Jérémy , Pernet Alix , Foucher Fabrice
Published: April 2021

Blooming seasonality is an important trait in ornamental plants and was selected by humans. Wild roses flower only in spring whereas most cultivated modern roses can flower continuously. This trait is explained by a mutation of a floral repressor gene, RoKSN, a TFL1 homologue. In this work, we studied the origin, the diversity and the selection of the RoKSN gene. We analyzed 270 accessions, including wild and old cultivated Asian and European roses as well as modern roses. By sequencing the RoKSN gene, we proposed that the allele responsible for continuous-flowering, RoKSNcopia, originated from Chinese wild roses (Indicae section), with a recent insertion of the copia element. Old cultivated Asian roses with the RoKSNcopia allele were introduced in Europe, and the RoKSNcopia allele was progressively selected during the 19th and 20th centuries, leading to continuous-flowering modern roses. Furthermore, we detected a new allele, RoKSNA181, leading to a weak reblooming. This allele encodes a functional floral repressor and is responsible for a moderate accumulation of RoKSN transcripts. A transient selection of this RoKSNA181 allele was observed during the 19th century. Our work highlights the selection of different alleles at the RoKSN locus for recurrent blooming in rose.
Human skin aging is associated with increased expression of the histone variant H2A.J in the epidermis
Authors: Rübe Claudia E. , Bäumert Caroline , Schuler Nadine , Isermann Anna , Schmal Zoé , Glanemann Matthias , Mann Carl , Scherthan Harry
Published: April 2021

Cellular senescence is an irreversible growth arrest that occurs as a result of damaging stimuli, including DNA damage and/or telomere shortening. Here, we investigate histone variant H2A.J as a new biomarker to detect senescent cells during human skin aging. Skin biopsies from healthy volunteers of different ages (18–90 years) were analyzed for H2A.J expression and other parameters involved in triggering and/or maintaining cellular senescence. In the epidermis, the proportions of H2A.J-expressing keratinocytes increased from ≈20% in young to ≈60% in aged skin. Inverse correlations between Ki67- and H2A.J staining in germinative layers may reflect that H2A.J-expressing cells having lost their capacity to divide. As cellular senescence is triggered by DNA-damage signals, persistent 53BP1-foci, telomere lengths, and telomere-associated damage foci were analyzed in epidermal keratinocytes. Only slight age-related telomere attrition and few persistent nuclear 53BP1-foci, occasionally colocalizing with telomeres, suggest that unprotected telomeres are not a significant cause of senescence during skin aging. Quantification of integrin-α6+ basal cells suggests that the number and function of stem/progenitor cells decreased during aging and their altered proliferation capacities resulted in diminished tissue renewal with epidermal thinning. Collectively, our findings suggest that H2A.J is a sensitive marker of epidermal aging in human skin.
Antibody responses to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ebinger Joseph E. , Fert-Bober Justyna , Printsev Ignat , Wu Min , Sun Nancy , Prostko John C. , Frias Edwin C. , Stewart James L. , Van Eyk Jennifer E. , Braun Jonathan G. , Cheng Susan , Sobhani Kimia
Published: April 2021

In a cohort of BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech) mRNA vaccine recipients (n = 1,090), we observed that spike-specific IgG antibody levels and ACE2 antibody binding inhibition responses elicited by a single vaccine dose in individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 35) were similar to those seen after two doses of vaccine in individuals without prior infection (n = 228). Post-vaccine symptoms were more prominent for those with prior infection after the first dose, but symptomology was similar between groups after the second dose.
Influence of the dissipation on the N-level atom interacting with a two two-level atoms in presence of qubit–qubit interaction
Authors: Abdel-Khalek S. , Alshehri Hashim M. , Khalil E. M. , Obada A.-S. F.
Published: April 2021

The interacting of two qubits and an N-level atom based on su(2) Lie algebra in the presence of both qubit–qubit interaction and dissipation term is considered. The effects of the qubit–qubit interaction and the dissipation term on the dynamics of the proposed system are discussed in detail for certain values of the number of levels. The dynamical expressions of the observable operators are obtained using the Heisenberg equation of motion. The population inversion and linear entropy, as well as the concurrence formula as a measure of entanglement between the two qubits are calculated and discussed. The roles of the number of levels, the qubit–qubit coupling parameter and the dissipation rate on these quantities are also discussed. We explore the sudden birth and sudden death of the entanglement phenomena with and without the dissipation term.
Energy dissipation efficiency as a new variable in the empirical correlation of total dissolved gas
Authors: Lu Jingying , Cheng Xiaolong , Wang Zhenhua , Li Ran , Feng Jingjie , Li Kefeng , Yan Zhongluan
Published: April 2021

Total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation, which occurs during dam spilling, may result in fish bubble disease and mortality. Many studies have been conducted to identify the factors pertaining to TDG generation, such as the spilling discharge and tailwater depth. Additionally, the energy dissipation efficiency should be considered due to its effect on the air entrainment, which influences the TDG generation process. According to the TDG field observations of 49 cases at Dagangshan and Xiluodu hydropower stations, the TDG was positively related to the energy dissipation efficiency, tailwater depth and discharge per unit width. A correlation between the generated TDG level and these factors was established. The empirical equations proposed by the USACE were calibrated, and the TDG level estimation performance was compared with the established correlation for 25 spillage cases at seven other dams. Among the considered cases, the standard error of the TDG estimation considering the energy dissipation efficiency was 5.7%, and those for the correlations obtained using the USACE equations were 13.0% and 10.0%. The findings indicated that the energy dissipation efficiency considerably influenced the TDG level, and its consideration helped enhance the precision of the TDG estimation. Finally, the generality of this approach and future work were discussed.
Submicron polymer particles may mask the presence of toxicants in wastewater effluents probed by reporter gene containing bacteria
Authors: Manivannan Bhuvaneshwari , Eltzov Evgeni , Borisover Mikhail
Published: April 2021

Microplastics are ubiquitous in aquatic systems and break down into submicron particles that can interact with aquatic toxic chemicals. These interactions may affect the detection of toxicants when using bacteria as a biomonitoring tool. This study examined the effects of model polystyrene (PS)-based submicron particles on the detection of aqueous geno- and cytotoxicity by genetically modified bioluminescent (GMB) bacteria. The toxicities were tested in three treated wastewater (TWW) effluents before and after chlorination. The PS plastics included negatively charged sulfate-coated (S-PS) and pristine (P-PS) particles of different sizes (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 µm) that were present at different concentrations. Chlorinated or not, the S-PS and P-PS particles per se were not toxic to the GMB bacteria. However, exposure of PS particles to TWW effluents can significantly reduce the measured geno- and cytotoxicity. Adsorption of toxic compounds to polymer particles can limit the ability of the bacteria to detect those compounds. This masking effect may be mitigated by TWW chlorination, possibly due to the formation of new toxic material. Due to interactions between toxic TWW constituents and the plastics particles, water samples containing particle-associated contaminants and/or their transformation products may be declared non-toxic, based on bacterial tests as a biomonitoring tool.
Comparison of treatment to improve gastrointestinal functions after colorectal surgery within enhanced recovery programmes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hamel Jean F. , Sabbagh Charles , Alves Arnaud , Regimbeau Jean M. , Vignaud Timothée , Venara Aurélien
Published: April 2021

Despite a significant improvement with enhanced recovery programmes (ERP), gastro-intestinal (GI) functions that are impaired after colorectal resection and postoperative ileus (POI) remain a significant issue. In the literature, there is little evidence of the distinction between the treatment assessed within or outside ERP. The purpose was to evaluate the efficiency of treatments to reduce POI and improve GI function recovery within ERP. A search was performed in PubMed and Scopus on 20 September 2019. The studies were included if they compared the effect of the administration of a treatment aiming to treat or prevent POI or improve the early functional outcomes of colorectal surgery within an ERP. The main outcome measures were the occurrence of postoperative ileus, time to first flatus and time to first bowel movement. Treatments that were assessed at least three times were included in a meta-analysis. Among the analysed studies, 28 met the eligibility criteria. Six of them focused on chewing-gum and were only randomized controlled trials (RCT) and 8 of them focused on Alvimopan but none of them were RCT. The other measures were assessed in less than 3 studies over RCTs (n = 11) or retrospective studies (n = 2). In the meta-analysis, chewing gum had no significant effect on the endpoints and Alvimopan allowed a significant reduction of the occurrence of POI. Chewing-gum was not effective on GI function recovery in ERP but Alvimopan and the other measures were not sufficiently studies to draw conclusion. Randomised controlled trials are needed.

Systematic review registration number CRD42020167339.
Physical fitness percentiles of Polish children aged 4–7 years
Authors: Przednowek Karolina H. , Niewczas Marta , Wójcik Łukasz , Paśko Wojciech , Iskra Janusz , Przednowek Krzysztof
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to report sex- and age-specific physical fitness level in Polish children aged 4 to 7. 11.709 children participated in the study, including 5.684 girls and 6.025 boys aged 4 to 7 who attended kindergarten institutions throughout Poland. Physical fitness was assessed using four tests developed by Sekita including shuttle run 4 × 5 m with moving the block, standing long jump, throwing 1 kg medicine ball with two hands above the head and 20 m run. Percentile charts were developed separately for males and females using the LMS method. Boys showed higher physical fitness values than girls. In addition, an increase in the level of physical fitness was observed along with the age of the subjects. The developed reference values by age and sex in the field of physical fitness can be used for diagnostic purposes and assessing the level of physical fitness of preschool children. In addition, they can be helpful for healthcare professionals, parents and teachers to develop children’s motor activation programs and monitor their physical fitness.
Methane mitigation is associated with reduced abundance of methanogenic and methanotrophic communities in paddy soils continuously sub-irrigated with treated wastewater
Authors: Phung Luc Duc , Miyazawa Masaaki , Pham Dung Viet , Nishiyama Masateru , Masuda Shuhei , Takakai Fumiaki , Watanabe Toru
Published: April 2021

Herein, we examined emissions of CH4 and the community structures of methanogenic archaea and methanotrophic bacteria in paddy soils subjected to a novel irrigation system, namely continuous sub-irrigation with treated wastewater (TWW). This system has recently been developed by our group to effectively reuse TWW for the cultivation of protein-rich rice. The results showed that, despite not using mineral fertilisers, the wastewater reuse system produced a rice yield comparable to that of a conventional cultivation practice and reduced CH4 emissions from paddy fields by 80%. Continuous sub-irrigation with TWW significantly inhibited the growth of methanogens in the lower soil layer during the reproductive stage of rice plants, which was strongly consistent with the effective CH4 mitigation, resulting in a vast reduction in the abundance of methanotrophs in the upper soil layer. The compositions of the examined microbial communities were not particularly affected by the studied cultivation practices. Overall, this study demonstrated that continuous sub-irrigation with TWW was an effective method to produce high rice yield and simultaneously reduce CH4 emissions from paddy fields, and it also highlighted the potential underlying microbial mechanisms of the greenhouse gas mitigation.
The PsbS protein and low pH are necessary and sufficient to induce quenching in the light-harvesting complex of plants LHCII
Authors: Nicol Lauren , Croce Roberta
Published: April 2021

Photosynthesis is tightly regulated in order to withstand dynamic light environments. Under high light intensities, a mechanism known as non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) dissipates excess excitation energy, protecting the photosynthetic machinery from damage. An obstacle that lies in the way of understanding the molecular mechanism of NPQ is the large gap between in vitro and in vivo studies. On the one hand, the complexity of the photosynthetic membrane makes it challenging to obtain molecular information from in vivo experiments. On the other hand, a suitable in vitro system for the study of quenching is not available. Here we have developed a minimal NPQ system using proteoliposomes. With this, we demonstrate that the combination of low pH and PsbS is both necessary and sufficient to induce quenching in LHCII, the main antenna complex of plants. This proteoliposome system can be further exploited to gain more insight into how PsbS and other factors (e.g. zeaxanthin) influence the quenching mechanism observed in LHCII.
Adhering interacting cells to two opposing coverslips allows super-resolution imaging of cell-cell interfaces
Authors: Sajman Julia , Razvag Yair , Schidorsky Shachar , Kinrot Seon , Hermon Kobi , Yakovian Oren , Sherman Eilon
Published: April 2021

Cell-cell interfaces convey mechanical and chemical information in multicellular systems. Microscopy has revealed intricate structure of such interfaces, yet typically with limited resolution due to diffraction and unfavourable orthogonal orientation of the interface to the coverslip. We present a simple and robust way to align cell-cell interfaces in parallel to the coverslip by adhering the interacting cells to two opposing coverslips. We demonstrate high-quality diffraction-limited and super-resolution imaging of interfaces (immune-synapses) between fixed and live CD8+ T-cells and either antigen presenting cells or melanoma cells. Imaging methods include bright-field, confocal, STED, dSTORM, SOFI, SRRF and large-scale tiled images. The low background, lack of aberrations and enhanced spatial stability of our method relative to existing cell-trapping techniques allow use of these methods. We expect that the simplicity and wide-compatibility of our approach will allow its wide dissemination for super-resolving the intricate structure and molecular organization in a variety of cell-cell interfaces.
Controllable mixed-charged co-assembly of dendritic lipopeptides into invisible capsid-like nanoparticles as potential drug carriers
Authors: Xu Qinhan , Shu Chang , Li Yachao , Zhuang Rong , Jiang Lei , Xu Xianghui
Published: April 2021

A new type of molecular and supramolecular strategy is proposed to controllably construct mixed-charged nanoparticles with resistance to protein adsorption.
Mechanism of monolayer to bilayer silicene transformation in CaSi2 due to fluorine diffusion
Authors: Nagoya Akihiro , Yaokawa Ritsuko , Ohba Nobuko
Published: April 2021

The mechanism by which fluorine (F) diffusion into CaSi2 leads to a phase transformation from monolayers of silicene (MLSi) to bilayer silicene (BLSi) was revealed using HAADF–STEM observations and DFT calculations.
Nanomaterials responding to microwaves: an emerging field for imaging and therapy
Authors: Wilson Annah J. , Rahman Mohammed , Kosmas Panagiotis , Thanou Maya
Published: April 2021

In recent years, new microwave-based imaging, sensing and hyperthermia applications have emerged in the field of diagnostics and therapy.
(thf)2Ln(Ge9{Si(SiMe3)3}3)2 (Ln = Eu, Sm): the first coordination of metalloid germanium clusters to lanthanides
Authors: Klementyeva Svetlana V. , Schrenk Claudio , Zhang Minghui , Khusniyarov Marat M. , Schnepf Andreas
Published: April 2021

The salt metathesis of (thf)2LnI2 with two equivalents of KGe9Hyp3 affords the first rare earth complexes of metalloid group 14 clusters [(thf)2Ln(Ge9Hyp3)2] (Ln = Eu, Sm) with novel bonding motives.
Ultrafast and high efficiency photodegradation of dyes under visible light by Au nanocluster-promoted Zn0.5Cd0.5S nanorods
Authors: Shen Shuling , Wang Di , Jia Mengmeng , Xiao Shuning , Tang Zhihong , Yang Junhe
Published: April 2021

Au nanoclusters decorated on the lateral surface of ultrathin ZCS nanorods could maximize the photocatalytic activity of ZCS by PRET mechanism. This makes it possible to use less photocatalysts to degrade more recalcitrant dyes in a short time.
Correction: Multifaceted aspects of charge transfer
Authors: Derr James B. , Tamayo Jesse , Clark John A. , Morales Maryann , Mayther Maximillian F. , Espinoza Eli M. , Rybicka-Jasińska Katarzyna , Vullev Valentine I.
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘Multifaceted aspects of charge transfer’ by James B. Derr et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22, 21583–21629, DOI: 10.1039/d0cp01556c.
Synthesis and characterization of heteroleptic rare earth double-decker complexes involving tetradiazepinoporphyrazine and phthalocyanine macrocycles
Authors: Tarakanova Ekaterina N. , Tarakanov Pavel A. , Simakov Anton O. , Furuyama Taniyuki , Kobayashi Nagao , Konev Dmitry V. , Goncharova Olga A. , Trashin Stanislav A. , De Wael Karolien , Sulimenkov Ilya V. , Filatov Vasily V. , Kozlovskiy Viatcheslav I. , Tomilova Larisa G. , Stuzhin Pavel A. , Pushkarev Victor E.
Published: April 2021

We report novel heteroleptic lanthanide sandwich complexes (Ln = Lu, Eu, La) and their spectral, electrochemical and computational studies.
CO2 atmosphere enables efficient catalytic hydration of ethylene oxide by ionic liquids/organic bases at low water/epoxide ratios
Authors: Ding Tong , Zha Jinyin , Zhang Dawei , Zhang Jingshun , Yuan Huixia , Xia Fei , Gao Guohua
Published: April 2021

CO2 as a cocatalyst enabled efficient catalytic hydration of ethylene oxide (EO) at a low H2O/EO ratio of 1.5 : 1 along with 97% selectivities of monoethylene glycol catalyzed by ionic liquids and organic bases.
Efficient enzymatic hydrolysis of chitin into N-acetyl glucosamine using alkali as a recyclable pretreatment reagent
Authors: Zhang Alei , Wang Chengyong , Chen Jie , Wei Guoguang , Zhou Ning , Li Ganlu , Chen Kequan , Ouyang Pingkai
Published: April 2021

In this study, an alkali freeze–thaw pretreatment protocol was investigated to efficiently enhance enzymatic hydrolysis of chitin into GlcNAc at high concentrations.
A versatile platform of poly(acrylic acid) cryogel for highly efficient photothermal water evaporation
Authors: Wang Jia-Yun , Guo Xiao-Xiao , Chen Jun , Hou Shi-Chang , Li Hui-Juan , Haleem Abdul , Chen Sheng-Qi , He Wei-Dong
Published: April 2021

Besides absorbing light and holding heat, modulating real evaporation enthalpy of water is important for photothermal water evaporation but it is still in exploration.
Orientational self-assembly of nanoparticles in nematic droplets
Authors: Tomašovičová Natália , Batkova Marianna , Batko Ivan , Lacková Veronika , Zavišová Vlasta , Kopčanský Peter , Jadżyn Jan , Salamon Péter , Tóth-Katona Tibor
Published: April 2021

The interplay between the anchoring of liquid crystal (LC) molecules at the substrate and at the surface of nanoparticles (NPs) results in an orientational self-assembly of nanoparticles in sessile nematic droplets.
An anthracene–quinoline based dual-mode fluorometric–colorimetric sensor for the detection of Fe3+ and its application in live cell imaging
Authors: Tehrani Tahereh , Meghdadi Soraia , Salarvand Zohreh , Tavakoli Behnam , Eskandari Kiamars , Amirnasr Mehdi
Published: April 2021

A highly sensitive anthracene–quinoline based dual-mode sensor has been synthesized and used for the fluorometric and colorimetric detection of Fe3+ and in live cell imaging.
Sustainable synthesis of 1,8-dioxooctahydroxanthenes in deep eutectic solvents (DESs)
Authors: Shaibuna M. , Abbas Anshad , Kariyottu Kuniyil Muhammed Jeneesh , Sreekumar K.
Published: April 2021

The DES formed from ZrOCl2·8H2O and ethylene glycol was used as a catalyst as well as reaction medium for the synthesis of 9-aryl-1,8-dioxooctahydroxanthenes.
Dimethylzinc-mediated enantioselective addition of terminal alkynes to 1,2-diketones using perhydro-1,3-benzoxazines as ligands
Authors: Prieto Elena , Infante Rebeca , Nieto Javier , Andrés Celia
Published: April 2021

A highly regio- and enantioselective dimethylzinc-mediated monoalkynylation of 1,2-diketones in the presence of a chiral perhydro-1,3-benzoxazine is described.
One-pot synthesis of short-chain cyclic acetals via tandem hydroformylation–acetalization under biphasic conditions
Authors: Gorbunov Dmitry , Nenasheva Maria , Gorbunov Alexander , Matsukevich Roman , Maximov Anton , Karakhanov Eduard
Published: April 2021

A novel method of producing short-chain acetals via tandem hydroformylation–acetalization under biphasic conditions is developed.
A comparative study of blood rheology across species
Authors: Horner Jeffrey S. , Wagner Norman J. , Beris Antony N.
Published: April 2021

When normalized by hematocrit, low-shear blood viscosity measurements across species exhibit allometric scaling with a power law exponent close to 1/4. See paper for an explanation on the data sources.
A cyclopentasilane–borane compound as a liquid precursor for p-type semiconducting Si
Authors: Masuda Takashi , Nakayama Maui , Saito Kimihiko , Katayama Hirotaka , Terakawa Akira
Published: April 2021

A liquid precursor for p-type semiconducting Si is synthesized using the dehydrogenative condensation reaction between cyclopentasilane and boron hydride.
2,5-Hexanedione induced apoptosis in rat spinal cord neurons and VSC4.1 cells via the proNGF/p75NTR and JNK pathways
Authors: Luo Mengxin , Shi Xiaoxia , Guo Qi , Li Shuangyue , Zhang Qing , Sun Xiuyan , Piao Fengyuan
Published: April 2021

Increasing evidence suggests that n-hexane induces nerve injury via neuronal apoptosis induced by its active metabolite 2,5-hexanedione (HD). However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Studies have confirmed that pro-nerve growth factor (proNGF), a precursor of mature nerve growth factor (mNGF), might activate apoptotic signaling by binding to p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in neurons. Therefore, we studied the mechanism of the proNGF/p75NTR pathway in HD-induced neuronal apoptosis. Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were injected with 400 mg/kg HD once a day for 5 weeks, and VSC4.1 cells were treated with 10, 20, and 40 mM HD in vitro. Results showed that HD effectively induced neuronal apoptosis. Moreover, it up-regulated proNGF and p75NTR levels, activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and c-Jun, and disrupted the balance between B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Our findings revealed that the proNGF/p75NTR signaling pathway was involved in HD-induced neuronal apoptosis; it can serve as a theoretical basis for further exploration of the neurotoxic mechanisms of HD.
Expression level of long non-coding RNA colon adenocarcinoma hypermethylated serves as a novel prognostic biomarker in patients with thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Xiao Yong , Tu Youbing , Li Yuantao
Published: April 2021

The present study attempts to identify the prognostic value and potential mechanism of action of colorectal adenocarcinoma hypermethylated (CAHM) in thyroid carcinoma (THCA) by using the RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The functional mechanism of CAHM was explored by using RNA-seq dataset and multiple functional enrichment analysis approaches. Connectivity map (CMap) online analysis tool was also used to predict CAHM targeted drugs. Survival analysis suggests that THCA patients with high CAHM expression have lower risk of death than the low CAHM expression (log-rank P=0.022, adjusted P=0.011, HR = 0.187, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.051–0.685). Functional enrichment of CAHM co-expression genes suggests that CAHM may play a role in the following biological processes: DNA repair, cell adhesion, DNA replication, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2, ErbB and thyroid hormone signaling pathways. Functional enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between low- and high-CAHM phenotype suggests that different CAHM expression levels may have the following differences in biological processes in THCA: cell adhesion, cell proliferation, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 (ERK1) and ERK2 cascade, G-protein coupled receptor, chemokine and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-Akt signaling pathways. Connectivity map have identified five drugs (levobunolol, NU-1025, quipazine, anisomycin and sulfathiazole) for CAHM targeted therapy in THCA. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) suggest that low CAHM phenotype were notably enriched in p53, nuclear factor κB, Janus kinase-signal transducer and activators of transcription, tumor necrosis factor, epidermal growth factor receptor and other signaling pathways. In the present study, we have identified that CAHM may serve as novel prognostic biomarkers for predicting overall survival (OS) in patients with THCA.
Optimal demand response strategy of commercial building‐based virtual power plant using reinforcement learning
Authors: Chen Tao , Cui Qiushi , Gao Ciwei , Hu Qinran , Lai Kexing , Yang Jianlin , Lyu Ran , Zhang Hao , Zhang Jinyuan
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the optimal demand response strategy of a commercial building‐based virtual power plant with real‐world implementation in heavily urbanised area is studied. Instead of modelling the decision‐making process as an optimisation problem, a reinforcement learning method is used to seek the optimal strategy, which could update its performance with minimal manpower manipulation. Specifically, the data collection from several commercial buildings, including hotel, shopping mall and office, in Huangpu district, Shanghai city is analysed to deploy the demand response program. Compared with the conventional demand response strategy based on optimisation, the learnt strategy does not rely on the forecasting information as input and could adapt to the changing demand response incentive automatically. It may not produce the best result every time, but can guarantee the benefit in a non‐deterministic way in long‐term operation. The real‐world deployment of the Huangpu virtual power plant involving hardware and software platform is also introduced, as well as its future development projection.
Jointly human semantic parsing and attribute recognition with feature pyramid structure in EfficientNets
Authors: Moghaddam Mahnaz , Charmi Mostafa , Hassanpoor Hossein
Published: April 2021

Pedestrian attributes recognition is an important issue in computer vision and has a special role in the field of video surveillance. The previous methods presented to solve this issue are mainly based on multi‐label end‐to‐end deep neural networks. These methods neglect to apply attributes for defining local feature areas and they suffer from the problems of the bounding box presence. A new framework for jointly human semantic parsing and pedestrian attribute recognition to achieve effective attribute recognition is proposed. By extracting human parts via semantic parsing, both semantic and spatial information can be explored with eliminating of background. The framework also uses multi‐scale features to employ rich details and contextual information through proposed attribute recognition‐bidirectional feature pyramid network. For baseline network that has a significant impact on the performance, EfficientNet‐B3 is selected as a baseline network from The EfficientNet family which provides an appropriate trade‐off between the three factors of CNNs scaling (depth/width/resolution). Finally, the proposed framework is tested on datasets PETA, RAP and PA‐100k. Experimental results show that our method has superior performance in both mean accuracy and instance‐based metrics compared to state‐of‐the‐art results.
Capacitated location routing problem with simultaneous pickup and delivery under the risk of disruption
Authors: Dehghan Milad , Hejazi Seyed Reza , Karimi-Mamaghan Maryam , Mohammadi Mehrdad , Pirayesh Amir
Published: April 2021

This paper develops a new mathematical model to study a location-routing problem with simultaneous pickup and delivery under the risk of disruption. A remarkable number of previous studies have assumed that network components (e.g., routes, production factories, depots, etc.) are always available and can permanently serve the customers. This assumption is no longer valid when the network faces disruptions such as flood, earthquake, tsunami, terrorist attacks and workers strike. In case of any disruption in the network, tremendous cost is imposed on the stockholders. Incorporating disruption in the design phase of the network will alleviate the impact of these disasters and let the network resist disruption. In this study, a mixed integer programming (MIP) model is proposed that formulates a reliable capacitated location-routing problem with simultaneous pickup and delivery (RCLRP-SPD) services in supply chain distribution network. The objective function attempts to minimize the sum of location cost of depots, routing cost of vehicles and cost of unfulfilled demand of customers. Since the model is NP-Hard, three meta-heuristics are tailored for large-sized instances and the results show the outperformance of hybrid algorithms comparing to classic genetic algorithm. Finally, the obtained results are discussed and the paper is concluded.
Pd(II)-Catalyzed Directing-Group-Aided C–H Arylation and Alkylation of Pyrene Core: Synthesis of C1,C2- and C1,C10-Disubstituted Pyrene Motifs
Authors: Babu Srinivasarao Arulananda , Dalal Arup
Published: April 2021

We report the application of the Pd(II)-catalyzed, directing-group-aided C–H arylation/alkylation tactics to functionalize the pyrene core, especially, the relatively inaccessible C2 and K-region C10 positions of the pyrene core and augmentation of the library of pyrene derivatives with C1,C2- and C1,C10-disubstituted pyrene motifs. The Pd(II)-catalyzed β-C–H arylation/alkylation of the C2-position of pyrene-1-carboxamide possessing an 8-aminoquinoline directing group yielded various C1,C2-disubstituted pyrenes. Similarly, the Pd(II)-catalyzed selective γ-C–H arylation/alkylation of the C10-position of N-(pyren-1-yl)picolinamide, possessing a picolinamide directing group, yielded various C1,C10-disubstituted pyrenes. Examples of C(9)–H arylation of pyrene-1-carboxamide and the removal of the directing group after the C–H arylation/alkylation reactions were also shown. The structures of representative pyrene derivatives were confirmed by the X-ray structure analysis. Given the importance of the pyrene derivatives in various fields of chemical sciences, this report is a contribution towards augmentation of the library of pyrene derivatives with C1,C2- and C1,C10-disubstituted pyrene amide motifs.
Peri-Selective Direct Acylmethylation and Amidation of Naphthalene Derivatives Using Iridium and Rhodium Catalysts
Authors: Nishii Yuji , Miura Masahiro , Kona Chandrababu Naidu , Oku Rikuto
Published: April 2021

An iridium-catalyzed acylmethylation and a rhodium-catalyzed amidation of naphthalene derivatives are reported, adopting sulfoxonium ylides and dioxazolones as carbene and nitrene transfer agents, respectively. The use of SMe group as a directing group was key to ensure the peri-selective functionalization, and it can be easily removed or diversely transformed to other synthetically useful functionalities after the catalysis.
Pivotal Reactions in the Creation of the Polycyclic Skeleton of Cryptotrione
Authors: Wong Henry N. C. , Peng Xiao-Shui , Zhong Zhuliang , Lyu Mao-Yun , Ma Hao-Ran
Published: April 2021

Three pivotal reactions, namely, enyne cycloisomerization, polyene cyclization, and quinone methide formation, are applied to synthesize the complex polycyclic skeleton of cryptotrione. This review summarizes the most prominent applications of these three reactions to the total syntheses of natural products, covering results published in the literature between 2011 and 2020.

1 Introduction

2 Three Pivotal Reactions Applied to Create the Polycyclic Framework of Cryptotrione

2.1 Enyne Cycloisomerization

2.2 Polyene Cyclization

2.3 Quinone Methide Formation

3 Conclusion
A Child with Lymphangioma of Tongue Treated with Constitutional Homoeopathy Medicine—A Rare Case Report
Authors: Parveen Suraia , Ali SK Mahasin
Published: April 2021

Lymphangiomas are rare benign hamartoma tumours resulting from a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system that are commonly seen in the head and neck region and are rare in the oral cavity. In intraoral lymphangioma, the tongue is the most affected site and shows multiple blister-like nodules with red or purple translucent vesicles on the anterior two-third of ventral and dorsal surface of tongue. Patients with lymphangioma of tongue are associated with difficulties in feeding and mastication, speech disturbances, bleeding from tongue surface, burning sensation of tongue, poor oral hygiene, dental problem and macroglossia. They are usually diagnosed in infancy and early childhood. In conventional method, surgical excision is the treatment of choice but recurrences and postoperative complications are common. Here, we present one such rare case of intraoral lymphangioma involving the tongue of a 4 years old male child who was successfully treated with constitutional homoeopathic medicine Tuberculinum.
Osteossíntese de fraturas do colo do metacarpo com parafuso autocompressivo - Análise preliminar de 21 casos
Authors: Folberg Celso Ricardo , Alves Jairo André de Oliveira , Cadore Otávio Pereira , Sirena Fernando Maurente
Published: April 2021

Objetivo O presente estudo visa analisar os resultados clínicos do tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas de colo do metacarpo com fixação intramedular retrógrada utilizando parafusos canulados sem cabeça (tipo Herbert).

Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de 21 fraturas fechadas desviadas do colo do metacarpo em 21 pacientes operados entre abril de 2015 e novembro de 2018.

Resultados A casuística incluiu 19 homens e 2 mulheres. Os mecanismos causadores do trauma foram soco, queda ao solo e acidente com veículo motorizado (n = 14, 5 e 2). Os metacarpos acometidos foram o V, III e II (n = 19, 1 e 1). As indicações cirúrgicas foram angulação colo-diáfise do metacarpo > 30° para os II e III metacarpos e > 40° para o V metacarpo, encurtamento ≥ 5mm, desvio rotacional e o desejo do paciente de não utilizar imobilização gessada. No pós-operatório imediato, os pacientes permaneceram sem imobilização e orientados a mobilizar os dedos conforme tolerância. Todos os pacientes ficaram com mobilidade ativa total > 240° e retornaram às suas antigas ocupações. Todas fraturas consolidaram e não houve reintervenções.

Discussão As grandes vantagens da técnica com parafuso sem cabeça são sua baixa morbidade, estabilidade suficiente para não precisar de imobilização externa e reprodutibilidade com baixo custo.

Conclusão Esta é uma técnica fácil, rápida, e que apresenta ótimos resultados para o tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas deslocadas do colo dos metacarpos.
Artroplastia total na lesão complexa do cotovelo
Authors: Rezende Ricardo Fernandes , Gajo Marcela de Melo , Costa Sérgio Moreira da , Lazarini Rafael Fuchs , Carvalho Junior Antonio Enéas Rangel de , Almeida Filho Ildeu Afonso de
Published: April 2021

Os autores apresentam um caso atípico de fratura complexa do cotovelo esquerdo com perda extensa de tecido ósseo e muscular. O paciente foi submetido a diversos procedimentos cirúrgicos, que resultaram em uma artroplastia total do cotovelo esquerdo associada à reconstrução do tríceps com enxerto do tendão do músculo semitendíneo.
Luxação distal isolada do pisiforme: Relato de caso
Authors: Dias Rafael , Alves-da-Silva Teresa , Martinho Carlos , Guerra-Pinto Francisco
Published: April 2021

A luxação isolada do pisiforme é uma lesão rara com poucos casos descritos na literatura. Esse tipo de lesão é observado tipicamente em adultos jovens do sexo masculino e pode ser facilmente negligenciada numa primeira avaliação. A luxação proximal isolada é mais comum devido à ação do flexor ulnar do carpo (FUC).

Apresentamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, com 19 anos de idade, com luxação distal isolada do pisiforme após traumatismo do punho. O paciente foi submetido a uma redução aberta e fixação interna com fios de Kirschner com excelente resultado funcional.

Apesar de não existir um método de tratamento consensual, a redução fechada perfila-se como tratamento de primeira linha na apresentação aguda. Em caso de insucesso ou como método alternativo pode-se optar pela redução aberta ou a excisão do pisiforme.
Three-Dimensional Human Neural Stem Cell Models to Mimic Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans and the Neural Niche
Authors: Peall Ian W. , Okolicsanyi Rachel K. , Griffiths Lyn R. , Haupt Larisa M.
Published: April 2021

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are a diverse family of polysaccharides, consisting of a core protein with glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains attached. The heterogeneous GAG side-chain carbohydrates consist of repeating disaccharides, with each side chain possessing a specific sulfation pattern. It is the variable sulfation pattern that allows HSPGs to interact with numerous ligands including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, morphogens, extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins, collagens, enzymes, and lipases. HSPGs are classified according to their localization within an individual cell, and include the membrane bound syndecans (SDCs) and glypicans (GPCs), with perlecan, agrin, and type-XVIII collagen secreted into the ECM. The stem cell niche is defined as the environment that circumscribes stem cells when they are in their naïve state, and includes the ECM, which provides a complex contribution to various biological processes during development and throughout life. These contributions include facilitating cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, differentiation, specification, and cell survival. In contrast, HSPGs play an anticoagulant role in thrombosis through being present on the luminal surface of cells, while also playing roles in the stimulation and inhibition of angiogenesis, highlighting their varied and systemic roles in cellular control. To fully understand the complexities of cell-cell and cell–matrix interactions, three-dimensional (3D) models such as hydrogels offer researchers exciting opportunities, such as controllable 3D in vitro environments, that more readily mimic the in vivo/in situ microenvironment. This review examines our current knowledge of HSPGs in the stem cell niche, human stem cell models, and their role in the development of 3D models that mimic the in vivo neural ECM.
Zurich Cementless Dual Mobility Cup for Canine Total Hip Prosthesis: Implant Characteristics and Surgical Outcome in 105 Cases
Authors: Lanz Otto I. , Forzisi Ida , Vezzoni Aldo
Published: April 2021

Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a troublesome complication, and a source of frustration for the owner and the surgeon. The dislocation rate of hip prostheses in dogs is reported to range from 4 to 15%, representing the most common short-term complication. This is especially true in large and giant breed dogs, usually requiring revision surgery. With the increase in the number of THA being performed in veterinary surgery, reducing or preventing complications such as postoperative THA dislocation will be of paramount importance. The Zurich cementless dual mobility (DM) system allows impingement-free range of angulation of 80 to 132 degrees between the ceramic head and the polyether ether ketone (PEEK) cup when combined with the range of the PEEK cup in the outer metal cup. In this article, we review the use of the DM cup in THA in large and giant breed dogs, in terms of its history, biomechanics, outcomes and complications based on 105 cases.
Emerging Roles of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in Viral Pathogenesis
Authors: Koganti Raghuram , Memon Abdullah , Shukla Deepak
Published: April 2021

Heparan sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan present in nearly all mammalian tissues. Heparan sulfate moieties are attached to the cell surface via heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) which are composed of a protein core bound to multiple heparan sulfate chains. HSPGs contribute to the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix and participate in cell signaling by releasing bound cytokines and chemokines once cleaved by an enzyme, heparanase. HSPGs are often exploited by viruses during infection, particularly during attachment and egress. Loss or inhibition of HSPGs initially during infection can yield significant decreases in viral entry and infectivity. In this review, we provide an overview of HSPGs in the lifecycle of multiple viruses, including herpesviruses, human immunodeficiency virus, dengue virus, human papillomavirus, and coronaviruses.
Quality of Life among Middle and Secondary School Children with Epilepsy
Authors: Pachange Priyanka Narayanrao , Dixit J. V. , C. Arjun M. , Goel Akhil Dhanesh
Published: April 2021

Objectives Epilepsy is a leading cause of disability in school-going children. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of epilepsy in middle and secondary school children and to assess their quality of life (QOL).

Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study done in schools under the municipal corporation area of Latur Taluka, Maharashtra. At school, children were screened for epilepsy and the positive children were visited at home. Children with confirmed epilepsy were used to calculate prevalence. The QOL of children diagnosed to have epilepsy was assessed using Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE-55) version 1.0.

Statistical Analysis Mean scores in scales and subscales of QOLCE-55 were calculated. Association between variables was analyzed using unpaired/independent t-test and analysis of variance. Statistically significance was fixed for a p-value less than 0.05.

Results Prevalence of epilepsy in middle and secondary school children was found to be 3.20 per 1000. In QOLCE-55, physical functioning was the most compromised, with the lowest mean QOL score (mean = 58.3, standard deviation = 20.66). Present age of the child, age at the first seizure episode, and time interval since last seizure had a statistically significant relation with QOL. The treatment gap was found to be 70.4%.

Conclusions Assessment of QOL in children with epilepsy is important for effective and comprehensive management of epilepsy.
Pitfalls in Genetic Diagnostics: Why Phenotyping is Essential
Authors: Gburek-Augustat Janina , Schoene-Bake Jan-Christoph , Bültmann Eva , Haack Tobias , Buchert Rebecca , Synofzik Matthis , Biskup Saskia , Feuerhake Friedrich , Sorge Ina , Hartmann Hans
Published: April 2021

New genetic testing technologies have revolutionized medicine within the past years. It is foreseeable that the development will continue with the introduction of new techniques. Nevertheless, despite improved technology, an exact clinical description of the phenotype is still necessary and it is important to critically question findings, both before initiating genetic testing and when interpreting the results. We present four brief case vignettes to point out difficulties associated with correctly interpreting genetic findings.