bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fathers’ Experiences of Pregnancy and Childbirth with Particular Interest in Migrant Fathers: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Mprah Andy , Haith-Cooper Melanie , Duda-Mikulin Eva , Meddings Fiona
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveThe purpose of this review was to consider factors that influence the experiences of pregnancy and childbirth by fathers with particular interest in migrant fathers.MethodA systematic review and narrative synthesis were conducted as per the PRISMA guidelines. The spider tool was used to build a search strategy which was used to conduct literature search in eight identified electronic databases: ASSIA, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PUBMED, Sage and Scopus. Grey literature was searched through the King’s Fund Library database, Ethos, The North Grey Literature Collection, Social Care Online and other charity websites such as the Refugee Council and Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The search was conducted across all the databases in the week commencing January 7, 2019 and restricted to studies published in the English language.ResultsThe search across all the eight electronic databases identified 2564 records, 13 records through grey literature databases/websites and an additional 23 records identified through hand-searching/forward citation. The number of records after duplicates were removed was 2229. Record screening based on titles and abstracts identified 69 records for full text screening. Dual screening of these full text records identified 12 full records from 12 separate studies, eight of which were qualitative studies, three of which were quantitative studies and one mixed method study.FindingsThis review has revealed three main themes: influence of society and health professionals; adjustment to a new life of fatherhood; and involvement in maternity care. The literature of fathers’ experiences of pregnancy and childbirth is dominated by native fathers’ experiences at the detriment of migrant fathers more specifically forced migrant fathers who are most vulnerable.Key Conclusion and Implications for practiceThis review has exposed a dearth of research on migrant fathers’ experiences of pregnancy and childbirth. Midwives and other health professionals should be alert to the needs of any father when providing maternity care. More research is needed which considers the heterogeneity of migrants and how choosing to move to a new country or being forced to move could influence migrant father’s experiences and therefore their needs.
Australian Mental Health Care Practitioners’ Cultural Competence, Therapeutic Alliance, Desirable Responding and Racial/Ethnic Attitudes
Authors: Dune Tinashe , Chimoriya Ritesh , Caputi Peter , MacPhail Catherine , Olcon Katarzyna , Ogbeide Anita
Published: November 2021

Background

Racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity in Australia is rapidly increasing. Although Indigenous Australians account for only approximately 3.5% of the country’s population, over 50% of Australians were born overseas or have at least one migrant parent. Migration accounts for over 60% of Australia’s population growth, with migration from Asia, Sub-Saharan African and the Americas increasing by 500% in the last decade. Little is known about Australian mental health care practitioners’ attitudes toward this diversity and their level of cultural competence.
Aim

Given the relationship between practitioner cultural competence and an effective therapeutic alliance with diverse clients, this study aimed to identify factors that influence non-White and White practitioner cultural competence and therapeutic alliance.
Methods

An online questionnaire was completed by 139 Australian mental health practitioners. The measures included: the Multicultural Counselling Inventory (MCI); the Color-blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS); and the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participants’ demographic characteristics. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted to identify between-group differences (non-White compared to White practitioners) in cultural competence, therapeutic alliance, and racial and ethnic blindness. Correlation analyses were conducted to determine the effect of participants’ gender or age on cultural competence and therapeutic alliance. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to predict cultural competence and therapeutic alliance.
Results

The study demonstrates that higher MCI total scores (measuring cultural competence and therapeutic alliance) were associated with being non-White, older age, greater attendance of cultural competence-related trainings and increased awareness of general and pervasive racial and/or ethnic discrimination. Practitioners with higher MCI total scores were also likely to have higher self-deceptive positive enhancement scores on the BIDR than those with lower MCI total scores.
Conclusion

The findings highlight that the current one-size-fits-all and skills-development approach to cultural competence training ignores the significant role that practitioner diversity and differences play in the therapeutic alliance. The recommendations from this study can inform clinical educators and supervisors about the importance of continuing professional development relevant to practitioners’ age, racial/ethnic background and professional experience.
Variation In Frequency And Share of Duration of Rainy Days In Iran’s Precipitation
Authors: Asakereh Hossein , Ashrafi Saeideh
Published: November 2021

In any region, climate change can be manifested in the form of various characteristics of climatic elements. To investigate the possible precipitation variations, as a sign of climate change in Iran, in the present study, the frequency of duration of rainy days was examined as a precipitation characteristic. To this end, gridded data of precipitation were used for the period of 1971-2016, and days with the precipitation of more than 1 mm were considered as rainy days. Considering the frequency of the rainy days, it was revealed that during the study period, one to thirty six-day duration of precipitation occurred in the country. One-day duration had the highest frequencies and covered the vastest area, while thirty six-day duration had the lowest frequencies and covered the smallest area. Accordingly, the one-day duration played the most significant role in annual precipitation. The share of these types of rainfalls in the low-precipitation parts of the country was more than 80% and in some areas. The findings also revealed that there was an increasing frequency of short-term, especially two-day duration, in large parts of the country, and a decrease in the long-term duration. The results showed that latitude and longitude, respectively, had the most significant impact on the frequency distribution of the duration of rainy days. Latitude had a direct effect (except in terms of the share of one-day duration of annual precipitation) and longitude had an inverse effect (except in the share of one-day duration of annual precipitation).
Histomorphology and Molecular Genetics in Different Intra-Tumoral Zones and Matched Metastatic Lymph Nodes of Colorectal Cancer with Heterogenous Mismatch Repair Status
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Xin , Wang Qian , Xu Yuyin , Yao Qianlan , Huang Dan , Sheng Weiqi , Zhu Xiaoli , Zhou Xiaoyan , Bai Qianming
Published: November 2021

Objective: To better understand the clinicopathological characteristics and molecular alterations in different intra-tumoral components of colorectal cancer (CRC) with heterogeneity of mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression and microsatellite instability (MSI) status.Methods: We identified 4 cases of CRC with heterogenous MMR protein expression and analyzed the histopathological features, MSI status and other molecular alterations in separately microdissected intra-tumoral zones and lymph node metastases by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -based MSI testing, MLH1 promoter methylation and targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS).Results: Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) was identified in the MLH1/PMS2 deficient zones in Case 1-3, and in the MSH2/MSH6 deficient zone in Case 4, while MSS was in all the intra-tumoral zones and metastatic lymph nodes with proficient MMR (pMMR). Furthermore, heterogeneity of MLH1 promoter methylation and/or other common driving gene mutations of CRC, such as KRAS, PIK3CA and so on, was identified in all the 4 CRCs. In addition, 75% (3/4) of cases showed heterogeneity of histomorphology in intra-tumoral components and metastatic lymph nodes (Case 1, 2, 4), and all the corresponding metastatic lymph nodes were moderate differentiation with MSS/pMMR (Case 2, 3). Conclusions: The heterogeneous MSI status is highly correlated with histomorphological heterogeneity, which is also an important clue for the heterogeneity of drive gene mutations in CRC. These results suggest that it is essential to detect MMR protein expression and other gene mutations in metastases before treatment, especially for the CRCs with heterogenous MMR protein expression or histomorphology.
The Impact of Specific Fracture Characteristics of Low-energy Fractures of the Pelvis in the Elderly on Mortality
Authors: Ramser Michaela , Vach Werner , Strub Nathalie , Cadosch Dieter , Saxer Franziska , Eckardt Henrik
Published: November 2021

Background:Pelvic fractures in the elderly are associated with relevant morbidity and mortality. Both might be determined by fracture morphology and/or patient characteristics. The aim of this project is to investigate the prognostic value of specific fracture characteristics with respect to overall survival and to compare it with an established classification system. Methods:Retrospective analysis of patients ≥60 years, treated conservatively for a CT-scan verified, low-energy pelvic ring fracture between August 2006 and December 2018. Survival data was available from patients’ charts and cantonal or national registries. The prognostic value of fracture characteristic describing the anterior and posterior involvement of the pelvic ring was investigated. This analysis was repeated after patients were stratified into a high-risk vs a low-risk group according to patient characteristic (age, gender, comorbidities, mobility, living situation). This allowed to assess the impact of the different fracture morphologies on mortality in fit vs. frail senior patients separately Results:Overall, 428 patients (83.4% female) with a mean age of 83.7 years were included. Two thirds of patients were still living in their home and mobile without walking aid at baseline. In-hospital mortality was 0.7%, overall, one-year mortality 16.9%. An independent and significant association of age, gender and comorbidities to overall survival was found. Further, the occurrence of a horizontal sacral fracture as well as a ventral comminution or dislocation was associated with an increased mortality. The effect of a horizontal sacral fracture was more accentuated in low-risk patients while the ventral fracture components showed a larger effect on survival in high-risk patients.Conclusion:Specific fracture characteristics may indicate a higher risk of mortality in conservatively treated patients with a low-energy pelvic ring fracture. Hence, they should be taken into account in future treatment algorithms and decisions on patient management.
Knowledge on Risk Factors and Practice of Early Detection Methods of Breast Cancer Among Graduating Students of Debre Tabor University, Northcentral Ethiopia
Authors: Mehiret Gashaw , Molla Amsalu , Tesfaw Aragaw
Published: November 2021

Background

Breast cancer is the greatest common cancer in women worldwide, with approximately 1.7 million new cases diagnosed each year in the world which accounts for 12% of all new cancer cases and 25% of all cancers in women. Even though the higher mortality rate of breast cancer in low and middle-income countries, the practice of early detection methods is low and the majority of the patients who appeared at an advanced stage of the disease need palliative care with little survival rates. However, evidence is sparse on knowledge of risk and practice of breast cancer screening methods used among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia. Hence we aimed to assess knowledge on risk factors and practice of early detection methods of breast cancer among female graduating students of Debre Tabor University.
Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to December 15 at Debra-Tabor University female graduating class students. A multistage sampling technique was used. Data were collected with a self-administer questionnaire. The collected data were processed and analyzed with the computer using SPSS version 25 software. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socio-demographic information of participants. Binary and multivariable logistic regression with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Statistical significance was stated at p < 0.05.
Result;

A total of 270 female students have participated in the study. The median age (±SD) was 24.63 years (±1.26). All of the students heard about breast cancer and early detection methods. About 206 (76.67% of the participants had good knowledge of breast self-examination. Mass media, health professionals, and friends in combination were the main source of information 172 (63.77%), only 110 (40.70%) of students performed a breast-self-examination and the rest did not perform it due to forgetting fullness and lack of knowledge. About 208 (77.1%) of the respondents respond family history is a risk factor for breast cancer. Being a health science student (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 2.12, 3.52), family history of breast problem (AOR = 3.41; 95% CI: 3.22, 8.33), and having a good level of knowledge (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.01, 5.68) were the factors associated with the practice of breast self-examination.
Conclusion

Most of the participants were unaware of the benefits, appropriate timing, and techniques of doing a breast self-examination. Health science students had better awareness & practice of breast self-examination than non-health science students. Trained health professionals must give focus on giving health information regarding risk factors of breast cancer and methods of early detection of breast cancer to the public & their clients.
Development of Tannin-bridged Cerium Oxide Microcubes-chitosan Cryogel as a Multifunctional Wound Dressing
Authors: Teng Muzhou , Li Zhijia , Lu Zhihui , Wu Keke , Guo Jinshan
Published: November 2021

Background: Efficient resolution of oxidative stress, inflammation and bacterial infections are crucial for wound healing. To surmount these problems, tannic acid (TA)-bridged CeO2 microcubes and chitosan (CS) (CS-TA@CeO2) cryogel was fabricated through hydrogen bonding interactions as a multifunctional wound dressing. Results: The physicochemical characterizations confirmed the successful introduction and uniform incorporation of TA@CeO2 microcubes into CS network. Thus-obtained CS-TA@CeO2 cryogels displayed suitable porous structure and swelling ratio. The CS-TA@CeO2 cryogels exhibited favorable antioxidant ability evidenced by scavenging more than 82.9% ROS in vitro and significantly increasing the antioxidant enzyme levels in vivo. The anti-inflammatory ability of the cryogels was confirmed by the downregulated expression of the inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and the upregulated expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10 (IL-10). The multifunctional cryogels also showed excellent antibacterial activities against Gram-positive (S.aureus) and Gram-negative (E.coli) bacteria. Furthermore, the cryogels can promote the adhesion and proliferation of mouse fibroblasts (L929) cells. Moreover, CS-TA@CeO2 cryogels presented excellent hemostatic performance in rat tail amputation model. In vivo Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats full-thickness experiments illustrated that the cryogels can significantly accelerate wound healing through providing considerable antioxidant activity, promoting angiogenesis, and increasing collagen deposition. Conclusions: Overall, the multifunctional CS-TA@CeO2 cryogels showed great potential for wound healing.
Discovery of UPSTREAM of FLOWERING LOCUS C (UFC) and FLOWERING LOCUS C EXPRESSOR (FLX) in Gladiolus ×Hybridus, G. Dalenii
Authors: Aljaser Jaser A. , Anderson Neil , Noyszewski Andrzej
Published: November 2021

Background.

Gladiolus is a geophytic floricultural crop cultivated for cut flower and garden ornamental uses. Monocotyledonous flower crops have few, if any, flowering genes identified. Ornamental geophytes such as gladiolus, lily, tulip and daffodil are examples of floral crops that are currently being investigated to understand the flowering pathway. While the flower genes and environmental / hormonal factors leading to flowering are established in Arabidopsis, the lack of identified flowering genes in economically important ornamental geophytic crops, such as gladiolus, is critical to further genetic research. Thus, the importance of such an ornamental crop that relies on flowers (flowering) for economic purposes encourages researchers to discover the flowering genes to breed vigorous, flowering cultivars. The understanding of the flowering mechanisms in the flowering pathway is also of paramount importance.
Results.

Herein we show the discovery of UPSTREAM OF FLOWERING LOCUS C (UFC) and FLOWERING LOCUS C EXPRESSOR (FLX) genes in Gladiolus ×hybridus and G. dalenii. The UFC gene is adjacent to FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) which is a floral repressor in many temperate species. The FLX gene upregulates FRIGIDA (FRI) which upregulates FLC expression. Discovery of both genes is a step forward in finding the FLC gene in gladiolus, provided they are linked. Seventeen gladiolus genotypes, consisting of early flowering and commercial cultivars, were discovered to possess the UFC gene, consisting of four exons in two allelic forms. The sequenced UFC gene, when translated into its amino acid sequence and set in pair-alignment to other species, has up to 57% in amino acid identity to Musa acuminata. The UFC protein ranges in identity with pair-alignment to other monocot species, also with 57% amino acid identity to M. acuminata. The FLX gene in gladiolus has 3/5 (60%) exons in common relative to Ananas comosus, i.e. lacking 2 exons and a partially complete gene sequence; the pair-alignment of the three exons shows an overall ~65% identity of FLX to A. comosus. The UFC protein consists of a conserved domain, DUF966, which is higher in identity (86%) and pair-alignment with Elaeis guineensis.
Conclusions.

The two newly-discovered genes in gladiolus, UFC and FLX, provide insight to further our understanding of the flowering mechanism, flowering pathway genes, and vernalization response in ornamental geophytes. This knowledge will be valuable for gladiolus breeders and geneticists to finding the FLC gene, identify segregating seedlings for both UFC and FLX, and aid in marker assisted selection for flowering gene expression.
GlucoMedix ®, an Extract of Stevia Rebaudiana and Uncaria Tomentosa, Reduces Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia, and Hypertension in Rat Models Without Toxicity: A Treatment For Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Vílchez León F. Villegas , Ascencios Julio Hidalgo , Dooley Thomas P.
Published: November 2021

Background: The objective of this in vivo study is to evaluate in five rat models the pharmacologic effects and toxicity of a commercial hydro-alcoholic extract, GlucoMedix®, derived from Stevia rebaudiana and the pentacyclic chemotype of Uncaria Tomentosa (Willd.) DC, for use as a treatment for Metabolic Syndrome. The extract contains phytochemicals of Stevia (e.g., steviol glycosides) and Uncaria (e.g., pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids, but lacks tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids).Methods: The pharmacologic assessments in three rat models include reductions in chemically induced hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia (cholesterol and triglycerides), and hypertension, all of which are comorbidities of Metabolic Syndrome. Acute toxicity and 28-day subacute toxicity were assessed in rat models at doses higher than those used in the efficacy models.Results: The acute oral toxicity was evaluated in Holtzman rats and the extract did not produce acute toxic effects or lethality, with the LD50 > 5000 mg/kg (extract wet weight). Furthermore, subacute oral toxicity was evaluated in rats for 28 days at daily doses as high as 2000 mg/kg without toxicity or abnormal clinical chemistry or hematological effects. Daily oral doses of 250 - 1000 mg/kg were used to evaluate the treatment effects in hyperglycemic (alloxan-induced and glibenclamide-controlled), hyperlipidemic (cholesterol-induced and atorvastatin-controlled), and hypertensive (L-NAME-induced and enalapril-controlled) rat models. Alloxan-induced hyperglycemia was reduced in a dose-dependent manner within 28 days or less. Cholesterol-induced hyperlipidemic rats exhibited dose-dependent reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides at 21 days. Furthermore, GlucoMedix® produced a dose-dependent decrease in systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats at 28 days.Conclusions: The five in vivo rat models revealed that the all-natural phytotherapy GlucoMedix® is a safe and effective treatment for hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. This extract is expected to affect multiple comorbidities of Metabolic Syndrome, without any acute or subacute oral toxicity in humans. Although multiple prescription drugs are well known for the treatment of individual comorbidities of Metabolic Syndrome, no drug monotherapy concurrently treats all three comorbidities.
Increased Lateral and Medial Femoral Posterior Radius Ratios Are Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Fu Chunxu , Fan Xuguo , Jiang Shigang , Wang Junsen , Li Tong , Kang Kai , Gao Shijun
Published: November 2021

Background
Many studies have shown that the distal femoral sagittal morphological characteristics had a clear relationship with knee joint kinematics. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between distal femoral sagittal morphological characteristics and noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Methods
A retrospective case-control study of 148 patients was conducted. Two age- and sex-matched cohorts (each n = 74) were analysed: a noncontact ACL injury group and a control group. The lateral femoral posterior radius (LFPR), medial femoral posterior radius (MFPR), lateral height of the distal femur (LH), medial height of the distal femur (MH), lateral femoral anteroposterior diameter (LFAP), medial femoral anteroposterior diameter (MFAP), lateral femoral posterior radius ratio (LFPRR), and medial femoral posterior radius ratio (MFPRR) were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the significance of the LFPRR and MFPRR in predicting ACL injury.
Results
Compared with patients in the control group, patients in the ACL injury group had an increased LFPR, MFPR, MFAP, LFPRR, and MFPRR. ROC curve analysis revealed that an increased LFPRR above 31.7% was associated with noncontact ACL injury, with a sensitivity of 78.4% and a specificity of 58.1%, and an increased MFPRR above 33.4% was associated with noncontact ACL injury, with a sensitivity of 58.1% and a specificity of 70.3%.
Conclusion
This study showed that increased LFPRR and MFPRR were risk factors for noncontact ACL injury. These data could help identify individuals susceptible to ACL injuries.
The Dynamic Coupling Nexus Among Inclusive Green Growth: A Case Study in Western Yangtze River Delta of China
Authors: Cao Jia lei
Published: November 2021

Inclusive Green growth (IGG) offers an effective alternative to pursue sustainable development. The core of the IGG system lies in the coordination of inclusive, green, and growth subsystems. However, there is little quantitative assessment on IGG based on subsystem collaboration. This paper explores the dynamic coupling IGG nexus in western Yangtze River Delta of China from 2009 to 2018, by using the entropy weight approach (EWA), coupling coordination degree model (CCDM) and obstacle factor diagnostic model (OFDM). The results show that: (1) The integrated approach can allow assessment of the spatiotemporal dynamic coupling nexus of IGG subsystems; (2) At the provincial level, a relatively high IGG performance and a low coupling coordination degree (CCD) of the IGG nexus are seen. The impact of indicators on the coordinated development of IGG can be divided into two stages; (3) At the prefectural level, the cities in which CCD is rising outnumber those it is falling. However, the CCD is also low, and the gap among the regions is getting wider. The obstacles that affect the CCD of cities see a dynamic evolution trend from “inclusive obstacle type” to “inclusive and growth obstacle type” then to “green obstacle type” over the decade.
Generation of a Mitochondrial Protein Compendium in Dictyostelium Discoideum
Authors: Freitas Anna V , Herb Jake T , Pan Miao , Cheng Yong , Gucek Marjan , Jin Tian , Xu Hong
Published: November 2021

The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a well-established model to study numerous cellular processes including cell motility, chemotaxis, and differentiation. As energy metabolism is involved in these processes, mitochondrial genetics and bioenergetics are of interest, though many features of Dictyostelium mitochondria differ from metazoans. A comprehensive inventory of mitochondrial proteins is critical to understanding mitochondrial processes and their involvement in various cellular pathways. Here, we utilized high-throughput multiplexed protein quantitation and homology analyses to generate a high-confidence mitochondrial protein compendium. Our proteomic approach, which utilizes quantitative mass spectrometry in combination with mathematical modeling, was validated through mitochondrial targeting sequence prediction and live-cell imaging. Our final compendium consists of 1082 proteins. Within our D. discoideum mitochondrial proteome, we identify many proteins that are not present in humans, yeasts, or the ancestral alpha-proteobacteria, which can serve as a foundation for future investigations into the unique mitochondria of Dictyostelium. Additionally, we leverage our compendium to highlight the complexity of metabolic reprogramming during starvation-induced development. Our compendium lays a foundation to investigate mitochondrial processes that are unique in protists, as well as for future studies to understand the functions of conserved mitochondrial proteins in health and diseases using D. discoideum as the model.
Women’s Perception of Attractiveness of Men’s Faces Inversely Correlates with Men’s Serum Testosterone During the Fertility Phase of the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Krejza Jaroslaw , Śledziewski Rafał , Tabedzki Marek , Chen Rong , Krzystanek Ewa , Arkuszewski Michal , Odachowska Magdalena , Kwiatkowska Kinga , Marynowska Marcelina , Rogowski Maciej , Ustymowicz Andrzej
Published: November 2021

The attractiveness of the human face may signal the genetic suitability of a mate. The ‘ovulatory shift hypothesis’ postulates that women in the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle prefer faces of masculine men that signal ‘good genes’, whereas in the non-fertile phase they prefer good parental providers. We studied relationships between serum total testosterone and face attractiveness of 77 healthy men (20-29 years, mean±SD 22.44±1.79) as rated by 19 healthy women (20-27 years, mean±SD 22.84±1.96) on day 13 of their menstrual cycle. Using advanced Bayesian multilevel modeling we showed that the attractiveness of faces is negatively associated with the concentration of serum testosterone in the men, even taking into account the concentration of serum estrogen in the raters. The average face composited from images of 39 faces rated above pool median attractiveness rate, was slightly narrower than the average face composited from 38 less attractive faces. Our results challenge the ‘ovulatory shift hypothesis’ as faces of males with higher circulating testosterone were rated as less attractive than faces of males with lower testosterone by women on the fertile phase of the cycle.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation Represses the Early Immune Response Against Murine Cytomegalovirus but Enhances NK Cell Effector Function
Authors: Wu Shuting , Wang Lili , Peng Hongyan , Zhang Shuju , Yang Qinglan , Huang Minghui , Li Yana , Guan Shuzhen , Jiang Wenjuan , Zhang Zhaohui , Bi Qinghua , Li Liping , Gao Yuan , Xiong Peiwen , Zhong Zhaoyang , Xu Bo , Deng Yafei , Deng Youcai
Published: November 2021

Background
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation is beneficial for several chronic diseases; however, its effect on immune regulation is still debated. Given the prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and because natural killer (NK) cells are the component of innate immunity critical for controlling CMV infection, the current study explored the effect of a DHA-enriched diet on susceptibility and the NK cell effector response to murine (M) CMV infection.
Results
Male C57BL/6 mice fed a control or DHA-enriched diet for 3 weeks were infected with MCMV and sacrificed at the indicated time points postinfection. Compared with control mice, DHA-fed mice had higher liver and spleen viral loads on day 7 postinfection, but final MCMV clearance was not affected. The ratio and total numbers of NK cells and their terminal mature cell subset (KLRG1+ and Ly49H+ NK cells) were reduced compared with those in control mice on day 7 but not day 21 postinfection. DHA feeding resulted in higher IFN-γ and granzyme B expression in splenic NK cells on day 7 postinfection. A mechanistic analysis showed that the splenic NK cells of DHA-fed mice showed enhanced glucose uptake, increased CD71 and CD98 expression, and higher mitochondrial mass and activity than those of control mice. In addition, DHA-fed mice showed reductions in the total numbers and activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
Conclusions
These results suggest that DHA supplementation represses the early response to CMV infection but preserves NK cell effector functions by improving mitochondrial activity, which may play critical roles in subsequent MCMV clearance.
Preclinical and Clinical Studies of p38α MAP kinase inhibition to Treat Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Dysfunction and Degeneration
Authors: Alam John , Nixon Ralph , Jiang Ying , Gomperts Stephen , Maruff Paul , Lemstra Afina , Germann Ursula , Stavrides Philip , Darji Sandipkumar , Malampati Sandeep , Peddy James , Bleiwas Cynthia , Plawik Monika , Pensalfini Anna , Yang Dun-Sheng , Subbanna Shivakumar , Basavarajappa Balapal , Smiley John , Gardner Amanda , Blackburn Kelly , Prins Niels , Teunissen Charlotte , Harrison John , Scheltens Philip
Published: November 2021

The endosome-associated protein Rab5 is a central player in the molecular mechanisms leading to degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN), a long-standing target for drug development. As p38α kinase is a Rab-5 activator, we hypothesized that inhibition of this kinase held potential as an approach to treat diseases associated with BFCN loss. Herein we report that treatment with an oral small molecule p38α kinase inhibitor reversed pathological disease progression in the basal forebrain in a mouse model that develops BFCN degeneration. Further, the preclinical results were successfully translated to the clinic, with improvement of clinical outcomes associated with cholinergic function in a clinical study in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a disease in which BFCN dysfunction and degeneration is the primary driver of disease expression. The findings both advances a novel approach to treating DLB and validates the translational platform that provided the mechanistic rationale for advancing that approach.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Potyvirus Infecting Miscanthus Sinensis (Silver Grass)
Authors: Leblanc Zacharie , Gauthier Marie-Emilie , Lelwala Ruvini , Elliott Candace , McMaster Cassie , Eichner Robin , Davis Kevin , Liefting Lia , Thompson Jeremy , Dinsdale Adrian , Whattam Mark , Pattemore Julie , Barrero Roberto Antonio
Published: November 2021

Here, we describe the full-length genome sequence of a novel potyvirus, tentatively named “miscanthus sinensis mosaic virus” (MsiMV), isolated from Miscanthus sinensis (silver grass) held in a post entry quarantine facility following its initial import into Western Australia, Australia. The MsiMV genome encompasses 9604 nucleotides (nt) encoding a 3071 amino acids (aa) polyprotein with conserved sequence motifs. The MsiMV genome is most closely related to sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV) with 74% nt and 78.5% aa sequence identity to the SrMV polyprotein region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the polyprotein grouped MsiMV with SrMV, sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV). This is the first report of a novel monopartite ssRNA virus in Miscanthus sinensis related to members of the genus Potyvirus in the family Potyviridae.
Ultra-Sensitive Detection of Pyridine in Water Using Zinc Porphyrin Incorporated in a Transparent Hydrophobic Film
Authors: Sasai Ryo , Aoyama Yu-hei , Fujimura Takuya
Published: November 2021

In this study, we investigated the axial coordination reaction between pyridine and zinc meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (ZnTPPS) incorporated in a transparent layered double hydroxide (LDH) film modified with 1-decanesulfonate (C10S) in an aqueous solution. The equilibrium constant (K11) of the axial coordination reaction between pyridine and ZnTPPS incorporated in the transparent ZnTPPS/C10S/LDH film was approximately 260 times that of the corresponding reaction in an aqueous solution. The hydrophobisation of the LDH interlayer space by C10S, which led to the elimination of water molecules surrounding ZnTPPS and enabled the accumulation of pyridine molecules, was responsible for such a significant increase in the K11 value. The developed film can detect pyridine in aqueous solutions with ultra-high sensitivity in the order of 10−5 mol/L through changes in the colour tone, which is comparable to the molecular detection ability of insect antennae. The sensing response was also observed at pyridine concentrations as low as 10−9 mol/L.
Plant And Soil Microbial Communities Regulate Soil Respiration In Response To Precipitation And Land Use In An Inner Mongolian Grassland
Authors: Zhang Chi , Song Chao , Wang Donghui , Qin Wenkuan , Zhu Biao , Li Frank Yonghong , Wang Yonghui , Ma Wenhong
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Changes in precipitation amount and land use are expected to greatly impact soil respiration (Rs) of grassland ecosystems. However, little is known about whether they can interactively impact Rs and how plant and soil microbial communities regulate the response of Rs. Methods: Here, we investigated the impacts of altered precipitation amount (–50%, ambient and +50%) and land-use regime (fencing, mowing and grazing) on Rs with a field experiment in the Inner Mongolian grassland.Results: We found that altered precipitation amount impacted Rs and its components across the 3-year study period, while land-use regime alone or its interaction with precipitation amount impacted them in certain years. In addition, changed soil microclimate, especially soil moisture, under altered precipitation amount and land-use regime can impact the components of Rs either directly or indirectly via influencing plant and soil microbial communities.Conclusions: Integrating changing precipitation amount and land-use regime within experiment can produce more accurate insights into grassland Rs, and chronically shifted plant and soil microbial communities under these changes may result in distinct long-term impacts on Rs.
Sex Differences in Rumen Fermentation and Microbiota of Tibetan Goat
Authors: Guo Xinyu , Sha Yuzhu , Lv Weibing , Pu Xiaoning , Liu Xiu , Luo Yuzhu , Hu Jiang , Wang Jiqing , Li Shaobin , Zhao Zhidong
Published: November 2021

Background: Gut microbiota play an important role in maintaining host metabolism, immune system and health, while sex, genotype, diet and health have certain effects on composition of gut microbiota. Therefore, in order to explore the sex differences in the structure and function of rumen microbiota in Tibetan goat, the study analyzed the sex differences in rumen fermentation parameters, rumen microbiota and the expression of genes related to VFAs transport in Tibetan goat. Results: The results showed that the content of acetic acid in the rumen of rams was significantly higher than that of ewes (P <0.05), and propionic acid and butyric acid were higher than that of ewes, but the difference was not significant (P >0.05); The expression of VFAs transport related genes DRA, AE2, MCT-1, NHE1, NHE2 in rumen epithelium of ewes was significantly higher than that of rams. Analysis of the composition and structure of rumen microbiota showed that there were significant sex differences in structure of rumen microbiota, and the abundance of rumen microbiota in ewes was higher than that in rams (P>0.05). At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla of Tibetan goat, while Firmicutes was significantly higher in ewes than in rams (P<0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundance of Fibrobacter, Ruminococcus_1 and Pyramidobacter in ewes was significantly higher than that in rams (P<0.05). The function prediction results showed that Replication, recombination and repair, RNA processing and modification were mainly enriched in ewes (P<0.05). Conclusions: Correlation analysis revealed significant associations of some rumen microbiota with the fermentation product VFAs and VFAs transport-related genes. It is concluded that rams and ewes have a strong ability for fermenting and metabolizing when adapting to the plateau environment, which provides a certain sex reference basis for Tibetan goat adaptation to the plateau environment.
Physical Property Characterization of the Waipapa Greywacke: An Important Geothermal Reservoir Basement Rock in New Zealand
Authors: Melia Aurelio , Faulkner Daniel Roy , McNamara David Daniel
Published: November 2021

Greywacke basement rocks in New Zealand host conventional geothermal reservoirs and may supply important hotter and deeper geothermal energy resources in the future. This work combines petrological analyses and physical property measurements of Waipapa greywacke, a basement unit hosting New Zealand geothermal reservoirs, in order to understand better how structurally controlled flow networks develop and channel geothermal fluids within it. Results show intact Waipapa greywacke has high tensile and triaxial compressive strengths, and low intrinsic permeability (~10-21 m2). Permeability of intact Waipapa greywacke does not increase significantly during triaxial loading to failure and is accompanied by minimal changes ultrasonic wave velocities. These data taken together suggest that microcrack development during brittle deformation is very limited. Upon failure, the permeability increases by two orders of magnitude and shows similar permeability to tests performed on synthetic, single, mode I fractures in intact Waipapa greywacke. Permeability persists in Waipapa greywacke fractures under confining pressures of at least 150 MPa. It is concluded that Waipapa greywacke rocks will not allow fluid flow through the matrix of the rock and that substantial geothermal fluid flow will only occur through macrofracture networks.
Analysis of Superradiation Stability of Kerr-Newman Black Hole Using Curve integral
Authors: Chen Wen-Xiang
Published: November 2021

In this article, a new variable y is added here to expand the results of the above article.We use the properties of the Laurent series and the Cauchy integral. When y is greater than a certain limit, the effective potential of the equation does not have a pole, then there is no potential well outside the event horizon, when p 2(a 2 + Q2)/r2 + < ω < mΩH + qΦH,so the Kerr-Newman black hole is superradiantly stable at that time.
Classification of Painful or Painless Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Identification of the Most Powerful Predictors Using Machine Learning Models in Large Cross-Sectional Cohorts
Authors: Baskozos Georgios , Themistocleous Andreas , Hebert Harry L , Pascal Mathilde , John Jishi , Callaghan Brian , Laycock Helen , Crombez Geert , Rice Andrew SC , Smith Blair H , Bennett David L.H
Published: November 2021

Background: To improve the treatment of painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) and associated co-morbidities, a better understanding of the pathophysiology and risk factors for painful DPN is required. Using harmonised cohorts (N = 1230) we have built models that classify painful versus painless DPN. Methods: The Random Forest, Adaptive Regression Splines and Naive Bayes machine learning models were trained for classifying painful/painless DPN. Their performance was estimated using cross-validation in large cross-sectional cohorts (N = 935). Models were externally validated in a large population-based cohort (N = 295) in the presence of missing values. Variables were ranked for importance using model specific metrics and marginal effects of predictors were aggregated and assessed at the global level. Model selection was carried out using the Mathews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) and model performance was quantified in the validation set using MCC, the area under the precision/recall curve (AUPRC) and accuracy.Results: Random Forest (MCC=0.28, AUPRC = 0.76) and Adaptive Regression Splines (MCC = 0.29, AUPRC = 0.77) were the best performing models and showed the smallest reduction in performance between the training and validation dataset. EQ5D index, the 10-item personality dimensions, HbA1c, Depression and Anxiety t-scores, age and Body Mass Index were consistently amongst the most powerful predictors in classifying painful vs painless DPN. Conclusions: Machine learning models trained on large cross-sectional cohorts were able to accurately classify painful or painless DPN on an independent population-based dataset. Painful DPN is associated with more depression, anxiety and certain personality traits. It is also associated with poorer self-reported quality of life, younger age, poor glucose control and high Body Mass Index (BMI). The models showed good performance in realistic conditions in the presence of missing values and noisy datasets. These models can be used either in the clinical context to assist patient stratification based on the risk of painful DPN or return broad risk categories based on user input. Model’s performance and calibration suggest that in both cases they could potentially improve diagnosis and outcomes by changing modifiable factors like BMI and HbA1c control and institute earlier preventive or supportive measures like psychological interventions.
Trajectories and perceptual precursors of intelligence in minimally verbal autistic children from preschool to school age
Authors: Girard Dominique , Courchesne Valérie , Cimon-Paquet Catherine , Jacques Claudine , Soulières Isabelle
Published: November 2021

Background

The question of cognitive prognosis is frequently asked at the time of autism diagnosis, often at preschool age. It remains however difficult to answer this question at such a young age, given the considerable heterogeneity of cognitive development trajectories and the challenges associated with intellectual assessment in autistic children, particularly among minimally verbal children.
Methods

The current prospective cohort study investigated whether early perceptual abilities measured at preschool age could predict later intellectual abilities at school age in a group of 41 autistic (9 girls, 32 boys) and 57 neurotypical children (29 girls, 28 boys). Participants were assessed at three time points during the childhood period (between the age of 2 and 8 years old) using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence – Fourth edition as a measure of full-scale IQ and the Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices as a measure of non-verbal IQ. The performance on two perceptual tests (Visual Search and Children Embedded Figures Test) as well as the frequency of perceptual behaviors served as predictors of later intellectual abilities.
Results

Early performance on perceptual tests measured at preschool age was positively related to later full-scale IQ in both autistic and neurotypical children. Furthermore, both perceptual behaviors and performance on perceptual tests measured at preschool age were associated with later non-verbal IQ in the autistic group. In contrast, only the performance on Children Embedded Figures Test was associated with later non-verbal IQ in the neurotypical group.
Limitations:

The sample size was relatively modest, with some attrition across time points, as expected in a sample including preschool minimally and non-verbal children.
Conclusions

Our findings support the important role of perception in autistic cognition. Early perceptual abilities may be a valid avenue for estimating general intelligence and non-verbal abilities at preschool age, particularly for minimally verbal autistic children.
Systematic Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals the Prognostic Value and Immunological Role of EPHX2
Authors: Hu Weiquan , Zhao Qinfei , Xu Jing , Li Huaying , Zhu Longyu , Hu Suping , Li Juan , Chen Fangfang
Published: November 2021

Background: Accumulating evidence indicates the essential role of EPHX2 in tumorigenesis. However, to date, no studies have performed a systematic evaluation of EPHX2 gene in human cancers and the predictive role of EPHX2 in cancer immunotherapy response has still not been explored. Methods: In the present study, Oncomine, TIMER2, UALCAN, GEPIA2, PrognoScan, HPA and Kaplan-Meier Plotter database were utilized to comprehensively analyze the expression landscape and prognostic clinical value of EPHX2 across 33 human cancers. To gain a better understanding of the role of EPHX2 in cancer immunotherapy, the correlations between EPHX2 and tumor immune microenvironment (TME) such as immune cell infiltrations, immune modulators, and the major histocompatibility complex were demonstrated. The underlying EPHX2-associated signaling pathways in cancer were also analysed. Moreover, the correlation between EPHX2 and immunotherapeutic biomarkers such as tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) was explored. At last, the potential immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) response was predicted using tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) algorithm. Results: Overall, the mRNA expression of EPHX2 was significantly downregulated in the majority of tumors compared with normal tissues. Despite the significant prognostic value of EPHX2 expression across cancers, EPHX2 played a protective or detrimental role in different kinds of cancers. Generally speaking, immune cell infiltrations, immune modulators and immunotherapeutic biomarkers were all strongly related to the expression of EPHX2. Besides, EPHX2 expression was significantly related to immune-relevant pathways, especially in PAAD, THYM and UVM. Furthermore, our study demonstrated diverse response patterns of ICB in response to EPHX2 expression in different tumor types. Conclusion: Our findings here suggest that EPHX2 could be a prognostic factor in multiple cancers and play an important role in tumor immunity by affecting infiltrating immune cells, TMB and MSI. This study provides further insight into the role of EPHX2 in tumor immunotherapy.