bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Massively parallel identification of zipcodes in primary cortical neurons
Authors: Chekulaeva Marina , von Kügelgen Nicolai , Mendonsa Samantha , Dantsuji Sayaka , Ron Maya , Kirchner Marieluise , Zerna Nadja , Bujanic Lucija , Mertins Philipp , Ulitsky Igor
Published: December 2021

Cells adopt highly polarized shapes and form distinct subcellular compartments largely due to the localization of many mRNAs to specific areas, where they are translated into proteins with local functions. This mRNA localization is mediated by specific cis-regulatory elements in mRNAs, commonly called "zipcodes." Their recognition by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) leads to the integration of the mRNAs into macromolecular complexes and their localization. While there are hundreds of localized mRNAs, only a few zipcodes have been characterized. Here, we describe a novel neuronal zipcode identification protocol (N-zip) that can identify zipcodes across hundreds of 3'UTRs. This approach combines a method of separating the principal subcellular compartments of neurons – cell bodies and neurites - with a massively parallel reporter assay. Our analysis identifies the let-7 binding site and (AU)n motif as de novo zipcodes in mouse primary cortical neurons and suggests a strategy for detecting many more.
Ozurdex Treatment for Retinal Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Hui-xin , Yang Yu-qin , Yuan Ying , Li Jing-jing , Mei Zubing , Zou Hong
Published: December 2021

Objectives To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Ozurdex, a dexamethasone (DEX) implant, for the treatment of macular edema (ME) caused by retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) through a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were comprehensively searched from inception to July 11, 2021 for studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of Ozurdex for patients with retinal vein occlusion macular edema (RVO-ME) or diabetic macular edema (DME). Eligible studies were published in English and were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool was applied to assess the risk of bias in each study. Effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using the random effects model. We also conducted subgroup analyses to explore sources of heterogeneity and the stability of the results.Results This meta-analysis included 7 RCTs (RVO-ME [n=2] and DME [n=5]) assessing a total of 251 eyes. Compared with anti-VEGF therapy, Ozurdex treatment achieved superior outcomes in terms of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (mean difference [MD] =-2.83 ([95% CI, -5.60 to -0.05], P=0.05), while no heterogeneity was found (P=0.49, I2=0%). Ozurdex treatment also significantly reduced central macular thickness (CMT) compared with anti-VEGF treatment (MD =-31.32 [95% CI, -57.92 to -4.72], P=0.02) and showed high between-trial heterogeneity (P=0.04, I2=54%). In terms of severe adverse events, Ozurdex treatment had a higher risk of elevated intraocular pressure than anti-VEGF therapy (RR=5.14; 95% CI: 1.42 to 18.66; P＜0.05), and there was no significant difference in cataract progression between the two groups (RR=1.83; 95% CI: 0.63 to 5.27, P=0.31).Conclusions Compared with anti-VEGF therapy, Ozurdex treatment is more effective in improving BCVA and reducing ME. Additionally, Ozurdex treatment has a higher risk of elevated intraocular pressure. Due to the small number of studies and the short follow-up period, the results should be interpreted with caution. The long-term effects of the two treatments need to be further determined.
Information Efficiency of the European CO2 Trading Market in the Period 2008-2021
Authors: Meraz Monica , Alvarez-Ramirez Jose , Rodriguez Eduardo
Published: December 2021

This work examined the information efficiency of the European CO2 trading market for the period 2008-2021. The analysis is based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) approach and the task is to test whether the dynamics of logarithmic price differences are consistent with a random process. The results showed that the information efficiency changes over time and scales, which is in line with adaptive market hypothesis notions. High market efficiency was exhibited in Phase II (2008-2012), but large deviations from efficiency, especially for quarterly scale, were exhibited in Phase III. However, Phase IV has shown a behavior that is consistent with the information efficiency. The findings in the present study suggest that the European carbon market is gradually attaining a state of financial maturity.
Urologic Oncology Patient Perspectives During COVID-19 Treatment Delays
Authors: Faris Anna , Herrel Lindsey , Montie James , Chisholm Stephanie , Duby Ashley , Wittmann Daniela
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic led to delays in urologic cancer treatment. We sought the patient perspective on these delays.
Methods

We conducted a mixed methods study with an explanatory-sequential design. Survey findings are presented here. Patients from a Midwestern Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network provided demographic and clinical data and responded to statements asking them to characterize their experience of treatment delay, patient-provider communication and coping strategies. We quantified patient distress with an ordinal scale (0-10), based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (NCCN-DT).
Results

Forty-four consenting patients responded to the survey. Most were older than 61 years (77%) and male (66%). Their diagnoses included bladder (45%), prostate (30%) and kidney (20%) cancers. Median time since diagnosis was 6 months, 95% had plans for surgical treatment. Dominant reactions to treatment delay included fear that cancer would progress (50%) and relief at avoiding COVID-19 exposure (43%). Most patients reported feeling that their providers acknowledged their emotions (70%), yet 52% did not receive follow up phone calls and only 55% felt continually supported by their providers. Patients’ median distress level was 5/10 with 68% of patients reaching a clinically significant level of distress (≥4). Thematically grouped suggestions for providers included better communication (18%), more personalized support (14%), and better patient education (11%).
Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a high proportion of urologic cancer patients reached a clinically significant level of distress. While they felt concern from providers, they desired more engagement and personalized care.
A Qualitative Investigation of the Perceptions of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Adults in Hawaiʻi
Authors: Odegard Brittany R , Ferguson Mollie R , Naja Farah , Ayoub Jennifer , Banna Jinan
Published: December 2021

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is defined as a group of diverse medical and healthcare practices outside of conventional medicine modalities. The use of CAM is steadily increasing despite gaps in the scientific evidence supporting its use and the challenges of its regulation and integration into conventional healthcare practices. In this context, perceptions concerning CAM become important. The purpose of this study is to identify the perceptions of CAM among adult residents of Hawaiʻi.Methods: Two researchers conducted audio-recorded interviews at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa (UHM) campus. Participants were over the age of 18, spoke English fluently, and self-identified as Hawaiʻi residents. Interviews were conducted to the point of data saturation and audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Researchers collaboratively developed a codebook and used NVivo 12 to analyze transcripts. New codes were added as required. Inter-rater reliability was determined by calculating Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Key themes were identified by both researchers individually and then discussed and evaluated together.Results: Participants were mostly female, white, and affiliated with UHM. Perceptions were categorized as positive, negative, and neutral. The majority of participants had positive perceptions of CAM with few reporting negative perceptions. The positive perceptions were related to CAM’s perceived effectiveness, the desirability of CAM compared to conventional medicine, and CAM’s ability to foster well-being. Negative perceptions were attributed to the lack of scientific evidence and ineffective outcomes of CAM use. Neutral perceptions of CAM related to its safety and natural characteristics. Conclusions: The finding of this study revealed mainly positive perceptions of CAM revealed among Hawaiʻi residents. Use of CAM is on the rise despite CAM lacking empirical evidence demonstrating efficacy. With insufficient data and understanding, CAM users place themselves at risk for harmful herb-herb and herb-drug interactions. These findings have implications for healthcare providers of both conventional medicine and CAM traditions.
Eradication of Klebsiella Quasipneumoniae By Eudragit-Formulated Klebicin Kvaria In The Intestinal Tract of Mice
Authors: Karaliute Indre , Ramonaite Rima , Bernatoniene Jurga , Petrikaite Vilma , Misiunas Audrius , Denkovskiene Erna , Razanskiene Ausra , Gleba Yuri , Kupcinskas Juozas , Skieceviciene Jurgita
Published: December 2021

Background: Klebsiella quasipneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen causing antibiotic-resistant infections of the gastrointestinal tract in many clinical cases. Orally delivered bioactive Klebsiella-specific antimicrobial proteins, klebicins, could be a promising method to eradicate Klebsiella species infecting the gut.Methods: Mouse infection model wasestablished based on infection of streptomycin treated BALB/C mice with K. quasipneumoniae strain DSM28212. Four study groups were used (3 animals/group) to test the antimicrobial efficacy of orally delivered klebicin KvarIa: vehicle-only group (control, phosphate-buffered saline), and other three groups with bacteria, antibiotic therapy and 100 µg of uncoated Kvarla, 100 µg coated KvarIa, 1000 µg coated-KvarIa. Because of the general sensitivity of bacteriocins to gastroduodenal proteases, Kvarla doses were coated with Eudragit®, a GMP-certified formulation agent that releases the protein at certain pH. The coating treatment was selected based on measurements of mouse GI tract pH. The quantity of Klebsiella haemolysin gene (khe) in faecal samples of the study animals was used to quantify the presence of Klebsiella.Results: GI colonization of K. quasipneumoniae was achieved only in the antibiotic-treated mice groups. Significant changes in khe marker quantification were found after the use of Eudragit® S100 formulated klebicin KvarIa, at both doses, with a significant reduction of K. quasipneumoniae colonization compared to the vehicle-only control group.Conclusions: Mouse GI tract colonization with K. quasipneumoniae can be achieved if natural gut microbiota is suppressed by prior antibiotic treatment. The study demonstrates that GI infection caused by K. quasipneumoniae can be significantly reduced using Eudragit®-protected klebicin KvarIa.
The Efficacy and Safety of Letrozole or Anastrozole in The Treatment of Specific Male Infertility Patients: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Guo Bin , Li Jiao-jiao , Ma Ya-ling , Zhao Yu-tao , Liu Jian-guo
Published: December 2021

Background: Letrozole (LE) or anastrozole (AZ) is clinically beneficial in male infertility patients with a low testosterone-estradiol ratio (T/E2). Many scholars believe it has the potential to become one of the effective drugs to treat male infertility. But some relevant research results are different or even the opposite. Study Question: The purpose of this report is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of letrozole or anastrozole in the treatment of specific male infertility patients. Data Sources: We performed a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, VIP, CBM, and Wanfang Date through August 2021 for all studies.Study Design: We conducted a systematic review with meta- analysis of the all available literature reporting sperm conventional parameters, gonadotropin and testosterone levels, and/or the pregnancy rate. Results: The total of 10 studies involving 280 patients were included. LE or AZ administration increased significantly sperm concentration, total sperm count, and serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone levels and T / E2 compared with baseline values, but E2 levels were significantly reduced. In contrast, LE or AZ did not have any significant effect on sperm concentration and motility and pregnancy rate, but improved total sperm count, sperm morphology, compared to the control group, which included studies done with Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SEMR) or testosterone undecanoate (TU). Conclusion: LE or AZ may be effective in the treatment of low T / E2 male infertility, perhaps better than other anti-estrogen or exogenous testosterone supplementation. In addition, we should pay special attention to the changes of E2 during treatment.
The Study on the Clinical Phenotype and Function of HPRT1 Gene
Authors: Guo Miao , Chen Yucai , Lin Longlong , Wang Yilin , Wang Anqi , Yuan Fang , Wang Chunmei , Wang Simei , Zhang Yuanfeng
Published: December 2021

Background: Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND) is a rare x-linked purine metabolic neurogenetic disease caused by enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoriribosyltransferase(HGprt) deficiency, also known as self-destructive appearance syndrome. A series of manifestations are caused by abnormal purine metabolism. The typical clinical manifestations are hyperuricemia, growth retardation, mental retardation, short stature, dance-like athetosis, aggressive behavior, and compulsive self-harm.. Results: we identified a point mutation c.151C > T (p. Arg51*) in a pedigree. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of children in a family, and obtained the blood of their parents and siblings for second-generation sequencing. At the same time, we also analyzed and compared the expression of HPRT1 gene and predicted the three-dimensional structure of the protein. And we analyzed the clinical manifestations caused by the defect of the HPRT1 genethe mutation led to the termination of transcription at the 51st arginine, resulting in the production of truncated protein, and the relative expression of HPRT1 gene in patients was significantly lower than other family members and 10 normal individuals. Conclusion: this mutation leads to the early termination of protein translation and the formation of a truncated HPRT protein, which affects the function of the protein and generates corresponding clinical manifestations.
Long life Perovskite Nanoplatelet Lasers with high quality factor enabled through engineering degradation pathways
Authors: Li Guohui , Pi Huihui , Wei Yanfu , Zhou Bolin , Gao Ya , Wen Rong , Hao Yuying , Zhang Han , Ong Beng S. , Cui Yanxia
Published: December 2021

MAPbI3 perovskite has attracted widespread interests for developing low-cost near infrared semiconductor gain media. However, it faces the instability issue under operation conditions, which remains a critical challenge. It is found that the instability of the MAPbI3 nanoplatelet laser comes from the thermal-induced-degradation progressing from the surface defects towards neighboring regions. By using PbI2 passivation, the defect-initiated degradation is significantly suppressed and the nanoplatelet degrades in a layer-by-layer way, enabling the MAPbI3 laser sustain for 4500 s (2.7×107 pulses), which is almost 3 times longer than that of the nanoplatelet laser without passivation. Meanwhile, the PbI2 passivated MAPbI3 nanoplatelet laser with the nanoplatelet cavity displaying a maximum quality factor up to ~7800, the highest reported for all MAPbI3 nanoplatelet cavities. Furthermore, a high stability MAPbI3 nanoplatelet laser that can last for 8500 s (5.1×107 pulses) is demonstrated based on a dual passivation strategy, by retarding the defect-initiated degradation and surface-initiated degradation, simultaneously. This work provides in-depth insights for understanding the operating degradation of perovskite lasers and the dual passivation strategy paves the way for developing high stability near infrared semiconductor laser media.
CENPU Promotes Growth and Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Inhibiting DUSP6
Authors: Lin Cheng , Zong Jingfeng , Xu Yun , Pan Jianji , Li Meifang , Lin Na
Published: December 2021

Background: Centromere protein U (CENPU), a centromere component, is key for mitosis and involved in the carcinogenesis of cancers. The role and mechanisms of CENPU in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has not been described. Methods: CENPU expression in NPC cells and tissues was evaluated by RT-PCR and western blotting. Clinical significance of CENPU was evaluated by Immunohistochemistry. Biological functions of CENPU were evaluated by cell growth assay, colony formation assay, apoptosis assay, migration assay and invasion assays. Xenograft growth and lung metastasis model were conducted to investigate the effect of CENPU in vivo. Gene chip analysis, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments were used to explore the mechanisms of CENPU in NPC.Results: CENPU was highly expressed in NPC cells and samples. Patients with CENPU positive expression were closely associated with poor overall survival. Knockdown of CENPU inhibited proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo in NPC. Gene chip analysis and IPA suggested that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in cancer and functions, including cellular movement, cellular development, cell growth and death, and proliferation when CENPU was downregulated. Dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) was one of the DEGs and significantly decreased in NPC samples, and inversely correlated with expression with CENPU. Mechanism studies confirmed that CENPU increased the activation of ERK1/2 and p38 signal pathways by suppressing the expression of DUSP6. Therefore, our results suggested that CENPU might act as an oncogene in NPC and promote the development of NPC via inhibition of DUSP6, resulting in the inactivation of Erk1/2 and p38 pathways. Conclusions: CENPU facilitated cell proliferation and invasion by interacting with DUSP6. CENPU might be a promising prognostic biomarker and a potential target for NPC therapy.
Cooperative 3D Path Planning of Multi-UAV Via Improved Fruit Fly Optimization
Authors: Mao Yongjie , Huang Deqing , Qin Na , Zhu Lei , Zhao Jiaxi
Published: December 2021

Path planning of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a crucial step in cooperative operation of multiple UAVs, whose main difficulties lie in the severe coupling of time and three-Dimensional (3D) space as well as the complexity of multi-objective optimization. For this purpose, the time stamp segmentation (TSS) model is first adopted to resolve the timespace coupling among multiple UAVs. Meanwhile, the solution space is reduced by transforming the multiobjective problem to a multi-constraint problem. In consequence, based on the elite retention strategy, a novel improved fruit fly optimization algorithm (NIFOA) is proposed for multi-UAV cooperative path planning, which overcomes the shortcomings of basic fruit fly optimization algorithm in slow convergence speed and the potentials to fall into local optima. In particular, the multi-subpopulations evolution mechanism is further designed to optimize the elite subpopulation. At last, the effectiveness of the proposed NIFOA has been verified by numerical experiments.
Suicide and the Role of Educational Institutions: A 30-Year Systematic Review
Authors: Ramos Janaina Minelli de Oliveira , Dueñas Jorge-Manuel , Morales-Vives Fabia , Gallardo-Nieto Elena Maria
Published: December 2021

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the 15–29 age group worldwide, and is a severe public health problem worldwide. Adolescent and young adult individuals primarily attend educational institutions which can play an essential role in detecting and preventing suicide. For this reason, the purpose of this research is to examine the role that educational institutions play in suicide prevention. A systematic review was conducted to determine what educational institutions and agents are identified in the literature when addressing suicide. The systematic review yielded 58 articles published over the last 30 years. The results show that a wide variety of educational stakeholders are required to intervene for suicide prevention between primary education and college. Overall, educational suicide initiatives report positive effects on participants’ understanding, attitudes, and beliefs regarding suicide and suicide prevention, although some studies have expressed some caution. The different types of programs and recommendations are discussed.
Effects of Biochar Application on Soil Nitrogen Conversion and Microbial Community Composition
Authors: Zhao Pingnan , Wang Shen , Liu Dong , Li Hongxu , Han Song , Li Ming
Published: December 2021

In northeastern China, successive years of cultivation have led to a decline in soil quality, a process that is exacerbated by the over-application of chemical fertilizers to ensure staple food production. The large amount of straw produced by cultivation is difficult to effectively use in recent years. There has been an increasing amount of research on the transforming straw into biomass char, but it has often focused on the effects of biomass char addition on soil physicochemical properties, without further exploring the mechanisms of this process and its effects on soil microorganisms. Microorganisms are an important part of the soil system and the process of how biomass char addition affects microorganisms through its effect on soil physicochemical properties should not be overlooked. In this study， the effect of biochar application at different preparation temperatures (300°C, 400°C and 500°C) and addition contents (0.1% and 1%) on ammonia, nitrate and total nitrogen in soil leachates were investigated. The effect of microbial sequencing on the dynamics of carbon and nitrogen was also investigated to reveal the mechanisms contributing to the changes in nitrogen forms. The results showed that biochar had a better adsorption ability on ammonia nitrogen, and biochar promoted the conversion of ammonia nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen by nitrifying bacteria. The addition of 1% biochar (prepared at 500°C) increased nitrate-nitrogen leaching by 86.52% compared to the control treatment. The sequencing of microorganisms also revealed that biochar changed the structure and abundance of the soil microbial community, especially increasing the relative abundance of the Helicobacter nitrification phylum by 2.02%. These results indicates that biochar facilitated the adsorption of ammonium nitrogen and the conversion of nitrate nitrogen, and solving the problem of low nitrogen fertilizer utilization while promoting the formation of beneficial bacteria in the soil.
The Effects of Greenness Exposure on Hypertension Incidence Among Chinese Oldest Old: A 10-Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wensu Zhou , Wenjuan Wang , Fenfen Zhou , Wen Chen , Ling Li
Published: December 2021

Background

Present studies showed greenness affected hypertension incidence. While population-based epidemiologic studies are limited in the oldest-old population (aged 80+).
Methods

This was a 10-year prospective cohort study that included oldest old (80 years +) from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Participants were free of hypertension at baseline (2008) and were followed up at 2011/2012, 2014, and 2018 waves. The 1-year average of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) at 16-Day 500 m buffer before the year of hypertension event occurrence or last interview (for censoring) was estimated at 652 counties/districts units level of the participants resided and as exposure indicator. The non-linear association between greenness and hypertension incidence was performed by the Cox proportional hazards model with the penalized spline. The links between greenness and hypertension incidence were performed by the random-effects Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for potential confounding variables. We also examined the causal mediation effects of BMI, leisure activity, and PM2.5 on the association between greenness exposure and hypertension.
Results

Among 5432 participants, the incidence of hypertension was 7.25 (95% CI: 6.83 to 7.67) per 100 person-years. We found a non-liner association existed between greenness exposure and hypertension risk. In the fully adjusted model, the third tertile of NDVI value presenting protective effects on hypertension incidence compared with the first tertile (hazard ratios (HRs): 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.64). The third tertile of EVI value had a significant protective effect on hypertension incidence, compared with participants in the first tertile (HRs:0.44, 95%CI: 0.34-0.55). The effect of greenness exposure on hypertension was more pronounced in participants living in central/western China. We observed there were 41.63% and 17.01% of the association between NDVI/EVI exposure and hypertension was mediated by PM2.5, respectively.
Conclusions

Greenness could decrease approximate 50% risk induced by hypertension among oldest-old people, that is, expanding greenness is a recommended approach to hypertension prevention for the them. In particular, implementing plans to expanding green space construction in central/western China is needed. It is also emphasized the the importance of improve air quality when greenness exposure is existing.
The Influencing Factors of The Social Environment of Public Psychological Crisis In COVID-19
Authors: Tang Yaner , Kong Weiken , Pang Zhijian , Guan Shuwen
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 epidemic spreads around the world early in 2020. As a public emergency, the COVID-19 epidemic has caused a public psychological crisis such as panic, anxiety and worry. Government trust and social support are considered social environmental factors affecting the public psychological crisis, but there is a lack of strong empirical evidence. Thus, it has important theoretical and practical significance to study the impact of government trust and social support on the public psychological crisis. Through regression analysis of the questionnaire during the pandemic, we found that government trust helps reduce public psychological crises, but informal social support increases public psychological crises. Therefore, strengthening government trust and preventing the negative effects of informal social support are effective ways to alleviate public psychological crises.
Salvianolic Acid B Activates Chondrocytes Autophagy and Reduces Chondrocyte Apoptosis in Obese Mice via the KCNQ1OT1/Mir-128-3p/SIRT1 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Sun Tianwen , Wang Fei , Hu Gaojian , Li Zhizhou
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism of Sal B to improve the obesity-related osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: C57BL/6J male mice were fed with a standard diet, a high fat diet (HFD), or HFD with Sal B (25 mg/kg), and mouse body weights and osteoarticular inflammatory factor levels were examined. Mouse chondrogenic cell line ATDC5 were transfected with lncRNA KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 small hairpin RNA (KCNQ1OT1 shRNA), miR-128-3p mimic or Sirtuin-1 small interfering RNA (SIRT1 siRNA), then stimulated with Palmitic acid (PA) followed by the treatment of Sal B. Then, inflammatory response, apoptosis, and autophagy of ATDC5 cells in different groups were detected. Results: Sal B reduced body weight, decreased the levels of inflammatory markers, and improved cartilage damage in OA mice. KCNQ1OT1 was downregulated in OA mice and PA- stimulated ATDC5 cells. Sal B protected ATDC5 cells against PA-mediated inflammation, apoptosis, and the inhibition of autophagy, while knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 reversed these results. KCNQ1OT1 was found to be functioned as a ceRNA to bind and downregulate the expression of miR-128-3p that was upregulated in PA-induced cells. Furthermore, SIRT1 was verified as a target of miR-128-3p. MiR-128-3p overexpression reversed the effects of Sal B on inflammatory response, apoptosis, and autophagy in PA-stimulated cells, and knockdown of SIRT1 displayed similar results. Conclusion: Sal B exerted a chondroprotective effect by upregulating KCNQ1OT1, which indicates Sal B can used for a therapeutic agent in obesity-related OA.
A Simple Method To Repair A Supraglottic Airway Device
Authors: Wang Tingting , Wang Jiang , Lu Yao , Chen Shangui
Published: December 2021

Background: During the perioperative period or while in the intensive care unit, the inflation line is often cut accidentally during medical procedures or is damaged. As a result, it is not uncommon for a cuff leak to result in inadequate ventilation for the patient. The risk of using endotracheal tubes (ETTs) for secondary intubation is great, increasing the probability of respiratory tract infection and injury and even causing death in severe cases. The best method is to repair the damaged ETT to avoid secondary intubation and to ensure the safety of patients. Therefore, we recommend a practical and straightforward method to repair damage to the line or valve assembly of an endotracheal tube(ETT) and laryngeal mask airway (LMA).Methods: The distal end of a 22G vein (IV) catheter was inserted into the broken end of the inflation line. After insertion, the internal tube was withdrawn 1 mm to restore the inflation line. After 15 hours, the repaired ETT/LMA devices were tested for air leakage by measuring the pressure and load-bearing tension of the inflation line.Results: There was no difference in ETTs pressure between five intact ETTs and five repaired ETTs (Group A, ETT, mean difference = 0.2 cmH2O; 95% confidence interval 1.78 to 2.12 cmH2O; P = 0.82). When the cuff expanded to 120 cm H2O, there was no air leakage in the five ETTs after repair, and the tensile strength of the inflation line of the repaired ETTs in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (each n = 5; mean difference = 33.3N; 95% confidence interval, 27.5 to 39.1N; P <0.001). There was no difference in LMAs pressure (Group B, LMAs, mean difference = 0.4 cmH2O; 95% confidence interval: -1.8 to −2.6 cmH2O; P = 0.67). When the cuff was expanded to 120 cmH2O, there was no air leakage from the five repaired LMAs. The tensile strength of the inflation line of the repaired LMAs in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (n = 5; mean difference = −10; 95% confidence interval: −14 to −5.8 N; P = 0.001).Conclusion: When the ETT, LMA inflation line, or valve assembly is damaged or accidentally broken, an IV catheter can be directly inserted into the inflation line to quickly and effectively repair it. It is a safe and effective emergency remedial measure, which can be widely used in the clinic.
Flurochloridone Induced Abnormal Spermatogenesis by Damaging Testicular Sertoli Cells in Mice
Authors: Sun Weiqi , Tian Fang , Pan Hongjie , Chang Xiuli , Xia Minjie , Hu Jingying , Wang Yuzhu , Li Runsheng , Li Weihua , Yang Mingjun , Zhou Zhijun
Published: December 2021

BackgroundFlurochloridone (FLC), a selective herbicide used on a global scale, has been reported to have male reproductive toxicity which evidence is limited and the mechanism is still unclear. The present study was conducted to systematically explore the male reproductive toxicity of FLC, including sperm quality, spermatogenesis process, toxicity targets and possible mechanisms. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice aged 6-7 weeks received gavage administration of FLC (365/730 mg/kg body weight) for 28 consecutive days. Then the tissue and sperm of mice were collected for analysis. We measured the coefficient of male reproductive organs, and analyzed sperm concentration, motility, malformation rate and mitochondrial membrane potential. Spermatocyte immunofluorescence staining was performed to analyze meiosis processes. At the same time, we performed pathological staining on the testis and epididymis tissue, and performed TUNEL staining, immunohistochemical analysis and ultrastructural observation on the testicular tissue.ResultsThe results showed that FLC caused mice testicular weight reduction, dysfunction and architectural damage, but no significant adverse effect was found in epididymis. The exposure interfered with the proliferation of spermatogonia and the process of meiosis, affecting sperm concentration, motility, kinematic parameters, morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to sperm quality decline. Furthermore, mitochondrial damage and apoptosis of testicular Sertoli cells were observed in mice treated with FLC. ConclusionWe found that FLC has significant adverse effects on spermatogonia proliferation and meiosis. Meanwhile, apoptosis and mitochondrial damage may be the potential mechanism of Sertoli cell damage. Our study demonstrated that FLC could induce testicular Sertoli cell damage, leading to abnormal spermatogenesis which resulted in sperm quality decline and provided a methodological reference for related studies.
The Biggest Megaraptoridae (Theropoda: Coelurosauria) of South America
Authors: Rolando Alexis M. Aranciaga , Motta Matias J. , Agnolín Federico L. , Manabe Makoto , Tsuihiji Takanobu , Novas Fernando E.
Published: December 2021

Megaraptorans are a theropod clade distributed in former Gondwana landmasses and Asia. Most members of the clade are known from early Cretaceous to Turonian times whereas Maastrichtian megaraptorans are known just from isolated and poorly informative remains. The aim of present contribution is to describe a partial skeleton of a megaraptorid coming from Maastrichtian beds at Santa Cruz province, Argentina. This new taxon constitutes the most informative megaraptoran from post-Turonian beds. Phylogenetic analysis nested the new taxon together with South American megaraptorans in a monophyletic clade, whereas Australian and Asian members constitute successive stem groups. South American forms differ from more basal megaraptorans in several anatomical features and in being much larger and more robustly built. It is possible that the Cenomanian-Turonian extinction of carcharodontosaurids was allowed to megaraptorans to occupy the niche of top predators in South America.
Separation Method of Semi-Fixed Variables Together with Dynamical System Method for Solving Nonlinear Time-Fractional PDEs with Higher-Order Terms
Authors: Rui Weiguo
Published: December 2021

It is well known that methods for solving fractional-order PDEs are grossly inadequate compared with integer-order PDEs. In this paper, a new approach which combined with the separation method of semi-fixed variables and dynamical system method is introduced. As example, a time-fractional reaction-diffusion equation with higher-order terms is studied under the different kinds of fractional-order differential operators. In different parametric regions, phase portraits of systems which derived from the reaction-diffusion equation are presented. Existence and dynamic properties of solutions of this nonlinear time-fractional models are investigated. In some special parametric conditions, some exact solutions of this time-fractional models are obtained. The dynamical properties of some exact solutions are discussed and the graphs of them are illustrated.PACS: 02.30.Jr; 02.30.Oz; 02.70.-c; 02.70.Mv; 02.90.+p; 04.20.Jb; 05.10.-a
Dynamics of Physical Autonomous Robotic Network With Constant And Time-Varying Communication Delays
Authors: Hsueh Kuei-Fang , Al-Darabsah Isam , Janaideh Mohammad Al , Campbell Sue Ann , Kundur Deepa
Published: December 2021

A Connected Autonomous Vehicle Network (CAVN) is an emerging paradigm that can reduce traffic congestion by allowing vehicles to cooperatively behave according to information out of the line of sight and improve traffic flow by decreasing inter-vehicular gaps on roadways. In this paper, the stability of CAVN with constant and time-varying communication delays is studied. When the time delay depends on time, the semi-discretization method is used to study the plant stability of the flow equilibrium of CAVN and construct approximate stability regions charts over control gain space. To study the influence of time-varying delay, a constant delay is considred as the average value of the time delay function. Then, explicit sufficient conditions are provided for the stability of the flow equilibrium and study the string stability of the CAVN. The proposed controller is validated using simulations and experimentally with a platoon of four autonomous robots under time-varying delays.
Academic Literacy of Efl Arab Postgraduate Student at The National University of Malaysia
Authors: Almadhady Abdullah A.
Published: December 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Aquatain® Causes Anti-Oviposition, Egg Retention, Oocyte Melanization and Triggers Female Death in Ae. Aegypti
Authors: DIENG HAMADY , McLean Storm , Stradling Holly , Morgan Cole , Gordon Malik , Ebanks Whitney , Ebanks Zoila , Wheeler Alan
Published: December 2021

Background: In arboviral disease systems where the virus can be transmitted from male to female and from one generation to the next, targeting the female (especially when she is pregnant) can help alter the persistence of the virus in nature and its transmission. This is typical of Ae. aegypti, which has been unmanageable due to the development of insecticide resistance. Despite evidence that monomolecular surface films prevent the selection of genetic resistance, their potential in Aedes vector control remains largely unexplored. Methods: We examined the oviposition, egg retention, oocyte melanization, and female mortality of the Cayman Islands strain of Ae. aegypti, using choice and no-choice bioassays involving Aquatain® Mosquito Formulation (AMF). Results: When presented with similar opportunities to oviposit in two sites treated with AMF and two others with water (control), egg deposition rates were significantly higher in water than in oil presence. We also observed a matching pattern of egg deposition preference in arenas with more options in AMF-treated sites. Females laid appreciably more eggs when water was the only available medium than when all sites were treated with AMF. Also, considerably more mature eggs were withheld in the AMF no-choice arena than in the no-choice test involving only water. Internal oocyte melanization was not observed in females from the oviposition arenas with the lowest oil presence (equal-choice and water-based no-choice); in contrast, this physiological response intensified as the number of AMF-treated sites increased. Female death occurred at high rates in AMF-treated environments, and this response increased with the increasing presence of such egg deposition sites. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that AMF acted as a deterrent signal to ovipositing Ae. aegypti and an indirect adulticide. Referring to its previously reported direct toxicity on the aquatic stages of this mosquito and its biodegradability, AMF should be incorporated as a critical component in integrated control strategies for dengue and related diseases.
Deep Eutectic Solvent Dyeing of Cellulose Acetate Nanofibers With Disperse Dyes: Kinetics, Isotherm and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Tarique Muhammad , Fatima Winges , Mahar Faraz Khan , Li Min , Gu Jing , Ahmed Farooq , Khatri Zeeshan , Wei Kai
Published: December 2021

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) was introduced more than a decade ago and has been used in variety of applications based on their unique chemical and physical properties. Recently, they have shown a considerable attention in various sectors including nanotechnology because they have distinctive features as “New green solvents”. Within this scope of work, we introduced choline chloride (CC) as a DES which is nontoxic, inexpensive and has tendency to improve color yield properties of disperse dyes on the nanofibers membrane. Cellulose acetate nanofibers (CANF) were electrospun and dyed with Color Index Disperse Red 277, Color Index Disperse Blue 165:1, and Color Index Disperse Yellow 211 in Choline chloride:Ethylene glycol (CC:EG) media and Choline chloride:Urea (CC:Urea) media by using high-temperature exhaust method. Results revealed that dyeing of CANF by CC:EG media has good color fixation properties than CC:Urea media. The dyed samples were characterized by FTIR and SEM. Further, the thermodynamic, standard affinities, and kinetic parameters have also been analyzed. The proposed dyeing of CANF with DES showed excellent calorimetric properties within a short interval of time as compared to conventional dyeing process.
Urban Green Spaces As Promoters of Healthy Living: Evidence From Putrajaya, Malaysia
Authors: Danjaji Abdulrahman Saadu , Danladi Mohammed , Adamu Abdullahi , Danladi Haruna Musa
Published: December 2021

Open spaces have a significant positive impact on the overall well-being of the residents of urban areas and the influence on the use of recreational facilities due to the extent of the residents' engagement with these infrastructures and active lifestyles. The effectiveness of using these spaces on the well-being of residents is on their relative quality, quantity, and accessibility. Putrajaya houses 350,000 residents; about 4,931 (37%) of the total landmass was designated as open space to have a balanced city. Four of the twenty open spaces were purposeful selected based on their respective quality and services for the harmonious development of Putrajaya. A convenient sampling technique (non-probability) determines the respondents in each designated open space. This research used the survey data collection method to collect the primary data, using a cross-sectional approach. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was used to determine the extent and direction of the relationship between open space attributes and health promotion. And multiple regression analysis (entered method) was adopted to predict the health promotion' of residents who visited the provided open spaces based on their respective quality, quantity, and accessibility. The results reveal that the areas' sizes, existing facilities, and greenness are the predominant influencing incentives that attract patronage by both local and international users. Meanwhile, when designing open space to promote the health status of respective users, effort must be toward providing high aesthetic quality in sufficient quantity and size, as indicated in this study.
Controlling the Uncontrollable! Danish Citizens’ Attitudes Towards the COVID-19 Vaccination Program – a Qualitative Case Study Employing the Lens of Bourdieu’s Practice Theory
Authors: Missel Malene , Bernild Camilla , Højskov Ida Elisabeth , Berg Selina
Published: December 2021

Background: Vaccination is an effective choice to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccine hesitancy may, however, be a threat to global health. What is structuring and at stake regarding citizens’ attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination in a society is not yet well understood. The aim was therefore to assess how the attitudes and beliefs of Danish citizens regarding the offer of a COVID-19 vaccine are expressed to make us wiser as to why people have the attitudes towards the vaccination program that they have.Methods: The study was designed as a qualitative case study including 25 citizens from different parts of Denmark and with different sociodemographic backgrounds. Data were collected through individual interviews and analyzed and interpreted through the lens of Bourdieu’s practice theory; the focus being especially on structures, habitus and capital within a health field. Findings: The findings highlight structures that regulate vaccination attitudes in the individual in which perceptions of being included or excluded in the logic of the state are particularly relevant. The individual’s usual social network seemed to have less structuring importance for their attitudes for or against COVID-19 vaccination. Participants’ health habitus was challenged by COVID-19 vaccination, and it had an impact on their attitudes whether they considered health, illness, and body as an individual or collective responsibility. The collection of health capital and positioning in relation to COVID-19 vaccination attitudes was essential, for which, however, unequal dispositions and conditions for the acquisition of knowledge were decisive.Conclusions: A belief in vaccination as a way out of the pandemic is seen in citizens who share the basic truth of the state, while holding attitudes against vaccination excludes individuals from community and society. Vaccination is for some citizens of no meaning, and they perceive receiving a vaccination as being made sick, while others highlight a collective responsibility to get vaccinated. Those who have the relevant capital, in the form of expert opinions and knowledge from highly educated people in their close social network, receive support from a collective capital, while other citizens might lack the right to express and act in relation to different approaches to knowledge.
Altered intestinal microbiota are associated with sleep disturbances in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy caused by hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis
Authors: Luo MIng , Hu Fang-Rui , Li Yu-Zhen , Yao Li , Hu Sheng-Juan , Bai Fei-Hu
Published: December 2021

Objective
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) caused by liver cirrhosis is quite prevalent, and approximately one-half of MHE patients have experience sleep disturbances. This study systematically evaluated the association between sleep disturbances and altered intestinal microbiota in patients with MHE caused by hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis.
Methods
Ninety-eight and 45 MHE patients were respectively included in the exploration and validation cohorts. The Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used to evaluate sleep disturbances. The intestinal microbiota of self-collected fecal samples was analyzed using the amplicon sequencing of bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene.
Results
MHE patients with sleep disturbances were characterized by lower bacterial diversities and distinct microbial composition in comparison to those without sleep disturbances. The relative abundances of Salivarius, Veillonella, Klebsiella, and Eubacterium were independent predictors of sleep disturbances in MHE patients. In MHE patients with sleep disturbances, the relative abundances of Salivarius and Veillonella were positively correlated with PSQI scores, respectively. Functional modules involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, as well as protein digestion and absorption, were increased in the microbiome of MHE patients with sleep disturbances.
Conclusion
Salivarius and Veillonella may be potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sleep disturbances in MHE patients.