bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the biosynthetic pathway of bioactive compounds from Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. hairy roots
Authors: Lopes Adriana Aparecida , Souza Giuliana R. S. , França Suzelei de C. , Lourenço Miriam V.
Published: April 2022

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. is a medicinal plant of the Asteraceae family, and several extracts and isolated compounds of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. showed a wide range of biological activities such as antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, hair growth promoting activities, and more recently against covid-19. Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. hairy roots produce wedelolactone (WL), demethylwedelolactone (DWL) and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA), and there is no data in literature regarding biosynthetic pathways are involved. To verify the biosynthetic route, feeding experiments were carried out using sodium [2-13C]acetate, [3-13C]DL-phenylalanine, and 13C-labeled compounds (WL, DWL and 3,5-diCQA) were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS). Analysis showed that the metabolic pathways operative of coumestans (WL and DWL) are derived from acetate and shikimate pathways, while that the phenylpropanoid (3,5-CQA) biosynthesis is exclusively from shikimate pathway.
Pervasive Intronic Polyadenylation Serves as a Potential Source of Cancer Neoantigens
Authors: Ren Xi , Zhang Bin , Li Jia , Manoharan Thamizhanban , Liu Beijia , Song Yangyang , Tian Shuye , Tan Kar-Tong , Ding Lingwen , Li Ying , An Omer , Li Ming , Wu Chan-Shuo , Liu Yang , Teo Boon Heng Dennis , Tang Sze Jing , Lu Jinhua , Hu Yuhui , Chen Wei , Chen Leilei , Chia Gloryn , Yang Henry
Published: April 2022

Tumor-specific neoantigens have emerged as a promising source for cancer immunotherapy. These tumor-specific neoantigens could arise from somatic mutations, aberrant splicing and RNA editing. Since intronic polyadenylation has similar potential as mutations to generate tumor-specific transcripts and peptides, it may serve as another neoantigen source, which has not been explored. We developed a novel computational pipeline for identification of tumor-specific transcripts and their translated neoantigens derived from intronic polyadenylation. Applying it to RNA-seq data from 5,654 tumor samples of various cancers and 11,000 + normal samples of different tissues, we observed widespread tumor-specific intronic polyadenylated transcripts and their corresponding neoantigens. In addition, we also discovered complementary effects of neoantigens derived from different sources, identified neoantigens arising from recurrent intronic polyadenylated transcripts, and validated their immunogenicity. Here, we have demonstrated that we were able to identify and predict neoantigens from intronic polyadenylated transcripts using RNA sequencing data, hence, allowing us to explore such neoantigens as potential candidates for cancer immunotherapy.
Two new umbravirus-like associated RNAs (ulaRNAs) discovered in maize and Johnsongrass from Ecuador
Authors: quito-avila diego fernando , Reyes-Proaño Edison , Mendoza Alma , Margaria Paolo , Menzel Wulf , Bera Sayanta , Simmon Anne E
Published: April 2022

Two new umbravirus-like associated RNAs (ulaRNAs) were found, respectively, in maize and Johnsongrass samples from Ecuador. The complete sequences consist of 3,053 and 3,025 nucleotides, respectively, organized in four open reading frames (ORFs). Genome comparisons showed 58% identity between each other, whereas identities to the closest related viruses ranged from 28 to 60%. Phylogenetic inferences using the full genome, or the amino acid sequence of the RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase (RdRp) placed both sequences in a clade sharing a most recent ancestor with ulaRNAs from sugarcane and maize, suggesting a monophyletic grass-infecting lineage. Terminal regions exhibit features common to umbraviruses and ulaRNAs.
Mesoscopic mapping of the visual pathway in a female 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Nam Yunkwon , Kim Sujin , Kim Jieun , Hoe Hyang-Sook , Moon Minho
Published: April 2022

Synaptic and network disruption is correlated with cognitive decline and loss of sensation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Surprisingly, amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition and Aβ-induced neurodegeneration appear in the retina at the early-stage of AD. Although these Aβ-related changes in the retina could cause damage to the visual functions, no studies have yet revealed the alteration in the visual pathway of AD. Therefore, we investigated the alteration of visual circuits in the AD mouse model using anterograde neurotracer. We investigated the Aβ accumulation by immunofluorescent staining in the retina and retinorecipient areas of 4- and 12-month-old female 5XFAD transgenic mice. Following intravitreal injection of cholera toxin β subunits (CTβ) tracer, we evaluated the fluorescence intensity of accumulated CTβ in the retinorecipient areas in 4- and 12-month-old female wild-type and 5XFAD mice. Our results demonstrated that Aβ accumulation occurred in the retina and retinorecipient regions of early and late stages of the 5XFAD mice. Retinal efferents to the suprachiasmatic nucleus and lateral geniculate nucleus were impaired in the early-stage of AD. Moreover, retinal connections to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and superior colliculus were degenerated in the late-stage of AD. Although these results provide the first neuroanatomical evidence for decreased visual connectivity in an AD mouse model, it is difficult to explain cell type-specific connectivity. These findings reveal the Aβ-induced visual circuit disturbances at the mesoscale level in both the early and late stages of AD and provide anatomical and functional insights into the visual circuitry of AD.
Management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in a third-level pediatric surgical center.
Authors: Spezzotto Giovanna , Boscarelli Alessandro , Giangreco Manuela , Ceschiutti Giulia , Codrich Daniela , Scarpa Maria-Grazia , Iaquinto Marianna , Olenik Damiana , Guida Edoardo , Schleef Jurgen
Published: April 2022

INTRODUCTIONThe management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in pediatrics remains controversial. Due to a lack of standardized guidelines, it is based on evidence from adult patients. The aim of this study was to investigate difference in the length of stay (LOS) between various treatment options, the risk of recurrence after non-surgical treatment versus surgery, and the role of computed tomography (CT) in the management of PSP. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed patients admitted to our Pediatric Surgery Unit for an episode of PSP between June 2009 and July 2020. Medical records including clinical presentation at admission, diagnostics, treatments, complications, and LOS were collected. RESULTS Twenty-three patients (22 males and 1 female) were included in this study. Median age was 15.65 (range 9-18). Chest X-rays were performed in all patients and showed 5 small (22%) and 18 large (78%) PSP. Eleven patients (48%) were managed non-operatively with observation alone and a recurrence rate of 18%, chest drain was used in 11 patients with a recurrence rate of 36%, and surgery was deemed necessary as a first treatment choice in one case. Six patients (27%) had an episode of relapse after non-operative management or chest drain placement. Following surgery, a relapse occurred in 2 of the 6 patients.CONCLUSIONSAccording to our experience, small PSP or clinically stable larger PSP can be treated conservatively with observation alone. Operative management should be taken into consideration in children with large symptomatic PSP, persistent air leak, and/or relapse after chest drain insertion. Prospective studies with a greater number of patients are encouraged to establish evidence-based guidelines in the pediatric population.
Meta analysis of the diagnostic efficacy of long non-coding RNA in ischemic stroke
Authors: Zheng* Jiqing , Long* Yaobin , Liu Yun
Published: April 2022

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) for acute ischemic stroke (IS) by Meta analysis. Methods This research had obtained a registration number in PROSPERO (CRD 42021283867). The articles of lncRNA diagnosis of IS in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, CBM, China National Knowledge Network, VIP and Wanfang were searched systematically. The papers was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 scale and a bias risk chart – RevMan5.3. Then, threshold effect, non-threshold effect, combined diagnostic efficacy and subgroup analysis of the articles were analyzed by Meta-DISC 1.4. Finally, the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was drawn, sensitivity and publication bias were analyzed by stata16. Results This paper covers eleven studies, including 1717 patients with IS and 1652 healthy subjects. The combined sensitivity of lncRNA diagnosis of IS was 0.70 (95%: 0.69～0.72), specificity was 0.71 (CI95%: 0.69～0.72), the positive likelihood ratio was 2.84 (CI95%: 2.25～3.59), the negative likelihood ratio was 0.39 (CI95%: 0.33～0.46), the diagnostic odds ratio was 7.69 (5.2～11.37) and the area under the curve (AUC) was 80%. Subgroup analysis found that among tissue sources, serum samples had the highest comprehensive diagnostic efficiency, up to 88.5%, and the comprehensive diagnostic efficiency within 24 hours was higher than that within 24 to 72 hours, up to 82.6%. In addition, low expression was slightly higher than high expression, reaching 79.8%. Conclusion There is a high diagnosing efficiency shown in IncRNA, which could be expected to become a predictive tool for IS in the future
Sensitivity analysis of geometric error for a novel slide grinder based on improved Sobol method and its application
Authors: Wang Dong , Han Jihui , Wang Liping , Ma Fengju , Ge Ziyang , Li Xuekun
Published: April 2022

In order to improve both the accuracy and efficiency of grinding slide, this paper designs a novel grinder with dual-lead-dual-head. Since the geometric error is one of the major contributors causing machine inaccuracies, the sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the critical geometric error terms, and an application to accuracy self-test is also given. The volumetric model of the grinder with 38 geometric errors is built by using the homogeneous transformation matrix (HTM) and multi-body system (MBS) theory. An improved Sobol method with quasi-Monte-Carlo algorithm is utilized to perform the global sensitivity analysis (GSA) in the entire workspace. The particular sensitivity analysis is further carried out on the basis of the machining characteristics of a typical slide. All sensitivity analysis results are validated through the error compensation simulations. Besides that, some discussions are given to determine the total critical errors of the grinder considering both entire workspace and particular machining requirements. Finally, the pitch and yaw errors between the dual-grinding-head are investigated, and based on the sensitivity analysis results, a quick accuracy self-test approach is proposed to reduce the measurement load in practice.
Spatio-Temporal Modelling of Childhood Vaccine Uptake in Nigeria: A Hierarchical Bayesian Zero-Inflated Poisson Approach
Authors: Lawal Temitayo Victor , Atoloye Kehinde Adebola , Adebowale Ayo Stephen , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND
Globally, child mortality and morbidity remain a serious health challenge and infectious diseases are the leading causes. The use of count models together with spatial analysis of the number of vaccines taken is limited in the literature. We used Spatio-temporal in a Bayesian zero-inflated Poisson regression model to assess the number of vaccine uptake among children aged 12–23 months and their associated factors.
METHODS
Data of 19,564 children from 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018 population-based cross-sectional Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey were used. The childhood vaccines include one dose of Bacillus-Calmette-Guérin; three doses of Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus; three doses of Polio and one dose of Measles. Uptake of all nine vaccines was regarded as full vaccination. We examined the multilevel factors associated with the number of vaccine uptake using descriptive, bivariable and multivariable Bayesian models. Analysis was conducted in Stata version 16 and R statistical packages, and visualization in ArcGIS.
RESULTS
Prevalence of full vaccination was 6.5% in 2003, 14.8% in 2008, 21.8% in 2013 and 23.3% in 2018. Full vaccination coverage ranged from 1.7% in Sokoto to 51.9% in Anambra. Factors associated with the number of vaccines include maternal age (adjusted Incidence “risk” Ratio (aIRR) = 1.05; 95% Credible Interval (CrI) = 1.03–1.07) for 25–34 years and (aIRR = 1.07; 95% CrI = 1.05–1.10) for 35–49 years and education: (aIRR = 1.11, 95% CrI = 1.09–1.14) for primary and (aIRR = 1.16; 95% CrI = 1.13–1.19) for secondary/tertiary education. Other significant factors are wealth status, antenatal care attendance, working status, use of skilled birth attendant, religion, mother’s desire for the child, community poverty rate, community illiteracy, and community unemployment.
CONCLUSION
Although full vaccination has remained low, there have been improvements over the years with wide disparities across the states. Improving uptake of vaccines by educating women on the benefits of hospital delivery and vaccines through radio jingles and posters should be embraced, and state-specific efforts should be made to address inequality in access to routine vaccination in Nigeria.
In-process identification of milling parameters based on digital twin driven intelligent algorithm
Authors: Zheng Charles Ming , Zhang Lu , Kang Yaw-Hong , Zhan Youji , Xu Yongchao
Published: April 2022

The potential benefits of Industry 4.0 have led to an increased interest in smart manufacturing. To facilitate the self-diagnosis and adaptive ability in smart milling system, a digital twin driven intelligent algorithm for monitoring in-process milling parameters is proposed here. The algorithm can extract the radial width of cut, axial depth of cut, cutter runout parameters and cutting constants in the end milling process at the same time only by using force sensor. It is an important breakthrough in this paper to converge two different force models to realize cyber-physical fusion for identifying milling parameters in the milling process. By using the convolution force model, digital twin technology can extract the approximate solution of milling parameters in the machining process in advance, so as to narrow the range of solution. Furthermore, the subsequent artificial intelligence algorithm can find the accurate solution of the current milling parameters in a short calculation time by cyber-physical fusion with the numerical force model considering cutter runout effect. Milling experiments are carried out to validate the proposed algorithm. It is shown that due to the complementary advantages of the convolution force model and numerical force model, the algorithm proposed in this paper can give consideration to the identification accuracy and calculation efficiency.
Dichloroacetate and reduced oxygen utilization induced metabolic regulation of the heart: A focus on the cardiac mitochondrial proteome
Authors: Andelova Natalia , Waczulikova Iveta , Kunstek Lukas , Talian Ivan , Ravingerova Tanya , Jasova Magdalena , Suty Simon , Ferko Miroslav
Published: April 2022

Myocardial compensatory mechanisms stimulated by reduced oxygen utilization caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (D) and treated with dichloroacetate (DCA) are presumably associated with the regulation of mitochondria. We aimed to promote the understanding of key signaling pathways and identify effectors involved in signal transduction. Proteomic analysis and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements revealed significantly decreased membrane potential and upregulated protein amine oxidase [flavin-containing] A (AOFA) in D mitochondria, indicative of oxidative damage. DCA in diabetic animals (D+DCA) downregulated AOFA, increased membrane potential, and stimulated thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase, a protein with antioxidant function. Furthermore, the D condition was associated with mitochondrial resistance to calcium overload through mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTPs) regulation, despite an increased protein level of voltage-dependent anion-selective protein (VDAC1). In contrast, D+DCA influenced ROS levels and downregulated VDAC1 and VDAC3 when compared to D alone. The diabetic myocardium showed an identical pattern of mPTP protein interactions as in the control group, but the interactions were attenuated. Characterization of the combined effect of D+DCA is a novel finding showing that DCA acted as an effector of VDAC protein interactions, calcium uptake regulation, and ROS production. Overall, D and DCA did not exhibit an additive effect, but an individual cardioprotective pathway.
Modeling and prediction of gear flank twist for generating gear grinding
Authors: Zhao Jun , Zhang Zijian , Pan Shujun , Liu Zhaoqin , Sun Xianshun , Lu Yongliang , Liang Siyuan
Published: April 2022

Gear flank twist has a significant effect on the load-carrying capacity. However, most prediction models of gear flank twist can’t be applicable for gears with profile modification. A new method for predicting gear flank twist for the generating grinding process is developed in this paper, taking into consideration the effect of lead modifications, profile modifications and position errors of CNC machine tools on gear flank twist. And the influences of four gear parameters on gear flank twist were studied using orthogonal experiments, which proves that the change of module has the greatest effect on gear flank twist. And the maximal profile modification value has minimal effect on gear flank twist. The experimental results proved that the model can accurately predict the gear flank twist. Besides, this paper described an gear parameters optimization study to reduce gear flank twist based on nine well-planned orthogonal experiments.
Numerical simulation and experimental investigation of bending deformation mechanism during post-rolling air-cooling of AH36 L-beam
Authors: Zhao Xianming , Li Jie , Li Dezhi , Yang Yang
Published: April 2022

L-beam is a widely used structural steel. The study of the three-stage bending deformation mechanism of L-beam under non-uniform cooling conditions is of great significance to ensure the quality, improve the yield of steel and reduce the stress level in the finished L-beam. However, it is difficult to investigate experimentally due to the high temperature and simultaneous changes of various influencing factors during the air-cooling process of the L-beam. Numerical simulation provides a convenient and feasible method to study the bending deformation mechanism of the L-beam. In order to investigate the effects of phase transformation and cooling shrinkage on the bending deformation of AH36 L-beam, a three-dimensional thermal-metallurgical-mechanical coupling model was established in this study, the microstructure distribution, hardness, strain, deformation status and stress during the air-cooling of L-beam were calculated. The results show that the microstructure distribution and deformation condition calculated by the model considering the phase transformation effect better agree with the actual situation. Considering the phase change effect is the key to improving the accuracy of the model calculation. The change of heat transfer coefficient caused by phase transformation affects the deformation tendency of the L-beam, while the transformation strain affects the amount of deformation of the L-beam. The alternating changes in the sum of the transformation strain and the cooling shrinkage strain result in a change of stress state which ultimately also results in a three-stage bending deformation of the L-beam.
Land-use planning for community-based ecotourism potentials in the central highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Angessa Abebe Tufa
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to suggest suitable sites for community-based ecotourism (CBET) experiences and integrated management zone planning based on the potential of the site at the social-ecological Lake Wanchi watershed (LWW) and its adjacent landscapes. Comprehensive survey was made to obtain both the theoretical and conceptual insights before instigating the actual data collection. Data were collected using GIS and remote sensing supplemented with various biophysical and socio-economic field data, such as key informants interview, ground control points, and document analysis. The GIS-based multiple criteria decision analysis and the analytical hierarchy process were used for the identification of potential CBET sites, where visibility, vegetation-cover, elevation and slope were used as indicators for potential ecotourism attractions. Quantitative data captured through GIS and remote sensing application was analyzed using ArcGIS 10.3, while the non-quantifiable data were analyzed using context analysis and qualitative descriptions. Site suitability analysis resulted with four potential degrees of suitability classes: highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable and less suitable for ecotourism. Four potential eco-lodges and nine eco-camp sites were also identified. Subsequently, CBET potential suitability map for ecotourism experiences was generated, based on the linear combination of the criteria and indicators with their respective weights. Five key management zones, namely, protected zone (11.5%), multiple use zones (33%), sustainable use zone (13%), specific use zone (35.75%), and rehabilitation zone (6.7%) were identified. To maintain the sustainability of the local environment and the living conditions of residents any ecotourism enterprise must be planned based on the potential of the site.
A primate-specific (GCC) repeat in the untranslated region of SMAD9 undergoes natural selection and links with late-onset neurocognitive disorder in human
Authors: Alizadeh S , Khamse S , Afshar H , HR Khorram Khorshid , Delbari A , Ohadi M
Published: April 2022

Across numerous primate species and tissues, SMAD9 (SMAD Family Member 9) gene, reaches the highest level of expression in the human brain. This gene contains a short tandem repeat (STR) of (GCC) motifs at the interval between +1 and +60 of the transcription start site (ENST00000379826.5 SMAD9-202), which is in the 1st percent of high-ranking (GCC)-repeats in respect of length. Here we sequenced this (GCC)-repeat in a sample of 334 Iranian individuals, consisting of late-onset neurocognitive disorder (NCD) (N=167) and controls (N=167). We detected two predominant alleles of 7 and 9 repeats, with allele frequencies ranging from 0.42 and 0.54, and three other alleles of frequencies <0.03 across the human samples studied. The frequency ratio of the (GCC)7 and (GCC)9 alleles was in the reverse order in the NCD group vs. controls, resulting from the excess of (GCC)7 in the former (p=0.009). Five genotypes, predominantly consisting of the (GCC)7 and lacking (GCC)9 were detected in the NCD group only (Mid-p=0.007), and four genotypes consisting of (GCC)9 and lacking (GCC)7 were detected in the control group only (Mid-p=0.003). Those genotypes encompassed 4% of the genotype pool across the human samples studied. The (GCC)-repeat specifically expanded in primates, and reached maximum length in human. In conclusion, we report a novel potential locus for late-onset NCD at the human 5′ UTR (GCC)-repeat. Primate-specificity of this STR, predominant abundance of two alleles across the human samples studied, skewing of those alleles in the NCD group, and enrichment of genotypes consisting of the risk and protective alleles that were specific to the NCD and control groups, respectively, indicate that alleles at this locus have undergone natural selection. Reported instances of STR allelic natural selection at non-coding loci in human are rare, and the SMAD9 (GCC)-repeat provides a potentially valuable locus to further test this phenomenon.
Amino Acids Downregulate SIRT4 to Detoxify Ammonia through the Urea Cycle
Authors: Zhao Shi-Min , Hu Song-Hua , Yang Yuan-Xin , Ma Hui-Da , Zhou Shu-Xian , Qiao Ya-Nan , Zhang Kai-Hui , Zhang Lei , Huang Lin , Yuan Yiyuan , Lin Yan , Xu Wei , Li Yao , Li Hai-Tao , Zhao Jian-Yuan
Published: April 2022

Ammonia production via glutamate dehydrogenase is inhibited by SIRT4, a sirtuin that displays both amidase and non-amidase activities. The processes underlying the regulation of ammonia removal by amino acids remain unclear. Here, we report that SIRT4 acts as a decarbamylase that responds to amino acid sufficiency and regulates ammonia removal. Amino acids promote lysine 307 carbamylation (CP-K307) of ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), which activates OTC and the urea cycle. Proteomic and interactome screening identified OTC as a substrate of SIRT4. SIRT4 decarbamylates CP-K307 and inactivates OTC in a NAD+-dependent manner. SIRT4 expression was transcriptionally upregulated by the amino acid insufficiency-activated GCN2–eIF2a–ATF4 axis. SIRT4 knockout in cultured cells caused higher CP-K307 levels, activated OTC, elevated urea cycle intermediates, and urea production via amino acid catabolism. Sirt4 ablation decreased mouse blood ammonia levels and ameliorated CCl4-induced hepatic encephalopathy phenotypes. We reveal that SIRT4 safeguards cellular ammonia toxicity during amino acid catabolism.
The association between childhood trauma and overweight and obesity in young adults: The mediating role of food addiction
Authors: Offer Samuel , Alexander Elise , Barbara Kelsie , Hemmingsson Erik , Flint Stuart W , Lawrence Blake
Published: April 2022

Purpose Childhood trauma is associated with increased risk of obesity during adulthood, which may be associated with the development of food addiction. This study examined whether food addiction mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and obesity in young adults. Methods A sample of 512 young adults, aged 18 to 30 years, living with overweight and obesity (Body Mass Index ≥ 25kg/m2), from the United Kingdom participated in the study. Participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Yale Food Addiction Scale, and provided their current height and weight to compute their Body Mass Index (BMI). Results Using the PROCESS macro, a mediation analysis found that food addiction accounted for 45% of variance in the relationship between childhood trauma and BMI. Post-hoc analyses were conducted to examine the mediating effect of food addiction across each of the five subscales of the CTQ (emotional/physical/sexual abuse and emotional/physical neglect). Food addiction accounted for 32% to 51% of the variance in the relationship between each CTQ subscale and BMI. Conclusions These findings suggest that experiences of childhood trauma are associated with the development of overweight and obesity during early adulthood and up to half of this relationship can be attributed to food addiction, which is likely used as a maladaptive coping mechanism in response to trauma. Young adults living with overweight and obesity who report experiences of childhood trauma may benefit from the support of clinical and counselling psychologists to improve their understanding of the underlying psychosocial factors that influence their eating behaviours.Level of Evidence Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study
Production and characterization of a novel interspecific somatic hybrid combining drought tolerance and high quality of sweetpotato and Ipomoea triloba L.
Authors: Jia Licong , Yang Yufeng , Zhai Hong , He Shaozhen , Xin Guosheng , Zhao Ning , Zhang Huan , Gao Shaopei , Liu Qingchang
Published: April 2022

Key message A novel interspecific somatic hybrid combining drought tolerance and high quality of sweetpotato and Ipomoea triloba L. was obtained and its genetic and epigenetic variations were clarified. Somatic hybridization can be used to overcome the cross-incompatibility between sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) and its wild relatives and transfer useful and desirable genes from wild relatives to cultivated plants. However, most of the interspecific somatic hybrids obtained to date can’t produce storage roots and show no good agronomic characters. In the present study, a novel interspecific somatic hybrid, named XT1, was obtained through protoplast fusions between sweetpotato cv. Xushu 18 and its wild relative I. triloba L.. This somatic hybrid was found to produce storage roots and to exhibit significantly higher drought tolerance and quality compared with its cultivated parent Xushu 18. Transcriptome and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses showed that the well-known drought stress-responsive genes in XT1 and I. triloba were significantly up-regulated under drought stress. Evidence of genome structural reconstructions between the two genomes of the fusion parents in XT1 was confirmed by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and specific nuclear and cytoplasmic DNA markers. Its DNA methylation variations were characterized by methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP). This study not only reveals the significance of somatic hybridization techniques in the genetic improvement of sweetpotato but also provides valuable materials and knowledge for investigating the mechanism of storage root formation in sweetpotato.
Comparison of two different intravitreal treatment regimens combined with systemic antiviral therapy for cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS
Authors: Liang Xuemei , An Hongmei , He Huawei , Shen Baiyun , Ou Zuguo , Li Li
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and injection frequency of intravitreal low-dose vs. intermediate-dose ganciclovir therapy in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR).Methods: A prospective, single-center, double-blinded, randomize controlled interventional study was conducted. Fifty patients with together 67 eyes were randomly assigned to low-dose (0.4mg ganciclovir per week) and intermediate-dose (1.0mg ganciclovir per week) groups. The primary clinical outcome were BCVA change from baseline to treatment endpoint and 12 months visit, and the number of intravitreal injections.Results: In boths group, the median LogMAR BCVA improved significantly from baseline to treatment endpoint (boths p<0.001), while vision loss from CMVR continue to occur at 12 months visit. The mean number of injections was 5.8 in low-dose group and 5.4 in intermeditate group. No significant differences were detected between the two groups (p>0.05). According to the location of CMVR, we found that Zone I lesions led to a worse visual outcome, more injections and a higher occurrence rate of complications (p<0.05). Conclusions: the efficacy and injection frequency of treating CMVR in AIDS patients was not significantly different from low-dose or intermediate-dose. Zone I lesions were associated with a worse visual outcome, more injections and a higher occurrence rate of CMVR-related complications.
Ultrafast synergistic excitation for in-situ computing
Authors: Ye Lei , Tong Lei , Bi Yali , Wang Yilun , Huang Xinyu , Peng Zhuiri , Li Zheng , Xu Langlang , Lin Runfeng , Chen Sihan , Shi WenHao , Tang Ming , Yu Hui , Zhang Xinliang , Wang Ping , Miao Xiang Shui
Published: April 2022

Nonlinear optical phenomena (NLOPs) in two-dimensional (2D) materials can be envisioned for neuromorphic functions at the device and related system level. But it has been attended rarely that transition among multi-energy states as one origin of NLOPs directly used for neuromorphic functions, which is assisted to understand nature of device-level nonlinear optical neuromorphic performance. Here we introduced a pump-probe-control technology to reveal multi-energy-state transition in multilayer molybdenum disulfide, enhancing nonlinear signals by transitions from two-photon absorption to synergistic excited states absorption and enabling an in-situ computing concept within an array of pure 2D flakes. Optical weighted average calculation and artificial neural network were realized without the fabrication of complex extrinsic structures, while preserving the femtosecond speed and femto-Joule power consumption, revealing the feasibility of pump-probe-control technology for nonlinear neuromorphic functions.
Spatial reference and alternative proteome analysis of glioblastoma reveals molecular signatures and associates survival with specific markers
Authors: Duhamel Marie , Drelich Lauranne , Wisztorski Maxence , Aboulouard Soulaimane , Gimeno Jean-pascal , Ogrinc Nina , Devos Patrick , Cardon Tristan , Weller Michael , ESCANDE Fabienne , Zairi Fahed , Maurage Claude-Alain , Rhun Emilie Le , Fournier Isabelle , salzet Michel
Published: April 2022

Molecular heterogeneity is a key feature of glioblastoma pathology impeding patient’s stratification and leading to high discrepancies between patients mean survivals. We performed a spatial proteomics analysis on a cohort of 96 glioblastoma patients with survival varying from few months to more than 4 years. 46 tumors were analyzed by spatially-resolved high resolution mass spectrometry proteomics. Integrative analysis of protein expression and clinical information allowed us to identify three molecular regions associated with immune, neurogenesis and tumorigenesis signatures. Several of these molecular signatures can be enriched within the same tumor sample leading to high intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Nevertheless, a set of proteins was found statistically significant based on patient’s survival times, 10 of which stem from alternative AltORF or non-coding RNA. From these proteins, 5 were selected as survival markers. Classification of patients based on the expression of these 5 proteins leads to a clear difference in survival. The expression of these 5 proteins was validated by immunofluorescence on an external cohort of 50 glioblastoma patients, with a similar correlation with their survival.
Taken together, our work has enabled the characterization of new molecular regions within glioblastoma tissues based on protein expression which can help to guide glioblastoma prognosis and to improve the current glioblastoma classification.
The Effect of Far-field Cylindrical Scatterers on Radio Direction Finding and Beamforming Estimated by Cylindrical Array of Dipoles
Authors: Poormohammad Sarah , Farzaneh Forouhar , Banai Ali
Published: April 2022

Direction finding using a cylindrical array of dipoles has been implemented in presence of large cylindrical scatterers. The effect of the large cylindrical scatterers is considered by cylindrical harmonic expansion of the scattered field. These fields are computed analytically. The direction finding process is verified by a comparison with phase difference direction finding method implemented in HFSS simulator. The error induced in the direction finding mechanism by the scattered fields is estimated through Monte-Carlo simulations. Interfering signals are introduced and a beamforming process is implemented to evaluate the corresponding signal to interference ratios. The method alleviates the use of high computational cost simulations for scatterer effect estimation. The method could be used in wireless communication and smart antenna applications.
6-benzylaminopurine and kinetin modulations during in vitro propagation of Quercus robur (L.): an assessment of anatomical, biochemical, and physiological profiling of shoots
Authors: Martins João Paulo Rodrigues , Wawrzyniak Mikołaj Krzysztof , Ley-López Juan Manuel , Kalemba Ewa Marzena , Mendes Marcel Merlo , Chmielarz Paweł
Published: April 2022

For many woody species, such as Quercus robur, cytokinins in the culture medium are required to maintain in vitro plant material. Among synthetic cytokinins, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin (KIN) are the most frequently used. In addition to inducing shoots, cytokinins can cause morphophysiological disorders. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the anatomical, biochemical, and physiological alterations and profiles of Q. robur shoots exposed to two cytokinins, applied alone and in combination. Shoots previously established in vitro were transferred to WPM culture media supplemented with BAP at concentrations of 0, 1.25, and 3.50 µM combined with KIN at concentrations of 0, 0.62, and 1.25 µM totaling 9 treatments. Anatomical, physiological, and biochemical analyses were performed after 40 d of culture. BAP induced the formation of new buds with anatomically underdeveloped leaves; induced shoot-tip necrosis, which is considered a response to the inefficient transport of water and nutrients; reduced the thickness of the cell walls of phloem fibers; and decreased the content of phenolic compounds and photosynthetic pigments. These responses were less pronounced with co-exposure to KIN. In contrast, KIN alone stimulated a larger area of secondary xylem and more lignified cell walls. BAP can induce shoots with underdeveloped anatomical and biochemical characteristics. Shoots that grew with KIN alone had stem and leaf anatomical characteristics, indicating greater commitment to cellular differentiation than proliferation. When both cytokinins are combined, KIN can partially mitigate the deleterious effects of BAP on in vitro growth.
Relaxation anisotropy of quantitative MRI parameters in biological tissues
Authors: Hänninen Nina Elina , Liimatainen Timo , Hanni Matti , Gröhn Olli , Nieminen Miika Tapio , Nissi Mikko Johannes
Published: April 2022

Quantitative MR relaxation parameters vary in their sensitivity to the orientation of the tissue in the magnetic field. In this study, the orientation dependence of multiple relaxation parameters was assessed in various tissues. Ex vivo samples of different tissue types were prepared either from bovine knee (tendon, cartilage) or mouse (brain, spinal cord, heart, kidney), and imaged at 9.4 T MRI with T1, T2, CW-T1ρ, adiabatic T1ρ and T2ρ, and RAFF2-4 sequences at five different orientations with respect to the main magnetic field. Relaxation anisotropy of the measured parameters was quantified and evaluated. Highly ordered collagenous tissues, cartilage and tendon, presented the highest relaxation anisotropy for T2, CW-T1ρ with spin-lock power < 1 kHz, Ad-T2ρ and RAFF2-4. Maximally, anisotropy was 75% in cartilage and 30% in tendon. In the other measured soft tissues, anisotropy was less than 10% for all the parameters. T1 and Ad-T1ρ exhibit little to no observable anisotropy. The results confirm that highly ordered collagenous tissues have properties that induce remarkable relaxation anisotropy, whereas for the other soft tissues investigated, the effect is less prominent. Quantitative comparison of anisotropies between relaxation parameters highlights the importance of sequence choice and design in MR imaging.
District Health Office Efforts and Challenges In Combating P. Knowlesi Malaria: A Qualitative Study Of High Risk States In Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Mohamad Emma , Azlan Arina Anis , Hamzah Mohammad Rezal , Damanhuri Hazwani , Pasi Hafizah , Sulong Mohd Rahim , Isa Affendi
Published: April 2022

Background: P. knowlesi malaria remains a severe threat for at-risk communities in Malaysia. This study explores efforts, challenges and initiatives taken by the health officers at districts with high cases of P. knowlesi malaria in peninsular Malaysia in their role as health authority for mitigating the disease.Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with three health officers from Gua Musang, Kuala Lipis and Kota Tinggi, where high cases of P. knowlesi malaria were recorded. A purposive sampling strategy was utilised to select each district's health officers involved with malaria prevention efforts. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using Atlas.ti 8 to identify current malaria prevention practices and the challenges faced in the implementation of these practices.Results: Efforts by the health district officers include conventional prevention strategies and inventive measures to mitigate infection. The conventional strategies were erecting warning signs, community education programmes and empowering community influencers. Health district officers also initiated unconventional mitigation strategies, including engagement with indigenous communities and foreign workers, erecting makeshift dams and using Abate 500E formulation sachet in rivers. Challenges faced include difficulty accessing remote locations, limited facilities, bureaucratic matters and military-specific issues.Conclusion: District health officers have made many efforts to mitigate P. knowlesi infections, including unconventional initiatives. Despite the challenges faced, the district health officers displayed commitment, creativity, and determination to combat P. knowlesi malaria.
Citizen engagement in health care procurement decision-making by health care insurers: Recent experiences in the Netherlands
Authors: Fernandes Óscar Brito , Bos Véronique , Klazinga Niek , Kringos Dionne
Published: April 2022

Background
In insurance-based health care systems, health care insurers are interested in engaging citizens in care procurement to contract health care services that matter to people. In the Netherlands, an amendment to the Health Insurance Act was set forth in 2021 to formalise and strengthen the engagement of the insured population with health care insurers’ procurement cycles. This study explores the role of Dutch health care insurers in operationalising citizen engagement in procurement cycles before changes occur linked to the amendment to the Health Insurance Act.
Methods
An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in two phases: 1) we consulted academics and policy experts on the role of health care insurers regarding citizen engagement; 2) we conducted focus groups with representatives of health care insurers to understand how citizens’ engagement is being operationalised. Transcripts of the interviews with experts and detailed notes of focus group meetings were analysed using a qualitative inductive approach. Selected excerpts were analysed on discourse and content and organised by a coding scheme following a rigorous and accelerated data reduction technique.
Results
We identified four strategies used by health care insurers to operationalise citizen engagement: 1) broadening their population health orientation; 2) developing and improving mechanisms for engaging citizens; 3) strengthening features of data governance for effective use of value-driven data; 4) implementing financial and incentive mechanisms among health care providers in support of value-based health care. However, regulated market mechanisms and low institutional trust in health care insurers undermine their transitioning from merely funding health care towards becoming people-centred value-based health care purchasers.
Conclusion
Dutch health care insurers seem to be strengthening the community orientation of their functioning amid enhancing the end-to-end experience of the insured. The expected practical effects of the amendment to the Health Insurance Act are broadening the role of the council of insurees in decision-making processes and systematically documenting the efforts set forth by health care insurers in engaging citizens. Further research is needed to understand better how the regulated competitive market could be hampering the engagement of citizens in health care procurement decision-making and value creation from the citizens’ perspective.
Ultra-large-scale, fast, one-step and facile Synthesis of Iron, Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by a new and one pot Solution Combustion synthesis method
Authors: Yeganeh-Faal Ali , Habibi-Khaveh Alireza.
Published: April 2022

Here, we report one-step, new, low cost, fast and innovative synthesis by solution combustion synthesis (SCS) method, in order to ultra-large-scale synthesis magnetic nanoparticles of Fe3O4, NiO, Co2O3, ZnO and Mn3O4. The synthesis, was performed in the temperature 350 ° C in a nitrogen atmosphere and in the presence of poly maleic acid as dispersant and fuel agent. Ammonium nitrate, was used as a gasser agent in acidic medium of HNO3. FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used for study spectroscopic properties of SCS product nanomaterial. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study the microstructure and phase of nanomaterial. VSM for magnetic properties and modified Scherer method, used to determine particle size. This study provides a safe, one-step, facile, large-scale and general method for the synthesis of metal oxide nano materials. Due to the possibility of forming a single layer of synthesized nanoparticles, the biggest advantage of this method compared to other combustion synthesis methods is to obtain nanoparticles with relatively the same particle size. This is a unique result, which is not seen in the combustion methods of nanoparticle synthesis.
Primary Research on the Indigenous Copper Production of Bohai Kingdom
Authors: Li Chenyuan , Wu Song , Li Qiang , Song Yubin , Ying Jia , Li Yanxiang
Published: April 2022

The systematic investment and rearrangement of the unearthed artifacts of Longtoushan Royal Cemetery of the Bohai Kingdom have provided a bunch of new information for the archaeometallurgy research on non-ferrous metal production. We have synthesized the latest discoveries of several relative mining/smelting sites and urban relics for making a primary approach to the whole production chain of copper in this research. The distinction between the red copper and bronze artifacts was unveiled by analyzing the data from SEM-EDS and p-XRF. The yield gap between the scale of smelting and the number of artifacts was also discussed based on the historical literature records. The evidence and detail of indigenous copper production could help the researcher comprehend the technology and material exchange and geopolitical relationship development of the Bohai Kingdom.
Steel Slag as Low-Cost Catalyst for Artificial Photosynthesis: From CO2 to Hydrogen and Methanol
Authors: Fusco Caterina , Casiello Michele , Pisani Pasquale , Monopoli Antonio , Oberhauser Werner , Attrotto Rosella , Nacci Angelo , D'Accolti Lucia
Published: April 2022

Photoreduction of CO2 with sunlight to produce solar fuels, also named artificial photosynthesis, is considered one of the most attractive strategies to face the challenge of reducing greenhouse gases and achieving climate neutrality. Following an approach in line with the principles of the circular economy, the low-cost catalytic system (1) based on an industrial by product such as steel slag was assessed, which was properly modified with nanostructured palladium on its surface in order to make it capable of promoting the conversion of CO2 into methanol and hydrogen through a two-stage process of photoreduction and thermal conversion having formic acid as the intermediate. Notably, for the first time in the literature steel slag is used as photoreduction catalyst.