bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Willingness to Comply with Public Health Measures for COVID-19 Among Incoming Air Travelers Into Nigeria from High-Risk Countries: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Usuwa Ifeoma Sophia , Umeokonkwo Chukwuma David , Balogun Muhammad Shakir , Akpa Christian Obasi , Zubairu Ismail Hadi , Osigwe Ugochukwu Chinedu , Olorukooba Abdulhakeem Abayomi , Oguanuo Chukwuemeka Steve , Bamgboye Eniola , Ononigwe Pius Ikenna , Malgwi Arhyel , Enumah Chibuike Patrick , Elimian Kelly , Iyanda Abdullai Lawal , Alex-Okoh Morenike , Oladejo John , Nguku Patrick , Iheweazu Chikwe
Published: November 2021

Background: Complying with guidelines established to control COVID-19 pandemic is critical to the successful outcome of the response. We assessed the willingness of non-symptomatic incoming international air travelers into Nigeria to comply with COVID-19 public health measures upon arrival and identified the factors influencing them- March 2020. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 500 incoming international air travelers involving 17 nationals across four major international airports in Nigeria using a pre-tested self-administered electronic questionnaire. We estimated the proportions and determined predictors of participants’ willingness to comply with the COVID-19 preventive measures. Predictors were examined using multiple logistic regression at 5% level of significance.Results: Majority (83%) were extremely/very willing to comply with public health guidelines. Perception of severity was a significant predictor of their willingness to stay at home for 14 days upon arrival (AOR: 6.82, 95 CI%: 1.19-24.45). Self -efficacy towards observing self for COVID-19 symptoms was a significant predictor of willingness to observe self for symptoms (AOR: 6.82, 95%CI: 1.19-24.45), and willingness to call of national COVID-19 numbers if symptoms develop (AOR: 6.82, 95% CI: 1.19-24.45). Conclusion: There is a need to improve risk communication interventions against COVID-19 for international air travelers particularly enhancing self-efficacy to improve their compliance to public health measures
Up-Regulation of YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 is Related to the Prognosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Rui , Li Shao-ming , Gao Ling , Zhi Ke-qian , Wen-Hao Ren
Published: November 2021

Background

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification in mammalian mRNAs. M6A is composed of methyl-transferases, which act as ("writers"), binding proteins, which act as ("readers"), and demethylases, which act as ("erasers"). As an important part of ("readers"), YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 were shown to be associated with many cancers. This paper aimed to study the expression of YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Methods

We detected the expression of YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 in 120 OSCC patients by immunohistochemical analysis. Statistical analysis was used to determine whether the high or low expression of these two genes was significantly associated with age, gender, histological type, clinical stage, or lymph node metastasis. The correlation curve and survival curve of the two genes were produced to evaluate the potential clinical significance.
Results

We find the expression of YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 was increased in OSCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues。The statistical analysis showed that the expression of YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 was significantly associated with the clinical stage and histological type in OSCC patients. There was also a significant correlation between the expression of YTHDF1 and YTHDF3. A high expression of YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 was related to poor patient prognosis.
Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a high expression of YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 may be related to poor patient prognosis.
LncRNA RP11-59J16.2 Aggravates Apoptosis and Increases Tau Phosphorylation via Inhibiting MCM2 On The AD SH-SY5Y Cell Model Induced By Aβ.
Authors: Guan Fulin , Gao Qichang , Gu Jiaao , Dai Xinghua , Li Lei , Bao Rui
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disease of central nervous system with unclear pathogenesis, accounting for 60% - 70% of dementia cases. It is necessary to study the pathogenesis and therapeutic prospect of AD. LncRNAs have been found to play an important role in the development of AD. This study aims to explore the role of differentially expressed lncRNAs in AD patients' serum in the pathogenesis of AD.MethodsIn this study, serum microarray analysis was performed in AD patients and healthy controls to establish lncRNAs and mRNA expression profiles. The biological processes and key pathways were identified by GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis. A protein-protein interaction network was analyzed and constructed by using String database. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with Aβ 1-42 to establish AD cell model. The expression of RP11-59J16.2 and MCM2 was detected by qRT-PCR. The mRNA binding sites and target genes of RP11-59J16.2 were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Dual luciferase reporter gene analysis verified the targeting effect of RP11-59J16.2 on MCM2. Inhibition of RP11-59J16.2 or overexpression of MCM2, CCK-8 and flow cytometry were used to detect cell viability and apoptosis and Western Blot was used to detect the expression of p-Tau.ResultsDifferential expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs was screened by microarray data, and high expression of RP11-59J16.2 and low expression of MCM2 were detected in serum of AD patients. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that G1/S transition of mitotic cell cycle may be involved in the development of AD. The mRNA binding sites and target genes of RP11-59J16.2 were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Dual luciferase reporter gene analysis, qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to verify the targeted regulation of RP11-59J16.2 on MCM2. The expression of RP11-59J16.2 was increased and that of MCM2 was decreased in SH-SY5Y cells treated with Aβ1-42. CCK-8 assay and Annexin V FITC/PI apoptosis assay kit results showed that RP11-59J16.2 could reduce cell viability, aggravate apoptosis and increase Tau phosphorylation in AD cell model by inhibiting MCM2.ConclusionThrough gene microarray and bioinformatics analysis, high differentially expressed lncRNAs RP11-59J16.2 and low expressed mRNA MCM2 in AD patients were screened. By using bioinformatics prediction and dual luciferase reporter gene analysis, it was confirmed that RP11-59J16.2 could target MCM2 regulation. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with Aβ1-42 to construct AD cell model. Overexpression or inhibition of RP11-59J16.2 or MCM2, we found that RP11-59J16.2 could promote neuronal apoptosis and increase Tau phosphorylation by regulating MCM2 in vitro. Thus, RP11-59J16.2 might be a potential target molecule for the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of AD.
Smart Cotton Functionalized With Self-Implanted Palladium Nanopanicles: Full Ultraviolet Shielding Potency
Authors: Emam Hossam E. , Zaghloul Saad , Ahmed Hanan B.
Published: November 2021

Unique technique is currently demonstrated for preparation of ultraviolet protective cotton fabrics with full shielding effect, via self-implantation of palladium nanopanciles. Palladium (Pd) nanopanciles were in-situ immobilized within native & cationized cotton using two different concentrations of palladium precursor (20 & 60 mM) under strong acidic (pH 2) and basic (pH 11.5) media. Cationization (50% and 100%) of cotton fabrics was performed in order to increase the accessibility of fabric for controllable implantation of palladium nanopanciles. Size distribution of palladium nanopanciles in supernatant solution was estimated via Transmission electron microscopy to be 3.2 nm. The estimated data showed that the sample prepared with the highest cationization percent and highest concentration of palladium precursor in strong alkaline medium exhibited the highest yellowness index, color strength and excellent ultraviolet shielding effects. The yellowness index was significantly increased from 15.67 for cationized cotton to 74.99 for the sample prepared with the highest cationization percent and highest concentration of Pd+2 in alkaline medium (Pd-CC (100)4). Tensile strength was insignificantly decreased from 93.2 MPa for cationized cotton to 84.5 MPa for Pd-CC (100)4. Ultraviolet shielding effect was superiorly enhanced with implantation of palladium nanopanciles. The UV protection factor (UPF) was also excellency increased from 1.3 (insufficient) for native cotton to 256.6 (excellent) for Pd-CC (100)4.
Ploidy Mosaics - Does Endopolyploidy in Explants Affects the Cytogenetic Stability of Orchids Regenerated From PLBs?
Authors: Fritsche Yohan , Ornellas Thiago Sanches , Stefenon Valdir Marcos , Guerra Miguel Pedro
Published: November 2021

The induction and regeneration of protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) is a morphogenetic pathway widely used for orchid micropropagation. As endopolyploidy, i.e., the coexistence of cells with different ploidy levels, is a common feature in orchid tissues, a natural question arises when using somatic tissues as explants for orchid micropropagation: does endopolyploidy in explants affect the cytogenetic stability of regenerated plantlets? To answer this question, Epidendrum fulgens was used as a model plant, and flow cytometry (FC) was used to analyze endopolyploidy in pollinia, petals, labella, leaf bases, leaf tips, root tips, protocorms bases and protocorms apexes, which were subsequently used as explants for PLB induction and plant regeneration. The ploidy screening showed contrasting ploidy patterns in the samples. Endopolyploidy was detected in all tissues, with C-values ranging from 1C to 16C. Protocorm bases and root tips presented the highest proportion of endopolyploidy, while petals and protocorm apexes showed the lowest proportion. Flower parts presented high oxidation for PLB induction and pollinia failed to produce PLB or callus. The highest induction rate was observed at 10 µM TDZ, with 92%, 22%, and 0.92% for protocorm bases, leaves, and root tips, respectively. Plantlets were more easily regenerated from PLBs induced from protocorm bases than from leaves and roots. Doubled ploidy levels were registered in a proportion of 11% and 33% for PLB-regenerated plantlets obtained from protocorm bases and leaf bases, respectively, which was not directly associated with the proportion of endopolyploid cells or cycle value of explants.
RNA-sequencing and Mathematical Modeling Identify Suite of Light-sensitive Circadian Genes in an Orb-web Weaving Spider
Authors: Toporikova Natalia , Cheng Wenduo , Qian Leyuan , Mah Andrew , Clarke Thomas , Jones Thomas C. , Moore Darrell , Ayoub Nadia A.
Published: November 2021

BackgroundMost organisms rely on a molecular circadian clock to orchestrate a wide range of physiological processes to match the 24-hour day. These molecular clocks are typically based on a negative feedback loop among a small set of proteins that govern the circadian output. Light or other environmental conditions can reset the circadian clock, but true circadian behaviors continue to cycle even in constant darkness, with an intrinsic period called the free-running period (FRP). Spiders have unusual FRPs, with some species having extremely short FRP (e.g. 18 hours for trashline orb weaver), and many having highly variable FRPs (intraspecific variation of up to 10 hours). In the absence of any genetic model of circadian rhythms in spiders, we developed a mathematical model to optimize experimental conditions for identifying circadian genes that also respond to light cues. ResultsOur mathematical model involved a single gene that encodes a protein that inhibits its own transcription. In our model, light degrades the circadian transcript, which allows a broad range of FRPs to be entrained to a 24-hour day. Our model predicted that exposing spiders to a pulse of light in the middle of the night would cause a pattern of expression between two later time points that was opposite the pattern exhibited by spiders who did not receive a pulse of light. RNA-sequencing of four groups of adult female orb weaving spiders, Metazygia wittfeldae, under these experimental conditions resulted in 528 significantly differentially expressed (DE) transcripts between the two collection times or between the light pulse and no light pulse. Consistent with our model, we found a cluster of transcripts with the flipped pattern of expression between the two collection times, dependent on the application of light.ConclusionsOur DE transcripts represent the first genetic evidence for circadian output in spiders. Furthermore, those transcripts with a flipped pattern of expression represent prime candidates for light-sensitive circadian genes, which may be involved in entraining the circadian clock to light. Functions of these genes varied from growth and development to reproduction to gene regulation, consistent with other circadian systems.
Construction of a Prognostic m6A-related lncRNA Signature to Predict Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zou Yiping , Chen Zhihong , Han Hongwei , Lou Qi , Zhang Yuanpeng , Chen Zhenrong , Ma Zuyi , Jin Haosheng , Shi Ning
Published: November 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are two common modifications that affect tumor development and play vital roles in the prognosis of HCC. Therefore, we comprehensively analyzed transcriptome data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and identified lncRNAs related to m6A regulators. Univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to build a prognostic model. Patients were then divided into low- and high-risk groups according to the optimal cut-off point. The prognosis value of the novel model was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the receiver operating characteristic curve. Besides, mutation and immune profiles together with immune checkpoint expressions were further explored to identify the difference in somatic alteration and tumor immune landscape between the two groups. Additionally, a better response to conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy was found in patients with the high-risk group, but they were more resistant to sorafenib. The m6A-related lncRNAs model might be used to predict the prognosis and drug responses in patients with HCC.
Coordination and Equilibrium Selection in Games: The Role of Local Effects
Authors: Raducha Tomasz , Miguel Maxi San
Published: November 2021

We study the role of local effects and finite size effects in reaching coordination and in equilibrium selection in two-player coordination games. We investigate three update rules – the replicator dynamics (RD), the best response (BR), and the unconditional imitation (UI). For the pure coordination game with two equivalent strategies we find a transition from a disordered state to coordination for a critical value of connectivity. The transition is system-size-independent for the BR and RD update rules. For the IU it is system-size-dependent, but coordination can always be reached below the connectivity of a complete graph. We also consider the general coordination game which covers a range of games, such as the stag hunt. For these games there is a payoff-dominant strategy and a risk-dominant strategy with associated states of equilibrium coordination. We analyse equilibrium selection analytically and numerically. For the RD and BR update rules mean-field predictions agree with simulations and the risk-dominant strategy is evolutionary favoured independently of local effects. When players use the unconditional imitation, however, we observe coordination in the payoff-dominant strategy. Surprisingly, the selection of pay-off dominant equilibrium only occurs below a critical value of the network connectivity and disappears in complete graphs. As we show, it is a combination of local effects and update rule that allows for coordination on the payoff-dominant strategy.
Human In Silico Trials for Parametric Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Drug Delivery: Impact of Injection Location, Injection Protocol, and Physiology
Authors: Khani Mohammadreza , Burla Goutham Kumar Reddy , Sass Lucas R. , Arters Ostin N. , Xing Tao , Wu Haiming , Martin Bryn
Published: November 2021

BackgroundIntrathecal drug delivery has a significant role in pain management and CNS disease therapeutics. A fluid-physics based tool to assist clinicians in choosing specific drug doses to the spine or brain may help improve treatment schedules. MethodsThis study applied computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and in vitro model verification to assess intrathecal drug delivery in an anatomically realistic model of the human CSF system. Key parameters analyzed included the role of a) injection location including lumbar puncture (LP), cisterna magna (CM) and intracerebroventricular (ICV), b) LP injection rate, injection volume, and flush volume, c) physiologic factors including cardiac-induced and deep respiration-induced CSF stroke volume increase. Simulations were conducted for 3-hours post-injection and used to quantify spatial-temporal tracer concentration, regional area under the curve (AUC), time to maximum concentration (T max ), and maximum concentration (C max ), for each case. ResultsCM and ICV increased AUC to brain regions by ~2 logs compared to all other simulations. A 3X increase in bolus volume and addition of a 5 mL flush both increased intracranial AUC to the brain up to 2X compared to a baseline 5 mL LP injection. In contrast, a 5X increase in bolus rate (25 mL/min) did not improve tracer exposure to the brain. An increase in cardiac and respiratory CSF movement improved tracer spread to the brain, basal cistern, and cerebellum up to ~2 logs compared to the baseline LP injection. ConclusionThe computational modeling approach provides ability to conduct in silico trials representative of CSF injection protocols. Taken together, the findings indicate a strong potential for delivery protocols to be optimized to reach a target region(s) of the spine and/or brain with a needed therapeutic dose. Parametric modification of bolus rate/volume and flush volume was found to have impact on tracer distribution; albeit to a smaller degree than injection location, with CM and ICV injections resulting in greater therapeutic dose to brain regions compared to LP. CSF stroke volume and frequency both played an important role and may potentially have a greater impact than the modest changes in LP injection protocols analyzed such as bolus rate, volume, and flush.
SEMA6A/RhoA/YAP Axis Mediates Tumor-Stroma Interactions and Prevents Response to Dual BRAF/MEK Inhibition in BRAF-Mutant Melanoma
Authors: Loria Rossella , Laquintana Valentina , Scalera Stefano , Fraioli Rocco , Caprara Valentina , Falcone Italia , Bazzichetto Chiara , Martile Marta Di , Rosanò Laura , Bufalo Donatella Del , Bossi Gianluca , Sperduti Isabella , Terrenato Irene , Visca Paolo , Soddu Silvia , Milella Michele , Ciliberto Gennaro , Falcioni Rita , Ferraresi Virginia , Bon Giulia
Published: November 2021

Background: Despite the promise of dual BRAF/MEK inhibition as a therapy for BRAF-mutant (BRAF-mut) melanoma, heterogeneous responses have been observed in patients, thus predictors of benefit from therapy are needed. We have previously identified semaphorin 6A (SEMA6A) as a BRAF-mut-associated protein involved in actin cytoskeleton remodeling. The purpose of the present study is to dissect the role of SEMA6A in the biology of BRAF-mut melanoma, and to explore its predictive potential towards dual BRAF/MEK inhibition.Methods: SEMA6A expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in melanoma cohort RECI1 (N=112) and its prognostic potential was investigated in BRAF-mut melanoma patients from DFCI and TCGA datasets (N=258). The molecular mechanisms regulated by SEMA6A to sustain tumor aggressiveness and targeted therapy resistance were investigated in vitro by using BRAF-mut and BRAF-wt melanoma cell lines, an inducible SEMA6A silencing cell model and a microenvironment-mimicking fibroblasts-coculturing model. Finally, SEMA6A prediction of benefit from dual BRAF/MEK inhibition was investigated in melanoma cohort RECI2 (N=14).Results: Our results indicate higher protein expression of SEMA6A in BRAF-mut compared with BRAF-wt melanoma patients and show that SEMA6A is a prognostic indicator in BRAF-mut melanoma from TCGA and DFCI patients cohorts. In BRAF-mut melanoma cells, SEMA6A coordinates actin cytoskeleton remodeling by the RhoA-dependent activation of YAP and dual BRAF/MEK inhibition by dabrafenib+trametinib induces SEMA6A/RhoA/YAP axis. In microenvironment-mimicking co-culture condition, fibroblasts confer to melanoma cells a proliferative stimulus and protect them from targeted therapies, whereas SEMA6A depletion rescues the efficacy of dual BRAF/MEK inhibition. Finally, in BRAF-mut melanoma patients treated with dabrafenib+trametinib, high SEMA6A predicts shorter recurrence-free interval. Conclusions: Overall, our results indicate that SEMA6A contributes to microenvironment-coordinated evasion of melanoma cells from dual BRAF/MEK inhibition and it might be a good candidate predictor of short-term benefit from dual BRAF/MEK inhibition.
Cooling of cultured water can resist heart failure caused by collagen deposition and necrosis of cardiac fibers under chronic heat stress in sturgeon
Authors: Zhang Chaoyang , Zhang Miao , Xu Zihan , Li Datian , Gong Quan , Huang Xiaoli , Wu Jiayun , He Zhi , Du Xiaogang , Chen Defang , Jiang Jun , Du Jun , Yang Shiyong
Published: November 2021

Background

Chronic heat stress (CHS) may threaten the survival of cultivated and wild sturgeon by jeopardizing heart function.
Methods

Therefore, we established a heart damage model for the Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) using varying degrees of CHS (24°C and 28°C) to explore its effect on the heart structure and function, and their mutual relationship.
Results

Our research showed that CHS caused systemic heart failure in A. baerii, clinically manifested as severely irregular ventricles, increased myocardial fibrotic in the interstitium of cardiomyocytes, and myocardial necrosis. Echocardiographic imaging of A. baerii revealed an accelerated heart rate, incomplete ventricular contraction, decreased cardiac output, and significantly reduced pumping efficiency under CHS. Generally, the contractility of the heart decreased and the afterload increased under CHS, which is typical of high-resistance and low-output heart failure. However, cooling of cultured water (20°C) can offset the adverse effects of partial or total CHS on tissue structure and function.
Conclusion

Our results systematically characterized the relationship between the effects of CHS on the heart structure and heart function in sturgeon. This work provides a preliminary reference for future summer breeding pond management and protection of sturgeon.
Oecophylla Smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formacidae) and Odontotermes sp. (Isoptera: Termitidae) a Potential Source of Antioxodant: The Two Most Preferred Edible Insects of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Raza Mohsin , Tukshipa Sonam Drema , Chakravorty Jharna
Published: November 2021

Antioxidant potential of weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina (adult & brood) and termite odontotermes sp, the two common species of insects used as food by tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and elsewhere in India. Our findings highlight the antioxidant potential of these two insects. DPPH scavenging activity IC50 (µg/ml) ranged from 59.559 (ant adult) to 66.30 (termite). Termite species scored higher ABTS scavenging activity (IC50: µg/ml), Ferric reducing power (TPEE µg/g) and phenols (mg GAE/g) (18.70, 36.60 and 626.92) than weaver ant adult (52.57, 211.21 and 369.69) and ant brood (33.34, 114.32, 486.04). On the other hand, ant adult scored higher flavonoid (mg RTE/g) (663.4) than its brood (387.2) and termite species (58.0). Ant brood contained substantial amounts of phenols and flavonoid, comparatively higher than phenols of ant adult and flavonoid of termite. These two insects may serve as an ideal dietary food supplement for handling oxidative stress and as replacement for some conventional food products. However, further study is needed to find out the bio-active compound at individual species level.
Causes of different goiter rates with the same iodine deficiency among the pastoral and agricultural populations of Tibet: A geographical comparison
Authors: Xu Jing , Liu Shichuan , Ma Wei , Li Xiuwei , Guo Min , Cao Xiaoxiao , Gu Yunyou , Wang Haiyan , Wang Jianqiang , Zhang Ying , Zhuang Guangxiu , Liu Liejun
Published: November 2021

Background
The residents of both the agricultural and pastoral areas of Tibet share the same iodine deficiency and iodine nutrition, but the rate of thyroid goiter was significantly higher in the agricultural areas than in the pastoral areas. This project sought to determine why the populations in the iodine-deficient pastoral areas show a lower rate of thyroid goiter.
Methods
Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and 24 h history recalls were adopted to investigate the dietary patterns of the residents of the agricultural and pastoral areas. Meat and milk samples were collected to measure their inorganic iodine, total iodine and thyroid hormone contents using ICP-MS, AsIII-Ce4+ catalytic spectrophotometry and the Siemens’ chemiluminescence method, respectively. The intake of protein, and the microelements, selenium and iron, was calculated according to their content in the food.
Results
The per capita daily intake of meat, dairy, and cereal in the pastoral areas was 116.7, 216.7, and 433.3 g, respectively, which are significantly higher than those in the agricultural areas (50.0, 72.2, and 375.0 g, respectively) (p < 0.05). The content of thyroid hormone in dried beef and milk in the pastoral areas was 62.6 and 13.5 µg/kg, respectively, which was significantly higher than those in the agricultural areas (25.1 and 4.1 µg/kg, respectively) (p < 0.05). The daily intake of thyroid hormone, protein and microelements, selenium and iron from foods by the residents of the pastoral areas were 10.5 µg, 99.6 g, 30.0 µg and 15.8 mg respectively, which was significantly higher than those in the agricultural areas (1.79 µg, 56.5 g, 23.8 µg and 13.2 mg, respectively) (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The significantly high intake of the food-borne thyroid hormone by the residents of the pastoral area could be the main reason the residents in the pastoral areas show a lower rate of thyroid goiter than those in the agricultural area. Moreover, the relatively high intake of protein and trace elements, selenium and iron by residents in the pastoral area could be another important factor for reducing the goiter rates.
Regulation of Heterologous Subtilin Production in Bacillus subtilis W168
Authors: Zhang Qian , Kobras Carolin M. , Gebhard Susanne , Mascher Thorsten , Wolf Diana
Published: November 2021

BackgroundSubtilin is a peptide antibiotic (lantibiotic) natively produced by Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633. It is encoded in a gene cluster spaBTCSIFEGRK (spa‑locus) consisting of four transcriptional units: spaS (subtilin pre-peptide), spaBTC (modification and export), spaIFEG (immunity) and spaRK (regulation). Despite the pioneer understanding on subtilin biosynthesis, a robust platform to facilitate subtilin research and improve subtilin production is still a poorly explored spot.ResultsIn this work, the intact spa-locus was successfully integrated into the chromosome of Bacillus subtilis W168, which is the by far best-characterized Gram-positive model organism with powerful genetics and advantages in industrial use. Through systematic analysis of spa-promoter activities in B. subtilis W168 wild type and mutant strains, our work demonstrates that subtilin is basally expressed in B. subtilis W168, and the transition state regulator AbrB strongly represses subtilin biosynthesis in a growth phase-dependent manner. The deletion of AbrB remarkably enhanced subtilin gene expression, resulting in comparable yield of bioactive subtilin production as for B. subtilis ATCC6633. However, while in B. subtilis ATCC6633 AbrB regulates subtilin gene expression via SigH, which in turn activates spaRK, AbrB of B. subtilis W168 controls subtilin gene expression in SigH-independent manner, except for the regulation of spaBTC. Furthermore, the work shows that subtilin biosynthesis in B. subtilis W168 is regulated by the two-component regulatory system SpaRK and strictly relies on subtilin itself as inducer to fulfill the autoregulatory circuit. In addition, by incorporating the subtilin-producing system (spa-locus) and subtilin-reporting system (PpsdA-lux) together, we developed “online” reporter strains to efficiently monitor the dynamics of subtilin biosynthesis. ConclusionsWithin this study, the model organism B. subtilis W168 was successfully established as a novel platform for subtilin biosynthesis and the underlying regulatory mechanism was comprehensively characterized. This work will not only facilitate genetic (engineering) studies on subtilin, but also pave the way for its industrial production. More broadly, this work will shed new light on the heterologous production of other lantibiotics.
Reliability and Validity of the Chinese version of a Short Form of the Family Health Scale
Authors: Wang Fei , Wu Yunchou , Sun Xiaonan , Wang Dong , Ming Weijie , Sun Xinying , Wu Yibo
Published: November 2021

Objective

To translate a Short Form of the Family Health Scale (FHS-SF) and to test the reliability and Validity of the Chinese version of the FHS-SF.
Method

A Short Form of the Family Health Scale was Chinese translated with the consent of the original author. A total of 8912 residents were surveyed in 120 cities across China using a multistage sampling method, with gender, ethnicity, and education level as quota variables. 750 participants were selected to participate in this study, and 44 participants were randomly selected to be retested one month later.
Result

The Cronbach’s alpha of the Chinese version of a Short Form the Family Health Scale was 0.83,the Cronbach’s alphas of the four subscales ranged from 0.70 to 0.90, the retest reliability of the scale was 0.75, the standardized factor loadings of the validation factor analysis were above 0.50, GFI = 0.98; NFI = 0.97; RFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.07, all within acceptable limits.
Conclusion

The Chinese version of a Short Form the Family Health Scale has good reliability and validity and can be used to assess the level of family health of Chinese residents.
Rate of Recurrent Hydronephrosis After Laparoscopic Ureteroneocystostomy for Ureteral Endometriosis
Authors: Yamada Taihei , Hada Tomonori , Yanai Shiori , Kanno Kiyoshi , Sakate Shintaro , Sawada Mari , Yoshino Yasunori , Andou Masaaki
Published: November 2021

Study Objective: To investigate the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy in patients with ureteral endometriosis (UE).Design: Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for the ureter endometriosis with hydronephrosis.Setting: A private hospital that provide primary, secondary and tertiary care.Patients: 30 consecutive patients with UE who underwent laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy at our institution between May 2008 and April 2020. Interventions: Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy, if necessary, hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, cystectomy, partial bladder resection, or partial bowel resection were performed.Measurements and Main Results: The most common chief complaint was pelvic pain (40%). Endometriosis affected only the left ureter in 56.7% of patients, only the right ureter in 33.3%, and both ureters in 6.7%. Involvement of the ipsilateral ovary was confirmed in 64.3%. The most frequent location of UE was 1 to 3 cm above the UVJ (46.7%). A psoas hitch was performed in 7 patients (23.3%), and the Boari flap was used in 9 patients (30%). Hysterectomy was performed in 12 patients (40%), and 6 of them had a concomitant bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (20%). In addition, 3 patients (10%) underwent partial bowel resection, and 2 patients (6.7%) underwent partial bladder resection. After surgery, 24 of 27 patients (80.0%) were free of sever hydronephrosis after surgery. Hydronephrosis recurred in a single patient (3.3%), but the grade of hydronephrosis improved significantly after surgery (P<.001). At 6 months of follow up, 4 patients (13.3%) experienced urinary tract infections and 2 patients (6.7%) reported dysuria. Patients reported a regression of dysmenorrhea symptoms (P<.001). Conclusion: This study shows that ureteroneocystostomy provides good results in terms of relapses and symptoms’ control in patients with ureteral endometriosis.
Linear-to-Circular Polarization Converter with Adjustable Bandwidth Realized by the Graphene Transmissive Metasurface
Authors: Zhang Xinlei , Ye Haining , Zhao Yan , Zhang Haifeng
Published: November 2021

A tunable linear-to-circular polarization converter (LTCPC) for the terahertz (THz) regime which consists of two conductive layers and a graphene transmissive metasurface layer separated by two dielectric layers is reported in this work. The equivalent surface resistance modeling method is adopted to investigate the peculiar electronic properties of graphene. The simulation results show that when the Fermi energy (Ef) is 1.1 eV, the linearly-polarized wave can be transformed into the circularly-polarized wave in the working band ranging from 0.9498 THz to 1.3827 THz (the relative bandwidth is 37.1%) with axial ratio (AR) less than 3 dB. Moreover, the bandwidth can be regulated to the desired one by varying the Fermi level of graphene metasurface via a bias voltage rather than manually modifying the structure. We have analyzed the mechanism of the polarization conversion, especially, the magnitudes and the phase difference of cross- and co-polarization transmission coefficients, AR curves, and surface current diagrams at y-polarized incidence. Our findings open up promising possibilities towards the realization of graphene controllable devices for polarization modulation, which has advantages of adjustability over traditional devices.
Individual Split Au Square Ring for Surface Enhanced Raman and Hyper-Raman Scattering
Authors: ZHang RuXin , Du Chaoling , Sun Lu , XuRong Wang , Li Xiang , Lei MingXin , Shi DaNing
Published: November 2021

In this paper, individual split Au square rings were numerically proposed as novel substrates for surface enhanced Raman and hyper-Raman scattering (SERS and SEHRS) simultaneously. The peak wavelengths of their localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) are revealed to fall in the near-infrared and visible light region, respectively, which are able to be finely tuned to match well with the wavelengths of the incident laser and hyper Raman scattered light beams. Their SEHRS and SERS performances along with electromagnetic (EM) field distributions are numerically investigated by finite element method. With the enhancement of near electric-fields generated by LSPRs, the maximum SEHRS and SERS enhancement factors are demonstrated to reach 1.22×1012 and 108, respectively. Meanwhile, the corresponding SERS based refractive-index (RI) sensitivity factor reaches as high as 258nm/RIU and 893nm/RIU, at visible and near-infrared wavelengths, respectively. The proposed structure is believed to hold great promise both for developing SEHRS, SERS and SERS based RI sensing substrates, which shows strong potential applications in nano sensing and enhanced Raman scattering.
Disturbed Boundaries Extraction in Coal-grain Overlap Areas With High Groundwater Levels Using UAV-based Visible and Multispectral Imagery
Authors: Guo Yunqi , Zhao Yanling , Yan Haoyue
Published: November 2021

Coal-grain overlap areas (CGOA) with high groundwater levels are vulnerable to subsidence and water logging during a series of mining activities, which have adverse impacts on crop yields. Such damage requires full reports of disturbed boundaries for the agricultural reimbursement and ongoing reclamation. Since direct measurements are difficult in such a case because of vast, unreachable areas, so it is necessary to be able to identify out-of-production boundary (OB) and reduced-production boundary (RB) in the corresponding region. In this study, OB was extracted by setting thresholds through characteristics of the cultivated land elevation based on UAV-generated digital surface model (DSM) and digital orthophoto map (DOM). Meanwhile, aboveground biomass (AGB), the soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value of chlorophyll contents, and leaf area index (LAI), were used to select the appropriate vegetation indexes (VI) to perform a reduced-production map (RM) based on power regression (PR), exponential regression (ER), multiple linear regression (MR) and random forest (RF) algorithms. Finally, an improved OTSU segmentation algorithm was applied to extract mild RB and severe RB. The results show elevation threshold segmentation method and the improved OTSU segmentation method can accurately recognize and extract disturbed boundaries, which are consistent with the tonal difference after crop damage in the image. This study provides reference methods and theoretical supports for disturbed boundaries determination in CGOA with high groundwater levels for further agricultural compensation and reclamation processes.
Ecomorphological Variation in Trithemis (Odonata, Libellulidae) Dragonfly Wings Reconsidered
Authors: MacLeod Norman , Price Benjamin , Stevens Zachary
Published: November 2021

The phylogenetic ecology and wing ecomorphology of the Afro-Asian dragonfly genus Trithemis have been investigated previously. Curiously, results reported for the forewing and hindwing shape variation in the latter were, in some ways, at odds with expectations given the mapping of landscape and water-body preferences over the Trithemis cladogram. To confirm these results we conducted a wing-shape investigation of 27 Trithemis species that employed a robust statistical test for phylogenetic covariation, more comprehensive representation of Trithemis wing morphology and a wider range of morphometric data-analysis procedures. Contrary to results published previously, statistical comparisons of forewing and hindwing mean shapes with the Trithemis cladogram revealed no statistically significant pattern of phylogenetic covariation. Moreover, landmark-based and image-based geometric morphometric analysis results, as well as embedded image-contrast deep learning analysis results, all demonstrated that both wings exhibit substantial convergent wing-shape similarities among, and differences between, species that inhabit open and forested landscapes and species that hunt over temporary/standing or running water bodies. Geometric morphometric data and data-analysis methods yielded the worst performance in identifying wing shape distinctions between Trithemis habitat guilds and the direct analysis of wing images using an embedded, image-contrast, convolution (deep learning) neural network delivered the best performance. Bootstrap and jackknife tests confirmed that our results are not artifacts of overtrained discriminant systems or the “curse of dimensionality”. In addition to our conclusions pertaining to Trithemis ecomorphology, the discrepancy between the previous investigation’s results and ours appears to reflect decisions made with regard to the manner in which complex morphological structures are sampled and analyzed. Naturally, results and interpretations of patterns in morphometric data pertain only to the data collected, not necessarily to other aspects of the structures from which those data were collected. For samples of morphologically similar taxa, landmark-based sampling strategies may be effective provided a sufficient number of landmark points distributed across all structures of potential interest exist. However, in a large number of instances analysis of full digital images of the structures under consideration may prove to be a more robust and effective sampling strategy, especially when coupled with analysis via machine learning procedures.
Intermolecular Diastereoselective Annulation of Azaarenes into Fused N-heterocycles by Ru(II) Reductive Catalysis
Authors: Zhao He , Wu Yang , Ci Chenggang , Tan Zhenda , Yang Jian , Jiang Huanfeng , Dixneuf Pierre , Zhang Min
Published: November 2021

Despite the important advances in azaaryl C−H activation/functionalization, reductive functionalization of ubiquitously distributed but weakly reactive azaarenes remains to date a challenge. Herein, by a strategy incorporating a tandem coupling sequence into the reduction of azaarenes, we present a dearomative annulation of azaarenes into promising fused syn-N-heterocycles by combination with a large variety of aniline derivatives and paraformaldehyde under ruthenium(II) reductive catalysis, proceeding with excellent selectivity, mild conditions, and broad substrate and functional group compatibility. Mechanistic studies reveal that the products are formed via hydride transfer-initiated β-aminomethylation and α-arylation of the pyridyl core in azaarenes, paraformaldehyde serves as both the C1-building block and reductant precursor, and the use of Mg(OMe)2 base plays a critical role in determining the reaction chemo-selectivity by lowering the hydrogen transfer rate. The present work opens a door to further develop valuable reductive functionalization of unsaturated systems by taking profit of formaldehyde-endowed two functions.
Overfishing and Climate Change Elevate Extinction Risk of Endemic Sharks and Rays in the Southwest Indian Ocean Hotspot
Authors: Pollom Riley , Cheok Jessica , Pacoureau Nathan , Gledhill Katie S. , Kyne Peter M. , Ebert David A. , Jabado Rima W. , Herman Katelyn B. , Bennett Rhett H. , Silva Charlene , Fernando Stela , Kuguru Baraka , Leslie Robin , McCord Meaghen E. , Samoilys Melita , Winker Henning , Fennessy Sean , Pollock Caroline M. , Rigby Cassandra L. , Dulvy Nicholas K.
Published: November 2021

The southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) is a hotspot of endemic and evolutionarily distinct sharks and rays. We summarise the extinction risk of the sharks and rays endemic to coastal, shelf, and slope waters of the SWIO (Namibia to Kenya, including SWIO islands). Thirteen of 70 species (19%) are threatened: one is Critically Endangered, five are Endangered, and seven are Vulnerable. A further seven (10%) are Near Threatened, 33 (47.1%) are Least Concern, and 17 (24.2%) are Data Deficient. While the primary threat is overfishing, there are the first signs that climate change is contributing to elevated extinction risk through habitat reduction and inshore distributional shifts. By backcasting their status, few species were threatened in 1980, but this changed soon after the emergence of targeted shark and ray fisheries. South Africa has the highest national conservation responsibility, followed by Mozambique and Madagascar. Yet, while fisheries management and enforcement have improved in South Africa over recent decades, drastic improvements are urgently needed elsewhere. To avoid extinction and ensure robust populations and future food security, there is an urgent need for the strict protection of Critically Endangered and Endangered species and sustainable management of all species, underpinned by species-level data collection and bycatch reduction.
More Conservative Rehabilitation Strategy within Postoperative 6 Month for All-Inside Reconstruction Compared with Anatomical Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligament may be able to Achieve Better Stability: Based on the Study of Graft Maturity
Authors: Lin Rubing , Zhong Qiuwen , Wu Xiao , Cui Lei , Huang Rong , Deng Qianhua , Jiang Changqing , Li Wei
Published: November 2021

Background: Individualized rehabilitation based on graft maturity is necessary to optimize patient function and prevent graft re-injury. But there is a lack of studies on graft maturity in the all-inside single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Hypothesis/Purpose: Compared to the difference in graft maturity, functional scores, and stability between all-inside and anatomical single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, it was assumed that the stability of all-inside reconstruction is relatively insufficient, and its graft maturity is worse than the anatomical reconstruction.Study Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial.Methods: Fifty-four patients were recruited in this study and randomly assigned to the all-inside reconstruction group (n = 27) and the anatomical reconstruction group (n = 27) using the same rehabilitation strategy. The Tegner, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Lysholm score were recorded at postoperative 3rd, 6th, and 12th month to assess functional recovery. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted to measure the Signal/Noise quotient (SNQ) of the intra-articular graft to observe the maturity. Stability was assessed using GNRB relaxation measuring instrument at the postoperative 12th month.Results: The graft SNQ of the all-inside group was significantly higher than that in the anatomical group during the postoperative 6th month (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in graft SNQ between the two groups at postoperative 3rd and 12th month (p > 0.05). Both groups exhibited the graft’s highest SNQ in the middle region, followed by the proximal region, and the lowest was the distal region. Functional scores improved significantly in both groups and had no statistical difference (p > 0.05). The stability recovered well in both groups during the postoperative 12th month, but the GNRB relaxation was higher in the all-inside group (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between functional scores and graft maturity in the two groups (p > 0.05).Conclusions: All-inside reconstruction graft maturity is inferior to the anatomical reconstruction during postoperative 6th month, which may cause relatively insufficient stability of all-inside reconstruction compared with anatomical reconstruction under the same rehabilitation strategy. A more conservative rehabilitation strategy for all-inside reconstruction around the postoperative 6th month may achieve better stability.
Net Carbon Dioxide Emission from An Eroding Atlantic Blanket Bog
Authors: Artz Rebekka , Coyle Mhairi , Donaldson-Selby Gillian , Morrison Ross
Published: November 2021

The net impact of greenhouse gas emissions from degraded peatland environments on national Inventories and subsequent mitigation of such emissions has only been seriously considered within the last decade. Data on greenhouse gas emissions from special cases of peatland degradation, such as eroding peatlands, are particularly scarce. Here, we report the first eddy covariance-based monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from an eroding Atlantic blanket bog. The CO2 budget across the period July 2018 to November 2019 was 147 (+/- 9) g C m-2. For an annual budget that contained proportionally more of the extreme 2018 drought and heat wave, cumulative CO2 emissions were nearly double (191 g C m-2) of that of an annual period without drought (106 g C m-2), suggesting that direct CO2 emissions from eroded peatlands are at risk of increasing with projected changes in temperatures and precipitation due to global climate change. The results of this study are consistent with chamber-based and modelling studies that suggest degraded blanket bogs to be a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere, and provide baseline data against which to assess future peatland restoration efforts in this region.