bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WDR62 deficiency results in synaptic dysfunction and ASD-like behaviors in mice, which can be ameliorated by RA repletion
Authors: Xu Dan , Zhi Yiqiang , Liu Xinyi , Guan Le , Yu Jurui , Zhang Dan , Zhang Weiya , Wang Yaqing , Tao Wucheng , Xu Zhiheng
Published: April 2022

Background: Brain size abnormality is correlated with increased frequency of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. Genetic analysis indicates that many heterozygous mutations of microcephaly-associated genes including WD repeat domain 62 (WDR62), are associated with ASD; however, biological evidence is still lacking.Methods: To investigate the association between WDR62 and ASD, we generated both Wdr62 conventional knockout (Wdr62 KO) and Nex-Cre conditional knockout (Wdr62 Nex-cKO) mice. We investigated and compared the behavioral alterations between these mice and their littermate controls. Morphological and electrophysiological analyses were adopted to explore the mechanism underlying the abnormal behaviors. Furthermore, all-trans retinoic acid (RA), a derivative of vitamin A, was tried to treat aberrant behaviors.Results: Our study showed that Wdr62 KO led to reduced brain size with impaired learning and memory, as well as ASD-like behaviors in mice. Interestingly, aberrant social interactions and repetitive behaviors were also observed in Wdr62 Nex-cKO mice, but no deficits in brain size, and learning and memory. Mechanically, we found that WDR62 regulated dendritic spinogenesis and excitatory synaptic transmission in cortical pyramidal neurons. Finally, we revealed that RA gavages could significantly alleviate ASD-like behaviors in WDR62 haploinsufficiency mice probably by complementing the expression of ASD and synapse-related genes. Limitations: RA oral gavage significantly alleviated ASD-like behavior in WDR62 haploinsufficiency mice, while whether RA supplement could ameliorate ASD-like behavior in WDR62 KO mice is unknown. In addition, it is not known that whether the content of RA in Wdr62 deficiency mice is changed. Conclusions: Our findings provide not only new insight into the roles of WDR62 in brain development, but also a new perspective for the relationship between microcephaly gene WDR62 and ASD etiology which will benefit clinical diagnosis and intervention of ASD.
A Review of Machine Learning Approaches to Predicting Molecular Odor in the Context of Multi-Label Classification
Authors: Saini Kushagra , Ramanathan V.
Published: April 2022

Decoding the factors behind odor perception has long been a challenge in the field of human neuroscience, olfactory research, perfumery, psychology, biology and chemistry. The new wave of data-driven and machine learning approaches to predicting molecular properties are a growing area of research interest and provide for significant improvement over conventional statistical methods. We look at these approaches in the context of predicting molecular odor, specifically focusing on multi-label classification strategies employed for the same. Namely Binary Relevance, Classifier Chains, and Random Forests adapted to deal with such a task. This challenge, termed QSOR (Quantitative Structure-Odor Relationship), remains an unsolved task in the field of sensory perception in machine learning, and we hope to emulate the results achieved in the field of vision and auditory perception in olfaction over time.
Poorer Sleep Quality Impairs Brain Health at Midlife
Authors: Namsrai Tergel , Ambikairajah Ananthan , Cherbuin Nicolas
Published: April 2022

Introduction Sleep is an emerging risk factor for dementia but its association with brain health remains unclear. MethodsA total of 29,545 UK Biobank participants with sleep measures and brain scans, and a subset (n=14,206) with cognitive measures were included. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to study the associations between sleep and brain health. Results Every additional hour in sleep above 7 hours/day was associated with 0.1 – 0.25% lower brain volumes. In contrast, a negative non-linear association was observed between sleep duration, grey matter, and hippocampal volume. Both longer (>9 hours/day) and shorter sleep (<6 hours/day) were associated with lower brain volumes and cognitive measures (memory, reaction time, fluid intelligence). Conclusions Poor sleep quality (<6 hours/day, >9 hours/day, daytime dozing) at midlife was associated with lower brain health. Sleep quality may be an important target to improve brain health into old age and delay the onset of dementia.
Graphitic carbon nitride and APTES modified advanced electrochemical biosensor for detection of 17β-estradiol in food samples
Authors: Bacchu M. S. , Ali M. R. , Hasan M. N. , Mamun M. R. A. , Hossain M. I. , Khan M. Z. H.
Published: April 2022

This work demonstrates a simple and inexpensive electrochemical biosensing pathway for selective and sensitive recognition of 17β-estradiol (E2) in environmental and food samples. The biosensing system is based on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and a conductive polymer 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The proposed biosensor shows the ability to detect E2 in attomolar levels within a wide linear logarithm concentration range of 1×10− 6 to 1×10− 18 molL− 1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 9.9×10− 19 molL− 1. The selectivity of the developed biosensor was confirmed by conducting the DPV of similarly structured hormones and naturally occurring substances. The proposed biosensor is highly stable and applicable to detect E2 in the presence of Spiked food and environmental samples with satisfactory recoveries ranging from 96.8 to 104.8%. So, the designed electrochemical biosensor might be an effective alternative tool for the detection of E2 and other endogenous substances to attain food safety.
Microscopic image recognition method of stomata in living leaves based on improved YOLO-X
Authors: Dai Tianhong , Cong Shijie , Zhang Jingzong , Li Kexin
Published: April 2022

Stomata are the main medium of water exchange in plants, regulating gas exchange and responsible for the processes of photosynthesis and transpiration. Stomata are surrounded by guard cells and the transpiration rate is controlled by opening and closing stomata. Stomatal state (open and close) plays an important role in describing the health of plants. In addition, counting the number of stomata is of great significance for scientists to study the number of opening and closeing stomata and to measure their density and distribution on the leaf surface through different sampling techniques. Although some techniques for calculating the number of stomata have been proposed, these methods are used to produce samples in isolation and then to identify and classify the states in the sample leaves. We improved YOLO-X and then implemented a transfer learning method to count the number of stomata and identify the stomatal opening and closing status of live black poplar leaves. In the end, the average accuracy and recall of the method were 98.3% and 95.9%, which helped researchers to obtain accurate information on leaf stomatal opening and closing status in an efficient and simple way.
The Mediating Role of Emotional Distress in The Relationship Between Differentiation of Self and The Risk of Eating Disorders Among Young Adults
Authors: Peleg Ora , Boniel-Nissim Meyran , Tzischinsky Orna
Published: April 2022

Background: The prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) is on the rise among male and female young adults. Given that most studies have focused on adolescents, and that there is a lack of research regarding EDs among young adults, the current study aimed to examine this age group. In addition, based on findings indicating that emotional distress may increase the risk of EDs, and that it is associated with differentiation of self (DoS), the main goal of the current study was to investigate whether emotional distress mediates the relationship between DoS (emotional reactivity, I-position, emotional cut-off, fusion with others) and the risk of EDs. Methods: A sample of 421 non-clinical participants was recruited to fill-out questionnaires. Preliminary analyses examined differences between males and females using t-tests. In addition, Pearson correlations were run to examine the association between background variables and the study metrics among both males and females. Due to a gender moderation effect, two mediation models were examined, one for women and one for men, using path analysis. Results: Young adult women reported higher levels of risk for developing EDs than young adult men. Among women, emotional distress mediated the relationship between three metrics of DoS (emotional reactivity, I-position, fusion with others) and three metrics of EDs (drive for thinness, bulimic tendencies, and body dissatisfaction). Among men, similar associations were found, except for fusion with others which was not found to be associated with emotional distress. Conclusions: It is concluded that DoS may increase the risk of EDs through the mediation of emotional distress. It appears that people with a high risk of EDs have difficulties maintaining intimate relationships. When they feel overwhelmed, they rarely share their feelings and stick to their thoughts. The results are consistent with Kerr and Bowen’s Family Systems Theory that suggests that DoS dimensions rooted in early family experiences impact one's mental and physical health.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Prognosis of Incompletely Resected Small Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumor using Endoscope without Additional Treatment
Authors: Cha Boram , Shin Jongbeam , Ko Weon Jin , Kwon Kye Sook , Kim Hyungkil
Published: April 2022

Background
In recent years, the incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has markedly increased due to the widespread use of screening colonoscopy. However, many patients are referred from local clinics after undergoing conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for polyps without perceived NET, with a pathological report of incomplete resection. We evaluated the prognosis of incompletely resected small rectal NET without additional endoscopic resection for small rectal NET less than 10 mm in diameter present within the submucosal layer showing good prognosis, due to its rare metastatic potential.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients from 2008 to 2018 at a single center who had had small rectal NET (located in the rectum from the anal verge to 20 cm in proximity) and had undergone ‘incomplete resection’ using endoscopy with a positive deep margin or with a very small safe deep margin (< 100 um). A small rectal NET was defined as a tumor ≤ 10 mm in diameter, without lymph node nor distant metastasis, and with low grade (G1) according to the WHO grading system.
Results
Of 267 patients who were diagnosed with small rectal NET, 77 were diagnosed with incomplete resection or possible remnant NET. Of those, 55 patients (55/77, 71.4%) were referred from local clinics post EMR diagnosed as polyps. The rate of histologically incomplete resection was highest in endoscopic submucosal dissection (11/21, 52.4%) and lowest in surgical resection (0/9, 0%), while endoscopic submucosal resection with band ligation showed an incomplete resection rate of 4.4% (5/113). After exclusion of 36 patients, namely 21 patients had undergone additional surgical (n = 6) or endoscopic (n = 15) resection and 25 patients who were lost during the follow-up period of 2 years, 31 patients had undergone surveillance with endoscopic evaluation or either a biopsy or radiological evaluation for distant metastasis during a median follow-up duration of 2 years. None of the incompletely resected small rectal NET patients showed local or distant metastasis.
Conclusion
Incomplete resection of small rectal NET with G1 grade has a good prognosis without additional treatment.
A unique multiple abnormal vascular pattern in retroperitoneal region: a case report
Authors: Ma Chunming , Li Jin
Published: April 2022

The left renal artery and genital artery are sent off the abdominal aorta to supply the corresponding organs, the left renal vein courses horizontally anterior to the left renal artery and abdominal aorta to drain into the inferior vena cava and receives blood return from the left genital vein with an angle of 90 degree. During anatomical teaching preparation, we observed an abnormal vascular pattern in retroperitoneal region. It presented double left renal arteries from abdominal aorta, double left renal veins (one was retro-aortic renal vein, and the other one was a small arcuate venous vessel draining into the left genital vein), and the left genital artery arising from the left lower renal artery. Multiple variations as our observations in a single person are rare in literature, and the abnormal drainage pattern that the renal vein drained into genital vein is unique, it is necessary for clinicians practicing in this region to bear this in mind to avoid iatrogenic injury.
Sparse Estimation of Correlations among Microbiomes (SECOM)
Authors: Lin Huang , Eggesbo Merete , Peddada Shyamal
Published: April 2022

It is well-known that human gut microbiota form a complex ecosystem where microbes correlate with each other. Due to complex underlying interactions, some microbes may correlate nonlinearly. Yet, there are no measures in the literature that quantify these nonlinear relationships. We introduce a novel concept of correlation that allows for linear and nonlinear relationships among microbes. It is well-known that infant gut evolves as the child grows. Using the proposed methodology, for the first time in the literature we characterize temporal changes in correlations among bacterial families during a baby’s first year after birth. For example, we discover for the first time that Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, which play important roles in degrading complex polysaccharides into short-chain fatty acids, interact with several families during a baby’s first year of birth. Similarly, Bifidobacteriaceae, Bacteroidiceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridiaceae, are all negatively correlated with Enterobacteriaceae, a family that contains pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella and Escherichia coli. Statistical properties of the proposed methodology are evaluated analytically and by using synthetic data.
Host range of strand-biased circularizing integrative elements: a new class of mobile DNA elements nesting in Gammaproteobacteria
Authors: Idola Desmila , Mori Hiroshi , Nagata Yuji , Nonaka Lisa , Yano Hirokazu
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThe strand-biased circularizing integrative elements (SEs) are putatively non-mobilizable integrative elements for transmitting antimicrobial resistance genes. However, the prevalence of SEs in prokaryotes remains unclear. To address this, the SE core genes were defined based on the gene knockout experiments as well as conservation level, and then the synteny blocks of their distant homologs were searched in the RefSeq complete genome sequence database using PSI-BLAST.ResultsAt least three conserved coding sequences (intA, intB, srap) were identified as essential for SE circularization. One conserved coding sequences (tfp) could not be deleted. The synteny blocks of tfp and srap homologs were detected in 3.6% of the replicons of Gammaproteobacteria but not in the other taxa, implying that the SE movement is host-dependent. SEs have been discovered most frequently in the order Vibrionales (18% of replicons), Pseudomonadales (18%), Alteromonadales (17%), and Aeromonadales (12%). Genome comparisons revealed 35 new SE members with identifiable termini. SEs are present at 1 to 2 copies per replicon and are 15.7 kb long in the median. Three newly identified SE members carry antimicrobial resistance genes, like tmexCD-toprJ, mcr-9, and blaVHH. Further experiments validated that three new SE members possess strand-biased copy-out activity.ConclusionsThis study identified three SE core genes essential for SE circularization. The main hosts of SEs are a subset of free-living Gammaproteobacteria, which are rather narrow among the usual host range of mobile DNA element families discovered to date. As the host range, genetic organization, and movements are unique among the mobile DNA elements, SE and its distant relative, GInt, provide a new model system for the host-mobile DNA element coevolution studies.
Diagnostic biomarkers for skin aging
Authors: Wang Miaohao , Ma Qichao
Published: April 2022

This study was conducted to identify potential diagnostic markers associated with skin aging and determine the association of these markers with N6-methyladenosine. Microarray data of differentially expressed genes in skin fibroblasts of elderly (~ 90 years old) and young (~ 20 years old) individuals were downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (GSE28300) database, and systematic Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed. The interactions among different proteins were predicted using a search tool (STRING) that retrieves interacting genes. Next, the MCC and MCODE algorithms in the cytoHubba plugin were used to screen three key genes in the network. Finally, we investigated the relationship between skin aging and N6-methyladenosine. We identified 63 upregulated and 51 downregulated genes by screening related genes in skin fibroblasts of the elderly and young individuals. Based on the screening results, we identified that NOTCH3, GLI2, and SOX9 play key roles in skin aging. In addition, VIRMA methylation was found to be related to skin aging. We concluded that NOTCH3, GLI2, and SOX9 are biomarkers of skin aging, and inhibiting the expression of these genes may reduce the rate of skin aging. Our results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying skin aging.
Dopaminergic signaling is linked to neurodevelopmental deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Chai Rui , Lin Jiaqi , Cai Yunyun , Liu Tianqing , Lai BiQin , Chen Gang , Xing Lingyan
Published: April 2022

Neural circuit defects are a prominent feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the specific defects in neural circuits and the resulting pathogenesis are not well understood. We conducted a systematic analysis of two ASD datasets and found alterations in multiple neurodevelopmental pathways and in dopaminergic signaling pathways. Interestingly, the dopaminergic signaling pathways are associated with neurodevelopmental pathways in patients with ASD. We also discovered that disruption of the dopaminergic system leads to neural circuit formation defects. Our study suggests a new therapeutic target for ASD.
A novel defined necroptosis-related lncRNAs signature for predicting the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhai Kui , Han Hao , Chen Cheng , Gong Ming , Fang Shixu , Long Kaijun , Liu Tao , Ke Xixian , Xu Gang
Published: April 2022

Background: Faced with the current poor prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer, this topic attempts to find new potential prognostic biomarkers to improve the situation.Materials and Methods: To form the synthetic matrix, we searched GTEX and The Cancer Genome Atlas for NSCLC transcriptomic data.The necroptosis-related prognostic factor LncRNAs were identified by co-expression analysis and univariate COX regression analysis, and the necroptosis-related LncRNA model was constructed using the least absolute contraction and selection operator (LASSO).Models were then validated using Kaplan-Meier analysis, time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC), univariate COX (uni-COX) regression, multivariate COX (MULTI-COX) regression, nomograms and calibration curves and evaluation.Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed in high-risk groups.Results: We constructed a model containing 4 lncRNAs associated with necroptosis.In the model, we found that the calibration map was in good agreement with prognosis prediction.The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 0.663, 0.623, and 0.595, respectively.In conclusion, the results of this project support that necroptosis-related lncRNAs can predict prognosis and help to improve individualized treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.Conclusion: Necroptosis-related lncRNAs could help to suggest developable therapeutic strategies that would greatly enhance the level of individualized therapy and improv patient outcomes.
The predictive value of CT-assessed sarcopenia for complicated appendicitis in geriatric patients
Authors: Yildirim Ali Cihat , Atlanoglu Sahinde , Gedik Mehmet Ali , Zeren Sezgin , Ekici Mehmet Fatih
Published: April 2022

PurposeAcute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical pathologies. Geriatric appendicitis patients have more complicated appendicitis, which leads to higher morbidity and mortality rates. Sarcopenia is an emerging concern among geriatric patients and has been shown to have a negative impact on patients undergoing emergency surgery.Our primary aim in this study is to reveal the predictive value of computerised tomography (CT)-assessed sarcopenia for complicated appendicitis in geriatric patients.Methods154 acute appendicitis patients of geriatric age with preoperative contrast-enhanced abdominal CT were analysed. Patients’ age, gender, appendicitis status and BMI values were analysed. CT-assessed sarcopenia value, SMI (Skeletal Muscle Index) and related measurements were evaluated by two senior radiologists. Statistical analysis was conducted by descriptive and inferential statistical methods, as applicable.Results52% of the patients had complicated (n=80) and 48% had uncomplicated appendicitis (n:74). There was no difference in gender distribution between uncomplicated and complicated cases. There was a statistically significant difference between uncomplicated and complicated cases in terms of BMI, SMI and muscle area values (p<0.05). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference for subcutaneous fatty tissue area between uncomplicated and complicated cases (p<0.10). The cut-off point by ROC analysis was conducted for CT-assessed sarcopenia index and showed 71% sensitivity and 52% specificity (p=0.042). ConclusionGeriatric patients who have lower BMI, decreased muscle area and CT-detected sarcopenia have an increased risk of complicated appendicitis. Surgeons should be aware of factors leading to complicated appendicitis, which may cause higher morbidity and mortality rates in elderly patients.
Electrically Pumped Lasing from Bound States in the Continuum
Authors: Zheng Wanhua , Wang Yufei , Wang Mingjin , Fu Ting , Zhou Xuyan , Wang Xueyou , Liu Wenzhen , Fan Jian , Qi Aiyi , Li Guixin , Kivshar Yuri
Published: April 2022

Optical metacavities based on periodic dielectric structures can support radiationless bound states in the continuum (BICs) with strong confinement of light. In experiment, such BICs can be observed as quasi-BIC modes with very large but finite quality factors (Q factors), and they can be employed to realize and control lasing action at ultralow powers. All BIC lasers demonstrated so far are optically pumped. Here, we report on the first realization of electrically pumped BIC laser operating at room temperatures and employing interfering resonances in photonic-crystal metacavities with the power of about 3 mW and the lasing threshold below 375 mA. Our cost-effective fabrication approach and the electrical pumping pave a way for many applications of the BIC lasers in optical communications, sensing, and quantum information processing.
Facilitators and Barriers to the Implementation of New Critical Care Practices during COVID-19: A Multicenter Qualitative Study using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)
Authors: Silver Santana , Jones Kayla Christine , Redmond Sarah , George Emily , Zornes Sarah , Barwise Amelia , Leppin Aaron , Dong Yue , Harmon Lori A. , Kumar Vishakha K. , Kordik Christina , Walkey Allan , Drainoni Mari-Lynn
Published: April 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic produced unprecedented demands and rapidly changing evidence and practices within critical care settings. The purpose of this study was to identify factors and strategies that hindered and facilitated effective implementation of new critical care practices and policies in response to the pandemic.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional, qualitative study design to conduct semi-structured in-depth interviews with critical care leaders across the United States. The interviews were audio-taped and professionally transcribed verbatim. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), three qualitative researchers used rapid analysis methods to develop relevant codes and identify salient themes.

Results

Among the 17 hospitals that agreed to participate in this study, 31 clinical leaders were interviewed. The CFIR-driven rapid analysis of the interview transcripts generated 12 major themes, which included six implementation facilitators (i.e., factors that promoted the implementation of new critical care practices) and six implementation barriers (i.e., factors that hindered the implementation of new critical care practices). These themes spanned the five CFIR domains (Intervention Characteristics, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, Characteristics of Individuals, and Process) and 11 distinct CFIR constructs. Salient facilitators to implementation efforts included staff resilience, commitment, and innovation, which were supported through collaborative feedback and decision-making mechanisms between leadership and frontline staff. Major identified barriers included lack of access to reliable and transferable information, available resources, uncollaborative leadership and communication styles.

Conclusions

Through applying the CFIR to organize and synthesize our qualitative data, this study revealed important insights into implementation determinants that influenced the uptake of new critical care practices during COVID-19. As the pandemic continues to burden critical care units, clinical leaders should consider emulating the effective change management strategies identified. The cultivation of streamlined, engaging, and collaborative leadership and communication mechanisms not only supported implementation of new care practices across sites, but it also helped reduce salient implementation barriers, particularly resource and staffing shortages. Future critical care implementation studies should seek to capitalize on identified facilitators and reduce barriers.
The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 gamma on Young Adults in the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Spira Beny
Published: April 2022

The gamma SARS-CoV-2 variant that emerged by the end of 2020 in the Brazilian Amazon quickly spread throughout the country causing a harsh COVID-19 2nd wave. This variant displayed high viral loads, high transmissibility and increased virulence compared to previous variants. In the state of São Paulo, the most populous state of Brazil, the toll of the COVID-19 2nd wave surpassed that of the the first eleven months of the pandemic (from March 2020 to January 2021), as 56% of the deaths occurred in the five months of the 2nd wave, between February and June 2021. The mean age of COVID-19 victims dropped even further in the pandemic's 2nd wave, declining from an average of 70 to 60 years old; the years of life lost per death per month doubled and the case-fatality rate of young adults (20-39 years old) more than trebled during this period. Herein the evolution and epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in the context of of the pandemic 2nd wave in the state of São Paulo is revisited. Several hypotheses that might explain the emergence and spread of the gamma variant as well as the measures that could have been taken to prevent the selection and minimise the impact of this deadly variant are raised and discussed.
Black Holes as Geometric Distortional Extrema
Authors: koehler dale
Published: April 2022

It is shown in the present work that the distorted-space model of matter as extended to extreme curvature limits results in characteristics mimicking those of galactic-holes. The distorted-geometry structures exhibit non-Newtonian features wherein the hole or core-region fields of the structures are energetically-repulsive (negative pressure), do not behave functionally in an r-4 manner and terminate at zero at the radial origin (no singularity). Of particular interest is that of r-6 energy-density behavior at structural radial distances near the core of the distortion, a region also displaying potential-well behavior.
Plectin promotes melanoma tumor formation by regulation of Rous sarcoma oncogene activity
Authors: Mizuta Kana , Matsubara Takuma , Goto Akino , Addison William N. , Nakatomi Mitsushiro , Matsuo Kou , Tada-Shigeyama Yukiyo , Honda Hiromi , Yoshioka Izumi , Kokabu Shoichiro
Published: April 2022

Background Melanoma is a malignant tumor that is characterized by high proliferation and aggressive metastasis. To address the efficient treatment of melanoma, the molecular mechanisms of the proto-oncogene, Rous sarcoma oncogene (Src), which is highly activated and promotes cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and metastasis in melanoma, should be understood. Plectin has recently been identified as an Src-binding protein that regulates Src activity in osteoclasts. Plectin, a cytoskeleton-regulatory protein, is a candidate biomarker of certain tumors because of its high expression and the target of anti-tumor reagents such as ruthenium pyridinecarbothioamide, although the molecular mechanisms by which plectin works in melanoma are still unclear. In this study, we examined its pathological role in melanoma tumor formation. Methods We established plectin knock-out B16 cells, the mouse melanoma cell line, with CRISPR/Cas9 system. The expression of plectin and activity of Src were examined by western blotting analysis. The tumors were formed at 2 weeks after subcutaneous injection of B16 cells in nude mice and analyzed by Hematoxylin-Eosin (H-E) staining. Cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting kit-8, expression of cyclin D1 and Ki-67. Cell aggregation and adhesion were assessed by spheroid formation and cell adhesion assay.Results Depletion of plectin induced low-density and sparce tumor formation by melanoma cells in vivo. In vitro experiments revealed that plectin-deficient melanomas exhibit reduced cell proliferation and suppressed cell-to-cell adhesion. Because Src activity is reduced in plectin-deficient melanomas, we examined the relationship between plectin and Src signaling. Src overexpression restored Src activity and rescued cell proliferation and cell-to-cell adhesion in plectin-deficient melanomas. Conclusion: These results suggest that plectin is required for tumor formation by promoting cell proliferation and cell-to-cell adhesion through Src signaling activity in melanoma cells.
Projected Changes in Rainfall Over Uganda Based on CMIP6 Models
Authors: Ngoma Hamida , Ayugi Brian , Onyutha Charles , Babaousmail Hassen , Sian Kenny Lim , Iyakaremye Vedaste , Mumo Richard , Ongoma Victor
Published: April 2022

Information about likely future patterns of climate variables is important in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. This study investigates future (2021–2100) changes in rainfall based on CMIP6 datasets over Uganda. The projection period was divided into two sub-periods: 2021–2060 (near future) and 2061–2100 (far future), relative to the baseline period (1985–2014). Two emission scenarios: SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, were considered. The results reveal a larger decrease (increase) in rainfall during March – April (November – December) under both SSPs. Moreover, an enhanced decline (increase) is projected under SSP2-4.5 (SSP5-8.5). The spatial distribution of future changes in seasonal rainfall reveals a decrease in MAM rainfall in the near future over most parts of the country under both emission scenarios. However, a recovery is exhibited towards the end of the century with more increase in the south-western parts of the country, and a higher magnitude under SSP5-8.5. In contrast, SON rainfall reveals wetter conditions during both timelines and emission scenarios. Maximum (minimum) wet conditions are expected in the north-western parts of the country (around the Lake Victoria basin). The linear trend analysis shows a non-significant (Z = -0.714) decreasing trend for MAM rainfall during the historical period. This pattern is reflected in the near future with z-scores of -0.757 and − 1.281 under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, respectively. However, a significant increase for MAM and annual rainfall (z-scores of 2.785 and 3.46, respectively) is projected towards the end of the century under SSP5-8.5. These findings provide guidance to policy makers in devising appropriate adaptation measures to cope with expected changes in the local climate. Given the increase in intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall over the study region, future work should focus on examining projected changes in rainfall extremes under different global warming scenarios with consideration of model performance and independence.
METODOLOGY OF THE LINGUISTIC RESEARCH IN THE IMPERATIVES OF POSTMODERNISM
Authors: Stezhko Yurii
Published: April 2022

The transformation of lingual methodology at the cross line of the epoch of civilizations is highlighted in the paper. Often the state with the methodology is not equal with general scientific level in accordance with leading linguists and philosophers. It is noted that linguists do not always refer to the methodology or explain it quite simply way. There is a vision of the methodology as a manifestation of theory or its identification with a set of methods. The philosophical principle of deconstruction is affirmed in linguistic research in a postmodern situation. Postmodernism has replaced the methodological requirements of classical rationality and a meaning unambiguity of a text with a multitude of the cognition illogical forms and intercultural forms of the meanings creation. A reorientation of requirements of the truth objectivity on to the truth pluralism with elements of subjectivity was happened. The methodology becomes a way for expressing non-scientific spiritual values of humanism. A methodological ideas renewal about general laws the creation of meanings, a method for explaining and linguistic presentation of reality is being opened from a standpoint of the naratology. For the naratology the subjectivity of reference as the identification of a concept with an non-linguistic object. The peculiarity of the so-called self-reference in cases of transcendence of concepts is noted. The postmodern methodology of linguistic study does focus on identifying of tools for meaning forming of the text based on the analysis of the method establishing a reference. Such a tool is seen the philosophical concept of conventionalism, a reaching of the concept correlation with the referent in different cultures. Methodologically, artificially assigned reference is based on the philosophy of pragmatism correct is that what satisfies the cultural needs of the narrator, its associative complexes. The role of philosophy as the methodology that contributes to the realization in linguistic researches the criteria in the humanization in the imperatives of postmodernism is consistently substantiated.
A LINGUOSYNERGIC VECTOR OF THE ANALYSIS OF A CONCEPT: THE DYNAMICS OF MODI
Authors: Tatsenko Nataliia
Published: April 2022

The focal topic of this paper is the discussion of a linguosynergic perspective on the analysis of a concept in modern linguistics. The study is informed by solid research in linguistic synergetics (Dombrovan, 2018), psycholinguistics (Zalevskaya, 2014), a theory of semantic constellations (Hardy, 1998), and a theory of modus models of concepts (Morozova, 2007; Nikitin, 2003). In the focus of attention are logical, identifying, and organizational modi of a concept. It is stated that activation of different modi in cognition occurs simultaneously, depends on the level of knowledge about a particular concept, ideological principles, value orientations, interests, life experience, extralinguistic factors, and is unique to each person. The process of self-organization of modi occurs due to internal factors, without external specific human influence. Will expression of an individual, together with the change of external conditions, can have only a stimulatory or inhibitory effect. As order parameters of the conceptual system leading it to the attractor (internal tendency to a relatively stable existence in discourse), the modi are able to cooperate or compete in the brain. If they compete, one of them prevails. In this case, the concept is quickly visualized in the cognitive system of a man and is easily differentiated in discourse. In the case of cooperation, the conceptual system uses a complex hierarchy of modi at the same time. Logical modus stimulates the emergence of irrational conceptualization – specific images, memories, fantasies, desires, patterns of mood and behavior, fragments of phrases, etc., which constitute identifying modus. At the same time, a person correlates the above-mentioned constituents of the concept with its intentional and implicational, involving organizational modus to work. Transformation of the structure at modi levels does not prevent the possibility of recognizing the concept, but rather contributes to its sustainable functioning as a systemic whole in a discursive environment. The analysis reveals that conceptual modi as system order parameters are forms of representation of different ways of comprehension and verbalization of holistic knowledge about the concept.
NEOLEXEMS WITH THE VIP COMPONENT IN THE MODERN UKRAINIAN LANGUAGE
Authors: Oleksenko Vladimir
Published: April 2022

The article establishes the historical and linguistic origin of the abbreviation VIP, analyzes the creation of original neolexes with this abbreviation, the lexical meaning of derived units with the estimated token-component VIP, which in the last two decades founded the word-formation system of the Ukrainian language. It is stated that social, political, economic changes in society at the beginning of the XXI century significantly influenced the development of language and contributed to the emergence of new objects, phenomena, concepts, in accordance with the new words for their names. The derivational potential of a neolexem with a VIP component and their lexical-semantic typology are established. It is proved that noun derivatives note the greatest ability to name concepts in any field, to reflect the diversity of a significant range of conceptual areas. The abbreviation VIP is used to know famous statesmen and politicians, influential officials, famous people from world culture and art, people who occupy the necessary society or service residents, have power, influence. That is why it was first combined with nouns - people were called. Later, this abbreviation began to be combined with nouns to denote other names of the Ukrainian language. The analyzed factual material made it possible to create a high frequency of placement of the abbreviation M, which creates derivative words that create a unified world dwelling to indicate the highest degree of detection of signs.
TRENDS OF ACTIVATION OF COMPOSITE ADJECTIVES-OCCASIONALISMS IN MODERN NEWSPAPER TEXTS 20-YEARS OF THE XXI CENTURY
Authors: Popkova Oksana
Published: April 2022

Examples from printed periodicals clarify the tendencies of activation of complex occasional adjectives in the press, outline the specifics of composite adjectives-occasionalisms, which have lexical and semantic features of use, specifics and patterns of creation and explain their meaning. The article provides a brief analysis of research by domestic linguists on the functioning of adjectives in the Ukrainian language. The structural and semantic features and specifics of innovative complex adjectives are clarified taking into account the motivational base and regularities of creation, the most productive types of them are determined. In the article we consider the lexical-semantic aspect of complex occasional adjectives on the example of modern newspaper texts of the beginning of the XXI century.
The Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of COVID-19: A Survey Among Medical Students in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia Public Medical Schools
Authors:   Department of Community Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia, Mohammad Aidid Edre , Syed Ahmad Alsagoff Sharifah Aishah ,   Department of Paediatrics, Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre, Pahang, Malaysia, Anuar Muhamad Azamin ,   Department of Community Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia,   Department of Paediatrics, Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre, Pahang, Malaysia, Abu Bakar Asrar ,   Department of Community Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia,   Department of Paediatrics, Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre, Pahang, Malaysia, Taib Fahisham ,   Department of Paediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Yusof Muhammad Zubir ,   Department of Community Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia, Syed Hamid Syed Abdul Khaliq ,   Department of Community Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia,   Department of Paediatrics, Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre, Pahang, Malaysia, Abas Mohd Ihsanuddin ,   Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 has affected university medical students, resulting in the new norm of learning and practice. Understanding these students’ knowledge, attitude and their practice would be essential as they would serve as the future doctor in Malaysia. The study attempted to evaluate medical students’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in the east coast states of Peninsular Malaysia. An online and multi centre cross-sectional study was undertaken among all the three public medical schools in the east coast region of Peninsular Malaysia, between 8th July to 21st July 2020. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic data and the three domains which included COVID-19 KAP. Students were invited to participate via social media platform such as WhatsApp and students’ email. A total of 1,008 medical students voluntarily participated in the study with female to male ratio of 2.6:1. A total of 356 (35.3%) of the medical students had satisfactory knowledge score, with 75% of them were female. The majority of the students had positive attitude towards COVID-19 and practiced meticulous social distancing during the pandemic. We noted that seniority influenced knowledge score, and this was evident as 264 (26.2%) of the students were in their clinical year. Overall, the knowledge scores regarding COVID-19 among the medical students in East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia was reasonable and there were opportunities to augment these standards. Meticulous plans are needed to enhance knowledge and preparedness of the current crops of medical students to be competent future frontliner for Malaysia.
Inter-Rater Reliability of Reflective-Writing Assessment in an Undergraduate Professionalism Course in Medical Education
Authors:   Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia, Soemantri Diantha ,   Medical Education Center, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia, Mustika Rita ,   Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia,   Medical Education Center, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia, Greviana Nadia ,   Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia,   Medical Education Center, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
Published: April 2022

Reflective writing is increasingly being used in the teaching of professionalism. Because assessment enhances the learning process, effective evaluation of students’ reflective writing is needed. The aim of this study was to examine the inter-rater agreement between two different reflective writing assessment rubrics, which categorised reflective writings into four level of reflection, in an undergraduate medical professionalism course. The reflective writing assignments from 63 medical students enrolled in the 2017 medical professionalism course in the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia were randomly selected and independently assessed by two raters in September 2019. Intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis (two-way mixed effect, single measure) was carried out to determine the inter-rater agreement of the reflective writing assessment. The less detailed instrument showed a low ICC score of 0.43, which was classified into poor inter-rater agreement, whereas the more detailed rubric showed poor to moderate reliability, with ICC scores of 0.50, 0.50, and 0.36 for the score of each criterion, the total score of each assessed criterion, and the overall score of reflection, respectively. Utilising a more detailed (analytic) rubric to assess students’ reflective writing produced a relatively higher score of interrater reliability, although the reliability achieved using this rubric was still categorised as moderate.
Lucky planets: how circum-binary planets survive the supernova in one of the inner-binary components
Authors: Fagginger Auer Fedde , Portegies Zwart Simon
Published: April 2022

A planet hardly ever survives the supernova of the host star in a
bound orbit, because mass loss in the supernova and the natal kick
imparted to the newly formed compact object cause the planet to be
ejected. A planet in orbit around a binary has a considerably higher
probability to survive the supernova explosion of one of the inner
binary stars. In those cases, the planet most likely remains bound to
the companion of the exploding star, whereas the compact object is
ejected. We estimate this to happen to \sim 1/33∼1/33
the circum-binary planetary systems. These planetary orbits tend to be
highly eccentric
(e \ {\raise-.5ex\hbox{>}}\ 0.9),
and \sim 20∼20,%
of these planets have retrograde orbits compared to their former binary.
The probability that the planet as well as the binary (now with a
compact object) remains bound is about ten times smaller
(\sim 3\cdot 10^{-3}∼3⋅10−3).
We then expect the Milky way Galaxy to host
\ {\raise-.5ex\hbox{<}}\ 10
x-ray binaries that are still orbited by a planet, and
\\ {\raise-.5ex\hbox{<}}\ 150
planets that survived in orbit around the compact object’s companion.
These numbers should be convolved with the fraction of massive binaries
that is orbited by a planet.
CT review of upper respiratory disorders in domestic cat
Authors: TUREK WIKTOR , PIETSCH-FULBISZEWSKA AGNIESZKA , RAMISZ GRZEGORZ , ALEKSIEWICZ ROMAN
Published: April 2022

Upper respiratory tract (URT) diseases are remarkably common in cats, and can be both challenging in the acute state and frustrating in the chronic state. The imaging of the feline nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses by conventional radiography is still common. However, information obtained by this technique is limited, primarily because of superimposition of anatomic structures. Radiographic findings from conventional radiography can be vastly extended with computed tomography (CT). In this article, we discuss the application of CT and the typical radiographic features of feline viral and fungal rhinitis, nasal neoplasia, inflammatory polyps, nasopharyngeal stenosis, soft palate dysgenesis, and nasal foreign bodies.