bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individuals with bipolar disorder have a higher level of peripheral uric acid than major depressive disorder: a case-control study
Authors: Lu Zhe , Wang Yingtan , Xun Guanglei
Published: May 2021

Background: At present, no well-established biomarkers were ever found to distinguish unipolar depression (UD) and bipolar disorder (BD). This study aimed to provide a clearer comparison of UA levels between BD and major depressive disorder. Methods: Peripheral UA of 119 patients with BD in acute stage (AS) and 77 in remission stage (RS), and 95 patients with UD in AS and 61 in RS were measured, so were 180 healthy controls. Results: UA levels in BD group were higher than UD and HC groups regardless of the AS or RS, while differences in UA levels between UD group and HC group were not significant. Differences in UA levels of BD-M (bipolar mania/hypomania) were higher than BD-D (bipolar depression) subgroups, and UA levels of BD-M and BD-D subgroups were higher than UD and HC groups. The comparison of number of participants with hyperuricemia among groups confirmed the above results. There were no significant differences in UA levels of between drug-use and drug-free/naïve subgroups. Conclusion: The study suggests patients with BD had a higher level of UA than UD, especially in mania episode.
Diversity, Enzyme Production and Antibacterial Activity of Bacillus Resource in Sesame-Flavored Liquor Daqu
Authors: Wu Xianyu , Jiang Qianer , Wang Zhishan , Xu Youqiang , Chen Wenhao , Sun Jinyuan , Liu Yang
Published: May 2021

Daqu provides enzymes and precursors for liquor fermentation, and is the core of liquor fermentation. In this study, 11 strains of Bacillus were isolated from sesame-flavored liquor Daqu, which can not only produce protease and amylase, but also have antagonistic effects on common pathogens Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. According to the gyrA gene phylogeny analysis, these 11 Bacillus strains belong to three species, B1, Y14, Y15, and YPDW9 belong to Bacillus mojavensis, W7, W13, YPDW6, and YPDW12 belong to Bacillus subtilis, W14, Y5 and YPDW1 belong to Bacillus velezensis. According to the results of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) typing, these 11 Bacillus strains are completely different. The specific primers were used to randomly amplify the biological control genes expressing lipopeptide antibiotics (bioA, bmyB, ituc, fend, srfAA, srfAB, yngG and yndJ), and they all expressed different expressions in these 11 Bacillus strains. This research provides new ideas for strengthening Daqu and lays a foundation for improving the quality of liquor.
Improved method for regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Indian short-day onion (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: MANAPE TUSHAR KASHINATH , Satheesh Viswanathan , Singh Shweta , Singh Major , Anandhan Sivalingam
Published: May 2021

A high-auxin medium, usually used for callus induction, was not effective for Indian short-day onion cv. Bhima super. In this study, we found that the onion seedling radicle was a better explant than shoot tip for embryogenic callus induction, and induction efficiency up to 85.33% along with high embryogenic calli weight was obtained in routinely used medium containing 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D, but specifically supplemented with 0.5 mg/L kinetin. MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L kinetin and 0.125 mg/L ABA showed 73.15% shoot regeneration efficiency from the calli induced from seedling radicle. Geneticin and hygromycin B at 50 mg/L showed optimal selection pressure for 8-week-old onion calli. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of 8-week-old friable embryogenic calli induced from seedling radicle resulted in phenotypically normal transgenic plants with 1% transformation efficiency. In this study, regeneration and transformation protocols were developed for a widely used Indian short-day onion cultivar, which is instrumental for the development of stable transgenics in this crop.
Estimation of the accuracy of a simplified equivalent circuit for Ku-band GaN HEMTs
Authors: Garber Gennadiy Z.
Published: May 2021

We investigate the accuracy of the intrinsic FET's equivalent circuit with only one nonlinear element – the channel current generator given by the Curtice-Ettenberg model. The parameters of this simplified equivalent circuit are assigned using the 2D quasi-hydrodynamic simulation taking into account the electron velocity overshoot. We calculated the power-added efficiency, transducer power gain, and other amplifier parameters as functions of the maximum available power of an 18-GHz input generator by three methods: using the full 2D model for the intrinsic FET and the large-signal equivalent circuit – complete and simplified. Comparison of the functions obtained indicates the suitability of the simplified equivalent circuit for analysis of GaN HEMT power amplifiers of the Ku band. Since this equivalent circuit is implemented in various commercial software packages for analysis and design of RF and microwave devices, our 2D simulation results can be used in these packages.
Evaluation of Wild Segments Related to Growth Period Traits Using a Modified Wild Soybean (Glycine Soja Sieb. Et Zucc.) Chromosome Segment Substitution Line Population
Authors: Qingyuan He , Xiang Shihua , Yang Huawei , Wang Wubin , Shu Yingjie , Li Zhengpeng , Wang Songhua , Yang Xiaoyan
Published: May 2021

Soybean seeds contain high levels of oil and protein providing 69% and 57% of dietary protein and oil respectively. Although many quantitative trait loci for 100-seed weight (100SW), protein content (PRC) and oil content (OIC) have been reported, their genetic controls in soybeans remain unclear. The QTL–allele constitution of three traits in the Sichuan and Chongqing eco-regions population (SCLBP) was studied using a representative sample composed of 228 accessions tested under four environments and analyzed based on 135 SSR and 107081 valid SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism linkage) markers. The varied range of 100SW, PRC and OIC of SCLBP were 4.82-33.35, 36.47-49.75 and 14.68-21.77 among accessions, respectively. The heritability (h2) and genetic coefficient of variation (GCV) of three traits were high. As a result, 26, 33 and 31 QTLs were found by SSR to be associated with 100SW, PRC and OIC, respectively. The allele of Sat_260 for 100SW was detected in 4 environments. In addition, 28, 198 and 250 loci for 100SW, PRC and OIC were found by SNP using mixed linear model (MLM), respectively. Further SNP haplotype analysis showed that 13, 35 and 60 blocks for 100SW, RPC and OIC were found. The block of Gm11_9895764-9917646 for 100SW was simultaneously detected in four environments. Among these QTLs, 1, 5, and 7 for 100SW, PRC and OIC were found by two methods of SSR and SNP at the same time. A majority of these QTLs overlapped with the previously reported loci. However, 9, 11 and 9 loci for 100SW, PRC and OIC using SSR and 3, 5 and 8 for 100SW, PRC and OIC haven’t been reported using SNP in the study, respectively. Moreover, the genes of Glyma.11g130800, Glyma.13g217000 and Glyma.08g122600 were considered to be the most likely genes controlling 100SW, PRC and OIC, respectively. Our findings provide evidence for mixed major plus polygenes inheritance for three traits and an extended understanding of their genetic architecture for molecular dissection and breeding utilization in soybeans.
Genetic diversity of natural populations of Taxus wallichiana var. mairei
Authors: Luo Qianqian , Li Fengqing , Yu Longhua , Wang Liyun , Xu Gangbiao , Zhou Zhichun
Published: May 2021

Maire yew (Taxus wallichiana var. mairei (Lemée H. Léveillé.) L. K. Fu et Nan Li) is a rare and endangered tree species, and it is also a precious timber species in China. We used 13 microsatellites to assess the genetic diversity and differentiation of 665 Maire yew samples from 18 natural populations. A total of 291 alleles were detected. The average number of alleles (Na=22.39), expected heterozygosity (He=0.74), polymorphic information content (PIC = 0.86) and Shannon diversity index (I = 1.66) of the loci indicated a high level of genetic diversity in natural Maire yew populations. Moreover, gene flow was more active among populations (Nm=1.62) than within populations. Among the 18 populations, the Xinfeng population in Jiangxi Province has the highest genetic diversity. Although each of the studied populations should be protected from further deforestation and agricultural expansion, the Xinfeng population deserves the highest conservation priority. The results based on analysis of molecular variance showed that genetic variation occurred mainly within populations (84.90%; P < 0.001), which indicated that the degree of genetic differentiation of the natural populations of Maire yew was low. Based on UPGMA, the 18 populations were categorized into 4 groups. A Mantel test showed that there was no significant correlation between standard genetic distance and geographical distance or altitude differences among the populations. The genetic clustering results also indicated that the genetic relationship followed a north to south clustered trend. The information presented here forms the basis for the development of genetic guidelines for appropriate conservation programs.
Cancer Pain Presentation, Management, and Outcomes in the Emergency Department
Authors: Gupta Rishi , Lin Lucia , Resley Vanessa , Khan Ayesha , Shatsky Rebecca A , Coyne Christopher John
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To describe the experience of patients with cancer presenting to the emergency department (ED) with pain and to identify patient and treatment factors that may affect patient outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate adult patients with active cancer, who presented to one of two academic EDs with a chief complaint of pain between June 1st, 2012 and December 31st, 2015. Variables analyzed included disease and demographic characteristics, pain character, treatment methods, ED disposition, and revisit rate. We utilized multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the association of our exposure variables on ED disposition. Results: We included 483 patients with active cancer with a chief complaint of pain. Patients with severe pain on arrival tended to be younger than those who did not present with severe pain (median: 58 vs 62 respectively, OR 8.0 p<0.01). Patients with high ECOG statuses (3-4) with severe pain on arrival (≥ 7 out of 10) had less improvement in their pain (OR 8.4, p<.01). Long delays in initial analgesic administration were associated with increased rates of subsequent admission (OR 3.4) [p = 0.14]. Although opioid analgesics led to greater decreases in pain than non-opioid analgesics, patients treated with opioids were more likely to be admitted (43% vs 34.5% AOR 1.51, p =.048).Conclusion: Several factors appear to play a role in the effectiveness of ED cancer pain management including patient and treatment characteristics. We hope that these findings will inform future studies and best-practice initiatives targeting ED cancer pain.
A roadmap towards sustainable intensification for a larger global rice bowl
Authors: Yuan Shen , Linquist Bruce , Wilson Lloyd , Cassman Kenneth , Stuart Alexander , Pede Valerien , Miro Berta , Saito Kazuki , Agustiani Nurwulan , Aristya Vina , Krisnadi Leonardus , Zanon Alencar , Heinemann Alexandre , Carracelas Gonzalo , Subash Nataraja , Brahmanand Pothula , Li Tao , Peng Shaobing , Grassini Patricio
Published: May 2021

Future rice systems will need to produce more grain while minimizing the environmental impact. A key question is how to orient agricultural research & development (R&D) programs at national to global scales to maximize the return on investment. Here we assess yield gap and resource-use efficiency (including water, pesticides, nitrogen, labor, and energy) across 32 rice cropping systems, together accounting for 88% of global rice production. We show that achieving high yields and high resource-use efficiencies are not conflicting goals. Most cropping systems have room for increasing yield, resource-use efficiency, or both. In aggregate, current total rice production of these systems can be increased by 36%, and excess nitrogen almost eliminated, by focusing on a relatively small number of cropping systems with large yield gaps and/or poor resource-use efficiencies. This study provides essential strategic insight for prioritizing national and global agricultural R&D investments to ensure adequate rice supply while minimizing negative environmental impact in coming decades.
Population Genetic Structure of Raccoons as a Consequence of Multiple Introductions and Range Expansion in the Boso Peninsula, Japan
Authors: Hirose Miki , Yoshida Kazuya , Inoue Eiji , Hasegawa Masami
Published: May 2021

Raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a globally introduced invasive carnivore. Although controlling feral raccoon populations is important to reduce serious threats to local ecosystems, raccoons are not under rigid population control in Europe and Japan. We examined the D-loop and nuclear microsatellite regions to identify spatially explicit and feasible management units for effective population control and further range expansion retardation. Through the identification of five mitochondrial DNA haplotypes and three nuclear genetic groups, we identified at least three independent introductions, range expansion, and subsequent genetic admixture in the Boso Peninsula. Admitting that the currently recognizable two genetic clusters can be treated as different management units, these management units will soon fuse to a single but large population to which the effective population control will no longer be applicable due to the absence of a genetic barrier between southern and northern Chiba Prefecture.
Cordycepin Combined with Doxorubicin Inhibits Triple-negative Breast Cancer by TNF Signaling Pathways
Authors: Huang Haichen , Wu Wenya , Li Xiaomin , Liu Chengyi , Wu Xiaoping , Zhang Junli , Fu Junsheng
Published: May 2021

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with high mortality and poor prognosis. This study was designed to explore the effect of cordycepin combined with doxorubicin against TNBC, and then explore the molecular mechanism of this process.Methods: First of all, the effect of the combination of drugs on xenograft tumor and liver of mice was carried out to study the effect of combined drug on TNBC and its toxic effect on the body. Relevant genes are obtained through the GenBank and intersected, then the molecular mechanism is explored through GO, KEGG analysis，PPI network construction and other network pharmacological methods. The results of Network pharmacology through molecular docking, immunohistochemistry and other biological experiments to verify. Results: The results show that the combination of drugs can significantly affect the size and weight of the xenograft tumor. The tumor weight of the control group is 3.57 times that of the combined group, and the effect is more obvious than that of the single medication. The liver status, liver index, AST and ALT index of mice were not significantly different (P>0.05), indicating that the combination of drugs has no obvious toxic and side effects on the body. Through the above-mentioned series of network pharmacology methods, the final results we obtained focused on the TNF pathway and TNF-related targets such as MAP3K7, NFKB1, MAPK8 and so on.The results of molecular docking and biological verification were consistent with those of network pharmacology. Conclusions: Cordycepin combined with doxorubicin can inhibit the growth of TNBC without obvious toxicity. The main molecular mechanism of action is to target and regulate the TNF pathway. This provides a new direction for clinical treatment of TNBC, which can effectively treat triple negative breast cancer and reduce the side effects of drugs.
Functional Role of the SLC7A11-AS1/xCT Axis in the Development of Gastric Cancer Cisplatin-resistance by a GSH-dependent Mechanism
Authors: Luo Yajun , Xiang Wanping , Liu Zilin , Yao Lin , Tang Linghan , Ye Pengcheng , Deng Jingyu , Xiao Jiangwei
Published: May 2021

Background: Resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy is a major obstacle in gastric cancer (GC) treatment. Abundant long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to play important roles in tumorigenesis and drug resistance biology. We aimed to investigate the roles and mechanisms of SLC7A11-AS1 in GC cisplatin resistance.Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH), immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry were performed on GC tissues or cells to assess expression of SLC7A11-AS1/xCT axis. Cell migration, invasion and apoptosis ability were evaluated by wound healing, transwell and flow cytometry assays. The functional roles of SLC7A11-AS1/xCT axis in GC cisplatin resistance were demonstrated by a series of in-vitro and in-vivo experiments.Results: We report that the SLC7A11-AS1 and xCT are involved in cisplatin resistance in GC. SLC7A11-AS1 was downregulated and xCT was upregulated in cisplatin-resistant GC tissues and cell lines. GC patients with low expression of SLC7A11-AS1 and high expression of xCT had a poor prognosis and relatively poor response to chemotherapy. Overexpression of SLC7A11-AS1 weakened GC growth, reduced intracellular GSH biosynthesis, enhanced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and conferred sensitivity to cisplatin to resistant GC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SLC7A11-AS1 directly suppressed xCT expression, while miR-33a-5p remarkably reduced SLC7A11-AS1 and xCT expression by directly targeting the SLC7A11-AS1 and xCT 3’UTRs. In addition, we found that low SLC7A11-AS1 expression activated the p38MAPK-JNK signaling pathway, and increased the expression of cisplatin export gene ATP7A and the GSH biosynthesis gene GCLM in GC. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the SLC7A11-AS1/xCT axis is a crucial therapeutic target to overcome platinum-related resistance for GC treatment.
Reducing the nitrate content of burley tobacco by grafting with flue-cured tobacco
Authors: Feng Yuqing , Zhao Yuanyuan , Li Geng , Li Yafei , Zhou Jun , Shi Hongzhi
Published: May 2021

Background: Nitrosition of tobacco pyridine alkaloids by nitrate-derived NOx is the origin of tobacco-specifc nitrosamines (TSNAs) formed in tobacco, which are among the most notable toxicants present in tobacco products and smoke. Burley tobacco is particularly susceptible to TSNA formation because the cultivars exhibit a chloroplast-deficient and nitrogen-use-defciency phenotype which results in high accumulation of nitrate. Strategies to lower nitrate levels in tobacco could produce a corresponding decrease in TSNAs accumulation in leaves. Previous studies have showed that grafting with high nitrogen use efficiency rootstock was able to improve the nitrogen utilization of flue-cured tobacco. In this study, a reciprocativel grafting experiment has been conducted with two varieties of different tobacco types (burley tobacco ‘Eyan No.1’ and flue-cured tobacco ‘K326’) to investigate whether replacing burley tobacco root with flue-cured tobacco by grafting can enhance pigment biosynthesis and photosynthesis parameters and reduce nitrate content of burley tobacco leaves, and to explore the corresponding mechanism. Results: The results showed that compared with the self-rooted burley tobacco seedlings, grafting significantly increased the pigment content, net photosynthesis, biomass, total soluble sugar, reducing sugar, nitrate reductase activity, glutamine synthetase activities, NH4-N and soluble protein content of the leaves of Eyan No.1 while decreased the nitrate content and NO3-N/TN. Interestingly, transcription level analysis suggested that replacing burley tobacco root with flue-cured tobacco by grafting was able to up-regulate the genes involved in starch and sucrose metabolism, porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organism metabolism, carotenoid biosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism of burley tobacco leaves. In addition, the PPI network revealed gene_68511, gene_35043 and gene_77508 had higher degrees via replacing burley tobacco root with flue-cured tobacco, which might be hub proteins to reduce nitrate accumulation. Conclusions: In conclusion, grafting with high nitrogen use efficiency rootstock provided an exceptionally promising means of nitrate reduction in burley tobacco leaf , which is a principle precursor of TSNAs, due to the improvement of photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism in the scion.
Women's Birth Experience and Neonatal Outcomes, Study Design and Methodology with Baseline Characteristics. A Hospital-Based Maternal Follow-up Study
Authors: Tefera Maleda , Assefa Nega , Roba Kedir Teji , Gedefa Letta
Published: May 2021

Background: Giving birth is a joyful, unique event and a highly individual experience in a woman's life. Childbirth experience has a significant role in developing self-confidence and positive feelings for the newborn. This experience is affected by many factors, including the mode of delivery. This paper tries to depict the experience of labor, delivery, and neonatal outcomes observed during the implementation of labor and delivery outcome study at selected hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia hospitals. Method: A hospital-based follow-up study was implemented in Hiwot Fana and Jegula Hospital in Harar, Bisidimo hospital in Eastern Hararghe, Oromia, and Dil-Chora Hospital in Dire Dawa from June 2020 to October 2020. A total of 2246 women with labor experience visited the hospitals were followed from delivery until discharge to document their experience and neonates' outcomes. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. A Phenomenological approach qualitative study design will also be employed from April to May 2021. The women who give birth to normal single-term newborns through vaginal or a cesarean section will be included in the study. Women with stillbirth twin, preterm and congenital malformation, serous ill neonates, and who admitted to for more than one week will be excluded because those women will be extreme or deviant cases. In-depth interviews coupled with tape recording and note-taking will be to collect the data. A semi-structured interview guide will consider four domains of the Roy adaptation theory: an open-ended question (physiological, self-concept, role and function, and interdependence). Translated files will be transferred to open code software in a plain text format. Coding and categorization will be done on a system to generate a synthesized theme. Discussion The study will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the birth experience and its neonatal outcome in Eastern Ethiopia. Understanding women's birth experience and neonatal outcome based on birth can help health professionals look inside themselves. It will form the foundation and development of a new guideline to improve maternity care.
Polymeric Substitution of Triazole Moieties in Cellulosic Schiff Base for Heavy Metal Complexation Studies
Authors: MAHALAKSHMI R , R SARAVANAN , SELVAKUMAR P , KARTHIKEYAN M S , RAVIKUMAR L
Published: May 2021

The adsorption of metal ions from wastewater using Schiff base cellulose bearing pendulant heterocyclic chelating groups (MC-Tz) as a sorbent is the subject of this paper. Solid state 13 C-NMR, FT-IR, SEM, and XRD spectroscopy, as well as TGA and XRD were utilized to examine the adsorbent. The batch sorption process used pH, adsorbent dose, initial adsorbate concentration, temperature, as well as contact time to calculate the metal ion levels. The optimum pH-6.0, with the complexation reaction and ion exchange phase as the mechanisms at work. To investigate the equilibrium concentration and temperature-dependent rate constants, various models, such as the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Redlich-Peterson adsorption isotherm were utilized. A Kinetic study shows that the Langmuir is more in agreement with the Pseudo-second order Kinetic model. Adsorption-Desorption experiments over four cycles demonstrated the feasibility of the sorbent's regeneration potential and the measured values of enthalpy and entropy explain the essence of the adsorption process. The objective of this research is to discover non-toxic, environmentally friendly adsorbent biodegradable components and to conduct evaluations to determine their use in wastewater treatment.
Prevalence and Impact of Fatigue in Children With Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders: A Quantitative Single Center Study
Authors: Visser Eline , Fraaij Pieter , Hoogenboom Annemieke , Witkamp Erica , Knaap Linda van der , Rossum Annemarie van , Stol Kim , Vermont Clementien
Published: May 2021

Although fatigue is a common symptom in adult patients with Primary Immunodeficiencies (PID), data in pediatric patients are limited. The goal of this study is to estimate the prevalence and impact of fatigue in children with PID as reported by patients, parents and health-care providers. A retrospective single center observational study was performed. Prevalence of fatigue was measured by reviewing medical charts of 54 children in our department who are on immunoglobulin substitution therapy. Both prevalence and impact were also measured by the PedsQL-Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (MFS). This comprises age-appropriate questionnaire for self-report in patients aged 5-18 years and parent proxy-reports for patients aged 2-18 years. General, cognitive, sleep-rest fatigue was measured and a total fatigue score was calculated. Means, standard deviation and Z-scores were calculated using age-specific reference values. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for comparison of scores provided by parents vs children’s self-reported scores.Both chart review data and PedsQL-MFS showed fatigue rates of 65%. Pediatric PID patients of all ages had significantly lower scores on all subscales and total score of the PedsQL-MFS compared to healthy children. General fatigue was the most affected subscale in PID patients; indicating fatigue of these patients is mainly physical. Seventy-four % of PID patients had a Z-score lower than -1 on the General fatigue subscale indicating severe fatigue. Child-parent concordance varied between 0.24 and 0.93. Our results show high prevalence and severity of fatigue in children with PID, addressing the importance of this issue in our patient care.
Terpyridine Platinum Compounds Induce Telomere Dysfunction and Chromosome Instability in Cancer Cells
Authors: Petrov Nikolai , Lee Hee-Sheung , Liskovykh Mikhail , Teulade-Fichou Marie-Paule , Masumoto Hiroshi , Earnshaw William , Pommier Yves , Larionov Vladimir , Kouprina Natalay
Published: May 2021

Background

Telomerase/telomere-targeting therapy is a potentially promising approach for cancer treatment because even transient telomere dysfunction can induce chromosomal instability (CIN) and may be a barrier to tumor growth.
Method:

We recently developed a dual-HAC (Human Artificial Chromosome) assay that enables identification and ranking of compounds that induce CIN as a result of telomere dysfunction. This assay is based on the use of two isogenic HT1080 cell lines, one carrying a linear HAC (containing telomeres) and the other carrying a circular HAC (lacking telomeres). Disruption of telomeres in response to drug treatment results in specific destabilization of the linear HAC.
Results

In this study, we used the dual-HAC assay for the analysis of the platinum-derived G4 ligand Pt-tpy and five of its derivatives: Pt-cpym, Pt-vpym, Pt-ttpy, Pt(PA)-tpy, and Pt-BisQ. Our analysis revealed four compounds, Pt-tpy, Pt-ttpy, Pt-vpym and Pt-cpym, that induce a specific loss of a linear but not a circular HAC. Increased CIN after treatment by these compounds correlates with the induction of double-stranded breaks (DSBs) predominantly localized at telomeres and reflecting telomere-associated DNA damage. Analysis of the mitotic phenotypes induced by these drugs revealed an elevated rate of chromatin bridges (CBs) in late mitosis and cytokinesis.
Conclusions

These terpyridine platinum-derived G4 ligands are promising compounds for cancer treatment.
Local strain measurement in tensile test of Al/steel dissimilar friction stir weld using digital image correlation
Authors: Uematsu Yoshihiko , Kakiuchi Toshifumi , Niimi Kenta , Caiza Paul Dario  Toasa
Published: May 2021

A6061-T6 aluminum alloy plate was butt welded to type 304 stainless steel plate by a friction stir welding (FSW) technique to fabricate a dissimilar weld. Subsequently, digital image correlation (DIC) analysis was performed on the dissimilar weld to investigate the local deformation behavior near the joint interface under a tensile loading condition. The normal strain in the loading direction concentrated near the interface on both top and bottom surfaces. The positions of the strain-concentrated areas were different on both sides; around 9 mm away from the interface on the top surface and 6 mm away on the bottom surface, which could be attributed to the local softening developed during the FSW process.
Wheel Wear Related Instability in Grinding of Quartz Glass
Authors: Wang Yonghao , Zhou Ping , Pan Yuhang , Yan Ying , Guo Dongming
Published: May 2021

Grinding is a popular method for producing high-quality parts made of hard and brittle materials. A lot of researchers have focused on the impact of grinding parameters on surface quality. However, only a few studies discussed the surface quality instability caused by the grinding wheel wear during a long grinding process. In this paper, through wheel state monitoring and surface quality testing of ground samples, it is found that the relationship between ground surface roughness and theoretical undeformed chip thickness is significantly affected by the grinding wheel wear state, rather than maintain steady as described in most available models. By introducing the normal grinding force, a linearly relationship was found among normal grinding force, undeformed chip thickness and ground surface roughness. Besides, sensitivity analysis was conducted to guide the parameter adjustment to maintain the stability of ground surface roughness and grinding state. The mechanism of the effect of wheel wear on normal grinding force was also studied in detail. This study will help to further understand the mechanism of the influence of wheel wear on the grinding stability.
Integrated Bioinformatics Data Analysis and Experimental Studies Reveals Prognostic Significance of ALDH Family in Endometria Cancer
Authors: Dai Zhou-Tong , Xiang Yuan , Liao Xing-Hua
Published: May 2021

Background

Uterine Corpus Endometrial Cancer (UCEC) is one of the three common malignant tumors of the female reproductive tract. According to reports, the cure rate of early UCEC can reach 95%. Therefore, the development of prognostic markers will help UCEC patients to find the disease earlier and develop treatment earlier. The ALDH family was first discovered to be the essential gene of the ethanol metabolism pathway in the body. Recent studies have shown that ALDH can participate in the regulation of cancer.
Methods

We used the gene profile data of 33 cancers in the TCGA database to analyze the expression and survival of the ALDH family. GO, KEGG, PPI multiple functional analysis was used to predict the regulatory role of ALDH family in cancer. In addition, using CCK-8, colony formation, nude mouse tumor formation and other methods, the in vitro function of UCEC cancer cell lines was tested to further confirm the key role of ALDH2 expression in the proliferation of UCEC cell lines. Finally, Lasso and Cox regression methods were used to establish an overall survival prognosis model based on ALDH2 expression.
Result

In our research, we explored the expression of ALDH family in 33 cancers. It was found that ALDH2 was abnormally expressed in UCEC. Besides, in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to explore the effect of ALDH2 expression on the proliferation of UCEC cell lines. Meanwhile, the change of its expression is not due to gene mutations, but is regulated by miR-135-3p. At the same time, the impact of ALDH2 changes on the survival of UCEC patients is deeply discussed. Finally, a nomogram for predicting survival was constructed, with a C-index of 0.798 and AUC of 0.764.
Conclusion

This study suggests that ALDH2 may play a crucial role in UCEC progression and has the potential as a prognostic biomarker of UCEC.
Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in diploid cultivated cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.)
Authors: Ke Liping , Jiang Qimeng , Wang Rongjia , Yu Dongliang , Sun Yuqiang
Published: May 2021

The cultivated diploid cotton species G. arboreum offers a better opportunity to elucidate gene structure and function compared to the allotetraploid cotton species through genetic transformation, the reliable and efficient method for high frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in G. arboreum is urgent need to be established. Callus was induced from hypocotyl, root and cotyledon of G. arboreum seedlings on MSB (MS salts and B5 vitamins) medium with 0.09 µM 2,4-D and 2.32 µM KT. The embryogenic callus was induced on MS5 medium from the suspended cultures of several cycles of alternate liquid-solid culture, which was critical step for somatic embryogenesis. The liquid medium of MS4 was supplemented with 0.1g/L NaCl, 0.1g/L KCl and 0.1g/L CuSO4. The solid medium of MS5 for embryogenic callus effective induction was supplemented with 37.59 mM KNO3 + 62.47 µM NH4NO3 and 2.46 µM IBA + 0.93 µM KT or 0.045 µM 2,4-D + 2.46 µM IBA + 0.465 µM KT. During callus growing on different media, callus was effectively selected for subculture or treatment according to cell morphology to induce embryogenic callus and somatic embryos. Somatic embryo maturation and germination were better on MS5 medium with maltose or glucose + maltose than the single glucose. The regenerated plantlets with well-developed roots were directly transferred to soil or grafted onto the germinated cotton plantlets. The feasible process of plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis in diploid cultivated species was established and needed to be improved and optimized for the gene functional analysis and gene editing in the diploid cotton species.
TR3 enhances AR Variant Production and Transactivation, Increasing Androgen Independency of AR Signaling in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Tran Tuyen Thanh , Lee Keesook
Published: May 2021

Background

Increased expression of constitutively active androgen receptor variants (AR-Vs) is associated with the development of advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer. The pro-oncogenic function of TR3, an orphan nuclear receptor, has been reported in various cancers including prostate cancer. However, the roles of TR3 in androgen receptor (AR) expression and signaling in prostate cancer cells are poorly understood.
Methods

Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR were used to evaluate AR and AR-V expression levels affected by TR3 expression level. RNA-seq analysis, coimmunoprecipitation, cross-linked RNA-immunoprecipitation, and single-strand RNA protection and pull-down assays were conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which TR3 affected AR-V production.
Results

Database analysis revealed that TR3 expression level is elevated in prostate tumors, and is positively correlated with that of AR. TR3 overexpression increased the production of AR splice variants in addition to general upregulation of AR expression. TR3 interacted with some spliceosomal complex components and AR precursor mRNA, altering the splice junction rates between exons. TR3 also enhanced androgen-independent AR function. Furthermore, TR3 overexpression increased cell proliferation and mobility of AR-positive prostate cancer cells and stimulated tumorigenesis of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells in mouse xenograft models. This is the first study to report that TR3 is a multifunctional regulator of AR signaling in prostate cancer cells.
Conclusions

TR3 alters AR expression, splicing process, and activity in prostate cancer cells, increasing the androgen independency of AR signaling. Therefore, TR3 may play a crucial role in the progression of prostate cancer to advanced castration-resistant form.
CIP4 Targeted to Recruit GTP-Cdc42 Involving in Invadopodia Formation Through NF-κB Signaling Pathway Promotes Invasion and Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hu Zhiyan , Zhu Jiaxian , Ma Yidan , Long Ting , Gao Lingfang , Zhong Yan , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Zuguo
Published: May 2021

Background

CIP4 (Cdc42-interacting protein 4), a member of the F-BAR family which plays an important role in regulating cell membrane and actin, has been reported to interact with Cdc42 and closely associated with tumor invadopodia formation. However, the specific mechanism of the interaction between CIP4 and Cdc42 as well as the downstream signaling pathway in response in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown, which is worth exploring for its impact on tumor infiltration and metastasis.
Methods

Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses were performed to detect the expression of CIP4 and Cdc42. Their relationship with CRC clinicopathological characteristics was further analyzed. Wound-healing, transwell migration and invasion assays tested the effect of CIP4 on cells migration and invasion ability in vitro, and the orthotopic xenograft colorectal cancer mouse mode evaluated the tumor metastasis in vivo. The invadopodia formation and function were assessed by immunofluorescence, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and matrix degradation assay. The interaction between CIP4 and Cdc42 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and GST-Pull down assays. Immunofluorescence was used to observed the colocalization of CIP4, GTP-Cdc42 and invadopodia. The related downstream signaling pathway was investigated by western blot and immunofluorescence.
Results

CIP4 expression was significantly higher in human colorectal cancer tissues and correlated with the CRC infiltrating depth and metastasis as well as the lower survival rate in patients. In cultured CRC cells, knockdown of CIP4 inhibited cell migration and invasion ability in vitro and the tumor metastasis in vivo, while overexpression of CIP4 confirmed the opposite situation by promoting invadopodia formation and matrix degradation ability. In addition, we identified GTP-Cdc42 as a directly interactive protein of CIP4, which was upregulated and recruited by CIP4 to participate in this process. Furthermore, activated NF-κB signaling pathway was found in CIP4 overexpression CRC cells contributing to invadopodia formation while inhibition of either CIP4 or Cdc42 led to suppression of NF-κB pathway resulted in decrease quantity of invadopodia.
Conclusion

Our findings suggested that CIP4 targets to recruit GTP-Cdc42 and directly combines with it to accelerate invadopodia formation and function by activating NF-κB signaling pathway, thus promoting CRC infiltration and metastasis.
Endowing plants with the capacity for autogenic nitrogen fixation
Authors: Yao Quan-hong , Peng Ri-he , Wang Bo , Tian Yong-Sheng , Zhu Yan-man , Gao Jian-jie , Li Zhen-jun , Fu Xiao-Yan , Xu Jing , Han Hong-juan , Wang Li-juan , Wang Yu , Zhang Fu-jian , Zhang Wen-hui , Deng Yong-dong
Published: May 2021

Biologically available nitrogen is a common limitation to crop productivity in modern agriculture. The endowment of higher plants with the ability to produce their own nitrogenous fertilizers has been attempted for nearly half a century1–4. Here we report that a minimal nitrogen fixation system from Paenibacillus polymyxa5–8 can be used to create an autogenic nitrogen-fixing plant through synthetic biology. We found that the genetically modified Arabidopsis containing the cassette of all nine nif genes (nifBHDKENXhesAnifV) showed some activity of nitrogenase and caused higher biomasses and chlorophyll contents than wild-type plants grown in low-nitrogen or nitrogen-free medium. Then we found that the engineered Arabidopsis displayed resistance to KCN and NaN3, two substrates of nitrogenase9. Furthermore, overexpression of electron transfer component10 in the engineered nif gene-carrying plants resulted in higher nitrogen fixation efficiency. Isotopic labeling analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry showed that the fixed nitrogen can flow to amino acids and chlorophyll11, 12. This study represents a milestone toward realizing the goal of endowing plants with the capacity for self-fertilization.
Trend analysis of disability adjusted life years due to cardiovascular diseases: results from the global burden of disease study 2019
Authors: Masaebi Fatemeh , Salehi Masoud , Kazemi Maryam , Vahabi Nasim , Looha Mehdi Azizmohammad , Zayeri Farid
Published: May 2021

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of global mortality representing about one third of all deaths across the world. The objective of the present study was to model the global trend in disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and its components due to CVD over the past three decades. We also aimed to evaluate the longitudinal relationship between CVD DALY and Human Development Index (HDI) in this period of time.Methods: The age-standardized rates of years lost due to disability (YLD), years of life lost (YLL) and DALY were extracted for cardiovascular diseases from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 in years 1990 to 2019. Additionally, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) database was used to retrieve HDI values for all world countries at the same period time. The trend analysis was performed using the joinpoint regression model. Results: The obtained revealed a significant downward trend for DALY and its components with the average annual percent change of -1.0, -0.3 and -1.1 per 100,000 population, respectively for DALY, YLD and YLL. We also found that countries with high/very high levels of HDI have remarkably experienced steeper declining slope of trend than those in lower levels of HDI over the study period. Conclusions: Although the observed decreasing trend of CVD burden is a hopeful message for all world countries, the considerable gap in slope of trend between richer and poorer parts of the world is a serious alarm for health policy makers. Regarding this, there is an urgent need to put more efforts on implementing preventive programs, improving the level of patients’ care and providing efficient treatment, especially in regions with lower levels of HDI.
Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression through Modulation of SLC1A5 Expression
Authors: Pan Yonglong , Han Mengzhen , Zhang Xiaochao , He Yi , Yuan Chaoyi , Xiong Yixiao , Li Xinxin , Zeng Chenglong , Lu Kan , Zhu He , Lu Xun , Liu Qiumeng , Liang Huifang , Liao Zhibin , Zhan Zhanguo , Ding Zeyang , Zhang Wanguang , Zhang Bixiang , Chen Xiao-ping
Published: May 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with the highest mortality rate in the world. Receptor tyrosine kinases play an important role in the occurrence and development of cancer. Discoid protein domain receptors 1 (DDR1) are a special type of transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase. Here, we show DDR1 is significantly increased in Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), which is related to poor prognosis of HCC patients.
Methods

DDR1 expression in HCC cell lines and paired HCC specimens were determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). At the same time, the correlation between the DDR1 and SLC1A5 was also studied in HCC specimens. Cell proliferation ability were evaluated by CCK8 and colony formation assays. Knock-down and overexpression experiments, CHX, NH4CL and Mg132 intervention experiments, Immunoprecipitation experiments, and nude mouse xenograft models were used to determine the potential mechanism by which DDR1 promotes tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo.
Results

In this study, we find that overexpression of DDR1 promotes the proliferation of HCC cells and accelerates the growth of tumor xenografts, while downregulation of DDR1 has the opposite effect. We also proved that loss or gain of DDR1 could affect the cell cycle progression of liver cancer cells. Mechanistically, DDR1 interacts with the SLC1A5 that belongs to the solute carrier (SLC) family of transporters and regulates its stability, thereby regulating the mTORC1 signaling pathway. In addition, we found that the regulation of SLC1A5 by DDR1 can be restored by lysosome inhibitors. Otherwise, we found that DDR1 was highly expressed in HCC and elevated DDR1 expression predicted shorter overall survival (OS) time for HCC patients. We further revealed that the expression of SLC1A5 was positively correlated with DDR1.In summary, our data shows that DDR1 is a tumor-promoting factor that can control cell proliferation and cell cycle by stabilizing SLC1A5 in a lysosome-dependent pathway, which provides a new treatment target for HCC.
Conclusions

This study reveals a new mechanism through which DDR1 can play the role of cancer-promoting genes in the progression of liver cancer. We also found that the expression of DDR1 is an independent prognostic indicator of OS, and the expression of DDR1 and SLC1A5 are positively correlated in clinical samples. Our findings provide a new perspective for understanding the development of HCC, which may provide new targets for the treatment and management of this challenging cancer.
Polarisation-dependent single-pulse ultrafast optical switching of an elementary ferromagnet
Authors: Hamamera Hanan , Guimarães Filipe Souza Mendes , Dias Manuel dos Santos , Lounis Samir
Published: May 2021

The ultimate control of magnetic states of matter at femtosecond (or even faster) timescales defines one of the most pursued paradigm shifts for future information technology. In this context, ultrafast laser pulses developed into extremely valuable stimuli for the all-optical magnetisation reversal in ferrimagnetic and ferromagnetic alloys and multilayers, while this remains elusive in elementary ferromagnets. Here we demonstrate that a single laser pulse with sub-picosecond duration can lead to the reversal of the magnetisation of bulk nickel, in tandem with the expected demagnetisation. As revealed by realistic time-dependent electronic structure simulations, the central mechanism is ultrafast light-induced torques acting on the magnetisation, which are only effective if the laser pulse is circularly polarised on a plane that contains the initial orientation of the magnetisation. We map the laser pulse parameter space enabling the magnetisation switching and unveil rich intra-atomic orbital-dependent magnetisation dynamics featuring transient inter-orbital non-collinear states. Our findings open further perspectives for the efficient implementation of optically-based spintronic devices.
Selection Strategy of Rational Zones for Installation of Photovoltaic Solar Panels in Algeria.
Authors: Aman Bouzid
Published: May 2021

This study concerns the first phase of the project to install solar panels in Algeria. The sites enjoy one of the most sunshine in the world, the Saharan region must be the spearhead in the development of energy which, moreover, with an abundant potential still under-exploited, photovoltaics constitute a formidable opportunity for the economic development of the region. In the perspective of a transition to "green energy" and in order to promote the emergence of solar energy in Algeria, a reflection on the development strategies of this energy must be combined with the strong challenges of the region, namely, the preservation of biodiversity, ecological continuities, as well as landscapes, the maintenance of agricultural land and forest areas and the fight against climate change. In this context, the contribution envisaged with this work is to contribute to the identification of a set of sites with high solar potential that can accommodate solar power plants.