bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pien Tze Huang (PZH) as a Multifunction Medicinal Agent in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): a review on cellular, molecular and physiological mechanisms
Authors: Chen Zhiliang
Published: March 2021

Relevance

Pien Tze Huang (PZH) is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), characterized by a multitude of pharmacological effects, such as hepatoprotection and inhibition of inflammation and cell proliferative conditions. Many of these effects have been validated at the cellular, molecular and physiological levels but, to date, most of these findings have not been comprehensively disclosed.

Objectives

This review aims to provide a critical summary of recent studies focusing on PZH and its multiple pharmacological effects. As a result, we further discuss some novel perspectives related to PZH’s mechanisms of action and a holistic view of its therapeutic activities.

Methods

A systematic review was performed focusing on PZH studies originated from original scientific resources. The scientific literature retrieved for this work was obtained from International repositories including NCBI/PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases.

Results

The major active componentes and their potential functions, including hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects, as well as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities, were summarized and categorized accordingly. As indicated, most of the pharmacological effects were validated in vitro and in vivo. The identification of complex bioactive components in PZH may provide the basis for further therapeutic initiatives.

Conclusion

Here we have collectively discussed the recent evidences covering most, if not all, pharmacological effects driven by PZH. This review provides novel perspectives on understanding the modes of action and the holistic view of TCM. The rational development of future clinical trials will certainly provide evidence-based medical evidences that will also confirm the therapeutic advantages of PZH, based on the current information available.
LINC00958 promotes the proliferation of TSCC via miR-211-5p/CENPK axis and activating the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Jia Bo , Dao Junfeng , Han Jiusong , Huang Zhijie , Sun Xiang , Zheng Xianghuai , Xiang Shijian , Zhou Huixi , Liu Shuguang
Published: March 2021

Background

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is one of the most common oral tumors. Recently, long intergenic noncoding RNA 00958 (LINC00958) has been identified as an oncogene in human cancers. Nevertheless, the role of LINC00958 and its downstream mechanisms in TSCC is still unknown.

Methods

The effect of LINC00958 on TSCC cells proliferation and growth were assessed by CCK-8, colony formation, 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridline (EdU) assay and flow cytometry assays in vitro and tumor xenograft model in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the target of LINC00958 in TSCC, which was verified by RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

LINC00958 was increased in TSCC tissues, and patients with high LINC00958 expression had a shorter overall survival. LINC00958 knockdown significantly decreased the growth rate of TSCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. In mechanism, LINC00958 acted as a ceRNA by competitively sponging miR-211-5p. In addition, we identified CENPK as a direct target gene of miR-211-5p, which was higher in TSCC tissues than that in adjacent normal tissues. Up-regulated miR-211-5p or down-regulated CENPK could abolish LINC00958-induced proliferation promotion in TSCC cells. Furthermore, The overexpression of CENPK promoted the expression of oncogenic cell cycle regulators and activated the JAK/STAT3 signaling.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that LINC00958 is a potential prognostic biomarker in TSCC.
Breastfeeding rates are high in a prenatal community support program targeting vulnerable women and offering enhanced postnatal lactation support: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Francis Jane , Mildon Alison , Stewart Stacia , Underhill Bronwyn , Ismail Samantha , Di Ruggiero Erica , Tarasuk Valerie , Sellen Daniel W. , O’Connor Deborah L.
Published: March 2021

Background

In Canada, 91% of all mothers initiate breastfeeding, but 40–50% stop by 6 months and only 34% breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, with lower rates among socially and/or economically vulnerable women. The Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) aims to support breastfeeding among vulnerable women, but there is no formal framework or funding for sites to integrate proactive postnatal breastfeeding support. This research aimed to i) describe infant feeding practices among clients of one Toronto CPNP site using charitable funds to offer a lactation support program (in-home lactation consultant visits, breast pumps); ii) determine whether breastfeeding outcomes at 6 months differ based on maternal sociodemographics and food insecurity; and iii) assess utilization of the lactation support program.

Methods

Infant feeding practices were collected prospectively at 2 weeks, 2, 4 and 6 months postpartum via telephone questionnaires (n = 199). Maternal sociodemographics were collected at 2 weeks and food insecurity data at 6 months postpartum. Program monitoring records were used to determine utilization of the lactation support program.

Results

Ninety-one percent of participants were born outside of Canada; 55% had incomes below the Low-Income Cut-Off; and 55% reported food insecurity. All participants initiated breastfeeding, 84% continued for 6 months and 16% exclusively breastfed for 6 months. Among breastfed infants, ≥76% received vitamin D supplementation. Approximately 50% of infants were introduced to solids before 6 months. Only high school education or less and food insecurity were associated with lower breastfeeding rates. Overall, 75% of participants received at least one visit with a lactation consultant and 95% of these received a breast pump.

Conclusions

This study provides initial evidence that postnatal lactation support can be delivered within a CPNP site, with high uptake by clients. While all participants initiated breastfeeding and 84% continued for 6 months, adherence to the recommended 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding was low. Further research is needed to better understand the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding and how to support this practice among vulnerable women.

Study registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03400605.
Epigenetic silencing of miR-144/451a cluster contributes to HCC progression via paracrine HGF/MIF-mediated TAM remodeling
Authors: Zhao Junlong , Li Huichen , Zhao Shoujie , Wang Enxin , Zhu Jun , Feng Dayun , Zhu Yejing , Dou Weijia , Fan Qingling , Hu Jie , Jia Lintao , Liu Lei
Published: March 2021

Background & Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the malignancies with the highest mortality. The key regulators and their interactive network in HCC pathogenesis remain unclear. Along with genetic mutations, aberrant epigenetic paradigms, including deregulated microRNAs (miRNAs), exert profound impacts on hepatocyte transformation and tumor microenvironment remodeling; however, the underlying mechanisms are largely uncharacterized.

Methods

We performed RNA sequencing on HCC specimens and bioinformatic analyses to identify tumor-associated miRNAs. The miRNA functional targets and their effects on tumor-infiltrating immune cells were investigated. The upstream events, particularly the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for miRNA deregulation in HCC, were explored.

Results

The miR-144/miR-451a cluster was downregulated in HCC and predicted a better HCC patient prognosis. These miRNAs promoted macrophage M1 polarization and antitumor activity by targeting hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). The miR-144/miR-451a cluster and EZH2, the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex (PRC2), formed a feedback circuit in which miR-144 targeted EZH2 and PRC2 epigenetically repressed the miRNA genes via histone H3K27 methylation of the promoter. The miRNA cluster was coordinately silenced by distal enhancer hypermethylation, disrupting chromatin loop formation and enhancer-promoter interactions. Clinical examinations indicated that methylation of this chromatin region is a potential HCC biomarker.

Conclusions

Our study revealed novel mechanisms underlying miR-144/miR-451a cluster deregulation and the crosstalk between malignant cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in HCC, providing new insights into HCC pathogenesis and diagnostic strategies.
Confirmatory and bi-factor analysis of the Short Form Health Survey 8 (SF-8) scale structure in a German general population sample
Authors: Wirtz M. A. , Schulz A. , Brähler E.
Published: March 2021

Background

The SF-8 is a short form of the SF-36 Health Survey, which is used for generic assessment of physical and mental aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Each of the 8 dimensions of the SF-36 is covered by a single item in the SF-8. The aim of the study was to examine the latent model structure of the SF-8.

Method

One-, two- and three dimensional as well as bi-factor structural models were defined and estimated adopting the ML- as well as the WLSMV-algorithm for ordinal data. The data were collected in a German general population sample (N = 2545 persons).

Results

A two- (physical and mental health) and a three-dimensional CFA structure (in addition overall health) represent the empirical data information adequately [CFI = .987/.995; SRMR = .024/.014]. If a general factor is added, the resulting bi-factor models provide a further improvement in data fit [CFI = .999/.998; SRMR = .001]. The individual items are much more highly associated with the general HRQoL factor (loadings: .698 to .908) than with the factors physical, mental, and overall health (loadings: −.206 to .566).

Conclusions

In the SF-8, each item reflects mainly general HRQoL (general factor) as well as one of the three components physical, mental, and overall health. The findings suggest in particular that the evaluation of the information of the SF-8 items can be validly supplemented by a general value HRQoL.
A Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome case with de novo 24 Mb duplication of chromosome 11p15.5p14.3
Authors: Jiang Huling , Ping Zepeng , Wang Jianguo , Liu Xiaodan , Jin Yuxia , Li Suping , Zhou Chiyan , Huang Pinghua , Jin Yi , Ai Ling , Chen Jie
Published: March 2021

Background

Molecular genetic testing for the 11p15-associated imprinting disorder Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is challenging because of the molecular heterogeneity and complexity of the affected imprinted regions. An integrated molecular approach to analyze the epigenetic-genetic alterations is required for accurate diagnosis of BWS.

Case presentation: We reported a Chinese case with BWS detected by SNP array analysis and methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA). The genetic analysis showed a de novo duplication of 24 Mb at 11p15.5p14.3 is much longer than ever reported. MS-MLPA showed copy number changes with a peak height ratio value of 1.5 (three copies) at 11p15. The duplication of paternal origin with increase of methylation index of 0.68 atH19and decreased methylation index of 0.37 atKCNQ1OT1.

Conclusion

Combined chromosome microarray analysis and methylation profiling provided reliable diagnosis for this paternally derived duplication of BWS. The phenotype associated with 11p15 duplications depends on the size, genetic content, parental inheritance and imprinting status. Identification of these rare duplications is crucial for genetic counselling.
Exosomal miRNA profiling from H5N1 avian influenza virus-infected chickens
Authors: Hong Yeojin , Truong Anh Duc , Lee Jiae , Vu Thi Hao , Lee Sooyeon , Song Ki-Duk , Lillehoj Hyun S. , Hong Yeong Ho
Published: March 2021

Exosomes are membrane vesicles containing proteins, lipids, DNA, mRNA, and micro RNA (miRNA). Exosomal miRNA from donor cells can regulate the gene expression of recipient cells. Here, Ri chickens were divided into resistant (Mx/A; BF2/B21) and susceptible (Mx/G; BF2/B13) trait by genotyping of Mx and BF2 genes. Then, Ri chickens were infected with H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV). Exosomes were purified from blood serum of resistant chickens for small RNA sequencing. Sequencing data were analysed using FastQCv0.11.7, Cutadapt 1.16, miRBase v21, non-coding RNA database, RNAcentral 10.0, and miRDeep2. Differentially expressed miRNAs were determined using statistical methods, including fold-change, exactTest using edgeR, and hierarchical clustering. Target genes were predicted using miRDB. Gene ontology analysis was performed using gProfiler. Twenty miRNAs showed significantly different expression patterns between resistant control and infected chickens. Nine miRNAs were up-regulated and 11 miRNAs were down-regulated in the infected chickens compared with that in the control chickens. In target gene analysis, various immune-related genes, such as cytokines, chemokines, and signalling molecules, were detected. In particular, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway molecules were highly controlled by differentially expressed miRNAs. The result of qRT-PCR for miRNAs was identical with sequencing data and miRNA expression level was higher in resistant than susceptible chickens. This study will help to better understand the host immune response, particularly exosomal miRNA expression against HPAIV H5N1 and could help to determine biomarkers for disease resistance.
Switching vaccination schemes for epidemic models with distributed time delay and two types of noise
Authors: Wang X. Y.
Published: March 2021

Novel switched HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome) epidemic models with distributed time delay and bounded noise and Gaussian white noise are developed and investigated using stochastic Itô’s lemma and the Lyapunov–Razumikhin method. New criteria depending on these factors are established to confirm that the disease-free equilibrium of the model is stochastically asymptotically stable as the threshold parameter is less than unity, which implies that the disease eventually disappears theoretically. Otherwise, the disease persists weakly. Further, the main results show that the threshold values are related to two types of noise and time delay. Pulse control strategies are then applied to two types of the infected population, the susceptible population, and the infected population, respectively. More precisely, the effects of each control strategy on the stochastic solution of the model are evaluated to justify the relation between control parameters and threshold parameters of the model. In comparison with the basic reproduction number of the model with pulse control, it is easily found that the main results in these references are improved and extended. Finally, four examples are presented to support the main results, and one future research direction is suggested.
Factors affecting women entrepreneurs’ success: a study of small- and medium-sized enterprises in emerging market of Pakistan
Authors: Khan Rizwan Ullah , Salamzadeh Yashar , Shah Syed Zulfiqar Ali , Hussain Mazhar
Published: March 2021

In the present era, women are recognized as successful entrepreneurs through their strong desire, qualities, and capabilities for robust economic development. Due to such an important contribution of women in economic development, we propose to investigate the factors which affect women entrepreneur’s success in Pakistan. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 181 registered SMEs operating in Pakistan. A conceptual model is developed, while SPSS and AMOS software’s are used for analysis. The results indicate that the internal factors including the need for achievements, risk-taking, and self-confidence and external factors including economic factors and socio-cultural factors have a positive and significant influence on the success of women-owned enterprises. This research recommends Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), policymakers, and practitioners to encourage women entrepreneurs to run their businesses for the long term by providing a variety of incentives and supports related to those internal and external factors. Numerous studies have been conducted to test the different factors’ effects on women’s entrepreneurial success, but our study investigated some psychological, cultural, and religious factors that are still almost untouched especially in Pakistan. The current study also contributes to the existing literature through empirical shreds of evidence.
Co-movement of commodity price indexes and energy price index: a wavelet coherence approach
Authors: Kirikkaleli Dervis , Güngör Hasan
Published: March 2021

This research sheds light on the causal link between commodity price indexes, i.e., the Agricultural Raw Materials Price Index, Industry Input Price Index, Metal Price Index, and Energy Price Index, in the global market, using wavelet coherence, Toda–Yamamoto causality, and gradual shift causality tests over the period 1992M1 to 2019M12. Findings from the wavelet power spectrum and partial wavelet coherence reveal that: (1) there was significant volatility in the Agricultural Raw Materials Price Index, Industry Input Price Index, Metal Price Index, and Energy Price Index between 2004 and 2014 at different frequencies; and (2) commodity price indexes significantly caused the energy price index at different time periods and frequencies. It is noteworthy that the outcomes of the Toda–Yamamoto causality and gradual-shift causality tests are in line with the results of wavelet coherence.
Safety and efficacy of stent-assisted coiling for acutely ruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: comparison of LVIS stents with laser-cut stents
Authors: Xue Gaici , Zuo Qiao , Zhang Xiaoxi , Tang Haishuang , Zhao Rui , Li Qiang , Fang Yibin , Yang Pengfei , Hong Bo , Xu Yi , Huang Qinghai , Liu Jianmin
Published: March 2021

Background

To compare the safety and efficacy of LVIS stent-assisted coiling with those of laser-cut stent-assisted coiling for the treatment of acutely ruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

Patients with acutely ruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms treated with LVIS stent-assisted coiling (LVIS stent group) and laser-cut stent-assisted coiling (laser-cut stent group) were retrospectively reviewed from January 2014 to December 2017. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for potential differences in age, sex, aneurysm location, aneurysm size, neck width, Hunt-Hess grade, and modified Fisher grade. Perioperative procedure-related complications and clinical and angiographic follow-up outcomes were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the associations between procedure-related complications and potential risk factors.

Results

A total of 142 patients who underwent LVIS stent-assisted coiling and 93 patients who underwent laser-cut stent-assisted coiling were enrolled after 1:2 propensity score matching. The angiographic follow-up outcomes showed that the LVIS stent group had a slightly higher complete occlusion rate and lower recurrence rate than the laser-cut stent group (92.7% vs 80.6%; 3.7% vs 9.7%, P = 0.078). The clinical outcomes at discharge and follow-up between the two groups demonstrated no significant differences (P = 0.495 and P = 0.875, respectively). The rates of intraprocedural thrombosis, postprocedural thrombosis, postoperative early rebleeding, and procedure-related death were 0.7% (1/142), 1.4% (2/142), 2.8% (4/142), and 2.1% (3/142) in the LVIS stent group, respectively, and 4.3% (4/93), 2.2% (2/93), 1.1% (1/93), and 3.2% (3/93) in the laser-cut stent group, respectively (P = 0.082, 0.649, 0.651, and 0.683). Nevertheless, the rates of overall procedure-related complications and intraprocedural rupture in the LVIS stent group were significantly lower than those in the laser-cut stent group (5.6% vs 14.0%, P = 0.028; 0.7% vs 6.5%, P = 0.016). Multivariate analysis showed that laser-cut stent-assisted coiling was an independent predictor for overall procedure-related complications (OR = 2.727, P = 0.037); a history of diabetes (OR = 7.275, P = 0.027) and other cerebrovascular diseases (OR = 8.083, P = 0.022) were independent predictors for ischemic complications, whereas none of the factors were predictors for hemorrhagic complications.

Conclusions

Compared with laser-cut stent-assisted coiling, LVIS stent-assisted coiling for the treatment of acutely ruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms could reduce the rates of overall procedure-related complications and intraprocedural rupture.
Sentencing offenders with mental disorders, developmental disorders or neurological impairments: what does the new Sentencing Council Guideline mean for psychiatrists?
Authors: Taylor Pamela J. , Eastman Nigel , Latham Richard , Holloway Josanne
Published: March 2021

The new Sentencing Council Guideline on sentencing offenders with mental disorders, effective from 1 October 2020, is essential reading for all psychiatrists who give evidence in the criminal courts, revealing something of required judicial thinking, our common ground on public safety concerns but differences in focus on culpability and punishment.
New trends in quantum machine learning
(a)
Authors: Buffoni Lorenzo , Caruso Filippo
Published: March 2021

Here we will give a perspective on new possible interplays between machine learning and quantum physics, including also practical cases and applications. We will explore the ways in which machine learning could benefit from new quantum technologies and algorithms to find new ways to speed up their computations by breakthroughs in physical hardware, as well as to improve existing models or devise new learning schemes in the quantum domain. Moreover, there are lots of experiments in quantum physics that do generate incredible amounts of data and machine learning would be a great tool to analyze those and make predictions, or even control the experiment itself. On top of that, data visualization techniques and other schemes borrowed from machine learning can be of great use to theoreticians to have better intuition on the structure of complex manifolds or to make predictions on theoretical models. This new research field, named as quantum machine learning, is very rapidly growing since it is expected to provide huge advantages over its classical counterpart and deeper investigations are timely needed since they can be already tested on the already commercially available quantum machines.
A 4 Gene-based Immune Signature Predicts Dedifferentiation and Immune Exhaustion in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Li Cui-Wei , Shi Xiao , Ma Ben , Wang Yu-Long , Lu Zhong-Wu , Liao Tian , Wang Yu , Ji Qing-Hai , Wei Wen-Jun
Published: March 2021

Context

The role of immune-related genes (IRGs) in thyroid cancer dedifferentiation and accompanying immune exhaustion remains largely unexplored.

Objective

To construct a significant IRG-based signature indicative of dedifferentiation and immune exhaustion in thyroid cancer.

Design and Settings

One exploratory cohort and 2 validation cohorts were used to identify stably dysregulated IRGs in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer (DDTC) and to obtain independent risk factors for dedifferentiation. The IRGs formed a gene signature, whose predictive value was tested by the receiver operating characteristic curve. Correlations between the signature and differentiation-related genes, immune checkpoints, and prognosis were analyzed. Gene set enrichment analyses were performed to identify related signaling pathways.

Results

Four IRGs (PRKCQ, PLAUR, PSMD2, and BMP7) were found to be repeatedly dysregulated in DDTC, and they formed an IRG-based signature with a satisfactory predictive value for thyroid cancer dedifferentiation. Correlation analyses revealed that immune checkpoints were closely related to the 4 IRGs and the IRG-based signature, which was significantly associated with the histological subtype (P = 0.026), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001), and BRAFV600E mutation (P < 0.001). The downregulated expression of PRKCQ shortened the disease-free survival for patients with thyroid cancer. Furthermore, we identified several signaling pathways inherently associated with the IRG-based signature.

Conclusions

This study suggests that IRGs participate in the dedifferentiation and immune exhaustion process of thyroid cancer and are potential biomarkers for DDTC.
Biophysical and biochemical properties of Deup1 self-assemblies: a potential driver for deuterosome formation during multiciliogenesis
Authors: Yamamoto Shohei , Yabuki Ryoichi , Kitagawa Daiju
Published: March 2021

The deuterosome is a non-membranous organelle involved in large-scale centriole amplification during multiciliogenesis. Deuterosomes are specifically assembled during the process of multiciliogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying deuterosome formation are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the molecular properties of deuterosome protein 1 (Deup1), an essential protein involved in deuterosome assembly. We found that Deup1 has the ability to self-assemble into macromolecular condensates both in vitro and in cells. The Deup1-containing structures formed in multiciliogenesis and the Deup1 condensates self-assembled in vitro showed low turnover of Deup1, suggesting that Deup1 forms highly stable structures. Our biochemical analyses revealed that an increase of the concentration of Deup1 and a crowded molecular environment both facilitate Deup1 self-assembly. The self-assembly of Deup1 relies on its N-terminal region, which contains multiple coiled coil domains. Using an optogenetic approach, we demonstrated that self-assembly and the C-terminal half of Deup1 were sufficient to spatially compartmentalize centrosomal protein 152 (Cep152) and polo like kinase 4 (Plk4), master components for centriole biogenesis, in the cytoplasm. Collectively, the present data suggest that Deup1 forms the structural core of the deuterosome through self-assembly into stable macromolecular condensates.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
A mechanogenetic role for the actomyosin complex in branching morphogenesis of epithelial organs
Authors: Kim Jin Man , Jo YoungJu , Jung Ju Won , Park Kyungpyo
Published: March 2021

The actomyosin complex plays crucial roles in various life processes by balancing the forces generated by cellular components. In addition to its physical function, the actomyosin complex participates in mechanotransduction. However, the exact role of actomyosin contractility in force transmission and the related transcriptional changes during morphogenesis are not fully understood. Here, we report a mechanogenetic role of the actomyosin complex in branching morphogenesis using an organotypic culture system of mouse embryonic submandibular glands. We dissected the physical factors arranged by characteristic actin structures in developing epithelial buds and identified the spatial distribution of forces that is essential for buckling mechanism to promote the branching process. Moreover, the crucial genes required for the distribution of epithelial progenitor cells were regulated by YAP and TAZ through a mechanotransduction process in epithelial organs. These findings are important for our understanding of the physical processes involved in the development of epithelial organs and provide a theoretical background for developing new approaches for organ regeneration.
Defining the signalling determinants of a posterior ventral spinal cord identity in human neuromesodermal progenitor derivatives
Authors: Wind Matthew , Gogolou Antigoni , Manipur Ichcha , Granata Ilaria , Butler Larissa , Andrews Peter W. , Barbaric Ivana , Ning Ke , Guarracino Mario R. , Placzek Marysia , Tsakiridis Anestis
Published: March 2021

The anteroposterior axial identity of motor neurons (MNs) determines their functionality and vulnerability to neurodegeneration. Thus, it is a crucial parameter in the design of strategies aiming to produce MNs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) for regenerative medicine/disease modelling applications. However, the in vitro generation of posterior MNs corresponding to the thoracic/lumbosacral spinal cord has been challenging. Although the induction of cells resembling neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs), the bona fide precursors of the spinal cord, offers a promising solution, the progressive specification of posterior MNs from these cells is not well defined. Here, we determine the signals guiding the transition of human NMP-like cells toward thoracic ventral spinal cord neurectoderm. We show that combined WNT-FGF activities drive a posterior dorsal pre-/early neural state, whereas suppression of TGFβ-BMP signalling pathways promotes a ventral identity and neural commitment. Based on these results, we define an optimised protocol for the generation of thoracic MNs that can efficiently integrate within the neural tube of chick embryos. We expect that our findings will facilitate the comparison of hPSC-derived spinal cord cells of distinct axial identities.
Determination of field capacity in the Chibunga and Guano rivers micro-basins
Authors: Mendoza Benito , Fiallos Manuel , Iturralde Sandra , Santillán Patricio , Guananga Nelly , Bejar Jaime , Lowy Daniel A. , Vágó Imre , Sándor Zsolt
Published: March 2021

Background: The micro-basins of the Chibunga and Guano rivers are located within the sub-basin of the Chambo River, which starts at the thaw of the Chimborazo, crosses the cities of Guano and Riobamba, and ends in the Chambo River. These rivers are considered fluvial hydrological forces and geological limits of the aquifer, located in this sub-basin. For this reason, our investigation addressed the field capacity in the micro-basins of Chibunga and Guano rivers, to determine the maximum retention potential, i.e., the saturation of water in the soil.

Methods: We investigated the change of precipitation to runoff through the correlations between the characteristics of the soil and its vegetation. We applied the Curve Number (CN) method introduced by the United States Soil Conservation Service (USSCS); this represents an empirical model, which relates the vegetation cover to the geological and topographic conditions of the soil. Along with the geographic information system, the model allows to represent the variation of runoffs for each micro-basin, according to the different land use categories, over the time frame from 2010 to 2014.

Results: We found that the maximum retention potential is directly affected by CN values, representing the runoff potential. Highest values of 100 belong to the wetlands, urban area, snow, and water, as rain is converted directly into runoff, being impervious areas. The Guano river micro-basin possesses clay soil with CN of 78, the soil texture for eucalyptus forest is clay loam, and its CN value, 46, is the lowest of the data set. Knowledge of field capacity allows to properly evaluate the storage capacity of soil and water conservation.

Conclusions: Results of this work will be useful in the quantification of the water balance, to determine the water supply and demand.
Evidencias arqueobotánicas para una historia del consumo y producción de vino en el Noroeste ibérico
Authors: Teira Brión Andrés , Rey Castiñeira Josefa
Published: March 2021

Los datos arqueobotánicos publicados en los últimos años en el noroeste de la península ibérica nos permiten trazar una evolución del cultivo de la vid con unas pautas cronológicas y unas características internas singulares. Los análisis polínicos, carpológicos y antracológicos han identificado la presencia de Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris en el medio natural y su aprovechamiento por las comunidades protohistóricas. En época romana, los conjuntos de algunos yacimientos sugieren el cultivo simultáneo de la vid doméstica –Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera– y la silvestre. Además, destaca la aparición de los primeros asentamientos especializados en la producción de vino en el sur de la región. Esto indica cambios en la gestión de la vid. El viñedo se vincularía a establecimientos agropecuarios, propiedad de familias con un estatus social alto, situados en áreas rurales o próximos a núcleos urbanos. Estos grandes propietarios probablemente continuarían controlando la comercialización del excedente de vino en la Alta Edad Media.
Un nuevo tipo de ánfora tardorromana en Cartagena
Authors: García Aboal María Victoria
Published: March 2021

En el contexto de incendio de la habitación nº 13 del Edificio del atrio (Cartagena) se han documentado dos ejemplares anfóricos que no corresponden con ninguna de las formas definidas por las tipologías actuales. En este trabajo se realiza una propuesta de catalogación y una definición preliminar de las características de este tipo de posible producción regional.
Novedades sobre etiquetado y expedición del aceite bético: los tituli picti del alfar romano de El Sotillo (Almodóvar del Río, Córdoba)
Authors: González Tobar Iván , Estévez De La Mata Sergio
Published: March 2021

Se presentan los primeros tituli picti sobre ánfora olearia Dressel 20 hallados en un contexto de producción anfórica de la Bética. En primer lugar se detalla el contexto del descubrimiento en el centro alfarero del conventus Cordubensis donde ha sido hallado, El Sotillo (Almodóvar del Río, Córdoba). A continuación, se discute y reflexiona sobre el aporte de este nuevo documento al conocimiento de la economía bética, con respecto al estado de la cuestión del proceso de envasado, etiquetado y expedición del aceite. El documento en cuestión demuestra que el rellenado del ánfora y la inscripción β del comerciante se realizan en la alfarería.
El Castelo do Mau Vizinho, Arraiolos. Documentación y revisión de un contexto de la romanización
Authors: García Sánchez Jesús , Carneiro André
Published: March 2021

Presentamos la investigación del yacimiento de Castelo do Mau Vizinho, ubicado en Arraiolos, Alto Alentejo, Portugal. Este yacimiento puede ser clasificado como uno de los recintos-torre que controlan el territorio desde época tardorrepublicana en el Suroeste peninsular, (Alto y Bajo Alentejo, valle de la Serena, La Carolina o la campiña del Guadalquivir). Sin embargo, la técnica constructiva y la complejidad del conjunto arqueológico documentado destaca sobre la casuística más cercana, lo que nos hace plantear una nueva aproximación centrada en la documentación exhaustiva del sitio, empleando técnicas no invasivas y una relectura de la evidencia epigráfica de la zona. Gracias al uso de técnicas como la prospección geofísica mediante georradar y la fotogrametría, hemos conseguido elaborar una planta y una reconstrucción 3D del yacimiento y sus alrededores, que permiten desechar la consideración del sitio como templo, y aceptar otras como su vinculación a un entorno urbano rural o una aglomeración secundaria. La relectura epigráfica nos permite además plantear la posibilidad de que el yacimiento pueda estar relacionado con el grupo de los Calanticenses, de este modo intentamos aproximarnos a la agencia del elemento indígena en la romanización de Lusitania.
Manuel Camacho Moreno, Arqueología, museo y sociedad. Juan Lafita y el Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla. La etapa 1925-1936.
Authors: Salas-Alvarez Jesús
Published: March 2021

Recensión de la obra de Manuel Camacho Moreno, Arqueología, museo y sociedad. Juan Lafita y el Museo Arqueológico de Sevilla. La etapa 1925-1936. Sección Historia, Serie 1ª, nº 80. Sevilla, Diputación Provincial, 2018, 215 páginas con ilustraciones. ISBN 978-84-7798-425-2
Time for a SWOT analysis?
Authors: Clare Mike
Published: March 2021

A look at the thinking behind the processes of taking stock…
Nymphaeaceae of Brasil
Authors: Lima Carla Teixeira de , Machado Isabel Cristina , Giulietti Ana Maria
Published: March 2021

A review of the native species of Nymphaeaceae from Brazil is presented, in which two genera (Nymphaea and Victoria) and 23 species, are recognized. Of these, 16 have been previously described: Nymphaea amazonum, N. belophylla, N. conardii, N. gardneriana, N. glandulifera, N. jamesoniana, N. lasiophylla, N. lingulata, N. oxypetala, N. potamophila, N. prolifera, N. pulchella, N. rudgeana, N. tenerinervia, N. vanildae and Victoria amazonica; five are described as new species: N. caatingae, N. francae, N. harleyi, N. paganuccii and N. rapinii; and N. amazonum subsp. pedersenii was elevated to the species rank, as N. pedersenii. Lectotypes are designated to Nymphaea alboviridis, N. amazonum, N. fenzliana, N. lasiophylla, N. nervosa, N. tenerinervea, Victoria cruziana and V. regia, and a neotype is designaed to Victoria amazonica. The paper includes detailed descriptions, illustrations of all the species, as well as notes on their reproductive biology and taxonomy, providing the first complete account of the family for Brazil since that by Caspary in Flora Brasiliensis, in 1878.
Optical wireless communication performance enhancement using Hamming coding and an efficient adaptive equalizer with a deep-learning-based quality assessment
Authors: Mortada Bidaa , Ghanem Hanan S. , Hammad Randa S. , Mohamed Safie El-Din Nasr , Sedik Ahmed , Eltaieb Rania A. , El-Shafai Walid , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , A. M. El-Bendary Mohsen , Salah F. Tabbour Mohammed , M. El Banby Ghada , A.M. Khalaf Ashraf , Farghal Ahmed E. A. , Ahmed HossamEl-din H. , A. Hussein Gamal , M. El-Rabaie El-Sayed , M. Eldokany Ibrahim , I. Dessouky Moawad , Mohamad Abdelnaser A. , Zahran O. , Elsabrouty Maha , F. A. Hamed Hesham , Salama Gerges M. , El-Khamy Said E. , Shalaby Hossam M. H. , Abd El-Samie Fathi E.
Published: March 2021

Optical wireless communication (OWC) technology is one of several alternative technologies for addressing the radio frequency limitations for applications in both indoor and outdoor architectures. Indoor optical wireless systems suffer from noise and intersymbol interference (ISI). These degradations are produced by the wireless channel multipath effect, which causes data rate limitation and hence overall system performance degradation. On the other hand, outdoor OWC suffers from several physical impairments that affect transmission quality. Channel coding can play a vital role in the performance enhancement of OWC systems to ensure that data transmission is robust against channel impairments. In this paper, an efficient framework for OWC in developing African countries is introduced. It is suitable for OWC in both indoor and outdoor environments. The outdoor scenario will be suitable to wild areas in Africa. A detailed study of the system stages is presented to guarantee the suitable modulation, coding, equalization, and quality assessment scenarios for the OWC process, especially for tasks such as image and video communication. Hamming and low-density parity check coding techniques are utilized with an asymmetrically clipped DC-offset optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (ADO-OFDM) scenario. The performance versus the complexity of both utilized techniques for channel coding is studied, and both coding techniques are compared at different coding rates. Another task studied in this paper is how to perform efficient adaptive channel estimation and hence equalization on the OWC systems to combat the effect of ISI. The proposed schemes for this task are based on the adaptive recursive least-squares (RLS) and the adaptive least mean squares (LMS) algorithms with activity detection guidance and tap decoupling techniques at the receiver side. These adaptive channel estimators are compared with the adaptive estimators based on the standard LMS and RLS algorithms. Moreover, this paper presents a new scenario for quality assessment of optical communication systems based on the regular transmission of images over the system and quality evaluation of these images at the receiver based on a trained convolutional neural network. The proposed OWC framework is very useful for developing countries in Africa due to its simplicity of implementation with high performance.
Proposal for phase-sensitive heterodyne detection in large-scale passive resonant gyroscopes
Authors: Li Zongyang , Liu Kui , Liu Jing , Lu Zehuang , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2021

Large-scale passive resonant gyroscopes (PRGs) have been utilized in the measurement of Earth rotation. We report on a scheme of phase-sensitive heterodyne detection in large-scale PRGs. By injecting three separated beams into different longitudinal modes of the ring cavity and self-demodulating the detected signals, the backscattering disturbance and the cavity length fluctuation effect both can be isolated. With the implementation of this new scheme, we can obtain the Earth rotation signal with a Sagnac frequency that is twice of that of the traditional scheme, which enhance the equivalent scale factor of the laser gyroscopes. On the other hand, the quantum noise limit of the instrument can also be further suppressed due to the improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio. With this new scheme, the theoretical rotational sensitivity of a 3 m × 3 m large scale PRG can be as low as

10

−
12

 

rad

/

s

/

Hz

. With this rotational sensitivity, the measurement of the length of day or the test of the general relativity can be realized.
Plasmonic nanocavity for obtaining bound state in the continuum in silicon waveguides
Authors: Qi Zhipeng , Hu Guohua , Liu Bo , Li Ying , Deng Chunyu , Zheng Pengfei , Wang Feng , Zhao Lilong , Cui Yiping
Published: March 2021

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) have become a new trend in the area of metaoptics and nanophotonics. Strong interactions in electromagnetic fields are analogous to electron transitions in atoms, giving rise to BICs with vanishing radiative losses. However, it is still a great challenge to realize BICs in the lossy plasmonic systems. For this problem, we propose a supercavity-like plasmonic nanocavity consisting of an Au nanorod deposited inside an Au symmetric split ring, and explore the possibility of exciting quasi-BICs that own finite but high quality (Q) factors. In such hybrid configuration, the excited resonances can be easily engineered by modifying the rotation angle or the length of the Au nanorod. With the integration of such nanocavity in silicon (Si) waveguides, sharp transmission spectra could be achieved with fiber-chip in-parallel excitations and detections. Besides, the ultracompact geometry of this plasmonic nanocavity provides a route to boost enhanced electric fields, thus improving sensing performances significantly. Our study not only offers a novel platform for the realization of chip-scale quasi-BICs, but extends functionalities of photonic-plasmonic hybrid circuits.
Simultaneous improvement of field-of-view and resolution in an imaging optical system
Authors: Zhang Benqi , Hou Wei , Jin Guofan , Zhu Jun
Published: March 2021

A novel imaging system design is proposed, in which the FOV and maximum resolution are improved simultaneously while the detector remains fixed. These improvements are realized using freeform optical surfaces and field-dependent characteristic parameters. The resulting imaging system design has optical properties that vary continuously with the field angle. In the central FOV, the system is equivalent to a long-focal-length camera, while in the marginal FOV, it is equivalent to a short-focal-length camera; however, the system has a constant F-number across the FOV. A 2× variation in the field-dependent characteristic parameters across the FOV is achieved.
The potential for histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors as cestocidal drugs
Authors: Vaca Hugo Rolando , Celentano Ana María , Toscanini María Agustina , Heimburg Tino , Ghazy Ehab , Zeyen Patrik , Hauser Alexander-Thomas , Oliveira Guilherme , Elissondo María Celina , Jung Manfred , Sippl Wolfgang , Camicia Federico , Rosenzvit Mara Cecilia
Published: March 2021

Background

Echinococcosis and cysticercosis are neglected tropical diseases caused by cestode parasites (family Taeniidae). Not only there is a small number of approved anthelmintics for the treatment of these cestodiases, but also some of them are not highly effective against larval stages, such that identifying novel drug targets and their associated compounds is critical. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes are validated drug targets in cancers and other diseases, and have been gaining relevance for developing new potential anti-parasitic treatments in the last years. Here, we present the anthelmintic profile for a panel of recently developed HDAC inhibitors against the model cestode Mesocestoides vogae (syn. M. corti).

Methodology/Principal findings

Phenotypic screening was performed on M. vogae by motility measurements and optical microscopic observations. Some HDAC inhibitors showed potent anthelmintic activities; three of them -entinostat, TH65, and TH92- had pronounced anthelmintic effects, reducing parasite viability by ~100% at concentrations of ≤ 20 μM. These compounds were selected for further characterization and showed anthelmintic effects in the micromolar range and in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, these compounds induced major alterations on the morphology and ultrastructural features of M. vogae. The potencies of these compounds were higher than albendazole and the anthelmintic effects were irreversible. Additionally, we evaluated pairwise drug combinations of these HDAC inhibitors and albendazole. The results suggested a positive interaction in the anthelmintic effect for individual pairs of compounds. Due to the maximum dose approved for entinostat, adjustments in the dose regime and/or combinations with currently-used anthelmintic drugs are needed, and the selectivity of TH65 and TH92 towards parasite targets should be assessed.

Conclusion, significance

The results presented here suggest that HDAC inhibitors represent novel and potent drug candidates against cestodes and pave the way to understanding the roles of HDACs in these parasites.
Intestinal protozoan infections shape fecal bacterial microbiota in children from Guinea-Bissau
Authors: von Huth Sebastian , Thingholm Louise B. , Kofoed Poul-Erik , Bang Corinna , Rühlemann Malte C. , Franke Andre , Holmskov Uffe
Published: March 2021

Intestinal parasitic infections, caused by helminths and protozoa, are globally distributed and major causes of worldwide morbidity. The gut microbiota may modulate parasite virulence and host response upon infection. The complex interplay between parasites and the gut microbiota is poorly understood, partly due to sampling difficulties in remote areas with high parasite burden. In a large study of children in Guinea-Bissau, we found high prevalence of intestinal parasites. By sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of fecal samples stored on filter paper from a total of 1,204 children, we demonstrate that the bacterial microbiota is not significantly altered by helminth infections, whereas it is shaped by the presence of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic protozoa, includingEntamoeba(E.) spp. andGiardia(G.)lamblia. Within-sample diversity remains largely unaffected, whereas overall community composition is significantly affected by infection with both nonpathogenicE.coli(R2= 0.0131, P = 0.0001) andEndolimax nana(R2= 0.00902, P = 0.0001), and by pathogenicE.histolytica(R2= 0.0164, P = 0.0001) andG.lamblia(R2= 0.00676, P = 0.0001). Infections with multiple parasite species induces more pronounced shifts in microbiota community than mild ones. A total of 31 bacterial genera across all four major bacterial phyla were differentially abundant in protozoan infection as compared to noninfected individuals, including increased abundance ofPrevotella,Campylobacterand twoClostridiumclades, and decreased abundance ofCollinsella,Lactobacillus,Ruminococcus,Veillonellaand oneClostridiumclade. In the present study, we demonstrate that the fecal bacterial microbiota is shaped by intestinal parasitic infection, with most pronounced associations for protozoan species. Our results provide insights into the interplay between the microbiota and intestinal parasites, which are valuable to understand infection biology and design further studies aimed at optimizing treatment strategies.