bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2-Tuple Unbalanced Linguistic Multiple Criteria Group Decision Making using Prospect Theory Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Khan Imran , Gupta Anjana , Mehra Aparna
Published: August 2021

The linguistic terms in a balanced linguistic term set describing qualitative data are symmetrical around the central linguistic word. With the growing complexity of the problems, the symmetric linguistic term set appears to be confined. This work examines the multiple criteria group decision-making problems where decision-makers employ a 2-tuple unbalanced linguistic term set to provide entries of alternative-criteria matrices.We adopt a data envelopment analysis (DEA) method and create a linear programming model to evaluate alternative-criteria weights for each decision-maker. The value function from prospect theory models the non-rational aspect of risk in criteria. The values of prospect gain and prospect loss on cost and benefit criteria are computed and used to create a DEA model that evaluates the weights of each criterion on each alternative. Finally, the entropy values of the cross-efficiency scores deliver a ranking of the alternatives. A numerical example illustrates the proposed methodology
Effects of Different Protein Levels on Growth Performance and Stress Parameters in Beef Calves Under Heat Stress
Authors: Kim Won Seob , Nejad Jalil Ghassemi , Peng Dong Qiao , Jo Yong Ho , Kim Jongkyoo , Lee Hong Gu
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the effects of dietary protein levels under various heat stress (HS) conditions on the growth performance and stress parameters in Korean native beef calves. Male calves (n = 40; initial BW = 202.2 ± 3.31 kg) were randomly assigned to climatic-controlled chambers with 3×3 factorial arrangements. Calves were assigned into three dietary protein levels (low protein; LP = 12.5%, medium protein; MP = 15%, and high protein; HP = 17.5%) and three stress levels (mild: temperature-humidity index (THI) = 74 to 76, moderate: THI = 81 to 83, and severe: THI = 89 to 91) with control (threshold: THI = 70 to 73 and dietary protein level 12.5%). The calves were subjected to ambient temperature (22 °C) for 7 days and subsequently to the temperature and humidity corresponding to the target THI level for 21 days. As a result, average daily gain (ADG) was decreased (P < 0.05) under severe HS level compared to the mild and moderate HS stress levels. However, HP increased ADG (P < 0.05) than moderate levels (LP) and severe levels (LP and MP). Under different HS levels (mild, moderate, and severe), HR, RT, and blood cortisol were increased compared to a threshold level, but no differences were observed in the parameters among various protein levels. Varied HS levels decreased the levels of blood glucose, NEFA, and amino acids (AAs) (lysine and glutamic acid) compared to a threshold (P < 0.05). But, the HP group resulted in increased levels of blood glucose, NEFA, and AAs (lysine and glutamic acid) compared to LP and MP groups under severe HS stress. The expression level of the HSP70 gene (P < 0.05) in PBMC and hair follicles was increased following an increase in moderate and severe HS levels. Also, HSP70 gene expression in the HP group was decreased compared with LP and MP groups under intense HS level. Overall, HS in Korean native beef calves exhibited negative effects on ADG, blood glucose, NEFA, and AA profile. However, 17.5% of dietary protein (HP) could compensate for the growth of heat-exposed Korean native beef calves through the regulation of homeostasis by protein and energy metabolism. Also, it was evident that adequate protein (HP) is used as a major nutrient for HSP70 synthesis in PBMC and hair follicles causing, a boost in the immune system of heat-exposed Korean native beef calves.
Fine-scale variation in microhabitat conditions influence physiology and metabolism in an Antarctic insect
Authors: Spacht Drew Evan , Gantz Josiah D. , Devlin Jack J , McCabe Eleanor A. , Lee Richard E. , Denlinger David L. , Teets Nicholas M.
Published: August 2021

Microhabitats with distinct biotic and abiotic properties exist within landscapes, and this microhabitat variation can have dramatic impacts on the phenology and physiology of the organisms occupying them. The Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica inhabits diverse microhabitats along the Western Antarctic Peninsula that vary in macrophyte composition, hygric qualities, nutrient input, and thermal patterns. Here, we compare seasonal physiological changes in five populations of B. antarctica living in close proximity but in different microhabitats in the vicinity of Palmer Station, Antarctica. Thermal regimes among our sample locations differed in both mean temperature and thermal stability. Between the warmest and coldest sites, seasonal mean temperatures differed by 2.6˚C and degree day accumulations above freezing differed by a factor of 1.7. Larval metabolic and growth rates varied among the sites, and adult emergence occurred at different times. Distinct microhabitats also corresponded with differences in body composition, as lipid and carbohydrate content of larvae differed across sites. Further, seasonal changes in carbohydrate and protein content were dependent on site, indicating fine-scale variation in the biochemical composition of larvae as they prepare for winter. Together, these results demonstrate that variation in microhabitat properties influences the ontogeny, phenology, physiology, and biochemical makeup of midge populations living in close proximity. These results have implications for predicting responses of Antarctic ecosystems to environmental change.
The Introduction of Broad-Leaved Tree Species Drives The Process of Nutrient Cycling in Forest Soil
Authors: SU Yu , YIN Haifeng , LI Xianwei , LI Xiangjun , LIU Size , FAN Chuan , HE Rui
Published: August 2021

Background

Pure cypress forests experience problems such as reductions in biodiversity, lowered capabilities for water and soil conservation, decreased underground productivity and land degradation. To improve the conditions of pure forests, we studied the effects of mixed gaps on the cypress (Cupressus funebris) pure forest, selecting the Chinese toon (Toona sinensis), which is a deciduous broad-leaved tree, as the mixed tree species. We examined the variations in the concentrations of C, N, and P and their ratios in plant tissues, litter and soils in different seasons in pure cypress forests with 4 different sizes of mixed gaps (50, 100, 150, 200 m2).
Results

The leaf N:P ratios of cypress and Chinese toon were 10.77 and 12.74, respectively, and N was the main limiting factor for tree growth in the study area. The N and P resorption rates of the cypress pure forest were 57.4% and 60.7%, respectively, and mixed gaps with Chinese toon increased the resorption rates. An analysis of correlations among leaf-litter-soil stoichiometry indicated that the correlations between the soil nutrient elements and the corresponding plant leaves and litter increased when the broadleaf tree species was introduced into the cypress pure forest.
Conclusions

These results indicate that the introduction of broad-leaved species was favorable for triggering the forest soil nutrient recycling process.
Effects of Tree Species and Soil Enzyme Activities on Soil Nutrients in The Dryland Plantations
Authors: Li Yage , Han Chun , Sun Shan , Zhao Changming
Published: August 2021

Background
Long-term afforestation of different tree species strongly changes the soil physicochemical and biological properties. However, how tree species through litter quality and soil enzyme activities affect the succession of soil nutrients is still unclear in the dryland plantations. In this study, samples of surface soil (0–20 cm) and woody litter were collected from 55 years Caragana korshinskii, and 50 years Armeniaca sibirica, Populus hopeiensis, Platycladus orientalis, and Pinus tabulaeformis, and the natural grassland, and tested for the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents, as well as the soil sucrase (SC), urease (UE), and alkaline phosphorus (ALP) activities.
Results
We found that long-term dryland plantations increased soil total carbon (TC) by 1.69%-28.42%, but significantly decreased soil total phosphorus (TP) and total potassium (TK) by 11.87%-30.58% and 4.69%-8.25%. The C. korshinskii significantly increased soil TC, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), available potassium (AK), UE, and ALP by 28.42%, 56.08%, 57.41%, 107.25%, 10.29%, 11.00%, and 107.81%, respectively, and also raised soil available phosphorus (AP) by 18.56%; while the P. orientalis significantly decreased soil TN, TP, AP, TK, AK, and UE by 38.89%, 30.58%, 76.39%, 8.25%, 8.33%, and 18.97%, respectively, and also reduced soil SC and ALP by 3.84% and 25.32%, compared to those in grassland. In addition, the C. korshinskii produced high-quality litter with lower carbon, the highest nitrogen and phosphorus, and higher potassium contents than those of P. orientalis. The litter chemical properties and soil enzyme activities together explained 62.2% of the total variation of soil nutrients, especially the litter phosphorus (LP) and soil ALP. Therefore, the tree species, LP, and soil ALP were key factors driving soil nutrient succession in dryland plantations. And the significantly positive coupling relationship between nitrogen and phosphorus in the "litter-enzyme-soil" system revealed that the improvement of nitrogen level promoted the phosphorus cycle of the ecosystem.
Conclusions
This study suggests choosing leguminous tree species with high-quality litter to establish plantations in the phosphorus-limited dryland, which will improve soil nutrients and alleviate nutrient limitations by adjusting soil enzyme activities.
Clinical Evidence-Based Evaluation of ZFXNY in Treatment of Acute Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Hu Wei , Zhang Chenhui , Zhang Hong
Published: August 2021

Background: Stroke is a severe and life-threatening disease, owns high rates of disability and mortality.[1] Stroke and ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are the world’s three main killers.Ischemic strokes account for the vast majority of strokes.[2] Modern medicine has some advantages in treating ischemic stroke, but there are also limitations. Traditional Chinese medicine has thousands of years of experience in treating stroke, but there are few high quality clinical Randomized controlled trial.Methods: This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 286 patients were randomly divided into test group and Control Group. Both groups received General Western medicine treatment, the test group combined with Chinese medicine treatment, the control group combined with placebo treatment. The duration of treatment was 30 days and the follow-up was 90 days. evaluation indicators include: Modified Rankin Scale, NIH stroke Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, Barthel Index, Case fatality rate.Laboratory specifications and safety assessments will also be taken into account.Discussion: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ZFXNY in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction. Our research will provide a reliable evidence-based medicine basis for the treatment of acute cerebral infarction with traditional Chinese medicine, and provide another option for the treatment of acute cerebral infarction.Trial registration: ChiCTR2100043796, Registered February 28th, 2021.
Electronic Nature of Charge Density Wave and Electron-Phonon Coupling in Kagome Superconductor KV3Sb5
Authors: Zhou Xingjiang , Luo Hai-Lan , Gao Qiang , Liu Hongxiong , Gu Yuhao , Wu Ding-Song , Yi Changjiang , Jia Junjie , Wu Shilong , Luo Xiangyu , Xu Yu , Zhao Lin , Wang Qing-Yan , Mao Hanqing , Liu Guodong , Zhu Zhihai , Shi Youguo , Jiang Kun , Hu Jiangping , Xu Zuyan
Published: August 2021

The Kagome superconductors AV3Sb5 (A=K, Rb, Cs) have received enormous attention due to their nontrivial topological electronic structure, anomalous physical properties and superconductivity. Unconventional charge density wave (CDW) has been detected in AV3Sb5 that is found to be intimately intertwined with the anomalous Hall effect and superconductivity. High-precision electronic structure determination is essential to understand the origin of the CDW transition and its interplay with electron correlation, topology and superconductivity, yet, little evidence has been found about the impact of the CDW state on the electronic structure in AV3Sb5. Here we unveil electronic nature of the CDW phase in our high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission (ARPES) measurements on KV3Sb5. We have observed CDW-induced Fermi surface reconstruction and the associated band structure folding. The CDW-induced band splitting and the associated gap opening have been revealed at the boundary of the pristine and reconstructed Brillouin zone. The Fermi surface- and momentum-dependent CDW gap is measured for the first time and the strongly anisotropic CDW gap is observed for all the V-derived Fermi surface sheets. In particular, we have observed signatures of the electron-phonon coupling for all the V-derived bands. These results provide key insights in understanding the nature of the CDW state and its interplay with superconductivity in AV3Sb5 superconductors.
Optimal Geometric Characterization of Forced Zonal Mean Tropical Precipitation Changes.
Authors: Donohoe Aaron , Atwood Alyssa R , Battisti David S
Published: August 2021

The zonal and annual mean tropical precipitation response to paleoclimate and anthropogenic forcing scenarios ranging from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), CO2 quadrupling (4XCO2 ), mid-Holocene, North Atlantic freshwater hosing and volcanic forcing is analyzed in an ensemble of global climate models. Zonally averaged tropical precipitation changes are characterized in terms of three geometric manipulations of the climatological precipitation (hereafter, modes): meridional shifts, intensifications, and meridional contractions. We employ an optimization procedure that quantifies the magnitude and robustness (across different models) of changes in each mode in response to each forcing type. Additionally, the fraction of precipitation changes that are explained by the modes (in isolation and combined) is quantified. Shifts are generally less than 1º latitude in magnitude and explain a small fraction (<10%) of tropical precipitation changes. Contractions and intensifications are strongly anti-correlated across all simulations with a robust intensification and contraction of precipitation under global warming and a robust reduction and expansion under global cooling during the Last Glacial Maximum. The near constant scaling between contractions and intensifications across all simulations is used to define a joint contraction/intensification (CI) mode of tropical precipitation. The CI mode explains nearly 50% of the precipitation change under 4XCO2 and LGM forcing by optimizing a single parameter. These results suggest the shifting mode that has been extensively used to interpret paleo-rainfall reconstructions is of limited use for characterizing forced zonal mean precipitation changes and advocates for a reinterpretation of past precipitation changes to account for the CI mode
A Preliminary Attempt On Decadal Prediction of The East Asian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Qian Danwei , Huang Yanyan , Wang Huijun
Published: August 2021

The East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) is one of the major synoptic systems that affect the summer climate in China. The anomaly of the EASM is closely related to the occurrence of droughts and floods in China. Decadal prediction of the EASM is of great significance, yet few attempts have been made by far. This study represents a preliminary attempt that uses the decadal increment (DI) method to predict the decadal variability of the EASM. The 3-year increment of the decadal variability is used as the predictand, and predictors are selected from the previous circulation and external forcing. The predicted increment is combined with the observation three years ago to get the final prediction result. The results of cross validation and independent hindcast show that the decadal increment method can well predict decadal variability of the EASM during the recent century. In particular, the decadal regime shifts of the EASM are accurately captured. The decadal variability of the EASM in 2021 is further predicted with two previous predictors of the leading 4-year summer DI of the South Indian Ocean and the DI of the East Siberian Sea sea ice cover. The real-time prediction results show that the chance for the occurrence of strong decadal EASM would be rare in 2021 and 2022. The method developed in the present study provides a new approach for decadal prediction of the EASM.
Effect of Concentration of Mo on The Mechanical Behavior of UMo Fuel: An Atomistic Study
Authors: Ullah Asmat , Ado Muhammad , Adede Simon
Published: August 2021

We performed molecular dynamics simulation on nanoindentation of Uranium Molybdenum alloys using spherical indenter. A ternary potential developed for UMoXe was utilized. We calculated the updated values for hardness and reduced elastic modulus at different concentrations of Mo. The whole process of deformation and dislocation analysis was visualized using OVITO. We found an increase in deformation with increase in stress while dislocations are not found anyhow induced defects have been distributed throughout the simulation cell randomly. The increase in concentration affected the hardness and reduced elastic modulus significantly.
FOXM1 Drives Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Program Through E-Cadherin Promoter Biding Ability in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Ling , Xiaolan Lin , Jiang ZongSheng , Sun Yanzi , Li Yixuan , Ruan Junshan
Published: August 2021

Background: Forkhead box (FOX) gene family plays a critical role in regulating Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program, and in which, FOXM1 can mediate multiple malignant process in many type of tumor cells. However, the modulate functions of FOXM1 on EMT in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, especially the transcriptional function on E-cadherin coding gene CDH1 remains unclear. This article mainly focuses on FOXM1, exploring its mechanism in regulating EMT of NSCLC cells, and FOXM1 inhibitor thiostrepton’s effects in EMT intervention. Methods: Morphological changes of overexpressed cells were observed by HE staining. The effects of scratch test, Transwell chamber test and Western-blot analysis on cell migration and invasion ability and the expression of EMT-related markers were analyzed. Dual luciferin reporter enzyme assay and nuclear transcription factor immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP, immunofluorescence) revealed the transcriptional regulation of FOXM1 on EMT markers. MTT assay and clone formation assay were used to determine the effect of thiomycin on the viability of NSCLC cells and the ability of cell clone formation.Rusults: After overexpression of FOXM1, the cells showed intermediate epithelial-mesenchymal morphology, but not complete mesenchymal morphology, and their migration and invasion abilities were enhanced. The protein expression levels of N-cadherin,Snail1 and Vimentin were increased, while the expression levels of E-cadherin were decreased. On the contrary, knockdown of FOXM1 expression showed the opposite result. The double luciferin reporter enzyme assay showed that FOXM1 inhibited the luciferin reporter vector CDH1-2000-promoter. ChIP results confirmed that FOXM1 could bind endogenous to CDH1 gene promoter. In cells overexpressing FOXM1, knockdown of Snail further promotes FOXM1-mediated CDH1 transcription. MTT results and clone formation experiments showed that thiomycin had inhibitory effect on the proliferation of NSCLC cells. Morphological observation, cell migration assay and Transwell chamber assay showed that streptotin inhibited TGF-β1-induced enhanced cell migration and invasion. Western-blot analysis showed that thiomycin down-regulated the expression of FOXM1, N-cadherin, Snail, and Vimentin induced by TGF-β1, while blocking the expression of E-cadherin induced by TGF-β1 decreased.Conclusion: FOXM1 can directly bind to the promoter of E-cadherin encoding gene, and can indirectly inhibit E-cadherin expression by stimulating Snail. Overexpression of FOXM1 can promote EMT progression in NSCLC cells. Therefore, down-regulation of FOXM1 can inhibit this process. In addition, thiostrepton, a FOXM1 inhibitor, blocked proliferation, colony formation, and EMT progression in NSCLC cells.
Closing The Treatment Gap: Insights Into Implementation Strategies for Task-Shared Counselling for Depression and Unhealthy Alcohol use In South Africa
Authors: Brooke-Sumner Carrie , Petersen-Williams Petal , Sorsdahl Katherine , Kruger James , Mahomed Hassan , Myers Bronwyn
Published: August 2021

Background: Task-shared psychological counselling can be an effective approach to meet mental health needs in low-resource settings. Evidence on how to sustain and scale such approaches is required. This study was nested in the Project MIND cluster randomised controlled trial which investigated integrating a new, task-shared counselling service in 24 primary care facilities in South Africa. The current study aimed to describe and distil experiences of primary healthcare managers in whose facilities counselling was implemented.Methods: Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 Primary Health Care (PHC) facility and operational managers (urban and rural facilities). Interviewers used a semi-structured topic guide to explore overall experiences of the programme and barriers to wider implementation. Normalisation process theory guided analysis.Results: Managers highlighted their relational work in communicating with staff on the value of the new intervention, to reduce resistance. Their leadership role in promoting support for the intervention, teamwork and onward referral of clients was key to embedding this new approach. Managers emphasized the need for reorientation and upskilling of staff to be foster openness to mental health practice and for counsellors to have adequate time to provide quality counselling. Strengthening within-facility referrals and referrals to external organisations were both noted as crucial for sustained implementation, as well as cycles of monitoring and feedback.Conclusion: This study presents experiences and perceptions of health care managers developed into a multicomponent implementation approach for embedding a task-shared package of care for problem alcohol use and depression in primary care.
Development a New Carbon Nanocomposite Containing MWCNT as Adsorbent for Effective Removal of Cloxacillin
Authors: Golkarieh Amir-Mohammad , Nasirizadeh Navid , Jahanmardi Reza , Jafari Saeed , Dehghani Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Antibiotics along with their metabolites due to their toxicity and low biodegradability have adverse effects to human and animal health. This work can help to monitor and elimination of the residue of the cloxacillin (Clox) antibiotics in two ways: the first part involves design and fabrication of a new electrochemical nanosensor based on a screen-printed carbon electrode modified with gold nanourchin and graphene oxide for detection and determination of Clox in aqueous media. The second part focuses on the preparation of carbon nanocomposites modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT/CC) as adsorbent for the removal of Clox from aqueous medium. The MWCNT/CC nanocomposites were made using sol-gel process and then the efficiency of the antibiotic removal was assessed by the designed nanosensor. In Clox removal experiments, the effect of independent variables including pH, exposure time, extent of MWCNTs and amount of adsorbent on the removal of antibiotic as a dependent variable was investigated using response surface methodology. The morphological and physical properties of the suggested adsorbent were explored. The maximum efficiency of Clox removal (97%) was achieved in conditions of using 1.52 g/L of the adsorbent fabricated by 2.9 wt. % of MWCNTs in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution at pH of 5.0 during 75 minutes. The highest adsorption capacity of the MWCNT/CC was 296 mg/g at optimal conditions.
Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Making Models in Forest Fire Management
Authors: Abedi Roya
Published: August 2021

The study on effective factors of forest fire prevention policy is helpful to reduce forest fire impacts on extensive environmental damage in the long-term period. In other words, forest fire management is the result of a complex interaction among criteria. The present study aims to create a scientific analysis of the most effective criteria based on TOPSIS and SAW methods in the Arasbaran forest. The five top optimal criteria selection by TOPSIS method introduced that “association and cooperation between the executive and responsible institutions” have the first rank (CCi+=0.85), “Lack of deterrence law in dealing with forest fire offenders in human–caused forest fires” has the second rank (CCi+= 0.84) and followed by “Lack of up-to-date scientific information on susceptible areas in the region”, “Increasing the cooperation of NGOs and increase public trust”; and “Lack of forest road network access to ignite regions” (CCi+= 0.789; 0.787; 0.77, respectively). The five top optimal criteria resulting from the SAW method showed that “Local people participations” provide the highest score (FS=0.39) and followed by “association and cooperation between the executive and responsible institutions (FS=0.39), “Increasing the cooperation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and increase public trust” (FS=0.36), “Raising awareness of the position of natural resources among local peoples and attracting their cooperation” (FS=0.35) and “Optimal Use past experiences” (FS=0.34). It is suggested that evaluating the ecological and environmental factors affecting the forest fire occurrence and extension could become a set of complement factors to setting management criteria for demonstrating the best management strategies.
Lactobacillus Alleviates Colitis Caused by Chemotherapy Via Biofilm Formation
Authors: Qiu Xiaolan , Han Xuedong , Zhang Xiangcheng , Zhen Linlin , Li Zhi , Liu Minmin , Ren Yi , Wang Shui
Published: August 2021

Background: Severe colitis is a common side effect of chemotherapy in cancer patients. A widely consumed probiotic, Lactobacillus, has been reported to alleviate colitis. However, the gastric acid has a powerful bactericidal effect, which restricts to clinical trial success. In this study, we attempted to enhance the viability of probiotics in a gastric acid environment and improve the colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and chemotherapeutic docetaxel.Methods: We purified Lactobacillus from diverse brands of yogurt and estimated their growth at pH 6.8 and pH 2.0. In the further investigation, the bacterial biofilm formation was used to define the mechanism by which administration of LGG via oral gavage alleviates the colitis and intestine permeability of the mice induced by DSS and docetaxel. The potential benefit of probiotics on the treatment of breast cancer metastasis has been assessed as well.Results: Lactobacillus growth was unexpectedly faster in the pH 2.0 than in the neutral pH medium during the first hour. However, its growth was greatly reduced after the first hour in the pH 2.0 medium but was maintained at neutral pH. As expected, Escherichia coli (E. coli) could not grow well in an acidic medium. Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) administered in the fasting state via oral gavage significantly improved the preventive effect in the colitis caused by DSS and docetaxel. Further mechanistic investigations suggested that LGG reduced the permeability of the intestine and decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6, in colitis by biofilm formation. We examined the chemotherapeutic effect of docetaxel in a breast cancer model and found that increasing the docetaxel dose may reduce tumor growth and metastasis in the lung but did not benefit survival due to severe colitis. However, the LGG supplement significantly improved the survival of tumor-bearing mice following a high dose of docetaxel treatment. Conclusions: Our findings provide new insights into the potential mechanism of probiotic protection of the intestine and provide a novel therapeutic strategy to augment the chemotherapeutic treatment of tumors.
BRIX1 Promotes Ribosome Synthesis and Enhances Glycolysis by Selected Translation of GLUT1 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Jiang Chunhui , Xu Chunjie , Wen Siyuan , Xue Hanbing , Xu Qing
Published: August 2021

Background: Ribosome biogenesis protein BRX1 homolog (BRIX1) is a vital member for synthesizing 60S subunit of ribosome. However, the role and mechanism of BRIX1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) are still unclear. Methods: KEGG pathway analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis were used for bioinformatics analysis. Ribosome RNAs (rRNAs) levels were detected in CRC tissues and cells. Nascent RNA synthesis were detected by cellular immunofluorescence. Correlation was analysis between PET-CT value and BRIX1 expression. Extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were conducted by seahorse analyses. Polysome fractions were collected for BRIX1 mRNA used in translation. Orthotopic model and CCK-8 assay were used for BRIX1 function in CRC.Results: We found that BRIX1 is a core gene of ribosome-related pathway changes in CRC. GO analysis showed BRIX1 primarily enriched RIBOSOME ASSEMBLY and RIBOSOME BIOGENESIS pathways. In fresh CRC tissue, rRNAs levels (5S, 5.8S, 18S and 28S) were obvious higher in BRIX1-high group than BRIX1-Low group. Similarly, BRIX1 knockdown and overexpression significantly dereased and increased rRNAs levels (5S, 5.8S, 18S and 28S) in CRC cells, respectively. In addition, BRIX1 knockdown inhibited nascent RNA synthesis of CRC cells. In clinical data analysis, we found that BRIX1 expression is related to the glucose uptake of PET-CT. Consistently, BRIX1 knockdown and overexpression significantly dereased and increased ECAR valve, glucose uptake and lactic acid production in CRC cells. Subsequently, we found BRIX1 knockdown and overexpression significantly dereased and increased the protein expression of GLUT1, but not affect its mRNA expression. Interestingly, we found BRIX1 knockdown and overexpression obviously decreased and increased mRNA level of GLUT1 in polysome fractions. Blocking glycolysis by si-GLUT1 or galactose reversed the promoting role of BRIX1 in glycolysis and cell proliferation of CRC cells. Conclusion: In this study, BRIX1 plays a tumor-promoting role in CRC via regulating glycolysis by selecting GLUT1 translation, indicating a correlation between ribosome activation and metabolic reprogramming in CRC.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Prognostic Value and Immune Infiltration of Calpains in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Chuan Lan , Tang Haoyou , Liu Sheng , Ma Lin , Hou Yifu
Published: August 2021

Background: Calpains (CAPNs) are intracellular calcium-activated neutral cysteine proteinases that are involved in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis; however, their role in pancreatic cancer (PC) remains unclear. Methods: We combined data from various mainstream databases (i.e., Oncomine, GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier plotter, cBioPortal, STRING, GeneMANIA, and ssGSEA) and investigated the role of CAPNs in the prognosis of PC and immune cell infiltration.Results: Our results showed that CAPN1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12 were highly expressed in PC. The expression levels of CAPN1, 5, 8, and 12 were positively correlated with the individual cancer stages. Moreover, the expression levels of CAPN1, 2, 5, and 8 were negatively correlated with the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS); whereas that of CAPN10 was positively correlated with OS and RFS. We found that CAPN1, 2, 5, and 8 were correlated with tumour-infiltrating T follicular helper cells and CAPN10 with tumour-infiltrating T helper 2 cells. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed CAPNs (CAPN1, 2, 5, 8, and 10) are involved in axonogenesis, cell-substrate adhesion, immune response-activating cell surface receptor signalling pathway, and cell junction organisation in PC.Conclusions: These results suggested that CAPN1, 2, 5, 8, and 10 could be used as prognostic biomarkers in PC and can assist in improving individualised treatment strategies.
Fucoidan from Sargassum Hemiphyllum Inhibits Infection and Inflammation of Helicobacter Pylori
Authors: Chen Bo-Rui , Li Wei-Ming , Li Tsung-Lin , Chan Yi-Lin , Wu Chang-Jer
Published: August 2021

When infected by Helicobacter pylori, it often causes gastritis, gastric ulcer, or gastric cancer. Antibiotics are used to treat H. pylori infection, as they inhibit or kill H. pylori often ex-tending to reduce the incidences of gastric adenoma and cancer. However, H. pylori has developed drug resistance to many clinically used antibiotics over the years, thereby providing no warranty of successful treatment whenever H. pylori infection befalls. We report here that fucoidan from Sargassumhemiphyllum can effectively reduce infection of H. pylori without development of drug resistance. Fucoidan demonstrated a strong anti-inflammation activity in RAW264.7 cell model. Using AGS cell model, fucoidan decreased H. pylori adhesion to host cells and thus reduced its infection rate, especially in post-treatment where the infection rate was reduced to 40%. Mechanistically, fucoidan intervenes the proper functions of adhesion molecules BabA and AlpA of H. pylori. Moreover, fucoidan is able to significantly lower the total count of H. pylori and the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in vivo. Added together, these convergent results suggest that fucoidan is an effective agent in a position to protect stomach from H. pylori infection by reducing its total count and induced inflammation.
Comparing DNA yield from fish scales following different extraction protocols
Authors: Shuttleworth Loraine , Oosthuizen Carel Jakobus
Published: August 2021

Background
Studies on genetic diversity, adaptive potential and fitness of species have become a major tool in conservation biology. These studies require biological material containing a reliable source of DNA which can be extracted and analysed. Recently, non-invasive sampling has become the preferred sampling method of such biological material; particularly when studying endangered species. Elasmoid scales from teleost fish are an example of non-invasive samples from which DNA can successfully be extracted.
Methods
This study compared different extraction protocols to find an optimal method for extracting DNA from teleost fish scales. This was done with the intent to use the protocol that yielded the highest quantity of DNA on dried, archived scales. The protocols tested in this study included (i) phenol/chloroform with a TNES-urea digestion buffer, (ii) phenol/chloroform with an amniocyte digestion buffer and (iii) Qiagen DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit with variations in incubation times and temperatures of each protocol.
Results
While the phenol/chloroform with TNES-urea digestion buffer yielded significantly higher concentrations of DNA compared to the other protocols, all protocols followed in this study yielded sufficient quantities of DNA for further downstream applications.
Conclusion
Therefore, while there are multiple viable options when selecting a DNA extraction protocol, each research project’s individual needs, requirements and resources need to be carefully considered in order to choose the most effective protocol.
Safety and Efficacy of the New CryoPop® Cryotherapy Device for Cervical Dysplasia in Low- and Middle-income Countries: Study Protocol for a Multicentre Open-label Non-inferiority Clinical Trial With Historical Controls
Authors: YogeshKumar S , Anderson Jean , Lu Enrique , Kenyi Edward , Mensa Margaret , Thaler Katrina , Antartani Ramalingappa , Donimath Kasturi , Patil Basavaraj , Chikaraddi Santosh , Bidri Shailaja , Biradar Aruna , Gudadinni Muttappa R , Lokare Laxmikant , Yenokyan Gayane , Bellad Mrutyunjaya B , Goudar Shivaprasad S , Derman Richard , Kumar Amit , Patil Hema , wani Ramadevi , Kangle Ranjit , Chavan Ramesh Y Chavan Y , Nagmoti Mahantesh B , Kabadi Yogendra M , Reddy Purushotham , Vernekar Sunita , Hipparagi Surekha , Patil Vijayalaxmi , Dalal Anita
Published: August 2021

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world, affecting mainly women residing in low- and middle-income countries. Progression from a pre-invasive phase to that of an invasive phase generally takes years and provides a window of opportunity to screen for and treat precancerous lesions. Methods: This study is being conducted at four sites in north Karnataka, India. Community sensitization activities have been organized in the study areas to create awareness among stakeholders, including elected representatives, physicians, health care workers and potential participants. Organized community based as well as hospital-based screening is being conducted using Visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA). Screen positive women are referred to respective study hospitals for colposcopy and directed biopsy. Participants with confirmed high-grade cervical dysplasia (high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or HSIL) who fit all other eligibility criteria will be recruited to the study and will receive cryotherapy using CryoPop®, an innovative new cryotherapy device.Discussion: There is a need to develop an inexpensive, simple and effective cryotherapy device for use by frontline health care providers at locations where screening and timely treatment can be given, accelerating access to cervical cancer prevention services and minimizing loss to follow-up of women with precancerous lesions who need treatment.Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry - India CTRI/2019/01/017289 ClinicalTrials.Gov number NCT04154644 on November 6, 2019. https://bit.ly/3yRQWC4
Development of cost-effective IoT module-based pipe classification system for flexible manufacturing system of painting process of high-pressure pipe
Authors: Yoo Young Jun
Published: August 2021

This paper researches an IoT module-based pipe classification system for a flexible manufacturing system that recognizes the size and length of pipes used in the painting process of high-pressure pipes. The proposed system is composed of an IoT module, USB camera, and edge TPU for pipe classification. The proposed system recognizes the type of pipe by three processes; object detection of the pipe, line detection algorithm of the three regions of interest, and pipe classification algorithm based on the line detection algorithm. Furthermore, the proposed system enables web-based real-time monitoring, providing convenience to workers and helping them make quick decisions. The IoT module interfaces with the painting robot and the sequence control that paints for each type of pipe is executed in the painting robot, allowing flexible manufacturing of the painting process.
M2 Macrophages Secrete CXCL13 to Promote Renal Cell Carcinoma Migration, Invasion, and EMT
Authors: Xie Yingwei , Chen Zhiliang , Zhong Qiyu , Zheng Zaosong , Chen Yuqing , Shangguan Wentai , Zhang Yishan , Yang Jingying , Zhu Dingjun , Xie Wenlian
Published: August 2021

Objective: M2 macrophages are associated with a poor prognosis in a variety of malignancies. There are, however, few relevant investigations in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).Methods: The expression of M2 macrophages in ccRCC tissues was first discovered using immunohistochemistry in this study. Then, M2 macrophages were created in vitro to see how they affected the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of ccRCC cells. Using qPCR and prognostic analysis identifies important chemokine. Antibody neutralization tests confirmed the chemokine’s involvement and function. Pathway inhibitors confirmed the main pathway of M2 macrophages in ccRCC. Finally, qPCR and IHC were used to confirm the expression of chemokine receptors in ccRCC tissues.Results: The presence of M2 macrophages was linked to a poor outcome in ccRCC. M2 macrophages enhanced the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of ccRCC lines in vitro. CXCL13 was identified as the main chemokine by prognostic analysis and qPCR tests. CXCL13 neutralizing antibodies can inhibit the stimulation of M2 macrophages in ccRCC lines’ proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. M2 macrophages and CXCL13 may activate the Akt pathway in ccRCC lines, and Akt inhibitors decrease ccRCC lines proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. CXCR5 expression is a poor prognostic factor for renal cell carcinoma, according to qPCR and immunohistochemistry. In vivo experiments further proved that CXCL13 secreted by M2 macrophages can promote tumor proliferation.Conclusion: M2 macrophages in the immunological milieu secrete CXCL13, which promotes ccRCC proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the function of the tumor microenvironment in the incidence and progression of ccRCC, and they may point to novel therapeutic targets for ccRCC.
Preoperative Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D Level Is Associated With Poor Prognosis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Abuduwaili Munire , Xing Zhichao , Fei Yuan , Xia Baoying , Zhu Jingqiang , Su Anping
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between preoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level and poor prognosis factors of papillary thyroid cancer.Methods: A total of 1198 patients diagnosed of papillary thyroid cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were categorized into vitamin D deficiency (VDD) group and normal group according to preoperative 25(OH)D＜20 ng/mL and 25(OH)D≥20 ng/mL. Differences of demographic date and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed between two groups. Liner and logistic regression analysis to determine the effect of 25(OH)D on the established poor prognosis factors of papillary thyroid cancer were also applied.Results: We observed a negative liner correlation between 25(OH)D levels and tumor size and an independent relationship between VDD and lymph node metastasis in central area. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between preoperative 25(OH)D and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.Conclusions: 25(OH)D level significantly associated with certain poor prognosis factors of papillary thyroid cancer. Assessing and supplementing vitamin D may be an important addition to preoperative management of patients with papillary thyroid cancer.
A salt-free, zero-discharge and dyebath-recyclable circular coloration technology based on cationic polyelectrolyte complex for cotton fabric dyeing
Authors: Wang Wen-Yi , Chiou Jia-Chi , Chen Wan-Xue , Yu Jia-Li , Kan Chi-wai
Published: August 2021

Textile industry is one of the most polluting industries due to the large quantities of dyeing wastewater it generates and discharges. Herein, we report an eco-friendly and sustainable circular coloration technology based on cationic polyelectrolyte complex to realise salt-free, zero-effluent-discharge circular dyeing for cotton fabrics with a recyclable dyebath by using a typical cationic polyelectrolyte polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) bonded with anionic dyes. The cotton fabrics were first treated with PHMB and then dyed with three commercial acid dyes. Colour measurements show that the colour strength is controllable by adjustment of concentrations of both PHMB and the dyebath. The dyed fabric samples were found to have good/excellent colour levelness (< 0.49), and the colour fastness (Grade 3 ~ 5) was basically satisfactory and acceptable. The dyebath was proved to be recyclable for circular dyeing occurring at room temperature, which greatly reduces consumption of both water and heat energy for textile dyeing. Meanwhile, the dyed fabrics showed antimicrobial activity, particularly for the gram-positive S. aureus, which may help reduce the healthcare-associated infections that transmit through textiles. These results suggest that cationic polyelectrolyte-based circular dyeing could provide a promising and practicable strategy to address the pollution issue caused by wastewater generated in dyeing process in the textile industry.
Sex-specific Difference in Phenotype of Kabuki Syndrome Type 2 Patients: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: wang Yirou , Xu Yufei , Chen Yao , Hu Yabin , Li Qun , Liu Shijian , Wang Jian , wang xiumin
Published: August 2021

Background: Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a monogenic disorder leading to special facial features, mental retardation, and multiple system malformations. KDM6A (MIM*300128) is the pathogenic gene of Kabuki syndrome type 2 (KS2, MIM#300867), which accounts for only 5%–8% of KS. Previous studies suggested that female patients with KS2 may have a milder phenotype. Thus, we summarized the phenotype and genotype of KS2 patients who were diagnosed in Shanghai Children’s Medical Center since July 2017 and conducted a 1:3 matched case-control study according to age and sex to investigate sex-specific differences between patients with and without KS2. Results There were 12 KS2 cases in this study, and 8 of them matched with 24 controls. The intelligence quotient (IQ) score of the case group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P <0.001). In addition, both the incidence of intellectual disability (ID) (IQ <70) and moderate-to-severe ID (IQ <55) were significantly higher in the case group than those in the control group (P <0.05). No sex-specific difference was found in the incidence of ID or moderate-to-severe ID between the female cases and female controls (P>0.05), whereas there was a significant difference between male cases and male controls (P <0.01). Furthermore, the rate of moderate-to-severe ID and congenital heart disease (CHD) was significantly higher in the male group than that in the female group (P <0.05).Conclusions Our results showed that a sex-specific difference was exhibited in the clinical phenotypes of KS2 patients. The incidence of CHD was higher in male patients, and mental retardation was significantly impaired. However, the female patients’ phenotype was mild.
Molecular insights into the unusually promiscuous and catalytically versatile Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent oxygenase SptF
Authors: Tao Hui , Mori Takahiro , Chen Heping , Lyu Shuang , Nonoyama Akihito , Lee Shoukou , Zhang Huiping , Hayashi Fumiaki , Abe Ikuro
Published: August 2021

Non-heme iron and α-ketoglutarate-dependent (Fe/αKG) oxygenases catalyze various oxidative biotransformations. Due to their catalytic flexibility and high efficiency, Fe/αKG oxygenases have attracted keen attention for their application as biocatalysts. Here, we report the biochemical and structural characterizations of the unusually promiscuous and catalytically versatile Fe/αKG oxygenase SptF, involved in the biosynthesis of fungal meroterpenoid emervaridones. The in vitro analysis reveals that SptF catalyzes four continuous oxidation reactions, including hydroxylation, desaturation, epoxidation, and skeletal rearrangement. SptF exhibits extremely broad substrate specificity toward various meroterpenoids, and efficiently produced novel cyclopropane-ring-fused 5/3/5/5/6/6 and 5/3/6/6/6 scaffolds from terretonins. Moreover, SptF also hydroxylates steroids, including androsterone, testosterone, and progesterone, with different regiospecificities. Crystallographic and structure-based mutagenesis studies of SptF reveal the molecular basis of the enzyme reactions, and suggest that the malleability of the loop region contributes to the remarkable substrate promiscuity. SptF exhibits great potential as a promising biocatalyst for oxidation reactions.