bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-driven simulation and characterization of gold nanoparticles melting
Authors: Zeni Claudio , Rossi Kevin , Pavloudis Theodore , Kioseoglou Joseph , de Gironcoli Stefano , Palmer Richard , Baletto Francesca
Published: July 2021

We develop efficient, accurate, transferable, and interpretable machine learning force fields for Au nanoparticles, based on data gathered from Density Functional Theory calculations.
We then use them to investigate the thermodynamic stability of Au nanoparticles of different sizes (1 to 6 nm), containing up to 6266 atoms, with respect to a solid-liquid phase change through molecular dynamics simulations.
We predict nanoparticle melting temperatures in good agreement with respect to available experimental data.
Furthermore, we characterize in detail the solid to liquid phase change mechanism employing an unsupervised learning scheme to categorize local atomic environments.
We thus provide a rigorous and data-driven definition of liquid atomic arrangements in the inner and surface regions of a nanoparticle, and employ it to show that melting initiates at the outer layers.
MCEMP1 as a Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Infiltration Related Gene for Prognostic Prediction in Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Daijun , Gu Yanmei , Zhao Yang , Li Yumin
Published: July 2021

Background Tumor microenvironment (TME) has displayed profound clinical significance in cancer progression, prognosis and the efficacy of immunotherapy. However, the overall characteristics of TME in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) have not been intensively studied. In order to get a more comprehensive understanding, this study aimed to investigate TME-related prognostic genes in patients with AGC based on bioinformatics, combined with histological verification.Methods Transcriptome and clinical data on stage III/IV GC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The data of stromal, immune scores and 22 infiltrating immune cells from AGC samples were evaluated by ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. Then, mast cell-expressed membrane protein 1 (MCEMP1) was focused by integrated protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and Cox regression. The survival and expression analysis of MCEMP1 was evaluated and verified in tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).Results There was a positive correlation between TME scores and pathological grades. A total of 666 TME-related differential genes were screened. MCEMP1 was identified as a predictive factor related to the prognosis of AGC both in TCGA database and tissue samples. Further analysis indicated that MCEMP1 was involved in regulating pathways of immune activities. The results of CIBERSORT demonstrated that MCEMP1 expression was significantly correlated with the proportion of 8 kinds of infiltrating immune cells. Conclusion As a TME-related prognostic gene, MCEMP1 might play a crucial role in remodeling immune infiltrates in AGC patients, which might be a potential immunotherapy target for patients with AGC.
Long-Term Outcomes of Additional Surgery After Noncurative Endoscopic Resection in Patients with Early Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jiao Jian , Li Han , Shang Liang , Wu Hao , Zhang Ronghua , Xiao Kun , Dong Kangdi , Du Fengying , Ren Huicheng , Liu Jin , Li Leping
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe influence of additional surgery on the prognosis of early gastric cancer who underwent noncurative endoscopic resection was controversial. Different results were observed in different studies. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate whether additional surgery could produce survival benefits for these patients.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases for relevant articles published until 31 March 2021 to investigate the differences in long-term results between the additional surgery group and the observation group. ResultsSixteen studies including 3877 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results had shown that the surgery group were younger and more male, higher undifferentiated type, higher rate of SM2, lymphatic and vascular invasion, lower recurrence and metastasis than the observation group. Good survival benefits were observed in additional surgery group with obvious significant differences in the 5-year OS, 5-year DSS and 5-year DFS. Similar results were obtained in the subgroup analysis, such as elderly patients (aged ≥70 years) in 5-year OS. ConclusionThis meta-analysis illustrated that significant survival benefits, including 5-year OS, 5-year DSS and 5-year DFS, could be obtained with additional gastrectomy in patients with EGC after noncurative ER, and patients ≥70 years could also benefit from surgery.
Quadriceps Physiological Response During the 1-minute Sit-to-stand Test in People with Severe COPD and Healthy Controls
Authors: Gephine Sarah , Mucci Patrick , Bielmann Mathieu , Martin Mickael , Bouyer Laurent , Saey Didier , Maltais François
Published: July 2021

We compared quadriceps oxygenation and surface electromyography (sEMG) responses during the 1-min sit-to-stand (1STS) in 14 people with severe COPD and 12 controls, in whom cardiorespiratory response, near-infrared spectroscopy signals (oxy [Hb-Mb], deoxy [Hb-Mb], total [Hb-Mb], and SmO2) and sEMG signals of the quadriceps were recorded. Time duration of each sit-to-stand cycle and the total work performed during the 1STS were measured. The quadriceps oxygenation parameters were normalized by reporting their values according to the total work during 1STS. The rate of sit-to-stand maneuvers decelerated in people with COPD leading to smaller total work compared with controls. The pattern of quadriceps oxygenation response during 1STS was similar between groups. However, in COPD, the recovery after 1STS was characterized by larger overshoots in oxy [Hb-Mb], total [Hb-Mb], and SmO2. When corrected for the cumulative total work, the increase in muscle O2 extraction (deoxy [Hb-Mb]) during the first 30 seconds of recovery was greater in people with COPD compared to controls. Quadriceps sEMG changes suggestive of a fatiguing contraction pattern was observed only in people with COPD. All together, these results highlighted physiological misadaptation of people with severe COPD to the 1STS.
Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Behavior, Perception of Threat, Stress and Training Patterns of Olympic and Paralympic Athletes
Authors: Martínez-Patiño María José , Lopez Francisco Javier Blas , Dubois Michel , Vilain Eric , Fuentes-García Juan Pedro
Published: July 2021

Objective Analyze the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent confinement on Olympic and Paralympic level athletes’ behaviors, perception of threat, stress, state of mind and training patterns.Methods All variables were modulated by gender, academic training, and sport discipline on a population composed of 447 Olympic (25.97 ± 7.46 years) and 64 Paralympic athletes (28.44 ± 10.50 years).Results Most of the athletes recognize that their best athletic performance diminished due to the COVID-19 confinement but that will recover after the pandemic and its confinements. Almost half of the athletes declared they were more tired than normal and had difficulty sleeping, while more than half eat more or less as usual. Paralympic athletes report they felt more capable to cope with personal problems and feeling more frequently that life events where going well and less lonely during the confinement than the Olympians. The athletes from team sports disrupted their training routine more significantly than athletes of individual sports, seeing their athletic performance more affected. Athletes in individual sports felt more capable to cope with personal problems than athletes in team sports. Female athletes were significantly more tired and reported more difficulty sleeping than male.Conclusions The situation caused by COVID-19 has had significant effects on the behavior, perception of threat, stress and training patterns of Olympic and Paralympic athletes facing the 2020 Tokyo Olympiad. It is necessary that sports institutions to reinforce mechanisms of help to athletes during future situations of confinement.
Effectiveness of Innovative Instructional Module for Professional Competence in Health Literacy in Medical Students
Authors: Yang Hui-Fang , Chang Chia-Chen , Tseng Pei-Ling , Lai Hsiang-Ru , Tasi Jaw-Shiun , Huang Wei-Hsin , Fan Yu-Hao , Weng Ci-Xiang , Tung Chen-Yin
Published: July 2021

BackgroundsPhysicians in medical environments should be equipped with abilities to acquire better understanding, strengthen autonomy, and support their self-management of patients, which will in turn enhance their health literacy. In this study, we developed an innovative instructional module that targeted medical students and measured their professional competence in terms of health literacy. We then implemented the module to investigate whether the intervention helped medical students improve their professional competence in health literacy.MethodsWe adopted a quasi-experimental design and selected three medical schools from northern Taiwan. For the intervention group (n = 98), we assigned fifth-year medical students serving internship at the department of family medicine. Students received a three-hour innovative teaching intervention including teaching materials such as medical simulation videos, role playing, and board games. For the control group (n = 99), we recruited same-level fifth-year medical students from other medical schools. Both groups answered pre-test and post-test questions, and then applied generalized estimating equation (GEE) to measure the effect of teaching intervention.ResultsIn comparing progress margin, there was significant difference (p = 0.001) between the intervention and control groups for knowledge questions, with the intervention group improving 12% more than the control group. In attitude questions, the progress difference was also significant (p = 0.007), with the intervention group improving on average 0.27 more points per question than the control group. In skill questions, the progress difference was likely significant (p = 0.001), with the intervention group improving on average 0.35 more points per question than the control group. The study indicates that the innovative instructional module intervention had significant effect on professional competence in health literacy in all three aspects.ConclusionThe proposed innovative instructional module significantly improved fifth-year medical students’ professional competence in health literacy, which should in turn benefit their future medical practice.
Effects of Rare Earth Elements on Bacteria in Rhizosphere, Root, Phyllosphere and Leaf of Soil-Rice Ecosystem
Authors: Zhang Xinzhuan , Hu Zhongjun , Pan Huahua , Bai Yijun , Hu Ying , Jin Shulan
Published: July 2021

The effects of rare earth mining on rice biomass, rare earth element(REE) content and bacterial community structure was studied by pot experiment. The research showed that the REE content in rice roots, shoots and grains was significantly positive correlated with that in soil, and the dry weight of rice roots, shoots and grains was highly correlated with soil physical and chemical properties, nutrient elements and REE contents; The exploitation of rare earth minerals inhibited a-diversity of endophytic fungi in rhizosphere, root, phyllosphere and leaf of rice, significantly reduced the abundance index, OTU number, Chao, Ace index and also significantly reduced the diversity index-Shannon index and Inv-Simpson index, also reduced uniformity index: Pielou’s evenness index, Simpson’s evenness index, etc, which caused β-diversity of bacteria to be quite different. The exploitation of rare earth minerals reduces the diversity of bacteria, but forms dominant bacteria, such as Burkholderia, Bacillus, Buttiauxella, Acinetobacter, Bradyrhizobium, Candida koribacter, which can degrade the pollutants formed by exploitation of rare earth minerals, alleviate the compound pollution of rare earth and ammonia nitrogen, and also has the function of fixing nitrogen and resisting rare earth stress; The content of soil available phosphorus in non mining area is low, forming the dominant bacteria of Pantoea, which has the function of improving soil phosphorus availability. Rare earth elements and physical and chemical properties of soil affect the community structure of bacteria in rhizosphere and phyllosphere of rice, promote the parallel movement of some bacteria in rhizosphere, root, phyllosphere and leaf of rice, promote the construction of community structure of bacteria in rhizosphere and phyllosphere of rice, give full play to the growth promoting function of Endophytes, and promote the growth of rice. The results showed that the rice biomass in mining area was guaranteed due to the growth promoting effect of endophytic bacteria, However, the mining of mineral resources causes the compound pollution of rare earth and ammonia nitrogen, which makes REE content of rice in mining area significantly higher than that in non mining area.
Number of fiber bundles in the fetal anterior talofibular ligament
Authors: Edama Mutsuaki , Takabayashi Tomoya , Yokota Hirotake , Hirabayashi Ryo , Sekine Chie , Maruyama Sae , Togashi Ryoya , Syakawa Mayuu , Yamada Yuki , Otani Hiroki
Published: July 2021

Background

For the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), a three-fiber bundle has recently been suggested to be weaker than a single or double fiber bundle in terms of ankle plantarflexion and inversion braking function. However, the studies leading to those results all used elderly specimens. Whether the difference in fiber bundles is a congenital or an acquired morphology is important when considering methods to prevent ATFL damage. The purpose of this study was to classify the number of fiber bundles in the ATFL of fetuses.
Methods

This study was conducted using 30 legs from 15 Japanese fetuses (mean weight, 1764.6 ± 616.9 g; mean crown-rump length, 283.5 ± 38.7 mm; 8 males, 7 females). The ATFL was then classified by the number of fiber bundles: Type I, one fiber bundle; Type II, two fiber bundles; and Type III, three fiber bundles.
Results

Ligament type was Type I in 5 legs (16.7%), Type II in 21 legs (70%), and Type III in 4 legs (13.3%).
Conclusions

The present results suggest that the three fiber bundles of the structure of the ATFL may be an innate structure.
Women's strategies for managing domestic violence in pregnancy: A qualitative study in Iran
Authors: Barez Malikeh Amel , Babazadeh Raheleh , Roudsari Robab Latifnejad , Bazaz Mojtaba Mousavi , Najmabadi Khadijeh Mirzaii
Published: July 2021

Background Domestic violence in pregnancy is a severe public health problem. Victimized pregnant women are confronted with the threats posed by domestic violence. Pregnancy and protection of the unborn child could affect maternal strategies for managing violence. The purpose of this study was to explore Iranian women's strategies for managing domestic violence in pregnancy.Methods This was a qualitative descriptive study, which was conducted in October 2019 to June 2021 in Mashhad, Iran. Data were collected through Individual semi structured interviews with 13 women who experienced perinatal domestic violence, two relatives and 24 related specialists as well as two focus group discussion with attendance of 20 victimized mothers until the data saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed by the conventional content analysis approach of Graneheim & Lundman.Results The main themes "adopting escape strategies" and "applying situation improvement strategies" were emerged as the result of data analysis. Adopting escape strategies was comprised of three categories including concealment, passive dysfunctional behaviors and neutral behaviors to control maternal emotional distress. Applying situation improvement strategies was comprised of three categories including active self-regulation, protecting family privacy and help seeking to control violence.Conclusion Understanding the experience of managing domestic violence among pregnant women is essential to design evidence based violence prevention programs, which enable supportive healthcare and social systems to encourage victimized mothers to use more effective strategies and seeking help to overcome domestic violence.
BMP-2 Promotes Bone Formation in Bone Defects in Which Bone Remodeling Is Suppressed by Long-term and High-dose Zoledronic Acid
Authors: Moon Young Jae , Jeong Seongyup , Lee Kwang-Bok
Published: July 2021

Background: The use of long-term and high-dose bisphosphate is associated with severely suppressed bone turnover and the delayed union of fractures. However, therapeutic methods to overcome the negative effects of bisphosphonate use are lacking. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are powerful osteoinductive proteins. We hypothesized that BMPs had similar effects as autografts in patients with decreased bone healing potential due to long-term bisphosphonate treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare BMPs with demineralized freeze-dried bone grafts and autografts in a rat femoral bone defect model with long-term and high-dose bisphosphonate treatment. Methods: Forty rats were divided into the following four groups depending upon the materials implanted into the femoral defect after ten weeks of bisphosphonate (zoledronic acid) injections: Group I: absorbable collagen sponge (control); group II: demineralized freeze-dried bone graft; group III: autogenous bone graft; and group IV: rhBMP-2 with an absorbable collagen sponge. Radiographic union, micro computed tomography (CT) analysis, manual palpation, and histologic analysis were evaluated. Results: The radiographic union rate, manual union rate, and micro-CT bone volume in groups III and IV were significantly higher than those in groups I and II. Groups III and IV showed similar results to each other. Although the amount of immature bone in the BMP-treated group was large, the effect was similar to that of autografts in the bone defect model in which bone turnover was severely reduced by bisphosphonate treatment. Conclusion: BMP might be a good substitute for autografts in patients with decreased bone healing potential due to long-term bisphosphonate treatment.
Parkin Dependent Mitophagy Protects Macrophage Against Oxidative Injury And Inflammation During Atherogenesis
Authors: Liu Xiaopeng , Zhen Yanan , Zheng Xia , Han Yongxin , Nie Qiangqiang , Wang Feng , Wang He , Liu Peng
Published: July 2021

Mitochondrial oxidative injury induces macrophage inflammatory activation and apoptosis during atherogenesis. Timely clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria may therefore be beneficial for the survival of macrophages. Based on these principles, our working hypothesis was therefore that mitophagy mediated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin could have an important role in reducing both oxidative injury and the apoptosis of macrophages under atherogenic conditions. To examine this proposal, in the present study oxidative low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) treated THP-1 macrophages were used for the in vitro experiments, and high-cholesterol-fed male apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE−/−) mice were used for the in vivo investigations. The results demonstrated that mitophagy was activated both in oxidatively stimulated THP-1 macrophages and in aortic plaque macrophages of high-cholesterol-fed ApoE−/− mice. In ox-LDL treated THP-1 macrophages, both the expression level and mitochondrial translocation of Parkin were increased following oxidative stimulation, whereas silencing Parkin led to impaired mitophagy, which exacerbated macrophage oxidative injury, NF-κB activation and apoptosis. Taken together, these results have demonstrated that mitophagy exerts a protective role in macrophages under atherogenic conditions, and that Parkin is a key mediator in this process.
Micro-EDM Machining With Copper Foil
Authors: Mouralova Katerina , Bednar Josef , Benes Libor , Prokes Tomas , Fries Jiri
Published: July 2021

Electrical discharge die-sinking machining (EDM) is one of the indispensable unconventional technologies enabling the machining of all materials that are at least minimally electrically conductive. Due to the clear trend of miniaturization of products, it is necessary to ensure their quality and accurate production, also with the help of micro-EDM. It is the optical instruments used for testing car lights that contain these miniaturized parts necessary for the correct functioning of the device. For this reason, this study was performed, which focused on the production of a precise slot measuring 5000x170 µm in a copper foil with a thickness of 125 µm. The same copper foil was used as a tool, which represents an advance in the production of micro-parts. A design of experiment Box and Behnken Response Surface Design was performed for a total of 15 rounds, monitoring the effect of machine setting parameters (Pulse current, Pulse on time and Voltage) on responses in the form of Erosion rate, corner radius, slot length and width. Using multi-criteria optimization, the optimal setting of the machine parameters for the production of a given slit was determined, which is Pulse current = 2.1 A, Pulse on time = 40 µs and Voltage = 238.8 V.
Evaluating the Structural Reform of Outpatient Psychotherapy in Germany (ES-Rip Trial) - A Qualitative Study of Provider Perspectives
Authors: Regina Poß-Doering , Martin Hegelow , Milena Borchers , Mechthild Hartmann , Johannes Kruse , Hanna Kampling , Gereon Heuft , Spitzer Carsten , Wild Beate , Szecsenyi Joachim , Friederich Hans-Christoph
Published: July 2021

Background: Access to outpatient mental healthcare can be challenging for patients. In Germany, a national structural reform was implemented in 2017 to accelerate and enhance access to outpatient psychotherapy and reduce waiting times. During the first phase of the study ’Evaluation of a structural reform of the outpatient psychotherapy guideline (ES-RiP)’ and embedded into a process evaluation, the implementation was to be evaluated through assessing general practitioners’ (GPs) and psychotherapists’ (PTs) perspectives regarding utilization of provided new measures, and perceived potential for optimization. Particular focus was on patients with a comorbidity of mental disorders and chronic physical conditions (cMPs). Methods: This exploratory cross-sectional qualitative study used on-site and online focus group discussions and semi-structured open-ended telephone interviews with GPs and outpatient PTs. Generated data were analyzed using thematic framework analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze participant characteristics collected via a socio-demographic questionnaire. Results: Perspectives on the structural reform were heterogenous. GPs and PTs considered the component of timely initial psychotherapeutic assessment consultations beneficial. GPs disapproved of their deficits in detailed information about the structural reform and exchange with outpatient PTs. Improvement suggestions included structured short information exchange and joint quality circles. The overall number of available outpatient PTs in rural areas was perceived as insufficient. For patients with cMPs, GPs saw patient barriers for therapy access and continuity in low intrinsic motivation, physical impediments and older age. PTs also saw patient challenges regarding low intrinsic motivation and keeping scheduled appointments. They considered post-reform administrative efforts to be high and reported that the regulations (conformity) lead to planning difficulties and financial losses. Reform elements were tailored to fit in with PTs key therapy areas. Stronger networking and joint lectures were suggested as remedy for the currently still limited exchange with GPs. Unlike the GPs, PTs emphasized that accepting patients into psychotherapeutic treatment was independent of a possibly present chronic physical disease.Conclusions: The findings contribute to understanding the integration of the delivered structural reform into daily care processes and provides an indication about reached targets and potential improvements. Further phases of the ES-RiP study can build on the findings and broaden insights. Trial registration: Registration-ID DRKS00020344 (DRKS German Register of Clinical Trials; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00020344)
Selectively Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells by 8-Quinolinol and Niclosamide
Authors: Cámara-Sánchez Patricia , Díaz-Riascos Zamira V. , García-Aranda Natalia , Gener Petra , Seras-Franzoso Joaquin , Giani-Alonso Micaela , Royo Miriam , Vázquez Esther , Schwartz Simó , Abasolo Ibane
Published: July 2021

Background Cancer maintenance, metastatic dissemination and drug-resistance are sustained by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the breast cancer subtype with the highest numbers of CSCs and poorest prognosis. Here, we aimed to identify potential drugs targeting CSCs to be further employed in combination with standard chemotherapy in TNBC treatment. Methods The anti-CSC efficacy of up to 17 small-drugs was tested in TNBC cell lines using cell viability assays on differentiated cancer cells and CSCs. Then, the effect of 2 selected drugs (8-quinolinol -8Q- and niclosamide -NCS-) in the cancer stemness hallmarks were evaluated using mammosphere growth, cell invasion, migration and anchorage-independent growth assays. Changes in the expression of stemness genes upon 8Q or NCS treatment were also evaluated. Moreover, the potential synergism of 8Q and NCS with PTX on the CSC proliferation and on stemness-related signaling pathways was evaluated using TNBC cell lines, CSC-reporter sublines, and CSCenriched mammospheres. Finally, the efficacy of the NCS in combination with PTX was analyzed in vivo using an orthotopic mice model of MDA-MB-231 cells. Results Among all tested drug candidates, 8Q and NCS showed remarkable specific anti-CSC activity in terms of CSC viability, migration, invasion and anchorage independent growth reduction in vitro. Moreover, specific 8Q/PTX and NCS/PTX ratios at which both drugs displayed a synergistic effect in different TNBC cell lines were identified. The solely use of PTX increased the relative presence of CSCs in TNBC cells, whereas the combination with 8Q and NCS counteracted this pro-CSC activity of PTX whilst significantly reducing cell viability. In vivo, the combination of NCS with PTX reduced tumor growth, and limited the dissemination of the disease by reducing the circulating tumor cells and the incidence of lung metastasis. Conclusions The combination of 8Q and NCS with PTX at established ratios inhibits both, the proliferation of differentiated cancer cells and the viability of CSCs, opening a way to more efficacious TNBC treatments.
Lugdulysin of Staphylococcus lugdunensis, a metalloprotease that inhibits and disrupts protein biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Martinez Juan Pinheiro Oliveira , Vazquez Leonardo , Takeyama Matheus Mikio , Filho Tarcizio José Santos , Cavalcante Fernanda Sampaio , Guimarães Lorrayne Cardoso , Pereira Eliezer Menezes , Santos Katia Regina Netto Dos
Published: July 2021

Background

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a commensal skin microorganism that, unlike other coagulase-negative staphylococci, presents increasing clinical importance. This species yields a metalloprotease called lugdulysin that may contribute to its higher degree of virulence. This study aimed to determine the biochemical characterization of the lugdulysin produced by S. lugdunensis clinical isolates and investigate its effect on the formation and disruption of biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The protease was isolated and characterized for its optimal pH and temperature, activity in the presence of inhibitors and enzymatic kinetics. The influence of metal cofactor supplementation on proteolysis was also evaluated, with and without inhibitors. Finally, the protease capacity to inhibit and disrupt biofilms of different S. aureus lineages and biofilm matrix was analyzed.
Results

The protease optimal pH and temperature were 7.0 and 37° C, respectively. EDTA inhibited the protease, and the activity was not recovered by divalent ion supplementation. In addition, divalent ions did not change enzymatic activity without inhibitors, which was stable for up to 3 hours. Its structure was determined via homology modelling. The protease significantly inhibited the formation and disrupted established biofilms of S. aureus isolates with protein biofilm.
Conclusions

This study confirmed features of the lugdulysin metalloprotease and showed that this S. lugdunensis virulence factor may be a new competition mechanism and/or modulation of the staphylococcal biofilm.
ADAM10- and Presenilin 1/γ-Secretase-Dependent Cleavage of PTPRT Mitigates Neurodegeneration of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liu Siling , Zhang Zhongyu , Li Lianwei , Yao Li , Ma Zhanshan , Li Jiali
Published: July 2021

BackgroundPTPRT (receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase T), as a brain-specific type 1 transmembrane protein, plays an important function in neurodevelopment and synapse formation. However, whether PTPRT-dependent signaling is involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains elusive.MethodsHere, we first applied biochemistry methods and bioinformatic analysis to test and quantify the processing and expression of PTPRT in both human and mouse models. AAV delivery, primary culture system, electrophysiology, behavior tests were also used in this study.ResultsWe identified that PTPRT intracellular domain (PICD), which was released from ADAM10- and presenilin 1-/g-secretase-dependent cleavage of PTPRT, efficiently translocated to the nucleus via a conserved nuclear localization signal. Inhibition of Ptprt led to accumulation of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3), which is a substrate of PTPRT and eventually resulted in neurodegeneration. Consistently, RNA sequencing reveals that expression of the PICD alone can profoundly alter the expression of genes associated with synapse function and dephosphorylation, phosphatase and cell adhesion. Unexpectedly, the downregulated levels of Ptprt mRNA and protein were found in both human and mouse AD brains. Finally, overexpression of PICD alone not only significantly decreases the level of phosph-STAT3Y705 and Ab deposition in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice, but also improves synaptic function and behavioral deficits in APP/PS1 mice.ConclusionOur findings suggest that a novel role of the ADAM 10- and presenilin 1-/g-secretase-dependent cleavage of PTPRT in the events can mitigate neurodegeneration of AD and moderate Alzheimer’s pathogenesis.
Drawing the line between sustainable and unsustainable fish: Product differentiation that supports sustainable development through trade measures
Authors: Baumgartner Urs , Bonanomi Elisabeth Bürgi
Published: July 2021

Background

Unsustainable production practices and increased demand for fish have aggravated negative social, ecological, and environmental impacts in fisheries and aquaculture. Measures to correct bad practices have mainly been introduced by private actors. However, there is increased demand for state intervention, particularly regarding trade regulations concerning fish and other agricultural products. Building on discussions regarding product differentiation through trade measures that favor sustainable products, this study looked at how sustainable and unsustainable fish has been distinguished in Switzerland. In interviewing experts in the fish trade and sales business in Switzerland, the research aimed at understanding the actors and forces that shape the concept of sustainable fish in the country.
Results

Three ways of product differentiation for sustainable fish by private actors were identified: ecolabels, “Swiss produce,” and recommendations in the form of a “consumer guide for fish”. Consumption of sustainable products is currently constrained mainly due to price. Defining “sustainable fish” is challenging and subject to interpretation. All existing measures to differentiate sustainable from unsustainable fish products in Switzerland have shortcomings, particularly in terms of discrimination and inclusiveness. Fish ecolabels play a key role in product differentiation, but experts believe that they fail to accomodate all aspects of sustainability.
Conclusion

Our findings imply that the Swiss state should play a more important role if it targets to fulfill the promise of article 104a of the Swiss Constitution, which seeks to foster sustainable production and cross-border trade relations that contribute toward this goal. Due to similarities between the Swiss and other European fish markets, we assume that governments in general must have an active role in shaping the definition and trade of sustainable fish products. Preferred trade treatment for sustainable fish products is a potential option to increase the production and consumption of sustainable fish. When designing measures for product differentiation, a careful choice is paramount so as not to violate existing trade obligations.
High Small-Scale Variation of Leaf Traits And Their Plasticity Within And Among Genotypes of A Clonal Species
Authors: Jaaska Vello
Published: July 2021

Genetic variation of plant traits and their phenotypic plasticity are two supplementary ways of plant adaptation to temporarily fluctuating and spatially heterogeneous environmental conditions. Genetic variability and plasticity of leaf traits have been studied extensively as important indicators of the plant survival. In the case of clonal species with a patchy local distribution of clonal individuals, it would be important to investigate leaf traits at a small spatial scale. Here, small-scale variability of leaf traits and their plasticity within and among clonally spread genotypes in small 2 x 2 m plots was examined on the example of the clonal legume Trifolium alpestre. Seven leaf traits, leaflet length, area, width, fresh and dry weights, dry matter content (LDMC), and specific leaf area (SLA), were measured for ramets of various clonal genotypes sampled from five natural populations of T. alpestre. High variation of leaf traits and their plasticity was detected among the individual ramets of genotypes in 2 x 2 m plots of within the same population, as well as differential variation among the genotypes from different populations. The extent of variation in leaf traits and plasticity was found to be specific for the particular trait, genotype and site. The observed high variation of leaf traits and their plasticity within and among the clonally spread genotypes in local sites of populations is attributed to their differential combined response on the small-scale heterogeneity in the habitat conditions and genetic factors. High variation of leaf traits and their plasticity allows plants effectively respond to spatiotemporally fluctuating environmental conditions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine TN-01 Reconstitutes T Cells in SIV–infected Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Wang Qiaoli , Zeng Qiongzhen , Ren Zhe , Li Yuefeng , Wang Rongze , Feng Yue , Ye Jianmeng , Song Xiaowei , Qin Shurong , Zhou Pengjun , Zhu Yexuan , Liang Feng , Li Ziyao , Qi Hemei , Qin Li , Jin Fujun , Wang Yifei
Published: July 2021

Background: Long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) cannot recover the T cell counts in a substantial proportion of AIDS patients and viral loads rapidly rebound after ART suspension. Therefore, exploring novel alternative and adjuvant ART has become a priority in HIV treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have beneficial effects in regulating T cells and our previous clinical trial data have shown that TCM TN-01 maintains good health of patients with AIDS with an unclear mechanism. Herein, we preliminary investigated whether TN-01 influences immune reconstruction to enhance the antiviral immune response in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus monkeys. Methods: The SIV-infected animals were firstly administered with TN-01 alone (5 ml/kg; twice a day, i.g.). More than 2 months later, these 2 SIV-infected rhesus monkeys were intraperitoneally injected with PMPA (30 mg/kg; once a day) and FTC (20 mg/kg; once a day) for about 3 months. Moreover, SIV-infected rhesus monkeys were also administered with TN-01 each 2 weeks from week 23 to week 35 during ART. Flow cytometer were used to assess the phenotype of T cell and plasma was isolated from whole blood for viral load detection. Results: The flow cytometry analysis revealed that treatment with TN-01 alone or combined with ART significantly upregulated T cells counts and the proportions of T cell subsets. TN-01 treatment also delayed viral rebound after ART suspension. Conclusions: Our data indicate that TN-01 could enhance the efficacy of ART and promote immune reconstruction, suggesting TN-01 treatment as a potent strategy in immune functional cure of HIV infection.
Intravenous Administration of Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Insulin Growth Factor-1 Improves the Neurological Performances of Rats Following Focal Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , wei li , Zhou Yinglian , Ouyang Yuanjiao , Wang Duo , Yue Hui , Jiao Zhuomin , Wang Yifei , Wang Xu , Shi Ying , Xu Yunyun , He Zhijun , Fu Jin
Published: July 2021

Background: Focal cerebral ischemia is a common cerebrovascular disease with limited treatment options, and new treatments are therefore urgently needed. Hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (HF-MSCs) are considered ideal cells for the treatment of neurological disorders. Insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an effective neuroprotective compound. Methods: In the present study, we used middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to evaluate the therapeutic effects of HF-MSCs and IGF-1 in focal cerebral ischemia. After middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), rats were randomly divided into six groups. HF-MSCs and IGF-1 were transplanted into rat models by tail vein injection. The fate of transplanted HF-MSCs in the rat brain was assessed using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Beam balance tests and neurological severity scores were used to assess neurological recovery. Results: HF-MSCs labeled with the green fluorescent dye PKH67 were found to colocalize with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and neural-specific markers. Rats in the HF-MSCs, IGF-1 and HF-MSCs + IGF-1 groups exhibited neural differentiation marker expression, with those in the HF-MSCs + IGF-1 group exhibiting the highest levels. Conclusions: These results suggest that the combined treatment of HF-MSCs and IGF-1 can enhance neurological recovery, representing a new therapeutic strategy for cerebral ischemia.
Microbial Diversity in Cultivated and Feral Vanilla Vanilla Planifolia Orchids Affected by Stem and Rot Disease
Authors: Carbajal-Valenzuela Ireri A. , Muñoz-Sanchez Ariel H. , Hernández-Hernández Juan , Barona-Gómez Francisco , Truong Camille , Cibrian-Jaramillo Angelica
Published: July 2021

The worldwide production of vanilla, a native orchid from Mexico, is greatly affected by stem and root rot disease, typically associated with Fusarium oxysporum fungi. We hypothesized that the presence of Fusarium species in vanilla is not sufficient for the plant to express symptoms of the disease. We described the taxonomic composition of endophytic microbiomes in symptomatic, asymptomatic vanilla plants using 16S and ITS rDNA metabarcoding, and ITS Sanger sequences generated from fungal isolates. We compared the bacterial and fungal diversity in vanilla plants from a long-term plantation, and from feral plants found near abandoned plantations that did not present SRD symptoms. No significant differences were found in the species richness of the bacterial and fungal microbiome among feral, or asymptomatic and symptomatic cultivated vanilla. However, significant differences were detected in both fungal and bacterial diversity from different organs in the same plant, with roots being more diverse than stems. We found that Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, as well as the fungal families Nectriaceae and Xylariaceae, constitute the core of the vanilla microbiome that inhabits the root and stem of both cultivated and feral plants. Our work provides information on the microbial diversity found in root and stem rot in vanilla and lays the groundwork for a better understanding of the role of the microbiome in fungal diseases in vanilla cultivation.
Research on Hydroforming Micro-Sized Spiral Pipe With Equal Wall Thickness
Authors: Shi Changshuai , Li Jinping , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: July 2021

The positive displacement motor is currently the most widely used downhole power tool. In order to reduce the cost of drilling and exploration, small boreholes have been used to replace conventional boreholes. The working conditions are complex, so a high-performance positive displacement motor for micro-holes is required. In order to solve the problem of the difficulty in processing the inner spiral surface of the small size and large aspect ratio, the tiny size spiral tube stator is proposed in this paper and the normal temperature and hot state hydroforming of the small size spiral tube is proposed in this paper. The material is 42crmo, and the uniaxial tensile test is carried out at different temperatures. According to the material mechanical properties experiment and the forming process, the finite element model of the hydroformed spiral tube at different temperatures is established. The study found that the suitable tube size is 48mm in outer diameter, 5.5mm in wall thickness, and 1405mm in length. When the processing temperature is 700℃, the hydraulic pressure required for full expansion of the spiral tube is only 70MPa, and the rebound of the spiral tube is very small. The minimum wall thickness is the maximum of 4.31mm, and the maximum wall thickness is the minimum of 5.356mm, and the wall thickness distribution is relatively uniform. The maximum plastic strain of the spiral tube is 0.65, so the damage to the material during the forming process is small, and when the processing temperature is 700℃, the quality of the spiral tube is better.
Isolation and Molecular Identification of Respiratory Diseases Viruses in Poultry During 2020
Authors: Yehia Nahed , Amer Fatma , Samir Abdelhafez , Samy Mohamed , Sedeek Ahmed , Rebie Neveen , Mohammed Wafaa , Aboelenin Salama Mostafa , Soliman Mohamed M. , El-Saadony Mohamed T. , Hagag Naglaa
Published: July 2021

Poultry production has affected by multiple respiratory disease triggering serious economic losses in Egypt. In this study, the situation and genetic evolution of respiratory disease in Egypt during 2020 were studied. We collected 53 samples from infected flocks suffered from respiratory signs and variable mortality rate from nine governorates in Egypt during 2020. The collected samples were examined for detection of respiratory disease viruses (Avian influenza virus (AIV), Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and Newcastle disease virus (NDV)) by rRT-PCR. The single infection was confirmed in 90.6% (37.7% I. B, 30.2% AIV (H5N8), 9.4% I. B and 5.7% NDV) and co-infection of HPAIV (H5N8) + I.BV and LPAIV (H9N2) +IBV were detected in 3.8% in nine governorates. The HA gene of HPAIV (H5N8) were cluster to clad 2.3.4.4.1b in new branch with characteristic specific mutations especially in T140A in antigenic site A and R72S in the receptor binding site when comparing with A/duck/Egypt/F446/2017 with low A.A identity percent with vaccinal strains (H5N1 and H5N2) reach to 91.9-94% and 84.6% respectively. The HA gene of AIV (H9N2) were belong to A/quail/Hong Kong/G1/97-like virus clustered with group B with specific mutation (212I) that may be effect on human transmission of the virus. The HVRs of S1 gene of IBV cluster to GI23 (Egy Var I) clad with multiple mutation in HVR1, HVR2 when comparing with IBV/CU/4/2014 and low identity percent (68.3%-78.8%) with vaccine strains (H120, M41, 4/91). In conclusion, the respiratory disease continues circulate and rapidly evolved in Egypt during 2020.
TPX2 Promotes the Proliferation and Metastasis of Osteosarcoma Cells Through Stabilizing E2F1
Authors: Mao Min , Zhou Lei , Ma Xinglong , Yang Mengkai , Wang Gangyang , Zuo Dongqing , Wang Zhuoying , Wang Zongyi , Zhang Tao , Xu Jing , Hua Yingqi , Cai Zhengdong
Published: July 2021

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone cancer. Recently, more studies have shown that TPX2, a potential oncogene considered to be an important prognostic biomarker, is widely expressed in various tumors. However, until now, little is known about the impacts of TPX2 on the pathogenesis of OS.Methods: TPX2 expression of in OS cells and tissues was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. Various assays were used to analyze OS cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. The effect of TPX2 on the expression of E2F1 and proteins encoded by E2F1-regulated genes was evaluated by Western blotting. Coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and in vitro ubiquitination assays were employed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of TPX2 on stabilizing E2F1 and maintaining E2F1 signaling.Results: TPX2 is overexpressed in OS and is significantly correlated with the malignant progression of OS. TPX2 probably plays a critical role in the proliferation and metastasis of OS cells in vitro. Furthermore, TPX2 regulates E2F1 signaling by affecting the stability of E2F1, thereby affecting the proliferation and metastasis of OS cells. In addition, PSMD14 impacts the degradation and regulates the stability of E2F1. Most importantly, TPX2 regulates the interaction of E2F1 and PSMD14 to influence E2F1 degradation.Conclusions: Our research not only identifies TPX2 as a promising therapeutic target in cancer but also illuminates its underlying molecular mechanism. We showed that TPX2 promotes the malignant progression of OS by regulating E2F1 signaling.
Deep Convolutional Neural Network Algorithm for Prediction of the Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded Copper Joints from its Microstructures
Authors: Mishra Akshansh , Suman Asmita
Published: July 2021

Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is a special type of Artificial Neural Network which takes input in the form of an image. Like Artificial Neural Network they consist of weights that are estimated during training, neurons (activation functions), and an objective (loss function). CNN is finding various applications in image recognition, semantic segmentation, object detection, and localization. The present work deals with the prediction of the welding efficiency of the Friction Stir Welded joints on the basis of microstructure images by carrying out training on 3000 microstructure images and further testing on 300 microstructure images. The obtained results showed an accuracy of 80 % on the validation dataset.