bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Study of Alpha-Synuclein Prion-Like Spreading in Fully Oriented Reconstructed Neural Networks Reveals Non-synaptic Dissemination of Seeding Aggregates
Authors: COURTE Josquin , LE Ngoc Anh , BOUSSET Luc , MELKI Ronald , VILLARD Catherine , Peyrin Jean-Michel
Published: December 2021

Background: The trans-neuronal spread of protein aggregation in a prion-like manner underlies the progression of neuronal lesions in the brain of patients with synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s disease. Despite being studied actively, the mechanisms of alpha-synuclein (aSyn) aggregates propagation remain poorly understood. Indeed, in vivo models of aSyn prion-like propagation yield results whose interpretation is hindered by the complexity of brain networks, and in vitro models have for now failed to properly model trans-neuronal propagation in synaptically connected neural networks.Results: To assess the role of synaptic structures and neuron characteristics in the transfer efficiency of aggregates with seeding propensity, we developed a novel microfluidic neuronal culture system. This system is the first to guide in vitro the development of fully oriented, synaptically connected and fluidically isolated neural networks. It thus uniquely permitted us to model the trans-neuronal propagation of aggregation: we selectively exposed the presynaptic compartment of reconstructed networks to well characterized human aSyn aggregates differing in size (Fibrils and Oligomers), and quantitatively followed their dissemination to postsynaptic neurons. Both aggregates were anterogradely transferred to through active axonal transport, albeit with poor efficiency. By manipulating network maturity, we compared the transfer rate of aggregates in networks with distinct levels of synaptic connectivity. Surprisingly, we found that transfer efficiency was lower in mature networks with higher synaptic connectivity. We then investigated the seeding efficiency of endogenous aSyn in the postsynaptic population. We found that exposure to Fibrils, and not Oligomers, resulted in low efficiency trans-neuronal seeding which was restricted to postsynaptic axons. Finally, we assessed the impact of neuron characteristics and aSyn expression on the propagation of aSyn aggregates, and found that while endogenous aSyn expression level controlled the seeding of aSyn aggregation, it did not affect the transfer rate of exogenous aggregates. Conclusion: Overall, we describe here the first culture system for reconstructing in vitro fully oriented and synaptically connected neural networks, and demonstrate it is uniquely suitable to quantitatively interrogate original aspects of the trans-neuronal propagation of prion-like aggregates.
Direct and Indirect Effects on Soil Nematode Communities Differ Between Facilitative and Allelopathic Plants
Authors: Song Hongxian , Liu Ziyang , Chen Jingwei , Xiao Sa , Cui Hanwen , Yang Xiaoli , Wang Yajun , Wang Jiajia , Liu Kun , Chen Shuyan , An Lizhe , Nielsen Uffe N
Published: December 2021

Plants are expected to affect soil nematode communities. However, comparative studies on the direct and indirect ways dominant plants influence soil nematode communities are rare. In this study, we compared the effects of a dominant allelopathic plant, Ligularia virgaurea, and a dominant facilitative plant, Dasiphora fruticosa, on soil nematode richness and community composition in an alpine meadow of the Tibetan plateau. Our result indicated that 1) D. fruticosa significantly increased nematode richness whereas L. virgaurea had no significant effect; 2) D. fruticosa had no significant impact on bacterial and fungal richness, but L. virgaurea increased fungal richness; 3) D. fruticosa had strong positive direct, and weak positive indirect, effects on nematode richness, mainly mediated by a marginal decrease in fungal richness. By contrast, L. virgaurea had no significant direct effect on soil nematode richness but had strong indirect effects, mainly mediated by changes in soil pH and soil organic carbon content; 4) L. virgaurea influenced soil nematode community composition predominantly through direct effects but also indirectly through soil organic carbon. By contrast, D. fruticosa affected nematode communities through changes in understory plant communities, soil physiochemical, and microbial communities. Both facilitative and allelopathic plants thus influence soil nematode richness and community composition but seemingly in different ways. These highlight the importance of plants in determining soil community diversity and provide new insight to disentangle the complex above- and belowground linkages.
Can the Brain Use Waves to Solve Planning Problems?
Authors: Powell Henry , Winkel Mathias , Hopp Alexander V. , Linde Helmut
Published: December 2021

A variety of behaviors like spatial navigation or bodily motion can be formulated as graph traversal problems through cognitive maps.
We present a neural network model which can solve such tasks and is compatible with a broad range of empirical findings about the mammalian neocortex and hippocampus.
The neurons and synaptic connections in the model represent structures that can result from self-organization into a cognitive map via Hebbian learning, i.e. into a graph in which each neuron represents a point of some abstract task-relevant manifold and the recurrent connections encode a distance metric on the manifold.
Graph traversal problems are solved by wave-like activation patterns which travel through the recurrent network and guide a localized peak of activity onto a path from some starting position to a target state.
Variability of The Minimum Temperature Over Two Centuries In The Overlap Region Between The Fringe of The Asian Westerly Region and The Temperate Continental-Monsoon Climate Transition Zone
Authors: Sun Bolin , Ma Long , Liu Tingxi , Huang Xing
Published: December 2021

The overlap region between the eastern fringe of the Asian westerly region and the temperate continental-monsoon climate transition zone is sensitive to climate changes and is characterized by fragile ecosystems. It is necessary to uncover the patterns of long-term historical climate variability there. A standardized tree-ring width chronology was constructed based on the tree-ring samples collected from four representative tree species in four typical areas in the overlap region, and the 203- to 343-year annual mean minimum temperature series in the overlap region were reconstructed. The reconstructed series overlapped well with extreme climate events and low-temperature periods recorded in historical data. Therefore, the reconstructed model is stable and reliable. As suggested by the reconstructed series, the variability of annual mean minimum temperature was increasingly drastic from east to west in the overlap region, with gradually shorter periodicities. In the 19th century, the high-latitude area was in the high-temperature period, and the entire overlap region experienced significant low-temperature periods lasting 20–45 years till the 1950s. The western part had an earlier start time of low-temperature periods, longer cooling duration, and slower cooling rate than the central part. The overlap region experienced a significant warming period in approximately the last half-century, with temperature increasing faster in the western and eastern parts than in the central part. The temperature variability in the overlap region was more intense in the last two centuries, with shorter periodicities and a larger proportion of cold periods. The central and western parts of the Asian westerly region, the mid- to high-latitude regions of the transition zone, and the overlap region saw significantly low-temperature periods or drastic cooling trends (the Little Ice Age) in the first half of the 19th century and significant warming trends under global warming afterwards. The influences of these changes might have been exacerbated by the westerly circulation. This study not only provides new insight into the use of dendroclimatology to extract temperature series in the Asian westerly region and the transition zone but also serves as a reference for research on global climate change.
Different Relationships of Fine Root Traits With Root Ammonium and Nitrate Uptake Rates in Conifer Forests
Authors: Ito Takumi , Tanaka-Oda Ayumi , Masumoto Taiga , Akatsuki Maiko , Makita Naoki
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Nitrogen (N) uptake by fine roots of trees is important for understanding the root physiological function in forest ecosystems, but a direct investigation of in situ rate of ammonium and nitrate uptake is limited. Thus, we aimed to clarify the inorganic N uptake rates among tree species and to determine the factors controlling N uptake through relationships with fine root traits in cool temperate forests.Methods: Using a solution depletion method for measuring N uptake, we observed the relationship of N uptake rate in the form of NH4+ and NO3– by an intact root system with root morphological traits, such as root diameter, specific root length (SRL), and root tissue density (RTD), and chemical traits, including root nitrogen (N) content. Results: The coniferous roots in this study preferred NH4+ form more than NO3– form. Across species, there were significant relationships between NH4+ uptake and diameter, SRL, and RTD, while these were significant only for RTD in NO3– form. Relationships between N uptake rates and root morphological traits differed between NH4+ and NO3–. Conclusions: We found that the relationship of inorganic N uptake with the morphological traits depends on the characteristics of the N form adsorbed through soil and tree N assimilation efficiency. An approach on the relationships of in situ N uptake with root traits will provide a breakthrough in our understanding of the root physiological function and the prediction of fundamental N acquisition strategies.
Adherence to Diabetes Self-Management and the Associated Factors among Type 1 Diabetic Adolescents Attending Outpatient Diabetic Clinic at Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Geneti Yomilan , Wondwossen Kalkidan , Adimasu Mekonen , Deressa Dereje , Aga Fekadu , Lami Magarsa , Abdisa Lemesa , Sori Seboka Abebe , Dinku Hirut
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of adherence to diabetes self-management and associated factors among type 1 diabetic adolescents attending outpatient diabetic clinics at Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 422 adolescents with type 1 diabetes attending outpatient diabetic clinics at four randomly selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa. The adolescents were interviewed using pretested questionnaires to give information on socio-demographic characteristics, medical factors, knowledge about type 1 diabetes, adherence to diabetes self-management, self-efficacy, and social support related to type 1 diabetes. A variable that has a P-value of <0.2 in bi-variable logistic regression analysis was subjected to multivariable logistic regression analysis to control the confounding factors. The level of significance was pronounced at P-value <0.05.
Results

In this study, a total of 414 diabetic adolescents were interviewed making a 98.1% response rate. About 218 participants (52.7%) had poor adherence to overall diabetes self-management. Self-efficacy (AOR=8.7, 95% CI:1.9-14.1, P=0.005), social support (AOR=4.6, 95%CI:1.5-13.5, P=0.006), age (AOR=0.2, 95%CI:0.1-0.4, P=0.001), good knowledge of the disease (AOR=9.046, 95%CI:3.83-13.5, P=0.000), moderate knowledge (AOR=6.763, 95%CI:2.18-12.921, P=0.001), and time since diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (AOR=0.1, 95%CI:0.02-0.2, P=0.005) were significantly associated with adherence to diabetes self-management.
Conclusions and Recommendations:

More than half of this population had poor adherence. The finding suggested that implementing a comprehensive guideline of adherence and expanding the recurrence of follow-up visits could be important for this population.
Co-expression Analysis to Identify Key Modules and Hub Genes Associated With COVID19 in Platelets
Authors: Alarabi Ahmed B. , Mohsen Attayeb , Mizuguchi Kenji , Alshbool Fatima Z. , Khasawneh Fadi T.
Published: December 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious virus that causes a severe respiratory disease known as Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID19). Indeed, COVID19 increases the risk of cardiovascular occlusive/thrombotic events and is linked to poor outcomes. The pathophysiological processes underlying COVID19-induced thrombosis are complex, and remain poorly understood. To this end, platelets play important roles in regulating our cardiovascular system, including via contributions to coagulation and inflammation. There is an ample of evidence that circulating platelets are activated in COVID19 patients, which is a primary driver of the thrombotic outcome observed in these patients. However, the comprehensive molecular basis of platelet activation in COVID19 disease remains elusive, which warrants more investigation. Hence, we employed gene co-expression network analysis combined with pathways enrichment analysis to further investigate the aforementioned issues. Our study revealed three important gene clusters/modules that were closely related to COVID19. Furthermore, enrichment analysis showed that these three modules were mostly related to platelet metabolism, protein translation, mitochondrial activity, and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as regulation of megakaryocyte differentiation, and apoptosis, suggesting a hyperactivation status of platelets in COVID19. We identified the three hub genes from each of three key modules according to their intramodular connectivity value ranking, namely: COPE, CDC37, CAPNS1, AURKAIP1, LAMTOR2, GABARAP MT-ND1, MT-ND5, and MTRNR2L12. Collectively, our results offer a new and interesting insight into platelet involvement in COVID19 disease at the molecular level, which might aid in defining new targets for treatment of COVID19–induced thrombosis.
Plasma Phthalate Levels In Children With Speech Delay
Authors: Artunç Nihal Yaman , Yirun Anıl , G.Özkemahlı Kübra , Erkekoğlu Pınar , Akkuş Pınar Zengin , Bahadur Evin İlter , Özdemir Gökçenur , Özmert Elif N.
Published: December 2021

Speech delay is one of the most common developmental problems. One of the risk factors may be the exposure to environmental chemicals. There is increased environmental exposure to phthalates, an endocrine-disrupting chemical. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship of phthalates with speech delay. We included 50 children with isolated speech delay and 40 healthy children of similar age. Children were surveyed for risk factors for speech delay and phthalate exposure. Plasma di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) levels were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. The DEHP, MEHP and DBP levels in study and control groups were 0.377 [0.003 - 1.224] µg/ml, 0.212 [0.007 - 1.112] µg/ml (p = 0.033), 0.523 [0.031 - 2.477] µg/ml, 0.152 [0.239 - 2.129] µg/ml (p <0.001), and 0.395 [0.062 - 1.996] µg/ml, 0.270 [0.006 - 0.528] µg/ml (p = 0.004), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to adjust the association between the phthalate levels and factors differing between the two groups in terms of delayed speech risk factors. While there was no significant difference between the study and control groups in terms of DEHP level (p=0.233), the MEHP and DBP levels were found significantly higher in the study group (p<0,001). Conclusion: The statistically significant higher phthalate levels in those with speech delay indicate that these children are more exposed to phthalates and more epidemiological studies are needed to evaluate the association between phthalates and speech delay.
Left Atrial Function in Young Strength Athletes: Four-Dimensional Automatic Quantitation Study
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Sun Mengjiao , Li Lijin , Li Pengge , Hou Suyun , Li Zhen , Sun Xinxin , Hua Shaohua
Published: December 2021

Background
Athletes might suffer from potentially fatal heart disease, which has always been a concern in cardiovascular medicine. The changes in left atrial (LA) size and function are related to the occurrence of arrhythmia. In the present study, four-dimensional automatic quantitation (4D LAQ) was used to explore the changes in LA function of young strength athletes.
Methods
Eighty professional young strength athletes and sixty healthy young adults matched in age were selected for the study. The LA volumes and strains were automatically analyzed by 4D LAQ. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of strain in athletes' LA function. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the potential association between conventional echocardiographic indexes and 4D parameters related to athletes' LA function.
Results
Compared to the control group, LA longitudinal and circumferential strain in the athlete group decreased, while LA volume increased (P<0.05). However, LA strain was similar among 45 male and 35 female strength athletes (P>0.05), while male athletes presented with a higher LA volume when compared to female controls (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that LA contraction longitudinal strain (LASct) was the best predictor in evaluating athletes' LA function. Athletes' heart rate and left ventricular mass index were significantly correlated with 4D LA function parameters.
Conclusions
4D LAQ can be used for early detection of the changes in LA function in young strength athletes. There was no significant difference in LA strain between male and female athletes. The LASct was the most effective index for evaluating athletes' LA function.
Oviposition Preferences of Oriental Fruit Moth Grapholita Molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) To Pear HIPVs
Authors: Liu Chia-Ming , Phukhahad Supannee , Auamcharoen Wanida , Matsuyama Shigeru , Kainoh Yooichi
Published: December 2021

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are regarded as an indirect plant defense against herbivores, since they attract natural enemies to the infested plant. On the other hand, HIPVs also affect behavioral responses of herbivores. In a previous study, Lytopylus rufipes, a parasitoid of the oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta), showed positive responses to pear HIPVs, but the influence of pear HIPVs on G. molesta is still unclear. To better understand these responses, we first tested oviposition preferences of G. molesta to uninfested and infested pear shoots (US and IS, respectively) and uninfested mature leaves (ML) in dual-choice bioassays with a cylindrical tube. Then, preferences to volatile components were also assessed. Results show that G. molesta females preferred US-, IS-, and ML-treated areas compared to the control area (no leaves), respectively. Subsequently, G. molesta females preferred IS over US, and US more than ML when comparing pear tissues. Furthermore, G. molesta females didn’t show any significant preference to individual volatile components, but more eggs were laid in the area treated with a synthetic pear HIPV blend, compared to the hexane-treated area (control). These results indicate that G. molesta females do not avoid infested pear shoots nor HIPVs. Moreover, HIPVs may recruit not only natural enemies, but herbivores to the release point of HIPVs. Thus, it is important to examine the responses of G. molesta females to HIPVs in the field before employing them for pest management.
"Research ends with publication": A qualitative study on the use of health policy and systems research in Ethiopia
Authors: Birhanu Zewdie , Morankar Sudhakar , Abraham Gelila , Shroff Zubin
Published: December 2021

Background
Decision-making about the design and implementation of health care policies should be supported by research evidence. This article reports on a qualitative study on the experiences of both research institutes and policymakers in Ethiopia in generating and using research evidence to inform health policy decision-making.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted from January through March 2020, with representatives of research institutes and with policymakers in Ethiopia. The data collected during the interviews were analyzed thematically.
Results
Half of the institutions represented had engaged in health policy and systems research (HPSR). These institutes’ capacities were limited by multiple factors, including unsupportive research environments; the limited number of researchers with extensive experience; high turnover among senior researchers; lack of staff motivation mechanisms; underdeveloped research culture; limited technical and analytical capacity among researchers; lack of core funding for HPSR; ineffective financial management; and, lack of connections with health policy platforms. Research institutes also lacked the capacity in strategic packaging of findings to influence policy decision-making, although some programs have recently improved in this area. Meanwhile, there lacked a culture of using evidence in policymaking settings. In general, we found that policymakers had poor attitudes towards the quality or value of the evidence, and had little capacity to interpret evidence and apply findings to policy options. As a result, much of the research produced by the institutes have only been relevant academically, with little impact on policy. However, respondents reported that the environment is slowly changing, and the recent creation of a Research Advisory Council at the Ministry of Health offers a promising model.
Conclusions
Despite some recent changes, in Ethiopia researchers and policymakers alike often tend to consider health policy and systems research (HPSR) to be not very valuable since the findings generated are rarely used for evidence-informed policy development. Research institutes and researchers need to strengthen their technical, analytical, and administrative capacities (through, among other efforts, seeking more funding for research, and better incentives to attract, retain and build skills among qualified researchers); they also need to improve their understanding of the evidence-to-policy cycle and how to engage effectively with policymakers.
Yonghaparkia Aerolata sp. nov., a Novel Member of the Genus Yonghaparkia, Isolated From Electronic Waste Associated Bioaerosols
Authors: Pan Yimin , Ren Qiaoqiao , Chen Lingyun , Jiang Yunxia , Wu Jiguo , Zhang Guoxia
Published: December 2021

A Gram-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming and short rod-shaped actinomycete strain, designated GA224T, was isolated from an electronic waste associated bioaerosols. The isolate is facultatively anaerobic, which is able to grow at 25–40 ℃ (optimum 37 ℃) and pH 6.5–8.5 (optimum 8.0). The diamino acid in the cell wall of strain GA224T is 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB), while major menaquinone is MK-12. The polar lipid profile is composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified phospholipids, unidentified glycolipids and unidentified lipid. The major cellular fatty acid is anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain GA224T fell within the genus Yonghaparkia, the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values (98.60%) being obtained with respect to Yonghaparkia alkaliphile KSL-113T. The draft genome of strain GA224T comprised 2,495,189 bp with a G+C content of 72.17 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain GA224T and phylogenetically related Yonghaparkia species were lower than 95% and 70%, respectively. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic data, strain GA224T represents a novel species, for which the name Yonghaparkia aerolata sp. nov. is proposed, with GA224T as the type strain (= GDMCC 1.2165T = JCM 34462T).
Based on Network Pharmacology to Explore the Molecular Mechanism of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction for the Treatment of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yang Ruiping , Lin Xiaojing , Tao Chunhui , Jiang Ruixue
Published: December 2021

BackgroundBuzhong Yiqi Decoction (BZYQD) has been widely accepted as an alternative treatment for gastric cancer (GC) in China. The present study set out to determine the potential molecular mechanism of BZYQD in the treatment of GC by means of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation.MethodsThe potential active ingredients and targets of BZYQD were screened out through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP). GC-related targets were screened out through the GeneCards database, and the intersection targets of BZYQD and GC were obtained by using the Venn diagram online tool. Then, the TCM-Active Ingredient-Target network was constructed by using the Cytoscape, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by using the STRING database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the effective targets of BZYQD in GC were performed through the Metascape platform. Finally, the molecular docking between the compounds and the target proteins was performed by using the AutoDock Vina software. The simulation of molecular dynamics was conducted for the optimal protein-ligand complex obtained by molecular docking using the Amber18 software.ResultsA total of 150 active ingredients of BZYQD were retrieved, corresponding to 136 targets of GC. The key active ingredients were quercetin, kaempferol, nobiletin, naringenin, and formononetin. The core targets were AKT1, STAT3, TP53, MAPK1, and MAPK3. GO functional enrichment analysis showed that BZYQD treated GC by affecting various biological processes such as oxidative stress, chemical stress, lipopolysaccharide reaction, and apoptosis. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the apoptosis signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, proteoglycan in cancer, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway were involved. Molecular docking results revealed the highest binding energy for MAPK3 and naringenin. The stable binding of MAPK3 and naringenin was also demonstrated in the molecular dynamics simulation test, with the binding free energy of -25kcal/mol.ConclusionThis study preliminarily revealed the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics of BZYQD against GC, laying a scientific basis for further research on the molecular mechanism of BZYQD.
Connective Tissue Growth Factor Mediates Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2-Induced Increase in Hyaluronan Production in Luteinized Human Granulosa Cells
Authors: Bai Long , Chang Hsun-Ming , Zhu Yi-Min , Leung Peter CK
Published: December 2021

Background: Hyaluronan is the main component of the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) matrix and it maintains the basic structure of the COC during ovulation. As a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been identified as a critical regulator of mammalian folliculogenesis and ovulation. However, whether BMP2 can regulate the production of hyaluronan in human granulosa cells has never been elucidated.Methods: In the present study, we investigated the effect of BMP2 on the production of hyaluronan and the underlying molecular mechanism using both immortalized (SVOG) and primary human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells. The expression of three hyaluronan synthases (including HAS1, HAS2 and HAS3) were examined following cell incubation with BMP2 at different concentrations. The concentrations of the hyaluronan cell culture medium were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The TGF-β type I receptor inhibitors (dorsomorphin and DMH-1) and small interfering RNAs targeting ALK2, ALK3, ALK6 and SMAD4 were used to investigate the involvement of TGF-β type I receptor and SMAD-dependent pathway.Results: Our results showed that BMP2 treatment significantly increased the production of hyaluronan by upregulating the expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2). In addition, BMP2 upregulates the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which subsequently mediates the BMP2-induced increases in HAS2 expression and hyaluronan production because overexpression of CTGF enhances, whereas knockdown of CTGF reverses, these effects. Notably, using kinase inhibitor- and siRNA-mediated knockdown approaches, we demonstrated that the inductive effect of BMP2 on the upregulation of CTGF is mediated by the ALK2/ALK3-mediated SMAD-dependent signaling pathway.Conclusions: Our findings provide new insight into the molecular mechanism by which BMP2 promotes the production of hyaluronan in human granulosa cells.
Structural Elucidation And Electrochemiluminescence On A 3D Cadmium (II) MOF With 5-C Topology
Authors: Feng Chao , Hua Feng-Zhen , Guo Jing-Jing , Lv Chang-Peng , Zhao Hong
Published: December 2021

A novel cadmium (II) based MOF, [Cd(μ–ppza)]n (1) (H2ppza = 3–(pyridin–4–yl)–1H–pyrazole–5–carboxylic acid) was synthesized under solvothermal condition. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that the title MOF 1 exhibits a 3D structure bridged through the carboxylic group, which has a 5-c {46.64} topological structure. Furthermore, MOF 1 exhibits good electrochemiluminescence (ECL) behavior.
Three-Dimensional Modeling and Control of a Tethered UAV-Buoy System
Authors: Kourani Ahmad , Daher Naseem
Published: December 2021

This work presents the nonlinear dynamical model and motion controller of a system consisting of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is tethered to a floating buoy in the three-dimensional (3D) space. Detailed models of the UAV, buoy, and the coupled tethered system dynamics are presented in a marine environment that includes surface-water currents and oscillating gravity waves, in addition to wind gusts. This work extends the previously modeled planar (vertical) motion of this novel robotic system to allow its free motion in all three dimensions. Furthermore, a Directional Surge Velocity Control System (DSVCS) is hereby proposed to allow both the free movement of the UAV around the buoy when the cable is slack, and the manipulation of the buoy’s surge velocity when the cable is taut. Using a spherical coordinate system centered at the buoy, the control system commands the UAV to apply forces on the buoy at specific azimuth and elevation angles via the tether, which yields a more appropriate realization of the control problem as compared to the Cartesian coordinates where the traditional x- , y- , and z -coordinates do not intuitively describe the tether’s tension and orientation. The proposed robotic system and controller offer a new method of interaction and collaboration between UAVs and marine systems from a locomotion perspective. The system is validated in a virtual high-fidelity simulation environment, which was specifically developed for this purpose, while considering various settings and wave scenarios.
BCM-VEMT: Classification of Brain Cancer from MRI Images using Deep Learning and Ensemble of Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Saha Prottoy , Das Rudra , Das Shanta Kumar
Published: December 2021

Brain Cancer is quite possibly the most driving reason for death in recent years. Appropriate diagnosis of the cancer type empowers the specialists to make the right choice of treatment, decision and to save the patient's life. It goes no saying the importance of a computer-aided diagnosis system with image processing that can classify the tumor types correctly. In this paper, an enhanced approach has been proposed, that can classify brain tumor types from Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) using deep learning and an ensemble of Machine Learning Algorithms. The system named BCM-VEMT can classify among four different classes that consist of three categories of Brain Cancers (Glioma, Meningioma, and Pituitary) and Non-Cancerous which means Normal type. A Convolutional Neural Network is developed to extract deep features from the MRI images. Then these extracted deep features are fed into multi-class ML classifiers to classify among these cancer types. Finally, a weighted average ensemble of classifiers is used to achieve better performance by combining the results of each ML classifier. The dataset of the system has a total of 3787 MRI images of four classes. BCM-VEMT has achieved better performance with 97.90% accuracy for the Glioma class, 98.94% accuracy for the Meningioma class, 98.00% accuracy for the Normal class, 98.92% accuracy for the Pituitary class, and overall accuracy of 98.42%. BCM-VEMT can have a great significance in classifying Brain Cancer types.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Passalurus Ambiguus Rudolphi, 1819 in Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) in Qena Governorate, Upper Egypt
Authors: Hussein Nermean Moamen , Rabie Soheir A. H. , Abuelwafa Wafaa A. , ElDin Mouchira M. Mohi
Published: December 2021

Domestic rabbits in Egypt are used commercially for meat, but gastrointestinal disorders can affect production. Passalurus ambiguus is an intestinal parasite that infects the rabbit causing intestinal problems and death in severe cases. The present study collected domestic rabbits from several locations tgroughout the Qena Governorate in Upper Egypt. Passalurus ambiguus worms were detected in 90 out of 200 rabbits (45%). They were described morphologically using light and scanning electron microscopy. Males measured 4.622 mm (2.838–7.172 mm) in length and 0.278 mm (0.139–0.558 mm) in width. Females measured 5.622 mm (2.347–9.532 mm) in length, 0.314 mm, and (0.185–0.381 mm) in width. Phylogenetic results confirmed the identification of the worms as Passalurus ambiguus. They appeared as small white nodules in the appendix of the rabbits examined. Histopathologically, a heavy worm burden was observed inside the appendiceal lumen, among crypts, and inside the lymphoid follicles. The heavy worm infestation leads to hyperplasia in the epithelial lining of the appendix and the follicles resulting in lumen obstruction. Granulomatous reactions were induced due to irritation and injury by the worm. It could be concluded that morphological features, molecular phylogenetic data, and histopathological findings clearly identified the present species as as Passalurus ambiguus Rudolphi, 1819.
Clinical Characters in Pre-invasive and Invasive Adenocarcinoma with Pulmonary Ground-glass Nodules
Authors: zheng han , Huang Chongbiao
Published: December 2021

Purpose: With the increasing prevalence of pulmonary ground-glass nodules (GGNs) among younger population, its clinicopathologic performance, lung cancer-associated genetic mutation, and immune landscape features between pre-invasive adenocarcinoma and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) need to be get well known.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed basic clinical information, analyzed radiological characteristics, and then evaluated the status of mutational hotspots and tumor mutational burden by sequencing genome in tissue. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Results: Nodules vastly increased the probability of IAC when the diameter of GGNs was more than 1.15 mm or the consolidation-to-tumor ratio was at least 8.5%, with the latter predictor having a better diagnostic specificity. Tumors positive for exon 19 deletion and exon 21 L858R in EGFR mutation had a higher prevalence in IAC. However, there was no difference in PD-L1 expression. As expected, tumor mutational burden in IAC was higher, despite a low background mutational burden as a whole. Conclusions: GGNs should be pay high attention when several aggressive behaviors showed in radiology and inner solid components increased gradually, providing more evidence apt to a diagnosis of IAC. We found that GGNs of IAC performed early genomic alternations events during the slow growth carcinogenesis stage of GGNs, including the most common proto-oncogene EGFR activation, which mainly concentrates on IAC. Indolent GGNs at an early stage usually have negative PD-L1 expression.
Left Atrial Deformation And Risk of Transient Ischemic Attack And Stroke In Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhao Ying , Ma Changsheng , Du Xin , He Yihua
Published: December 2021

Left atrial (LA) remodeling is closely related to cerebral stroke, but the relationship between impaired deformability of LA in early stages and stroke/TIA is not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of LA deformability and its relationship with stroke/TIA events by using Speckle Tracking echocardiography. In 365 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) (318, Non stroke/TIA; 47, stroke/TIA), comprehensive echocardiography was performed by using speckle tracking imaging to calculate mean LA longitudinal strain and strain rate values from apical four chamber view, apical two chamber view and apical three cavity view. The patients in stroke/TIA group had greater ages, a greater proportion of men and lower LA strain rate during left ventricular (LV) early diastole (SRE), and the difference was statistically significant(p<0.05). In the univariate linear regression analysis, the following clinical and conventional echocardiographic parameters each had a significant linear correlation with SRE(p<0.001), they were E/A ratio, LA volume index, body mass index, mean E/e′, LV ejection fraction, age, proportion of hypertension. Through a multiple linear regression analysis, the results show that there is a linear dependence between SRE and E/A ratio, LA volume index and Body mass index. The regression equation is y=-1.430-0.394X1+0.012X2+0.019X3(p<0.001) (y,SRE; X1,E/A ratio; X2,LA volume index; X3,Body mass index).In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, SRE and Sex ratio were independently risk factors stroke/TIA. (SRE, OR 2.945, 95% CI 1.092-7.943, p= 0.033; Sex, OR 0.462, 95% CI 0.230-0.930, p = 0.031)In patients with paroxysmal AF, SRE could reflect the impaired deformability of LA in early stages, and it was associated with the risk of stroke/TIA.
Skin Cancers And Their Risk Factors In Older Persons: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Sinikumpu Suvi-Päivikki , Jokelainen Jari , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Huilaja Laura
Published: December 2021

Background: The number of skin cancer is increasing rapidly. However, little is known about the risk factors of skin cancer in older persons. Our objectives were to determine the risk factors for skin cancer or its precursors in an older population. More specifically, to study the association of new skin cancers with previous skin cancer, sex, age, Fitzpatrick’s skin type, history of outdoor work and socioeconomic status (SES).Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study of a large, well documented historical cohort data set a total body skin examination (TBSE) was performed for 552 subjects aged between 70 and 93 years by dermatologists. The information gathered was augmented with health register data and self-reported data. The associations between skin cancer and its risk factors were studied by using the logistic regression analyses. Results: According to the TBSE skin cancer/precursor was present in 25.5% of participants and was more common in males than in females (34.5% vs 20.2%, p<0.001). Previous skin cancer increased the risk of subsequent skin cancer 2.6-fold (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.43-4.55) and male sex nearly 2-fold (1.97, 95% CI 1.26-3.08). Specific risk factors for the first occurrence of skin cancer were male sex and outdoor work. There was also association between skin cancer and age and socioeconomic status. Conclusions: TBSE is recommend for physicians treating older persons to allow early recognition of skin cancers or their precursors. Older males need particularly close attention.
Comparing Efficacy of Punctum-incised Surgery versus Punctum- Sparing Surgery in Primary Canaliculitis Patients
Authors: Shen Zhongcheng , Zhang Qin , Li Fangting , Li Mingwu , Wang Min , Zhao Mingwei
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This study aims to describe the characteristics of canaliculitis patients and compare the operative outcomes between punctum-sparing canaliculotomy and traditional punctum-incised canaliculotomy.Methods: The medical records of 58 patients who were diagnosed with canaliculitis were reviewed from March 1, 2010, to December 31, 2020. The demographic characteristics, symptoms, time to disease onset, location of involvement, operation information, and prognosis were recorded and analyzed.Results: Canaliculitis showed a female (67%) predominance. Epiphora with discharge was the most common symptom which happened in 56 (97%) patients. The recurrence rates of the punctum-incised group and the punctum-sparing group were 5% and 9% respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. (p=0.514)Conclusion: The recurrence rate of the punctum-sparing group showed no significant difference with punctum-incised group. Patients with recurrence finally recovered after multiple treatments. Squeezing by tweezers was a good way to locate the infected lacrimal duct. Punctum-incised surgery can be the first-line therapy for canaliculitis.
Detection of Target Sites Edited in Upland Cotton By The CRISPR/Cas9 System Mediated By Agrobacterium Rhizogenes
Authors: Zhou Lili , Wang Yali , Wang Peilin , Wang Jiamin , Cheng Hongmei
Published: December 2021

Background

CRIPSR/Cas9 gene editing has the ability to effectively modify plant genomes. Multiple target sites usually were designed and the effective target sites were selected for editing. However, upland cotton is allotetraploid and is commonly considered as difficult and inefficient to transform. Therefore, it’s important to quickly identify feasibility of the target site. In this study, we use Agrobacterium rhizogenes K599 strain to infect cotton shoot meristem and induce them to grow hairy roots to detect the feasibility of a selected target designed in GhMYB25-like gene.
Results

We designed a sgRNA within the second exons of GhMYB25-likeA and GhMYB25-likeD and constructed the CRISPR vector. Transient hairy root transformation using A. rhizogenes K599 with four OD600s (0.4, 0.6,0.8, 1.0) was performed in Coker 312 (R15). The results show that A. rhizogenes at OD600 = 0.6–0.8 is the best concentration range for inducing cotton hairy roots. The other three cultivars (TM-1, Lumian 21, Zhongmian 49) were injected using A. rhizogenes K599 with OD600 = 0.6-0.8 and all produced hairy roots. We characterized ten R15 plants with hairy roots and detected different degrees of base deletions and insert at the target site in five R15 plants.
Conclusion

Overall, our data show A. rhizogenes-mediated transient hairy root transformation offers a rapid and efficient method to detect sgRNA feasibility in cotton.
Addition of Ca2+ to Titanium Plates by a Hydrothermal Method and the Effects on Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Fu Zhendi , Deng Xuehua , Fang Xiaodan
Published: December 2021

Background: Human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) have key roles in the formation of soft-tissue attachments around dental implants. We added calcium ions (Ca2+) to the surface of titanium plates (TPs) to make it more conducive to the early adhesion and proliferation of hGFs. Methods: Ca2+ was loaded onto the TP surface by a hydrothermal method. The morphology and composition of TP surfaces were determined by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Proliferation of hGF-1 cells was measured by the CCK-8 assay. Immunofluorescence staining was done to detect adherent proteins on the TP surface. TPs were divided randomly into two groups: control and Ca.Results: In the Ca group, irregular lamellar crystals were found on the surface of TPs; The percentage of hGF-1 cells adhering to TPs in the Ca group was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.01); The fluorescence of integrin-β1 and F-actin in the Ca group was stronger than that in the control group. Conclusions: Our data suggest that Ca2+ can be added to TP surfaces by a hydrothermal method, and can enhance hGF adhesion. This property may be beneficial if Ca2+ is added to titanium surfaces before dental implantation.
FOXF2-Mediated lncRNA LINC02532 Promotes Gastric Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion By Decreasing SOX7 mRNA Stability
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zhang Chun-Dong , Pei Jun-Peng , Li Yong-Zhi , Yusupu Maimaititusun , Dai Dong-Qiu
Published: December 2021

Background

LncRNAs are known to play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of human diseases, especially cancers. Our previous study demonstrated that dysregulation of LINC02532 facilitated the malignant phenotype of gastric cancer (GC). However, the potential molecular mechanisms regarding the upstream and downstream regulation of LINC02532 in GC progression remain unclear.
Methods

RNA-Seq and clinical data from public databases were used for gene expression and clinical analyses. The subcellular location of LINC02532 was predicted by the bioinformatics tools and further validated by the RNA-Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay. The effect of FOXF2/LINC02532/SOX7 axis in GC cell migration and invasion was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo assays. The transcriptional regulation role of FOXF2 and the mRNA stability of SOX7 were explored by dual-luciferase reporter assay and Actinomycin-D drug assay.
Results

We found that high LINC02532 expression was associated with poor prognosis of GC. Furthermore, a Cox regression model indicated that LINC02532 was an independent prognostic factor for GC patients. Using in vitro and in vivo assays, we found that LINC02532 promoted GC cell migration and invasion, as well as tumour growth and metastasis in nude mice. Mechanistically, LINC02532 decreased SOX7 mRNA stability by binding to its 3’UTR, resulting in reduced SOX7 expression. In addition, FOXF2 was identified as a transcriptional factor of LINC02532 and was shown to repress LINC02532 expression by negative transcriptional regulation.
Conclusions

Together, these findings show that LINC02532 promotes GC progression through epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cross-talk between the FOXF2/LINC02532/SOX7 axis may provide a novel target for the treatment and prognostic prediction of GC.
PRDX6 Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-induced Inflammation in Human Gingival Fibroblasts by Regulation of NRF2
Authors: Yang Wen-ying , Meng Xiang , Wang Yue-rong , Wang Qing-qing , He Xin , Sun Xiao-yu , Cheng Nan , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Periodontitis is a progressive and inflammatory oral disease and results in the damage of the supporting tissues of teeth. Peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) is an antioxidant enzyme identified as a redox balance regulator. This study aimed to investigate whether PRDX6 could protect human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) from lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation and its mechanisms.Methods: Both inflamed and non-inflamed human gingival tissues were collected to assess the expression of PRDX6 and NRF2 by Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Furthermore, HGFs were stimulated with LPS, MJ33 (PRDX6 phospholipase A2 inhibitor), or ML385 (NRF2 inhibitor). The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured by RT-qPCR and ELISA, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using DCFH-DA.Results: PRDX6 was downregulated in inflamed gingival tissues. In HGFs, LPS induced inflammatory cytokines and ROS was upregulated in PRDX6 knockdown cells. Furthermore, co-treatment with MJ33 alleviated LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines and ROS while inhibiting NRF2 upregulated those in HGFs.Conclusion: Therefore, this study provided a new mechanistic insight that PRDX6, regulated by the NRF2 signaling, alleviates LPS-induced periodontitis in human gingival fibroblasts.