bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radius distraction could contribute to long-term stability for treating distal radioulnar joint instability during volar plating of distal radius fracture: a retrospective case series study
Authors: Yin Cheng-Yu , Huang Hui-Kuang , Fufa Duretti , Wang Jung-Pan
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe surgical technique of radius distraction for stabilization of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) if intraoperative DRUJ instability was found after the fixation of distal radius fracture has been previously described, but this surgical technique lacks clinical and radiographic effect in minimal 3 years follow-up. We therefore evaluated the clinical outcome and radiographic results of radius distraction in minimal 3 years follow-up.MethodsWe reviewed the case series of distal radius fracture with concomitant DRUJ instability receiving radius distraction from the senior author over a 5-year period (January 1st, 2013 to June 30th, 2017) retrospectively, and the evaluation of clinical and radiographic outcomes was performed at clinic as long-term follow-up; a total 34 patients had been evaluated.ResultsAt minimal post-operative 36 months follow-up, all cases demonstrated acceptable wrist range of motion with stable DRUJs and low NRS of wrist pain (0.6, SD 0.7) and DASH score (mean 9.1, SD 6.2), and there were no cases suffering from nonunion of distal radius. The mean ulnar variance of injured wrist and uninjured wrist were − 1.2 mm and 0.2mm, respectively (SD 1.0 and 0.6) with significant statistical difference.ConclusionsRadius distraction during volar fixation of distal radius fracture should be consider if DRUJ instability was found by the radioulnar stress test intraoperatively, and the long-term DRUJ stability could be achieved by maintenance of normal-to-negative ulnar variance, with decreased wrist pain and satisfactory function outcome.Level of EvidenceTherapeutic Level IV
Accumulation of Heavy Metal Concentration and Physicochemical Parameters in Soil From Alice Landfill Site in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Maphuhla Nontobeko Gloria , Lewu Francis Bayo , Oyedeji Opeoluwa Oyehan
Published: June 2021

Heavy metals are unique environmental and industrial pollutants scattered naturally and found almost in all phases of the environment. In certain limited areas in several parts of the world, many people and animals have suffered from several severe diseases caused by trace elements or heavy metal deficiencies and their toxicities, unaware of their existence. The compounds of Pb and Cd are classified as human carcinogens by numerous regulatory agencies. The soil samples digested using the aqua regia method, and concentration quantified through the Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In this study, Pb, Cd, and Hg concentrations were recorded high on the landfill site compared to the control site. Their concentration exceeded the permissible limits from WHO. Pb concentration ranges between 0.46ppm to 1.81ppm, Cd range from 0.98ppm and 0.56ppm, and Hg has a high concentration that varies between 6.28ppm and 1.69ppm. On the contrary, the Cu concentration reportable to be lesser than accepted WHO limits compared to the other two selected elements. The mean concentration of Cu ranges from 0.41 ppm to 0.72 ppm. Soil pH for both sites ranged from slightly acidic (6.67) to neutral (7.09), which falls within the normal range suggested by WHO. High Hg and Pb concentration in this study is a thing of concern. Undertaken this study to help address the soil pollution problem due to the illegal disposal of waste that results in metal accumulation.
MovementRx: Versatile clinical movement analysis using Statistical Parametric Mapping
Authors: ALHOSSARY Amr Ali , Pataky Todd , ANG Wei Tech , CHUA Karen Sui Geok , Donnelly Cyril John
Published: June 2021

Background: Clinical gait analysis is an important field of biomechanics that Is influenced by subjectivity, which can lead to type I and II errors. Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) is a classical hypothesis testing method that can operate on all measured joint dynamics simultaneously, thereby overcoming errors associated with subjective reduction of these complex data and providing a quantitative and coherent assessment. Results: We present MovementRx, the first gait analysis modelling application that models joints in 3 degrees of freedom. It is a python-based versatile GUI-based movement analysis decision support system, that provides a holistic view of all lower limb joints fundamental to the kinematic/kinetic chain (i.e., related to functional gait). It utilizes the time varying statistical tool SPM1D combined with a visualizing software. The user can cascade the view from single 3D multivariate result down to specific single joint individual scalar component of movement in one dimension. It exports its API as a library for use by another python application or command line. We also presented a case study of a unilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) patient with otherwise undetected contralateral OA predisposition. The intervention elevated the patient’s moments on the right (affected) limb, but it led to adverse compensation on the left (contralateral) limb, leaving the patient likely to develop OA in her left limb in the future, unless immediate preventive and / or corrective actions were taken. Conclusions: MovementRx is a clinical gait analysis tool for that provides objective representation of the magnitude of statistical effect of all relevant joints in a simple, coherent, objective, and visually intuitive manner. No other software correctly model joints in 3 degrees of freedom.
Exploring the Influence of Multidimensional Tourist Satisfaction on Preferences for Wetland Ecotourism: A Case Study in Zhalong National Nature Reserve, China
Authors: Xu Lishan , Ao Changlin , Liu Baoqi , Cai Zhenyu
Published: June 2021

Tourist satisfaction, as a principal element for sustainable development of wetland ecotourism and destination competitiveness, has received extensive attention in the research on its impact on behavioral intention. This paper employs choice experiment to study tourist satisfaction as an important motivation for behavioral intention of willingness to pay and preference on wetland ecotourism improvement policy, and explores the potential causal mechanism. A 15-item scale is designed to measure tourist satisfaction and four constructs are defined. Under the framework of discrete choice modeling, unidimensional and multidimensional data are incorporated as the standard for population segmentation and explanatory variables. The empirical results estimated by three methods basically confirms the proposed hypotheses and indicate that tourist satisfaction has a certain effect on tourist preference of wetland ecotourism and there is significant preference heterogeneity among groups with different satisfaction. Besides, different dimensions of satisfaction have a different effect on tourist preference of wetland ecotourism. This study enriches the studies on non-market value evaluation and preference motivation in the field of ecotourism, because tourist satisfaction may explain some unobserved preference heterogeneity. More effective wetland ecotourism policies can be designed when data on satisfaction are included.
Smoking Habits in Men and Women with Different Perceptions of Social Well-Being: Findings of A Large Population-Based Study
Authors: Masihay-Akbar Hasti , Mehrabi Fahimeh , Mardi Neda , Amiri Parisa , Cheraghi Leila , Eini-Zinab Hassan , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: June 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate cigarette and hookah smoking in a population of Eastern-Mediterranean adults in relation to their perceived social well-being (social integration, coherence, acceptance, contribution, and actualization).
Methods

Data of 2592 adults who participated in the 6th phase (2014–2016) of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) was used. After excluding those with missing data (n = 235), 2357 remained for the sex-specific logistic regression to investigate the association between social well-being and current smoking (cigarette and hookah). The final model (model 3) was adjusted for age, marital status, education, occupation, physical activity, and chronic disease history.
Results

Participants' mean age was 46 ± 14 years (45% men). Compared to cigarette and hookah smokers, the mean scores of social well-being and all its dimensions were higher in non-smokers. While in men, cigarette smoking was significantly related to social well-being and all its dimensions, only women with higher social well-being (OR:0.97, CI:0.95–0.99, P:0.001), social integration (OR:0.93, CI:0.87–0.99, P:0.019), and coherence (OR:0.92, CI:0.87–0.98, P:0.013), were further at risk of cigarette smoking. Unlike men, whose hookah smoking was not at all related to their social well-being, women's hookah consumption was associated with social well-being (OR: 0.97, CI:0.95–0.99, P:0.002), social integration and acceptance; one unit increase in the mean scores of social integration and acceptance in women reduced the risk of hookah use by 8%.
Conclusion

Social well-being and tobacco smoking are related, and evident sex differences in this relationship should not be ignored in future tobacco control efforts.
Preeclampsia and Keap1 (rs11085735) variants and lncRNA MEG3 methylation status: Association with lncRNA MEG3 hypermethylation
Authors: Zangeneh Maryam , Heydarian Sara , Seifi Zahra , Kohsari Maryam , Rahimi Zohreh
Published: June 2021

Background. Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the complications of pregnancy. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the preeclampsia pathophysiology. The aims of present study were to investigate the role of Keap1 (rs11085735) variants and the methylation status of long non-coding RNA-maternally expressed gene 3 (lncRNA MEG3) in the pathogenesis of PE in a population from Western Iran with Kurdish ethnic background.Results. There was no significant difference in the frequency of Keap1 genotypes comparing 75 patients with PE and 75 women with normal pregnancy. The frequencies of hemi methylated and full methylated lnc-MEG3 were 94 and 6% (P=0.04), respectively in all patients (50 women), 86.4, and 13.6% (P=0.04), respectively in patients with severe preeclampsia and 98 and 0% in controls (50 women). The frequency of full methylated lnc-MEG3 was 14.3% in early-onset and 2.8% in late-onset preeclampsia (P=0.12). The frequency of full methylated lnc-MEG3 was higher in patients with BMI >25 kg/m2 compared to normal weight patients. The PE patients had significantly higher levels of liver biomarkers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin) and significantly lower platelet count than healthy pregnant women. Conclusions. Hypermethylation status of lnc-MEG3 increased in patients with PE compared to controls that could be contributed in the pathogenesis and development of preeclampsia and its severe form. However, Keap1 variants might not be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
The Comparison of Total Bile Acid Concentration and Alcohol Dehydrogenase Activity as Markers of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Authors: Piechota Joanna , Jelski Wojciech , Orywal Karolina , Mroczko Barbara
Published: June 2021

Background: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the liver disorder in the second or early third trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by pruritus with increased serum total bile acids concentration (TBA) and increased liver enzymes. It is important to recognize the disease in its early stage. We aimed to investigate the serum alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity and compare it with the concentration of total bile acid (TBA) in women with ICP..Methods: Serum samples were taken from 80 pregnancies with ICP in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and from 80 healthy pregnant women. For measurement of ADH we used the spectrofluorometric and photometric methods. Results: The results shows a statistically significant increase in the activity of ADH I and ADH total (about 60% and 41%, respectively). Activity of ADH I well correlated with aminotransferases (alanine ALT and aspartate AST) and TBA concentration. The total ADH activity was also positively correlated with ALT, AST and TBA. Conclusion: We can state that the activity of class I ADH isoenzyme in the sera of patients with ICP is increased and seems to be a good indicator of liver cell destruction during ICP and is comparable with the value of other markers.
Sequential Therapy of LMWH and Rivaroxaban in the Initial Treatment of Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Xiong Wei , Zhao Yunfeng , Du He , Wang Yanmin , Guo Xuejun , Li Wenjie , Liu Song
Published: June 2021

Background: Sequential low molecular weight heparin(LMWH) plus warfarin, LMWH plus edoxaban as well as LMWH plus dabigatran regimens have already showed efficacy and safety in the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism(PE). The efficacy and safety of sequential LMWH plus rivaroxaban regimen in the treatment of PE has been understudied. Methods: A retrospective study was performed to explore the efficacy and safety of sequential therapy regimens of subcutaneous LMWH( nadroparin 4100 IU every 12 hours for a week) followed by oral rivaroxaban(20mg once daily for 3 months) in the management of patients with established acute PE without hemodynamic instability, compared with those of LMWH plus dabigatran as well as LMWH plus warfarin.Results: The number of patients with total resolution of PE were 238(80.1%), 220(78.0%) and 166(62.6%), in the LMWH+rivaroxaban, LMWH+dabigatran, and LMWH+warfarin groups, respectively. (P=0.001) The prevalence of DVT at the 3-month follow-up visit were 18(6.1%), 14(5.0%) and 11(4.2%), in the aforementioned three groups, respectively.(P=0.559) The NT-proBNP level (pg/mL) at the 3-month follow-up visit were 122.5(97.4-158.9) , 131.7(102.2-166.3), and 357.8(275.4-433.2) in three groups, respectively.(P=0.001) The D-dimer level (ng/mL) at the 3-month follow-up visit were 387.3(310.9-465.2) , 432.5(382.4-489.6), and 854.0(721.5-993.7) in three groups, respectively.(P<0.001) The number of patients with major bleeding events were 3(0.9%), 6(1.8%), and 18(5.5%) in three groups, respectively. (P<0.001)Conclusions: The regimen of sequential subcutaneous LMWH for a week followed by oral rivaroxaban at a dose of 20mg once daily for three months is effective and safe in the initial treatment of patients with acute pulmonary embolism.
The Heart of an Endurance Athlete: Impact of and Recovery After an Ultra-Endurance Event.
Authors: Swart Anton , Constantinou Demitri
Published: June 2021

Background: Acute bouts of ultra-endurance exercise may cause an acute reduction in cardiac function, causing a physiological cascade which releases cardiac biomarkers. This study set out to determine the cardiac stress and recovery of participation in a three-day ultra-endurance mountain biking event of athletes using heart rate variability (HRV) as an outcome measure. Sixteen healthy participants (male and female) participating in a three-day ultra-endurance mountain biking event underwent a five-minute resting electrocardiography (ECG) recording in a supine position. Heart rate variability measurements were recorded two days before the race (baseline testing), after each race day, and at 24-hour post-event (recovery). Results: Time-domain and frequency domain measures showed significant (p≤0.05) changes from baseline in HRV parameters after each race day. The significant changes in HRV parameters reflected an increase in sympathetic activity after each day of the event. Our data revealed that the mean HR and RR variability variables did not return to baseline value after 24-hours of recovery, reflecting autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and that changes persisted for at least 24-hours post-event.Conclusion: Our study shows that competing in an ultra-endurance mountain bike event led to diminished vagal activity and a decrease in HRV throughout the event and persisted for at least 24-hours post-event. The body was under continuous sympathetic dominance during rest as well as during each day of racing, implying each race day can be considered a physiological stress. This may, in turn, cause a disturbance in homeostasis and an increase in autonomic nervous system dysfunction. This has implications for further research, including dysrhythmia risk, and monitoring of athletes in advising a return to strenuous activity.
Changes in "Natural Antibiotic" Metabolite Composition During Tetraploid Wheat Domestication
Authors: Ben-Abu Yuval , Itsko Mark
Published: June 2021

Plants defend themselves by producing toxins and deterrent metabolites. However, it is unclear how the composition and abundance of these natural pesticides have changed over the course of crop-plant domestication. To address this uncertainty, we characterized differences in secondary metabolites, particularly Benzoxazinoids and its derivates, among four lines of tetraploid wheat: wild emmer wheat (WEW), the direct progenitor of modern wheat; non-fragile domesticated emmer wheat (DEW), which was first domesticated about 11,000 years ago; the subsequently developed non-fragile and free-threshing durum landraces (LD); and modern durum (MD) varieties. Mass spectrometry analyses showed that the metabolome of the embryo of the mature kernel was more complex than that of the endosperm. Clear differences were observed among the metabolic profiles of WEW, DEW, and durum (LD + MD); the metabolic profiles of the two durum lines (LD and MD) were similar. Our results indicated that underappreciated classes of metabolites involved in plant defense mechanisms became significantly more abundant during wheat domestication, while other defensive metabolites decreased or were lost. It may be that the use of industrial pesticides has led to the loss of these endogenous defense metabolites. The re-expression of such “lost” metabolites in modern wheat might help to improve crop resistance, while reducing dependence on harmful industrial pesticides. In addition, we detected alterations in antioxidant composition among wheat lines, as well as increases in levels of plant hormones and antibiotic substances in the more modern lines as compared to the more primitive lines. Here, we show how DIMBOA and its derivates change during wheat domestication, and how this change may effect on the domestication of three taxonomic subspecies of tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum).
Occurrence and Anti-Microbial Susceptibility Pattern of Extended Spectrum Beta‑Lactamase Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Governmental Hospitals Wastewater in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Alehegn Amare , Teklu Dejenie Shiferaw , Bedada Tesfaye Legesse , Gobene Degefu Beyene , Tullu Kassu Desta
Published: June 2021

Background

Worldwide, come out and dissemination of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) producing Enterobacteriaceae had been warning the efficacy of antibiotics to treat an infection. Hospital Wastewater might be a reservoir of such kind of resistant bacteria. The aim of this study was to get information about the occurrence of ESBLs producing and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Enterobacteriaceae in hospital wastewater release from five governmental hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out from April 1 to May 31, 2020. Using a “Grab sampling technique” a total of 100 discrete wastewater samples were collected from each ward/unit wastewater collecting manholes of five governmental hospitals. For isolation and characterization of Enterobacteriaceae a loopful of a well-mixed sample was streaked on to MacConkey agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar (MHA). All Enterobacteriaceae isolates were screened using cefotaxime and ceftazidime for ESBLs production as per CLSI guideline. The ESBLs suspicious were confirmed by a combination disk test (CDT). Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version-20.
Result

Of all Enterobacteriaceae the potential and confirmed ESBLs producer were 55.1% (81/147) and 48.3 % (71/147) respectively. The highest ratio of ESBLs- producer Enterobacteriaceae within sampling unit was observed in adult ward (66.7%) and laundry unit effluent (58.8%); in addition, the highest ESBL production was detected from E. coli (21.8%), K. pneumoniae (4.8%) and Citobacter spp. (4.8%). The most elevated resistance level of ESBL producer was observed to cefotaxime (95.8%) and amoxacilline/clavunalate (93%). Furthermore, ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae showed higher co-resistance rates to ciprofloxacine (74.6%) and cotrimoxazole (73.2%). The overall magnitude of MDR isolates were observed in 64% (94/147) of tested Enterobacteriaceae.
Conclusion

In our study MDR and ESBLs producing Enterobacteriaceae was higher in hospital effluents. This indicates a potential risk of disseminating these resistance bacteria and resistant genes to the community if the hospital wastewater discharged without getting appropriate treatment.
Comparison of The Efficacy and Safety of Sedation Protocols With The Use of Dexmedetomidine-Remifentanil and Propofol-Remifentanil During Percutaneous Closure of Atrial Septal Defects
Authors: Chen Xiao-Lan , Huang Wen-Hui , Zheng Yi-Han , Zhang Guican
Published: June 2021

Background

The study was aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of different sedation protocols of dexmedetomidine-remifentanil and propofol-remifentanil for percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) under transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) guidance.
Material and Methods

A total of 64 ASD patients scheduled for percutaneous closure under TTE guidance were randomly allocated into the dexmedetomidine-remifentanil (D-R) group (n = 32) and the propofol-remifentanil (P-R) group (n = 32) for sedation. The incidence of hemodynamic and respiratory adverse events, arterial blood gas analysis, induction and recovery time, pain score, infusion rate of remifentanil, satisfaction of the surgeon and patient, additional sedatives were collected for analysis and comparison.
Results

The induction time was longer in the D-R group than in the P-R group (P < 0.001). No differences were observed in the 2 groups in terms of the additional sedatives, infusion rate of remifentanil, pain score, recovery time (P > 0.05). There was no difference between the two groups regarding the incidence of hemodynamic instability (P > 0.05). Respiratory adverse events and hypercapnia (P < 0.05) were significantly less frequent in the D-R group.
Conclusions

Except for the induction time that was more rapid and the surgeon satisfaction score was higher in the propofol-remifentanil protocol, the efficacy was similar between two sedation protocols. The hemodynamic stability was comparable, the dexmedetomidine-remifentanil protocol had superior airway security since it was associated with fewer hypercapnia and respiratory adverse events.
Iterative Learning Control Based on Sliding Mode Technique for Hybrid Force/Position Control of Robot Manipulators
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Ding Huafeng , Li Min , Kecskeméthy Andrés
Published: June 2021

In this paper, an iterative learning control (ILC) method based on sliding mode technique is proposed for hybrid force/position control of robot manipulators. Different from traditional ILC, the main purpose of the proposed ILC is to learn the dynamic parameters rather than the control signals. The sliding mode technique is applied to enhance the robustness of the proposed ILC method against external disturbances and noise. The switching gain of the sliding mode term is time-varying and learned by ILC such that the chattering is suppressed effectively compared to traditional sliding mode control (SMC). Simulation studies are performed on a two degrees of freedom planar parallel manipulator. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve higher force/position tracking performance than the traditional SMC and ILC.
Early Changes in Gene Expression Profiles in AML Patients During Induction Chemotherapy
Authors: Jakobsen Ingrid , Sundkvist Max , Björn Niclas , Gréen Henrik , Lotfi Kourosh
Published: June 2021

Background: Elucidation of the genetic mechanisms underlying treatment response to standard induction chemotherapy in AML patients is warranted, in order to aid in risk-adapted treatment decisions as novel treatments are emerging. In this pilot study, we explored the treatment-induced expression patterns in a small cohort of AML patients by analyzing differential gene expression (DGE) over the first two days of induction chemotherapy.Methods: Blood samples were collected from ten AML patients at baseline (before treatment initiation) and during the first two days of treatment (Day 1; approximately 24 h, and Day 2; approximately 48 h after treatment initiation, respectively) and RNA was extracted for subsequent RNA sequencing. DGE between time points were assessed by pairwise analysis using the R package edgeR version 3.18.1 in all patients as well as in relation to treatment response (complete remission, CR, vs non-complete remission, nCR). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (Qiagen) software was used for pathway analysis and visualization.Results: After initial data quality control, two patients was excluded from further analysis, resulting in a final cohort of eight patients with data from all three timepoints. DGE analysis demonstrated activation of pathways with genes directly or indirectly associated with NF-κB signaling. Significant activation of the NF-κB pathway was seen in 50% of the patients two days after treatment start, while iNOS pathway effects could be identified already after one day. nCR patients displayed activation of pathways associated with cell cycle progression, oncogenesis and anti-apoptotic behavior, including the STAT3 pathway and Salvage pathways of pyrimidine ribonucleotides. Notably, a significant induction of cytidine deaminase, an enzyme responsible for the deamination of Ara-C, could be observed between baseline and Day 2 in the nCR patients but not in patients achieving CR.Conclusions: In conclusion, we show that time-course analysis of gene expression represents a feasible approach to identify relevant pathways affected by standard induction chemotherapy in AML patients. This poses as a potential method for elucidating new drug targets and biomarkers for categorizing disease aggressiveness and evaluating treatment response. However, more studies on larger cohorts are warranted to elucidate the transcriptional basis for drug response.
PER2 Mediates CREB-Dependent Light Induction of Per1
Authors: Brenna Andrea , Ripperger Jürgen A. , Saro Gabriella , Glauser Dominique , Yang Zhihong , Albrecht Urs
Published: June 2021

Light affects many physiological processes in mammals such as entrainment of the circadian clock, regulation of mood, and relaxation of blood vessels. At the molecular level, a stimulus such as light initiates a cascade of kinases that phosphorylate CREB at various sites, including serine 133 (S133). This modification leads CREB to recruit the co-factor CRCT1 and the histone acetyltransferase CBP to stimulate the transcription of genes containing a CRE element in their promoters, such as Period 1 (Per1). However, the details of this pathway are poorly understood. Here we provide evidence that PER2 acts as a co-factor of CREB to facilitate the formation of a transactivation complex on the CRE element of the Per1 gene regulatory region in response to light. Using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we show that PER2 modulates the interaction between CREB and its co-regulator CRTC1 to support complex formation only after a light or forskolin stimulus. Furthermore, the absence of PER2 abolished the interaction between the histone acetyltransferase CBP and CREB. This process was accompanied by a reduction of histone H3 acetylation and decreased recruitment of RNA Pol II to the Per1 gene. Collectively, our data show that PER2 supports the stimulus-dependent induction of the Per1 gene via modulation of the CREB/CRTC1/CBP complex. Remarkably, our results indicate that the molecular mechanism that transduces the light signal to the clock is similar to the one in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa to induce frequency (Frq). This suggests an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of this process despite the divergent sequences of the individual components.
Revision of Immersaria and a New Lecanorine Genus in Lecideaceae (Lichenized Ascomycota, Lecanoromycetes)
Authors: Xie Congmiao , Wang Li Song , Zhao Zun Tian , Zhang Yan Yun , Wang Xin Yu , Zhang Lu Lu
Published: June 2021

The species Immersaria cupreoatra has repeatedly been reassigned between Bellemerea and Immersaria. This caused us to reconsider the relationships between Bellemerea and the lecanorine species of Immersaria, and to question the monophyly of Immersaria. Among 25 genera of the family Lecideaceae, most have lecideine apothecia, with the exception of Bellemerea and Koerberiella, which have lecanorine apothecia. According to previous classifications, Immersaria included species with both lecanorine and lecideine apothecia. A five-loci phylogenetic tree (nrITS, nrLSU, RPB1, RPB2 and mtSSU) for Lecideaceae showed that Immersaria was split into two clades: firstly all the lecideine apothecia species, and secondly all the lecanorine apothecia species. The latter were closely related to the remaining lecanorine apothecia genera: Bellemerea and Koerberiella. Therefore, the genus concept of Immersaria was revised accordingly, and a new lecanorine genus Lecaimmeria was proposed. Furthermore, five new species for Immersaria, and seven new species and three new combinations for the new genus Lecaimmeria were proposed. Keys to Immersaria, the new genus Lecaimmeria and allied genera were provided.
Mild Poikilocapnic Hypoxia Increases Very Low Frequency Haemoglobin Oxygenation Oscillations in Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Gruszecka Agnieszka , Waskow Monika , Malkiewicz Marta A. , Neary J. Patrick , Singh Jyotpal , Teckchandani Taylor , Kratzig Gregory P. , Wszedybyl-Winklewska Magdalena , Frydrychowski Andrzej F. , Rumiński Jacek , Głowacka Natalia , Lass Piotr , Winklewski Pawel J. , Gruszecki Marcin
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of mild cerebral hypoxia on haemoglobin oxygenation (HbO2), cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and cardiovascular physiology. To achieve this goal, four signals were recorded simultaneously: blood pressure, ECG, HbO2 from right hemisphere and changes of SAS width from left hemisphere. Signals were registered from 30 healthy, young participants (2 females and 28 males, BMI = 24.5 ± 2.3 kg/m2, age 30.8 ± 13.4 years). We analysed the recorded signals using wavelet transform (WT). We demonstrated for the first time that in healthy subjects exposed to mild poikilokapnic hypoxia that there were increases in very low frequency HbO2 oscillations (< 0.052 Hz) in prefrontal cortex. Additionally, SAS fluctuation diminishes in the whole frequency range which could be explained by brain oedema. Consequently the study provides insight into mechanisms governing brain response to a mild hypoxic challenge. Our study supports the notion that HbO2 and SAS width monitoring might be beneficial for patients with acute lung disease, including SARS-CoV-2.
In-Depth Study of the Microcrystalline Cellulose Amino-Functionalization Efficiency
Authors: Neves Roberta Motta , Ornaghi Heitor Luiz , Duchemin Benoit , Zattera Ademir José , Amico Sandro Campos
Published: June 2021

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has unique properties and its use as reinforcement for polymer composites has been increasing. However, the intrinsic incompatibility with most polymers requires surface modification to improve chemical compatibility prior to its incorporation into a polymer. In this paper, an in-depth study of silanization of MCC using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), at different concentration, was done. The grafting amount of APTES onto MCC was determined by different methods: from residual mass and from nitrogen content. Solid-state 13C and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), spectroscopy plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP), and a deep study of structural properties by X-ray diffraction were carried out. A better correlation for grafting amount of APTES onto MCC was observed for nitrogen content method than residual mass according the Pearson’s correlation. 13C NMR revealed all the carbon structures from cellulose and from APTES molecules and 29Si NMR revealed D, T and Q Si structures. The silane treatment did not alter the shape of MCC and all treated samples showed Si characteristic peak at ~ 1.75 kEv. From ICP was observed higher Si content before MCC addition than after, evidencing, once again, APTES grafting. The exposure to APTES in acidic medium caused several effects on the MCC, splitting larger Iβ crystallites in half and along the more reactive hydrophilic sides. The diameter of the smaller IVI crystallites was largely reduced by the treatment, especially when the silane concentration was 1:5 (m/v), above which the diameter increases again.
Core-Shell Magnetic Fe3O4/CNC@MOF Composites with Peroxidase-Like Activity for Colorimetric Detection of Phenol
Authors: Hou Chen , Fu Linhui , Wang Yang , Chen Wenqiang , Chen Fang , Zhang Sufeng , Wang Jianzhi
Published: June 2021

Rapid and accurate detection of phenolic wastewater from industries has created global concern. Herein, core-shell magnetic cellulose nanocrystals supported MOF (Fe3O4/CNC@ZIF-8) with robust peroxidase-like activity was synthesized with tannic acid as modifier and bridge. The peroxidase-mimic catalytic activity of as-prepared Fe3O4/CNC@ZIF-8 was further investigated using o-phenylenediamine (OPD) as peroxidase substrates in the presence of H2O2. Moreover, the experimental conditions were optimized and the kinetic analysis results showed that Fe3O4/CNC@ZIF-8 had higher affinity towards both the substrate OPD and H2O2 than horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Finally, a phenol colorimetric assay with a linear range of 2-200 µM and a detection limit of 0.316 µM was constructed. The catalytic mechanism of Fe3O4/CNC@ZIF-8 with phenol was further investigated by fluorescence test and the generated •OH was proved to act a crucial role to produce quinoid radicals. Additionally, the synthesized magnetic material had excellent stability and recyclability and ease to separation. These results suggest that the Fe3O4/CNC@ZIF-8 may be one of the promising candidates as peroxidase mimic for colorimetric detection of phenol.
Significance of Linkage Disequilibrium and Epistasis on the Genetic Variances in Non-Inbred and Inbred Populations
Authors: Viana José Marcelo Soriano , Garcia Antonio Augusto Franco
Published: June 2021

Background The influence of linkage disequilibrium (LD), epistasis, and inbreeding on the genotypic variance continues to be an important area of investigation in genetics and evolution. Although the current knowledge about biological pathways and gene networks imply that epistasis is important in determining quantitative traits, the empirical evidence for a range of species and traits is that the genetic variance is most additive. This is confirmed by some recent theoretical studies. However, because these investigations have assumed linkage equilibrium, only additive effects, or simplified assumptions for the two- and high-order epistatic effects, the objective of this investigation was to provide additional information about the impact of LD and epistasis on the genetic variances in non-inbred and inbred populations, using a simulated data set.Results The epistatic variance in generation 0 corresponded to 1 to 10% of the genotypic variance, with 30% of epistatic genes, but it corresponded to 5 to 45% assuming 100% of epistatic genes. After 10 generations of random cross or selfing the ratio epistatic variance/genotypic variance increased in the range of 15 to 1,079%. The epistatic variances are maximized assuming dominant epistasis, duplicate genes with cumulative effects, and non-epistatic gene interaction. A minimization occurs with complementary, recessive, and dominant and recessive epistasis. In non-inbred populations, the genetic covariances have negligible magnitude compared with the genetic variances. In inbred populations, excepting for duplicate epistasis, the sum of the epistatic covariances was in general negative and with magnitude higher than the non-additive variances, especially under 100% of epistatic genes.Conclusions The LD level for genes, even under a relatively low gene density, has a significant effect on the genetic variances in non-inbred and inbred populations. Assuming digenic epistasis, the additive variance is in general the most important component of the genotypic variance in non-inbred and inbred populations. The ratio epistatic variance/genotypic variance is proportional to the percentage of interacting genes and increases with random cross and selfing. In general, the additive x additive variance is the most important component of the epistatic variance. The maximization of the epistatic variance depends on the allele frequency, LD level, and epistasis type.
Pyruvate Carboxylase Supports MCF10A-Ras Cell Survival in Extracellular Matrix Detached Conditions
Authors: Sheeley Madeline P , Keisel Violet A , Atallah Nadia M. , Donkin Shawn S. , Hursting Stephen D. , Wendt Michael K. , Teegarden Dorothy
Published: June 2021

Background: Throughout metastatic progression, cancer cells acquire anchorage independence, or the ability to survive detached from the extracellular matrix (ECM). While untransformed epithelial cells reduce energy metabolism when detached, cancer cells display metabolic flexibility to continue important metabolic processes. Glucose and glutamine are predominant nutrients utilized for energy as well as other purposes, and their metabolism is regulated by cancer cells.Methods: The purpose of the current studies was to determine the effects of detachment on glucose and glutamine metabolism in human breast epithelial MCF10A cells transfected with the Harvey-ras oncogene (MCF10A-ras), a model of early-stage cancer. Detachment was simulated with poly-HEMA coated plates, and intracellular metabolic flux was determined using stably labeled 13C5-glutamine and 13C6-glucose tracers.Results: Results show reduced glutamine flux in detached cells as determined by reduced accumulation of label in glutamate (21%), malate (30%), and aspartate (23%) from 13C5-glutamine. Detachment also reduced flux of 13C6-glucose to pyruvate and lactate pools by 51% and 29%, respectively. Similarly, detachment reduced total intracellular pool sizes of pyruvate (51%), lactate (49%), α-ketoglutarate (43%), fumarate (32%), malate (19%), alanine (35%), serine (35%), and glutamate (28%) compared to attached cells, but citrate and aspartate pool sizes were unchanged. Compared to attached cells, detachment increased pyruvate carboxylase (PC) mRNA abundance and protein expression by 131% and 190%, respectively. In detachment, PC activity, determined by 13C6-glucose derived M + 3 isotopomers, was shown to preferentially replenish malate and aspartate, but not citrate pools. In addition, doxycycline-inducible shRNA depletion of PC significantly decreased, while doxycycline-inducible PC overexpression significantly increased, detached cell viability. Further, a switch from glutamine to PC activity for anaplerosis was demonstrated, as supplementation with the cell permeable analog of the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate, α-ketoglutarate, a downstream metabolite of glutamine, decreased PC mRNA abundance in detached cells.Conclusion: Collectively, these results suggest that detached breast cancer cells increase PC activity in response to decreased glutamine-derived anaplerosis to promote cell survival.
Augmented Perpetual Manifolds and Perpetual Mechanical Systems-Part II: Theorem and a Corollary for Dissipative Mechanical Systems Behaving as Perpetual Machines
Authors: GEORGIADES FOTIOS
Published: June 2021

Perpetual points in mathematics defined recently, and their significance in nonlinear dynamics and their application in mechanical systems is currently ongoing research. The perpetual points significance relevant to mechanics so far is that they form the perpetual manifolds of rigid body motions of mechanical systems. The concept of perpetual manifolds extended to the definition of augmented perpetual manifolds that an externally excited multi-degree of freedom mechanical system is moving as a rigid body. As a continuation of this work, herein the internal force’s and their associated energies, for a motion of multi-degree of freedom dissipative flexible mechanical system with solutions in the exact augmented perpetual manifolds, leads to the proof of a theorem that based on a specific decomposition with respect to their state variables dependence, all the internal forcing vectors are equal to zero. Therefore there is no energy storage as potential energy, and the process is internally isentropic. This theorem provides the conditions that a mechanical system behaves as a perpetual machine of a 2nd and a 3rd kind. Then in a corollary, the behavior of a mechanical system as a perpetual machine of third kind further on is examined. The developed theory leads to a discussion for the conditions of the violation of the 2nd law of thermodynamics for mechanical systems that their motion is described in the exact augmented perpetual manifolds. Moreover, the necessity of a reversible process to violate the 2nd thermodynamics law, which is not valid, is shown. The findings of the theorem analytically and numerically are verified. The energies of a perpetual mechanical system in the exact augmented perpetual manifolds for two types of external forces have been determined. Then, in two examples of mechanical systems, all the analytical findings with numerical simulations, certified with excellent agreement. This work is essential in physics since the 2nd law of thermodynamics is not admitting internally isentropic processes in the dynamics of dissipative mechanical systems. In mechanical engineering, the mechanical systems operating in exact augmented perpetual manifolds, with zero internal forces, there is no degradation of any internal part of the machine due to zero internal stresses. Also, the operation of a machine in the exact augmented perpetual manifolds is of extremely high significance to avoid internal damage, and there is no energy loss.
Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography Evaluation of Shoulder Joint Motion in Collegiate Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Momma Daisuke , Orías Alejandro A Espinoza , Irie Tohru , Irie Tomoyo , Kondo Eiji , Iwasaki Norimasa , Inoue Nozomu
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the glenohumeral contact area, center of glenohumeral contact area, and center of humeral head during simulated pitching motion in collegiate baseball pitchers using four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT). We obtained 4D CT data from the dominant and non-dominant shoulders of eight collegiate baseball pitchers during the cocking motion. CT image data of each joint were reconstructed using a 3D reconstruction software package. The glenohumeral contact area, center of glenohumeral contact area, center of humeral head, and oblateness of humeral head were calculated from 3D bone models using customized software. The center of glenohumeral contact area translated significantly from anterior to posterior during maximum external rotation to maximum internal rotation. The center of humeral head translated from posterior to anterior during maximum external rotation to maximum internal rotation. There was a high negative correlation between anterior translation of the center of glenohumeral contact area and center of humeral head, and a positive correlation between the translation and the oblateness. 4D CT analyses demonstrated that the center of humeral head translated in the opposite direction to that of the center of glenohumeral contact area during external rotation to internal rotation in abduction in the dominant and non-dominant shoulders. This diametric translation can be explained by the oblateness of the humeral head. 4D CT scanning and the software for bone surface modeling of the glenohumeral joint enabled quantitative assessment of glenohumeral micromotion and identified humeral head oblateness as the cause of diametric change.
Abnormal Lipid Droplets Accumulation Induced Cognitive Deficits in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Mice via JNK/SREBP/ACC Pathway but Not Through PDP1/PDC Pathway
Authors: Li Dongze , Yu Yan , Xu Na , Li Wanting , Hou Yanyan , Wang Xi , Sun Yeying , Lu Wenxue , Qu Guiwu , Lv Changjun , Han Fang
Published: June 2021

IntroductionThe mechanisms of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)-induced cognitive deficits remain unclear. Studies have shown that the neuronal metabolism disorders might contribute to the CIH induced-hippocampal impairment. MethodsWe assessed the CIH exposure influences of C57BL/6 mice on the activity of nerve, measured projects related to lipid metabolism, and treated with drugs SMND-309. ResultsOur study found that 12 weeks CIH treatment induced lipid droplets (LDs) accumulation in hippocampal neurocytes of mice, and caused severe neuro damage including neuron lesions, neuroblast (NB) apoptosis and abnormal glial activation. Mechanistically, the results showed that pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E1ɑ subunit (PDHA1) and the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) activator pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase 1 (PDP1) did not noticeable change after intermittent hypoxia. Consistent with those results, the level of Acetyl-CoA in hippocampus did not significantly change after CIH exposure. Interestingly, we found that CIH produced large quantities of ROS, which activated the JNK/SREBP/ACC pathway in neurocytes. ACC catalyzed the carboxylation of Acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA and then more lipid acids were synthesized, which finally caused aberrant LDs accumulation. Additionally, LDs were peroxidized by the high level of ROS under CIH conditions. An active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, SMND-309, dramatically alleviated these injuries and improved cognitive deficits of CIH mice. ConclusionTherefore, the JNK/SREBP/ACC pathway played a crucial role in the cognitive deficits caused by LDs accumulation after CIH exposure. Together, lipid metabolic disorders contributed to neurocytes damage, which ultimately caused behavioral dysfunction. An active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, SMND-309, dramatically alleviated these injuries and improved cognitive deficits of CIH mice.