bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National and Ethnic Mutation Frequency Databases: Cross Comparison and Future Direction
Authors: Khan Shumaila , Alam Mehmood , Khan Shahnaz , Khan Wahab , Rabbi Ihsan , Qasim Iqbal
Published: February 2023

The mutation databases have vital importance in detecting genetic mutation and their corresponding phenotypes. The emergence of next generation sequencing genetic technologies has accelerated this process, and the growth of genetic disease identification has created a need for quality control and documentation of mutation-related information. Ethnic-specific mutation databases offer valuable information for researchers, and the article evaluates the homogeneity and effectiveness of these databases. The aim to raise awareness of NEMDBs to healthcare professionals, the general public, and researchers studying genetic disorders. The article also recommendations to improve the effectiveness of these databases.
Scientometric analysis of smart tourism using CiteSpace
Authors:   Karaganda Buketov University, Mamrayeva Dinara , Tashenova Larissa ,   Karaganda Buketov University
Published: February 2023

This scientific article is devoted to the scientometric analysis of one of the new and relevant areas in economics – smart tourism, which has become widespread in the last 10-12 years. The research was conducted based on the using of materials from the Web of Knowledge database (Web of Science Core Collection: Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Science Citation Index, Arts and Humanities Citation Index Conference Proceedings Citation Index – Science, Conference Proceedings Citation Index – Social Science and Humanities Book Citation Index – Science, Book Citation Index – Social Science and Humanities, Emerging Sources Citation Index) for 2008-2022, which was later uploaded to CiteSpace 5.8.R3 to implement the tasks set in the research article: analysis of co-citations, including by authors; cluster analysis by keywords. It should be noted that the authors presented a capacious description of the WoS database array itself: from the perspective of the country component, institutes / universities / educational institutions and funding organizations, key sections, citation, types of documents, research area, Web of Science indexes / categories, etc. Also given a brief description of the authors whose work in the field of smart tourism is the most cited today. In general, it should be noted that the overall result of the search query «Smart Tourism» amounted to 724 documents, which were further used in the «Plain Text» format for scientometric analysis, which made it possible to determine the current and prospective areas of research in the field of smartification of tourism services, as well as build networks that visualize them visually. The author’s methodology for conducting scientometric analysis was also developed, starting from the moment the data array was received, and ending with the final visualization, which is universal, adaptive and complex, and can be used by any researcher when conducting a scientometric analysis of this kind in any of the branches of science, including in tourism.
The Clinical Features and Risk Factors of Subglottic Cysts in Children: A Clinical Experience Using the Spontaneous Respiration Technique
Authors: Han Seung Hoon , Kim Minju , Ji Jeong-Yeon , Kwon Seong Keun
Published: February 2023

Objectives. Subglottic cysts (SGCs) are a rare cause of respiratory distress resulting from upper airway obstruction in infants and young children. Risk factors other than prematurity with a history of endotracheal intubation have not yet been well elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to describe the clinical features and analyze the risk factors of SGCs.Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of pediatric patients who underwent marsupialization for SGCs between January 2017 and March 2022. These records were then compared with those of controls with a history of neonatal intubation, with a case-to-control ratio of 1:3.Results. Eleven patients (eight boys and three girls) diagnosed with SGCs and 33 control patients (26 boys and seven girls) were included. All patients had a history of premature birth and neonatal intubation. Symptoms of SGCs appeared at a mean age of 8.2 months (range, 1–14 months) after extubation. The mean duration of intubation was 21.5 days (range, 2–90 days), and the intubation period was longer in patients with SGCs than in controls (21.5±24.8 days vs. 5.3±7.1 days; P<0.001). Furthermore, gestational age (28.3±4.2 weeks vs. 33.8±4.4 weeks; P=0.001) and birth weight (1,134.1±515.1 g vs. 2,178.2±910.1 g; P=0.001) were significantly lower in patients with SGCs than in controls. Multivariable analysis identified the intubation period as an independent risk factor.Conclusion. This study showed that gestational age, birth weight, and the intubation period were significantly associated with the development of SGCs. Pediatric patients presenting with progressive dyspnea who have the corresponding risk factors should undergo early laryngoscopy for the differential diagnosis of SGC.
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 11.02.2023 г. по 17.02.2023 г.
Authors: Зимирова Анастасия , Поспелов Михаил , Иванова Александра , Дмитриева Людмила , Чумачкова Елена , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: February 2023

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19 за неделю с 11.02.2023 г. по 17.02.2023 г.
Biosorption of carcinogenic metal ions using the immobilized microalgae Auxenochlorella protothecoides on a lignocellulosic matrix: Optimization, kinetic, isotherm and mechanism
Authors: NOUACER Imane , HAMMADI Soumia , BENALIA Mokhtar , DJEDID Mebrouk , BENCHEIKH Salah Eddine
Published: February 2023

An efficient carcinogenic metal biosorbent was prepared by immobilizing the microalgae Auxenochlorella protothecoides (AP) within a sugarcane bagasse (SB) lignocellulosic matrix. The characterization of AP-SB as a proposed biosorbent was performed by various spectroscopic methods, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA). The immobilization technique enhanced the biosorption of nickel by 32.25% at equilibrium compared with that of free Auxenochlorella protothecoides. The maximum metal biosorption capacities of free and immobilized Auxenochlorella protothecoides were calculated to be 42.08 and 62.1 mg/g, respectively. The removal efficiency of nickel ions was evaluated with a Box‒Behnken factorial design using three parameters: pH solution, contact time, and biosorbent concentration. A maximum metal removal rate of 97.96% was obtained using the RSM-DF platform with the following optimal conditions: pH 5.06, biosorbent concentration of 1.6 g/L, and contact time of 53.33 min. The experimental equilibrium adsorption isotherms for the nickel bioprocess were analysed using sixteen models with two, three, and four parameters. An evaluation of the goodness of fit of various nonlinear regression isotherms indicated that the Fritz–Schlünder (IV) model was the most suitable model to describe the equilibrium curves; this model was selected based on the values of four error functions: the coefficient of determination (R²), the hybrid fractional error function (HYBRID), Marquardt's percent standard deviation (MPSD), and the average relative error (ARE). The thermodynamic factors and kinetics analysis demonstrated that the bioprocess was exothermic, favourable, and spontaneous at 298–318 K. Finally, the biosorption of nickel ions on SB-AP was explained by four proposed mechanisms based on the network structure of cellulose, lignin, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosamine, and β-D-glucosamine units.
Dynamic characteristics analysis of deployable panel with clearance joint based on three-dimensional clearance measurement
Authors: Qiu Xuesong , Li Dong-sheng , Li Meng-xu , Wei Ya-kun
Published: February 2023

The main purpose of the research is to realize the dynamic characteristics analysis of deployable array with three-dimensional (3D) clearance joints through the 3D clearance measurement. Through the analysis of geometric and mechanical characteristics of 3D clearance joint, the dynamic model of deployable array with 3D clearance is established. The 3D clearance measurement system is built with reference to the space two-point method and the system error is eliminated. A verification experiment is set up to evaluate the measurement method. The feasibility of the theoretical model is verified by comparing the measurement results with the numerical data of the deployable panel, and the effects of deployment speed, clearance radius and deployment mode on the dynamic properties of the deployable panel are studied. The experimental results show that when the vertical deployment mode is adopted, the single deployment time ranges from 30 s to 60 s, and the clearance radius varies from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, the dynamic characteristics of deployable array are best.
A novel signed pressure force function for image segmentation by combining global and local information
Authors: Meng Xinchao , Mei Qian , Chen Jingyuan , Li Mengfan , Si Si
Published: February 2023

As we all know, it is difficult to deal with the weak boundary and noisy images by using local or global image information. Therefore, this paper proposes a signed pressure force function for image segmentation by combining global and local image information. First, the global and local gray fitted terms are given by using the global and local region information of the image respectively. Then, the global and local terms are linearly combined to construct a mixed signed pressure force function. Finally, the balloon force function is redefined to adaptively change the contour curve evolution rate of the level set. The numerical simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can not only accurately segment weak boundary and multi-target images, but also has a fast segmentation speed and a certain robustness to the noise.
Heparin-Network-Mediated Long-lasting Coatings on Intravascular Catheters for Adaptive Antithrombosis and Antibacterial Infection
Authors: Liu Lin , Yu Huan , Wang Lei , Zhou Dongfang , Duan Xiaozheng , Zhang Xu , Luan Shifang , Shi Hengchong
Published: February 2023

Bacteria-associated infections and thrombosis have become life-threatening complications to human health, particular in catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBIs) and catheter-related thrombosis (CRT). Herein, multifunctional coating complex was fabricated by a concise assembly of heparin (HS) with organosilicon quaternary ammonium surfactants (DAC). Different from the conventional one-time coatings, obtained HS/DAC complex can attach on kinds of devices with arbitrary shapes and compositions via facile dip, and further form robust coatings for treating CRBIs and CRT simultaneously. Taking advantage of adaptive dissociation and robustness, HS/DAC coatings not only exhibit good stability even under extreme conditions, but also significantly reduce thrombus adhesion by 84.6% and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity (> 99%) in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, ex-vivo rabbit model was used to verify the good antibacterial infection and antithrombic performances of HS/DAC coated catheters during the implantation. Such a substrate-independent and portable long-lasting multifunctional coating meets the growing anti-CRBIs and CRT demands in clinic.
Shuttle Peptide Delivers Base Editor RNPs to Rhesus Monkey Airway Epithelial Cells In Vivo
Authors: Kulhankova Katarina , Traore Soumba , Cheng Xue , Benk-Fortin Hadrien , Hallée Stéphanie , Harvey Mario , Roberge Joannie , Couture Frédéric , Gross Thomas , Newby Gregory , Liu David , Tarantal Alice , Guay David , McCray Paul
Published: February 2023

Gene editing strategies for cystic fibrosis are challenged by the complex barrier properties of airway epithelia. We previously reported that the amphiphilic S10 shuttle peptide non-covalently combined with CRISPR-associated (Cas) ribonucleoprotein (RNP) enabled editing of human and mouse airway epithelial cells. Here, to improve base editor RNP delivery, we optimized S10 to derive the S315 peptide. Following intratracheal aerosol of Cy5-labeled peptide cargo in rhesus macaques, we confirmed delivery throughout the respiratory tract. Subsequently, we targeted CCR5 with co-administration of ABE8e-Cas9 RNP and S315. We achieved editing efficiencies of up to 5.3% in rhesus airway epithelia. Moreover, we documented persistence of edited epithelia for up to 12 months in mice. Finally, delivery of ABE8e-Cas9 targeting the CFTR R553X mutation restored anion channel function in cultured human airway epithelial cells. These results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of base editor delivery with S315 to functionally correct the CFTR R553X mutation in respiratory epithelia.
Programmable RNA detection with CRISPR-Cas12a
Authors: Jain Piyush , Rananaware Santosh , Vesco Emma , Shoemaker Grace , Anekar Swapnil , Sandoval Luke Samuel , Meister Katelyn , Macaluso Nicolas , Nguyen Long
Published: February 2023

CRISPR is a prominent bioengineering tool and the type V CRISPR-associated protein complex, Cas12a, is widely used in diagnostic platforms due to its innate ability to cleave DNA substrates. Here we demonstrate that Cas12a can also be programmed to directly detect RNA substrates without the need for reverse transcription or strand displacement. We discovered that while the PAM-proximal “seed” region of the crRNA exclusively recognizes DNA for initiating trans-cleavage, the PAM-distal region or 3’-end of the crRNA can tolerate both RNA and DNA substrates. Utilizing this property, we developed a method named Split Activators for Highly Accessible RNA Analysis or ‘SAHARA’ to detect RNA sequences at the PAM-distal region of the crRNA by merely supplying a short ssDNA or a PAM containing dsDNA to the seed region. Notably, SAHARA is Mg2+ concentration- and pH-dependent, and it was observed to work robustly at room temperature with multiple orthologs of Cas12a. SAHARA also displayed a significant improvement in the specificity for target recognition as compared to the wild-type CRISPR-Cas12a, at certain positions along the crRNA. By employing SAHARA we achieved amplification-free detection of picomolar concentrations of miRNA-155 and hepatitis C virus RNA. Finally, SAHARA can use a PAM-proximal DNA as a switch to control the trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a for the detection of both DNA and RNA targets. With this, multicomplex arrays can be made to detect distinct DNA and RNA targets with pooled crRNA/Cas12a complexes. In conclusion, SAHARA is a simple, yet powerful nucleic acid detection platform based on Cas12a that can be applied in a multiplexed fashion and potentially be expanded to other CRISPR-Cas enzymes.
Different effects of menopausal hormone therapy on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on the route of estrogen administration
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Min Ji-Song , Lee Saemi , Lee Dong-Yun , Choi DooSeok
Published: February 2023

The effects of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were compared based on the route of estrogen administration. The study included 368 postmenopausal women who received MHT for 12 months. Patients were divided into transdermal (n = 75) and oral (n = 293) groups based on the estrogen route. Changes in the prevalence of NAFLD were compared between the two groups before and after 12 months of MHT. In addition, differences in the progression of NAFLD after MHT based on the dose of estrogen and type of progestogen were evaluated in the oral group. After MHT, the prevalence of NAFLD decreased from 24–17.3% in the transdermal group but increased from 25.3–29.4% in the oral group. Little or no change was found in clinical characteristics and laboratory tests in the transdermal group during MHT. However, serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased and triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly in the oral group. Furthermore, changes in the prevalence of NAFLD were not significantly different based on the dose of estrogen or type of progestogen. Our findings indicate that transdermal estrogen can be beneficial in terms of NAFLD progression.
Effect of straw biochar on soil evaporation and its mechanism
Authors: feng weiying , wang tengke , Yang Fang , Cen Rui , Liao Haiqing
Published: February 2023

High soil evaporation levels are a major contributor to loss of soil moisture in arid and semiarid regions globally. Therefore, it is important to use effective measures to slow down the evaporation from farmland soils. We applied various rates of straw biochar (BC) in a soil column experiment and a to study the influence of BC on soil evaporation and moisture content, respectively, so as to improve the water use efficiency of cultivated soil in arid areas. In the field experiment, cumulative evaporation in the treatments declined by 9.58% (Bo-10), 10.95% (Bo-30) and 4.2% (Bo-50) compared with that in the control group, 30 t/hm2 BC was the most effective at suppressing soil evaporation. Data from continuous monitoring of moisture content for 3 days during each growth period revealed that the increases in moisture replenishment were 18.5–79.6% at the seedling stage, 55.8–202.4% at the jointing stage, 270.8–587.5% at the tassel stage and 6.7–61.6% at the maturation stage, BC was shown to work best at the tassel stage. The addition of BC reduced soil evaporation and delayed water loss from the soil by evaporation. BC also delayed the time required for the soil moisture content to drop to field capacity and increased the upward transport of water from the deeper soil layers at night. The effective evidence of soil column experiment and field experiment showed that straw biochar could effectively reduce soil evaporation and increase soil moisture content.
A novel candidate subunit vaccine induces protective immunity against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in a murine model
Authors: Liu Siguo , Shao Mingzhu , Cui Ning , Tang Yangyang , Chen Fanruo , Cui Yingying , Dang Guanghui
Published: February 2023

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes paratuberculosis (PTB), which is a granulomatous enteritis in ruminants that threatens the dairy industry’s healthy development and public health safety worldwide. Because the commercial inactivated vaccines are not completely protective and interfere with bovine tuberculosis diagnostics, we identified a polyprotein (66NC) from four fusion proteins, namely 66NC, 66CN, 90NC, and 90CN, which were constructed with MAP3257, Ag85B, and Hsp70 of MAP in different tandem combinations. Notably, 66NC, which encodes a 66 kDa fusion protein that combines in linear order MAP3527N40–232, Ag85B41–330, and MAP3527C231–361, induced a powerful and specific IFN-γ response. Immunization of C57BL/6 mice with the 66NC fusion protein formulated in MONTANIDE ISA 61 VG adjuvant generated robust Th1, Th2, and Th17 type immune responses and strong antibody responses. The 66NC vaccine protected C57BL/6 mice against virulent MAP K-10 infection. This resulted in a reduction of bacterial load and improvement of pathological damage in the liver and intestine, in addition to a reduction of body weight loss; significantly better protection than the reported 74F vaccine was also induced. Furthermore, vaccine efficacy correlated with the levels of IFN-γ-, TNF-α-, and IL-17A-secreting antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes as well as with serum IFN-γ and TNF-α levels after vaccination. These results demonstrate that recombinant protein 66NC is an efficient candidate for further development into a protective vaccine in terms of inducing specific protection against MAP.
Perceptual learning deficits mediated by somatostatin releasing inhibitory interneurons of olfactory bulb in an early life stress mouse model
Authors: Pardasani Meenakshi , Ramakrishnan Anantha , Mahajan Sarang , Kantroo Meher , McGowan Eleanor , Das Susobhan , Srika Priyadharshini , Pandey Sanyukta , Abraham Nixon M.
Published: February 2023

Early life adversity (ELA) causes aberrant functioning of neural circuits affecting the health of an individual. While ELA-induced behavioural disorders resulting from sensory and cognitive disabilities can be assessed clinically, the neural mechanisms need to be probed using animal models by employing multi-pronged experimental methods. As ELA can alter perception, we investigated the effect of early weaning on murine olfaction. By implementing go/no-go odour discrimination paradigm, we observed olfactory learning and memory impairments in early life stressed (ELS) male mice. As olfactory bulb (OB) circuitry plays a critical role in odour learning, we studied the plausible
changes in the OB of ELS mice. Lowered c-Fos activity in the external plexiform layer and a reduction in the number of dendritic processes of somatostatin-releasing, GABAergic interneurons (SOM-INs) in the ELS mice led us to hypothesize the underlying circuit. We recorded reduced synaptic inhibitory feedback on mitral/tufted (M/T) cells, in the OB slices from ELS mice, explaining the learning deficiency caused by compromised refinement of OB output. The role of SOM-INs was revealed by
learning-dependent refinement of Ca2+ dynamics quantified by GCaMP6f signals. Further, the causal role of SOM-INs involving circuitry was investigated by optogenetic bi-directional modulation during odour discrimination learning. Photo-activating these neurons rescued ELA-induced learning deficits.
Conversely, photo-inhibition caused learning deficiency in control animals, while it completely abolished the learning in ELS mice, confirming the adverse effects mediated by SOM-INs. Our results thus establish the role of specific inhibitory circuit in pre-cortical sensory area in orchestrating ELAdependent changes.
Cancer survival prediction by learning comprehensive deep feature representation for multiple types of genetic data
Authors: Hao Yaru , Jing Xiao-Yuan , Sun Qixing
Published: February 2023

Background: Cancer is one of the leading death causes around the world. Accurate prediction of its survival time is significant, which can help clinicians make appropriate therapeutic schemes. Cancer data can be characterized by varied molecular features, clinical behaviors and morphological appearances. However, the data heterogeneity problem usually makes patient samples with different risks (i.e., short and long survival time) inseparable, thereby causing unsatisfactory prediction results. Clinical studies have shown that genetic data tends to contain more molecular biomarkers associated with cancer, and hence integrating multi-type genetic data may be a feasible way to deal with data heterogeneity. Although multi-type gene data have been used in the existing work, how to learn more effective features for cancer survival prediction has not been well studied.
Results: To this end, we propose a deep learning approach to reduce the negative impact of data heterogeneity and improve the cancer survival prediction effect. It represents each type of genetic data as the shared and specific features, which can capture the consensus and complementary information among all types of data. We collect mRNA expression, DNA methylation and microRNA expression data for four cancers to conduct experiments.
Conclusions: Experimental results demonstrate that our approach substantially outperforms established integrative methods and is effective for cancer survival prediction.
Dissecting 16p11.2 hemi-deletion to study sex-specific striatal phenotypes of neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Abel Ted , Kim Jaekyoon , Vanrobaeys Yann , Peterson Zeru , Kelvington Benjamin , Gaine Marie , Nickl-Jockschat Thomas
Published: February 2023

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are polygenic in nature and copy number variants (CNVs) are ideal candidates to study the nature of this polygenic risk. The disruption of striatal circuits is considered a central mechanism in NDDs. The 16p11.2 hemi-deletion (16p11.2 del) is one of the most common CNVs associated with NDD, and 16p11.2 del/+ mice show sex-specific striatum-related behavioral phenotypes. However, the critical genes among the 27 genes in the 16p11.2 region that underlie these phenotypes remain unknown. Previously, we applied a novel strategy to identify candidate genes associated with the sex-specific phenotypes of 16p11.2 del/+ mice and identified 3 genes of particular importance within the deleted region: thousand and one amino acid protein kinase 2 (Taok2), seizure-related 6 homolog-like 2 (Sez6l2), and major vault protein (Mvp). Using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique, we generated 3 gene hemi-deletion (3g del/+) mice carrying null mutations inTaok2,Sez6l2, andMvp. We assessed striatum-dependent phenotypes of these 3g del/+ mice in behavioral, molecular, and imaging studies. Hemi-deletion ofTaok2,Sez6l2, andMvpinduces sex-specific behavioral alterations in striatum-dependent behavioral tasks, specifically male-specific hyperactivity and impaired motivation for reward seeking, resembling behavioral phenotypes of 16p11.2 del/+ mice. Moreover, RNAseq analysis revealed that 3g del/+ mice exhibit gene expression changes in the striatum similar to 16p11.2 del/+ mice, but only in males. Pathway analysis identified ribosomal dysfunction and translation dysregulation as molecular mechanisms underlying male-specific, striatum-dependent behavioral alterations. Together, the mutation of 3 genes within the 16p11.2 region phenocopies striatal sex-specific phenotypes of 16p11.2 del/+ mice, unlike single gene mutation studies. These results support the importance of a polygenic approach to study NDDs and our novel strategy to identify genes of interest using gene expression patterns in brain regions, such as the striatum, which are impacted in these disorders.
Development of novel artifact-less imaging-guidance marker for MRI, CT, and Ultrasound imaging-modalities aiming for organ-preserving therapies of prostate cancer
Authors: Okihara Koji , Ueda Takashi , Fujihara Atsuko , Shiraishi Takumi , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Nomoto Takeshi , Masui Koji , Ito-Ihara Toshiko , Hara Eri , Nakai Ryusuke , Shiina Takeshi , Ukimura Osamu
Published: February 2023

Introduction: We have developed a fiducial imaging-guidance marker for prostate with less imaging-artifacts than the currently commercially available markers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the imaging-artifact and potential usefulness and safety of the novel fiducial imaging-marker under the preclinical experiments.
Materials and Methods: We selected the specific metal materials and shape that can minimize artifacts, under having obtained a license for a metal with a gold-platinum (Au-Pt) alloy composition that maximized artifact-free MRI images. The both phantom test and dog-prostate test were conducted in order to evaluate the imaging-artifacts for three imaging modalities of MRI, CT, and ultrasound, and also the risk of migration of the markers from inserted site to other as well as their crushing.
Results: Newly developed Au-Pt material is less imaging-artifact for all of MRI, CT, and ultrasound imaging modalities in comparison to currently commercially available fiducial markers made by gold material only, and the Au-Pt markers had sufficient strength and durability, and is considered as potential clinically useful and safe marker.
Conclusion: The developed Au-Pt marker can be an indispensable device for accurate lesion-targeted organ-preserving therapy such as lesion-targeted focal therapy and active surveillance, than the conventional whole-gland surgical or radiation therapy.
Synthetic symbiosis between a cyanobacterium and a ciliate toward novel chloroplast-like endosymbiosis
Authors: Azuma Yuki , Tsuru Saburo , Habuchi Masumi , Takami Risa , Takano Sotaro , Yamamoto Kayo , Hosoda Kazufumi
Published: February 2023

Chloroplasts are thought to have co-evolved through endosymbiosis, after a cyanobacterial-like prokaryote was engulfed by a eukaryotic cell; however, it is impossible to observe the process toward chloroplasts. In this study, we constructed an experimental symbiosis model to observe the initial stage in the process from independent organisms to a chloroplast-like organelle. Our system of synthetic symbiosis is capable of long-term coculture of two model organisms: a cyanobacterium (Synechocystissp. PCC6803) as a symbiont and a ciliate (Tetrahymena thermophila) as a host with endocytic ability. The experimental system was clearly defined, because we used a synthetic medium and the cultures were shaken to avoid spatial complexity. We determined the experimental conditions for sustainable coculture, by analyzing population dynamics using a mathematical model. We experimentally demonstrated that the coculture was sustainable for at least 100 generations, through serial transfers. Moreover, we found that cells isolated after the serial transfer improved the growth stability of the coculture. The constructed system will be useful for understanding the initial stage of primary endosymbiosis from cyanobacteria to chloroplasts, i.e., the origin of algae and plants.
Intrinsic High-Order Ionic Superlattices in Two-Dimensional Oxide Perovskites
Authors: Cho Kyungjune , Yim Haena , Park Gahui , Yang Jiwoo , Yoo So Yeon , Nam Jongwoo , Song Minwoo , Kwon Deok-Hwang , Kang Keehoon , Lee Takhee , Choi Ji-Won , Chung Seungjun
Published: February 2023

A high-order superlattice is desirable in emerging classes of semiconductors because it allows functionalities beyond the reach of existing materials. Despite their beneficial features, certain shortcomings, such as the poor interface between heterostructures and laborious time-consuming fabrication for stacking high-ordered layers, still need to be addressed. Here, we present intrinsic high-order ionic layered superlattices in two-dimensional layered Dion-Jacobson phase oxide perovskites. The atomically clean interfaces between neighbouring layers ensure unique quantum mechanical properties derived from the quantum wells of ionic layered superlattices. The resultant anomalous charging behaviour offers tenable conductivity enhancements and realises artificial synaptic devices modulated by both optical and electrical stimuli. We also demonstrate the high tunability of the ionic composition and number of layers of the two-dimensional layered oxide perovskites, resulting in tailored electrical properties. Our study promises a new class of ideal superlattices and their great potential as a novel two-dimensional building block for device applications.
Prospective multi-centre evaluation of the incidence of unplanned extubation and its outcomes in intensive care units. The Safe-ICU study
Authors: Guillemin Jérémie , Rieu Benjamin , Huet Olivier , Villeret Léonie , Pons Stéphanie , Bignon Anne , De Roux Quentin , Cinotti Raphaël , Legros Vincent , Plantefeve Gaëtan , Dayhot-Fizelier Claire , Omar Edris , Cadoz Cyril , Bounes Fanny , Caplin Cécile , Toumert Karim , Martinez Thibault , Bouvier Damien , Coutrot Maxime , Godet Thomas , Garçon Pierre , Assefi Mona , Constantin Jean-Michel
Published: February 2023

Background: The lack of a clear definition and strong methodology has led to differing results in terms of unplanned extubation (UE) epidemiology and outcomes. We aimed to determine the UE incidence and clinical significance of both accidental extubation and self-extubation.
Methods: A multicentric prospective cohort study was conducted in 47 French ICUs. The number of mechanical ventilation (MV) days, planned and unplanned extubation were recorded in each centre over a minimum period of three consecutive months to evaluate UE incidence. Patient characteristics, UE environmental factors, and outcomes (follow-up until ICU discharge or day 28) were compared based on the UE mechanism (accidental or self-extubation). Finally, we determined ‘failed’ self-extubation (re-intubation at day 7) prognosis and risk factors.
Results: During the 12-month inclusion period, we found a pooled UE incidence of 1.0 per 100 MV days. UE accounted for 9% of all endotracheal removals. Of the 635 UE, 88% were self-extubations and 12% were accidental extubations. The latter had a worse prognosis than self-extubations (34% vs 14% mortality, p <0.001). Self-extubation failure, which occurred in 35% of self-extubation patients, was associated with excess mortality (15% vs 4%, p <0.001). Cancer, higher respiratory rate, lower PaO2/FiO2, weaning process not ongoing, and immediate post-extubation respiratory failure were independent predictors of failed self-extubation. Discomfort was the leading cause of self-extubation reported by both patients and physicians, ahead of agitation.
Conclusion: Unplanned extubation is common in ICU and accounts for 9% of all endotracheal removals. Accidental extubation has a poorer prognosis than self-extubation.
Effects of Saccharina japonica and spent mushroom compost mixed compost on composting quality and dynamic change of microbial diversity at different C/N ratios
Authors: Song Wanlin , Zhang Hongxia , Zeng Yang , Wu Jiali , Wang Derui , Zhang Yuxue , Feng Dawei
Published: February 2023

Seaweed as a fertilizer for plant growth has been renowned for centuries. The active substances in seaweed can be effectively exploited by land-based co-composting. The efficiency of co-composting can be improved by adjusting the initial C/N ratios of raw materials or adjusting the initial water content. The purpose of this study is to study how the initial C/N ratio in the composting process of a mixture of Saccharina japonica algae and spent mushroom compost residue affects the composting process, explore the most suitable C/N ratio, and determine the physicochemical and biological parameters in the composting process to evaluate the effects of different initial C/N on the composting process. The dynamic changes in microbial diversity were evaluated using high-throughput sequencing at different C/N ratios: 20:1, 30:1, 40:1 and 50:1. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that at 30:1 C/N after composting, the content of Pseudomonas in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in other groups. Pseudomonas is one of the main strains producing alginate lyase, which is beneficial to the degradation of alginate and the release of active substances. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that pH and alginate significantly affected the succession of dominant bacteria during composting. The results showed that when the C/N ratio was 30:1, this ratio would produce high-quality mature compost.
Using of lepidium sativum L. extract, as antimicrobial and anti-mosquito
Authors: A Emaduldeen H. , Waheeb Mohammed Qasim , Makki Maytham Abas
Published: February 2023

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), a member of the Cruciferae family, is widely planted across the world, especially in India, Europe, and the United States. It has been respected as a key medicinal plant from the time of the Vedic culture. Lepidium sativum Linn. seeds were tested for their efficacy as an antibacterial agent against pathogens found in food. The active components were extracted from the powdered dry seeds using chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and dichloromethane. The antibacterial activity of various doses of the extracts was evaluated using agar well diffusion. We also estimated the MIC and MBC for the most effective extract using the tube dilution technique and the subculturing method, respectively. One of the most common mosquito species that carries Plasmodium falciparum is the Anopheles gambiae sensu lato, which may be combated by sprinkling fields with Lepidium sativum seeds. Scientists have begun to extract essential oils from Lepidium sativum and evaluate their bio-potential against juvenile and adult Anopheles gambiae as part of an attempt to identify ecologically viable vector control tactics. Based on the findings, it is clear that L. sativum essential oil effectively kills An. gambiae. Although field application on a wide scale is necessary for An. gambiae population control, more work has to be done in formulation and assessment.
Marsupials have monoallelic MEST expression with a conserved antisense lncRNA but MEST may not be imprinted.
Authors: Renfree Marilyn , Ishihara Teruhito , Suzuki Shunsuke , Fenelon Jane , Griffith Oliver , Shaw Geoff
Published: February 2023

The imprinted isoform of the Mestgene in mice is involved in key mammalian traits such as placental and fetal growth, maternal care and mammary gland maturation. MEST has a distinct promoter differentially methylated region (DMR) in eutherian mammals but in marsupials, while MEST was thought to be imprinted, it had no DMR. In this study, we examined similarities and differences in the MEST gene locus across mammals using a marsupial, the tammar wallaby, a monotreme, the platypus, and a eutherian, the mouse, to investigate how MEST imprinting evolved in mammals. By confirming the presence of the short isoform in all mammalian groups (which is imprinted in eutherians), this study suggests that an alternative promoter for the short isoform has evolved at the MESTgene locus in the common ancestor of mammals. In the tammar, the short isoform of MEST shared the putative promoter CpG island with an antisense lncRNA previously identified in humans and an isoform of a neighbouring gene CEP41. The antisense lncRNA was expressed in tammar sperm, as seen in humans. This suggested that the conserved lncRNA might play an important part in the establishment of MEST imprinting in therian mammals, but it was not imprinted in the tammar. In contrast to previous studies, this study showed that MEST is non-imprinted and mono-allelically expressed in marsupials. This suggests that selection of MEST imprinting in eutherians must have occurred after the marsupial-eutherian split with the acquisition of a key epigenetic imprinting control region, the DMR.
BacSp222 bacteriocin as a novel ligand for TLR2/TLR6 heterodimer
Authors: Śmiałek-Bartyzel Justyna , Bzowska Monika , Mężyk-Kopeć Renata , Kwissa Marcin , Mak Paweł
Published: February 2023

Objective and design
BacSp222 bacteriocin is a bactericidal and proinflammatory peptide stimulating immune cells to produce selected cytokines and NO in NF-ĸB dependent manner. This study aims to identify the receptor which mediates this activity.
Methods
We applied fluorescently labeled BacSp222 and a confocal microscopy imaging to analyze the direct interaction of the bacteriocin with the cells. Reporter HEK-Blue cells overexpressing human Toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 or TLR2/TLR1 and TLR2/TLR6 heterodimers) were stimulated with BacSp222, and then the activity of NF-ĸB-dependent secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) was measured. In turn, formylated peptide receptor (FPR) or TLR2 antagonists were used to verify bacteriocin-stimulated TNF production by murine monocyte-macrophage cell lines.
Results
BacSp222 undergoes internalization into cells without disturbing the cell membrane. FPR antagonists do not affect TNF produced by BacSp222-stimulated murine macrophage-like cells. In contrast, BacSp222 stimulates NF-ĸB activation in HEK-Blue overexpressing TLR2 or TLR2/TLR6 heterodimer, but not TLR2/TLR1, TLR4 or TLR5 receptors. Moreover, TLR2-specific antagonists inhibit NF-ĸB signalling in BacSp222-stimulated HEK-Blue TLR2/TLR6 cells and reduce TNF release by BacSp222-treated RAW 264.7 and P388.D1.
Conclusions
BacSp222 is a novel ligand for TLR2/TLR6 heterodimer. By binding TLR complex the bacteriocin undergoes internalization, inducing proinflammatory signalling that employs MyD88 and NF-ĸB pathways.
Parental uncertainty in plans and education of Ukrainian refugee children in European countries.
Authors: Chovpan Ganna
Published: February 2023

The contribution of this article shows how uncertainty affects the education vector for Ukrainian refugee parents. The concept of uncertainty is discussed, and in what way the uncertainty affects the educational strategy for the children of Ukrainian refugees. The Syrian children's experience in Turkey is a basis for the study. A survey was conducted among the parents of schoolchildren refugees. It was concluded that among those who are in a state of most significant uncertainty, there is the greatest desire to complete all possible strategies in education for their children. It is necessary to develop more flexible criteria for different groups of refugee children, depending on their age and their parents' plans to return home.
Characterization of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community associated with rosewood (Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw.) in Miombo forests, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Kaumbu Jean-Marc Kyalamakasa , Sene Godar , Stefani Franck , Khasa Damase P.
Published: February 2023

Understanding the dynamics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) in response to land use change is crucial for the restoration of degraded forests. Here, we describe the diversity and structure of AMF communities in roots of Pterocarpus tinctorius sampled from aluminium- and iron-rich agricultural and forest fallow soils. AMF in root samples were identified by sequencing the large subunit region of the rRNA gene. A total of 30 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were recovered, most of which were new to science. These OTUs belonged to five genera namely Rhizophagus, Dominikia, Glomus, Sclerocystis and Scutellospora. AMF species richness was significantly influenced by soil properties and tree density, with a low mean value (3.2) observed in acidic soils with high Al and Fe. Indicator species analyses revealed nine AMF OTUs as indicators of base saturation (4 OTUs), high aluminium (3 OTUs) and iron (2 OTUs). OTUs positively correlated with acidity (1 OTU), iron and available phosphorus (2 OTUs) were assigned to the genus Rhizophagus, and indicated Al and Fe tolerance. The results show that leguminous trees in tropical dry forests are a potential reservoir of unknown AM fungal species. The baseline data obtained in this study opens new avenues for future studies, including the use of indigenous AMF-based biostimulants to implement ecological revegetation programs and improve land use.
Aspirin promotes ferroptosis by attenuating Nrf2 in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Gou Qiheng , Xie Yuxin , Gou Qitao , Liu Zijian , Ma Ji
Published: February 2023

Purpose
Recent research has found that patients who receive aspirin might have a reduced risk of breast cancer. However, how aspirin influences cancer remains controversial. Ferroptosis is an iron- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent form of regulated cell death (RCD), and it is crucial for the suppression of tumors. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of aspirin as a novel ferroptosis inducer in the antitumor effect of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Methods
We performed cell proliferation, ferroptosis-related and xenograft assays to determine the function and mechanism of aspirin in TNBC. Additionally, we investigated the transcriptomic profiles in TNBC tissues and normal tissues by RNA-seq.
Results
Our present study revealed that aspirin not only significantly accelerated ferroptosis but also inhibited the growth of TNBC cells. Intriguingly, aspirin, similar to the ferroptosis activator erastin, promoted ferroptosis and inhibited cell proliferation; however, the additional ferroptosis suppressor ferrostatin reversed the function of aspirin in ferroptosis and cell proliferation. Mechanistically, these results indicated that aspirin attenuated the level of Nrf2 protein and enhanced Keap1, mainly through the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, in TNBC cells. Meanwhile, aspirin could also suppress key ferroptosis factors, such as GPX4 and xCT. Importantly, restoring Nrf2 signaling reversed aspirin-mediated ferroptosis. Furthermore, we found that oxidative stress and the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway were significantly changed.
Conclusion
Overall, our research demonstrates a novel role of aspirin in inhibiting Keap1-Nrf2 signaling to accelerate ferroptosis, which leads to the inhibition of cell proliferation in TNBC. Aspirin may present as a potential preventive strategy against the development of TNBC.
Expression of E-cadherin by large CD103+ CD69+ CD8+ T cells promotes their invasion into biliary epithelial cells
Authors: Davies Scott , Ronca Vincenzo , Wootton Grace , Bozward Amber , Fiancette Remi , Reynolds Gary , Krajewska Natalia , Osei-Bordom Daniel , Richardson Naomi , Grover Liam , Oo Ye
Published: February 2023

The presence of CD8+ T cells in the cytoplasm of biliary epithelial cells (BEC) has been correlated with biliary damage associated with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC). Here, we characterise the of mechanism of CD8+ T cell entry into BEC. CD8+ T cells observed within BEC were large, eccentric, and expressed E-cadherin, CD103 and CD69. Internalisation required cytoskeletal rearrangements which facilitated contact with BEC. Internalised CD8+ T cells were observed in both non-cirrhotic and diseased liver tissues but enriched in PBC patients. E-cadherin expression by CD8+ T cells correlated with frequency of internalisation of these cells into BEC. E-cadherin+ CD8+ T cells formed β-catenin-associated interactions with BEC. E-cadherin+ CD8+ T cells were larger than E-cadherin- CD8+ T cells and invaded BEC more frequently. Overall, we unveil a distinct cell-in-cell structure in the liver detailing the invasion of E-cadherin+ CD103+ CD69+ CD8+ cells T cells into BEC.
Ropivacaine enhanced the cisplatin-sensitivity of Human colorectal cancer cells by accelerating ROS-meditated apoptosis and ferroptosis
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zeng Lian , Zhao WenBo , Zhao Qiang , Wang Qingsong , Ding Xudong , Xu Qianqian , Zhang Yu , Hu Pengchao , Luo Huiyu
Published: February 2023

The failure of cisplatin treatment to human colorectal cancer due to cisplatin-sensitivity reduced, it’s necessary to find the new adjuvant agents to increase the cisplatin-sensitivity. Ropivacaine has been demonstrated to inhibit the proliferation and migration of variety of cancer cells, however, it remains unclear whether it could increase the cisplatin sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells. The cisplatin-resistant cell line for colorectal cancer named LOVO/DDP cells were established by repeated induction of different concentration of cisplatin, the cell viability, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were assessed by Colony-forming assay, Transwell assay, Wound Healing and Annexin V/PI flow cytometry; JC-1 and ROS detection kits were used to determine the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression of MMP-9, Nrf-2, GPX4, SLC7A11, SIRT1 proteins were detected by Western-blot and immunofluorescence. Compared with the control group, the activity of LOVO cells decreased significantly and that in LOVO/DDP cells decreased slightly with the increase of cisplatin. After the treatment of ropivacaine combined with cisplatin, the LOVO/DDP cells viability was significantly decreased than cisplatin alone (P<0.01). Compared with cisplatin alone treatment group, the proliferation and migration of LOVO cells and LOVO/DDP cells were significantly reduced in combined group. Ropivacaine combined with cisplatin enhanced apoptosis, the production of ROS, induced mitochondrial dysfunction, and down-regulated anti-ferroptosis and SIRT1 proteins. Those above results demonstrated that ropivacaine could increase the chemosensitivity of cisplatin-resistant human colon cancer cells, and its mechanism may be through promoting cancer cell apoptosis and ferroptosis.