bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of Krüppel-Like Factor 4 (KLF4) Inhibits the Proliferation of Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells Through ERK1/2 Signaling Under Hypoxia Environment
Authors: Shi Yiwei , Qin Xiaojiang , Hou Xiaomin , Gao Anqi , Hao Yuxuan , Xu Xinrong , Chai Lina , Guo Yunting , Zhao Liangyuan , Du Xuefeng , Zeng Chao
Published: January 2021

Background This study is designed to examine the role of Krüppel-like factor 4 in mediating the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and the underlying mechanisms. Methods Experiments were conducted using PASMCs isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats. The cells were divided into 24 h group, 48 h group and 72 h group according to different hypoxia treatment time. For specific inhibition of the ERK1/2 and p38 signaling pathways, PASMCs were treated with the ERK1/2-specific inhibitor. KLF4 was cloned from plasmid into the eukaryotic expression vector and transfected into PASMCs for KLF4 overexpression and was transfected into PASMCs for KLF4 knockdown. Results PASMCs dedifferentiation and proliferation phenotypes under hypoxia conditioned culture were not synchronous. Overexpression of KLF4 attenuated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2-mediated proliferative signals in PASMCs. Knockdown of KLF4 expression resulted in increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and significantly increased hypoxia-induced PASMCs proliferation, while p38 did not change and showed no influence on proliferation during the above process. Conclusions Our results indicate for the first time that KLF4 plays inhibitor role through activating ERK1/2 in PASMCs proliferation under hypoxia condition, expanding existing reports on the participation of KLF4 in the development of HPH. Our findings may provide pharmacological targets for therapy of HPH.
Human Cell-dependent, Directional, Time-dependent Changes in the Mono- and Oligonucleotide Compositions of SARS-CoV-2 Genomes
Authors: Iwasaki Yuki , Abe Takashi , Ikemura Toshimichi
Published: January 2021

BackgroundWhen a virus that has grown in a nonhuman host starts an epidemic in the human population, human cells may not provide growth conditions ideal for the virus. Therefore, the invasion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is usually prevalent in the bat population, into the human population is thought to have necessitated changes in the viral genome for efficient growth in the new environment. In the present study, to understand host-dependent changes in coronavirus genomes, we focused on the mono- and oligonucleotide compositions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes and investigated how these compositions changed time-dependently in the human cellular environment. We also compared the oligonucleotide compositions of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses prevalent in humans or bats to investigate the causes of changes in the host environment.ResultsTime-series analyses of changes in the nucleotide compositions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes revealed a group of mono- and oligonucleotides whose compositions changed in a common direction for all clades, even though viruses belonging to different clades should evolve independently. Interestingly, the compositions of these oligonucleotides changed towards those of coronaviruses that have been prevalent in humans for a long period and away from those of bat coronaviruses.ConclusionsClade-independent, time-dependent changes are thought to have biological significance and should relate to viral adaptation to a new host environment, providing important clues for understanding viral host adaptation mechanisms.
delta-Melt: Nucleic acid conformational penalties from melting experiments
Authors: Al-Hashimi Hashim , Rangadurai Atul , Shi Honglue , Xu Yu , Liu Bei , Assi Hala Abou , Zhou Huiqing , Kimsey Isaac
Published: January 2021

Thermodynamic propensities of biomolecules to adopt non-native conformations are crucial for understanding how they function, but prove difficult to measure experimentally. Combining optical melting experiments with chemical modifications and mutations, we developed delta-Melt for measuring the energetic penalties associated with nucleic acid conformational rearrangements and how they vary with sequence and physiological conditions. delta-Melt is fast, simple, cost effective, and can characterize conformational penalties inaccessible to conventional biophysical methods.
Adverse reactions of COVID-19 vaccine among frontline workers in Fujairah, UAE
Authors: Al-Worafi Yaser , Ming Long , Alseragi Wafa , Dhabali Abdullah , Al-Shami Abdulkareem
Published: January 2021

This study explored the adverse reactions/effects prevalence, types, duration, and severity of inactivated novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) vaccine among adult frontline health care professionals and educators. A total of A total of 49 frontline workers in Fujairah, UAE (37 health care professionals and 12 educators) were interviewed over a period of three months. All participants were reported that they experienced at least one adverse reaction/effect. The range of COVID-19 vaccine adverse reactions/effects were one to three adverse effects Pain at the vaccine injection site reported by 49 out of 49 participants; swelling/redness of the vaccine injection site reported by 45 out of 49; fatigue reported by 19 out of 49; headache reported by eight; fever reported by one participant. Majority of the reported adverse reactions were described as moderate or mild and the duration was between one day and one week.
Quantitative and Ultrasensitive In-situ Immunoassay Technology for SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Saliva
Authors: Lee Luke , Liu Fei , Chen Yuchao , Roma Gianluca
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has become an immense global health crisis. However, the lack of efficient and sensitive on-site testing methods limits early detection for timely isolation and intervention. Here, we present a Quantitative and Ultrasensitive in-situ Immunoassay Technology for SARS-CoV-2 detection in saliva (QUIT SARS-CoV-2). Our nanoporous membrane resonator generates a rapid oscillating flow to purify and concentrate SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva by 40 folds for in-situ detection of viral antigens based on chemiluminescent immunoassay within 20 min. This method achieved a detection sensitivity below 10 0 copies/mL viral load, comparable to the bench-top PCR equipment. The portable QUIT SARS-CoV-2 system, allowing rapid and accurate on-site viral screen with high-throughput sample pooling strategy, can be performed at the primary care settings and substantially improve the detection and prevention of COVID-19.
Bio-fabrication and experimental validation of an Mg – 25Ca – 5Zn alloy proposed for a porous metallic scaffold.
Authors: Becerra Luis Humberto Campos , Rodríguez Marco Antonio Loudovic Hernández , de León Jonathan Puente , Arroyo Raúl Lesso , S Hugo Esquivel , Pérez Eduardo Núñez , Castro Alejandro Torres
Published: January 2021

Background The bio-fabrication of a porous scaffold from a selection procedure of elements taking into account the biological behavior, using Magnesium (Mg) alloyed with Calcium (Ca) and Zinc (Zn), it could work as a treatment for specific pathologies in trauma and oncology, on the one hand, in osteosynthesis, contributing to osseointegration and contributing to infection control through the release of drugs, additionally, another possible attribute of this alloy would be to be used as a complementary treatment for osteosarcoma, this is due to the basification produced by oxidative degradation. (Attack on cancer cells)(1)(2)(3)(4).Methods The evaluation of cell viability of an alloy of Mg − 25 wt% Ca + 5 wt% Zn will strengthen current perspectives on the use of Mg in the clinical evaluation of various treatments in trauma and oncology. Considerations on the preparation of an alloy of Mg − 25 wt% Ca + 5 wt% Zn and its morphological characterization, will help to understand the applicability for the development of new surgical techniques and lead to a deeper investigation in the conception of alternative treatments. However, it is very important to bear in mind the mechanical effect of elements such as Ca and Zn, on the degradation of the alloy matrix, the best alternative to predict the biological - mechanical potential starts with the selection of the essential - nutritional elements (5)(6)(7) and its mechanical evaluation by micro-indentation due to the fragility of the matrix (8)(9).Results Therefore, the morphological evaluation of the specimens of Mg − 25 wt% Ca + 5 wt% Zn will show the crystallinity of the alloy; these results together generate a contribution regarding the design of biomedical alloys for use in treatments for various medical specialties.Conclusions The results indicated that cell viability is not affected, and there are no morphological changes in the cells.
Characterization of Highly Reductive Modification of Tetracycline D-Ring Reveals Enzymatic Conversion of Enone to Alkane
Authors: Nie Qiu-Yue , Ji Zhen-Yu , Hu Yu , Tang Gong-Li
Published: January 2021

Tetracyclines are an eminent family of type II polyketides which possess a variety of decoration on the skeletons. However, apart from the oxidative modification in aureolic acid compounds, there are few cases on the further conversion of α, β-unsaturated ketones in the tetracycline D-ring. Here, we identified two reductases (TjhO5 and TjhD4) that highly reduced the α,β-unsaturated ketone of D-ring in the biosynthesis of unconventional tetracyclines. By identifying related intermediates and conducting isotope incorporation experiments, we demonstrated that the entire transformation could be accomplished by TjhO5 and TjhD4 collectively via two distinct pathways involving different enzymatic mechanisms. A distinctive deoxygenation mechanism was possibly involved in the TjhO5-mediated continuous reduction of C = O to CH2. These findings highlight the unprecedent post-modification of tetracyclines and facilitate further engineering to enrich the structural diversities.
Revisiting the Gastrin-releasing Peptide/bombesin System: A Reverse-evolutionary Study Considering Xenopus
Authors: Hirooka Asuka , Hamada Mayuko , Fujiyama Daiki , Takanami Keiko , Kobayashi Yasuhisa , Oti Takumi , Katayama Yukitoshi , Sakamoto Tatsuya , Sakamoto Hirotaka
Published: January 2021

Bombesin is a putative antibacterial peptide isolated from the skin of the frog, Bombina bombina. Two related (bombesin-like) peptides, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and neuromedin B (NMB) have been found in mammals. The history of GRP/bombesin discovery has caused little attention to be paid to the evolutionary relationship of GRP/bombesin and their receptors in vertebrates. We have classified the peptides and their receptors from the phylogenetic viewpoint using a newly established genetic database and bioinformatics. Here we show, by using a clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis), that GRP is not a mammalian counterpart of bombesin and also that, whereas the GRP system is widely conserved among vertebrates, the NMB/bombesin system has diversified in certain lineages, in particular in frog species. To understand its derivation of GRP system in the ancestor of mammals, we have focused on the GRP system in Xenopus. Gene expression analyses combined with immunohistochemistry and Western blotting experiments demonstrated that GRP peptides and their receptors are distributed in the brain and stomach of Xenopus. We conclude that GRP peptides and their receptors have evolved from ancestral (GRP-like peptide) homologues to play multiple roles in both the gut and the brain as one of the ‘gut-brain peptide’ systems.
Reduced Vestibular Perception Thresholds in Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness- A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wurthmann Sebastian , Holle-Lee Dagny , Obermann Mark , Roesner Miriam , Nsaka Michael , Scheffler Armin , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Naegel Steffen
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND: Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is the most common functional vestibular disorder which is maintained by an interaction of psychological and physiological factors. PPPD patients develop inappropriate postural control strategies characterized by increased self-motion perception. Increased cortical and subcortical excitability may play a role in the pathophysiology of PPPD. We hypothesized that decreased motion perception thresholds reflect one mechanism of the abnormal vestibular responsiveness in this disorder. We investigated the vestibular perception thresholds and the vestibular ocular reflex with a rotatory chair experiment to gain insights in the processing and adaption to vestibular provocation. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study 26 female PPPD patients and 33 healthy female age and matched controls (HC) were investigated sitting in a motorized rotary chair shielded regarding visual and acoustic stimuli. The chair was rotated for 20 minutes with slowly increasing velocity to a maximum of 72°/s. We functionally tested motion perception thresholds and vegetative responses to rotation as well as vestibular-ocular reflex thresholds. We additionally investigated several psychological comorbidities (i.e. depression, anxiety, somatosensory amplification) using validated scores. Conventional dizziness scores were obtained to quantify the experienced dizziness and impact on daily life. RESULTS: PPPD patients showed a significant reduced vestibulo-perceptual threshold (PPPD: 10.9°/s vs. HC: 29.5°/s; p<0.001) with increased motion sensitivity and concomitant vegetative response during and after the chair rotation compared to healthy controls. The extent of increased vestibular sensitivity was in correlation with the duration of the disease (p=0.043). No significant difference was measured regarding nystagmus parameters between both groups.CONCLUSION: PPPD patients showed increased vegetative response as well as decreased vestibulo-perceptual thresholds which are related to disease duration. This is of interest as PPPD might be sustained by increased vestibular excitability leading to motion intolerance and induction of dizziness when exposed to movement.
Ultralow thermal conductivity via topological network control of vibrational localization in amorphous chalcogenides
Authors: Aryana Kiumars , Stewart Derek , Gaskins John , Nag Joyeeta , Read John , Olson David , Grobis Michael , Hopkins Patrick
Published: January 2021

Amorphous chalcogenide alloys are key materials for data storage and energy scavenging applications due to their large non-linearities in optical and electrical properties as well as low vibrational thermal conductivities. Here, we report on a mechanism to suppress the thermal transport in a representative amorphous chalcogenide system, silicon telluride (SiTe), by nearly an order of magnitude via systematically tailoring the cross-linking network among the atoms. As such, we experimentally demonstrate that in fully dense amorphous SiTe the thermal conductivity can be reduced to as low as 0.1 ± 0.01 W/m/K for high tellurium content with a density nearly twice that of amorphous silicon. Using ab-initio simulations integrated with lattice dynamics, we attribute the ultralow thermal conductivity of SiTe to the suppressed contribution of extended modes of vibration, namely propagons and diffusons. This leads to a large shift in the mobility edge - a factor of five - towards lower frequency and localization of nearly 42% of the modes. This localization is the result of reductions in coordination number and a transition from over-constrained to underconstrained atomic network.
A Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies a Novel Susceptibility Locus at The DLGAP1 Gene For Resistant Hypertension in The Japanese Population
Authors: Takahashi Yasuo , Yamazaki Keiko , Kamatani Yoichiro , Kubo Michiaki , Matsuda Koichi , Asai Satoshi
Published: January 2021

Numerous genetic variants associated with hypertension and blood pressure are known, but there is a paucity of evidence from genetic studies of resistant hypertension, especially in the Asian populations. To identify novel genetic loci associated with resistant hypertension in the Japanese population, we conducted a genome-wide association study with 2,705 resistant hypertension cases and 21,296 mild hypertension controls, all from BioBank Japan. We identified one novel susceptibility locus, rs1442386 on chromosome 18p11.3 (DLGAP1), achieving genome-wide significance (odds ratio (95% CI) = 0.85 (0.81–0.90), P = 3.75 × 10−8) and 17 loci showing suggestive association, including rs62525059 of 8q24.3 (CYP11B2). We further detected biological processes associated with resistant hypertension, including chemical synaptic transmission, regulation of transmembrane transport, neuron development and neurological system processes, highlighting the importance of the nervous system. This study provides insights into the etiology of resistant hypertension in the Japanese population.
Management of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy in Southern Lima, Peru: An Analysis of Health Center Characteristics
Authors: Zegarra-Chapoñan Roberto , Bonadonna Lily Victoria , Yuen Courtney M. , Martina-Chávez Martha Brigida , Zeladita Jhon
Published: January 2021

Background: Prevention of TB through the use of preventive treatment is a critical activity in the elimination of TB. Health personnel are a key element in achieving proper management of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) for TB contacts. This study aims to determine the association between health center characteristics and indicators of TB contact care management with isoniazid preventive therapy in southern Lima. Methods: We conducted an ecological study. Through the review of medical records, we identified children and adolescent contacts of tuberculosis patients, who initiated IPT between 2016 and 2018. We assessed bivariate associations between clinic staffing and IPT initiation and completion using binomial logistic regression with robust standard errors.Results: We included 977 contacts, among whom 69% took more than a week to start IPT and 41% did not complete IPT. For those who did successfully complete IPT, 58% were not medically evaluated with three follow-up appointments. While completion of IPT and 3 clinical appointments was better among health centers with more physicians and nurses, these differences were not statistically significant. Contact sex was associated with initiating IPT (p=0.005), and contact age was associated with completion of IPT (p=0.025) and completion of clinical evaluations (p=0.041). Conclusion: There are significant gaps in IPT management in health centers of southern Lima, Peru, but insufficient staffing of health centers may not be responsible. Further research is needed to identify how IPT management can be improved, including through improving training and staffing.
The Expression and Prognostic Values of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Family in Glioma
Authors: xu bin , ji wei , huo zhengyuan , bian zheng , jiao jiantong , sun jun , shao junfei
Published: January 2021

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family belongs to the transmembrane protein receptor of tyrosine kinase I subfamily, including 4 members, they are EGFR/ERBB1, ERBB2, ERBB3, ERBB4. The EGFR family is closely related to the occurrence and development of a variety of cancers.Material/Methods: In this research, we used multiple online bioinformatics websites including ONCOMINE, TCGA, CGGA, TIMER, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA and DAVID to study the expression profiles, prognostic values and immune infiltration correlations of EGFR family in glioma.Results: We found that EGFR and ERBB2 mRNA expression levels were the higher in glioblastoma (GBM, WHO IV) than other grades (WHO grade II&III), While ERBB3 and ERBB4 mRNA expression levels were opposite. EGFR and ERBB2 were notably downregulated in IDH mutant gliomas, while ERBB3 and ERBB4 were the opposite. Besides, ERBB2 and ERBB4 in glioma patients were associated with poor prognosis. In addition, correlation analysis between EGFR family expression and immune infiltrating levels in glioma showed that EGFR family expression and immune infiltrating levels were significantly correlated. PPI network of EGFR family in glioma and enrichment analysis showed that EGFR family and their interactors mainly participated in regulation of cell motility involved integrin receptors and Rho family GTPases.Conclusions: In summary, this study indicates that EGFR family may become potential targets and new prognostic markers for glioma.
SNX17 regulates antigen internalization and phagosomal maturation by dendritic cells
Authors: Cebrian Ignacio , Dinamarca Sofía , Croce Cristina , Salvioni Anna , Garrido Facundo , Fidalgo Sandra Estrada , Mayorga Luis , Blanchard Nicolas
Published: January 2021

Cross-presentation is the process whereby antigenic peptides derived from exogenous antigens are associated to MHC class I molecules triggering the activation of CD8+ T lymphocytes. The endocytic route of dendritic cells (DCs) is strongly specialized to achieve antigen cross-presentation efficiently, which is crucial to initiate cytotoxic immune responses against many pathogens (i.e. Toxoplasma gondii) and tumors. Nevertheless, the endosomal molecular effectors involved in this process are not completely understood. In particular, the role of sorting nexin (SNX) proteins in cross-presentation has never been addressed. In this work, we identify the endosomal protein SNX17 as a key regulator of antigen internalization and cross-presentation by DCs. Our results demonstrate that SNX17 expression in DCs is essential to guarantee a normal cross-presentation of soluble, particulate and T. gondii-associated antigens. The silencing of SNX17 expression in DCs significantly affected the uptake of exogenous antigens by fluid-phase endocytosis and phagocytosis, but not by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Moreover, the knock-down of SNX17 impaired T. gondii invasion, CD11b integrin recycling and hampered the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Finally, we show that SNX17 controls the proper maturation of DC phagosomes. Our findings provide compelling evidence that SNX17 plays a central role in the modulation of DC endocytic network, which is crucial for competent antigen internalization and cross-presentation.
NEUROD1 Mutation in an Italian Patient With Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young 6: a Case Report
Authors: Brodosi Lucia , Baracco Bianca , Mantovani Vilma , Pironi Loris
Published: January 2021

Background and Aims: maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a monogenic, autosomal, dominant disease characterized by a single genetic mutation that results in beta-cells disfunction with consequent hyperglycemia. It represents a rare form of diabetes (1-2% of all the cases). Sulphonylureas (SU) represent the first line treatment for this form of diabetic disease. NEUROD1 is a transcription factor expressed by pancreatic and nervous tissues that is necessary for a proper development of beta cells. A mutation of NEUROD1 gene has been found to cause beta-cells dysfunction, inadequate insulin secretion, and hyperglycemia (MODY 6). A recent case report has documented for the first time a new missense mutation (p.Met114Leu c.340A> C), of the NEUROD1 gene pathogenetic for diabetes mellitus.Methods and Results: We report the case of a 50 years-old man who presented the same mutation, and who was able to suspend rapid insulin after the diagnosis and treatment with SU. Interestingly, our patient had an early onset dilated cardiomyopathy but no other data about cardiac diseases in patients with MODY 6 are available.Conclusions: Diagnostic criteria for MODY can overlap with other kinds of diabetes and most cases are still misdiagnosed as diabetes type 1 or 2. The disease should be suspected in patients with a strong family history of diabetes, normal BMI, early onset and no autoimmunity.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings in Non-Infectious Posterior Uveitis: A Controlled Study
Authors: Sizmaz Selcuk , Esen Ebru , Isik-Ericek Puren , Demircan Nihal
Published: January 2021

Background: To analyze the microvascular parameters using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in non-infectious posterior uveitis (PU) patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, OCTA images of patients with non-infectious PU were evaluated. The vessel densities (VD) in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses (SCP & DCP), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area were measured and compared to healthy controls. Results: The study cohort comprised 64 patients with age and gender-matched groups. The VD in the SCP was 43.9±3.9% in the whole image; 18.4±4.8% in the fovea, 43.9±4.6% in the parafoveal area, and 43.4±9.7% in the perifoveal zone, in eyes with uveitis. These were respectively 48.8±2.9%, 22.9±6.9%, 50.9±3.0%, and 49.2±3.1% in the control group (p=0.0001, 0.043, 0.0001, 0.01, respectively). The changes in the DCP in eyes with uveitis were not significant. In the uveitis group, the FAZ was significantly enlarged compared to controls (0.37±0.1 microns vs. 0.24±0.2 microns, p=0.046). Conclusion: OCTA depicted significant changes including decreased VD in the SCP and enlarged FAZ in non-infectious PU.
Acupoint Catgut Embedding versus Acupuncture for Simple Obesity A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wei Jiali , Lai Lily , Lin Zhechao , Liu Jianping , Han Mei
Published: January 2021

Background: Acupuncture is very popular for reducing weight in China, in this work, we evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupoint catgut embedding and acupuncture on simple obesity by Meta-analysis.Methods: Studies on clinical randomized controlled trials of acupoint catgut embedding for simple obesity which were published from January 2015 to November 2020 were searched in PubMed, VIP, CNKI and Wanfang databases. And those that met the inclusion criteria were screened. RevMan5.3 was used for Meta-analysis of effectiveness rate, BMI, waist circumference and body mass. The “Risk of Bias” tool was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. R studio software was used for the measurement of publication bias.Results: A total of 33 studies were included for meta-analysis, including 2,685 patients with simple obesity. Meta-analysis results showed the comparison of effectiveness rate was RR= 1.12, 95%CI [1.08,1.16], the comparison of BMI was MD=-1.11, 95%CI [-2.04, -0.18], the comparison of waist circumference was MD=-2.27, 95%CI [-4.26,-0.28], and the comparison of body mass was MD=-2.24,95%CI [-3.78,-0.71].On the basis of diet and exercise intervention, the effectiveness rate RR=2.11, 95%CI [1.38,3.24], BMI MD=-0.88, 95%CI [-1.35,-0.40], waist circumference MD=-1.10, 95%CI [-4.27,2.07]and body mass MD=-0.68, 95%CI [-2.90,1.54].The risk of bias of included literatures was low.Conclusions: Acupoint catgut embedding therapy was slightly better than acupuncture therapy in effectiveness rate, BMI, waist circumference and body mass. Moreover, the treatment frequency of acupoint catgut embedding is less with larger stimulation intensity, which is more conducive to clinical promotion.
Structural Design and Tensile Experiment of Connection Node between acrylic and Stainless Steel
Authors: Qian Xiaohui , Ma Xiaoyan , Heng Yuekun , He Wei , Qin Zhonghua , Xiao Jianxia , Zhang Gaofeng , Cheng Wei , Li Lei , Hou Shaojing , Pei Yatian , Yang Xiaoyu , Zhu Zian
Published: January 2021

Acrylic are widely used as load-bearing structural parts. In this study, the structural design, finite element analysis (FEA) and tensile experiment of the connection node of the acrylic spherical vessel designed for Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observation (JUNO) are carried out. The acrylic connection node needs to withstand a tensile load of 90 kN for 20 years, and its ultimate bearing capacity is required to be 6 times the working load. Under working load, the stress of the acrylic structure should be less than 3.5 MPa. In the study, a connection node connecting acrylic and stainless steel is designed. By embedding the steel ring in the acrylic structure to connect with the support rod, the acrylic connection node can withstand high loads. A 1/4 symmetric model of connection node is established, and the FEA method is used to solve nonlinear problems such as material nonlinearity and frictional contact. The results of FEA show that the maximum principle stress of the connection node is about 2.92 MPa. By comparing the stress of the FEA results with the experimental results, the relative difference is 7.24 %, indicating that the FEA results are credible. The experiment results also show that the ultimate tensile load of the connection node can reach 1000 kN, which is about 11 times the working load. The breakdown of the connection node occurs at the sharp corner of the groove instead of the maximum stress point. Through the design, simulation and experiment of the connection node, for the brittle materials such as acrylic, the structure should avoid the defects such as sharp corner.
Investigation of Aquaporins Involved in the Adaptation of Canavalia Rosea to Saline-alkaline Soils and Drought Stress
Authors: Lin Ruoyi , Zheng Jiexuan , Pu Lin , Wang Zhengfeng , Mei Qiming , Zhang Mei , Jian Shuguang
Published: January 2021

Background: Canavalia rosea (Sw.) DC. (bay bean) is an extremophile halophyte that is widely distributed in coastal areas of the tropics and subtropics. Seawater and drought tolerance in this species may be facilitated by aquaporins (AQPs), channel proteins that transport water and small molecules across cell membranes and thereby maintain cellular water homeostasis in the face of abiotic stress. In C. rosea, AQP diversity, protein features, and their biological functions are still largely unknown.Results: We describe the action of AQPs in C. rosea using evolutionary analyses coupled with promoter and expression analyses. A total of 37 AQPs were identified in the C. rosea genome and classified into five subgroups: 11 plasma membrane intrinsic proteins, 10 tonoplast intrinsic proteins, 11 Nod26-like intrinsic proteins, 4 small and basic intrinsic proteins, and 1 X-intrinsic protein. Analysis of RNA-Seq data and targeted qPCR revealed organ-specific expression of aquaporin genes and the involvement of some AQP members in adaptation of C. rosea to extreme coral reef environments. We also analyzed C. rosea sequences for phylogeny reconstruction, protein modeling, cellular localizations, and promoter analysis. Furthermore, one of PIP1 gene, CrPIP1;5, was identified as functional using a yeast expression system and transgenic overexpression in Arabidopsis.Conclusions: Our results indicate that AQPs play an important role in C. rosea responses to saline-alkaline soils and drought stress. These findings not only increase our understanding of the role AQPs play in mediating C. rosea adaptation to extreme environments, but also improve our knowledge of plant aquaporin evolution more generally.
Planar Cell Polarity Protein Vangl2 Interacts With Protein Ap2m1 to Regulate Dendritic Branching in Cortical Neurons
Authors: Yasumura Misato , Hagiwara Akari , Hida Yamato , Ohtsuka Toshihisa
Published: January 2021

Van Gogh-like 2 (Vangl2) is a mammalian homolog of Drosophila core planar cell polarity (PCP) protein Vang/Strabismus, which organizes asymmetric cell axes for developmental proliferation, fate determination, and polarized movements in multiple tissues, including neurons. While the PCP pathway has an essential role for dendrite and dendritic spine formation, the molecular mechanism remains to be clarified. To investigate the mechanism of Vangl2-related neuronal development, we screened for proteins that interact with the Vangl2 cytosolic N-terminus from postnatal day 9 mouse brains using a yeast two-hybrid system. From 61 genes, we identified adaptor-related protein complex 2, mu 1 subunit (Ap2m1) as the Vangl2 N-terminal binding protein. Intriguingly, however, the pull-down assay demonstrated that Vangl2 interacted with Ap2m1 not only at its N-terminus but also at the C-terminal Prickle binding domain. Furthermore, we verified that the downregulation of Ap2m1 in the developing cortical neurons reduced the dendritic branching similar to what occurs in a knockdown of Vangl2. From these results, we suggest that the membrane internalization regulated by the PCP pathway is required for the developmental morphological change in neurons.
Systemic inflammation causes microglial dysfunction with a mixed AD-like pathology
Authors: Bathini Praveen , Dupanloup Isabel , Zenaro Elena , Terrabuio Eleonora , Fischer Amrei , Ballabani Edona , Doucey Marie-Agnes , Auber Lavinia Alberi
Published: January 2021

Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the primary cause of cognitive deficit in elderly humans. Late-onset AD (LOAD) is sporadic, multifactorial, and non-Mendelian accounting at present for 95% of the cases in contrast to the genetic form of the disease. Risk factors for sporadic AD include Gene: Environment interactions. There is increasing evidence that lifestyle and stress such as viral or bacterial infection causing chronic inflammation are underlying culprits of neurodegenerative dementia. Dementias that share or mimic pathological processes of AD include cerebrovascular diseases, Lewy body disease, TDP-43 proteinopathy. To date, very few mouse models reproduce the pathophysiological progression of mixed-vascular-AD, while the majority of studies have employed transgenic animals reproducing the familial form. Methods We have re-engineered the Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C) sterile infection model in wildtype C57BL6 mice to achieve chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. We have conducted a cross-sectional analysis of aging PolyI:C and Saline control mice (3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 16 months), taking the hippocampus as a reference brain region, based on its vulnerability, and compared the brain aging phenotype to AD progression in humans with mild AD, severe AD and Controls (CTL), in parallel to Vascular dementia (VaD) patients’ specimens.Results We found that PolyI:C mice display both peripheral and central inflammation with a peak at 6 months, associated with memory deficits. The hippocampus is characterized by a pronounced and progressive tauopathy. In PolyI:C brains, microglia undergo aging-dependent morphological shifts progressively adopting a phagocytic phenotype. Transcriptomic analysis reveals a profound change in gene expression over the course of aging, with a peak in differential expression at 9 months. We confirm that the proinflammatory marker Lcn2 is one of the genes with the strongest upregulation in PolyI:C mice upon aging. Validation in brains from patients with increasing severity of AD and VaD shows a reproducibility of some gene targets in vascular dementia specimens rather than AD ones.Conclusions The PolyI:C model of sterile infection demonstrates that peripheral chronic inflammation is sufficient to cause neuropathological processes resembling a mixed-VaD-AD phenotype, with progressive tau hyperphosphorylation, changes in microglia morphology, astrogliosis and gene reprogramming reflecting increased neuroinflammation, vascular remodeling and the loss of neuronal functionality seen to some extent in humans.
Profiling of Sika Deer Antler Proteins at Different Developmental Stages Based on Label-free
Authors: Zhang Ranran , Xing Xiumei
Published: January 2021

Antler is a special bone tissue that has the ability to regenerate completely periodically. It is the fastest growing bone in the animal kingdom. Antler provides a valuable research model for bone growth and mineralization. Antler grows longitudinally by endochondral ossification with their growth center located in its tip. Many scholars have carried out detailed studies on morphology and gene expression of antler tip. However, few scholars have analyzed the protein expression patterns of antler tip at different development stages. This study used label-free proteomics approach to analyze the protein expression dynamics of the antler tip in 6 developmental periods (15, 25, 45, 65, 100 and 130 days after the previous antler cast) and costal cartilage. In result, 2052 proteins were confidently quantified, including 1,937 antler proteins and 1,044 costal cartilage proteins. Moreover, 913 antler core proteins and 132 antler-special proteins were obtained. Besides, the stages special proteins and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in different development stages were analyzed. A total of 875 DEPs were determined by one-way AVOVA. It is found that the growth period (15, 25, 45 and 65 days) showed more up-regulated protein including several chondrogenesis-associated proteins (collagen types II, collagen types XI, HAPLN1, PAPSS1 and PAPSS2). In ossification stages, the up-regulated proteins related with lysosome (CTSD, CTSB, MMP9, CAII) indicated that the antler has higher bone remodeling activity. Given the up-regulated expression of immune-related molecules (S100A7, CATHL7, LTF, AZU1, ELANE and MPO), we speculate that the local immune system may contribute to the ossification of antler tip. In conclusion, proteomics technology was used to deeply analyze the protein expression patterns of antler at different development stages. This provides a strong support for the research on the molecular regulation mechanism of rapid growth and ossification of velvet antler.
Are “place and train” principles suited to support people with severe mental illness into work? A questionnaire-based survey in a public employment service
Authors: Brinchmann Beate , Rinaldi Miles , Sandtorv Elisabeth , Moe Cathrine Fredriksen , McDaid David , Killackey Eóin , Mykletun Arnstein
Published: January 2021

BackgroundIndividual Placement and Support (IPS) has repeatedly been reported to increase employment rates in patients with severe mental illness. Despite this, IPS is only available to a small minority. Translation from evidence to practice is often slow and hindered by a variety of barriers. Barriers include organizational, contextual and attitudinal factors. Despite evidence, many believe that people with severe mental illness are generally dangerous, in need of rest and at risk of harm from work-related stress. Such stigma fosters negative attitudes that may constitute significant barriers to employment for people with mental illness. Employees in the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration hold important gatekeeping positions in relation to the employment schemes that people with mental illness are offered. The aim of this study was to measure the attitudes of these employees towards the core principles of IPS. Secondly, we examine whether attitudes change for Labour and Welfare Administration employees exposed to IPS practice.MethodsA case vignette describing a person with severe mental illness and statements referring to this vignette was developed. The survey was administered to a sample of employees at two different timepoints four years apart. The respondents were asked to indicate their attitudes on a six-point Likert scale between statements in accordance to IPS and statements in accordance with treatment as usual. Independent two tailed samples t-tests were used to analyse differences between responses between employees in municipalities with IPS experience, compared to municipalities without. Multiple linear regressions with attitudes as dependent variable, were used to test if attitudes changed over time, dependent on exposure to IPS.ResultsAttitudes were in general more aligned with IPS than current practice. The region with exposure to IPS was associated with more favorable attitudes (p < .01). The development in attitudes to IPS were minimal over time and did not differ between IPS regions and regions without.ConclusionsAttitudes of statutory Labour and Welfare employees will not be a substantial barrier for implementation of IPS. This is a necessary but not sufficient requirement for IPS implementation.The regional ethics committee approved the study (2012/2239).
Numerical Simulation For Bioconvectional Flow of Burger Nanofluid With Effects of Activation Energy and Exponential Heat Source/Sink Over an Inclined Wall Under The Swimming Microorganisms
Authors: Waqas Hassan , Farooq Umar , Ibrahim Aqsa , Shah Zahir , Kumam Poom
Published: January 2021

A nanofluid is a combination of a normal liquid component and tiny-solid particles, in which the nanomaterials are immersed in the liquid. The dispersion of solid particles into yet another host fluid will extremely increase the heat capacity of the nanoliquids, and an increase of heat efficiency can play a significant role in boosting the rate of heat transfer of the host liquid. The current article discloses the impact of Arrhenius activation energy in the bioconvective flow of Burger nanofluid by an inclined wall. The heat transfer mechanism of Burger nanofluid is analyzed through the nonlinear thermal radiation effect. The Brownian dispersion and thermophoresis diffusions effects are also scrutinized. Established partial differential equation expressions are updated by a similarity transformation of the ordinary differential equation ODE. The numerical results are given by the built-in bvp4c function Matlab also applies the Labotto-IIIa formula for the shooting scheme. Trends with significant parameters via the flow of fluid, thermal, and solutal fields of species and the area of microorganisms are controlled. The numerical results for the current analysis are seen in the tables.
Risk Perception of the Iranian Healthcare Workers Concerning the Covid-19 Crisis and the Factors Affecting it: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Samadipour Ezat , Ghardashi Fatemeh , Zardosht Roghayeh , Borzoee Fatemeh , Navipour Elham
Published: January 2021

Background: The emergent Covid-19 disease with conspicuous prevalence is putting the healthcare workers' job security at risk. The preventive behaviors in every individual have a close relationship with his/her risk perception of the risk factor. Hence the present study has been undertaken aiming at determining the Iranian healthcare workers' risk perception of the Covid-19 disease and the relevant effective factors. Methods: This anonymous online survey was conducted in March-April, 2020 using targeted snowball sampling among the Iranian healthcare workers. The data was collected via online-social networks using a questionnaire containing demographical specifications (5 questions), risk perceptions (20 questions), with five sub-scales including cognitive, cultural, political, social and emotional factors. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v.16 software.Results: From 165 participants, the youth (20-49 years of age) with 84% and the females with 60% constituted the majority of participants. The average risk perception score of the healthcare workers was 66.43±8.17. The Spearman correlation coefficient showed the significant direct relationship between the risk perception score and all the sub-scales at 0.01 significance level. The political and cultural factors had the highest correlation with the personnel risk perception (r > 0.75).Conclusion: Health workers did not have an excellent risk perception of the emergent Covid-19 disease.
Prevalence of Malaria and Its Associated Factors Among Malaria Suspected Patients Attending at Hamusite Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia, a Cross Sectional Study, 2020
Authors: Negatu Getu Abeje , Abebe Getaneh Alemu , Yalew Woyneshet Gelaye
Published: January 2021

BackgroundMalaria is a major public health problem which still results in illness and death. Despite efforts to reduce the mortality and morbidity of malaria, the disease is still a prominent health problem in Ethiopia. This study, therefore, was undertaken to assess the prevalence of malaria and associated factors among symptomatic patients in northwest Ethiopia.MethodA facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2020 among 210 febrile patients attending at Hamusite health center, northwest Ethiopia. Thin and thick blood films were prepared from blood collected by finger puncture and from capillary blood buffy coat. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.ResultsOut of 210 malaria suspected participants, 61 (29.0%) were confirmed to be infected by Plasmodium species. Plasmodium falciparum mono-infection was detected in 41 (19.5%) participants while P.vivax mono-infection and mixed infections were detected in 10 (4.3%) participants each. Female participant and those having family members with history of malaria were at higher risk of acquiring Plasmodium infectionConclusionThe present study revealed that malaria continued to be the major public health problem in the study area. Therefore, community mobilization should be strengthening in order to improve implementation of malaria control activities.
Prevalence and Predictors of Menstruation-related School Absenteeism Among Adolescent Girls in Rural Northern Ghana
Authors: Kumbeni Maxwell Tii , Ziba Florence Assibi , Apenkwa Joana , Otupiri Easmon
Published: January 2021

Background: Although menstruation is a normal physiological process that begins in girls during adolescence, it has the potential to negatively impact on the self-esteem and education of girls particularly those from low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the prevalence and predictors of menstruation-related school absenteeism among adolescent girls in the Talensi district of rural northern Ghana. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 705 adolescent girls aged 12-19 years who had attained menarche. The sample size was estimated using Epi Info version 6 at 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to recruit participants. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to determine factors associated with menstruation-related school absenteeism which was defined as “being absent from school due to menstruation-related issues during the last menstruation.” Results: The prevalence of menstruation-related school absenteeism was 27.5%. School absenteeism ranged from one to seven days during the menstrual period. Older adolescent girls, (aOR=2.38, 95% CI: 1.29 – 4.40), use of cloth as a sanitary material at the last menstruation, (aOR=3.21, 95% CI: 2.22 – 4.63), and cultural restriction, (aOR=2.54, 95% CI: 1.76 – 3.67) were associated with higher odds of menstruation-related school absenteeism. Meanwhile, girls from moderate income parent(s), [aOR=0.57 95% CI: 0.34 – 0.94] had lower odds of menstruation-related school absenteeism. Mother’s education and privacy in school were only significant at the univariate level. Conclusions: The prevalence of menstruation-related school absenteeism highlights the need for interventions aimed at improving the availability of sanitary pads for girls, eliminating cultural restrictions associated with menstruation, and also improving parent(s) income level.