bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Conventional Dendritic Cells and Macrophages in the Spleen Using the CSF1R-Reporter Transgenic Chickens
Authors: Sutton Kate M. , Morris Katrina M. , Borowska Dominika , Sang Helen , Kaiser Pete , Balic Adam , Vervelde Lonneke
Published: March 2021

The spleen is a major site for the immunological responses to blood-borne antigens that is coordinated by cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). The chicken spleen is populated with a number of different macrophages while the presence of conventional dendritic cells (cDC) has been described. However, a detailed characterization of the phenotype and function of different macrophage subsets and cDC in the chicken spleen is limited. Using theCSF1R-reporter transgenic chickens (CSF1R-tg), in which cells of the MPS express a transgene under the control elements of the chickenCSF1R, we carried out an in-depth characterization of these cells in the spleen. Immunohistological analysis demonstrated differential expression of MRC1L-B by periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths (PALS)-associatedCSF1R-tg+cells. In the chicken's equivalent of the mammalian marginal zone, the peri-ellipsoid white-pulp (PWP), we identified high expression of putative CD11c by ellipsoid-associated cells compared to ellipsoid-associated macrophages. In addition, we identified a novel ellipsoid macrophage subset that expressed MHCII, CD11c, MRC1L-B, and CSF1R but not theCSF1R-tg. In flow cytometric analysis, diverse expression of theCSF1R-tg and MHCII was observed leading to the categorization ofCSF1R-tg cells intoCSF1R-tgdimMHCIIinter−hi,CSF1R-tghiMHCIIhi, andCSF1R-tghiMHCIIintersubpopulations. Low levels of CD80, CD40, MHCI, CD44, and Ch74.2 were expressed by theCSF1R-tghiMHCIIintercells. Functionally,in vivofluorescent bead uptake was significantly higher in theCSF1R-tghiMHCIIhiMRC1L-B+cells compared to theCSF1R-tgdimandCSF1R-tghiMHCIIinterMRC1L-B+subpopulations while LPS enhanced phagocytosis by theCSF1R-tghiMHCIIintersubpopulation. The analysis of bead localization in the spleen suggests the presence of ellipsoid-associated macrophage subsets. In addition, we demonstrated the functionality ofex vivoderivedCSF1R-tg+MRC1L-BnegcDC. Finally, RNA-seq analysis of theCSF1R-tg subpopulations demonstrated that separating theCSF1R-tghisubpopulation into CD11chiand CD11cdimcells enriched for cDC and macrophage lineages, respectively, while theCSF1R-tghiMHCIIintersubpopulation was enriched for red pulp macrophages. However, our analysis could not define the cell lineage of the heterogeneousCSF1R-tgdimsubpopulation. This detailed overview of the MPS in the chicken spleen will contribute to future research on their role in antigen uptake and presentation.
TSC1 Affects the Process of Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Controlling Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Hu Xiao , Xu Yanan , Zhang Zhaoqi , Tang Zuofu , Zhang Jinhua , Luo You , Deng Weiming , Dong Zhanwen , Zhao Yong , Na Ning
Published: March 2021

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) contributes to acute kidney injury (AKI), increases morbidity and mortality, and is a significant risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Macrophage infiltration is a common feature after renal IRI, and infiltrating macrophages can be polarized into the following two distinct types: M1 macrophages, i.e., classically activated macrophages, which can not only inhibit infection but also accelerate renal injury, and M2 macrophages, i.e., alternatively activated macrophages, which have a repair phenotype that can promote wound healing and subsequent fibrosis. The role of TSC1, which is a negative regulator of mTOR signaling that regulates macrophage polarization in inflammation-linked diseases, has been well documented, but whether TSC1 contributes to macrophage polarization in the process of IRI is still unknown. Here, by using a mouse model of renal ischemia-reperfusion, we found that myeloid cell-specific TSC1 knockout mice (termed Lyz-TSC1 cKO mice) had higher serum creatinine levels, more severe histological damage, and greater proinflammatory cytokine production than wild-type (WT) mice during the early phase after renal ischemia-reperfusion. Furthermore, the Lyz-TSC1 cKO mice showed attenuated renal fibrosis during the repair phase of IRI with decreased levels of M2 markers on macrophages in the operated kidneys, which was further confirmed in a cell model of hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) in vitro. Mechanistically, by using RNA sequencing of sorted renal macrophages, we found that the expression of most M1-related genes was upregulated in the Lyz-TSC1 cKO group (Supplemental Table 1) during the early phase. However, C/EBPβ and CD206 expression was decreased during the repair phase compared to in the WT group. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the expression of TSC1 in macrophages contributes to the whole process of IRI but serves as an inflammation suppressor during the early phase and a fibrosis promoter during the repair phase.
The Role of Biophysical Stickiness on Oil-Mineral Flocculation and Settling in Seawater
Authors: Ye Leiping , Manning Andrew J. , Holyoke James , Penaloza-Giraldo Jorge A. , Hsu Tian-Jian
Published: March 2021

Biophysical cohesive particles in aquatic systems, such as extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and clay minerals, play an important role in determining the transport of spilled oil contamination and its eventual fate, particularly given that suspended sediment and microbial activities are often prevalent and diverse in natural environments. A series of stirring jar tests have been conducted to understand the multiple structures characteristics of the oil-mineral aggregates (OMAs) and EPS-oil-mineral aggregates (EPS-OMAs). OMAs and EPS-OMAs have been successfully generated in the laboratory within artificial seawater using: Texas crude oil (Dynamic viscosity: 7.27 × 10–3Pa⋅s at 20°C), two natural clay minerals (Bentonite and Kaolin clay), and Xanthan gum powder (a proxy of natural EPS). A magnetic stirrer produced a homogeneous turbulent flow with a high turbulence level similar to that under natural breaking waves. High-resolution microscopy results show that EPS, kaolinite, and bentonite lead to distinguished oil floc structures because of the different stickiness character of EPS and mineral clay particles. With relatively low stickiness, kaolinite particles tend to attach to an oil droplets surface (droplet OMAs) and become dominant in small-sized flocs in the mixture sample. In contrast, the more cohesive bentonite particles stickiness could adsorb with oil droplets and are thus dominated by larger sized flocs. Biological EPS, with the highest stickiness, demonstrated that it could bond multiple small oil droplets and form a web structure trapping oil and minerals. Generally, adding EPS leads to flake/solid OMAs formation, and individual oil droplets are rarely observed. The inclusion of ESP within the matrix, also reduced the dependence of settling velocity on floc size and mineral type.
Marine Peptide-N6NH2 and Its Derivative-GUON6NH2 Have Potent Antimicrobial Activity Against Intracellular Edwardsiella tarda in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Han Huihui , Teng Da , Mao Ruoyu , Hao Ya , Yang Na , Wang Zhenlong , Li Ting , Wang Xiumin , Wang Jianhua
Published: March 2021

Edwardsiella tarda is a facultative intracellular pathogen in humans and animals. There is no effective way except vaccine candidates to eradicate intracellular E. tarda. In this study, four derivatives of marine peptide-N6NH2 were designed by an introduction of unnatural residues or substitution of natural ones, and their intracellular activities against E. tarda were evaluated in macrophages and in mice, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of N6NH2 and GUON6NH2 against E. tarda was 8 μg/mL. GUON6NH2 showed higher stability to trypsin, lower toxicity (<1%) and longer post-antibiotic effect (PAE) than N6NH2 and other derivatives. Antibacterial mechanism results showed that GUON6NH2 could bind to LPS and destroyed outer/inner cell membranes of E. tarda, superior to N6NH2 and norfloxacin. Both N6NH2 and GUON6NH2 were internalized into macrophages mainly via lipid rafts, micropinocytosis, and microtubule polymerization, respectively, and distributed in the cytoplasm. The intracellular inhibition rate of GUON6NH2 against E. tarda was 97.05–100%, higher than that in case of N6NH2 (96.82–100%). In the E. tarda-induced peritonitis mouse model, after treatment with of 1 μmol/kg N6NH2 and GUON6NH2, intracellular bacterial numbers were reduced by 1.54- and 1.97-Log10 CFU, respectively, higher than norfloxacin (0.35-Log10 CFU). These results suggest that GUON6NH2 may be an excellent candidate for novel antimicrobial agents to treat infectious diseases caused by intracellular E. tarda.
Chronic Neurophysiological Effects of Repeated Head Trauma in Retired Australian Male Sport Athletes
Authors: Pearce Alan J. , Kidgell Dawson J. , Tommerdahl Mark A. , Frazer Ashlyn K. , Rist Billymo , Mobbs Rowena , Batchelor Jennifer , Buckland Michael E.
Published: March 2021

Aim: This study investigated the somatosensory and corticomotor physiology of retired contact sport athletes with a history of repeated concussion/subconcussion head trauma.

Methods: Retired male athletes with a history of playing contact sports and repeated head trauma (n = 122) were divided into two groups: those who expressed concerns regarding their mental and cognitive health (“symptomatic”: n = 83), and those who did not express any ongoing concerns (“asymptomatic”: n = 39). Both groups were compared to age-matched male controls (n = 50) with no history of concussions or participation in contact sports, an absence of self-reported cognitive, or mood impairments. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and vibrotactile stimulation were used to assess corticomotor and somatosensory pathways respectively. TMS and vibrotactile stimulation were correlated to self-reported responses using the Fatigue and Related Symptom Survey. Linear regression was used to associate concussion history with TMS, somatosensory variables.

Results: Significant differences were found in symptom survey scores between all groups (p < 0.001). TMS showed significant differences between the “symptomatic” and control groups for intracortical inhibition and paired pulse TMS measures. Somatosensory measures showed significant differences for reaction time (p < 0.01) and reaction time variability (p < 0.01) between the “symptomatic” group to the “asymptomatic” and control groups. For other somatosensory measures, the “symptomatic” measures showed differences to the “control” group. Correlations showed significant associations between severity of symptom reporting with TMS and somatosensory measure, and regression revealed the number of concussions reported was shown to have significant relationships to increased intracortical inhibition and poorer somatosensory performance.

Conclusion: This study shows that retired contact sport athletes expressing chronic symptoms showed significant pathophysiology compared to those with no ongoing concerns and non-concussed controls. Further, there is a linear dose-response relationship between number of reported concussions and abnormal neurophysiology. Neurophysiological assessments such as TMS and somatosensory measures represent useful and objective biomarkers to assess cortical impairments and progression of neuropsychological impairment in individuals with a history of repeated head trauma.
The Perils of Navigating Activity-Dependent Alternative Splicing of Neurexins
Authors: Liakath-Ali Kif , Südhof Thomas C.
Published: March 2021

Neurexins are presynaptic cell-adhesion molecules essential for synaptic function that are expressed in thousands of alternatively spliced isoforms. Recent studies suggested that alternative splicing at splice site 4 (SS4) of Nrxn1 is tightly regulated by an activity-dependent mechanism. Given that Nrxn1 alternative splicing at SS4 controls NMDA-receptor-mediated synaptic responses, activity-dependent SS4 alternative splicing would suggest a new synaptic plasticity mechanism. However, conflicting results confound the assessment of neurexin alternative splicing, prompting us to re-evaluate this issue. We find that in cortical cultures, membrane depolarization by elevated extracellular K+-concentrations produced an apparent shift in Nrxn1-SS4 alternative splicing by inducing neuronal but not astroglial cell death, resulting in persistent astroglial Nrxn1-SS4+ expression and decreased neuronal Nrxn1-SS4– expression. in vivo, systemic kainate-induced activation of neurons in the hippocampus produced no changes in Nrxn1-SS4 alternative splicing. Moreover, focal kainate injections into the mouse cerebellum induced small changes in Nrxn1-SS4 alternative splicing that, however, were associated with large decreases in Nrxn1 expression and widespread DNA damage. Our results suggest that although Nrxn1-SS4 alternative splicing may represent a mechanism of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, common procedures for testing this hypothesis are prone to artifacts, and more sophisticated approaches will be necessary to test this important question.
Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes in Mid and Low Rectal Cancer With Robotic Surgery
Authors: Chen Jingwen , Zhang Zhiyuan , Chang Wenju , Yi Tuo , Feng Qingyang , Zhu Dexiang , He Guodong , Wei Ye
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate the risk factors for postoperative complications and anastomotic leakage after robotic surgery for mid and low rectal cancer and their influence on long-term outcomes.

Methods

A total of 641 patients who underwent radical mid and low rectal cancer robotic surgery at Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University from January 2014 to December 2018 were enrolled in this study. The clinicopathological factors of the patients were collected. The risk factors for short-term outcomes of complications and anastomotic leakage were analyzed, and their influences on recurrence and overall survival were studied.

Results

Of the 641 patients, 516 (80.5%) underwent AR or LAR procedures, while 125 (19.5%) underwent the NOSES procedure. Only fifteen (2.3%) patients had stoma diversion. One hundred and seventeen patients (17.6%) experienced surgical complications. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 44 patients (6.9%). Eleven patients (1.7%) underwent reoperation within 90 days after surgery. Preoperative radiotherapy did not significantly increase anastomotic leakage in our study (7.4% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.869). The mean postoperative hospital stay was much longer with complication (10.4 vs. 7.1 days, P<0.05) and leakage (12.9 vs. 7.4 days, P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that male sex (OR = 1.855, 95% CI: 1.175–2.923, P < 0.05), tumor distance 5 cm from the anus (OR = 1.563, 95% CI: 1.016–2.404, P < 0.05), and operation time length (OR = 1.563, 95% CI: 1.009–2.421, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for complications in mid and low rectal cancer patients. The same results for anastomotic leakage: male sex (OR = 2.247, 95% CI: 1.126–4.902, P < 0.05), tumor distance 5 cm from the anus (OR = 2.242, 95% CI: 1.197–4.202, P < 0.05), and operation time length (OR = 2.114, 95% CI: 1.127–3.968, P < 0.05). The 3-year DFS and OS were 82.4% and 92.6% with complication, 88.4% and 94.0% without complication, 88.6% and 93.1% with leakage, and 87.0% and 93.8% without leakage, respectively. The complication and anastomotic leakage showed no significant influences on long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Being male, having a lower tumor location, and having a prolonged operation time were independent risk factors for complications and anastomotic leakage in mid and low rectal cancer. Complications and anastomotic leakage might have no long-term impact on oncological outcomes for mid and low rectal cancer with robotic surgery.
Is Prescription Nonredemption a Source of Poor Health Among the Roma? Cross-Sectional Analysis of Drug Consumption Data From the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary
Authors: Bekele Bayu Begashaw , Harsha Nouh , Kőrösi László , Vincze Ferenc , Czifra Árpád , Ádány Róza , Sándor János
Published: March 2021

Background: The health status of the Roma is inferior to that of the general population. The causes of poor health among this population are still ambiguous, but they include low utilization of healthcare services. Our study aimed to investigate prescription redemptions in segregated Roma colonies (SRC) where the most disadvantaged quartile of Roma people are living.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with data obtained from the National Institute of Health Insurance Fund Management in the settlements belonging to the study area of the “Public Health-Focused Model Program for Organizing Primary Care Services.” The study included 4,943 residents of SRC and 62,074 residents of the complementary area (CA) of the settlements where SRC were located. Crude and age- and sex-standardized redemption ratios for SRC and CA were calculated for each Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) group and for the total practice by ATC group. Standardized relative redemptions (RR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for SRC, with CA as a reference.

Results: The crude redemption ratios were 73.13% in the SRC and 71.15% in the CA. RRs were higher in the SRC than in the CA for cardiovascular, musculoskeletal system, and alimentary tract and metabolism drugs (11.5, 3.7, and 3.5%, respectively). In contrast, RRs were lower in the SRC than in the CA for anti-infective agents (22.9%) due to the poor redemption of medicines prescribed for children or young adults. Despite the overall modest differences in redemption ratios, some ATC groups showed remarkable differences. Those include cardiovascular, alimentary and musculoskeletal drugs.

Conclusion: Redemption of prescriptions was significantly higher among Roma people living in SRC than among those living in CA. The better redemption of cardiovascular and alimentary tract drugs was mainly responsible for this effect. These findings contradict the stereotype that the Roma do not use health services properly and that prescription non-redemption is responsible for their poor health.
The Inhibitory Effect of Artesunate on Excessive Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Alleviates Experimental Colitis in Mice
Authors: Yin Shaojie , Li Liuhui , Tao Ya , Yu Jie , Wei Simin , Liu Mingjiang , Li Jingui
Published: March 2021

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress may contribute to the pathogenesis and perpetuation of ulcerative colitis (UC). Previous studies have shown artesuante (ARS) has the protective effect on experimental UC. Therefore, it can be assumed that ARS can regulate ER stress and its related reactions. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced UC model in mice was used to testify this hypothesis. The results clearly showed that DSS exposure caused excessive ER stress evidenced by a markedly increase of GRP78 and CHOP expression, and then activated the ER stress sensors PERK, IRE1, ATF6 and their respective signaling pathways, followed by upregulated caspases12 and lowered Bcl-2/Bax ratio. However, ARS treatment significantly inhibited the occurrence of ER stress via preventing the activation of PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP and IRE1α-XBP1 signaling pathways, concurrently ER-stress-associated apoptosis in colon tissues. Moreover, ARS treatment remarkably inhibited the activation of NF-κB and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved the clinical and histopathological alterations as well as maintained the expression of claudin-1 and Muc2 in mucosal layer of colon. Notably, the classic ER stress inhibitor 4-phenyhlbutyric acid enhanced the beneficial effects of ARS; in contrast, the ER stress inducer 2-deoxy-d-glucose substantially abrogated the above-mentioned effects, uncovering the involvement of ER stress in the response. These findings indicated the protection of ARS on UC is associated with its suppressing excessive ER stress mediated intestinal barrier damage and inflammatory response. This study provides a novel aspect to understand the mechanism of ARS against UC.
Generation of Hybrid Optical Trap Array by Holographic Optical Tweezers
Authors: Li Xing , Zhou Yuan , Cai Yanan , Zhang Yanan , Yan Shaohui , Li Manman , Li Runze , Yao Baoli
Published: March 2021

Enabled by multiple optical traps, holographic optical tweezers can manipulate multiple particles in parallel flexibly. Spatial light modulators are widely used in holographic optical tweezers, in which Gaussian point (GP) trap arrays or special mode optical trap arrays including optical vortex (OV) arrays, perfect vortex (PV) arrays, and Airy beam arrays, etc., can be generated by addressing various phase holograms. However, the optical traps in these arrays are almost all of the same type. Here, we propose a new method for generating a hybrid optical trap array (HOTA), where optical traps such as GPs, OVs, PVs, and Airy beams in the focal plane are combined arbitrarily. Also, the axial position and peak intensity of each them can be adjusted independently. The energy efficiency of this method is theoretically studied, while different micro-manipulations on multiple particles have been realized with the support of HOTA experimentally. The proposed method expands holographic optical tweezers’ capabilities and provides a new possibility of multi-functional optical micro-manipulation.
Success Factors in the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia and FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil
Authors: Lepschy Hannes , Woll Alexander , Wäsche Hagen
Published: March 2021

Research on success factors in football focusing on national teams is sparse. The current study examines the success factors during the World Cup 2018 in Russia and the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. A total of 128 matches were analyzed using a generalized order logit approach. Twenty-nine variables were identified from previous research. The results showed that defensive errors (p = 0.0220), goal efficiency (p = 0.0000), duel success (p = 0.0000), tackles success (p = 0.0100), shots from counterattacks (p = 0.0460), clearances (p = 0.0130), and crosses (p = 0.0160) have a significant influence on winning a match during those tournaments. Ball possession, distance, and market value of the teams had no influence on success. Overall, most of the critical success factors and those with the highest impact on winning close games were defensive actions. Moreover, the results suggest that direct play and pressing were more effective than ball possession play. The study contributes to a better understanding of success factors and can help to improve effectiveness of training, match preparation, and coaching.
Re-Thinking Gender, Artivism and Choices. Cultures of Equality Emerging From Urban Peripheries
Authors: Moura Tatiana , Cerdeira Linda
Published: March 2021

Gender dimensions of violence, and especially women’s experiences in settings of urban violence have been the subject of important feminist research, including those that highlight gender as essential for comprehensive analyses of security and urban violence, and for promoting solutions and positive change. A primary contribution of feminist research indeed has been to demonstrate that there are both visible and invisible aspects of urban violence. A gap in literature on these gender dimensions is that of men’s construction of masculinities – and how these constructions are challenged during times. An important set of invisible phenomena within urban spaces and their peripheries includes the positive and decolonial responses that occur, including non-violent and feminist cultural and artistic pathways and the factors that lead men to resist to dominant, violent, or ‘hyper’ versions of masculinities. While there is a predominate focus on men’s involvement in violence, far less attention has been placed on men’s non-violent pathways. Based on examples of cultural, artistic and activist practices from the peripheries, namely those emerging in Rio de Janeiro, this article aims to discuss how artivism can challenge gender inequalities and power relations.
Is Perceived Autonomy Support Provided by a Coach Related to the Intention of Injury Preventative Behavior Among National and International Level Golfers?
Authors: Parker James , Johnson Urban , Ivarsson Andreas
Published: March 2021

The successful implementation of injury prevention programs is reliant on athletes and coaches accepting, adopting, and complying with behaviors that reduce injury risk. Exploring factors, such as motivation and planned behavior, that might increase the frequency of these behaviors warrants investigation. The aim of the study was to investigate the complex interaction between perceived autonomy support, self-determined motivation, planned behavior, and how this relates to golfers self-reported intention injury preventative behavior. A total of 60 golfers completed questions on psychological measures of perceived autonomy support from coaches, autonomous motivation, and intentions of injury preventative behavior. A neural network model analysis was performed to investigate the strength of connection between covariates and construct a network structure. Analysis of results was performed by assessing edge strengths and node centrality to guide inference of the network topology. The most central node was autonomous regulation and the results showed one cluster comprising positive interactions between perceived autonomy support, effort of injury preventative behavior, and frequency of injury preventative behavior. When aiming to encourage injury preventative behavior, coaches should consider giving feedback that supports autonomous motivation since it is positively associated with effort and frequency of injury preventative behavior among high-level golfers. Injury prevention programs should include strategies to improve the athlete's autonomous motivation to carry out preventive activities.
Choice of Treatment for Patients With Non–small-cell Lung Cancer >5 cm Between Surgery Alone and Surgery Plus Adjuvant Radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Boyan , Zhou Yongjie , Jia Min , Yan Zhiping , Chen Jiayan , Lu Xueguan , Wu Ruiyan , Wen Junmiao
Published: March 2021

Background: According to the lung cancer staging project, T2b (>5–7 cm) and T3 (>7 cm) non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) should be reclassified into T3 and T4 groups. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of surgery alone or surgery plus adjuvant radiation (SART) on survival of node-negative patients with NSCLC >5 cm.

Methods: We identified 4557 N0 patients with NSCLC >5 cm in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 to 2014. Overall survival (OS) and cancer–specific survival (CSS) were compared among patients who underwent surgery alone and SART. The proportional hazards model was applied to evaluate multiple prognostic factors.

Results: 1,042 and 525 patients who underwent surgery alone and SART, respectively were enrolled after propensity-score matching. OS and CSS favored surgery alone rather than SART. Multivariate analysis showed that the number of lymph nodes examined more than six was associated with better OS and CSS for NSCLC >5 cm, especially in patients treated with surgery alone. Lobectomy should be recommended as the primary option for NSCLC >5 to 7 cm, whereas its superiority was not significant over sublobectomy for NSCLC >7 cm.

Conclusion: Surgery alone should be recommended as the first choice for patients with NSCLC >5 cm. The number of examined lymph nodes should be more than six in patients with NSCLC >5 cm, especially for those who undergo surgery alone. For patients with NSCLC >7 cm who could not tolerate lobectomy, sublobectomy might be an alternative surgical procedure.
Safety and Transcriptome Analysis of Live Attenuated Brucella Vaccine Strain S2 on Non-pregnant Cynomolgus Monkeys Without Abortive Effect on Pregnant Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Sun Shijing , Jiang Hui , Li Qiaoling , Liu Yufu , Gao Qiang , Liu Wei , Qin Yuming , Feng Yu , Peng Xiaowei , Xu Guanlong , Shen Qingchun , Fan Xuezheng , Ding Jiabo , Zhu Liangquan
Published: March 2021

Brucellosis, caused by Brucella spp., is an important zoonotic disease leading to enormous economic losses in livestock, posing a great threat to public health worldwide. The live attenuated Brucella suis (B. suis) strain S2, a safe and effective vaccine, is widely used in animals in China. However, S2 vaccination in animals may raise debates and concerns in terms of safety to primates, particularly humans. In this study, we used cynomolgus monkey as an animal model to evaluate the safety of the S2 vaccine strain on primates. In addition, we performed transcriptome analysis to determine gene expression profiling on cynomolgus monkeys immunized with the S2 vaccine. Our results suggested that the S2 vaccine was safe for cynomolgus monkeys. The transcriptome analysis identified 663 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 348 were significantly upregulated and 315 were remarkably downregulated. The Gene Ontology (GO) classification and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that these DEGs were involved in various biological processes (BPs), including the chemokine signaling pathway, actin cytoskeleton regulation, the defense response, immune system processing, and the type-I interferon signaling pathway. The molecular functions of the DEGs were mainly comprised of 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity, double-stranded RNA binding, and actin-binding. Moreover, the cellular components of these DEGs included integrin complex, myosin II complex, and blood microparticle. Our findings alleviate the concerns over the safety of the S2 vaccine on primates and provide a genetic basis for the response from a mammalian host following vaccination with the S2 vaccine.
Phytogenic Water Additives Improve Broiler Growth Performance via Modulation of Intermediary Metabolism-Related Signaling Pathways
Authors: Flees Joshua J. , Emami Nima K. , Greene Elizabeth , Ganguly Bhaskar , Dridi Sami
Published: March 2021

A ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) has fueled and promoted scientific research towards the identification of reliable and effective alternatives. The supplementation of phytogenics AV/SSL12 (AVSSL) and Superliv Gold (SG) in water has been shown to improve broiler feed efficiency (FE) via modulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides. However, their effects on peripheral metabolic pathways are still unknown. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of AVSSL and SG on lipid and protein metabolism-associated pathways in various tissues. Day-old male Cobb 500 chicks (n = 288) were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups, with 8 replicates of 12 birds each. The treatment groups were fed a basal diet and supplemented with AVSSL or SG in the drinking water at a rate of 2, 4, and 7 mL/100 birds/d during the starter, grower, and finisher phases, respectively. The control group were fed a basal diet with no additive supplementation. On d 35, liver, adipose, and muscle tissue were collected from one bird per pen (8 birds/group). Data were analyzed using Student’s T-test to compare one treatment group to the control using Graph Pad Prism version 6.0 for Windows. In the liver, the levels of phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACCα) were significantly increased in both the AVSSL and SG groups compared to the control. The hepatic expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) was significantly downregulated in both treated groups compared to the control. AVSSL supplementation downregulated the hepatic expression of SREBP-2 and adiponectin (AdipoQ), while SG administration upregulated hepatic AdipoR1/R2 mRNA abundances compared to the untreated group. Both AVSSL and SG treatments upregulated hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) gene expression compared to their untreated counterparts. In the adipose tissue, the levels of phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) at Ser855/554 site were increased in both the AVSSL and SG groups compared to the control. However, ATGL protein expression was decreased in SG compared to the untreated group. In the muscle, the levels of phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) were increased in the AVSSL, but decreased in the SG group compared to the control. Collectively, these data indicate that supplementation of the phytogenics AVSSL and SG in water reduced hepatic lipogenesis-related proteins and increased adipose tissue lipolysis- and muscle protein synthesis-associated targets, which might explain, at least partially, the improvement in FE observed in previous research.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Immunobiotic Lactiplantibacillusplantarum N14 Fermented Rakkyo (Allium chinense) Pickled Juice on the Immunocompetence and Production Performance of Pigs
Authors: Islam Md. Aminul , Hashiguchi Kenji , Kober A.K.M. Humayun , Morie Kyoko , Zhou Binghui , Tomokiyo Mikado , Shimazu Tomoyuki , Aso Hisashi , Villena Julio , Suda Yoshihito , Kitazawa Haruki
Published: March 2021

Rakkyo (Allium chinense), is a Japanese leek that is primarily used to make a popular sweet or sour pickled dish. Lactic acid bacteria are often involved in the preparation steps of fermented pickles, which helps in the effective preservation of the natural bioactive compounds of fruits and vegetable, and thereby exert several health benefits including immunomodulation and growth performance. This work aimed to evaluate the in vivo effects of adding Lactiplantibacillus plantarum N14 fermented rakkyo pickled juice as feed supplement on the immunocompetence and production performance of pigs. We first analyzed the nutritional composition, which revealed that the proportion of protein, lipid, and water-soluble fiber content were estimated as of 4%, 5%, and 5% in rakkyo residual liquid or juice, while 22%, 15% and 14%, respectively, were estimated in rakkyo residual powder. For the in vivo feeding trials, three groups of pigs were treated either with 5%, 20%, or 40% mixture (v/v) of fermented rakkyo pickled juice and the grinded residual liquid supplemented in the drinking water in addition to standard feed. The results of the feeding trials showed that the administration of a juice mixture of 5% or 20% (fermented pickled juice and residual liquid) had a similar trend of effects in improving the complement activity, phagocytic activity and leucocytes counts in the peripheral blood when compared to pigs fed with 40% mixture or untreated controls. Those changes were related to an improved resistance to enteric infections. Moreover, animals receiving a mixture of fermented pickled juice and fermented rakkyo residues had a higher growth rate and carcass quality than controls. The results suggested that the use of 5% mixture of fermented rakkyo pickled juice and the residual liquid through drinking water could be a cost-effective approach to promote the immune-health and production performance of pigs. This approach would contribute not only to the sustainable management of food wastes but also to the application of a value-added feed supplement for the promotion of animal health and production.
Phage φAB6-Borne Depolymerase Combats Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm Formation and Infection
Authors: Shahed-Al-Mahmud Md. , Roy Rakesh , Sugiokto Febri Gunawan , Islam Md. Nazmul , Lin Ming-Der , Lin Ling-Chun , Lin Nien-Tsung
Published: March 2021

Biofilm formation is one of the main causes of increased antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii infections. Bacteriophages and their derivatives, such as tail proteins with depolymerase activity, have shown considerable potential as antibacterial or antivirulence agents against bacterial infections. Here, we gained insights into the activity of a capsular polysaccharide (CPS) depolymerase, derived from the tailspike protein (TSP) of φAB6 phage, to degrade A. baumannii biofilm in vitro. Recombinant TSP showed enzymatic activity and was able to significantly inhibit biofilm formation and degrade formed biofilms; as low as 0.78 ng, the inhibition zone can still be formed on the bacterial lawn. Additionally, TSP inhibited the colonization of A. baumannii on the surface of Foley catheter sections, indicating that it can be used to prevent the adhesion of A. baumannii to medical device surfaces. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated membrane leakage of bacterial cells treated with TSP, resulting in cell death. The therapeutic effect of TSP in zebrafish was also evaluated and the results showed that the survival rate was significantly improved (80%) compared with that of the untreated control group (10%). Altogether, we show that TSP derived from φAB6 is expected to become a new antibiotic against multi-drug resistant A. baumannii and a biocontrol agent that prevents the formation of biofilms on medical devices.
Research on Real-Time Joint Stiffness Configuration of a Series Parallel Hybrid 7-DOF Humanoid Manipulator in Continuous Motion
Authors: Yu Yang , Wei Shimin , Sheng Haiyan , Zhang Yingkun
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the real-time joint stiffness configuration strategy of a series parallel hybrid 7-DOF (degree of freedom) humanoid manipulator with flexible joints in continuous motion is studied. Firstly, considering the potential human robot accidental collision, combined with the manipulator safety index (MSI) and human body injury thresholds, the motion speed and joint stiffness of the robot are optimized in advance. Secondly, using hyperbolic tangent function for reference, the relationship between joint torques and passive joint deflection angles of the robot is given, which is beneficial for the real-time calculation of joint stiffness and obtain reasonable joint stiffness. Then, the structural model of the selected humanoid manipulator is described, on this basis, the relationship between the joint space stiffness and the Cartesian space stiffness of the humanoid manipulator is analyzed through Jacobian matrix, and the results show that the posture and joint space stiffness of the humanoid manipulator directly affect the Cartesian space stiffness of the humanoid manipulator. Finally, according to whether the humanoid manipulator works in the human-robot interaction environment, the real-time joint stiffness configuration of the humanoid manipulator in continuous motion is simulated and analyzed. The research shows that the humanoid manipulator with flexible joints can adjust the joint stiffness in real-time during continuous motion, and the joint stiffness configuration strategy can effectively improve the safety of human body in human-robot collision. In addition, in application, when the joint space stiffness of the robot is lower, the position accuracy can be improved by trajectory compensation.
Processing Big Data with Apache Hadoop in the Current Challenging Era of COVID-19
Authors: Azeroual Otmane , Fabre Renaud
Published: March 2021

Big data have become a global strategic issue, as increasingly large amounts of unstructured data challenge the IT infrastructure of global organizations and threaten their capacity for strategic forecasting. As experienced in former massive information issues, big data technologies, such as Hadoop, should efficiently tackle the incoming large amounts of data and provide organizations with relevant processed information that was formerly neither visible nor manageable. After having briefly recalled the strategic advantages of big data solutions in the introductory remarks, in the first part of this paper, we focus on the advantages of big data solutions in the currently difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic. We characterize it as an endemic heterogeneous data context; we then outline the advantages of technologies such as Hadoop and its IT suitability in this context. In the second part, we identify two specific advantages of Hadoop solutions, globality combined with flexibility, and we notice that they are at work with a “Hadoop Fusion Approach” that we describe as an optimal response to the context. In the third part, we justify selected qualifications of globality and flexibility by the fact that Hadoop solutions enable comparable returns in opposite contexts of models of partial submodels and of models of final exact systems. In part four, we remark that in both these opposite contexts, Hadoop’s solutions allow a large range of needs to be fulfilled, which fits with requirements previously identified as the current heterogeneous data structure of COVID-19 information. In the final part, we propose a framework of strategic data processing conditions. To the best of our knowledge, they appear to be the most suitable to overcome COVID-19 massive information challenges.
Experimental and Clinical Applications of Red and Near-Infrared Photobiomodulation on Endothelial Dysfunction: A Review
Authors: Colombo Esteban , Signore Antonio , Aicardi Stefano , Zekiy Angelina , Utyuzh Anatoliy , Benedicenti Stefano , Amaroli Andrea
Published: March 2021

Background: Under physiological conditions, endothelial cells are the main regulator of arterial tone homeostasis and vascular growth, sensing and transducing signals between tissue and blood. Disease risk factors can lead to their unbalanced homeostasis, known as endothelial dysfunction. Red and near-infrared light can interact with animal cells and modulate their metabolism upon interaction with mitochondria’s cytochromes, which leads to increased oxygen consumption, ATP production and ROS, as well as to regulate NO release and intracellular Ca2+ concentration. This medical subject is known as photobiomodulation (PBM). We present a review of the literature on the in vitro and in vivo effects of PBM on endothelial dysfunction. Methods: A search strategy was developed consistent with the PRISMA statement. The PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Scholar electronic databases were consulted to search for in vitro and in vivo studies. Results: Fifty out of >12,000 articles were selected. Conclusions: The PBM can modulate endothelial dysfunction, improving inflammation, angiogenesis, and vasodilatation. Among the studies, 808 nm and 18 J (0.2 W, 2.05 cm2) intracoronary irradiation can prevent restenosis as well as 645 nm and 20 J (0.25 W, 2 cm2) can stimulate angiogenesis. PBM can also support hypertension cure. However, more extensive randomised controlled trials are necessary.
Discovery through Machine Learning and Preclinical Validation of Novel Anti-Diabetic Peptides
Authors: Casey Rory , Adelfio Alessandro , Connolly Martin , Wall Audrey , Holyer Ian , Khaldi Nora
Published: March 2021

While there have been significant advances in drug discovery for diabetes mellitus over the past couple of decades, there is an opportunity and need for improved therapies. While type 2 diabetic patients better manage their illness, many of the therapeutics in this area are peptide hormones with lengthy sequences and a molecular structure that makes them challenging and expensive to produce. Using machine learning, we present novel anti-diabetic peptides which are less than 16 amino acids in length, distinct from human signalling peptides. We validate the capacity of these peptides to stimulate glucose uptake and Glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation in vitro. In obese insulin-resistant mice, predicted peptides significantly lower plasma glucose, reduce glycated haemoglobin and even improve hepatic steatosis when compared to treatments currently in use in a clinical setting. These unoptimised, linear peptides represent promising candidates for blood glucose regulation which require further evaluation. Further, this indicates that perhaps we have overlooked the class of natural short linear peptides, which usually come with an excellent safety profile, as therapeutic modalities.
Electronic Health Record Acceptance by Physicians: A Single Hospital Experience in Daily Practice
Authors: Pavlovic Andrija , Rajovic Nina , Pavlovic Stojanovic Jasmina , Akinyombo Debora , Ugljesic Milica , Pavlica Marina , Pavlovic Vedrana , Randjelovic Simona , Spaic Dragan , Masic Srdjan , Stanisavljevic Dejana , Milic Natasa
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Potential benefits of implementing an electronic health record (EHR) to increase the efficiency of health services and improve the quality of health care are often obstructed by the unwillingness of the users themselves to accept and use the available systems. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence the acceptance of the use of an EHR by physicians in the daily practice of hospital health care. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians in the General Hospital Pancevo, Serbia. An anonymous questionnaire, developed according to the technology acceptance model (TAM), was used for the assessment of EHR acceptance. The response rate was 91%. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors influencing the acceptance of the use of EHR. Results: The study population included 156 physicians. The mean age was 46.4 ± 10.4 years, 58.8% participants were female. Half of the respondents (50.1%) supported the use of EHR in comparison to paper patient records. In multivariate logistic regression modeling of social and technical factors, ease of use, usefulness, and attitudes towards use of EHR as determinants of the EHR acceptance, the following predictors were identified: use of a computer outside of the office for reading daily newspapers (p = 0.005), EHR providing a greater amount of valuable information (p = 0.007), improvement in the productivity by EHR use (p < 0.001), and a statement that using EHR is a good idea (p = 0.014). Overall the percentage of correct classifications in the model was 83.9%. Conclusion: In this research, determinants of the EHR acceptance were assessed in accordance with the TAM, providing an overall good model fit. Future research should attempt to add other constructs to the TAM in order to fully identify all determinants of physician acceptance of EHR in the complex environment of different health systems.
Gold Nanoparticle-Decorated Bi2S3 Nanorods and Nanoflowers for Photocatalytic Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Nwaji Njemuwa , Akinoglu Eser Metin , Giersig Michael
Published: March 2021

Colloidal synthesis of photocatalysts with potential to overcome the drawback of low photocatalytic efficiency brought by charge recombination and narrow photo-response has been a challenge. Herein, a general and facile colloidal approach to synthesize orthorhombic phase Bi2S3 particles with rod and flower-like morphology is reported. We elucidate the formation and growth process mechanisms of these synthesized nanocrystals in detail and cooperate these Bi2S3 particles with metallic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to construct heterostructured photocatalysts. The unique properties of AuNPs featuring tunable surface plasmon resonance and large field enhancement are used to sensitize the photocatalytic activity of the Bi2S3 semiconductor particles. The morphology, structure, elemental composition, and light absorption ability of the prepared catalysts are characterized by (high-resolution) transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The catalysts exhibit high and stable photocatalytic activity for the degradation of organic pollutants demonstrated using rhodamine B and methyl orange dyes under solar light irradiation. We show that the incorporation of the AuNPs with the Bi2S3 particles increases the photocatalytic activity 1.2 to 3-fold. Radical trapping analysis indicates that the production of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals are the dominant active species responsible for the photodegradation activity. The photocatalysts exhibit good stability and recyclability.