bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional Relationships between Condylar Volume and Dentoskeletal Characteristics in Class II Hyperdivergent Female Adults
Authors: xie Bingjie , Tian Ye , Huang Lingyi , Feng Anna , Han Xianglong , Li Juan
Published: January 2022

Background: To determine the difference among various volume of condylar osseous patterns and the corresponding dentoskeletal characteristics in TMD high-risk groups. Methods: Craniofacial spiral computed tomography data of 60 Class II hyperdivergent female adults were divided into normal, resorptive, flattened, and osteophyte groups based on condylar osseous forms. The condylar volume of each group was compared, and their correlations with dentoskeletal characteristics were assessed in three-dimensions. Results: 1. The condylar volume of the normal group was significantly greater than that of the changed group. There were no significant differences among the changed subgroups. 2. The decrease in condylar volume was associated with a more retruded and clockwise rotated mandible with shorter rami. 3. The condylar volume was negatively correlated with overjet, the alveolar height of lower anterior teeth and posterior teeth, the sagittal inclinations of lower teeth, the buccal inclination and intermolar width of mandibular first molars, and the width between the corresponding alveolar crests. Conclusion: Multiple three-dimensional dentoskeletal characteristics of Class II hyperdivergent female adults are correlated to condylar bony changes regardless of changing forms. These results could be helpful in indicating potential pathological changes of TMJ and making proper treatment plans for these patients.
Molecular Cloning And Characterization of An Alpha-Amylase Inhibitor (Tkaai) Gene From Trichosanthes Kirilowii Maxim
Authors: Zhang Yipeng , Wang Keyue , Huang Qiyuan , Shu Shaohua
Published: January 2022

Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim., taxonomically belongs to the Cucurbitaceae and Trichosanthes genus, and whose whole fruit, fruit peel, seed and root are widely used in traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). A ribosome-inactivating protein with RNA N-glycosidase activity called Trichosanthrip was isolated and purified from the seeds of T. kirilowii in the previous research. To further explore the biological functions of Trichosanthrip, the cDNA of T. kirilowii AAI (TkAAI) was cloned through rapid-amplification of cDNA ends and its sequence was analyzed, as well as the heterologous protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and its alpha-amylase activity was further measured under optimized conditions. The full-length cDNA of TkAAI was 613 bp, the speculated open reading frame sequence encodes 141 amino acids with a molecular weight of 16.14 kDa. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the AAI_SS domain sequence of TkAAI revealed significant evolutionary homology with the of 2S albumin derived from the other plants in Cucurbitaceae. In addition, TkAAI was assembled into pET28a with eGFP to generate a prokaryotic expression vector and induced to express in E. coli. The TkAAI-eGFP infusion protein was proven to exhibit alpha-amylase inhibitory activity against porcine pancreatic amylase (PPA) in a suitable reaction system. Analysis of gene expression patterns proved that the relative expression level of TkAAI in seeds is highest. Above results forecast that the TkAAI might play a crucial role during the development of T. kirilowii seeds and provide insights into the possibility of T.kirilowii-derived medicine to treat diabetes related diseases.
Mesoscopic fabric evolution and macro deformation response of crushed gangue under different confining pressures: disposal and recovery of gangue solid waste as filler
Authors: Chen Liang , Li Junmeng , Zhang Dongsheng , Fan Gangwei , Zhang Wei , Guo Yachao
Published: January 2022

The irregular shape of gangue blocks will affect the coordination structure between blocks in the crushed gangue accumulation body, and then affect the engineering mechanical properties of crushed gangue in the process of load-bearing compression. In this paper, through CT scanning experiment, particle flow numerical simulation experiment, and comprehensive application of image processing, 3D reconstruction, FLAC/PFC3D continuum - discrete coupling technology, the gangue digital 3D model and the numerical model of crushed gangue particle flow under triaxial compression condition considering the real shape of the block were obtained. The microscopic fabric evolution law and macroscopic deformation response characteristics of crushed gangue considering triaxial compression condition and different confining pressures were studied. The results show that: (1) the bearing capacity of crushed gangue materials increases with the increase of confining pressure; (2) the block aggregate in the gangue sample is gradually compacted, and the lateral deformation of the sample is changed from “extruding to the axis” to “bulging to the periphery”; (3) the vertical movement of the block decreases gradually from the top to the bottom of the sample, and there is a “triangle area” of block displacement at the top and bottom of the sample; the larger the confining pressure, the smaller the vertical displacement range at the top of the sample; (4) the process of “instability and failure - optimization and reconstruction” of skeleton force chain structure occurs constantly; with the increase of confining pressure, the stability of skeleton force chain structure and the bearing capacity of crushed gangue sample increases; (5) under the same strain state, the greater the confining pressure, the higher the fragmentation degree of the sample. This study reveals the internal mechanism of macro deformation of crushed gangue under the triaxial compression from the perspective of the mesoscopic fabric evolution. The research results are of great significance for the selection of crushed gangue in engineering application. In addition, the research results also have important practical significance for promoting the reasonable disposal and resource utilization of gangue solid waste and protecting the ecological environment of mining areas.
RETRACTED: Dietary Effects of Free Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Supplementation On the Production Performance, Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-A and Nutrient Digestibility in 50-80 Day Old Pigs
Authors: Pamulaklakin Darcy Revilleza , Angeles Amado Aguilar , Agbisit Elpidio Malcaba , Reyes Francis Carlo Castro , Reyes James William Castro
Published: January 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Some Growth, Carcass, and Behavioral Parameters of Native Turkish Geese
Authors: Taskin Atilla , Karadavut Ufuk , Dogan Esma , ERGUN Demirel
Published: January 2022

The aim of the study is to examine the performance and carcass characteristics and some behavioral parameters of geese reared in the areas created by using some objects for environmental enrichment (EE) purpose. For this purpose, a total of 72 one-day-old goose goslings of both sexes were used. Geese were accommodated collectively for the first four weeks, then they were divided in three groups in 3 repetitions according to the EE applications and these were expressed as control (C), broom (B), and mirror (M). At the end of 14th week, live weight (LW), beak length (BL), wing length (WL), head diameter (HD), foot width (FW), body temperature (BT), warm carcass (WC), and cold carcass (CC) weights as well as warm and cold pH values (WpH&CpH), and tonic immobility duration (TID) of the groups were measured. Responses presented during the TI test were expressed as non-responses (NR), medium responses (MR), and high responses (HR). Among the groups, group M had the lowest value (110.08±10.69 s) in terms of TID (P > 0.05). Differences in terms of NR, MR, and HR were significant (P > 0.05). The differences between the groups were not statistically significant in terms of the other characteristics (P < 0.05). As a result, it was determined that geese reared by using the EE objects were affected by such environments, however, there were differences between the groups in terms of fear and stress parameters without having any negative effects on yield.
Characterization of VvmiR166s-Targets Modules and their Interaction Mechanism in Modulation of GA-Induced Grape Seedless Berry Process
Authors: Xuan Xuxian , Bai Yunhe , Abdelrahman Mostafa , Zhang Xiaowen , Tang Wei , Xie Zhenqiang , Dong Tianyu , Liu Zhongjie , Zhang Chuan , Fang Jinggui , Wang Chen
Published: January 2022

GA (Gibberellin) is one key hormone of inducing grape seedless berries. VvmiR166s were revealed to be the important regulator of responding to GA in grapes, but their roles remain unclear yet. Here, the precise sequences of VvmiR166s and their potential targets VvREV, VvHB15 and VvHOX32, were determined in grape cv. ‘Rosario Bianco’. The cleavage interactions and variations of VvmiR166s:(VvHB15, VvHOX32, VvREV) were validated by RLM-RACE and PPM-RACE. Promoters cis-elements analysis supported that VvMIR166s and targets containing similar GA-related cis-elements, might play roles in responding to GA.Subsequently, spatio-temporal expression modes analysis of VvMIR166s and their targets in grape berries suggest that, almost all VvMIR166s possessed the lowest expression level at 46DAF (stone hardening stage) in seeds and peels under GA treatment except for VvMIR166h. Interestingly, their target gene VvHB15 exhibited the opposite expression, indicating that GA promoted the negative regulatory roles of VvmiR166s on VvHB15. Subsequently, over-expressions of VvMIR166b/h in Tobaccos, decreased the expression of its target VvHB15 and obviously strengthened some key genes in lignin synthesis pathway, while over-expression of VvHB15 showed the reverse regulatory modes, confirming that VvmiR166b/h might be amongst main factors of regulating lignin synthesis by mediating the expression of VvHB15. The results was deduced a key signal pathway of “GA-VvmiR166b/h-VvHB15- lignin synthesis genes”. Our findings revealed a novel insight into the roles of VvmiR166s response to GA in modulating the lignin synthesis of grape seed-stone development, which is essential for the molecular breeding of seedless grape berry.
Insight to Cellulose - Polycarboxylic Acid Intermolecular Interactions Using TG and DSC Thermal Analysis Tools
Authors: Amarasekara Ananda S , Lawrence Yen Maroney , Nwankwo Victor C. , Shamim Nabila
Published: January 2022

Interactions between polycarboxylic acids and cellulose was evaluated by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) profiles of their mixtures. TGA, DSC of cellulose and acids were recorded as baseline data and peak shifts were calculated by subtracting the peak maximum values of cellulose from that of cellulose-polycarboxylic acid mixtures. In TGA, DL-tartaric and citric acid with cellulose mixtures showed the largest positive shifts of +58 and +23 °C in the derivative-TGA second peak. In addition, DL-tartaric and citric acid showed the smallest cellulose DTGA peak 1 area/peak 2 area ratios of 0.50 and 1.58 respectively. In DSC the largest cellulose dehydration peak shifts of +39 and +21 °C were recorded for DL-tartaric and citric acids. In acids studied, polycarboxylic acids with one or more hydroxyl groups are more strongly interacting with cellulose in the solid state. The strong interactions of these acids are probably due to their ability to wrap round the polysaccharide chains forming multiple hydrogen bonding between -COOH and -OH of acid with -OH groups of cellulose.
Quantitative Data Collection Approaches in Subject-Reported Oral Health Research: A Scoping Review
Authors: Maida Carl , Xiong Di , Marcus Marvin , Zhou Linyu , Huang Yilan , Lyu Yuetong , Shen Jie , Osuna-Garcia Antonia , Liu Honghu
Published: January 2022

Background

The era of modern information technology enables multiple methods and modes of collecting self-reported oral health information. The scope of the use of these various modalities has not been well classified or summarized, therefore it is necessary to study the degree to which various technologies were used to collect oral health outcomes and related data. This paper reports on a scoping review of the range of data collection methods in quantitative research to measure self-reported oral health status. All methods of data collection were assessed; papers whose methodologies employed newer technologies were identified.
Method

The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) with the search on four online bibliographic databases. We analyzed peer-reviewed articles and reviews published between 2011 and September 2021 to determine data collection methods. Eligible publications were required to use quantitative methods that have a principal objective of measuring self-assessed oral health status, and/or oral health-related quality of life.
Result

We examined the past decade-long trends and found that there has been an increased interest in assessing self-reported oral health and oral health related quality of life data, a dominance of impact measures used, and the application of technologies to the methods. We found that 50 percent of all papers focused mainly on an impact measure. Technologies used included: computer-generated sample populations through polling techniques and crowd-sourcing software; together with tablets and computers to assist in data collection.
Conclusion

The study provides an overview of methods and modes to collect self-reported oral health data, especially with emerging technologies. Contemporary web-based approaches offer enhanced opportunities for survey research to boost recruitment, participation of study subjects with wide and diverse backgrounds from almost unlimited geographic areas, and efforts to improve quality by assuring increased response rates and reducing bias, especially in longitudinal studies. Several studies with strong standard methods of conducting oral health studies that have been successfully collecting these data for years were often not likely to adopt newer technologies because computer access is not available to their populations.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Firm-Level Innovation Activity in Ethiopian firm
Authors: abibo abebaw , Muchie Mammo , Sime Zerayehu , Ezezew Wondemhunegn
Published: January 2022

Many countries use, apply, and emphasize innovation policies to promote long-term development by building a knowledge economy focused on a skilled and well-paid workforce. Ethiopian firms have to learn to engage effectively in innovation activities to be able to create innovative products, processes, and services to make the SME ecosystem very active, capable, and efficient. The firm’s engagement in innovative activities must become mandatory. Firms must not lose their market share and customers in the future as a result of a shift in demand from existing customers for new technology. As a result, research was conducted to identify the fundamental factors influencing the success of innovations and to discover, provide, and forward workable solutions to Ethiopia's evolving firms. The data sources for firm-level innovation used in this paper are based on the Enterprise Survey conducted by the World Bank (WBES, 2011 and 2015). The WBES currently covers over 644 firms in 2011 and 862 in 2015. 372 firms have been used in the panel data survey. The factors affecting Ethiopian firms' innovativeness are then investigated using a panel regression model. Panel data regression can assist to control dependent variables on an in the dependent variable. The factors affecting Ethiopian firms' innovativeness are then investigated using a panel regression model. The paper explored Ethiopian firms' innovation by examining both the positive and negative factors that influence the variables such as training, R&D participation, education, and certification of a quality product that influence the innovation value chain. The paper suggests that firm owners and the government invest more in R & D involvement, training for workers who create new ideas, and the development of a firm website to boost innovation.
Prevalence of stress and depression and associated factors among women seeking a first-trimester induced abortion in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Qiuxiang , Wang Na , Hu Yanchu , Creedy Debra K.
Published: January 2022

Objectives
To determine the prevalence of stress and depression and associated factors among women seeking a first-trimester induced abortion in China.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Beijing, from April 1st to Oct 31st, 2021. Women seeking termination of an intrauterine first-trimester pregnancy were invited to participate and complete a digital self-administered questionnaire. The survey included socio-demographic and health questions, Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive analyses and binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 23.0.
Results
A total of 253 women participated. Prevalence of high perceived stress (cut-off≥20) and depressive symptoms (cut-off ≥ 10) was 25.3% and 22.5% respectively. Women were more likely to suffer high stress if they reported low resilience (aOR = 16.84, 95% CI 5.18-54.79), were not-using contraceptives (aOR = 3.27, 95% CI 1.39-6.29), had low social support (aOR = 2.95, 95% CI 1.39-6.29), were non-local residents (aOR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.15-5.92), were dissatisfied with their intimate relationship (aOR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.15-5.16), or held pro-life attitudes towards abortion (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.18-3.53). Odds of experiencing depression were higher among women who also reported high perceived stress (aOR = 19.00, 95% CI 7.67-47.09), had completed higher education (aOR = 12.28, 95% CI 1.24-121.20), and were non-local residents (aOR = 3.38, 95% CI 1.37-8.32).
Conclusions
The magnitude of perceived stress and depression was high among Chinese women seeking a first-trimester induced abortion. It is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the mental health of all women seeking an abortion. Interventions to mitigate relevant associated factors could improve the psychological wellbeing of women.
Offset nail fixation for intertrochanteric fractures improves reduction and lag screw position
Authors: Tanaka Sakae , Matsubara Takehiro , Soma Kazuhito , Yamada Ikufumi , Fujita Hiroshi , Yoshitani Junya , Oka Hiroyuki
Published: January 2022

Background: Surgery for intertrochanteric fractures using intramedullary hip nails (IHNs) is one of the most common surgeries in the orthopedic field. Although IHNs provide a good overall outcome, they sometimes cause complications (e.g. a loss of reduction and cut-out). We compared the usefulness of IHNs with an anterior offset (Best Fit Nail® [BFN]) in maintaining the reduction of fragments and ensuring proper lag screw positioning to that with conventional non-offset nails, using postoperative computed tomography (CT). Methods: Fifty consecutive patients with intertrochanteric fractures who underwent surgery with BFNs (BFN group) and 50 patients who underwent surgery with conventional non-offset nails (control group) were retrospectively analyzed. Indices evaluated by postoperative CT comprised the displacement distance of proximal fragments relative to distal fragments, reduction status (intramedullary, anatomical, and extramedullary types), screw direction, and the angle between the screw and the femoral neck axis (deviation angle).Results: The median displacement distance [interquartile range] was significantly smaller in the BFN group (0 [0, 0] mm) and in the control group (4.4 [3.1, 6.3] mm) (p<0.0001). Additionally, the reduction status was significantly better in the BFN group (anatomical type in 40 cases, intramedullary type in 9 cases, and extramedullary type in 1 case) than in the control group (anatomical type in 6 cases, intramedullary type in 40 cases, and extramedullary type in 4 cases) (p<0.0001). Deviation of the lag screw direction was observed in significantly fewer cases in the BFN group (20 cases; 40%) than in the control group (35 cases; 70%). The deviation angle of the lag screw was significantly smaller in the BFN group (-0.71°±4.0°) than in the control group (5.7°±5.3°). No adverse events related to surgery were observed in either group.Conclusions: Intertrochanteric fracture surgeries using BFNs exhibited significantly smaller displacement distance, better reduction status, and higher frequency of no deviation, with central lag screw positioning, compared to those using conventional non-offset nails.
How Vertical Global Health Programs Can Contribute to Universal Health Coverage: Service Delivery Implementation Lessons from Polio Eradication
Authors: Olateju Adetoun , Peters Michael , Osaghae Ikponmwosa , Alonge Olakunle
Published: January 2022

Background

Improving service delivery is a key strategy for achieving service coverage, one of the two components of universal health coverage (UHC). As one of the largest global public health initiatives, individuals involved with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) have learned many important lessons about service delivery. We identified contributors and challenges to delivering health services at national and subnational levels using experiences from the GPEI. We described strategies used to strengthen service delivery and draw lessons that could be applicable to achieving UHC.
Methods

Online cross-sectional surveys based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) domains were conducted from 2018-2019. Data were analyzed using an embedded mixed methods approach. Frequencies of the contributors and challenges to service delivery by levels of involvement were estimated. Chi-square tests of independence were used to assess unadjusted associations among categorical outcome variables. Logistic regressions were used to examine the association between respondent characteristics and contributors to successful implementation or implementation challenges. Horizontal analysis of free text responses by CFIR domain was done to contextualize the quantitative results.
Results

Among the 3,659 survey respondents, 887 (24.2%) reported involvement in strengthening service delivery at the global, national, or subnational level with more than 90% involved at subnational levels. The most important internal contributor to strengthening service delivery was the process of conducting activities (48%), e.g., microplanning, and strategies to reach high-conflict or remote populations. The highest external contributor was the social environment (42.5%), e.g., community awareness and trust in health workers. Respondents working at national and subnational levels had four times significantly higher odds (adjusted odds ratio = 4.26, p=0.007) of identifying the external environment e.g., insecurity and community resistance, as the biggest challenge to service delivery, compared to those in advisory roles. Strategies for mitigating community resistance included use of indigenous community volunteers, social mobilization networks.
Conclusion

Prioritizing these contributors and adopting subnational strategies from polio eradication programs to address broader service delivery challenges could improve implementation of integrated, essential primary healthcare services to bolster service delivery and accelerate progress. Achieving UHC is contingent on strengthened subnational service delivery.
Temporal and Spatial Variability in Metabolism of the Antarctic Pelagic Tunicate Salpa Thompsoni Foxton, 1961
Authors: Minkina Natalia Iosiphovna , Samyshev Ernest Zainullinovich , Pakhomov Evgeny , Melnikov Victor Vladimirovich
Published: January 2022

The weight-specific metabolic rates of the Antarctic pelagic tunicate Salpa thompsoni Foxton, 1961 were studied during March-April of 1998 and March 2002. The study revealed large variability in metabolic rates and attempted to explain the observed variability. The main factors driving variability, which were previously overlooked, included density of tunicates in incubation containers (incubation density), diel/circadian rhythms in salp ecophysiology, and spatial variability of their metabolic performance. The salp-specific respiration rates at 3°C were strongly negatively influenced by their incubation density ranging between 2.0 and 90.4 gWW·l−1. The metabolism of both salp life forms (solitaries and aggregates) appeared to be independent of their body mass. At incubation densities of 3 gWW·l−1, salps solitary and aggregate forms showed similar circadian rhythms in the respiration rates, with mean daytime and nighttime respiration rates of 79.5 and 41.5 µg O2·gWW−1·h−1 or 26.0% and 13.6% of the body carbon content, respectively. These specific respiration rates of S. thompsoni were assumed to be a "statistical norm" or climatology and were compared to actual field point observations during 1998 and 2002 near the Elephant Island, the South Orkney Islands, and the Bransfield Strait allowing calculating deviations from the "norm". This identified areas of the salp population either inhibition or successful performance that could be linked to the plankton community development and composition. The findings of this study highlighted the applicability of the metabolic theory in describing the salp ecological dynamics in the Southern Ocean.
Changes in the spatial distribution of population in urban agglomerations: A spatial-temporal perspective
Authors: Jiang Fangye , Lv Yanming
Published: January 2022

The spatial distribution of the urban agglomeration population has changed increasingly in rapid urbanization. It affects the urban economy, environment, transportation, and so on. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand the changes in the spatial distribution of population in urban agglomerations. This study uses methods such as population center of gravity migration and Gini coefficient to explore changes in the spatial distribution of urban populations. The study found that the population center of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration first migrated toward Beijing and then away from Beijing. During this process, the Gini coefficient increased from 0.62 to 0.64 and then decreased to 0.58, indicating that the population balance of the urban agglomeration first increased and then decreased. This result is consistent with the conclusion that we have established a simulated urban agglomeration for theoretical derivation. That is: in the early stage of urban agglomeration development, the population migrated to the central city; as the population of the central city became saturated, the urban agglomeration developed to a mature stage, and the population began to migrate to the peripheral cities. In this process, the population distribution center of urban agglomeration gradually shifted from central towns to peripheral towns. The degree of equilibrium in the spatial distribution of population has undergone an inverted u-shaped transition from non-equilibrium to equilibrium.
Learning Spacial Domain Infectious Disease Control Model for Vaccine Distribution by Physics-Constraint Machine Learning
Authors: Li Chun , Yang Yunyun , Jiang Xin , Wu Boying
Published: January 2022

The coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has become a global challenging pandemic. Causing significant loss of life, property, and economics worldwide. The study of infectious disease models allows us to have a deeper understand of spreading trend of highly infectious diseases. Therefore, studying infectious disease models is imminent. In this work, we propose learning spacial domain infectious disease control model for vaccine distribution by physics-constraint machine learning. Usually, these dynamical systems are utilized in epidemiology models to predict the time evolution and development trend of highly infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We reformulate the SIR models and give corresponding policies via dynamical systems. More importantly, we obtain the approximating numerical solution of the systems of dynamical PDEs via the PINNs algorithm, within the acceptable range of approximation error. Additionally, we present several numerical solutions of the PDEs under a variety of scenarios.
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Analysis of Nutritional Traits in a Core Set of Ethiopian Teff (Eragrostis tef) Varieties
Authors: Ereful Nelzo C , Jones Huw , Fradgley Nick , Boyd Lesley , Cherie Hirut Assaye , Milner Matthew J
Published: January 2022

Background: Teff (Eragrostis teff) is a tropical cereal domesticated and grown in the Ethiopian highlands, where it has been a staple food of Ethiopians for many centuries. Food insecurity and nutrient deficiencies are major problems in the country, so breeding for enhanced nutritional traits, such as Zn content, could help to alleviate problems with malnutrition. Results: To understand the breeding potential of nutritional traits in teff a core set of 24 varieties were sequenced and their mineral content, levels of phytate and protein, as well as a number of nutritionally valuable phenolic compounds measured in grain. Significant variation in all these traits was found between varieties. Genome wide sequencing of the 24 teff varieties revealed 3,193,582 unique SNPs and 897,272 unique INDELs relative to the teff reference var. Dabbi. Sequence analysis of two key transporter families involved in the uptake and transport of Zn by the plant led to the identification of 32 Zinc Iron Permease (ZIP) transporters and 14 Heavy Metal Associated (HMA) transporters in teff. Further analysis identified numerous variants, of which 14.6% of EtZIP and 12.4% of EtHMA variants were non-synonymous changes. Analysis of a key enzyme in flavanol synthesis, flavonoid 3’-hydroxylase (F3’H), identified a T-G variant in the teff homologue Et_s3159-0.29-1.mrna1 that was associated with the differences observed in kaempferol glycoside and quercetin glycoside levels. Conclusion: Wide genetic and phenotypic variation was found in 24 Ethiopian teff varieties which would allow for breeding gains in many nutritional traits of importance to human health.
Genetic study for some body weight and egg traits in Domyati and Khaki-Campbell ducks.
Authors: EL-Deghadi Amira soliman , Ali Wael Ali , Gharib Mahmoud Gharib
Published: January 2022

The duck industry makes an important contribution to the availability of animal protein sources in Egypt, however little known about the genetic factors, particularly the heritability and genetic correlations of body weight and egg production in ducks. Body weight is the most essential feature for genetic improvement due to its ease of selection, high heredity, and large impact on meat production costs. The target of this study was to evaluate and explain genetic traits such as the heritability, the genetic and phenotypic correlations, and sire breeding value in Domyati (local) and Khaki-Campbell (foreign) ducks in order to improve body weight and egg traits. A total of 160 (80 Domyati and 80 Khaki-Campbell ducks utilized to measure body weight (at 16 and 20 weeks g), as well as 7000 eggs (2500 Domyati and 4500 Khaki-Campbell) to measure egg traits (the egg number, egg weight, and egg mass are all measured throughout the first 90 days of laying). In Domyati and Khaki-Campbell ducks, the heritability estimated for body weight was moderate to high, ranged from 0.35 to 0.40, and 0.21 to 0.30 for egg production, and the genetic correlations among body weight and egg traits were all positive and had high values, 21 and among BW16 and BW20 were stronger than between other traits (0.90); (99). The genetic improvement in BW16 could be followed by an increase in BW20 weeks
Identification of Substrate-specific Allosteric Fingerprints in Matrix Metalloprotease-1 on Amyloid-beta Peptide Aggregates and Drug Screening With Single Molecule Insights
Authors: Kamboj Sumaer , Harms Chase , Wright Derek , Nash Anthony , Klein-Seetharaman Judith , Sarkar Susanta K.
Published: January 2022

Amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) is the primary component of water-insoluble extracellular plaques, one of the critical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are broad-spectrum proteases with diverse functions, including interactions with Aβ. Here we report single molecule measurements of MMP1 dynamics on Aβ-induced aggregates by calculating Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) between two dyes attached to the catalytic and hemopexin domains. We show that the two domains of MMP1 prefer closed conformations on Aβ-induced aggregates, in contrast to the preference for open conformations on collagen fibril, fibrin, and alpha-synuclein aggregates. We approximated the MMP1 dynamics by a two-state Poisson process and determined the kinetic rates of interconversion between the two states from histograms and correlations of FRET values. We performed molecular docking of MMP1 with Aβ using ClusPro, simulated MMP1 dynamics using different docking poses, and matched the experimental and simulated interdomain dynamics to identify an appropriate pose. We used simulations to create a two-dimensional map of correlations between every pair of MMP1 residues, which shows allosteric communications between the two MMP1 domains. We calculated a Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix from the two-dimensional map of correlations and quantified MMP1 fluctuations by Shannon entropy. We identified the allosteric residues in the hemopexin domain by identifying residues having strong correlations with the catalytic motif residues. We identified that the residues I364, G369, P409, G410, and D418 in MMP1 have Aβ-specific allosteric correlations with the MMP1 catalytic motif by comparing residues for free and Aβ-bound MMP1. We used these Aβ-specific allosteric residues to select small molecule ligands after the virtual screening of molecules against Aβ-bound MMP1. Molecular understanding of interactions between MMP1 and Aβ-induced aggregates and identification of substrate-specific allosteric residues may enable controlling MMP1 function selectively on Aβ.
Single-port Transaxillary Robotic Radical Neck Dissection (STAR-RND): Initial Experience of 30 Cases
Authors: Ho Joon , Kim Donggyu , Lee Ji-Eun , Kim Jin Kyong , Lee Cho Rok , Kang Sang-Wook , Jeong Jong Ju , Nam Kee-Hyun , Chung Woong Youn
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to demonstrate the usefulness of single-port transaxillary robotic radical neck dissection (STAR-RND) for metastatic thyroid cancer, and its potential to make small and invisible surgical wounds possible compared to open modified radical neck dissection. Between January 2020 and July 2021, 30 thyroid cancer patients who underwent lateral neck dissection surgery with the da Vinci SP at Yonsei University Health System (Seoul, Korea) were studied. All 30 patients, diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer were women. The average operating time was 293.80 ± 36.58 (minutes), and the average postoperative hospital stay was 4.77 ± 0.57 (days). All patients were discharged after the expected number of hospitalization days without major complications.STAR-RND is technically feasible and safe with a short length of the incision. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of a single-port robotic system for radical neck dissection.
Salviae Miltiorrhizae Liguspyragine Hydrochloride and Glucose Injection Protects Against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Heart Failure
Authors: Kong Shang , Zhou Dan , Fan Qinghong , Zhao Tingting , Ren Chunguang , Nie Hong
Published: January 2022

Backgrounds
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MIR) injury is a common stimulus for cardiac diseases like cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and may cause high mortality rates. Salviae miltiorrhizae liguspyragine hydrochloride and glucose injection (SGI) has been widely used to treat myocardial and cerebral infarctions in China even though its pharmacological mechanisms are not completely clear.
Methods and results
The protective effect and mechanism of SGI on MIR injury and heart failure were investigated through the H9c2 cell model induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) and rapamycin, zebrafish model induced by H/R and isoprenaline, and rat MIR model. SGI significantly reduced the infarct size and alleviated the impairment of cardiac functions in the MIR rat model and H/R zebrafish model, and promoted cell viability of cardiomyocytes-like H9c2 cells under H/R condition. Consistently, SGI significantly downregulated the serum level of biomarkers for cardiac damage and attenuate the oxidative damage in the MIR and H/R models. We also found SGI could downregulate the increased autophagy level in those MIR and H/R models since autophagy can contribute to the injurious effects of ischemia-reperfusion in the heart, suggesting that SGI may alleviate MIR injury via regulating the autophagy pathway. In addition, we demonstrated that SGI also played a protective role in the isoproterenol-induced zebrafish heart failure model, and SGI significantly down-regulated the increased autophagy and SP1/GATA4 pathways.
Conclusions
SGI may exert anti-MIR and heart failure by inhibiting activated autophagy and the SP1/GATA4 pathway.
Effects of Salinity Acclimation on Histological Characteristics and miRNA Expression Profiles of Scales in Juvenile Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss)
Authors: Zhou QiLing , Wang LiuYong , Zhao XiaoLong , Yang YunSheng , Ma Qian , Chen Gang
Published: January 2022

Background: The scales serve as an ideal model for studying the regulatory mechanism of bone homeostasis in fish. To explore the effect of salinity acclimation on bone metabolism of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), three sampling time points during salinity acclimation (7D, 14D and 21D) were selected to detect variations in histological characteristics. In the histological analysis, osteoblast marker enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteoclast marker tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP) and calcium salt deposit areas (Von Kossa′s) were detected. Changes in calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and the molar mass ratio of calcium to phosphorus (Ca/P) in the scales were also detected by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, the global MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profiles during salinity acclimation were examined using Illumina sequencing platform because of their important regulatory roles in teleost biological processes.Results: Twelve independent miRNA libraries were constructed, a total of 664 known and 92 putative novel miRNAs were identified. A total of 290 DEC miRNAs (differentially expressed miRNAs from clusters with significant trends in the cluster analysis) with five types of clustering patterns were obtained, and 5,957 DEC mRNAs (differentially expressed target genes of 22,370 DEC miRNA showed a significant trend in cluster analysis) with six types of clustering patterns were screened according to transcriptome sequencing data. To better understand the functions of the DE miRNAs, 5,957 DEC mRNAs were used for GO and KEGG analysis, and they were significantly enriched in bone metabolism related signaling pathways such as MAPK signaling pathway, Calcium signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, Mineral absorption and NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Six DE miRNAs were randomly selected and their expression were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), the expression trends were consistent with the results of transcriptome sequencing.Conclusions: The DEC miRNAs identified in this study might play an important role in regulation of bone metabolism during salinity acclimation, relative genes or pathways could serve as key candidates for further studies to elucidate molecular mechanism of teleost bone metabolism, and help performing salinity acclimation and developing marine culture of salmonid species.
An N-glycoproteomics Analysis Reveals Glycoprotein Alterations in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gao Yingzhen , Shen Liuyi , Dong Tianyue , Yang Xin , Cui Heyang , Guo Yanlin , Ma Yanchun , Kong Pengzhou , Cheng Xiaolong , Zhang Ling , Cui Yongping
Published: January 2022

Background: Aberrant glycosylation has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer. It usually includes the changes of expression level and function of glycoproteins caused by abnormal glycosylation modification and changes of glycan structure of glycoproteins. N-glycosylation is one of the main types of glycosylation in all eukaryotes.Methods: We integrated global proteomics and N-glycoproteomics analysis of ten cases to reveal the N-glycoproteomics profiles in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) compared with normal tissues. Results: A series of differentially expressed glycoproteins (e.g. LAMP2, PLOD2) and some differentially glycoproteins enriched signaling pathway (e.g. metabolism-related pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion) were identified in ESCC. Seven significantly enriched motifs were found from all of the identified N-glycosylation sites. The dynamic profiling changes of glycoprotein during lymph node metastasis progression in ESCC was also investigated and three clusters showed the obvious increasing or decreasing trend with lymph node metastasis.Conclusion: In summary, we presented the characters of N-glycosylation and N-glycoprotein alterations associated with ESCC. Specific changes in the expression of glycoproteins or glycosylation occupancy have the potential to be used as the biomarker to discriminate ESCC from normal tissues and to improve our understanding of ESCC biology.
Neurotransmitter Activation Sequesters Specific mRNAs Into Stress Granules
Authors: Jackson Lela , Poussaint Allison , Scarlata Suzanne
Published: January 2022

Hormones and neurotransmitters can activate the Gαq / phospholipase Cβ1 (PLCβ1) signaling system eliciting cellular calcium responses. Aside from the plasma membrane, PLCβ1 has a cytosolic population that binds stress granule associated proteins preventing their aggregation, and activation of Gαq shifts PLCβ1 to the membrane releasing bound proteins and promoting the formation of stress granules. The cellular impact of stress granules formed upon routine Gαq protein signaling is unknown. Here, we have characterized Ago2 stress granules formed in response to neurotransmitter activation in cultured PC12 cells. We find these stress granules have a distinct protein composition, and unlike stress granules formed upon heat shock, contain only two mRNA transcripts, chromogranin B, which is involved in secretory function, and ATP synthase 5f1b, which is required for ATP synthesis. Our studies show an unexpected pathway where Gαq/PLCβ regulates the translation of specific proteins.
Analysis of Risk Factors Related to Acute Kidney Injury After Liver Transplantation in Children
Authors: Dong Kun , Liu Jianyun , Zhang Cheng , Chen Junze , Dong Chunqiang
Published: January 2022

Objective: To identify risk factors related to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in children who underwent liver transplantation.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation at the pediatric surgery department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from July 2017 to November 2018. Subjects were grouped into the non-AKI group (group A) and AKI group (group B). General information, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data were statistically analyzed in the two groups.Results: Among the 31 patients identified, there were 17 cases in group A (six male, 11 female) and 14 cases in group B (seven male and seven female). The baseline data of the patients included age, BMI index; BSA index; PELD score, TBiL count, ALB count, INR index, Scr count, DBiL, and other liver function indexes. There was no difference observed in the demographic and preoperative factors, including infection rates (P >.05) between the two groups. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of intraoperative indicators including vena cava occlusion time, cold ischemia time, warm ischemia time, blood loss, donor liver graft-to-recipient body weight, graft volume/standard liver volume, or use of vasopressor drugs (P>.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative factors (FK506 blood concentration, ICU length of stay, and length of hospital stay) (P>.05). operation of group A (653±205 min) was significantly shorter than that of group B (852±299 min) (P=0.03). The duration of anhepatic phase was shorter in group A (57 ± 15 min) than in group B (73 ± 20 min) (P = 0.02).Conclusion: The incidence of AKI in children after liver transplantation was 45.2%. The operation time and duration of the anhepatic phase were closely related to the occurrence of AKI after liver transplantation in children. Improving the surgical technique and the optimization of surgical procedures can shorten the operation time and the anhepatic phase, therefore reducing the incidence of AKI.
Comparative Studies of Cultural Characteristics of Rhizospheric and Non-rhizospheric Trichoderma spp. On Different Cultural Media
Authors: M CHAITHRA , Pankaja N S
Published: January 2022

Effect of different culture media was observed on rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric seven Trichoderma isolates. All the seven Trichoderma isolates were evaluated on seven different solid media for assessing growth and sporulation. Among the seven different solid media, corn meal agar media and oat meal agar media exhibited early sporulation and maximum mycelia growth rate of more number of Trichoderma isolates. Highest mycelia growth (90 mm) and early sporulation 48 hour after inoculation on maximum number of different solid media was observed by non rhizospheric isolates viz., PSV (Paddy straw) and GMV (Goat manure) over commercial isolate respectively than rhizospheric Trichoderma isolate (Rkd-Cu). So, apart from rhizospheric source we can use non rhizospheric source for isolation of effective Trichoderma isolates which we can future used as good biocontrol agents against different plant pathogens.
A Fast Extraction-Free Isothermal LAMP Assay for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Gärtner Kathleen , Meleke Harry , Kamdolozi Mercy , Chaima David , Samikwa Lyson , Paynter Mary , Nyang'Wa Maggie Nyirenda , Cloutman-Green Elaine , Nastouli Eleni , Klein Nigel , Nyirenda Tonney , Msefula Chisomo , Alber Dagmar G.
Published: January 2022

Background

To retain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, fast, sensitive and cost-effective testing is essential, particularly in resource limited settings (RLS). Current standard nucleic acid-based RT-PCR assays, although highly sensitive and specific, require transportation of samples to specialised laboratories, trained staff and expensive reagents. The latter are often not readily available in low- and middle-income countries and this may significantly impact on the successful disease management in these settings. Various studies have suggested a SARS-CoV-2 loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay as an alternative method to RT-PCR.
Methods

Four previously published primer pairs were used for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the LAMP assay. To determine optimal conditions, different temperatures, sample input and incubation times were tested. Ninety-two extracted RNA samples from St. George's Hospital, London, 10 non-extracted nasopharyngeal swab samples from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, and 92 non-extracted samples from Queen Elisabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Malawi, which have previously been tested for SARS-Cov-2 by qRT-PCR, were analysed in the LAMP assay.
Results

In this study we report the optimisation of an extraction-free colourimetric SARS-CoV-2 LAMP assay and demonstrated that a lower limit of detection between 10-100 copies/µL of SARS-CoV-2 could be readily detected by a colour change of the reaction within as little as 30min. We further show that this assay could be quickly established in Malawi, as no expensive equipment is necessary. We tested 92 clinical samples from QECH and showed the sensitivity and specificity of the assay to be 98.4% and 86.7%, respectively. Some viral transport media, used routinely to stabilise RNA in clinical samples during transportation, caused a non-specific colour-change in the LAMP reaction and therefore we suggest collecting samples in phosphate buffered saline (which did not affect the colour) as the assay allows immediate sample analysis on-site.
Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 LAMP is a cheap and reliable assay that can be readily employed in RLS to improve disease monitoring and management.