bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENYULUHAN DAN PEMBUATAN HANDSINITIZER DENGAN DAUN SIRIH DAN JERUK NIPIS DALAM PENCEGAHAN VIRUS COVID-19
Authors: Nina Azwani Siregar  , Rambe Saifah , Pane Ricky , Waluyo Bambang
Published: March 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic is still hitting until now, many people are still exposed to the virus. The Covid-19 virus is a virus that can be transmitted and can attack anyone , be it children or adults. The virus is transmitted through droplets from the respiratory tract and then infects the respiratory system. Therefore, the government urges the government to always apply a clean and healthy lifestyle to avoid contracting the virus. Therefore, this community service activity was carried out to provide counseling and guidance to the community in Tebing Linggahara village about the process of making hand sanitizers from betel leaves and lime for applications to prevent transmission of the Covid-19 virus. The method of this activity is carried out in several stages, namely the fist stage of introducing the materials and tools needed in the manufacture of hand sanitizers and then the second stage of the sequence or stages in the process of makin hand sanitizers. Another benefit of this activity is that the community can gain knowledge about other benefits of betel leaf dan lime. During the activity the participants were actively involved and gave positive responses during the practice.

Pandemi Covid-19 masih melanda hingga sekarang, masih banyak yang terkena paparan dari virus tersebut. Virus Covid-19 ini merupakan virus yang dapat menular dan dapat menyerang siapa saja baik itu anak-anak ataupun orang dewasa. Virus tersebut menular melalui percikan droplet dari saluran pernapasan dan kemudian menginfeksi sistem pernapasan. Oleh karena itu, pemerintah menghimbau agar selalu menerapkan pola hidup bersih dan sehat guna menghindari dari tertularnya virus tersebut. Sebab itu, kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini dilakukan untuk memberikan penyuluhan dan bimbingan kepada masyarakat di desa Tebing Linggahara tentang proses pembuatan hand sanitizer dari daun sirih dan jeruk nipis untuk aplikasi pencegahan penularan virus Covid-19. Adapun metode kegiatan ini dilakukan beberapa tahap, yaitu tahap pertama pengenalan bahan dan alat yang diperlukan dalam pembuatan hand sanitizer dan kemudia tahap kedua  runtutan atau tahapan dalam proses pembuatan hand sanitizer. Manfaat lain dari kegiatan tersebut masyarakat dapat pengetahuan tentang manfaat lain dari daun sirih dan jeruk nipis. Selama kegiatan berlangsung peserta terlibat  secara aktif dan memberikan tanggapan yang positif selama praktik.
OPTIMASI PENGGUNAAN MICROSOFT OFFICE UNTUK GURU DI SMPN 2 PAKUHAJI KABUPATEN TANGERANG
Authors: Arifin Erman , Suryadi Andri , Nurdiana Dian , Julianti Eka , Nursantika Dian
Published: March 2022

Along with the development of technology that is felt to be very fast and rapid, humans' demands to adapt to technology are also very high. One of the technological developments that are useful and widely used in daily work is Microsoft Office (word, excel, and PowerPoint. Microsoft office is one of the tools that teachers at school must use. The teachers at SMPN 2 Pakuhaji can already use Microsoft Office, but its use is still very lacking or not optimal. Seeing this condition, the Information Systems Study Program community service team wants to participate and play a direct role in helping SMPN 2 Pakuhaji improve the ability to use Microsoft office. This community service is carried out for three days and conducted online. The material was given from the Open University campus, while the recipient of the material was at SMPN 2 Pakuhaji, Tangerang Regency. At the end of this community activity, an evaluation was carried out through a questionnaire to the participants and the results of community service activities. This community has an assessment of 87.61% or can be said to be very good.

 

Seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi yang dirasakan sangat cepat dan pesat, maka tuntutan manusia untuk dapat beradaptasi terhadap teknologi juga sangat tinggi. Salah satu perkembangan teknologi yang berguna dan banyak digunakan dalam pekerjaan sehari-hari adalah Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, dan PowerPoint. Microsoft office menjadi salah satu tools yang wajib digunakan oleh guru-guru disekolah. Pada saat ini guru-guru di SMPN 2 Pakuhaji sudah dapat menggunakan Microsoft office tersebut namun penggunaannya masih sangat kurang atau belum maksimal. Melihat kondisi tersebut, maka tim pengabdian kepada masyarakat Program Studi Sistem Informasi yang ingin berpartisipasi dan berperan langsung membantu SMPN 2 Pakuhaji dalam meningkatkan kemampuan penggunaan Microsoft Office. Pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini dilaksanakan selama tiga hari dan dilakukan secara online. Pemberian materi dilaksanakan dari kampus Universitas Terbuka, sedangkan penerima materi dilakukan di sekolah SMPN 2 Pakuhaji Kabupaten Tangerang. Pada akhir kegiatan kepada masyarakat ini dilakukan evaluasi melalui angket kepada para peserta dan hasil dari kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini memiliki penilaian sebesar 87,61% atau dapat dikatakan sangat baik sekali.
PEMETAAN POTENSI BENCANA PARTISIPATIF DAN PELATIHAN MITIGASI BENCANA BAGI POKDARWIS PAYO NATURE DI KELURAHAN TANAH GARAM, KECAMATAN LUBUK SIKARAH, KOTA SOLOK
Authors: Susanti Retnaningtyas , Syahar Fitriana , Heriani Heriani , Ramadhan Dewi
Published: March 2022

Mapping of potential disasters in a participatory manner supported by disaster mitigation training is a service activity that is very useful for Pokdarwis Payo Nature. This service program can improve soft skills and Pokdarwis in mapping potential disasters, and improve hard skills in disaster mitigation. Increasing the skills of Pokdarwis members can help create peace and comfort for people's lives, as well as security for tourists who visit. The method used is participatory training, knowledge transfer from the companion team is carried out by direct practice with Pokdarwis and the community. The activity lasted for 5 months with the offline training method, the service team came directly to the Payo Area service object.

 

Pemetaan potensi bencana secara partisipatif yang didukung dengan pelatihan mitigasi bencana merupakan kegiatan pengabdian yang sangat bermanfaat bagi Pokdarwis Payo Nature. Program pengabdian ini dilakukan untuk meningkatkan soft skill pokdarwis dalam memetakan potensi bencana, dan meningkatkan hard skill dalam melakukan mitigasi bencana. Peningkatan skill pada anggota Pokdarwis tersebut dapat membantu menciptakan ketentraman dan kenyamanan bagi kehidupan masyarakat, sekaligus keamanan bagi wisatawan yang melakukan kunjungan. Metode yang digunakan adalah pelatihan partisipatif, transfer ilmu dari tim pendamping yang dilaksanakan dengan praktek langsung bersama pokdarwis dan masyarakat. Kegiatan berlangsung selama 5 bulan dengan metode pelatihan luar jaringan (luring), tim pengabdi datang secara langsung di objek pengabdian Kawasan Payo. Hasil pengabdian berupa peningkatan kemampuan pokdarwis dalam melakukan mitigasi bencana dan memetakan potensi bencana di wilayahnya. Kemampuan ini tidak hanya dapat dimanfaatkan ketika terjadi bencana, tetapi sepanjang masa, bukan hanya untuk melindungi wisatawan, tetapi juga seluruh masyarakat di Kawasan Payo, Kelurahan Tanah Garam, Kecamatan Lubuk Sikarah, Kota Solok, Provinsi Sumatera Barat.
DWPPI: A Deep Learning Approach for Predicting Protein–Protein Interactions in Plants Based on Multi-Source Information With a Large-Scale Biological Network
Authors: Pan Jie , You Zhu-Hong , Li Li-Ping , Huang Wen-Zhun , Guo Jian-Xin , Yu Chang-Qing , Wang Li-Ping , Zhao Zheng-Yang
Published: March 2022

The prediction of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) in plants is vital for probing the cell function. Although multiple high-throughput approaches in the biological domain have been developed to identify PPIs, with the increasing complexity of PPI network, these methods fall into laborious and time-consuming situations. Thus, it is essential to develop an effective and feasible computational method for the prediction of PPIs in plants. In this study, we present a network embedding-based method, called DWPPI, for predicting the interactions between different plant proteins based on multi-source information and combined with deep neural networks (DNN). The DWPPI model fuses the protein natural language sequence information (attribute information) and protein behavior information to represent plant proteins as feature vectors and finally sends these features to a deep learning–based classifier for prediction. To validate the prediction performance of DWPPI, we performed it on three model plant datasets: Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana), mazie (Zea mays), and rice (Oryza sativa). The experimental results with the fivefold cross-validation technique demonstrated that DWPPI obtains great performance with the AUC (area under ROC curves) values of 0.9548, 0.9867, and 0.9213, respectively. To further verify the predictive capacity of DWPPI, we compared it with some different state-of-the-art machine learning classifiers. Moreover, case studies were performed with the AC149810.2_FGP003 protein. As a result, 14 of the top 20 PPI pairs identified by DWPPI with the highest scores were confirmed by the literature. These excellent results suggest that the DWPPI model can act as a promising tool for related plant molecular biology.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Alleviates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Activating Sirt1-Autophagy Signaling Network
Authors: Zheng Yi , Mei Liangwei , Li Shengyou , Ma Teng , Xia Bing , Hao Yiming , Gao Xue , Wei Bin , Wei Yitao , Jing Da , Luo Zhuojing , Huang Jinghui
Published: March 2022

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is regarded as a major contributor to low back pain (LBP), causing serious economic burden on individuals and society. Unfortunately, there are limited effective treatment for IVD degeneration. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) is an economical and effective physical therapy method, with reduced side-effects. It offers certain protection to a number of degenerative diseases. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanism of PEMF on IVD is important for improving the PEMF therapeutic efficiency. In this study, PEMF up-regulated extracellular matrix (ECM) related genes in degenerated nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. It also increased SIRT1 expression and promoted autophagy in degenerated NP cells. In contrast, the autophagy suppressor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) reversed the beneficial effect of PEMF on ECM production. Similarly, the SIRT1 enzyme activity suppressor EX 527 also inhibited the effect of PEMF on autophagy and ECM production in NP cells, thereby suggesting that PEMF regulated ECM related genes expression through SIRT1-autophagy signaling pathway. Lastly, PEMF significantly reduced IVD degeneration in a rat model of IVD degeneration in vivo. In summary, our study uncovers a critical role of SIRT1-dependent autophagy signaling pathway in ECM protection and thus in the establishment of therapeutic effect of PEMF on IVD degeneration.
Transgenerational Effects of Prenatal Ethanol Exposure in Prepubescent Mice
Authors: Bottom Riley T. , Kozanian Olga O. , Rohac David J. , Erickson Michael A. , Huffman Kelly J.
Published: March 2022

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) represent a leading cause of non-genetic neuropathologies. Recent preclinical evidence from suggests that prenatal ethanol exposure (PrEE), like other environmental exposures, may have a significant, transgenerational impact on the offspring of directly exposed animals, including altered neocortical development at birth and behavior in peri-pubescent mice. How these adverse behavioral outcomes are manifested within the brain at the time of behavioral disruption remains unknown.

Methods: A transgenerational mouse model of FASD was used to generate up to a third filial generation of offspring to study. Using a multi-modal battery of behavioral assays, we assessed motor coordination/function, sensorimotor processing, risk-taking behavior, and depressive-like behavior in postnatal day (P) 20 pre-pubescent mice. Additionally, sensory neocortical area connectivity using dye tracing, neocortical gene expression using in situ RNA hybridization, and spine density of spiny stellate cells in the somatosensory cortex using Golgi-Cox staining were examined in mice at P20.

Results: We found that PrEE induces behavioral abnormalities including abnormal sensorimotor processing, increased risk-taking behavior, and increased depressive-like behaviors that extend to the F3 generation in 20-day old mice. Assessment of both somatosensory and visual cortical connectivity, as well as cortical RZRβ expression in pre-pubescent mice yielded no significant differences among any experimental generations. In contrast, only directly-exposed F1 mice displayed altered cortical expression of Id2 and decreased spine density among layer IV spiny stellate cells in somatosensory cortex at this pre-pubescent, post weaning age.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that robust, clinically-relevant behavioral abnormalities are passed transgenerationally to the offspring of mice directly exposed to prenatal ethanol. Additionally, in contrast to our previous findings in the newborn PrEE mouse, a lack of transgenerational findings within the brain at this later age illuminates the critical need for future studies to attempt to discover the link between neurological function and the described behavioral changes. Overall, our study suggests that multi-generational effects of PrEE may have a substantial impact on human behavior as well as health and well-being and that these effects likely extend beyond early childhood.
Molecular Characterization, Tumor Microenvironment Association, and Drug Susceptibility of DNA Methylation-Driven Genes in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jinpeng , Zhang Wei , Hou Wenbin , Zhao Enyang , Li Xuedong
Published: March 2022

Accumulating evidence suggests that DNA methylation has essential roles in the development of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Aberrant DNA methylation acts as a vital role in RCC progression through regulating the gene expression, yet little is known about the role of methylation and its association with prognosis in RCC. The purpose of this study is to explore the DNA methylation-driven genes for establishing prognostic-related molecular clusters and providing a basis for survival prediction. In this study, 5,198 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 270 DNA methylation-driven genes were selected to obtain 146 differentially expressed DNA methylation-driven genes (DEMDGs). Two clusters were distinguished by consensus clustering using 146 DEMDGs. We further evaluated the immune status of two clusters and selected 106 DEGs in cluster 1. Cluster-based immune status analysis and functional enrichment analysis of 106 DEGs provide new insights for the development of RCC. To predict the prognosis of patients with RCC, a prognostic model based on eight DEMDGs was constructed. The patients were divided into high-risk groups and low-risk groups based on their risk scores. The predictive nomogram and the web-based survival rate calculator (http://127.0.0.1:3496) were built to validate the predictive accuracy of the prognostic model. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to annotate the signaling pathways in which the genes are enriched. The correlation of the risk score with clinical features, immune status, and drug susceptibility was also evaluated. These results suggested that the prognostic model might be a promising prognostic tool for RCC and might facilitate the management of patients with RCC.
VHL-P138R and VHL-L163R Novel Variants: Mechanisms of VHL Pathogenicity Involving HIF-Dependent and HIF-Independent Actions
Authors: Mathó Cecilia , Fernández María Celia , Bonanata Jenner , Liu Xian-De , Martin Ayelen , Vieites Ana , Sansó Gabriela , Barontini Marta , Jonasch Eric , Coitiño E. Laura , Pennisi Patricia Alejandra
Published: March 2022

The von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome caused by mutations in the VHL tumor suppressor gene. VHL protein (pVHL) forms a complex (VBC) with Elongins B-C, Cullin2, and Rbx1. Although other functions have been discovered, the most described function of pVHL is to recognize and target hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) for degradation. This work comprises the functional characterization of two novel variants of the VHL gene (P138R and L163R) that have been described in our center in patients with VHL disease by in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. In vitro, we found that these variants have a significantly shorter half-life compared to wild-type VHL but still form a functional VBC complex. Altered fibronectin deposition was evidenced for both variants using immunofluorescence. In vivo studies revealed that both variants failed to suppress tumor growth. By means of molecular dynamics simulations, we inspected in silico the nature of the changes introduced by each variant in the VBC complex. We have demonstrated the pathogenicity of P138R and L163R novel variants, involving HIF-dependent and HIF-independent mechanisms. These results provide the basis for future studies regarding the impact of structural alterations on posttranslational modifications that drive pVHL’s fate and functions.
Deposition Flux, Stocks of C, N, P, S, and Their Ecological Stoichiometry in Coastal Wetlands With Three Plant Covers
Authors: Du Shudong , Bai Junhong , Zhao Qingqing , Wang Chen , Guan Yanan , Jia Jia , Zhang Guangliang , Yan Chongyu
Published: March 2022

The depositional flux of coastal wetlands and the deposition rate of biogenic elements greatly affect the carbon sink storage. Ecological stoichiometry is an important ecological indicator, which can simply and intuitively indicate the biogeochemical cycle process of the region. This study investigated the soil deposition flux, stocks, and ecological stoichiometric ratios of C, N, P, and S under different water and salt conditions based on 137Cs dating technology in the Yellow River Delta (YRD) of China. The results showed that the deposition fluxes were 0.38 cm/year for PV wetlands, 1.08 cm/yr for PA wetlands, and 1.06 cm/yr for SS wetlands. Similarly, PA wetlands showed higher deposition fluxes of C, N, and S compared with SS and PV wetlands. PA wetlands had higher stocks of C (5.86 kg/m2), N (0.36 kg/m2) and S (0.36 kg/m2) in the top 1-m soil layer compared with PV and SS wetlands. However, the highest deposition rate of P (9.82 g/yr/m2) was observed in SS wetlands among the three wetlands. Three accumulative hotspots of C, N, and S in soil profiles of PA and SS wetlands were observed at soil depths of 0–10, 40–60, and 90–100 cm, whereas one accumulative hotspot of P was at the soil depth of 10–12 cm in SS wetlands and 80–82 cm in PA wetlands. PV wetlands showed higher accumulations of C, P, and S in the top 10 cm soil layer and N at the soil depth of 90–100 cm. The higher top concentration factors in these three wetlands indicated that the dominant input of plant residues was the main reason. The ratios of C/N and C/N/P of each sampling site were higher in the surface soils and decreased with depth. The ratios of C/P and N/P were larger in the surface layer (0–20 cm), the middle layer (40–60 cm), and the deep layer (90–100 cm). The ratios of N/P and C/N/P were relatively lower, indicating that these studied wetlands were N-limited ecosystems. The results implied that the coastal wetlands in the YRD have huge storage potential of biogenic elements as blue carbon ecosystems.
Migration Route Reconstruction of Different Cohorts of Ommastrephes bartramii in the North Pacific Based on Statolith Microchemistry
Authors: Han Peiwu , Fang Zhou , Li Nan , Chen Xinjun
Published: March 2022

Ommastrephes bartramii is one of the important commercial fishery species in the North Pacific Ocean. It always migrates for a long distance in order to spawning and feeding. Understanding its migration route can be the basis for the sustainable development of the fisheries and scientific management of this species. Cephalopod statoliths contain a wealth of ecological information, which can provide useful information for studying spatio-temporal distribution. In this study, the statolith elements of winter-spring and autumn cohorts of O. bartramii in the North Pacific Ocean were measured by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The differences in both composition and concentrations of elements between winter-spring and autumn cohorts were analyzed and the migration route were reconstructed. The analysis showed that the highest concentrations of elements in different cohorts was calcium (Ca). The concentrations of Ca, strontium (Sr), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), barium (Ba), and lithium (Li) showed significant differences between two cohorts (P < 0.01). Mg, Ba, Sr, and Na were selected as the key elements in the two cohorts based on random forest method. Five clusters were obtained through chronological clustering, representing the five ontogenetic stages. Different cohorts selected different elements to fit the regression model with the corresponding water temperature. The high probability of occurrence in a particular area represented the possible optimal squid location based on a Bayesian model, and the potential migration routes of the different cohorts were reconstructed. This study shows that statoliths microchemistry can provide useful information for identifying the distribution and migration of oceanic squid.
A Large-Scale Genome-Based Survey of Acidophilic Bacteria Suggests That Genome Streamlining Is an Adaption for Life at Low pH
Authors: Cortez Diego , Neira Gonzalo , González Carolina , Vergara Eva , Holmes David S.
Published: March 2022

The genome streamlining theory suggests that reduction of microbial genome size optimizes energy utilization in stressful environments. Although this hypothesis has been explored in several cases of low-nutrient (oligotrophic) and high-temperature environments, little work has been carried out on microorganisms from low-pH environments, and what has been reported is inconclusive. In this study, we performed a large-scale comparative genomics investigation of more than 260 bacterial high-quality genome sequences of acidophiles, together with genomes of their closest phylogenetic relatives that live at circum-neutral pH. A statistically supported correlation is reported between reduction of genome size and decreasing pH that we demonstrate is due to gene loss and reduced gene sizes. This trend is independent from other genome size constraints such as temperature and G + C content. Genome streamlining in the evolution of acidophilic bacteria is thus supported by our results. The analyses of predicted Clusters of Orthologous Genes (COG) categories and subcellular location predictions indicate that acidophiles have a lower representation of genes encoding extracellular proteins, signal transduction mechanisms, and proteins with unknown function but are enriched in inner membrane proteins, chaperones, basic metabolism, and core cellular functions. Contrary to other reports for genome streamlining, there was no significant change in paralog frequencies across pH. However, a detailed analysis of COG categories revealed a higher proportion of genes in acidophiles in the following categories: “replication and repair,” “amino acid transport,” and “intracellular trafficking”. This study brings increasing clarity regarding the genomic adaptations of acidophiles to life at low pH while putting elements, such as the reduction of average gene size, under the spotlight of streamlining theory.
The Change of Cytokines and Gut Microbiome in Preterm Infants for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Zhang Zhenjie , Jiang Jingjing , Li Zhenghong , Wan Weilin
Published: March 2022

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a devastating form of chronic lung disease that develops in preterm infants. BPD is speculated to arise from abnormal inflammatory responses, which is related to the composition of commensal microbiota, leading us to hypothesize that BPD susceptibility could be influenced by gut microbiota through inflammatory responses. This study is aimed to detect cytokines and the differences in fecal gut microbial composition in the BPD patients.

Methods

Between June 2018 and June 2020, preterm infants born at gestational age ≤30 weeks were recruited. The clinical data of infant characteristics were collected. On days 3–7 and 14–28 after birth, fresh stool samples and serum were collected. The gut microbiota composition between the BPD group and controls was detected by 16S rRNA sequencing. On days 3–7 and days 14–28, ten cytokines including IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were detected in the serum.

Results

This study enrolled 38 preterm infants; the number of preterm infants in the BPD group and control group was, respectively, 18 and 20. The gestational age (27.4 ± 1.5 weeks vs. 29.5 ± 0.9 weeks, p = 0.000) and birth weight (971 ± 240 g vs. 1262 ± 335 g, p = 0.000) of the BPD group were lower than those of the control group. The present study found that the BPD group had high levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, whereas IL-10 was decreased. The Shannon diversity index of the BPD group was lower. The relative abundances of Proteobacteria in BPD group increased significantly from days 3–7 to days 14–28, while the Firmicutes was decreased. On days 14–28, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria in BPD group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the Firmicutes was lower.

Conclusion

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia could be influenced by gut microbiota through inflammatory responses. More studies are needed to explore the imbalance of cytokines and microbiome in BPD infants and whether it could be reversed by probiotics. This study provided a novel perspective for treating BPD.
Fusion Protein Cleavage Site Containing Three Basic Amino Acids Attenuates Newcastle Disease Virus in Chicken Embryos: Use as an in ovo Vaccine
Authors: Feng Helong , Shang Yu , Li Li , Sun Xiuxiu , Fan Sanling , Ren Xiangfei , Xu Yingying , Zeng Zhe , Hu Xingxing , Cheng Guofu , Wen Guoyuan
Published: March 2022

In ovovaccination is an attractive immunization strategy for the poultry industry. However, although most live Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine strains, such as LaSota and V4, can be used after hatching, they are pathogenic to chicken embryos when administeredin ovo. We have previously reported that NDV strain TS09-C is a safein ovovaccine in specific-pathogen-free and commercial chicken embryos because it is attenuated in chicken embryos. However, the molecular basis of its attenuation is poorly understood. In this study, we firstly evaluated the safety of chimeric NDV strains after exchanging genes between strains TS09-C and LaSota asin ovovaccines, and demonstrated that the attenuation of NDV in chicken embryos was dependent upon the origin of the fusion (F) protein. Next, by comparing the F protein sequences of TS09-C strain with those of LaSota and V4 strain, the R115 in cleavage site and F379 were found to be unique to TS09-C strain. The mutant viruses were generated by substituting one or two amino acids at position 115 and 379 in the F protein, and their safety asin ovovaccine was evaluated. Mutation in residue 379 did not affect the viral embryonic pathogenicity. While the mutant virus rTS-2B (R115G mutation based on the backbone of TS09-C strain) with two basic amino acids in F cleavage site, was pathogenic to chicken embryos and similar with rLaSota in its tissue tropism, differing markedly from rTS09-C with three basic amino acids in F cleavage site. Together, these findings indicate that the F protein cleavage site containing three basic amino acids is the crucial determinant of the attenuation of TS09-C in chicken embryos. This study extends our understanding of the pathogenicity of NDV in chicken embryos and should expedite the development ofin ovovaccines against NDV.
The HipAB Toxin–Antitoxin System Stabilizes a Composite Genomic Island in Shewanella putrefaciens CN-32
Authors: Zhao Yi , Wang Weiquan , Yao Jianyun , Wang Xiaoxue , Liu Dong , Wang Pengxia
Published: March 2022

Composite genomic islands (GIs) are useful models for studying GI evolution if they can revert into the previous components. In this study, CGI48—a 48,135-bp native composite GI that carries GI21, whose homologies specifically integrated in the conserved yicC gene—were identified in Shewanella putrefaciens CN-32. CGI48 was integrated into the tRNATrp gene, which is a conserved gene locus for the integration of genomic islands in Shewanella. Upon expressing integrase and excisionase, CGI48 and GI21 are excised from chromosomes via site-specific recombination. The shorter attachment sites of GI21 facilitated the capture of GI21 into CGI48. Moreover, GI21 encodes a functional HipAB toxin–antitoxin system, thus contributing to the maintenance of CGI48 in the host bacteria. This study provides new insights into GI evolution by performing the excision process of the inserting GI and improves our understanding of the maintenance mechanisms of composite GI.
Changes in EEG Activity Following Live Z-Score Training Predict Changes in Persistent Post-concussive Symptoms: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Hershaw Jamie N. , Hill-Pearson Candace A.
Published: March 2022

A specific variant of neurofeedback therapy (NFT), Live Z-Score Training (LZT), can be configured to not target specific EEG frequencies, networks, or regions of the brain, thereby permitting implicit and flexible modulation of EEG activity. In this exploratory analysis, the relationship between post-LZT changes in EEG activity and self-reported symptom reduction is evaluated in a sample of patients with persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS). Penalized regressions were used to identify EEG metrics associated with changes in physical, cognitive, and affective symptoms; the predictive capacity of EEG variables selected by the penalized regressions were subsequently validated using linear regression models. Post-treatment changes in theta/alpha ratio predicted reduction in pain intensity and cognitive symptoms and changes in beta-related power metrics predicted improvements in affective symptoms. No EEG changes were associated with changes in a majority of physical symptoms. These data highlight the potential for NFT to target specific EEG patterns to provide greater treatment precision for PPCS patients. This exploratory analysis is intended to promote the refinement of NFT treatment protocols to improve outcomes for patients with PPCS.
The Acceptability, Feasibility, and Utility of Portable Electroencephalography to Study Resting-State Neurophysiology in Rural Communities
Authors: Bhavnani Supriya , Parameshwaran Dhanya , Sharma Kamal Kant , Mukherjee Debarati , Divan Gauri , Patel Vikram , Thiagarajan Tara C.
Published: March 2022

Electroencephalography (EEG) provides a non-invasive means to advancing our understanding of the development and function of the brain. However, the majority of the world’s population residing in low and middle income countries has historically been limited from contributing to, and thereby benefiting from, such neurophysiological research, due to lack of scalable validated methods of EEG data collection. In this study, we establish a standard operating protocol to collect approximately 3 min each of eyes-open and eyes-closed resting-state EEG data using a low-cost portable EEG device in rural households through formative work in the community. We then evaluate the acceptability of these EEG assessments to young children and feasibility of administering them through non-specialist workers. Finally, we describe properties of the EEG recordings obtained using this novel approach to EEG data collection. The formative phase was conducted with 9 families which informed protocols for consenting, child engagement strategies and data collection. The protocol was then implemented on 1265 families. 977 children (Mean age = 38.8 months, SD = 0.9) and 1199 adults (Mean age = 27.0 years, SD = 4) provided resting-state data for this study. 259 children refused to wear the EEG cap or removed it, and 58 children refused the eyes-closed recording session. Hardware or software issues were experienced during 30 and 25 recordings in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions respectively. Disturbances during the recording sessions were rare and included participants moving their heads, touching the EEG headset with their hands, opening their eyes within the eyes-closed recording session, and presence of loud sounds in the testing environment. Similar to findings in laboratory-based studies from high-income settings, the percentage of recordings which showed an alpha peak was higher in eyes-closed than eyes-open condition, with the peak occurring most frequently in electrodes at O1 and O2 positions, and the mean frequency of the alpha peak was found to be lower in children (8.43 Hz, SD = 1.73) as compared to adults (10.71 Hz, SD = 3.96). We observed a deterioration in the EEG signal with prolonged device usage. This study demonstrates the acceptability, feasibility and utility of conducting EEG research at scale in a rural low-resource community, while highlighting its potential limitations, and offers the impetus needed to further refine the methods and devices and validate such scalable methods to overcome existing research inequity.
Research Status and Future Development of Cochlear Reimplantation
Authors: Yao Xinyi , Liu Haotian , Si Jinyuan , Ding Xiuyong , Zhao Yu , Zheng Yun
Published: March 2022

Cochlear implants are the most successful sensory prostheses worldwide, and they can be useful for patients with severe and profound hearing impairment. However, various complications, including infection, pain, and device failure which is mainly due to falls and trauma, are associated with the use of cochlear implants. Reimplantation is required to replace the initial device in severe complications. Nevertheless, reimplantation can present certain surgical risks and may impose a significant economic and psychological burden on patients and their families; therefore, it requires greater attention and focus. This article presents a review of the literature on cochlear reimplantation and summarizes the current status, knowledge gaps, and future research directions on cochlear reimplantation. Since 1980s, cochlear reimplantation techniques can be considered to be relatively mature; however, some clinical and scientific problems remain unresolved, including the lack of a unified definition of cochlear reimplantation, non-standardized calculation of the reimplantation rat, and insufficient effect assessment. This review highlights the urgent need to establish an international consensus statement on cochlear reimplantation research to standardize the definition, calculation formulas of reimplantation rate, and follow-up systems.
Leveraging Joint Mechanics Simplifies the Neural Control of Movement
Authors: Ludvig Daniel , Whitmore Mariah W. , Perreault Eric J.
Published: March 2022

Behaviors we perform each day, such as manipulating an object or walking, require precise control of the interaction forces between our bodies and the environment. These forces are generated by muscle contractions, specified by the nervous system, and by joint mechanics, determined by the intrinsic properties of the musculoskeletal system. Depending on behavioral goals, joint mechanics might simplify or complicate control of movement by the nervous system. Whether humans can exploit joint mechanics to simplify neural control remains unclear. Here we evaluated if leveraging joint mechanics simplifies neural control by comparing performance in three tasks that required subjects to generate specified torques about the ankle during imposed sinusoidal movements; only one task required torques that could be generated by leveraging the intrinsic mechanics of the joint. The complexity of the neural control was assessed by subjects’ perceived difficulty and the resultant task performance. We developed a novel approach that used continuous estimates of ankle impedance, a quantitative description of the joint mechanics, and measures of muscle activity to determine the mechanical and neural contributions to the net ankle torque generated in each task. We found that the torque resulting from changes in neural control was reduced when ankle impedance was consistent with the task being performed. Subjects perceived this task to be easier than those that were not consistent with the impedance of the ankle and were able to perform it with the highest level of consistency across repeated trials. These results demonstrate that leveraging the mechanical properties of a joint can simplify task completion and improve performance.
A de novo PUM1 Variant in a Girl With a Dravet-Like Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ye Yuanzhen , Hu Zhanqi , Mai Jiahui , Chen Li , Cao Dezhi , Liao Jianxiang , Duan Jing
Published: March 2022

In the recent 3 years, subjects with Pumilio1-associated developmental disability, ataxia, and seizure syndrome have been identified as harboring Pumilio homolog 1 (PUM1) mutations. However, the characteristics of the seizure phenotype remain to be elucidated. We herein described a 3-year-old female proband who was diagnosed with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy presenting with some features suggestive of a Dravet-like syndrome. For genetic analyses, trio-based whole-exome sequencing and array comparative genomic hybridization were performed. Consequently, a de novo heterozygous missense variant was identified in exon 22 of the PUM1 gene: NM_001020658: c.3439C > T (p.Arg1147Trp). Upon thoroughly reviewing the existing literature, nine cases of PUM1 mutation-related epilepsy were identified, and their clinical features were summarized. A relationship between PUM1 mutation and clinical manifestations characteristic of a Dravet-like syndrome was proposed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with PUM1 mutation presenting with a Dravet-like syndrome.
Prognostic Observational Analysis of BMI, Leptin, and Adiponectin in Children With Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Undergoing Remission-Induction Chemotherapy
Authors: Sun Jing , Zhang Ru , Tang Jianjun , Wu Xuedong , Zhu Lu , Huang Haiying , Chen Huimin , Xiao Minhua , Luo Hongfeng , Zheng Haiqing , Chen Jiaqi
Published: March 2022

Background

The survival rate of children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has progressively improved. However, ALL survivors often have adverse effects after treatment, such as an increased risk of obesity. Obesity has been associated with reduced survival.

Objective

We investigated the relationship between obesity, adipocytokine levels, and ALL short-term outcomes.

Methods

Weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated at patient diagnosis and discharge. Leptin and Adiponectin levels and Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) were measured before therapy, at days 19 of remission-induction therapy, and at the end of remission-induction therapy (days 46). The relationship between BMI, adipocytokine levels, and MRD was then determined.

Results

Compared to the normal BMI group, children with an abnormal increase in BMI had an increase in MRD at day 19 and 46 (P = 0.04 and P = 0.008), and showed a positive correlation (P = 0.014). In addition, we found a positive correlation between weight, hip circumference at diagnosis and at day 19, and MRD at day 46. Both BMI and fat concentric distribution affected the outcome of ALL children. A higher BMI was also associated with a significant increase in Leptin levels at diagnosis. Leptin resistance should be considered in ALL children with high BMI.

Conclusion

BMI affects the outcome of ALL patients. Early interventions such as regular weight, height monitoring, and dietary assessments should be preferably initiated during remission-induction chemotherapy.
Training in Pediatric Surgical Oncology
Authors: Losty Paul D.
Published: March 2022

Pediatric Surgical Oncology is a challenging sub-speciality field requiring strong discipline, resilience and a “never quit” attitude. Pediatric cancer patients are frail, vulnerable and have life limiting illness were the skill(s) of the operating surgeon may determine “cure” and survival or untimely death from inadequate tumor resection with disease progression and / or “never event” misadventure. It could be stated therefore that a career in surgical oncology may not be for the “faint hearted” surgeon. Training in a high volume center(s) accredited in the delivery of high quality care and clinical excellence driven by inspirational leaders in surgical oncology with motivated multidisciplinary teams is key. International surgery oncology fellowship(s) add significant credits to a residents' clinical training crucially also yielding opportunities for gaining research skills. On the journey toward subspeciality accreditation the aspiring surgeon oncologist must first demonstrate skill set(s) proficiency in general pediatric surgery residency training to advance to the next phase(s). This article offers a “snap shot” overview synopsis of pediatric surgical oncology training in its broadest perspective(s) for those seeking further information and career guidance.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Jing Guan Fang for Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection: From Clinical Observation to Basic Research
Authors: Ping Yueh-Hsin , Yeh Hsin , Chu Li-Wei , Lin Zhi-Hu , Hsu Yin-Chieh , Lin Lie-Chwen , Hsu Chung-Hua , Fu Shu-Ling , Lin Tung-Yi
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 is a global epidemic. Developing adjuvant therapies which could prevent the virus from binding to cells may impair viral infection. This study produces a traditional Chinese medicine formula, Jing Guan Fang (JGF), based on ancient medical texts, and examines the efficacy and the mechanism by which JGF prevents viral infections. JGF reduces COVID-19 like symptoms. Functional studies show that JGF inhibits the formation of syncytium and reduces the formation of viral plaque. JGF is not toxic in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, JGF induces lysosomal-dependent ACE2 degradation and suppresses mRNA and the protein levels of TMPRSS2 in human lung WI-38 and MRC-5 cells. Mice that inhale JGF exhibit reduced ACE2 and TMPRSS2 protein levels in lung tissues. Together, these findings suggest that JGF may improve the COVID-19 like symptoms and inhibit viral infection. Moreover, JGF may be applicable as an adjuvant preventive strategy against SARS-CoV-2 infection in addition to the use of vaccines.
Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on the Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Jiang Yang , Zhao Qi , Li Lin , Huang Shumin , Yi Shuai , Hu Zhixi
Published: March 2022

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the health care system developed with the help of clinical trials that are based ideally on the scientific model of regulation.

Objective: This systematic health care system relies on some specific unique theories and practical experiences to treat and cure diseases, thus enhancing the public’s health.

Review Methodology: The current review covers the available literature from 2000 to 2021. The data was collected from journals research articles, published books, thesis, and electronic databases, search engines such as Google Scholar, Elsevier, EBSCO, PMC, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Willey Online Library, Springer Link, and CNKI) searching key terms, cardiovascular disease, traditional Chinese medicines, natural products, and bioactive compounds. Full-length articles and abstracts were screened for the collection of information included in the paper.

Results: Clinical trials on the TCM and basic research carried out on its mechanism and nature have led to the application and development of the perfect design of the research techniques, for example, twofold striking in acupuncture that aid in overcoming the limitations and resistances in integrating and applicability of these experiences and trials into the pre-existing biomedical models. Furthermore, TCM has also been utilized from ancient times to treat heart diseases in Asia, particularly in China, and is now used by people in many other areas. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is mainly developed by oxidative stress. Hence antioxidants can be beneficial in treating this particular disease. TCM has a wide variety of antioxidant components.

Conclusion: The current review article summarizes the underlying therapeutic property of TCM and its mechanism. It also overviews the evidence of the mechanism of TCM action in CVD prevention by controlling oxidative stress and its signaling pathway.
Stewed Rhubarb Decoction Ameliorates Adenine-Induced Chronic Renal Failure in Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis
Authors: Wang Rui , Hu Baifei , Ye Cheng , Zhang Zhigang , Yin Mingzhu , Cao Qiushi , Ba Yuanming , Liu Hongtao
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Stewed Rhubarb (SR) decoction on chronic renal failure (CRF) through the regulation of gut microbiota. Using a CRF mouse model induced by a 0.2% adenine diet, we proved that SR decoction (2.0 g crude SR/kg) significantly reduced the levels of urea and creatinine in plasma of CRF mice, accompanied by the improvement of renal fibrosis and tubular atrophy, amelioration of inflammation, and inhibition of aquaporins damage. Also, SR decoction alleviated gut barrier damage, indicative of the elevated mRNA expression of intestinal mucins and tight junctions. By 16S rDNA sequencing, SR decoction reshaped the imbalanced gut microbiota in CRF mice by statistically reversing the abundance changes of a wide range of intestinal bacteria at family and genus levels, which further led to balance in the production of intestinal metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (acetic acid, propionic acid, and valeric acid), indole, and bile acids (TUDCA and CDCA). Inversely, SR decoction failed to repress the occurrence of CRF in mice with gut microbiota depletion, confirming the essential role of gut microbiota in SR decoction-initiated protection against CRF. In summary, SR decoction can improve adenine-induced CRF in mice by remolding the structure of destructed gut microbiota community. Our findings shed light on the clinical application of SR decoction in nephropathy treatment.