bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Struggle over Recognition and Nonrecognition: The Internationalization of the Abkhaz State University
Authors: Coppieters Bruno
Published: September 2021

The Abkhaz State University (ASU) is internationally isolated, despite its cooperation with universities in Russia. Georgia combines its refusal to recognize Abkhaz statehood with a policy of nonrecognition of its university, which sets the direction for other countries. But the Abkhaz policies of nonrecognition are also to be taken into account. Abkhazia opposes any form of internationalization of the ASU generating closer ties with Georgia. The article examines how the Georgian and Abkhaz policies of nonrecognition hamper the internationalization of the ASU within the European educational space. It explores a conflict on recognition and nonrecognition of status and identity, where status does not refer exclusively to statehood. In the field of higher education, European integration involves a large number of state and nonstate actors in 49 countries and a wide variety of forms of recognition and nonrecognition, ranging from the certification of individual qualifications and the publication of lists of unrecognized universities, to the setting up of joint educational programs. This integration process is largely state driven but based on the principle of the institutional autonomy of universities. Using the ASU as a case study, the way that policies on nonrecognition affect status in the field of higher education is examined.
Prevalence of arytenoid adduction asymmetry in normophonic speakers: a retrospective study
Authors: Raviraj Arya , Menon J K R
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study aimed to assess the incidence and severity of arytenoid adduction asymmetry in normophonic speakers and to identify related demographic characteristics.

Method

A retrospective observational clinical study on normophonic patients was conducted. Videos of flexible laryngoscopy of the study group (aged 18 to 45 years) were reviewed. Arytenoid adduction asymmetry, if present, was graded as mild (grade 1), moderate (grade 2) and severe (grade 3).

Results

Video recordings of 347 normophonic patients were analysed. The total prevalence of arytenoid adduction asymmetry was 36.4 per cent, with a predominance in males and on the right side. Right-sided predominance was statistically significant (p< 0.01). A total of 60.3 per cent of patients with arytenoid adduction asymmetry had only mild asymmetry, whereas 34.9 per cent had moderate asymmetry. Only 4.8 per cent showed severe asymmetry.

Conclusion

Arytenoid adduction asymmetry is found in more than one third of the normophonic population, has significant right-sided preponderance and was more common in males.
Trypanosoma rangeli infection increases the exposure and predation endured by Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Marliére Newmar Pinto , Lorenzo Marcelo Gustavo , Guarneri Alessandra Aparecida
Published: September 2021

Trypanosoma rangeli is a protozoan that infects triatomines and mammals in Latin America, sharing hosts with Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Trypanosoma rangeli does not cause disease to humans but is strongly pathogenic to its invertebrate hosts, increasing mortality rates and affecting bug development and reproductive success. We have previously shown that this parasite is also capable of inducing a general increase in the locomotory activity of its vector Rhodnius prolixus in the absence of host cues. In this work, we have evaluated whether infection impacts the insect–vertebrate host interaction. For this, T. rangeli-infected and uninfected R. prolixus nymphs were released in glass arenas offering single shelters. After a 3-day acclimatization, a caged mouse was introduced in each arena and shelter use and predation rates were evaluated. Trypanosoma rangeli infection affected all parameters analysed. A larger number of infected bugs was found outside shelters, both in the absence and presence of a host. Infected bugs also endured greater predation rates, probably because of an increased number of individuals that attempted to feed. Interestingly, mice that predated on infected bugs did not develop T. rangeli infection, suggesting that the oral route is not effective for these parasites, at least in our system. Finally, a smaller number of infected bugs succeeded in feeding in this context. We suggest that, although T. rangeli is not transmitted orally, an increase in the proportion of foraging individuals would promote greater parasite transmission rates through an increased frequency of very effective infected-bug bites.
The conversions of ʿAbdallāh ibn Salām (d. 43/633): A legendary moment in the biography of Muḥammad's Jewish companion
Authors: Stafford Samuel A.
Published: September 2021

The Jewish scholar ʿAbdallāh b. Salām is a legendary figure from early Islam who is regarded in Islamic tradition as the archetypal Jewish convert to Islam during the Prophet's career, the pre-eminent authority on Jewish scriptures in seventh-century Arabia, and a renowned Companion. This study examines the traditions on Ibn Salām's conversion that were recorded in the biographical literature and Quranic commentaries of classical Islam and identifies the literary tropes from Muḥammad's biography featured in these traditions. Scrutiny of the evidence shows that the reports on the date and circumstances of Ibn Salām's conversion were shaped by a number of factors, including, the biases of his descendants, Quranic exegesis, and anti-Jewish polemics. Ibn Salām's legendary conversion served as a vehicle for diverse groups of Muslims to promote their doctrines and supply the Prophet with Biblical legitimacy.
Robust adaptive controller–observer scheme for robot manipulators: a Bernstein–Stancu approach
Authors: Izadbakhsh Alireza , Nikdel Nazila
Published: September 2021

This article introduces a robust adaptive controller–observer structure for robotic manipulators such that the need for joints speed measurement is removed. Besides, it is presumed that the system model has uncertainties and is subject to disturbances, and the proposed method must eliminate the impact of these factors on the system response. According to this, for the first time in the robotics field, a model-free scheme is developed based on the Bernstein–Stancu polynomial. The universal approximation property of the Bernstein–Stancu polynomial enables it to accurately estimate the lumped uncertainty, including unmodeled dynamics and disturbances. Moreover, to increase the efficiency of the controller–observer structure, adaptive rules have been proposed to update polynomial coefficients. The boundedness of all system errors is proven using the Lyapunov theorem. Finally, the proposed robust Adaptive controller–observer is applied on a planer robot, and the results are precisely analyzed. The results of the proposed approach are also compared with two state-of-art powerful approximation methods.
The first epidemiological and virological influenza surveillance in the Republic of Guinea revealed the predominance of influenza A/H3N2 and B Victoria viruses
Authors: Keita Mamadou Bhoye , Pierre Fenano , Ndjomou Jean , Traoré Bassala , Tohonamou Pepe , Soumaré Mafoudia , Mamadi Sidibé , Keita Moussa Aminata , Bile Célestin Ebi , Pallawo Raymond Bernard , Rajatonirina Soatiana Cathycia , Barry Ahmadou , Koivogui Lamine , Camara Robert , Touré Abdoulaye
Published: September 2021

Little is known about respiratory viruses infection in Guinea. Influenza surveillance has not been implemented in Guinea mainly because of the paucity of laboratory infrastructure and capacity. This paper presents the first influenza surveillance data in Guinea.

Swabs were obtained from August 2018 through December 2019 at influenza sentinel sites and transported to the Institut National de Santé Publique for testing. Ribonucleic acid was extracted and tested for the presence of influenza A and B by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Positive samples were further characterised to determine the subtypes and lineages of influenza viruses.

A total of 862 swabs were collected and tested. Twenty-three per cent of samples tested positive for influenza A and B viruses. Characterisation of positive specimens identified influenza A/H1N1pmd09 (2.5%), influenza A/H3N2 (57.3%), influenza B/Victoria lineage (36.7%) and 7 (3.5%) influenza B with undetermined lineage. Influenza B virus activity clustered in August through November while influenza A/H3N2 displayed two clusters of activities that appeared in May through August and November through December.

For the first time in Guinea, the epidemiology, diversity and period of circulation of influenza viruses were studied. The results indicate the predominance and the periods of activities of influenza B Victoria lineage and influenza A/H3N2 which are important information for preventive strategies. It is warranted to extend the influenza surveillance to other parts of Guinea to better understand the epidemiology of the viruses and monitor the emergence of influenza strains with pandemic potential.
ORDERS OF GROWTH AND GENERALIZED ENTROPY
Authors: Correa Javier , Pujals Enrique R.
Published: September 2021

We construct the complete set of orders of growth and define on it the generalized entropy of a dynamical system. With this object, we provide a framework wherein we can study the separation of orbits of a map beyond the scope of exponential growth. We show that this construction is particularly useful for studying families of dynamical systems with vanishing entropy. Moreover, we see that the space of orders of growth in which orbits are separated is wilder than expected. We achieve this with different types of examples.
Fetal Hemodynamic Responses to Arterial Occlusion of Acardiac Twins
Authors: Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Luewan Suchaya , Tongprasert Fuanglada , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Tongsong Theera
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study was to comprehensively assess fetal hemodynamic adaptions to occlusive procedures. Twin pregnancies complicated with acardiac twin and hydrops fetalis of the pump twin were recruited. The occlusive procedures — either alcoholization, radiofrequency ablation, coil embolization or occlusive glue — were performed under ultrasound guidance. Various hemodynamic parameters were assessed before, shortly after, then every 6 h for 48 h and 2−4 weeks after the procedures. Seven pregnancies were recruited. The median (range) gestational age of intervention was 21 (17−26) weeks of gestation. Before the procedures, all cases showed normal cardiac function. Just after the procedures, all cases showed an increase in Tei index and isovolumic relaxation time but returned to preocclusion levels within 6−48 h, except for two cases that were persistently high. Increased preload and poor shortening fraction were observed in two cases, leading to heart failure, with one recovery and one death in utero. Five out of the seven cases got through the critical period with a gradual return to normal hemodynamics, ending with the disappearance of hydrops and successful outcomes. It was concluded that the occlusive procedure could aggravate the overworked heart, leading to heart failure. Preocclusion preload index and Tei index may predict risk of heart failure due to the occlusion. This small series strongly suggests that the occlusion should be performed before the deterioration of cardiac function.
Dissolution Hotspots in Fractures
Authors: Hu Ran , Wang Ting , Yang Zhibing , Xiao Yang , Chen Yi‐Feng , Zhou Chuang‐Bing
Published: September 2021

The injection of reactive fluid into fractured reservoirs is relevant to many subsurface processes. During injection, fracture dissolution forms various patterns. Despite its importance, the evolution of geometries in radial fractures remains unexplored experimentally. Here, by flow‐visualization experiments, we characterize dissolution patterns and show that the patterns shift from compact to wormhole to uniform as flow rate increases. For the first time, we observe dissolution hotspots with maximum local dissolution rate in radial fractures, occurring at a distance from the inlet. We elucidate the key role of gravity for the occurrence of hotspots. The locations of hotspots correspond to the state that the effects of transport in the horizontal and vertical directions are comparable. We establish a theoretical model for predicting locations of hotspots in good agreement with experiments. This work demonstrates transitions of dissolution patterns in fractures and reveals the underlying mechanism for dissolution hotspots previously unidentified.
Prostate cancer castrate resistant progression usage of non-canonical androgen receptor signaling and ketone body fuel
Authors: Labanca Estefania , Bizzotto Juan , Sanchis Pablo , Anselmino Nicolas , Yang Jun , Shepherd Peter D. A. , Paez Alejandra , Antico-Arciuch Valeria , Lage-Vickers Sofia , Hoang Anh G. , Tang Ximing , Raso Maria Gabriela , Titus Mark , Efstathiou Eleni , Cotignola Javier , Araujo John , Logothetis Christopher , Vazquez Elba , Navone Nora , Gueron Geraldine
Published: September 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) that progresses after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains incurable. The underlying mechanisms that account for the ultimate emergence of resistance to ADT, progressing to castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), include those that reactivate androgen receptor (AR), or those that are entirely independent or cooperate with androgen signaling to underlie PCa progression. The intricacy of metabolic pathways associated with PCa progression spurred us to develop a metabolism-centric analysis to assess the metabolic shift occurring in PCa that progresses with low AR expression. We used PCa patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) to assess the metabolic changes after castration of tumor-bearing mice and subsequently confirmed main findings in human donor tumor that progressed after ADT. We found that relapsed tumors had a significant increase in fatty acids and ketone body (KB) content compared with baseline. We confirmed that critical ketolytic enzymes (ACAT1, OXCT1, BDH1) were dysregulated after castrate-resistant progression. Further, these enzymes are increased in the human donor tissue after progressing to ADT. In an in silico approach, increased ACAT1, OXCT1, BDH1 expression was also observed for a subset of PCa patients that relapsed with low AR and ERG (ETS-related gene) expression. Further, expression of these factors was also associated with decreased time to biochemical relapse and decreased progression-free survival. Our studies reveal the key metabolites fueling castration resistant progression in the context of a partial or complete loss of AR dependence.
Mutant collagen COL11A1 enhances cancerous invasion
Authors: Lee Carolyn S. , Siprashvili Zurab , Mah Angela , Bencomo Tomas , Elcavage Lara E. , Che Yonglu , Shenoy Rajani M. , Aasi Sumaira Z. , Khavari Paul A.
Published: September 2021

Collagens are the most abundant proteins in the body and comprise the basement membranes and stroma through which cancerous invasion occurs; however, a pro-neoplastic function for mutant collagens is undefined. Here we identify COL11A1 mutations in 66 of 100 cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs), the second most common U.S. cancer, concentrated in a triple helical region known to produce trans-dominant collagens. Analysis of COL11A1 and other collagen genes found that they are mutated across common epithelial malignancies. Knockout of mutant COL11A1 impairs cSCC tumorigenesis in vivo. Compared to otherwise genetically identical COL11A1 wild-type tissue, gene-edited mutant COL11A1 skin is characterized by induction of β1 integrin targets and accelerated neoplastic invasion. In mosaic tissue, mutant COL11A1 cells enhanced invasion by neighboring wild-type cells. These results suggest that specific collagens are commonly mutated in cancer and that mutant collagens may accelerate this process.
Codon optimality in cancer
Authors: Gillen Sarah L. , Waldron Joseph A. , Bushell Martin
Published: September 2021

A key characteristic of cancer cells is their increased proliferative capacity, which requires elevated levels of protein synthesis. The process of protein synthesis involves the translation of codons within the mRNA coding sequence into a string of amino acids to form a polypeptide chain. As most amino acids are encoded by multiple codons, the nucleotide sequence of a coding region can vary dramatically without altering the polypeptide sequence of the encoded protein. Although mutations that do not alter the final amino acid sequence are often thought of as silent/synonymous, these can still have dramatic effects on protein output. Because each codon has a distinct translation elongation rate and can differentially impact mRNA stability, each codon has a different degree of ‘optimality’ for protein synthesis. Recent data demonstrates that the codon preference of a transcriptome matches the abundance of tRNAs within the cell and that this supply and demand between tRNAs and mRNAs varies between different cell types. The largest observed distinction is between mRNAs encoding proteins associated with proliferation or differentiation. Nevertheless, precisely how codon optimality and tRNA expression levels regulate cell fate decisions and their role in malignancy is not fully understood. This review describes the current mechanistic understanding on codon optimality, its role in malignancy and discusses the potential to target codon optimality therapeutically in the context of cancer.
Real-world outcomes of combined therapy of photodynamic therapy with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Liu Siyin , Chhabra Ramandeep
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To describe the real-world outcomes of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a rescue therapy in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy in a British cohort of patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of 53 eyes with PCV. Based on the timing of PDT, the eyes were stratified into two groups (9 in the Initial-PDT group, 44 in the Deferred group). The number of anti-VEGF injections/year and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after PDT were analysed. Multivariate regression model was created to identify factors predictive of visual outcome and treatment burden after PDT.

Results

The Deferred group received a mean of 9.4 injections/year but significantly reduced to 7.2 after PDT (p < 0.001). The Initial-PDT group required significantly fewer injections after PDT compared to the Deferred group (p = 0.004). The Deferred group experienced improvement in BCVA from 58.7 letters at baseline to 63.8 at 18-months follow-up (p < 0.001), but no significant increase was observed in the Initial-PDT group (p = 0.310). Better baseline BCVA is associated with higher likelihood of achieving good BCVA ≥ 70 letters after PDT (Odd Ratio=1.12, 95% CI: 1.03–1.21, p = 0.006), while increased number of anti-VEGF injections/year before PDT reduces the likelihood of easing treatment burden to ≥12 weeks apart between each injection after PDT (Odd Ratio=0.724, 95% CI: 0.58–0.91, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

PDT as a rescue therapy is beneficial in the long-term management of PCV, particularly in eyes that had experienced a significant period of prior exposure to anti-VEGF monotherapy.
Genetic purging in captive endangered ungulates with extremely low effective population sizes
Authors: López-Cortegano Eugenio , Moreno Eulalia , García-Dorado Aurora
Published: September 2021

Inbreeding threatens the survival of small populations by producing inbreeding depression, but also exposes recessive deleterious effects in homozygosis allowing for genetic purging. Using inbreeding-purging theory, we analyze early survival in four pedigreed captive breeding programs of endangered ungulates where population growth was prioritized so that most adult females were allowed to contribute offspring according to their fitness. We find evidence that purging can substantially reduce inbreeding depression in Gazella cuvieri (with effective population size Ne = 14) and Nanger dama (Ne = 11). No purging is detected in Ammotragus lervia (Ne = 4), in agreement with the notion that drift overcomes purging under fast inbreeding, nor in G. dorcas (Ne = 39) where, due to the larger population size, purging is slower and detection is expected to require more generations. Thus, although smaller populations are always expected to show smaller fitness (as well as less adaptive potential) than larger ones due to higher homozygosis and deleterious fixation, our results show that a substantial fraction of their inbreeding load and inbreeding depression can be purged when breeding contributions are governed by natural selection. Since management strategies intended to maximize the ratio from the effective to the actual population size tend to reduce purging, the search for a compromise between these strategies and purging could be beneficial in the long term. This could be achieved either by allowing some level of random mating and some role of natural selection in determining breeding contributions, or by undertaking reintroductions into the wild at the earliest opportunity.
Inhibition of serotonergic signaling induces higher consumption of both sucrose solution and toxic baits in carpenter ants
Authors: Josens Roxana , Giacometti Alina , Giurfa Martin
Published: September 2021

Biogenic amines play an important role in the regulation of appetitive responses in insects. Among them, serotonin (5-HT) regulates feeding-related processes in numerous insect species. In carpenter ants, 5-HT administration has been shown to depress feeding behavior, thus opening the possibility of using 5-HT modulation in control strategies against those species considered as pest. Here we studied if administration of a 5-HT antagonist, ketanserin, promotes feeding of a sucrose solution and a toxic bait in carpenter ants Camponotus mus. We found that 3 h after a single oral administration of ketanserin, the mass of sucrose solution consumed by carpenter ants increased significantly. A similar effect was found after a chronic administration that lasted 5 days. Yet, ketanserin did neither affect the intake rates nor the activity of the pharyngeal pump that mediates feeding dynamics. In addition, ketanserin promoted the consumption of a toxic bait based on boric acid. Our results thus show that feeding motivation and consumption of both sucrose solution and a toxic bait can be enhanced via prior administration of ketanserin. We discuss the possible mechanisms underlying these effects and conclude that understanding basic physiological and neural principles that underlie feeding motivation allows establishing more efficient control strategies for pest insects.
Sarcopenia adversely impacts postoperative complications in living-donor liver transplantation recipients
Authors: Wu Mei-Yun , Lim Wei-Xiong , Cheng Yu-Fan , Chang Ching-Di , Hsu Hsien-Wen , Lin Chih-Che , Chen Chao-Long , Chang Wan-Ching , Yu Chun-Yen , Tsang Leo Leung-Chit , Chuang Yi-Hsuan , Ou Hsin-You
Published: September 2021

Despite technological and immunological innovations, living-donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients still face substantial risk of postoperative complications. Sarcopenia is being recognized more and more as a biomarker that correlates with poor outcomes in surgical patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia and significant surgical complications in LDLT recipients. This retrospective review included patients who had received LDLT at our institute from 2005 to 2017. Sarcopenia was assessed using the psoas muscle index (PMI) in cross-sectional images. ROC curve analysis was used to determine the ability of PMI to predict postoperative complications. Correlations between major postoperative complications and sarcopenia were evaluated using regression analysis. A total of 271 LDLT recipients were included. No significant differences were found between PMI and major postoperative complications in male patients. Female recipients with major postoperative complications had significantly lower mean PMI values (P = 0.028), and the PMI cut-off value was 2.63 cm2/m2. Postoperative massive pleural effusion requiring pigtail drainage occurred more frequently in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group (P = 0.003). 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year overall survival rates in female were significantly poorer in the sarcopenia group (n = 14) compared with the non-sarcopenia group (n = 108), at 92.9% versus 97.2%, 85.7% versus 95.4%, 85.7% versus 92.5% and 70.1 versus 82.0%, respectively (P = 0.041) and 94.6%, 89.9%, 85.9% and 78.5% in male patients. Sarcopenia is associated with a significantly higher risk of major postoperative complications in females. PMI and sarcopenia together are predictive of major postoperative complications and survival rates in female LDLT recipients.
Phenotypic plasticity and a new small molecule are involved in a fungal-bacterial interaction
Authors: Andrade-Domínguez Andrés , Trejo-Hernández Abigail , Vargas-Lagunas Carmen , Encarnación-Guevara Sergio
Published: September 2021

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria have been extensively studied in the context of interactions with their host plants; however, little is known about the phenotypic plasticity of these microorganisms in nonmutualistic interactions with other eukaryotes. A dual-species coculture model was developed by using the plant symbiotic bacterium Rhizobium etli and the well-studied eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a tractable system to explore the molecular mechanisms used by R. etli in nonmutual interactions. Here, we show that the fungus promotes the growth of the bacterium and that together, these organisms form a mixed biofilm whose biomass is ~ 3 times greater and is more structured than that of either single-species biofilm. We found that these biofilm traits are dependent on a symbiotic plasmid encoding elements involved in the phenotypic plasticity of the bacterium, mitochondrial function and in the production of a yeast-secreted sophoroside. Interestingly, the promoters of 3 genes that are key in plant bacteria-interaction (nifH, fixA and nodA) were induced when R. etli coexists with yeast. These results show that investigating interactions between species that do not naturally coexist is a new approach to discover gene functions and specialized metabolites in model organisms.
Pathogenic genetic variants from highly connected cancer susceptibility genes confer the loss of structural stability
Authors: Reza Mahjerin Nasrin , Ferdous Nadim , Emon Md. Tabassum Hossain , Islam Md. Shariful , Mohiuddin A. K. M. , Hossain Mohammad Uzzal
Published: September 2021

Genetic polymorphisms in DNA damage repair and tumor suppressor genes have been associated with increasing the risk of several types of cancer. Analyses of putative functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in such genes can greatly improve human health by guiding choice of therapeutics. In this study, we selected nine genes responsible for various cancer types for gene enrichment analysis and found that BRCA1, ATM, and TP53 were more enriched in connectivity. Therefore, we used different computational algorithms to classify the nonsynonymous SNPs which are deleterious to the structure and/or function of these three proteins. The present study showed that the major pathogenic variants (V1687G and V1736G of BRCA1, I2865T and V2906A of ATM, V216G and L194H of TP53) might have a greater impact on the destabilization of the proteins. To stabilize the high-risk SNPs, we performed mutation site-specific molecular docking analysis and validated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and molecular mechanics/Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) studies. Additionally, SNPs of untranslated regions of these genes affecting miRNA binding were characterized. Hence, this study will assist in developing precision medicines for cancer types related to these polymorphisms.
Expression and clinical significance of IL7R, NFATc2, and RNF213 in familial and sporadic multiple sclerosis
Authors: Imani Seyedeh Zahra Hosseini , Hojati Zohreh , Khalilian Sheyda , Dehghanian Fariba , Kheirollahi Majid , Khorrami Mehdi , Shaygannejad Vahid , Mirmosayyeb Omid
Published: September 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system characterized by myelin loss and axonal dysfunction. Increased production of inflammatory factors such as cytokines has been implicated in axon destruction. In the present study, we compared the expression level of IL7R, NFATc2, and RNF213 genes in the peripheral blood of 72 MS patients (37 familial MS, 35 sporadic MS) and 74 healthy controls (34 individuals with a family history of the disease, 40 healthy controls without a family history) via Real-time PCR. Our results showed that the expression level of IL7R was decreased in the sporadic patients in comparison with other groups. Additionally, there was an increased NFATc2 expression level in MS patients versus healthy controls. Increased expression of NFATc2 in sporadic and familial groups compared to the controls, and familial group versus FDR was also seen. Our results also represented an increased expression level of RNF213 in familial patients as compared to the control group. The similar RNF213 expression between sporadic and control group, as well as FDR and familial group was also seen. Diagnostic evaluation was performed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and area under the curve (AUC) calculation. The correlation of clinical parameters including onset age and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) with our gene expression levels were also assessed. Overall, decreased expression level of IL7R in the sporadic cases and increased expression level of NFATc2 may be associated with the pathogenesis of MS disease. Confirmation of the effects of differential expression of RNF213 gene requires further studies in the wider statistical populations.
Genetic disruption of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite surface antigen 180 (PfMSA180) suggests an essential role during parasite egress from erythrocytes
Authors: Bahl Vanndita , Chaddha Kritika , Mian Syed Yusuf , Holder Anthony A. , Knuepfer Ellen , Gaur Deepak
Published: September 2021

Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for severe malaria, develops within erythrocytes. Merozoite invasion and subsequent egress of intraerythrocytic parasites are essential for this erythrocytic cycle, parasite survival and pathogenesis. In the present study, we report the essential role of a novel protein, P. falciparum Merozoite Surface Antigen 180 (PfMSA180), which is conserved across Plasmodium species and recently shown to be associated with the P. vivax merozoite surface. Here, we studied MSA180 expression, processing, localization and function in P. falciparum blood stages. Initially we examined its role in invasion, a process mediated by multiple ligand-receptor interactions and an attractive step for targeting with inhibitory antibodies through the development of a malaria vaccine. Using antibodies specific for different regions of PfMSA180, together with a parasite containing a conditional pfmsa180-gene knockout generated using CRISPR/Cas9 and DiCre recombinase technology, we demonstrate that this protein is unlikely to play a crucial role in erythrocyte invasion. However, deletion of the pfmsa180 gene resulted in a severe egress defect, preventing schizont rupture and blocking the erythrocytic cycle. Our study highlights an essential role of PfMSA180 in parasite egress, which could be targeted through the development of a novel malaria intervention strategy.
Anal human papillomavirus infection and its relationship with abnormal anal cytology among MSM with or without HIV infection in Japan
Authors: Shiojiri Daisuke , Mizushima Daisuke , Takano Misao , Watanabe Koji , Ando Naokatsu , Uemura Haruka , Yanagawa Yasuaki , Aoki Takahiro , Tanuma Junko , Tsukada Kunihisa , Teruya Katsuji , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Oka Shinichi
Published: September 2021

Anal high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection is widely considered a cause of anal cancer. However, epidemiological data are quite limited in Japan. This study investigated anal HPV infections and cytological abnormalities among MSM with or without HIV infection. Anal swabs were obtained, and cytological results were examined. Hybrid capture-based methodology was used for hr-HPV genotyping. The exclusion criterion was a history of vaccination against HPV. 644 subjects participated, and the overall prevalence of hr-HPV was 59.7% (95% CI 54.7–62.3), HIV-infected had higher prevalence than HIV-uninfected (68.9% vs 40.6%) p < .001. Among hr-HPV-infected participants, 82.8% (312/377) were infected with at least one of 9 valent vaccine-covered hr-HPV genotypes. From regression analysis, detection of abnormal cytology correlated positively with HIV infection (OR 2.17 [95% CI 1.51–3.13]), number of hr-HPV genotypes infected (OR 1.83 [1.59–2.10]), history of STI (OR 1.58 [1.14–2.22]) and No. of lifetime sexual partners (OR 1.56 [1.10–2.21]), albeit multivariate analysis identified the number of detected hr-HPV genotypes (adjusted OR 1.78 [1.54–2.06]) as the independent risk factor for abnormal cytology. High rates of anal hr-HPV infection, especially 9-valent HPV vaccine-preventable hr-HPV were detected among our MSM participants in Japan. HPV vaccination should also be encouraged for MSM in Japan.
Analysis of longitudinal coupling dynamic characteristics of deep sea mining vessel and stepped lifting pipe
Authors: Song QingHui , Jiang HaiYan , Song QingJun , Xiao LinJing , Wang Yu
Published: September 2021

In deep-sea mining, the coupling dynamic response between the mining vessel and the lifting pipe is a significant problem, which directly affects the structural design of the lifting system and the safety of field operation. The characteristics of coupled motion model have not been fully considered in the existing research. Therefore, this paper uses time-domain coupled numerical model as the research object, considering ocean current, surface wave, pipe dynamics and vessel-pipe contact mechanics, to study the dynamic behavior of the lifting pipe and mining vessel during the process of deep-sea mining using AQWA and OrcaFlex softwares. The response amplitude operator (RAO) is used to compare the measured and simulations dynamic response of the mining vessel. There is a very good agreement in RAO between the experiments and simulations. The coupling simulation results show that the coupling effect has a significant effect on the time domain dynamic response of the lifting pipe, but has little effect on the average effective tension and longitudinal amplitude along the pipe length. The research results of this paper are of great significance to the safety design of deep-sea mining lifting system and the planning of deep-sea operation activities.
Robust behavioural effects in response to acute, but not repeated, terpene administration in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Szaszkiewicz Joshua , Leigh Shannon , Hamilton Trevor J.
Published: September 2021

Terpenes are fragrant aromatic compounds produced by a variety of plants, most notably cannabis and hops. With increasing legalization of cannabis there is a need to better understand the behavioural effects of terpenes and ultimately their therapeutic value. Our study investigated the dose-dependent impact of three terpenes (limonene 0.25, 0.5, 0.75%; β-myrcene 0.001, 0.01, 0.1%; and 0.0001, 0.001, 0.00125% linalool) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) behaviour when exposed both acutely and repeatedly over a 7-day period. Anxiety-like behaviour, boldness, and locomotion were assessed using the open field test and the novel object approach test. In the acute dosing experiment, limonene and β-myrcene exposed groups demonstrated a significant decrease in locomotion, a decrease in anxiety-like behaviour, and an increase in boldness, while linalool treatment groups demonstrated only minor alterations in locomotion. Moreover, repeated exposure to limonene (0.39%) or β-myrcene (0.0083%) for a seven day period did not result in any significant behavioural effects. In conclusion, our study provides support for an anxiolytic and sedative effect in zebrafish in response to acute limonene and β-myrcene exposure that is no longer present after one week of repeated exposure.
Common and disorder-specific upregulation of the inflammatory markers TRAIL and CCL20 in depression and schizophrenia
Authors: Klaus Federica , Guetter Karoline , Schlegel Rebecca , Spiller Tobias R. , Seifritz Erich , Cathomas Flurin , Kaiser Stefan
Published: September 2021

Schizophrenia (SZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are severe mental disorders, which have been associated with alterations of the peripheral inflammatory network. However, studies for both disorders have not been fully consistent and have focused on few canonical markers with high relevance to the innate immune system, while the role of the adaptive immune system is studied less. Furthermore, it is unclear to what extent inflammatory abnormalities are diagnosis-specific or transdiagnostic. The purpose of this study was to investigate 75 peripheral inflammatory markers including the acute phase protein high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in patients with MDD (n = 37), SZ (n = 42) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 17), while considering possible confounders and correcting rigorously for multiple testing in group comparisons. We identified C–C chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) as the inflammatory markers with significant group differences after controlling for multiple comparisons and adjusting for BMI, sex and smoking as confounders. TRAIL was elevated in both MDD and SZ compared to HC. CCL20 was specifically increased in SZ compared to MDD and HC. There were no significant group differences in hsCRP after correcting for multiple testing. Finally, we observed no significant correlations among CCL20, TRAIL and CRP. TRAIL is a transdiagnostic marker for SZ and MDD, with both markers being independent from CRP and body mass index (BMI). CCL20 may be a novel and specific biomarker of schizophrenia, but an influence of antipsychotic medication cannot be excluded. Identifying novel markers in mental disease bears the potential for future research towards novel treatment strategies by modifying inflammation-related processes.
Genome-wide autosomal, mtDNA, and Y chromosome analysis of King Bela III of the Hungarian Arpad dynasty
Authors: Wang Chuan-Chao , Posth Cosimo , Furtwängler Anja , Sümegi Katalin , Bánfai Zsolt , Kásler Miklós , Krause Johannes , Melegh Béla
Published: September 2021

The ancient Hungarians, “Madzsars”, established their control of the Carpathian Basin in the late ninth century and founded the Hungarian Kingdom around 1000AD. The origin of the Magyars as a tribal federation has been much debated in the past. From the time of the conquest to the early fourteenth century they were ruled by descendants of the Arpad family. In order to learn more about the genetic origin of this family, we here analyzed the genome of Bela III one of the most prominent members of the early Hungarian dynasty that ruled the Hungarian Kingdom from 1172 to 1196. The Y-Chromosome of Bela III belongs to haplogroup R1a-Z2123 that is today found in highest frequency in Central Asia, supporting a Central Asian origin for the ruling lineage of the Hungarian kingdom. The autosomal DNA profile of Bela III, however, falls within the genetic variation of present-day east European populations. This is further supported through his mtDNA genome that belongs to haplogroup H, the most common European maternal lineage, but also found in Central Asia. However, we didn’t find an exact haplotype match for Bela III. The typical autosomal and maternal Central Eastern European ancestry among Bela III autosomes might be best explained by consecutive intermarriage with local European ruling families.
Genetic landscape of 125 pharmacogenes in Chinese from the Chinese Millionome Database
Authors: Qi Guangzhao , Zhang Jingmin , Han Chao , Zhou Yubing , Li Duolu , Ma Pengfei
Published: September 2021

Inter-individual differences of drug responses could be attributed to genetic variants of pharmacogenes such as cytochrome P450 (CYP), phase 2 enzymes, and transporters. In contrast to extensive studies on the genetic polymorphisms of CYP gene, genetic mutation spectrum of other pharmacogenes was under-representative in the pharmacogenetics investigations. Here we studied the genetic variations of 125 pharmacogenes including drug transporters, non-CYP phase 1 enzymes, phase 2 enzymes, nuclear receptors and others in Chinese from the Chinese Millionome Database (CMDB), of which 38,188 variants were identified. Computational analyses of the 2554 exonic variants found 617 deleterious missense variants, 91.1% of which were rare, and of the 54 loss-of-function (splice acceptor, splice donor, start lost, and stop gained) variants, 53 (98.1%) were rare. These results suggested an enrichment of rare variants in functional ones for pharmacogenes. Certain common functional variants including NUDT15 13:48611934 G/A (rs186364861), UGT1A1 2:234676872 C/T (rs34946978), and ALDH2 12:112241766 G/A (rs671) were population-specific for CMDB Chinese because they were absent (with a zero of variant allele frequency) or very rare in other gnomAD populations. These findings might be useful for the further pharmacogenomics research and clinical application in Chinese.
Ruthenium bipyridine complexes as electrochemiluminescent transducers for ionophore-based ion-selective detection
Authors: Tang Yinghong , Zhai Jingying , Chen Qinghan , Xie Xiaojiang
Published: September 2021

We report here a method to determine target ion concentrations (with Na+ as a model) based on ionophores and electrochemiluminescence (ECL).
Fascinating interlocked triacontanuclear giant nanocages
Authors: Bala Sukhen , Akhtar Sohel , Liu Jun-Liang , Huang Guo-Zhang , Wu Si-Guo , De Avik , Das Krishna Sundar , Saha Sayan , Tong Ming-Liang , Mondal Raju
Published: September 2021

Three fascinating interlocked highly stable triacontanuclear giant nanocages were synthesized and structurally and microscopically characterized. The strong antiferromagnetic behaviour can be envisaged as a silver lining in generating elusive molecular nanomagnets.
Synergistic combination of ACQ and AIE moieties to enhance the emission of hexagonal metallacycles
Authors: Wu Bingzhao , Guo Zhewen , Li Guangfeng , Zhao Jun , Liu Yuhang , Wang Jinbing , Wang Huigang , Yan Xuzhou
Published: September 2021

Herein, we show the synergistic combination of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) units into two hexagonal metallacycles with enhanced emission.
A camptothecin prodrug induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells with cascade activations
Authors: Luo Xiangjie , Chi Xiaoqin , Lin Yaying , Yang Zhaoxuan , Lin Hongyu , Gao Jinhao
Published: September 2021

A photosensitizer-conjugated camptothecin (CPT)-based prodrug was developed for combinative chemo-photodynamic treatment of solid tumors with cascade activations.
Zinc catalysed C3–H borylation of indoles and 1,1-diboration of terminal alkynes
Authors: Zhang Binfeng , Zou Youliang , Wang Li , Zhang Hua
Published: September 2021

Zn(OTf)2-catalysed C3–H borylation of indoles and 1,1-diboration of terminal alkynes has been realized for the simple and prompt synthesis of C3-borylated indoles and 1,1-diborylated alkenes.
nN → π*Ar interactions stabilize the E-ac isomers of arylhydrazides and facilitate their SNAr autocyclizations
Authors: Deka Jugal Kishore Rai , Kalita Debajit , Sahariah Biswajit , Sarma Bani Kanta
Published: September 2021

The nN → π*Ar interaction-mediated stabilization of the E-ac isomers of arylhydrazides and their SNAr autocyclization to indazolones are discussed.
Aerobic oxygenation of α-methylene ketones under visible-light catalysed by a CeNi3 complex with a macrocyclic tris(salen)-ligand
Authors: Nagae Haruki , Sakamoto Kazutaka , Fujiwara Sakiko , Schindler Tobias , Kon Yoshihiro , Sato Kazuhiko , Okuda Jun , Mashima Kazushi
Published: September 2021

A hetero-tetranuclear complex 1CeNi catalysed the aerobic oxygenation of a methylene group adjacent to a carbonyl group under visible-light radiation.
Expanding manganese(iv) aqueous chemistry: unusually stable water-soluble hexahydrazide clathrochelate complexes
Authors: Shylin Sergii I. , Pogrebetsky James L. , Husak Alina O. , Bykov Dmytro , Mokhir Andriy , Hampel Frank , Shova Sergiu , Ozarowski Andrew , Gumienna-Kontecka Elzbieta , Fritsky Igor O.
Published: September 2021

Mn(iv) cation encapsulated in the hexahydrazide cage is indefinitely stable in solid state, organic solvents and aqueous solutions.
A square-shaped complex with an electron-acceptor ligand: unique cubic crystal symmetry and similarity to the inorganic mineral katoite
Authors: Aoki Kentaro , Otsubo Kazuya , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

We successfully obtained a Pt square complex having an electron-accepting ligand, which shows a strong similarity to the high-pressure phase of the natural mineral katoite in the solid state.
Uranyl ion complexes with 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-4′-carboxylate. Interpenetration of networks involving “expanded ligands”
Authors: Thuéry Pierre , Harrowfield Jack
Published: September 2021

2,2′:6′,2′′-Terpyridine-4′-carboxylate (tpyc−) forms both homo- and heterometallic uranyl ion complexes including a chiral, twofold interpenetrated polymer involving the “expanded ligand” Ni(tpyc)2.
Electrical properties and charge compensation mechanisms of Cr-doped rutile, TiO2
Authors: Dang Yun , Phuah Xin Li , Wang Han , Yang Bo , Wang Haiyan , West Anthony R.
Published: September 2021

Ti1−xCrxO2−x/2−δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) ceramics show high electronic conductivity at low x attributed to oxygen vacancy compensation by co-doping with Ti3+ and Cr3+ ions. At intermediate x, p-type conductivity is attributed to hole location on under-bonded oxygen.
Quasiparticle energies and significant exciton effects of monolayered blue arsenic phosphorus conformers
Authors: Zhao Huiyan , Wang Qian , Jia Baonan , Han Lihong , Chen Wen , Hao Jinbo , Wu Liyuan , Lu Pengfei , Guan Pengfei
Published: September 2021

The result shows significant anisotropic exciton effects of covering visible regions, which apparently changed the light absorption. The maximum exciton binding energy is up to 0.99 eV.
Generating large out-of-plane piezoelectric properties of atomically thin MoS2via defect engineering
Authors: Ng Li-Ren , Chen Guan-Fu , Lin Shi-Hsin
Published: September 2021

We calculated the piezoelectric properties of asymmetrically defected MoS2 using density functional theory.
Exploring water adsorption and reactivity in a series of doped aluminum cluster anions
Authors: Šulka Martin , Šulková Katarína , Antušek Andrej
Published: September 2021

Complementary active site formation causes increased reactivity of central-doped Al12Co− clusters with water.
High-performance photovoltaic application of the 2D all-inorganic Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite heterostructure Cs2PbI2Cl2/MAPbI3
Authors: Pan Ling-Yu , Ding Yu-Feng , Liu Huang-Qing , Cai Meng-Qiu
Published: September 2021

Constructing 2D Cs2PbI2Cl2 and 3D MAPbI3 heterostructure by interfacial engineering is a potential strategy to improve performance of the perovskites solar cells (PSCs).
Point defects in two-dimensional BeO monolayer: a first-principles study on electronic and magnetic properties
Authors: Bafekry A. , Faraji M. , Karbasizadeh S. , Khatibani A. Bagheri , Ziabari A. Abdolahzadeh , Gogova D. , Ghergherehchi M.
Published: September 2021

Motivated by the fabrication of 2D layered BeO, the effect of atom adsorption, substitutional doping and vacancy defects on the electronic and magnetic properties of BeO monolayer have been systematically studied by first-principles calculations.