bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Validation System (IVS) Design for Proposal Submission of Student Activities at PPNS
Authors: Yesica Novrita Devi  , Arninputranto Wibowo , Hardiyanti Fitri , Hasin M. Khoirul , Indartono Arie
Published: June 2021

The concept of Industry 4.0 is a combination of new technological developments that aim to facilitate human-computer interaction. Higher Education Institutions are currently not separated from the development of the industrial revolution involvement 4.0. Technology has a tremendous influence in the running of all activities of daily living, not least the performance of management in institutions of Higher Education Institutions. The demand to be able to work more effectively and efficiently in producing a product both in the form of goods and services makes PPNS have to keep up with technological developments. PPNS is expected to produce a product, both goods and services, in accordance with the expectations of the stakeholders (students, society and lecturers-employees). One of the problems that often becomes a problem is the bureaucracy that has a long flow. In this study, problems that occur in the PPNS Student Affairs Sector will be raised, namely regarding the approval of student activity proposals from the Student Association (HIMA) by the PPNS Management in Student Affairs under Deputy Director III. There are several steps that can be assisted in the process by using technology, so as to increase the effectiveness of performance in student affairs. Based on these problems and opportunities, a study is proposed with the title Integrated Validation System (IVS) Development to Optimize Student Service Performance in PPNS. With this system, it is hoped that it will help optimize the performance in the field of student affairs so that it can be more effective and efficient in serving requests for student activities at PPNS
Field measurement and monitoring of hydrodynamic and suspended sediment within the Seven Mile Island Innovation Laboratory, New Jersey
Authors: Fall Kelsey , Perkey David , Tyler Zachary , Welp Timothy
Published: June 2021

The Seven Mile Island Innovation Laboratory (SMIIL) was launched in 2019 to evaluate beneficial use of dredge material management practices in coastal New Jersey. As part of that effort, the Philadelphia District requested that the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, collect data to characterize the hydrodynamics and turbidity within the central portions of the SMIIL prior to and during dredge material placement. Pre-dredge monitoring found that apart from punctuated wind events, the study area waters were generally calm and clear with small waves, <0.25 m, slow current speeds (~0.1 m/s), low turbidity (~10 ntus), and low suspended sediment concentrations (~10–20 mg/L). In March 2020, 2,475 m³ of dredged sediment was placed on the northern portion of Sturgeon Island within the SMIIL. Turbidity in the waters surrounding the island was monitored to quantify extent of the sediment plume resulting from the placement. Observations found little to no turbidity plume associated with the dredging operations beyond 20 m from the island and that the plume was largely limited to areas near a tidal creek draining the placement area. Additionally, turbidity levels quickly returned to background conditions at times when the dredge was not in operation.
Assessing the Impact of Algae Management Strategies on Anurans and Aquatic Communities
Authors: Dvorsky Courtney , Riddle Kambrie , Boone Michelle
Published: June 2021

Residential areas are increasing on the landscape but their ability to provide suitable habitat is often based on management for recreational use and aesthetics. Amphibians rely on both aquatic and terrestrial habitat making them susceptible to changes in land-cover and land-use. As anthropogenic land-use change increases, it is imperative to assess how pond management practices impact aquatic communities. We assessed the impact of Aquashade (a common non-toxic pond dye) and copper sulfate (a toxic algaecide) on American toad (Anaxyrus americanus), northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens), and Cope’s gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) metamorphosis in outdoor mesocosm experiments. We also evaluated the relative impact of tadpole grazing and chemical treatment on phytoplankton and periphyton abundance. We found no significant effects of pond management treatment on anuran metamorphosis, suggesting that addition of Aquashade and copper sulfate does not significantly impact anurans under these experimental conditions. However, while we found no differences in phytoplankton and periphyton abundance due to pond management treatment, presence of tadpoles significantly decreased phytoplankton and periphyton abundance over time. This result suggests that the creation of suitable pond habitat for anuran tadpoles may be an efficient and ecologically beneficial form of pond management treatment to maintain water quality.
Paromomycin-Loaded Mannosylated Chitosan Nanoparticles: Targeted Drug Delivery Against BALB/c Mice Infected To L.Major
Authors: Esfandiari Farideh , Heli Hossein , Asgari Qasem , Morowvat Mohammad Hossein , Barazesh Afshin , Goudarzi Fatemeh , Pirbonyeh Neda , Motazedian Mohammad
Published: June 2021

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a disease with unsatisfactory current therapies due to the emergence of drug resistance and toxicity. Paromomycin (PM), though recently have received more attention for its anti-Leishmania activity, suffers from poor oral bioavailability, limited efficacy and rapid clearance in parenteral route. In this study, we examined the efficacy of nanoparticle-based PM delivery system in treating the murine model infected with Leishmania major (L. major). Paromomycin was loaded in mannosylated chitosan-dextran nanoparticles (PM-MCS-dex-NPs) through ionic gelation method. The particle size and zeta potential of PM-MCS-dex-NPs were obtained as 246 nm and +31 mV, respectively. PM-MCS-dex-NPs effectively affected both stages of the parasite especially the amastigote one in vitro culture. Nanoformulation injected intramuscularly into mice for up to 21 days. Lesion sizes were measured before the onset of treatment and at weekly intervals for a month. In addition, the DNA copy number was quantified in the infected mice by a real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In vivo results showed that the administration of PM-MCS-dex-NPs with a dose of 10 mg/kg/twice daily significantly reduced the lesion size and DNA copy number compared to the other treatment methods. Lesions sizes in both control groups of chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) and mannosylated nanoparticles (MCS-NPs) were also significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in comparison with the untreated control, suggesting the wound healing property of chitosan. PM-MCS-dex-NPs proved as a promising candidate in delivering PM by boosting the drug solubility and targeting the infected macrophage cells. The results of this study can provide a new and efficient drug delivery system for CL treatment.
Profiling Analysis of Circular RNA and mRNA in Human Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Hippocampal Sclerosis ILAE Type 1
Authors: Gu Yifei , Wu Hongmei , Wang Tianyu , Yu Shengkun , Han Zhibin , Zhang Wang , Mu Long , Wang Hongda , Na Meng , Wang Haiyang , Lin Zhiguo
Published: June 2021

Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the most common surgical pathology associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, the cause of TLE with or without HS remains unknown. Our current study aimed to illustrate the essential molecular mechanism that is potentially involved in the pathogenesis of TLE-HS and to shed light on the transcriptional changes associated with hippocampal sclerosis. Compared to no-HS group, 341 mRNA transcripts and 131 circRNA transcripts were differentially expressed in ILAE type 1 group. The raw sequencing data have been deposited into sequence read archive (SRA) database under accession number PRJNA699348.Gene Ontology analysis demonstrated that the dysregulated genes were associated with the biological processes of vesicle-mediated transport. Enrichment analysis demonstrated that dysregulated genes were involved mainly in the MAPK signal pathway. Subsequently, A total of 441 known or predicted interactions were formed among DEGs, and the most important module was detected in the PPI network using the MCODE plug-in. There were mainly four functional modules enriched: ER to Golgi transport vesicle membrane, Basal transcription factors, GABA-gated chloride ion channel activity, CENP-A containing nucleosome assembly. A circRNA-mRNA co-expression network was constructed including 5 circRNAs(hsa_circ_0025349, hsa_circ_0002405, hsa_circ_0004805, hsa_circ_0032254, and hsa_circ_0032875) and three mRNAs (FYN, SELENBP1, and GRIPAP1) based on the normalized mRNA signal intensities. This is the first to report the circRNAs and mRNAs expression profile of surgically resected hippocampal tissues from TLE patients of ILAE-1 and no-HS, and these results may provide new insight into the transcriptional changes associated with this pathology.
Energy Reduction Potential of Biomimetic Building Facades for Different Building Typologies in Different Climate Zones
Authors: Webb Matthew
Published: June 2021

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions leading to anthropogenic global warming continue to be a major issue for societies worldwide. One opportunity to reduce emissions is to improve the effectiveness of building envelope, leading to a decrease in operational energy consumption. Improving the performance of a building's thermal envelope can substantially reduce energy consumption from heating, ventilation and air conditioning while maintaining occupant comfort. In previous work, a computational model of a biomimetic building façade design was found to be effective in temperate climates in an office context. This paper tests the hypothesis that biomimetic building facades have a broader application through a case study example based on animal fur and blood perfusion. Using mathematical modelling and digital simulation methods, the energy reduction potential of the biomimetic façade was tested in a set of operational applications (office, school and aged care) and across different climate zones (tropical, desert, temperate, and cool continental). Results indicated that the biomimetic façade has potential to reduce energy consumption for all building applications, with the greatest benefit shown in residential aged care (67.1% reduction). Similarly, the biomimetic building façade showed potential to reduce operational services energy consumption in all climate zones, with the greatest energy reductions achieved in the tropical (55.4% reduction) and humid continental climates (55.1% reduction). Through these results the hypothesis was confirmed, suggesting that facades engineered to mimic biological functions and processes can improve substantially decrease building operational energy consumption and can be applied in different building classifications and different climate zones. Such facades can contribute to the further reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in a broad range of contexts. This study also exemplified a method by which other biomimetic building envelope features may be assessed. Further work is suggested to assess economic viability and constructability of the proposed facades.
Delineation of Cumin (Cuminum Cyminum L.) Production Zone Beyond Boundaries in India Based on Climate Analogues, Soil Suitability and Rainfall Analysis
Authors: KS Krishnamurthy , K Kandiannan , Sudhakaran Swetha , P Muhammed Bin Faras U , M Alagupalamuthirsolai , K Jayarajan
Published: June 2021

Here, we attempted to identify ideal ecological niche for cumin cultivation in India in the future climate scenario by adopting an integrated approach of climate analogues and soil suitability. This will help policy makers for area expansion to generate more revenue as cumin has huge export potential. Climate analogues tool, a web-based tool developed by the Research Programme on climate change, agriculture and food security (CCAFS) helps to identify, connect and map sites with statistically similar climates across space and time. Efficient cumin production zones in India were identified based on relative spread index and relative yield index which were used as the input/reference site for finding the analogues sites. Rainfall and temperature were the main climatic variables used in the study under SRES A1B emission scenario. The results showed a total of 453 analogues sites (districts) identified by 14 reference sites used in the study. The analogues sites identified by the tool were further corroborated with the soil suitability of the location and refined analogues sites which included soil suitability for cumin cultivation (337 analogues sites out of 453) were identified. Rainfall trend analysis from the rainfall data of past 110 years indicated that analogues sites are showing the rainfall trend suited for cumin cultivation. This is the first report on the use of climate analogues tool to identify analogues sites with soil suitability and rainfall trend analysis of the identified analogues sites.
Messenger RNAs Mobile in Salix Matsudana Grafts Were in Association With Plant Rooting
Authors: Peng Yin , Xiao Liu , Baoliang Lan , Yu Cui , Yan Wang , Jichen Xu
Published: June 2021

Messenger RNAs exchanged between scions and rootstocks of grafted plants seriously affect their traits performance. The study goals were to identify the long-distance mRNA transmission events in grafted willows using a transcriptome analysis and to reveal the possible effects on rooting traits. The results showed that the Salix matsudana variety 9901 has better rooting ability than YJ, which reasonably improved the rooting performance of the heterologous grafts 9901 (scion) / YJ (rootstock). A transcriptome analysis showed that 2,948 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were present in the rootstock of 9901/YJ grafted plants in comparison with YJ/YJ. Among them, 692 were identified as mRNAs moved from 9901 scion based on a SNP analysis of two parents. They were mostly 1,001–1,500 bp, had 40–45% GC contents, or had expression abundance values less than 10. However, mRNAs over 4,001 bp, having 50–55% GC contents, or having expression abundance values of 10–20 were preferentially transferred. Eight mRNAs subjected to long-distance trafficking were involved in the plant hormone pathways and may significantly promote the root growth of grafted plants. Thus, heterologous grafts of Salix matsudana could efficiently influence plant rooting since of the mRNAs transport from scion to rootstock. Thus, the grafting parents and grafting patterns would be much concerned in the breeding process to gain the expected results in future.
Burden of COVID-19 on Primary Care: a Prospective Nationwide Observational Study
Authors: Vaes Bert , Vos Bénédicte , Foidart Maxime , De Schreye Robrecht , Schrans Diego , Philips Hilde , Aertgeerts Bert , Doggen Kris
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe COVID-19 outbreak had an important impact on general practice, e.g., the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the switch to telephone consultations. We installed a monitoring instrument and reported the burden the COVID-19 pandemic placed on Belgian general practitioners (GPs) during the first wave of the pandemic.MethodsWe conducted an observational longitudinal prospective study from the 19th of March until the 17th of August 2020. Daily data were collected by using a structured electronic form integrated into the GPs’ electronic medical records (EMRs). Data were collected on the GPs’ need for support and workload, epidemiological indicators and the availability of PPE. Reports with graphical presentations were made for GP circles and primary care zones, and governments of different administrative levels had access to all data to guide their policy.ResultsA total of 3.769 different GP centres participated, which included more than 10.000 GPs. Throughout the first three weeks, 20% declared they had insufficient resources for the following week. Approximately 10% continued to report this during the entire study. The majority reported being able to complete their daily tasks without loss of quality. During the first week, 30% indicated an increased workload. Afterwards, this number decreased and stabilized to an average of 10-20%. More than 70% of the consultations in March 2020 were conducted by telephone. This percentage declined in April and stabilized at approximately 30% in June 2020. Consultations due to respiratory symptoms peaked at 4000/100,000 at the beginning of the outbreak, then decreased over time along with the COVID-19 incidence. We noticed a lack of disinfectant hand gel, surgical masks and FFP2 masks, the latter remaining problematic in the long term.ConclusionWe introduced an instrument in Belgian EMR systems to monitor the burden on GPs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of PPE and increased workload were considered to be the main obstacles. A large number of the GP offices switched to teleconsultations to provide healthcare. Our monitoring instrument provided information for policy makers to intervene on a local level.
First report of Encyrtid parasitiod, Copidosomyia ambiguous (Subba rao) Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae) on Mallada desjardinsi (Navas) an indigenous predator of Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin in India
Authors: tnau Elango , A Aravind , Nelson Jeyarajan , M Ayyamperumal
Published: June 2021

Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), commonly known as the rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), is an invasive pest on coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L) in southern parts of India. To minimize crop losses, we currently employ a biological control agent, i.e., Mallada desjardinsi (Navas), which is an entomophagous predator for RSW. This voracious feeding predator belongs to the Chrysopidae family. However, under natural conditions, Mallada desjardinsi faces severe parasitoid attacks that hinder its multiplication and predating on RSW. In this study, we report the first incidence of Encyrtid parasitoid, Copidosomyia ambiguous (Subba Rao) (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae) on Mallada desjardinsi, in India.
ER-mitochondria contacts underline cannabinoid regulation of calcium signaling in astrocytes
Authors: Serrat Roman , Covelo Ana , Kouskoff Vladimir , Delcasso Sebastien , Ruiz-Calvo Andrea , Chenouard Nicolas , Stella Carol , Blancard Corinne , Salin Benedicte , Julio-Kalajzić Francisca , Cannich Astrid , Massa Federico , Varilh Marjorie , Deforges Severine , Robin Laurie , De Stefani Diego , Busquets-Garcia Arnau , Gambino Frederic , Beyeler Anna , Pouvreau Sandrine , Marsicano Giovanni
Published: June 2021

Intracellular calcium signaling underlies the astroglial control of brain functions. However, the cellular mechanisms regulating calcium handling by astrocytes are far from being understood. Mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contacts (MERCs) are key determinants of calcium dynamics, but their functional impact on astroglial regulation of brain information processing is currently unexplored. Here we show that the activation of astrocyte mitochondrial-associated CB1 receptors (mtCB1) regulates MERCs-dependent intracellular calcium signaling, thereby determining the synaptic functions of these cells. In vitro and in vivo stimulation of mtCB1 receptors promotes calcium transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria through a specific molecular cascade, involving AKT signaling, IPR3 receptors and different components of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex (MCU). Physiologically, mtCB1-dependent mitochondrial calcium uptake determines the dynamics of cytosolic calcium events in astrocytes upon endocannabinoid mobilization. Accordingly, electrophysiological recordings in hippocampal slices showed that astrocyte-specific mtCB1 receptors exclusion or dominant negative MCU expression blocks lateral synaptic potentiation, through which astrocytes integrate the activity of distant synapses. Altogether, these data reveal a cellular endocannabinoid link between astroglial MERCs and the regulation of brain network functions.
Statistical Elucidations of The Seasonal Ambience of Physicochemical Characteristics of Coastal Waters Around South Andaman, India
Authors: Shankar Venkatesan Shiva , Purti Neelam , Kesavan Dharanirajan , Mohan Pm , Subramanian Narayani , Kaviarasan Thanamegam , Gokul Murugaiah Santhosh , Gadi Padmavati , Ravindaran Satyakeerthy Thonduparambil
Published: June 2021

The coastal areas of Port Blair in Andaman are threatened by severe water pollution due to the human settlements in these regions. The objective of this study was to determine the level of pollution in ten different anthropogenically dynamic coastal regions by assessing the seasonal variations of various physicochemical characteristics. The regions selected for this study were Burmanallah (BA), Carbyn's Cove (CC), Chattam (CH), Flat Bay (FB), HADDO Harbour (HH), Junglighat Bay (JB), Minne Bay (MB), Phoenix Bay (PB), Sisostris Bay (SB) and Wandur (WA) in South Andaman. The study was carried out from January 2018 to December 2018 to investigate seasonal variations in the physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, silicate, phosphate, and chlorophyll-α using multivariate statistical analysis. Statistical analyses suggest that the regions of JB and MB were highly polluted while, BA, CC, FB, and WA were the least polluted. Landuse and land cover analysis of the study area further facilitated and supported the multivariate statistical results.
Circulating miRNA Profiles Associated with Lung Function Decline
Authors: Cheng Man , Xiao Yang , Ye Zi , Yu Linling , Wang Bin , Feng Xiaobin , Mu Ge , Ma Jixuan , Chen Weihong
Published: June 2021

Background: Lung function decline and miRNAs are known to involve in the pathogenesis process of respiratory diseases. However, the association between miRNA profiles and lung function decline was rarely elucidated. This study aimed to compare the expression pattern of plasma miRNAs among people with rapid lung function decline and healthy controls. Methods: Ten controls and 10 cases with rapid lung function decline in last 3 years were enrolled from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort. The miRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were carried out to explore miRNAs expression and possible signal pathways. Pearson correlation analysis was carried out to assess the associations between lung function and miRNAs expression levels.Results: A total of 1209 detected miRNAs were differently expression in the reaseach participants. Among them, 17 miRNAs (miR-6749-5p, miR-6797-3p, miR-4468, miR-4301, miR-629-3p, miR-4713-3p, miR-486-3p, miR-450a-1-3p, miR-4732-5p, miR-514a-5p, miR-193b-5p, miR-6749-5p, miR-3168, miR-4691-5p, miR-6730-5p, miR-184, miR-486-5p) were significantly down-regulated in cases with reduced lung function. The expression levels of these miRNAs, except miR-514a-5p and miR-3168, were significantly correlated with lung function parameters. Through bioinformatics analysis, the Wnt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, Pathway in cancer, inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels, and TGF-β signaling pathway maybe involved in mediating the association between 17 identified miRNAs and lung function decline.Conclusions: The plasma miRNA profile of people with rapid lung function decline are different when compared with healthy controls. These miRNAs might become research candidates or biomarkers in the early progression of respiratory diseases.
Benefits And Harms Of Implementing [18F]FDG-PET/CT For Diagnosing Recurrent Breast Cancer: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Vogsen Marianne , Jensen Jeanette Dupont , Gerke Oke , Jylling Anne Marie Bak , Asmussen Jon Thor , Braad Poul-Erik , Thye-Rønn Peter , Søe Katrine Lydolph , Ewertz Marianne , Hildebrandt Malene Grubbe
Published: June 2021

Background [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography / computed tomography ([18F]FDG-PET/CT) has been implemented sporadically in hospital settings as the standard of care examination for recurrent breast cancer. We aimed to explore the clinical impact of implementing [18F]FDG-PET/CT for patients with clinically suspected recurrent breast cancer and validate the diagnostic accuracy. Methods Women with suspected distant recurrent breast cancer were prospectively enrolled in the study between September 2017 and August 2019. [18F]FDG-PET/CT was performed, and the appearance of incidental benign and malignant findings was registered. Additional examinations, complications, and the final diagnosis were registered to reflect the clinical consequence of such findings. The diagnostic accuracy of [18F]FDG-PET/CT as a stand-alone examination was analyzed. Biopsy and follow-up were used as a reference standard. Results [18F]FDG-PET/CT reported breast cancer metastases in 72 of 225 women (32.0%), and metastases were verified by biopsy in 52 (52/225, 23.1%). Prior probability and posterior probability of a positive test for suspected metastatic cancer and incidental malignancies were 27%/85% and 4%/20%, respectively. Suspected malignant incidental findings were reported in 46 patients (46/225, 20.4%), leading to further examinations and final detection of nine synchronous cancers (9/225, 4.0%). These cancers originated from the lung, thyroid, skin, pancreas, peritoneum, breast, kidney, one was malignant melanoma, and one was hematological cancer. False-positive incidental malignant findings were examined in 37/225 patients (16.4%), mainly in the colon (n = 12) and thyroid gland (n = 12). Ten incidental findings suspicious for benign disease were suggested by [18F]FDG-PET/CT, and further examinations resulted in the detection of three benign conditions requiring treatment. Sensitivity, specificity, and AUC-ROC for diagnosing distant metastases were 1.00 (0.93-1.0), 0.88 (0.82-0.92), and 0.98 (95% CI 0.97-0.99), respectively.Conclusion [18F]FDG-PET/CT provided a high posterior probability of positive test, and a negative test was able to rule out distant metastases in women with clinically suspected recurrent breast cancer. One-fifth of patients examined for incidental findings detected on [18F]FDG-PET/CT were diagnosed with clinically relevant conditions. Further examinations of false-positive incidental findings in one of six women should be weighed against the high accuracy for diagnosing metastatic breast cancer.Trial registration: Clinical.Trials.gov. NCT03358589. Registered 30 November 2017 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov
Development of a 3-microRNA signature and nomogram for predicting the survival of patients with uveal melanoma
Authors: Ye Hongqaun , Tang Jing , Lu Jianqun , Qi Wan
Published: June 2021

Background The aim of this study was to develop a robust miRNA signature and construct a nomogram model associated with uveal melanoma (UM) to improve prognosis prediction.Methods MiRNA and mRNA sequencing data of 80 uveal melanoma samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The patients were further randomly assigned to a training set (n = 40, used to identify key miRNAs) and a testing set (n = 40, used to internal verify the signature). Then miRNAs data of GSE84976 and GSE68828 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omniniub (GEO) database for outside verification. Combining univariate analysis and LASSO methods for identifying a robust miRNA biomarker in training set and the signature was validated in testing set and outside dataset. A prognostic nomogram was constructed and decision curve analyses and reduction curve analyses were performed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the nomogram. A miRNA-mRNA network in UM was constructed and pathway enrichment of these miRNAs was conducted based on the genes in network.Results In total, a 3-miRNA was identified and validated which can robustly predict UM patient’s survival. According to univariate and multivariate analyses, age at diagnosis, tumor node metastasis (TNM) classification, stage and 3-miRNA signature significantly correlated with the survival outcomes. These characteristics were used to establish nomogram. The nomogram showed good accuracies in predicting 1 and 3 years overall survival and the decision curve revealed the clinical usefulness of our nomogram. What’s more, a miRNA-mRNA network was constructed. Pathway enrichment showed that this network was largely take part in mRNA processing, mRNA surveillance pathway, spliceosome and so no.Conclusions We developed a 3-miRNA biomarker and constructed a prognostic nomogram, which afforded a quantitative tool for predicting the survival of UM. Our finding also provided some new potential targets for the treatment of UM.
Long Noncoding RNA SNHG4 Remits Lipopolysaccharide‐Engendered Inflammatory Lung Damage by Inhibiting METTL3 - Mediated m6A Level of STAT2 mRNA
Authors: Li Si-Xiu , Yan Wen , Liu Jian-Ping , Zhao Yu-Juan , Chen Lu
Published: June 2021

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that long non coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4) has become a new insight into lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - induced microglia inflammation, its role in neonatal pneumonia (NP) remains to be largely unrevealed.Methods: RT-qPCR was used to determine SNHG4 and METTL3 expression in the serum from NP patients and normal volunteers, as well as in WI-38 cells treated with LPS. The SNHG4 overexpression vector (pcDNA-SNHG4) was transfected into LPS - treated cells. CCK-8, Transwell, annexin V-FITC/PI and ELISA assays were used to determine cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and contents of IL-6, TNF-α, SOD and MDA, respectively. The level of SNHG4 in the promoter region of METTL3 was assessed with RIP assay. m6A quantitative analysis illustrated the m6A level with or without SNHG4 overexpression or METTL3 silencing. Bioinformatics analysis and RIP-PCR were used to predict and validate YTHDF1 - mediated m6A levels on signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) mRNA in METTL3 inhibited cells. Then rescue experiments were performed to explore effects of SNHG4 and METTL3 or STAT2 on LPS-treated cell functions. Subsequently, in vivo functional experiments were performed to investigate the role of SNHG4 in LPS induced pneumonia in mice. Results: SNHG4 was downregulated and METTL3 was upregulated in NP patients and LPS-treated cells. SNHG4 overexpression facilitated cell proliferation, migration and SOD concentration, and inhibited apoptosis and IL-6, TNF-α and MDA contents. Mechanistically, SNHG4 bound with METTL3 and downregulated METTL3 expression. Besides, total m6A modification level was lower in the SNHG4 overexpressed or METTL3 inhibited cells. METTL3 interference reduced m6A levels of STAT2 mRNA, decreased STAT2 mRNA stability and promoted STAT2 translation level. METTL3 or STAT2 upregulated reversed the effects of SNHG4 overexpression on LPS - treated cell functions. Conclusions: This study reveals that SNHG4 promotes LPS induced inflammation in human lung fibroblasts and mouse lung tissues in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting METTL3 - mediated m6A level of STAT2 mRNA, which may provide a potential therapeutic mechanism for NP.
HnRNP G Reduces Neuron Death in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by Preventing Abnormal TDP-43 Accumulation
Authors: Yang Fang , Chen Wenzhi , Zhu Yu , He Pei , Jiang Shishi , Xu Renshi
Published: June 2021

Background: Heterologous ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) G protein was found to significantly down-regulate in the spinal cord of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mouse model in our previous study, but the down-regulated effects of hnRNP G in ALS haven’t been known up to now. Therefore, we further studied the possible effects of hnRNP G on the spinal neuron death in TG(SOD1*G93A)1Gur (TG) mice. Methods: Eighteen TG mice and eighteen SOD1 wild-type (WT) mice were divided into 6 groups. The hnRNP G of spinal cord were analyzed using immunofluorescent histochemistry and Western blot. Three hnRNP G-siRNA were transfected into PC12 cells and observed the alteration of proliferation rate and intracellular proteins after gene silenced using the CCK8 and Western blot. Results: Here, we reported that the distribution of hnRNP G positive cells in the posterior horn was more than that in the central canal and its surrounding gray matter more than that in the anterior horn. hnRNP G protein expressed in neurons. hnRNP G expression in the cervical and thoracic segments of TG mice in pre-onset group was significantly higher than that in control group. hnRNP G expression in the thoracic and lumbar segments of TG mice in onset group was lower than that in control group. hnRNP G expression in the cervical and thoracic segments of TG mice in progressive group decreased, while that in the lumbar segment of TG mice in progression group significantly increased. After hnRNP G-siRNA silenced, the proliferation rate of PC12 cells was slower than that in control group, SOD1 expression didn’t significantly change, both TDP-43 and Bax expression significantly increased in PC12 cells after hnRNP G gene silenced. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the distribution of hnRNP G in the spinal cord of ALS mice showed the possible protective effect on the progression of ALS, its mechanism maybe prevent neuron death through reducing abnormal TDP-43 accumulation in the spinal cord of ALS-like mice.
In Vitro Neuroprotective Activities of Natural Products Isolated from Senecio Graciliflorus DC against Corticosterone Induced Impairment in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Jameel Salman , kaur Loveleena , Bhat Showkat Ahmad , Malik Fayaz A , BHAT KHURSHEED Ahmad
Published: June 2021

Senecio graciliflorus DC root extract was studied for secondary metabolite composition following bioactivity guided isolation technique. The ethyl acetate extract of Senecio graciliflorus root yielded nine chemical constituents: 3,4-di-tert-butyl toluene, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, 2β-(angeloyloxy)furanoeremophilane, gallic acid, 2β-{[(Z)-2-hydroxymethylbut-2-enoyl]oxy}furanoeremophilane,1-Hydroxypentan-2-yl-4-methylbenzoate, sarcinnic acid, and sitosterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. The structures of the chemical constituents were elucidated on the basis of spectral data analysis in the light of literature. All the compounds are being reported for the first time from this plant. The isolated constituents were screened for in-vitro neuroprotective effects against corticostereone induced impairment. Among various isolated compounds, three natural products (sarcinnic acid, gallic acid and β-sitosterol) displayed robust neurotropic activity. These three compounds increased neuronal cell survival in differentiated neuroblastoma cells from high dose corticosterone (400µM) induced cell death. The studies are aimed to explore small molecules for treating neurodegeneration underlying various neurological disorders to restore neuronal cell plasticity.
Responses of the Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Alfalfa Roots with Different Root Collar Diameters to Low Temperatures Under Simulated Winter Irrigation
Authors: Zhu Aimin , Zhang Qingxin , Du Xiaoyan , Wang Xianguo , Zhang Yuxia , Cong Baiming , Tian Yonglei
Published: June 2021

Background: Due to the frequent occurrence of extremely low temperatures in northern China, the problem of alfalfa mortality during overwintering requires urgent solutions to support the development of large-scale alfalfa production in the region. Understanding the effects of winter irrigation and the alfalfa root collar diameter on physiological and biochemical cold resistance mechanisms in alfalfa will be of great significance to finding such solutions.Methods: In this study, alfalfa roots with different root collar diameters (3.50±0.10 mm, 5.25±0.10 mm, 7.00±0.10 mm) were subjected to simulated winter irrigation (0 ml, 20 ml, 40 ml) and different low-temperature stress treatments (4°C, -10°C, -15°C, -20°C) in the laboratory. The relationships between alfalfa root collar activity, relative conductivity and the nonstructural carbon and nitrogen contents and antioxidant enzyme activity in the collar were explored.Results: Low-temperature stress was the most important factor causing significant changes in the physiological and biochemical indexes of the alfalfa root collar, followed by the root collar diameter. Low-temperature stress and the root collar diameter had significant effects on nonstructural carbon and nitrogen levels and enzyme activity (except POD activity) in alfalfa root collars, and winter irrigation had extremely significant effects on the nonstructural nitrogen contents of alfalfa root collars. The larger the diameter of the root collar was, the higher the soluble protein content and the stronger the SOD activity. Simulated winter irrigation increased the C/N ratio in the alfalfa root collars. The increases in nonstructural carbon content, C/N ratio and SOD activity in alfalfa root collars helped improve alfalfa cold resistance.Conclusions: Alfalfa resists low-temperature stress by adjusting the proportions of nonstructural carbon and nitrogen as well as the SOD activity in the root collar. Therefore, fertilization, early sowing and other management measures should be adopted to ensure healthy alfalfa growth and thereby increase the root collar diameter of alfalfa grown in cold regions in northern China. Moreover, timely supplementary irrigation to reach soil saturation in winter can play an important role in improving cold resistance in alfalfa.
Complications, Reasons for Reoperation, and 5-Year Prosthesis Survival Compared Between the Cemented and Cementless Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Fixation Techniques at Thailand’s Largest National Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Paugchawee Jirayu , Pornrattanamaneewong Chaturong , Ruangsomboon Pakpoom , Narkbunnam Rapeepat , Chareancholvanich Keerati
Published: June 2021

Background: Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (OUKA) yields favorable outcomes in patients with medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis; however, it remains unknown whether cemented or cementless OUKA fixation delivers better outcomes in Asian population. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the complications, reasons for reoperation, and 5-year prosthesis survival compared between cemented and cementless OUKA in Thai patients.Methods: A total of 466 cemented and 36 cementless OUKA that were performed during 2011-2015 with a minimum follow-up of five years were included. With reoperation for any reason as the endpoint, Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to compare 5-year implant survival between groups. Complications, reasons for reoperation, and 90-day morbidity and mortality were compared between groups. Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent predictors of implant survival.Results: There was no significant difference in 5-year implant survival between the cemented and cementless groups (96.4% vs. 94.4%, p=0.375). The mean implant survival time was 113.0±0.8 and 70.8±1.9 months in the cemented and cementless groups, respectively (p=0.383). The most common reason for reoperation was bearing dislocation, and only one patient had 90-day morbidity. There was no significant difference between groups for complications or reasons for reoperation. No independent predictors of implant survival were identified in multivariate analysis.Conclusions: OUKA was shown to be a safe and durable reconstructive procedure in Thai patients with medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis. There was no significant difference in implant survival between the cemented and cementless groups during the 5-year follow-up, and no independent predictors of implant survival were identified. Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry, TCTR20200427004. Registered 27 April 2020 – Retrospectively registered.
Persistent Freshening of the Arctic Ocean and Changes in the North Atlantic Salinity Caused by Arctic Sea Ice Decline
Authors: Li Hui , Fedorov Alexey
Published: June 2021

Arctic sea ice has been declining over past several decades with the largest ice loss occurring in summer. This implies a strengthening of the sea ice seasonal cycle. Here, we examine global ocean salinity response to such changes of Arctic sea ice using simulations wherein we impose a radiative heat imbalance at the sea ice surface, inducing a sea ice decline comparable to the observed. The imposed perturbation leads to enhanced seasonal melting and a rapid retreat of Arctic sea ice within the first 5-10 years. We then observe a gradual freshening of the upper Arctic ocean that continues for about a century. The freshening is most pronounced within the central Arctic, including the Beaufort gyre, and is attributed to excess surface freshwater associated with the stronger seasonal sea ice melting, as well as a greater upper-ocean freshwater storage due to changes in ocean circulation. The freshening of the Nordic Seas can also occur via a distillation-like process in which denser saline waters with increased salinity are exported to the subtropical/tropical North Atlantic by meridional overturning circulation. Thus, enhanced seasonal sea ice melting in a warmer climate can lead to a persistent Arctic freshening with large impacts on the global salinity distribution.
Functional Annotation of Transcripts Obtained from Fall-Grown Tall Fescue as Influenced by Endophyte Infection
Authors: Islam Md. Shofiqul , Krom Nick , Kwon Taegun , Li Guifen , Saha Malay
Published: June 2021

Tall fescue is one of the primary source of forage for livestock. It grows well in the marginal soils of the temperate zones. It hosts a fungal endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala), which helps the plants to tolerate abiotic and biotic stresses. The genetics and biology underlying mechanism of freezing stress tolerance of tall fescue is still unknown, due to its complex genetic background and outbreeding modes of pollination, limited genomic, and transcriptomic resources. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in two tissues between novel endophyte-positive (E+) and endophyte-free (E-) tall fescue genotypes at three diurnal time points; in the morning (-3.0 to 0.5°C), afternoon (11 to 12°C), and evening (12 − 10°C) in the field environment, by exploring the transcriptional landscape via RNA sequencing. For the first time, we generated 226,054 and 224,376 transcripts from E + and E- Texoma MaxQ II tall fescue, respectively by de novo assembly. The upregulated transcripts were detected fewer than the downregulated ones in both tissues (S: 803 up and 878 down; L: 783 up and 846 down) under the freezing temperatures in the morning. By Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, 10 GO terms were found only under the freezing stress in the morning. Metabolic pathway and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites genes showed lowest number of DEGs under morning freezing stress and highest number in evening cold condition by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis. The DEGs expressed under morning stress condition and the nine candidate genes that we identified using GO analysis, might be the possible route underlying cold tolerance in tall fescue.
Klebsiella Pneumoniae-related Brain Abscess and Meningitis in Adults: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhao Jingru , Huo Tiantian , Luo Xintong , Li Litao , Yang Baoming
Published: June 2021

Background: Despite the progress of modern neurosurgical techniques, new antibiotics and modern imaging techniques, brain abscess is still a potentially fatal infection. Streptococci have always been the common organisms resulting in brain abscess. Nevertheless, Klebsiella species, once thought to be a less common cause of brain abscess in adults, have become an increasingly important cause of brain abscess, especially in Asia. Case presentation: A 64-year-old woman felt sudden onset severe continuous headache, accompanied by intermittent nausea, vomiting and fever. Meanwhile, she felt tinnitus and had a feeling of swelling in the right ear. Electroencephalogram (EEG) examination showed mild abnormality. A neurological examination revealed obvious nuchal rigidity with four transverse fingers under the chin. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormal hyperintensities signals in the left head of caudate nucleus. The cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) common results indicated bacterial infection The next generation sequencing (NGS) of CSF showed the infection of K pneumoniae. The patient was diagnosed with Klebsiella pneumoniae-related brain abscess and meningitis. After positive antimicrobial treatment for nearly two months. The patient got a good recovery.Conclusion: K pneumoniae is once thought to be a less common cause of brain abscess in adults and mainly hospital-acquired. Community-acquired CNS infection (brain abscess and meningitis) caused by K pneumoniae without other metastatic septic abscesses is exceedingly rare. Therefore, we present a rare adult patient with invasive cerebral abscess and meningitis without other invasive abscesses related to K pneumoniae.
Comparative Transcriptomics And eQTL Mapping Of Response To Melampsora Americana In Selected Salix Purpurea F2 Progeny
Authors: Wilkerson Dustin G. , Crowell Chase R. , Carlson Craig H. , McMullen Patrick W. , Smart Christine D. , Smart Lawrence B.
Published: June 2021

Background: Melampsora spp. rusts are the greatest pathogen threat to shrub willow (Salix spp.) bioenergy crops. Genetic resistance is key to limit the effects of these foliar diseases on host response and biomass yield, however, the genetic basis of host resistance has not been characterized. The addition of new genomic resources for Salix provides greater power to investigate the interaction between S. purpurea and M. americana, species commonly found in the Northeast US. Here, we utilize 3' RNA-seq to investigate host-pathogen interactions following controlled inoculations of M. americana on resistant and susceptible F2 S. purpurea genotypes identified in a recent QTL mapping study. Differential gene expression, network analysis, and eQTL mapping was used to contrast the response to inoculation and to identify associated candidate genes.Results: Controlled inoculation in a replicated greenhouse study identified 19 and 105 differentially expressed genes between resistant and susceptible genotypes at 42 and 66 HPI, respectively. Defense response gene networks were activated in both resistant and susceptible genotypes and enriched for many of the same defense response genes, yet the hub genes of these common response modules showed greater mean expression among the resistant plants. Further, eight and six eQTL hotspots were identified at 42 and 66 HPI, respectively. The combined results of the three analyses highlight 124 candidate genes in the host for further analysis while analysis of pathogen RNA showed differential expression of 22 genes, two of which are candidate pathogen effectors. Conclusions: We identified two differentially expressed M. americana transcripts and 124 S. purpurea genes that are good candidates for future studies to confirm their role in conferring resistance.