bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of the California Tier System in Controlling Population Mobility During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Schwarz Emilie L. , Schwarz Lara , Teyton Anaïs , Crist Katie , Benmarhnia Tarik 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Policies to restrict population mobility are a commonly used strategy to limit the transmission of contagious diseases. Among measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were dynamic stay-at-home orders informed by real-time, regional-level data. California was the only state in the U.S. to implement this novel approach; however, the effectiveness of California’s four-tier system on population mobility has not been quantified. Utilizing data from mobile devices and county-level demographic data, we evaluated the impact of policy changes on population mobility and explored whether demographic characteristics explained variability in responsiveness to policy changes. For each Californian county, we calculated the proportion of people staying home and the average number of daily trips taken per 100 persons, across different trip distances and compared this to pre-COVID-19 levels. We found that overall mobility decreased when counties moved to a more restrictive tier and increased when moving to a less restrictive tier, as the policy intended. When placed in a more restrictive tier, the greatest decrease in mobility was observed for shorter and medium-range trips, while there was an unexpected increase in the longer trips. The mobility response varied by geographic region, as well as county-level median income, gross domestic product, the prevalence of farms, and recent election results. This analysis provides evidence of the effectiveness of the tier-based system in decreasing overall population mobility to ultimately reduce COVID-19 transmission. Results demonstrate that economic and political indicators drive important variability in such patterns across counties.
Increasing Rate of Hospitalization For Severe Peptic Ulcer After The Pandemic: Digestive Emergency Data From Two Regional Hospitals.
Authors: Jian Chenxing , Zhou Zili , Yang Chunkang , Zhao Ning , Bao Haijun , Han Shengbo , Chen Jinhuang , Shu Xiaogang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
With the introduction of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine, the pandemic has abated. However, the virus has not been completely contained, and some of the potential effects of the outbreak have not been thoroughly studied. We collected data from two regional emergency centers from May to November 2015-2019, before the outbreak, and from May to November 2020, after the outbreak. We evaluated the incidence of each major type of digestive disease before and after the pandemic in adults at two hospitals, which experienced COVID-19 outbreaks with varying severity. A total of 11,336 patients were enrolled in the study (PUTIAN, n=5503, UNION, n= 5891). From 2015 to 2019, the numbers of patients at the two hospitals increased steadily, but in 2020, the number of patients at UNION declined. The constituent ratios of diseases in each year in the two hospitals differed. The number of patients with peptic ulcer in 2020 was significantly different from that in each year from 2015 to 2019 (PUTIAN 2015-2020, 16.6%, 20.0%, 16.6%, 18.3%, 21.1%, 37.1%; UNION 2015-2020, 31.5%, 34.6%, 31.6%, 31.3%, 31.7%, 43.7%, respectively). The rates of peptic ulcer increased dramatically in both hospitals in 2020. An increase in the incidence of severe peptic ulcer was observed after the pandemic compared to the same period in previous nonpandemic years. Therefore, these factors should be considered in the formulation of public health strategies and the allocation of medical resources in the postepidemic era.
Selective Transfer of Maternal Antibodies in Preterm and Term Children
Authors: Dolatshahi Sepideh , Butler Audrey L , Pou Christian , Henckel Ewa , Bernhardsson Anna Karin , Gustafsson Anna , Bohlin Kajsa , Shin Sally A , Lauffenburger Douglas A. , Brodin Petter , Alter Galit 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Preterm newborns are more likely to suffer from infectious diseases at birth compared to children delivered at term. Whether this is due to compromised cellular, humoral, or organ-specific development remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that while preterm children have an aberrant cellular immune response, these infants receive similar maternal anti-viral IgG repertoires compared to term children, albeit at lower concentrations. These data point to selectivity in placental transfer at distinct gestational ages, to ensure that children are endowed with the most robust humoral immunity even if born preterm. To begin to define the mechanism by which preterm selective transfer may occur, the overall quantity and functional quality of an array of vaccine-, endemic pathogen-, and common antigen-specific antibodies were assessed across a cohort of 11 preterm and 12 term-delivered mother:infant pairs from birth through week 12. Although higher antibody levels were present in term infants, the overall functional profiles of antigen-specific antibodies were very similar. Temporal transfer differences were ascertained across distinct antibody subpopulations, with early transfer of functional antibodies capable of binding to FcRn and FcγR2-3 receptors followed by the transfer of distinct IgG subclasses. These results provide new insights on maternal:fetal immunity, highlighting novel immune axes that may be manipulated to enhance neonatal immune transfer of antibodies through gestation.
Metagenomics Study To Compare The Taxonomy And Metabolism of a Lignocellulolytic Microbial Consortium Cultured in Different Carbon Conditions
Authors: BORJIGIN Qinggeer , ZHANG Bizhou , Yu Xiaofang , Gao Julin , ZHANG Xin , Qu Jiawei , Ma Daling , Hu Shuping , Han Shengcai 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A lignocellulolytic microbial consortium holds promise for the in situ biodegradation of crop straw and the comprehensive and effective utilization of agricultural waste. In this study, we applied metagenomics technology to comprehensively explore the metabolic functional potential and taxonomic diversity of the microbial consortia CS (cultured on corn stover) and FP (cultured on filter paper).Analyses of the metagenomics taxonomic affiliation data showed considerable differences in the taxonomic composition and functional profile of the microbial consortia CS and FP. The microbial consortia CS primarily contained members from the genera Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Achromobacter, Dysgonomonas, Flavobacterium and Sphingobacterium, as well as Cellvibrio, Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, Dysgonomonas and Cellulomonas in FP. The COG and KEGG annotation analyses revealed considerable levels of diversity. Further analysis determined that the CS consortium had an increase in the acid and ester metabolism pathways, while carbohydrate metabolism was enriched in the FP consortium. Furthermore, a comparison against the CAZy database showed that the microbial consortia CS and FP contain a rich diversity of lignocellulose degrading families, in which GH5, GH6, GH9, GH10, GH11, GH26, GH42, and GH43 were enriched in the FP consortium, and GH44, GH28, GH2, and GH29 increased in the CS consortium. The degradative mechanism of lignocellulose metabolism by the two microbial consortia is similar, but the annotation of quantity of genes indicated that they are diverse and vary greatly. The lignocellulolytic microbial consortia cultured under different carbon conditions (CS and FP) differed substantially in their composition of the microbial community at the genus level. The changes in functional diversity were accompanied with variation in the composition of microorganisms, many of which are related to the degradation of lignocellulolytic materials. The genera Pseudomonas, Dysgonomonas and Sphingobacterium in CS and the genera Cellvibrio and Pseudomonas in FP exhibited a much wider distribution of lignocellulose degradative ability.
Barriers in Access to Healthcare for Kenyan Queer Womxn and Trans Men: Findings of a Cross-Sectional Online Survey and Interviews
Authors: Haase Stephanie , Zweigenthal Virginia , Müller Alex 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn many African countries, including Kenya, sexual behaviour between consenting adults of the same sex/ gender is illegal, which results in limited availability and access to health services and information for sexual and gender minorities. This results in unmet health issues for sexual and gender minorities who have a higher burden of STD/STI and HIV, STI-related cancers, and mental ill-health and trauma.MethodsWe conducted an online survey among 335 Kenyan queer womxn and trans men over the age of 18 who had at least one self-identified female sexual partner, collecting data on health service utilisation and barriers to accessing healthcare. ResultsWe identified gaps in all four areas that comprise standard of health – availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of care, exacerbated by the restrictive law and policy landscape in Kenya. Queer womxn and trans men face multiple service-access barriers, many related to stigma and discrimination, as well as concerns around provider attitudes and knowledge. Violations of human rights and privacy are a concern for queer womxn and trans men patients. There are insufficient numbers of facilities, programmes, and information to meet the needs of queer womxn and trans men, which leads to a lack of holistic care or patients delaying care and preventative interventions. ConclusionMental health and trans health are areas that are particularly poorly equipped to serve the informants’ needs, highlighting the need to address the exclusion of sexual and gender minorities in the vulnerable groups of the National Mental Health Policy. Resources regarding the use of services need to be made available, and service providers need to be educated to provide non-judgmental, inclusive care for queer womxn and trans men in Kenya.
Spatio-temporal variations of lower tropospheric pollutants and their relation with meteorological factors in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Dilshad , Shams Zafar Iqbal , Ahmed Moinuddin , Siddique Muhammad Fahim 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Despite being one of the most populated cities globally, the air quality of Karachi is hardly ever comprehended. The present paper investigates the outdoor concentrations of 10 air pollutants, viz. NO, NO2, NOx, SO2, CO, O3, CH4, methane carbon, non-methane hydrocarbons, and total hydrocarbons at three different city sites, viz., Sohrab Goth, Defense Housing Authority, and North Nazimabad. The results demonstrate that these pollutants severely affected the city's air quality. The annual mean concentrations of both NO2 and SO2 exceeded the WHO guidelines at some study sites. The city experiences varied concentrations of major air pollutants because three types of fuel, viz. diesel, gasoline, and compressed natural gas, operate the motor vehicles in this conurbation. The study also correlates the various air pollutants with each other and with various meteorological factors. All the three oxides of nitrogen are statistically associated at all three sites with one another, with SO2 at Defense Housing Authority, with CO at North Nazimabad, and with meteorological factors at Sohrab Goth and Defense Housing Authority. Carbon monoxide is statistically associated with the meteorological factors only at North Nazimabad. The study suggests that higher air pollution in the city is due to the adoption of lenient vehicular emission standards because stringent emission standards cannot be adopted due to the non-availability of low or zero sulfur fuel. Moreover, ineffective regulation of exiting standards also contributes to higher vehicular emissions in the city.
Evaluation of Inorganic Phosphate Solubilizing Efficiency and Multiple Plant Growth Promoting Properties of Endophytic Bacteria Isolated From Root Nodules Erythrina Brucei
Authors: Berza Belay , Sekar Jegan , VR Prabavathy , Pagano Marcela C , Assefa Fassil 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: The majority of phosphorous in the soil is fixed and unavailable to plant nutrition, hence in scarcity. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria, the ecological engineers, are considered as the best, sustainable and eco-friendly options. The objectives of this study were to screen and evaluate inorganic phosphate solubilizing efficiency and assess multiple plant growth promoting traits of E. brucei root nodule bacterial endophytes.Results: A total of 304 nodule bacterial endophytes were screened for phosphate solubilization potential on solid PA medium among which 119 (39%) were potential tricalcium phosphate solubilizers. None of these isolates were able to form clearly visible halos on aluminum phosphate (AlPO4), Al-P or iron phosphate (FePO4), Fe-P supplemented PA medium. Out of 119 inorganic phosphate solubilizing endophytes, 40.3% were IAA producers. Based on phosphate solubilization index, the potential bacterial endophytes were identified to Gluconobacter cerinus, Acinetobacter soli, Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Bacillus thuringiensis using the 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis. All the selected isolates were potential solubilizers of the three inorganic phosphates (Al-P, Fe-P and tricalcium phosphate, TCP) included in liquid NBRIP medium. The highest values of solubilized TCP were recorded by isolates AU4 and RG6 (A. soli), 108.96 mg L-1 and 107.48 mg L-1, respectively at sampling day3 and 120.36 mg L-1 and 112.82 mg L-1, respectively at day 6. The highest values of solubilized Al-P and Fe-P were recorded by isolate RG6, 102.14 mg L-1 and 96.07 mg L-1, respectively at sampling days 3 and 6, respectively. The highest IAA, 313.61µg mL-1 was recorded by isolate DM17 (B. thuringiensis). These selected potential isolates were also HCN, NH3, and hydrolytic enzymes producers. The isolates were also varied in tolerance to eco-physiological stressors and exhibited versatility to carbon and nitrogen substrate utilization. Conclusions: The genera and species Gluconobacter cerinus, Acinetobacter soli, Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Bacillus thuringiensis are the first reports from E .brucei root nodules and Gluconobacter is also the first report to the science as phosphate solubilizer. Isolates AU4 and RG (A. soli) could be potential bio-inoculant candidates for the growth enhancement of the host plant for better agro-forestry practices in acidic and alkaline soils in Ethiopia.
GLP-1-mediated delivery of the PPAR𝛼/𝛾 dual-agonist Tesaglitazar improves obesity and glucose metabolism in mice
Authors: Quarta Carmelo , Stemmer Kerstin , Novikoff Aaron , Yang Bin , Klingelhuber Felix , Harger Alexandra , Bakhti Mostafa , Bastidas-Ponce Aimée , Bauge Eric , Clemmensen Christoffer , Colldén Gustav , Cota Perla , Drucker Daniel , García-Cáceres Cristina , Grandl Gerald , Hennuyer Nathalie , Herzig Stephan , Hofmann Susanna , Kulaj Konxhe , Lalloyer Fanny , Lickert Heiko , Maity Gandhari , Perez-Tilve Diego , Sanchez-Garrido Miguel A. , Zhang Qian , Staels Bard , Krahmer Natalie , DiMarchi Richard , Tschoep Matthias , Finan Brian , Müller Timo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Dual-agonists activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha and gamma (PPAR𝛼/𝛾) have shown beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes, but their development was discontinued due to unfavorable cardiovascular and/or renal effects. Here we report the design and preclinical evaluation of a molecule that covalently links the PPAR𝛼/𝛾 dual-agonist Tesaglitazar to GLP-1 to allow for the GLP-1 receptor-dependent delivery of Tesaglitazar. GLP-1/Tesaglitazar does not differ from matched GLP-1 in GLP-1R signaling, but shows GLP-1R-dependent PPAR𝛾-RXR heterodimerization with enhanced efficacy to improve body weight, food intake, and glucose metabolism relative to GLP-1 or Tesaglitazar in mice with diet- and genetically-induced obesity. The conjugate fails to affect body weight and glucose metabolism in GLP-1R knockout (ko) mice and shows preserved effects in DIO mice at doses subthreshold for GLP-1 and Tesaglitazar to improve metabolism. Consistent with the GLP-1R expression pattern, LC/MS-based proteomics identified a series of novel PPAR protein targets in the hypothalamus that are acutely upregulated by Tesaglitazar and by GLP-1/Tesaglitazar, but not by treatment with GLP-1. Collectively, our data show that GLP-1/Tesaglitazar improves energy and glucose metabolism with superior efficacy to GLP-1 or Tesaglitazar alone and suggest that this conjugate holds therapeutic value to treat hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.
Specifically Binding of D-Amino Neuraminic Acid to Ganglioside Studied in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Demir Kenan , Aktug Huseyin , Yigitturk Gurkan , Acikgoz Eda , Guler Gunnur , Rouhrazi Hadi , Oktem Gulperi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular binding site of human KDN (2-keto-3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-nononic acid). The KDN molecule is a member of the sialic acid family, and its expression increases in cancer cells. Although KDN has been shown to bind to GM3 (Monosialodihexosyl Ganglioside) in trout sperm.Methods and Results: Prostate cancer cell line (DU145) was used in this study. Each experimental group was divided into 3 groups: control, GCS (Glucosylceramide synthase) enzyme inhibitor Genz-123346 treated, and GM3 synthesis inhibitor Triptolide treated. Each group was stained using the immunocytochemical method for GM3, GD3 (Disialosyllactosylceramide) and KDN. The FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) analysis was performed to elucidate the cellular changes upon treatment. The non-treated number 1 cell group stained positive with all of GM3, GD3 and KDN, the GCS enzyme blocked with Genz-123346 number 2 cell groups stained positive with only KDN. Furthermore, GD3 Synthase inhibitor Triptolide treated number 3 cell group stained positive with GM3 and KDN. Measurements with FTIR showed apoptotic features with Triptolide while Genz-123346 had no negative effect on the cell viability. The decrease in sugar constructions was revealed and the results that we obtained with staining were reinforced.Conclusions: Determining the location of bounded KDN is important in selecting new targets for cancer treatment researches. It has been shown that KDN is not inhibited by both GM3 inhibition and GD3 inhibition, and thus, KDN might also bind to different places, be specific, and not only attached to any of gangliosides of the GM or GD series.
Liana functional assembly along the hydrological gradient in Central Amazonia
Authors: Rocha Elisangela da Xavier , Nogueira Anselmo , Costa Flávia , Burnham Robyn , Gerolamo Caian , Honorato Cibelly , Schietti Juliana 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Soil hydrology, nutrient availability and forest disturbance determine the variation of tropical tree species composition locally. However, most habitat filtering is explained by tree species' hydraulic traits along the hydrological gradient. We asked whether these patterns apply to lianas. At the community level, we investigated: (i) whether the hydrological gradient, soil fertility and forest disturbance explain liana species composition; and (ii) whether differences in leaf and stem wood functional traits were linked to species composition along ecological gradients. We sampled liana species composition in 18 1-ha plots across a 64 km² landscape in Central Amazonia and measured ten leaves and stem wood traits across 115 liana species in 2,000 individuals. We correlated liana species composition summarized with PCoA with the functional composition summarized by PCA, considering the species mean values of traits at the plot level. We tested the relationship between ordination axes and the environmental gradients. Liana species composition was highly correlated with functional composition. Taxonomic (PCoA) and functional (PCA) composition were strongly associated with the hydrological gradient, with a slight impact of forest disturbance on functional composition. Species at valley areas had higher stomata size and higher proportions of self-supporting xylem than plateau. Differently, lianas on plateaus invest more in fast-growing leaves (higher SLA), although with a higher wood density. Our study reveals that lianas use different functional solutions in dealing with each end of the hydrological gradient and that the relationships between habitat preferences and traits explain lianas species distributions not straightforwardly as previously found for trees.
The cytosolic role of EZH2-IMPDH2 complex in melanoma progression and metastasis via GTP regulation
Authors: Abali Gamze Kuser , Noguchi Fumihito , Szeto Pacman , Zhang Youfang , Huang Cheng , Barlow Christopher , Pomilio Giovanna , Chew Christopher , Moghaddam Samar Masoumi , Zhao Peinan , Andrews Miles , Leece Isobel , Cheung Jen , Ameratunga Malaka , Wong Nicholas , Schittenhelm Ralf , Wei Andrew () , Shackleton Mark 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) oncogene is a histone methyltransferase that functions canonically as a catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) to tri-methylate histone H3 at Lys 27 (H3K27me3). Although targeting of EZH2 methyltransferase is a promising therapeutic strategy against cancer, methyltransferase-independent oncogenic functions of EZH2 are also described. Moreover, pharmacological EZH2 methyltransferase inhibition was only variably effective in pre-clinical and clinical studies, suggesting that targeting EZH2 methyltransferase alone may be insufficient. Here, we demonstrate a non-canonical mechanism of EZH2’s oncogenic activity through interactions with inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 (IMPDH2) and downstream promotion of guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP) production. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) of EZH2 immunoprecipitates from melanoma cell lines and human patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) revealed EZH2-IMPDH2 interactions that were verified to occur between the N-terminal EED-binding domain of cytosolic EZH2 and the CBS domain of IMPDH2 in a PRC2- and methylation-independent manner. EZH2 silencing reduced cellular GTP, ribosome biogenesis, RhoA-mediated actomyosin contractility and melanoma cell proliferation and invasion by impeding the activity and cytosolic localization of IMPDH2. Guanosine, which replenishes GTP, reversed these effects and thereby promoted invasive and clonogenic cell states even in EZH2 silenced cells. IMPDH2 silencing antagonized the proliferative and invasive effects of EZH2, also in a guanosine-reversible manner. In human melanomas, high cytosolic EZH2 and IMPDH2 expression were associated with nucleolar enlargement, a marker for ribosome biogenesis. We also identified EZH2-IMPDH2 complexes in a range of cancers in which Sappanone A (SA), which inhibits EZH2-IMPDH2 interactions and thereby IMPDH2 tetramerization, was anti-tumorigenic, although notably non-toxic in normal human melanocytes and bone marrow derived blood progenitor cells that lacked observable EZH2-IMPDH2 interactions. These findings illuminate a previously unrecognized, non-canonical, methyltransferase-independent, but GTP-dependent mechanism by which EZH2 regulates tumorigenicity in melanoma and other cancers, opening new avenues for development of anti-EZH2 therapeutics.