bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of decidual SKP2 is associated with human recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Lv Shijian , Liu Mei , Xu Lizhen , Zhang Cong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a very frustrating problem for both couples and clinicians. To date, the etiology of RM remains poorly understood. Decidualization plays a critical role in implantation and the maintenance of pregnancy, and its deficiency is closely correlated with RM. The F-box protein S-phase kinase associated protein 2 (SKP2) is a key component of the SCF-type E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, which is critically involved in ErbB family-induced Akt ubiquitination, aerobic glycolysis and tumorigenesis. SKP2 is pivotal for reproduction, and SKP2-deficient mice show impaired ovarian development and reduced fertility.Methods: Here, we investigated the expression and function of SKP2 in human decidualization and its relation with RM. A total of 40 decidual samples were collected. Quantitative PCR analysis, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed to analyze the differential expression of SKP2 between RM and control cells. For in vitro induction of decidualization, both HESCs (human endometrial stromal cells) cell line and primary ESCs (endometrial stromal cells) were used to analyze the effects of SKP2 on decidualization via siRNA transfection.Results: Compared to normal pregnant women, the expression of SKP2 was reduced in the decidual tissues from individuals with RM. After in vitro induction of decidualization, knockdown of SKP2 apparently attenuated the decidualization of HESCs and resulted in the downregulation of HOXA10 and FOXM1, which are essential for normal human decidualization. Moreover, our experiments demonstrated that SKP2 silencing reduced the expression of its downstream target GLUT1.﻿Conclusions: Our study indicates a functional role of SKP2 in RM: downregulation of SKP2 in RM leads to impaired decidualization and downregulation of GLUT1 and consequently predisposes individuals to RM.
Effect of RF magnetron sputtering parameters on the optimization of the discharge capacity of ternary lithium oxide thin films
Authors: Lopez Daniel Andres Sanchez , Chagas Luciana Gomes , Batista Aline Domingues , Guaita Maria Gabriella Detone , Amorin Luís Henrique Cardozo , Silva Paulo Rogério Catarini da , Yamanishi Gustavo , Zaia Dimas Augusto Morozin , de Santana Henrique , Urbano Alexandre 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries has stimulated the investigation of new compounds in order to reduce the costs and the toxicity of their cathodes. Materials constituted of ternary lithiated oxide compounds are a successful alternative to cobalt-rich cathodes. The main disadvantage of ternary compound materials (TCM) is that the maximum amount of electrical charge is only achieved at high redox potentials, a limiting factor if we consider the current development in electrolyte technology. In this work, we investigated the influence of sputtering deposition parameters on the charge capacity of TCM thin films, restraining their electrochemical potential to conventional values. To do so, we analyzed the impact that small changes in crystalline and morphological structures have on the charge capacity at low cell potentials. For this, we performed the RF magnetron sputtering of TCM thin films, and carried out a factorial design of experiments to investigate their electrochemical properties, while limiting the charging potential to 4.20 V vs. Li|Li+. The films were deposited onto a rigid and conductive substrate with different parameters (power and pressure at room temperature). Electrochemical results showed that the discharge capacity is strongly influenced by the deposition parameters, reaching 250 mAh g− 1 even at 4.20 V vs. Li. This value is superior to the ones of the conventional cobalt cathode and the bulk ternary electrode. Both deposition parameters exhibited a synergic dependency, which means that they need to be simultaneously varied for a response optimization. The discharge capacity of the analyzed samples was highly affected by the surface morphology of the film and its crystallographic properties, and not by its elemental composition. High discharge capacity was obtained without additional thermal treatments, which favors the manufacture of films over polymeric substrates for future electronic applications.
No Catalytic Performance Analysis of Gasoline Engine Tapered Variable Cell Density Carrier Catalytic Converter
Authors: Zuo Qingsong , Yang Xiaomei , Zhang Bin , Guan Qingwu , Shen Zhuang , Xie Yongchuan , Li Qiming 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Improving the flow field uniformity of catalytic converter can promote the catalytic conversion of NO to NO2. Firstly, the physical and mathematical models of improved catalytic converter are established, and its accuracy is verified by experiments. Then, the NO catalytic performance of standard and improved catalytic converters is compared, and the influences of structural parameters on its performance are investigated. The results showed that: (1) The gas uniformity, pressure drop and NO conversion rate of the improved catalytic converter are increased by 0.0643, 6.78% and 7.0% respectively. (2) As the cell density combination is 700 cpsi/600 cpsi, NO conversion rate reaches the highest, 73.7%, and the gas uniformity is 0.9821. (3) When the tapered height is 20 mm, NO conversion rate reaches the highest, 72.4%, the gas uniformity is 0.9744. (4) When the high cell density radius is 20 mm, NO conversion rate reaches the highest, 72.1%, the gas uniformity is 0.9783. (5) When the tapered end face radius is 20 mm, NO conversion rate reaches the highest, 72.0%, the gas uniformity is 0.9784. The results will provide a very important reference value for improving NO catalytic and reducing vehicle emission.
A widespread family of bacterial gene clusters produces ClpP inhibitors
Authors: Wright Gerry , Culp Elizabeth , Sychantha David , Hobson Christian , Pawlowski Andrew , Prehna Gerd 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Intracellular proteolytic complexes play an essential role in modeling the proteome in both bacteria and eukaryotes. ClpP is the protease subunit of one such highly conserved proteolytic complex that, despite its potential, remains unexploited as a drug target. Here we describe a target-directed genome mining strategy to identify ClpP targeting compounds from the bacterial order Actinomycetales. By searching for biosynthetic gene clusters that contain duplicated copies of ClpP as putative antibiotic resistance genes, we identify a family of ClpP-associated clusters that are widespread across phyla, including environmental and pathogenic bacteria. While numerous bacterial pyrrolizidine alkaloids produced by these gene clusters are known, their connection to ClpP has never been made. We show that these previously characterized molecules do not affect ClpP function but are shunt metabolites derived from the genuine product of these gene clusters, a reactive covalent ClpP inhibitor. Focusing on one such cryptic gene cluster from Streptomyces cattleya DSM 46488, we use heterologous expression to purify the relevant ClpP inhibitor, which we name clipibicyclene. We show in vitro and in vivo that clipibicyclene is a potent covalent inhibitor of ClpP and that cluster-associated ClpPs provide resistance. ClpP inhibition results in antibacterial activity against actinobacteria, including Mycobacterium smegmatis, and inhibition of virulence factor production by Staphylococcus aureus. Finally, we solve the crystal structure of clipibicyclene-modified Escherichia coli ClpP. Clipibicyclene’s discovery deconvolutes the actual function of a family of natural products widespread in nature. It provides a novel scaffold for therapeutic ClpP inhibitor development, making these findings significant from the perspective of their discovery and their clinical potential.
Modeling galvanostatic charge-discharge of nanoporous supercapacitors
Authors: Zeng Liang , Wu Taizheng , Ye Ting , Mo Tangming , Qiao Rui , Feng Guang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Molecular modeling can study the energy storage of supercapacitors at the atomistic level and has become indispensable in this research. The constant potential method (CPM) allows keeping the electric potential uniform on the electrode, which is essential for a realistic description of the charge repartition and dynamics process in supercapacitors. Prior CPM studies have been limited to the potentiostatic mode. Though widely adopted in the experiment, the galvanostatic mode has been rarely investigated in CPM simulations due to a lack of effective methods. In this work, we developed a modeling approach to simulating the galvanostatic charge-discharge of supercapacitors under constant potential (GCD-CPM). We show that, for nanoporous electrodes, GCD-CPM can capture supercapacitor dynamics in excellent agreement with experimental measurements and delineate the ion adsorption-desorption dynamics underlying the hysteresis with molecular resolutions during charging and discharging. Therefore, this GCD-CPM modeling could open up new avenues for exploring the rich physics and electrochemistry of supercapacitor dynamics.
A Novel miRNA Y-56 Mediates the Proliferation of Porcine Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells by Targeting IGF-1R
Authors: Song Jie , Hao Linlin , Zeng Xiangfang , Yang Rui , Qiao Shiyan , Wang Chunli , Yu Hao , Wang Siyao , Jiao Yingying , Jia Hongyao , Liu Songcai 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The skeletal muscle phenotype of the Bama Xiang pig (BM) is significantly different from the Landrace pig (LP). Uncovering the mechanism of porcine skeletal muscle growth will be of great significance to elucidate the mechanism of the different formation. As the key post-transcriptional regulators, miRNAs play an indispensable role in skeletal muscle development. The proliferation of skeletal muscle satellite cells not only maintain the muscle stem cell population, but also provide a large number of muscle derived cells. Thus, the goal of this study is to explore the effects of a novel miRNA Y-56 on the porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells (PSCs). Results: Firstly, we found that Y-56 was highly expressed in porcine muscle tissues, and its expression was higher in the BM than the LP. The EdU staining and CCK-8 assays results showed that increased levels of Y-56 suppressed cell proliferation, whereas decreased levels of Y-56 resulted in the opposite consequences. Furthermore, flow cytometry results showed that overexpression of Y-56 significantly reduced the percentage of S-phase cells, and the qRT-PCR and western blotting results showed that the expression levels of cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK4), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Cyclin D1 were significantly inhibited. Moreover, downregulation of Y-56 increased the number of S-phase cells and the expression of CDK, PCNA and Cyclin D1. Furtherly, we identified that insulin like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) was a direct target of Y-56. Consistently, overexpression of IGF-1R promoted the cell proliferation of the PSCs, and increased the number of S-phase cells, as well as up-regulated the expressions of CDK4, PCNA and Cyclin D1. Meanwhile, knock-down of IGF-1R was associated with the opposite tend. Finally, overexpression of IGF-1R partially reversed the inhibition of cell proliferation of the PSCs, the decrease of the percentage of S-phase cells and down-regulation of the expression levels of CDK4, PCNA and Cyclin D1, which caused by overexpression of Y-56. Conclusion: Collectively, our findings suggested that Y-56 represses proliferation and cell cycle process of the PSCs through several biological mechanisms involving downregulation of IGF-1R.
Physiological Effects of Wearing N95 Respirator on Medical Staff During Prolong Work Hours in Covid-19 Departments
Authors: shechtman liran , ben-Haim Gal , ben-zvi ilan , steel Laurence , Ironi Avinoah , huszti ella , Chatterji Sumit , levy Liran 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSince the emergence of coronavirus disease, health care professionals in high-risk environments are mandated to wear N95 respirators for prolonged periods. The effect of this prolonged use on cardio-respiratory variables and gas-exchange is poorly defined. The objective of the current study was to determine gas exchange abnormalities and physiological changes among healthcare workers during a 4-hour emergency department (ED) shift while wearing the N95 respirator.MethodsThis was a single-center prospective observational study that consisted of medical staff working at the Sheba Medical Center ED. Physiological effects and gas exchange variables were obtained under normal breathing conditions and after 4-hour shifts while continuously wearing an N95 respirator. Comparisons of paired measurements were performed using a non-parametric Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test.ResultsForty-one subjects were included in the study. Prolonged N95 respirator use was associated with a significant decline in plasma pH [7.35mmHg vs. 7.34mmHg, P=0.02], PvO2 [23.2 mmHg vs. 18.6 mmHg, P<0.001] and a concurrent increase in EtCO2 [32.5mmHg vs. 38.5mmHg, p<0.0001]. PvCO2 and bicarbonate levels did not differ. No significant change was observed for heart rate or oxygen saturation. ConclusionUsing an N95 respirator for prolonged periods by healthcare professionals may provoke changes in gas exchange. The clinical significance of these changes in terms of symptoms or longer-term health status is unknown and remains to be determined.
Unravelling the role of alcohol copper radical oxidases in fungal plant pathogens
Authors: Bissaro Bastien , Kodama Sayo , Hage Hayat , Ribeaucourt David , Haon Mireille , Grisel Sacha , Simaan A , Beisson Fred , Forget Stephanie , Brumer Harry , Rosso Marie-Noelle , O'Connell Richard , Lafond Mickael , Kubo Yasuyuki , Berrin Jean-Guy 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Copper radical oxidases (CRO) form a class of enzymes with a longstanding history encompassing diverse substrate specificities. While the biological function of most CROs remains unknown, we observed that CROs active on aliphatic alcohols are found only in fungal plant pathogens. Here, we unveil the role of these CROs and the identity of their natural redox partner, a haem-iron peroxidase. Combining multiscale approaches, we report that Colletotrichum and Magnaporthe appressoria (specialized cells that puncture the plant cuticles) co-secrete this pair of metalloenzymes early during penetration. We show in vivo that mutant appressoria lacking either or both enzymes have impaired penetration ability and pathogenicity. We reveal in vitro a finely-tuned enzyme interplay is responsible for the oxidation of plant cuticular long-chain alcohols into aldehyde products, suggested to act as key molecular signals in the fungal infection machinery. Our results open new avenues to design oxidase-specific inhibitors as anti-penetrants for crop protection.
Development of A One-Step Multiplex qRT-PCR Assay For Detection of African Swine Fever Virus, Classical Swine Fever Virus And Atypical Porcine Pestivirus
Authors: Liu Huixin , Shi Kaichuang , Zhao Jing , Yin Yanwen , Chen Yating , Si Hongbin , Qu Sujie , Long Feng , Lu Wenjun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: African swine fever virus (ASFV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) have caused great economic losses to the swine industry in China. Since there exist co-infections of ASFV, CSFV and APPV in certain pig herds, it is necessary to accurately and differentially detect these pathogens in the fields. In this study, a one-step multiplex real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (multiplex qRT-PCR) was developed for simultaneous and differential detection of ASFV, CSFV and APPV.Results: The developed one-step multiplex qRT-PCR was able to specifically detect ASFV, CSFV and APPV, but could not amplify other viruses, including porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), pseudorabies virus (PRV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), porcine parvovirus (PPV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine rotavirus (PRoV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), border disease virus (BDV), bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 (BVDV-1), BVDV-2 and so on. The detection limit of the assay was 2.52×101 copies/μL for ASFV, CSFV and APPV. Repeatability test using standard plasmids showed that the coefficients of variation of the intra- and inter-assay were less than 2 %. The detection of 509 clinical samples collected in Guangxi Province, Southern China from October 2018 to December 2020 showed that the positive rates of ASFV, CSFV and APPV were 45.58 %, 12.57 % and 3.54 %, respectively, while the co-infection rates of ASFV and CSFV, ASFV and APPV, CSFV and APPV were 4.91 %, 1.38 %, 0.98 %, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of partial ASFV p72 gene showed that all ASFV strains from Guangxi Province, Southern China belonged to genotype I and II.Conclusion: A one-step multiplex qRT-PCR with high specificity, sensitivity, accuracy and repeatability was successfully developed for simultaneous and differential detection of ASFV, CSFV and APPV.
Lymph Node Ratio Predicts Overall Survival in pT4 Gastric Cancer Patients who Underwent Curative Surgery
Authors: Yang Fan , Yu Xinying , Li Qi , Wu Jun , Chen Yang , Yue Dongmei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Lymph node ratio (LNR), the ratio of metastatic lymph nodes to the total number of examined lymph nodes, has been considered a prognostic factor in gastric cancer (GC) patients. However, the predictive values of LNR vary as characteristics of patients are different. We confirmed its prognostic value and investigated the differences between patients with different pathological features.Methods: Totally, 211 GC patients who underwent curative gastrectomy between October 2004 and November 2016 were retrospectively investigated. Patients were classified into LNR 0, 1 and 2, using cutoff values 0.05 and 0.2. Cutoff values were calculated by Youden index. Relationships between LNR and clinicopathological characteristics were investigated by chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Survival analysis were based on Cox proportional hazard regression model and Kaplan-Meier method.Results: LNR were related to tumor size (p = 0.003), Lauren classification (p = 0.007), grade of differentiation (p = 0.041), pT stage (p = 0.050) and pN stage (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, LNR was an independent prognostic factor (HR = 7.023, p < 0.001). In stratification analysis, LNR showed independent prognostic value (HR = 4.852, p < 0.001) in pT4 patients, but not in pT3 patients (p = 0.361) and pT1-2 patients (p = 0.123). Conclusions: LNR is an independent predictor of overall survival in pT4 GC patients who underwent curative surgery.
Factors Associated With An Interruption in Treatment of People Living With HIV in USAID-Supported States in Nigeria: A Retrospective Study From 2000‒2020
Authors: Tomescu Silviu , Crompton Thomas , Adebayo Jonathan , Kinge Constance Wose , Akpan Francis , Rennick Marcus , Chasela Charles , Ondura Evans , Dauda Dauda Sulaiman , Pisa Pedro T 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Patient interruption of antiretroviral therapy (ART) continues to limit HIV programs’ progress toward epidemic control. Multiple factors have been associated with program interruptions in treatment (IIT)—also referred to by the World Health Organization as loss to follow-up (LTFU)―including age, gender, CD4 count, and education level. Program implementers can prevent future IIT by understanding which clients are more likely to interrupt treatment. In this paper, we explore the factors associated with treatment interruptions in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-supported facilities under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program in Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective secondary cross-sectional analysis on data obtained from Nigeria’s National Data Repository (NDR), representing a summarized record of 573 630 ART clients that received care at 484 PEPFAR/USAID-supported facilities in 16 states from 2000‒2020 were used in this analysis. Interruption in treatment was recorded as no clinical contact for 28 days after the last scheduled appointment or expected clinical contact. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were computed to explore the factors associated with IIT. The variables included in the analysis were sex, age group, zone, facility type, regimen line, multi-month dispensing (MMD), and viral load category.Results: Of the 573 630 clients analysed in this study, 32% in the cohort have been recorded as having interrupted treatment. Of the clients investigated, 66% were female (32% had interruption in treatment), 39% were aged 25‒34 at their last ART pick-up date (with 32% of them interrupted treatment), 62% received care at a hospital (38% interrupted treatment) and 38% were last receiving between three- to five-month MMD (with 10% of these interrupted treatments). Those less likely to interrupt ART were males (aOR = 0.93), clients on six-month MMD (aOR = 0.04), adults on 2nd line regimen (aOR = 0.14), and paediatrics on 1st line regimen (aOR = 0.09). Clients most likely to interrupt ART were located in the South West Zone (aOR = 1.91), received treatment at a hospital (aOR = 3.39) or medical center (aOR = 5.15), and had no viral load (VL) on record (aOR =8.92). Age group was not significantly associated with IIT.Conclusions: Sex, zone, facility type, regimen line, MMD, and VL were significantly associated with IIT. MMD of three months and longer (especially six months) had better retention on ART than those on shorter MMD. Not having a VL on record was associated with a considerable risk of IIT.
Late-Onset of Chronic Granulomatous Disease Revealed By Paecilomyces Lilacinus Cutaneous Infection
Authors: Lemaigre Clément , Suarez Felipe , Martellosio Jean-Philippe , Barbarin Cindy , Brunet Kevin , Hainaut Ewa , Rammaert Blandine , Roblot France , Torregrosa-Díaz Jose Miguel 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited immunodeficiency due to defective leukocyte NADPH responsible for recurrent infections and aberrant inflammation. Mutations in the CYBB gene are responsible for the X-linked CGD and account for approximately 70% of the cases. CGD is diagnosed during childhood in males. Female carriers may have biased X inactivation and may present with clinical manifestations depending on the level of residual NADPH oxidase activity. We report the case of a previously asymptomatic female carrier who was diagnosed at age 67 with a skin infection with the rare fungus, Paecylomyces lilacinus as the first manifestation of CGD. Dihydrorhodamin 123 (DHR) activity was below 10%. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed mutations in DNMT3A, ASXL1, and STAG2 suggesting that clonal hematopoiesis of undetermined potential (CHIP) could be responsible for a progressive loss of NADPH oxidase activity and the late onset of X-linked CGD in this patient. Long-term follow-up of asymptomatic carrier women seems to be essential after 50 years old.