bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New substitutions on NS1 protein from influenza A (H1N1) virus: Bioinformatics analyses of Indian strains isolated from 2009 to 2020
Authors: Lubna Syeda , Chinta Suma , Burra Prakruthi , Vedantham Kiranmayi , Ray Sibnath , Bandyopadhyay Debashree 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsNonstructural (NS1) protein is mainly involved in virulence and replication of several viruses, including influenza virus A (H1N1); surveillance of the latter started in India in 2009. The objective of this study was to identify the new substitutions in NS1 protein from the influenza virus A (H1N1) pandemic 2009 (pdm09) strain isolated in India.MethodsThe sequences of NS1 proteins from influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 strains isolated in India were obtained from publicly available databases. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogeny analyses were performed to confirm the “consistent substitutions” on NS1 protein from H1N1 (pdm09) Indian strains. Here, “consistent substitutions” were defined as the substitutions observed in all the sequences isolated in a year. Comparative analyses were performed among NS1 Indian sequences from A(H1N1) pdm09, A (H1N1) seasonal and A(H3N2) strains, and from A (H1N1) pdm09 global strains.ResultsEight substitutions were identified in the NS1 Indian sequence from the A(H1N1) pdm09 strain, two in RBD, five in ED, and one in the linker region. Three new substitutions were reported in this study at NS1 sequence positions 2, 80, and 155, which evolved within 2015–2019 and became “consistent.” These new substitutions were associated with conservative paired substitutions in the alternative domains of the NS1 protein. Three paired substitutions were (i) D2E and E125D, (ii) T80A and A155T, and (iii) E55K and K131E.ConclusionsThis study indicates the continuous evolution of NS1 protein from the influenza A virus. The new substitutions at positions 2 and 80 occurred in the RNA binding and eIF4GI binding domains. The D2E substitution evolved simultaneously with the E125D substitution that involved viral replication. The third new substitution at position 155 occurred in the PI3K binding domain. The possible consequences of these substitutions on host–pathogen interactions are subject to further experimental and computational verification.
Contributions of executive function to spatial thinking in young children
Authors: Garcia Nelcida L. , Dick Anthony Steven , Pruden Shannon M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIdentifying factors that contribute to spatial thinking is of great interest given links between spatial thinking and success in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Working memory has been found to be predictive of spatial thinking but little research has explored other components of executive function (i.e., inhibition and shifting) in relation to spatial thinking. A total of 131 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds (Mage = 5.06; 53.4% male; 56% Latinx, 18% White, 12% Mixed Race, 5% Asian, and 5% other) were assessed using spatial, executive function, and intelligence tasks. Results show that inhibition, shifting, and working memory are all associated with intrinsic and extrinsic spatial task scores. These results advance developmental theory on spatial thinking and offer a promising route for future interventions in improving spatial ability.Highlights
In this study, we examine whether there are direct effects of executive function of children's spatial thinking.
Four to six‐year‐old children were assessed using a battery of spatial, executive function, and general intelligence tasks. Results show that the three components of executive function are associated with both intrinsic and extrinsic spatial thinking.
These findings advance developmental theory and provide a basis for future interventions to improve spatial thinking.
The role of MTNR1B polymorphism on circadian rhythm‐related cancer: A UK Biobank cohort study
Authors: Wu Jiafei , Tan Xiao 
Published: April 2022

AbstractA common G risk allele in the melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B, rs10830963) gene has been associated with altered melatonin signaling and secretion. Given that melatonin possesses anticancerogenic properties, we hypothesized that breast and prostate cancer risks vary by rs10830963 genotype. A total of 216 702 participants from the UK Biobank without cancer at baseline (aged 56.4 ± 8.0 years, 50.79% female) were included. Multivariable Cox regression adjusting for known risk factors for breast or prostate cancer was used to estimate the independent effects of the rs10830963 SNP and chronotype on cancer risk. Over a median follow‐up of 8 years, 2367 (2.15% of women) incidences of breast cancer and 2866 (2.69% of men) incidences of prostate cancer were documented in females and males, respectively. rs10830963 genotype is not associated with cancer risk independently (female Ptrend = .103, male Ptrend = .281). A late chronotype is associated with breast cancer risk in females (Ptrend = .014), but not prostate cancer risk in males (Ptrend = .915). Further stratification analysis revealed that the rs10830963 genotype is associated with a breast cancer risk in females with moderate evening chronotype (Ptrend = .001) and late chronotype is associated with breast cancer risk in females who carry rs10830963 G risk allele (Ptrend = .015). Our study suggests that having a late chronotype might increase the risk of breast cancer among females, while the effect of MTNR1B rs10830963 genotype on breast cancer risk is mediated by chronotype.
“We just do it … we are dead already”: Exploring the sexual behaviors of youth living with HIV
Authors: Zgambo Maggie , Arabiat Diana , Ireson Deborah 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionThis study aims to describe the sexual behaviors of youth living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Malawi. As a high‐risk population, understanding the contextual factors that shape their sexual behaviors is of particular interest when designing strategies to reduce HIV transmission.MethodsSemi‐structured qualitative interviews were used to collect information about sexual behaviors from 22 youth (12 females and 10 males) living with HIV aged from 15 to 24 years. All participants were recruited from a specialized HIV clinic in Malawi. Thematic analysis was applied to identify current themes.ResultsThe majority of participants were sexually active. Engaging in sexual behaviors was largely related to social processes identified in three main themes: (1) Risk‐taking in pursuit of confidence and maturity; (2) A lack of voice in decision making concerning practising safe sex; (3) Perceived barriers to safe sex practice such as poverty, dropping out of school, and personal perspectives about transmitting HIV to others.ConclusionOur results suggest that prevention strategies targeting youth social and economic vulnerabilities to social influences are needed to enhance their personal and social skills. We suggest nurturing cultural and religious ceremonies and involving elders to equip youth with skills and knowledge for the prevention of HIV transmission.
Inside Cover
Authors: Zhang Mingchao , Tao Yue , Chang Qing , Wang Kaixuan , Chu Tianqing , Ying Weihai 
Published: April 2022

The skin’s green autofluorescence (AF) at the Dorsal Centremetacarpus of lung cancer patients was significantly higher than that of healthy subjects and pulmonary infection patients. Using the AF intensity as the variable, ROC analyses showed that the AUC for differentiating the lung cancer patients and the pulmonary infection patients was 0.87, suggesting that the skin’s AF may become a novel biomarker for non‐invasive and economical diagnosis of lung cancer.Further details can be found in the article by Mingchao Zhang, Yue Tao, Qing Chang, Kaixuan Wang, Tianqing Chu, and Weihai Ying (e202100389)image
Calcium Citrate Versus Calcium Carbonate in the Management of Chronic Hypoparathyroidism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Trial
Authors: Naciu Anda Mihaela , Tabacco Gaia , Bilezikian John P , Santonati Assunta , Bosco Daniela , Incognito Giosuè Giordano , Gaspa Gianluigi , Manfrini Silvia , Falchetti Alberto , Trimboli Pierpaolo , Mazziotti Gherardo , Napoli Nicola , Sanson Gianfranco , Cesareo Roberto , Vescini Fabio , Palermo Andrea 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACT
In hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT), calcium supplementation is virtually always required, although the disease is likely to be associated with an increased risk of nephrolithiasis. The use of calcium citrate (Ca-Cit) theoretically could have a positive impact on the nephrolithiasis risk because citrate salts are used to reduce this risk. Our objective was to evaluate the potential therapeutic advantage of Ca-Cit in comparison with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in HypoPT, on nephrolithiasis risk factors, as well as to their ability to maintain desirable serum calcium levels. We also evaluated these preparations on quality of life (QOL). This randomized, double-blind, crossover trial recruited 24 adults with postsurgical chronic hypoparathyroidism at Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome. Participants were randomized 1:1 to Ca-Cit or CaCO3 for 1 month and then crossed over to the other treatment for another month. The primary outcomes were changes in albumin-adjusted serum calcium and in ion activity product of calcium oxalate levels (AP[CaOx] index). Secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in SF-36 survey score, fatigue score, constipation, and adverse events. No difference in terms of AP(CaOx) index was observed between the two groups. However, Ca-Cit was associated with a significant reduction in the oxalate/creatinine ratio compared with CaCO3 (−2.46 mmol/mol [SD 11.93] versus 7.42 mmol/mol [SD 17.63], p = 0.029). Serum calcium and phosphorus concentration was not different between the two calcium preparations. Ca-Cit was associated with less constipation (p = 0.047). No difference was found in QOL scores. Although Ca-Cit did not modify the AP(CaOx) index when compared with CaCO3, it was associated with a reduction in urinary oxalate excretion that could have a potential beneficial effect on nephrolithiasis risk. These results are likely to have clinical implications in HypoPT, particularly those who do not tolerate CaCO3 and those affected by nephrolithiasis. A longer-term experience is needed to confirm these findings. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Molecular insight into the π‐stacking interactions of human ovarian cancer PARP‐1 with its small‐molecule inhibitors and rational design of aromatic amino acid‐rich peptides to target PARP‐1 based on the π‐stacking network
Authors: Pan Chunxia , Chen Lei , Zhang Xinxin , Zhang Depu , Song Quqing , Peng Jingwei , Li Qingshui 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHuman poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP‐1) is involved in DNA strand break repair and has been recognized as a promising druggable target for ovarian cancer. The active site of PARP‐1 is π electron‐rich, which contains at least 12 aromatic amino aid residues in its first‐ and second‐shell regions, and can form effective π‐stacking interactions with its natural substrates and inhibitor ligands. In this study, the intermolecular interactions between the 12 PARP‐1 aromatic residues and 16 approved/clinical/preclinical small‐molecule inhibitors were systematically profiled using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) analyses and dispersion‐corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It was found that the aromatic residues contribute ~50% affinity to the global binding energy of PARP‐1/inhibitor complexes, in which the four residues (His862, Tyr889, Tyr896 and Tyr907) play a primary role in π‐stacking interactions with most inhibitor ligands. Based on the harvested knowledge, we attempted to perform the rational design of aromatic amino acid‐rich (AAAr) peptides to target PARP‐1 active site by using peptide docking, affinity scoring, and QM/MM analyses. These peptides are only composed of four aromatic amino acids, namely phenylalanine (Phe), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp) and histidine (His), and their π‐stacking contribution is improved to ~60% from the ~50% of small‐molecule inhibitors, although their global binding energy is moderately lower than these inhibitors. Three designed AAAr peptides (WYHY, WYYH and WFYY) with high‐affinity scores were determined as potent PARP‐1 targeted agents; they exhibited high inhibitory activities and are roughly comparable with that of the sophisticated PARP‐1 inhibitor drug Olaparib, suggesting that these designed peptides, as expected, can effectively target PARP‐1 with a satisfactory inhibitory profile. Molecular modeling revealed a number of face‐to‐face, parallel‐displaced, and T‐shaped π‐stacking interactions at PARP‐1/peptide complex interface, which co‐define an intense π‐stacking network and confer both stability and specificity for the complex recognition and association.
Mental models about heredity among immigrant Latinx adults with limited education from Mexico and Central America
Authors: Sandberg Joanne C. , Trejo Grisel , Howard Timothy D. , Moore DaKysha , Arcury Thomas A. , Quandt Sara A. , Kortenaar Paul , Ip Edward H. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAn understanding of genetics is becoming increasingly relevant to receiving medical care. It is important for health care providers and educators, including genetic counselors, to understand patients’ perceptions about trait transmission and their interpretation of terms used in biomedicine. Knowledge about the patient perspective about trait transmission is important when health care providers are not fluent in the patient's language. Sixty Latinx immigrant adults (30 men and 30 women) who were born in Mexico or Central America (MCA) and living in North Carolina were interviewed about their heredity beliefs. By design, most participants had limited education. Eight percent had a least a high school education; 45% had less than a seventh grade education. Semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews were conducted to examine how participants think and discuss trait transmission. The translated transcripts were systematically analyzed using a case‐based approach, supplemented by theme‐based coding. Five lay mental models of heredity were identified that varied in terms of involvement of genes. Four of the five heredity mental models encompass genes; four out of five mental models do not link DNA to heredity. The centrality of blood, whether used metaphorically or literally, varies widely across the models. One model references God and depicts that heredity involves blood and/or genes, but not DNA. The mental models of heredity for most adult immigrants with limited education do not include DNA. Trait transmission by blood appears to have a more prominent role in lay mental models held by Mexicans than Central Americans. Increased patient knowledge about genetics can facilitate shared decision‐making as genetics becomes increasingly relevant to medical care. Efforts to educate people can be most effective when we first understand the layperson's conceptions or mental models. Health care providers and educators should be aware that MCA adults with limited formal education hold diverse mental models about heredity.
Counting paths, cycles, and blow‐ups in planar graphs
Authors: Cox Christopher , Martin Ryan R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractFor a planar graph , let denote the maximum number of copies of in an ‐vertex planar graph. In this paper, we prove that , , , and , where is the 1‐subdivision of . In addition, we obtain significantly improved upper bounds on and for . For a wide class of graphs , the key technique developed in this paper allows us to bound in terms of an optimization problem over weighted graphs.
Epigenetic regulation of T cells by Polycomb group proteins
Authors: Melo Guilherme A , Calôba Carolina , Brum Gabrielle , Passos Thaís O , Martinez Gustavo J , Pereira Renata M 
Published: April 2022

AbstractT cells are critical for pathogen elimination, tumor surveillance, and immunoregulation. The development, activation, and differentiation of CD8 and CD4 T lymphocytes are a set of complex and dynamically regulated events that require epigenetic control. The Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a family of diverse and evolutionarily conserved epigenetic modulators fundamentally involved in several mechanisms of gene regulation. PcG proteins can assemble into distinct repressor complexes, the two most understood being the Polycomb Repressor Complex (PRC)1 and PRC2, which control chromatin structure mainly through posttranslational modifications of histones. In this review, we will summarize the most recent findings regarding the diverse roles performed by PcG proteins in T cell biology. We will focus on PRC1 and PRC2 contribution to the regulation of T cell development in the thymus, CD4 T cell differentiation in helper or regulatory phenotypes and CD8 T cell fate commitment in the context of infections and cancer, highlighting the known mechanisms and knowledge gaps that still need to be addressed.
The burnout experiences of counselors in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico: A qualitative study
Authors: Carrola Paul A. , Lopez Anna , Lugo Munoz Elizabeth , Gomez Monica , Pereira Steve 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis study explored the experiences of 22 mental health counselors in Ciudad Juárez using qualitative analysis. Specific foci were their experiences related to burnout and the drug violence crisis; and interventions they used to cope with these experiences. The results highlighted the prevalence of trauma related services they provide, the lack of formal supervision they receive and need for increased training opportunities and overall support. Recommendations for binational collaborations and future research are discussed.
CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 enhances therapeutic efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in rats with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lei Hong‐Wei , Huang Bi‐Run , Cai Jie , Li Cheng‐Ming , Shang Chun‐Bo , Liao Zhi‐Yang , Wan Zheng‐Dong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis study aims to discover the therapeutic effect of chemokine (CXC motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) antagonist AMD3100 combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in a rat model with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An orthotopic model of HCC was established and treated with TACE (doxorubicin‐lipiodol emulsion) with or without AMD3100. The tumor volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Histopathological changes were detected by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. HCC cell apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated biotin‐16‐dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of CD34, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Ki67. Gene and protein expressions were quantified by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blotting, respectively. Both TACE and AMD3100 reduced the tumor volume in orthotopic rat model of HCC with the decreased CXCR4 expression in tumor tissues, and the combination had better effect. However, TACE increased the microvessel density (MVD) in HCC tissues of rats, while AMD3100 treatment reduced MVD in HCC tissues. AMD3100 reduced the TACE induced MVD in HCC tissues with the reduction of HIF‐1α and VEGF expression. Either AMD3100 or TACE could promote HCC cell apoptosis accompanying by decreased cell proliferation, and their combined use had better therapeutic effects. CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 enhance therapeutic efficacy of TACE in rats with HCC via promoting the HCC cell apoptosis, reducing cell proliferation, and inhibiting MVD, thus reducing tumor volume.
Communal land conservation in northern Ethiopia: The relationship between urban area access and individual and social norms
Authors: Oniki Shunji , Berhe Melaku , Negash Teklay , Etsay Haftu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSubSaharan Africa has experienced rapid market economy development in urban areas and in terms of road network systems connecting urban and rural areas. As the access to urban areas improves, the influence of economic development may alter local norms regarding the conservation of communal lands in rural areas. This study investigates how access from rural to urban areas affects individual and social norms regarding communal land conservation. We used interview data from 110 village leaders and 660 farmers' community group leaders in northern Ethiopia. Individual moral norms were estimated based on the respondents' willingness to participate in communal tree planting on communal lands as a means of halting and reversing land degradation. Social norms were estimated based on the proportion of exclosure in communal areas and the number of days a community member works without pay for communal land conservation. The relationships between the norms and urban access were investigated using probit and tobit regression models. The results reveal that access to urban areas positively affects the establishment of individual and social norms, suggesting that access to urban areas contributes to communal land conservation by facilitating intervention in rural areas, thus improving norms for natural resource management.
Effects of ecological restoration on carbon sink and carbon drawdown of degraded salt marshes with carbon‐rich additives application
Authors: Chen Guozhu , Bai Junhong , Yu Lu , Chen Bin , Zhang Yan , Liu Gengyuan , Wang Wei 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPlant biomass resources have been gradually used to restore and improve saline soils. However, little is known about whether the applications of reed straw (PA) and biochar (BC) in degraded coastal salt marshes are beneficial for blue carbon sink enhancement and carbon drawdown. Here, we evaluated the effects of 3% PA and 3% BC applications on the vegetation, soil and blue carbon sink function of degraded salt marsh ecosystems and assessed their CO2 reduction capacities based on the life cycle. The results showed that the applications of PA and BC improved the soil quality of degraded salt marshes. Suaeda salsa recovered after 3% PA and 3% BC additions, and its carbon sequestration increased by 133% and 12%, respectively. The carbon pool of the degraded salt marshes was elevated by 0.4%–2.8% compared with that before restoration. The structural equation modelling indicated that both PA and BC application decreased soil electrical conductivity, while promoted the recovery of the plant carbon pool and an increase in the soil carbon pool. We calculated a CO2 drawdown of 137 kg·t−1 for the 3% PA addition in comparison with a CO2 emission of 175 kg·t−1 for the 3% BC addition based on a life cycle assessment. These findings indicate that PA and BC can be effectively used to restore degraded salt marshes and enhance blue carbon sinks while PA application is a better choice for degraded coastal wetlands rehabilitation to achieve carbon drawdown from a life cycle perspective.