bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of sesquiterpene synthase genes in the genome of Aquilaria sinensis and characterization of an α-humulene synthase
Authors: Ran Jiadong , Li Yuan , Wen Xin , Geng Xin , Si Xupeng , Zhang Liping , Ma Yimian , Zhang Zheng 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSesquiterpenes are the major pharmacodynamic components of agarwood, a precious traditional Chinese medicine obtained from the resinous portions of Aquilaria sinensis trees that form in response to environmental stressors. To characterize the sesquiterpene synthases responsible for sesquiterpene production in A. sinensis, a bioinformatics analysis of the genome of A. sinensis identified six new terpene synthase genes, and 16 sesquiterpene synthase genes were identified as type TPS-a in a phylogenetic analysis. The expression patterns for eight of the sesquiterpene synthase genes after treatment with various hormones or hydrogen peroxide were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. The results suggest that 100 μM methyl jasmonate, ethephon, ( ±)-abscisic acid or hydrogen peroxide could be effective short-term effectors to increase the expression of sesquiterpene synthase genes, while 1 mM methyl salicylate may have long-term effects on increasing the expression of specific sesquiterpene synthase genes (e.g., As-SesTPS, AsVS, AsTPS12 and AsTPS29). The expression changes in these genes under various conditions reflected their specific roles during abiotic or biotic stresses. Heterologous expression of a novel A. sinensis sesquiterpene synthase gene, AsTPS2, in Escherichia coli produced a major humulene product, so AsTPS2 is renamed AsHS1. AsHS1 is different from ASS1, AsSesTPS, and AsVS, for mainly producing α-humulene. Based on the predicted space conformation of the AsHS1 model, the small ligand molecule may bind to the free amino acid by hydrogen bonding for the catalytic function of the enzyme, while the substrate farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) probably binds to the free amino acid on one side of the RxR motif. Arg450, Asp453, Asp454, Thr457, and Glu461 from the NSE/DTE motif and D307 and D311 from the DDxxD motif were found to form a polar interaction with two Mg2+ clusters by docking. The Mg2+-bound DDxxD and NSE/DTE motifs and the free RXR motif are jointly directed into the catalytic pocket of AsHS1. Comparison of the tertiary structural models of AsHS1 with ASS1 showed that they differed in structures in several positions, such as surrounding the secondary catalytic pocket, which may lead to differences in catalytic products. Based on the results, biosynthetic pathways for specific sesquiterpenes such as α-humulene in A. sinensis are proposed. This study provides novel insights into the functions of the sesquiterpene synthases of A. sinensis and enriches knowledge on agarwood formation.
Beyond images: the external archaeological context of Palaeolithic rock art (EAC). A case study from the Nalón river basin (northern Iberia)
Authors: Fano Miguel Ángel , García-Moreno Alejandro , Portillo Fabiola , Garate Diego , Palacio-Pérez Eduardo , Corchón-Rodríguez Mª Soledad 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In this study of the location and physical characteristics of the surroundings of a series of decorated caves in the Nalón river basin in Asturias (northern Iberia), the spatial analysis, which included fieldwork and the use of GIS, has defined the external archaeological context (EAC) of pre-Magdalenian art in that area. The spatial information has been integrated with the study of the rock art in order to observe tendencies that are statistically quantifiable by means of multidimensional scaling (MDS), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and property fitting. The study of the potential association between the location of the caves and the rock art constitutes a new approach within Palaeolithic cave art research. First, the sample of decorated caves was analysed to discriminate different situations as regards the total number of representations, relative importance of figurative and non-figurative motifs, and the type of figurative representations. Second, the relationship between the EAC and graphic activity was tested. The location of the decorated caves does not fit a homogeneously distributed pattern owing to marked contrasts in the spatial variables. The greater or lesser ease of access to the location of the cave art sites does not condition the type of graphic expression. Instead, visibility is clearly associated with the total number of representations, and particularly with the number of non-figurative representations. However, this particular association between high visibility and non-figurative motifs should be nuanced because the issues of the conservation and interpretation of the exterior engravings mostly affect the identification of the figurative representations.
The Impact of a Mindfulness App on Postnatal Distress
Authors: Bear Katie A. , Barber Carol C. , Medvedev Oleg N. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objectives
The present study investigated the effectiveness of an 8-week mindfulness mobile phone app on women’s depression, anxiety, stress and mindful attention/awareness in the postnatal period.

Methods
The study enrolled 99 mothers of a child under 1 year old, and randomly assigned them to intervention (n = 49, mean age = 31.11, SD = 4.30, years) and control (n = 50, mean age = 31.35, SD = 5.29, years) groups. Multiple regression examined intervention effects on depression, anxiety, stress and mindful attention/awareness measured post-intervention and at 4-week follow-up, controlling for the baseline and post-intervention measurement of the specific outcome, respectively.

Results
The intervention group showed significant decreases in depression, anxiety and stress levels and an increase of mindful attention/awareness post-intervention compared to the control group, with medium to large effect sizes after controlling for effects of corresponding variables at baseline. The intervention group showed further decrease in depression and stress levels and an increase in mindful attention/awareness at 4 weeks post-intervention compared to the control group, with small to medium effect sizes, after controlling for effects of corresponding variables at post-intervention.

Conclusions
The outcomes of the study suggest that delivery of mindfulness via smartphones could be a viable and affordable resource for reducing postnatal depression, anxiety and stress.
Exploring the role of Nrf2 signaling in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Awuah Wireko Andrew , Toufik Abdul-Rahman , Yarlagadda Rohan , Mikhailova Tatiana , Mehta Aashna , Huang Helen , Kundu Mrinmoy , Lopes Leilani , Benson Sylvester , Mykola Lyndin , Vladyslav Sikora , Alexiou Athanasios , Alghamdi Badrah S. , Hashem Anwar M. , Md Ashraf Ghulam 
Published: September 2022

AbstractGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive glial cell tumors in adults. Although current treatment options for GBM offer some therapeutic benefit, median survival remains poor and does not generally exceed 14 months. Several genes, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) enzyme and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), have been implicated in pathogenesis of the disease. Treatment is often adapted based on the presence of IDH mutations and MGMT promoter methylation status. Recent GBM cell line studies have associated Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) expression with high-grade tumors. Increased Nrf2 expression is often found in tumors with IDH-1 mutations. Nrf2 is an important transcription factor with anti-apoptotic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and proliferative properties due to its complex interactions with multiple regulatory pathways. In addition, evidence suggests that Nrf2 promotes GBM cell survival in hypoxic environment,by up-regulating hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Downregulation of Nrf2 has been shown to improve GBM sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs such as Temozolomide. Thus, Nrf2 could be a key regulator of GBM pathways and potential therapeutic target. Further research efforts exploring an interplay between Nrf2 and major molecular signaling mechanisms could offer novel GBM drug candidates with a potential to significantly improve patients prognosis.
Knowledge and awareness of sickle cell disease: a cross sectional study amongst unmarried adults in Nigeria’s capital city
Authors: Adigwe Obi Peter 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder characterised by the tendency of haemoglobin to polymerise and deform red blood cells to a sickle or crescent shape; this consequently results in vaso-occlusive condition. A better knowledge and awareness about sickle cell disease amongst the population can help reduce its prevalence. This study aimed at assessing awareness and knowledge of unmarried adults in Nigeria’s capital. A cross sectional survey was undertaken amongst unmarried individuals residing in the Federal Capital Territory. Questionnaires were administered to participants using convenience sampling strategy. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were carried out. A total of 1423 questionnaires were completed and returned, response rate was 83.71%, male participants were in the majority as indicated by 52% of the sample, and the dominant age group was 21 to 30 years (47.90%). Almost all the study participants (92.50%), have heard about sickle cell disease. Knowledge about sickle cell disease was average, as mean score for all the participants was 9.01 ± 3.18, with a range of 0 to 17. Some misconceptions were observed, for instance some participants believed that bacterial or viral infections could cause sickle cell disease. Male participants had a higher knowledge score compared to females (p < 0.001), and older participants were more knowledgeable about sickle cell disease (p < 0.001). This study identified that knowledge gaps exist about sickle cell disease. Emergent findings can underpin government, policymakers’ and stakeholders’ contextual strategies to prevent sickle cell through public health enlightenment and other relevant means.
Democracy and Banking Stability: Is the Relationship U-Shaped?
Authors: Ben Ali Mohamed Sami , Ben Mim Sami 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study addresses the impact of democracy on the stability of the banking system for a sample of 114 countries over the period 2000–2017. Our findings offer strong evidence for a U-shaped relationship between democracy and banking stability. Results also show that the way democratic institutions impact banking stability is highly dependent on their ability to implement effective anti-corruption policies. Controlling for countries’ income levels reveals that not all high-income countries are necessarily enjoying the positive effects of democracy on banking stability.
Proteomic characterisation of prostate cancer intercellular communication reveals cell type-selective signalling and TMSB4X-dependent fibroblast reprogramming
Authors: Wu Yunjian , Clark Kimberley C. , Nguyen Elizabeth V. , Niranjan Birunthi , Horvath Lisa G. , Taylor Renea A. , Daly Roger J. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
In prostate cancer, the tumour microenvironment (TME) represents an important regulator of disease progression and response to treatment. In the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a key role in tumour progression, however the mechanisms underpinning fibroblast-cancer cell interactions are incompletely resolved. Here, we address this by applying cell type-specific labelling with amino acid precursors (CTAP) and mass spectrometry (MS)-based (phospho)proteomics to prostate cancer for the first time.

Methods
Reciprocal interactions between PC3 prostate cancer cells co-cultured with WPMY-1 prostatic fibroblasts were characterised using CTAP-MS. Signalling network changes were determined using Metascape and Enrichr and visualised using Cytoscape. Thymosin β4 (TMSB4X) overexpression was achieved via retroviral transduction and assayed by ELISA. Cell motility was determined using Transwell and random cell migration assays and expression of CAF markers by indirect immunofluorescence.

Results
WPMY-1 cells co-cultured with PC3s demonstrated a CAF-like phenotype, characterised by enhanced PDGFRB expression and alterations in signalling pathways regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cytoskeletal organisation and cell polarisation. In contrast, co-cultured PC3 cells exhibited more modest network changes, with alterations in mTORC1 signalling and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. The expression of the actin binding protein TMSB4X was significantly decreased in co-cultured WPMY-1 fibroblasts, and overexpression of TMSB4X in fibroblasts decreased migration of co-cultured PC3 cells, reduced fibroblast motility, and protected the fibroblasts from being educated to a CAF-like phenotype by prostate cancer cells.

Conclusions
This study highlights the potential of CTAP-MS to characterise intercellular communication within the prostate TME and identify regulators of cellular crosstalk such as TMSB4X.
Submarine hydrodynamics for off-design conditions
Authors: Toxopeus Serge , Kerkvliet Maarten , Vogels Roderik , Quadvlieg Frans , Nienhuis Bart 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTraditionally, submarine hydrodynamic design has focussed mainly on requirements regarding operational range, powering performance and manoeuvring ability for deeply submerged conditions. To improve the effectiveness of the boat, attention is also paid to operating near or at the surface and fortunately, computational tools and experimental methods are available to analyse the performance of submarines at these conditions. To advance submarine hydrodynamics knowledge and tools, DMO and MARIN have conducted a wide variety of bi-lateral or collaborative studies using potential and viscous flow methods and experiments on several submarine hull forms. In this article, several examples are presented of the development and use of hydrodynamic tools available during the design and assessment process of future submarines. These examples range from experimental and numerical studies into at-surface and periscope-depth resistance and powering, periscope-depth manoeuvring, high-fidelity flow around the boat during straight flight and manoeuvring motions, wakes of surface-piercing masts, to depth keeping under waves. It is demonstrated how state-of-the-art studies help in advancing the knowledge on submarine hydrodynamics and improving the overall design of modern submarines.
Pleomorphic Adenoma of Palatal Minor Salivary Glands with Bone Infiltration: Case Report with Long-term Follow-up
Authors: Tsekos Antonios , Tatsis Dimitris , Fotiadou Anastasia , Kechagias Nikolaos , Vahtsevanos Konstantinos 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntraoral pleomorphic adenoma is a rare entity, with the most common site of appearance being the palate. As a benign lesion, it rarely involves underlying structures. The aim is to present a case of a palatal pleomorphic adenoma (cellular) with bone involvement, with reference to clinical and histological features of the tumour, emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic management and comparison with the findings of similar studies in the literature. Pleomorphic adenomas of the palatal minor salivary glands remain a rather rare clinical condition, and it is unusual to infiltrate the adjacent palatal bone. A thorough clinical imaging and histological/cytological examination should always be performed to define the benign or malignant nature of the lesion, preoperatively.
Modeling the upshots of induced temperature and water stress on germination and seedlings length of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) via hydrothermal time model
Authors: Khan Jalal , Ullah Sami , Shah Sikandar , Sadaf  , Khan Sheharyar , Sulaiman  
Published: September 2022

AbstractRadish (Raphanus sativus L.), a representative of the Brassicaceae family, is an extensively cultivated root vegetable across the world. Thermal time (TT), hydro time (HT), and hydrothermal time (HTT) models can be used to characterize the response of seed germination rate to temperature (T) and water potential (ψ). The germination behavior of radish was investigated throughout a range of constant temperatures and water potentials to evaluate the effectiveness of hydro-thermal time model and offer a data set of germination thresholds and parameters. The study was intended to simultaneously inspect the radish seed germination (SG) pattern, base water potentials (ψb(50)) and cardinal temperatures across varying temperatures (Ts) and PEG-6000 water potentials (Ψs) via the hydrothermal time (HTT) model. In a laboratory experiment Raphanus sativus L. seeds were germinated at four constant Ts of 15, 20, 30 and 40 °C under four different water potentials (ψs) of 0, − 0.2, − 0.4 and − 0.6 MPa. Germination decreased significantly at (p ≤ 0.01) from 40% at 15 °C in − 0.2 MPa to 13% in − 0.8 MPa at 40 °C. The results also revealed that radish was more sensitive to ψ than T (p ≤ 0.01). As per the significance level of the model attributes (R2: 0.527), the average cardinal temperatures were 15, 20 and 40 °C for the base (Tb), optimal (To) and ceiling (Tc) temperatures respectively. Germination energy (GE), germination rate index (GRI), germination percentage (G%), germination index (GI), mean moisture content (MMC), seed vigor index 1 and 2 (SVI-1 and SVI-2), were recorded maximum in control condition at 15 and 20 °C and minimum at − 0.8 MPa at 40 °C. The model applied here, and its attributes, may be used as a prediction tool in different SG simulation studies, each with its own set of strengths and drawbacks. The hydrothermal constant investigates the interaction influence of T and ψ on germination under diverse ecological settings using germination data, cardinal temperatures, and statistical analysis.
Morita equivalence of w*-rigged modules
Authors: Papapetros E. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe w*-rigged modules over dual operator algebras were introduced by Blecher and Kashyap as a generalization of W*-modules. In this paper, we introduce two new types of Morita equivalence between right w*-rigged modules over unital dual operator algebras and we examine whether these notions imply stable isomorphism between the corresponding modules. Furthermore, we investigate them in detail for the class of right w*-rigged modules over nest algebras, a class which was characterized by G.K. Eleftherakis.
Global Attractors for a Class of Weakly Damped Wave Equations with Gradient Type Nonlinearity
Authors: Pan Zhigang , Wang Yanhua , Shuai Kun 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this paper, the main purpose is to study existence of the global attractor for the weakly damped wave equation with gradient type nonlinearity. To this end, we first verify the existence and uniqueness of global weak solution by the Galerkin method and compulsively variational method. Furthermore, we obtained the global strong solution under some mild assumptions on f. Secondly, we utilize the $$\omega$$
ω
-limit compactness to show the semigroup generated by the equation has a compact, connected and invariant attractor.
Multinodular Goiter: The Surgical Procedure of Choice
Authors: Cohen‐Kerem Raanan , Schachter Pinhas , Sheinfeld Maxim , Baron Elzbieta , Cohen Oded 
Published: September 2022

Surgical management of multinodular goiter (MNG) poses an ongoing dilemma between radical resection with its associated complications and partial resection, which carries the risk of recurrence and increased morbidity and difficulty for rethyroidectomy. This study was designed to evaluate the recurrence rate and need for reoperation in a carefully selected population of MNG patients, after nontotal thyroidectomy. The study addressed a highly selected population of patients who were treated and thoroughly evaluated at one surgical department for several years. We analyzed the recurrence rate of MNG in 124 patients. The follow‐up duration extended from 6 to 516 months (mean 93 months). The general recurrence rate for all nontotal bilateral thyroidectomies was 21% (21/100 patients), increasing from 13.4% to 60% according to the extent of resection. The average time for recurrence was 105 months (8.75 years). Among the patients with recurrent MNG, only 4 (4% of the patients with nontotal bilateral thyroidectomy) required secondary surgical interventions with no resultant morbidity. In our series of very highly selected patients, the recurrence rate for nontotal thyroidectomy was high (21%); however, the need for secondary surgical intervention was low (4%). Thus nontotal thyroidectomy for MNG is legitimate. However, we suggest that the surgical procedure of choice be tailored according to the severity of the disease and the patient's general condition.
A Prospective Study on the Efficacy of Mometasone Furoate Monohydrate Aqueous Nasal Spray on Chinese Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Tsang Raymond K. Y. , Tong Michael C. F. , Woo John K. S. , Van Hasselt C. Andrew 
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVEWe undertook a prospective study of the efficacy of a new intranasal steroid, mometasone furoate nasal spray (Nasonex; Schering‐Plough Corp, Kenilworth, NJ).STUDY DESIGNChinese patients with allergic rhinitis were recruited. The patients were assessed by a questionnaire that included demographic data and a Rhinitis Symptoms Score. Objective assessments of the nasal passages were performed with a 2.7‐mm 30‐degree rigid nasoendoscope and scored according to the modified Lund and Kennedy sinusitis staging and scoring for endoscopic appearances of the nasal cavity in rhinosinusitis. Patients were assessed before treatment, and then 200 μg/d MFNS was prescribed. Patients were reevaluated after 8 and 16 weeks of commencement of MFNS. A total of 51 patients completed the 16‐week study.RESULTSThere were significant reductions in mean Rhinitis Symptoms Score from 6.19 to 3.8 (P < 0.001) and mean Endoscopic Appearance Score from 4.6 to 3.58 (P = 0.046). Analysis showed that there were reductions in the severity of all 3 aspects of rhinitis symptoms: rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal obstruction.CONCLUSIONMometasone furoate nasal spray was effective in controlling allergic rhinitis and was well tolerated by patients.
Biofeedback Rehabilitation for Prevention of Synkinesis after Facial Palsy
Authors: Nakamura Katsuhiko , Toda Naoki , Sakamaki Koichiro , Kashima Kenji , Takeda Noriaki 
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVEWe developed a new training method of biofeedback rehabilitation for the prevention of synkinesis after facial palsy and evaluated the efficacy of the training.METHODSTwenty‐seven patients with complete facial palsy were divided randomly into 2 groups. Twelve of the patients were treated with the training method, and the other 15 patients served as controls. Patients were instructed to keep their eyes open symmetrically during mouth movements using a mirror. Thirty minutes of daily training was continued for a period of 10 months. The degree of synkinesis was evaluated by computing the percent asymmetry of eye opening width.RESULTSThe percent asymmetry of eye opening width was significantly greater in the training group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The results indicate that the degree of synkinesis is much less in the training group than in the control group.CONCLUSIONOur new training method is very effective for preventing the development of synkinesis after facial palsy.