bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined cART Including Tenofovir Disoproxil, Emtricitabine, and Dolutegravir Has Potent Therapeutic Effects in HIV-1 Infected Humanized Mice
Authors: Weichseldorfer Matthew , Affram Yvonne , Heredia Alonso , Rikhtegaran-Tehrani Zahra , Sajadi Mohammad M , Williams Sumiko P , Tagaya Yutaka , Benedetti Francesca , Ramadhani Habib O , Denaro Frank , Bryant Joseph , Zella Davide , Reitz Marvin , Romerio Fabio , Latinovic Olga
Published: October 2021

HIV-1 reservoirs persist in the presence of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). However, cART has transformed HIV-1 infection into a chronic disease marked by control of HIV-1 viral load and mortality reduction. Major challenges remain, including viral resistance upon termination of cART and persistence and identification of tissue distribution of HIV-1 reservoirs. Thus appropriate animal models that best mimic HIV-1 pathogenesis are important, and the current study complements our previously published validation of the CD34+ hematopoietic humanized mouse model for this purpose. Here we analyze viral suppression using the recently developed combination of antiretrovirals that include Tenofovir Disoproxil (TDF), Emtricitabine (FTC), and Dolutegravir (DTG), a choice based on recent clinical outcomes showing its improved antiretroviral potency, CD4+ T cell preservation, tolerability, and prevention of viral drug resistance compared to that of previous regimens. We used quantitative Airyscan-based super resolution confocal microscopy of selected mouse tissues. Our data allowed to identify specific solid tissue reservoirs of human T-cells expressing the HIV-1 core protein p24. In particular, lymph node, brain, spleen, and liver were visualized as reservoirs for residual infected cells. Marked reduction of viral replication was evident. Considering that detection and visualization of cryptic sites of HIV-1 infection in tissues are clearly crucial steps towards HIV-1 eradication, appropriate animal models with pseudo-human immune systems are needed. In fact, current studies with humans and non-human primates have limited sample availability at multiple stages of infection and cannot easily analyze the effects of differently administered combined antiretroviral treatments on multiple tissues. That is easier to manage when working with humanized mouse models, although we realize the limitations due to low human cell recovery and thus the number of cells available for thorough and comprehensive analyses. Nonetheless, our data further confirm that the CD34 humanized mouse model is a potentially useful pre-clinical model to study and improve current anti-HIV-1 therapies.
Together In Care: An Enhanced Meals on Wheels Intervention Designed To Reduce Rehospitalizations Among Older Adults – Preliminary Findings
Authors: Galiatsatos Panagis , Ajayi Adejoke , Maygers Joyce , Smith Stephanie Archer , Theilheimer Lucy , Golden Sherita H. , Bennett Richard G. , Hale W. Daniel
Published: October 2021

Rehospitalizations in the Medicare population may be influenced by many social factors, such as access to food, social isolation, and housing safety. Rehospitalizations result in significant cost in this population, with an expected increase as Medicare enrollment grows. We designed a pilot study based upon a partnership between a hospital and a local Meals on Wheels agency to support patients following an incident hospitalization to assess impact on hospital utilization. Patients from an urban medical center who were 60 years or older, had a prior hospitalization in the past 12-months and had a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were recruited. Meals on Wheels provided interventions over 3-months of the patient’s transition to home: food delivery, home safety inspection, social engagement, and medical supply allocation. Primary outcome was reduction of hospital utilization. In regards to the results, 84 participants comprised the pilot cohort. Their mean age was 74.9 ± 10.5 years; 33 (39.3%) were female; 62 (73.8%) resided in extreme socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Total hospital expenditures while the cohort was enrolled in the transition program were $435,258 ± 113,423, a decrease as compared to $1,445,637 ± 325,433 (p<0.01) of the cohort’s cost during the three months prior to enrollment. In conclusion, the initiative for patients with advanced chronic diseases resulted in a significant reduction of hospitalization expenditures. Further investigations are necessary to define the impact of this intervention on a larger cohort of patients as well as the generalizability across diverse geographic regions.
Risk Factors Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Symptoms and Potential Vertical Transmission During Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Peter Bibita , Ree Nicholas , Ferrer Karen , Younes Laila , Lepe Barbara , Manhal Khilfeh , Mydam Janardhan
Published: October 2021

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is of special concern for pregnant women. A growing body of evidence suggests the virus can have a deleterious impact upon outcomes related to birth and newborn health. There is a paucity of published research demonstrating the factors that influence disease severity among those who are pregnant, while a growing body of evidence demonstrates that vertical transmission occurs. Our study investigated the impact of maternal characteristics upon COVID-19 outcomes, as well as whether disease severity impacted pregnancy outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women with COVID-19 who were admitted to two public hospitals in our state between April-August, 2020. Pregnancy outcomes and clinical, laboratory, and placental data were collected. Results: Thirty-four pregnant women tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Among them, 55% (19/34) were symptomatic. Of those who were symptomatic, 68% (13/19) presented with fever and cough. Those with symptoms had a statistically significant higher pregestational mean BMI compared with asymptomatic women (35.7±7.9 vs 26.7±6.9, P=0.004). Screening of biochemical records demonstrated that symptomatic women had lower potassium levels compared with those who were asymptomatic (median: 3.70 mEq/L vs 4.30 mEq/L, P=0.009). High BMI (42.4 kg/m2) and low potassium levels (3.0 mEq/L) were observed in the only case of postpartum mortality among the symptomatic women. We did not observe any influence of maternal COVID-19 severity on placental histopathology/infant health or evidence of vertical transmission, regardless of preterm status or duration of fetal exposure. Conclusion: High pregestational BMI and lower potassium levels were associated with the presence of COVID-19 symptoms among pregnant women.
Foot scales in the Early Cretaceous bird Gansus from China provide evidences on the evolution of avian scales
Authors: Zhao Tao , Li Zhiheng , Zhang He , Pan Yanhong
Published: October 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Treatment Outcome and its Predictors Among Diabetic Patients Attending at Selected Hospitals of Southern Ethiopia.
Authors: Beyene Bereket , Hoyiso Dawit , Woldu Kinfu
Published: October 2021

Background: Diabetes is one of the largest health emergencies of the 21st century. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, hyperglycaemia is the third highest risk factor for premature mortality, after high blood pressure and tobacco use. It is an important cause of blindness, kidney failure, lower limb amputation and other long-term consequences that impact significantly on quality of life. It result peoples in a disease, death and increase a health care expenditure.Objectives: To determine treatment outcome of Diabetes mellitus and its predictors among patients attending diabetes treatments at selected hospitals of southern Ethiopia, 2021.Methods: All diabetic patients who attended selected hospitals of southern Ethiopia were a source population. Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted at selected hospitals of southern Ethiopia. Patient’s data was collected using pretested questionnaire. After cleaning and checking for errors, the data was entered in to Epi-data to minimize error then exported to SPSS for analysis. Descriptive findings were presented by tables and charts. The outcome variable was analyzed by using logistic regression model to identify predictors after assumptions of regression analysis had checked. All the independent variables with p<0.25 was used as a candidate for multivariate analysis. Then the level of significance will be set at p<0.05 and AOR with 95% CL was done as the final model.Result: From the total sample; 277 (65.6%) were found to be good treatment outcome. The number of medication taken AOR 95%CI; 0.924 (0.869, 0.983), presence of complication AOR 95%CI; 0.425 (0.217, .832), increased fasting blood glucose AOR 95%CI; 0.080 (0.034, 0.188) were found to be independent predictors. Since the magnitude of treatment outcome found to be low, provision of health information about the adhering to prescribed medication and monitoring fasting blood glucose level will bring good clinical outcome.
Analysis of risk factors for presacral abscess after radical resection of middle and low rectal cancer.
Authors: Li Ang , Shi Jun , Shi Binqiao , Shi Xiaohui
Published: October 2021

Background and ObjectivesTo investigate the risk factors of presacral abscess after radical resection of middle and low rectal cancer. MethodsClinical data of 2279 patients with middle and low rectal cancer in the department of Colorectal Surgery at the Changhai Hospital of the Second Military Medical University from January 2015 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to find the risk factors of presacral abscess using Chi-square test and Logistic regression, respectively. ResultsThe median age of all cases was 62 years. Of the 27 cases with presacral abscess, 22 were males and 5 were females. 12 cases were low rectal cancer and 15 cases were middle rectal cancer. Univariate Chi-square test indicated that the relative factors associated with the presacral abscess were tumor size, operative time, blood loss, T stage lesions, receiving preoperative radiotherapy and with preventive terminal ileostomy. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size, operative time, blood loss, receiving preoperative radiotherapy and with preventive terminal ileostomy were the independent risk factors. ConclusionsPatients with big tumor size, long operative time, high blood loss and preoperative radiotherapy are high-risk groups of presacral abscess after radical resection of middle and low rectal cancer.
Galectin 3 as a new therapeutic target for fibrosis and metabolic disorders in type 2 diabetes
Authors: khelifi Dayssem , Nacef Ibtissem Ben , Bouzid Kahena , Rojbi Imen , Lakhoua Youssef , Mchirgui Nadia , Hamida Fethi Ben , Khiari Karima
Published: October 2021

Background: The objective of our research work was to identify the predictive factors of metabolic disorder and the pro-fibrotic factors which would be correlated with high levels of Galectin-3(Gal-3) in a population of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: We carried out an analytical cross-sectional study.We included 260 type 2 diabetics followed in our endocrinology department.For the purpose of determining a threshold value of Gal-3,we asked for a non-diabetic control group. The medical history interview included history of diabetes, use of antihypertensive medications, lipid-lowering medication, smoking habits and physical activity.A careful clinical examination was performed for all patients and all of them underwent a biological analysis with an assay of the plasma concentrations of Galectin-3. Results: Our study included 260 type 2 diabetics with an average age of 59.4±8.9years.The sex ratio was 0.78.We established a threshold for galectin-3 with the best sensitivity and specificity at 11.25ng/ml using the ROC curve.We found a significant positive correlation of Gal-3 with age (p<0.001),duration of diabetes (p=0.024),systolic blood pressure (p =0.032), diabetic retinopathy (p<0.001), body mass index (p=0.01), waist circumference(p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001), dyslipidemia (p=0.023),triglyceridemia (p=0.029).An inverse association between Gal-3 level and physical activity(p=0.014),hypoplipemic treatment (p=0.040),metformin (p=0.028) and glomerular filtration rate (p<0.001) were observed. Conclusion: We established a threshold value of Gal-3 and we discovered the clinical and biological parameters correlated with the elevation of Gal-3 which would be pro-fibrosating factors.We have also demonstrated that this lectin is a key player as a new marker and therapeutic target for the control of metabolic disorders.
Dual-Crosslinked Oxidized Pectin/N-Succinyl Chitosan Hydrogel Containing Graphene Oxide Nanosheets for Tissue Engineering Application
Authors: Bazghaleh Atefeh Afroozan , Dogolsar Mojtaba Akbari , Barzin Jalal
Published: October 2021

Biopolymer-based hydrogels are commonly used in clinical applications. In the present study, N- succinyl chitosan (NSC), oxidized pectin (OP), and graphene oxide (GO) were used to develop a new dual-crosslinked hydrogel system. The dynamic OP/NSC/GO hydrogel showed quick gelation and great injectability due to the cooperation of hydrogen interaction between the GO nanosheets and the NSC and OP macromolecules and Schiff-based crosslinking by amino and aldehyde functional groups of polysaccharide derivatives. The performance of the above-mentioned hydrogel was improved when the GOs were embedded. When the GO content was 6 (mg/ml), the hydrogel showed the best overall performance, with a 10-minute healing time, a quick gelation time (~ 13s), acceptable swelling ability, suitable conductivity, great hemocompatibility, and strong biological compatibility. These results showed that the composite hydrogel could be used as a promising conductive injectable self-healing hydrogel for tissue engineering applications.
Study on the Effect of Spatial Cognition Methods on Indoor Emergency Evacuation
Authors: XIONG JINGJING , MAO YAN , WANG XUAN , HE WU
Published: October 2021

In building fire emergencies,way-finding capabilities can affect people's evacuation efficiency and chances of survival.The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of spatial cognitive methods on people's way-finding ability.In this research, we used VR technology to conduct experiments. In an immersive virtual environment,64 participants were asked to actively explore virtual malls by using YAH navigation and paper maps to find destinations and complete buying tasks,respectively.After that,32 participants needed to alienate the virtual mall with a time limit,while the else had to complete the same task without a time limit. In the experiment,the participants were exposed to the environment for the first time and were unfamiliar with it.The results showed that participants using paper maps walked longer(710 m vs 932 m) and took more time(666 s vs 922 s) to complete tasks of evacuating the mall than those who used YAH navigation maps.The findings also showed that participants spent more time(521 s vs 790 s)looking for exits under time constraints and found evacuation tasks more difficult.This article discusses the mechanisms of these findings.
Sternocleidomastoid Flap for Pedicled Reconstruction in Head & Neck Surgery- Revisiting the Anatomy and Technique
Authors: Srivast Apurva , Kumar Tarun , Kumar Shashi Kant , Shukla R.C , Pai Esha , Pandey Manoj
Published: October 2021

Background: Previous studies on sternocleidomastoid flaps, have defined the importance of preserving sternocleidomastoid (SCM) branch of superior thyroid artery (STA). This theory drew criticism, as this muscle is known to be a type II muscle, i.e., the muscle has one dominant pedicle (branches from the occipital artery at the superior pole) and smaller vascular pedicles entering the belly of muscle (branches from STA and thyrocervical trunk) at the middle and lower pole respectively. It was unlikely for the SCM branch of STA to supply the upper and lower thirds of the muscle. We undertook a cadaveric angiographic study to investigate distribution of STA supply to SCM muscle.Methods: It is a prospective study on 10 cadaveric SCM muscles along with ipsilateral STA which were evaluated with angiography using diatrizoate (urograffin) dye. Radiographic films were interpreted looking at the opacification of the muscle. Results were analyzed using frequency distribution and percentage. Results:Out of ten specimens, near complete opacification was observed in eight SCM muscle specimens. While one showed poor uptake in the lower third of the muscle, the other showed poor uptake in the upper third segment of muscle. Conclusion: Based on the above findings we propose to re-classify sternocleidomastoid flap as a type III flap as the STA branch also supplies the whole muscle along with previously described pedicle from occipital artery. However, this needs to be further corroborated intra-operatively using scanning laser doppler.
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy In The Treatment of Pincer Type Of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.
Authors: Magersky Štěpán
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a dynamic cause of hip arthritis, and it is commonly diagnosed in young adults without any other causes of hip joint pain. Pincer type of FAI in this study, is typically present in active middle-aged females. Methods: Eighteen patients diagnosed only with pincer type FAI received triple pelvic osteotomy reverse in type between 2011 and 2020. The average age of the patients was 37.3 years (28.0-45.0). The joint preserving surgery consisted of open dislocation and trochanteric flip osteotomy. We chose to do in series of selected patients only a triple pelvic osteotomy reverse in type as a extraarticular procedure in order to safely address intraarticular arthritis. Results: After surgery, the Harris Hip Score increased from 55.1 to 91.4. The patients experienced a greater range of motion in the hip and less pain. Medium-term follow-up indicated that the surgeries were successful. In our series treated with triple pelvic osteotomy 22% (4 in 18 patients) after the operation appeared clinically rear pelvic FAI test. This result was not taken as significant due to small sample size (CI 95%). After the operation we used special guidelines and we postponed total hip replacement. We did no additional operation to selected patients.Conclusion: This technique is a safe procedure to restore hip mobility. This is an extraarticular operation, and therefore it helps this process inside the joint.
A Novel Immune and Inflammatory Related Gene Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yunji , Huang Guo , Li Wen bing
Published: October 2021

Background: The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is closely related to immunity and inflammation, but the value of using immune and inflammation-related genes as predicting the prognosis of HCC requires further research.Methods: The Hepatocellular Carcinomar mRNA data was downloaded in the TCGA and ICGC database. The R package "limma" was used to analyze the differential expression of genes (DEGs) irelated to immune and inflammatory .Univariate Cox analysis screen for immune and inflammation related genes with prognostic value, then construction and verification of the prognostic model in Hepatocellular Carcinomar. The correlation between risk score with tumor immune immersion and immune cell function was assessed through tumor microensure and immune response analysis. NCI-60 cell line to explore the relationship between prognostic gene expression and drug sensitivity.Results: We evaluated 8 immune and inflammatory-related genes to build a prognostic risk prediction model, riskscore is an independent risk factor affecting prognosis, closely related to histological grading and clinical staging. The immune of adCs, macrophages, Tfh cells, Treg cells and Th1 cells higher in the tumor microenvironment leads to poor prognosis of liver cancer. Using data from the NCI-60 cell line, DNASE1L3 high expression may increased resistance of liver cancer cells to bovine platinum, solafinil and bovine platinum. The expression of SLC7A11 can increase the sensitivity of liver cancer to arsenic trioxide (ATO). Simultaneously constructing models and tumor microenvironment and drug resistance may provide effective and safe strategies for HCC chemotherapy and immunotherapy.Conclusion:Our study screened eight immune and inflammation-related genes play an important role in HCC tumor immunity and can be used to predict the prognosis of HCC.
Looking For Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolizing Microorganisms In The Oral Cavity of Smokers
Authors: Tao Lin , Chiarelli M. Paul , Pavlova Sylvia I. , Schwartz Joel L. , DeFrancesco James V. , Salameh Benjamin , Naqib Ankur , Green Stefan J. , Adami Guy R.
Published: October 2021

Certain soil microbes resist and metabolize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The same is true for certain skin microbes. Oral microbes have the potential to oxidize tobacco PAHs to increase their ability to cause cancer. We hypothesized that oral microbes that resist high levels of PAH in smokers exist and can be identified based on their resistance to PAHs. We isolated bacteria and fungi that survived long term in minimal media with PAHs as the sole carbon source from the oral cavity in 11 of 14 smokers and only 1 of 6 nonsmokers. Of bacteria genera that included species that survived harsh PAH exposure in vitro, all were found at trace levels on the oral mucosa, except for Staphylococcus and Actinomyces. Two PAH-resistant strains of Candida albicans (C. albicans) were isolated from smokers. C. albicans is found orally at high levels in tobacco users and some Candida species can metabolize PAHs. The two C. albicans strains were tested for metabolism of two model PAH substrates, pyrene and phenanthrene. The result showed that the PAH-resistant C. albicans strains did not metabolize the two PAHs. In conclusion, evidence for large scale oral microbial metabolism of tobacco PAHs by common oral microbes remains lacking.
Attitude towards tele rehabilitation-based therapy services and its associated factors among health professional working in specialized teaching hospitals in Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia,2021
Authors: Sidelil Habile , Demissie Adina , Debalke Getu , Tilahun Binyam , Fikade Berhanu , Hailegebreal Samuel
Published: October 2021

Background
Tele-rehabilitation is part of Tele-health (TH) which provides a rehabilitation service at a distance through telecommunication technology. Lack of enough trained professionals, lack of access, transportation cost, long waiting time, and difficulty of mobility to reach rehabilitation services are problems faced during face-to-face rehabilitation services. The significance of this study is to assess the attitudes and associated factors of health professionals about TR services.
Method
An institutional-based cross-sectional quantitative study design was conducted among 408 participants from March to April 2021. Study units were selected by using a simple random sampling technique. Epi-data 3.1 versions were used to enter data, while SPSS version 20 was used to conduct analysis. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with the attitude of health professionals towards tele-rehabilitation.
Result
A total of 408 participants responded to the 423 survey questionnaires distributed. A response rate of 96.45 % was achieved for this study. Out of the 408 respondent’s majority, 285(69.9%) of health professionals had good attitude towards tele rehabilitation-based treatment services. Among the factors good knowledge of tele rehabilitation AOR 1.76(95%CI: 1.078, 2.879), digitally literate AOR 1.74 (95%CI: 1.028, 2.954), perception on security and privacy AOR 0.56(95%CI: 0.333, 0.944), and owns smart mobile phone AOR 1.9 (95%CI: 1.007, 3.781) were significantly associated with attitude of tele rehabilitation.
Conclusion
The majority of the respondents had a good attitude towards tele rehabilitation services. Having own mobile, knowledge towards tele rehabilitation, digital literacy, perception on security and privacy to rehabilitation was found to be the most important determinant factor for the attitude of health professionals towards tele rehabilitation. As a result, the government and other responsible entities should consider enacting systems and strategies to encourage the use of mobile technologies for the management of disability and chronic diseases.
Assessment of the Quality and Reliability of YouTube Videos on Fuch’s Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Bolac Ruveyde , Ozturk Yucel , Yildiz Elvin
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the quality and reliability of videos on Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) on YouTube.Methods: A search of YouTube was performed for the term “Fuch’s endothelial corneal dystrophy” without any changes to the website’s standard search preferences. The first 100 videos were recorded. A total of 71 videos were evaluated regarding the DISCERN score (min–max: 16–75), Journal of the American Medical Association score (min–max: 0–4), and Global Quality Scale score (min–max: 0–5).Results: The mean DISCERN score was 40.1±15.6 (moderate), the mean JAMA score was 2.01±0.7 (poor), the mean Global Quality Scale score was 2.5±1.3 (moderate), and the mean video power index score was 106.8±135.7. Twenty-three of the videos (32.4%) were uploaded by physicians, 25 (35.2%) by universities/private hospitals, 21 (29.6%) by health channels. Thirty-six videos (50.7%) contained information about the disease, 24 (33.8%) discussed surgical techniques, and 11 (15.5%) were about patient experience.Conclusion: YouTube provides only moderate-quality health information on FECD. Physicians and professional organizations should be aware of and embrace this evolving technology to raise awareness about FECD.
Slow-Nitrogen Releasing Urea-Coated Zinc and Magnesium Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanohybrids for the Wheat Crop Biofortification
Authors: Sharma Bhaskar , Shrivastava Manoj , Afonso Luis O. B. , Soni Udit , Cahill David M.
Published: October 2021

Background: Chemical fertilizer is an indispensable component for optimal crop production in agriculture. However, excess urea fertilizer application to the agricultural fields leaves severe environmental deterioration. Researchers are actively seeking safer alternatives or solutions for the implementation of sustainable agriculture practices without compromising the agricultural output. Nano-scale particles, due to their unique properties, are emerging as interesting candidates for agrochemicals, especially nutrient delivery applications. In the present study, three variants hydroxyapatite-urea, magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite-urea, and zinc-doped hydroxyapatite-urea nanohybrids have been synthesized and characterized as slow nitrogen release fertilizers for the wheat crop.Results: The doping of hydroxyapatite with zinc and magnesium instigated structural distortion that assisted relatively higher nitrogen loading and optimal urea release patterns. The nitrogen molecules slowly release from the water incubated nanohybrids, as per the Hixson-Crowell model equation, for up to two weeks in the soil environment. With zinc and magnesium integrated into hydroxyapatite, the synthesized nanohybrids now serve as a multi-nutrient complex of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc nutrients. Additionally, iron uptake was increased in nanohybrids treated wheat crop. The results manifest the potency of the 50% nitrogen doses as nanohybrids that maintain the wheat crop yield and nutrient uptake equivalent to the 100% nitrogen doses as urea fertilizer. Higher nitrogen doses as nanohybrids significantly enhanced the wheat growth parameters. The zinc-doped hydroxyapatite-urea nanohybrids performed better among all three variants. Conclusion: The research epitomized the delivery of multiple nutrients to the crops while mitigating ammonia emissions from agricultural fields. The doped and undoped hydroxyapatite-urea nanohybrids can be a revolutionary tool to alleviate the pollution and waste generation arising from agriculture. We present a comprehensive experimental evidence of the design and utilization of biocompatible nitrogen nanohybrids as fertilizer for agricultural production and biofortification while cutting off nitrogen input up to half to mitigate environmental repercussions. This study establishes extensive experimental evidence for manipulating nano-scale materials for nutrient delivery applications to crops and unlocks new paradigms for the design and application of climate-friendly smart fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.
Transverse Kerker Effect in All-Dielectric Spheroidal Particles
Authors: Bukharin Mikhail M. , Pecherkin Vladimir Ya. , Ospanova Anar K. , Il’in Vladimir B. , Vasilyak Leonid M. , Basharin Alexey A. , Luk'yanchuk Boris
Published: October 2021

Kerker effect is one of the unique phenomena in modern electrodynamics. Due to overlapping of electric and magnetic dipole moments, all-dielectric particles can be invisible in forward or backward directions. In our paper we propose new conditions between resonantly excited electric dipole and magnetic quadrupole in ceramic high index spheroidal particle for demonstrating transverse Kerker effect. Moreover, we perform proof-of-concept microwave experiment and demonstrate dumbbell radiation pattern with suppressed scattering in both forward and backward direction and enhanced scattering in lateral direction. Our concept is promising for future planar lasers, nonreflected metasurface and laterally excited waveguides and nanoantennas.
Secular oxidation of Archean upper mantle caused by increasing crustal recycling
Authors: Gao Lei , Liu Shuwen , Cawood Peter , Wang Jintuan , Sun Guozheng , Hu Yalu , Hu Fangyang
Published: October 2021

The redox evolution of Archean mantle impacted Earth differentiation, mantle melting and the nature of chemical equilibrium between mantle, ocean and atmosphere of the early Earth. However, how and why it varies with time remain controversial. Archean mantle-derived volcanic rocks, especially basalts are ideal lithologies for reconstructing the mantle redox state. Here we show that the ~3.8-2.5 Ga basalts from fourteen cratons are subdivided geochemically into two groups, B-1, showing incompatible element depleted and modern mid-ocean ridge basalt-like features ((Nb/La)PM ≥ 0.75) and B-2 ((Nb/La)PM < 0.75), characterized by modern island arc basalt-like features. Our updated V-Ti redox proxy indicates the Archean upper mantle was more reducing than today, and that there was a significant redox heterogeneity between ambient and modified mantle presumably related to crustal recycling, perhaps via plate subduction, as shown by B-1 and B-2 magmas, respectively. The oxygen fugacity of modified mantle exhibits a ~1.5-2.0 log units increase over ~3.8-2.5 Ga, whereas the ambient mantle becomes more and more heterogeneous with respect to redox, apart from a significant increase at ~2.7 Ga. These findings are coincident with the increase in the proportions of crustal recycling-related lithologies with associated enrichment of associated incompatible elements (e.g., Th/Nb), indicating that increasing recycling played a crucial role on the secular oxidation of Archean upper mantle.
Transparency in Quality of Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer in the Netherlands: a National Registration of Radiotherapy-parameters
Authors: Maliko Nansi , Stam Marcel R , Boersma Liesbeth J , Peeters Marie-Jeanne T.F.D. Vrancken , Wouters Michel W.J.M. , KleinJan Eline , Mulder Maurice , Essers Marion , Hurkmans Coen W , Bijker Nina
Published: October 2021

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) is part of the curative treatment of approximately 70% of breast cancer (BC) patients. Wide practice variation has been reported in RT dose, fractionation and its treatment planning for BC. To decrease this practice variation, it is essential to first gain insight into the current variation in RT treatment between institutes. This paper describes the development of the NABON Breast Cancer Audit-Radiotherapy (NBCA-R), a structural nationwide registry of BC RT data of all BC patients treated with at least surgery and RT.Methods: A working group consisting of representatives of the BC Platform of the Dutch Radiotherapy Society selected a set of RT parameters deemed to be surrogate outcome parameters. Two pilot studies were carried out in six RT institutes: First, data were manually entered into a secured web-based system, and second, data were entered using an automatic Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) RT upload module.Results: The NBCA-R dataset was created by selecting RT parameters describing given dose, target volumes, coverage and homogeneity, and dose to organs at risk (OAR). Entering the data was made mandatory for all dutch RT departments. In the first pilot study (N=1093), quite some variation was already detected. Application of partial breast irradiation varied from 0%-17% between the 6 institutes and boost to the tumour bed from 26.5%-70.2%. For patients treated to the left breast or chest wall only, the average mean heart dose (MHD) varied from 0.80 Gy – 1.82 Gy; for patients treated to the breast/chest wall only, the average mean lung dose (MLD) varied from 2.06 Gy – 3.3 Gy. In the second pilot study 6 departments implemented the DICOM-RT upload module in daily practice. Anonymised data will be available for researchers via a FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) framework.Conclusions: We have developed a set of RT parameters and implemented registration for all dutch BC patients. With the use of an automated upload module registration burden will be minimized. Based on the data in the NBCA-R analyses of the practice variation will be done, with the ultimate aim to improve quality of BC RT. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered
Generation of Integration-Free Porcine Induced Neural Stem Cells Using Sendai virus
Authors: Chakritbudsabong Warunya , Rungsiwiwut Ruttachuk , Sariya Ladawan , Juntahirun Phakhin , Chaisilp Nattarun , Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan Somjit , Rungarunlert Sasitorn
Published: October 2021

Background The reprogramming of cells to induced neural stem cells (iNSCs), faster and safer to generate than induced pluripotent stem cells, holds tremendous promise for disease modeling and personalized cell-based therapies for neurological diseases. Porcine iNSCs (piNSCs) may serve as a disease model for human medicine, as pigs are one of the most successful large animal models in biomedical research. Thus, this study aimed to establish safe and efficient integration-free piNSC lines.Methods The integration-free piNSC lines were generated by reprogramming porcine fibroblasts using the Sendai virus (SeV).Results Here we report the successful generation of integration-free piNSC lines using the SeV, with a reprogramming efficiency of 0.4%. The piNSCs can be expanded for up to 40 passages and express high levels of NSC markers (PAX6, NESTIN, and SOX2). They can produce neurons and glia, expressing TUJ, MAP2, TH, and GFAP. No induced pluripotent stem cells developed during reprogramming, and the established piNSCs did not express OCT4. Hence, the SeV can reprogram porcine fibroblast without first going through an intermediate pluripotent stage.Conclusions With the SeV approach, we generated integration-free piNSCs that may be used to assess the efficacy and safety of iNSC-based clinical translation in humans.
Stream privacy amplification for quantum cryptography
Authors: Huang Yizhi , Zhang Xingjian , Ma Xiongfeng
Published: October 2021

Privacy amplification is the key step to guarantee the security of quantum communication. The existing security proofs require accumulating a large number of raw key bits for privacy amplification. This is similar to block ciphers in classical cryptography that would delay the final key generation since an entire block must be accumulated before privacy amplification. Moreover, any leftover errors after information reconciliation would corrupt the entire block. By modifying the security proof based on quantum error correction, we develop a stream privacy amplification scheme, which resembles the classical stream cipher, to solve the problems of final key generation delay and error spread. The stream scheme can also help to enhance the security of trusted-relay quantum networks. Inspired by the connection between stream ciphers and quantum error correction in our security analysis, we further develop a generic information-theoretic tool to study the security of classical encryption algorithms.
The Eﬀect of Transportation Beneﬁts on Health and Consumption Among the Elderly: Quasi-Experimental Evidence from Urban China
Authors: Yin Ting , Yin Zhigang , Zhang Junchao
Published: October 2021

This study estimates the causal eﬀect of transportation subsidies or similar beneﬁts on the health of the elderly. We exploit a discontinuity in the probability of receiving transportation beneﬁts induced by an age-based policy to take account of the endogeneity of treatment status. Our baseline IV results indicate that receiving public transportation beneﬁts signiﬁcantly improves elderly people’s health condition by approximately 10 percentage points. The results are robust under diﬀerent speciﬁcations and placebo tests. Further tests on possible channels show that the health eﬀect is driven by increasing food consumption and health care utilization, but not by the amount of exercise done.
Superfluid density, Josephson relation and pairing fluctuations in a multi-component fermion superfluid
Authors: Zhang Yi-Cai
Published: October 2021

In this work, a Josephson relation is generalized to a multi-component fermion superfluid. Superfluid density is expressed through a two-particle Green function for pairing states. When the system has only one gapless collective excitation mode, the Josephson relation is simplified, which is given in terms of the superfluid order parameters and the trace of two-particle normal Green function. In addition, it is found that the matrix elements of two-particle Green function is directly related to the matrix elements of the pairing fluctuations of superfluid order parameters. Furthermore, in the presence of inversion symmetry, the superfluid density is given in terms of the pairing fluctuation matrix. The results of the superfluid density in Haldane model show that the generalized Josephson relation can be also applied to a multi-band fermion superfluid in lattice.
Novel neutralization mechanism of a human antibody with pan-coronavirus reactivity
Authors: Sun Xiaoyu , Yi Chunyan , Zhu Yuanfei , Ding Longfei , Xia Shuai , Gu Chenjian , Lu Xiao , Chen Shuangfeng , Yang Zhuo , Zhang Yaguang , Ma Liyan , Gu Wangpeng , Liu Mu , Hu Gaowei , Du Shujuan , Yan Renhong , Fu Weihui , Yuan Songhua , Qiu Chenli , Zhao Chen , Zhang Xiaoyan , He Yonghui , Qu Aidong , Zhou Xu , Li Xiuling , Deng Qiang , Zhou Qiang , Lu Hongzhou , Ling Zhiyang , Lu Lu , Xu Jianqing , Xie Youhua , Sun Bing
Published: October 2021

The recurrent outbreak of coronaviruses and variants underscores the need for broadly reactive antivirals and vaccines. Here, a novel broad-spectrum human antibody named 76E1 was isolated from a COVID-19 convalescent patient and showed broad neutralization activity against multiple α- and β-coronaviruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 variants and also exhibited the binding breath to peptides containing the epitope from γ- and δ- coronaviruses. 76E1 cross-protects mice from SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 infection in both prophylactic and treatment models. The epitope including the fusion peptide and S2’ cleavage site recognized by 76E1 was significantly conserved among α-, β-, γ- and δ- coronaviruses. We uncovered a novel mechanism of antibody neutralization that the epitope of 76E1 was proportionally less exposed in the prefusion trimeric structure of spike protein but could be unmasked by binding to the receptor ACE2. Once the epitope exposed, 76E1 inhibited S2’ cleavage, thus blocked the membrane fusion process. Our data demonstrate a key epitope targeted by broadly-neutralizing antibodies and will guide next-generation epitope-based pan-coronavirus vaccine design.
Percepção de agricultores (as) sobre práticas de conservação de solo e água implantados com apoio de órgãos públicos
Authors: LOPES Vanessa Schiavon , CARDOSO Irene Maria , LOPES Angélica da Silva
Published: October 2021

O Serviço Autônomo de Água e Esgoto (SAAE), de Viçosa (MG), em parceria com outras instituições, executou, de 2012 a 2015, um Projeto de implantação de práticas de conservação do solo e da água em propriedades de agricultores/as da Bacia do Rio Turvo Sujo. Objetivou-se identificar, no campo, as práticas implantadas pelo SAAE e as percepções dos agricultores/as sobre os resultados obtidos após a implantação destas práticas. Utilizou-se entrevistas semiestruturadas com 19 agricultores/as beneficiados pelo projeto. A maioria dos entrevistados tinha consciência da importância das práticas para reduzir a erosão e aumentar o volume de água nas nascentes. Os terraços (67%) e as barraginhas (61%) foram apontados como as práticas mais eficientes no controle da erosão do solo. O plantio de árvores e a revegetação dos topos dos morros foram consideradas práticas necessárias para conservação do solo e da água. É importante a inclusão dos agricultores/as em todas as etapas do projeto.
A quality assessment of Internet information regarding accelerated orthodontics
Authors: Demirsoy Kevser Kurt , Imamoglu Tugce , Buyuk Suleyman Kutalmış
Published: October 2021

Objective

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the quality of information uploaded onto the Internet regarding accelerated orthodontics.

Materials and methods

The selected search terms ‘accelerated orthodontics’, ‘rapid orthodontics’, ‘speed orthodontics’, ‘rapid braces’, and ‘speed braces’ were searched by three commonly used search engines (Google, Yahoo, and Bing), and the URLs of the top 50 websites were recorded. The websites were evaluated using DISCERN, HONcode, and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark instruments. The readability of the websites was evaluated by the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL).

Results

The total mean DISCERN score (section 1 + section 2) for all websites was 29.50/75 (range: 15–68). The average FRES of all websites was 52.99 ± 31.91. Also, the average FKGL score of all websites was 10.73 ± 2.03. Professional health organisation websites had significantly higher DISCERN scores than other websites (p < 0.001). Only three websites had the HONcode seal. Professional organisation and private dental practice websites showed better compliance with JAMA benchmarks. There was no statistically significant difference related to FRES and FKGL scores between groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Information regarding accelerated orthodontics found on the Internet is insufficient. It is recommended that orthodontic societies and orthodontists increase the quality of the websites which describe accelerated orthodontics.
Investigation of anemia of unknown origin
Authors: Castilho L. , Nance S. , Hamilton J.R.
Published: October 2021

One of the most difficult concepts to explain when training immunohematology staff involves the investigation of hemolytic anemias. In the transfusion service and in the immunohematology reference laboratory setting, rapid and efficient investigation can be extremely important for patients with critical anemia requiring transfusion. The flow charts presented here provide possible patient scenarios and a logical sequence for initial and subsequent serologic testing for investigation. A clinical assessment of anemia of unknown origin or the finding of an unresolved positive antibody screen in pre-transfusion patient testing begins the investigational flow process. The testing sequence is predicated on the fact that performing a direct antiglobulin test (DAT) on all patients has a low predictive value and should be reserved for patients with unexplained anemia. The process begins with assessing the results of DATs with anti-IgG and anti-C3. Subsequent charts A, B, and C aid in investigating these results. Flow Chart A is for the investigation of warm or cold autoantibody, Chart B is for the investigation of cold-agglutinin or drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia, and Chart C is for the investigation of autoantibody in the transfused patient. While the most common approaches to the initial and subsequent test results are in these flow charts, the charts are not inclusive of all possible diagnoses or presentations. These flow charts are meant to be a guide to assist the laboratory in developing a standard approach to efficient investigation and resolution in patients with unexplained anemia.
Description of Spinocephalus tessellatus n. gen., n. sp. (Rhabditida, Cephalobidae) from Iran, a nematode with a new morphological pattern at lip region
Authors: Abolafia Joaquín , Hosseinvand Manouchehr , Eskandari Ali
Published: October 2021

A new genus and new species of the family Cephalobidae, subfamily Cephalobinae, named Spinocephalus tessellatus n. gen., n. sp. is described from Iran. Body 0.55–0.67 mm long, cuticle with tessellations, lateral field with two tessellated longitudinal wings, lip region with six triangular lips, primary axils deep and V-shaped with two conoid-elongate guard processes that originate from each lip, secondary axils deep and U-shaped with one thorn-like process (labial probolae?) in lateral view with a small rounded protuberance fused to the oral plate having triradiate symmetry more developed at the acute margin toward each primary axil, oral opening hexagonal, amphids large and clearly rounded to slightly oval, stoma cephaloboid with cheilostom with minute and rounded rhabdia, pharynx cephaloboid with corpus subcylindrical and isthmus very long being 1.4–1.7 times corpus length, nerve ring surrounds the isthmus, excretory pore at the level of the isthmus. Female monodelphic-prodelphic, spermatheca as long as the body diam., post-vulval uterine sac 0.8–1.0 times body diameter, tail conoid with small rounded terminus. Male monorchic, spicules 24–26 µm long, gubernaculum 11–14 µm long, tail conical and ventrally curved with small rounded terminus. Morphological, including SEM observations, and molecular (based on 18S and 28S rDNA) analyses revealed its relationship with the genera Acromoldavicus and Nothacrobeles.
The Change of Medical Education Landscape in the Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Taib Fahisham , Mat Pa Mohd Najib
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 outbreak started late 2019 has systematically changed the lives of people around the globe. Medical schools have to implement changes in the teaching methodology to observe social distancing order. The pandemic perpetuates a paradigm shift in medical teaching, from face-to-face to virtual and online teaching. Virtual teaching has become the new learning norm but limited in replacing clinical teaching. It has been considered as one of the most viable options for the long-term durability and continuity of medical education. The fluidity of such educational changes, especially during the pandemic warrants preparation of the online infrastructure learning, literacy of the learners and preparation by the teachers during this period.