bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Risks of SARS-CoV-2 in Wildlife
Authors: Delahay Richard , de la Fuente Jose , Smith Graham , Sharun Khan , Snary Emma , Flores Giron Luis , Nziza Julius , Fooks Anthony , Brookes Sharon , Lean Fabian , Breed Andrew , Gortazar Christian
Published: December 2020

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 likely emerged from a wildlife source with transmission to humans followed by rapid geographic spread throughout the globe and dramatic impacts on both human health and global economies. Since the onset of the pandemic, there have been several instances of human-to-animal transmission involving companion, farmed and zoo animals, and one instance of infection in a wild mink, with the clear potential for further spread into free-living wildlife. The establishment of reservoirs of infection in wild animals would create significant challenges to infection control in humans and could pose a threat to the welfare and conservation status of wildlife. Herein, we discuss the potential for exposure, maintenance and onward transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in an initial selection of wild and feral species (bats, canids, felids, mustelids, great apes). Targeted surveillance and dynamic risk assessment are important tools for the early detection of infection in wildlife and a means of collating and synthesising emerging information in a rapidly changing situation. Such efforts should be integrated with public health information to provide insights into the potential role of wild mammals in the continuing epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. This approach should also be adopted to address the wider need to proactively assess threats to human and animal health from other diseases that may emerge from wildlife.
Kinetic and Isotherm Studies of Sewage Sludge Biochar on Ammonium Solution
Authors: Ahmad Sohaimi Khairunissa Syairah , Shyang Ong Chyh , Iberahim Nur Izzati , Mohamed Alina Rahayu , Zainol Noor Ainee
Published: December 2020

Sewage sludge was utilized into biochar using the slow pyrolysis method. The biochar was then being used for ammonium removal. The sewage sludge biochar was produced at temperature of 550°C, 600°C, 650°C, 700°C and 750°C. A few characterization tests were carried out to study about the physical and chemical properties of the biochar. For instance, moisture and ash content analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, pH Zero Point Charge, biochar yield and SEM. As the pyrolysis temperature increased, the moisture content of SSB decreased while the ash content increased. The FTIR spectra of sewage sludge biochar showed that there were various organic functional groups on the surface of the biochar which were responsible for ammonium adsorption. Furthermore, through pH Zero Point Charge analysis, pH 7.0 was the most optimum pH for the adsorption test of ammonium. The optimum adsorbent dosage was 0.01g while optimum contact time was 150 minutes. Furthermore, 1.2ppm was the most optimum concentration for adsorption process. Based on the result of the characterization tests, SSB700 was the most effective biochar for ammonium adsorption. Based on the result of kinetic and isotherm analysis, the adsorption of ammonium ions usign sewage sludge biochar was a monolayer chemisorption process.
Modified Sumudu Transform and Its Properties
Authors: Duran Ugur
Published: December 2020

Saif et al. (J. Math. Comput. Sci. 21 (2020) 127-135) considered modified Laplace transform and developed some of their certain properties and relations. Motivated by this work, in this paper, we define modified Sumudu transform and investigate many properties and relations including modified Sumudu transforms of the power function, sine, cosine, hyperbolic sine, hyperbolic cosine, exponential function, and function derivatives. Moreover, we attain two shifting properties and a scale preserving theorem for the modified Sumudu transform. We give modified inverse Sumudu transform and investigate some relations and examples. Furthermore, we show that the modified Sumudu transform is the theoretical dual transform to the modified Laplace transform.
An Integrated Sequencing Approach for Updating of Pseudorabies Virus Transcriptome
Authors: Torma Gábor , Tombácz Dóra , Csabai Zsolt , Göbhardter Dániel , Deim Zoltán , Snyder Michael , Boldogkői Zsolt
Published: December 2020

In the last couple of years, the implementation of long-read sequencing (LRS) technologies for transcriptome profiling has uncovered an extreme complexity of viral gene expression. In this study, we carried out a systematic analysis on the pseudorabies virus transcriptome by combining our current data obtained by using Pacific Biosciences Sequel and Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencings with our earlier data generated by other LRS and short-read sequencing techniques. As a result, we identified a number of novel genes, transcripts, and transcript isoforms, including splice and length variants, and also confirmed earlier annotated RNA molecules. One of the major findings of this study is the discovery of a large number of 5’-truncated putative mRNAs embedded into larger host mRNAs. A large fraction of these RNA molecules contain in-frame ORFs, which may encode N-terminally truncated polypeptides. These study demonstrates that the PRV transcriptome is much more complex than previously appreciated.
A Review of the Role of Social Media for the Cultural Heritage Sustainability
Authors: Liang Xiaoxu , Lu Yanjun , Martin John
Published: December 2020

During the last 20 years, with the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), an emerging interest has appeared in Digital Community Engagement (DCE) in the process of cultural heritage management. Due to a growing need to involve a broader community in the Historic Urban Landscape approach, social media are considered one of the most important platforms to promote the public participation process of urban heritage conservation in the context of rapid urbanization. Despite the growing literature on DCE, which has delivered a general overview of different digital technologies and platforms to enhance heritage conservation, little research has been done on taking stock of the utilization of social media in this process. This study aims to fill the research gap by providing a more comprehensive picture of the functionalities of social media platforms and impacts on sustainable urban development through a systematic literature review. As a result, 19 out of 248 DCE relevant articles are selected as objects to illustrate the contribution of social media. The study identified the characteristics of these applied social media tools, explores their roles and influences in cases. The article concludes with directions for further research.
A Bibliometric Analysis of COVID-19 Research
Authors: Ho Yuh-Shan , Gatto Andrea
Published: December 2020

COVID-19 breakout calls for immediate research explorations. The objective of this study is to perform a bibliometric analysis of all COVID-19-related publications in Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) in the early stage of the outbreak. Analysis parameters include performances of authors, institutes, and countries as well as distributions of Web of Science categories, journals, languages, and types of publications. Results show that 32% of total papers were published as editorial materials and an overwhelming production from Chinese research institutes. An association of research indexes with the number of cases was also found.
Microfabrication With Very Low-Average Power of Green Light to Produce PDMS Microchips
Authors: Hernandez -Cedillo Lucero M. , Vázquez-Cuevas Francisco G. , Quintero-Torres Rafael , Aragón Jose L. , Ocampo Mortera Miguel Angel , Ordóñez-Romero Cesar L. , Domínguez-Juárez Jorge Luis
Published: December 2020

In this letter, we show an alternative low-cost fabrication method to obtain poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic devices. The proposed method allows the inscription of micron resolution channels on polystyrene (PS) surfaces, used as a mold for the wanted microchip’s production, by applying a high absorption coating film on the PS surface to ablate it with a focused low-power visible laser. The method allows obtaining micro resolution channels at powers between 2 and 10mW and can realize any two-dimensional polymeric devices. The effect of the main processing parameters on the channel’s geometry is presented.
Antimicrobial Use, Residues, Resistance and Governance in the Food and Agriculture Sectors, Tanzania
Authors: Mdegela Robinson H. , Mwakapeje Elibariki R. , Rubegwa Bachana , Gebeyehu Daniel T. , Niyigena Solange , Msambichaka Victoria , Nonga Hezron E. , Antoine-Moussiaux Nicolas , Fasina Folorunso O.
Published: December 2020

All infections are potentially curable as long as the etiological agents are susceptible to antimicrobials. The increased rate at which antimicrobials are becoming ineffective is a global health risk of increasing concern that threatens withdrawal of beneficial antimicrobials for disease control. Increased demand for food of animal origin, in particular eggs, meat and milk has led to intensification and commercial production systems where excessive use and misuse of antimicrobials may prevail. Antimicrobials, handled and used by farmers and animal attendants with no formal education may predispose to incorrect dosages, misuse, incorrect applications and non-adherence to withdrawal periods. A multimethod approach (desk review, field study and interviews) was used. Relevant establishments were also visited. High levels of resistance to penicillin G, chloramphenicol, streptomycin and oxytetracycline have been reported especially for Actinobacter pyogenes, Staphylococcus hyicus, Staphylococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus aureus from dairy cattle with mastitis and in humans. Similar trends were found in poultry where eggs and meat are contaminated with Escherichia coli strains resistant to amoxicillin + clavulanate, sulphamethoxazole and neomycin. An increasing trend of emerging multidrug resistant E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella was also found in food animals. An in-crease in methicillin resistant Staphlococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) in the livestock sector in Tanzania have been reported. Specific antimicrobials resistant to were ampicillin, augmentin, gentamicin, cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin, ampicillin, gentamicin, streptomycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, tylosin, erythromycin, cefuroxime, norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin. An in-creased usage of antimicrobials for prophylaxis, anaphylaxis and therapeutics against pathogens and for growth promotion in livestock, aquaculture and crops production were observed. One Health strategic approach is advocated to combat AMR in the food and agriculture sectors in Tanzania. Practical recommendations include a) legislation review and implementation, b) AMU, AMR and AR awareness and advocacy among stakeholders along the value chain, c) strengthening of surveillance and monitoring programs for AMU, AMR and AR, d) enhance development and use of rapid and innovative diagnostic tests and promotion biosecurity principles and e) good husbandry practices. The utilization of this information to improve public health policies and reduce the burden of AMR will be beneficial.
Provision of Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities in South African Higher Education: A Decolonial Perspective
Authors: Ndlovu Sibonokuhle
Published: December 2020

This paper used the decolonial theory to analyse provision of Assistive Technology and assistive devices at an institution of higher education in South African. It was an empirical study, in which data were collected through interviews with students with disabilities and the Disability Rights Centre staff members. The paper sought to understand the invisible hidden implications of provision of Assistive Technology and assistive devices. The finding was that it is students with disabilities who were provided with Assistive Technology and assistive devices at the institution. The institution provided them through the Centre, to support their learning. However, this way of provision was found to be stigmatising and segregative. Furthermore, while the provision on one hand enabled students with disabilities’ learning, on the other, it constrained it. The argument of the paper is that when provision of Assistive Technology and assistive devices is for a particular group of students it defeats the whole purpose for it is intended, and could hinder rather than promote learning. It is hoped that the paper will contribute to contemporary debate on provision of Assistive Technology and support services for people with disabilities in low resource settings, from a South African context specifically, and in higher education broadly.
An Experimental Research on Microseismic Monitoring Technology in Detecting the Contact Time of Badminton Amateurs’ Lunge
Authors: Yang Yang , Cui Yingchun , Yan Wenfa
Published: December 2020

The fast and flexible characteristics of badminton determine the necessity of its lunge, and fast lunge will have an important impact on the results of the game in actual combat. In lunge evaluation, the contact time to the ground is a key indicator. This article selects two middle-aged male badminton amateurs with similar body shape and age， but different skill levels as the research objects to carry out comparative experiments. The microseismic equipment is used to record the floor vibration which is caused by the running of badminton amateurs in sports. The microseismic signals of lunge are processed and analyzed by MATLAB software. And we evaluate the pro and cons of various time to touch the ground from amateurs with different skill levels. The research found that 1. Microseismic technology can detect the contact time to the ground. 2. High-level badminton amateurs have obvious advantages in the footwork contact time. Microseismic technology has a certain feasibility as a tool for evaluating the footwork contact time of badminton.
Synthesis and Application of Arylaminophosphazene as a Flame Retardant and Catalyst for the Polymerization of Benzoxazines
Authors: Bornosuz Natalia V. , Gorbunova Irina Yu. , Kireev Vyacheslav V. , Bilichenko Yulya V. , Chursova Larisa V. , Svistunov Yuri S. , Onuchin Denis V. , Shutov Vyacheslav V. , Petrakova Viktoria V. , Kolenchenko Alexander A. , Nguyen Duong T. , Pavlov Nikolay V. , Orlov Alexey V. , Grebeneva Tatyana A. , Sirotin Igor S.
Published: December 2020

A novel type of phosphazene containing additive that act both as catalyst and as flame retardant for benzoxazine binders is presented in this study. The synthesis of a derivative of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCP) and meta-toluidine was carried out in the medium of the latter, which made it possible to achieve complete substitution of chlorine atoms in the initial HCP. Thermal and flammability characteristics of modified compositions are revealed. The modifier catalyzes the process of curing and shifts the beginning of reaction from 222.0 C for pure benzoxazine to 205.9 C for composition with 10 phr of modifier. The additive decreases the glass transition temperature of compositions. Achievement of the highest category of flame resistance (V-0 in accordance with UL-94) is ensured both by increasing the content of phenyl residues in the composition and by the synergistic effect of phosphorus and nitrogen. Brief research of the curing kinetics disclosed the complex nature of the reaction. An accurate two-step model is obtained using extended Prout-Tompkins equation for both steps.
Application of Molecular Hydrogen as an Antioxidant in Responses to Ventilatory and Ergogenic Adjustments during Incremental Exercise in Humans
Authors: Abdulkarim D Alharbi Ahad , Ebine Naoyuki , Nakae Satoshi , Hojo Tatsuya , Fukuoka Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2020

We investigated effects of molecular hydrogen (H2) supplementation on acid-base status, pulmonary gas exchange responses, and local muscle oxygenation during incremental exercise. Eighteen healthy, trained subjects in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design received H2-rich calcium powder (HCP) (1500 mg/day, containing 2.544 µg/day of H2) or H2-depleted placebo (1500 mg/day) for 3 consecutive days. They performed cycling incremental exercise starting at 20-watts work rate, increasing by 20 watts/2 min until exhaustion. Breath-by-breath pulmonary ventilation (VE) and CO2 output (VCO2) were measured and muscle deoxygenation (deoxy[Hb + Mb]) was determined via time-resolved-NIRS in the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF). Blood gases' pH, lactate, and HCO3− concentrations were measured at rest and 120-, 200-, and 240-watt work rates. At rest, the HCP group had significantly lower VE, VCO2, and higher HCO3−, PCO2 versus placebo. During exercise, a significant pH decrease and greater HCO3− continued until 240-watts work rate in HCP. The VE was significantly lower in HCP versus placebo, but HCP did not affect the gas exchange status of VCO2 or oxygen uptake (VO2). HCP increased absolute values of deoxy[Hb + Mb] at the RF but not VL. Thus, HCP-induced hypoventilation would lead to lower pH and secondarily impaired balance between O2 delivery and utilization in the local RF during exercise, suggesting that HCP supplementation, which increases the at-rest antioxidant potential, affects the lower ventilation and pH status during incremental exercise. HPC induced a significantly lower O2 delivery/utilization ratio in the RF but not the VL, which may be because these regions possess inherently different vascular/metabolic control properties, perhaps related to fiber-type composition.
Why Do Centromeres Evolve So Fast: BIR Replication, Hypermutation, Transposition, and Molecular-Drive
Authors: Rice William
Published: December 2020

Centromeres are among the fastest evolving genomic regions in a diverse array of organisms. The evolutionary process driving this rapid evolution has not been unambiguously established. Here I integrate diverse information to motivate a model in which centromeres evolve rapidly because of their intrinsic molecular phenotype: they tightly bind centromeric proteins throughout the cell cycle. DNA-bound proteins have been shown to cause stalling and collapse of DNA replication forks in many genomic regions, including centromeres. Collapsed replication forks generate one-sided double strand breaks (DSBs) that are repaired by the Break-Induced Repair (BIR) pathway. Here I show why this repair is expected to generate tandem repeat structure and three key features at centromeres: i) increased nucleotide substitution mutation rates, ii) out-of- register re-initiation of replication that leads to indels spanning one or more repeat units, and iii) elevated rates of large and small transpositions within centromeres and between genomic regions. These phenotypes lead to: i) a rapid rate of nucleotide substitutions within a clade of centromeric sequences, ii) continual turnover of monomers within centromeres that fosters molecular-drift and molecular-drive, and iii) recurrent quantum leaps in centromere sequence due to the formation of mosaic monomers and new sequences transposed into non-homologous centromeres. These features are plausibly the major reason centromeres evolve so rapidly. I also speculate on how the DNA sequence of centromeres might perpetually coevolve with the protein sequence of histone CENH3 –the major epigenetic mark of centromeres.
Contrato y dibujo inédito de unas lámparas de plata para la Catedral de Córdoba
Authors: Rodríguez Miranda María del Amor
Published: December 2020

En este trabajo se dan a conocer unos documentos relacionados con el encargo y ejecución de dos lámparas de plata, destinadas a la Capilla de Villaviciosa y la Capilla del Sagrario, ambas en la Catedral cordobesa. Este compromiso fue instituido con cargo a una Obra Pía fundada por don Juan de Valderrama, en la había quedado establecida la elaboración de estas piezas en el año 1647 por el platero cordobés Gonzalo de Alcántara. Se presenta además el dibujo original realizado por el maestro del diseño de las mismas.
Dampak Contract Farming terhadap Kinerja Usahatani Kopi di Lampung
Authors: Rosanti Novi , Sinaga Bonar M , Daryanto Arief , Kariyasa Ketut
Published: December 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan  untuk menganalisis dampak contract farming terhadap kinerja usahatani kopi di Lampung. Penelitian dilakukan di Kabupaten Lampung Barat dan Tanggamus yang merupakan sentra produksi kopi di Lampung. Survei rumahtangga petani dilakukan pada bulan Mei sampai Juni 2018. Sampel pada penelitian ini berjumlah 170 responden yang terdiri dari 98 petani kontrakdan72 petani non kontrak. Penelitian ini mengestimasi dampak contract farming menggunakan teknik Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa contract farming berdampak positif terhadap produktivitas, harga, dan pendapatan usahatani kopi. Mempromosikan dan mendorong penyebaran contract farming secara lebih luas dapat menjadi salah satu cara untuk meningkatkan produktivitas kopi nasional, daya saing dan kesejahteraan petani.
Common social determinants for overweight and obesity, and dental caries among adolescents in Northern Norway: a cross-sectional study from the Tromsø Study Fit Futures cohort.
Authors: Stangvaltaite-Mouhat Lina , Furberg Anne-Sofie , Drachev Sergei N. , Trovik Tordis A.
Published: December 2020

Background. Non-communicable general and oral health conditions share common risk factors. Studies investigating common social determinants as risk factors for overweight/obesity and dental caries among the same adolescents are scarce and inconclusive. Methods. This cross-sectional study included data from 464 girls and 494 boys from the population-based Tromsø study Fit Futures, which included first-year students attending upper secondary school in 2010-2011 from two municipalities in Northern Norway (1038 participants in total, 93% participation rate). Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses stratified by sex were used to investigate the association between socioeconomic position indicators (adolescent’s own study program, parents’ education and employment status) and overweight/obesity indicated by body weight and waist circumference, untreated dental caries in dentine, and when these conditions were considered simultaneously.Results. Boys enrolled in the general studies and sports programs (versus vocational) had lower odds of being overweight/obese (POR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20-0.86 and POR 0.24, 95% CI 0.08-0.73, respectively), of having high waist circumference (POR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21-0.75 and POR 0.25, 95% CI 0.10-0.64, respectively), dental caries (POR 0.57, 95% CI 0.32-0.99 and POR 0.47, 95% CI 0.22-0.98, respectively), and being simultaneously overweight/obese, having high waist circumference and dental caries (POR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07-0.81 and POR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01-0.98, respectively). Girls enrolled in the general studies program (versus vocational) had lower odds of having dental caries (POR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.84). Conclusions. Adolescent’s own study program was identified to be a common social determinant for overweight/obesity and dental caries among boys. These results support the broader concept of social determinants as common risk factors for general and oral health conditions, and call for common health promotion strategies addressing these common social determinants among adolescents. However, there is a need for more studies to investigate and better understand the influence of social determinants on health conditions among adolescents.
Quality of life of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Assessing the level of quality of life and the associated factors after the end of movement lockdown
Authors: Abdullah Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Bin , Murad Nor Shuhada , Teoh Soo Huat , Mohamad Mohd Afifuddin
Published: December 2020

Purpose: Despite the significant impact of COVID-19 on mental health among university students, data on the related quality of life (QoL) are lacking in this group of the population. This study aimed to evaluate quality of life (QoL) and determine its association with various factors and social support among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic after the end of movement lockdown. Methods: This was an online, cross-sectional study recruited a total of 316 participants. Participants were administered a self-reported questionnaire to gather data on demographic, personal, clinical and psychological characteristics; the 21-item depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21) to assess the severity of their depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms; the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) to assess the degree of social support; and the World Health Organization quality of life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) to assess QoL. Results: The psychological and social QoL scores were lower than the non-pandemic norms of the general population, while the physical health and environmental QoL scores were comparable. After adjusting for relevant demographic, personal, and clinical variables, religious coping; greater number of hours of online classes attended; and greater social support from family, friends and significant others were found to be significantly associated with higher QoL among the participants. Frustration because of study disruption, living in areas with a high prevalence of COVID-19 cases, and a higher severity of depressive and stress symptoms were significantly associated with lower QoL. Conclusion: COVID-19 impaired the QoL of university students even after the movement lockdown was lifted.
Genetic Analysis of Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma Discovers Recurrent SWI/SNF Alterations and a novel PGAP3-SRPK1 Fusion Gene
Authors: Neal Molly Heft , Birkeland Andrew , Bhangale Apurva , Zhai Jingyi , Kulkarni Aditi , Foltin Susan , Jewell Brittany , Ludwig Megan , Pinatti Lisa , Jiang Hui , McHugh Jonathan , Marentette Lawence , McKean Erin , Brenner J
Published: December 2020

Background: Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma (SNUC) is a rare and aggressive skull base tumor with poor survival and limited treatment options. To date, targeted sequencing studies have identified IDH2 and SMARCB1 as potential driver alterations, but the molecular alterations found in SMARCB1 wild type tumors are unknown.Methods: We evaluate survival outcomes in a cohort of 46 SNUC patients treated at an NCI designated cancer center and identify clinical and disease variables associated with survival on Kaplan-Meier and Cox multivariate survival analysis. We perform exome sequencing to characterize a series of SMARCB1 wild type tumors and cell line including identification of high confidence mutations, copy number alterations, microsatellite instability, and fusions. Knockdown studies using siRNA was utilized for validation of a novel PGAP3-SRPK1 gene fusion. Results: We discover recurrent aberrations to the SWI/SNF and FAT gene families. We also validate a novel PGAP3-SRPK1 gene fusion in the SNUC cell line, and show that knockdown of the fusion is negatively associated with EGFR, E2F and MYC signaling. Conclusion: Collectively, these data demonstrate recurrent alterations in the SWI/SNF and FAT gene families and discover a novel fusion gene (PGAP3-SRPK1). These data aim to improve understanding of possible driver mutations and guide future therapeutic strategies for this disease.
Insight of characteristic of mutation sequences in human cancers via an unsupervised neural network approach.
Authors: Hongchen Ji , Junjie Li , Qiong Zhang , Jingyue Yang , Fei Tian , Xiaowen Wang , Pan W. , Wang X. X. , Hongmei Zhang
Published: December 2020

Background: Mutation processes leave different signatures in genes. Previous studies have suggested that both the mutated and flanking bases influence somatic mutation characteristics. However, the understanding of how flanking sequences influence somatic mutation characteristics is limited.Materials and methods: We constructed a long short-term memory – self organizing map (LSTM-SOM) unsupervised neural network. By extracting mutated sequence features via LSTM and clustering similar features with SOM, somatic mutations in The Cancer Genome Atlas database were clustered according to their mutation type and flanking sequences. The relationship between MB and cancer characteristics was then analyzed. At last, we clustered the patients into different classes according to the composition of MB by K-means method, and then studied the differences in clinical features and survival between classes.Results: Ten classes of mutant sequences (named mutation blots, MBs) were obtained from 2,141,527 somatic mutations. Different features in mutation bases and flanking sequences were revealed among MBs. MB reflect both the site and pathological features of cancers. MBs were related to clinical features, including age, sex, and cancer stage. Class of MB in a given gene is associated with survival. Finally, patients were clustered into 7 classes according to MB composition. Significant differences in survival and clinical features were observed among different patient classes.Conclusions: Our study provides a novel method for analyzing the information of mutant sequences and reveals the extensive relationships among mutant sequences, clinical features, and cancer patient survival.
General synthesis of high-entropy alloy and ceramic nanoparticles in nanoseconds
Authors: Zou Zhigang , Wang Bing , Wang Cheng , Yu Xiwen , Cao Yuan , Gao Linfeng , Luo Wenjun , Wu Congping , Yao Yingfang , Lin Zhiqun
Published: December 2020

High-entropy materials (HEMs) including high-entropy alloys (HEAs) and high-entropy ceramics (HECs) at nanoscale have promising prospects in many fields, yet a robust synthesis strategy is lacking. Herein, we present a simple and general approach, laser scanning ablation (LSA), to synthesize a vast library of HEA and HEC nanoparticles (NPs) including alloys, sulfides, oxides, borides, nitrides, phosphides. The LSA method takes only 5 nanoseconds per pulse to ablate the corresponding NPs precursors at atmospheric temperature and pressure in alkanes. The ultra-rapid process ensures up to 9 dissimilar metallic elements combined uniformly regardless of their thermodynamic solubility. As laser pulse precisely confines energy to desired microregions, the LSA method enables HEM NPs loading on various substrates, even thermally-sensitive ones such as metals and glass. Applied as electrocatalysts for overall water splitting, HEM NPs achieved an overpotential of 185 mV @ 10mA cm-2, which was among the best activities. The LSA technique discloses a large collection of new nanostructured HEMs with unique properties and attractive functions. We believe this general strategy will provide a versatile and flexible material platform for a wild range of fields such as biology, catalysis, electronics and magnetics.
Equivalent Hazard Magnitude Scale
Authors: Wang Yi , Sebastian Antonia
Published: December 2020

Effective management of natural hazards requires the capability of cross-hazard evaluations. However, existing hazard magnitude scales cannot be easily adapted to evaluate sizes of events across different hazard types. Here, we propose a regression-based methodology with historical data on hazard impacts and magnitude indicators worldwide from 1900 to 2020 to derive an equivalent magnitude scale, called the Gardoni Scale after Professor Paolo Gardoni, to effectively quantify and compare sizes of events across twelve natural hazard types. Our results suggest that when compared on the Gardoni Scale, tsunami and drought disasters tend to have large magnitudes, while tornadoes are relatively small in size. We further propose hazard equivalency as a new area of research for cross-hazard evaluations of sizes and intensities of natural hazard events. Continuing efforts in this new area will strengthen guidance for resource allocation for hazard management, facilitate disaster communication, and enhance risk analysis within a multi-hazard context.
Development of an Emergency Nursing Care Competency Scale for School Nurses
Authors: Yoon Jaehee
Published: December 2020

Background The school nurse is a vital component of the school emergency services. Assessing School nurses’ emergency nursing care competency is essential to be sure safety and quality of care. The purpose of the study was to develop a scale for measuring school nurses’ competency.Methods This was an instrument development and validation study. The study was conducted according to the revised DeVellis scale development process coupled with the application of the International Council of Nurses’ Nursing Care Continuum Competencies Framework. Eight experts who specialize in school health and emergency care evaluated the validity of the content, while 386 school nurses evaluated the scale. The validity evaluation comprised factor analysis, analysis of control group validity according to school nurse experience differences, and analysis of criterion validity. Scale reliability was analyzed using Cronbach’s α value.Results The final scale comprises a self-reported 5-point Likert scale with 30 items, based on three factors and three sub-factors. The convergent validity of the items by factor and control group validity were both confirmed. The criterion validity was also found to be positively correlated with the Triage Competency Scale.Conclusion The scale may be used to identify factors influencing school nurses’ competency in emergency nursing care and contribute to research in competency-based education programs.
Aortic valve function post-replacement of severe aortic stenosis by transcatheter procedure versus surgery: A systematic review and metanalysis
Authors: Khalil Charbel Abi , Ignatiuk Barbara , Erdem Guliz , Chemaitelly Hiam , Barilli Fabio , El-Shazly Mohamed , Suwaidi Jassim Al , Aboulsoud Samar , Kofler Markus , Stastny Lukas , Jneid Hani , Bonaros Nikolaos
Published: December 2020

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has shown to reduce mortality compared to surgical aortic valve replacement (sAVR). However, it is known which procedure is associated with better post-procedural valvular function. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials that compared TAVI to sAVR for at least 2 years. The primary outcome was post-procedural patient-prosthesis-mismatch (PPM). Secondary outcomes were post-procedural and 2-year: effective orifice area (EOA), paravalvular gradient (PVG) and moderate/severe paravalvular leak (PVL). We identified 6 trials with a total of 7022 participants with severe aortic stenosis. TAVI was associated with 37% (95% CI [0.51-0.78) mean RR reduction of post-procedural PPM, a decrease that was not affected by the surgical risk at inclusion, neither by the transcatheter heart valve system. Postprocedural changes in gradient and EOA were also in favor of TAVI as there was a pooled mean difference decrease of 0.56 (95% CI [0.73-0.38]) in gradient and an increase of 0.47 (95% CI [0.38-0.56]) in EOA. Additionally, self-expandable valves were associated with a higher decrease in gradient than balloon ones (beta= 0.38; 95% CI [0.12-0.64]). However, TAVI was associated with a higher risk of moderate/severe PVL (pooled RR: 9.54, 95% CI [5.53-16.46]). All results were sustainable at 2 years.
Real-world Comparison of StreamLightTM trans-PRK and Conventional PRK With Regard to Refractive Outcome, Wound Healing, Pain Intensity and Visual Recovery Time
Authors: Gaeckle Harald
Published: December 2020

PurposeTo compare clinical outcomes of single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK) and conventional photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) regarding refractive outcome, visual acuity, wound healing, pain intensity and visual recovery time.MethodsIn this prospective clinical observational study 200 eyes of 100 consecutive patients with mild to moderate myopia with or without mild astigmatism were included. One hundred eyes each were treated with StreamLightTM tPRK or conventional PRK with the WaveLight® EX500 excimer laser. Visual acuity (Decimal) was assessed preoperatively and at day 4, 7 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Wound healing (hours between surgery and complete epithelial closure) was monitored at the slit lamp. Subjective pain intensity level was evaluated by a numeric pain rating scale (0 – 15) at day 4.ResultsVisual recovery was significantly faster in the tPRK group. At days 4 and 7, the mean monocular UCDVA was significantly better in the tPRK group than in the PRK group (p < 0.001). Four days after surgery 72% of eyes in the tPRK group but no eye in the PRK had an UCDVA of 0.7 or better. At six weeks postoperatively, UCDVA of 1.0 or better was achieved in both groups. Complete epithelial wound closure was achieved significantly faster in the tPRK group (p < 0.0001) and maximum pain level within the first 4 days after surgery was significantly lower in the tPRK group (p < 0.0001). No patient had lost a line of BCDVA and no complications or adverse effects were observed.ConclusionBoth treatments offer a safe and effective correction of low to moderate myopia with and without astigmatism. However, StreamLightTM tPRK offers faster visual recovery and epithelial healing and is associated with less pain as compared to conventional PRK. It can therefore be considered a good treatment option for patients who refuse or are not eligible for Femto-LASIK, but at the same time demand a faster and more comfortable recovery time than conventional PRK can offer.
An Integrated Stress Response Pathway activates Perivascular Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts to Drive Angiogenesis and Tumor Progression
Authors: Verginadis Ioannis , Avgousti Harris , Monslow James , Skoufos Giorgos , Chinga Frank , Leli Nektaria Maria , Karagounis Ilias , Bell Brett , Salinas Carlo Salas , Li Yang , Ye Jiangbin , Scott David , Osterman Andrei , Sengupta Arjun , Weljie Aalim , Radaelli Enrico , Tobias John , Rambow Florian , Karras Panagiotis , Marine Jean-Christophe , Xu Xiaowei , Hatzigeorgiou Artemis , Ryeom Sandra , Diehl J Alan , Fuchs Serge , Pure' Ellen , Koumenis Constantinos
Published: December 2020

ATF4 is a major effector of the Integrated Stress Response (ISR), a homeostatic mechanism coupling cell growth and survival to bioenergetic demands. Although the pro-tumorigenic role of the ISR in a tumor cell-intrinsic manner has been established, its role in cell-extrinsic processes remains unexplored. Using novel conditional knockout ATF4 mouse models, we show that global, or fibroblast (FB)-specific loss of host ATF4 results in abnormal tumor vascularization and a pronounced tumor growth delay in syngeneic melanoma and pancreatic tumor models, a phenotype which is largely reversed by co-injection of ATF4wt/wt FBs. Single-cell tumor transcriptomics uncovered a reduction of markers associated with FB activation in a cluster of perivascular cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in ATF4Δ/Δ mice. ATF4Δ/Δ FBs displayed significant defects in collagen biosynthesis and deposition and reduced ability to support angiogenesis in vitro. Mechanistically, ATF4 directly regulates the expression of the Col1a1 gene as well as the biosynthesis of glycine and proline, the major amino acids comprising collagen fibers. Analysis of human tumor samples revealed a strong correlation between ATF4 and collagen levels and between an ATF4 FB signature and expression of collagen genes. Our findings uncover a novel role of stromal ATF4 in shaping CAF functionality, a key driver of disease progression and therapy resistance.
J-Aggregates of meso- [2.2] Paracyclophanyl-BODIPY Dye for NIR-II Imaging
Authors: Liu Zhipeng , Li Kang , Duan Xingchen , Jiang Zhiyong , Ding Dan , Zhang Guo-qiang , Chen Yuncong
Published: December 2020

J-aggregation has been proved to be an efficient strategy for the development of fluorescent imaging agents in the second near-infrared (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm) window. However, the design of NIR-II fluorescent J-aggregates is challenging due to the lack of suitable J-aggregation dyes. Herein, we report meso-[2.2]paracyclophanyl-3,5-bis-N,N-dimethylaminostyrl BODIPY (PCP-BDP2) as the first example of BODIPY dye with J-aggregation induced NIR-II fluorescence. PCP-BDP2 shows emission maximum at 795 nm in diluted solution and NIR-II emission at 1010 nm in the J-aggregation state. Mechanism studies reveal that the steric and conjugation effect of the PCP group on the BODIPY core plays key roles in the J-aggregation behavior and NIR-II fluorescence tuning. Notably, NIR-II emissive J-aggregates of PCP-BDP2 can be efficiently stabilized in the assembled nanoparticle. Taking advantage of high quantum yield and good photo-/chemo-stability, J-aggregates of PCP-BDP2 show high-resolution and long-term in vivo NIR-II imaging ability. Furthermore, J-aggregates of PCP-BDP2 can be utilized for lymph node imaging and fluorescence-guided surgery in the nude mouse, which demonstrates their potential clinical application. This study not only demonstrates BODIPY dye as a new J-aggregation platform for developing NIR-II imaging agents but also encourages further exploration on J-aggregation induced NIR-II emission of the other conventional organic dyes.
MAEA is an E3 ubiquitin ligase promoting autophagy and maintenance of haematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Wei Qiaozhi , Pinho Sandra , Dong Shuxian , Pierce Halley , Nakahara Fumio , Xu Jianing , Xu Chunliang , Boulais Philip , Zhang Dachuan , Maryanovich Maria , Cuervo Ana , Frenette Paul , Li Huihui
Published: December 2020

Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) tightly regulate their quiescence, proliferation, and differentiation to generate blood cells during the entire lifetime. The mechanisms by which these critical activities are balanced are still unclear. Here, we report that Macrophage-Erythroblast Attacher (MAEA, also known as EMP), a receptor thus far only identified in erythroblastic island1, is a membrane-associated E3 ubiquitin ligase subunit essential for HSC maintenance and lymphoid commitment. Maea is highly expressed in HSCs and its deletion in mice severely impairs HSC quiescence and function and leads to a lethal myeloproliferative syndrome. Mechanistically, we have found that the surface expression of several haematopoietic cytokine receptors (e.g. MPL, FLT3) is stabilised in the absence of Maea, thereby prolonging their intracellular signalling. This is associated with impaired autophagy flux in HSCs, but not in mature haematopoietic cells. Administration of receptor kinase inhibitor or autophagy-inducing compounds rescues the functional defects of Maea-deficient HSCs. These results suggest that MAEA provides E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, guarding HSC function by restricting cytokine receptor signalling via autophagy.
Cervical Epidural Electrical Stimulation Restores Voluntary Arm Control In Paralyzed Monkeys
Authors: Capogrosso Marco , Barra Beatrice , Conti Sara , Perich Matthew , Zhuang Katie , Schiavone Giuseppe , Fallegger Florian , Galan Katia , James Nicholas , Barraud Quentin , Delacombaz Maude , Kaeser Melanie , Rouiller Eric , Milekovic Tomislav , Lacour Stephanie , Bloch Jocelyne , Courtine Gregoire
Published: December 2020

Regaining arm motor control is critical for people with paralysis. Despite promising results on grasping, no technology could restore effective arm control. Here, we show that electrical stimulation of the cervical spinal cord enabled three monkeys with cervical spinal injury to execute functional arm movements. We designed an epidural interface that engaged surviving spinal circuits via the recruitment of large sensory afferents to produce movement. Simple stimulation bursts produced sustained joint movements which, triggered by movement-related intracortical signals, enabled monkeys with arm paralysis to perform an unconstrained, three-dimensional reach and grasp task. This restoration of voluntary motor control was enabled by the synergistic integration of spared descending commands and electrical stimulation within the spinal cord. The simplicity of this technology promises realistic clinical translation.
Mechanisms linking multi-year La Niña with preceding extreme El Niño
Authors: Iwakiri Tomoki , Watanabe Masahiro
Published: December 2020

El Niño/La Niña, characterized by anomalous sea surface temperature warming/cooling in the central-eastern equatorial Pacific, is a dominant interannual variability with irregularity, impacting worldwide weather and socioeconomics. The observed records show that La Niña often persists for more than two years, called “multi-year La Niña” which tends to accompany extreme El Niño in the preceding year; however, the physical linkage between them remains unclear. Here we show using reanalysis data that an extreme El Niño excites atmospheric conditions that favor the generation of the multi-year La Niña in subsequent years. Easterly wind anomalies along the northern off-equator in the Pacific during the decay phase of an extreme El Niño are crucial. They act to discharge ocean heat content (OHC) via an anomalous northward Ekman transport; the negative OHC anomaly is large enough to be restored by a single La Niña and, therefore, causes another La Niña to occur in the second year. Furthermore, analyses of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models show that the occurrence frequencies of multi-year La Niña and extreme El Niño are highly correlated, supporting the abovementioned mechanism. Our results provide physical evidence that the increasing frequency of multi-year La Niña is explained by the increasing El Niño amplitude since the late 20th century.
Attitudes of Neurologists to Brain Death and Organ Donation in China: A Content Analysis
Authors: Wang Ping , Guo Yuji , Yin Gaohui , Li Mengzhen , Li Yan , Li Nan , Jin Suqin , Zhu Zhengyu , Ding Mao , Chu Bingcong , Wu Yijin , Ma Wen
Published: December 2020

Background: Between 2003 and 2009, there were approximately 20,000 brain deaths per million people per year in China.These cases represent an important source for organ donation. As it is neurologists who are primarily involved in determining brain death, their knowledge and attitude toward brain death and organ donation directly affects decisions of family members regarding organ donation.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2019. Data on neurologists’ knowledge and attitudes towards brain death and organ donation were obtained from fifteen neurologists in the Departments of Neurology from Chinese hospitals using a content analysis approach as achieved in semi-structured interviews. Results: Overall, these neurologists conveyed a positive attitude toward organ donation after brain death. However, they noted the importance of considering and respecting the opinions of these patients’ families. From the data analysis, 4 themes and 12 categories were developed. The 4 themes included: 1) brain death organ donation as a good thing, 2) interacting with brain death patient’s family, 3) cultural influences on organ donation with brain death and 4) strategies to improve organ donation rates in patients with brain death.Conclusion: The results of this study have provided some new and important information regarding the knowledge and attitude of Chinese neurologists toward brain death and organ donation. Such information is critical for guiding government and health care systems in designing strategies to improve donation rates and decisions from brain death patients.