bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma análise crítico-discursiva da polarização Ocidente/Oriente na polêmica sobre o ataque à revista Charlie Hebdo
Authors: Marchete Ana Clara Partelli , Almeida Julia
Published: August 2021

Este artigo é baseado na polêmica entre liberdade de expressão versus limites éticos para a prática do humor, que foi suscitado com o atentado à revista Charlie Hebdo, em 2015, buscando no escopo da Análise Crítica do Discurso, de Teun van Dijk (1998, 2005, 2015, 2016), e da Teoria da Polêmica, de Ruth Amossy (2017), indagar como as formas de apresentação e qualificação dos atores envolvidos interferem no debate e reacendem a polarização e posicionamentos entre Ocidentais e Orientais no discurso jornalístico brasileiro. A partir de análise de excertos de nove textos da Folha de S. Paulo, publicados logo após o ataque em 2015, analisamos a polarização entre grupos e as estratégias de descrição de atores envolvidos: por um lado, terroristas, muçulmanos (Orientais), que praticaram o atentado, e, por outro, vítimas (Ocidentais). Os resultados deste trabalho permitem observar a semântica eurocêntrica e a assimetria na cobertura desse acontecimento, que podem servir à análise de outros fatos violentos e recentes que dizem respeito à produção do humor, como também atualizam aspectos do discurso eurocêntrico na contemporaneidade a partir de uma articulação teórica inovadora.
FLORES, G. G. Horácio. Arte Poética. Tradução, introdução e notas de Guilherme Gontijo Flores. Belo Horizonte: Autêntica Editora, 2020.
Authors: Hasegawa Alexandre Pinheiro
Published: August 2021

.
Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling and Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for the Management of a Retinal Macroaneurysm Rupture
Authors: Sanjuán Pablo , Lázaro-Rodríguez Víctor , Samaan Muhsen , Elizalde Javier
Published: August 2021

Background: To describe an effective combined surgical and pharmacological approach for the management of a sub-internal limiting membrane (sub-ILM) macular hemorrhage and exudation related to a retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) decompensation.Methods: Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed, with an accurate forceps-assisted ILM removal, hemorrhage aspiration, and a dexamethasone intravitreal implant injection at the end of the surgery. Anatomical and functional outcomes were evaluated by fundus examination, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: Postoperative outcome revealed that sub-ILM blood was successfully cleaned, and the RAM became progressively thrombosed with complete resolution of the exudation. Three months after surgery, BCVA improved from 20/400 to 20/80 with no signs of recurrence.Conclusion: This combined surgical and pharmacological approach could be an effective technique for the management of sub-ILM hemorrhage secondary to RAM decompensation, and favors anatomical macular restoration and significant recovery of the visual acuity.
A Deep Neural Network approach for P300 detection-based BCI using single-channel EEG scalogram images
Authors: Singh Sinam Ajitkumar , Meitei Takhellambam Gautam , Devi Ningthoujam Dinita , Majumder Swanirbhar
Published: August 2021

Brain-computer interfaces ( BCIs ) acquire electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and interpret them into a command that helps people with severe motor disabilities using single channel. The goal of BCI is to achieve a prototype that supports disabled people to develop the relevant function. Various studies have been implemented in the literature to achieve a superior design. The main novelty of the proposed P300 detection-based BCI model is associated with the usage of a single-channel. In this work, we introduced a denoising approach using the bandpass filter technique followed by the transformation of scalogram images using continuous wavelet transform. The derived images were trained and validated using a deep neural network based on the transfer learning approach. This paper presents a BCI model based on the deep network that delivers higher performance in terms of classification accuracy and bitrate for disabled subjects using a single-channel EEG signal. The proposed P300 based BCI model has the highest average information transfer rates of 13.23 to 26.48 bits/min for disabled subjects. The classification performance has shown that the deep network based on the transfer learning approach can offer comparable performance with other state-of-the-art-method. This article does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors. However, the data was collected by EPFL which is available open for the researchers to work upon.
Observing Errors in a Combination of Error and Correct Models Favors Observational Motor Learning
Authors: Tang Zhi-Ming , Oouchida Yutaka , Wang Meng-Xin , Dou Zu-Lin , Izumi Shin-Ichi
Published: August 2021

Background:Imitative learning is highly effective from infancy to old age, but little is known about the effects of observing errors during imitative learning. This study aims to examine how observing errors affect imitative learning performance, to maximize the effects of imitative learning. Method：In the pre-training session, participants were instructed to pinch at the target force (8 N) with auditory feedback about generated force while watching videos of someone pinching a sponge at the target force. In the pre-test, participants pinched at the target force without viewing a model or receiving auditory feedback. In Experiment 1, in the main training session, participants imitated models while watching videos of pinching at either the incorrect force (error-mixed condition) or the target force (all-correct condition). Then, the exact force they generated in pinching was measured without receiving auditory feedback or viewing a model. In Experiment 2, using the same procedure in the pre-training and pre-test sessions, newly recruited participants watched pinching at incorrect forces (4 and 24 N) as the all-error condition and the correct force as the correct condition. Results: In Experiment 1, the average force was better in the error-mixed condition than in the correct condition. In Experiment 2, the average force in the correct condition was better than that in the error condition.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that observing error actions combined with correct actions affected imitation motor learning positively, because error actions contain what-not-to-do information about the target action, unlike correct actions, which provide more information to enhance imitative learning.
Risk Factors For Long-Term Survival in Patients With ypN+M0 Rectal Cancer After Radical Anterior Resection
Authors: Zeman Marcin , Skałba Władysław , Szymański Piotr , Hadasik Grzegorz , Żaworonkow Dmytro , Walczak Dominik Andrzej , Czarniecka Agnieszka
Published: August 2021

Background: Regional lymph node metastases are the main adverse prognostic factor in patients with rectal cancer without distant metastases. There are discrepancies, however, regarding additional risk factors in the group of ypN+M0 patients.The purpose of the study was to assess clinical and pathological factors affecting long-term oncological outcomes in the group of ypN+M0 patients after radical rectal anterior resection.Methods: 112 patients with ypN+M0 rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy and radical anterior resection were subject to a retrospective analysis. The effect of potential factors on survival was assessed with the use of Kaplan-Meier curves together with a log-rank test and multiple factor Cox proportional hazards model.Results: In the multiple factor Cox analysis, adverse factors affecting OS were: the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) (HR: 3.059, 95% CI: 1.349-6.934, p= 0.007) and past <=3 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR: 2.833, 95% CI: 1.289-6.229, p= 0.01). For DFS, significant adverse factors were: the use of ACEIs (HR: 3.11, 95%CI: 1.01-9.56, p= 0.047), presence of perineural invasion (HR: 7.27, 95% CI: 2.74-19.3, p< 0.001) and occurrence of postoperative complications (HR: 6.79, 95% CI: 2.09-22.11, p= 0.001), while a positive factor was the negative lymph node (NLN) count >7 (HR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12-0.88, p= 0.026). Conclusions: The use of ACEIs may have a negative effect on long-term treatment outcomes in patients with ypN+M0 rectal cancer. In this group of patients, the NLN count seems to be an important prognostic factor, as well.
A Facile Strategy to Fabricate Silver-Functionalized Superhydrophobic Cotton Fabrics with Long-Term Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Ye Zhanpeng , Rong Hui , Li Shuangyang , Ma Qing , Deng Liandong , Zhang Jianhua , Dong Anjie
Published: August 2021

Silver-functionalized textiles, have attracted considerable attention as the most common protective medical materials. However, their poor antibacterial durability and relatively tedious preparation process limit their applications. In this study, a kind of multifunctional cotton fabric was prepared through simultaneous dip-coating of silver-silica hybrid nanoparticles (Ag-MSNs) and fluorinated MSNs (F-MSNs), leading to excellent antifouling due to superhydrophobicity and long-term antibacterial properties from the sustained release of Ag ions (Ag+). Detailed studies were performed to evaluate their structure and protective performance, especially the long-term antibacterial properties of the obtained fabrics through the inhibition zone experiment for 25 d. The as-prepared fabrics showed good non-wetting properties and sustained antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Further washing and abrasion experimentations demonstrated that the as-prepared fabrics had stable hydrophobicity and antibacterial properties, much more reliable than commercially derived antibacterial gauze. Considering the readily available inexpensive materials and simple preparation process as well as long-term and efficient sterilization effect, the strategy provided herein opens a new and facile way to fabricate multifunctional fabrics with robust hydrophobic and antibacterial activity for the future medical materials.
Anionic Surfactants Monitoring In Healthcare Facilities - A Case of Belo Horizonte City, Brazil
Authors: Trajano Graziela Torres , Vasconcelos Olívia Maria S Ribeiro , Pataca Luiz Carlos Moutinho , Mol Marcos Paulo Gomes
Published: August 2021

Surfactants are substances that when in aquatic environments, can cause negative impacts. Hospital effluents carry numerous chemicals daily, including surfactants, used in sanitization and disinfection procedures. These chemicals are found in different concentrations in the effluents and reach water bodies due to a lack of proper removal in the wastewater treatment plants. The present study investigated data about effluents monitoring from healthcare facilities located in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, focusing on anionic surfactants. The results showed, in 2018, a total of 72 establishments monitoring this parameter, resulting in a median concentration of 1 mg⋅L-1 of anionic surfactants in the period. Cationic surfactants still do not have specific legislation in the studied country that dictates a limit for discharge into sewage, however, these compounds are used in the formulation of routine hospital products.
Striatal dopamine dissociates methylphenidate effects on value-based versus surprise-based reversal learning
Authors: Bosch Ruben van den , Lambregts Britt , Määttä Jessica , Hofmans Lieke , Papadopetraki Danae , Westbrook Andrew , Verkes Robbert-Jan , Booij Jan , Cools Roshan
Published: August 2021

Psychostimulants such as methylphenidate are widely used for their cognitive enhancing effects, but there is large variability in the direction and extent of these effects, and there are concerns about the potential for abuse. We tested the hypothesis that methylphenidate enhances or impairs reward/punishment-based reversal learning depending on baseline striatal dopamine levels and corticostriatal gating of reward/punishment-related representations in stimulus-specific sensory cortex. Young healthy adults were scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging during a reward/punishment reversal learning task, after intake of methylphenidate or the selective D2/3-receptor antagonist sulpiride. Striatal dopamine synthesis capacity was indexed with [18F]DOPA positron emission tomography. Reward versus punishment learning signals were boosted to a greater degree in participants with higher dopamine synthesis capacity. By contrast, striatal and stimulus-specific sensory surprise signals were boosted in participants with lower dopamine synthesis. These results unravel the mechanisms by which methylphenidate modulates reward and attention, impacting our understanding of how it can both enhance attention and mitigate reward-related compulsivity.
Ultrasound-Guided Superficial Serratus Plane Block for Persistent Post-Mastectomy Pain: Four Case Reports
Authors: Liu Qian , Ashish Khanna , Stubblefield Michael , Yue Guanghui , Allexandre Didier
Published: August 2021

Background: Persistent post-mastectomy pain (PPMP) is common after surgery. Although multiple modalities have been used to treat this type of pain, including physical medicine, physical therapy and interventional approaches, managing PPMP may be still a challenge for breast cancer survivors. Currently, serratus plane block (SPB) as a novel regional anesthetic technique shows promising results for controlling chronic pain. Methods: We report four cases of patients with PPMP that were performed using superficial serratus plane block (SSPB) at our clinic. A retrospective review of effect of pain relief was collected through postprocedure interviews.Results: We found that two of our patients were successfully treated with SSPB for pain after treatment for breast cancer. The third patient had an intercostobrachial nerve block that produced incomplete pain relief, but had adequate pain relief with a SSPB. However, the fourth patient reported no pain relief after SSPB.Conclusion: These cases illustrate that the patients with PPMP could benefit from SSPB. Particularly, we find patients with a subjective sense of “tightness” relating to reconstructive surgeries may be a good candidate for SSPB. Further studies are warranted to evaluate this block for PPMP, as it is low risk and relatively simple to perform.
Experimental Investigation of 4E Performance of A Vertical Bifacial Solar Module During Summer and Winter
Authors: Muthu Vimala , Ramadas Geetha
Published: August 2021

The proposed research work presents the performance analysis of vertically mounted bifacial module (VBFM) with and without tracking during summer and winter season. Also various parameters like Energy Efficiency, Electrical Efficiency, Electrical Exergy, Thermal Exergy, Exergy Efficiency, Environmental analysis, Economic analysis, Exergo-Economic analysis, Enviro-Economic analysis and Exergo-Enviro-Economic analysis of VBFM were studied and presented. The comparative analysis was carried out between two Bifacial solar modules installed in two different orientations (East-West and South – North). The experiments were conducted in the real climatic condition of Minjur, Tamilnadu, India. Under the summer and winter climatic condition, when the life time period of 10, 15 and 20 years are considered higher Energy production factor and higher Life cycle conversion efficiency was obtained from VBFM-EW with tracking during summer and VBFM-SN module without tracking during winter season. Exergetic cost was calculated by considering 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of the system with 2 %, 5% and 10% Interest rate. The maximum exergetic cost was obtained from 30 years of the system under 2 % Interest rate. The Enviro-economic and Exergo-Enviro-Economic analysis provides the carbon credits earned from E-W module was maximum with Rs. 11036.18 during summer season & Rs. 12413.48 from VBFM-SN module during winter season considering the life of the system as 15 years.
Development and Characterization of 177 SNP Markers in The Mud Shrimp Upogebia Major
Authors: Wang Lijun , Wang Chenghong , Song Yunqi , Zhang Jirui , Sun Donghui , Qu Ying , Ni Yan , Jiang Zilin , Zhang Shukui , Xing Zhikai , Wu Seng , Qu Jiangyong , Wang Xumin
Published: August 2021

The mud shrimp Upogebia major (De Haan, 1841) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Gebiidea) is an important species widely distributed in coastal shallow waters. As an active initiation species, it has contributed significantly to the maintenance of coastal benthic biodiversity. However, there is still a lack of effective molecular markers to effectively protect and manage this species. In this study, we used the DNeasy Blood & Tissue kit to extract DNA and Illumina HiSeq 4000 sequencing technology to obtain SNP marker resources. 177 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were developed and characterized in U. major. The minor allele frequency raged from 0.0500 to 0.5000. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.0333 to 0.9000 and from 0.0966 to 0.5085, respectively. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.0905 to 0.3750. The inbreeding coefficient values varied from − 0.2902 to 0.5968. Seventeen loci showed significant deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05). The polymorphic SNPs will be helpful for the further population genetic analysis and natural resource conservation of U. major.
A lipid droplet-peroxisome network drives longevity by monounsaturated fatty acids via modulating ether lipid synthesis and ferroptosis
Authors: Brunet Anne , Papsdorf Katharina , Hosseini Amir , Miklas Jason , Cabruja Matias , Yu Yong , Murphy Luke Meraz , Silva-Garcia Carlos , Yao Pallas , de Launoit Elisa , Mair William , Wang Meng , Snyder Michael
Published: August 2021

Dietary mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are linked to human longevity and extend lifespan in several species1-12. But the mechanisms by which MUFAs promote longevity remain unclear. Here we show that an organelle hub involving lipid droplets and peroxisomes is critical for lifespan extension by MUFAs in C. elegans. MUFA accumulation increases lipid droplet number in fat storage tissues, and lipid droplet synthesis is necessary for MUFA-mediated longevity. Interestingly, the number of lipid droplets in young individuals can predict their remaining lifespan. MUFA accumulation also increases the number of peroxisomes, and peroxisome activity is required for MUFA-mediated longevity. By performing a targeted screen, we uncover a functional network between lipid droplets and peroxisomes in longevity. Interestingly, our screen also identifies ether lipids as critical components of the lipid droplet-peroxisome network. Using lipidomics, we find that the ratio of MUFAs to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in ether lipids is increased by MUFA accumulation. Ether lipids are involved in ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of cell death13-17, and MUFAs promote longevity in part via suppression of ferroptosis. Our results identify a mechanism of action for MUFAs to extend lifespan and uncover an organelle network involved in the homeostasis of MUFA-rich ether lipids. Our work also opens new avenues for lipid-based interventions to delay aging.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Induces E-Cadherin Cleavage in Acid-Exposed Primary Human Pharyngeal Epithelial Cells Via The ROS/ERK/c-Jun Pathway
Authors: IM Nu-Ri , Kim Byoungjae , Jung Kwang-Yoon , Baek Seung-Kuk
Published: August 2021

Introduction Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is caused by pharyngeal mucosal damage due to the reflux of gastric contents, including acid, pepsin, and bile juice. Our previous study has demonstrated that LPRD is associated with the cleavage of E-cadherin, which is facilitated by the acid-activated matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7); however, the mechanism by which the acid activates MMP-7 remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which MMP-7 is activated in the pharyngeal epithelial cells that are exposed to acid. Methods The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in the epithelial cells exposed to acid. To investigate the signaling mechanism of ROS in the expression of MMP-7, the mechanism of action of the mitogen-activated protein kinase was examined. The expression of various signaling factors were determined, according to the presence or absence of each inhibitor in the acid-exposed pharyngeal epithelial cells. To identify changes in the cleavage of E-cadherin, the integrity of the mucosal membrane was assessed using a transepithelial permeability test.ResultsWe found that acid exposure increased the levels of ROS, phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) 1/2, and phosphorylated-c-Jun (p-c-Jun) in pharyngeal epithelial cells. The ROS inhibitor reduced the expression of p-ERK and MMP-7, while the ERK inhibitor reduced the expression of p-c-Jun and MMP-7. Moreover, the c-Jun inhibitor reduced the expression of MMP-7 and blocked the degradation of E-cadherin. In addition, decrease in the levels of immunostained E-cadherin and increase in transepithelial permeability after acid exposure were collectively alleviated by the inhibitors of ROS, ERK, and c-Jun. Conclusions The degradation of E-cadherin that occurs after human mucosal cells are exposed to acid appears to be caused by an increase in the expression of MMP-7 via the ROS/ERK/c-Jun pathway, which is thought to be an important mechanism associated with the development of LPRD.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in a Patient With Situs Inversus Totalis: A Case Report
Authors: Oi Atsushi , Tatsuishi Wataru , Mohara Jun , Yamamoto Toshikuni , Abe Tomonobu
Published: August 2021

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting in situs inversus totalis patients has been seldom reported in the literature. Case presentation: A 76-year-old woman visited our hospital for chest pain and dyspnea that had started about 5 years earlier. Coronary angiography revealed triple-vessel disease, and computed tomography showed situs inversus totalis. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed. In this case, the main operating surgeon stood on the right side of the patient until cardiopulmonary bypass was established and then switched positions to the left side of the patient for anastomosis.Conclusion: CABG was successfully completed in a patient with situs inversus totalis. The position shift helped improve the safety and ease of the surgery.
Heat Inactivation of Clinical COVID-19 Samples on an Industrial Scale for Low Risk and Efficient High-throughput qRT-PCR Diagnostic Testing
Authors: Delpuech Oona , Douthwaite Julie , Hill Thomas , Niranjan Dhevahi , Malintan Nancy , Duvoisin Hannah , Elliott Jane , Goodfellow Ian , Hosmillo Myra , Orton Alexandra , Taylor Molly , Brankin Christopher , Pitt Haidee , Ross-Thriepland Douglas , Siek Magdalena , Cuthbert Anna , Richards Ian , Ferdinand John , Barker Colin , Shaw Robert , Ariani Cristina , Waddell Ian , Rees Steve , Green Clive , Clark Roger , Upadhyay Abhishek , Howes Rob
Published: August 2021

We report the development of a large scale process for heat inactivation of clinical COVID-19 samples prior to laboratory processing for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. With more than 120 million confirmed cases, over 3.8 million deaths already recorded at the time of writing, COVID-19 continues to spread in many parts of the world. Consequently, mass testing for SARS-CoV-2 will remain at the forefront of the COVID-19 response and prevention for the near future. Due to biosafety considerations the standard testing process requires a significant amount of manual handling of patient samples within calibrated microbiological safety cabinets. This makes the process expensive, effects operator ergonomics and restricts testing to higher containment level laboratories. We have successfully modified the process by using industrial catering ovens for bulk heat inactivation of oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swab samples within their secondary containment packaging before processing in the lab to enable all subsequent activities to be performed in the open laboratory. As part of a validation process, we tested greater than 1200 clinical COVID-19 samples and showed less than 1 Cq loss in RT-qPCR test sensitivity. We also demonstrate the bulk heat inactivation protocol inactivates a murine surrogate of human SARS-CoV-2. Using bulk heat inactivation, the assay is no longer reliant on containment level 2 facilities and practices, which reduces cost, improves operator safety and ergonomics and makes the process scalable. In addition, heating as the sole method of virus inactivation is ideally suited to streamlined and more rapid workflows such as ‘direct to PCR’ assays that do not involve RNA extraction or chemical neutralisation methods.
Selective oxidative protection leads to tissue topological changes orchestrated by macrophage during ulcerative colitis
Authors: Du Juan , Zhang Junlei , Cao Xiaocang , Wang Xun , Song Jinyuan , Wang Lin , Zhang Jie , Tang Jianghui , Wu Jiangchao , Ji Yongtao , Zhao Yaxing , Cheng Fei , Li Jun , Soncin Irene , Tano Vincent , Li Guang , Liu Xinjuan , Sheng Jianpeng
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims: Ulcerative colitis(UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder with highly cellular heterogeneity. Mass cytometry(Cy-TOF) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) have revealed cellular heterogeneity of UC. However, comprehensive elucidation of tissue topological changes within the UC ecosystem is still missing. And we aimed to illustrate compositional and spatial changes of the UC ecosystem.Methods: Imaging mass cytometry (IMC) and scRNA-seq were applied to depict the single-cell landscape of colon ecosystem.Results: We noticed tissue topological changes featured with macrophage disappearance reaction (MDR) in UC region. MDR only occurred for CD163+ tissue-resident macrophages. We found reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were higher in UC region but ROS scavenging enzyme SOD1/2 were barely detected in resident macrophages, resulting selective oxidative protection for inflammatory macrophages and resident macrophage disappearance reaction. Furthermore, inflammatory macrophages replaced resident macrophages during UC, which played a key role in forming the inflammatory cellular network by producing TNF-α and IL-1β. Conclusions: Our study dissected the microenvironment of UC lesions at single-cell resolution while preserving its architecture, based on which, we discovered the mechanism of MDR in UC region and resident macrophage specific MDR resulted in infiltration of inflammatory macrophage, which formed the cytokine producing network within the local cellular neighborhood.
Hem1 promotes osteoclast fusion and bone resorption in mice
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Shao Lijian , Warren Aaron , Krager Kimberly , Aykin-Burns Nukhet , Hromas Robert , Zhou Daohong , Almeida Maria , Kim Ha-Neui
Published: August 2021

Hem1 (Hematopoietic protein 1), a hematopoietic cell-specific member of the Hem family of cytoplasmic adaptor proteins, is essential for lymphopoiesis and innate immunity and for the transition of hematopoiesis from the fetal liver to the bone marrow. However, the role of Hem1 in bone cell differentiation and bone remodeling is unknown. Here, we show that deletion of Hem1 resulted in a markedly increase in bone mass due to defective bone resorption in mice of both sexes. Hem1-deficient osteoclast progenitors were able to differentiate into osteoclasts, but the osteoclasts exhibited impaired osteoclast fusion and decreased bone-resorption activity, potentially due to cytoskeletal disorganization and decreased mitochondrial respiration. Transplantation of bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from wild-type into Hem1 KO mice increased bone resorption and normalized bone mass. These findings indicate that Hem1 plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of normal bone mass.
Glasgow Aneursym Score: A Predictor of Long-Term Mortality Following Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Authors: Özen Anıl , Yılmaz Metin , Yiğit Görkem , Civelek İsa , Türkçü Mehmet Ali , Çetinkaya Ferit , Ünal Ertekin Utku , İşcan Hakkı Zafer
Published: August 2021

Background
To evaluate the value of Glasgow Aneurysm Score (GAS) in predicting long-term mortality and survival in patients who have undergone endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Methods
A retrospective single-center study of 257 patients with non-ruptured AAA undergoing EVAR between January 2013 and 2021. GAS scores were compared between the survivors and the long term mortality groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimum cut-off values of GAS values to determine the effect on late-mortality.
Results
257 patients with a mean age of 69.75 ± 7.75 (46–92) underwent EVAR due to AAA. Forty-nine mortalities were observed, 4 (1.5%) were in-hospital mortalities. Fourty-five (17.8%) of the mortalities occured during the long-term follow-up. The average follow up period was 18.98 ± 22.84 months (0–88). GAS values were higher in the long-term mortality group compared to the survivors group (81.02 ± 10.33 vs 73.73 ± 10.46; p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for GAS was 0.682 and for a 56% sensitivity rate, the cut-off value for GAS was 77.5 with a specificity of 64% (p < 0.001). The number of patients with GAS values < 77.5 was 155, whilst 98 had GAS values > 77.5. The mortality rates in patients with GAS < 77.5 and GAS > 77.5 were: 12.8% (n = 20) and 24.8% (n = 25), respectively (p = 0.014). Every 1 point increase in GAS score resulted in a 1.06 fold increase in risk of late mortality (OR: 1.06, 95% CI, 1.03–1.09; p < 0.001). Moreover, every 10 point increase in GAS score resulted in almost a 2 fold increase in risk of long-term mortality (OR: 1.8, 95% CI, 1.3–2.5; p < 0.001). The mean survival rate of the patients during the follow up period was 90.6% for the 1st year, 82.6% for the 3rd year and 70.0% for the 5th year. Five year survival rates in patients with GAS < 77.5 and > 77.5 were 75.7% and 61.7%, respectively (p = 0.013).
Conclusion
Every 10 point increase in GAS score resulted in almost a 2 fold increase in risk of long-term mortality. Moreover, the mortality rates in patients above the GAS cut off value almost doubled compared to those below. Five year survival rates were 14% higher in those with GAS below the cut off value when compared to those above.
Stereodivergent Propargylic Alkylation of Enals via Cooperative NHC and Copper Catalysis
Authors: Wen Yu-Hua , Zhang Zi-Jing , Li Shuai , Song Jin , Gong Liu-Zhu
Published: August 2021

Despite that asymmetric stereodivergent synthesis has experienced great success to provide unusual processes for the creation of chirality complexity, concepts appliable to asymmetric stereodivergent catalysis are still limited. The dependence on the unusual capacity of each catalyst to precisely control the reactive site planar in the region poses unparalleled constraint on this field. Here, we first demonstrate that the chiral Cu-allenylidene species can participate in the stereodivergent propargylic alkylation of enals, in concert with chiral N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). Thus, all four stereoisomers were obtained with excellent enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity (up to >99% e.e. and >95:5 d.r.) from the same starting materials by simply altering chiral Cu-Pybox complex and NHC combinations. The rich chemistry workable in the products enables the structurally diverse synthesis of chiral functional molecules and holds great potential in alkaloid synthesis, as showcased by the preparation of the key building block to access (-)-perophpramidine.
Optimization of a Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem for Municipal Solid Waste Collection Using an Intelligence Hybrid Harmony Search Algorithm
Authors: Wongsinlatam Wullapa , Thanasate-angkool Ayuwat
Published: August 2021

The study of sustainable management of municipal solid waste (MSW) collection has been increasing in recent years. However, the focus areas of research are mostly in the economics and environmental dimensions. This paper adds social aspects of MSW into considerations to accelerate more comprehensive decision making. The consideration on the capacity and fixed costs of vehicles, the distances from depot to the disposal facilities are determined in this paper. The environmental issues relating to fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and the evaluation of social impact from the penalty costs of imbalanced trip assignments are also determined to adopt a comprehensive solution to the capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) model. Then, the optimization model of MSW collection is proposed to minimize management costs which compose of the fixed costs of vehicles, fuel consumption costs, carbon emissions costs, and penalty costs.
In this paper, two metaheuristic techniques are used to optimization the CVRP model in the MSW collection system. A new metaheuristic algorithm, called an intelligence hybrid harmony search algorithm (IHHS), is proposed in comparison with the standard harmony search (SHS) algorithm. The result shows that the IHHS algorithm can obtain the global optimal solution and can minimize the total objective function for the CVRP model.
Metagenomic views of microbial communities in sand sediments associated with coral reefs
Authors: Dong Xiyang , Lan Haoyu , Huang Liangtian , Zhang Haikun , Lin Xianbiao , Weng Shengze , Peng Yongyi , Lin Jia , Wang Jiang-hai , Peng Juan , Yang Ying
Published: August 2021

Reef sediments, the home for microbes with high abundances, provide an important source of carbonates and nutrients for the growth and maintenance of coral reefs. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the composition of microbial community in sediments of different coral reef sites and the effect of microbial functional capabilities on the coral reef ecosystem. In combination of biogeochemical measurements and metagenomics, we assessed microbial community compositions and functional diversity, as well as profiles of antibiotic resistance genes in surface sediments of 16 coral reef sites from the Xisha islands in the South China Sea. Reef sediment microbiomes are diverse and novel at lower taxonomic ranks, dominated by Proteobacteria and Planctomycetota. Most reef sediment bacteria potentially participate in biogeochemical cycling via oxidizing various organic and inorganic compounds as energy sources. High abundances of Proteobacteria (mostly Rhizobiales and Woeseiales) are metabolically flexible and contain rhodopsin genes. Various classes of antibiotic resistance genes, hosted by diverse bacterial lineages, were identified to confer resistance to multidrug, aminoglycoside, and other antibiotics. Overall, by establishing a compressive microbial genome database, our findings expanded the understanding of reef sediment microbial ecology and provided insights for their link to the coral reef ecosystem health.
Maize Response to Blended Fertilizer Estimates through Nutrient Use Efficiency and Economic Analysis from Assosa, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Fayisa Bakala Anbessa , Jibat Girma Abera , Abdella Sofiya Kasa
Published: August 2021

Context: Soil fertility depletion and soil acidity are critical problems for maize (Zea mays L) production in western Ethiopia. Objective: Therefore, a field experiment was conducted on Nitisols of Assosa Agricultural Research Centre during 2016 to2017 cropping season to investigate the response of growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.) to different blended fertilizer rates and types. Methods: The treatments consists of: control, three rates of N and P combined (92/46, 115/57 and 138/69 N/P2O5 kg ha− 1 and two formula of blended fertilizers with different rates, formula 2 consists of 100 kg NPSB + 73.9 N, 150 kg NPSB + 110.8 N and 200 kg NPSB + 147.8 N kg ha− 1 and formula 4 consists of 100 kg NPSZnB + 75.1 N, 150 kg NPSZnB + 112.6 N 1 and 200 kg NPSZnB + 150.2 N kg ha− 1. The treatments were laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Result and and conclusion: Application of blended fertilizers (NPSB, NPSZnB) hastened days to tasseling silking and maturity by 10, 7 and 15 days, respectively as compared to combined N and P rates. Application of blended fertilizer increases significantly (p ≤ 0.01) the plant height, cob weight, ear length, 100 kernels weight, number of kernels per row and ear height as compared to combined N and P and the control. The analysis of variance revealed that fertilizer types and rates significantly (P ≤ 0.01) affected on grain yield, straw yield and harvest index. However there was no significant difference between the two blended fertilizer types. Maximum grain yield (7056.2 kg ha− 1 ) was recorded with 200 Kg NPSZnB + 150.2 N kg ha− 1 application, while minimum grain yield 2996.0 kg ha− 1 was recorded from control treatment. The application of 150 kg NPSB + 110.8 N kg ha− 1had highest Marginal rate of return (MRR%) and net benefit. Significance: Therefore, we recommended the treatment (150 Kg NPSB + 110.8N kg ha− 1) since it produced high marginal rate of return, high net benefit and relatively small total cost of production, for maize production in Asossa area. Furthermore, based on yield, net benefit and relatively low total cost of production the farmer of Asossa area also can use 150 kg NPSZnB + 112.6 N in case of absence of NPSB in market.
A Comparison of the Effect of Diurnal Temperature Range and Apparent Temperature on Cardiovascular Disease among Farmers in Qingyang, Northwest China
Authors: Zhai Guangyu , Qi Jintao , Zhang Xuemei , Zhou Wenjuan , Wang Jiancheng
Published: August 2021

Background
Apparent temperature (AT) and diurnal temperature range (DTR) have been extensively used to evaluate the effects of temperature on cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few studies have analyzed and compared their effects on CVD in less-developed, rural areas of China.
Methods
A case-only analysis was conducted of 43,567 cases of CVD morbidity in Qingyang (Northwest China) in 2011–2017 and the effects of thermal indicators were assessed using distributed lag nonlinear modelling and a Poisson regression model. Data on CVD morbidity originated from the New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance of Gansu Province and meteorological variables were provided by the Meteorological Science Data Sharing Service.
Results
Both AT and DTR had significant nonlinear and delayed impacts on hospital admissions for CVD. DTR had a stronger and more persistent effect on CVD incidence than AT. Women were more affected by high AT and low DTR than were men, while men were more vulnerable to low AT and high DTR. Temperature effects were not significantly different between people above and below 65 years of age.
Conclusions
These findings provide local public health authorities with reference data concerning sensitive temperature indices for susceptible populations with a view to improving CVD preventive strategies in rural areas.
Molecular Dynamics Study of Cl- Permeation through Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR)
Authors: Zeng Zhi Wei , Linsdell Paul , Pomès Régis
Published: August 2021

The recent elucidation of atomistic structures of Cl - channel CFTR provides opportunities for understanding the molecular basis of cystic fibrosis. Despite having been activated through phosphorylation and provided with ATP ligands, several near-atomistic cryo-EM structures of CFTR are in a closed state, as inferred from the lack of a continuous passage through a hydrophobic bottleneck region located in the extracellular portion of the pore. Here, we present repeated, microsecond-long molecular dynamics simulations of human CFTR solvated in a lipid bilayer and aqueous NaCl. At equilibrium, Cl - ions enter the channel through a lateral intracellular portal and bind to two distinct cationic sites inside the channel pore but do not traverse the narrow, de-wetted bottleneck. Simulations conducted in the presence of a strong hyperpolarizing electric field led to spontaneous chloride translocation events through the bottleneck region of the channel, suggesting that the protein relaxed to a functionally open state. Conformational changes of small magnitude involving transmembrane helices 1 and 6 preceded ion permeation through diverging exit routes at the extracellular end of the pore. Although permeating Cl - ions remain mostly hydrated, partial dehydration occurs at the binding sites and in the bottleneck. This portion of the pore undergoes wetting prior to Cl - translocation, suggesting that it acts as a hydrophobic gate. The observed Cl - pathway is largely consistent with the loci of mutations that alter channel conductance, anion binding, and ion selectivity, supporting the model of the open state of CFTR obtained in the present study.
Silicon Fertilisation Affects Morphological and Immune Defences of an Insect Pest and Enhances Plant Compensatory Growth
Authors: Islam Tarikul , Moore Ben D. , Johnson Scott N.
Published: August 2021

Insect herbivores employ various defences, including morphological, behavioural, and immune responses against their natural enemies (e.g., predators, parasitoids) which can make biocontrol of herbivorous pests challenging. Silicon (Si) accumulation in plants is a potent physical defence against herbivores. However, it remains uncertain how Si affects pest defences to their enemies and plant defences following herbivore attack. We grew the model grass, Brachypodium distachyon, hydroponically with (+Si) or without (–Si) Si and investigated the impacts of Si on morphological (integument resistance and thickness), behavioural (flee, headrear, thrash, and regurgitation), and immune defences of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. We further examined the effects of Si on plant compensatory growth and leaf trichome production. Larval growth, leaf consumption, and integument resistance were lower when feeding on +Si plants compared to when feeding on –Si plants. Larval integument thickness, defensive behaviours, hemocyte density and lysozyme-like activity in the hemolymph were unaffected by Si. Larvae fed on +Si plants had higher hemolymph phenoloxidase (PO) and total-PO activities than larvae fed on –Si plants, although this did not enhance larval melanisation response. Furthermore, Si supply increased plant compensatory growth and constitutive trichome production whereas herbivory induced trichome production only on –Si plants. We provide the first evidence that Si fertilisation affects insect defences in addition to reducing their growth and feeding. Lower integument resistance might enhance larval vulnerability to parasitoids and pathogens and higher PO activities could impose fitness costs (e.g., delayed development), potentially increasing overall insect susceptibility to enemies.
Nano-spectroscopy of excitons in atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Li Baichang , Chen Xinzhong , Ruta Francesco , Shao Yinming , Sternbach Aaron , McLeod Alexander , Sun Zhiyuan , Xiong Lin , Moore Samuel , Xu Xinyi , Wu Wenjing , Shabani Sara , Zhou Lin , Wang Zhiying , Mooshammer Fabian , Ray Essance , Wilson Nathan , Schuck P. , Dean Cory , Pasupathy Abhay , Lipson Michal , Xu Xiaodong , Zhu X-Y. , Millis Andrew , Hone James , Liu Mengkun , Basov Dimitri
Published: August 2021

Excitons play a dominant role in the optoelectronic properties of atomically thin van der Waals (vdW) semiconductors. These excitons are amenable to on-demand engineering with diverse controls, including dielectric screening, interlayer hybridization, and moiré potentials. However, external stimuli frequently yield heterogeneous excitonic responses at the nano- and meso-scales, making their spatial characterization with conventional diffraction-limited optics a formidable task. Here, we use a scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope (s-SNOM) to acquire exciton spectra in atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenide microcrystals with previously unattainable 20 nm resolution. Our nano-optical data revealed material- and stacking-dependent exciton spectra of MoSe2, WSe2, and their heterostructures. Furthermore, we extracted the complex dielectric function of these prototypical vdW semiconductors. s-SNOM hyperspectral images uncovered how the dielectric screening modifies excitons at length scales as short as few nanometers. This work paves the way towards understanding and manipulation of excitons in atomically thin layers at the nanoscale.
The Absence of Rehabilitation During the ICU Stay of Elderly Patients is Associated with a Decreased Long-Term Autonomy.
Authors: Thiolliere Fabrice , Allaouchiche Bernard , Marie Manon , group AZUREA Study , Friggeri Arnaud , VACHERON Charles-Hervé
Published: August 2021

Background: The intensive care unit (ICU) stay is associated with a loss of autonomy, especially for elderly patients. We therefore conducted a study to estimate the impact of the rehabilitation performed during the ICU stay on the loss of autonomy at 6 months. Methods: We conducted an ancillary study of the multicenter FRAGIREA study, including patients between April 2018 and January 2019 aged over 70 years, admitted in ICU for an expected length of stay of more than 48 hours. We excluded the patients who died before day 180, who were lost to follow-up, and for whom the baseline autonomy (ADL) score was not available. We collected the baseline characteristics of patients, the ICU stay characteristics, and the 6-month follow-up. Were also collected the detailed rehabilitation therapy carried out during the ICU stay (passive mobilization, upright sitting, transfer to chair, standing, walking, and cycle ergometers.). Patients were classified into the rehabilitation (out of bed) or non-rehabilitation group, and the impact of rehabilitation on the decreased 6-month autonomy (loss of ADL score >1 point) was estimated after the selection of 17 potential confounders. Results: Among the 548 patients of the FRAGIREA cohort, 276 were included in the present study. Among them, 226 were rehabilitated and 50 were not. 220/276 (80%) patients benefited from the transfer to chair as rehabilitation therapy, passive mobilization and transfer to upright sitting were also frequently performed. A decrease in the 6-month autonomy was observed for 63 (23%) patients. After the elimination of potential confounders, non-rehabilitated patients had a greater risk of 6-month decreased autonomy (adjusted Odds Ratio 2.43, 95% confidence interval [1.18; 4.98]). Conclusions: Rehabilitation during the ICU stay of elderly ICU patient survivors was associated with a lower decreased autonomy at 6 months. Tweet: The absence of rehabilitation during the ICU stay of elderly patients is associated with 2.4 higher risk of a decreased 6 month autonomy