bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of Sesame Polyketide Synthase A Leads to Abnormal Pollen Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Tianyu , Zhou Ting , Yang Yuanxiao , Liu Hongyan , Zhou Fang , Dossou Senouwa Segla Koffi , Zhao Yingzhong
Published: August 2021

Background: Sesame is a great reservoir of bioactive constituents and unique antioxidant components and is widely used for its nutritional and medicinal value. The expanding demands for sesame seeds are putting pressure on sesame breeders to develop reliable high-yielding varieties. Heterosis utilization is an efficient way to increase sesame yield. Polyketide synthases (PKSs) are critical enzymes in the biosynthesis of sporopollenin, a primary component of pollen exine. Their in planta functions are being investigated for application in crop breeding.Results: In this study, we cloned the sesame POLYKETIDE SYNTHASE A (SiPKSA) and examined its function in male sterility. SiPKSA was specifically expressed in sesame flower buds, and its expression was significantly higher in sterile sesame anthers than in fertile anthers at the tetrad and microspore development stage. Further overexpression of SiPKSA in Arabidopsis caused transgenic plants male sterile. Ultrastructural observation showed that the pollen grains of SiPKSA-overexpressing plants contained few cytoplasmic inclusions and exhibited an abnormal pollen wall structure, with a thicker exine layer compared with wild type. In agreement with it, the expression of a set of sporopollenin biosynthesis-related genes and the contents of fatty acids and phenolics were significantly altered in anthers of SiPKSA-overexpressing plants compared with wild type during anther development. Conclusion: These findings highlighted that overexpression of SiPKSA in Arabidopsis might cause excessive sporopollenin biosynthesis to influence pollen and pollen wall development, leading to male sterile, suggesting that its manipulation might improve hybrid breeding in sesame and other crop species.
A Comparison of Survival Models for Prediction of Eight-year Revision Risk Following Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Cuthbert Alana R , Giles Lynne C , Glonek Gary , Ellett Lisa M Kalisch , Pratt Nicole L
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThere is increasing interest in the development and use of clinical prediction models, but a lack of evidence-supported guidance on the merits of different modelling approaches. This is especially true for time-to-event outcomes, where limited studies have compared the vast number of modelling approaches available. This study compares prediction accuracy and variable importance measures for four modelling approaches in prediction of time-to-revision surgery following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods The study included 321 945 TKA and 151 113 THA procedures performed between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2017. Accuracy of the Cox model, Weibull parametric model, flexible parametric model, and random survival forest were compared, with patient age, sex, comorbidities, and prosthesis characteristics considered as predictors. Prediction accuracy was assessed using the Index of Prediction Accuracy (IPA), c-index, and smoothed calibration curves. Variable importance rankings from the Cox model and random survival forest were also compared. ResultsOverall, the Cox and flexible parametric survival models performed best for prediction of both TKA (integrated IPA 0.056 (95% CI [0.054, 0.057]) compared to 0.054 (95% CI [0.053, 0.056]) for the Weibull parametric model), and THA revision. (0.029 95% CI [0.027, 0.030] compared to 0.027 (95% CI [0.025, 0.028]) for the random survival forest). The c-index showed broadly similar discrimination between all modelling approaches. Models were generally well calibrated, but random survival forest underfitted the predicted risk of TKA revision compared to regression approaches. The most important predictors of revision were similar in the Cox model and random survival forest for TKA (age, opioid use, and patella resurfacing) and THA (femoral cement, depression, and opioid use). ConclusionThe Cox and flexible parametric models had superior overall performance, although all approaches performed similarly. Notably, this study showed no benefit of a tuned random survival forest over regression models in this setting.
Simultaneously Remove and Visually Detect Ce4+ Based On Nanocomposite of UiO-66-NH2/CPA-MA
Authors: Tang Xiaoqiu , Chen Pinghua , Wang Tao , Ceng Jiezeng , Jiang Hualin
Published: August 2021

Effective strategies to deal with rare earth pollution are urgently needed due to the overexploitation of rare earths resource. In this study, a novel nanocomposite of UiO-66-NH2/CPA-MA denoted as UA was successfully synthesized, which can simultaneously remove and detect Ce4+ in water. The hybrid consists of UiO-66-NH2 and CPA-MA. Based on the high adsorption performance of UiO-66-NH2, it can remove Ce4+ with high capacity by adsorption. Moreover, it can change its color from olive drab to light cyan depending on the adsorbed Ce4+ concentration, and the chroma is linearly related to the Ce4+ concentration. So UA can be used to qualitatively and quantitatively detect Ce4+ by its color changing. The kinetics of adsorption course were investigated in details. The anti-inference ability of the nanocomposite in co-existing systems were carefully evaluated. The results indicate that UiO-66-NH2/CPA-MA is highly potential to deal with Ce4+ pollutions due to its bi-functionality.
Newly Hatched Stage I American Lobster (Homarus americanus) Survival Following Exposure to Physically and Chemically Dispersed Crude Oil
Authors: de Jourdan Benjamin , Boloori Tahereh , Burridge Les
Published: August 2021

Standard model species are commonly used in toxicity tests due to their biological and technical advantages but studying native species increases the specificity and relevance of results generated for the potential risk assessment to an ecosystem. Accounting for intraspecies variability and other factors, such as chemical and physical characterization of test medium, is necessary to develop a reproducible bioassay for toxicity testing with native species. In this study, larval stage I American lobster (Homarus americanus) was selected as the test species, which is native to Atlantic Canada. Toxicity tests were first conducted exposing lobster larvae to a reference toxicant of copper sulfate (CuSO4) and then to physically and chemically dispersed oil. The effect on larval survival was estimated by calculating the median effect concentration (EC50) as 2.54-9.73 mg TPH/L when all trials are considered together. The HC5 or PNEC value was 2.52 mg TPH/L and therefore a narrow difference from the EC50 value. The inter-trial variability (coefficient of variability = 17%) was lower than the US Environmental Protection Agency standard test species of mysid shrimp (Americamysis bahia) and inland silversides (Menidia bervillina). Our results indicate that the described larval lobster bioassay is reliable to produce repeatable results for this commercially important and native species of Atlantic Canada.
Alcohol Consumption, Poor Lifestyle Choices and Air Pollution Worsen Cognitive Function in Seniors: a Cohort Study in China
Authors: Han Lizhen , Jia Jinzhu
Published: August 2021

Background: Based on the complexity of cognitive-related influences and the specificity of Chinese liquor culture, this study aimed to explore the associations and potential interactions between demographic characteristics, alcohol consumption, life and atmospheric environment and cognitive function in seniors through a comprehensive analysis, in order to provide evidence support and feasible recommendations.Methods: The study sample was selected from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, which included 40,583 seniors aged 65-115 years. Data analysis and processing were performed by R 4.0.4. The relationship between the factors and cognition was modeled and analyzed by generalized additive model, and the interaction was explored by combining the ANOVA.Results: The generalized additive model confirmed that alcohol consumption was detrimental to the cognitive status of older adults, especially for liquor (≥ 38º) and beer. The higher the average daily alcohol consumption, the greater the impairment. SO2 and PM2.5 showed the same negative effects. In contrast, life environment factors such as good education, balanced diet and positive activity participation had a positive effect on cognition in seniors. In addition, interactions between alcohol consumption and average daily alcohol consumption, frequency of vegetable and meat intake, and between open-air activities and air pollution were also confirmed.Conclusions: Poor lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption, unbalanced diet, lower activity participation, and air pollution deteriorate cognitive function in seniors. It is recommended that the elderly population should avoid alcohol consumption, maintain a balanced diet and be physically active. Attention should also be paid to the effects of air quality.
Identification and Expression Analysis of Histone Modification Gene (HM) Family During Somatic Embryogenesis of Oil Palm
Authors: Zhou Lixia , Yarra Rajesh , Jin Longfei , Yang Yaodong , Cao Hongxing , Zhao Zhihao
Published: August 2021

BackgroundOil palm (Elaeis guineensis, Jacq.) is an important vegetable oil yielding plant. Somatic embryogenesis is the promising method to produce large scale elite clones to meet the demand of palm oil. The epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications have emerged as critical factors during somatic embryogenesis. These histone modifications are associated with the regulation of various genes controlling the somatic embryogenesis. To date, none of the information is available on the histone modification gene (HM) family in oil palmResultsWe reported the identification of 109 HM gene family members including 48 HMTs, 27 HDMs, 13 HATs, and 21 HDACs in the oil palm genome. Gene structural and motif analysis of EgHMs showed varied exon-intron organization and with conserved motifs among them. The identified 109 EgHMs were distributed unevenly across 16 chromosomes and displayed tandem duplication in oil palm genome. Furthermore, relative expression analysis showed the differential expressional pattern of 99 candidate EgHM genes at different stages (non-embryogenic, embryogenic, somatic embryo) of somatic embryogenesis process in oil palm, suggesting the EgHMs play vital roles in somatic embryogenesis. Our study laid a foundation to understand the regulatory roles of several EgHM genes during somatic embryogenesis. ConclusionsA total of 109 histone modification gene family members were identified in the oil palm genome via genome wide analysis. The present study provide an insightful information regarding HM gene’s structure, their distribution, duplication in oil palm genome and also their evolutionary relationship with other HM gene family members in Arabidopsis and rice. Finally, our study provided an essential role of oil palm HM genes during somatic embryogenesis process.
Clinical Significance of Expression of Immunoadjuvant Molecules (LAG-3, TIM-3, OX-40) in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Asano Yuka , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Ishihara Sae , Takada Koji , Goto Wataru , Morisaki Tamami , Shibutani Masatsune , Tanaka Hiroaki , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: August 2021

Purpose
Various immunosuppressive factors that inhibit the immune response to cancer are present in cancer cells and the cancer microenvironment. Co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory receptors are dynamically expressed on T-cells as immunoadjuvant molecules that regulate the state of T-cell activity. In this report we focus on immunoadjuvant molecules such as LAG-3, TIM-3, and OX-40, for which there have been few published reports. We investigated the expression of LAG-3, TIM-3, and OX-40 in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and clinically verified the significance of that expression in relation to neoadjuvant thermotherapy (NAC).
Methods
A total of 177 patients with resectable early-stage breast cancer were treated with NAC. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), Ki67, LAG-3, TIM-3 and OX-40 status were assessed by immunohistochemistry.
Results
There were 47 (26.6%) patients with high LAG-3 expression, 31 (17.5%) patients had high TIM-3 expression, and 32 (18.1%) patients had high OX-40 expression. The group with low-LAG-3 expression was significantly smaller than the group with high expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (p = 0.038) and HER2-enriched breast cancer (HER2BC) (p = 0.021), and the total number of pathological complete response (pCR) patients was greater (p < 0.001). In TNBC and HER2BC, the pCR rate was significantly higher in the low-LAG-3 expression group than in the high-LAG-3 expression group (p < 0.001) (p = 0.020). Moreover, on multivariate analysis also showed that low-LAG-3 expression status was an independent factor to predict the favorable prognosis (p = 0.014, HR = 8.124) (p = 0.048, HR = 10.400).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that LAG-3 may become a biomarker in highly malignant breast cancers such as TNBC and HER2BC that can predict the therapeutic efficacy of NAC.
Systematic Analysis Identifies NUF2 as an Immunological and Prognostic Biomarker for Non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: li xia , yi zhongquan , zhang lianlian , zhou jin , song wenchun , zhao panwen , wu jixiang , song jianxiang , Ni qinggan
Published: August 2021

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a part of the most common cancers in the world. A lot of efforts have been made to clarify the etiology of non-small cell lung cancer, but the molecular mechanism of non-small cell lung cancer is still unclear.

Methods

In order to identify candidate genes in the occurrence and progression of non-small cell lung cancer, GSE19804 GSE118370 GSE19188 GSE27262 and GSE33532 microarray data sets were downloaded from the Gene Expression General (GEO) database. Identify differentially expressed genes (DEGS) and perform functional enrichment analysis. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed, and the module analysis was performed using STRING and Cytoscape. A total of 562 DEGS were identified, consisting of 98 downregulated genes and 464 upregulated genes. Abundant functions and pathways of DEGS include p53 signaling pathway, Cell adhesion molecules,Leukocyte transendothelial migration,Vascular smooth muscle contraction,Complement and coagulation cascades and Axon guidance. Tumor immunity was assessed to investigate the functions of hub genes.

Results

Totally 562 genes were found to be dysregulated. 12 genes were considered to be the hub genes. NUF2 was considered as the potential immunotherapeutic targets with future clinical significance.12 hub genes were detected, and biological process analysis showed that these genes are mainly enriched in p53 signaling pathway,Progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation,Cell cycle, Oocyte meiosis and Cellular senescence Survival analysis shows that NUF2 may be linked to the occurrence, invasion or recurrence of non-small cell lung cancer.

Conclusion

NUF2 genes discovered in this study help us include the molecular mechanisms of the occurrence and progression of non-small cell lung cancer, and provide candidate targets for the diagnosis and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Theoretical Modelling of High-efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells and Reduction of Internal Heat Generation using Hot-Electron Extraction
Authors: Rostami Ali , Tofigi Isun , Barzinjy Azeez , Mirtagioglu Hamit
Published: August 2021

Perovskite single crystals have received enormous attention in recent years. This is, perhaps, due to their simplistic synthesis and excellent optoelectronic properties including the long carrier diffusion length, high carrier mobility, low trap density, and tuneable absorption edge ranging from ultra-violet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR). These distinguishing features offer numerous potential applications in energy-related fields like solar cells, photodetectors (PDs), lasers, etc. Efficiency enhancement and stability, in general, are the main challenges to obtain better solar cells. One of the main reasons for the early degradation of solar cells is heat generation due to high energy electrons and holes in the conduction and valance bands. In this study, the authors trying to introduce the concept of selective energy contacts in perovskite solar cells. Also, they investigate how this concept affects the power conversion efficiency (enhancement) and heat generation due to hot electrons and holes (reduction) scattering in the conduction and valance bands. Both efficiency enhancement and reduction in heat generation have been calculated in this study. Thus, for mathematical modeling of the anticipated idea, the Methylammonium lead halide (CH3NH3PbI3) material is used in a PIN structure for a single-junction solar cell. Also, for the proposed structure, analytical modeling was introduced and it is shown that the efficiency of a single contact cell is around 25%, and after applying the second contact, the efficiency was increased to 35%. Finally, due to the reduction of heat loss in the structure, the stability of perovskite material is significantly increased.
The Relationship Between Triglycerides, High-Density Lipoprotein, Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein, and Hospital Death in Patients with Sepsis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gong Rongpeng , Tian Yu , Hu Tianyang , Xu Zixin , Deng Xiao , Shen Xiaofang , Wei Xiaoxin
Published: August 2021

Background: Sepsis remains the leading cause of death in the ICU. There is still controversy about the association between TG, HDL and TG/HDL and sepsis. Our aim was to explore the relationship between TG, HDL, TG/HDL and the hospitalized mortality of sepsis by using the MIMIC-IV database.Methods: Selected from patients admitted to MIMIC-IV database (2008-2019). A total of 1032 eligible participants were included. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the correlation between TG, HDL, TG/HDL and sepsis hospitalization death after excluding potential confounding factors, and the smooth curve fitting graph and survival curve were drawn. Subgroup analysis was performed to test the results.ResultsThere was a negative correlation between TG , TG/HDL and the poor prognosis of sepsis, while HDL was positively correlated with the poor prognosis of sepsis.
Neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade induces T cell and cDC1 activation but fails to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor associated macrophages in recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Lee Alexander , Sun Lu , Mochizuki Aaron , Reynoso Jeremy , Orpilla Joey , Chow Frances , Kienzler Jenny , Everson Richard , Nathanson David , Bensinger Steven , Liau Linda , Cloughesy Timothy , Hugo Willy , Prins Robert
Published: August 2021

Primary brain tumors, such as glioblastoma (GBM), have been remarkably resistant to immunotherapy, even though pre-clinical models suggest effectiveness. To understand this better in patients, we took advantage of our recent neoadjuvant treatment paradigm to map the infiltrating immune cell landscape of GBM and how this is altered following PD-1 checkpoint blockade using high dimensional proteomics, single cell transcriptomics, and quantitative multiplex immunofluorescence. Neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade increased T cell infiltration and proportion of a progenitor exhausted population of T cells found within the tumor. We identified an early activated and clonally expanded CD8+ T cell cluster whose TCR overlapped with a CD8+ PBMC population. Distinct changes were also observed in conventional type 1 dendritic cells that may facilitate T cell recruitment. Macrophages and monocytes still constituted the majority of infiltrating immune cells, even after anti-PD-1 therapy. Interferon-mediated changes in the myeloid population were consistently observed following PD-1 blockade; these also mediated an increase in chemotactic factors that recruit T cells. However, sustained high expression of T-cell-suppressive checkpoints in these myeloid cells continued to prevent the optimal activation of the tumor infiltrating T cells. Therefore, future immunotherapeutic strategies may need to incorporate the targeting of these cells for clinical benefit.
Use of Moringa Oleifera Seeds as a Biosorbent and Antimicrobial Agent in Acidic Mineral Effluents
Authors: Ncube Pauline , Ntuli Freeman , Falayi Thabo
Published: August 2021

Moringa Oleifera (MO) seed extract was used as an antimicrobial agent and a biosorbent to remove heavy metals from acidic mineral effluents. Biosorption experiments were conducted in a thermostatic shaker using synthetic acidic mineral effluent(SAME) of composition, 20 ppm, 20 ppm, 100 ppm, and 500 ppm for Ni, Cu, Mn, and Fe, respectively. The Quanti-tray and SimPlate standard procedures were used for the antimicrobial tests. The aqueous seed extract achieved microbial reductions of 100% total coliform and 90.5% Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC). Ni and Cu were the most removed metals and optimum sorption conditions achieved were pH = 3, Temperature = 308 K, solid loading = 10% m/v, and residence time = 90 minutes. The biosorption process was endothermic for all the metals but only feasible and spontaneous for Cu and Ni. The Langmuir model and second-order kinetics best fit the adsorption process for Ni, Cu, and Fe, while ion-exchange/ chemisorption was the possible mechanism of adsorption. Overall, MO seed extract was an effective antimicrobial agent and bio-sorbent for Ni, Cu, and Fe removal in acidic mineral effluent. The use of MO in acidic medium is a novel technique.
Determinants of Elderly Pedestrian Traffic Behavior in Iran: The Role of Socio Economic and Cognition Status
Authors: Ghasemi Masoumeh , Bazargani Homayoun Sadeghi- , Aghdam Fatemeh Bakhtari , Ponnet Koen , Papi Shahab , Rostami Zahra
Published: August 2021

Background: Elderly pedestrians are among the most vulnerable groups in terms of traffic-related injuries. This study aimed to investigate traffic behavior and its determinants among elderly pedestrians in Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the traffic behavior of 600 elderly pedestrians in Zanjan, northwestern Iran. Pedestrian traffic behavior was evaluated in five domains (traffic violations, traffic distraction, adherence to traffic rules, aggressive behaviors, and positive behaviors) using the Pedestrian Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ). Participants’ socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed by an SES questionnaire, and cognitive function was assessed by the Abbreviated Mental Test score (AMTS). The participants were selected using the multistage random sampling method.Results: 50% of elders were man. 488 (81.3%) of them had 60-74 and 112 (18.7%) were 75 years old and above. More than 90% of elderly pedestrians showed unsafe traffic behavior. This included traffic violations and failure to adhere to traffic rules. Almost half the elders were aggressive and distracted when walking and crossing the street. Higher SES was associated with both higher cognitive status and safer traffic behavior. Higher SES, healthy cognitive function, male sex, walking more than 1 hour a day, higher levels of education, and being married were among the determinants of safe traffic behavior.Conclusion: The majority of the elders showed unsafe traffic behavior Elderly pedestrians with high SES and healthy cognitive function were more likely to exhibit safe behavior than those with low SES and cognitive dysfunction. . Interventions are needed to improve the traffic behavior of elderly pedestrians special with low SES.
WITHDRAWN: Study of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistant Profile in Multidrug Resistant and Extensive Drug Resistance Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Burn Wound Infections in Southwest Iran
Authors: dezfuli Aram asareh zadegan , Avarvand Arshid Yousefi
Published: August 2021

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that has remained on the ‘top 10’ common hospital ‘superbugs’ worldwide for more than a decade. Study of biofilm formation and antibiotic resistant profile in multidrug resistant and extensive drug resistance P. aeruginosa isolated from burn wound infections in southwest IranMethods and Results: This study, which was performed in 110 P. aeruginosa isolates culture-positive reports. Assessment of biofilm formation via microtiteplate and congo red agar. Overall, 110 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were confirmed from wound burn infections. The maximum resistance rate among P. aeruginosa isolates to antibiotics tested was as follow Piperacillin, ceftazidime, and minimum resistance rate among P. aeruginosa isolates to antibiotics tested such as ticarcillin-clavulanic acid. The isolates were then evaluating the MICs by using the E-test. only 7 isolates were confirmed as colistin-resistant. Colistin reference MICs for the The prevalence of MDR P. aeruginosa was 38% and XDR- P. aeruginosa was 22% respectively. One of P. aeruginosa isolates were PDR. In microtiteplate assay,76% of the isolates have ability for biofilm, formation, 40% were categorized as strong biofilm-formers; 32% were moderate; 21% were weak biofilm formers and 43% could not form any detectable biofilm. Conclusion: in our study development of resistance by P. aeruginosa to many antimicrobial agents is a great challenge in controlling its infections. Therefore, the transmission of these isolates to patients leads to higher resistance. Therefore, the necessary hygiene measurements should be taken for the prevention of transferring the P. aeruginosa isolates to hospitalized patients.
A Pilot Study for the Prediction of Liver Function Related Scores Using Breath Biomarkers and Machine Learning
Authors: Patnaik Rakesh Kumar , Lin Yu-Chen , Agarwal Ashish , Ho Ming Chih , Yeh J. Andrew
Published: August 2021

Liver function test is the first step to diagnose various liver diseases by measuring certain proteins and liver enzymes from the blood sample. After getting the required data of the clinical parameters from the blood test it is possible to calculate Child-Pugh (CTP), AST to PLT ratio (APRI) and Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) clinical scores that help the doctors about the severity of the disease progression. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in-breath and monitoring their concentration may be a prevailing method for disease diagnosis. In this work, Isoprene, Limonene, and Dimethyl sulphide (DMS) are considered as a potential breath biomarker related to liver disease. A dataset is designed, that includes the biomarkers concentration analysed from the breath sample before and after study subjects performed an exercise. Four regression methods are performed to predict the clinical scores using breath biomarkers data as features set by the machine learning techniques. Regression methods on the dataset for prediction are evaluated by mean absolute error and root mean square error. A significant difference observed for isoprene concentration (p<0.01) and for DMS concentration (p<0.0001) between liver patients and healthy subjects breath sample. Ensemble regression methods are found best suited for the dataset. The mean absolute error for CTP score is 0.07, for APRI score 0.1 and for MELD score 0.7. The R-square value between actual clinical score and predicted clinical score is found to be 0.78, 0.95, and 0.85 for CTP score, APRI score, and MELD score, respectively. These results suggest that breath biomarkers hold a promising approach for non-invasive test and mass screening related to liver disease.
Quantitative assessment of near-infrared fluorescent proteins
Authors: Piatkevich Kiryl , Zhang Hanbin , Papadaki Stavrini , Sun Xiaoting , Yao Luxia , Wang Xinyue , Köster Reinhard , Wu Lianfeng , Namikawa Kazuhiko
Published: August 2021

Recent progress in fluorescent protein development has generated a large diversity of near-infrared fluorescent proteins, which are rapidly becoming popular probes for a variety of imaging applications. To assist end-users with a selection of the right near-infrared fluorescent protein for a given application, we will conduct a quantitative assessment of intracellular brightness, photostability, and oligomeric state of 19 near-infrared fluorescent proteins in cultured mammalian cells. The top-performing proteins will be further validated for in vivo imaging of neurons in C. elegans, zebrafish, and mice. We will also assess the applicability of the selected NIR FPs for expansion microscopy and two-photon imaging.
High-throughput nanofluidic real-time PCR to discriminate Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)-associated serogroups 6, 18, and 22 to serotypes using modified oligonucleotides.
Authors: Downs Sarah Leah , Madhi Shabir Ahmed , Merwe Lara van Der , Nunes Marta Coelho , Olwagen Courtney Paige
Published: August 2021

Current real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) methods are unable to distinguish serotypes 6A from 6B, 18C from 18A/B and 22F from 22A. We established a nanofluidic real-time PCR (Fluidigm) for serotyping that included Dual-Priming-Oligonucleotides (DPO), a Locked-Nucleic-Acid (LNA) probe and TaqMan assay-sets for high-throughput serotyping. The designed assay-sets target capsular gene wciP in serogroup 6, wciX and wxcM in serogroup 18, and wcwA in serogroup 22. An algorithm combining results from published assay-sets (6A/B/C/D; 6C/D; 18A/B/C; 22A/F) and designed assay-sets for 6A/C; 18B/C/F; 18C/F, 18F and 22F was validated through blind analysis of 1973 archived clinical samples collected from South African children ≤ 5-years-old (2009-11), previously serotyped with the culture-based Quellung method. All assay-sets were efficient (92–101%), had low variation between replicates (R2 > 0.98), and were able to detect targets at a limit of detection (LOD) of < 100 Colony-Forming-Units (CFU)/ml of sample. There was high concordance (Kappa = 0.73–0.92); sensitivity (85–100%) and specificity (96–100%) for Fluidigm compared with Quellung for serotyping 6A; 6B; 6C; 18C and 22F. Fluidigm distinguishes vaccine-serotypes 6A, 6B, 18C, next-generation PCV-serotype 22F and non-vaccine-serotypes 6C, 6D, 18A, 18B, 18F and 22A. Discriminating single serotypes is important for assessing serotype replacement and the impact of PCVs on vaccine- and non-vaccine serotypes.
Global predictions of short- to medium-term COVID-19 transmission trends : a retrospective assessment
Authors: Bhatia Sangeeta , Parag Kris , Wardle Jack , Imai Natsuko , Elsland Sabine van , Lassmann Britta , Cuomo-Dannenburg Gina , Jauneikaite Elita , Unwin H. Juliette , Riley Steven , Ferguson Neil , Donnelly Christl , Cori Anne , Nouvellet Pierre
Published: August 2021

From 8th March to 29th November 2020, we produced weekly estimates of SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility and forecasts of deaths due to COVID-19 for 81 countries with evidence of sustained transmission. We also developed a novel heuristic to combine weekly estimates of transmissibility to produce forecasts over a 4-week horizon. We evaluated the robustness of the forecasts using relative error, coverage probability, and comparisons with null models. During the 39-week period covered by this study, both the short- and medium-term forecasts captured well the epidemic trajectory across different waves of COVID-19 infections with small relative errors over the forecast horizon. The model was well calibrated with 56.3\% and 45.6\% of the observations lying in the 50\% Credible Interval in 1-week and 4-week ahead forecasts respectively. We could accurately characterise the overall phase of the epidemic up to 4-weeks ahead in 84.9\% of country-days. The medium-term forecasts can be used in conjunction with the short-term forecasts of COVID-19 mortality as a useful planning tool as countries continue to relax public health measures.
Co-Culture of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheres with Hematopoietic Stem Cells Under Hypoxia: A Cost-Effective Method to Maintain Self-Renewal and Homing Marker Expression
Authors: Amiri Fatemeh , Kiani Ali Asghar , Bahadori Marzie , roudkenar mehryar habibi
Published: August 2021

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is considered a possible treatment option capable of curing various diseases. The aim of this study was the co-culturing of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheres with HSCs under hypoxic condition to enhance the proliferation, self-renewal, stemness, and homing capacities of HSCs.Methods and results: HSCs were expanded after being subjected to different conditions including cytokines without feeder (Cyto), co-culturing with adherent MSCs (MSC), co-culturing with adherent MSCs+ hypoxia (MSC+ Hyp), co-culturing with MSCs spheres (Sph-MSC), co-culturing with MSCs spheres+ hypoxia (Sph-MSC+ Hyp), co-culturing with MSC spheres+ cytokines (Sph-MSC+Cyto). After 10 days, total nucleated cell (TNC) and CD34+/CD38- cell counts, colony-forming unit assay (CFU), long-term culture initiating cell (LTC-IC), the expression of endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), nucleostemin (NS), nuclear factor I/X (Nfix) CXCR4, and VLA-4 were evaluated. The TNC, CD34+/CD38- cell count, CFU, and LTC-IC were higher in the Sph-MSC+ Hyp and Sph-MSC+ Cyto groups as compared with those of the MSC+ Hyp group (P<0.001). The expanded HSCs co-cultured with MSC spheres in combination with hypoxia expressed more EPCR, CXCR4, VLA-4, NS, and Nfix mRNA. The protein expression was also more up-regulated in the Sph-MSC+Cyto and Sph-MSC+ Hyp groups.Conclusion: Co-culturing HSCs with MSC spheres under hypoxic condition not only leads to higher cellular yield but also increases the expression of self-renewal and homing genes. Therefore, we suggest this approach as a simple and non-expensive strategy that might improve the transplantation efficiency of HSCs.
Addressing the Need for Patient-friendly Medical Communications: Adaptation of the 2019 Recommendations for the Management of MPS VI and MPS IVA
Authors: Bruce Iain A. , Ezgü Fatih S. , Kampmann Christoph , Kenis Vladimir , Mackenzie William , Stevens Bob , Walker Robert , Hendriksz Christian Johannes
Published: August 2021

BackgroundPatients are the most important stakeholders in the care of any disease and have an educational need to learn about their condition and the treatment they should receive. Considering this need for patient-focused materials, we present a directed approach for mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VI and MPS IVA, a pair of rare, inherited diseases that affects multiple organs and parts of the body. Independent guidelines on the treatment of these diseases were recently published, providing evidence- and expertise-driven recommendations to optimize patient management. However, while healthcare providers may have the training and knowledge to understand these guidelines, patients and their caregivers can find the technical content challenging. Hence, we aimed to develop plain language summaries (PLS) of the MPS VI and MPS IVA guidelines with patients as the primary audience.ResultsA review of the guidelines by an expert team identified six domains of information relevant to patients: The multidisciplinary team, regular tests and check-ups, disease-modifying and supportive treatments, general anesthetics, ear-nose-throat/respiratory care, and surgeries. This information was adapted into a series of infographics specific to either MPS VI or MPS IVA, designed to appeal to patients and clearly present information in a concise manner.ConclusionsThe use of patient-friendly materials, like the infographics we have developed, has the potential to better inform patients and engage them in their care. We issue a “call to arms” to the medical community for the development of similar PLS materials in rare diseases intended to inform and empower patients.
The Occurrence Timeline of Steroid-induced Ocular Hypertension and Cataract in Children With Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Yan Honggai , Tan Xiaohua , Yu Jifeng , Liang Tianwei , Shi Wei , Li Li , Peng Chunxia
Published: August 2021

Purpose Steroid-induced ocular hypertension (SIOH) and cataract can result in visual loss. This study evaluated the timetable of SIOH and steroid-induced posterior subcapsular cataract (SI-PSC) occurrences in children with systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) undergoing long-term systemic corticosteroid treatment.Methods Thirty-seven children with SAD treated with long-term oral corticosteroids were enrolled in this study. Intraocular pressure (IOP), SI-PSC occurrences, visual field and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thicknesses were recorded every 3 months for at least 6 months.Results Of the 37 children, with average age 11.0±2.9 years, 22 patients (59.5%) had SIOH, 2 progressed as glaucoma at the 18-month and 3-year follow-up respectively and 12 (32.4%) patients had SI-PSC. Among patients with SIOH, 45.5% (10/22) of them had SI-PSC occurrences and among patients with normal IOP, 13.3% (2/15) of them had SI-PSC. Seventeen patients participated in a longitudinal study with a follow-up period of at least 18 months. The incidence of SIOH started at 1 month (52%, 9/17) and gradually increased to its peak value (70.6%,12/17) at 6 months, then decreased to 35.3% (6/17). SI-PSC onset started at 6 months (17.6%, 3/17), and its occurrence increased to 35.3% (6/17) at 12 months and reached to 41.2% (7/17) at 18 months. The pRNFL was thicker in the children with SIOH than the healthy controls (p = 0.01).Conclusion SIOH and SI-PSC are common coexistent complications in children with long-term corticosteroids treatment and the occurrence time is during the first month and 6 months, respectively. Patients with SIOH have a higher probability of cataract.
Long-segment Fixation VS Short-segment Fixation Combined With Kyphoplasty for Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture
Authors: Lai Oujie , Zhang Xinliang , Hu Yong , Sun Xiaoyang , Zhu Binke , Dong Weixin , Yuan Zhenshan
Published: August 2021

BackgroundTo compare clinical and radiological results of long-segment fixation (LF) and six-screw short-segment fixation combined with kyphoplasty (SSFK) for osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fracture (OTBF). Methods Forty patients affected by OTBF with mean age of 61.85 were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 13.63 months. Twenty-four patients were treated by SSFK, and 16 patients were treated by LF. Clinical outcomes, radiological parameters and complications were assessed and compared. ResultsThe mean operative time and blood loss were 89.71±7.62min and 143.75±42.51ml for SFK group, respectively; 111.69±12.25min (P<0.01) and 259.38±49.05 ml (P<0.01) for LF group, respectively. The two groups were similar in terms of preoperative radiological and clinical results. Compared with preoperative values, both groups achieved significant improvement in terms of VAS, ODI, Cobb angle and anterior vertebral body height (AVH) ratio at final follow-up. However, during the follow-up period, the loss of Cobb angle and AVH ratio were significant different between immediately postoperative and final follow-up evaluations for both groups. Five cases (20.83%) of asymptomatic cement leakage were observed in SSFK group. One case of implant failure and two cases of adjacent or non-adjacent vertebral fractures were observed in LF group. ConclusionsFor the treatment of OTBF, SSFK shows similar clinical and radiological results as LF. Comparatively, SSFK is less invasive and can preserve more motion segments, which is a more valuable surgical option in selected elderly patients.
Characterization of Agricultural Soils of Two Shared Lands of the Irrigation District 028, in Tulancingo, Hidalgo. Mexico
Authors: Romero-Oliva Oscar , Prieto-Méndez Judith , GARCIA FRANCISCO PRIETO , Aquino-Torres Eliazar , Otazo-Sánchez Elena
Published: August 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Reappraisal of the sub species hypothesis for Gangetic dolphins based on mitochondrial genomics
Authors: Jadhav Chandrakant , Khedkar Gulab , Khedkar CD , Prakash Bharathi , Pillai Sanil
Published: August 2021

The Gangetic dolphin, P. gangetica, is one of the oldest known creatures, and its taxonomic status has been debated for over two centuries with no agreement. The clarification of the systematic relationships of Platanista taxa has been listed as among the highest priority for all cetaceans. Of the several taxonomic schemes proposed, all have been very limited and do not provide sufficient weight of evidence to defend any taxonomic classification. Consequently, to resolve this case, a new mitochondrial genome record for P. gangetica gangetica was created for quantitative evaluation of the Ganges and Indus River dolphin populations to estimate species boundaries. This has aided in the resolution of the taxonomic status of the Gangetic dolphin, P. gangetica by showing that the subspecies P. gangetica gangetica and P. gangetica minor are indistinguishable based on the molecular differences and do not follow the standards for molecular species boundaries. Also geographic historical reviews show that these two populations were one during the Miocene era, and that segregation occurred during the geosyncline effect of the Bay of Bengal. However, with the present set of evidences, we propose to abandon the subspecies hypothesis for these P. gangetica taxa.
Hawking flux of 4D Schwarzschild blackhole with supertransition correction to second-order
Authors: Takeuchi Shingo
Published: August 2021

Former part of this article is the proceedings for my talk [1] on [2],
which is a report on the issue in the title of this article.
Later part is the detailed description of [2].
Classical boundary field theory of Jacobi sigma models by Poissonization
Authors: Vancea Ion
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we are going to construct the classical field theory
on the boundary of the embedding of \mathbb{R} \times S^{1}ℝ×S1
into the manifold MM
by the Jacobi sigma model. By applying the poissonization procedure and
by generalizing the known method for Poisson sigma models, we express
the fields of the model as perturbative expansions in terms of the
reduced phase space of the boundary. We calculate these fields up to the
second order and illustrate the procedure for contact manifolds.
Model acceptance and use of e-banking with Javanese philosophical approach: An effort to create less-cash society
Authors: Suharto Eduardus , Salim Ubud , Sumiati  , Rofiq Ainur
Published: August 2021

Indonesia is a developing country with many local cultures trying to continue increasing electronic transactions with e-Banking. UTAUT2 is the one of acceptance and use of the technology model. This study focuses on investigating the effect of Javanese cultural philosophy (local culture in Indonesia) on banking customer behavior in accepting and using banking transactions. This paper is supported by qualitative information, although it uses a quantitative approach. The Javanese cultural philosophy “Ojo Gumunan, Ojo Kagetan” was the main information before distributing the questionnaire as primary data. This model uses UTAUT2 and data analysis using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS. The main results reinforce the theory that the Javanese cultural philosophy “Ojo Gumunan, Ojo Kagetan” is a significant dominant factor in influencing behavior intention. The results of applying the UTAUT2 model show a variance of 86.4% for the endogenous variable behavioral intention and 72.4% for the endogenous variable use behavior to e-banking, which exceeds the value of the original model. Findings revealed that the variables of Javanese philosophy and promotion conditions have a significant effect on behavioral intentions. The facilitating condition variables, habit variables, and behavioral intentions variables on behavior using e-banking proved to affect significantly. This study aims to evaluate the model of acceptance and use of e-banking with a Javanese philosophical approach. The evaluation results show that Javanese philosophy is the main and dominant factor in the model. The contribution of this study can provide insights for practitioners and researchers that increasing non-cash banking transactions (less-cash society) through e-banking can use a local-cultural philosophical approach.
AcknowledgmentsThe authors appreciate cultural experts’ contributions, including Magnis Suseno, Didik Nini Thowok, Sujiwo Tejo, and members of the FGD in providing information about Javanese culture. The authors are grateful to all parties who have given their feedback and support in completing this paper.
Image Representation Structure of the Regional Government in Social Net Narrative based on the Accounts of S. E. Tsivilev, Governor of Kemerovo Region
Authors: Belenkova Mariya
Published: August 2021

The present research featured the way social net users perceive the image of the head of a region. The study involved comments to posts made by the governor of Kuzbass S. E. Tsivilev in VKontakte, Instagram, and Facebook. The analysis employed the method of narrative semiotics. The feedback between the population and the government appeared to depend on the specifics of the political regime in the region. Social nets became both a form of feedback and an indicator of the perception of the imposed image. Different social networks have different audiences, hence the different perception of the governor. Moreover, each social net has its own functionality, which sets the format of feedback. The initial hypothesis was that different social networks produce different attitudes towards the main figure of local executive power. The research results contradicted with this hypothesis and revealed a difference in the positioning of the executive branch and modeling of the governor’s image perception. Based on the data about different perception models, the local authorities can build new media strategies in order to improve the image of the governor in the eyes of the population.
COVID-19-Vaccine Market as a New Segment of the Global Vaccine Market
Authors: Goroshko Nadezhda , Patsala Sergey , Emelyanova Elena
Published: August 2021

The vaccine market is one of the most attractive and fast-growing segments of the global pharmaceutical market. The increasing interest in the development and creation of new vaccines caused a significant influx of investment in research activities, which did not slow down the impact on the further development of the market. The present research featured the global market for COVID-19 vaccines. The research objective was to assess the state of the COVID vaccine market as a new segment of the global vaccine market. The work uses statistical materials of the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations, Statista, Rosstat, and Rospotrebnadzor, as well as methods of general logical, analytical, statistical, and empirical analyses. The demands for the global COVID-19 vaccine market are currently enormous, and the global demand for COVID-19 vaccines can range from 10 to 14 billion doses per year, depending on the desired level of coverage and the need for re-vaccination. The current leading manufacturers of vaccines against COVID-19 are Pfizer (USA) / BioNTech (Germany), Sinovac Biotech (China), AstraZeneca (UK), Moderna (USA), and Sinopharm (China). In terms of production volumes, they are significantly inferior to N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology (Russia). The prevalence of World Health Organization-approved vaccines differs by country: (1) Vaxzevria vaccine (AstraZeneca) was approved in 101 countries, (2) Pfizer / BioNTech – in 85 countries, (3) Moderna – in 46 countries, (4) Sinopharm vaccines – 42 countries, (5) Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) – in 41 countries, (6) Covishield (Serum Institute of India) – in 40 countries. As of May 20, 2021, the Russian Sputnik V was registered in 68 countries. For all manufacturers, the expansion of production provokes the same problems, which are mostly connected with the supply of culture media, filters, disposable consumables, and equipment, especially during peak demand.