bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Quantitative Model of The Cerebral Windkessel as A Frequency-Sensitive Filter to Provide A Novel Understanding of Intracranial Dynamics
Authors: Egnor Michael , Yang Liu , Mani Racheed , Fiore Susan , Djuric Petar
Published: February 2022

Background: Traditional models of intracranial dynamics fail to capture several important features of the cerebral windkessel. Experiments show that the cerebral windkessel is a band-stop filter tuned to the heart rate, which is not consistent with existing pressure-volume compartment models. Flow MRI studies in humans reveal expansion and relaxation of the cranial contents during the cardiac cycle that continuously opposes arterial expansion and relaxation, and we suggest this is the way the windkessel is implemented in the cranium. This systolic-diastolic brain motion is analogous to the loading and unloading of the capacitor plates in the model circuit.Methods: In this study, we use exogenous input autoregressive (ARX) modeling of a simple band-stop electrical circuit to model the cerebral windkessel of normal dogs. We compare the circuit waveforms to waveforms measured in dogs, and we examine the dynamics that underlie the cerebral windkessel.Results: Our ARX analysis shows close agreement between the circuit and the windkessel, which implies similar physical mechanisms of pulsation suppression. This correspondence between physiological data and circuit dynamics suggests that the cerebral windkessel is a frequency-sensitive band-stop filter for the passage of arterial power through the cranium. Another perspective from which to understand the windkessel is to consider the smooth offset and the pulsatile components of cerebral arterial flow as DC and AC power respectively. In the cranium, DC power of cerebral blood flow passes through the capillary bed to the veins and AC power is diverted through the CSF to the veins. This windkessel mechanism optimizes smooth capillary flow and minimizes potentially damaging capillary pulsatility.Conclusions: Our windkessel model provides substantial new insights into intracranial dynamics, cerebral blood flow and capillary circulation, and it provides a new framework for the study and treatment of several common disorders of intracranial dynamics such as cerebral edema, hydrocephalus, pseudotumor cerebri, and Cushing’s reflex.
Backward- and forward-wave soliton co-existence due to second-neighbor coupling in a left-handed transmission line
Authors: Mahmoud Dahirou , Abdoulkary Saïdou , English Lars , Mohamadou Alidou
Published: February 2022

We study analytically and numerically the impact of the second-neighbor interactions on the propagation of an initial wave-packet through a coupled nonlinear left-handed transmission line. We start with a detailed analysis of the dispersion curve and group velocity. We then use the quasi-discrete approximation with respect to long wavelength transverse perturbations to reduce the nonlinear discrete model of the lattice to a nonlinear Schrödinger equation. A detailed analysis of the product of the group velocity dispersion (P) and the nonlinear term (Q) is presented with respect to the relevant parameters of the system. Intriguingly, we analytically observe that the product can be either simultaneously positive and negative, or positive positive, or even negative negative in different frequency bands. Our numerical results demonstrate that for sufficiently strong second-neighbor coupling, bright backward-wave pulses and dark solitons can coexist at a common frequency, and these travel in opposite directions through the lattice.PACS 05.45,Yv · 04.20.Jb · 42.65.Tg
Pelvic Organ Prolapse According To Educational Level
Authors: Guan Yiqi , Han Jinsong
Published: February 2022

Purpose
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is common among middle-aged and older women and its medical burden will increase with aging of the population. In addition to risk factors such as age, parity, vaginal delivery, and body mass index (BMI), we analyzed the impact of educational level on POP.
Methods
We included 993 adult female patients with "vaginal prolapse" as the main complaint in the gynecological clinic of the Third Hospital of Peking University from January 2017 to December 2020. Patients were divided into four groups according to educational level: A (primary school and below), B (junior middle school), C (senior high school). and D (university and above). The epidemiological data of each group were analyzed and compared.
Results
The mean age of patients was 63.4 ± 13.4 years, and mean BMI was 24.4 ± 3.1 kg/m2. Age, BMI, parity, the number of high-risk factors, and years since onset were significantly higher in group A than in other groups. BMI, parity, and the number of high-risk factors in group D were significantly lower than those in other groups. No significant difference was found in the distribution of patients in each group over the past 4 years.
Conclusions
Patients with low education levels were older than those with medium and higher education levels and they had higher BMI, more vaginal delivery, more POP high-risk factors, and a longer time from onset to treatment. Greater attention is needed in this patient population to prevent and treat POP.
The rapid release of sex pheromone reflects increasing willingness of female moths to mate
Authors: Guo Qianshuang , Wu Shaolong , Li Jiaying , Zhuo Fuyan , Liu Binghui , Du Caroline , Zhu Jingquan , Du Yongjun
Published: February 2022

It is generally believed that female adults release sex pheromone to attract males in its calling behavior for mating. The female Helicoverpa armigera moth has a grade 1 ovary the day after emergence and develops into matured grade 3 on day 1. Mating peak is at Day 1 and 2, 1:00 of the circadian rhythm. The extrusion percentage and time of the ovipositor, typical calling signal, are lengthened as age increases, with the highest after Day 3 of age. The ovipositor extrusion elevates the release rate of sex pheromone by enlarging the releasing area, and after extrusion, the release rate increases with increasing ambient temperature. The peak of pheromone emission is on Day 3, 3:00 of the circadian rhythm. Mating time is earlier than pheromone biosynthesis, emission and release in female moths. After mating, the pheromone titer drops to a trace level before returning to its original level after 3 days. The activity time of male moths to sex pheromone is longer than that of females. We conclude that the accelerated release of sex pheromone increases a female moth's willingness to mate. If the female finds a conspecific male and mates successfully, the pheromone titer reduces to save energy.
Impact of One Year of Pandemic on Spanish Intensive Care Units
Authors: Vidal-Cortés Pablo , Martín María Cruz , Díaz Emili , Bodí María , Igeño José Carlos , Garnacho-Montero José
Published: February 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged ICUs all over the world and their capacity was often exceeded. Our aim is to measure the impact of the pandemic at different levels in Spanish ICUs.Methods: On-line survey, conducted in April 2021, among members of the Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias.Results: We received 246 answers from 157 hospitals. 67.7% of the ICUs were expanded during the pandemic, with an overall increase in beds of 58.6%. The ICU medical staff increased by 6.1% and there has been a nursing shortage in 93.7% of units. In 88% of the hospitals the collaboration of other specialists was necessary to manage the patient overload, which exceeded 200% of the pre-pandemic ICU capacity. The predominant collaboration model consisted of the intensive care medicine specialist being responsible for triage and coordinating the care of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Despite that 53.2% centres offered training for critically ill patient care, a deterioration in the quality of care was perceived. 84.2% hospitals drew up a Contingency Plan and in 77.8% of the hospitals a multidisciplinary committee was set up to agree on decision-making. Self-evaluation of the work performed was outstanding and 91.9% felt proud of what they had achieved. 16.7%, however, regretted becoming intensivist and up to 15% considered leaving their job. 61.8%, 79.3% and 89.4% of the participants have the feeling that the opinion about the ICU has improved for hospital management, for other specialists and for the general population (respectively). In 75.3% of the hospitals, at least one member of the ICU medical team has been infected with COVID-19.Conclusions: The Spanish ICUs assumed an unprecedented increase in the number of patients. They achieved it without hardly increasing their staff and, while intensive care medicine training was carried out for other specialists who collaborated. Despite the overload, the degree of job satisfaction was consistent with pre-pandemic levels.
Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Combined With Nimotuzumab in Stage III-IVa Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Cai Zhuochen , Chen Dongni , Qiu Wenze , Liang Chixiong , Huang Yingying , Zhou Jiayu , Zhan Zejiang , Xiang Yanqun , Guo Xiang , Lv Xing
Published: February 2022

Purpose: The efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab (NTZ) added to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) was investigated in patients with stage III-IVa nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods: Patients with stage III-IVa NPC treated with CCRT, with or without NTZ, were screened between January 2015 and December 2017. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were compared between these groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to reduce the selection bias. Nomogram models were developed to predict survival of CCRT with or without NTZ. Results: A total of 426 patients were included after PSM, with 213 patients in each regimen. Compared with NPC patients receiving CCRT alone, patients who received NTZ plus CCRT treatment had significantly better OS (5-year OS, 76.1% vs. 72.3%, P = 0.004), PFS (5-year PFS, 73.2% vs. 69.0%, P = 0.002), and LRFS (5-year LRFS, 73.2% vs. 69.0%, P = 0.028). A multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that, compared with receiving CCRT alone, NTZ plus CCRT was an independently positive factor for OS, PFS, and LRFS. In addition, no significant difference was observed in the major toxicities among the two treatments (all P>0.05). Nomogram models that identified significant prognostic factors were produced.Conclusion: The present study suggested the NTZ plus CCRT treatment presented favorable clinical outcomes for stage III-IVa NPC patients with good tolerance and similar toxicity compared to CCRT alone. A prospective, randomized clinical trial is essential to validate the current findings.
Design And Analysis of Miniaturized Polarization And Incident Angle Insensitive Quad-Band Terahertz Metamaterial Absorber
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Singh Hari Shankar
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a miniaturized polarization and incident angle independent quad-band terahertz metamaterial absorber for sensing applications. The geometrical structure of the proposed design consists of one circle enclosed within two square rings. The design is etched on a low-cost FR-4 substrate having a thickness of 2μm. The size of the proposed unit cell is 20μm × 20μm. It provides 94.9%, 95.4%, 98.7%, and 97.8% absorption at 2 THz, 3.8 THz, 8.9 THz, and 10.8 THz, respectively. The polarization and incident angle independence is also checked to validate the stability of the structure. Additionally, the design evolution and the surface current distribution of the design is provided to have better insight into the structure.
Plaque Regrowth Dynamics with Use of an Oscillating-Rotating Electric Toothbrush Measured by Digital Plaque Image Analysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Peron Priscila Ferrari , Adam Ralf , Grender Julie , Mesples Uta , Hoke Phyllis , Rubush Mike , Anastasia Mary Kay , Erbe Christina
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to compare dental plaque regrowth dynamics across 8 days between an oscillating-rotating (O-R) electric toothbrush and a manual toothbrush using Digital Plaque Imaging Analysis (DPIA). A randomized crossover trial involving adult participants with ≥10% plaque coverage on anterior teeth was conducted. Thirty-four subjects were randomized to one of 4 treatment sequences, each having four 8-day treatment periods. Subjects brushed twice daily with the assigned toothbrush. Morning and afternoon plaque were evaluated on days 1, 3, and 8. The primary variable was afternoon percent plaque coverage, evaluated across 8 days. The O-R toothbrush produced lower mean plaque levels versus the manual toothbrush for all endpoints over 8 days (P≤0.001). The benefit for the O-R toothbrush increased over time, demonstrating 16.4% and 28.1% lower afternoon plaque levels on Days 1 and 8, respectively compared to the manual brush. Trends were similar for morning plaque. Repeated measures analyses showed a 21.2% reduction in overall afternoon plaque and a 23.5% reduction in overall morning plaque for the O-R brush versus the manual brush (P < 0.001). The O-R toothbrush resulted in less overnight and afternoon plaque regrowth versus the manual toothbrush at all time points, and the benefit increased over 8 days.
Efficacy and Safety of A Novel Antiviral Preparation in ICU-Admitted Patients with COVID-19: A Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Faramarzi Hossein , Sahebkar Amirhossein , HOSSEINPOUR AHMAD , Khaloo Vahid , Chamanpara Parisa , Heydari Mohammad Reza , Najafi Sajad , Khankahdany Fatemeh Fotoohi , Movahedpour Ahmad
Published: February 2022

IntroductionDespite an increasing number of studies, there is as yet no efficient antiviral treatment developed for COVID-19. In this clinical trial, we examined the efficacy of a novel herbal antiviral preparation comprising Zataria multiflora Boiss, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cinnamomum Vermont, Allium sativuml, and Syzygium aromaticum in critically ill patients with COVID-19.Methods A total number of 120 ICU-admitted patients requiring pulmonary support with a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia were recruited to the trial. Participants were equally randomized to receive either the novel antiviral preparation sublingually, for up to two consecutive weeks or till discharge, or placebo. Clinical and laboratory parameters as well as survival rates were compared between the two groups at the study end.Results The cumulative incidence of death throughout the study period was 8.33% in the intervention group and 60% in the placebo group (risk ratio: 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05 to 0.32; P<0.001). Survival rates were significantly higher in the intervention group. Additionally, on day 7, several laboratory factors including white blood cells (WBCs) count, C-reactive protein, and SpO2 were improved in patients treated with the novel antiviral preparation compared with the placebo group.Conclusion The novel antiviral preparation tested in this trial significantly improved the survival rate and reduced mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Thus, this preparation might be suggested as a potentially promising COVID-19 treatment. Funded by Shimi Teb Salamat Co., Shiraz, Iran, and registered on the Iranian registry of clinical trials (Trial registration: IRCT20200509047373N2. Registered 13 April 2021).
Implementation and Evaluation of A New Model of Online, Facilitated, Peer Group Supervision for Dietitians Working in Eating Disorders: A Descriptive Overview Informed by The Kirkpatrick Training Evaluation Framework
Authors: Davis Amanda , Meloncelli Nina , Hannigan Amy , Ward Warren
Published: February 2022

BackgroundThe recently published Australia and New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders (ANZAED) practice and training standards for dietitians providing eating disorder treatment identified gaps in training for dietitians and recommended dietitians working in eating disorders (ED) seek further clinical experience, training, and supervision to provide effective, evidence- informed treatment. However, access to dietetic clinical supervision is problematic, secondary to limited trained supervisors, location, cost, and lack of organisational support. Demand for clinical supervision to expected to increase with the introduction of credentialing for ED clinicians in 2022. In 2018, QuEDS piloted an innovative model of group, online, facilitated and structured peer supervision with the goal of improving access to ED-specific clinical support. Positive evaluation of the QuEDS Facilitated Peer Group Support (QuEDS F-PGS) pilot led to a broader rollout of an additional four groups which were evaluated to formalise the F-PGS model and demonstrate its utility, acceptability, and implementation.MethodsGroups consisted of 10 Queensland-based dietitians from public hospital, community or private practice with a Facilitator and Co-facilitator. Monthly 90minute sessions were moderated, structured, and consisted of complex case discussions plus focus topic presentations. Participant experience was evaluated with anonymous, voluntary surveys at baseline, 6 months, plus a one-off survey in August 2021 informed by the Clinical Supervision Evaluation Questionnaire and Kirkpatrick’s 4 level model of training evaluation. Program implementation was evaluated using the RE-AIM framework.ResultsParticipant survey responses were highly positive across the four Kirkpatrick training evaluation domains of reaction, learning, behaviour, and results. Model implementation was positively evaluated with respect to reach, efficacy, and implementation. Respondents indicated they would recommend F-PGS to other dietitians and 96% planned to continue with the programme, a positive indicator of program sustainability.ConclusionsQuEDS F-PGS program effectively utilised limited resources to provide more than 50 dietitians located in rural/regional and metropolitan areas with monthly, equitable access to ED-specific expertise and clinical support. QuEDS F-PGS is a cost-effective framework of peer group support which positively impacts dietitian’s confidence and ability to deliver dietetic interventions in the ED arena and by inference the dietetic care of people with eating disorders.
Thermal, Chemical and Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binders Extracted from Field Cores
Authors: Deef-Allah Eslam , Abdelrahman Magdy
Published: February 2022

Asphalt binders were extracted and recovered from field cores that were collected from different routes. These cores were for asphalt mixes containing virgin asphalt binders (VABs) with different performance grades (PGs) and different asphalt binder (ABR) replacement percentages by reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and/or recycled asphalt shingles (RAS). These mixes had ages between 4 and 14 years during the sampling process, thus the extracted asphalt binders (EABs) were treated as long-term aged binders. Using RAP/RAS in asphalt mixes alters the performance of EABs at intermediate temperatures. Thus, the resistance of EABs to fatigue cracking was explored through rheological testing that included Superpave fatigue cracking parameter (|G*|.sinδ) and the number of load repetitions to failure (Nf). Thermal properties of EABs were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis; different parameters were evaluated from the thermal analysis [e.g., percentage of residue (%R) and onset temperature (Tonset)]. The chemical properties of EABs were examined by a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy through evaluating carbonyl (ICO), sulfoxide (ISO), aromatic (ICC), and aliphatic (ICH) indices. The relationships between the resistance of EABs to fatigue cracking, thermal and chemical properties were scrutinized. Ages of mixes, ABR percentage by RAP/RAS, and PGs of VABs controlled the resistance of EABs to fatigue cracking. Direct relationships were observed between |G*|.sinδ and %R, ISO and Nf, ICH and Nf, ICO and %R, and ICC and %R. Inverse relationships were found between Nf and Tonset, Nf and %R, Nf and ICO, Nf and ICC, %R and ISO, and %R and ICH.
Use of rare earth elements as tracers for soil–plant transfer of trace elements
Authors: Arbalestrie Bryan , Falys Julie , Bemelmans Nathan , Thami Adil , Agnan Yannick
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Transfer of trace elements from soil to plant is a corner stone for risk assessment. Rare earth elements (REE) are frequently used as geochemical tracers for element transfer to plant. In this study, we evaluated biogeochemical behaviors of trace elements and REE in the soil–plant continuum to assess to what extend the REE monitoring allows identifying preferential pathway from soil to plant.

Methods

We quantified 11 trace elements and 14 REE in soil, root, shoot, soil solution, and soil water-extract samples of an intercropping cover crop. Evaluation of the element mobility was performed using both soil extractability and transfer factors.

Results

Results showed distinct soil–plant transfer of trace elements according to their biological roles or substitution potential. Soil, root, and shoot REE patterns were similar, indicating a large influence of soil REE composition on plant one. Compared to light REE (LREE), heavy REE (HREE) were more extractable and thus transferred to plants. We also observed differences in Ce and Eu behavior concerning soil extractability and transfer from root to shoot.

Conclusion

Soil solution and soil water-extract samples are not chemically representative of the fraction that can be uptaken by plants. However, LREE/HREE and Ce/Eu ratios in soil solution and soil water-extract samples can be used as indicators of environmental conditions.
Diversity And Distribution of Type VI Secretion System In Bacterial Plasmids
Authors: Morgado Sergio , Vicente Ana Carolina
Published: February 2022

Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) is a nanomolecular apparatus that allows the delivery of effector molecules through the cell envelope of a donor bacterium to prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic cells, playing a role in the bacterial competition, virulence, and host manipulation. T6SS is patchily distributed in bacteria and rarely reported in mobile elements, such as plasmids and integrative and conjugative elements. The impact that T6SS may have on bacteria fitness and the lack of evidence on its radiation mechanism led us to question whether natural plasmids could represent a key mechanism in the spread of T6SS in bacteria. Therefore, we performed an in-silico analysis to reveal the association of T6SS and plasmids. This secretion system was mined in more than 30,000 plasmids from Genbank, based on the presence of at least nine of 11 T6SS core proteins (TssA-M). T6SS was identified in 303 plasmids (~1%), all belonging to the same T6SS type, occurring mainly in Proteobacteria (301/303), particularly in Rhizobium and Ralstonia genera. Interestingly, most of the bacteria carrying T6SS-harboring plasmids did not encode T6SS in their chromosomes, suggesting a fitness cost to maintain this element on mobile platforms.
Can We Predict Turnover Intention in Nursing Students? An Exploration of the Relationship Between Resilience, Burnout and Their Relationship with Future Turnover Intention
Authors: Shaabna Zareefa , Sarhan Adnan
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Globally nursing is deemed a demanding profession. Recently, attention has been placed on the psychological well-being of employed nurses. Since nursing students are the future of the nursing workforce, it is essential to advance our understanding of the role of resilience in decreasing burnout and future turnover intention in nursing students. Aim: The study aimed to assess the levels of resilience and burnout, examine the relationship between the two measures, and to determine the relationship between the two measures with future turnover intention and participants' demographics. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted using an online survey on 409 undergraduate nursing students from three large nursing institutions in West Bank-Palestine. The study used The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 10), The Burnout Scale, and a demographic data sheet.Results: Moderate levels of resilience and burnout were found among the participants. The analysis revealed a negative correlation between resilience and burnout (r = -0.35). In addition, the study findings showed that almost half of the students (46.9%) were not satisfied with their major when they joined the nursing program, and half of the students (50.1%) intended to leave nursing profession in the future. In this study, higher resilience was associated with male gender, wanting to study nursing, playing exercise/sports, working, living on campus, receiving support from friends and family, intention to stay in the nursing profession, and studying for a week or more of the exam. Whereas not receiving support from family & friends, not exercising, smoking, intend to leave nursing profession, higher academic level, lower GPAs, studying an hour or less daily, and studying in a day or less of the exam were all associated with higher burnout.Conclusion: Resilience in nursing students might play an important role in decreasing global nursing shortage by enhancing academic success and decreasing future intention to leave and burnout.
Global Cognitive Function is Associated with Sex, Educational Level, Occupation Type, and the Speech Recognition Rate in Older Chinese Adults: A Single-Center, Prospective, Cross- Sectional Study
Authors: Gu Hailing , Yao Xinyi , Diao Cong , Liu Min , Kong Weili , Liu Haotian , Zheng Yun , Meng Zhaoli
Published: February 2022

Background: The development of cognitive impairment may be delayed if its risk factors are identified, it can be detected, its developmental trend can be predicted, and early intervention can be performed. This study primarily aimed to investigate the association between global cognitive function and hearing loss, educational level, and occupation type, and to determine any differences in such associations according to sex among older Chinese adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we prospectively recruited individuals in one ear, nose, and throat outpatient clinic who were above 55 years of age and could write independently, with no diagnosis of severe vision impairment. Audiometric examinations included otoscopy, acoustic immittance, pure-tone audiometry, and speech audiometry for each ear. Cognitive function was evaluated by using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Univariable linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between each variable and MMSE score. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between variables and MMSE scores after adjusting for independent variables that were statistically significant in the univariable analyses. Results: We enrolled 219 individuals, including 98 men (mean ± standard deviation age, 63.08±6.64 years) and 121 women (62.64±7.17 years). The overall MMSE scores of the normal hearing and mild, moderate, and severe-to-profound hearing loss groups were 24.53±3.10, 24.36±3.92, 23.32±3.88, and 20.92±6.53, respectively. MMSE scores were higher among participants with higher educational levels (p<0.001) and were significantly correlated with occupation type (p<0.001). MMSE scores were significantly higher in men than in women (p<0.001). However, upon analysis of the five subdomains, significant differences were only observed for attention and calculation (p<0.001) and language (p=0.011). We further explored whether educational level is related to the cognitive differences between the sexes by comparing the distribution of educational levels between men and women, with the chi-square test; there was no significant difference in educational level between the sexes (p=0.070). Conclusions: We discovered statistically significant relationships between global cognitive function and sex, educational level, and occupation type. Sex-specific strategies may be required to improve healthcare policies.
Development of Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of Magnaporthe oryzae causing blast in rice
Authors: Lingan Rajendran , Nagaraj Gowrisri , Ayyanar Kamalakannan , Ganesan Malathi Varagur , Subramanian Rajesh , Marimuthu Karthick
Published: February 2022

Rice is one of the most important nourishment crops providing a quarter of calories consumption. It alone contributes 23 per cent of calories consumed by people all over the world. Rice blast pathogen is an important ascomycetes fungus which causes severe yield losses up to 100 per cent under favorable climatic conditions. A field survey on rice blast disease revealed that the disease incidence was ranged from 50.1% - 72.46% with the highest disease incidence of 72.46% at Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India. Totally seven isolates of Magnaporthe oryzae were collected and the identity was confirmed through morphological and molecular confirmation. A loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay was developed by targeting Pita 2 gene sequence of M. oryzae. The assay developed was more sensitive as it detected the genomic DNA of M. oryzae up to 10 fg. The specificity of LAMP assay was proved by carrying out the assay with genomic DNA extracted from other fungal pathogens. Therefore, the LAMP assay developed will be helpful in rapid, specific and sensitive detection of rice blast pathogen at field level and will help in mitigating the disease incidence.
Strain-Level Resolution and Pneumococcal Carriage Dynamics by Single Molecule Real Time (SMRT) Sequencing of The Plyncr Marker: A Longitudinal Study In Swiss Infants.
Authors: Oyewole Oluwaseun Rume-Abiola , Latzin Philipp , Brugger Silvio D. , Hilty Markus
Published: February 2022

Background: Pneumococcal carriage has often been studied from a serotype perspective, however, little is known about strain-specific carriage and inter-strain interactions. Here, we examined strain-level carriage and co-colonization dynamics in a Swiss birth cohort by PacBio single molecule real time (SMRT) sequencing of the plyNCR marker and assessed changes four years after the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13).Methods: A total of 872 nasal swab (NS) samples were collected biweekly from 47 healthy infants during the first year of life. Pneumococcal carriage was determined based on the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting the lytA gene. The plyNCR marker was amplified from 214 samples having lytA-based carriage for pneumococcal strain resolution. Amplicons were sequenced using SMRT technology and sequences were analyzed with the DADA2 pipeline. In addition, pneumococcal serotypes were determined using conventional, multiplex PCR (cPCR). Results: PCR-based plyNCR amplification demonstrated a 94.2% sensitivity and 100% specificity for S. pneumoniae if compared to lytA qPCR. Overall carriage prevalence was 63.8% and pneumococcal co-colonization (≥2 plyNCR amplicon sequence variants (ASVs)) was detected in 38/213 (17.8%) sequenced samples with the relative proportion of the least abundant strain(s) ranging from 1.1% to 48.8% (median, 17.2%; IQR, 5.8-33.4%). The median age to first acquisition was 147 days and having ≥2 siblings increased the risk of acquisition. Conclusion: The plyNCR amplicon sequencing is species specific and enables pneumococcal strain-resolution. We therefore recommend its application for longitudinal strain-level carriage studies of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles as a Photocatalyst for Water Splitting
Authors: Khalil Marwa , Medhat Mai , Elshaer Ahmed M. , soliman Moataz , Ebrahim Shaker
Published: February 2022

Among various photoinduced hydrogen gas production techniques, photochemical catalytic water splitting is promising and an ideal future energy source because of the low cost, stability, and high sustainability of the reaction system features. Aluminum oxide nanoparticles (NPS) as a photocatalyst for the splitting of water into hydrogen gas using solar energy is one of the noble missions of material science. In this work, pure aluminum oxide and L-methionine capped aluminum oxide NPs have been synthesized using the sol-gel method. The pure Al2O3 and capped Al2O3 NPs with L-methionine were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and Zeta potential. It was found that the average particle sizes of Al2O3 NPs and capped Al2O3 NPs with L-methionine were 13 and 20 nm, respectively. L-methionine capped Al2O3 NPs had a higher negative charge with a potential of - 24.5 mV. The capping agent slightly improved the production of hydrogen from 44 to 60 ml at 75° C after 30 min under illumination.
Purple Grape Juice Improves Performance of Recreational Runners, But the Effect is Genotype Dependent: A Double Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Sousa Bruno Rafael Virginio , Toscano Lydiane de Lima Tavares , Filho Eder Jackson Bezerra Almeida , Sena Klécia Farias , Costa Matheus Silveira , Cunha Rebeka Correia de Souza , Quintans Jullyana de Souza Siqueira , Heimfarth Luana , Marques Aline Telles Biasoto , Silva Darcilene Fiuza , Campos Luis Felipe Castelli Correia , Persuhn Darlene Camati , Silva Alexandre Sérgio
Published: February 2022

Background: We examined the influence of superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) Arg213Gly and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated α-Receptor (PPARα) 7G/C polymorphisms to a single dose of purple grape juice supplementation on time-to-exhaustion running test, redox balance and muscle damage in recreational runners. Methods: Forty-seven male recreational runners performed a running test until exhaustion after supplementation with grape juice or a control drink. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma nitrite (NO), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured pre and post exercise. Also, polymorphisms were analyzed in DNA extracted from the oral mucosa. Results: Grape juice improved the time-to-exhaustion. When analyzed by genotype, the recreational runners with GG+CG genotypes of the SOD3 gene had greater time-to-exhaustion than the CC genotype, but was no different for the PAPRα gene. A slight difference was noted in TAC, since the CC genotype of the SOD3 gene showed higher TAC values in the post-exercise compared to the baseline and with pre-exercise, but these values did not increase compared to the CG+GG group, respectively. The SOD3 and PPARα genes were similar at all times for the other biochemical variables. Conclusion: The ergogenic effect of grape juice was genotype-dependent for SOD3 Arg213Gly. However, biochemical redox balance markers did not explain this difference.
Long-Term Exposure to Residential Greenness and Neurodegenerative Disease Mortality Among the Elderly: A 13-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study
Authors: Loureiro Lucia Rodriguez , Gadeyne Sylvie , Bauwelinck Mariska , Lefebvre Wouter , Vanpoucke Charlotte , Casas Lidia
Published: February 2022

Background

Living in greener areas is associated with slower cognitive decline and reduced dementia risk among the elderly, but the evidence with neurodegenerative disease mortality is scarce. We studied the association between residential surrounding greenness and neurodegenerative disease mortality in an elderly population.
Methods

We used data from the 2001 Belgian census linked to mortality register data during 2001-2014. We included individuals aged 60 years or older and residing in the five largest Belgian urban areas at baseline (2001). Exposure to residential surrounding greenness was assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within 500-m from residence. We considered all neurodegenerative diseases and four specific outcomes: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, unspecified dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. We fitted Cox proportional hazard models to obtain hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the associations between one interquartile range (IQR) increment in surrounding greenness and neurodegenerative disease mortality outcomes. Furthermore, we conducted mediation analyses to assess potential mediation by air pollution (PM2.5), and stratification analyses to explore effect modification by sociodemographic characteristics.
Results

From 1,134,502 individuals included at baseline, 6.1% died from neurodegenerative diseases during follow-up. After full adjustment, one IQR (0.22) increment of surrounding greenness was associated with a 4-5% reduction in premature mortality from neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular and unspecified dementia [e.g., for Alzheimer’s disease mortality: HR 0.95 (95%CI: 0.93, 0.98)]. No association was found with Parkinson’s disease mortality. Reductions in air pollution concentrations could potentially mediate 58% (95%CI: 31.7%, 95.7%) of the observed effect with all neurodegenerative disease mortality. Associations were strongest in the lower educated and residents from most deprived neighbourhoods.
Conclusions

Living near greener spaces may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease mortality among the elderly, partly mediated by a reduction in air pollution concentrations. Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups may experience the greatest beneficial effect.
Formulation of Curcumin in Folate Functionalized Polymeric Coated Fe3O4@Au Core-Shell Nanosystem for Targeting Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: J.Haider Adawiya , Al-Musawi Sharafaldin , Haider Mohammed J. , Al-Shibaany Zeyad Yousif Abdoon
Published: February 2022

This research aims to design and synthesize a drug contained nanocomposite papered with a new combination of chitosan (CS)-coated magnetic-gold core-shell (Fe3O4@Au) as curcumin (CU) delivery to treat breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) and normal (MCF10A) cell lines. The CU drug was encapsulated in this nanosystem. Folate (Fol) functionalization of this nanosystem for targeting therapy purposes led to the construction of the final Fe3O4@Au-CS-CU-Fol nanoformulation. The SPION@Au was achieved using Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid (PLAL) procedure by the 530 nm wavelength with various laser fluence (1.8, 2.3, and 2.6) J/cm2. The polymeric coating, drug encapsulation, and Fol functionalization processes were performed due to reverse microemulsion methods. This nanosystem was characterized by a dynamic light scattering (DLS) Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), UV-Visible spectrophotometer, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). A new type of CU-loaded nanocarrier was synthesized, and its anti-tumor properties were evaluated against breast cancer cell lines in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The obtained mean size of Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles (NPs) was 52.37, 60.24, and 72.45 nm at 1.8, 2.3, and 2.6 J/cm2, respectively. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay of drug-loaded NPs on the MDA-MB-231 cell line proved that the CU cytotoxicity effect could enhance when encapsulated in Fe3O4@Au-CS-Fol nanocarrier compared with void CU. On the other hand, the flow cytometry charts presented that this nanoformulation can enhance the remedial properties of CU due to apoptosis stimulation in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis confirmed the activation of apoptosis in the cells treated with the Fe3O4@Au-CS-CU-Fol. The in vivo evaluation of the Fe3O4@Au-CS-CU-Fol nanosystem proved that the tumor volume reduces in a certain time. Close inspection of results confirmed that Fe3O4@Au-CS-CU-Fol exerts a significant chemo-preventive effect on breast cancer through cell viability index, apoptosis stimulation, and anti-tumor activity.
Impact of Maternal Body Mass Index on the Accuracy of Third Trimester Sonographic Estimation of Fetal Weight
Authors: Martins Juliana , Kawakita Tetsuya , Jain Priyanka , Gurganus Margot , Baraki Dana , Barake Carole , Sinkovskaya Elena , Abuhamad Alfred
Published: February 2022

Objectives: Determine whether maternal body mass index (BMI) can affect the accuracy of sonographic estimation of fetal weight (EFW) in the third trimester when compared to neonatal birthweight (BW). Methods: Secondary analysis from our original prospective cohort of pregnant women beyond 34 weeks, distributed in 4 groups according to their BMI: normal, overweight, obese and morbid obese. Fetal biometry and fluid measurements were obtained by two experienced sonographers, blinded for patient’s clinical information and to each other’s measurements. Average EFW and neonatal BW were converted into gestational specific Z-scores. Interobserver correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's reliability coefficient (CRC) were calculated. Bland-Altman (BA) plots were constructed to assess the level of accuracy.Results: 100 women were enrolled (800 measurements obtained by 17 sonographers): 17 had normal BMI (17%), 27 were overweight (27%), 29 were obese (29%) and 27 were morbidly obese (27%). There was no statistical difference for GA at delivery (p=0.74), EFW (p=0.05) or BW (p=0.09) between groups (Table 1). Mean Z-score for EFW was -0.17 (SD 0.81) and for neonatal BW was -0.25 (SD 0.74). ICC was 0.69 (95% CI 0.57, 0.78) and CRC was 0.82. Mean Z-score difference was small (Table 2). When stratifying according to BMI categories, the ICC ranged from 0.49 to 0.76. Reliability indices ranged from 0.66 to 0.86. The Z-scores differences were overall small with no statistical difference (Table 3). BA showed evenly distributed interobserver differences (Figure 1). Conclusions: When performed by trained sonographers, fetal weight estimation in the third trimester is accurate when compared to neonatal birthweight at increasing BMI categories.
Integration of protein context improves protein- based COVID-19 patient stratification
Authors: Gao Jinlong , He Jiale , Zhang Fangfei , Xiao Qi , Cai Xue , Yi Xiao , Zheng Siqi , Zhang Ying , Wang Donglian , Zhu Guangjun , Wang Jing , Shen Bo , Ralser Markus , Guo Tiannan , Zhu Yi
Published: February 2022

Background: Classification of disease severity is crucial for the management of COVID-19. Several studies have shown that individual proteins can be used to classify the severity of COVID-19. Here, we aimed to investigate whether integrating the four types of protein context data, namely, protein complexes, stoichiometric ratios, pathways and network degrees will improve the severity classification of COVID-19. Methods: A SWATH-based proteomic data set of 54 sera samples from 40 COVID-19 patients was employed as the training cohort. Results: Machine learning prioritized two complexes, one stoichiometric ratio, five pathways, twelve proteins and five network degrees. A model based on these 25 features led to effective classification of severe cases with an AUC of 0.965, outperforming the models with proteins only. Complement component C9, transthyretin (TTR) and TTR-RBP complex, the stoichiometric ratio of SAA2/ YLPM1, and the network extent of SIRT7 and A2M were highlighted in this classifier. This classifier was further validated with a TMT-based proteomic data set from the same cohort and an independent SWATH-based proteomic data set from Germany, reaching an AUC of 0.900 and 0.908, respectively. Machine learning models integrating protein context information achieved higher AUCs than models with only one feature type. Conclusion: Our results show that the integration of protein context including protein complexes, stoichiometric ratios, pathways, network degrees, and proteins improves phenotype prediction.
An Entropy-View Secure Multi-Party Computation Protocol Based on Semi-honest Model
Authors: Luo Yun , chen Yuling , Li Tao , Wang Yilei , Yang Yixian , Yu Xiaomei
Published: February 2022

Secure multi-party computation(SMPC) is an important research area in cryptography with many application scenarios, but there are still many problems to be solved. Aiming at security and fairness issues in SMPC, we consider that semi-honest participants are able to execute the protocol according to the specification, but there would be some additional malicious operations such as collusion and refuse to exchange information in the process of information interaction, which leads to deviations in the security and fairness of the protocol. To solve the above problems, we combine information entropy and mutual information to propose an n-round information exchange protocol, in which each participant broadcasts a relevant information value in each round without revealing additional information. The uncertainty of the correct result value is fuzzed by the interactive information in each round, and each participant cannot determine the correct result value until the end of the protocol, which effectively prevents malicious behavior and ensures the correct execution of the protocol. Security analysis and fairness analysis show that under the semi-honest model, our protocol guarantees the security and relative fairness of the output obtained by the participants after completing the protocol.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Post-Operative Neurorehabilitation in Neuro-Oncology: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions
Authors: Einstein Evan Hy , Dadario Nicholas B. , Khilji Hamza , Silverstein Justin W. , Sughrue Michael E. , D’Amico Randy S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a neuromodulation technology capable of targeted stimulation and inhibition of cortical areas. Repetitive TMS (rTMS) has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders, and novel uses of rTMS for neurorehabilitation in patients with acute and chronic neurologic deficits are being investigated. However, studies to date have primarily focused on neurorehabilitation in stroke patients, with little data supporting its use for neurorehabilitation in brain tumor patients. Methods: We performed a review of the current available literature regarding uses of rTMS for neurorehabilitation in post-operative neuro-oncologic patients. Results: Data have demonstrated that rTMS is safe in the post-operative neuro-oncologic patient population, with minimal adverse effects and no documented seizures. The current evidence also demonstrates potential effectiveness in terms of neurorehabilitation of motor and language deficits. Conclusions: Although data are overall limited, both safety and effectiveness have been demonstrated for the use of rTMS for neurorehabilitation in the neuro-oncologic population. More randomized controlled trials and specific comparisons of contralateral versus ipsilateral rTMS protocols should be explored. Further work may also focus on individualized, patient-specific TMS treatment protocols for optimal functional recovery.
Bosutinib therapy through the TGF-ß1 signaling pathway activity can increase apoptosis of BCR-ABL oncogene positive cells
Authors: Bakhshayesh Masoome , Golab Fereshteh , Bakhshayesh Hanie , Gohari Ladan Hosseini , Vahabzade Gelareh
Published: February 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.