bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genome of Medicago polymorpha provides insights into its edibility and nutritional value as a vegetable and forage legume
Authors: Cui Jiawen , Lu Zhaogeng , Wang Tianyi , Chen Gang , Mostafa Salma , Ren Hailong , Liu Sian , Fu Chunxiang , Wang Li , Zhu Yingfang , Lu Jinkai , Chen Xiang , Wei Zhenwu , Jin Biao
Published: March 2021

Medicago polymorpha is a nutritious and palatable forage and vegetable plant that also fixes nitrogen. Here, we reveal the chromosome-scale genome sequence of M. polymorpha using an integrated approach including Illumina, PacBio and Hi-C technologies. We combined PacBio full-length RNA-seq, metabolomic analysis, structural anatomy analysis and related physiological indexes to elucidate the important agronomic traits of M. polymorpha for forage and vegetable usage. The assembled M. polymorpha genome consisted of 457.53 Mb with a long scaffold N50 of 57.72 Mb, and 92.92% (441.83 Mb) of the assembly was assigned to seven pseudochromosomes. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that expansion and contraction of the photosynthesis and lignin biosynthetic gene families, respectively, led to enhancement of nutritious compounds and reduced lignin biosynthesis in M. polymorpha. In addition, we found that several positively selected nitrogen metabolism-related genes were responsible for crude protein biosynthesis. Notably, the metabolomic results revealed that a large number of flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, and terpenoids were enriched in M. polymorpha. These results imply that the decreased lignin content but relatively high nutrient content of M. polymorpha enhance its edibility and nutritional value as a forage and vegetable. Our genomic data provide a genetic basis that will accelerate functional genomic and breeding research on M. polymorpha as well as other Medicago and legume plants.
Cytokinin but not gibberellin application had major impact on the phenylpropanoid pathway in grape
Authors: Tyagi Kamal , Maoz Itay , Kochanek Bettina , Sela Noa , Lerno Larry , Ebeler Susan E. , Lichter Amnon
Published: March 2021

Cytokinin and gibberellic acid (GA) are growth regulators used to increase berry size in seedless grapes and it is of interest to understand their effects on the phenylpropanoid pathway and on ripening processes. GA3 and synthetic cytokinin forchlorfenuron (N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea, CPPU) and their combination were applied to 6 mm diameter fruitlets of ‘Sable Seedless’, and berries were sampled 51 and 70 days (d) following application. All treatments increased berry size and delayed sugar accumulation and acid degradation with a stronger effect of CPPU. CPPU, but not GA, reduced berry color and the levels of anthocyanins. While CPPU reduced the levels of anthocyanins by more than 50%, the combined treatment of GA+CPPU reduced the levels by about 25% at 51 d. CPPU treatment had minor effects on flavonols content but increased the levels of monomeric flavan-3-ols by more than two-fold. Phloroglucinol analysis using HPLC showed that proanthocyanidin content was significantly increased by CPPU, whereas mean degree of polymerization was reduced from 26 to 19. Volatile analysis by GC-MS showed changes in composition with CPPU or GA treatment with potential impact on flavor. RNA-seq analysis showed that GA had a minor overall effect on the transcriptome whereas CPPU had pronounced effects on gene expression at both 51 and 70 d. Comparing the control and CPPU at similar Brix of ca. 19.7°, a reduced expression of stilbene synthases (STSs) including their regulators MYB14 and MYB15, and other phenylpropanoid-related genes was observed in CPPU-treated grapes. Overall, our study shows that CPPU had a major influence on the phenylpropanoid pathway and affected multiple ripening-related processes.
Transcriptome analysis of ciliary-dependent MCH signaling in differentiating 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes
Authors: Cook Laurie B. , Ophardt Henry D. , Shen Rongkun , Pratt Bryan H. , Galbier Lucas A.
Published: March 2021

An understanding of adipocyte responsiveness to G-protein-coupled receptor-(GPCR) derived signals must take into consideration the role of membrane microenvironments; that individual sub-populations of proteins may vary significantly across different regions of the cell, and that cell differentiation alters those microenvironments. 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes undergo a dramatic phenotypic transformation during differentiation into adipocytes, requiring the development of a transient primary cilium. We demonstrate that melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) receptor 1, a GPCR that stimulates appetite, translocates to the transient primary cilium during early 3T3-L1 cell adipogenesis. Furthermore, we used RNA-Seq to investigate whether MCH signaling is influenced by its receptor localization and whether MCH can influence the transcriptome of early adipocyte development. We found that MCH signaling is sensitive to receptor localization to cilia, and this alters the adipogenic transcriptional program. Also, novel MCH signaling pathways in 3T3-L1 cells are identified, including those for circadian rhythm, the inflammatory response, and ciliary biogenesis. The presence of active MCH-signaling pathways in pre-adipocytes and the discovery that these pathways intersect with the early adipogenic program, among other newly-identified signaling pathways, suggests that the use of MCH receptor 1 antagonists for clinical interventions may have unintended consequences on adipose tissue development.
Sex differences in the prognosis of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kim Minkwan , Kim Bongsung , Choi You-Jung , Lee Hyun-Jung , Lee Heesun , Park Jun-Bean , Lee Seung-Pyo , Han Kyung-Do , Kim Yong-Jin , Kim Hyung-Kwan
Published: March 2021

We investigated sex-related differences in the prognosis of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using the Korea National Health Insurance Service database. From 2010 to 2016, 9524 patients diagnosed with HCM and had more than 1-year follow-up period were analyzed. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular death or new-onset heart failure (HF) admission. Propensity score-matching analysis was performed to adjust for different baseline characteristics. With a 4.4-years’ median follow-up interval (range 2.0–6.6 years) and male predominance (77.6%), women with HCM were older (52.6 ± 9.7 vs. 51.4 ± 9.1, p < 0.001), had lower incomes, more comorbidities based on Charlson comorbidity index. Women with HCM had a higher incidence of the primary endpoint than men (incidence rate: 34.15 vs. 22.83 per 1000 person-years, log-rank p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox analysis showed that female sex was a poor prognostic factor for the primary endpoint (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.24–1.64, p < 0.001). This was mainly driven by a higher incidence of new-onset HF admission (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.34–1.80). However, there was no difference in the incidence of cardiovascular death between the sexes. This result was concordant in the propensity score-matched cohort. In conclusion, women with HCM have worse prognosis, which was mainly driven by a higher new-onset HF admission.
Nickel borate with a 3D hierarchical structure as a robust and efficient electrocatalyst for urea oxidation
Authors: Ge Jianhua , Lai Yuecheng , Guan Minghui , Xiao Yuhua , Kuang Juner , Yang Chunzhen
Published: March 2021

Using Ni–Bi as a UOR catalyst not only enables urea-wastewater decomposition but also promotes energy efficiency for hydrogen production.
Advances in organocatalytic asymmetric reactions of vinylindoles: powerful access to enantioenriched indole derivatives
Authors: Tu Man-Su , Chen Ke-Wei , Wu Ping , Zhang Yu-Chen , Liu Xiao-Qin , Shi Feng
Published: March 2021

This review summarizes advances in vinylindole-based organocatalytic asymmetric reactions since 2008 and includes the applications of some methodologies in the total synthesis of natural products, points out remaining challenges in this research area.
Alkoxy substitution on IDT-Series and Y-Series non-fullerene acceptors yielding highly efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Chen Yuzhong , Liu Tao , Ma Lik-Kuen , Xue Wenyue , Ma Ruijie , Zhang Jianquan , Ma Chao , Kim Ha Kyung , Yu Han , Bai Fujin , Wong Kam Sing , Ma Wei , Yan He , Zou Yingping
Published: March 2021

The alkoxy substitution were taken on IDT-series and Y-series non-fullerene acceptors. The resulting molecules named IDTN-O and Y6-O both exhibit better performance, indicating it is an effective method to optimize these two types of acceptors.
An ultra-lithiophilic oxidation layer in a Ni-foam-based anode for lithium metal batteries
Authors: Choi Yusong , Ahn Tae-Young , Lee Eun Hye , Hur Tae-Uk , Ha Sang-Hyeon , Lee Jae-In , Park Tae Ryong , Choi Chi Hun , Kim Ji-Youn , Cho Jang-Hyeon
Published: March 2021

An ultra lithiophilic and highly electrical conductive NiO layer was epitaxially grown on the Ni-foam surface by oxidation in air. Oxidizing the Ni-foam in air remarkably increases the wettability of molten Li on the Ni surface.
Copper-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-substituted benzofused heterocycles
Authors: Wu Wei , Luo Beibei , You Yi , Weng Zhiqiang
Published: March 2021

A method for copper-catalyzed synthesis of 2-trifluoroethyl-substituted benzofurans and indoles from the reaction of salicylaldehyde/2-aminobenzaldehyde p-tosylhydrazones with 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene has been developed.
Das Gift der Eibe: eine ungewöhnliche Ursache der akuten Herzinsuffizienz
Authors: Haring B. , Weismann D.
Published: March 2021

Anamnese Eine 45-jährige Patientin wurde nach suizidaler Taxin-Intoxikation heimatnah stationär aufgenommen. Im Rahmen der Erstversorgung wurde sie intubiert und bei hämodynamisch relevanten bradykarden Rhythmusstörungen mehrfach reanimiert. Vor Verlegung in unser Zentrum erfolgten noch eine Gastroskopie, die Anlage eines passageren Schrittmachers, die Gabe von Natriumbikarbonat sowie die Gabe von Digitalis-Fab.

Untersuchungen und Diagnose Bei Übernahme war die Patientin tief sediert, intubiert, kontrolliert beatmet und hoch Katecholamin-pflichtig. Der körperliche Untersuchungsbefund und eine Röntgen-Thorax-Untersuchung waren unauffällig. Im Aufnahme-EKG fanden sich breite Kammerkomplexe. Echokardiografisch hatte die Patientin normal große Herzhöhlen mit global hochgradig reduzierter Funktion ohne Nachweis höhergradiger Klappenvitien.

Therapie und Verlauf Bei AV-Block Grad III und hochgradig eingeschränkter kardialer Funktion war die Therapie mit einer passageren Schrittmacheranlage allein nicht ausreichend, und es wurde zusätzlich mit Katecholaminen sowohl der Blutdruck stabilisiert wie auch positiv inotrop behandelt. Nach Verlegung kam es wiederholt zu ventrikulären Tachykardien, welche unter Amiodaron-Gaben sistierten. Nach 48-stündiger supportiver Therapie normalisierte sich die Herzfunktion. Die komplikationslose Extubation der Patientin war im Verlauf möglich und die Patientin konnte in eine psychiatrische Klinik zur weiteren Behandlung verlegt werden.

Folgerung Taxin-Intoxikationen sind insbesondere kardiotoxisch. Die passagere Schrittmachertherapie trug zu einer Stabilisierung bei, eine Kreislaufunterstützung mit Katecholaminen war dennoch erforderlich. Wenn die genannten Maßnahmen nicht ausreichen, sollte eine Unterstützung durch eine extrakorporale Membranoxygenierung erwogen werden.
Assessment of Memory among Traumatic Brain Injury Patients during Follow-Up at a Tertiary Health Care Facility in Rural Setting
Authors: Singh Anamika , Kumar Raj , Ansari Ahmad , Singh Naresh Pal , Singh Amit Kant
Published: March 2021

Background Head injury is an important public health problem nowadays. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from external force that leads to damage to brain tissue. Main causes of TBI are motor vehicle collisions and fall from height. One of the primary symptoms after TBI is impaired word retrieval. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess memory impairment in TBI patients following treatment to asses a residual memory status to declare them apt for official works if improved enough.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess memory impairment in TBI patients to assess the residual memory status following treatment.

Materials and Methods The study was conducted in Outpatient Department (OPD) of Neurosurgery, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. The TBI patients were assessed by predesigned memory assessment questionnaire during their follow-up following discharge from hospital.

Results A total of 65 patients with TBI were assessed, of which 21 (32.3%) cases had frontal lobe injuries with 9 of 21 having memory loss (42.9% cases). The temporoparietal lobe was affected in 10 (15.4%) cases out of which 5 developed memory loss, that is, 50% cases. The multiple lobes were involved in 24 (36.9%) cases, out of which memory impairment occurred in 9 cases, that is, 37.5%. Four of total five cases (80%) of diffuse axonal injury had memory loss. Further, 16.9% (n = 11) TBI patients were unable to perform digit span test (immediate memory test), 44.6% (n = 29) cases could not perform three-word recall at 5 minutes (short-term memory test), and 15.4% (n = 10) cases could not perform (long-term memory test).

Conclusion The study showed that memory assessment is required in TBI patients for instituting proper rehabilitation measures and to allow them for sensitive memory-related work following discharge from hospital.
Nachhaltigkeit im Krankenhaus: Green Hospital Management als Stellhebel für Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Kriegel Johannes
Published: March 2021

Green Hospital Management hat das Ziel, Ressourcenverbräuche zu reduzieren sowie die Ressourceneffizienz zu steigern. Damit dies gelingt, müssen in Krankenhäusern mittels Steuerung und Organisationsgestaltung besonders ökologische und nachhaltige Anforderungen und Themenstellungen berücksichtigt werden.
Lean Management in der Krankenhauslogistik: Sendungsverfolgung – weil schwarze Löcher teuer sind
Authors: Weise Holger
Published: March 2021

Mehr als nur das Tracken von Materiallieferungen: Sendungsverfolgung macht Logistikprozesse in ihrer Gesamtheit transparent und messbar. Mittels Scanner, Barcodes oder aktiven Ortungs-Tags (Bluetooth, RFID oder Vergleichbares) können unwirtschaftliche Prozesse über Bord geworfen werden.
In Situ Synthese Reinigungsmittel: Reinigungsmittel und Gewitter – passt das zusammen?
Authors: auch Möchten
Published: March 2021

Ein effizientes und nachhaltiges Reinigungsmittel auf Knopfdruck an Ort und Stelle generieren zu können stellt einen großen Schritt in Richtung Nachhaltigkeit dar. Lassen Sie nach der Reinigung nur Sauerstoff und Wasser auf der Oberfläche zurück, haben sie das Potenzial einen Wandel in der Denkweise zu generieren.
Facial Nerve Function Outcome and Risk Factors in Resection of Large Cystic Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Stastna Daniela , Mannion Richard , Axon Patrick , Moffat David Andrew , Donnelly Neil , Tysome James R. , Hardy David G. , Bance Mahonar , Joannides Alexis , Lawes Indu , Macfarlane Robert
Published: March 2021

Objective Cystic vestibular schwannomas (VS) in contrast to solid VS tend to have accelerated growth, larger volume, rapid/atypical presentation, lobulated/adherent surface, and unpredictable course of the cranial nerves. Cystic VS are surgically challenging, with worse clinical outcomes and higher rate of subtotal resection (STR).

Methods We retrospectively analyzed postoperative outcomes of 125 patients with cystic VS, operated between years 2005 and 2019 in our center. We confronted the extent of the resection and House-Brackmann (HB) grade of facial palsy with the results of comparable cohort of patients with solid VS operated in our center and literature review by Thakur et al.1

Results Translabyrinthine approach was preferred for resection of large, cystic VS (97.6%). Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 78 patients (62.4%), near-total resection (NTR) with remnant (<4 × 4 × 2 mm) in 43 patients (34.4%), and STR in 4 patients (3.2%). NTR/STR were significantly associated with higher age, tumor volume >5 cm3, retrosigmoid approach, high-riding jugular bulb, tumor adherence to the brain stem, and facial nerve (p = 0.016; 0.003; 0.005; 0.025; 0.001; and <0.00001, respectively).

One year after the surgery, 76% of patients had HB grades 1 to 2, 16% had HB grades 3 to 4, and 8% had HB grades 5 to 6 palsy. Worse outcome (HB grades 3 to 6) was associated with preoperative facial palsy, tumor volume >25 cm3, and cyst over the brain stem (p = 0.045; 0.014; and 0.05, respectively). Comparable solid VS operated in our center had significantly higher HB grades 1 to 2 rate than our cystic VS (94% versus 76%; p = 0.03). Comparing our results with literature review, our HB grades 1 to 2 rate was significantly higher (76% versus 39%; p = 0.0001). Tumor control rate 5 years after surgery was 95.8%.

Conclusion Our study confirmed that microsurgery of cystic VS has worse outcomes of facial nerve preservation and extent of resection compared with solid VS. Greater attention should be paid to the above-mentioned risk factors.
miR-18b regulates the function of rabbit ovary granulosa cells
Authors: Li Ze , Jiang Junyi , Yi Xiaohua , Wang Guoyan , Wang Shuhui , Sun Xiuzhu
Published: March 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been determined to participate in the process of oestradiol production. Generally, there are two pathways by which oestradiol levels change, one being the state of cells (i.e. the status of enzymes involved in the synthesis of hormones such as oestradiol) and the other being the number of cells that secrete oestradiol. It is known that oestrogens are the main steroids produced by granulosa cells (GCs) of mature ovarian follicles. In this study we explored the function of miR-18b in rabbit GCs by overexpressing or inhibiting its activity. We found that miR-18b silencing promoted the secretion of oestradiol by significantly affecting the expression of steroidogenesis-related genes. Thus, miR-18b may act as a negative regulator of the production of enzymes related to oestradiol synthesis and affect oestradiol production. Furthermore, the effects of miR-18b on the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of GCs were investigated using a cell counting kit (CCK-8) proliferation assay, detection of annexin V–fluorescein isothiocyanate apoptosis, flow cytometry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that miR-18b upregulated GC apoptosis (miR-18b overexpression decreases cell growth and stimulates apoptosis). These findings suggest that miR-18b and the oestrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene may be attractive targets to further explore the molecular regulation of GCs. The miR-18b may also explain, in part, the abnormal folliculogenesis in mammals caused by conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, and others.
From driverless dilemmas to more practical commonsense tests for automated vehicles
Authors: De Freitas Julian , Censi Andrea , Walker Smith Bryant , Di Lillo Luigi , Anthony Sam E. , Frazzoli Emilio
Published: March 2021

For the first time in history, automated vehicles (AVs) are being deployed in populated environments. This unprecedented transformation of our everyday lives demands a significant undertaking: endowing complex autonomous systems with ethically acceptable behavior. We outline how one prominent, ethically relevant component of AVs—driving behavior—is inextricably linked to stakeholders in the technical, regulatory, and social spheres of the field. Whereas humans are presumed (rightly or wrongly) to have the “common sense” to behave ethically in new driving situations beyond a standard driving test, AVs do not (and probably should not) enjoy this presumption. We examine, at a high level, how to test the common sense of an AV. We start by reviewing discussions of “driverless dilemmas,” adaptions of the traditional “trolley dilemmas” of philosophy that have sparked discussion on AV ethics but have limited use to the technical and legal spheres. Then, we explain how to substantially change the premises and features of these dilemmas (while preserving their behavioral diagnostic spirit) in order to lay the foundations for a more practical and relevant framework that tests driving common sense as an integral part of road rules testing.
HIV-1 cores retain their integrity until minutes before uncoating in the nucleus
Authors: Li Chenglei , Burdick Ryan C. , Nagashima Kunio , Hu Wei-Shau , Pathak Vinay K.
Published: March 2021

Significance

Here, we used a fluorescent protein that is free in solution and is trapped in nuclear HIV-1 capsids to demonstrate that the capsids retain integrity and prevent mixing of macromolecules within the viral core and the cellular environment until just before integration. We also found that capsid integrity is maintained until just minutes before disassembly in the nucleus, revealing that uncoating proceeds rapidly after integrity loss. These valuable insights into the early stage of HIV-1 replication indicate that intact HIV-1 capsids are imported through nuclear pores, that reverse transcription is mostly completed within intact capsids, and that preintegration complex-host interactions facilitating integration and target site selection must occur within a short time frame between capsid disassembly and integration.
“It’s of no value compared to your value”
Authors: Saadati Soodeh , Vefalı Gülşen Musayeva
Published: March 2021

In the present study, we attempt to develop EFL learners’ metapragmatic awareness of English compliments, which still remains an under-researched issue. Initially, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with intermediate-level Iranian EFL learners, Persian and British English native speakers. Although the analysis of the language learners’ realization of compliments and responses to compliments seemed to indicate that their pragmatic development was overall adequate, it also suggested the influence of the native socio-pragmatic schema on their pragmatic performance. We therefore undertook a pragmatic instruction aimed at developing the EFL learners’ metapragmatic awareness of complimenting. The results suggested that through discussion, analysis, small-scale research, and reflections on the native and target pragmalinguistic and socio-pragmatic complimenting conventions the learners were developing metapragmatic awareness. Finally, we make recommendations for more effective pragmatic teaching in EFL contexts.
Boron nitride whisker @ graphene nanohybrid-filled epoxy composites with high thermal conductivities and low dielectric losses
Authors: Gao Zhifang , Li Lianyue
Published: March 2021

In this work, we demonstrate boron nitride whisker @ graphene (BN@GE) nanohybrids with a unique morphology as a thermally conductive filler for improving the thermal conductivity of a polymer matrix. In this structure, GE sheets were applied to insulating hexagonal boron nitride (BN) whiskers via a simplified method to ensure the sheets were well separated when used in epoxy composites. The addition of GE to produce the BN@GE hybrids was found to reduce the length of the BN whiskers. In addition, separation of the sheets enhanced the three-dimensional thermally conductive networks within the composite, which improved the thermal conductivity and significantly enhanced the dielectric constant. Furthermore, the implanted insulating network of BN inhibited the charge carrier mobility on the well-separated sheets via GE fixation on the BN whiskers, and resulted in a low dielectric loss. As a result, the epoxy composite containing 40 wt% BN@GE-15 hybrid filler exhibited a thermal conductivity, dielectric constant, and ultra-low dielectric loss of 1.26 W m−1 K−1, 12.7, and 0.0051, respectively. We expect this uniquely structured hybrid filler will be suitable for the fabrication of thermal interface materials with high thermal conductivities and low dielectric losses.
Electron-beam evaporated bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) thin films and characterization
Authors: Mijiti Abuduwaili , Mamat Mamatrishat , Xiaerding Fuerkaiti , Wang Qing , Abudurexiti Abuduresuli , Aihaiti Litipu
Published: March 2021

The BiFeO3 (BFO) thin films made by the electron beam evaporator are systematically investigated. As the most difficult part of this work, the preparation process is repeated until the optimal deposition power and elemental composition of BFO are obtained. With the help of X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, we specify precisely that the sample annealed at the temperature of 650 °C is the purest BFO phase with rhombohedral R3c structure. The Scanning Electron Microscopy images provide the surface morphology and cross-sectional thickness of each sample for the further performance analysis. With the aim of understanding the changes in the chemical bond structure of BFO samples at the different annealing temperatures, we applied X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the result indicates that the absorption of oxygen is increasing with the raising of the annealing temperature. Finally, we measured the magnetic property and resistivity of BFO samples to explore their applications. The saturation magnetization measurement shows the correlation between the magnetization of BFO and microstructures such as phase structure, grain size. Meanwhile, the electronic resistivity explains the close relationship between the resistivity and surface morphology.
DeepViral: prediction of novel virus–host interactions from protein sequences and infectious disease phenotypes
Authors: Liu-Wei Wang , Kafkas Şenay , Chen Jun , Dimonaco Nicholas J. , Tegnér Jesper , Hoehndorf Robert
Published: March 2021

Motivation

Infectious diseases caused by novel viruses have become a major public health concern. Rapid identification of virus–host interactions can reveal mechanistic insights into infectious diseases and shed light on potential treatments. Current computational prediction methods for novel viruses are based mainly on protein sequences. However, it is not clear to what extent other important features, such as the symptoms caused by the viruses, could contribute to a predictor. Disease phenotypes (i.e. signs and symptoms) are readily accessible from clinical diagnosis and we hypothesize that they may act as a potential proxy and an additional source of information for the underlying molecular interactions between the pathogens and hosts.

Results

We developed DeepViral, a deep learning based method that predicts protein–protein interactions (PPI) between humans and viruses. Motivated by the potential utility of infectious disease phenotypes, we first embedded human proteins and viruses in a shared space using their associated phenotypes and functions, supported by formalized background knowledge from biomedical ontologies. By jointly learning from protein sequences and phenotype features, DeepViral significantly improves over existing sequence-based methods for intra- and inter-species PPI prediction.

Availability and implementation

Code and datasets for reproduction and customization are available at https://github.com/bio-ontology-research-group/DeepViral. Prediction results for 14 virus families are available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4429824.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Reliable planning of isolated Building Integrated Photovoltaic systems
Authors: Elazab Rasha , Eid Janet , Amin Amr
Published: March 2021

In this paper, two probabilistic reliability indices are presented to define the effect of clouds on different types of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. Existing indices do not match the main features of photovoltaic (PV) sources, such as variability, uncertainty and dependency on weather conditions. In addition, they are time indicators that describe the percentage of total failure time per year without any indication about power or energy mismatch. By using the available Geographic Information System solar-irradiation database, the proposed indices consider a similar pattern of expected daily solar irradiation as a model of PV systems. Two different models are studied for diverse building loads: an energy model for flexible loads and a constant-power model for critical loads. A comparative study is implemented for six different locations: Cairo, London, Berlin, Beijing, Madrid and Riyadh. Moreover, three types of BIPV systems are studied: fixed, double-axis-tracking and concentrated PV systems. The presented results show the effects of clouds, PV type and locations on the system performance.
Revolutions, real contradictions, and the method of resolving them: The relationship between the Court of Justice of the European Union and the German Federal Constitutional Court
Authors: Haltern Ulrich
Published: March 2021

The German Federal Constitutional Court’s (FCC) PSPP ruling has met with criticism of unprecedented fierceness: its doctrine, its politics, and its authors have been attacked and ridiculed. While I agree that the ruling has its weaknesses, I also believe that many reactions to it, including the commentary by Basedow et al., are flawed. They frame the PSPP ruling as an abrupt break in time―a revolutionary narrative of old and new, with the decision splitting history into before and after. This frame alters the meaning of what happened. It throws the FCC alone into the spotlight, keeps other actors and narratives connected with them in the shadow, places a huge burden of legitimacy on the FCC, and makes the ruling appear not merely as bad law, but as a political action in the guise of law. I argue that none of this does justice to the ruling or to the politics behind it. This begs the deeper question of why the ruling has elicited such Mosaic wrath. My answer is that courts read “their” political communities rather than merely legal texts―they link law to imaginations of self-government and popular sovereignty. In this social practice, the FCC operates at the thicker end of constitutionalism, with a surplus of authority, legitimacy, and, ultimately, political identity, as compared to the Court of Justice of the European Union, which labors at the thinner end of constitutionalism and must view the FCC, like many commentators do, as an idolater. This, rather than doctrine or politics, is where the “real contradiction” lies. There is no resolving this contradiction through law or institution-building. But the preliminary ruling procedure under Art. 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union does provide a form for it to move around and resolve itself.
A pulmonary mucus surrogate for investigating antibiotic permeation and activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms
Authors: Frisch Sarah , Boese Annette , Huck Benedikt , Horstmann Justus C , Ho Duy-Khiet , Schwarzkopf Konrad , Murgia Xabier , Loretz Brigitta , de Souza Carvalho-Wodarz Cristiane , Lehr Claus-Michael
Published: March 2021

Background

Pulmonary infections associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be life-threatening for patients suffering from chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis. In this scenario, the formation of biofilms embedded in a mucus layer can limit the permeation and the activity of anti-infectives.

Objectives

Native human pulmonary mucus can be isolated from endotracheal tubes, but this source is limited for large-scale testing. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate a modified artificial sputum medium (ASMmod) with mucus-like viscoelastic properties as a surrogate for testing anti-infectives against P. aeruginosa biofilms.

Methods

Bacterial growth in conventional broth cultures was compared with that in ASMmod, and PAO1-GFP biofilms were imaged by confocal microscopy. Transport kinetics of three antibiotics, tobramycin, colistin, and ciprofloxacin, through native mucus and ASMmod were studied, and their activity against PAO1 biofilms grown in different media was assessed by determination of metabolic activity and cfu.

Results

PAO1(-GFP) cultured in human pulmonary mucus or ASMmod showed similarities in bacterial growth and biofilm morphology. A limited permeation of antibiotics through ASMmod was observed, indicating its strong barrier properties, which are comparable to those of native human mucus. Reduced susceptibility of PAO1 biofilms was observed in ASMmod compared with LB medium for tobramycin and colistin, but less for ciprofloxacin.

Conclusions

These findings underline the importance of mucus as a biological barrier to antibiotics. ASMmod appears to be a valuable surrogate for studying mucus permeation of anti-infectives and their efficacy against PAO1 biofilms.
Transitional Care of Service Members With Genitourinary Injury
Authors: Villareal Humberto , Al-Bayati Sam , Wang Chen-Pin , Pugh Mary Jo , Liss Michael A
Published: March 2021

Objective

To improve urotrauma care by describing veterans’ current demographics and needs assessment during transitional care to the Veteran Health Administration (VHA) system.

Methods

We utilized our previously identified cohorts obtained from the DoD Trauma Registry data for male service members injured in theater linked with VHA electronic health records. We included veterans who received care at VHA at least once from October 2001 through September 2011 for chart review. We investigate demographics, opportunities for care, combat-related trauma, disability, and associated mental health or urologic conditions specifically at the initial encounter with a VHA healthcare provider.

Results

We queried 580 veterans’ records in VHA from the linked databases. We idenfied that 141 (24.4%) veterans received addional care outside VHA and 17.1% (n = 99) of charts had insufficient data for injury validation. Reference to the urotrauma was mentioned in 72% of VHA initial visits (n = 416/580). The most common urotrauma occurred to the lower/external genitourinary injury (298, 51%). Of all the veterans identified with genitourinary trauma, approximately 28% (n = 160) were referred for urologic consultation, but only 14% were related to the original urotrauma. Ninety percent (522/580) of service members with urotrauma also had a mental health diagnosis, largely post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, 70.8%).

Conclusions

The majority of men with urotrauma did have contact with VHA, yet there is no systematic approach to baseline assessment or long-term care strategy. However, only a small proportion of DoD-documented urotrauma requires ongoing care. We identified that coordinating care with mental health pathways (PTSD/traumatic brain injury) may be an opportunity to evaluate the long-term effects of urotrauma.
Red blood cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles loaded with AIEgen and Poly(I : C) for enhanced tumoral photodynamic-immunotherapy
Authors: Dai Jun , Wu Meng , Wang Quan , Ding Siyang , Dong Xiaoqi , Xue Liru , Zhu Qingqing , Zhou Jian , Xia Fan , Wang Shixuan , Hong Yuning
Published: March 2021

Red blood cell (RBC)-mimicking nanoparticles (NPs) offer a promising platform for drug delivery because of their prolonged circulation time, reduced immunogenicity and specific targeting ability. Herein, we report the design and preparation of RBC membrane-bound NPs (M@AP), for tumoral photodynamic-immunotherapy. The M@AP is formed by self-assembly of the positively charged aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) (named P2-PPh3) and the negatively charged polyinosinic : polycytidylic acid (Poly(I : C)), followed by RBC membrane encapsulation. P2-PPh3 is an AIE-active conjugated polyelectrolyte with additional photosensitizing ability for photodynamic therapy (PDT), while Poly(I : C) serves as an immune-stimulant to stimulate both tumor and immune cells to activate immunity, and thus reduces tumor cell viability. When applied in tumor-bearing mice, the M@AP NPs are enriched in both the tumor region as a result of an enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, and the spleen because of the homing effect of the RBC-mimicking shell. Upon light irradiation, P2-PPh3 promotes strong ROS generation in tumor cells, inducing the release of tumor antigens (TA). The anti-tumor immunity is further enhanced by the presence of Poly(I : C) in M@AP. Thus, this strategy combines the PDT properties of the AIE-active polyelectrolyte and immunotherapy properties of Poly(I : C) to achieve synergistic activation of the immune system for anti-tumor activity, providing a novel strategy for tumor treatment.
The Impact of Shift Type on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Platelet Activation
Authors: Demir Irfan , Toker Aysun , Aksoy Hulya , Tasyurek Erkan , Zengin Selcuk
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Rotating shift is known to disrupt circadian rhythms. The 12/24 shift system, with frequent day–night rotations and the ergonomic shift system (ESS), with 90% less rotations were compared for their impacts on oxidative stress, inflammation, and platelet activation by using pentraxin 3 (PTX3), urinary 15-isoprostane F2t, and 11-dehydrotromboxane B2 (11-DTB2).

Methods:

All tests were performed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Unpaired t test and Pearson correlation analysis were employed.

Results:

Two hundred twenty 12/24 and 198 ESS workers were included. Plasma PTX3 and urinary 15-isoprostane F2t levels were not different between groups. Urinary 11-DTB2 in 12/24 workers were found significantly higher compared with ESS workers (P < 0.0001). A weak but significant correlation was found between urinary 15-isoprostane F2t and urinary 11-DTB2 levels (r = 0.17, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

12/24 rotating shift was found to cause platelet activation disturbances.
Stroke Patients Without COVID-19 Symptoms
Authors: Tan You-Jiang , Narasimhalu Kaavya , Chan Yvonne , De Silva Deidre A.
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

COVID-19 patients who present with strokes but without typical COVID-19 symptoms have been described in small numbers. Despite the paucity of fever and respiratory symptoms, they remain capable of infecting others. The patient we discuss herein highlights the important issues of strokes as presenting events of COVID-19 infections, and how testing for COVID-19 in stroke patients, even when asymptomatic for COVID-19, can play an important role in infection control, clinical management and outcomes amidst this global pandemic.

Case Report:

A 45-year-old male resident of a dormitory presented to our unit with acute vertigo and left-sided dysmetria. NIHSS was 2. The initial magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated infarction of the left cerebellar hemisphere, middle cerebellar peduncle and hemipons. An extensive work-up for stroke etiologies was unremarkable. Despite having no fever, respiratory symptoms, anosmia or ageusia, he was isolated and screened for COVID-19 due to his epidemiologic risks, with multiple residents from his dormitory being recently diagnosed with COVID-19. Confirming our suspicion, his respiratory samples returned positive for COVID-19. His D-dimer levels returned normal. Thereafter, the patient underwent posterior decompression surgery due to worsening edema caused by the cerebellar infarct. He was started on antiplatelet therapy and recovered significantly a month from presentation with an modified Rankin Sore of 2. He remained without typical COVID-19 symptoms.

Conclusion:

Our patient’s case clearly supports the screening for COVID-19 in stroke patients who are without COVID-19 symptoms, appreciating the significant value it adds to infection control, clinical management, and outcomes amidst this global pandemic.
Phospholipase A2 and Ischemic Stroke Etiology
Authors: Ramos-Lopes Joana , Varela Ricardo , Pascoal Rui , Rodrigues Fernando , Coelho José , Almendra Luciano , Duque Cristina , Rodrigues Bruno , Machado Cristina , Nunes Carla , Carmo-Macário Maria , Santo Gustavo , Silva Fernando , Sargento-Freitas João
Published: March 2021

Background:

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), which is involved in the inflammatory atherosclerotic process, has emerged as an independent risk factor for atheromatous vascular events. Its impact on coronary disease has already been demonstrated, however, its influence in cerebrovascular etiology is still unknown. We aimed to observe and describe the potential association between Lp-PLA2 levels and the etiologic subtype of ischemic stroke.

Methods:

Unicentric, observational, and prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke, admitted in a comprehensive stroke center. Patients with incomplete investigation or coexisting causes were excluded. Lp-PLA2 was dosed in peripheral blood between day 3 and 14 postevent with “Lp-PLA2-SNIBE” kit. Statistical significance was set for P<0.05.

Results:

A total of 96 patients were enrolled, with mean age of 75.31±11.88 years, 41 males (42.7%); 12.5% with lacunar stroke, 16.7% atherothrombotic, 46.9% cardioembolic, and 24% embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). The level of Lp-PLA2 was different between etiologies (F=2.982, P=0.035), being lower in ESUS (143.3±42.8 ng/mL). There were no significant associations with previous vascular risk factors, history of ischemic stroke and modified-Rankin scale (mRS) score 3 months postevent. In ESUS patients, Lp-PLA2 was not associated with cervical ultrasound findings or frequent supraventricular extrasystoles.

Conclusions:

Lp-PLA2 levels are different between etiologic subtypes of ischemic stroke, being lower in ESUS patients. The results of this study reinforce the existence of distinct pathophysiological mechanisms in patients with ESUS. Multicenter clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed to clarify the role Lp-PLA2 on the etiology of stroke.
A Multi-Stage Stochastic Programming Approach to Epidemic Resource Allocation with Equity Considerations
Authors: Yin Xuecheng , Büyüktahtakın İ. Esra
Published: March 2021

Existing compartmental models in epidemiology are limited in terms of optimizing the resource allocation to control an epidemic outbreak under disease growth uncertainty. In this study, we address this core limitation by presenting a multi-stage stochastic programming compartmental model, which integrates the uncertain disease progression and resource allocation to control an infectious disease outbreak. The proposed multi-stage stochastic program involves various disease growth scenarios and optimizes the distribution of treatment centers and resources while minimizing the total expected number of new infections and funerals. We define two new equity metrics, namely infection and capacity equity, and explicitly consider equity for allocating treatment funds and facilities over multiple time stages. We also study the multistage value of the stochastic solution (VSS), which demonstrates the superiority of the proposed stochastic programming model over its deterministic counterpart. We apply the proposed formulation to control the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia of West Africa to determine the optimal and fair resource-allocation strategies. Our model balances the proportion of infections over all regions, even without including the infection equity or prevalence equity constraints. Model results also show that allocating treatment resources proportional to population is sub-optimal, and enforcing such a resource allocation policy might adversely impact the total number of infections and deaths, and thus resulting in a high cost that we have to pay for the fairness. Our multi-stage stochastic epidemic-logistics model is practical and can be adapted to control other infectious diseases in meta-populations and dynamically evolving situations.
Characterization and mitigation of aerosols and splatters from ultrasonic scalers
Authors: Ou Qisheng , Placucci Rafael Grazzini , Danielson Judy , Anderson Gary , Olin Paul , Jardine Paul , Madden John , Yuan Qinghui , Grafe Timothy H. , Shao Siyao , Hong Jiarong , Pui David Y.H.
Published: March 2021

Background

Dental procedures often produce aerosols and splatter which have the potential to transmit pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. The existing literature is limited.

Methods

Aerosols and splatter were generated from an ultrasonic scaling procedure on a dental mannequin and characterized by two optical imaging methods – digital inline holography (DIH) and laser sheet imaging (LSI). Capture efficiencies of various aerosol mitigation devices were evaluated and compared.

Results

The ultrasonic scaling procedure generates a wide size range of aerosols up to a few hundred micrometers and occasional large splatter which emit at low velocity (mostly below 3 m/s). Use of a saliva ejector (SE) and high-volume evacuator (HVE) resulted in 63% and 88% of overall reduction respectively while an extraoral local extractor (ELE) resulted in a reduction of 96% at the nominal design flow setting.

Conclusions

The study results showed that the use of ELE or HVE significantly reduced aerosol and splatter emission. The use of HVE generally requires an additional person to assist a hygienist, while an ELE can be operated “hands-free” when a dental hygienist is performing ultrasonic scaling and other operations.

Practical Implications

An extraoral local extractor aids in the reduction of aerosols and splatters during ultrasonic scaling procedures, potentially reducing transmission of oral or respiratory pathogens, like SARS-CoV-2. Position and airflow of the device are important to effective aerosol mitigation.
Structure–property relationships of molecular shape and orientation with compression and expansion of xylitol
Authors: Safari Fatemeh , Katrusiak Andrzej
Published: March 2021

Easy crystallization distinguishes xylitol from other sugars, which usually condense into a syrup from aqueous solution. Although two polymorphs,i.e.metastable monoclinic and high-density orthorhombic, have been reported for xylitol, only the latter is in practical use. Under high pressure, the same orthorhombic phase has been obtained by both isothermal and isochoric recrystallization. The stability of the orthorhombic xylitol phase to 5.0 GPa has been correlated with a uniform compression of all hydrogen bonds and some flexibility of the molecular conformation, which cushion the pressure-induced local strains. The anisotropic compressibility of xylitol and its thermal expansion are consistent with the rule of inverse effects of pressure and temperature. This inverse strain relationship has been correlated with the dimensions and orientation of xylitol molecules in the crystal structure.
X-ray dynamical diffraction Talbot effect behind a crystal in free space
Authors: Balyan Minas , Levonyan Levon , Trouni Karapet
Published: March 2021

The dynamical diffraction Talbot effect takes place inside a crystal, when a periodic object is illuminated by a plane or spherical X-ray wave which then falls on the crystal at an angle close to the Bragg angle for some reflection. Both theoretical consideration and numerical calculations show that the dynamical diffraction Talbot effect also takes place behind the crystal. The effect is accompanied by the dynamical diffraction pendulum effect and wave focusing. Expressions are found for the dynamical diffraction Talbot distance for areas before and after focusing. The spatial Fourier spectrum of the periodic object is obtained on the focusing plane. Detailed analysis when the periodic object is illuminated by a plane wave has shown new features of this effect. The dynamical diffraction Talbot effect in free space can be used to determine the structure of a periodic object, to determine the structure of an arbitrary object placed before or after the periodic object, and to determine structural defects and deformations of the crystal.