bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are SARS-CoV-2 self-tests used for their intended purpose? The experience in Belgium.
Authors: Lafort Yves , Cornelissen Laura , Cauteren Dieter Van , Verboven Barbara , Drieskens Sabine , Couvreur Simon , Hermans Lize , Straetmans Koen , Lernout Tinne
Published: November 2022

Background
Self-testing has been promoted as a means of increasing COVID-19 test coverage. In Belgium, self-testing was recommended as a complement to the formal, provider-administered indications, such as out of courtesy before meeting others and when feared to be infected. More than a year after the introduction of self-testing their place in the test strategy was evaluated.
Methods
We assessed trends in the number of self-tests sold, the number of positive self-tests reported, the proportion sold self-tests/total tests, and the proportion of all positive tests that were confirmed self-tests. To evaluate the reason why people use self-tests, we used the results of two online surveys among members of the general population: one among 27,397 people, held in April 2021, and one among 22,354 people, held in December 2021.
Results
The use of self-tests became substantial from end 2021 onwards. In the period mid-November 2021 – end-of-June 2022, the average proportion of reported sold self-tests to all COVID-19 tests was 37% and 14% of all positive tests were positive self-tests. In both surveys, the main reported reasons for using a self-test were having symptoms (34% of users in April 2021 and 31% in December 2021) and after a risk contact (27% in both April and December). Moreover, the number of self-tests sold, and the number of positive self-tests reported closely followed the same trend as the provider-administered tests in symptomatic people and high risk-contacts, which reinforces the hypothesis that they were mainly used for these two indications.
Conclusions
From end 2021 onwards, self-testing covered a significant part of COVID-19 testing in Belgium, which increased without doubt the testing coverage. However, the available data seem to indicate that self-testing was mostly used for indications outside of official recommendations. If and how this affected the control of the epidemic remains unknown.
Luminescence mechanisms in the 2V2O5-xLi2O-(98-x)B2O3 glass matrices developed for creation of efficient glass-ceramic materials
Authors: Chukova Oksana , Nedilko Serhii G. , Voitenko Tetiana , Minikayev Roman , Paszkowicz Wojciech , Stasiv Vasyl , Zhydachevskyy Yaroslav , Suchocki Andrzej
Published: November 2022

The oxide glass-ceramics are promising class of solid state materials because they are using thermally stable and chemically inert glass oxide matrices. Development of such efficient glass matrices suitable for creation of glass-ceramic materials for several purposes is an important practical task. The xLi2O-yV2O5-(100-x-y)B2O3 undoped glass and 47Li2O-2V2O5-50B2O3-1La0.3Eu0.7VO4 glass samples with crystalline nanoinclusions were synthesized and investigated using XRD, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy and UV band-to-band excitation of luminescence. The synthesized glass samples are characterized by wide band photoluminescence emission with maximum at 570 nm and intensity increased with increase of Li2O concentration. The excitation spectra consist of three bands with maxima positions at 270, 320 and 365 nm. The observed concentration dependencies of spectral distributions in the absorption and excitation spectra are explained by influence of the lithium ions on a ratio between triborate and tetraborate groups in the glass networks. The assumption is made that the observed wide band photoluminescence emission of the glass matrix can appear as a result of recombination processes between the defects in borate networks and the broken vanadate groups. The crystalline component in the doped glass samples is found to not affect the luminescence properties of the glass matrix. Intensity of narrow band photoluminescence emission of the crystalline component is up to 10 times more intense than that of the glass matrix wide band emission. The synthesized type of the glass matrices has promising characteristics for the use of developed materials in lighting devices, as it allows improving the spectral distribution of light emission towards the white light.
Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with the High Incidence of Amblyopia in Preterm Infants at the Corrected Gestational Age of 12 Months
Authors: Cao Yiwen , Wang Ying , Li Bian , Zhu Dehai , Sang Tian , Du Xueyan , Shi Wanjun , Yang Liu
Published: November 2022

Objective
To investigate the perinatal and in-hospital risk factors associated with the high incidence of amblyopia in preterm infants and to analyze the correlation between the amblyopia risk factors (ARFs) and neurodevelopment.
Methods
Children discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at 12 months of corrected gestational age were retrospectively included in this study. Ocular screening was performed in children. The presence of ARFs was determined according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology Guidelines for automated preschool vision screening factors. Differences in perinatal characteristics, complications during hospitalization, and treatment modalities between the two groups of children were analyzed, and multifactorial logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for ARFs. The results of developmental assessment were collected retrospectively to analyze the correlation between ARFs and various aspects of neurological development.
Results
A total of 128 preterm infants, 30 in the ARF group and 98 in the non-ARF group, were included in this study. Univariate analysis showed that the ARF group had lower birth weights, higher rates of asphyxia, preterm brain white matter injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), sepsis during hospitalization, and higher rates of treatment with pulmonary surfactant (PS), blood transfusion, invasive ventilator, and levothyroxine. Logistic regression analysis showed that BPD in the neonatal period (odds ratio [OR] 8.355, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.492, 46.786), brain white matter injury (OR 16.742, 95% CI 0.684, 409.804), treatment with levothyroxine (OR 2.859, 95% CI 0.946, 8.639), and use of an invasive ventilator (OR 2.983, 95% CI 0.942, 9.445) were independent risk factors for amblyopia at 12 months of corrected gestational age, while the administration of glucocorticoids (OR 0.055, 95% CI 0.004, 0.737) was a protective factor. Regarding neurodevelopmental assessment, the number of infants with lagging fine motor development was greater in the ARFs group.
Conclusion
The presence of BPD in the neonatal period, brain white matter damage in preterm infants, and use of levothyroxine and invasive ventilator were high risk factors for ARFs. The use of glucocorticoids therapy was a protective factor. Children with ARFs had a higher rate of poor fine motor development.
Is remote ischaemic preconditioning worthwhile for patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass? A meta-analysis and systematic literature review
Authors: Yao Yangyang , Kadeer Mujiesemu , Askar Madina , Qinggusi Maolieen , Qiu Bingqi , Chen Chunling
Published: November 2022

Background: Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the clinical benefits of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) prior to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, to date, there is still no consensus on the benefit of this procedure. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the treatment outcomes of RIPC in patients treated with CPB.
Methods: Databases were systematically searched for eligible RCTs comparing the delivery of RIPC with no treatment or sham RIPC (control) before CPB. Two authors individually screened studies and assessed the risk of bias. The primary outcome measure was mortality. The secondary outcome measures were length of intensive care unit (ICU) or hospital stay, the incidence of myocardial injury (MI), low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) and so on. The relative risk (RR) and the population size mean difference (SMD) at the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were compared between the 2 groups.
Results: Forty-one RCTs met the eligibility criteria. RIPC did not reduce overall and in-hospital mortality compared with the control group (RR=0.99, 95%CI: 0.78-1.26, I2=12%). No remarkable difference was observed between the two groups regarding the length of ICU and hospital stay (SMD: -0.12, 95%CI: -0.29−0.06, I2=93%; SMD: -0.926, 95%CI: -2.103−0.251, I2=95.2%, respectively). However, RIPC reduced the incidence of MI and the ventilation duration slightly when compared to the control group (RR=0.86, 95%CI: 0.76−0.99, I2=22%; RR=-0.16 95%CI: -1.85−1.52, I2=0%, respectively).
Conclusion: RIPC did not have an impact on mortality and length of ICU/hospital stay, however, it reduced the incidence of MI and the ventilation duration. This work does not recommend RIPC for patients underwent cardiac surgery.
Privacy-Preserving Cloud Data Sharing for Healthcare Systems with Hybrid Blockchain
Authors: . Raghav , Andola Nitish , Venkatesan S. , Verma Shekhar
Published: November 2022

Privacy-preserving sharing of cloud data requires user authentication and fine-grained access control along with privacy provisioning mechanisms. In this paper, we propose two schemes, keyword-based re-encryption (KRE) scheme and oblivious transfer-based re-encryption (OTRE) scheme for privacy-preserving secure health data sharing. KRE preserves data privacy and provides fine-grained access control with reduced key management overhead. OTRE is a superset of KRE that utilizes OT for users' data privacy and multiple data sharing. The schemes are collusion resistant against an honest but curious cloud and malicious users. The use of hybrid blockchain removes the need for a single trusted authority and provides large-scale secure data sharing. Blockchain also enables authentication between end-users and verifiability of data on the cloud through smart contracts. We implemented the schemes using the SageMath tool and hybrid blockchain using Go-Ethereum with Remix. The overall average time consumption of KRE scheme and OTRE scheme, 17:836ms and 23:62ms, respectively, for data sharing, indicates the efficiency of the schemes. The additional privacy provisioning step was responsible for the increased time in OTRE scheme. In addition to data sharing, consensus time, latency and throughput in KRE and OTRE schemes demonstrated their efficiency and suitability for healthcare data sharing applications.
Correlation of extracellular polymeric substances and microbial communities in biofilms with phosphate
Authors: Song Yanhui , Hua Jianlin , Ju Bao , Jiang Aili , Chen Lihong , Xing Ronglian
Published: November 2022

The characteristics and dynamic succession of biofilm on the surface of attached materials at different phosphate levels were studied. Phosphate showed significant effect on the formation of biofilm. The dry weight, dry weight without ash, chlorophyll-a, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of biofilm all increased with the increase of phosphate level, and reached the peak value at 40 µg/L, then stabilized and slightly decreased with the increase of phosphate concentration. The proportion of polysaccharides in EPS of each layer in biofilm increased from outside to inside (from Soluble EPS to Loosely Bound EPS to Tightly Bound EPS), in contrast, the proportion of protein showed the opposite. EPS of various types in biofilms enhanced with the increase of phosphate level, the amounts of protein and polysaccharide in EPS showed similar trend. When the phosphate concentrations were lower than 40 µg/L, the ratio of protein to polysaccharide (PN/PS) increased with the increase of phosphate level, and decreased somewhat when the phosphate was higher than 50 µg/L. The proportion of bacteria in microbial population of biofilm decreased with the increasing of phosphate level and immersion time of the attached material, while the proportion of diatoms increased gradually. The study was helpful to understand the dialectical relationship between environmental factors and biological factors in the aquaculture environment, and provides a theoretical basis for exploring the mechanism of marine biofilm formation.
Alignment of human KAT2A (GCN5) Histone Acetyltransferase and SARS-CoV-2 Orf8 viral proteins
Authors: Lehrer Steven , Rheinstein Peter
Published: November 2022

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus has evolved to mimic an enzyme, KAT2A (lysine acetyltransferase 2A, GCN5), one of the histone proteins that package DNA in the cell nucleus. Gene transcription is deranged because of this mimicry, which reduces antiviral response. An amino acid sequence known as the ARKS motif in histone H3 is modified by KAT2A, which adds acetyl groups and encourages gene transcription. The Orf8 protein from the SARS-CoV-2 virus also has an ARKS motif. KAT2A interacts with Orf8 via ARKS, which modifies it and may cause KAT2A destruction. Using structures from RCSB Protein Data Bank, we examined another way that Orf8 may interfere with KAT2A.
Methods: We analyzed two RCSB Protein Data Bank molecules: 1) 1Z4R. Human GCN5 (KAT2A) Histone Acetyltransferase. 2) 7F5F. SARS-CoV-2 Orf8 S84 viral protein. The protein structures were superimposed and aligned on PYMOL v 2.5.0 with the Super command, which super aligns two protein selections.
Results: Pymol performed 5 cycles of calculations on 65 aligned atoms of Human KAT2A (GCN5 Histone Acetyltransferase) and SARS-CoV-2 Orf8 S84 viral proteins, with a final root mean square deviation of atomic positions (RMSD) of 0.975 Angstrom for 51 atoms. Lower values of RMSD indicate that alignment is validated with higher accuracy. RMSD values of 1 Angstrom or less indicate very good alignment.
Conclusion: the 51 amino acid alignment of Human KAT2A Histone Acetyltransferase and SARS-CoV-2 Orf8 S84 viral protein we identified suggests a significant effect of Orf8 on KAT2A. Orf8 may interfere with KAT2A gene transcription and disrupt host cell ability to regulate gene expression and respond to SARS-CoV-2 infection effectively. Since transcription and translation are upregulated in cancer cells, Orf8 could also be a cancer treatment.
Severe immediate hypersensitivity to gadolinium contrast agent after targeted treatment in a patient with alveolar soft part sarcoma: a case report
Authors: Yan Hongxia , Zhang Jianxin , Cai Xinfeng , Hao Zhiying , Guan Zhe
Published: November 2022

Background

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), benefiting from good tolerance and safety, become the priority contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Serious hypersensitivity reactions caused by GBCAs are rare, but occur occasionally. The “immune surveillance” theory proposes that lowered immune function exists in patients with malignance, which decrease the occurrence of atopy. Natural immunosurveillance that enhanced by effective treatment of malignance may increase the risk of hypersensitivity.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old female patient suffered intensive pain with left leg mass was admitted in our hospital. She was diagnosed with alveolar soft part sarcoma by histopathological and revealed destruction of the left fibula and lung metastasis by computed tomography scan, and treated with anlotinib hydrochloride, a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor. She underwent contrast-enhanced MRI twice using gadodiamide, without any discomfort. However, after four cycles of anlotinib hydrochloride, she developed severe immediate hypersensitivity due to gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced MRI for evaluating therapeutic regimen.

Conclusion

Severe immediate hypersensitivity might be occured by gadolinium contrast agent in patient with malignance after effective treatment. We explored the potential mechanism of GBCA-inducing hypersensitivity in detail, by especially focusing on the changes of immune environment. Furthermore, we propose new ideas for the safe use of GBCAs in patients with malignancies. However, to confirm the validity of these ideas, further research is required.
A suite of modular, all-synthetic suicide vectors for allelic exchange mutagenesis in multidrug resistant Acinetobacter strains
Authors: Pokhrel Alaska , Li Liping , Short Francesca L. , Paulsen Ian T.
Published: November 2022

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic human pathogen that causes a variety of infections in immunosuppressed individuals and patients in intensive care units. The success of this pathogen in nosocomial settings can be directly attributed to its persistent nature and its ability to rapidly acquire multidrug resistance. It is now considered to be one of the top priority pathogens for development of novel therapeutic approaches. Several high-throughput techniques have been utilised to identify the genetic determinants contributing to the success of A. baumannii as a global pathogen. However, targeted gene-function studies remain challenging due to the lack of appropriate genetic tools.
Results: Here, we have constructed a series of all-synthetic allelic exchange vectors – pALFI1, pALFI2 and pALFI3 – with suitable selection markers for targeted genetic studies in highly drug resistant A. baumannii isolates. The vectors follow the Standard European Vector Architecture (SEVA) framework for easy replacement of components. This method allows for rapid plasmid construction with the mutant allele, efficient conjugational transfer using a diaminopimelic acid-dependent Escherichia coli donor strain, efficient positive selection using the suitable selection markers and finally, sucrose-dependent counter-selection to obtain double-crossovers.
Conclusions: We have used this method to create scar-less deletion mutants in three different strains of A. baumannii, which resulted in up to 75% deletion frequency of the targeted gene. We believe this method can be effectively used to perform genetic manipulation studies in multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacterial strains.
Item Analysis of Quality of Life Scale (QLICP-NA, V2.0) for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Based on Classical Test theory and Item Response Theory
Authors: Zhang Yani , Luo Tianxin , Chen Tianliang , Fang Yangchen , Wan Chonghua , Wu Jiayuan , Hu Liren , Liang Zhangye , Du Jinlin , Yang Zheng
Published: November 2022

Objective

To analyze the QLICP-NA (V2.0) items using classical test theory and item response theory.
Methods One hundred twenty-one nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were investigated using QLICP-NA (V2.0). SPSS15.0 software was used to manage the data and Multilog 7.03 software was used for parameter analysis. IRT was used to calculate the discrimination, difficulty, and item information for each item in the scale.
Results The scale covered five domains: physical (PHD); psychological (PSD); social (SOD); general symptoms and side effects (SSD); and special module (SNA). PHD contains eight items (coded GPH1-8), PSD comprises nine items (coded GPS1-9), SOD covers eight items (coded GSO1-8), SSD includes seven items (coded GSS1-7), and SNA covers eleven items (coded SNA1-11). The correlation coefficient between SNA1 and SNA8 was < 0.4, and the correlation was poor. GPS4, GOS4, SNA1, and SNA3 had low correlation with the field. The five items were deleted. SNA4 and SNA8 discrimination was poor, thus deletion was recommended. SNA2 and SNA10 discrimination was not good, thus SNA2 and SNA10 were modified and retained. The results of item information showed that the information content of the specific module, SNA1-11, was poor, but because deleting too many items had a great impact on the total table and deleting two items (SNA6 and SNA10) with < 0.2 information, 34 items were finally reserved.
Conclusion The analysis of scale items can be evaluated from different angles and applied comprehensively.
Current Status and Prospects of Diabetes Mellitus Induced Erectile Dysfunction: A Bibliometric and Visualization Study
Authors: Liu Baoxing , Zhang Lei , Bao Binghao , Guo Jianqiang , Qin Zhongjian , Huang Haonan , Chen Lu
Published: November 2022

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) has recently increased, which has prompted numerous DMED studies. Here, we conduct a bibliometric analysis of relevant literature in the field of DMED and to discuss the research hotspots and future development directions. The Web of Science Core Collection database was searched for literature on DMED, and literature characterization was performed using VOS viewer 1.6.18 and CiteSpace 5.8 R3 software. A total of 804 articles concerning DMED were included in this study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine issued the most documents. The United States and China were in the leading position in the field of DMED research. Ryu JK were the authors with the highest number of documents issued while Bivalacqua TJ was the author with the most co-citated. The keywords analysis shows that the main research hotspots in the field of DMED were mechanism discussions and disease treatment and management. Global research on DMED is expected to increase further. The investigation of the mechanism of DMED and the exploration of new therapeutic means and targets are the focus of future research.
Choline deficiency and choline metabolism disorders can lead to anxiety-like behaviors induced by DSS in IBD mice
Authors: Xu Maosheng , Zhang Fan , Guo Lingnan , Shi Jingjing , Jiang Hao , Zhou Feini , Zhou Yanlin , Lv Bin
Published: November 2022

Anxiety and depression caused by inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) negatively affect the mental health of patients. Emerging studies have demonstrated that the gut-brain axis mediates IBD-induced mood disorders, but the underlying mechanisms of these findings remain unknown. This study unveiled promising evidence that choline dysfunction may be a cause of IBD induced mood disorders. Analysing Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (DSS)-induced IBD mice model with transcriptomics and metabolomics technology, it was discovered that mRNA responsible for acetylcholine synthesis and secretion were increased and the phosphatidylcholine (PC) content were decreased in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of IBD mice compared to the Control. Fecal Metagenomics showed that the microbiome and lipid metabolism were also abnormal in IBD mice. Since both acetylcholine and PC are choline metabolites, we inferred that the IBD mice may suffer from choline deficiency and choline metabolism disorder. Following supplementation of CDP-choline, experimental subjects showed improvements through decreased anxiety-like behaviors, reduced PC degradation and increased acetylcholine synthesis in the PFC. In addition, CDP-choline treatment was shown to restore the gut microbiome and lipid metabolism disorders characteristic of DSS treatment. This study provides compelling evidence to suggest that choline metabolism plays a key role in the development and treatment of mood disorders in IBD patients, and choline and its metabolites may play a key role in maintaining the stability of the gut-brain axis.
A novel somatic mutation in POLE exonuclease domain associated with ultra-mutational signature and MMR deficiency in endometrial cancer: a case report
Authors: Cui Jiantao , Chen Xiuying , Zhai Qian , Chen Na , Li Xiaodan , Zhang Yuli , Wang Hui , Bian Xin , Gao Na , Chen Deyi , Chen Zhihong , Zhang Shibiao , Chen Yan
Published: November 2022

Background: Defect in proofreading exonuclease activity of polymerases epsilon and delta (Pols ε and δ) leads to mutagenesis and genomic instability and has been described in several cancer types. Somatic POLE exonuclease domain mutations (EDMs) have been reported in 7-12% endometrial cancers (ECs) and defined a subgroup of endometrial cancers with ultrahigh somatic mutation frequencies, high tumor infiltrated lymphocytes and favorable outcomes.
Case presentation: Herein, we presented a novel somatic mutation in POLE exonuclease domain associated with ultra-mutational signature and MMR deficiency in endometrial cancer. A novel POLE EDM (p.T278K) was found by a 11-gene NGS panel. The MSS status detected by the MSI test was inconsistent with the dMMR status by IHC. The loss of MSH6 expression in the tumor could be interpreted by the two nonsense mutations (p.E1234* and p.E1322*) of the MSH6 gene which may lead to truncated proteins. The T278K mutation was pathogenic identified by a 602-gene NGS panel with 27.3% of C>A substitution, 0.6% of indels, 0.6% of C>G substitution and a high TMB of 203.8 mut/Mb.
Conclusions: We report an endometrial cancer patient harbored a novel somatic POLE T278K mutation. This mutation was a novel pathogenic POLE EDM should be considered as “POLE (ultramutated)” in clinical practice for the molecular classification of EC.
TOP2A and PPARGC1A differentiate chromatin regulator-related subtypes for prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy
Authors: Shi Xu , Zhu Weizhen , Feng Dechao , Li Dengxiong , Han Ping , Wei Wuran
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND
To find molecular subtypes and risk score that can be used to accurately predict the biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RAP) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients from the perspective of chromatin regulator (CR).
METHODS
We obtain the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumor and normal samples from the TCGA and GEO databases, and intersected it with CR-related and prognostic genes in the TCGA database. Subsequently, consensus clustering, risk score, functional analysis, tumor immune microenvironment, m6A analysis, and tumor heterogeneity were analyzed through R software 3.6.3 and its suitable packages.
RESULTS
After taking the intersection, TOP2A and PPARGC1A were identified to construct molecular subtypes and risk score in the TCGA database, which was verified externally using another GEO dataset. Cluster 2 had shorter BCR-free survival than cluster 1 in TCGA (HR: 2.21, 95%CI: 1.32–3.73, p = 0.003), GEO (HR: 2.05, 95%CI: 1.05–4.02, p = 0.01) and MSKCC2010 (HR: 5.93, 95% CI: 1.96–17.87, p < 0.001) databases. Similar results were observed in the high- and low-risk group divided by our risk score on the basis of median value. We have witnessed more significant tumor heterogeneity and higher expression of various m6A genes in the cluster 2. Gene set variation analysis indicated that cell cycle-related pathways were mainly downregulated in the cluster 2. In addition, despite no overall differences in tumor immune microenvironment scores, various tumor-infiltrating immune cells were suppressed in the cluster 2.
CONCLUSIONS
In our study, TOP2A and PPARGC1A could differentiate prostate cancer subtypes for patients undergoing RAP and help make early plans for subsequent treatment.
Diversity of fungal communities and changes in antibacterial activity of artificially culturable fungal secondary metabolites from diseased and healthy fruits of Cinnamomum burmannii
Authors: Wang Wei , Cai Teng , Yang Yuting , Guo Hui , Shang Zhuo , Shahid Hamza , Zhang Yirong , Qiu Sirun , Zeng Xinnian , Xu Xiaoli , Liu Yi , Fang Ping , Ding Ping , Mao Ziling , Shan Tijiang
Published: November 2022

Background
Studies on the function of endophytic fungal communities in healthy plant tissues are not new, while little is known about the functional changes of fungal communities in pathogenic plant tissues. Healthy fruits of Cinnamomum burmannii are an important medicinal resource, infection by phytopathogenic fungi causes changes in volatile components, with the corresponding, the functional characteristics and potential value of fungal communities in diseased fruits have not been reported. Consequently, characterization in the composition structure and antibacterial activity of fungal communities from healthy and diseased fruits of C. burmannii was investigated, the secondary metabolites in the fungus Medicopsis romeroi were reported for the first time.
Results
The fungal community in diseased fruits differed from that of healthy fruits at the Phylum, Class, Order or Genus levels, with important changes in the species and relative abundance of the dominant flora. Forty-one different strains (11 from healthy fruits and 30 from diseased fruits) were successfully identified by morphological and molecular biological methods which were classified into 8 groups and 23 genera using phylogenetic tree analysis, with Pleosporales, Glomerellales and Hypocreales were the dominant group at the phylum level and Colletotrichum was the dominant group at the genus level. The secondary metabolites of all strains had different degrees of antibacterial activity, while the secondary metabolites of diseased fruit symbiotic fungi were generally stronger than those of healthy fruits, with the active secondary metabolites dominated by small and medium polar compounds. Both the up-regulated and down-regulated flora in diseased fruit had strong antibacterial activity. Two new compounds, 5, 6-Dimethoxy-[1',1:4,1''-terphenyl]-2-ol (1), 5-(methoxycarbonyl)-2-methylbenzo[d][1, 3]dioxole-2-carboxylic acid (2) and three known compounds (3, 4, 5) were isolated and identified for the first time from the symbiotic fungus Medicopsis romeroi.
Conclusion
Although the diversity of fungal communities decreases after plant fruit disease, the antibacterial activity capacity of the fungi among them is generally enhanced, and the development of secondary metabolites of active strains from diseased fruits holds great promise. This study is significant for understanding the functional variation of bioactivity in fungal communities and developing a broader range of bioactive resources.
The Device Simulation of MXene-added Hole-Transport Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Azadi Saeid Khesali , Asgharizadeh Saeid
Published: November 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) without hole transport layer (HTL) based on organic and inorganic metal halide perovskite have received vast consideration in recent years. For predigestion of device structure and construction process, the exclusion of the HTL is a marvelous way. By detaching the HTL part of the devices, we could reduce the cost and complexity of the structures. Currently, a novel 2D material named Ti3C2 MXene with high electron mobility, excellent metallic conductivity, and functionalized surface groups applied for tuning the energy offsets has been reported to be added in the perovskite absorber layer, leading to a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) improvement. In this work, the SCAPS-1D simulator is employed to optimize the response of the MXene-assisted HTL-free photovoltaic device to obtain the highest possible efficiency and investigate the physics behind such simulation. We present a modeling procedure that optimizes the length of the involved layers and specifies the optimum level of the doping concentration. We also show that by optimizing the work function of the back contact, the device performance witnesses a significant improvement, proving the considerable role of the back contact in these cells. The simulated HTL-free devices illustrate attainably PCEs of about 20.01% and 21.04% for the cells without and with MXene, under AM 1.5G illumination and absorption up to 760 (nm).
Exposure to oxLDL impairs TGF-β activity in human tendon cells
Authors: Mousavizadeh Rouhollah , Waugh Charlie M. , DeBruin Erin , McCormack Robert G. , Duronio Vincent , Scott Alex
Published: November 2022

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a known risk factor for the development of acute or chronic tendon injuries, but the mechanisms which link cholesterol and tendon pathology are not completely known. Previous studies have shown that patients with hypercholesterolemia experience elevated levels of oxidized LDL (oxLDL), a molecule which triggers inflammation and collagenase activity. In this study we discovered a potential mechanism that may contribute to tendon damage by oxLDL.
Methods: Isolated human tendon cells were incubated in the presence or absence of oxLDL. The influence of oxLDL on the expression level of key mRNA and proteins was examined using real time quantitative PCR, ELISA and Western blots. The activities of enzymes relevant to collagen synthesis and breakdown (lysyl oxidase and matrix metalloproteinases) were quantified using fluorometry. Finally, the isolated human tendon cells in a 3D construct were exposed to combinations of oxLDL and TGF-β to examine their interacting effects on collagen matrix remodeling.
Results: The expression of key mRNAs including TGFB, COL1A1, DCN, and LOX were reduced in human tendon cells by oxLDL while MMPs were increased. The oxLDL reduced the activity of LOX, whereas conversely MMP activities were induced. COL1A1 synthesis and TGF-β secretion were also inhibited. Adding recombinant TGF-β reversed the effects of oxLDL on the expression of collagens and LOX. OxLDL also impaired collagen matrix remodeling, and adding TGF-β restored the native phenotype.
Conclusions: Exposure oxLDL in patients with hypercholesterolemia may adversely affect the mechanical and structural properties of tendon tissue through a direct action of oxLDL on tendon cells, including impairment of TGF-β expression. This impairment leads to disturbed matrix remodeling and synthesis, thereby potentially leading to increased risk of acute or chronic tendon injury.
Assessment of Outdoor Thermal Comfort using Landsat 8 Imageries with Machine learning tools over a Metropolitan City of India
Authors: Prasad P. S. Hari , Satyanarayana A. N. V.
Published: November 2022

Rapid urbanization and an enormous increase in the urban landscape have resulted in a drastic change in land surface temperature (LST) and outdoor thermal comfort in metropolitan cities and severely impact the health and well-being of residents. The thermal comfort of any region depends on various parameters such as atmospheric temperature, relative humidity, land use, and land cover classes (vegetation, water, built-up and barren). In the present study, an attempt has been made to understand the spatial variation of outdoor thermal comfort in a metropolitan city, Hyderabad (17° 23’ 13” N, 78° 29’ 30” E), India. High-resolution satellite imageries of Landsat 8 and available in situ meteorological observations are used for this purpose. Various environmental indices such as NDVI (Normalized difference vegetation index), NDWI (normalized difference water index), NBI (new built-up index), LST, brightness, greenness, and wetness are estimated using remote sensing techniques. The machine learning tool (SVM regression) was implemented to model the outdoor thermal comfort at a finer resolution. The spatial variation of outdoor thermal comfort was studied for the summer and winter seasons of 2018, 2019, and 2020 and analyzed to delineate the comfort and discomfort zones over the city. The results suggest that urban built-up and barren lands cause maximum discomfort to pedestrians, and vegetated areas and water bodies of urban spaces substantially decrease the thermal loads. Significant spatial variation of outdoor thermal conditions is noticed over different regions of the city, portraying the influence of the urban landscape.
Green extraction of phenolics and flavonoids from black mulberry fruit using natural deep eutectic solvents: optimization, kinetics and surface morphology
Authors: Vo Tan Phat , Pham Thuy Vy , Weina Kasia , Tran Thi Ngoc Huyen , Vo Le Thao Vy , Nguyen Phuc Thanh , Bui Tran Linh Ha , Phan Thuy Han , Nguyen Dinh Quan
Published: November 2022

This study deployed ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), combined with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), to extract phenolics and flavonoids from the black mulberry fruit, and the antioxidant activity was examined. The extraction yields of NADES-based UAE were assessed based on total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC, respectively). NADES produced from choline chloride-lactic acid at a 1:2 molar ratio had the highest extraction yield. One-factor experiments evaluated the effect of UAE conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio, water content in NADES, temperature, and time) on TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. Response surface methodology with the Box-Behnken design model optimized the NADES-based UAE process based on response (TPC, TFC, ABTS, OH, and DPPH). The optimal conditions for the NADES-based UAE process were 70 ml/g of LSR, 38.9% water content in NADES, 67.9°C, and 24.2 min of retention time. The predicted values of the Box-Behnken design were compatible with the experimental results. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy was used to survey the surface of black mulberry fruit with and without sonication. This study proposes an efficient and green method for extracting bioactive compounds from the black mulberry fruit.
Blockade of CCR5 and CXCR3 attenuates murine acute graft-versus-host disease through modulating donor-derived T cell distribution and function
Authors: Tang Bo , Qin Chenchen , Liu Huihui , Miao Shengchao , Wang Zhenhua , Zhang Yang , Dong Yujun , Liu Wei , Ren Hanyun
Published: November 2022

Background
Lymphocyte trafficking via chemokine receptors such as CCR5 and CXCR3 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of aGVHD. Our previous studies showed that addition of CCR5 or CXCR3 antagonist could only slightly alleviate the development of aGVHD. Given the specificity of T lymphocytes bearing CXCR3 and CCR5, we investigated whether combined CCR5 and CXCR3 blockade could further attenuate murine aGVHD.
Methods
A mouse model of aGVHD was established to assess the efficacy of CCR5 or/and CXCR3 blockade on the development of aGVHD. The distribution of lymphocytes was calculated by quantification of immunostaining cells. The immunomodulatory effect on T cells were assessed by evaluating T- cell proliferation, viability, and differentiation.
Results
Using murine allo-HSCT model, we demonstrated that blockade of both CCR5 and CXCR3 could efficiently alleviate the development of aGVHD. Further investigation on the immune mechanisms for this prophylactic effect showed that more T cells were detained into secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs), which may lead to reduced infiltration of T cells into GVHD target organs. Our study also showed that T cells detained into SLOs dampened the activation, suppressed the polarization toward Th1 and Tc1, and induced the production of Treg cells.
Conclusion
These data suggest that concurrent blockade of CCR5 and CXCR3 attenuates murine aGVHD through modulating donor-derived T cell distribution and function, and this might be applicable for aGVHD prophylaxis in clinical settings.
Heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, in carnivores kept in zoos located in Texas, USA: Risk perception, practices, and prevalence
Authors: Upton Kaitlyn E. , Budke Christine M. , Verocai Guilherme G.
Published: November 2022

BackgroundDirofilaria immitis, the causative agent of heartworm disease has long been established to affect both wild and domestic canids, felids, and mustelids. Recent literature demonstrates that additional families in the order Carnivora are also susceptible. The objectives of this study were to 1) better understand current practices surrounding heartworm prevention and diagnostics in zoological facilities located in the state of Texas, USA and 2) assess the seroprevalence ofD. immitisinfection among terrestrial carnivores kept in these facilities. Methods A questionnaire was completed by veterinarians or veterinary technicians representing 10 zoological facilities across Texas. This questionnaire was designed at the taxonomic family level, encompassing the 12 terrestrial carnivore families: Ailuridae, Canidae, Eupleridae, Felidae, Herpestidae, Hyaenidae, Mephitidae, Mustelidae, Prionodontidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae, and Viverridae. The second objective was achieved with the use of archival serum samples made available by six zoo facilities. Results Risk perception varied across facilities for every family, including among species belonging to Canidae. All facilities used monthly heartworm prevention in canids and felids, with more variation existing in the other families. The use of diagnostic testing and type and route of administration of preventive varied by facility, with oral ivermectin the most commonly used preventive. A total of 217 archival serum samples, belonging to 211 individual animals encompassing 11 families and 39 species, were tested with a commercial heartworm antigen ELISA test, pre- and post-immune-complex dissociation. A subset of samples was also assessed for presence of feline anti-heartworm antibodies using a commercial ELISA test. Two animals had antigen detected (0.95%), both Asian small-clawed otters from the same facility. Conclusions This study demonstrates that while the zoo veterinary community is aware of the risk and health impact of heartworm disease in canids and felids, there is still a great deal of uncertainty regarding the risks and ideal strategies for prevention in other carnivore families. The low prevalence found in zoo carnivores in Texas may serve as a baseline for future prevalence studies across the southern United States amid the emerging concern of macrocyclic lactone resistance.
Design and Development of an Adaptive Shunt Active Power Filter for Harmonic Mitigation and Reactive Power Compensation in Power System
Authors: .P VIVEK , B. MUTHUSELVAN N.
Published: November 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Elevated creatinine kinase levels amongst Dutch adolescents with acute alcohol intoxication
Authors: Pigeaud Louise , de Veld Loes , Lely Nico van der
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This study aims to explore the prevalence of creatinine kinase elevation amongst a sample of Dutch adolescents admitted for acute alcohol intoxication.
Methods: The data on all admitted adolescents <18 years old with acute alcohol intoxication between 2008 and 2021 were collected from a Dutch major district general hospital, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, in Delft. Overall, 495 adolescents who were treated for symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication during this period were included in the study.
Results: When evaluating the blood samples of the included patients, elevated creatinine kinase levels were found in 60% of the cases, with a mean of 253.83 U/I. A confirmed diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis (increase in CK > 5-fold the upper limit of normal) was present in 4.4% of cases. Moreover, using a linear regression this study found that a higher blood alcohol concentration was associated with higher creatinine kinase levels, when adjusted for positive drug screenings amongst the adolescents with acute alcohol intoxication (p = 0.027; β = 66.88; 95% CI 7.68-126.08).
Conclusions: This is the first study focusing on how acute alcohol intoxication affects adolescents’ muscle tissue. The results could potentially help to prevent alcohol use within the sports world. It could also aid understanding of how acute alcohol intoxication influences the breakdown of adolescents’ muscle tissue.
Dietary inclusion of Calopogonium mucunoides, Ocimum gratissimum, and Tridax procumbens improves growth performance, haemato-biochemical profile and disease resistance in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Kusi Isaac Osei , Obirikorang Kwasi Adu , Adjei-Boateng Daniel
Published: November 2022

The study evaluated the effect of Calopogonium mucunoides (CM), Ocimum gratissimum (OG) and Tridax procumbens (TP) supplemented diets on growth, blood health and disease resistance in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish (40.1 ± 0.7g initial weight; n = 15 per tank) in triplicate treatments were fed the supplemented diets at 5% body weight daily for 70 days. Growth performance, feed utilization, haemato-biochemical parameters and resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae were determined after the feeding trial. The results showed that weight gain (g) and specific growth rate (% day–1) of TP (62.6 ± 2.2; 1.4 ± 0.04), CM (61.3 ± 1.7; 1.4 ± 0.04) and OG (59.6 ± 5.1; 1.3 ± 0.1) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control (45.4 ± 0.5; 1.1 ± 001). Similarly, the feed conversion ratio of CM (1.23 ± 0.03), TP and OG (1.30 ± 0.05) were better (p < 0.05) than the control (1.54 ± 0.05). Fish survival, feed intake and blood indices; WBC, PLT, MCV, MCH and MCHC values were not statistically different (p > 0.05) among all the treatments. Nevertheless, RBC, HGB, HCT and LYM (%) values were significantly higher in OG and TP while in CM, HGB and LYM (%) values were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the control. Fish survival after S. agalactiae challenge was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in OG (70%), TP (63.3%) and CM (53.3%) compared to the control (26.3%). Dietary supplementation of CM, OG and TP significantly (p < 0.05) improved serum protein profiles, glucose, kidney and liver functions. Thus, supplementation of Nile tilapia diet with these phytobiotics is recommended to improve growth, immunity and resistance against S. agalactiae.
Immediate assessment of colorectal anastomosis with intraoperative colonoscopy: its role in reducing anastomotic complications
Authors: Yoo Ri Na , Mun Ji Yeon , Kim Jieun , Cho Hyeon-Min , Kye Bong-Hyeon , Kim Hyung Jin
Published: November 2022

Purpose
The use of intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) to evaluate the integrity of newly created anastomosis has been advocated by some surgeons. However, it is still unclear whether direct visualization of fresh anastomosis can help reduce anastomotic problems. This study investigates the impact of immediate endoscopic assessment of colorectal anastomosis on anastomotic problems.
Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at a single center. Of 1210 patients undergoing radical resection for colorectal cancer from 2017 to 2021, 649 patients who underwent stapled anastomosis for left-sided colorectal cancer were included in the study. The anastomotic complications were compared between patients who underwent IOC immediately after creating the colorectal anastomosis and those who did not. Additionally, patients with subsequent intervention after the IOC assessment were compared to those without the intervention.
Results
Of 541 patients with IOC assessment, twenty-seven patients (5.0%) developed anastomotic leakage, and six (1.1%) experienced anastomotic bleeding postoperatively. The anastomotic leakage rate was similar to that in patients who did not undergo IOC (4.6%). Of the patients with IOC, 70 patients (12.9%) received reinforcement sutures to secure anastomotic stability. Of 70 patients, thirty-nine (55.7%) showed abnormal findings of mucosal edema, stapler disruption, bleeding, and air leakage in IOC. Thirty-seven patients (94.9%) who underwent reinforcement sutures did not develop postoperative anastomotic problems; however, two patients developed postoperative anastomotic leakage. Those two patients underwent reoperation due to proximal limb ischemia.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that IOC assessment with reinforcement sutures does not imminently reduce the rate of anastomotic complications in stapled left-sided colorectal anastomosis. However, its routine use may play a role in detecting early technical failure and preventing postoperative anastomotic complications in some patients. Regarding its limitation in detecting progressive ischemia, an investigation into the indocyanine green (ICG) test combined with the endoscopic assessment would help elucidate the optimal anastomosis condition.