bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Darwin’s naturalization conundrum disentangled: the role of phylogenetic relatedness depends on the invasion stages
Authors: Omer Ali , Fristoe Trevor , Yang Qiang , Razanajatovo Mialy , Weigelt Patrick , Kreft Holger , Dawson Wayne , Dullinger Stefan , Essl Franz , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , Kleunen Mark van
Published: December 2021

Darwin’s naturalization hypothesis predicts successful invaders to be distantly related to native species, whereas his pre-adaptation hypothesis predicts the opposite. It has been suggested that depending on the invasion stage (i.e. introduction, naturalization, and invasiveness), both hypotheses, now known as Darwin’s naturalization conundrum, could hold true. We tested this by analysing whether the likelihood of introduction for cultivation as well as subsequent stages of naturalization and invasion of species alien to Southern Africa are correlated with their phylogenetic distance to the native flora of this region. While species were more likely to be introduced for cultivation if they are distantly related to the native flora, the probability of subsequent naturalization was higher for species closely related to the native flora. Furthermore, the probability of becoming invasive was higher for naturalized species distantly related to the native flora. These results were consistent across three different metrics of phylogenetic distance. Our study reveals that the relationship between phylogenetic distance to the native flora and success of an alien species depends on the invasion stage.
Ni-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Alkynes with Unactivated β-C(sp2)-H Bonds
Authors: ye mengchun , Qi Shao-Long , Liu Yu-Peng , Li Yi , Luan Yu-Xin
Published: December 2021

Hydroarylation of alkynes with unactivated C(sp2)-H bonds via chelated C-H metalation mainly occurs at γ-position to the coordinating atom of directing groups via stable 5-membered metallacycles, while β-C(sp2)-H bond-involved hydroarylation has been a formidable challenge. Herein, we used a phosphine oxide-ligated Ni-Al bimetallic catalyst to enable β-C-H bond-involved hydroarylations of alkynes via a rare 7-membered nickelacycle.
Linking Metabolites in Eight Bioactive Forage Species to Their in Vitro Methane Reduction Potential Across Several Cultivars and Harvests
Authors: Verma Supriya , Wolffram Siegfried , Salminen Juha-Pekka , Hasler Mario , Susenbeth Andreas , Blank Ralf , Taube Friedhelm , Kluß Christof , Malisch Carsten Stefan
Published: December 2021

An in vitro study was conducted to analyze the fermentation end-products from 17 cultivars of eight polyphenol containing forage species. The polyphenol composition and proanthocyanidin (PA) structural features of all cultivars were analyzed with UPLC-MS/MS in leaves of vegetative or generative plants. All samples were incubated with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG, a tannin-binding agent) to separate the tannin-effect on methane (CH4) production from that of the forage quality. Sulla and big trefoil, two particularly PA rich species, were found to have the highest CH4 reduction potential of up to 47%. However, they showed simultaneous and almost equal reductions in gas production (GP; a proxy for digestibility). The addition of PEG led to an increase in both GP and CH4 production, confirming the role of tannins on CH4 reduction. Moreover, PA structural features and concentration were found to be an important source of variation for CH4 production from PA containing species. Despite having low polyphenol concentrations, chicory and plantain were found to reduce CH4 production without reducing GP. Generally, the variation across cultivars from the same species was found to be lower than interspecies variability, and the results were found to be consistent across growth stages, indicating the findings representativeness.
A Study on the Effect of Feedback on the Motor Learning of Adjustability of Grasping Force in the Elderly
Authors: Yamamoto Ryohei , Akizuki Kazunori , Yamaguchi Kazuto , Yabuki Jun , Kaneno Tatsuya
Published: December 2021

In this study, we investigated the function related to the adjustability of grasping force (AGF) of elderly people and the effectiveness of concurrent visual feedback in learning tasks that require AGF. The young and elderly groups were measured for simple visual reaction time and a 100g AGF task that reflected the difference between desired performance and actual performance, and the main learning task was tested and practiced using concurrent visual feedback. Performance improved from pre-test to retention test in both groups, but the elderly group failed to reach the level of the young group. In addition, the retention test performance was associated with age and pre-test performance. In the elderly group, the initial performance of the practice was associated with the difference between desired performance and actual performance. In the latter half of the exercise, it was associated with visual-motor speed. The results of this study show that concurrent visual feedback is effective for learning tasks that require AGF. Indicatively, the improvement in performance during practice is insufficient, and the learning effect is reduced in elderly people who have a significant difference between desired performance and actual performance or whose visual-motor speed is slow.
Proteome Profile of Muscle Tissue of Indian Walking Catfish, Clarias Magur Exposed to Abiotic Temperature Stress
Authors: Singh Poonam Jayant , Srivast Satish Kumar
Published: December 2021

The study of expression of proteins in organisms on exposure to various environmental challenges gives clues for understanding on how these challenges affects and copes with the biological system. A study was undertaken to understand the proteome profile of Clarias magur, exposed to abiotic stress of water temperature, to find how fishes evolve adaptive strategies towards stress induced by unforeseen vagaries of climate change. Specimens of Clarias magur were exposed to high temperature sub-lethal water stress of 37°C for 60 days and the muscle proteome profiling was analysed through Liquid Chromatography –Mass Spectroscopy for qualitative differential profiling . The study provides an understanding of different proteins expressed as adaptative challenge to the environment. This is the first study to see proteome expression in Clarias magur through Liquid Chromatography –Mass Spectroscopy
Microfluidic System-based Time-course Tracking of Physical Proximity Between Cells and Its Effect on Gene Expression for Elucidating Live Single Cancer-immune Cell Interactions
Authors: Flores Bianca , Chawla Smriti , Ma Ning , Sanada Chad , Kujur Praveen , Chinen Ludmilla , Hukari Kyle , Lynch Mark , Ramalingam Naveen , Sengupta Debarka , Jeffrey Stefanie
Published: December 2021

Cell-cell communication and physical interactions play a vital role in cancer initiation, homeostasis, progression, and immune response. Here, we report a system that combines live capture of different cell types, co-incubation, time-lapse imaging, and gene expression profiling of doublets using a microfluidic integrated fluidic circuit (IFC) that enables measurement of physical distances between cells and the associated transcriptional profiles due to cell-cell interactions. The temporal variations in natural killer (NK) - triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell distances were tracked and compared with terminally profiled cellular transcriptomes. The results showed the time-bound activities of regulatory modules and alluded to the existence of transcriptional memory. Our experimental and bioinformatic approaches serve as a proof of concept for interrogating live cell interactions at doublet resolution, which can be applied across different cancers and cell types.
Towards an Efficient Validation of Dynamical Whole-brain Models
Authors: Wischnewski Kevin J. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Jirsa Viktor K. , Popovych Oleksandr V.
Published: December 2021

Simulating the resting-state brain dynamics via mathematical whole-brain models requires an optimal selection of parameters, which determine the model’s capability to replicate empirical data. Since the parameter optimization via a grid search (GS) becomes unfeasible for high-dimensional models, we evaluate several alternative approaches to maximize the correspondence between simulated and empirical functional connectivity. A dense GS serves as a benchmark to assess the performance of four optimization schemes: Nelder-Mead Algorithm (NMA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy (CMAES) and Bayesian Optimization (BO). To compare them, we employ an ensemble of coupled phase oscillators built upon individual empirical structural connectivity of 105 healthy subjects. We determine optimal model parameters from two- and three-dimensional parameter spaces and show that the overall fitting quality of the tested methods can compete with the GS. There are, however, marked differences in the required computational resources and stability properties, which we also investigate before proposing CMAES and BO as efficient alternatives to a high-dimensional GS. For the three-dimensional case, these methods generated similar results as the GS, but within less than 6% of the computation time. Our results contribute to an efficient validation of models for personalized simulations of brain dynamics.
Primary Lymphoepithelioma-like Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Hepatic Cyst: a Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Yang Zhiqiang , Li Shengwei , Li Junbo , Wu Xinglang , Liu Jin , Liu Fuyao
Published: December 2021

Background: Lymphoepithelioma-like hepatic carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor. It includes lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellular carcinoma (LEL-HCC) and lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (LEL-ICC). we report the first case of hepatic cyst and LEL-HCC, which is extremely rare among hepatocellular carcinoma.Case presentation: A 47-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with an unexpected health examination finding of liver nodules. Subsequently, the Computerized tomography (CT) revealed a tumor and a cyst. The Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) found a 23×18 mm hepatic cyst in the right lobe of the liver and a 21×17 mm nodule in the left lateral lobe of the liver, and the nodule imaging was likely liver cancer. The patient underwent laparoscopic left lateral hepatectomy, and the histopathological examination revealed undifferentiated heterogeneous glandular epithelial cells with obvious lymphocyte infiltration. The Immunohistochemistry study CD3, CD20, Ki-67, CK, and CK19 results were positive, while CD10, P53, and CEA were negative in tumor tissues. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was negative in situ hybridization. For this patient, the LEL-HCC diagnostic was made according to the histopathological result. Surgical resection is the first choice for this kind of patients, but immunotherapy may be more promising for them in the future. Conclusion: LEL-HCC is a rare variant of HCC, characterized by dense lymphocyte infiltration and a good prognosis. We report the first patient with hepatic cysts and LEL-HCC, which is distinctly uncommon in the HCC patients. Because the hepatic cyst and tumor are similar in certain imaging studies, our work can provide information for clinical diagnosis.
Multiscale Characterization Reveals Oligomerization Dependent Phase Separation of Primer-independent RNA Polymerase nsp8 From SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Xu Jinxin , Jiang Xin , Dong Yan , Ma Changli , Jiang Hanqiu , Zuo Taisen , Zhang Yulong , Chen Rui , Ke Yubin , Cheng He , Wang Howard , Liu Jinsong
Published: December 2021

RNA replication and transcription machinery is an important drug target for fighting against coronavirus. Non-structure protein nsp8 was proposed harboring primase activity. However, the RNA primer synthesis mechanism of nsp8 is still largely unknown. Here, we purified dimer and tetramer forms of SARS-CoV-2 nsp8. Combined with DLS, SANS and thermo-stability analysis, we found that both dimer and tetramer become loosened and destabilized with decreasing salt concentration, and the dimer form is more stable than the tetramer form. Further investigation showed that nsp8 dimer and tetramer can undergo phase separation but exhibit different phase separation behaviors. nsp8 dimer can form liquid-like droplets in the buffer with a low concentration of NaCl; phase separation of nsp8 tetramer depends on the assistance of RNA. Our findings on different phase separation behaviors of nsp8 dimer and tetramer could provide novel insight into the primer synthesis mechanism in coronavirus and facilitate developing novel therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2.
Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.) Genetic Differences in Mineral Nutrition (Part III): Specific Leaflet Mineral Concentrations of High-Yielding Oil Palm Progenies and their Implications for Managing K And Mg Nutrition
Authors: DASSOU Olivier Sènankpon , Dassou Olivier Sènankpon , Adjadohoun Adolphe , Vanhove Wouter , Impens Reinout , Aholoukpè Hervé , Bonneau Xavier , Flori Albert , Cochard Bénoît , Sinsin Brice , Damme Patrick Van , Ollivier Jean
Published: December 2021

Background and aims: In oil palm, similar fertilization treatments can result in leaflet potassium and magnesium concentrations that vary significantly from one progeny to another. This hinders the development of standardized fertilizer recommendations for this crop, as they are usually calculated based on optimum leaflet nutrient concentrations.Methods: 4-high-yielding oil palm progenies with contrasting leaflet K and Mg concentrations (C1, C2, and C3 of Deli x La Mé origin and C4 of Deli x Yangambi origin) were treated with combinations of 3-levels of KCl and MgSO4, in a completely randomized split-plot factorial design with 6-replicates, where progenies were a sub-factor.Results: For a given level of KCl or MgSO4, different leaflet K and Mg concentrations were found between progenies (p < 0.0001). Leaflet K concentration and yield response to KCl applications revealed that the four oil palm progenies have different optimum leaflet K concentrations. In our study period (5-8 YAP), progenies C1 and C3 showed their highest fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yields (13.62 and 16.54 t ha-1 year-1, respectively) at K2, whereas progenies C2 and C4 showed their highest yields (14.62 and 12.39 t ha-1 year-1, respectively) at K1. Conclusion: Our study highlighted specific optimum leaflet K and Mg concentrations for different oil palm progenies in a given environment. It paves the way for adopting K and Mg fertilizer application rates adapted to specific requirements of each type of oil palm planting material.
Investigation on Deformation of DP600 Steel Sheets in Electric-pulse Triggered Energetic Materials Forming
Authors: Xie Xueyun , Yu HaiPing , Zhong Yang
Published: December 2021

Electric-pulse triggered energetic materials forming (ETEF) is a high-speed manufacturing process, which utilizes the chemical energy released by energetic materials (EMs) triggered by underwater wire discharge to plastically shape metals. The understanding of ETEF is not comprehensive, especially in the research on the discharge characteristics of energetic materials triggered by metal wires and the deformation process of metal sheets. In this paper, the above two problems were studied by means of experiment and numerical simulation. For the pulse discharge characteristics, the peak values of voltage and current were reduced during the triggering process of energetic materials. The triggering energy consumption of energetic materials was quantified to be about 200J. The matching parameters of different capacitor-voltage devices had no effect on triggering the energy release of energetic materials, so the electric pulse generator only played a triggering role on energetic materials. Compared with the quasi-static specimen with the same bulging height, the maximum major strain and thinning rate of the bulged specimen under ETEF condition were significantly reduced, and the deformation uniformity and strain distribution of the specimen were improved. The simulation results showed that the addition of energetic materials significantly improved the plastic strain energy of the blank. The deformation of the blank in ETEF can be divided into two stages: the initial chemical energy action stage and the inertia action stage. The bulging height of sheet metal increased by nearly 301% in inertia action stage, accounting for 80% of the total deformation time, and the effective plastic strain distribution was more uniform.
Development and Validation of the Iranian Body Image Scale (IBIS)
Authors: Jalali-Farahani Sara , Amiri Parisa , Zarani Fariba , Zayeri Farid , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: December 2021

Background: Body dissatisfaction has been known as an important public health concern which can influence physical and psycho-social health of adolescents. Hence, health professionals need a valid and reliable tool to assess this problem and its related factors in youth. This study aims to develop and assess psychometric properties of an indigenous scale for evaluation of body image and to investigate its association with body weight status among Iranian adolescents.Methods: This study conducted on 857 adolescents who completed the Iranian body image scale (IBIS) and self-reported their body weight and height. Face, content and construct validity methods were used to assess validity of the IBIS. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to assess construct validity. Moreover, internal consistency of the scale was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α), and test-retest reliability was examined using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). To compare the IBIS scores across sex and body weight status groups, the Mann–Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used, respectively.Results: Mean age and body mass index (BMI) of participants were 16.5±1.1 years and 22.4±4.5 kg/m2, respectively. The EFA showed a 10-factor construct which explained 57% of the variance. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for overall items of the scale was 0.896 and ranged from 0.42 to 0.92 for subscales. The test retest reliability result was acceptable for the IBIS (ICC= 0.805). The ICC values ranged from 0.753 to 0.990 for IBIS subscales. The IBIS total score was significantly higher in girls compared to boys (median (Q1-Q3): 32.2 (25.5-43.3) vs. 30.3(24.0-38.0); p<0.001). In girls, the IBIS total score was significantly lower in normal weight girls compared to their overweight (p=0.001), and obese (p=0.001) counterparts. This difference was not observed in boys. Conclusion: These findings support reliability and validity of the IBIS for assessment of body image in Iranian adolescents; this scale can be applied as an appropriate tool for assessment of body image in adolescents in related future studies. Current findings highlight considering body image as an important aspect of intervention programs targeting overweight and obesity in adolescents, specifically girls.
Effect of High-Pressure Hot Airflow On Interlayer Adhesion Strength of 3D Printed Parts
Authors: Xu Huangxiang , Xiao Jianhua , Zhang Xiaojie , Liu Xiaobo
Published: December 2021

The characteristics of FDM 3D printed parts depend largely on the process used to make them. This paper demonstrates the design of an FDM 3D printing gas-assisted molding printing head, which is used to eliminate the effect of swelling away from the mold and improve the dimensional accuracy. Meanwhile, the high-pressure hot airflow instantly heats and pressurizes the printing surface layer to enhance the interlayer adhesion strength and its mechanical properties. A stable gas lubrication layer can be formed on the inner wall of gas-assisted nozzle to smoothly deposit filaments when the gas flow (Qgas) is set to 1.75 L/min and the gas pressure (Pgas) is set to 0.4 MPa. The interlayer adhesion strength of the printed parts is enhanced by more than 50% compared with that without gas assistance, and the volumetric shrinkage rate of the optimal group is only 0.13%. The proposed printing method can significantly improve the performance of thermoplastic parts and provide new capabilities for biomedical printing, automotive, aerospace and functional device printing in the future.
Endogenous Levels of Alpha-synuclein Modulate Seeding and Aggregation in Cultured Cells
Authors: Vasili Eftychia , Dominguez-Meijide Antonio , Flores-Léon Manuel , Al-Azzani Mohammed , Kanellidi Angeliki , Melki Ronald , Stefanis Leonidas , Outeiro Tiago
Published: December 2021

Background: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein in intraneuronal inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Multiple studies strongly implicate the levels of alpha-synuclein as a major risk factor for the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Alpha-synuclein pathology spreads progressively throughout interconnected brain regions but the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the seeding of alpha-synuclein aggregation are still unclear.Methods: Here, using stable cell lines expressing alpha-synuclein, we examined the correlation between endogenous alpha-synuclein levels and the seeding propensity by exogenous alpha-synuclein pre-formed fibrils. We applied biochemical approaches and imaging methods in stable cell lines expressing alpha-synuclein and in primary neurons to determine the impact of alpha-synuclein levels on seeding and aggregation. Results: Our results indicate that the levels of alpha-synuclein define the pattern and severity of aggregation and the extent of p-alpha-synuclein deposition, likely explaining the selective vulnerability of different cell types in synucleinopathies. Conclusions: The elucidation of the cellular processes involved in the pathological aggregation of alpha-synuclein will enable the identification of novel targets and the development of therapeutic strategies for Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies.
Why COVID-19 symptomatic patients did not seek healthcare service in Bangladesh: Evidence from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Siam Md. Hasanul , Hasan Md. Mahbub , Rahman Mohammad Meshbahur , Rouf Rashawan Raziur , Hossain Mohammad Sorowar
Published: December 2021

Background: During an outbreak, the health-seeking behaviour (HSB) of patients plays a vital role to mitigate the disease spread. Poor HSB may significantly increase mortality and complicate contact tracing. In our study, we aimed to assess the status of HSB among the educated young adults of Bangladesh.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted online in June-July 2020 when the country was under strict social distancing measures. A snowball sampling method was employed to capture the suspected COVID-19 patients who did not undergo the COVID-19 test. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. Results: Among the 390 participants, more male (79.5%) and urban-dwelling residents (80.3%) participated in the study. About 45% of the participants had a bachelor’s degree followed by 25.9% of post-graduation degrees such as master’s and Ph.D. Common symptoms included fever (77.7%), cough (50.5%), headache (46.2%), body pain (36.4%), sore throat (35.6%), anosmia (31.3%), anorexia (13.8%), diarrhea (11.4%) and dyspnea (11.3%). Compared to females, males were more likely to self-medicate. The odds of male participants considering COVID-19 infection as harmless was 3.2 times higher (AOR: 3.2, CI: 1.28-7.98) than the female participants. Smokers were more likely to use government hotlines for support and take drugs at home. Participants from rural areas were 2.5 times more likely to purchase drugs from nearby stores. The most common reasons for not taking the COVID-19 test were limited testing facilities (48%), risk of infection from the test centre (46%), fear of social stigma (19%), belief that COVID-19 will not cause any harm (18%) and fear of forced quarantine (5%). Respondents having higher monthly income were less likely to fear forced quarantine (AOR: 0.27, CI: 0.4-2.02) but more likely to consider the risk of being infected from the test centre (AOR: 1.75, CI: 0.88-3.49). Conclusion: Non-compliance with public health guidelines by educated people in the epidemic reflects the absence of health literacy and distrust in the healthcare system. Along with enhanced infrastructure, improved public health risk communication and health literacy efforts are needed to rebuild public trust in the healthcare system.
Immune Dysregulation Resulting From Impaired Interleukin-10 And The Interleukin-10 Receptor Signaling: A Systematic Review of 284 Monogenic Patients
Authors: Sharifinejad Niusha , Zaki-Dizaji Majid , Sepahvandi Roya , Fayyaz Farimah , Vilela Maria Marluce dos Santos , ElGhazali Gehad , Abolhassani Hassan , Ochs Hans D , Azizi Gholamreza
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-10 receptor (IL-10R) deficiency are monogenic inborn errors of immunity (IEI) causing early-onset inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Methods: We systematically reviewed articles that included related keywords using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The articles were screened for eligibility criteria before data extraction. Results: We assessed 284 patients (44.1% female) with IL-10 and/or IL-10R deficiencies who were predominantly from China (41.0%), Italy (14.1%), and South Korea (8.6%). The median age of onset was 1.0 (0.3-4.0) months with a median age of genetic diagnosis at 16.0 (7.4-81.0) months. Consanguinity was reported in all evaluable patients with IL-10 deficiency and in 38.8% of patients with IL-10R deficiency (23.4% of patients with IL-10RA, and 79.4% of patients with IL-10RB deficiency). The most prevalent mutations in IL-10RA were c.301C>T (p.R101W) and c.537G>A (p.T179T), those in IL-10RB were c.139A>G (p.K47E) and c.611G>A (p.W204X). Autoimmunity and enteropathy were present in all cases. The first presentation of both groups was protracted diarrhea (45.7%), bloody diarrhea (18.1%), and colitis (15.7%). Patients with IL-10R deficiency had a high frequency of dermatologic manifestations (50.5%) and failure to thrive (60%), while IL-10 deficient patients lacked those complications. In the majority of patients, the basic immunologic parameters were in normal ranges. Of the entire publications, 30% underwent hemopoietic stem cell transplantation, 61.5% surgery, and 87% immunosuppressive treatment. The ten-year survival rate was higher in patients with IL-10 deficiency than in patients with IL-10R deficiency.Conclusion: IL-10/IL-10R deficiency predominantly presents with treatment-resistant, early-onset IBD within the first months of life. No clear genotype-phenotype correlation was present among these patients. The high prevalence of distinct clinical manifestations reported in IL-10RA- and IL-10RB-deficient patients might be attributable to the interaction between the target tissue and cytokines other than IL- 10 capable of binding to IL-10RB. These results gain translational significance by contributing to earlier diagnosis, adequate therapy, and avoiding delay in the diagnosis and unfavorable outcome.
An alternative model of gravitational forces in nature using the combined effects of repulsion and attraction forces on gaseous molecules
Authors: Piyadasa Chithra Kirthi Gamini
Published: December 2021

Laboratory experiments and natural phenomena investigations in this research series experimentally revealed the existence of gravitational repulsion force dependent on thermal energy content, pervading our surroundings both microscopically and macroscopically. This paper presents an alternative mathematical model of both gravitational repulsion and attraction forces between two gaseous molecules, validated by experimental data. The model is self-standing and independent of existing models built on idealistic assumptions. While existing models considered gravitational interaction as a single force, the presented experimental model considers it the resultant of two distinct forces: gravitational repulsion and attraction. When established experimental data on nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, water vapor, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were applied, the model performed, both analytically and experimentally: (1) confirming the existence of both gravitational repulsion and attraction forces among gas molecules, (2) demonstrating that the two forces follow Inverse-Cube relationship with the distance between molecules, (3) revealing that repulsion force is linearly proportional to the absolute temperature, thus filling the critical gap between energy and fundamental forces. Orders of magnitude of gravitational repulsion and attraction forces are very large compared to the gravitational force between gas molecules calculated according to the classical theory, enabling manipulation to achieve hitherto unknown outcomes and developments.
Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing a Stepped Care Cognitive-behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Cancer Patients: a Qualitative Study.
Authors: Savard Josée , Filion Catherine , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Caplette-Gingras Aude , Bélanger Lynda , Morin Charles M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Insomnia affects 30-60% of cancer patients and tends to become chronic when left untreated. While cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first-line treatment, this intervention is not readily accessible. This qualitative study investigated current practices in the assessment and management of insomnia in five hospitals offering cancer care and identified the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a stepped care CBT-I (i.e., web-based CBT-I followed, if needed, by 1-3 booster sessions) in these settings. Methods: Nine focus groups composed of a total of 43 clinicians (e.g., physicians, nurses, technologists, psychologists), six administrators, and 10 cancer patients were held. The Consolidated Framework for Implementing Research (CFIR) was used to develop the semi-structured interview and analyze the data. Results: Sleep difficulties are not systematically discussed in clinical practice and when a treatment is offered, most often, it is a pharmacological one. Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a stepped care CBT-I included individual characteristics (e.g., lack of knowledge about CBT-I); intervention characteristics (e.g., increased accessibility offered by a web-based format); inner setting characteristics (e.g., resistance to change); and process factors (e.g., motivation to offer a new service). Conclusions: This qualitative study confirms the need to better address insomnia in routine cancer care and suggests that, while some barriers were mentioned, the implementation of a stepped care CBT-I is feasible. Keys to a successful implementation include accessibility, training, inclusion of stakeholders in the process, and ensuring that they are supported throughout the implementation.
Impact of a Dementia-friendly Program on Detection and Management of Patients with Cognitive Impairment and Delirium in Acute-care Hospital Units: A Controlled Clinical Trial Design
Authors: Weldingh Nina Mickelson , Mellingsæter Marte Rognstad , Hegna Bendik Westlund , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Einvik Gunnar , Juliebø Vibeke , Thommessen Bente , Kirkevold Marit
Published: December 2021

Background: Frail older persons with cognitive impairment (CI) are at special risk of experiencing delirium during acute hospitalisation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a dementia-friendly hospital program contributes to improved detection and management of patients with CI and risk of delirium at an acute-care hospital in Norway. Furthermore, we aimed to explore whether the program affected the prevalence of delirium, pharmacological treatment, 30-day re-hospitalisation, 30-day mortality and institutionalisation afterwards. Methods: This study had a controlled clinical trial design with a historical control group. It was conducted at two different medical wards at a large acute-care hospital in Norway from September 2018 to December 2019. A total of 423 acute hospitalised patients 75 years of age or older were included in the study. Delirium screening and cognitive tests were recorded by research staff with the 4 ‘A’s Test (4AT) and the Confusion Assessment Measure (CAM), while demographic and medical information was recorded from the electronic medical records (EMR). Results: Implementation of the dementia-friendly hospital program did not show any significant changes in the identification of patients with CI. However, the share of patients screened with 4AT within 24 hours increased from 0% to 35.5% (P<.001). The proportion of the patients with CI identified by the clinical staff, who received measures to promote “dementia-friendly” care and reduce the risk for delirium increased by 32.2% (P<.001), compared to the control group. Furthermore, the number of patients with CI who were prescribed antipsychotic, hypnotic or sedative medications was reduced by 24.5% (P<.001). There were no differences in prevalence of delirium, 30-day readmission or 30-day mortality. Conclusions: A model for early screening and multifactorial non-pharmacological interventions for patients with CI and delirium may improve management of this patient group, and reduce prescriptions of antipsychotic, hypnotic and sedative medications. The implementation in clinical practice of early screening using quality improvement methodology deserves attention. Trial registration: The protocol of this study was retrospectively registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System with the registration number: NCT04737733 and date of registration: 03/02/2021.
Odour-Mediated Interactions Between an Apex Reptilian Predator and its Mammalian Prey
Authors: Dickman Christopher R. , Fardell Loren L. , Hills Nicole
Published: December 2021

An important but understudied modality for eavesdropping between predators and prey is olfaction, especially between non-mammalian vertebrate predators and their prey. Here we test three olfactory eavesdropping predictions involving an apex reptilian predator, the sand goanna Varanus gouldii, and several species of its small mammalian prey in arid central Australia: 1) small mammals will recognise and avoid the odour of V. gouldii; 2) V. gouldii will be attracted to the odour of small mammals, especially of species that maximise its energetic returns; and 3) small mammals will be less mobile and will show higher burrow fidelity where V. gouldii is absent compared with where it is present. As expected, we found that small mammals recognised and avoided faecal odour of this goanna, feeding less intensively at food patches where the odour of V. gouldii was present than at patches with no odour or a pungency control odour. Varanus gouldii also was attracted to the odour of small mammals in artificial burrows, and dug more frequently at burrows containing the odour of species that were energetically profitable than at those of species likely to yield diminished returns. Our third prediction received mixed support. Rates of movement of three species of small mammals were no different where V. gouldii was present or absent, but burrow fidelity in two of these species increased as expected where V. gouldii had been removed. We conclude that olfaction plays a key role in the dynamic interaction between V. gouldii and its mammalian prey, with the interactants using olfaction to balance their respective costs of foraging and reducing predation risk. We speculate that the risk of predation from this apex reptilian predator drives the highly unusual burrow-shifting behaviour that characterises many of Australia's small desert mammals.
An Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Based On Liquid-liquid Phase Separation Delineates Distinct Subtypes of Lower-Grade Glioma and Identifies a Prognostic Signature
Authors: Zheng Jianglin , Wu Zhipeng , Qiu Yue , Wang Xuan , Jiang Xiaobing
Published: December 2021

Background: Emerging evidences have indicated that the aberrant liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) leads to the dysfunction of biomolecular condensates, thereby contributing to the tumorigenesis and progression. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether or how the LLPS of specific molecules affects the prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of patients with lower-grade glioma (LGG).Methods: We integrated the transcriptome information of 3585 LLPS-related genes to comprehensively evaluate the LLPS patterns of 423 patients with LGG in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Then, we systematically demonstrated the differences among four LLPS subtypes based on multi-omics analyses. In addition, we constructed the LLPS-related prognostic risk score (LPRS) for individualized integrative assessment. Results: Based on the expression profiles of 85 scaffolds, 355 regulators, and 3145 clients in LGG, we identified four LLPS subtypes, namely LS1, LS2, LS3 and LS4. We confirmed that there were significant differences in prognosis, clinicopathological features, cancer hallmarks, genomic alterations, TIME patterns and immunotherapeutic responses among four LLPS subtypes. In addition, a prognostic signature called LPRS was constructed for individualized integrative assessment. LPRS exhibited a robust predictive capacity for prognosis of LGG patients in multiple cohorts. Moreover, LPRS was found to be correlated with clinicopathological features, cancer hallmarks, genomic alterations and TIME patterns of LGG patients. The predictive power of LPRS in response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy was also prominent.Conclusions: This study provided a novel classification of LGG patients based on LLPS. The constructed LPRS might facilitate individualized prognosis prediction and better immunotherapy options for LGG patients.
Flow Indices Variability in Humid Subtropical of Upper Awash River Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Tola Sintayehu Yadete , Shetty Amba
Published: December 2021

Investigating the hydrological extremes indices at high resolutions describing the whole stream spectrum is essential for the comprehensive assessment of watershed hydrology. The study focuses on a wide-ranging assessment of river discharge in annual mean, peak, and high and low percentiles flow at the Upper Awash River basin, Ethiopia. Statistical tests such as coefficient of variation, flood variability to characterize the flow regime and Tukey’s test to detect decadal variability. Modified Mann-Kendall test, Sen’s slope estimator, innovative trend analysis and Pettitt’s test were applied to see trends, and change points in time series, respectively. Results showed that the basin was characterized by moderate to high variability. Spatially, main tributaries showed a higher variability, almost in all-time step and characterized by higher flood variability. The large discharge receiving rivers resulted in a moderate to high and lower discharge variability. Test statistics resulted in a positive increasing trend dominating most time scales at a 5% significant level and higher magnitude of slope trend in peak flow. A negative trends were also exhibited. Hombole main outlet site experienced decreasing trend in high percentile flow. In comparison, complete trend direction agreements were observed (except in few series). Flow indices showed an upward shift and downward shift mainly in the year 2000s and the significant decadal variation resulted in comparable with change points. The study provides an understanding of water resources variability, which will be necessary to apply operational water resources strategies and management to restrain the potential impacts of variability nature of the streamflow.
Melanoma Detection by AFM Indentation of Histological Specimens
Authors: Jeon ByoungJun , Jung Hyo Gi , Lee Sang Won , Lee Gyudo , Shim Jung Hee , Kim Mi Ok , Kim Byung Jun , Kim Sang-Hyon , Lee Hyungbeen , Lee Sang Woo , Yoon Dae Sung , Jo Seong Jin , Choi Tae Hyun , Lee Wonseok
Published: December 2021

Melanoma is visible unlike other types of cancer, but it is still challenging to diagnose correctly because of the difficulty in distinguishing between benign nevus and melanoma. We conducted a robust investigation of melanoma, identifying considerable differences in local elastic properties between nevus and melanoma tissues by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation of histological specimens. Specifically, the histograms of the elasticity of melanoma displayed multimodal Gaussian distributions, exhibiting the heterogeneous mechanical properties, in contrast with the unimodal distributions of elasticity in the benign nevus. We identified this notable signature was consistent regardless of blotch incidence by sex, age, anatomical site (e.g., thigh, calf, arm, eyelid, and cheek), or cancer stage (I, IV, and V). In addition, we found that the non-linearity of the force-distance curves for melanoma is increased compared to benign nevus. We believe that AFM indentation of histological specimens may technically complement conventional histopathological analysis for earlier and more precise melanoma detection.
High Tibial Osteotomy versus Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty for Compartmental Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Seth Ishith , Seth Nimish , Bulloch Gabriella , Gibson Damien , Lower Kirk , Rodwell Aaron , Bruce Warwick
Published: December 2021

Purpose High tibial osteotomy (HTO) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are commonly performed procedures for the treatment of compartmental knee osteoarthritis. However, the optimal procedure remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the functional outcomes, complications, and revision between the two techniques.Methods We searched electronic databases for relevant studies comparing HTO versus UKA for unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. Continuous data as visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion, and free walking speed were pooled as mean differences (MDs). Dichotomous data as functional knee outcomes, complications, and revision were pooled as odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence interval (CI), using R software for windows.Results Twenty-five studies involving 8185 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that HTO was associated with higher risk of complications (OR= 2.47, 95% CI [1.52, 4.04]), poor functional results (excellent/good) (OR= 0.32, 95% CI [0.21, 0.49]), and larger range of motion (MD= 7.05, 95% CI [2.41, 11.68]) compared to UKA. No significant differences were found between the compared groups in terms of VAS (MD= 0.14, 95% CI [-0.08, 0.36]), revision (OR= 1.30, 95% CI [0.65, 2.60]), and free walking speed (MD= -0.05, 95% CI [-0.11, 0.00]).Conclusion This study showed that UKA achieved fewer complications, better functional outcomes, and less range of motion compared to HTO. No significant differences were detected between HTO and UKA in terms of VAS and revision rate.
Determining the Impacts of Educational Intervention based on PLST Extended Care on Caregiving Methods and Improved Exposure to Challenging Behaviors of People with Dementia (PWD): A mixed-methods study
Authors: Zamani-Alavijeh Fereshteh , Zahed Shakiba , Emami Maryam , Bazargan-Hejazi Shahrzad , Barekatain Majid , Hassanzadeh Akbar , Eslami AhmadAli
Published: December 2021

BackgroundPsychological events in people with dementia (PWD) lead to behavioral disorders that require targeted planning for caregivers on how to adapt to these behaviors. A progressively lowered stress threshold (PLST) model provides effective interventions for caregivers to adapt to the behaviors of people with dementia (PWD). Therefore, this study aims to determine the impacts of educational intervention based on the progressively lowered stress threshold extended (PLSTE) model on the caregiving of people with dementia (PWD) in Isfahan, Iran.MethodsThis exploratory mixed methods study was initially conducted with a qualitative approach to content analysis type from May 2016 to June 2018. Data were collected in a qualitative stage through in-depth nonstructured interviews with 29 People with Dementia (PWD)'s caregivers using the "new comment" command and then analyzed. The researcher designed a multisectional questionnaire, including demographic characteristics, knowledge measurement, and monitoring the practice of caregivers. The validity of the questionnaire was verified by a panel of experts, and its reliability was confirmed using the Cronbach alpha coefficient (knowledge section 0.838 and practice section 0.802). To adjust the intervention program, the educational content based on the PLSTE model was used for 38 caregivers available at two elderly nursing centers in Isfahan. This educational intervention was designed and managed for the first time in our community. None of the caregivers agreed to refuse to receive the educational content, So the evaluation of the program lacks a randomized controlled group. The data were collected immediately and one month after the educational intervention using a questionnaire.ResultsAccording to the results of the qualitative section of this study, the researcher was able to add a cultural and belief class and then the related intervention method to the PLST model. In the quantitative part, paired t-test indicated that the mean scores of knowledge, caregiving practice, and exposure to Challenging Behaviors (CB) in all dimensions of practice immediately and one a month after intervention were significantly higher than the mean scores before intervention (P < 0.05).ConclusionConsidering the impacts of this intervention, educating caregivers with PLST extended the care model is recommended, with a specific focus on cultural and traditional issues of society, to improve the knowledge and practice of caregivers in caregiving skills and appropriate exposure to challenging behaviors people with dementia (CBPWD).Trial registration No. IRCT20180421039370N1 -2019-01-11-http://www.irct.ir
Paragenesis of Li minerals in the Nanyangshan rare-metal pegmatite, Northern China: Toward a generalized sequence of Li crystallization in Li-Cs-Ta-type granitic pegmatites
Authors: Yang Zhaoyu , Wang Rucheng , Che Xudong , Xie Lei , Hu Huan
Published: December 2021

The Nanyangshan Li-Cs-Ta (LCT) pegmatite is the largest of hundreds of pegmatite dikes in the eastern Qinling orogenic district, North China. The Nanyangshan pegmatite is strongly zoned into a contact zone, border zone, wall zone, intermediate zone, and core, with Li mineralization occurring predominantly in the intermediate zone. Inward through the intermediate zone, Li mineralization is divided into subzones of Spd (spodumene), Mbs (montebrasite), Elb (elbaite), and Lpd (lepidolite). Lithium minerals include spodumene, montebrasite, lithiophilite, elbaite, lepidolite, and possible former petalite. Paragenetic assemblages of Li minerals are variable, with spodumene ± Li-phosphates (montebrasite and lithiophilite), Fe-rich elbaite, lepidolite, and possible former petalite in the Spd subzone; Li-phosphates (main montebrasite and rare lithiophilite) + spodumene + Fe-bearing elbaite + lepidolite in the Mbs subzone; Fe-poor elbaite + lepidolite ± montebrasite in the Elb subzone; and lepidolite ± Fe-poor elbaite in the Lpd subzone. Whole-rock contents of Li2O, P2O5, B2O3, and F are consistent with the high contents of various Li minerals. Spodumene was formed first and dominantly from a Li-saturated melt in the Spd subzone (1.66 wt% Li2O). This subzone graduates into the P-rich Mbs subzone (3.75 wt% P2O5) with montebrasite gradually succeeding Li-aluminosilicates, followed by the appearance of abundant Fe-poor elbaite in the Elb subzone (1.04 wt% B2O3), reflecting the consumption of P in the melt. Lepidolite formed after early-formed Li phases in the F-rich Lpd subzone (2.03 wt% F), as indicated by replacement textures. Among the numerous LCT pegmatites worldwide, the Li mineralization sequence can be suggested as Li-aluminosilicates (commonly spodumene and less commonly petalite) → Li-phosphates (montebrasite-amblygonite and triphylite-lithiophilite) → elbaite → lepidolite, and can be regarded as a general sequence for Li mineralization.