bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Dietary Composition of Eurasian Perch (Perca Fluviatilis) in an Interconnected River-lake-gulf Aquatic System as a Supplementary Tool for the Interpretation of Measured Mercury (Hg) Concentrations (One-Year Study).
Authors: Suhareva Natalija , Aigars Juris , Poikane Rita , Tunens Juris
Published: March 2021

BackgroundEurasian Perch (Perca fluviatilis) is one of ecologically significant fish species in the Baltic Sea and has been recognized as a suitable organism to measure concentrations of hazardous substances that characterize levels of local pollution (e.g. heavy metals or persistent organic pollutants). However, the ability of the species to inhabit a wide range of feeding grounds raises concerns about the adequacy of monitoring data in relation to the representativeness of measured levels of hazardous substances at specific locations. Accounting of the migratory characteristics of this species can shed light on the origin of the analyzed specimens and thus trace the pollution uptake chain. Perch samples and potential perch prey were collected at three remote stations in a fully interlinked system river– lake–coastal waters of the Gulf of Riga. Mercury (Hg) concentration and stable isotope ratios (13C/12C and 15N/14N) were measured in each sampled item. The perch data were divided into three subgroups associated with specific feeding grounds and one mixed group. A Bayesian mixing model was implemented to quantify the feeding preferences of each group, and based on the results, influence of each food source on Hg uptake by perch was modelled by means of Gaussian GAM model.ResultsCalculated stable isotope ratios of δ13C and δ15N demonstrated clear evidence that perch specimens migrate between the sampling stations. Substantial proportion of specimens sampled in river and lake stations had isotopic signals consistent with feeding in the gulf. The group of perch associated with feeding in river grounds exhibited the highest Hg concentrations with mean value of 209 µg kg-1 wet weight. The food item C. harengus membras and Crustacea showed significant mitigating effect on Hg concentration. The rest of the food items were not significant at the α = 0.05 level, although had different directions of the influence and slope values.ConclusionsThe study clearly showed that the high mobility of perch along associated aquatic systems has noticeable effect. Therefore, trophic position and isotopic signatures, along with identification of the food sources, can serve as important supplementary tools for more accurate data interpretation of Hg accumulation.
Insight Into Cellular Uptake and Transcytosis of Peptide Nanoparticles in a Generalist Caterpillar.
Authors: McGraw Erin , Roberts Jonathan D. , Kunte Nitish , Westerfield Matthew , Streety Xavier , Held David , Avila L.Adriana
Published: March 2021

Development of novel and specific insect pest management methods is critical for overcoming pesticide resistance and off-target effects. Gene silencing through consumption of double stranded (dsRNA) by insects shows promise in this area. Association of dsRNA with nanoparticles confers protection against nucleases, and can also promote translocation of dsRNA across the midgut epithelial cell membranes, and overall enhance gene knockdown effects. However, many mysteries of how nanoparticles and dsRNA are internalized by cells and subsequently transported across the midgut epithelium remain to be unraveled. In this article, we investigate the role of endocytosis and transcytosis in the uptake and transport of dsRNA and nanoparticles through midgut epithelium cells. Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells and branched amphiphilic peptide nano-capsules (BAPCs) were used as an experimental model. Additionally, analyses of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) were performed to demonstrated that cell viability was minimally impacted by the BAPCs-dsRNA complex. Results suggests that clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytois are largely responsible for cellular uptake, and once within the midgut, transcytosis is involved in shuttling BAPCs from the lumen to the hemolymph. BAPCs were not found to be toxic to Sf9 cells or generate damaging reactive species once internalized. This opens up further possibilities for BAPCs as a new insect pest management method.
WITHDRAWN: Laser Surface Texturing and Characterization of Austenitic Stainless Steel for the Improvement of Its Surface Properties
Authors: Ahmed Yassmin Seid , Paiva Jose Mario , Amorim Fred L. , Torres Ricardo D. , de Rossi Wagner , Veldhuis S.C.
Published: March 2021

A detailed investigation of laser textured surfaces produced on austenitic stainless steel (AISI 304) was carried out. Three different textures were produced by a Ti sapphire laser. The processed surfaces were characterized by surface morphology, phase structure, micro-hardness, surface roughness, and wettability. A ball-on-disk tribometer was used to study the tribological performance of both untextured and textured samples. The experimental observations demonstrate that laser surface texturing (LST) improves both surface wettability and surface roughness. Average surface roughness (Ra) was increased by 350% and the contact angle was reduced from 43° to 22°. The textured surfaces show a lower coefficient of friction and better wear resistance than the untextured surface. Out of the investigated patterns, the square textures exhibited a maximum reduction of 68% in the friction coefficient and a 50% lower wear rate.
Selection for Papaya Resistance to Multiple Diseases in a Base Population of Recurrent Selection
Authors: MORAES RAMON de , Vivas Marcelo , Cruz Derivaldo Pureza da , Catarina Renato Santa , Almeida Rafael Nunes de , Souza Yure Pequeno de , Daher Rogério Figueiredo , Viana Alexandre Pio , Pereira Messias Gonzaga
Published: March 2021

Papaya has a narrow genetic base concerning disease resistance, with few genetically distinct cultivars for planting in the world. Losses in crop production caused by fungal and viral diseases, added to the absence of resistant cultivars available to producers, have reduced the competitiveness of crops. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the direct and combined genetic gains in the base population of the recurrent papaya selection and to indicate promising individuals for resistance to phoma spot and black spot. The population used in this study originated from the crossing of dioecious, female individuals and holders of a gene pool for resistance to phoma spot and black spot. These were crossed with elite individuals with a gene pool for production traits and fruit quality. The experiment was carried out without an experimental design, containing one plant per plot. Three measurements were taken on 255 individuals for five traits of disease resistance, being: four associated with black spot (incidence and severity on the leaf and fruit) and one associated with phoma spot (severity on the leaf). With the observations obtained, the REML/BLUP procedure was performed to estimate the temporary and permanent environmental effects. Such values were used to know the genetic parameters of the population and to elaborate a combined selection index, as well as to compare the gains with the direct selection. The results indicate low repeatability for the traits and that the gains obtained from the use of the combined selection index better rank the genotypes in comparison to the gains obtained by direct selection.
WITHDRAWN: Self-assembling of Chimeric Mussel-inspired Bio-adhesives Originated from Mytilus Californianus and Anabaena Flos-aquae: A New Approach to Develop Underwater Adhesion
Authors: Iranpour Hamidreza , Shahsavarani Hossein , Hosseini Seyed Nezamedin , Far Hani Hosseini , Zhand Sareh , Ghanbarlou Mahdi Mohammadi , Bouzari Saeid , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali
Published: March 2021

Bio-adhesives play a pivotal role in a wide range of medical applications. However, there are some problems about their application in varied pH values and low adhesion force under wet conditions. Here, we report new recombinant fusion protein achieved by mussel foot proteins (Mfps) of Mytilus Californianus and gas vesicle protein A (GvpA) of Anabaena flos-aquae by genetic engineering methods. These chimeric proteins self-assembled into ß-sheet rich fibres because of GvpA amyloid structure. Also, their adhesion forces were significantly increased especially in alkaline environment based on Mfp-3 and Mfp-5. This study illustrates that copolymer of Mfp-5-GvpA:GvpA-Mfp-3 can be used as an underwater sturdy adhesive with tolerance to auto-oxidation, especially at basic conditions.
Mechanism of the Improvement of the Energy of Host–Guest Explosives by Incorporation of Small Guest Molecules: HNO3 and H2 O2 Promoted C–N Bond Cleavage of the Ring of ICM-102
Authors: Xiao Yiwen , Chen Lang , Yang Kun , Geng Deshen , Lu Jianying , Wu Junying
Published: March 2021

Host–guest materials exhibit great potential applications as an insensitive high-energy-density explosive and low characteristic signal solid propellant. To investigate the mechanism of the improvement of the energy of host–guest explosives by guest molecules, ReaxFF-lg reactive molecular dynamics simulations were performed to calculate the thermal decomposition reactions of the host–guest explosives systems ICM-102/HNO3, ICM-102/H2O2, and pure ICM-102 under different constant high temperatures and different heating rates. Incorporation of guest molecules significantly increased the energy level of the host–guest system. However, the initial reaction path of the ICM-102 molecule was not changed by the guest molecules. The guest molecules did not initially participate in the host molecule reaction. After a period of time, the H2O2 and HNO3 guest molecules promoted cleavage of the C–N bond of the ICM-102 ring. Stronger oxidation and higher oxygen content resulted in the guest molecules more obviously accelerating destruction of the ICM-102 ring structure. The guest molecules accelerated the initial endothermic reaction of ICM-102, but they played a more important role in the intermediate exothermic reaction stage: incorporation of guest molecules (HNO3 and H2O2) greatly improved the heat release and exothermic reaction rate. Although the energies of the host–guest systems were clearly improved by incorporation of guest molecules, the guest molecules had little effect on the thermal stabilities of the systems.
High and low latitude controls on Mid-Brunhes coccolithophore bloom and its implications on ocean carbon cycle
Authors: Zhang Hongrui , Liu Chuanlian , Hernández‐Almeida Iván , Mejia Luz Maria , Stoll Heather
Published: March 2021

Periodic ~400 kyr orbital scale variations in the ocean carbon cycle, manifest in indicators of deep sea dissolution and benthic 13C, have been observed throughout the Cenozoic but the driving mechanisms remain under debate. Changes in coccolithophore productivity may change the global rain ratio (Corganic: Cinorganic fluxes from ocean into sediment) and the balance of ocean carbonate system and thereby, potentially contributing to the ~400 kyr oscillation of the marine carbon cycle. Some evidence suggests that Pleistocene coccolithophore productivity was characterized by “bloom” events of high productivity coincident with the orbital benthic 13C signal. However, there is no consensus on the mechanism responsible for bloom events nor whether they were regional or global phenomena. In this study, we investigate the timing and spatial pattern of the most recent purported coccolithophore bloom event, which occurred during the Mid-Brunhes period. We find that maximum coccolithophore productivity is diachronous, peaking in the Southern Ocean sub-Antarctic zone with eccentricity minimum (~430 ka), peaking in upwelling zones some ~28 kyr later, and finally peaking in the western tropical Pacific occurred some ~80 kyr later. Simple globally homogeneous mechanisms of driving productivity such as temperature or light duration are not consistent with this pattern. Rather, we propose a dual high and low latitude control on blooms. Coincident with eccentricity minimum, increased high-latitude diatom silica consumption lowers the Si/P, leading to coccolithophorid blooms in the Southern Ocean north of the polar front. Coincident with increasing eccentricity, stronger tropical monsoons deliver higher fluvial nutrients to surface waters, increasing total (diatom and coccolithophore) productivity. Most of the tropical and subtropical locations are influenced by both processes with varying degrees, through the effect of silicic acid leakage on tropical thermocline waters and monsoon-related nutrient supply. Moreover, we propose that the high latitude processes have intensified over the Pleistocene, extending the 405 kyr carbon cycle to about 500 kyr.
Synthesis of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) Ink by an Easy Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Karbassi Mahnaz , Baghshahi Saeid , Riahi-Noori Nastaran , Moakhar Roozbeh Siavash
Published: March 2021

The quadrilateral p-type semiconductor Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) with a direct bandgap of 1.4 to 1.5 eV and a high absorption coefficient in the visible light range, is considered an excellent absorbent layer in the production of solar cells. The application of Cu2ZnSnS4 film absorbent materials is promising in the field of low-cost solar cell production. In this paper, a simple, efficient, controllable, and inexpensive solvothermal method is used to make the CZTS nanoparticles from zinc acetate, copper acetate, tin chloride, thiourea, and hexadecyl amine solvent. The ink was prepared from the CZTS powder and applied by the doctor Blade technique on soda-lime glass. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy analysis showed that the CZTS synthesis nanoparticles had a pure Kesterite structure. The thermo-gravimetric analysis showed about 12% of the loss weight of CZTS nanoparticles using field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential indicated that the synthesized nanoparticles had a strong absorption in the range of 125–477 nm with an average particle size of 300 nm and plate shape. The energy bandgap of CZTS nanoparticles was measured to be 1.49 eV using UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Limited time Interval between Symptomatic Presentation in Primary Care and Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Kuiper Josephina G. , Herk-Sukel Myrthe P.P. , Lemmens Valery E.P.P. , Kuipers Ernst J. , Herings Ron M.C.
Published: March 2021

Background: Timely recognition of colorectal cancer related symptoms is essential to reduce time to diagnosis. This study aims to investigate the primary healthcare use preceding a colorectal cancer diagnosis.Methods: A population-based case-control study was conducted using data from a cohort of linked data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) and the PHARMO General Practitioner (GP) Database (NCR-PHARMO GP cohort). Primary healthcare use among colorectal cancer cases before diagnosis was compared with matched cancer-free controls. Information on primary health care use was derived from the GP Database of the PHARMO Database Network and included all GP consultations and prescribed medication. Mean monthly number of GP consultations and new drugs users was assessed in the year before index date (diagnosis date for cases). Results were stratified by colorectal cancer site: proximal colon cancer, distal colon cancer and rectal cancer.Results: While mean monthly number of GP consultation were stable through the year among cancer-free controls, a statistical significant increase was seen among colorectal cancer cases in the last 4-8 months before diagnosis. Proximal colon cancer cases showed the longest time interval of increased mean monthly number of GP consultations. This increase was largely driven by a consultation for malignant neoplasm colon/rectum. The number of new drug users was stable around 120 per 1,000 persons per month until 8 months before index date for proximal colon cancer cases, 4 months before index date for distal colon cancer cases and 3 months for rectal cancer cases. This increase was mainly driven by the prescription of laxatives drugs.Conclusion: A relatively short time interval of increased GP consultations and new drug users was seen before colorectal cancer diagnosis. The longest period of increased GP consultations and new drugs users was seen among patients diagnosed with proximal colon cancer. This can be explained by the difficultly to diagnose proximal colon cancer given the more subtle signs compared to distal colon cancer and rectal cancer. Therefore, faster diagnosis for this specific tumour subtype is only possible when clear clinical signs and symptoms are present.
Endothelial Cell Loss Rate Following Penetrating Keratoplasty: Optical versus Therapeutic Grafts
Authors: Shams Abdelrhman , Gaafar Ayman , Elkitkat Rania , Yousif Mohamed
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To compare the rate of endothelial cell loss (ECL) following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for optical and therapeutic indications and to state whether therapeutic PKP is inferior to optical PKP or not.Methods: This is a Prospective, observational, comparative study that included patients who sought medical advice at the Cornea Outpatient Clinic of Ain Shams University Hospitals. The study enrolled two groups; group 1 included 30 corneas of 30 patients who performed optical PKP for various purposes, while group 2 comprised 30 corneas of 30 patients who were planned for performing therapeutic PKP for unhealed, resistant corneal infections. Specular microscopy was done to all the patients at the 3-, 6- and 12-months visits using Nidek CEM-530 (NIDEK Co., Ltd. Japan) specular microscope. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between both groups as regards to the timing of the graft clarity following surgery or the rate of ECL at the 3- and 6- months intervals, yet the rate of ECL was significantly higher in group 2 compared to group 1 at the 12 months interval (P-value <0.05), though the statistical difference was narrow from a clinical point of view. There was also no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the rate of graft rejection.Conclusion: Therapeutic PKP can be considered non-inferior to optical PKP regarding the graft viability, the rate of ECL, and the rate of graft rejection along a follow up interval of one year.
Schools Proximity to Plantations de Haut Penja, Learners’ Attitudes and Incidence of Pesticide Contamination in Cameroon
Authors: NKEMLEKE EFUETLANCHA Ernest , Martin Kuété
Published: March 2021

Learners at school can be subjected to pesticide exposures both from use in the schools and from nearby operations. Plantations de Haut Penja (PHP) is an agro-industrial plantation that uses pesticides to spray its bananas (Musa spp) using helicopters. This aerial spray couple with air drift of noxious particles exposes learners in nearby schools to acute and chronic effects. This paper sought to compare learners’ attitudes with regards to pesticide, in schools located closer to, and further away from the PHP as well as the incidence of contamination among the latter. Data was collected from 600 learners across 10 secondary schools in two subdivisions. Analysis was done with Microsoft Excel 2016 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0 software. Findings depicted that schools are located 5m away from the PHP where pesticides are used on a daily basis. Hence, this exposes learners to the harmful effects of these chemicals. Wind was perceived as the main driver of pesticides drift into schools as it blows from the south west direction at a maximum speed of 30ms-1 which facilitates the drifting of airborne particles of pesticides. As a result, learners closer to the PHP are more vulnerable than their counterparts further away. Kruskal–Wallis test depicted that learners are also involved in pesticides related activities due to a plethora of reasons which further broadens the incidence of contamination among the latter. The study concludes that an environmental impact assessment be carried out in order to install wind barriers in the PHP to prevent spray drifts from entering into schools and that, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) with its decentralized units, should ensure strict implementation of the legal framework on pesticide use and the development, application and evaluation of government policy in the domain of agriculture and environmental surveillance for the proper management of pesticides in Cameroon.
A better Standard-Uptake-Value Body Habitus Normalizer for Fluorodeoxyglucose in Humans
Authors: Beattie Bradley Jay , Akhurst Tim J , Augensen Finn , Humm John L
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo devise a new body-habitus normalizer to be used in the calculation of a standardized uptake value (SUV) that is specific to the PET tracer 18 F-FDG. MethodsAfter exclusions for type and extent of cancer and timing of the scan, a cohort of 481 patients was selected for analysis of 18 F-FDG uptake into “normal” tissues (presumed to be unaffected by their disease). Among these, 65 patients had only brain concentrations measured and the remaining 416 were randomly divided into an 86-patient test set and a 330-patient training set. Within the test set, normal liver, spleen and blood measures were made. In the training set, only normal liver concentrations were measured. Using data from the training set, a simple polynomial function of height and weight was selected (following a subjective procedure) to predict each patient’s mean liver percent injected dose per milliliter. This function, when used to normalize measured %ID/ml concentrations, defines a new SUV metric (SUV fdg ) which we compared to SUV metrics normalized by body weight (SUV bw ), lean-body mass (SUV lbm ) and body surface-area (SUV bsa ) in a five-fold cross-validation. SUV fdg was also tested on the independent holdout sets utilizing the measurements of normal liver, blood, spleen and brain. ResultsFor patients of all sizes including pediatric patients, the normal range of liver 18 F-FDG uptake concentration at 60 minutes post injection in units of SUV fdg is 1.0 ± 0.16. Liver, blood and spleen SUV fdg in all comparisons had lower coefficients of variation (CoV) compared to SUV bw SUV lbm and SUV bsa . Blood had a mean SUV fdg value of 0.8 ± 0.11 and showed no correlation with age, height or weight. Brain SUV fdg measures were significantly higher (P<0.01) in pediatric patients (4.7 ± 0.9) compared to adults (3.1 ± 0.6). ConclusionA new SUV metric, SUV fdg , is proposed. It is hoped that SUV fdg will prove to be better at classifying tumor lesions and other tissues compared to SUV metrics in current use and may be useful in predicting patient specific radiation dose. Other tracers may benefit from similarly tracer-specific body habitus normalizers.
The Effect of Metformin and Glimepiride on Platelet Count and Indices Among Diabetic Patients Attending Jaber Abu Aliz Diabetic Center in Khartoum State
Authors: Hussein Hussein Abker , Babikir Dalia Mohammed , Elmagzoub Fatima-Elzhra Ahmed , Samaan Mouna Adel
Published: March 2021

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a global pandemic, Platelets have crucial role in accelerated atherosclerosis and thrombosis which characterize DM.AimThe aim of the study was to detect the effect of two major oral hypoglycemic drugs (Metformin and Glimepiride) on platelet count and indices MPV (Mean platelet volume), PLCR (platelet large cell ratio), PDW (platelet distribution width). Beside, to study the effects of variation in Age, sex, duration of the drug, dose of drug, HbA1C level and associated complications.Material and methods96 diabetic patients have been included in this study in addition 50 apparently healthy non-diabetic matching for age and sex subjects have been tested as control group.EDTA anti-coagulated venous blood samples has been taken from each , platelet count and indices were measured using automatic blood counter (Sysmex KX-21N) and HbA1C was Measured using Ichroma II . Statistics was performed by SPSS (version 22). ResultsThe results showed that both types of treatment have reduced platelets indices but the reduction in Glimepiride was insignificant except in PDW when compared with control. Also both have no effect on platelet count. Both treatments have insignificant variation on measured parameters when considering age, gender, dose and treatment duration though significant variation in Glimepiride study population was detected due to associated complications and HbA1C level.ConclusionIt is concluded that both types of drugs reduce platelet indices which have a good prognostic effect on the Pro-thrombotic state and accelerated atherosclerosis which is associated with type 2 Diabetic patients. Metformin have better effect on platelet indices than Glimepiride. Further case control trails are required.
Integration of Tumour Sequencing and Case-Control Data to Assess Pathogenicity of RAD51C Missense Variants in Familial Breast Cancer
Authors: Lim Belle WX , Li Na , Rowley Simone M. , Thompson Ella R. , McInerny Simone , Zethoven Magnus , Scott Rodney J. , Devereux Lisa , Sloan Erica K. , James Paul A. , Campbell Ian G.
Published: March 2021

Background: While protein truncating variants in RAD51C have been shown to predispose to triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and ovarian cancer, little is known about the pathogenicity of missense (MS) variants. Methods: The frequency of rare RAD51C MS variants were assessed in the BEACCON study of 5,734 familial breast cancer cases and 14,382 population controls, and integrated with tumour sequencing data from 21 cases carrying a candidate variant to assess bi-allelic inactivation. Results: Collectively, a significant enrichment of rare missense variants was detected in cases (MAF < 0.001, OR 1.57, 95%CI 1.00 - 2.44, p = 0.05), particularly for variants with a REVEL score > 0.5 (OR 3.95, 95%CI 1.40 - 12.01, p = 0.006). Despite the large sample size, the majority of variants detected were very rare, precluding definitive conclusions about pathogenicity based solely on the case-control data. Sequencing of 21 tumours from carriers of one of eight candidate MS variants, identified four cases with bi-allelic inactivation through loss of the wild-type allele, while six lost the variant allele and ten remained heterozygous. Loss of the wild-type alleles corresponded strongly with ER- and triple-negative breast tumours and a high homologous recombination deficiency score. Conclusions: Using this approach, the p.Gly264Ser variant, which was previously suspected to be pathogenic based on small case-control analyses and loss of activity in in vitro functional assays, was shown to be benign with similar prevalence in cases and controls, and eight out of nine tumours showing loss of the variant allele or retention of heterozygosity. Conversely, the combined case-control and tumour sequencing data identified p.Ile144Thr, p.Arg212His, p.Gln143Arg and p.Gly114Arg as variants warranting further investigation.
Sugarcane Mosaic Virus Remodels Multiple Intracellular Organelles to Form Genomic RNA Replication Sites
Authors: Xie Jipeng , Jiang Tong , Li Zhifang , Li Xiangdong , Fan Zaifeng , Zhou Tao
Published: March 2021

Positive-stranded RNA viruses usually remodel host endomembrane system to form virus-induced intracellular vesicles for replication during infections. The genus Potyvirus of Potyviridae represents the largest number of positive single-stranded RNA viruses and causes great damage on crop production worldwide. Though potyviruses have wide host ranges, each potyvirus infects relatively limited host species. Phylogenesis and host range analysis can divide potyviruses into monocot-infecting and dicot-infecting groups, suggesting that some infection mechanism, probably on replication may be distinct for each group. Comprehensive studies on the model dicot-infecting turnip mosaic virus indicated that the 6K2-induced replication vesicles are derived from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and subsequently target chloroplasts for viral genome replication. However, we have no knowledge on the replication site of monocot-infecting potyviruses. In this study, we firstly show that the precursor 6K2-VPg-Pro polyproteins of dicot-infecting potyviruses and monocot-infecting potyviruses phylogenetically cluster in two separate groups. With a typical gramineae-infecting potyvirus sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), we found that SCMV replicative double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) forms aggregates in cytoplasm but does not associate with chloroplasts. SCMV 6K2-VPg-Pro-induced vesicles colocalize with replicative dsRNA. Moreover, SCMV 6K2-VPg-Pro-induced structures target multiple intracellular organelles including ER, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria and peroxisomes, and have no evident association with chloroplasts. In conclusion, SCMV remodels multiple intracellular organelles for its genomic RNA replication.
Dihydromyricetin Attenuates Palmitate Acid-Induced Oxidative Stress by promoting Autophagy via SIRT3-ATG4B Signaling in Hepatocytes
Authors: Mi Mantian , Huang Li , Zeng Xianglong , Li Bo , Wang Cong , Zhou Min , Lang Hedong , Yi Long
Published: March 2021

Background

Oxidative stress in hepatocytes was an important pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Autophagy was a cellular process that can remove damaged organelles under oxidative stress, and thus presented a potential therapeutic target against NASH. The aim of this work was to investigate whether autophagy participated the protective effects of dihydromyricetin (DHM) on palmitic acid (PA)-induced oxidative stress in hepatocytes and the underlying mechanism.
Methods

HepG2 cells were pretreated with DHM (20 µM) for 2 h, followed by PA (0.2 mM) treatment for 16 h. The oxidative stress was assessed by the quantification of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial ROS (mtROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial ultrastructural analyses. The protein expressions of SIRT3, LC3I/II, P62 and ATG4B, as well as the acetylation of AGT4B were determined by western blotting using HepG2 and HepG2/ ATG4B+/− cells with heterozygous knockout of ATG4B.
Results

Exposure to PA resulted in increased intracellular ROS and mtROS, decreased MMP and aggravated mitochondrial injury in HepG2 cells, which were notably attenuated by DHM treatment. DHM-induced inhibition of oxidative stress was associated with the induction of autophagy, characterized by upregulated ATG4B and LC3 II as well as downregulated P62 levels. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of DHM on PA-induced autophagy arrest and oxidative stress were eliminated when pretreated with a SIRT3 inhibitor 3-TYP or conducted in HepG2/ATG4B+/− cells, suggesting that SIRT3 and ATG4B were involved in DHM-induced benefits. Moreover, DHM treatment increased the protein expression of SIRT3 and SIRT3-dependent deacetylation of ATG4B in HepG2 cells.
Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that DHM attenuated PA-induced oxidative stress in hepatocytes through induction of autophagy, which was mediated through the increased expression of SIRT3 and SIRT3-mediated ATG4B deacetylation following DHM treatment.
Diallyl Trisulfide Protects Against H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Ming Le , Li Zhihui , Li Xiaofang , Tang Ling , He Guimei
Published: March 2021

BackgroundDiallyl trisulfide is a component of garlic. It has been shown to have anti-fungus, anti-cancer, and anti-virus activities. We hypothesized that diallyl trisulfide can enhance host defense mechanisms against the infection by influenza virus A subtype H9N2, which is the most prevalent subtype of influenza viruses in poultry in many countries in Asia.MethodsIn this study, the effects of diallyl trisulfide on influenza virus will be investigated in vivo and in vitro respectively. The expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, RIG-I, IRF-3, IFN-β, and H9N2 avian influenza virus M gene were detected using Quantitative real-time RT-PCR.ResultsIn vitro, we found that treatment of A549 cells before or after H9N2 virus infection resulted in reduced viral loads, increased expression of antiviral genes (RIG-I, IRF-3 and interferon-β), and decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). These effects were also observed in H9N2 virus infected mice. ConclusionsThese results suggest that diallyl trisulfide inhibits H9N2 virus replication and down regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Also this research indicates that diallyl trisulfide might be a kind of effective drug against influenza virus infection.
Dynamical Properties of the Molniya Satellite Constellation: Long-Term Evolution of the Semi-Major Axis
Authors: Daquin Jérôme , Alessi Elisa Maria , O'Leary Joseph , Lemaitre Anne , Buzzoni Alberto
Published: March 2021

We describe the phase space structures related to the semi-major axis of Molniya-like satellites subject to tesseral and lunisolar resonances. In particular, we dissect the indirect interplay of the critical inclination resonance on the semi-geosynchronous resonance using a hierarchy of more realistic dynamical systems, thus discussing the dynamics beyond the integrable approximation. By introducing ad hoc tractable models averaged over the fast angles, we numerically demarcate the hyperbolic structures organising the long-term dynamics via the computation of finite-time variational indicators. Based on the publicly available two-line elements space orbital data, we identify two satellites, namely M1-69 and M1-87, displaying fingerprints consistent with the dynamics associated to the hyperbolic set. The computations of the associated dynamical maps highlight that the spacecraft are trapped within the hyperbolic tangle.
Toxicity and Efficacy of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Ultra-central Lung Tumours: a Single Institution Real Life Experience
Authors: GUILLAUME Elodie , TANGUY Ronan , AYADI Myriam , CLAUDE Line , MONCHARMONT Coralie , MAGNE Nicolas , Martel-Lafay Isabelle
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to treat ultra-central lung tumours remains more controversial than for peripheral and central tumours. We carried out a study about SBRT in patients with ultra-central lung tumours treated in our Cancer Centre. Our objectives were to assess toxicities, local control (LC) rate and survival data.Methods: We conducted a retrospective and monocentric study about 74 patients with an ultra-central lung tumour, consecutively treated between 2012 and 2018. Ultra-central tumours were defined as tumours whose PTV (planning target volume) overlapped one of the following organs at risk (OAR): the trachea, right and left main bronchi, intermediate bronchus, lobe bronchi, oesophagus, heart. Patients with primary or secondary tumour were enrolled in the study.Results: Median follow-up was 25 months. Two patients (2.7%) showed grade 3 toxicity. No grade 4 or 5 toxicity was observed. Eleven per cent of patients experienced primary local relapse. Local control rate was 96.7% at 1 year and 87.6% at 2 years. Median progression free survival (PFS) was 12 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 31 months. Conclusions: SBRT for ultra-central tumours remains safe and effective. Thus, SBRT can be considered to be well tolerated as long as protecting organs at risk remains treatment planning priority. Besides, as the results of ongoing prospective trial have not been published yet, SBRT for ultra-central tumours should be performed with caution.
Prediction of 5-year Progression-Free Survival in Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma with Pretreatment PET/CT using Multi-Modality Deep Learning-based Radiomics
Authors: Gu Bingxin , Meng Mingyuan , Bi Lei , Kim Jinman , Feng David Dagan , Song Shaoli
Published: March 2021

Purpose Deep Learning-based Radiomics (DLR) has achieved great success on medical image analysis. In this study, we aimed to explore the capability of our proposed end-to-end multi-modality DLR model using pretreatment PET/CT images to predict 5-year Progression-Free Survival (PFS) in advanced NPC.Methods A total of 170 patients with pathological confirmed advanced NPC (TNM stage III or IVa) were enrolled in this study. A 3D Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), with two branches to process PET and CT separately, was optimized to extract deep features from pretreatment multi-modality PET/CT images and use the derived features to predict the probability of 5-year PFS. Optionally, TNM stage, as a high-level clinical feature, can be integrated into our DLR model to further improve prognostic performance. Results For a comparison between Conventional Radiomic (CR) and DLR, 1456 handcrafted features were extracted, and three top CR methods, ﻿Random Forest (RF) + RF (AUC = 0.796 ± 0.009, testing error = 0.267 ± 0.007), RF + Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) (AUC = 0.783 ± 0.011, testing error = 0.286 ± 0.009), and L1-Logistic Regression (L1-LOG) + Kernel Support Vector Machines (KSVM) (AUC = 0.769 ± 0.008, testing error = 0.298 ± 0.006), were selected as benchmarks from 54 combinations of 6 feature selection methods and 9 classification methods. Compared to the three CR methods, our multi-modality DLR models using both PET and CT, with or without TNM stage (named PCT or PC model), resulted in the highest prognostic performance (PCT model: AUC = 0.842 ± 0.034, testing error = 0.194 ± 0.029; PC model: AUC = 0.825 ± 0.041, testing error = 0.223 ± 0.035). Furthermore, the multi-modality PCT model outperformed single-modality DLR models using only PET and TNM stage (named PT model: AUC = 0.818 ± 0.029, testing error = 0.218 ± 0.024) or only CT and TNM stage (named CT model: AUC = 0.657 ± 0.055, testing error = 0.375 ± 0.048). Conclusion Our study identified potential radiomics-based prognostic model for survival prediction in advanced NPC, and suggests that DLR could serve as a tool for aiding in cancer management.
Sociodemographic and Clinical Features of COVID-19 Reinfection Cases Among Healthcare Workers in Turkey
Authors: İkiışık Hatice , Çağ Yasemin , Sezerol Mehmet Akif , Surmeli Aral , Taşçı Yusuf , Şahin Çağrı Emin , Maral Işıl
Published: March 2021

Background: Global pandemic of novel Coronavirus Disease (SARS- COV-2) has spread across all continents and infected almost 80 million people. Since it is a novel disease, unknowns about the disease characteristic, treatment and length of immunity still persist. This study aims to characterize reinfection, personal protective equipment use and disease progress in healthcare workers in İstanbul. Methods: 23 healthcare workers who had confirmed negative PCR results after infection and another positivity later were questioned about both infection progress, their symptoms and treatment through an online questionnaire. Results: While the symptoms during both courses did not change drastically, 73.9% were treated as outpatient during the first infection while all but one (95.7%) were treated as such during second time around. Median time between two infections were 106 days. All participants were cleared of disease and none had to be treated in intensive care unit. Conclusion: Use of personal protective equipment was found subpar compared to World Health Organization recommendations. This is the first study from Turkey characterizing reinfected cases in healthcare workers.
Endovascular Treatment of Traumatic Azygous Vein Injuries: A Case Report
Authors: DeMaio Kristine , Kaushik Shivam , Vadlamudi Venu
Published: March 2021

Background:Management of thoracic vascular injury predominantly focuses on the aorta and its tributaries while reports of venous injury are less frequent. Although rare, traumatic azygous vein injuries are associated with high mortality. Prompt treatment is required and has traditionally been open surgery. We present the first reported case of an endovascular repair of an azygous vein injury.Case Presentation:A female patient presented to our trauma center following ejection after a motor vehicle collision (MVC). CT imaging workup revealed mediastinal and periaortic hematoma with active contrast extravasation adjacent to the azygos vein. She was referred to interventional radiology for vascular evaluation and potential endovascular intervention. Aortography demonstrated no arterial injury. Venography revealed a pseudoaneurysm on the superior aspect of the azygos arch and contrast extravasation from the inferior margin of the azygous arch. A stent-graft was deployed and post-deployment venogram showed no extravasation and successful exclusion of the injuries. The patient did not have further signs of bleeding. Follow-up CT chest confirmed continued patency of the stent-graft.Conclusion:Historically, azygos vein injuries are a rare occurrence and managed with open surgery. Swift management is necessary to prevent the increased morbidity and mortality associated with azygous vein injury, particularly in polytrauma patients such as the one presented here. We believe endovascular stent-graft treatment offers an innovative alternative to the management of azygos vein injury.
Demethylzeylasteral (T-96) Initiates Extrinsic Apoptosis Against Prostate Cancer cells by Inducing ROS-Mediated ER Stress and Suppressing Autophagic Flux
Authors: Yang Dong-Lin , Zhang Ya-jun , He Liu-jun , Hu Chun-sheng , Gao Li-xia , Huang Jiu-hong , Tang Yan , Luo Jie , Tang Dian-yong , Chen Zhong-zhu
Published: March 2021

Demethylzeylasteral (T-96), a pharmacologically active triterpenoid monomer extracted from Tripterygiumwilfordii Hook F (TWHF), has been reported to exhibit anti-neoplastic effect on several types of cancer cells. However,whether it has the anti-tumour capability in human Prostate cancer (CaP)cells and what’s the precise regulatory mechanisms underlying the anti-proliferation effect of T-96 on human CaP. In the current study, T-96 exerted significant cytotoxicity to CaP cells in vitro and induced cell cycle arrest at S-phase in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, mechanistic investigation indicated that through inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress caused by intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), T-96 significantly promoted autophagy initiation while blocked the autophagic flux and finally caused extrinsic apoptosis in CaP cells, implying that ER stress induced byT-96 initiated caspase dependent apoptosis to inhibit CaP cells. Moreover, as a novel lethal ER stress inducer, T-96 was capable to enhance the sensitivity of CaP cells to chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin. Taken together, our data implied that T-96 is a novel ER stress and autophagy modulator, and has the potential applications for CaP therapy in clinic.
Reversal Nature in Rainfall Pattern Over the Indian Heavy and Low Rainfall Zones in the Recent Era
Authors: Barde Vasundhara , Sinha Palash , Mohanty UC , Panda RK
Published: March 2021

This study presents the reversal nature in rainfall over heavy rainfall zone (HRZ; more than 80% of the long-period average (LPA) of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR)) and low rainfall zone (LRZ; less than 40% of ISMR-LPA) in India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) high-resolution (0.25˚×0.25˚) dataset is used from 1901 to 2016. The single and multiple change point detection techniques are used to find the change in rainfall pattern over both the regions. Further, the study period is divided into two halves P1 (1901-1958) and P2 (1959-2016) in order to study change in rainfall pattern in the recent and past periods. In P2, rainfall pattern gets reversed and interestingly ISMR has shown an increasing trend over LRZ and a decreasing trend is noticed over HRZ and the results are statistically significant. The increasing/decreasing number of moderate and high intensity rainfall events are the main cause for this reversal pattern. Additionally, the number of dry days is increased over the HRZ and deceased over the LRZ. This study further confirms that ‘dry becomes drier and wet becomes wetter’ paradigm is not solely acceptable for India. The present study provides information about changes in dry days and ISMR variability in the context of climate change, which will be useful to agricultural risk management, water resources, drought monitoring, model developers, and policy planer on the adaptation strategies for climate change.
A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial of Music-Assisted Language Telehealth Intervention for Minimally Verbal Autistic Children - The MAP Study
Authors: Williams Tim I , Loucas Tom , Sin Jacqueline , Jeremic Mirjana , Aslett Georgia , Knight Melissa , Fincham-Majumdar Sara , Liu Fang
Published: March 2021

Background: About 30% of children with ASD do not develop functional speech and remain non-verbal or minimally verbal even after years of speech, language and educational interventions. A wide range of interventions have been developed for improving communication in ASD, but none have proved effective in eliciting functional language in ASD children [1]. Research has found that people with ASD are more likely to have perfect pitch and prefer music to language. Further, it seems that language delay tends to co-occur with better musical skills. Brain imaging research has found that music alongside words increases the attention that people with ASD pay to spoken words. Methods: Our music-assisted programmes (MAP) will use music to attract the attention of people with ASD to speech, which may open the brain pathways to language and therefore help improve communication skills for people with ASD more than standard communication protocols. In particular, we aim to develop and test whether individualised, easily used MAP would increase spoken language in 24-60-month-old, nonverbal or minimally verbal children with ASD. We will develop a structured training method, delivered through naturalistic, interactive activities (e.g., songs) to teach language to ASD children. We will test this by comparing two groups: one undertaking music-assisted programmes, and the other receiving speech and language therapy in the way that is recommended in NHS clinics [2]. Participants will be allocated to groups randomly. The efficacy of MAP will be assessed through the learning of 36 target words. The 36 words will be chosen so that they are relevant to the everyday activities that the children take part in. Discussion: This feasibility randomised controlled trial will establish the acceptability and estimate the power of the MAP intervention to improve early word learning in children with ASD. In the longer term, this research will help us develop an app for parents or carers of children with ASD to design their own songs and implement their own individualised MAP.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN12536062. Registered 26 June 2019, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12536062