bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and functional differences in ileal and colonic microbiota: 16S rRNA gene investigation in rats
Authors: Sun Xiao Wei , Zhang Hua , Li Hong Rui , Xin Peng Fei , Gao Xue , Zhou Cai Yun , Gao Wen Min , Kou Xuan Xuan , Jin Xiao Lei , Tang Xiao , Wang Da Wen , Zhang Jian Gang
Published: July 2022

Background: The occurrence of serious diseases, such as inflammatory diseases and cancer, in the small intestine is significantly lower than that in the colon. The differentiation of small-intestine microbiota from large-intestine microbiota might hold great significance. To compare floral composition and functions between the two types of microbiota, ileal contents and feces were collected from Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, and the V3–V4 region of the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene in these rats was amplified and sequenced. We subjected the data to bioinformatics analyzing.Results: Compared with feces, about 50% of bacterial genera in the ileum were exclusive, with low abundance (operational taxonomic units [OTUs] <1000). Of bacteria shared between the ileum and feces, a few genera were highly abundant (dominant), whereas most had low abundance (less dominant). Dominant bacteria differed between the ileum and feces. Ileal bacteria showed greater β-diversity, and the distance between in-group samples was nearer than that between paired ileum–feces samples. Moreover, the ileum shared various biomarkers and functions with feces (P < 0.05). A high-fat diet (HFD) and specific-pathogen–free (SPF) conditions had a profound influence on α-diversity and abundance but not on the exclusive/shared features or β-diversity of samples. Intestinal microbiota were composed of high-prevalence dominant, low-prevalence dominant, and less-dominant bacteria.Conclusions: The present findings suggested that ileal and fecal bacteria were different structurally and functionally. These differences might be key to the fundamental protection of the small intestine from diseases.
Predictability of Indian Ocean Precipitation and its North Atlantic teleconnections during early Winter
Authors: Abid Muhammad Adnan , Kucharski Fred , Molteni Franco , Almazroui Mansour
Published: July 2022

The Tropical Western-Central Indian Ocean (WCIO) precipitation anomalies play an important role in modulating the anomalous climate conditions in the northern hemisphere during the boreal early winter (November-December; ND) season. In this study, we analyzed the forcing mechanism and predictability for the early winter tropical WCIO precipitation anomalies and its teleconnections to the North Atlantic region. The two main forcing mechanisms emerging are i) Autumn Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and ii) a direct atmospheric teleconnection from El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Since the autumn IOD is partially forced by ENSO, their independent contributions are also investigated. We found that the IOD contribution dominates over the ENSO contribution. The ECMWF-SEAS5 seasonal re-forecast dataset reproduces these forcing mechanisms well and shows a substantial prediction skill for the ND WCIO precipitation index. Moreover, the North Atlantic response to the positive WCIO phase projects spatially onto the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) through atmospheric teleconnections and leads to warming in the central and western European region. This teleconnection is reproduced by ECMWF-SEAS5, but with weaker amplitude. Moreover, a substantial prediction skill for the NAO as well as for the central and western European temperature anomalies is noted, which is mostly induced by the Indian Ocean precipitation anomalies during early winter.
A Mobile Positioning Algorithm Based on Improved Robust Extended Kalman Filter with NLOS Identification and Mitigation
Authors: Wang Yan , Yang Huikang , Gong Yuxin
Published: July 2022

With the development of information age and the maturity of Internet of things (IoT) technology, wireless sensor network (WSN) has been widely applied in indoor localization. However, the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environment and the inherent noise of the sensor will introduce errors in the measurement, which will seriously lead to inaccurate positioning. In this paper, a novel localization scheme based on mean reconstruction method is proposed, which reconstructs the distance measurements from each beacon nodes by taking the average twice to weaken the adverse effects of NLOS. At the same time, the noise average is re-estimated when the distance difference is tiny. Next, the robust extended Kalman filter (REKF) is used to process the reconstructed distance measurements to obtain positioning results. In order to prevent invalid reconstruction, hypothesis testing is used as NLOS identification to classify the position estimates which generated from all distance combinations by least-squares. Then we use residual weighting (RWGH) method to combine position estimates that fall into validation gate, and take it as a collaborative localization with the REKF algorithm. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has high positioning accuracy and strong positioning robustness.
Prostatic Artery Embolization Using Reflux-control Microcatheter: Prospective Experience Addressing Feasibility.
Authors: Assis André Moreira , Kawakami Willian Yoshinori , Moreira Airton Mota , Carnevale Francisco Cesar
Published: July 2022

Purpose: To describe the initial experience regarding efficacy and safety of Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) using a reflux control microcatheter. Materials and methods: This is a prospective, single-center investigation that included 10 patients undergoing PAE for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributed to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Baseline, 3-month and 12-month efficacy endpoints were obtained for all patients, and included prostate-specific antigen (PSA), uroflowmetry, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical assessment using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire and the IPSS-Quality of life (QoL) item. Complications were assessed using the Cirse classification system. Results: Ten patients entered statistical analysis and presented with significant LUTS improvement 12 months after PAE, as follows: mean IPSS reduction of 86.6% (2.8 vs. 20.7, -17.9, P < 0.001), mean QoL reduction of 79.4% (1.1 vs. 5.4, -4.3, P < 0.001), mean prostatic volume reduction of 38.4% (69.3 cm3 vs. 112.5 cm3, - 43.2 cm3, P < 0.001), mean peak urinary flow (Qmax) increase of 199.4% (19.9 mL/s vs. 6.6 mL/s, +13.3 mL/s, P = 0.006) and mean PSA reduction of 50.1% (3.0 ng/mL vs. 6.1 ng/mL, -3.0 ng/mL, P < 0.001). One patient (10%) needed transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) after PAE due to a ball-valve effect. One patient (10%) needed coil protective embolization of a high flow intraprostatic anastomosis. One microcatether (10%) needed to be replaced during PAE due to occlusion. Non-target embolization was not observed in the cohort.Conclusion: This initial experience suggests that PAE using a reflux control microcatheter is effective and safe for the treatment of LUTS attributed to BPH. High flow intraprostatic anastomosis still need coil protective embolization to avoid NTE even with the use of reflux-control microcatheters.
Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Shawa Taha Mohammed , El-Taweel Hend Ali , El-Gammal Maha Adel , Khalil Safia Saleh , Ibrahim Heba Said
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii causes life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients such as those with hematological malignancy. Serological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in these patients is challenged by the impaired antibody response; meanwhile, molecular testing is necessary to demonstrate reactivation. We aimed to study rates and risk factors of toxoplasmosis in hematological malignancy patients using serological and molecular methods.Methodology:The study was conducted on 40 adult hematological malignancy patients and 40 age and sex-matched healthy individuals. Data on plausible risk factors of toxoplasmosis were collected. Serologic testing for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Blood samples were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of T. gondii AF146527 (a 529-bp repeat element).ResultsT. gondii seropositive rate was significantly higher among patients (75%) compared to healthy individuals (42.5%). However, seropositive patients displayed lower anti-Toxoplasma IgG concentrations compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.05). Positive PCR results were obtained in 13 patients (32.5%) and one healthy individual (2.5%) with a significant difference. Among patients, serology and PCR showed slight agreement. Seropositive patients were more likely to be PCR positive (36.7%) compared to seropositive healthy individuals (5.9%) (p < 0.05). No statistically significant association was found between toxoplasmosis and demographic variables, cat contact, undercooked meat consumption, type of malignancy, blood transfusion, and chemotherapy.ConclusionsPatients with hematological malignancy are at high risk of T. gondii infection and reactivation. The combination of serology and PCR would be more accurate for a definite diagnosis. Follow-up is necessary to prevent the development of life-threatening toxoplasmosis in these patients.
Non-invasive and minute-frequency 3D tomographic imaging enabling long-term spatiotemporal observation of single cell fate
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Liang Fei , Zhu Junwen , Chai Huichai , Feng Yongxiang , Zhao Peng , Liu Shaofeng , Yang Yuanmu , Lin Linhan , Cao Liangcai
Published: July 2022

Non-invasive and rapid imaging technique at subcellular resolution is significantly important for multiple biological applications such as cell fate study. Label-free refractive-index (RI) based 3D tomographic imaging constitutes an excellent candidate for 3D imaging of cellular structures, but its full potential in long-term spatiotemporal cell fate observation has been locked due to the lack of efficient system integration. Here, we report a long-term 3D RI imaging system incorporating a cutting-edge white light diffraction phase microscopy (wDPM) module with spatiotemporal stability, and an acoustofluidic device to roll and culture single cells in a customized live cell culture chamber. Using this system, we conducted 3D RI imaging experiments for 250 cells, and demonstrated efficient cell identification with high accuracy. Importantly, long-term and frequency-on-demand 3D RI imaging of K562 and MCF-7 cancer cells revealed different characteristics during normal cell growth, drug-induced cell apoptosis, and necrosis of drug-treated cells. In particular, for the first time, a new two-fold transform mode was observed in the apoptosis regions by 1-minute-frequency imaging in the 10-minute execution phase of apoptosis, which has not been seen otherwise by labeling microscopy. Overall, we believe that the proposed 3D tomographic imaging technique opens up a new avenue for visualizing intracellular structures and will find many applications such as disease diagnosis and nanomedicine.
Chromosome substitution lines with improved essential mineral nutrients and fiber quality traits in Upland cotton
Authors: Saha Sukumar , Tewolde Haile , Jenkins Johnie N. , McCarty Jack C. , Stelly David M.
Published: July 2022

Introgression of novel traits from alien to cultivated cotton species through the technique of chromosome substitution (CS) can be a valuable tool for broadening the genetic base of Upland cotton. The objective of this research was to determine whether the mineral nutrition and fiber quality of cotton can be improved by the introgression of selected chromosomes from donor species into Upland cotton. Eleven CS lines that consisted of selected chromosomes from Gossypium barbadense and G. tomentosum substituted into a recurrent G. hirsutum parent (TM-1) were grown along with TM-1 in two fields. The CS lines included CS-B01, CS-B04, CS-B07, CS-B15Lo, CS-B18, CS-T01, CS-T04, CS-T07, CS-T8Lo, CS-T15Lo, and CS-T18, in which a letter that followed CS- represents the donor species and the number after the letter refers to the substituted chromosome position. Mineral nutrition of the CS lines was measured based on leaf samples taken two weeks after flowering. Fiber quality was based on hand-picked bolls at harvest. The highest levels of 7 of 10 leaf mineral elements were measured in CS lines. Chromosomes that were associated with leaf nutrient improvement were Chromosomes 1 and 18. CS-B18, in particular, improved leaf N, P, K, and Zn relative to TM-1. The other chromosomes investigated (Chromosomes 4, 7, or the long arms of 8 or 15) did not affect or improve leaf nutrients relative to TM-1. Fiber quality was affected by CS lines, but there was no single substitution that led to more than two fiber quality improvements. CS-B15Lo and CS-B18 showed a tendency to improve fiber strength and elongation. CS-T15Lo also improved fiber elongation and yellow index. Overall, the results show that the technique of chromosome substitution is an effective tool for broadening the genetic base to enhance the mineral nutrition and fiber quality of Upland cotton.
Advancing our understanding of compound weather and climate events via large ensemble model simulations
Authors: Bevacqua Emanuele , Jézéquel Aglaé , Suarez-Gutierrez Laura , Lehner Flavio , Vrac Mathieu , Yiou Pascal , Zscheischler Jakob
Published: July 2022

Most societally relevant weather impacts result from compound events, that is, rare combinations of weather and climate drivers. Focussing on four event types arising from different combinations of climate variables across space and time, we illustrate that robust analyses of compound events – such as frequency and uncertainty analysis under present-day and future conditions, event attribution, exploration of low-probability-high-impact events – require very large sample sizes. In particular, the required sample is much larger than that needed for routinely considered univariate extremes. We demonstrate how large ensemble simulations from multiple climate models are crucial for advancing our understanding of compound events and for constructing robust projections. Importantly, this will avoid providing practitioners with potentially misleading information on climate risks.
A cohort study on deficiency of ADA2 from China
Authors: Li Guomin , Han Xu , Wu Ye , Wang Wei , Tang Hong-xia , Lu Mei-ping , Tang Xue-mei , Lin Yi , Deng Fan , Yang Jun , Wang Xin-ning , Liu Cong-cong , Zheng Wen-jie , Wu Bing-bing , Zhou Fang , Luo Hong , Zhang Liang , Liu Hai-mei , Guan Wan-zhen , Wang Shi-hao , Tao Pan-feng , Jin Tai-jie , Fang Ran , Wu Yuan , Zhang Jie , Zhang yao , Zhang Tian-nan , Yin Wei , Guo Li , Tang Wen-jing , Chang Hong , Zhang Qiu-ye , Li Xiao-zhong , Li Jian-guo , Zhou Zhi-xuan , Yang Si-rui , Yang Kang-kang , Xu Hong , Song Hong-mei , Zhou Qing , Sun Li
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disorder caused by biallelic loss-of-function mutations in ADA2, characterized by systemic inflammation, vasculitis, immunodeficiency, and/or hematologic abnormalities. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with DADA2 diagnosed by whole exome sequencing at 17 rheumatology centers across China was conducted. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, genotype and treatment responses were analyzed.Results Thirty patients with DADA2 were enrolled in this cohort between January 2015 and December 2021. Median age at onset was 4.3 years and the median age at diagnosis was 7.8 years. All but one patient presented during childhood and two subjects in the cohort died from DADA2-related complications. The patients presented with systemic inflammation (92.9%), vasculitis (86.7%), and hypogammaglobinemia (73.3%) while one patient with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and bone marrow failure (BMF) with variable cytopenia was observed in our cohort. Twenty-three (76.7%) patients received TNF inhibitors and all achieved clinical remission. Homozygous variants and compound heterozygous variants were identified in 5 and 25 patients, respective. Two patients received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and both got remission. Among 39 unique variants in our cohort, six is novel.Conclusion: In order to establish the diagnosis early and prevent devastating clinical outcomes, genetic screening and/ or testing of adenosine deaminase enzymatic activity should be performed in patients with suspected clinical features. TNF inhibitors can be first line drug for patients with vasculitic DADA2. HSCT is an alternative choice for patients with refractory to TNF inhibitors or hematological disorders.
Computational Screening of Transition Metal-Doped CdS for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.
Authors: Vega Lourdes , Li Yuting , Bahamon Daniel , Sinnokrot Mutasem
Published: July 2022

A novel computational screening study of single transition metal (TM), TM-doped (TM@CdS), and dual TMs-doped (TM1-TM2@CdS) on CdS (110) surfaces via DFT calculations is presented, focusing on their stability and catalytic activity, searching for efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen production. Criteria based on key performance descriptors allowed to fine-tune the selection. Results indicate that TM dopants can reduce the energy band gap and enhance impurity d-states. Pt, Rh and Pd were found to be the best dopant in TM@CdS, since their |ΔGH| is 80% smaller compared to the pristine CdS surface. Moreover, TM1-TM2@CdS catalysts show better performance than TM@CdS for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to synergistic effects of the two TM, where Co-Pt, Pd-Pt and Co-Rh@CdS significantly reduced |ΔGH| to less than 0.1 eV. Results point out four promising novel catalysts (i.e., Co@CdS, Co-Pt@CdS, Co-Rh@CdS, Rh-Ag@CdS) with very good performance in HER, to be further explored in experimental studies.
USP22-FASN Axis Derepression by p53 Loss under Oxidative Stress Drives Lipogenesis and Colorectal Tumorigenesis
Authors: Han Zelong , Liu Ming , Zeng Kunlin , Chen Yanwen , Wang Li , Chen Xiaoxia , Luo Yaxin , Zeng Yu , Zhan Hongchao , Zhang Keqin , Zhu Xiaoxia , Liu Side , Luo Xiaobei , Zhou Aidong
Published: July 2022

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and aberrant lipid metabolism are established hallmarks of cancers; however, the role of ROS in lipid synthesis during tumorigenesis is almost unknown. Herein, we show that ROS critically regulates lipid synthesis and thus controls colorectal tumorigenesis through a p53-dependent mechanism. In p53 wild-type colorectal cancers (CRCs), ROS-induced p53 expression represses the transcription of deubiquitinase USP22, which otherwise deubiquitinates and stabilizes Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN), and thus inhibits fatty acid synthesis and tumor growth. Whereas, in p53-deficient CRC cells, ROS-mediated inhibition of USP22 is relieved, leading to FASN stabilization, which thus promotes lipid synthesis and colorectal tumorigenesis. In human CRC specimens, the expression levels of USP22 and FASN are positively correlated and high USP22/FASN level predicts poor prognosis. Our study demonstrates that ROS critically controls lipid synthesis and tumorigenesis through the USP22-FASN axis in a p53-dependent manner, and that targeting the USP22-FASN axis may represent a potential strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Altered Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Non-Affective First Episode Psychosis and its Relationship with Symptom Severity and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Leung Kwan Keung , Wong Yip Chau , Shea Ka Sin , Chan Sheung Chun , Chang Wing Chung , Mo Yi Man Flora , Chan Sau Man Sandra
Published: July 2022

Signatures of immune dysregulation as clinical biomarker for psychosis have remained unclear. We aimed to compare the Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of patients with acute non-affective first-episode psychosis (FEP) with healthy controls after accounting for emotional states, and explore their associations with symptom severity, onset profile and cognitive functions. The NLR was enumerated from complete blood count taken within a week of assessment. All FEP patients were assessed with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinician Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scores. Verbal memory and executive functions were assessed with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Prevailing emotional state was measured with Beck Depression Inventory-II and Beck Anxiety Inventory. 27 eligible subjects screened out of 79 consecutive FEP patients with their age-/sex-matched controls were recruited. The FEP patients had an NLR of 1.886 higher than controls after accounting for emotional states. The NLR of FEP patients was positively associated with PANSS positive symptom, disorganization and excitation scores, as well as CGI-S scores. There was no significant correlation between NLR with duration of untreated psychosis and cognitive performances. These findings support using NLR as clinical biomarker in FEP, purporting further prospective study to measure NLR changes in the course of treatment.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Animal Handlers towards Antibiotic Usage and Antimicrobial Resistance in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Chai Min Hian , Zaidi Aida Afiqah , Hashim Siti Noorfazira , Ariffin Siti Mariam Zainal , Choong Siew Shean , Lani Mohd Nizam , Aziz Nor Azlina Abdul , Roslan Farah Syahrain , Ghazali Mohd Faizal
Published: July 2022

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become one of the most significant global public health threats. The lack of effective legislation and strict regulations on drug usage in many developing countries as well as self-prescription of antimicrobials at the maximum to animals by their owner have contributed to the rapid emergence of AMR worldwide. Thus, educating stakeholders about the threats of AMR is an important step in controlling the emergence of antibiotic resistance. As there is a wide cross-national difference in the antibiotic usage as well as knowledge level regarding AMR, it is crucial to continuously assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the key stakeholders concerning AMR to tailor intervention strategies to address this local issue. The present study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of Peninsular Malaysian animal handlers towards antibiotic usage practice and antibiotic resistance.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2019 to February 2022 among animal handlers in Peninsular Malaysia. A questionnaire containing a list of questions covering the socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude and practice sections on antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance was distributed to animal handlers in Peninsular Malaysia via the online platform and face-to-face interviews.Results: A total of 963 animal handlers from several states of Peninsular Malaysia participated in this study. The respondents showed a moderate knowledge score level when being asked about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. It appears that the majority of the respondents knew about antibiotics. However, the respondents were not well-aware of antibiotic resistance. In addition, the respondents showed low attitude and moderate practice levels when using antibiotics, which may lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the long term. Furthermore, it was revealed that the KAP awareness of the respondents from different age groups, ethnicity and educational backgrounds were significantly different. Male, older individuals (30 years and above), minority ethnics and non-university graduates were found to have lower KAP scores. Nonetheless, the knowledge level of the respondents was positively correlated with their attitude and practice scores. Conclusion: The animal handler respondents in Peninsular Malaysia showed moderate knowledge, attitude and practice levels towards antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance.
Evidence-based consensus recommendations for skin care in healthy, full-term neonates in India
Authors: Gupta Piyush , Nagesh Karthik , Garg Pankaj , Thomas Jayakar , Suryawanshi Pradeep , Sethuraman Giridhar , Hazarika Rashna Dass , Verma Rahul , Kumar C Suresh , Kumari Shantha , Taneja Sunil , Chavhan Vaishali , Thakor Priti , Pandita Ankita
Published: July 2022

Background: Neonatal skin care practices that are often guided by personal experience and preferences result in substantial variation in the practices being followed across hospital settings. The objective of this consensus recommendations was to provide guidance to health care practitioners on evidence-based neonatal skin care practices for adoption in hospitals: from delivery to discharge.Methods: A Scientific Advisory Board meeting on “Evidence-based Neonatal Skin Care Practices and Protocols” was held in December 2020 with an expert panel comprising neonatologists, pediatricians, obstetricians and gynaecologists and a pediatric dermatologist were invited. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to source relevant evidence.Results: Recommendations were developed on critical aspects of skin care in healthy full-term neonates, including cleansing at birth, skin-to-skin care, cord care, diaper area care, initial and routine bathing, use of cleansers and emollients, and the criteria to choose appropriate skin care products. The newborn’s first bath should occur only once cardiorespiratory and thermal stability have been achieved, anywhere between 6 to 24 hours after birth. Bathing with water alone or water with a mild liquid cleanser demonstrated appropriate for newborn does not impact the developing skin barrier. The use of emollients to maintain and enhance skin barrier function was encouraged for neonates with risk factors that can affect skin barrier integrity. Skin assessment should become an integral part of routine neonatal care. Skin Care Advice with “Do’s and Don’ts” should be a part of the neonatal discharge checklist. The importance of rigorous quality control, high-quality clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of baby products, usage of products that contain only ingredients and which are formulated appropriately for newborn babies, and full label transparency for baby products were highlighted. The panel further identified gaps in the existing literature and discussed the scope for future research. Conclusions: The consensus recommendations may help standardize evidence-based skin care for healthy full-term neonates in Indian hospital settings. This may also improve the quality of care that the neonates receive in the hospital and facilitate improvement in overall neonatal health outcomes.
Salinity mediates the effects of groundwater and seasonal streamflow on the symbiotic nitrogen fixation of a dryland phreatophyte
Authors: Li Meimei , Petrie Matthew D. , Chen Hao , Zeng Fanjiang , Ahmed Zeeshan , Sun Xibin
Published: July 2022

Purpose
Biological nitrogen fixation of deep-rooted legumes is a major pathway of nitrogen (N) inputs to drylands ecosystems. Water sources including groundwater and streamflow are vital to the growth of deep-rooted legumes in drylands, but it is unclear how their different availability and biochemical properties may influence plant N fixation.
Methods
We established two intersecting sampling transects at the southern fringe of the Taklimakan Desert to study the effects of the groundwater depth and distance to a seasonally active river channel on the N fixation rate of Alhagi sparsifolia, a dominant phreatophytic legume species. We quantified the N fixation rate of A. sparsifolia using the 15N natural abundance method, and related variation in N fixation to water source use and soil biochemical properties along the two transects.
Results
The N fixation rate of A. sparsifolia decreased with groundwater depth, and increased with distance from the river channel. Instead of variation in water source or nutrient concentrations, we found that gradients in salinity formed by groundwater flow and streamflow were most associated with the spatial pattern in N fixation of A. sparsifolia.
Conclusions
In many dryland regions, water availability controls the spatial variability of symbiotic N fixation along hydrological gradients. Our study system provides a contrasting condition where salinity most strongly regulates N fixation. In addition to understanding the important role of variation in water source and nutrient availability, our study suggests that the impact of soil salinity in mediating the N fixation of dryland ecosystems is deserving of increased attention.
Several characterizations of third degree semiclassical linear forms of class two appearing via cubic decomposition
Authors: Khalfallah Mohamed
Published: July 2022

In this work we consider orthogonal polynomials via cubic decomposition in the framework of the third degree semiclassical class. Based on their third degree character, we give a complete description, by using the formal Stieltjes function and the moments, of semiclassical linear forms of class two arising from the cubic decomposition W3n(x) = Pn(x3); n ≥ 0. We focus our attention on the link between these forms and the strict third degree classical forms Vqk,l= J (k + q/3; l -q/3), q ∈{1,2},k,l ∈Z with k+ l≥ -1. All of them are rational transformations of the Jacobi form V = J (-2/3;-1=3).
Barley metallothionein isoforms, MT2b2 and MT4, differentially respond to photohormones in barley aleurone layer and their recombinant forms show different affinity for binding to zinc and cadmium
Authors: Pourjalali Zahra , Shahpiri Azar , Golkar Pooran
Published: July 2022

Metallothioneins (MTs) are metal-binding proteins that have important roles in the homeostasis of heavy metals. In this study, the two MT genes was studied in response to phytohormones using the barley aleurone layer as a kind of model system. The aleurone layer was isolated from barley embryo-less half grains and was incubated for 24 h with different phytohormones. Based on the results the genes encoding HvMT2b2 and HvMT4 were down-regulated through gibberellic acid (GA), while they were and up-regulated through salicylic acid (SA). Despite this, these two genes were differentially expressed to other hormones. Furthermore, the proteins HvMT2b2 and HvMT4 were heterologous expressed as GST-fusion proteins in E. coli. The HvMT4 and HvMT2b2 heterologous expression in E. coli gives rise to 10- and 3-fold improvements in the accumulation capacity for Zn2+, respectively. Whereas the transgenic E. coli strain that expresses HvMT2b2 could accumulate Cd2+ three-fold higher than control. The expression of HvMT4 did not affect the accumulation of Cd2+. HvMT4 which is known as seed-specific isoform seems to be able to bind to Zn2+ with good affinity and cannot bind Cd2+. In comparison, HvMT2b2 was able to bind both Zn2+ and Cd2+. Therefore HvMT4 could serve a noteworthy role in zinc storage in barley seeds. The expression of HvMT4 is induced by SA 30-fold, concerning the untreated aleurone layer. Such results could provide good insights for the assessment of the effects of phytohormones in the molecular mechanism involved in essential metal storage in cereal seeds.
Palifermin Compared to Supersaturated Calcium Phosphate Rinse in Prevention of Severe Oral Mucositis after Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Hadid Tarik , Al-Katib Ayad , Binongo Jose , Berteotti Gina M. , Fazal Salman , Rossetti James M. , Lister John
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Oral mucositis (OM) is a common, debilitating complication of conditioning regimens for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Supersaturated calcium phosphate rinse (SCPR) and palifermin have shown efficacy in preventing severe OM. However, whether their efficacy differs is unknown. We aimed to compare the efficacy of SCPR and palifermin in HSCT patients receiving myeloablative conditioning. Methods: A comprehensive review of our institutional database was performed to identify patients who received myeloablative-conditioning therapy over 5 years. Most patients received Fludarabine, Busulfan and total body irradiation (FBT). Results: We identified 26 patients who received SCPR and 122 patients who received palifermin for OM prophylaxis. The prevalence of World Health Organization (WHO) grade 3 or 4 OM was significantly lower in the palifermin group (57% vs 100%, p=0.01). In addition, the palifermin group had lower WHO grade 4 OM (22% vs 62%, p=0.0006). The overall prevalence of OM was not significantly different between the two groups (86% for palifermin group vs 100% for SCPR arm, p=0.15). Subgroup analyses demonstrated improved outcomes with palifermin, regardless of age, sex, disease status, donor type, and primary diagnosis. Conclusion: As compared to SCPR, the use of palifermin is associated reduced severity of OM in HSCT patients receiving radiotherapy-based myeloablative conditioning.
Factors affecting knowledge of autism spectrum disorder among pediatric residents in eastern China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Song Chao , Wu Lingling , Hong Yunxia , Chen Xiaoyang , Zhu Zhiwei
Published: July 2022

Background: There is a global increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early identification of ASD in children and intervention are key aspects in the management of ASD. However, early identification is partly dependent on knowledge on ASD among pediatricians. This study analyzed the extent of ASD knowledge and its underlying factors among pediatric residents in eastern China, to provide a reference for medical education reforms. Methods: The study employed the Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers questionnaire. A total of 138 pediatric residents participated in the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics and the four domains of the questionnaire. Univariate analysis was employed to assess impacts of the demographic characteristics on the questionnaire scores. On the other hand, multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the participants’ demographic characteristics and the questionnaire scores. Results: The average ASD cognitive score of 138 respondents was 13.38 ± 4.48. The ASD cognitive scores in female pediatric residents were higher compared to that in males (p<0.05). Residents who had obtained professional doctor qualification certificate were more than those without professional doctor qualification certificate (p<0.05). The ASD knowledge in the group which did not have rotation in both departments was lower than in the group which had rotation in both departments (p<0.05) as well as the group that had rotation in developmental and behavioral pediatrics department only (p<0.05). Our multivariate linear regression model demonstrated significant statistical differences (p<0.05), and showed that gender and systematic exposure to ASD knowledge had significant effects on cognitive scores (p<0.05). Conclusions: Most participants had relatively low levels of awareness and knowledge about ASD, especially on ASD comorbidities. Women, systematic learning of ASD knowledge in medical school, successful passing of the physician examination, and rotation in the developmental and behavioral pediatrics (DBP) department significantly influence the levels of ASD awareness and knowledge. It is, therefore, important to strengthen ASD education in medical students at the university level and make rotation in the DBP department a requisite for pediatric trainees.
Toughening modification of polylactic acid by long-chain hyperbranched polymers containing polycaprolactone end groups
Authors: Tie Rui , Huang Yansong , Jin Yujuan , Sun Jianjian , Tian Huafeng , Lei Xiao , Li Gongcheng , Men Shuang
Published: July 2022

The hyperbranched polyester were synthesized by the "one-step method" and grafted with caprolactone (ε-CL) to obtain long-chain hyperbranched polymers (LCHBPs-Cl). LCHBPs-Cl was then melt blended with PLA to study its effect on the toughness of PLA. Compared to the pure PLA, the most significant toughening effect was observed when the addition amount of LCHBPs-Cl was 2.0phr. The tensile strength was increased by 69.21% from 37MPa to 62.61 MPa, the impact strength was increased from 14.88kJ to 18.50kJ. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that the impact section of the blends was changed from smooth to rough, the brittle-ductile fracture transition occurred, and a large number of white wire drawing phenomena were produced. Due to the formation of topological entanglement and cohesive entanglement between the long-chain substituents of LCHBPs-Cl and PLA molecular chains, the plastic deformation of PLA was successfully improved.
Apolipoprotein C1 as a Novel Biomarker for Evaluating Immunotherapy Drug Responses and Clinical Prognosis for Microsatellite Unstable Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ou Guowei , Wang Haocheng , Yang Tingting , Yuan Peiyi , Wang Qiouyu , Sun Yanqi , Cui Chunhui , Wang Chuyan
Published: July 2022

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in men and women worldwide. Although improved screening has significantly reduced its incidence, the occurrence and death rates of CRC in younger people have increased in the last few decades. Following initial successes in melanoma treatment, immunotherapy has rapidly become a major treatment modality for deficient mismatch repair/microsatellite instability-high (dMMR/MSI-H) CRCs. Previous reports have demonstrated the association of apolipoprotein C1 (APOC1) with several cancers; however, the function of APOC1 in MSI-H CRC remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of APOC1 in clinical prognosis and immunotherapy drug responses in CRC.Results: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was searched, and through relevant machine learning algorithms and bioinformatics correlation analysis, APOC1 was identified as a gene possibly associated with CRC. The correlation between APOC1 expression, clinical prognosis, and response to immunotherapeutic drugs was also analysed based on public data. The findings were then validated using independent datasets from different technology platforms, including single-cell datasets. MSI-H CRC transcriptome data were downloaded from TCGA, and the tumour microenvironment (TME) model classified the TME of MSI-H CRC patients into four clusters; the IE (immune-enriched, non-fibrotic) subtype and other subtypes had less overlap and were relatively discrete. The screened differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were overlapped, and one common DEG (APOC1) was screened out. The results showed that APOC1 expression in CRC was positively correlated with tumour mutation burden, MSI, neoantigen, and signalling pathways such as myeloid cells and cytokines and immune scores. However, APOC1 expression in CRC was significantly negatively correlated with MMR-related genes. APOC1 was highly correlated with immune-related cell enrichment and immune checkpoints in colon adenocarcinoma patients and was more highly expressed in malignant cells than in normal cells, according to the single-cell data analysis. APOC1 expression in tumour tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues. The same conclusions can be obtained from different detection techniques and platforms. Conclusions: It was revealed that the APOC1 tumour level in MSI-H CRC was correlated with clinical prognosis and response to immunotherapeutic drugs.
Information-Set Deep Learning Architectures for Improving Classification of Noisy Patterns
Authors: Bhardwaj Saurabh , Wang Yizhi , Yu Guoqiang , Wang Yue
Published: July 2022

Deep learning models have been widely used in many supervised learning applications. These models, however, suffer from the problem of overfitting due to various types of uncertainty with deteriorating performance when facing data biases, class imbalance, or noise propagation. To address the critical problem of the absence of robust deep learning models, we propose Information-Set Deep learning (ISDL) architectures with four variants by integrating information set theory and deep learning principle. We describe the ISDL architectures, learning algorithms, and analytic workflows. We evaluate and compare the performance of the ISDL models and standard architectures using a noise-corrupted benchmark dataset. The experimental results show that the ISDL models can efficiently handle noise-dominated uncertainty and outperform peer architectures.
Clinical features predictive of vision loss in patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma: A single tertiary center experience
Authors: Kim Mirinae , Suh Hyun , Park Young Gun , Park Young-Hoon
Published: July 2022

Purpose: To clarify the long-term visual prognosis and prognostic factors for vision loss in patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL).Methods: This retrospective longitudinal study included 64 consecutive patients with VRL. We analyzed the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography findings, and clinical features at every visit. Significant vision loss was defined as a final BCVA ≥0.5 logMAR. Predictors of significant vision loss following treatment were evaluated using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. Results: We included 64 eyes of 64 patients (mean age, 64.2±10.9 years), and 49 patients (76.6%) showed bilateral ocular involvement. The mean follow-up duration was 35.4±25.8 months. At diagnosis, 36 (56.3%), 17 (26.6%), and 11 (17.2%) patients had primary, secondary, and concurrent VRL, respectively. All patients received intraocular methotrexate injections (mean, 16.3±5.9 injections). The mean BCVA improved from 0.46±0.33 at diagnosis to 0.39±0.32 1 month after treatment initiation. Vision improved significantly after treatment (final mean BCVA, 0.29±0.29). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that baseline BCVA and retinal/subretinal infiltration were significantly correlated with vision loss.Conclusion: In this study, a good visual outcome was maintained for >35 months in patients with VRL. Baseline BCVA and retinal/subretinal infiltration were significant predictors of vision loss after treatment for VRL.
Metachronous bile duct cancers originate from primary cancer clones
Authors: Aoki Shuichi , Omori Yuko , Inoue Koetsu , Iseki Masahiro , Nakayama Shun , Douchi Daisuke , Miura Takayuki , Ishida Masaharu , Ohtsuka Hideo , Mizuma Masamichi , Nakagawa Kei , Ono Yusuke , Morikawa Takanori , Mizukami Yusuke , Furukawa Toru , Unno Michiaki
Published: July 2022

Metachronous tumors arising in the remnant bile duct after surgical resection for primary biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are rarely treated surgically and have not been well documented. This study aimed to clarify the clinicopathological and genomic features of metachronous tumors arising in the remnant bile duct. Consecutive 12 patients who underwent resection for metachronous BTCs arising in the remnant bile duct after primary surgical resection between 2008 and 2020 were enrolled. Clinicopathological analysis and genomic analysis using targeted amplicon sequencing for 31 biliary tract cancer-related genes, including TP53, APC, ARID1A, ARID2, BAP1, CDKN2A, CTNNB1, ELF3, ERBB2, GNAS, IDH1, KRAS, and SMAD4, and immunohistochemistry for p53, p16, SMAD4, ARID1A, and β-catenin, were performed on 12 matched pair of primary and metachronous BTCs. In the 12 patients, 7 metachronous tumors developed antegradely in the lower portion of the biliary tree, and the remaining 5 metachronous tumors developed retrogradely in the upper portion, with negative bile duct margin at the initial operations. Molecular analysis revealed mutations and copy number alterations in TP53 (87.5%), APC (20.8%), CTNNB1 (20.8%), KRAS (12.5%), GNAS (8.3%), and RNF43 (8.3%). In comparison analysis, the matched primary and metachronous tumors shared identical genomic features in 10 cases, except in 2 cases showing metachronous perihilar and distal bile duct carcinomas after gallbladder cancer resection. Seven patients survived without recurrence, 5 showed postoperative local recurrences, and 2 died. Nine patients achieved 5-year overall survival after primary surgery. In conclusion, among the 12 patients with subsequent metachronous BTCs, 10 originated from neoplastic clones of the primary carcinoma, indicating recurrence due to intramural metastases or intraductal disseminations. Repeated surgical approach for metachronous BTCs may provide definitive local control and potentially prolong survival in these patients.
Neotectonic Indications from the Western and Southern Deserts of Iraq
Authors: Sissakian Varoujan K. , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Laue Jan
Published: July 2022

The Iraqi Western and Southern deserts are part of the Iraqi Stable Shelf (Inner Platform) that belongs to the Arabian Plate. Therefore, both deserts lack tectonic forms like folds, faults; however, very rarely faults and regional lineaments can be seen in both deserts. Although both deserts are tectonically stable; but tens of Neotectonic indications can be seen everywhere in both deserts. Among those indications are: Straight valleys, perpendicular valley bending's, sinkholes aligned along straight lines, dislocated valleys, knickpoints within valleys aligned along straight lines, regional lineaments, anomalous valley shapes, trends and types, dissected alluvial fans. We have used existing geological maps of different scales and Esri World Imagery to recognize those Neotectonic indications. All those recognized features are excellent indications that both the Iraqi Western and Southern deserts are tectonically not stable. Accordingly, new terminology is suggested instead of the Stable Shelf (Inner Platform) that is “Less Disturbed Shelf”.
mtDNA Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) Aanalyses, zoogeography and Morphology of the Red Shoulder Wrasse, Stethojulis bandanensis (Bleeker, 1851) from Indian EEZ
Authors: Kar Chinmay , Shabeena K.S. , V.P. Limna Mol , K.K. Idreesbabu , Nayana N , Thomas Minu , Sureshkumar S.
Published: July 2022

A single female juvenile specimen of Stethojulis bandanensis (Bleeker, 1851) was collected from Kavaratti Island. The species showed a circumglobal distribution with a gap from the Bay of Bengal to the Western Indian Ocean. The present report fills a wide gap in the distributional record of the species to confirmation with reference voucher specimen and barcode. We generated the partial COI sequence of S. bandanensis to develop Neighbor-Joining and Maximum Likelihood trees to assess the phylogenetic relationship with other allied species and to understand the genetic uniqueness of this fish. Genetically S. bandanensis clade is closer with S. balteata and less with S. terina. The present article provides morphological features, distributional records, and phylogenetic affinity of the species to elucidate its occurrence along the coast of Lakshadweep in light of its ecology.
Application of ozonation-biodegradation hybrid system for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons degradation
Authors: Olak-Kucharczyk Magdalena , Festinger Natalia , Smułek Wojciech
Published: July 2022

Creosote, a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), was and is a wood impregnate of widespread use. Over the years the accumulation of creosote PAHs in soils and freshwaters has increased causing a threat to ecosystems. To improve the slow and inefficient biodegradation of creosote hydrocarbons the combined ozonation-biodegradation process is proposed. The impact of different ozonation ways on biodegradation of model wastewater was evaluated. The biodegradation rate, the changes in chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon concentration were measured to give wide insight into the process. Moreover, the bacteria consortium activity was monitored during biodegradation step of the process. The collected data confirmed the research hypothesis, that the hybrid method can improve biodegradation. The pre-ozonation followed by inoculation with bacteria consortium resulted in a significant increase in biodegradation rate. It allows to short the time, when the consortium reached maximum degradation effectiveness and cell activity. Hence, the study give an important and useful perspective for decontamination of creosote-polluted ecosystems.