bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of TLR7 agonists in modulating COVID-19 severity in subjects with loss-of-function TLR7 variants
Authors: Naushad Shaik Mohammad , Mandadapu Gowtham , Ramaiah Mekala Janaki , Almajhdi Fahad N. , Hussain Tajamul
Published: August 2023

We investigate the mechanism associated with the severity of COVID-19 in men with TLR7 mutation. Men with loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in TLR7 had severe COVID-19. LOF mutations in TLR7 increased the risk of critical COVID by 16.00-fold (95% confidence interval 2.40–106.73). The deleterious mutations affect the binding of SARS-CoV2 RNA (− 328.66 ± 26.03 vs. − 354.08 ± 27.70, p = 0.03) and MYD88 (β: 40.279, p = 0.003) to TLR7 resulting in the disruption of TLR7-MyD88-TIRAP complex. In certain hypofunctional variants and all neutral/benign variants, there is no disruption of TLR7-MyD88-TIRAP complex and four TLR7 agonists showed binding affinity comparable to that of wild protein. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) also showed a higher binding affinity for the LOF variants (p = 0.03). To conclude, TLR7 LOF mutations increase the risk of critical COVID-19 due to loss of viral RNA sensing ability and disrupted MyD88 signaling. Majority of hypofunctional and neutral variants of TLR7 are capable of carrying MyD88 signaling by binding to different TLR7 agonists and NAC.
Ocular instillation of conditioned medium from mesenchymal stem cells is effective for dry eye syndrome by improving corneal barrier function
Authors: Imaizumi Tsutomu , Hayashi Ryuhei , Kudo Yuji , Li Xiaoqin , Yamaguchi Kaito , Shibata Shun , Okubo Toru , Ishii Tsuyoshi , Honma Yoichi , Nishida Kohji
Published: August 2023

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a chronic ocular disease that induces epithelial damage to the cornea by decreasing tear production and quality. Adequate treatment options have not been established for severe DES such as Sjogren’s syndrome due to complicated pathological conditions. To solve this problem, we focused on the conditioned medium of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAdMSC-CM), which have multiple therapeutic properties. Here, we showed that hAdMSC-CM suppressed Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC)-induced cytotoxicity and inflammation in human corneal epithelial cells (hCECs). In addition, hAdMSC-CM increased the expression level and regulated the localisation of barrier function-related components, and improved the BAC-induced barrier dysfunction in hCECs. RNA-seq analysis and pharmacological inhibition experiments revealed that the effects of hAdMSC-CM were associated with the TGFβ and JAK-STAT signalling pathways. Moreover, in DES model rats with exorbital and intraorbital lacrimal gland excision, ocular instillation of hAdMSC-CM suppressed corneal epithelial damage by improving barrier dysfunction of the cornea. Thus, we demonstrated that hAdMSC-CM has multiple therapeutic properties associated with TGFβ and JAK-STAT signalling pathways, and ocular instillation of hAdMSC-CM may serve as an innovative therapeutic agent for DES by improving corneal barrier function.
Effect of citric acid on phytoextraction potential of Cucurbita pepo, Lagenaria siceraria, and Raphanus sativus plants exposed to multi-metal stress
Authors: Ibrahim Ehab A.
Published: August 2023

Phytoextraction is a novel technique that involves using plants to remove heavy metals from contaminated soils. An outdoor pot experiment was designed to evaluate the phytoextraction potential of three plant species Cucurbita pepo, Lagenaria siceraria, and Raphanus sativus in soil contaminated with multiple metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) under the application of citric acid. The results showed that Raphanus sativus, out of all the studied plants, had the highest root and shoot dry weight and the capacity to accumulate all heavy metals at higher concentrations except for Cu. The application of citric acid into the polluted soil significantly increased plant growth, biomass, and heavy metal uptake. High bioconcentration values indicate that Raphanus sativus is a promising plant for absorbing and accumulating Cd and Ni from the soil. The maximum values of bioconcentration were also observed by the application of citric acid. The values of metal translocation from the root to the shoot were varied by plant species and the citric acid application. Regarding the biomass, metal content, as well as removal metal percentage values, it became apparent that the Raphanus sativus plant was the most effective crop in removing heavy metals from multi-metal contaminated Soil. Generally, these findings emphasize that the application of citric acid could be a useful approach to assist Cd and Ni phytoextraction by Raphanus sativus plants. When these plants are growing as vegetable crops, more attention should be given to evaluating the heavy metal content in them, especially when adding citric acid to their soil through fertigation systems to avoid food chain contamination.
Genotyped functional screening of soluble Fab clones enables in-depth analysis of mutation effects
Authors: Oksanen Sami , Saarinen Roope , Korkiakoski Anttoni , Lamminmäki Urpo , Huovinen Tuomas
Published: August 2023

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their fragments are widely used in therapeutics, diagnostics and basic research. Although display methods such as phage display offer high-throughput, affinities of individual antibodies need to be accurately measured in soluble format. We have developed a screening platform capable of providing genotyped functional data from a total of 9216 soluble, individual antigen binding fragment (Fab) clones by employing next-generation sequencing (NGS) with hierarchical indexing. Full-length, paired variable domain sequences (VL–VH) are linked to functional screening data, enabling in-depth analysis of mutation effects. The platform was applied to four phage display-selected scFv/Fab screening projects and one site-saturation VH affinity maturation project. Genotyped functional screening simultaneously enabled the identification of affinity improving mutations in the VH domain of Fab 49A3 recognizing Dengue virus non-structural protein 1 (NS1) serotype 2 and informed on VH residue positions which cannot be changed from wild-type without decreasing the affinity. Genotype-based identification revealed to us the extent of intraclonal signal variance inherent to single point screening data, a phenomenon often overlooked in the field. Moreover, genotyped screening eliminated the redundant selection of identical genotypes for further study and provided a new analysis tool to evaluate the success of phage display selections and remaining clonal diversity in the screened repertoires.
24-h PCI model does affect the outcome of STEMI patients: a population-based study
Authors: Tsai Chang-Hung , Kung Pei-Tseng , Wang Shun-Mu , Tsai Tung-Han , Tsai Wen-Chen
Published: August 2023

Acute myocardial infarction has been the second leading cause of death in Taiwan. It’s a novel issue to evaluate the relationship between the 24-h PCI service model and the outcome of STEMI patients. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 24-h PCI service model in STEMI patients to improving survival rate. This population-based cohort study included those STEMI patients, older than 18 year-old, who had ever called emergency department from 2012 to 2018. We had two groups of our study participant, one group for STEMI patients with 24-h PCI model and the other group for STEMI patients with non-24-h PCI model. We used the Logistic regression model to analyze the risk of death within 30 days, emergency department (ED) revisits within 3 days, and readmission within 14 days. After the relevant variables were controlled, the risk of death after an ED visit among the patients with STEMI who were sent to hospitals with 24-h PCI services was significantly lower than that among the patients with STEMI who were sent to hospitals without 24-h PCI services (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.75–0.98). However, the model could not reduce the risk of ER revisits and readmission.
The acquisition order of leukemic drug resistance mutations is directed by the selective fitness associated with each resistance mechanism
Authors: Leow Benjamin C. S. , Kok Chung H. , Yeung David T. , Hughes Timothy P. , White Deborah L. , Eadie Laura N.
Published: August 2023

In Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, the transition from drug sensitive to drug resistant disease is poorly understood. Here, we used exploratory sequencing of gene transcripts to determine the mechanisms of drug resistance in a dasatinib resistant cell line model. Importantly, cell samples were collected sequentially during drug exposure and dose escalation, revealing several resistance mechanisms which fluctuated over time. BCR::ABL1 overexpression, BCR::ABL1 kinase domain mutation, and overexpression of the small molecule transporter ABCG2, were identified as dasatinib resistance mechanisms. The acquisition of mutations followed an order corresponding with the increase in selective fitness associated with each resistance mechanism. Additionally, it was demonstrated that ABCG2 overexpression confers partial ponatinib resistance. The results of this study have broad applicability and help direct effective therapeutic drug usage and dosing regimens and may be useful for clinicians to select the most efficacious therapy at the most beneficial time.
Novel heat flux controlled surface cooling for hypersonic flight
Authors: Hufgard Fabian , Duernhofer Christian , Fasoulas Stefanos , Loehle Stefan
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a new method in theory and experiment to adjust the transpiration cooling based on the actual measured heat flux. This is particularly useful in extreme heating environments, e.g. atmospheric entry flight or combustion chamber applications. In such environments, usually cooling is set constant based on the vehicle design, yet a mass efficient and performant cooling is sought after. We present a method with real-time surface heat flux determination of the transpiration cooled wall and an automatic adjustment of the cooling. The heat flux is determined based on a system identification process. The heat flux measurement itself is derived non-intrusively from the measurement of pressure inside the plenum, i.e. the region between mass flow controller and porous wall. The particular advantage of this system is that the heat shield material is not weakened by any sensor system and its performance is optimized with respect to cooling needed at a certain heating level. Another new feature of the pressure heat flux transformation is the attenuation of a destabilizing positive feedback loop, where the transpiration cooling controller’s output (i.e. mass flow rate) strongly influences its input (i.e. plenum pressure). We describe the identification of the model parameters for the heat flux determination, which are found and verified by a calibration approach. The controlled cooling was demonstrated in a hot air plasma flow with a reference heat flux of up to 1.4 MW/m$$^2$$

2

. The results show the performance and verify the applicability in a real flight environment.
Friction and neuroimaging of active and passive tactile touch
Authors: Zhou Xue , Li Yiyuan , Tian Yu , Masen Marc A. , Li Yuanzhe , Jin Zhongmin
Published: August 2023

Two types of exploratory touch including active sliding and passive sliding are usually encountered in the daily life. The friction behavior of the human finger against the surface of objects is important in tactile perception. The neural mechanisms correlating to tribological behavior are not fully understood. This study investigated the tactile response of active and passive finger friction characterized with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The friction test and fNIRS test were performed simultaneously using the tactile stimulus of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) specimens. Results showed that the sliding modes did not obviously influence the friction property of skin. While three cortex regions were activated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), showing a higher activation level of passive sliding. This revealed that the tribological performance was not a simple parameter to affect tactile perception, and the difference in cortical hemodynamic activity of active and passive touch was also recognised. The movement-related blood flow changes revealed the role of PFC in integrating tactile sensation although there was no estimation task on roughness perception.
Carbon dioxide emissions through land use change, fire, and oxidative peat decomposition in Borneo
Authors: Shiraishi Tomohiro , Hirata Ryuichi , Hayashi Masato , Hirano Takashi
Published: August 2023

Borneo has accumulated an abundance of woody carbon in its forests and peat. However, agricultural land conversion accompanied by plantation development, dead wood burning, and peat drying from drainage are major challenges to climate change mitigation. This study aimed to develop a method of estimating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from land use change, forest and peat fires, and oxidative peat decomposition, and CO2 uptake from biomass growth across Borneo using remote sensing data from 2001 to 2016. Although CO2 uptake by biomass growth in vast forests has shown a significant increasing trend, an annual net release of 461.10 ± 436.51 (average ± 1 standard deviation) Tg CO2 year−1 was observed. The estimated emissions were predominantly characterized by land use changes from 2001 to 2003, with the highest emissions in 2001. Land use change was evaluated from annual land use maps with an accuracy of 92.0 ± 1.0% (average ± 1 standard deviation). Forest and peat fires contributed higher emissions in 2002, 2006, 2009, 2014, and 2015 compared to other years and were strongly correlated with the Southern Oscillation Indexes. These results suggest that more CO2 may have been released into the atmosphere than previously thought.
COVID-19 activity risk calculator as a gamified public health intervention tool
Authors: Natraj Shreyasvi , Bhide Malhar , Yap Nathan , Liu Meng , Seth Agrima , Berman Jonathan , Glorioso Christin
Published: August 2023

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has impacted over 200 countries leading to hospitalizations and deaths of millions of people. Public health interventions, such as risk estimators, can reduce the spread of pandemics and epidemics through influencing behavior, which impacts risk of exposure and infection. Current publicly available COVID-19 risk estimation tools have had variable effectiveness during the pandemic due to their dependency on rapidly evolving factors such as community transmission levels and variants. There has also been confusion surrounding certain personal protective strategies such as risk reduction by mask-wearing and vaccination. In order to create a simple easy-to-use tool for estimating different individual risks associated with carrying out daily-life activity, we developed COVID-19 Activity Risk Calculator (CovARC). CovARC is a gamified public health intervention as users can ”play with” how different risks associated with COVID-19 can change depending on several different factors when carrying out routine daily activities. Empowering the public to make informed, data-driven decisions about safely engaging in activities may help to reduce COVID-19 levels in the community. In this study, we demonstrate a streamlined, scalable and accurate COVID-19 risk calculation system. Our study also demonstrates the quantitative impact of vaccination and mask-wearing during periods of high case counts. Validation of this impact could inform and support policy decisions regarding case thresholds for mask mandates, and other public health interventions.
Detection of different variants of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome) on inanimate surfaces in high-touch public environmental surfaces
Authors: Noorimotlagh Zahra , Mirzaee Seyyed Abbas , Seif Faezeh , Kalantar Mojtaba , Roghani Tayebeh , Mousavi Seyed Ali , Honarmandpour Azam
Published: August 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease started in late 2019 and still continues as a global pandemic, spreading among people around the world. There is limited knowledge about the role of contaminated environmental surfaces, especially high-touch public surfaces, in the transmission of the disease. The objective of the present investigation was detection of different variants (Delta, UK, and Omicron) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome) on inanimate surfaces in high-touch public environmental surfaces in different seasons. Automated teller machines of banks (ATM), point-of-sale (POS) machine, gas station pump nozzles, and escalator handrails of malls were selected as high-touch environmental surfaces in public places. Overall, 75 samples were collected from these places and examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome), and 21 samples (28%) were positive. Although the role of fomite transmission of COVID-19 is understood, more studies should be conducted to determine the virus survival rate as well as the required efforts to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 such as frequent cleaning and the use of efficient disinfectants on environmental surfaces, especially high-touch public places. In conclusion, the results address the importance of touching contaminated inanimate objects as well as transmission through environmental surfaces, and they could be used to establish an effective protocol to prevent indirect environmental transmission of SARS-CoV-2, slow down the spread of the virus, and reduce the risk of infection.
Mesenchymal stem cells enhance CCL8 expression by podocytes in lupus-prone MRL.Faslpr mice
Authors: Kim Hyung Sook , Lee Hong Kyung , Kim Kihyeon , Ahn Gi Beom , Kim Min Sung , Lee Tae Yong , Son Dong Ju , Kim Youngsoo , Hong Jin Tae , Han Sang-Bae
Published: August 2023

Nephritis is common in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and is associated with hyper-activation of immune and renal cells. Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) ameliorate nephritis by inhibiting T and B cells, whether MSCs directly affect renal cells is unclear. To address this issue, we examined the direct effect of MSCs on renal cells with a focus on chemokines. We found that expression of CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL8, CCL19, and CXCL10 increased 1.6–5.6-fold in the kidney of lupus-prone MRL.Faslpr mice with advancing age from 9 to 16 weeks. Although MSCs inhibited the increase in the expression of most chemokines by 52–95%, they further increased CCL8 expression by 290%. Using renal cells, we next investigated how MSCs enhanced CCL8 expression. CCL8 was expressed by podocytes, but not by tubular cells. MSCs enhanced CCL8 expression by podocytes in a contact-dependent manner, which was proved by transwell assay and blocking with anti-VCAM-1 antibody. Finally, we showed that CCL8 itself activated MSCs to produce more immunosuppressive factors (IL-10, IDO, TGF-β1, and iNOS) and to inhibit more strongly IFN-γ production by T cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that MSCs activate podocytes to produce CCL8 in a contact-dependent manner and conversely, podocyte-derived CCL8 might potentiate immunosuppressive activity of MSCs in a paracrine fashion. Our study documents a previously unrecognized therapeutic mechanism of MSCs in nephritis.
Molecular characterization of emerging chicken and turkey parvovirus variants and novel strains in Guangxi, China
Authors: Zhang Yanfang , Feng Bin , Xie Zhixun , Zhang Minxiu , Fan Qing , Deng Xianwen , Xie Zhiqin , Li Meng , Zeng Tingting , Xie Liji , Luo Sisi , Huang Jiaoling , Wang Sheng
Published: August 2023

Avian parvoviruses cause several enteric poultry diseases that have been increasingly diagnosed in Guangxi, China, since 2014. In this study, the whole-genome sequences of 32 strains of chicken parvovirus (ChPV) and 3 strains of turkey parvovirus (TuPV) were obtained by traditional PCR techniques. Phylogenetic analyses of 3 genes and full genome sequences were carried out, and 35 of the Guangxi ChPV/TuPV field strains were genetically different from 17 classic ChPV/TuPV reference strains. The nucleotide sequence alignment between ChPVs/TuPVs from Guangxi and other countries revealed 85.2–99.9% similarity, and the amino acid sequences showed 87.8–100% identity. The phylogenetic tree of these sequences could be divided into 6 distinct ChPV/TuPV groups. More importantly, 3 novel ChPV/TuPV groups were identified for the first time. Recombination analysis with RDP 5.0 revealed 15 recombinants in 35 ChPV/TuPV isolates. These recombination events were further confirmed by Simplot 3.5.1 analysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on full genomes showed that Guangxi ChPV/TuPV strains did not cluster according to their geographic origin, and the identified Guangxi ChPV/TuPV strains differed from the reference strains. Overall, whole-genome characterizations of emerging Guangxi ChPV and TuPV field strains will provide more detailed insights into ChPV/TuPV mutations and recombination and their relationships with molecular epidemiological features.
Effective inhibition of T95 steel corrosion in 15 wt% HCl solution by aspartame, potassium iodide, and sodium dodecyl sulphate mixture
Authors: Solomon Moses M.
Published: August 2023

Sustainable development goal 12 advocates the production and consumption of green and sustainable commodities. As such, pressure is mounting on the oil and gas industries for a paradigm shift. This work explores the potential of aspartame (a derivative of aspartic acid and phenylalanine) based formulation as a green inhibitor. The inhibiting effect of aspartame alone and in combination with potassium iodide (KI) or sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) or both on T95 steel in 15 wt% HCl solution at 60–90 °C is investigated using weight loss, electrochemical, and surface analysis techniques. The results show severe metal corrosion especially at 90 °C with a corrosion rate (v) of 186.37 mm/y. Aspartame inhibits corrosion and its inhibition efficiency (η) increases with an increase in temperature. At 6.80 mM, η of 86% is obtained at 90 °C. The addition of SDS to aspartame produces an antagonistic effect. A KI-aspartame mixture produces an antagonistic effect at 60 °C and 70 °C but a synergistic effect at 80 °C and 90 °C. There is a strong synergy when aspartame (6.80 mM), KI (1 mM), and SDS (1 mM) are mixed especially at higher temperatures. The mixture reduces v from 186.37 to 14.35 mm/y, protecting the metal surface by 92% at 90 °C. The mixture can be considered an acidizing corrosion inhibitor.
Effect of liraglutide on cardiometabolic profile and on bioelectrical impedance analysis in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Freitas Frederico Perboyre Carioca , Rodrigues Carlos Ewerton Maia
Published: August 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity represent a public health problem worldwide. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a practical and effective way of evaluating body composition, especially abdominal fat. Liraglutide, a GLP-1 analog, reduces body weight and improves cardiometabolic parameters. In this prospective non-randomized intervention study, we evaluated the effect of 6 months of treatment with liraglutide (n = 57) on the clinical, laboratory and BIA findings of adult sex-stratified patients diagnosed with obesity and MetS, compared to a control group receiving sibutramine (n = 46). The groups were statistically similar with regard to the age of females (p = 0.852) and males (p = 0.657). Almost all anthropometric and BIA variables were higher in the treatment group than in the comparative group (p < 0.05). Abdominal circumference (AC) decreased significantly more in the treatment group. In males, body weight and fat mass also decreased (p < 0.05). Liraglutide treatment was associated with a greater reduction in trunk fat mass (FMT) (p < 0.05). AC and FMT were strongly correlated (rho = 0.531, p < 0.001) in the treatment group. In the multiple regression analysis, liraglutide treatment remained independently associated with FMT. Treatment with liraglutide for 6 months promoted weight loss, improved cardiometabolic and inflammatory parameters and led to a significant reduction in FMT correlated with AC in obese MetS patients of both sexes.
Genetic manipulation resulting in decreased donor chondroitin sulfate synthesis mitigates hepatic GVHD via suppression of T cell activity
Authors: Tamura Suguru , Ishiguro Hajime , Suwabe Tatsuya , Katagiri Takayuki , Cho Kaori , Fuse Kyoko , Shibasaki Yasuhiko , Mikami Tadahisa , Shindo Takero , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Igarashi Michihiro , Sone Hirohito , Masuko Masayoshi , Ushiki Takashi
Published: August 2023

Donor T cell activation, proliferation, differentiation, and migration are the major steps involved in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) development following bone marrow transplantation. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycan is a major component of the extracellular matrix and causes immune modulation by interacting with cell growth factors and inducing cell adhesion. However, its precise effects on immune function are unclear than those of other proteoglycan families. Thus, we investigated the significance of CS within donor cells in acute GVHD development utilizing CSGalNAc T1-knockout (T1KO) mice. To determine the effects of T1KO, the mice underwent allogenic bone marrow transplantation from major histocompatibility complex-mismatched donors. While transplantation resulted in hepatic GVHD with inflammatory cell infiltration of both CD4+ and CD8+ effector memory T cells, transplantation in T1KO-donors showed milder cell infiltration and improved survival with fewer splenic effector T cells. In vitro T-cell analyses showed that the ratio of effector memory T cells was significantly lower via phorbol myristate acetate/ionomycin stimulation. Moreover, quantitative PCR analyses showed significantly less production of inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ and CCL-2, in splenocytes of T1KO mice. These results suggest that reduction of CS in donor blood cells may suppress the severity of acute GVHD after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Comprehensive examination of tattoo removal using a 150 ps Nd:YAG laser in a porcine model
Authors: Baleisis Justinas , Rudys Romualdas
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a Nd:YAG laser with a pulse duration of 150 ps at different laser parameters. The effects on multiple-colored tattoos with such ultrashort pulses has not been previously described in the literature. In vivo experiments were conducted on porcine skin to analyze the fragmentation efficiency of five different tattoo colors using different wavelengths, pulse energies, and spot sizes. The results showed that the optimal tattoo clearance to safety ratio for blue, green, red, and yellow tattoos with a 532 nm wavelength was 0.96–2.39 J/cm2. The laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm demonstrated the highest efficacy in eliminating black tattoos, with positive results observed for green and blue pigments at a fluence of 3.02 J/cm2. The study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of laser treatment with 150 ps for removing tattoos of different colors using different laser parameters. This information can help dermatologists and practitioners perform more efficient and effective tattoo removal with fewer side effects.
Comparison of COVID-19 epidemic among Czech dentists and the Czech general population
Authors: Schmidt Jan , Perina Vojtech , Suchanek Jakub , Treglerova Jana , Pilbauerova Nela , Sanca Ondrej , Muzik Jan , Smucler Roman
Published: August 2023

Dentists are one of the professional groups most at risk for COVID-19 infection. Enhanced protective measures in dentistry have been adopted worldwide; however, it is unclear to what extent they were sufficient. To assess whether the protective measures outweighed the high infection risk, we compared COVID-19-related data between Czech dentists and the general Czech population. The data was obtained through a survey study attended by 15.8% of Czech Dental Chamber members. Data of the general population were acquired from the Czech Ministry of Health database. By the end of May 2022, COVID-19 full vaccination and 1st booster dose rates among study participants were 85.8% and 70.1%, respectively, which is significantly higher (p < 0.0001) compared to the Czech general population aged over 24 years (74.9% and 49.4%, respectively). To the same date, PCR/Antigen test verified COVID-19 prevalence among participants was 41.7%, and 49.9% among the general population (p < 0.0001). Prevalence and reinfection rates among individuals who received the 1st booster were significantly lower than among individuals without the booster or full vaccination (p < 0.0001). Persons who received the booster showed a faster return to work, shorter and different types of complications. Willingness to future vaccination was positive among 79.7% of respondents. Mandatory vaccination for healthcare workers and the general population was supported by 62.0% and 49.0%, respectively. The results showed that the high risk of COVID-19 infection associated with dentistry did not lead to higher COVID-19 prevalence among respondents compared to the general population.
Interannual impact of the Victoria mode on the winter-spring surface air temperature over Eurasia and North America
Authors: Ji Kai , Ding Ruiqiang
Published: August 2023

Variations of the Victoria mode (VM) have received considerable attention due to their profound impacts on the climate systems in the pan-North Pacific. However, works about its impact on surface air temperature (SAT) variability over Eurasia and North America, which may be responsible for extreme weather and climate events, are limited. Here we show a significant positive and negative relationship between the VM and the winter-spring SAT anomalies over mid-to-high-latitude east-central Eurasia (MEE) and eastern North America (ENA), respectively. A local energy budget analysis shows that the contribution of the surface heat fluxes associated with the VM to the SAT anomalies is confined mainly to MEE and may not explain the formation of SAT anomalies over ENA. Furthermore, VM-induced anomalous atmospheric circulations play a crucial role in the formation of notable SAT anomalies. The positive (negative) VM is linked to negative (positive) precipitation and upper-tropospheric wind convergence (divergence) anomalies over the western North Pacific, which contribute to positive (negative) Rossby wave source (RWS) anomalies near the East Asian westerly jet core. These RWS anomalies act as disturbances that propagate eastward, exciting a wave train-like pattern. The high-level positive and negative geopotential height anomalies of the Rossby wave dominate MEE and ENA, respectively, leading to the variation in SAT anomalies. These results could advance our understanding of the relationship between the VM and SAT over the Northern Hemisphere and inspire us to pay more attention to the VM climate impacts.
Prevalence and clinico-genomic characteristics of patients with TRK fusion cancer in China
Authors: Xu Yujun , Shi Xiaoliang , Wang Weifeng , Zhang Lin , Cheung Shinghu , Rudolph Marion , Brega Nicoletta , Dong Xiaowei , Qian Lili , Wang Liwei , Yuan Shaohua , Tan Daniel Shao Weng , Wang Kai
Published: August 2023

Neurotrophic tyrosine kinase (NTRK) fusions involving NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3 were found in a broad range of solid tumors as driver gene variants. However, the prevalence of NTRK fusions in Chinese solid tumor patients is rarely reported. Based on the next-generation sequencing data from 10,194 Chinese solid tumor patients, we identified approximately 0.4% (40/10,194) of Chinese solid tumor patients with NTRK fusion. NTRK fusions were most frequently detected in soft tissue sarcoma (3.0%), especially in the fibrosarcoma subtype (12.7%). A total of 29 NTRK fusion patterns were identified, of which 11 were rarely reported. NTRK fusion mostly co-occurred with TP53 (38%), CDKN2A (23%), and ACVR2A (18%) and rarely with NTRK amplification (5.0%) and single nucleotide variants (2.5%). DNA-based NTRK fusion sequencing exhibited a higher detection rate than pan-TRK immunohistochemistry (100% vs. 87.5%). Two patients with NTRK fusions showed clinical responses to larotrectinib, supporting the effective response of NTRK fusion patients to TRK inhibitors.
Potential pathogenic germline variant reporting from tumor comprehensive genomic profiling complements classic approaches to germline testing
Authors: Tung Nadine , Dougherty Kali Chatham , Gatof Emily Stern , DeLeonardis Kim , Hogan Lauren , Tukachinsky Hanna , Gornstein Erica , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , McGregor Kimberly , Keller Rachel B.
Published: August 2023

Existing guidance regarding clinically informed germline testing for patients with cancer is effective for evaluation of classic hereditary cancer syndromes and established gene/cancer type associations. However, current screening methods may miss patients with rare, reduced penetrance, or otherwise occult hereditary risk. Secondary finding of suspected germline variants that may confer inherited cancer risk via tumor comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) has the potential to help address these limitations. However, reporting practices for secondary finding of germline variants are inconsistent, necessitating solutions for transparent and coherent communication of these potentially important findings. A workflow for improved confidence detection and clear reporting of potential pathogenic germline variants (PPGV) in select cancer susceptibility genes (CSG) was applied to a research dataset from real-world clinical tumor CGP of > 125,000 patients with advanced cancer. The presence and patterns of PPGVs identified across tumor types was assessed with a focus on scenarios in which traditional clinical germline evaluation may have been insufficient to capture genetic risk. PPGVs were identified in 9.7% of tumor CGP cases using tissue- and liquid-based assays across a broad range of cancer types, including in a number of “off-tumor” contexts. Overall, PPGVs were identified in a similar proportion of cancers with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommendations for germline testing regardless of family history (11%) as in all other cancer types (9%). These findings suggest that tumor CGP can serve as a tool that is complementary to traditional germline genetic evaluation in helping to ascertain inherited susceptibility in patients with advanced cancer.
microRNA165 and 166 modulate response of the Arabidopsis root apical meristem to salt stress
Authors: Scintu Daria , Scacchi Emanuele , Cazzaniga Francesca , Vinciarelli Federico , De Vivo Mirko , Shtin Margaryta , Svolacchia Noemi , Bertolotti Gaia , Unterholzner Simon Josef , Del Bianco Marta , Timmermans Marja , Di Mambro Riccardo , Vittorioso Paola , Sabatini Sabrina , Costantino Paolo , Dello Ioio Raffaele
Published: August 2023

In plants, developmental plasticity allows for the modulation of organ growth in response to environmental cues. Being in contact with soil, roots are the first organ that responds to various types of soil abiotic stress such as high salt concentration. In the root, developmental plasticity relies on changes in the activity of the apical meristem, the region at the tip of the root where a set of self-renewing undifferentiated stem cells sustain growth. Here, we show that salt stress promotes differentiation of root meristem cells via reducing the dosage of the microRNAs miR165 and 166. By means of genetic, molecular and computational analysis, we show that the levels of miR165 and 166 respond to high salt concentration, and that miR165 and 166-dependent PHABULOSA (PHB) modulation is central to the response of root growth to this stress. Specifically, we show that salt-dependent reduction of miR165 and 166 causes a rapid increase in PHB expression and, hence, production of the root meristem pro-differentiation hormone cytokinin. Our data provide direct evidence for how the miRNA-dependent modulation of transcription factor dosage mediates plastic development in plants.
Early-onset gynecological tumors in DNA repair-deficient xeroderma pigmentosum group C patients: a case series
Authors: Yurchenko Andrey. A. , Fresneau Brice , Borghese Bruno , Rajabi Fatemeh , Tata Zora , Genestie Catherine , Sarasin Alain , Nikolaev Sergey I.
Published: August 2023

Background

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a group of rare hereditary disorders with highly increased risk of skin tumors due to defective DNA repair. Recently we reported 34-fold increased risk of internal tumors in XP patients in comparison with general population. The molecular data and clinical practice on the internal tumors treatment in XP patients is limited and scarcely represented in the medical literature. In this work, we describe young patients with constitutive biallelic deactivation of the XPC gene developing gynecological tumors with somatic DICER1 mutations.

Methods

Whole genome sequencing was used to analyze in detail somatic mutational landscape and driver events of these rare tumors.

Results

We describe five early-onset gynecological tumors in four xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XP-C) young patients (11 to 19 years old) including vaginal embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas in monozygotic twin sisters, juvenile granulosa-cell tumor of the ovary and poorly differentiated stage IA Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor in 19-years old patient, and FIGO stage IC1 tumor of ovary in 13-years old patient. XP-C ovarian tumors harbor 4.4 times more single base substitutions than sporadic tissue-matched cancers and demonstrate XP-C specific mutation signature with strong transcriptional bias indicating inability of the cells to repair bulky DNA lesions of unknown etiology. A special mode of treatment was applied to avoid usage of chemotherapy which is toxic for XP patients.

Conclusions

XP-C status should be accounted for prevention and specific treatment of gynecological tumors in young DNA repair-deficient XP patients.
The Wound Healing Process
Authors: Yousefiasl S. , Chehelgerdi M. , Sharifi E.
Published: August 2023

Skin wounds develop when the tissue just beneath the skin deteriorates. There are a few possible explanations for this. Many things might set off this process, such as prolonged pressure, insufficient blood supply or trauma. However, these are not the only things that may trigger a reaction. The healing process for skin ulcers is multi-step, requiring careful coordination between the many steps involved. Included under this umbrella are remodeling, proliferation and inflammation, to name a few. The release of various growth factors, cytokines and chemokines is tightly regulated because of their important functions in wound healing. A wound can become chronic if the cellular and molecular signals that control the stages of healing are altered. Removing injured tissue, preventing infection and treating underlying diseases, like ischemia and diabetes, are all part of the standard wound care protocol.
Infections
Authors: Hosseini S. M. , Morovati Moez N. , Arabestani M. R.
Published: August 2023

This chapter will describe infection. A problem that has undoubtedly been with mankind from the beginning of humanity till now. From the time when no appropriate word was available for infectious diseases like plague until today, when another infectious pandemic has invaded the entire planet. Infections and infectious diseases are not limited to humans, infections can also evolve in animals and plants and can be transmitted to humans. It has always been observed throughout history that infection and infectious diseases have outstripped human achievements, so that it may take years from the outbreak of an infection to the time of finding a cure and dealing with it. Therefore, knowing the nature of infection, the causes of diseases and the ways of pathogenesis can be very beneficial in diagnosis and treatment. One of the factors that can greatly affect the survival of microbes and their transmission is microbial biofilms. This chapter will briefly explain biofilms, their formation and roles in infections, in the hope that one day, appropriate methods will be developed for treatment of infections and removal of microbial biofilms.
Stimuli-responsive Systems for Wound Healing
Authors: Mohammad Nemati , Zainab Ahmadian , Zahra Mohammadi , Mohsen Adeli
Published: August 2023

Skin lesions and reducing their healing times are important health issues that require more efficient treatments and improvements to the current therapies. A wound is any type of rupture in the cohesion of layers of skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) or subcutaneous tissue that can be caused by physical or chemical factors. Wounds can be classified as acute or chronic. Acute wounds refer to a group of wounds that are usually superficial and heal completely within 6 to 12 weeks, but chronic wounds require more than 12 weeks to be healed. Wound healing takes place through a complex and advanced mechanism, as a result of passing through various stages, such as inflammation, proliferation, restoration and reconstruction. First, the gap created in the wound is closed quickly; epithelium is created again on the surface of the wound and the new matrix quickly replaces the removed skin. However, if the stages listed are disrupted for any reason, the process of skin repair will be delayed. There are several internal stimuli factors that affect the healing and response of wounds to therapeutic agents and environmental parameters. These factors are important and can be used for the accelerating the healing of wounds. In this chapter, systems that respond to the internal stimuli factors including pH, temperature, enzymes, oxygen, etc. and affect wound healing are discussed and explained.
0D Covalent Organic Cages: Design, Synthesis, and Applications
Authors: Singha Raghunath , Maity Pankaj , Samanta Dipak
Published: August 2023

Inspired by nature, chemists have developed porous discrete molecular architectures with well-defined three-dimensional cavities for the acceleration of specific reactions, stabilization of reactive intermediates, and molecular separation. Although the research on self-assembled coordination cages is growing, the design and synthesis of analogous metal-free organic cage compounds have emerged as an alternative approach to produce neutral and robust architectures, as these materials are made of strong covalent bonds. In this chapter, we highlight different synthetic approaches of these covalent organic cage compounds and their use in accelerations of reaction rate and separation.
Double protein directed synthesis of chemically etched sulfur doped quantum dots for signal “on–off–on” sensing of glutathione mediated by copper ions
Authors: Mahmoud Ashraf M. , Mahnashi Mater H. , El-Wekil Mohamed M.
Published: August 2023

A novel “on–off–on” Cu2+–sulfur quantum dot (weak fluorescence) system was suggested for detection of GSH. Addition of GSH disassembles the large aggregates into relatively smaller ones, restoring the fluorescence emission of SQ-dots.
A colorimetric analytical method based on a TCPP–CuCo2O4-like peroxidase for the detection of trichlorfon
Authors: Xiao Xin , Liao Wenchun , Ma Rao , Huang Long , Yang Yunhui
Published: August 2023

Detection of trichlorfon with a TCPP–CuCo2O4-like peroxidase based on a colorimetric method.
Molecular dynamics study on the effect of metal ion doping on the performance of HMX
Authors: Ding Wenyuan , Zhao Xue , Li Yuanyuan , Qiu Siqi , Huang Junrui
Published: August 2023

The effect of metal ion doped crystal defects on the sensitivity and mechanical properties of HMX is studied, and the perfect model and the defect models with different doping quantities are established.
Cold plasma synthesis of phosphorus-doped CoFe2O4 with oxygen vacancies for enhanced OER activity
Authors: Meng Dapeng , Peng Xiangfeng , Zheng Jingxuan , Wang Zhao
Published: August 2023

This work presents a promising approach to improve the OER activity of CoFe2O4 by introducing oxygen vacancies and phosphorus doping.
Luminescent iridium(iii) porphyrin complexes as near-infrared-emissive biological probes
Authors: Hua Lijuan , Zhang Kenneth Yin , Liu Hua-Wei , Chan Kin-Shing , Lo Kenneth Kam-Wing
Published: August 2023

The design, synthesis and characterisation of luminescent iridium(iii) porphyrin complexes as near-infrared emissive biological probes are reported. Their conjugation to proteins to produce luminescent bioconjugates for bioimaging was demonstrated.
Energetic coordination compounds: self-assembled from the nitrogen-rich energetic C–C bonded pyrazoles and triazoles
Authors: Yadav Abhishek Kumar , Rajak Richa , Ghule Vikas D. , Dharavath Srinivas
Published: August 2023

In energetic materials research, energetic coordination compounds (ECCs) have received much attention due to their high thermal stability and insensitivity to mechanical stimuli.
Superoleophilic conjugated microporous polymer nano-surfactants for realizing unprecedented fast recovery of volatile organic compounds
Authors: Shen Liang , Liu Wei , Lu Yanqiu , Fang Chenyi , Zhang Sui
Published: August 2023

A pervaporation membrane with fast and selective permeation is key to improving the recovery efficiency of volatile organic compounds from water.
Cycloaddition of N-arylnitrones with donor–acceptor oxiranes via C–C bond cleavage to construct 1,5,2-dioxazinanes
Authors: Li Wenhui , Lin Jianying , Huang Shuangping , Liu Qiang , Wei Wenlong , Li Xing
Published: August 2023

Multisubstituted 1,5,2-dioxazinanes could be smoothly produced by adopting a Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed [3 + 3] cycloaddition of N-arylnitrones with donor–acceptor oxiranes via C–C bond cleavage.
Ultrahigh energy storage performance of a 0.75Bi0.47Na0.47Ba0.06TiO3-0.25CaTi0.8Sn0.2O3 ceramic under moderate electric fields
Authors: Fan Jiangtao , Wang Jiaxin , He Gang , Long Zhen , Hu Zhanggui
Published: August 2023

The development of ceramic capacitors featuring high reliability and superior comprehensive performance is vital for practical applications in medium electric fields.
Transition-metal-free chemoselective reduction of α,β-unsaturated ketones using H2O as a hydrogen source
Authors: Yu Enbo , Mao Guojiang , Deng Guo-Jun , Xiao Fuhong
Published: August 2023

A metal-free chemoselective reduction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds using water as a hydrogen donor is described. Various functional groups attached to substrates were well tolerated to afford the corresponding products in moderate to good yields under simple reaction conditions.
Electrochemical synthesis of pyridine carboxamides from pyridine carbohydrazides and amines in an aqueous medium
Authors: Qian Peng , Ma Yuhan , Yin Kun , Li Na , Jiang Siqi , Zhang Hui , Sheng Liangquan
Published: August 2023

We report a radical pathway for the synthesis of pyridine carboxamides from pyridine carbohydrazides and amines in EtOH/H2O via electrochemistry.
Experimental determination and thermodynamic optimization of the LiF-NdF3 system
Authors: Liao ChunFa , Fu ZanHui , Que LiangHua , Tang Hao , Wang Xu
Published: August 2023

The thermal data of the LiF-NdF3 binary system were optimized, and the LiF-NdF3 binary phase diagram was constructed by combining experimental measurement with phase diagram calculation technology.
From waste to energy storage: calcinating and carbonizing chicken eggshells into electrode materials for supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Gabryelczyk Agnieszka , Yadav Sudesh , Swiderska-Mocek Agnieszka , Altaee Ali , Lota Grzegorz
Published: August 2023

The study explores waste-derived sustainable materials from the eggshell's inner and outer layers. The materials work as an inert scaffold to reduce the carbon content in supercapacitors and as a Li-ion anode with a specific capacity of 280 mA h g−1.
A novel cationic covalent organic framework as adsorbent for simultaneous removal of methyl orange and hexavalent chromium
Authors: Du Chang , Chen Xiaodi , Wu Hongping , Pan Zilu , Chen Chunyan , Zhong Guanqun , Cai Changqun
Published: August 2023

A novel guanidinium-based ionic covalent organic framework (ICOF) was synthesized and exhibited highly efficient and simultaneous removal of anionic organic dyes methyl orange and heavy metal ions Cr(vi).