bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of Yeast One-hybrid Library and Screening of Transcription Factors Regulating LhMYB12-Lat Expression in Asiatic Hybrid Lilies (Lilium spp.)
Authors: Cao Yuwei , Bi Mengmeng , Yang Panpan , Song Meng , He Guoren , Wang Jing , Yang Yue , Xu Leifeng , Ming Jun
Published: August 2021

Background: Anthocyanins, which belong to flavonoids, are widely colored among red-purple pigments in the Asiatic hybrid lilies (Lilium spp.). Transcription factor (TFs) LhMYB12-Lat, identified as the major kernel protein, regulating the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in ‘Tiny Padhye’ of Tango series cultivars, which the pigmentation density is high in the lower half of tepals and this patterning is of exceptional ornamental value. However, the research on mechanism of regulating the spatial and temporal expression differences of LhMYB12-Lat, which belongs to the R2R3-MYB subfamily, is still not well established. To explore the molecular mechanism of directly related regulatory proteins of LhMYB12-Lat in the anthocyanin pigmentation, the yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) cDNA library was constructed and characterized. Results: In this study, we describe a yeast one-hybrid library to screen transcription factors that regulate LhMYB12-Lat gene expression in Lilium, with the library recombinant efficiency of over 98%. The lengths of inserted fragments ranged from 400-2000 bp, and the library capacity reached 1.6 × 106 CFU of cDNA insert, which is suitable to fulfill subsequent screening. Finally, seven prey proteins, including BTF3, MYB4, IAA6-like, ERF4, ARR1, ERF WIN1-like, and ERF061 were screened by the recombinant bait plasmid and verified by interaction with the LhMYB12-Lat promoter. Among them, ERF, AUX/IAA, and BTF3 may participate in the negative regulation of the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in Lilium.Conclusion: A yeast one-hybrid library of lily was successfully constructed in the tepals for the first time. Seven candidate TFs of LhMYB12-Lat were screened, which may provide a theoretical basis for the study of floral pigmentation.
Exploration the Role of a Clinical Supervisor to Improve the Professional Skills of Medical Students in IRAN: A Content Analyze Study
Authors: Keshavarzi Mohammad Hasan , Azandehi Salimeh khalili , Koohestani Hamidreza , Moghadam Hamid Reza Baradaran Attar , Ghorbani Ali Asghar , Hayat Ali Asghar
Published: August 2021

Background Clinical supervision is a supporter for learners and paves the way for effective and efficient learning in clinical settings. This study aimed to explain the responsibilities of clinical supervisors in clinical education wards to improve the professional skills of medical students.Methods: In this qualitative study, we used the conventional content analysis approach. The sample consisted of 16 faculty members of Iranian universities of medical sciences and medical graduates. Purposeful sampling and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The Granheim and Landman method (2004) was used to analyze the data.Results: From the analysis of interviews, 2 themes, 8 categories, and 18 subcategories were obtained. "Clinical supervisor responsibilities” as a theme includes the categories: “Creating motivation in learner”, “Learner's need recognition”, “Performance evaluation”, “Creating learning opportunities”, and “Professional ethics education”. And, the sub-categories were: “Creating a supportive atmosphere”, “Task assignment” ,”Understanding training needs”, “Understanding individual needs”, “Periodic evaluation”, “Proper feedback’, “Reduce work stress”, “Learner engagement’ , “Learning Facilitation”, “Attention to the patient's treatment”, and “Ethical observance in relation to patients”. As the second theme "Clinical supervisor characteristics” included the categories of: “Scientific competence”, “Leading role”, and “Ethical model”. Their sub-categories are clustered as: “Knowledge of educational concepts”, “Mastery of professional concepts”, “Effective communication skills”, “Understanding managerial concepts”, “High resilience”, “Career commitment “, and “ social commitment ”. Conclusions The clinical supervisor will improve the professional skills of medical students, which will improve the quality of services provided, train efficient graduates, and provide a safe and relaxing environment that leads to patient satisfaction.
Gigahertz free-space electro-optic modulators based on Mie resonances
Authors: Benea-Chelmus Ileana-Cristina , Mason Sydney , Meretska Maryna , Elder Delwin , Kazakov Dmitry , Shams-Ansari Amirhassan , Dalton Larry , Capasso Federico
Published: August 2021

Electro-optic modulators from non-linear χ(2) materials are essential for sensing, metrology and telecommunications because they link the optical domain with the microwave domain. At present, most geometries are suited for fiber applications. In contrast, architectures that modulate directly free-space light at gigahertz (GHz) speeds have remained very challenging, despite their dire need for active free-space optics, in diffractive computing or for optoelectronic feedback to free-space emitters. They are typically bulky or suffer from much reduced interaction lengths. Here, we employ an ultrathin array of sub-wavelength Mie resonators that support quasi bound states in the continuum (BIC) as a key mechanism to demonstrate electro-optic modulation of free-space light with high efficiency at GHz speeds. Our geometry relies on hybrid silicon-organic nanostructures that feature low loss (Q = 550 at λres = 1594 nm) while being integrated with GHz-compatible coplanar waveguides. We maximize the electro-optic effect by using high-performance electro-optic molecules (whose electro-optic tensor we engineer in-device to exploit r33 = 100 pm/V) and by nanoscale optimization of the optical modes. We demonstrate both DC tuning and high speed modulation up to 5 GHz (fEO,-3 dB = 3 GHz) and shift the resonant frequency of the quasi-BIC by Δλres =11 nm, surpassing its linewidth. We contrast the properties of quasi-BIC modulators by studying also guided mode resonances that we tune by Δλres=20 nm. Our approach showcases the potential for ultrathin GHz-speed free-space electro-optic modulators.
A Log-Exponential Shrinkage Technique for De-Noising of Ultrasound Images for Breast Cancer
Authors: Singh Mayank Kumar , Saini Indu , Sood Neetu
Published: August 2021

Ultrasound in diagnostic imaging is well known for its safety and accessibility. But its efficiency for diagnosis is always limited by the presence of noise. So, in this study, a Log-Exponential shrinkage technique is presented for denoising of ultrasound images. A Combinational filter was designed for the removal of additive noise without losing any details. The speckle noise after homomorphic transformation follows Gaussian distribution and the conventional median estimator has very low accuracy for Gaussian distribution. The scale parameter calculated from the sub-band coefficients after homomorphic transformation was utilized to design the estimator. For shrinkage of wavelet coefficients, a multi-scale thresholding function was designed, with better flexibility. The proposed technique was tested for both medical and standard images. A significant improvement was observed in the estimation of speckle noise variance. For quantitative evaluation of the proposed technique with existing denoising methods, Mean Squared Error (MSE), Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) were used. At the highest noise variance, the minimum improvement achieved by the proposed denoising technique in PSNR, SSIM, and MSE was 10.65%, 23.21%, and 30.46% respectively.
Silicon Mediated Changes in Growth and Photosynthetic Pigment of Wheat Plant Under Salt Stress
Authors: Singh Pooja , Kumar Vikram , Sharma Jyoti , Sharma Asha
Published: August 2021

Purpose Salinity is a most important environmental stress which adversely affects the crop production and yield. In recent years, Silicon (Si) is gaining an increased attention in the field of stress management. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the moderately prone crops to different abiotic stresses which instantly damage the crop yield under stress condition. This work demonstrates the positive impact of Si on growth and photosynthetic pigments in wheat under saline conditions.Methods In this research work, two genotypes of wheat i.e. KRL 210 and WH 1105, were grown-up in soil under different salt stress concentration. There were different treatments under which they grown included T0= Control without salt stress (0 dS m-1) , T1= Sodium silicate without salt stress (2 mM) , T2= Control with salt stress (4 dS m-1) T3= Control with salt stress (8 dS m-1) T4= Control with salt stress (12 dS m-1) T5= Sodium silicate with salt stress (4dS m -1 + 2mM Si) T6= Sodium silicate with salt stress (8dS m-1 +2 mM Si) T7= Sodium silicate with salt stress (12dS m-1 +2mM Si). At vegetative stage, both the wheat genotypes were compared with their growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments.Results Plant biomass, shoot-root length and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll- a, b, carotenoid & total chlorophyll) of wheat decreased under salt stress when increased up to 12 dS m-1 NaCl concentration. However, in salt stressed wheat plants, plant biomass increased by the Si application. Supplementation of Si improved the plant length as well as chlorophyll pigments which were decreased by the high salt concentration in plants. Silicon was found more effective in salt stressed condition than in alone with control.Conclusion So, it was determined that the Si application aided the wheat genotypes in alleviating salinity and enhancing their biomass and photosynthetic pigments which were declined in salt stress condition.
Personalized Multi-Drug Combinations in Breast Cancer Treatment Using Individual Pattern of Perturbed Gene Expression and Drug Signatures
Authors: Mokhtari Majid , Khoshbakht Samane , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil , Moraveji Sayyed Sajjad , Masoudi-Nejad Ali
Published: August 2021

The greatest challenge in recent years in cancer treatment has been drug screening. Few platforms presented reliable solutions for personalized drug validation and safety testing. Here, we constructed a personalized drug combination protocol as the primary input to such platforms. We used public data from whole-genome expression profiles of 6173 breast cancer patients, 312 healthy individuals, and 691 drugs. We developed an individual pattern of perturbed gene expression (IPPGE) for each patient. A protocol was designed to extract personalized drug combinations by comparing the IPPGE and drug signatures. We tried to use the concept of drug repurposing, which searches for the new benefits of the existing medicines that may perturb the desired genes. The potential for treatment effectiveness was more significant for drug combinations extracted from specialized and nonspecialized cancer medicines than specialized medicines. Thus, effective treatments can be provided through the approach of drug repurposing and combination drug therapy. Implications The protocol allows personalized drug combinations to be extracted from hundreds of drugs and thousands of drug combinations. This can be used as a methodological interface between drug repurposing and combination drug therapy in cancer treatment.
HIV Care in Times of COVID-19 – Rapid Treatment Start Seems as Vital and Cost-Effective Approach in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: KOWALSKA Justyna D. , WOJCIK Grzegorz , RUTKOWSKI Jakub , SIEWASZEWICZ Ewa
Published: August 2021

Background: In times of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic it is essential to deliver specialist HIV care with a maximum effectiveness, but minimum epidemiological risk. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether rapid linkage tocare definedas starting combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) at the day of first visit in HIV clinic is a cost-effective approach.Methods:The analysis used Markov's lifetime model presented in our previous study. The input data used in the model were updated in terms of costs, life expectancy tables and patient’s characteristics. This analysis used information from the previous model about the additional cost of treatment and QALY lost in the life horizon for people newly infected with HIV. Number of new infected persons was estimated on the basis of available data.Results:Input data were available for 344 MSM patients who registered in HIV specialist care between 2016 and 2017. Estimated QALY loss due to no rapid treatmentin case of no taking (taking) into account viral load equal 0·018 (0·022), 0·039 (0·047), 0·131 (0·158) respectively in low, medium and high-risk transmission groups. RapidcART initiation was dominant regardless of the chosenscenarios. Conclusions:Taking into account HIV transmission in cost–effectiveness analysis indicates that rapid-initiation of HIV treatment is profitable.
Deep Neural Networks Evolve Human-like Attention Distribution during Goal-directed Reading Comprehension
Authors: Zou Jiajie , Ding Nai
Published: August 2021

Attention is a key mechanism for information selection in both biological brains and many state-of-the-art deep neural networks (DNNs). Here, we investigate whether humans and DNNs allocate attention in comparable ways when seeking information in a text passage to answer a question. We analyze 3 transformer-based DNNs that reach human-level performance when trained to perform the reading comprehension task. We find that the DNN attention distribution quantitatively resembles human attention distribution measured by eye tracking: Human readers fixate longer on words that are more relevant to the question-answering task, demonstrating that attention is modulated by the top-down reading goal, on top of lower-level visual layout and textual features. Further analyses reveal that the attention weights in DNNs are also influenced by both the top-down reading goal and lower-level textual features, with the shallow layers more strongly influenced by lower-level textual features and the deep layers attending more to task-relevant words. Additionally, deep layers’ attention to task-relevant words gradually emerges when pre-trained DNN models are fine-tuned to perform the reading comprehension task, which coincides with the improvement in task performance. These results demonstrate that DNNs can naturally evolve human-like attention distribution through task optimization. The results suggest that human attention during goal-directed reading comprehension is a consequence of task optimization and the attention weights in DNN are of biological significance.
Predictive Power of Extubation Failure Diagnosed by Cough Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Duan Jun , Zhang Xiaofang , Song Jianping
Published: August 2021

Background: The predictive power of extubation failure diagnosed by cough strength is various in different studies. We aimed to summarize the diagnostic power of extubation failure tested by cough strength. Methods: A comprehensive on-line search was performed to select any potentially eligible studies that evaluated the predictive power of extubation failure tested by cough strength. A manual research was also performed to identify additional studies. Data were extracted to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR), negative LR, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) to evaluate predictive power of extubation failure. I2 was used to test the heterogeneity and deek’s funnel plot was used to detect the publication bias.Results: A total of 35 studies involving 7515 patients were included. Of them, 1113 patients (14.8%) experienced extubation failure. Twenty studies involving 2787 patients assessed cough strength by measure of cough peak flow (CPF) to predict extubation failure. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive LR, negative LR, DOR, and AUC were 0.77 (95%CI: 0.72-0.80), 0.75 (0.69-0.80), 2.84 (2.36-3.42), 0.34 (0.29-0.39), 9.16 (6.14-13.67), and 0.81 (0.77-0.84), respectively. Twenty studies involving 5508 patients assessed cough strength by measurement of a semiquantitative cough strength scale (SCSS) to predict extubation failure. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive LR, negative LR, DOR, and AUC were 0.54 (95%CI: 0.43-0.65), 0.82 (0.73-0.88), 2.48 (1.92-3.21), 0.63 (0.54-0.74), 4.61 (3.03-7.01), and 0.74 (0.70-0.78), respectively. Conclusions: Cough strength can be measured by CPF and SCSS. The CPF has good predictive power to diagnose extubation failure and SCSS has moderate predictive power.
Intraoperative Serosal Extracellular Mapping of the Human Distal Colon: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Lin Anthony Y , Varghese Chris , Du Peng , Wells Cameron Iain , Paskaranandavadivel Niranchan , Gharibans Armen A , Erickson Jonathan C , Bissett Ian P , O’Grady Greg
Published: August 2021

Background:Cyclic motor patterns (CMP) are the predominant motor pattern in the distal colon, and are important in both health and disease. Their origin, mechanism and relation to bioelectrical slow-waves remain incompletely understood. During abdominal surgery, an increase in the CMP occurs in the distal colon. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of detecting propagating slow waves and spike waves in the distal human colon through intraoperative, high-resolution (HR), serosal electrical mapping. Methods:HR electrical recordings were obtained from the distal colon using validated flexible PCB arrays (6 x 16 electrodes; 4 mm inter-electrode spacing; 2.4 cm2, 0.3 mm diameter) for up to 15 minutes. Passive unipolar signals were obtained and analysed.Results:Eleven patients (33-71 years; six females) undergoing colorectal surgery under general anaesthesia (4 with epidurals) were recruited. After artifact removal and comprehensive manual and automated analytics, events consistent with regular propagating activity between 2-6 cpm were not identified in any patient. Intermittent clusters of spike-like activities lasting 10-180 s with frequencies of each cluster ranging between 24-42 cpm, and an average amplitude of 0.54 ± 0.37 mV were recorded.Conclusions:Intra-operative colonic serosal mapping in humans is feasible, but unlike in the stomach and small bowel, revealed no regular propagating electrical activity, although sporadic, synchronous spike-wave events were identifiable. Alternative techniques are required to characterise the mechanisms underlying the hyperactive CMP observed in the intra- and post-operative period.
Components of Responsive Health Research System in COVID-19 Crisis: Lessons Learned by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Kharazmi Erfan , Ostovar Sedigheh
Published: August 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a major challenge to health systems all over the world. All countries have realized that they have no choice but to apply research findings to achieve real growth and development and solve their problems.Method: A descriptive and analytical type of study was conducted with the help of experts in the field of health research. The components affecting the research system were obtained via process approach and content analysis method, and then the position of each component was identified by Mic Mac technique.Results: Seventeen influential structural components on the health research system were identified. The leadership and management component had the most direct and indirect impact among other components. The health promotion component had a greater impact than other components.Conclusion: All health systems need to provide adequate financial resources and manpower to provide a useful research system. Human resources are the most important inputs to such a system. Components of the research process, research Sustainability, quality, or innovation in researches can play a balancing role. The existence of appropriate infrastructures for the creation, transfer, development, and access to knowledge makes it possible to produce systematic science; it can be hoped that this science will be used in other outputs of the health research system, such as effectiveness or health promotion.
Sex-dependent effect on the association of COMT Val158Met polymorphism with schizophrenia clinical symptoms and cognitive impairment
Authors: Xu Hang , Zhou Yongjie , Wang Jiesi , Xiu Meihong , Chen Dachun , Wang Weiwen , Wang Li , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: August 2021

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphism is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, which is related to the regulation of dopamine transmission in the prefrontal cortex. Recent studies have shown that the influence of COMT Val158Met variation is sexually dimorphic. This study aims to explore the possible effect of the interaction between COMT Val158Met polymorphism and sex on patients’ clinical characteristics and cognitive function. 367 inpatients with chronic schizophrenia (246 males and 121 females) and 419 healthy controls (172 males and 247 females) are recruited. The cognitive performances are assessed by Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), and the COMT Val158Met polymorphism is genotyped. The psychopathological symptoms of the patients are assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). We find that: 1) sex difference in the allele frequency and genotype distribution of COMT Val158Met are found only in schizophrenia patients; 2) there is sex × COMT genotype interaction in positive symptoms, immediate memory, attention, and RBANS total score indexes in patients with schizophrenia; 3) mainly in the male patients’ sample, Val/Val carriers exhibit more positive symptoms and more severe cognitive impairment than Met carriers. These findings suggest that COMT Val158Met polymorphism is associated with the risk and severity of schizophrenia in a sexually dimorphic way, which is helpful to understand the factors that may lead to different manifestations of male and female patients with schizophrenia.
WITHDRAWN: Identification of Hub Genes related to the Progression of Bladder Cancer by an Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wang Han , Chen Jieqing , Liao Xinhui , Liu Yang , Tang Aifa , Mei Hongbing
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND and OBJECTIVE: A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying bladder cancer is necessary to identify candidate therapeutic targets. METHODS: We screened for genes associated with bladder cancer progression and prognosis. Publicly available expression data were obtained from TCGA and GEO to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between bladder cancer and normal bladder tissues. Weighted co-expression networks were constructed, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Associations between hub genes and immune infiltration and immune therapy were evaluated. RESULTS: 3461 DEGs in TCGA-BC and 1069 DEGs in the GSE dataset were identified, with 87 overlapping differentially expressed genes between the bladder cancer and normal bladder groups. Hub genes in the tumour group were mainly enriched for cell proliferation-related GO terms and KEGG pathways, while hub genes in the normal group were related to the synthesis and secretion of neurotransmitters. PPI networks for the genes identified in the normal and tumour groups were constructed. Based on a survival analysis, CDH19, RELN, PLP1, and TRIB3 were significantly associated with prognosis (P < 0.05). Four hub genes were significantly enriched in the MAPK signalling pathway, VEGF signalling pathway, WNT signalling pathway, cell cycle, and P53 signalling pathway based on a gene set enrichment analysis; these genes were associated with immune infiltration levels in bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: CDH19, RELN, PLP1, and TRIB3 may play important roles in the development of bladder cancer and are potential therapeutic and prognostic targets.
CD8-Positive T cells and CD204-Positive M2 Macrophages Predict Postoperative Prognosis of Very High-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yanai Yoshinori , Kosaka Takeo , Mikami Shuji , Hongo Hiroshi , Yasumizu Yota , Takeda Toshikazu , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Miyauchi Jun , Kitano Shigehisa , Oya Mototsugu
Published: August 2021

To stratify the heterogeneity of prostate cancer (PCa) with seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) immunologically after radical prostatectomy (RP) focusing on the tumor microenvironment. We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological data of 71 PCa patients with SVI, which is known as a factor of very high risk PCa. Preoperative clinical variables and postoperative pathological variables were evaluated as predictors of BCR with a multivariate logistic regression. Immune cell infiltration including the CD8-positive cell (CD8+ cell) and CD204-positive M2 macrophage (CD204+ cell) was investigated by immunohistochemistry. The cumulative incidence and risk of BCR were assessed with a Kaplan–Meier analysis and competing risks regression. A higher CD8+ cell count in the SVI area significantly indicated a favorable prognosis for cancers with SVI (p = 0.004). A lower CD204+ cell count in the SVI area also significantly indicated a favorable prognosis for cancers with SVI (p = 0.004). Furthermore, the combination of the CD8+ and CD204+ cell infiltration ratio of the SVI area to the main tumor area was a significant factor for BCR in the patients with the PCa with SVI (p = 0.001). In PCa patients with SVI, the combination of CD8+ and CD204+ cell infiltration is useful to predict the prognosis.
Stem Cell Pathways and Notch Signalling an Emerging Role in the Development of Acquired Drug Resistance in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Clark-Corrigal John , Zaka Masood , Myssina Svetlana , Michaelis Martin , Cinatl Jindrich , Ahmed Shafiq , Carr-Wilkinson Jane
Published: August 2021

BackgroundNeuroblastoma is a paediatric tumour that develops from embryonal neural crest cells that give rise to the sympathetic nervous system. Aggressive high-risk disease remains a clinical challenge and despite multi-modal therapy, survival rates are poor. Most neuroblastomas initially respond well to induction chemotherapy however, 50-60% of patients with high risk disease will relapse with aggressive disease. A major obstacle in the successful treatment of this disease is the development of acquired resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. We hypothesize that aggressive neuroblastomas acquire a more immature phenotype and an increase in expression stem cell related genes. MethodsThis study investigates the role of stem cell related genes in the development of acquired drug resistance using Q- Real Time PCR and bioinformatics analysis on three-paired vincristine sensitive and resistant cell lines. Results: The study outlines 11 differentially expressed genes with several targets involved in stem cell development, differentiation and the notch signalling pathway. ConclusionsThe findings implicated in this study, which include comparative analysis against patient microarray data, warrants further study on the functional effects of these genes/pathways to elucidate their role in acquired drug resistance.
Climate Change in the Western Balkans and Eu Green Deal – Coherence, Challenges, and Perspective
Authors: Knez Sandi , Štrbac Snežana , Podbregar Iztok
Published: August 2021

Background: The European Commission (EC), based on the European Green Deal (2019) and the Recovery plan for Europe (2021) envisages investing 30% of the budget in climate-related programs, projects, and initiatives, which clearly shows Europe's commitment to becoming the first climate-neutral region by 2050. Activities are also planned for countries that are not members of the European Union (EU), which requires complex changes in the field of legislation, strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring. To successfully plan short-term and long-term activities on these grounds, it is necessary to have a realistic picture of the state of climate change in each country - as they spill over into the entire region of Europe. The main objective of this paper is to present the state of climate change in six Western Balkans countries, of which only Croatia is a member of the EU, for the needs of planning activities and initial harmonization with the EU plan to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050. Results: The main results of the research show that in all countries of the region, the average annual temperature increased by 1.2 °C compared to 1970, with stabilization and the beginning of the decline which can be expected around 2040. The main reasons for climate change in the region are: industry, energy, and heating sector based on coal exploitation, low energy efficiency, etc. Conclusions: It can be concluded that all countries of the Western Balkans have adopted (or are in the process of adopting) the necessary regulations and strategies towards climate change mitigation, but the implementation of specific activities is at a low level. The reasons for this most often lies in the insufficient commitment of decision-makers to make significant changes in the field of climate change transition (lower level of economic development, lack of investment, preservation of social peace). Finally, the paper provides an overview of climate change by country, scenario analysis, and policy recommendations.
Aerobic Exercise Upregulates DNA Methylation of Agtr1a and Mas1 Genes to Improve Mesenteric Arterial Function in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Chen Yu , Li Shanshan , Xu Zhaoxia , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Huirong , Shi Lijun
Published: August 2021

The imbalance between vasoconstrictive axis and vasodilative axis of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Exercise modulates components of the RAS and influences vascular function. This study aimed to investigate the balance of RAS axes and the mechanism of DNA methylation of the Agtr1a (AT1aR) and Mas1 (MasR) genes in aerobic exercise-induced improvement of the function of mesenteric arteries (MAs) in hypertension. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were subjected to exercise training or kept sedentary. Plasma RAS peptides, vascular function, and molecular properties were assessed. Aerobic exercise significantly decreased blood pressure in SHR. Plasma levels of RAS peptides increased in SHR, and the level of Ang II was much higher than Ang-(1–7), whereas exercise efficiently inhibited this inappropriate increase. In addition, Ang II-induced maximal contraction of MAs is largely through Type 1 angiotensin receptors (AT1R), while Mas receptor (MasR) inhibits this contribution. Exercise effectively suppressed hypertension-associated mRNA and protein expression upregulation of AT1R and MasR and increased MasR/AT1R ratio in SHR by triggering hypermethylation of Agtr1a and Mas1 genes, with increasing DNMT1 and DNMT3b protein expression and ratio of SAM/SAH. These findings suggest that aerobic exercise alleviates vascular tone by upregulating the methylation status of the Agtr1a and Mas1 genes and inhibiting the imbalanced increase in the vasoconstrictive and vasodilative axes during hypertension.
The effect of Broussonetia papyrifera invasion on the regeneration of selected native timber species in a tropical moist forest in Uganda
Authors: Ssemanda Davis Mark , Ssekuubwa Enock
Published: August 2021

Broussonetia papyrifera has been identified as one of the top invasive species in some African tropical forests with potentially devastating impacts on the conservation and timber production potential of the forests. This study determined the effect of B. papyrifera on the regeneration of selected native timber species in Mabira Forest Reserve, Uganda. The abundance, basal area and population structure of the timber species were compared between areas invaded and uninvaded by B. papyrifera. Employing a complete randomized block design, a total of forty plots (30 x 30 m each), and equally distributed between invaded and uninvaded areas with similar habitat conditions were surveyed. Counts of seedlings were recorded and diameter of saplings and trees measured. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the abundance, tree basal area and size class distributions of the selected species. The study revealed that the effects of B. papyrifera invasion vary depending on the growth stage and species studied. Overall, B. papyrifera invasion significantly reduced tree abundance and basal area, and suppressed the regeneration of some but not all the selected species. Our results demonstrate that if the spread of B. papyrifera is not abated, it will lower the conservation and timber production potential of tropical forests. Therefore, we call for interventions to control the spread of B. papyrifera to the uninvaded parts of the forests and halt its multiplication in invaded areas so as to enhance the regeneration and growth of timber species.
Using outbreak data to estimate the dynamic COVID-19 landscape in Eastern Africa
Authors: Wamalwa Mark , Tonnang Henri E.Z.
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic presents a serious health threat to African countries and the livelihoods of its people. To mitigate the impact of this disease, these countries implemented intervention measures including self-isolation, the closure of schools, banning of public gatherings, social distancing and border closures. Several epidemiological models have been used to improve our understanding of COVID-19 trajectory. This has helped inform decisions about pandemic planning, resource allocation, implementation of other non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). This study presents estimates of the cases and fatalities due to COVID-19 and attempts to forecast the impact of governmental interventions in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. .MethodsWe used time series COVID-19 case and mortality data collated from the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) repository and an extended susceptible-infected-removed (eSIR) compartmental model incorporating quarantine and vaccination compartments to account for transmission dynamics and vaccine-induced immunity over time. The predication accuracy was evaluated using the root mean square error and mean absolute error.ResultsThe number of new and confirmed cases show an exponential trend since March 02 2020. The mean basic reproductive number (R0) was between 1.32 (95% CI, 1.17 - 1.49) in Rwanda and 8.52 (95% CI: 3.73 - 14.10) in Kenya, under exponential growth. There would be a total of 115,505 (95% CI:109,999 - 121,264), 7,072,584 (6,945,505 - 7,203,084), 18,248,566(18,100,299 - 18,391,438), 410,599 (399,776 - 421528), 386,020 (376,478 - 396244), 107,265 (95,757 - 119982), 3,145,602 (3,089,070 - 3205017) infected cases under the current country blockade by January 16/2022 in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda respectively. We show that the low apparent morbidity and mortality observed in EACs, is likely biased by underestimation of infected and mortality cases.ConclusionThe current NPI measures can effectively reduce further spread of COVID-19 and should be strengthened. The observed reduction in R0 is consistent with intervention measures implemented in EACs, in particular, lockdowns and roll-out of vaccination programmes. Future work should account for the negative impact of the interventions to the economy and food systems.
A New Non-Centrosymmetricorganotin (IV) Hybrid Compound C5H14N2 [SnCl6] 2H2O: Crystal Structure And Optical Study Characterization
Authors: Hannachi Nejeh , ROISNEL Thierry , HLEL Faouzi
Published: August 2021

A new non-centrosymmetricorganotin (IV) hybrid compoundC5H14N2 [SnCl6] 2H2O was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction at 150(2) K. Its crystal structure was solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction reveling that compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with Pbca space group with the following lattice parameters: a = 12.1486 (15) Å, b= 15.4571 (17) Å, c = 16.7610 (18) Å with Z = 8. The bonding between inorganic and organic entities in the compounds is realized by hydrogen bonding O−H…O ,O−H…Cl , NH • • • Cl, N-H…Cl and O−H…Cl. Finally,UV-visible absorption measurements exhibit two absorption bands (226 nm and 262 nm).The optical band gap (Eg) is deduced to be 3.46 Ev.
On The Stability of Triangular Janus MoSSe Quantum-Dots: Shape and Size Effects
Authors: Paez-Ornelas J. I. , Ponce-Perez R. , Fernández-Escamilla H. N. , Hoat D. M. , Murillo-Bracamontes E. A. , Armenta Ma Guadalupe Moreno , Galván Donald H. , Guerrero-Sánchez J.
Published: August 2021

Asymmetric Janus transition metal dichalcogenide MoSSe is a promising catalytic material due to the intrinsic in-plane dipole of its opposite faces. The atomic description of the structures observed by experimental techniques is relevant to tune and optimize the reaction processes on its surfaces. Furthermore, the experimentally observed triangular morphologies in MoSSe suggest that an analysis of the chemical environment of its edges is vital to understand its reactivity. Here we analyze the size-shape stability among different triangular structures-quantum dots-proposed from the ideal S(-1010) and Mo(10-10) terminations. Our stability analysis evidenced that the S-Se termination is more stable than Mo; moreover, as the size of the quantum dot increases, its stability increases as well. Besides, a trend is observed, with the appearance of elongated Mo-S/Se bonds at symmetric positions of the edges. Tersoff-Hamann scanning tunneling microscopy images for both faces of the stablest models are presented. Electrostatic potential isosurfaces denote that the basal plane on the S face of both configurations remains the region with more electron density concentration. These results point toward the differentiated activity over both faces. Finally, our study denotes the exact atomic arrangement on the edges of MoSSe quantum dots corresponding with the formation of S/Se dimmers who decorates the edges and their role along with the faces as catalytic sites.
Nomogram to Predict the Risk of Postoperative Anxiety and Depression in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Hu Zhiqiao , Zhang Hao , Wang Jiaqi , Xiong Huan , Liu Yunxiao , Zhu Yihao , Chang Zewen , Hu Hanqing , Tang Qingchao
Published: August 2021

To develop and validate the risk nomogram to predict the likelihood of postoperative anxiety and depression in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. A total of 602 CRC patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were included in the study and divided into development set and validation set with the 2: 1 ratio randomly. Logistic regression model was used to determine independent factors contributing to postoperative anxiety and depression, which were subsequently applied to build the nomogram for predicting postoperative anxiety and depression. The performance of the risk nomogram was appraised by the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), calibration curves and decision curve analyses (DCA). Gender, marital status, income, TNM stage and ECOG score were significant indicators for postoperative anxiety and depression. The AUCs of the development and validation sets were 0.696 and 0.677 for postoperative anxiety nomogram, and 0.710 and 0.699 for postoperative depression nomogram. Additionally, calibration curves and decision curve analyses also determined the reliable clinical importance of the proposed nomogram. The current study constructed the risk nomogram for postoperative anxiety and depression, and could help clinicians perform targeted psychological intervention for high-risk patients.
Nanochips assisted peptide screening for clinical development of CAR-T cell immunotherapy
Authors: Nguyen-Le Trang Anh , Bartsch Tabea , Wodtke Robert , Brandt Florian , Arndt Claudia , Feldmann Anja , Bojorquez Diana Isabel Sandoval , Roig Arnau Perez , Ibarlucea Bergoi , Lee Seungho , Baek Chang-Ki , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Bergmann Ralf , Puentes-Cala Edinson , Soto Javier Andrés , Kurien Biji T. , Bachmann Michael , Baraban Larysa
Published: August 2021

Immunotherapy using CAR-T cells is a new paradigm technology for cancer treatment. To avoid severe side effects and tumor escape variants observed for conventional CAR-T cells approach, adaptor CAR technologies are under development, where intermediate target modules redirect immune cells against cancer. In this work, silicon nanowire field effect transistors are used to assist in the development of target modules for an optimized CAR-T cell operation. Focusing on a library of seven variants of E5B9 peptide that is used as CAR peptide epitope, we performed multiplexed binding tests in serum using nanosensor chips. Peptides have been immobilized onto the sensor to compare the signals of transistor upon titration with anti-E5B9 antibodies. Correlation analysis of binding affinities and sensitivities enabled a selection of best candidates for the interaction between CAR and target modules. Finally, cytotoxic functionality of CAR-T cells in combination with the selected target modules were successfully proven. Our results open the perspective for the nanobiosensorics to go beyond the early diagnostics in the field of clinical cancer research, and paves the way towards personalization and efficient monitoring of the immunotherapeutic treatment, where the quantitative analysis with the standard techniques is not an option.
Mental Health, Partnerships, and Sexual Behavior of German Students After the Third Wave During the Corona Pandemic
Authors: Supke Max , Hahlweg Prof. Dr. Kurt , Kelani Krenare , Muschalla Prof. Dr. Beate , Schulz Prof. Dr. Wolfgang
Published: August 2021

Background. The corona pandemic has drastically changed students' lives and increased their perceived stress. At the end of winter and in spring 2021, Germany experienced the third wave of the pandemic. This study aims to examine the state of students’ mental health after the third wave as well as partnerships and sex life during the pandemic.
Methods. In June and July 2021, 928 students (mean age: 23.6; 63.5% females) from four universities in Germany completed an online survey. The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were used to assess mood problems and worrying.
Results. Our results show that 56.4% were above the cut-off value for clinically relevant mood problems, 35.7% for worrying and 33.4% were above both cut-off values simultaneously (≥10). The female gender, higher study stress, low financial resources, higher strain due to corona and more loneliness were associated with severe symptoms, whereas higher life satisfaction, more sleep, and psychological/psychiatric treatment were related to better mental health. Students who started studying in the pandemic showed slightly more mood problems than longer enrolled students. The vast majority (89.3%) of all students were happy with their current relationship. While half of the students noted no change in their relationship, a quarter each reported improvement or deterioration. Every third single student has had less sex and in every fifth partnership it came to more sex during the pandemic.
Conclusion: Students´ mental health seems to be worse compared to pre-pandemic data and also compared to the first wave data, especially concerning mood problems (depressive symptoms). Women are significantly more burdened than men. It should be further investigated whether rates of symptom load will be lower again when universities reopen and study life becomes normal.
Greenland Ice Sheet runoff reduced by meltwater refreezing in bare ice
Authors: Cooper Matthew , Smith Laurence , Rennermalm Åsa , Yang Kang , Liston Glen , Ryan Jonathan , As Dirk van , Pitcher Lincoln , Miège Clément , Cooley Sarah , Overstreet Brandon
Published: August 2021

The Greenland Ice Sheet’s contribution to global sea-level rise is accelerating1 due to increased melting of its bare-ice ablation zone2–6, but there is growing evidence that climate models overestimate runoff from this critical area of the ice sheet7–12. Current climate models assume all bare ice runoff escapes to the ocean, unlike snow covered areas where some fraction of runoff is retained and/or refrozen in porous firn13–15. Here we use in situ measurements and numerical modeling to reveal extensive retention and refreezing of liquid meltwater in bare glacial ice, explaining chronic runoff overestimation by climate models. From 2009–2018, refreezing of liquid meltwater in bare, porous glacial ice reduced meltwater runoff by 11–23 Gt a-1 in southwest Greenland alone, equivalent to 10–20% of annual meltwater production. This mass retention is commensurate with current estimates of climate model ice sheet meltwater runoff uncertainty, and may represent an overlooked buffer on projected runoff increases for the coming century16. Inclusion of bare-ice retention and refreezing processes in climate models therefore has immediate potential to improve forecasts of ice sheet runoff and its contribution to global sea-level rise.
RedoxiFluor: A microplate assay to quantify protein thiol redox state in percentages and moles
Authors: Tuncay Ahmet , Noble Anna , Guille Matthew , Cobley James
Published: August 2021

An accessible, time- and cost-efficient microplate assay to quantify protein thiol redox state in percentages and moles relative to the thiol proteome (i.e., context) and other targets (i.e., array mode) would be invaluable for understanding how protein thiols regulate essential biological processes. RedoxiFluor achieves several key benefits (i.e., percentages, moles, context, array mode) in a microplate format. After robustly validating RedoxiFluor, comparative analysis reveals that key benefits are intractable to other immunological techniques. Moles is an unprecedented achievement. Proof-of-concept studies illuminating fundamental redox principles (i.e., specificity, context, and heterogeneity) through measurement alone demonstrate how RedoxiFluor can advance understanding. For example, target specific protein thiol redox state changes are: (1) context specific (i.e., redox stimulus dependent); (2) selective (i.e., redox stimuli oxidise select targets); and (3) heterogenous (i.e., target responses vary markedly). RedoxiFluor is a powerful new tool for advancing a far-reaching and influential field: protein thiol redox biology.
‘Alexa, Adv(ert)ise us!’
Authors: Haas Michael , Keller Anna
Published: August 2021

Digital assistants increasingly infiltrate the world of children. The way they function reminds us somewhat of playmates, nannies and tutors. So far, educators have only marginally dealt with this new media phenomenon, yet the use of smart speakers by young people offers many opportunities as well as challenges. These are elaborated in this article and classified in terms of media education. Firstly, we will address a definition of smart speakers and digital speech assistants, and then examine their use by means of usage data. We will then concentrate on examining the extent to which these smart technologies play a role in the environments of young people. What forms of advertising are there? What data do digital assistants collect? And finally, how can parents, educators and companies ensure that smart technologies are used in a child-friendly manner that complies with data protection regulations? Our aim is to nudge the phenomenon of smart speakers and speech assistants into the media-pedagogical focus. Dealing with the specific characteristics of smart speakers requires a high degree of (child) user competence. As we will show in the conclusion, there are further pedagogically beneficial approaches from the point of view of promoting advertising literacy.