bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of immediate dentin sealing and flowable resin coating reinforcement for unfilled/lightly filled adhesive systems
Authors: de Carvalho Marco Aurélio , Lazari‐Carvalho Priscilla Cardoso , Polonial Isabella Fonseca , de Souza João Batista , Magne Pascal
Published: January 2021

Background

Immediate dentin sealing implies applying an adhesive system to dentin directly after tooth preparation, before impression. The technique is universal (inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns) and well documented clinically and experimentally. Different types of dentin bonding agents (DBAs) are available on the market. Major differences lie in the thickness of the hybrid layer and overlaying adhesive resin (filled vs. unfilled/lightly filled adhesives).

Objective

The objective of this work is to provide precise clinical instructions and present new experimental data about the bond strength of five DBAs (Optibond FL, Scotchbond MP, Single Bond Plus, Clearfil SE Bond, and Scotchbond Universal) used conventionally (dentin sealed at the time of restoration delivery) or with immediate dentin sealing, as well as with an additional flowable resin coating.

Methods

Seventy‐five human molars were selected, restored/tested according the microtensile bond strength method. Fifteen groups (n=5) were obtained from the combination of the five DBAs and three application modes: delayed dentin sealing, immediate dentin sealing and immediate dentin sealing with flowable resin coating.

Results

It appears that immediate dentin sealing was confirmed to significantly improve the bond strength of all tested adhesives. The use of a flowable resin coating reinforcement after immediate dentin sealing increased the microtensile bond strength of all unfilled/lightly filled adhesives (from 233% of increase for ScotchBond MP, up to 560% for Clearfil SE Bond) and maintained the performance of the 3‐step golden standard adhesive. Optibond FL used with (52.51 MPa) or without (54.75 MPa) additional flowable resin coating and Clearfil SE Bond (45.64 MPa) used with flowable resin coating provided the best results.

Clinical Significance

The original immediate dentin sealing (IDS) technique implies the use of a filled DBA. With unfilled/lightly filled adhesives, it is suggested to reinforce IDS with an additional flowable resin coating. This seems especially paramount to the performance of simplified adhesive systems to protect the thin bonding interface from oxygen inhibition and preserve IDS layer during predelivery cleaning of the preparation. The clinical reinforcement of unfilled/lightly filled IDS with flowable resin composite is encouraged for more predictable bonding.
Hematopoietic cell transplant for reversal of liver fibrosis in a pediatric patient with erythropoietic protoporphyria
Authors: Hashmi Saman K. , Harstead Elaine , Sachdev Mansi , Black Dennis D. , Clark Ian , Ortanca Ibrahim , Triplett Brandon M. , Talleur Aimee C.
Published: January 2021

Background

EPP is a rare disorder of heme biosynthesis in which patients present with disabling photosensitivity. A subset of patients develop severe liver disease with progressive liver failure necessitating an OLT. A HCT can potentially cure EPP by replacing the native bone marrow, which is the primary site of heme synthesis. However, due to concerns for inherent risks of treatment‐related toxicities, the use of HCT has been reserved for patients undergoing an OLT to avoid disease recurrence in the hepatic graft. Data for HCT in EPP are lacking, particularly in the pediatric population.

Case (Methods/Results)

We present the case of a 12‐year‐old patient with EPP photosensitivity and cirrhosis, whom we successfully treated with pre‐emptive allogeneic HCT, significantly improving the patient's quality of life. We used a matched‐unrelated donor bone marrow–derived graft. Our patient achieved full donor peripheral blood chimerism and has not had any evidence of GVHD. In addition to resolution of photosensitivity, our patient had reversal of liver fibrosis which we feel was largely due to intervention at an early stage of compensated cirrhosis.

Conclusion

Our case highlights the successful application of a known RIC regimen to this rare disorder that was well tolerated with sustained donor engraftment. It also emphasizes the importance of timing for HCT in patients with EPP and liver fibrosis. HCT should be considered early in pediatric patients with EPP‐hepatopathy to prevent progression to liver failure and need for OLT with lifelong immunosuppression.
The combination treatment of cholesterol‐loaded methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin significantly improves the fertilization capacity of vitrified bovine oocytes by protecting fertilization protein JUNO
Authors: Hao Tong , Zhang Peipei , Hao Haisheng , Du Weihua , Pang Yunwei , Zhao Shanjiang , Zou Huiying , Zhu Huabin , Yu Weili , Li Shujing , Zhao Xueming
Published: January 2021

Many experiments show that vitrification significantly reduces the fertilization capacity of mammalian oocytes, restricting the application of vitrified oocytes. It has been proven that the JUNO protein plays a vital role in mammalian oocytes fertilization. However, little information is available about the effects of vitrification on the JUNO protein and the procedure to protect it in bovine oocytes. Here, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of vitrification on the JUNO protein level in bovine oocytes. In this study, MII oocytes were treated with cholesterol‐loaded methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (CLC; 0, 10, 15, 20 mM) for 45 min before vitrification and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβCD; 0, 2.25, 4.25, 6.25 mM) for 45 min after thawing (38–39°C). Then, the expression level and function of JUNO protein, cholesterol level in the membrane, the externalization of phosphatidylserine, sperm binding capacity and the developmental ability of vitrified bovine oocytes were examined. Our results showed that vitrification significantly decreased the JUNO protein level, cholesterol level, sperm binding capacity, development ability, and increased the promoter methylation level of the JUNO gene and apoptosis level of bovine oocytes. Furthermore, 15 mM CLC + 4.25 mM MβCD treatment significantly improved the cholesterol level and increased sperm binding and development ability of vitrified bovine oocytes. In conclusion, the combination treatment of cholesterol‐loaded methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin significantly improves the fertilization capacity of vitrified bovine oocytes by protecting fertilization protein JUNO.
Accuracy of molecular drug susceptibility testing amongst tuberculosis patients in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan
Authors: Gil Horacio , Margaryan Hasmik , Azamat Ismailov , Ziba Bekturdieva , Bayram Halmuratov , Nazirov Pirimqul , Gomez Diana , Singh Jatinder , Zayniddin Sayfutdinov , Parpieva Nargiza , Achar Jay
Published: January 2021

Objectives

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of molecular tests (MT) for the detection of DR‐TB, compared to the gold standard liquid‐based drug susceptibility testing (DST) in Karakalpakstan.

Methods

A total of 6670 specimens received in the Republican TB No 1 Hospital Laboratory of Karakalpakstan between January and July 2017 from new and retreatment patients were analysed. Samples were tested using Xpert MTB/RIF and line probe assays (LPA) for the detection of mutations associated with resistance. The sensitivity and specificity of MTs were calculated relative to results based on DST.

Results

The accuracy of MT for detection of rifampicin resistance was high, with sensitivity and specificity over 98%. However, we observed reduced sensitivity of LPA for detection of resistance; 86% for isoniazid (95% CI 82–90%), 86% for fluoroquinolones (95% CI 68‐96%), 70% for capreomycin (95% CI 46–88%) and 23% for kanamycin (95% CI 13–35%).

Conclusions

We show that MTs are a useful tool for rapid and safe diagnosis of DR‐TB; however, clinicians should be aware of their limitations. Although detection of rifampicin resistance was highly accurate, our data suggest that resistance mutations circulating in the Republic of Karakalpakstan for other drugs were not detected by the methods used here. This merits further investigation.
β‐cell dysfunction and insulin resistance in relation to pre‐diabetes and diabetes among adults in north‐western Tanzania: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: PrayGod George , Filteau Suzanne , Range Nyagosya , Kitilya Brenda , Kavishe Bazil B. , Ramaiya Kaushik , Jeremiah Kidola , Rehman Andrea M. , Changalucha John , Olsen Mette Frahm , Andersen Aase Bengaard , Friis Henrik , Krogh‐Madsen Rikke , Faurholt‐Jepsen Daniel
Published: January 2021

Objective

Studies on phenotypes of diabetes in Africa are inconsistent. We assessed the role of β‐cell dysfunction and insulin resistance on pre‐diabetes and diabetes.

Methods

We included 1890 participants with mean age of 40.6 (SD11.9) years in a cross‐sectional study among male and female adults in Tanzania during 2016 to 2017. Data on C‐reactive protein (CRP), alpha‐acid glycoprotein (AGP), HIV, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), body composition and insulin were collected. Insulinogenic index and HOMA‐IR were used to derive an overall marker of β‐cell dysfunction and insulin resistance which was categorised as follows: normal β‐cell function and insulin sensitivity, isolated β‐cell dysfunction, isolated insulin resistance, and combined β‐cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Pre‐diabetes and diabetes were defined as 2‐hour OGTT glucose between 7.8–11.0 and ≥ 11.1 mmol/L, respectively. Multinomial regression assessed the association of β‐cell dysfunction and insulin resistance with outcome measures.

Results

β‐cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, and combined β‐cell dysfunction and insulin resistance were associated with higher pre‐diabetes risk. Similarly, isolated β‐cell dysfunction (adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR) 4.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.5, 9.0), isolated insulin resistance (aRRR 3.2 (95% CI 1.5, 6.9), and combined β‐cell dysfunction and insulin resistance (aRRR 35.9 (95% CI 17.2, 75.2) were associated with higher diabetes risk. CRP, AGP and HIV were associated with higher diabetes risk, but fat mass was not. 31%, 10% and 33% of diabetes cases were attributed to β‐cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, and combined β‐cell dysfunction and insulin resistance, respectively.

Conclusions

β‐cell dysfunction seemed to explain most of diabetes cases compared to insulin resistance in this population. Cohort studies on evolution of diabetes in Africa are needed to confirm these results.
Batting Average and Beyond: The Framing of Statistics Within Regional Major League Baseball Broadcasts
Authors: Arth Zachary W. , Billings Andrew C.
Published: January 2021

This study analyzed the frequency with which the regional broadcasts of the 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) teams featured traditional and modern/advanced statistics. To understand these portrayals, 60 games, two from each MLB team, were coded. The coded content consisted of any on-screen graphic featuring one or multiple baseball statistics, as well as any comment from the broadcasters about statistics. The results indicated a clear spectrum of teams, with some featuring a high level of advanced metrics in their graphics and commentary, while some were substantially more traditional. Through the lens of framing, potential ramifications for statistical knowledge within different fan bases were discussed.
Validation of the Physical Activity Questions in the World Health Organization Health Behavior in School-Aged Children Survey Using Accelerometer Data in Japanese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Tanaka Chiaki , Kyan Akira , Takakura Minoru , Olds Tim , Schranz Natasha , Tanaka Shigeho
Published: January 2021

Background: An international physical activity (PA) questionnaire is beneficial to make cross-country comparisons among children and adolescents. This study assesses the validity of the PA questions in the World Health Organization Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (WHO HBSC) survey in Japanese children and adolescents. Methods: Participants were fifth- to sixth-grade Japanese primary school students (67 students aged 10.8 [0.5] y) and first- to third-grade junior high school students (108 students aged 13.0 [0.7] y). The Japanese version of the PA questions in the WHO HBSC (WHO HBSC-J) was used. To assess the validity of the PA questions, the authors used a partial correlation adjusted for sex, age, and relative weight between the answers to the survey questions and objectively measured moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) by an accelerometer. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between accelerometer-measured MVPA and the number of reported days with at least 60 minutes/day of MVPA in primary school students (r = .39, P = .002) and junior high school students (r = .32, P < .001). Conclusion: The HBSC-J has moderate validity for evaluating MVPA in Japanese primary school and junior high school students.
The National Academy of Kinesiology 2020 Review and Evaluation of Doctoral Programs in Kinesiology
Authors: Challis John H.
Published: January 2021

The results of the 2020 review and ranking of U.S. doctoral programs in kinesiology conducted by the National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK) are presented. These results represent data collected for the  2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 calendar years for 43 programs. The rankings reflect data collected on program faculty (productivity, funding, and visibility) and program students (admissions, support, publications, and employment). The data for each assessment index were first transformed intozscores, and then thezscores converted intoT-scores. Weights were applied to theT-scores of the indices and then summed to obtain a totalT-score. Programs were ranked in two ways: one based on the totalT-scores from the data not normalized (unadjusted) and the other with totalT-scores from the data normalized with respect to the number of faculty members in each program (adjusted). In addition to program rankings, descriptive data are presented on faculty and student data.
Perfusion, cryopreservation, and nanowarming of whole hearts using colloidally stable magnetic cryopreservation agent solutions
Authors: Chiu-Lam Andreina , Staples Edward , Pepine Carl J. , Rinaldi Carlos
Published: January 2021

Colloidally stable nanoparticles and magnetic cryopreservation agents can be used for cryopreservation and nanowarming of hearts.
Performance of Saliva Specimens for the Molecular Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the Community Setting: Does Sample Collection Method Matter?
Authors: Fernández-González Marta , Agulló Vanesa , de la Rica Alba , Infante Ana , Carvajal Mar , García José Alberto , Gonzalo-Jiménez Nieves , Cuartero Claudio , Ruiz-García Montserrat , de Gregorio Carlos , Sánchez Manuel , Masiá Mar , Gutiérrez Félix
Published: January 2021

Data on the performance of saliva specimens for diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in ambulatory patients are scarce and inconsistent. We assessed saliva-based specimens for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) in the community setting and compared three different collection methods.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Protection against Coronavirus-Associated Pneumonia Hospitalization in Children Living with and without HIV
Authors: Nunes Marta C. , Cutland Clare L. , Klugman Keith P. , Madhi Shabir A.
Published: January 2021

SARS-CoV-2 may cause severe hospitalization, but little is known about the role of secondary bacterial infection in these severe cases, beyond the observation of high levels of reported inflammatory markers, associated with bacterial infection, such as procalcitonin. We did a secondary analysis of a double-blind randomized trial of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) to examine its impact on human coronavirus (CoV) infections before the pandemic.
Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Exploits Cycling through Epithelial Cells To Colonize Human and Murine Enteroids
Authors: Geiser Petra , Di Martino Maria Letizia , Samperio Ventayol Pilar , Eriksson Jens , Sima Eduardo , Al-Saffar Anas Kh. , Ahl David , Phillipson Mia , Webb Dominic-Luc , Sundbom Magnus , Hellström Per M. , Sellin Mikael E.
Published: January 2021

Pathogenic gut bacteria are common causes of intestinal disease. Enteroids—cultured three-dimensional replicas of the mammalian gut—offer an emerging model system to study disease mechanisms under conditions that recapitulate key features of the intestinal tract.
Why are certain age bands used for children in paediatric studies of medicines?
Authors: Hoppu Kalle , Fonseca Helena
Published: January 2021

Rational prescribing of medicines requires evidence from clinical trials on efficacy, safety and the dose to be prescribed, based on clinical trials. Regulatory authorities assess these data and information is included in the approved summary of product characteristics. Regulatory guidelines on clinical investigation of medicinal products in the paediatric population generally propose that studies are done in defined age groups but advise that any classification of the paediatric population into age categories is to some extent arbitrary or that the age groups are intended only as a guide. The pharmaceutical companies tend to plan their studies using age groups the regulatory guidelines suggest, to avoid problems when applying for marketing authorisation. These age bands end up in the paediatric label, and consequently into national paediatric formularies. The age bands of the most commonly used age-subsets: neonates, infant/toddlers, children and adolescents, are more historical than based on physiology or normal development of children. Particularly problematic are the age bands for neonates and adolescents. The age of 12 years separating children from adolescents, and the upper limit of the adolescents set by the definition of paediatric age in healthcare, which varies according to the region, are particularly questionable. Modern pharmacometric methods (modelling and simulation) are being increasingly used in paediatric drug development and may allow assessment of growth and/or development as continuous covariables. Maybe time has come to reconsider the rational of the currently used age bands.
Prenatal diagnosis of Bardet-Biedl syndrome: a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Vila Real Daniela , Nogueira Rosete , Sá Joaquim , Godinho Cristina
Published: January 2021

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare ciliopathic human genetic disorder with mainly an autosomal recessive inheritance. BBS phenotype develops over the years and diagnosis is usually made in late childhood or early adulthood. Prenatal diagnosis is rare in the absence of family history or consanguinity. We present a prenatal case without a family history of inherited diseases or consanguinity. Mid-trimester ultrasound revealed hyperechogenic kidneys and postaxial polydactyly putting us on track of BBS. The fetopathology supported this diagnosis and the whole-exome sequencing confirmed the hypothesis. Our case illustrates how high-resolution obstetric scan, detailed observation of fetal features and application of gene sequencing technology contribute to elucidate the aetiology of rare, yet disabling and incurable disease, with the particular setting of negative family history.
Clinicoserological features of antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS)-associated interstitial lung disease presenting to respiratory services: comparison with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and ASyS diagnosed in rheumatology services
Authors: Barratt Shaney L , Adamali Havra H , Cotton Caroline , Mulhearn Ben , Iftikhar Hina , Pauling John David , Spencer Lisa , Adamali Huzaifa I , Gunawardena Harsha
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease (CTD), associated with autoantibodies targeting tRNA synthetase enzymes, that can present to respiratory (interstitial lung disease (ILD)) or rheumatology (myositis, inflammatory arthritis and systemic features) services. The therapeutic management of CTD-associated ILD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) differs widely, thus accurate diagnosis is essential.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective, multicentre observational cohort study designed to (1) evaluate differences between ASyS-associated ILD with IPF, (2) phenotypic differences in patients with ASyS-ILD presenting to respiratory versus rheumatology services, (3) differences in outcomes between ASySassociated with Jo-1 versus non-Jo-1 autoantibodies and (4) compare long-term outcomes between these groups.

Results

We identified 76 patients with ASyS-ILD and 78 with IPF. Patients with ASyS were younger at presentation (57 vs 77 years, p<0.001) with a female predominance (57% vs 33%, p=0.006) compared with IPF. Cytoplasmic staining on indirect immunofluorescence was a differentiating factor between ASyS and IPF (71% vs 0%, p<0.0001). Patients with ASyS presenting initially to respiratory services (n=52) had a higher prevalence of ASyS non-Jo-1 antibodies and significantly fewer musculoskeletal symptoms/biochemical evidence of myositis, compared with those presenting to rheumatology services (p<0.05), although lung physiology was similar in both groups. There were no differences in high-resolution CT appearances or outcomes in those with Jo-1 versus non-Jo-1 ASyS-ILD.

Conclusions

Extended autoimmune serology is needed to evaluate for ASyS autoantibodies in patients presenting with ILD, particularly in younger female patients. Musculoskeletal involvement is common in ASyS (typically Jo-1 autoantibodies) presenting to rheumatology but the burden of ILD is similar to those presenting to respiratory medicine.
Danger zone assessment in small-sided recreational football: providing data for consideration in relation to COVID-19 transmission
Authors: Randers Morten B , Knudsen Nikolas Sten , Thomasen Manuel Mounir Demetry , Panduro Jeppe , Larsen Malte Nejst , Mohr Magni , Milanovic Zoran , Krustrup Peter , Andersen Thomas Bull
Published: January 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical inactivity has increased, and a wide range of sporting activities locked down, with possible long-term implications for public health. Football is the most popular sport worldwide, and recreational football training leads to broad-spectrum health effects. Football is, however, deemed a contact sport with frequent close contact important to consider during COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

This study investigated time spent with close contact (danger zone (DZ) within 1.5 m), number of contacts and time per contact, and compared game formats in recreational small-sided football games for young and adult male football players.

Methods

Movement analyses were performed on 10 Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) data collected during various small-sided football games prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Results

Time spent in the DZ was 4.3–7.9 s/h per per cent infected players, corresponding to 34.3–114.8 s/h if one player was infected. Number of contacts with one infected player was 23.5–87.7 per hour, with an average contact time of 1.1–1.4 s, and a total number of contacts of 311–691 per hour with all players. 53%–65% of all contacts were shorter than 1 s and 77%–85% shorter than 2 s. Trivial to small effects were found for number of participants and area per player, whereas standard of play and playing with/without boards had no effect.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that during small-sided football limited time is spent within DZ and that player contacts are brief. Recreational football may therefore more appropriately be deemed as sporting activity with brief, sporadic contact.
Sex differences in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement in Asia
Authors: Chiam Paul T L , Hayashida Kentaro , Watanabe Yusuke , Yin Wei-Hsian , Kao Hsien-Li , Lee Michael K Y , Posas Fabio Enrique , Chandavimol Mann , Buddhari Wacin , Dy Timothy C , Nguyen Ngoc Quang , Kim Won Jang , Chang Kiyuk , Lin Mao-Shin , Lam Yat-Yin , Pham Hung Manh , Yahaya Shaiful Azmi , Ho Kay Woon , Pan Wenzhi , Liu Xian-bao , Wang Jian'an , Kim Hyo Soo , Chen Mao
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly performed. Physically small Asians have smaller aortic root and peripheral vessel anatomy. The influence of gender of Asian patients undergoing TAVR is unknown and may affect outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess sex differences in Asian patients undergoing TAVR.

Methods

Patients undergoing TAVR from eight countries were enrolled. In this retrospective analysis, we examined differences in characteristics, 30-day clinical outcomes and 1-year survival between female and male Asian patients.

Results

Eight hundred and seventy-three patients (54.4% women) were included. Women were older, smaller and had less coronary artery and lung disease but tended to have higher logistic EuroSCOREs. Smaller prostheses were used more often in women. Major vascular complications occurred more frequently in women (5.5% vs 1.8%, p<0.01); however, 30-day stroke and mortality (women vs men: 1.5% vs 1.6%, p=0.95% and 4.3% vs 3.4%, p=0.48) were similar. Functional status improvement was significant and comparable between the sexes. Conduction disturbance and permanent pacemaker requirements (11.2% vs 9.0%, p=0.52) were also similar as was 1-year survival (women vs men: 85.6% vs 88.2%, p=0.25). The only predictors of 30-day mortality were major vascular injury in women and age in men.

Conclusions

Asian women had significantly smaller stature and anatomy with some differences in clinical profiles. Despite more frequent major vascular complications, women had similar 30-day stroke or mortality rates. Functional status improvement was significant and comparable between the sexes. Conduction disturbance and permanent pacemaker requirements were similar as was 1-year survival.
Numerical assessment of lateral deflection equation of single-storey light-frame wood shear walls
Authors: Niazi Mohammad , El Damatty Ashraf A. , Hamada Ahmed
Published: January 2021

Based on the decomposition of the deflection into bending, panel shear, nail slip, and base rotation terms, the nonlinear four-term equation specified by the Canadian wood design code provides an estimate of the total lateral deflection of light-frame wood shear walls. This paper reports the creation of a numerical procedure for separating the responses for each term using a detailed nonlinear finite element modeling (FEM) that simulates individual components of shear walls. Since sheathing panel stiffness is not considered in computations of the bending term, the study reveals that bending deformation results calculated using the equation are more conservative than the FEM results. The nail slip term does not reflect the real nail base connection properties. A new equilibrium equation for determining the lateral deflection due to base rotation is presented. The equation is generally conservative because of the omission of some practical considerations.
Chemotactic response of Vibrio coralliilyticus to mucus from various coral species
Authors: Rahman Ishraq , Al-Bar Al-Hussain Ali , Richard Florina Stephanie , Müller Moritz , Mujahid Aazani
Published: January 2021

Vibrio coralliilyticus, a prominent pathogenic bacteria, is known to cause tissue damage in the coral Pocillopora damicornis and is attracted towards the coral via chemotaxis. However, the potential of V. coralliilyticus to infect most of the other coral hosts via chemotaxis is unknown. In this study, we used capillary assays to quantify the chemotactic response of V. coralliilyticus to the mucus of four tank-cultivated coral species (Cataphyllia jardine, Mussidae sp., Nemenzophyllia turbida, and Euphyllia ancora), and mucus from three wild coral species (Acropora sp., Porites sp., and Montipora sp.). The bacteria showed a positive chemotactic response to each coral mucus tested, with the highest response recorded to the mucus of Acropora sp. and the lowest response to the mucus of Montipora sp. A microfluidic chip was then used to assess the chemotactic preference of V. coralliilyticus to the mucus of the tank cultivated corals. Here too, the bacterium showed positive response, but with a slightly different ranking order. The strong chemotactic response of V. coralliilyticus towards the mucus tested could indicate a broader host range of V. coralliilyticus, and by extension, indicate a threat to weakened coral reefs worldwide.
Implementation of the ATLAS-SUSY-2018-04 analysis in the MadAnalysis 5 framework (staus in the di-tau plus missing transverse energy channel; 139 fb−1)
Authors: Lim Jongwon , Lu Chih-Ting , Park Jae-Hyeon , Park Jiwon
Published: January 2021

We present the MadAnalysis 5 implementation and validation of the ATLAS-SUSY-2018-04 search. This ATLAS analysis targets direct stau production in events with two hadronic tau leptons, and probes 139 fb[Formula: see text] of LHC proton–proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The validation of our re-implementation relies on a comparison of our cutflow predictions with the auxiliary material and official results provided by the ATLAS collaboration in the context of two supersymmetry-inspired simplified benchmark models in which the Standard Model is extended by a neutralino and a stau decaying into a tau lepton and a neutralino. A first scenario focuses on very light staus, whereas a second one addresses heavier staus. Our predictions have been found to agree with ATLAS official cutflows at the level of 6–8% in the heavy stau scenario, and exhibit a larger discrepancy (of 15–50%) in the light stau scenario. This disagreement is however considered as not too significant, as both ATLAS and MadAnalysis 5 predictions come with large Monte Carlo numerical uncertainties.
Some specific wormhole solutions in f(R)-modified gravity theory
Authors: Ghosh Bikram , Mitra Saugata , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: January 2021

The paper deals with the static spherically symmetric wormhole solutions in [Formula: see text]-modified gravity theory with anisotropic matter field and for some particular choices for the shape functions. This work may be considered as an extension of the general formalism in [S. Halder, S. Bhattacharya and S. Chakraborty, Phys. Lett. B 791, 270 (2019)] for finding wormhole solutions. For isotropic matter distribution it has been shown that wormhole solutions are possible for zero tidal force and it modifies the claim in [M. Cataldo, L. Leimpi and P. Rodriguez, Phys. Lett. B 757, 130 (2016)]. Finally, energy conditions are examined and it is found that all energy conditions are satisfied in a particular domain with a particular choice of the shape function.
Quantum teleportation of an arbitrary four-qubit state via three-uniform state of eight qubits
Authors: Cao Zhanli , Zhang Yunguang , Qi JianXia
Published: January 2021

Recently, Zang et al. constructed a three-uniform state of eight qubits. In this work, we show that such an eight-qubit entangled state can be used to realize the deterministic quantum teleportation of an arbitrary four-qubit state based on the orthogonal basis measurement.
Challenges in string and supersymmetric cosmology
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios , Chatrabhuti Auttakit
Published: January 2021

We discuss the possibility that inflation is driven by supersymmetry breaking with the superpartner of the goldstino (sgoldstino) playing the role of the inflaton. Imposing an R-symmetry allows to satisfy easily the slow-roll conditions, avoiding the so-called [Formula: see text]-problem, and leads to an interesting class of small field inflation models, characterized by an inflationary plateau around the maximum of the scalar potential near the origin, where R-symmetry is restored with the inflaton rolling down to a minimum describing the present phase of the Universe. Inflation can be driven by either an [Formula: see text]- or a [Formula: see text]-term, while the minimum has a positive tuneable vacuum energy. The models agree with cosmological observations and in the simplest case predict a rather small tensor-to-scalar ratio of primordial perturbations.
Dynamics of solitons to the coupled sine-Gordon equation in nonlinear optics
Authors: Aliyu Aliyu Isa , Li Yongjin , Inc Mustafa , Yusuf Abdullahi , Almohsen Bandar
Published: January 2021

This paper employs the principle of undetermined coefficients to establish the hyperbolic and trigonometric function solutions of the coupled sine-Gordon equation (CSGE) which describes the propagation of an optical pulse in fiber waveguide. Lie point symmetry of the CSGE is derived. Previously, it was noticed that the concept of nonlinear self-adjointness (NSA) was not applied on the equation under consideration. Here, we apply the concept of NSA to find an explicit form of the differential substitution. By means of the obtained substitution, we establish a new variant of conserved vectors by a new conservation theorem.
Knowledge base of Cenozoic volcanoes in China
Authors: Pan Bo , Cheng Tao , Xu Jiandong , Zhang Jingwei , Chen Zhengquan
Published: January 2021

Knowledge management plays an important role in scientific research and provides a basis for technical development in the era of Big Data. Studies of Cenozoic volcanoes in China have been undertaken for more than half a century, generating plentiful relevant literature and data. However, these data have stayed scattered between different authors and libraries, and this hampers management and access. Based on theories, knowledge bases and related technologies, we developed the Knowledge Base of Cenozoic Volcanoes (KBCV) to collect such volcanic data in China. The directory tree of the KBCV is structured based on five levels according to the volcano distribution, magma origin, data type and file format. The KBCV supports querying, searching and browsing. It can provide well-managed Cenozoic volcanic data and technical support for scientific research and public communication. The KBCV is still in its early stages and is imperfect with respect to data completeness and universalization of the system, and efforts are being made to continuously develop and popularize the system.
Fault-based Built-in Self-test and Evaluation of Phase Locked Loops
Authors: Ince Mehmet , Yilmaz Ender , Fu Wei , Park Joonsung , Nagaraj Krishnaswamy , Winemberg Leroy , Ozev Sule
Published: January 2021

With the increasing pressure to obtain near-zero defect rates for the automotive industry, there is a need to explore built-in self-test and other non-traditional test techniques for embedded mixed-signal components, such as PLLs, DC-DC converters, and data converters. This article presents a very low-cost built-in self-test technique for PLLs specifically designed for fault detection. The methodology relies on exciting the PLL loop in one location via a pseudo-random signal with noise characteristics and observing the response from another location in the loop via all digital circuitry, thereby inducing low area and performance overhead. The BIST circuit along with a PLL under test is designed in 65 nm technology. Fault simulations performed at the transistor and system-level show that the majority of non-catastrophic faults that result in parametric failures can be detected with the proposed approach.
Recent Advances in the Physiology of Ion Channels in Plants
Authors: Pantoja Omar
Published: January 2021

Our knowledge of plant ion channels was significantly enhanced by the first application of the patch-clamp technique to isolated guard cell protoplasts over 35 years ago. Since then, research has demonstrated the importance of ion channels in the control of gas exchange in guard cells, their role in nutrient uptake in roots, and the participation of calcium-permeable cation channels in the regulation of cell signaling affected by the intracellular concentrations of this second messenger. In recent years, through the employment of reverse genetics, mutant proteins, and heterologous expression systems, research on ion channels has identified mechanisms that modify their activity through protein–protein interactions or that result in activation and/or deactivation of ion channels through posttranslational modifications. Additional and confirmatory information on ion channel functioning has been derived from the crystallization and molecular modeling of plant proteins that, together with functional analyses, have helped to increase our knowledge of the functioning of these important membrane proteins that may eventually help to improve crop yield. Here, an update on the advances obtained in plant ion channel function during the last few years is presented.
Communication-Aware Robotics: Exploiting Motion for Communication
Authors: Muralidharan Arjun , Mostofi Yasamin
Published: January 2021

In this review, we present a comprehensive perspective on communication-aware robotics, an area that considers realistic communication environments and aims to jointly optimize communication and navigation. The main focus of the article is theoretical characterization and understanding of performance guarantees. We begin by summarizing the best prediction an unmanned vehicle can have of the channel quality at unvisited locations. We then consider the case of a single robot, showing how it can mathematically characterize the statistics of its traveled distance until connectivity and further plan its path to reach a connected location with optimality guarantees, in real channel environments and with minimum energy consumption. We then move to the case of multiple robots, showing how they can utilize their motions to enable robust information flow. We consider two specific robotic network configurations—robotic beamformers and robotic routers—and mathematically characterize properties of the co-optimum motion–communication decisions.
Visceral adipose tissue mesenchymal stromal cells in the intersection of immunology and metabolism
Authors: Spallanzani Raul German
Published: January 2021

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is now recognized as an endocrine organ that plays a key role in organismal homeostasis by integrating metabolic and immunological aspects. In healthy individuals, this fat depot participates in the storage and release of lipids as per physiological demand, while maintaining a local anti-inflammatory environment. In this regard, recent findings highlight the pivotal role of distinct subtypes of mesenchymal stromal cells (mSCs) as orchestrators of metabolic homeostasis by engendering adipocytes to sustain adequate lipid storage as well as immune regulators via cross-talk with specialized tissue-resident immunocytes, especially regulatory T cells (Tregs) and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) to prevent the development of local inflammation. In addition, these stromal-immunocyte interactions are influenced by a number of physiological conditions such as aging and sex hormones. Perturbation of VAT equilibrium occurring during obesity appreciably alters the distribution and phenotype of mSCs, immunocytes, and other cell types, thereby promoting the development of chronic, low-grade inflammation locally and systemically. These alterations impair metabolic signaling and substantially contribute to the onset of disease, including type 2 diabetes. The present mini-review discusses the latest advances in this area, with an emphasis on the newly uncovered heterogeneity of mSCs, how they communicate with Tregs and ILC2s under different physio-pathological circumstances and future challenges to face.
Involvement of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) in mPRα (PAQR7)-mediated progesterone induction of vascular smooth muscle relaxation
Authors: Pang Yefei , Thomas Peter
Published: January 2021

The rapid effects of progesterone on cytosolic Ca2+ levels and relaxation of VSMCs through mPRα involve regulation of the functions of SERCA2 and PLB through Gi, MAP kinase, and Akt signaling pathways and downregulation of RhoA activity.
A systematic review on thyroid organoid models: time-trend and its achievements
Authors: Samimi Hilda , Atlasi Rasha , Parichehreh-Dizaji Somayeh , Khazaei Samaneh , Akhavan Rahnama Mahshid , Seifirad Soroush , Haghpanah Vahid
Published: January 2021

Current in vitro models have played important roles in improving knowledge and understanding of cellular and molecular biology, but cannot exactly recapitulate the physiology of human tissues such as thyroid. In this article, we conducted a systematic review to present scientific and methodological time-trends of the reconstruction and generation of 3 D functional thyroid follicles and organoids for thyroid research in health and disease. “Web of Science (ISI)”, “Scopus”, “Embase”, “Cochrane Library”, and “PubMed” were systematically searched for papers published since 1950 to May 2020 in English language, using the predefined keywords. 212 articles were reviewed and finally 28 papers that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Among the evidence for the examination of 3 D cell culture methods in thyroid research, there were only a few studies related to the organoid technology and its potential applications in understanding morphological, histological, and physiological characteristics of the thyroid gland and reconstructing this tissue. Besides, there was no study using organoids to investigate the tumorigenesis process of thyroid. Based on the results of this study, despite all the limitations and controversies, the exciting and promising organoid technology offers researchers a wide range of potential applications for more accurate modeling of thyroid in health and diseases and provides an excellent preclinical in vitro platform. In future, organoid technology can provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and tumorigenesis of thyroid tissue and more effective treatment for related disorders due to more accurate simulation of the thyroid physiology.
MicroRNA-30a-5p silencing polarizes macrophages toward M2 phenotype to alleviate cardiac injury following viral myocarditis by targeting SOCS1
Authors: Zhang Yan , Cai Shengbao , Ding Xiaoxue , Lu Can , Wu Ruodan , Wu Haiyan , Shang Yiyi , Pang Mingjie
Published: January 2021

We found in this study that microRNA (miR)-30a-5p inhibition might improve cardiac injury following viral myocarditis (VMC) by accelerating M2 polarization of macrophages via SOCS1 upregulation. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of miR-30a-5p inhibition may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for VMC.
Identification and Verification of Molecular Subtypes with Enhanced Immune Infiltration Based on m6A Regulators in Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Lin Yitong , Wang Shu , Liu Shirui , Lv Sha , Wang Huayang , Li Fuqiu
Published: January 2021

Background. As the most aggressive type of skin cancer, cutaneous melanoma (CM) is experiencing a rapidly rising mortality in recent years. Exploring potential prognostic biomarkers or mechanisms of disease progression therefore has a great significance for CM. The purpose of this study was to identify genetic markers and prognostic performance of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) regulators in CM. Method. Gene expression profiles, copy number variation (CNV), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data of patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Results. Genomic variation and association analysis of gene expressions revealed a high degree of genomic variation in the presence of m6A‐regulated genes. m6A patients with high‐frequency genomic variants in the regulatory gene tended to develop a worse prognosis (p < 0.01). Unsupervised cluster analysis of the expression profiles of m6A‐regulated genes identified three clinically distinct molecular subtypes, including degradation‐enhanced subgroup and immune‐enhanced subgroup, with significant prognostic differences (p = 0.046). A novel prognostic signature, which was established according to m6A‐related characteristic genes identified through genome‐wide expression spectrum, could effectively identify samples with poor prognosis and enhanced immune infiltration, and the effectiveness was also verified in the dataset of the chip. Conclusion. We identified genetic changes in the m6A regulatory gene in CM and related survival outcomes. The findings of this study provide new insights into the epigenetic understanding of m6A in CM.
Effect of Oral Administration with Lactobacillus plantarum CAM6 Strain on Sows during Gestation-Lactation and the Derived Impact on Their Progeny Performance
Authors: Betancur César , Martínez Yordan , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo , Castillo Rogel , Ding Xinghua
Published: January 2021

Background. To evaluate the biological response of the sows and their offspring with oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum CAM6 in breeding sows, a total of 20 Pietrain breeding sows with three farrowings and their descendants were used, randomly divided into two groups of 10 sows each. Treatments included a basal diet (T0) and basal diet +10 mL biological agent containing 109 CFU/mL L. plantarum CAM6 (T1). No antibiotics were used throughout the entire experimental process of this study. Results. The L. Plantarum CAM6 supplementation in sows’ feeding did not affect (

P
>
0.05

) the reproductive performance of the sows; however, the number of deaths for their offspring before weaning (

P
≤
0.05

) decreased. In addition, the oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum CAM6 in sows increased (

P
≤
0.05

) the content of lactose, nonfat solids, mineral salts, and the density of sows’ milk, with a decrease in milk fat. Moreover, the probiotic feed orally to the sows improved the body weight (

P
≤
0.05

) and reduced the diarrhea incidence of their offspring (

P
≤
0.05

). Also, the probiotic administration of sows changed (

P
≤
0.05

) the serum concentration of Na+, pCO2, and D-β-hydroxybutyrate and increased (

P
≤
0.05

) the leukocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets in their piglets. Conclusion. Oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum CAM6 in breeding sows improved body weight, physiological status, and the health of their offspring. And preparing the neonatal piglets physiologically is of great importance to the pig farming industry which could decrease the operational cost and medication (especially antibiotics) consumption of the pig producers.
Hypophosphataemic Rickets Secondary to Raine Syndrome: A Review of the Literature and Case Reports of Three Paediatric Patients’ Dental Management
Authors: Hirst Lorna , Abou-Ameira Gehan , Critchlow Simon
Published: January 2021

Raine Syndrome (RS) also referred to as lethal osteosclerotic bone dysplasia describes an exceptionally rare autosomal recessive disorder with an estimated prevalence of <1 in 1,000,000. Endocrinological manifestations such as hypophosphataemic rickets depict a recent finding within the phenotypic spectrum of nonlethal RS. The dental sequelae of hypophosphataemic rickets are significant. Spontaneous recurrent abscesses on noncarious teeth result in significant odontogenic pain and multiple dental interventions. The dental presentations of nonlethal RS are less widely described within the literature. Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI), however, was recently postulated as a key characteristic. This article presents the dental manifestations and extensive restorative and oral surgical intervention of three siblings with hypophosphataemic rickets secondary to Raine Syndrome treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, a tertiary referral hospital.