bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave Preparation of Porous Graphene from Wasted Tires and its Pyrolysis Behavior
Authors: Wu Bangjian , Liu Bingguo , Yuwen Chao , Bao Rui , Zhang Ting , Zhang Libo
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, most waste tires are disposed of by direct combustion or via landfill, which inevitably creates a large volume of waste. However, the soft carbon found in tires can be an excellent precursor in the preparation of graphene. In this study, waste tires were mixed with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and heated in a microwave environment to be converted rapidly into porous graphene, a process having no complicated pre-processing. Moreover, the processes, tools, and chemical reagents are distinct and inexpensive. Thermogravimetric analysis and dielectric property testing of the tires and mixtures were conducted to study their pyrolysis behavior and catalytic reactions. It was found that when the temperature reached more than 750°C, potassium ions and carbon underwent a reduction reaction to generate potassium vapor, which catalyzed the carbon in the tires into porous graphene, and that microwave heating could shorten the heating time. Simultaneously, the carbon in the tire could be sheared smaller and thinner during the rapid pyrolysis and volatilization of the gas, benefitting the graphene production. The products of the mixed materials were then characterized and analyzed at different holding temperatures and times. As the holding time increased, the degree of graphitization of the products increased, the number of layers increased slightly, and the impurity elements were completely removed from the products.
Factors influencing physical activity in postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey in Japan
Authors: Nomura Yumi , Araki Tomoko
Published: May 2022

Background
The aim of this study was to investigate factors influencing postpartum physical activity (PA), taking into consideration psychosocial perceptions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by comparing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores.
Methods
A web-based cross-sectional survey of 787 postpartum women was conducted between March and October 2021. After applying the exclusion criteria, 590 women were analyzed. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form was used to assess the level and amount of PA. The Short Form-12 Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2) was used to measure HRQoL. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine whether sociodemographic factors and psychosocial perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with total weekly PA. Based on the current national guidelines for exercise in Japan, respondents were classified by weekly PA level as an Inactive group and an Active group to assess the influence of PA on HRQoL.
Results
Mean total PA was 19.3 total metabolic equivalents hour/week, and the prevalence of an inactive lifestyle was 45.9% among respondents. The most important explanatory factor on PA was anxiety symptoms (β = -0.115, p = 0.017), which was negatively associated with total PA. Multiparity (β = 0.101, p = 0.040) and greater number of days since delivery (β = 0.107, p = 0.017) correlated positively with total PA. Having someone to talk about childcare and the individual’s partner (β = 0.093, p = 0.042) was also associated with total PA. The Active group had significantly higher HRQoL scores than the Inactive group in the following scales: physical component summary (p < 0.001), mental component summary (p = 0.041).
Conclusions
The most influential factor for total PA was a perception of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, which correlated negatively with PA. Longer duration after childbirth and multiparity showed positive effects on PA levels. The presence of someone with whom can talk to about childcare and partner issues was significantly associated with the maintenance of higher PA among postpartum women, suggesting that factor as a positive influence on PA under unsettled conditions.
Sulfidation of nano zero-valent iron (S-nZVI) for enhanced hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) removal performances
Authors: Feng Xiujuan , Wang Xiaoyi , Li Dongming , Liu Zhihan , Yan Yuelong
Published: May 2022

Nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) and sulfidation modified nZVI (S-nZVI) were synthesized and employed for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) removal in wastewater. Characterizations of products showed that the sulfidation process could significantly change the morphologies, and the degree of crystallinity was also enhanced. The effects of S/Fe ratio, pH value and reaction temperature were studied, the most appropriate parameter was considered of S/Fe ratio = 0.5, and removal efficiency could reach up to the 98% in the condition of pH = 2. The influences of anions (Cl−, NO3−, CO32−, and SO42−) and cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+) on the Cr(VI) removal efficiency were investigated and the mechanisms were discussed. The Cr(VI) removal efficiency of S-nZVI was obviously better than that of nZVI, mainly owing to the existence of FeS layers that could protect Fe0 cores and prompt electron transfer. The aging and cycling experiments showed that S-nZVI products could maintain its reactivity facing the corrosion of water, and showed satisfying cycling stability. Thus, the prepared S-nZVI was an effective and feasible agent for the remediation of Cr(VI)-contained wastewater.
Climatic heterogeneity and low precipitation dictate the global distribution of range-edge hotspots of major tree species
Authors: Lerner David , Fernandez-Martinez Marcos , Livne-Luzon Stav , Belmaker Jonathan , Penuelas Josep , Klein Tamir
Published: May 2022

Understanding the causes of the arrest of species distributions has been a fundamental question in ecology and evolution. For trees, these questions are of particular interest due to their long lifespan and sessile nature. A surge in data-availability evokes for a macro-ecological analysis to determine the underlying forces limiting distributions. Here we analyze the spatial distribution of 6,000 major tree species to determine geographical areas of range-edge hotspots and find drivers for their arrest. We confirmed biome edges to be strong delineators of distributions. Importantly, we identified a stronger contribution of temperate than tropical biomes to range edges, adding strength to the notion that tropical areas are centers of radiation. We subsequently identified a strong association of range-edge hotspots with low levels of precipitation and steep climatic gradients. We linked temperature homogeneity and high precipitation in the tropics as the strongest predictors for this phenomenon. We propose that the poleward migration of species in light of climate change might be hindered due to high climatic heterogeneity and increasing drought events.
The relationship between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and postoperative length of stay in carotid body tumor resection: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Yu , Wen Dihao , Wang Shiying , Wang Chaochen , Li Yaru , Zhou Jian , Wei Xiaolong , Zhao Zhiqing , Sun Yudong
Published: May 2022

Background
Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a significant indicator of inflammation, which is associated with adverse outcomes of various surgeries. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between NLR and postoperative length of stay(PLOS) in carotid body tumor(CBT) resection.
Methods
This retrospective observational study was performed of 231 patients undergoing CBT resection between November 2008 to December 2020. Univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression models were conducted to confirm NLR as the independent factor affecting PLOS in CBTs. Smooth curve fitting and stratified analysis were conducted to calculate effect index of NLR to PLOS.
Results
Medium PLOS group was larger than the other two groups(31.2% vs. 44.6% vs. 24.2%). The PLOS in patients with a low NLR was significantly smaller than that in patients with a high NLR(2.37 ± 2.41 vs. 2.67 ± 2.76 vs. 4.35 ± 5.91, p < 0.01). After adjusted other factors influenced PLOS, each additional 1 of NLR, the PLOS increased by increase 0.12days (0.12,(0.06, 0.18), p < 0.01). After adjusting all other variables, the associations of NLR and PLOS in Shamblin II had statistical significance(0.19 (0.09, 0.29), p < 0.01).
Conclusions
NLR as an indicator of inflammation, was a routinely collected but overlooked biomarker shows the relationship between inflammation and PLOS in patients suffered from CBT. Patients with a higher NLR had a longer PLOS.
Association of muscle strength and body mass index with risk factors for metabolic syndrome and its prevalence in Korean adult women
Authors: Lee Ju-Hak , Kim Soon-young , Kim Dong-il
Published: May 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of muscle strength and BMI (body Mass Index) on Metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors and prevalence in Korean adult women, using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods: A total of 3,189 Korean adults women participated in the cross-sectional study. Participants were measured BMI, MetS risk factors including waist-circumference (WC), fasting glucose (FG), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and handgrip strength as muscle strength. Results: As a result 'high BMI & Low muscle strength', 'low BMI & low muscle strength', and ‘high BMI & high muscle strength’ groups had a significantly higher prevalence of Mets [OR (Odd ratio): 1.49, 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.01 2.20; OR: 5.77, 95% CI: 4.32 7.17; OR: 10.46, 95% CI: 8.05 13.59] than 'low BMI & high muscle strength' group; and after adjusting smoking, menstruation status, and drinking rate, the OR were 1.07 (95% CI: 0.72-1.61), 4.85 (95% CI: 3.60-6.54), and 7.38 (95% CI: 5.63-9.68), respectively. Conclusions: These findings indicated that increasing muscle strength and lowering BMI through regular physical activity and exercise are effective methods to reduce the prevalence of risk factors for Mets.
A new diagnostic strategy with neutrophil counts in patients with suspected aortic dissection in a certain time window
Authors: CHUN HON , SIU Kai Man
Published: May 2022

Background: Neutrophil counts are increased in aortic dissection (AD) patients. However, the diagnostic value of neutrophil counts has not been validated.Methods: Patients with suspected AD from two clinical centers were retrospectively enrolled from 01/07/2011 to 30/06/2021. Clinical characteristic data, including history, onset time, diagnosis, and neutrophil counts, were collected.Results: A total of 198 of 534 (37.1%) patients were diagnosed with AD. The neutrophil counts were significantly higher in AD patients during the 2 to 24-hour interval after symptom onset. In this time window, increased neutrophil counts had a sensitivity of 95.6%, specificity of 56.1%, negative likelihood ratio of 0.08, and negative predictive value of 95.6%.Conclusions: Neutrophil counts may be useful in risk stratification of patients to rule out aortic dissection if used within 2-24 hours after symptom onset.
Extra-hepatic portosystemic shunt leading to encephalopathy in a noncirrhotic liver: successful treatment with endovascular occlusion
Authors: Senra Carlos , Lopes Pedro Marinho , Rocha Diogo , Cavalheiro Frederico , Dionisio Teresa , Barbedo Marta , Sousa Pedro
Published: May 2022

BackgroundHepatic encephalopathy in the western world is primarily associated with livercirrhosis, however it has also been reported in noncirrhotic patients with largecongenital portosystemic shunts. This case reports a successful treatment withendovascular occlusion.Case PresentationA 60-year-old male presented with a two-year history of neurologic andpsychiatric symptoms requiring multiple hospital admissions and serumhyperammonemia. Abdominal imaging was unremarkable except for the presence of alarge vascular shunt communicating the portal vein to the left renal vein, consistent witha congenital portosystemic shunt causing hepatic encephalopathy in a noncirrhotic liver.Endovascular shunt closure was performed with Amplatzer II vascular plug with clinicalimprovement and reduction of serum ammonia to normal levels within two weeks.ConclusionAdult-onset of noncirrhotic hepatic encephalopathy is a very uncommoncondition and few reports have described endovascular treatment for these patients.Our work corroborates that the endovascular approach is a safe, minimal invasivetechnic with proven clinical benefits.
Machine-learning assisted local stress evaluation and atomistic modelling to inquire Ti-enrichment in W-Ti nanocrystalline films
Authors: Sinojiya Rahulkumar , Paulachan Priya , Chamasemani Fereshteh , Bodlos Rishi , Hammer Rene , Zalesak Jakub , Reisinger Michael , Scheiber Daniel , Keckes Jozef , Romaner Lorenz , Brunner Roland
Published: May 2022

Nanocrystalline metallic alloy thin films provide a variety of interesting properties. A disadvantage concerns their inherent instability and generation of residual stresses. Here, we present a unique framework incorporating machine learning assisted experimental and modelling methods to perceive the impact of the minority element concentration on the generated residual stresses within a nanocrystalline thin film. As a candidate system we use a W-Ti alloy thin film with different Ti concentrations. We perform machine-learning assisted local residual stress measurements, correlate the results with accompanied microstructure and elemental analysis and apply density functional theory. We inquire why the experimental observed Ti enrichment can be strongly reduced at smaller concentrations and discuss how it significantly effects the stress stored in the nanocrystalline thin film. The presented perception is highly crucial to yield future design guidelines for more stable nanocrystalline thin films.
Reduced Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer Affects Nitrogen Metabolism of Leaves and Maintains the Production During the Harvesting Stage in Coreopsis tinctoria
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Jiang Hong , Jiang Xiumei , Zhang Lifang , Yusupu Yumiti , Qin Yong
Published: May 2022

Coreopsis tinctoria, as a medicinal plant, has become popular in China in the past decade. However, basic data on NO3− supply related to its production and nitrogen (N) metabolism are lacking. In this study, all plants were grown to four leaves in substrate (vermiculite:perlite = 2:1), which were subsequently transferred to different reducing NO3− solutions. Appropriate N fertilizer application reductions (1/8N-1/2N) maintained the flower number and biomass of Coreopsis tinctoria during 2020–2021. N fertilizer reduction maintained the N assimilation levels of C. tinctoria and increased N use efficiency (NUE), one of the important reasons was that the reduction of N fertilizer did not damage the chlorophyll fluorescence system and photosynthetic system. 1/2N-1/8N treatment also maintained the activities nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NIR), glutamine synthase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) and the content of total amino acid and soluble protein in leaves. N reduction treatment also increased the levels of tyrosine (Thr), serine (Ser), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), lysine (Lys) and arginine (Arg) of leaves in C. tinctoria, and further enhances N assimilation ability. Leaf N content was significantly correlated with the activities of NR, NIR, GS, GOGAT and GDH, indicating that N metabolism was effectively regulated by N levels. In conclusion, the 1/8 N level prior to harvest could be one of the strategies for C. tinctoria cultivation because it minimizes planting costs and maintains nitrogen assimilation capacity and productivity.
The Effect of Food Insecurity and Stress on Delay Discounting across Families: A COVID-19 Natural Experiment
Authors: Crandall Amanda K. , Madhudi Nayana , Osborne Bernadette , Carter Autum , Williams Aliaya K. , Temple Jennifer L.
Published: May 2022

Background
Delay Discounting is the extent to which one prioritizes smaller immediate rewards over larger, delayed rewards. The ability to prospect into the future is associated with better health decision making, making delay discounting an important intervention target for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Delay discounting decreases throughout development and stressful experiences, particularly those that accompany poverty, may influence this developmental trajectory. The current study leveraged the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn as a natural experiment to understand how changes in food insecurity and psychological stress may impact delay discounting among parents, adolescents, and children.
Methods
A stratified cohort of families (N = 76 dyads), established prior to the initial pandemic lockdowns, were asked to complete a follow-up survey in the summer of 2020, during reopening. Thirty-seven (49%) families had an older adolescent (aged 15–18 years) in the study and 39 (51%) had an elementary aged child (aged 7–11 years) in the study. Both data collection points included measurements of economic position, food security status, and delay discounting.
Results
The results showed that pandemic food insecurity was associated with greater stress among parents (β = 2.22, t(65.48) = 2.81, p = 0.007)A decrease in household income during the pandemic was associated with an increase in offspring delay discounting, particularly among adolescents (β = -1.33, t(43.75) = -2.14, p = 0.038). Conversely, children showed an increase in delay discounting associated with an increase in psychological stress during the pandemic, but not any measure of economic position or food insecurity (β = -0.03, t(102.45) = -2.58, p = 0.011).
Conclusions
These findings support the emerging evidence that food insecurity is uniquely stressful among parents. The diverging nature of the results between adolescents and children suggests that the adolescents are more in tune with the economic position of their home. In both children and adolescents this increase in delay discounting over time occurred during a developmental period where this behavior is usually decreasing. Future research should continue the longitudinal investigation of childhood stress and the developmental trajectory of delay discounting to ascertain how detrimental these effects may be in adulthood.
Predicting the status of human complex diseases with random forest and polygenic risk scores
Authors: Xu Jiawen , Ma Jun , Zeng Yi , Si Haibo , Wu Yuangang , Zhang Shaoyun , Shen Bin
Published: May 2022

In recent years, polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis has become one of the most practical ways to leverage genome wide association studies (GWAS) findings for disease prediction. This approach is useful for addressing the challenge to translate the vast knowledge of complex disease genetics into clinically usable information. As machine learning is being widely applied to life science and PRS analysis comes into wide use for disease prediction, we systematacially evaluated the performance of random forest and PRS in predicting the status of complex diseases. Simulation studies were conducted by the GWAsimulator software, considering various genetic effects, genetic models and sample sizes. Two target complex disease related diseases and two environmental exposure factors were also simulated to obtain the additional genetic information of target complex disease, which were generally ignored in previous PRS studies. We found that PRS-based disease prediction using random forest had moderate accuracies (~ 70%) under various scenarios simulated by this study. The genetic effects of simulated disease loci showed the most significant impact on the performance of PRS-based disease prediction. This novel approach can leverage pleiotropy and gene-environment interactions. Furthermore, it is an attempt combining publicly available summary statistics and individual-level genotype data. We hope that this study provides useful information for further approaches development and disease prediction.
Cu-organic framework modified by diatomite: synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial studies.
Authors: abdelmoaty alaa , El-Beih Ahmed A. , Hanna Adli A.
Published: May 2022

This work is concerned with the studies of the bioactivities of the prepared Cu-MOF compound and its modification with diatomite. This work aims to preparation and characterization of Cu-MOF nano-particles and evaluation against some organisms. Otherwise, the structure of the Cu-MOF was modified and the effects of modification on the bioactivity were investigated. Cu-MOF/diatomite was prepared and their characterizations by using different methods were carried. The characterization by flourier transforms Infrared red (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and thermal degradation analysis (TGA) indicate that Cu-MOF incorporated onto the diatomite unit. The thermogravimetric studies, also showed that as the diatomite particles coated with the organic fragments prevent their thermal decomposition at low temperature. The bioactivity of Cu-MOF/diatomite was studied by using the agar diffusion technique; it is found that incorporated Cu-MOF onto diatomite increases the bioactivity of Cu-MOF.
Nanoscale Electric Field Imaging with an Ambient Scanning Quantum Sensor Microscope
Authors: Yacoby Amir , Qiu Ziwei , Hamo Assaf , Vool Uri , Zhou Tony
Published: May 2022

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond is a promising quantum sensor with remarkably versatile sensing capabilities. While scanning NV magnetometry is well-established, NV electrometry has been so far limited to bulk diamonds. Here we demonstrate imaging external alternating (AC) and direct (DC) electric fields with a single NV at the apex of a diamond scanning tip under ambient conditions. A strong electric field screening effect is observed at low frequencies due to charge noise on the surface. We quantitatively measure its frequency dependence, and overcome this screening by mechanically oscillating the tip for imaging DC fields. Our scanning NV electrometry achieved an AC E-field sensitivity of 26 mV um^(-1) Hz^(-1/2), a DC E-field gradient sensitivity of 2 V um^(-2) Hz^(-1/2), and sub-100nm resolution limited by the NV-sample distance. Our work represents an important step toward building a scanning-probe-based multimodal quantum sensing platform.
Specific Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses to the Neoantigen S1 of SARS-CoV-2 in Patients with Primary and Secondary Immunodeficiency
Authors: Mohamed Kauzar Mohamed , Guevara-Hoyer Kissy , García Carlos Jiménez , Bravo Laura García , Huete Adolfo Jiménez , Peña Antonia Rodríguez de la , Valeros Beatriz Mediero , Velázquez Cristina Cañizares , López Esther Culebras , Cabello Noemi , Estrada Vicente , Corbi Ángel López , Arquero Miguel Fernández , Ocaña Alberto , Delgado-Iribarren Alberto , Novillo Mercedes Martínez , Bolaños Estefania , Anguita Eduardo , Peña Ascensión , Benavente Celina , Fuentes Javier David Benítez , Segura Pedro Perez , Sanchez-Ramon Silvia
Published: May 2022

Patients with antibody deficiency disorders, such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), or secondary immunodeficiency (SIDs) to B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (B-CLPD), are two vulnerable groups of developing severe or chronic form of coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Data on adaptive immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 is well described in healthy donors, but still limited in patients with antibody deficiency of different cause. Herein, we analyzed Spike-specific IFN-γ and anti-Spike IgG antibody responses at 3 and 6 months after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 derived from vaccination and infection in two cohorts of immunodeficient patients (CVID vs. SID) compared to healthy controls (HC). Baseline cellular responses before vaccine administration were measured in 10 CVID patients. Adequate specific cellular responses was observed in 18 out of 20 (90%) CVID patients, in 14 out of 20 (70%) out of 20 SID patients and in 74 out of 81 (96%) HC. Specific IFN-γ response was significantly higher in HC respect to CVID (1,908.5 mUI/ml versus 1,694.1 mUI/ml; p = 0.005). Pre-vaccine anti-SARS-CoV-2 cellular responses were detectable in 4 out of 10 CVID patients, who had COVID-19 prior to vaccination, noticing an increase in cellular responses after vaccination (p < 0.001). Whereas all SID and HC mounted a specific humoral immune response, only 80% of CVID patients showed positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. The titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was significantly lower in SID compared with HC (p = 0.040), without significant differences between CVID and HC (p = 0.123) and between CVID and SID (p = 0.683). High proportions of CVID and SID patients showed adequate specific cellular responses to S1 neoantigen, with divergence between cellular and humoral immune responses in CVID and SID patients. Our data might support the relevance of these immunological studies to determine the correlate of protection to severe disease and for deciding the need of additional boosters. Follow-up studies are required to evaluate the duration and variability of the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination or infection.
Improved Inpatient Deterioration Detection in General Wards by Using Time-Series Vital Signs
Authors: Su Chang-Fu , Chiu Shu-I , Jang Jyh-Shing Roger , Lai Feipei
Published: May 2022

Although in-hospital cardiac arrest is uncommon, it has a high mortality rate. Post-cardiac arrest survival rates are associated with care team awareness, and therefore, identifying at-risk patients is critical. Early warning scoring systems are generally used to identify hospitalized patients at risk of deterioration. However, these systems often require clinical data that are not always regularly measured. Therefore, in this study, we developed a more accurate, machine-learning model, the time series early warning score (TEWS), to predict clinical deterioration using only heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and respiratory data, which are regularly measured in general wards. We tested the performance of the TEWS in two tasks performed with data from the electronic medical records of 16,865 adult admissions and compared the results with those of other classification algorithms. The TEWS detected more deteriorations with the same level of specificity as the other algorithms did when vital signs data from the 48 h prior to an event were input. Our framework improved in-hospital cardiac arrest prediction and demonstrated that previously obtained vital signs data can be used to identify at-risk patients in real time. This model may be an alternative method for detecting patient deterioration.
Single-cell transcriptomics reveals diversity during heart valve epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions
Authors: Lotto Jeremy , Cullum Rebecca , Drissler Sibyl , Arostegui Martin , Garside Victoria , Fuglerud Bettina , Thakur Avinash , Underhill Tully , Hoodless Pamela
Published: May 2022

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process critical for wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer metastasis, but is also essential for atrioventricular valve formation, where distinct EMTs of endocardium (EndMT) and epicardium (EpiMT) generate mesenchyme. To track these processes, we have analyzed over 50,000 murine single-cell transcriptomes from embryonic day (E)7.75 cardiac crescent to E12.5 atrioventricular canals. We detail mesenchymal and endocardial bifurcation during EndMT, identify a unique, Hic1-expressing epicardial population during EpiMT, and reveal epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) during both processes. Single-cell and histological analysis of Sox9-deficient valves show the accumulation of cells exhibiting EMP. Lastly, we deconvolve the signaling pathways active during the initiation and progression of EndMT and EpiMT. Overall, these data are the first to reveal mechanisms of emergence of mesenchyme from endocardium or epicardium at single-cell resolution and will serve as an atlas of EMT initiation and progression with broad implications in regenerative medicine and cancer biology.
Anti-inflammatory properties of KLS-13019: a novel GPR55 antagonist for dorsal root ganglion and hippocampal cultures
Authors: Brenneman Douglas E. , Kinney William A. , McDonnell Mark E. , Zhao Pingei , Abood Mary E , Ward Sara Jane
Published: May 2022

KLS-13019, a novel devised cannabinoid-like compound, was explored for anti-inflammatory actions in dorsal root ganglion cultures relevant to chemotherapy- induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Time course studies with 3 mM paclitaxel indicated >1.9-fold increases in immunoreactive (IR) area for cell body GPR55 after 30 minutes as determined by high content imaging. To test for reversibility of paclitaxel-induced increases in GPR55, cultures were treated for 8 hours with paclitaxel alone and then a dose response to KLS-13019 added for another 16 hours. This: “reversal” paradigm indicated established increases in cell body GPR55 IR areas were decreased back to control levels (IC50: 0.117 nM). Because GPR55 had previously reported inflammatory actions, IL-1b and NLRP3 (inflammasome-3 marker) were also measured in the “reversal” paradigm. Significant increases in all inflammatory markers were produced after 8 hours of paclitaxel treatment alone that were reversed to control levels with KLS-13019 treatment. Accompanying studies using alamar blue indicated that decreased cellular viability produced by paclitaxel treatment was reverted back to control levels by KLS-13019. Similar studies conducted with lysophosphatidylinositol (GPR55 agonist) in DRG or hippocampal cultures demonstrated significant increases in neuritic GPR55, NLRP3 and IL-1b areas that were reversed to control levels with KLS-13019 treatment. Studies with a human GPR55-b-arrestin assay in DiscoverX cells indicated that KLS-13019 was an antagonist without agonist activity. These studies indicated that KLS-13019 has anti-inflammatory properties mediated through GPR55 antagonist actions. Together with previous studies, KLS-13019 is a potent neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory cannabinoid with therapeutic potential for high efficacy treatment of neuropathic pain.
Tailored identification of Cas9 proteins with specific PAM requirements using a computational prediction pipeline
Authors: Ciciani Matteo , Demozzi Michele , Pedrazzoli Eleonora , Visentin Elisabetta , Pezzè Laura , Signorini Lorenzo , Blanco-Míguez Aitor , Zolfo Moreno , Asnicar Francesco , Casini Antonio , Segata Nicola , Cereseto Anna
Published: May 2022

The identification of the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequences of Cas9 nucleases is crucial for their exploitation as genome editing tools. Here we interrogated a massively expanded dataset of metagenome and virome assemblies for accurate and comprehensive PAM predictions, in order to identify novel Cas9s selected for their PAM requirements. As a test bed we selectively isolated a Cas9 which uses a PAM sequence corresponding to a disease-causing mutation, P23H in the RHO gene. Our PAM prediction pipeline will be instrumental to generate a Cas9 nuclease repertoire responding to any PAM requirement leading towards a natural PAM-free genome editing toolbox.
Global trends and regional differences in the burden of cancer attributable to secondhand smoke in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019
Authors: Maimaitiming Mailikezhati , Wang Jia , Wang Minmin , Luo Yanan , Jin Yinzi
Published: May 2022

Background: To describe the status quo and trends of the global burden of all cancers caused by secondhand smoke during 1990-2019.Methods: Data on cancer associated with secondhand smoke were extracted from the Global Heath Data Exchange (GHDx). Cancer burden was measured by cancer-related deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs). Absolute numbers and age-standardized rates (per 100,000 people) were reported for all indicators. Estimated percentage changes in age-standardized rates by age, sex, region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) were calculated to describe the temporal trends in cancer burden.Results: In 2019, age-standardized rates of death, DALYs, and YLLs among the cancer population globally due to secondhand smoke were 1.60, 38.54, and 37.77, respectively, the proportions of which in the total cancer burden for all risk factors combined decreased slightly from 1990 to 2003 and then increased from 2004 to 2019. In 2019, over 50% of the cancer burden was concentrated in adults aged 55-75 for men and 50-70 for women. Between 1990 and 2019, there was an increase in age-standardized rates of death, DALYs, YLDs, and YLLs among those aged 70 years or older. The age-standardized YLDs rate attributable to secondhand smoke was higher among women; it decreased in men but increased in women, causing a wider gap between the two sexes. A greater cancer burden was mainly seen in North American countries in 1990 and in European countries in 2019. Reductions in the annual rate change of cancer burden were found mainly in North America and Oceania, while increases were found in Africa and Asia. In 2019, high-middle SDI countries and middle SDI countries had higher age-standardized rates of deaths, DALYs, YLDs and YLLs than the global level. During 1990 and 2019, the largest decline in cancer burden was seen in high SDI countries, while middle or lower SDI countries experienced increases in all age-standardized rates.Conclusion: Cancer burden attributable to secondhand smoke is concerning given the increasing health loss and differences in the distribution of cancer burden worldwide. Further studies are needed to investigate the causes of disparities in cancer burden attributable to secondhand smoke and to improve understanding of the contribution of secondhand smoke to the burden of different types of cancer.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Flexible and stretchable multi-modal sensor network for soft robot interaction
Authors: Bao Zhenan , Ham Jooyeun , Cutkosky Mark , Han Amy
Published: May 2022

Soft robotic hands can facilitate human-robot interaction by allowing robots to grasp a wide range of objects safely and gently. However, their performance has been hampered by a lack of suitable sensing systems. We present a flexible and stretchable multi-modal sensor network integrated with a soft robotic hand. The design of wired sensors on a flexible metalized film was embodied through a manufacturing approach that uses both UV laser metal ablation and plastic cutting simultaneously to create sensor electrode patterns and stretchable conductive wires in a Kirigami pattern. Temperature and proximity sensors are combined into a single network. We evaluated the interconnects and sensors by measuring an impedance change to each external stimulus and showed that sensor readings are not substantially affected by stretching the network. With the sensor sheet wrapped around a soft robotic gripper, we demonstrated several interaction scenarios, including identifying hot and cold water bottles, a warm burrito for food handling, and a warm baby doll for future medical applications.
Nerve transfer in the spastic lower limb: anatomical feasibility study
Authors: Diner Constance , Pfister George , Mourtialon Romain , Denormandie Philippe , Mathieu Laurent , de l’Escalopier Nicolas
Published: May 2022

PurposeWe want to evaluate the feasibility of transferring a motor branch of the the anterior tibial muscle (ATM) on the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) in order to evaluate this procedure in patients with spastic Equino Varus Foot (EVF) following a post-stroke hemiplegia.MethodsTen cadaveric dissections from five fresh frozen human cadavers were performed in order to establish the anatomic feasibility of transferring a motor branch of the deep peroneal nerve with is usually destinated to the Anterior Tibialis Muscle (ATM) onto the branch of the Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL), to manage spastic equinovarus foot (SEF). Results Six cases (60%) presented 3 branches detonated to the ATM, one case (10%) presented 5 branches, 3 cases (30%) had 4 branches. In all specimens, the coaptation between the motor branch to the anterior tibial muscle, referred as the ‘effector’ branch, and the branch of the EDL ‘receiver’ branch was feasible without tension and did not require any intra-neural dissection.ConclusionThis anatomical study confirms the feasibility of transferring a motor branch from the ATM to the EDL to correct a spastic EVF.
Microsatellite Based Genetic Diversity Analyses of Selected Candidate Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes
Authors: Nelwadker Rahul R , Khan M Anwar , Mir R R , Anjum Azra , M Kamaluddin , Bhat Mushtaq A , Kumar Satish , Gupta Vikas , Kumar Uttam
Published: May 2022

Genetic diversity studies of germplasm form the basis of genetic improvement in crop plants. Around 900 wheat germplasm lines collected from different national and international germplasm repositories were subjected to repeated cycles of selection for earliness, yellow rust resistance and other agronomic traits over five years under research programme of department and under a University Grant Commission funded research project to ultimately constitute a set 26 most promising candidate genotypes. These twenty six wheat germplasm lines were studied for genetic diversity using forty-two previously developed microsatellite markers. The study revealed the overall size of PCR products amplified ranged from 100-330 bp, highest polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.67 for Xgwm120 while lowest value of 0.19 was observed for Xgwm155 with an overall average of 0.48. For gene diversity, lowest value of 0.22 was observed for Xgwm155 while highest value of 0.72 was observed for Xgwm120 with an overall average of 0.56. The cluster analysis based on molecular analysis of twenty-six selected genotypes revealed that genotypes WS-25 and WS-6 were found most diverse genotypes with dissimilarity index of 0.724 and the genotypes WS-15 and WS-17 were reported to be similar with 0.209 dissimilarity index value. The dendrogram generated using molecular data of polymorphic markers grouped 26 wheat genotypes into 3 distinct main clusters and 10 sub clusters. The understanding of these diverse genotypes can be helpful for selection of parental lines to breed for important agronomic traits.
Application of surrogate models to stability analysis and transition prediction in hypersonic flows
Authors: Nie Han , Song Wenping , Han Zhonghua , Tu Guohua , Chen Jianqiang
Published: May 2022

To increase the efficiency and convenience of stability-based transition prediction in flow simulations, simplified methods are introduced to substitute direct stability analyses for rapid disturbance growth prediction. For low-speed boundary layers, these methods are mainly established based on a self-similar assumption, which is not applicable to non-similar hypersonic flows over blunt cones. The objective of this article is to investigate the application of surrogate models to substitute linear stability analysis for non-similar flows on blunt cones, focused on input parameters for boundary-layer (BL) profile description. Firstly, correlations analyses between BL edge and profile parameters are conducted, along with a self-similar analysis and a discrete BL profile analysis, which present four groups of BL characteristic parameters. Secondly, using these parameters as inputs, surrogate models are built for disturbance growth prediction over an MF-1 blunt cone at flight experiments. Results show that, using 4 BL edge parameters and a BL shape factor {Ue, Te, ρe, ηe, H12} can achieve comparable accuracy with using 16 discrete BL profile parameters, which is also more precise than using merely self-similar parameters or BL edge parameters. Thirdly, the established surrogate models are validated in stability analysis and transition prediction over the MF-1 blunt cone at the moments of t =17s~22s in flight experiments. Compared with direct linear stability analyses, the mean relative error of predicted disturbance growth rates by surrogate models is 8.0% and the maximum relative error of N factor envelopes is 6.6%, which indicates the feasibility of using surrogate models to substitute stability analysis in transition prediction of non-similar flows over hypersonic boundary layers.
Intra-arrest Partial Carbon Dioxide Level and Favorable Neurological Outcome after Out- of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Nationwide Multicenter Observational Study in Japan (the JAAM-OHCA Registry)
Authors: Matsuyama Tasuku , Ohta Bon , Kiyohara Kosuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa
Published: May 2022

Background: Little is known about whether guideline-recommended ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation results in optimal partial carbon dioxide (pCO2) levels or favorable outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This study aimed to evaluate the association between pCO2 levels and outcomes.Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of a multicenter observational study, including adult patients with OHCA who did not achieve a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) upon hospital arrival and whose blood gas analysis was performed before the ROSC between June 2014 and December 2017. The primary exposure in this study was the intra-arrest pCO2 value obtained from a blood gas analysis performed upon hospital arrival. The patients were categorized into four quartiles based on their intra-arrest carbon dioxide levels: quartiles 1 (<66.0 mmHg), 2 (66.1–87.2 mmHg), 3 (87.3–113.5 mmHg), and 4 (≥113.6 mmHg). The primary outcome was 1-month survival with favorable neurological outcomes defined as cerebral performance category 1 or 2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between pCO2 and favorable neurological outcomes. We also investigated the association between pCO2 and favorable neurological outcomes stratified using the method of ventilation (bag-mask ventilation, supraglottic airway, or tracheal intubation) and the etiology of the arrest (cardiac, respiratory, or other etiology of arrest).Results: During the study period, 23,803 patients were eligible for the analysis. The proportion of favorable neurological outcomes was 0.7% (153/20,913), 1.8% (90/5,133), 0.7% (35/5,232), 0.4% (19/5,263), and 0.2% (9/5,285) in quartiles 1 (<66.0 mmHg), 2 (66.1–87.2 mmHg), 3 (87.3–113.5 mmHg), and 4 (≥113.6 mmHg), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the probability of favorable neurological outcome decreased with increased intra-arrest carbon dioxide levels (i.e., Q1 versus Q4, adjusted odds ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.55, P for trend <0.001). Stratified analyses showed that a higher intra-arrest pCO2 level was associated with a decreased probability of favorable neurological outcomes in any method of ventilation and cause of arrests.Conclusion: We observed that patients with higher intra-arrest pCO2 levels were less likely to achieve a favorable neurological outcome, regardless of the method of ventilation and cause of arrests.
An impedance flow cytometry with integrated dual microneedle for electrical properties characterization of single cell
Authors: Mansor Muhammad Asraf , Ahmad Mohd Ridzuan , Petrů Michal , Koloor Seyed Saeid Rahimian
Published: May 2022

Electrical characteristics of living cells have been proven to reveal important details about their internal structure, charge distribution, and composition changes in the cell membrane, as well as the extracellular context. An impedance flow cytometry is a common approach to determine the electrical properties of a cell, having the advantage of label-free and high throughput. However, the current techniques are complex and costly for the fabrication process. For that reason, we introduce an integrated dual microneedle-microchannel for single-cell detection and electrical properties extraction. The dual microneedles utilized a commercially-available Tungsten needle coated with parylene. When a single cell flows through the parallel facing electrode configuration of the dual microneedle, the electrical impedance at multiple frequencies is measured. The impedance measurement demonstrated the differential of normal red blood cells with three different sizes of microbeads at low and high frequencies, 100 kHz and 2 MHz, respectively. An electrical equivalent circuit model (ECM) was used to determine the unique membrane capacitance of individual cells. The proposed technique demonstrated that the specific membrane capacitance of an RBC is 9.42 mF/m-2, with the regression coefficients, E at 0.9895. As a result, this device may potentially be used in developing countries for low-cost single-cell screening and detection.
Association between SCCmec types and antimicrobial resistance in clinical MRSA isolates
Authors: Aboulela Aliaa , Roufaeil Mirette , Kader Ola Abdel , Rezk Shahinda
Published: May 2022

BackgroundMRSA is the causative agent of serious infections. MRSA isolates carry mecA gene which confers resistance to all β-lactams, markedly limiting the therapeutic options. SCCmec typing enables strain-based MRSA identification. This study aimed to identify the prevalent SCCmec types among clinical MRSA isolates in Alexandria, Egypt, and their association with antibiotic resistance. One hundred MRSA clinical isolates were identified and tested for susceptibility to antibiotics. SCCmec typing was done by PCR using previously published primers. ResultsTypeability was 75 %. SCCmec type V was the most predominant (45.3%), with a significant association with pyogenic lesions (53%, MCp <0.001). SCCmec type IV was significantly associated with nasal colonizers (50%, MCp 0.049). SCCmec type II was the most prominent in bloodstream infection (33 %). Various antibiotic resistance patterns were detected. SCCmec types II and III displayed the highest resistance, while SCCmec type IV showed the least resistance. There was a significant association between SCCmec types and antibiotic resistance (p = 0.02-0.001). ConclusionsThe only SCCmec types detected by PCR were SCCmec II-VI, with high resistance to gentamicin among all types. SCCmec type V was the most prevalent and was of relatively low resistance to antibiotics. SCCmec type IV was the least prevalent and showed the least resistance to antibiotics. There was a significant association between SCCmec types II and III and resistance to fluoroquinolones. Macrolides resistance was significantly associated with SCCmec type II. Tetracyclines resistance was significantly associated with SCCmec type III.
Restrictive Versus Liberal Transfusion Strategy in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: NG Pauline Yeung , CHAN Ho Ching , IP April , LING Lowell , LEUNG Kit Hung Anne , CHAN King Chung Kenny , SO Dominic , SHUM Hoi Ping , NGAI Chun Wai , CHAN Wai Ming , SIN Wai Ching
Published: May 2022

Background: To compare the clinical outcomes of patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support who had a restrictive red cell transfusion strategy with those who had a liberal transfusion strategy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all adult ECMO cases in Hong Kong from 2010 to 2019. Patients who received a minimum of one packed red blood cell (pRBC) during ECMO were included. Haemoglobin values before each episode of transfusion was retrieved. Restrictive transfusion strategy was defined as a transfusion threshold ≤ 8.5 g/dL in all transfusion episodes for a single patient, while liberal transfusion strategy was defined as a transfusion threshold > 8.5 g/dL in any transfusion episode. Mortality outcomes and other complications were compared.Results: The analysis included 763 patients, with 138 (18.1%) patients in the restrictive and 625 (81.9%) in the liberal transfusion strategy group, and median haemoglobin of 8.3 and 9.9 g/dL, respectively. The average units of pRBC received per day were 0.7 (0.3-1.8) and 1.2 (0.6-2.3) in the two groups. There were no significant differences in ICU mortality (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.86; 95% CI 0.56-1.30; P=0.47), hospital mortality (adjusted OR, 0.79; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.21; P=0.28), and 90-day mortality (adjusted OR, 0.84; 95% CI 0.55 to 1.28; P=0.42) between the two groups. Among patients receiving veno-venous ECMO, the ICU mortality was significantly lower with the restrictive transfusion strategy (adjusted OR, 0.36; 95% CI 0.17 - 0.73; P=0.005). Conclusions: Compared with a liberal transfusion strategy, a restrictive red blood cell transfusion threshold of 8.5 g/dL was not associated with worse outcomes in patients on ECMO, with better survival outcomes for patients on veno-venous ECMO.