bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of a Rectangular Clarifier Using Drift-Flux Model in OpenFOAM
Authors: Amidu Muritala Alade , AbdulRaheem Kamal Kayode
Published: June 2021

A computation fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation of a rectangular clarifier is performed in this study using a drift-flux model in OpenFOAM CFD code. Using this model with turbulence model, the key characteristics (re-circulation and sedimentation) of water-particle mixture flow in a rectangular clarifier are reasonably reproduced. A fairly good agreement is obtained between the simulation results and experimental data of the velocity profiles. Thus, with the demonstrated capability of this CFD model for the prediction of hydrodynamic and sedimentation behavior of water-particle mixture flow, several design issues such as the determination of the best location of baffle in a clarifier can be investigated and addressed. This method can not only provide general conceptual information at the initial design stage but can also be used to perform analysis of different configurations and the effect of changes in operational parameters.
Impact of Total Splenectomy on Peripheral Lymphocytes and Their Subsets in Patients with Hypersplenism Associated with Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension
Authors: Lv Yunfu , Wu Hongfei , Lau Wan Yee , Zheng Jinfang , Wu Jincai , Zeng Min
Published: June 2021

Objective

To study the impact of total splenectomy (TS) on peripheral lymphocytes and their subsets in patients with hypersplenism associated with cirrhotic portal hypertension (CPH).
Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent TS for hypersplenism associated with CPH from January 2008 to January 2020 were studied. A group of a similar number of healthy individuals was used as healthy controls (HCs).
Results

The total lymphocyte counts and their percentages of B lymphocytes, total T lymphocytes (cluster of differentiation (CD)3+) and their subsets (CD4+, CD8+), and natural killer (NK) cells in preoperative peripheral blood samples in hypersplenism patients were significantly lower than that of the HCs (both P < 0.05). The total lymphocyte counts and percentages of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood were significantly increased 1 week and 1 month after TS when compared with the pre-TS values (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the percentages of NK cells before or after surgery (P > 0.05). However, the percentages of CD3+ cells was significantly higher 1 month after than before surgery (P < 0.001). The percentages of CD4+, and CD8+ T lymphocytes were significantly lower 1 week after surgery (P < 0.05), but they were significantly higher 1 month after surgery (P < 0.01). The CD4+:CD8+ ratio was not significantly different from those before surgery, and 1 week or 1 month after surgery (P > 0.05).
Conclusions

Patients with hypersplenism associated with CPH were significantly immunosuppressed preoperatively. After TS, the total lymphocyte count and percentages of B lymphocytes, and total T lymphocytes and their subsets increased significantly, resulting in improved immune functions.
A Novel PDX Modeling Strategy and Its Application in Metabolomics Study for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Chen Zhongjian , Yang Chenxi , Guo Zhenying , Song Siyu , Gao Yun , Wang Ding , Mao Weimin , Liu Junping
Published: June 2021

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive carcinoma located in pleural cavity. Due to lack of effective diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in MPM, the prognosis is extremely poor. Because of difficulties in sample extraction, and the high rate of misdiagnosis, MPM is rarely studied. Therefore, novel modeling methodology is crucially needed to facilitate MPM research. Methods:A novel PDX modeling strategy was designed, which included preliminary screening of patients with pleural thickening using computerized tomography (CT) scan, further reviewing history of disease and imaging by a senior sonographer as well as histopathological analysis by a senior pathologist, and then patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model construction using ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy from MPM patients. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was further utilized for investigating circulating metabolic features of the PDX models. Univariate and multivariate analysis, and pathway analysis were performed to explore the differential metabolites, enriched metabolism pathways and potentially metabolic targets. Results:After screening using our strategy, 5 out of 116 patients were confirmed to be MPM, and their specimens were used for modeling. Two PDX models were established successfully. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant metabolic shifts in PDX models, such as dysregulations in amino acid metabolism, TCA cycle and glycolysis, and nucleotide metabolism. Conclusions:To sum up, we suggested a novel modeling strategy that may facilitate specimen availability for MM research, and by application of metabolomics on this model, several metabolic features were identified, whereas future studies with large sample size are needed.
Selenium Increases Fruit Quality By Reducing Ethylene Production And The Stone Cell Content In Pear (Pyrus Ussuriensis)
Authors: Yuan Chi , Bu Haidong , Zhao Jiaming , Liu Jiaojiao , Yuan Hui , Wang Aide
Published: June 2021

Background:Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for both animals and plants. Se treatment can increase fruit Se concentration and shelf life. However, the mechanism underlying Se-delayed fruit ripening is still unclear.Results:In this research, two groups of Se (A and B treatments) were used to treat ‘Nanhong’ pear fruit. The results showed that these treatments could greatly increase the Se content but decreased the titratable acid content. Treatment A significantly decreased ethylene production, and the key genes controlling ethylene production, PuACSs and PuERF2, were inhibited by Se treatment. In addition, treatment A significantly decreased the stone cell content, and one lignin biosynthesis gene, PuC4H, was downregulated by treatment A.Concusions:Se treatment increased the Se content in pear fruit. In addition, Se decreased ethylene production and the stone cell content. Moreover, the key genes for ethylene production (PuACSs and PuERF2) and lignin biosynthesis (PuC4H) were also inhibited by Se treatment.
Frontal Waves in the East of the Tsugaru Strait Revealed by the High-Frequency Radar Observation
Authors: KANEKO Hitoshi , Tanaka Takahiro , Abe Hiroto , Wakita Masahide , Sasaki Ken’ichi , Okunishi Takeshi , Watanabe Shuichi , Tatamisashi Shoko , Sato Yoshiaki
Published: June 2021

Surface velocity observations of the eastern part of the Tsugaru Strait made by the high-frequency radar revealed frequent occurrence of frontal waves along the axis of the Tsugaru Warm Current in 2017–2019. The current axis (maximum of the zonal velocity in the meridional direction) disturbed in the north–south direction with period of ~ 13.7 days that is dominant timescale of tide modulation in the strait, in addition to that of ~ 27.3 days. The amplitude of the axis fluctuation increased in the downstream direction, from the eastern neck of the channel (~ 141.0°E) to the outlet of the strait adjacent to the Pacific Ocean (~ 141.5°E). The propagation speed of the disturbance was slower than that due to surface advection especially in the seasons when the stratification was developed, and agreed well with that estimated from the theory based on the two-layer baroclinic instability model except for winter. The north–south modulation of the axis at the outlet of the strait (~ 141.5°E) could cause short-term (from 20 days to 1 month) variations of an anticyclonic gyre of the Tsugaru Warm Current that is developed in the east of the outlet from summer to autumn reported by the previous studies.
Molecular Mechanism of Engineered Zymomonas Mobilis Response to Furfural and Acetic acid Stress
Authors: Shabbir Samina , Wang Weiting , Chen Mao , Wu Bo , Nawaz Mohsin , Liu Panting , Dai Yonghua , Sun Lingling , Gou Qiyu , Liu Renbin , Hu Guoquan , He Mingxiong
Published: June 2021

Backgroud: Acetic acid and furfural are two major inhibitors during lignocellulosic ethanol production. In our previous study, we successfully constructed an engineered Zymomonas mobilis ZM532 strain tolerant these double inhibitors by genome shuffling, but the molecular mechanisms of tolerance to these inhibitors are still unknown. This study investigated the responses of ZM532 and wild-type ZM4 to acetic acid and furfural using genomics, transcriptomics and label free quantitative proteomics. Results: By Sanger sequencing technology we re-verified of previously identified 19 mutations in ZM532, but we found a total of 23 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding sequence (CDS; 4) and intergenic region (19) in ZM532. Six SNPs were novel in this study. We also identified a total of 1865 and 14 novel differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ZM532 and wild-type ZM4. Among these, 352 DEGs were up-regulated; while and 393 were down-regulated in AF_ZM532 vs RM_532, respectively. However, 442 DEGs were up while 463 were down-regulated in AF_ZM4 vs RM_ZM4. Moreover, 2 up and 8 down-regulated genes were identified in AF_ZM532 vs AF_ZM4; while 7 up and 1 down-regulated genes were found in RM_ZM532 vs RM_ZM. We also identified 1,532 proteins among 107 up and 204 down-regulated proteins detected in ZM4_AF vs ZM4_RM, 123 up and 205 down regulated proteins were identified in ZM532_AF vs ZM532_RM, respectively. In addition, a total of 16 up and 5 down-regulated proteins were identified out of 1462 in ZM4_AF vs ZM532_AF, while 8 up and 5 down-regulated proteins were observed out of 1491 in ZM4_RM vs ZM532_RM. These proteins and genes are involved in amino acid biosynthesis, macromolecules repair, glycolysis, flagella assembly, ABC transporter, fermentation, and ATP synthesis pathways and stress response. These mentioned genes and proteins confirmed and help to unravel the acetic acid and furfural tolerance mechanism between ZM532 and wild-type ZM4. May be these proteins and genes play key roles in ZM532 regulation with strong expressions under acids stress conditions. Furthermore, we knocked-out and overexpressed two differentially expressed genes (DEGs), ZMO_RS02740 up-regulated and ZMO_RS06525 down-regulated to investigate their roles in acetic acid and furfural tolerance. Our knockout and complementary experiments revealed that up-regulated expression gene ZMO_RS02740 and the down-regulated expression gene ZMO_RS06525 play important roles in dealing with furfural and acetic acid stress. Conclusion: ZM532 can be used to substitute ZM4 as a biocatalyst for bioethanol under acetic acid and furfural condition, with a shorter fermentation time and higher productivity. Further studies may be required to clarify the relationship between the acid resistance and the genetic disparity of mutant strains.
Correlation Between Short- and Mid-Term Hemoglobin A1c and Glycemic Control Determined by Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Huang Jen-Hung , Lin Yung-Kuo , Lee Ting-Wei , Liu Han-Wen , Chien Yu-Mei , Hsueh Yu-Chun , Lee Ting-I , Chen Yi-Jen
Published: June 2021

Background: Glucose monitoring is vital for glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) measures whole-day glucose levels. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a vital outcome predictor in patients with DM. Methods: This study investigated the relationship between HbA1c and CGM, which remained unclear hitherto. Data of patients with DM (n = 91) who received CGM and HbA1c testing (1-3 months before and after CGM) were retrospectively analyzed. Diurnal and nocturnal glucose, highest CGM data (10%, 25%, and 50%), mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), percent coefficient of variation (%CV), and continuous overlapping net glycemic action were compared with HbA1c values before and after CGM. Results: The CGM results were significantly correlated with HbA1c values measured 1 (r = 0.69) and 2 (r = 0.39) months after CGM and 1 month (r = 0.35) before CGM. However, glucose levels recorded in CGM did not correlate with the HbA1c values 3 months after and 2-3 months before CGM. MAGE and %CV were strongly correlated with HbA1c values 1 and 2 months after CGM, respectively. Diurnal blood glucose levels were significantly correlated with HbA1c values 1-2 months before and 1 month after CGM. The nocturnal blood glucose levels were significantly correlated with HbA1c values 1-3 months before and 1-2 months after CGM.Conclusions: CGM can predict HbA1c values within 1 month after CGM in patients with DM.
Genetic Evolution of Bovine Coronavirus Detected in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Eun-Mi , Cho Hyung-Chul , Shin Seung-Uk , Park Jinho , Choi Kyoung-Seong
Published: June 2021

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is associated with severe diarrhea in calves, winter dysentery in adult cattle, and respiratory diseases in cattle. However, there is limited information regarding its molecular characterization in the Republic of Korea (KOR). This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of BCoV in diarrheic calves, perform global comparison of BCoV genome sequences, and suggest a new nomenclature. A total of 521 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic pre-weaned native Korean calves (age £60 days) from 100 herds in the KOR. The samples were divided into three groups based on age as follows: 1-21 days (n = 433), 21-40 days (n = 64), and 41-60 days (n = 24). The full-length Spike (S) gene was amplified and sequenced. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum-likelihood method and the evolutionary rates were estimated. BCoV infection was detected in 20 (3.8%) calves by real-time RT-PCR analysis, and nine full-length genome sequences were obtained from the 20 BCoV-positive samples. Genomic comparison analysis showed that these 2019-2020 variants exhibited the highest nucleotide sequence identity (98.6%-99.2%) with that of water deer (Hydropotes inermis) isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of the full genomes of the S gene revealed the following four BCoV groups: G1, classical BCoV strains; G2, 2002 Korean, Japan, Vietnam, Cuba, and USA strains/isolates; G3, European strains/isolates; and G4, Korean isolates (2004 and 2006 Korean isolates, 2010 BCoV-like, 2017 water deer, and 2019-2020 variants). The evolutionary rates accelerated from G1 to G4. This grouping was also closely related to the nucleotide substitution rate. Using molecular clock analysis of the S gene, the most recent common ancestor of each group was estimated to have originated in 1953, 1979, 1986, and 1993, respectively. Recently identified BCoV variants in the KOR are undergoing slow evolution. These findings provide useful information for understanding the molecular characterization of BCoVs. Further research is necessary to conduct recombination analysis to support BCoV evolution.
Chronic Inflammatory Pain Management by BDNF Modulation: A Comparative Study of Gabapentin, Indomethacin and Their Combination on Arthritis Rat Model
Authors: Khurshid Sameera , Razzak Zaid Abdul , Simjee Shabana Usman
Published: June 2021

Brain derived neurotropic factors (BDNF) can be secreted either as a pro-BDNF or a mature form (mBDNF) through γ-amino-butyric acid (GABAA) receptors activation. Depolarization of GABA neurons in spinal cord can be mediated through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor due to the exogenous secretion of over expressed BDNF. This over expressed BDNF further modulate the excitation and sensitization of nociceptors. We investigated the modulation of BDNF by GABAA agonist i.e., gabapentin, indomethacin (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) and their low-dose combination on adjuvant-induced inflammatory arthritis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra strain, as adjuvant, was injected in the tail base of female Sprague-Dawley rats. Gabapentin (5 mg/kg), indomethacin (5 mg/kg) and low dose combination of gabapentin (1.5 mg/kg) + indomethacin (2.5 mg/kg) were used. Paw edema was measure by plethysmometer and chronic pain was measured by plantar apparatus. Nitric oxide, peroxide and superoxide dismutase levels were also measured to analyze the free radical and antioxidant balance in different treatment groups along with the total protein concentration. Significant reduction of nitric oxide, peroxide as well as total protein concentration was found in low dose combination. Immunohistochemistry data also showed that the low dose combination has more potential in lowering the BDNF expression in cortex as well as in hippocampus region of brain as compared to their mono therapies. Our study suggested that low-dose combination of gabapentin and indomethacin has a significant impact on lowering the chronic and its associated markers as compare to their monotherapy. Thus indicated the additive effects of the combination therapy on neuropathic pain.
Male as the Disadvantaged Sex for Childhood Disabilities: Analysis of Data From the National Disability Registry of Taiwan
Authors: Lai Der-Chung , Guo How-Ran , Tseng Yen-Cheng
Published: June 2021

Background: Many studies have examined sex differences in specific types of childhood disability, but data on the full range of disability are limited. Such data allow comparisons among disabilities and are valuable to the inference of etiology. To provide benefits and services, the Taiwanese government certifies disabled citizens and maintains a registry. We used the registry to evaluate sex differences in childhood disability and assess changes over time.Methods: We analyses the registry data from 2000 to 2011 and included all children who were at least 3 years of age, because certification before 3 years of age was discouraged by the government. We calculated the male-to-female rate ratios (RRs) for all disabilities combined and nine major disability categories, namely autism spectrum disorders (ASD), hearing impairment (HI), intellectual disability (ID), loss of function of major organs (LFMO), motor disability (MD), multiple disabilities, speech and language disability (SLD), visual impairment (VI), and other disabilities. In addition, we assessed the changes in the RRs over time.Results: The total number of cases between 3 to 17 years of age registered each year ranged between 49242 and 61717. Males generally had higher prevalence than females, and disabilities due to primarily neurodevelopmental conditions (ASD, ID, and SLD) had higher male-to-female RRs than disabilities due to primarily physical conditions (HI, LFMO, MD, and VI). The RRs of all disabilities combined increased over time, but the sex differences in ID, MD, and “other disabilities” decreased over time, while those in ASD, SLD, and multiple disabilities increased. The RRs of all disabilities combined decreased with age in most years, but the trends were different across individual disabilities.Conclusions: Male is the disadvantaged sex for childhood disabilities. The sex differences in disabilities due to primarily neurodevelopmental conditions were more prominent than those in disabilities due to primarily physical conditions. With the decreasing number of children given birth and growing awareness of sexual disparity during the study period in Taiwan, the RRs had an increasing time trend, instead of decreasing, which suggested that genetic causes have larger contributions to the sex differences in childhood disability than environmental causes.
Pyramiding of Genes for Grain Protein Content, Grain Quality and Rust Resistance in Eleven Indian Bread Wheat Cultivars: A Multi-Institutional Effort
Authors: Gupta Pushpendra K. , Balyan Harindra S. , Chhuneja Parveen , Jaiswal Jai P. , Tamhankar Shubhada , Mishra Vinod K. , Bains Navtej S. , Chand Ramesh , Joshi Arun K. , Kaur Satinder , Kaur Harinderjeet , Mavi Gurvinder S. , Oak Manoj , Sharma Achla , Srivast Puja , Sohu Virinder S. , Prasad Pramod , Agarwal Priyanka , Akhtar Moin , Badoni Saurabh , Chaudhary Reeku , Gahlaut Vijay , Gangwar Rishi Pal , Gautam Tinku , Jaiswal Vandana , Kumar Ravi Shankar , Kumar Sachin , Shamshad M. , Singh Anupama , Taygi Sandhya , Vasistha Neeraj Kumar , Vishwakarma Manish Kumar
Published: June 2021

Improvement of grain protein content (GPC), loaf volume and resistance to rusts was achieved in 11 Indian wheat cultivars that are widely grown in four different agro-climatic zones of India. This involved use of marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) for introgression and pyramiding of the following genes: (i) the high GPC gene Gpc-B1; (ii) HMW glutenin subunits 5 + 10 at Glu-D1 loci, and (iii) rust resistance genes, Yr36, Yr15, Lr24 and Sr24. GPC was improved by 0.8–3.3%, although high GPC was generally associated with yield penalty. Further selection among high GPC lines, allowed development of progenies with higher GPC associated with improvement in 1000-grain weight and grain yield in the following four cultivars: NI5439, UP2338, UP2382 and HUW468. The high GPC progenies (derived from NI5439) were also improved for grain quality using HMW glutenin subunits 5 + 10 at Glu-D1 loci. Similarly, progenies combining high GPC and rust resistance were developed in the backgrounds of following five cultivars: Lok1, HD2967, PBW550, PBW621 and DBW1. The improved pre-bred lines developed during the present study should prove useful for development of cultivars with improved nutritional quality associated with rust resistance in future wheat breeding programmes.
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Agonistic Autoantibody Blockade Improves Postpartum Hypertension and Cardiac Mitochondrial Function in Rat Model of Preeclampsia
Authors: Booz George W. , Kennedy Daniel , Bowling Michael , Robinson Taprieka , Azubuike Daniel , Fisher Brandon , Brooks Karen , Chinthakuntla Pooja , Hoang Ngoc H. , Hosler Jonathan P. , CUNNINGHAM MARK
Published: June 2021

Women with preeclampsia (PE) have a greater risk of developing hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and renal disease later in life. Angiotensin II type I receptor agonistic autoantibodies (AT1-AAs) are elevated in women with PE during pregnancy and up to 2 years postpartum (PP), and in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of PE. Blockade of AT1-AA with a specific 7 amino acid peptide binding sequence (‘n7AAc’) improves pathophysiology observed in RUPP rats; however, the long-term effects of AT1-AA inhibition in PP is unknown. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups: normal pregnant (NP) (n = 16), RUPP (n = 15), and RUPP+‘n7AAc’ (n = 16). Gestational day 14, RUPP surgery was performed and ‘n7AAc’ (144 µg/day) administered via osmotic minipump. At 10 weeks PP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), renal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and cardiac functions, and cardiac mitochondria function were assessed. MAP was elevated PP in RUPP vs NP (126 ± 4 vs. 116 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.05), but was normalized in in RUPP+‘n7AAc’ (109 ± 3 mmHg) vs. RUPP (p < 0.05). PP heart size was reduced by RUPP+’n7AAc’ vs. RUPP rats (p < 0.05). Complex IV protein abundance and enzymatic activity, along with glutamate/malate-driven respiration (complexes I, III, and IV), were reduced in the heart of RUPP vs NP rats which was prevented with ‘n7AAc’. AT1-AA inhibition during pregnancy not only improves blood pressure and pathophysiology of PE in rats during pregnancy, but also long-term changes in blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiac mitochondrial function PP.
Deployment of Molecular Tools to Track the Epidemiology of Plasmodium Vivax in Panama
Authors: Obaldia Nicanor , Barahona Itza , Lasso José , Avila Mario , Quijada Mario , Núñez Marlon , Marti Matthias
Published: June 2021

Background: As the elimination of malaria in Mesoamerica progresses, detection of Plasmodium vivax asymptomatic patients using conventional diagnostic methods becomes more difficult. Highly sensitive molecular methods are key for the determination of the hidden reservoir of malaria transmission on the road to elimination in countries in the pre-elimination phase such as Panama. Here we describe the clinical validation of a qRT-PCR assay for the detection of P. vivax asexual and sexual stages from low blood volume field samples preserved at ambient temperature. Methods: We collected blood samples from a cross sectional cohort of P. vivax patients in Panama. Different storage formats (room temperature, frozen) and blood volumes were compared to establish the sensitivity of parasite detection including transmission stages (gametocytes) by qRT-PCR and diagnostic microscopy. Results: Study results indicated that blood storage at room temperature using an RNA preservation solution for up to 8 days was sufficient to preserve RNA for subsequent qRT-PCR assays. Detection of gametocytes by qRT-PCR was more sensitive than light microscopy using both our recently established marker PvLAP5 and the gold standard Pvs25, confirming that both markers are suitable for P. vivax gametocyte detection in the field using the above protocol.Conclusions: This study validates a low blood volume qRT-PCR assay system for the detection of P. vivax asexual and sexual stages in field samples preserved at ambient temperature. Results indicate that the assay system is a reliable tool to determine the transmission reservoir of P. vivax in remote areas such as endemic regions of Panama.
Analysis of The Efficiency In Sb2Se3 Thin-Film Solar Cells Using Alternative Buffer Layers In n-p and n-i-p Structures By Numerical Simulation.
Authors: Ayala-Mato F , Vigil-Galán O , Courel Maykel , Nicolás-Marín M. M.
Published: June 2021

Antimony Sulfide (Sb2Se3) Solar Cells are considered a promising emerging photovoltaic devices technology. However, the best reported experimental efficiency (9.2%) is well below the theoretical limit of 30%. In this research is demonstrated, by numerical simulation, that using different buffer or electron transport layers (ETL) and device structures (n-p or n-i-p) can significantly increase the solar cell performance. The study is based on two underlying considerations: the use of inorganic materials to facilitate the manufacturing process and the analysis of the simulation parameters that adjust to the experimental conditions in which the cells can be processed. In the n-p structures, the use of single layers and bilayers as ETL was evaluated and the possible mechanism that explain the electrical parameters of the solar cell were discussed. Especial attention was made in the role of interfacial state density and band alignment in the ETL/Sb2Se3 interface. In addition, the n-i-p structure was studied by adding a hole transport layer (HTL). An improvement in open circuit voltage (Voc) is observed compared with n-p structure. Finally, the behavior of Voc and efficiency vs thickness of the ETL and Sb2Se3 layers was analyzed. The results show that using alternative ETLs a significant improve in Voc and efficiency could be achieved for n-p and n-i-p structures. After thickness optimization and taking account a moderate interface defect density, values of Voc and efficiency higher than 600 mV and 15 % were respectively obtained.
The Effect of TGF-β1 Polymorphisms on Pulmonary Disease Progression in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Trojan Tobias , von Maessenhausen Maxine , Schneider Peter , Fink Gregor , Rietschel Ernst , Alcazar Miguel Alejandre , Koningsbruggen-Rietschel Silke van , Thomassen Jan Christoph
Published: June 2021

Background: Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a genetic modifier in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TGF-β1 are associated with neutrophilic inflammation, lung fibrosis und loss of pulmonary function.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between genetic TGF-β1 polymorphisms and pulmonary disease progression in CF patients. Furthermore, the effect of TGF-β1 polymorphisms on inflammatory cytokines in sputum were investigated.Methods: 56 CF-patients and 62 controls were genotyped for three relevant SNPs in their TGF-β1 sequence using the SNaPshot® technique. Individual slopes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) for all patients were calculated by using documented lung function values of the previous five years. The status of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infection was determined. Sputum concentrations of the protease elastase, the serine protease inhibitor elafin and the cytokines IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α were measured after a standardized sputum induction and processing.Results: The homozygous TT genotype at codon 10 was associated with a lower rate of chronic Pa infection (p<0.05). The heterozygous GC genotype at codon 25 was associated with lower lung function decline (p<0.05). Patients with homozygous TT genotype at the promotor SNP showed higher levels of TNF-α (p<0,05). Higher levels of TGF-β1 in plasma were associated with a more rapid FEV1 decline over five years (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that polymorphisms in the TGF-β1 gene have an effect on lung function decline, Pa infection as well as levels of inflammatory cytokines. Genotyping these polymorphisms could potentially be used to identify CF patients with higher risk of disease progression. TGF-β1 inhibition could potentially be developed as a new therapeutic option to modulate CF lung disease.
Endobronchial Therapy With Gentamicin and Dexamethasone After Airway Clearance by Bronchoscopy in Exacerbation of Non-cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis: a Real-world Observational Study
Authors: Li Qiuhong , Huang Beijie , Gu Hongyan , Zhou Ying , Shan Xizheng , Meng Siming , Qin Meng , Shi JingYun , Chen YaNan , Li Huiping
Published: June 2021

Purpose To retrospectively analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of endobronchial therapy with gentamicin and dexamethasone after airway clearance (AC) by bronchoscopy in exacerbation of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 2156 patients with bronchiectasis between January 2015 and June 2016, and 367 consecutive patients with exacerbation of bronchiectasis who had complete data and underwent AC by bronchoscopy. The final cohort included 181 cases of intratracheal instillation with gentamicin and dexamethasone after AC (a group with airway drugs, named Drug group) and 186 cases of AC only (a group without airway drugs, named Control group). The last follow-up was on June 30, 2017. Results The total cough score and the total symptom score in the Drug group were improved compared to the Control group during exacerbation and three months after discharge (P < 0.001). Re-examination of chest HRCT within 4–6 months after discharge revealed that the extent of mucous plugging, collapse/consolidation, and the Bhalla score were all significantly improved in the Drug group. Moreover, the re-exacerbations in the Drug group were significantly decreased within one year after discharge. Univariate analysis showed a highly significant prolongation of the time to first re-exacerbation in bronchiectasis due to treatment with airway drugs compared without. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk of first re-exacerbation in the Drug group decreased by 29.7% compared with the Control group. Conclusions Endobronchial therapy with gentamicin and dexamethasone after AC by bronchoscopy is a safe and effective method for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Trial registration http://www.chictr.org.cn. No.: ChiCTR1900022247.
Continuous and Binary Sets of Responses are Not the Same: Evidence from the Field
Authors: Rivera-Garrido Noelia , Ramos-Sosa M. P. , Accerenzi Michela , Brañas-Garza Pablo
Published: June 2021

This paper conducts a pre-registered study aimed to compare binary and continuous set of responses in questionnaires. Binary responses consist of two possible opposed responses (Yes/No). Continuous are numerical, where respondents can indicate an answer in a 0 to 10 horizontal blind line. We study whether binary and continuous feasible sets of responses yield to the same outcome (distribution) and the same cost (duration in minutes). We collect data from 360 households in Honduras who were randomly assigned to Yes/No questions or given a slider (visual scaling 0-10) to mark their responses, therefore, we provide causal evidence. We find that respondents are 13% more likely to say “Yes” and spend 2.1 minutes less in the binary setting. Besides, we find that most of the differences between binary and continuous settings arise from questions which include negative wording.
Factors Associated With Habitual Sleep Duration in US Adults with Hypertension: A Cross-sectional Study of the 2015-2018 National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Ogugu Everlyne G. , Catz Sheryl L. , Bell Janice F. , Drake Christiana , Bidwell Julie T. , Gangwisch James E.
Published: June 2021

Background: The relationship between inadequate sleep duration and hypertension risk has been established in the general population, but there is a gap in the literature on predictors of habitual sleep duration in adults with hypertension. This study examined factors associated with habitual sleep duration among adults with hypertension in the United States (US).Methods: Data of 5,660 adults with hypertension were obtained by combining the 2015 – 2018 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Survey weighted multinomial logistic regression models were fit to examine factors associated with short (<7 hours) and long (>9 hours) sleep duration with adequate sleep duration (7 – 9 hours) as the reference. Results: The prevalence of self-reported adequate sleep duration was 65.7%, while short sleep duration was 23.6%, and long sleep duration 10.7%. Short sleep duration (compared to adequate sleep duration) was positively associated with history of seeking help for sleeping difficulties (relative risk ratio [RRR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 – 1.53), Non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (RRR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.61 – 2.67), working ≥45 hours/week (RRR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.32 – 2.48), and negatively associated with older age ≥ 65 years (RRR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45 – 0.91) and female gender (RRR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56 – 0.88). Long sleep duration was positively associated with female gender (RRR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.001 – 1.54), chronic kidney disease (RRR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.14-1.92), moderate depressive symptoms (RRR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.08 – 2.44), moderately severe to severe depressive symptoms (RRR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.05 – 3.43), being in retirement (RRR, 3.46; 95% CI, 2.18 – 5.49), and not working due to health reasons (RRR, 4.87; 95% CI, 2.89 – 8.22) or other reasons (RRR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.84 – 5.88).Conclusion: This population-based study identified factors independently associated with habitual sleep duration in adults with hypertension. These included help-seeking for sleeping difficulty, gender, age, chronic kidney disease, depressive symptoms, race/ethnicity, and employment status. These findings can help in the development of tailored approaches for promoting adequate sleep duration in adults with hypertension.
Cell Cycle Arrest, An Important Mechanism of Action of Compound Kushen Injection, Prevents Colorectal Cancer: Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation
Authors: Sun Jie , Li Mei , Wang Di , Lin Tingru , Chen Jingyi , Zhang Yu , Mu Qing , Su Huiting , Wu Na , Liu Aiyu , Yu Yimeng , Liu Yulan , Wang Shaojie , Yu Xin , Guo Jingzhu , Yu Weidong
Published: June 2021

Compound Kushen injection (CKI) is the most widely used traditional Chinese medicine preparation for the comprehensive treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) in China, but its underlying molecular mechanisms of action are still unclear. The present study employed a network pharmacology approach, in which we constructed a “bioactive compound-target-pathway” network. Experimental RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis was performed to identify a key “bioactive compound-target-pathway” network for subsequent experimental validation. Cell cycle, proliferation, autophagy, and apoptosis assays and a model of azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate-induced colorectal carcinogenesis in mice were employed to detect the biological effect of CKI on CRC. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were performed to verify the selected targets and pathways. We constructed a predicted network that included 82 bioactive compounds, 34 targets, and 33 pathways and further screened an anti-CRC CKI “biological compound (hesperetin 7-O-rutinoside, genistein 7-O-rutinoside, and trifolirhizin)-target (p53 and checkpoint kinase 1 [CHEK1])” network that targeted the “cell cycle pathway”. Validation experiments showed that CKI effectively induced the cell-cycle arrest of CRC cells in vitro and suppressed the development of CRC in vivo by downregulating the expression of p53 and CHEK1. Our findings confirmed that inducing cell-cycle arrest by CKI is an important mechanism of its anti-CRC action, which provides a direct and scientific experimental basis for the clinical application of CKI.
Field Performance of Mass PCR Screening and Targeted Treatment in an Amazonian Low Malaria Transmission Setting
Authors: Mosnier Emilie , Lazrek Yassamine , Carbunar Aurel , Priam Rodolphe , Landier Jordi , Gaillet Mélanie , Michaud Céline , Mathieu Luana , Roux Emmanuel , Pelleau Stéphane , Gaudart Jean , Nacher Mathieu , Demar Magalie , Epelboin Loïc , Douine Maylis , Djossou Félix , Musset Lise
Published: June 2021

The three main obstacles to the elimination of malaria in French Guiana are asymptomatic carriers of Plasmodium vivax, relapses and, to a lesser extent, Plasmodium falciparum. This study aims to assess the impact of PCR-based mass screening and treatment (MSAT) interventions in this malaria-endemic area.Two MSAT interventions were conducted twelve months apart in inhabitants of Saint Georges de l’Oyapock village, which has the highest malaria burden in French Guiana. Symptomatic malaria incidence was also passively monitored through the local health center from 12 months before the first intervention until the end of the second intervention.At the time of the first intervention, malaria prevalence was 6.7% [CI95 5.4-7.9%], including 90% of Plasmodium vivax cases and 10% Plasmodium falciparum (n=1,501 participants). Twelve months later, it had decreased by 53.7% to a value of 2.5% [CI95 2.0-3.9%] (p<0.05; n=1,271 inhabitants), of which 83% and 17% of cases showed Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum carriage, respectively. Similarly, the passive malaria detection carried out by the health center during the 12-month surveillance period that followed the first MSAT noted a decrease in symptomatic Plasmodium spp..This study suggests that the implementation of mass PCR testing and the subsequent malaria treatment of positive cases could reduce the prevalence of both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria infections in the Amazonian context.
E. Coli Nissle 1917 Modulates Host Glucose Metabolism Without Directly Acting On Glucose
Authors: Chavkin Theodore , Pham Loc-Duyen , Kostic Aleksandar
Published: June 2021

Managing postprandial glycemic response, or the increase in blood sugar following a meal, is a crucial component to maintaining healthy blood sugar in patients with diabetes. To test whether oral probiotics can impact postprandial glycemic response, E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) was evaluated in an oral glucose tolerance test. Oral gavage of EcN concurrent with a glucose bolus reduced the post-gavage glycemic response in mice. However, there was no difference in glycemic response when comparing EcN to a mutant deficient in glucose metabolism. This suggests that while EcN can alter glycemic response to a glucose bolus, this effect is not mediated by direct uptake of glucose. Of the possible indirect effects EcN could have, gastric emptying rate was highlighted as a likely cause, but EcN had no effect on gastric emptying rate in mice. This leaves many more possible indirect explanations for the interaction between EcN and host glucose metabolism to be explored in future work.
Synergetic Effect of Cationic Starch (Ether/Ester) and Pluronics for Improving Inkjet Printing Quality of Office Papers
Authors: Sharma Mohit , Aguado Roberto , Murtinho Dina , Valente Artur J. M. , Ferreira Paulo J. T.
Published: June 2021

Improving the printability of paper is still a relevant challenge, despite the fast development of digital communications. While it is well-known that cationic starches enhance ink density, their commercial paper-grade forms are limited to ethers with low degree of substitution. This work addresses the underexplored potential of highly substituted cationic starch for paper coating and its combination with tri-block polymers, namely Pluronics (P123 and F127), taking advantage of their supramolecular interactions with amylose chains. For that purpose, cationic starch ether and ester (starch betainate), both with a degree of substitution of 0.3, were synthesized by alkaline etherification and by transesterification, respectively. Paper without any surface treatment was subjected to one-side bar coating with suspensions encompassing those products and Pluronics, besides other common components. Black, cyan, yellow and magenta inks were printed on all coated papers through an inkjet printer. Key properties of printing quality such as the gamut area, gamut volume, optical density, print-through, inter-color bleed and circularity were measured in a controlled temperature-humidity environment. For instance, a formulation with cationic starch (ether/ester) and P123 improved the gamut area by 16–18% in comparison to native starch-coated paper sheets. Interestingly, the individual assessment of each component showed that cationic starch ether, starch betainate and P123 only improved the gamut area by 5.6%, 8.9% and 6.8%, respectively. Finally, but not less importantly, starch betainate was found to quench optical brightening agents to a lesser extent than cationic starch ethers.
Development and Clinical Application of a Deep Learning Model to Identify Acute Infarct on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Bridge Christopher P , Bizzo Bernardo C , Hillis James M , Chin John K , Comeau Donnella S , Gauriau Romane , Macruz Fabiola , Pawar Jayashri , Noro Flavia T C , Sharaf Elshaimaa , Takahashi Marcelo Straus , Wright Bradley , Kalafut John F , Andriole Katherine P , Pomerantz Stuart R , Pedemonte Stefano , González R Gilberto
Published: June 2021

BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of death and disability. The ability to quickly identify the presence of acute infarct and quantify the volume on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has important treatment implications. MethodsWe developed a machine learning model that used the apparent diffusion coefficient and diffusion weighted imaging series. It was trained on 6,657 MRI studies. All studies were labelled positive or negative for infarct (classification annotation) with 377 having the region of interest outlined (segmentation annotation). The different annotation types facilitated training on more studies while not requiring the extensive time to manually segment every study. We initially validated the model on studies sequestered from the training set. We then tested the model on studies from three clinical scenarios: consecutive stroke team activations for 6-months at the hospital that provided training data, consecutive stroke team activations for 6-months at a hospital that did not provide training data, and an international site. The model results were compared to radiologist ground truth interpretations.ResultsThe model performed better when trained on classification and segmentation annotations (area under the receiver operating curve [AUROC] 0.995 [95% CI, 0.992-0.998] and median Dice coefficient for segmentation overlap of 0.797 [IQR, 0.642-0.861]) compared to segmentation annotations alone (AUROC 0.982 [95% CI, 0.972-0.990] and Dice coefficient 0.776 [IQR, 0.584-0.857]). The model accurately identified infarcts for training hospital stroke team activations (AUROC 0.964 [95% CI, 0.943-0.982], 381 studies), non-training hospital stroke team activations (AUROC 0.981 [95% CI, 0.966-0.993], 247 studies), and at the international site (AUROC 0.998 [95% CI, 0.993-1.000], 171 studies). The model accurately segmented infarcts with Pearson correlation comparing model output and ground truth volumes between 0.968-0.986 for the three scenarios.ConclusionsAcute infarct can be accurately detected and segmented on MRI in real-world clinical scenarios using a machine learning model.
Nutrient Source Location and Biofilm Viscoelasticity Control Biofilm Growth Rate, Migration Rate, and Morphology in Shear Flow
Authors: Nguyen Hoa , Ybarra Abraham , Basagaoglu Hakan , Shindell Orrin
Published: June 2021

We present a numerical model to simulate the growth and deformation of a viscoelastic biofilm in shear flow under different nutrient conditions. The mechanical interaction between the biofilm and the fluid is computed using the Immersed Boundary Method with viscoelastic parameters determined a priori from measurements reported in the literature. Biofilm growth occurs at the biofilm-fluid interface by a stochastic rule that depends on the local nutrient concentration. We compare the growth, migration, and morphology of viscoelastic biofilms with a common relaxation time of 18 minutes over the range of elastic moduli 10-1000 Pa in different nearby nutrient source configurations. Simulations with shear flow and an upstream or a downstream nutrient source indicate that soft biofilms grow more if nutrients are downstream and stiff biofilms grow more if nutrients are upstream. Also, soft biofilms migrate faster than stiff biofilms toward a downstream nutrient source, and although stiff biofilms migrate toward an upstream nutrient source, soft biofilms do not. Simulations without nutrients show that on the time scale of several hours, soft biofilms develop irregular structures at the biofilm-fluid interface, but stiff biofilms deform little. Our results agree with the biophysical principle that biofilms can adapt to their mechanical and chemical environment by modulating their viscoelastic properties. We also compare the behavior of a purely elastic biofilm to a viscoelastic biofilm with the same elastic modulus of 50 Pa. We find the elastic biofilm underestimates growth rates and downstream migration rates if the nutrient source is downstream, and it overestimates growth rates and upstream migration rates if the nutrient source is upstream. Future modeling can use our comparison to identify errors that can occur by simulating biofilms as purely elastic structures.
An Intrinsic Parameter Calibration Method for R-LAT System Based on CMM
Authors: Su Wenjun , Guo Junkang , Liu Zhigang , Jia Kang
Published: June 2021

Rotary-laser automatic theodolite (R-LAT) system is a distributed large-scale metrology system, which provides parallel measurement in scalable measurement room without obvious precision losing. Each of R-LAT emits two nonparallel laser planes to scan the measurement space via evenly rotation, while the photoelectric sensors receive these laser planes signals and performs the coordinate calculation based on triangulation. The accurate geometric parameters of the two laser planes plays a crucial role in maintaining the measurement precision of R-LAT system. Practically, the geometry of the two laser plane, which is termed as intrinsic parameters, is unknown after assembled. Therefore, how to figure out the accurate intrinsic parameters of each R-LAT is a fundamental question for the application of R-LAT system. This paper proposed an easily operated intrinsic parameter calibration method for R-LAT system with adopting coordinate measurement machine. The mathematic model of laser planes and the observing equation group of R-LAT are established. Then, the intrinsic calibration is formulated as a nonlinear least square problem that minimize the sum of deviations of target points and laser planes, and the ascertain of its initial guess is introduced. At last, experience is performed to verify the effectiveness of this method, and simulations are carried out to investigate the influence of the target point configuration on the accuracy of intrinsic parameters.