bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering, biochemical, and cooking characteristics of seven eminent cultivars of brown rice: Implication on development of food processing equipment
Authors: Bhati Dolly , Singh Baljit , Singh Arashdeep , Sharma Savita , Pandiselvam Ravi
Published: May 2022

The objective of the present investigation was to substantiate the versatility of brown rice obtained from distinguished Indian varieties with a viable hyphenation with the cultivar influences. Brown rice from seven eminent cultivars, that is, PR‐114, PR‐121, PR‐122, PR‐123, PR‐124, PR‐126, and PR‐127, was in depth characterized by a broad spectrum of properties. Primarily, to comprehend the suggestive milling behavior of paddy and brown rice, their dimensional and physical properties were compared. Secondly, to validate the physicofunctional and cooking prominence of the grain, properties such as amylose and amylopectin content, alkali spreading value (ASV), temperature, and behavior of gelatinization were scrutinized. The assessment of specific nutritional components viz., mineral, vitamins, and fatty acid composition together with textural profile analysis of the cooked grain further validated the primacy of the Indian cultivars. The result presented that the physical and dimensional characteristics of paddy and brown rice varied significantly. In terms of physicochemical and cooking properties, the cultivars PR‐122 and PR‐124 demonstrated considerable pre‐eminence. Furthermore, the ASV, temperature, and gelatinization behavior were principally associated with the starch constituents, that is, amylose and amylopectin. With reference to the mineral, vitamins, and fatty acid composition of the cultivars, PR‐122, PR‐122, and PR‐124 were nutritionally and functionally viable and diverse.

Practical applications

Brown rice is a nutritionally and biofunctionally eminent cereal grain. A viable hyphenation between the anticipated properties demonstrated by these improved and high‐yielding brown rice varieties grown in India would further endorse the cultivation of these cultivars at a larger scale as well as invigorated the farmers to fast‐track their cultivation estate. The physical, physicochemical, gelatinization, cooking, and textural properties of the Indian brown rice cultivars could play a vital role in deciphering and substantiating its processing, nutritional and bio‐viable eminences, which would further confirm their superior demands in the context of regional and national food markets along with food processing industries operating at variable scales.
Possible explanation for limited reduction of pathogens on radish microgreens after spray application of chlorinated water during growth with disperse contamination spread of abiotic surrogate on leaves
Authors: Işık Sefa , Aytemiş Zeynep , Çetin Bülent , Topalcengiz Zeynal
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of spray application of chlorinated water before harvest on the population of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on radish microgreens. The transfer of abiotic surrogate to radish microgreens was also evaluated to track possible pathogen contamination spread by inoculating seed and growth media. During growth, microgreens inoculated with strains of pathogens were sprayed with chlorinated water at three different concentrations (0.50, 1.00, and 2.00 ± 0.05 ppm free chlorine). Spray application of chlorinated water was performed on microgreens once (day 9), twice (day 8 and 9), three (day 7, 8, and 9), and four times (day 6, 7, 8, and 9). Microgreens were harvested 12 hr after the last application of chlorinated water. Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 populations were reduced with the increase in chlorine concentration. Chlorinated water reduced Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 populations up to 1.1 log CFU/g (p < .05) and 0.9 log CFU/g (p > .05), respectively. Images taken under UV illumination provided the visualization of abiotic surrogate spread on cotyledon and upper hypocotyl (all edible parts) of radish microgreen plants regardless of seed or growth media inoculation. Scanning Electron Microscopy showed the presence of abiotic surrogate and generic E. coli on microgreen leaves. Spray application of chlorinated water during microgreen growth may help to reduce microbial load but cannot be used as the only control measure.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, sleep behaviors, and incident type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhang Haojie , Wang Yuying , Chen Chi , Wang Bin , Chen Jie , Tan Xiao , Xia Fangzhen , Zhang Jihui , Lu Yingli , Wang Ningjian
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with incident type 2 diabetes; however, the extent to which NAFLD may confer its risk remains uncertain, especially in Europeans. Emerging evidence suggests that sleep behaviors are linked to NAFLD and diabetes. We aimed to measure whether sleep behaviors modified the association between NAFLD and incident type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 365 339 participants without type 2 diabetes at baseline in UK Biobank data. Five sleep behaviors, including sleep duration, insomnia, snoring, chronotype, and daytime sleepiness, were collected from the questionnaire. Overall sleep patterns were created by summing the five scores. Liver steatosis was based on the fatty liver index.

Results

During a median follow up of 11.0 years, we documented 8774 patients with incident type 2 diabetes. NAFLD was significantly associated with increased diabetes risk. Sleeping 7–8 h/day, no insomnia, no self‐reported snoring, and no frequent daytime sleepiness were independently associated with incident type 2 diabetes, with a 20%, 18%, 16%, and 31% lower risk, respectively. About 33.8% and 33.5% of type 2 diabetes events in this cohort could be attributed to NAFLD and poor sleep pattern, respectively. Participants with NAFLD and poor sleep pattern showed the highest risk of type 2 diabetes (relative risk 3.17, 95% confidence interval 2.80, 3.59). Sleep pattern (healthy, intermediate, and poor) did not significantly modify the association between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes. However, when studying separately, we found a significant interaction between NAFLD and insomnia on the risk of incident type 2 diabetes (P for interaction = 0.003).

Conclusion

In this large prospective study, both NAFLD and some sleep behaviors were risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Although overall sleep pattern did not modify the association between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes, certain sleep behavior, especially insomnia, showed the modification effect.
Association between cognitive impairment and oral anticancer agent use in older patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Pritchard Jessica E. , Wilson Lauren E. , Miller Samuel M. , Greiner Melissa A. , Cohen Harvey Jay , Kaye Deborah R. , Zhang Tian , Dinan Michaela A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Kidney cancer is the fastest‐growing cancer diagnosis in the developed world. About 16% of new cases are stage IV, which has a low five‐year survival rate. Many patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are older and may have mild cognitive impairment or dementia (MCI/D). Given prior reports of patients with dementia initiating less cancer therapy and the importance of oral anticancer agents (OAAs) in mRCC treatment, we investigated the prevalence of preexisting MCI/D in patients with mRCC and their OAA use.

Methods

SEER‐Medicare patients were analyzed who were ≥65 years, diagnosed with mRCC between 2007 and 2015, and had Medicare part D coverage. Patterns and predictors of (a) OAA utilization within the 12 months following mRCC diagnosis and (b) adherence (percent of days covered [PDC] ≥ 80%) during the first 90 days following treatment initiation were assessed.

Results

Of the 2792 eligible patients, 268 had preexisting MCI/D, and 907 initiated OAA treatment within 12 months of mRCC diagnosis. Patients with preexisting MCI/D were less likely to begin an OAA than those without MCI/D (fully‐adjusted HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38–0.76). Among OAA initiators, a preexisting MCI/D diagnosis did not alter the likelihood that a person would be adherent (adjusted RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.55–1.28).

Conclusions

Patients with preexisting MCI/D were half as likely to start an OAA during the year following mRCC diagnosis than patients without comorbid MCI/D. The 90‐day adherence of OAA initiators was not significantly different between those with and without preexisting MCI/D. In light of this, clinicians should assess mRCC patients for cognitive impairment and take steps to optimize OAA utilization by those with MCI/D.
Differentially expressed EREG and SPP1 are independent prognostic markers in cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Leilei , Nan Fangfang , Yang Lijuan , Dong Yanjun , Tian Yongjie
Published: May 2022

Aims

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most frequent malignancies of the female reproductive system. The malignant mechanism of SCC has not been totally clarified. We aimed to discover a list of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to identify the malignant mechanism of cervical SCC.

Method

Three expression chips (GSE7803, GSE9750, and GSE64217) were downloaded from gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets. After standardization, 50 cervical SCC tumor tissues and 33 normal cervical tissues (NCTs) were included for DEGs and clustering analysis. RobustRankAggreg (RRA) algorithm was used to extract the overlapping DEGs. Gene function and signaling pathway analysis was implemented based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway databases. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis and prognostic analysis were also carried out to identify the DEGs as prognostic markers for cervical SCC.

Results

Totally 100 DEGs were obtained from GSE7803, 319 DEGs from GSE9750, and 1639 DEGs from GSE64217. RRA analysis uncovered 17 upregulated DEGs and 25 downregulated DEGs. GO and KEGG analysis showed DEGs were involved in the mediation of extracellular functions, cell–cell interactions, and cell metabolism. PPI network showed a close interaction among the integrated DEGs. Prognostic analysis showed gene secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) and epiregulin (EREG) genes were independent prognostic predictors of cervical SCC.

Conclusion

The gene expression profile was changed in cervical SCC tumor tissues compared to NCTs. SPP1 and EREG were postulated as prognostic markers for cervical SCC, which might be potential targets for clinical therapy of cervical SCC.
Hepatitis C virus eradication ameliorates the prognosis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib
Authors: Kuwano Akifumi , Yada Masayoshi , Nagasawa Shigehiro , Tanaka Kosuke , Morita Yusuke , Masumoto Akihide , Motomura Kenta
Published: May 2022

The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence following hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication has been previously reported, but the impact of HCV eradication on advanced HCC patient survival remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of HCV eradication on the survival outcome of patients with advanced HCC treated with sorafenib. One hundred and three HCV‐related advanced HCC patients who were treated with sorafenib were enrolled in this study. Of these, 43 patients were administered antiviral therapy before sorafenib treatment (HCV eradication group), while 60 patients remained HCV‐infected (HCV non‐eradication group). We analysed the impact of HCV eradication on survival in advanced HCC treated with sorafenib. Median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the HCV eradication group than in the HCV non‐eradication group (24.0 months vs. 14.1 months; p = 0.001). Although there was no significant difference in the albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) score at the start of treatment between the HCV eradication group and the non‐eradication group (p = 0.065), the ALBI score at 2 months after initiation of sorafenib treatment was significantly decreased in the HCV non‐eradication group (p < 0.001), but not in the HCV eradication group (p = 0.121). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed HCV eradication (hazard ratio [HR], 0.5; p = 0.006) and ALBI score at the start of treatment (HR, 2.47; p = 0.002) as factors that may contribute to OS. HCV eradication may serve an important role in the survival outcome of advanced HCC patients treated with sorafenib.
A novel chemical inhibitor of polar auxin transport promotes shoot regeneration by local enhancement of HD‐ZIP III transcription
Authors: Yang Saiqi , de Haan Marjolein , Mayer Julius , Janacek Dorina P. , Hammes Ulrich Z. , Poppenberger Brigitte , Sieberer Tobias
Published: May 2022

De novo shoot organogenesis is a prerequisite for numerous applications in plant research and breeding but is often a limiting factor, for example, in genome editing approaches. Class III homeodomain‐leucine zipper (HD‐ZIP III) transcription factors have been characterized as crucial regulators of shoot specification, however up‐stream components controlling their activity during shoot regeneration are only partially identified.

In a chemical genetic screen, we isolated ZIC2, a novel activator of HD‐ZIP III activity. Using molecular, physiological and hormone transport analyses in Arabidopsis and sunflower (Helianthus annuus), we examined the molecular mechanism by which the drug promotes HD‐ZIP III expression.

ZIC2‐dependent upregulation of HD‐ZIP III transcription promotes shoot regeneration in Arabidopsis and is accompanied by the induction of shoot specifying factors WUS and RAP2.6L and a subset of cytokinin biosynthesis enzymes. ZIC2’s effect on HD‐ZIP III expression and regeneration is based on its ability to limit polar auxin transport. We further provide evidence that chemical modulation of auxin efflux can enhance de novo shoot formation in the regeneration recalcitrant species sunflower.

Activation of HD‐ZIP III transcription during shoot regeneration depends on the local distribution of auxin and chemical modulation of auxin transport can be used to overcome poor shoot organogenesis in tissue culture.
Factors determining the myopia control effect of an orthokeratology lens: A two‐year multi‐level model
Authors: Chen Xiaohang , Xiong Yan , Liu Fengyang , Wang Jianglan , Yang Bi , Liu Longqian
Published: May 2022

Purpose

A multi‐level model was used to analyse factors, including environmental factors, affecting the controlling effect of orthokeratology on myopia progression.

Methods

A 2‐year prospective study was conducted in the West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Age, sex, height, baseline spherical equivalent refraction, choroidal thickness, axial length and other biometric ocular parameters were collected. Additionally, data on the following environmental factors were obtained: near‐work distance and time, sleep time and time spent outdoors. After the baseline measurements, participants were followed up every 3 months for 2 years of lens wear. The primary outcome measure was axial length elongation over 2 years of orthokeratology. All variables were included in a univariate, three‐level analysis model with inclusion in the final multivariate multi‐level model if statistically significant.

Results

Thirty‐three participants (average age 9.73 ± 1.55 years) were included in this study. During the 2‐year period of lens wearing, binocular changes in axial length increased significantly from the ninth month and continued until the end of the follow‐up. Changes in axial length after 2 years of lens wearing were 0.44 ± 0.30 mm and 0.37 ± 0.26 mm in the right and left eyes, respectively (both p < 0.001). Based on the 2‐year multi‐level model, age, sex, baseline spherical equivalent refraction, flatter keratometry meridian and near‐work time influence the effect of orthokeratology.

Conclusions

This is the first study to use a multi‐level model to analyse factors, including environmental factors, that affect myopia control using orthokeratology. These results showed that younger age, being female, having lower myopia at baseline, a steeper flattest keratometry meridian and no more than 5 h of near work per day were associated with better myopia control effect using orthokeratology over a 2‐year treatment period.
Stem small vascular bundles have greater accumulation and translocation of non‐structural carbohydrates than large vascular bundles in rice
Authors: Zhang Guo , Cui Kehui , Li Guohui , Pan Junfeng , Huang Jianliang , Peng Shaobing
Published: May 2022

Phloem unloading and loading are associated with stem non‐structural carbohydrates (NSCs) accumulation and remobilization in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Four rice recombinant inbred lines (R032, R191, R046, and R146) derived from a cross between Zhenshan 97 and Minghui 63 were used to investigate the contributions of stem large and small vascular bundles (SVBs) to NSCs accumulation and translocation. Before heading, the parenchyma cells in stem cortex tissues (PCs) surrounding SVBs had higher starch density than those surrounding large vascular bundles (LVBs). Moreover, the protein levels of sucrose transporters (SUTs), cell wall invertase, sucrose synthase, and adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase, as well as the phloem plasmodesma densities were higher in SVBs than those in LVBs. After heading, starch density decreased more in PCs surrounding SVBs than in LVBs. Also, the protein levels of SUTs, α‐amylase, sucrose phosphate synthase and sucrose synthase, the phloem plasmodesma densities in SVBs were higher than those in LVBs. The correlations of the number and total cross‐sectional area of SVBs with mass and contribution to yield of transferred NSCs were higher than those of LVBs. Our results suggest that SVBs may have higher contributions to pre‐anthesis stem NSCs accumulation and post‐anthesis translocation than LVBs, which is potentially attributed to the high level of protein and enzyme involved in stem unloading and loading via apoplastic and symplastic pathways.
Genome‐wide identification of catfish antimicrobial peptides: A new perspective to enhance fish disease resistance
Authors: Wang Jinhai , Su Baofeng , Dunham Rex A.
Published: May 2022

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defence peptides, are evolutionarily ancient defensive weapons that can combat infections caused by pathogens. Fish‐derived AMPs have shown microbicidal properties, host immunomodulatory responses, and are induced by a variety of factors, especially pathogenic infection and abiotic stress, which may activate downstream signalling pathways to initiate the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes. Large‐scale genome sequencing has been applied in many aquatic animals, providing databases for the systematic identification of putative AMPs in these species. Recently, the whole genome and the proteome of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were released; by taking advantage of the antimicrobial peptide database and combining the proteome of catfish, we established a bioinformatic analysis pipeline to identify catfish AMP repertoire. This review introduces an effective method for the identification and development of putative AMPs based on protein datasets, and summarizes the structural properties, immunomodulation and molecular responses in vivo of catfish AMPs. In addition, the evaluation of the antibacterial activity of synthetic or isolated AMPs in vitro, and the applications of AMPs in fish via genetic engineering and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated proteins system (CRISPR/Cas9) were presented, which supports antimicrobial research and aquaculture therapy. The summary and comparison of these AMPs will enhance our understanding and their cross‐species applications. Combined with current genetic engineering and genome editing techniques, it is possible to promote the development of immune processes to protect valuable aquatic animals from infectious diseases.
Effect of addition of l‐carnitine to cryopreservation extender on rabbit post‐thaw semen parameters, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial function, apoptosis and ultrastructure changes
Authors: Abdelnour Sameh A. , Hassan Mahmoud A.E. , El‐Ratel Ibrahim T. , Essawi Walaa M. , El‐Raghi Ali Ali , Lu Yangqing , Sheiha Asmaa M.
Published: May 2022

l‐Carnitine (LC) is considered to be a natural antioxidant agent that could be used to improve the efficiency of reproduction. However, the precise machinery of the effect of LC supplementation on frozen–thawed rabbit sperm has not been evaluated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of LC to a freezing medium on parameters and ultrastructure changes in frozen–thawed rabbit sperm. Rabbit bucks (7 months of age) were involved, and semen was collected using the artificial vagina method. Pooled rabbit semen was cryopreserved in a tris yolk fructose extender without any supplement (LC0, control group) or with LC at levels of 1, 2 or 4 mM (LC1, LC2 and LC4, respectively). The samples were then loaded into 0.25‐ml straws and frozen over liquid nitrogen vapours before being plunged into the liquid nitrogen and stored at −196°C until evaluation. Data showed that the addition of LC significantly increased sperm motility, viability and membrane function, while sperm abnormalities decreased (p < .001). Sperm‐like apoptosis (early, late and necrosis spermatozoa) was lower in the LC4 group compared with the other groups. l‐Carnitine addition significantly enhanced the total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxide activities and significantly reduced the protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde levels compared with the control group. Moreover, electron microscopy images demonstrated that LC addition (2 or 4 mM) preserved the acrosome and plasma membrane and protected the ultrastructure integrity of the cryopreserved spermatozoa in relation to the control group. Spermatozoa treated with LC exhibited higher mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) values compared with the control group. We conclude that the addition of LC (4 mM) to the freezing extender enhanced the quality, increased the antioxidant capabilities, preserved the ultrastructure integrity and reduced lipid and protein peroxidation as well as increased MMP activity of frozen–thawed rabbit sperm.
The CaPti1–CaERF3 module positively regulates resistance of Capsicum annuum to bacterial wilt disease by coupling enhanced immunity and dehydration tolerance
Authors: Shi Lanping , Li Xia , Weng Yahong , Cai Hanyang , Liu Kaisheng , Xie Baixue , Ansar Hussain , Guan Deyi , He Shuilin , Liu Zhiqin
Published: May 2022

Bacterial wilt, a severe disease involving vascular system blockade, is caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. Although both plant immunity and dehydration tolerance might contribute to disease resistance, whether and how they are related remains unclear. Herein, we showed that immunity against R. solanacearum and dehydration tolerance are coupled and regulated by the CaPti1–CaERF3 module. CaPti1 and CaERF3 are members of the serine/threonine protein kinase and ethylene‐responsive factor families, respectively. Expression profiling revealed that CaPti1 and CaERF3 were upregulated by R. solanacearum inoculation, dehydration stress, and exogenously applied abscisic acid (ABA). They in turn phenocopied each other in promoting resistance of pepper (Capsicum annuum) to bacterial wilt not only by activating salicylic acid‐dependent CaPR1, but also by activating dehydration tolerance‐related CaOSM1 and CaOSR1 and inducing stomatal closure to reduce water loss in an ABA signaling‐dependent manner. Our yeast two hybrid assay showed that CaERF3 interacted with CaPti1, which was confirmed using co‐immunoprecipitation, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and pull‐down assays. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that upon R. solanacearum inoculation, CaPR1, CaOSM1, and CaOSR1 were directly targeted and positively regulated by CaERF3 and potentiated by CaPti1. Additionally, our data indicated that the CaPti1–CaERF3 complex might act downstream of ABA signaling, as exogenously applied ABA did not alter regulation of stomatal aperture by the CaPti1–CaERF3 module. Importantly, the CaPti1–CaERF3 module positively affected pepper growth and the response to dehydration stress. Collectively, the results suggested that immunity and dehydration tolerance are coupled and positively regulated by CaPti1–CaERF3 in pepper plants to enhance resistance against R. solanacearum.
2022 Update of the Consensus on the Rational Use of Antithrombotics and Thrombolytics in Veterinary Critical Care (CURATIVE) Domain 1‐ Defining populations at risk
Authors: deLaforcade Armelle , Bacek Lenore , Blais Marie‐Claude , Boyd Corrin , Brainard Benjamin M , Chan Daniel L. , Cortellini Stefano , Goggs Robert , Hoareau Guillaume L , Koenigshof Amy , Li Ron , Lynch Alex , Ralph Alan , Rozanski Elizabeth , Sharp Claire R
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To expand the number of conditions and interventions explored for their associations with thrombosis in the veterinary literature and to provide the basis for prescribing recommendations.

Design

A population exposure comparison outcome format was used to represent patient, exposure, comparison, and outcome. Population Exposure Comparison Outcome questions were distributed to worksheet authors who performed comprehensive searches, summarized the evidence, and created guideline recommendations that were reviewed by domain chairs. The revised guidelines then underwent the Delphi survey process to reach consensus on the final guidelines. Diseases evaluated in this iteration included heartworm disease (dogs and cats), immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (cats), protein‐losing nephropathy (cats), protein‐losing enteropathy (dogs and cats), sepsis (cats), hyperadrenocorticism (cats), liver disease (dogs), congenital portosystemic shunts (dogs and cats) and the following interventions: IV catheters (dogs and cats), arterial catheters (dogs and cats), vascular access ports (dogs and cats), extracorporeal circuits (dogs and cats) and transvenous pacemakers (dogs and cats).

Results

Of the diseases evaluated in this iteration, a high risk for thrombosis was defined as heartworm disease or protein‐losing enteropathy. Low risk for thrombosis was defined as dogs with liver disease, cats with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia, protein‐losing nephropathy, sepsis, or hyperadrenocorticism.

Conclusions

Associations with thrombosis are outlined for various conditions and interventions and provide the basis for management recommendations. Numerous knowledge gaps were identified that represent opportunities for future studies.
Experimental Study of Heat Extraction and Soil Recovery During Space Heating Application Using Ground Source Heat Pump System
Authors: Kumar Satish , Murugesan Krishnan
Published: May 2022

The present research paper reports experimental results on the coupled phenomena of heat extraction and heat recovery by a double U-tube borehole heat exchanger (BHE) and its thermal performance for space heating application using a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system. Experiments were performed on a 5-ton cooling capacity GSHP system installed at Roorkee located in the northern part of India, during peak and moderate winter seasons. The heat interaction by the GSHP system with the ground is achieved by five double U-tube BHEs and one single U-tube BHE of 120 m depth each. Experimental trials were conducted for parallel and series flow of heat transfer fluid (water) in the BHE. Temperature of water and power consumption by the GSHP was monitored continuously during heat extraction for 12 h and heat recovery of soil as well. For the peak winter season, during heat extraction, a 5 °C temperature rise was observed in BHE water for series connection, which is about 10% higher than that of the parallel case. Maximum heat extraction of 14.8 kW was obtained for the series connection, which is 20% higher than the parallel one, thus resulting in a 20% higher value of the overall coefficient of performance (COP) of the system for series mode compared to the parallel mode operation during the peak winter season. However, the ground near the BHE has taken lesser time for heat recovery in parallel mode compared to the series mode.
High energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra of Si3N4 measured by Cr Kα
Authors: Hoflijk I. , Vanleenhove A. , Vaesen I. , Zborowski C. , Artyushkova K. , Conard T.
Published: May 2022

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on Si was analyzed using high-resolution high-energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The HAXPES spectra of Si3N4 obtained using monochromatic Cr Kα radiation at 5414.8 eV include two survey scans (Al Kα and Cr Kα) and high-resolution spectra of Si 2p, Si 2s, Si 1s, and N 1s.
Infrasound direction of arrival determination using a balloon-borne aeroseismometer
Authors: Bowman Daniel C. , Rouse Jerry W. , Krishnamoorthy Siddharth , Silber Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2022

Free-floating balloons are an emerging platform for infrasound recording, but they cannot host arrays sufficiently wide for multi-sensor acoustic direction finding techniques. Because infrasound waves are longitudinal, the balloon motion in response to acoustic loading can be used to determine the signal azimuth. This technique, called “aeroseismometry,” permits sparse balloon-borne networks to geolocate acoustic sources. This is demonstrated by using an aeroseismometer on a stratospheric balloon to measure the direction of arrival of acoustic waves from successive ground chemical explosions. A geolocation algorithm adapted from hydroacoustics is then used to calculate the location of the explosions.
Evaluation of Tebipenem Hydrolysis by β-Lactamases Prevalent in Complicated Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Sun Zhizeng , Su Lynn , Cotroneo Nicole , Critchley Ian , Pucci Michael , Jain Akash , Palzkill Timothy
Published: May 2022

Tebipenem pivoxil is the first orally available carbapenem antibiotic and has been approved in Japan for treating ear, nose, and throat and respiratory infections in pediatric patients. Its active moiety, tebipenem, has shown potent antimicrobial activity
in vitro
against clinical isolates of
Enterobacterales
species from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs), including those producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and/or AmpC β-lactamase.
Host-Associated Phages Disperse across the Extraterrestrial Analogue Antarctica
Authors: Rahlff Janina , Bornemann Till L. V. , Lopatina Anna , Severinov Konstantin , Probst Alexander J.
Published: May 2022

Host-associated phages of the bacterium
Ralstonia
identified in snow samples can be used to track microbial dispersal over thousands of kilometers across the Antarctic continent, which functions as an extraterrestrial analogue because of its harsh environmental conditions. Due to the presence of these bacteria carrying genome-integrated prophages on space-related equipment and the potential for dispersal of host-associated phages demonstrated here, our work has implications for planetary protection, a discipline in astrobiology interested in preventing contamination of celestial bodies with alien biomolecules or forms of life.
Diagnosis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis: No Benefit of IgA Antibody Detection by Platelia ELISA in a Tricentric Evaluation
Authors: Lévêque Maude F. , Albaba Sahar , Arrada Neïla , Avignon Marine , Sasso Milène , Fillaux Judith , Lachaud Laurence
Published: May 2022

The diagnostic accuracy of a commercial
Toxoplasma gondii
IgA antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was evaluated in the context of routine practice on 289 newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) and 220 healthy controls. The performance of this assay was compared to that of the current gold-standard test for anti-
Toxoplasma
IgM detection, an immunosorbent agglutination assay (ISAGA).
TARDBP Inhibits Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Replication through Degrading Viral Nucleocapsid Protein and Activating Type I Interferon Signaling
Authors: Dong Sujie , Kong Ning , Zhang Yu , Li Youwen , Sun Dage , Qin Wenzhen , Zhai Huanjie , Zhai Xueying , Yang Xinyu , Ye Chenqian , Ye Manqing , Liu Changlong , Yu Lingxue , Zheng Hao , Tong Wu , Yu Hai , Zhang Wen , Tong Guangzhi , Shan Tongling
Published: May 2022

PEDV refers to the highly contagious enteric coronavirus that has quickly spread globally and generated substantial financial damage to the global swine industry. During virus infection, the host regulates the innate immunity and autophagy process to inhibit virus infection.
Polymicrobial Interactions of Oral Microbiota: a Historical Review and Current Perspective
Authors: Zhang Mengshi , Whiteley Marvin , Lewin Gina R.
Published: May 2022

The oral microbiota is enormously diverse, with over 700 microbial species identified across individuals that play a vital role in the health of our mouth and our overall well-being. In addition, as oral diseases such as caries (cavities) and periodontitis (gum disease) are mediated through interspecies microbial interactions, this community serves as an important model system to study the complexity and dynamics of polymicrobial interactions.
Long-Term Compost Amendment Spurs Cellulose Decomposition by Driving Shifts in Fungal Community Composition and Promoting Fungal Diversity and Phylogenetic Relatedness
Authors: Miao Yuncai , Li Junjie , Li Ye , Niu Yuhui , He Tiehu , Liu Deyan , Ding Weixin
Published: May 2022

Cellulose is a very rich component in plant biomass and an important precursor of soil organic matter formation. Fungal communities are known to be important drivers of organic carbon accumulation in arable soils.
Complete Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Siphophage Siara
Authors: Marmion John , Tate Nathaniel , Clark James , Le Tram , Burrowes Ben , Liu Mei
Published: May 2022

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
is associated with an increasing incidence of nosocomial infections. Here, we describe the isolation and genome annotation of
S. maltophilia
siphophage Siara. Its 61,427-bp genome is currently related only to one phage in the NCBI database, namely,
S. maltophilia
phage Salva, and is not related to any prophages.
icaR
and
icaT
are Ancient Chromosome Genes Encoding Substrates of the Type III Secretion Apparatus in Shigella flexneri
Authors: Silué Navoun , Campbell-Valois François-Xavier
Published: May 2022

icaR
and
icaT
are the latest members of the MxiE regulon discovered in the chromosome. The proteins IcaR and IcaT, albeit produced in small amounts, are nonetheless secreted by the T3SA comparably to canonical substrates.
The Lumenal Microbiota Varies Biogeographically in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Yan Yaping , Wang Junfeng , Qiu Shuai , Duan Yanchao , Si Wei
Published: May 2022

For the study of upper gastrointestinal microbiota in humans, endoscopic sampling is the main source of information, which limits the understanding of healthy upper gastrointestinal microbiota. Rhesus monkeys show very close similarity to humans in physiology, genetics, and behavior and act as the most suitable animal models for human diseases.
A CLEIA Antigen Assay in Diagnosis and Follow-Up of SARS-CoV-2-Positive Subjects
Authors: Scarcella Salvatore , Rizzelli Azzurra , Fontana Andrea , Zecca Chiara , Pasanisi Giancarlo , Musio Katia , Putignano Anna Laura , Aprile Valerio , Fedele Alberto , Errico Pierangelo , Copetti Massimiliano , Tassi Vittorio
Published: May 2022

Our work explores the possibility of using a sensible and reliable antigenic test in a wider range of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic and clinical applications. Furthermore, this tool seems particularly promising in follow-up with infected subjects, because while the molecular test frequently yields the persistence of low positivities, raising yet unanswered questions, this antigenic test shows more uniform and faster negativization during the evolution of the infection, somehow paralleling the dynamics of infectivity.
Marine Sponge Endosymbionts: Structural and Functional Specificity of the Microbiome within
Euryspongia arenaria
Cells
Authors: Yang Qi , Cahn Jackson K. B. , Piel Jörn , Song Yue-Fan , Zhang Wei , Lin Hou-Wen
Published: May 2022

Sponges host abundant microbial symbionts that can produce an impressive number of novel bioactive metabolites. However, knowledge on intracellular (endosymbiotic) microbiota is scarce.
Cataract progression after Nd:YAG laser iridotomy in primary angle-closure suspect eyes
Authors: Chang Dolly Shuo-Teh , Jiang Yuzhen , Kim Julia Anne , Huang Shengsong , Munoz Beatriz , Aung Tin , He Mingguang , Foster Paul J , Friedman David
Published: May 2022

Background/Aims

Prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is performed in primary angle-closure suspect (PACS) eyes to prevent acute angle-closure attacks. However, accelerated cataractogenesis is a potential risk of the procedure that may result in decreased visual acuity. We aimed to assess the long-term impact of LPI on cataract formation in Chinese PACS.

Methods

In the Zhongshan Angle Closure Prevention Trial, eligible bilateral PACS participants received LPI in one randomly selected eye, while the fellow eye remained untreated. Cataract was graded using the Lens Opacity Classification System III, and progression was defined as an increase in grade by at least two units in any category or cataract surgery.

Results

In total, 889 participants were randomly assigned to LPI in one eye only (mean age 59±5 years, 83% female). At 72 months, treated eyes had slightly higher average nuclear grades (p<0.001). However, there were no differences between eyes for predefined cataract progression (cumulative probability at 72 months: 21.2% in LPI vs 19.4% in control, p=0.401) or cataract surgery (1% for both). While LPI-treated eyes had a 10% higher risk of progression over 6 years (HR=1.10 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.36)), this was not statistically significant. Visual acuity at 72 months was similar in treated and untreated eyes (p=0.43).

Conclusion

Although lenses were graded on average as slightly more opaque in laser-treated eyes, prophylactic neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet LPI did not cause significant cataract progression. Our results suggest that LPI treatment of asymptomatic narrow angles does not increase the risk of developing clinically meaningful cataract worsening over time.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN45213099.
Direct patient costs of maternal care and birth-related complications at faith-based hospitals in Madagascar: a secondary analysis of programme data using patient invoices
Authors: Franke Mara Anna , Ranaivoson Rinja Mitolotra , Rebaliha Mahery , Rasoarimanana Sahondra , Bärnighausen Till , Knauss Samuel , Emmrich Julius Valentin
Published: May 2022

Objectives

We aimed to determine the rate of catastrophic health expenditure incurred by women using maternal healthcare services at faith-based hospitals in Madagascar.

Design

This was a secondary analysis of programmatic data obtained from a non-governmental organisation.

Setting

Two faith-based, secondary-level hospitals located in rural communities in southern Madagascar.

Participants

All women using maternal healthcare services at the study hospitals between 1 March 2019 and 7 September 2020 were included (n=957 women).

Measures

We collected patient invoices and medical records of all participants. We then calculated the rate of catastrophic health expenditure relative to 10% and 25% of average annual household consumption in the study region.

Results

Overall, we found a high rate of catastrophic health expenditure (10% threshold: 486/890, 54.6%; 25% threshold: 366/890, 41.1%). Almost all women who required surgical care, most commonly a caesarean section, incurred catastrophic health expenditure (10% threshold: 279/280, 99.6%; 25% threshold: 279/280, 99.6%). The rate of catastrophic health expenditure among women delivering spontaneously was 5.7% (14/247; 10% threshold).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that direct patient costs of managing pregnancy and birth-related complications at faith-based hospitals are likely to cause catastrophic health expenditure. Financial risk protection strategies for reducing out-of-pocket payments for maternal healthcare should include faith-based hospitals to improve health-seeking behaviour and ultimately achieve universal health coverage in Madagascar.
Effectiveness and safety of blonanserin for improving social and cognitive functions in patients with first-episode schizophrenia: a study protocol for a prospective, multicentre, single-arm clinical trial
Authors: Pu Chengcheng , Lei Lei , Yang Fude , Deng Hong , Sheng Jianhua , Liu Zhening , Hu Shaohua , Wang Lina , Wu Bin , Bo Qijing , Inoue Yoshifumi , Yu Xin
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Both the pharmacological characteristics of blonanserin and its related small sample size studies suggest that blonanserin could alleviate social and cognitive dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia. However, no large sample size studies have been performed so far. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of blonanserin in improving social and cognitive functions in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, multicentre, single-arm clinical trial. A total of 188 patients with first-episode schizophrenia will be enrolled and will undergo a 0–7 day washout period before blonanserin administration. Doses of blonanserin will first be set to 4 mg P.O. twice per day after meals and gradually increased to 8–16 mg/d P.O., depending on patient’s age and symptoms, for 26 weeks. Maximum dose of blonanserin will not be exceeding 24 mg/day. The primary endpoint of the study is the changes of Personal and Social Performance (PSP) score in patients from baseline to week 26. Secondary endpoints include changes in MATRICS consensus cognitive battery (MCCB), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), grooved pegboard test (GPT), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score and PANSS 5-factor subscale scores. Other endpoints include changes of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) at corresponding visits and MRI results. Moreover, incidence of adverse events, changes in endocrine and metabolic profiles, renal, hepatic and sexual functions and extrapyramidal symptoms will be strictly monitored and recorded.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the ethics committee of the leading site Peking University Sixth Hospital (No. 2018–18), and all included patients are requested to provide written informed consent before enrolment. The study will be conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and follow the principles for clinical research.

Trial registration number

NCT03784222.
Absolute cardiovascular risk scores and medication use in rural India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Birhanu Mulugeta Molla , Evans Roger G , Zengin Ayse , Riddell Michaela , Kalyanram Kartik , Kartik Kamakshi , Suresh Oduru , Thomas Nihal Jacob , Srikanth Velandai K , Thrift Amanda G
Published: May 2022

Objectives

We compared the performance of laboratory-based cardiovascular risk prediction tools in a low-income and middle-income country setting, and estimated the use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications in those deemed at high risk of a cardiovascular event.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study population comprised adult residents (aged ≥18 years) of the Rishi Valley region located in Chittoor District, south-western Andhra Pradesh, India.

Participants

7935 participants were surveyed between 2012 and 2015. We computed the 10-year cardiovascular risk and undertook pair-to-pair analyses between various risk tools used to predict a fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular event (Framingham Risk Score (FRS), World Health Organization Risk Score (WHO-RS) and Australian Risk Score (ARS)), or a fatal cardiovascular event (Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE-high and SCORE-low)). Concordance was assessed by ordinary least-products (OLP) regression (for risk score) and quadratic weighted kappa (κw, for risk category).

Results

Of participants aged 35–74 years, 3.5% had prior cardiovascular disease. The relationships between risk scores were quasi-linear with good agreement between the FRS and ARS (OLP slope=0.96, κw=0.89). However, the WHO-RS underestimated cardiovascular risk compared with all other tools. Twenty per cent of participants had ≥20% risk of an event using the ARS; 5% greater than the FRS and nearly threefold greater than the WHO-RS. Similarly, 16% of participants had a risk score ≥5% using SCORE-high which was 6% greater than for SCORE-low. Overall, absolute cardiovascular risk increased with age and was greater in men than women. Only 9%–12% of those deemed ‘high risk’ were taking lipid-lowering or antihypertensive medication.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular risk prediction tools perform disparately in this setting of disadvantage. Few deemed at high risk were receiving the recommended treatment.
Protocol of mixed-methods assessment of demographic, epidemiological and clinical profile of decentralised patients with cancer at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital and Rob Ferreira Hospital, South Africa
Authors: Chitha Wezile , Jafta Zukiswa , Mnyaka Onke R , Hongoro Danleen , Godlimpi Lizo , Swartbooi Buyiswa , Williams Natasha , Zungu Christopher , Buthi Lazola , Kuseni Sibulelo , Nasila John , Sibulawa Siyabonga , Giwu Olona , Mavimbela Awam , Essel Vivien , Mabunda Sikhumbuzo A
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. However, cancer care services are often concentrated in urban centres. Two of South Africa’s hospitals have decentralised cancer care delivery since February 2018 and August 2019, respectively. This study aims to describe the demographic, epidemiological and clinical profile of various cancers at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH) and Rob Ferreira Hospital (RFH), in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces, respectively.

Methods and analysis

This study will be conducted in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces. A mixed-methods study design will be undertaken to gain insight on the characteristics of randomly sampled patients who are treated for cancer at NMAH and RFH between 1 March 2018 and 28 February 2022. A validated, researcher-administered survey questionnaire will be used to assess demographic characteristics, and prevalence of different cancers among patients. Concurrently, a document review will be undertaken on patients with cancer using a patient registry to ascertain the duration of diagnosis, type of cancer(s), management plan and patient survival time. STATA V.17 will be used for data analysis. The Shapiro-Wilk test will be used to explore the distribution of numerical variables. The χ2or Fisher’s exact tests will be used depending on the value of the expected frequencies to compare categorical variables. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates will be used to determine the survival time. Hazard ratios will be used to determine the predictors of death. The level of statistical significance will be set at p value ≤0.05. The 95% CI will be used for the precision of estimates.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committees of the University of the Witwatersrand (M210211) and Walter Sisulu University, South Africa (Ref: 040/2020). Findings will be reported through peer-reviewed journal(s), presentations at conferences and at partner meetings.