bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Berberine improves hepatic insulin resistance by activating the SIRT1/Opa1 pathway: An in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Xu Jia , Zhang Yining , Yu Zhiyi , Guan Yueqi , Lv Yuqian , Zhang Meishuang , Zhang Ming , Chen Li , Lv Xiaoyan , Guan Fengying
Published: September 2021

Aim: This study explored whether abnormality in the inner mitochondrial membrane fusion protein optic atrophy 1 (Opa1) causes hepatic insulin resistance and whether berberine (BBR) can prevent hepatic insulin resistance through the SIRT1/Opa1 pathway. Method: High-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice and db/db mice were used as animal models to study hepatic insulin resistance in vivo . Insulin resistance, morphological changes, and mitochondrial injury of the liver were examined to explore the effects of BBR. SIRT1/Opa1 protein expressions were determined to confirm whether the signalling pathway was damaged in the model animals and involved in BBR treatment. A palmitate (PA)-induced hepatocyte insulin resistance model was established in HepG2 cells in vitro . Opa1 silencing and SIRT1 overexpression were induced to verify whether Opa1 abnormality causes hepatocyte insulin resistance and whether SIRT1 could improve this dysfunction. BBR treatment and SIRT1 silencing were employed to prove that BBR can prevent hepatic insulin resistance by activating the SIRT1/Opa1 pathway. Results: We found that Opa1 deficiency caused imbalance in mitochondrial fusion/fission and impaired insulin signalling in the HepG2 cells. SIRT1 and BBR overexpression ameliorated PA-induced insulin resistance, increased Opa1, and improved mitochondrial function. SIRT1 silencing could partly reverse the effects of BBR in the HepG2 cells. SIRT1 and Opa1 were downregulated in the animal models. BBR attenuated hepatic insulin resistance and enhanced SIRT1/Opa1 signalling in the the db/db mice. Conclusion: Opa1 silencing-mediated mitochondrial fusion/fission imbalance could lead to hepatocyte insulin resistance. BBR may improve hepatic insulin resistance by regulating the SIRT1/Opa1 pathway, and thus, it may be used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Increased Peripheral Blood Eosinophils may Indicate Acute Infection in Neonates
Authors: Wang Weiying , Zhao Yuan , Yuan Bi-Fen
Published: September 2021

Objective To explore the association between increased blood eosinophils and frequent pathogens due to the infections in children. Methods A total of 2353 children with acute infections admitted to Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from February 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020 were enrolled in the study. 277 children without infections were comprised the control group. Children’s age, peripheral blood parameters including white blood cells, eosinophils, C-reactive protein (CRP) were recorded. In addition, infection stage and departments the patients admitted to were investigated. Results Blood eosinophil numbers negatively correlated with the age of children, whereas had no relation to disease stage. The means of eosinophil for neonates (<0.1 year)，infancy (<1year) and children >1year with acute infections were 0.67±0.40, 0.40±0.68, 0.15±0.25 *109/L compared with control group matched for age(0.44±0.20, 0.45±0.27, 0.24±0.19*109/L, P <0.001, <0.001, 0.497, respectively). Among them, the mean of eosinophil in the neonates afflicted with acute infections was significantly higher than the others compared to age-matched controls (0.63±0.60 vs 0.44±0.20, P= 0.012). Areas under the curves (AUC) were 0.81 (95% CI 0.75–0.86) for eosinophil combined with CRP and 0.68 (95% CI 0.61–0.75) for CRP alone for acute infections in neonates (P=0.02). Patients admitted in ICU had higher eosinophils than outpatients (0.46±0.60 vs 0.16±0.24, P <0.001) but had no significant difference compared with control group (0.45±0.20, P >0.99). Conclusion Increased peripheral blood eosinophils may indicate acute infections among neonates. Eosinophil combined with CRP can contribute to evaluating this population.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression, Prognostic Value and Correlations with Immune Infiltration of PBX Family Members in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hu Yanping , Shen Yihang
Published: September 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer is the third commonest cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths globally. The Pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor (PBX) family plays an essential biological role in the growth and development of the organism. PBX genes have been found to be implicated in the tumorigenesis of a variety of human tumors through multiple pathways, but its function in colorectal cancer is unclear. Methods: The expression pattern, prognostic value and relationship with immune infiltration of PBX genes in patients with colorectal cancer were investigated using the Oncomine, GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier Plotter and TIMER databases. In addition, gene mutation and interaction analysis of PBX family members in colorectal cancer patients using cBioPortal and GeneMANIA databases, respectively.Results: We revealed that a significantly lower expression level of PBX1, PBX2 and PBX3 in colorectal cancer tissues than in normal tissues, and the expression levels of PBX1 and PBX2 were significantly correlated with clinical tumor stage. Furthermore, survival analysis showed that high transcript levels of PBX4 were associated with overall survival in colon cancer patients, while low levels of PBX2 predicted improved disease-free survival in rectal cancer patients. In addition, in colon and rectal cancers, PBX proteins were notably associated with infiltration of multiple immune cells, including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, B cells, and dendritic cells.Conclusion: These findings implies that PBX1 and PBX3 are potential targets for precision therapy of colorectal cancer patients and that PBX2 and PBX4 may be new prognostic markers for colorectal cancer patients.
High Performance Silicon Electrode Enabled by Titanicone Coating
Authors: Huertas Zahilia Cabán , Ramirez Daniel Settipani , Flox Cristina , Morante Joan Ramon , Kallio Tanja , Biendicho Jordi Jacas
Published: September 2021

This paper presents the electrochemical performance and characterization of nano Si electrodes coated with titanicone (TiGL) as an anode for Li-ion batteries. Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) of the metal combined with the Molecular Layer Deposition (MLD) of the organic precursor is used to prepare coated electrodes at different temperatures with improved performance compared to the uncoated Si electrode. Coated electrodes prepared at 150° C delivers the highest capacity and best current response of 1800-1 mAhg-1 at 0.1 C and 150 mAhg-1 at 20 C. This represented a substantial improvement compared to the Si baseline which delivers a capacity of 1100 mAhg-1 at 0.1C but fails to deliver capacity at 20C. Moreover, the optimized coated electrode shows an outstanding capacity of 1200-1 at 1C for 350 cycles with a capacity decay of 93%. The improved discharge capacity, electrode efficiencies, rate capability and electrochemical stability for the Si-based electrode presented in this manuscript are directly correlated to the optimized TiGL coating layer deposited by the ALD/MLD processes, which enhances lithium kinetics as demonstrated by equivalent circuit analysis and low frequency data fitting. The coating strategy also stabilizes SEI film formation with better Coulombic efficiencies and improves long cycling stability by reducing capacity lost.
Enhanced Activity of Alzheimer Disease-associated Variant of
Protein Kinase Cα Drives Cognitive Decline
Authors: Lorden Gema , Wozniak Jacob , Doré Kim , Dozier Lara , Cates-Gatto Chelsea , Patrick Gentry , Gonzalez David , Roberts Amanda , Tanzi Rudolph , Newton Alexandra
Published: September 2021

Exquisitely tuned activity of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes is essential to maintaining cellular homeostasis. Whereas loss-of-function mutations are generally associated with cancer, gain-of-function variants in one isozyme, PKCα, are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here we show that the enhanced activity of one variant, PKCα M489V, is sufficient to rewire the brain phosphoproteome, drive synaptic degeneration, and impair cognition in a mouse model. This variant causes a modest 30% increase in catalytic activity without altering on/off activation dynamics or stability, underscoring that enhanced catalytic activity is sufficient to drive the biochemical, cellular, and ultimately cognitive effects observed. Analysis of hippocampal neurons from the PKCα M489V mice reveals enhanced amyloid-β-induced synaptic depression and reduced spine density compared to wild-type mice. Behavioral studies reveal that this mutation alone is sufficient to impair cognition, and, when coupled to a mouse model of AD, further accelerates cognitive decline. The druggability of protein kinases positions PKCα as a new and promising therapeutic target in AD.
Design and Kinematic Analysis of a 4-SPS/U-based Four-level Rigid Trunk Mechanism
Authors: Pan Yi tao , Liu Gang Feng , Fan Jizhuang , Wang Shu Qi , Chen Yuan Yuan
Published: September 2021

A 4-SPS/U four-level rigid trunk mechanism, with SPS as the driving branch and U as the middle constrained driven branch, is innovatively proposed in this paper. It can improve the flexibility of hexapod mobile robots in posture adjustment in various motion modes such as walking, water propulsion, climbing, and rolling. Firstly, the screw theory is adopted to calculate the degree of freedom of the 4-SPS/U four-level rigid trunk mechanism. Secondly, a combination of closed vector method and decoupling method of eigenstructure assignment has been applied to constructing the inverse kinematics solution, and deriving the velocity and acceleration models as well as analyzing the high posture flexibility in workspace of the trunk mechanism. Thirdly, theoretical simulation data diagram of the movement branch chain displacement, end height, speed and acceleration of the trunk mechanism are calculated through theoretical numerical examples, and the excellent motion characteristics of the 4-SPS/U type four-level rigid trunk mechanism are analyzed. Finally, a quantitative comparison was made between the theoretical simulation data and the experimental data of the experimental prototype. The error rates of the variation curves of the displacement length, height, velocity and acceleration of the driving branch chain were 0.8%, 0.2%, 0.5% and 0.9%, which verified the correctness and reliability of the theoretical derivation.
Documentation of Body Mass Index is Associated with an Improvement of Mortality in Sepsis: Analysis of MIMIC-III Database
Authors: Wang Yuting , Ma Jiefei , Lin Xiaoming W , Huang Ting , Xie Rongcheng , Lin Xuefeng , Hong Xiangyu , Zhang Lianfang
Published: September 2021

Purpose: While improving outcomes in septic patients is currently becoming one of the hot research topics, the contribution of a body mass index (BMI) medical record to altering outcomes among septic patients in intensive care units (ICU) has not been examined. This study was designed to examine the association of BMI record with mortality specifically in ICU septic patients.Methods: The MIMIC-III database was employed to identify septic patients who had or had not measured height and weight to calculate BMI. Propensity score analysis was used to minimize confounders. The comparative risks of outcomes were further adjusted in the matched cohort with the use of a Cox proportional-hazards regression model. Kaplan-Meier survivor curve was plotted for outcomes in the propensity-score-matched cohort.Results: Among 10418 eligible septic patients, 4157 patients who had measured height and weight (BMI group) and 4157 patients who had not measured height and weight (No-BMI group) had similar propensity score. Significant benefit in terms of hospital mortality was observed among BMI group, compared to No-BMI group (19.24% vs. 24.44%, p<0.001). 30-day mortality (20.30% vs. 26.36%, p<0.001) and 1 year mortality (38.66% vs. 44.17%, p<0.001) was significantly higher in No-BMI group.Conclusions: In a general population of critically ill patients with sepsis, documentation of BMI is associated with an improvement of mortality
Rituximab and Dupilumab Improve Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis With Multiple Pulmonary Thrombi
Authors: Adachi Sei , Oshikata Chiyako , Kaneko Takeshi , Tsurikisawa Naomi
Published: September 2021

BackgroundEosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is characterized by a necrotizing vasculitis with tissue and peripheral blood eosinophilia affecting small and medium-sized arteries, capillaries, and veins. Venous thromboembolic events have occurred in 19 of 232 (8.2%) patients with EGPA. However, there are only a few reported cases of EGPA complicated by pulmonary embolism or infarction. Case presentationWe report the case of a 43-year-old woman with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis patient with acute respiratory and heart failure due to bilateral pulmonary artery thrombosis and left femoral vein thrombosis in addition to cardiac involvement as myocarditis, pericardial effusion, and diastolic dysfunction, gastrointestinal symptoms and peripheral neuropathy 12 years after disease onset. The condition was refractory to treatment with systemic corticosteroids, intravenous cyclophosphamide, and mepolizumab, but the acute cardiac failure associated with the thrombosis, cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms, and multiple polyneuropathy improved after a switch to rituximab. But her heart failure did not improve sufficiently, she continued to need oxygen inhalation at 1 L/min and asthma exacerbations occurred. We changed the patient’s treatment with mepolizumab to dupilumab. Not only did she have no asthma attacks after switching to dupilumab, but also her vasculitis symptoms improved. Oxygen therapy was discontinued as heart failure improved five months after starting the dupilumab. ConclusionsThis may be the first case report of the successful treatment of pulmonary thromboembolism associated with EGPA by rituximab. In addition, in this patient, treatment with dupilumab was effective not only for the asthma symptoms but also for the symptoms of vasculitis.
Effective Adsorptive Removal of Methylene Blue from Water Using Wood- Plastic Composite Containing High Density Polyethylene and Wood Particles
Authors: Ranjbarha Zahra , Aliabad Javad Mokhtari , Aberoomand-Azar Parviz , Mirmohammadi Seyed Amin , Saber-Tehrani Mohammad
Published: September 2021

In this study, the ability to remove methylene blue cation pigment using wood-plastic composite containing high density polyethylene and wood powder as a recycled material was studied. The effect of some important parameters such as pH, adsorbent amount and contact time were investigated. Adsorption efficiencies for methylene blue was maximized at alkaline pH. Adsorption capacity increased with increasing adsorbent amount and contact time. The value of R2 in Langmuir model was equal to 1 and the separation factor for 0.5 and 1 g of adsorbent were 0.09 and 0.1, respectively. Given that the methylene blue adsorption data were more consistent with the Langmuir isotherm model, it can be stated that the wood-plastic composite probably has uniform adsorption surfaces and the adsorption process occurred in homogeneous system on the adsorbent surface. Based on the results of this study, it was observed that this composite is a suitable adsorbent for removing methylene blue from aqueous solutions and used as a purifying agent in the decolorization of effluents containing pigments. This adsorbent is recyclable and is cost-effective to remove dye from textile industry wastewater.
Adaptive Backstepping Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode Control of Servo System Based on New Sliding Mode and Reaching Law
Authors: zhu Qixin , Wang Jiaqi , Zhu Yonghong
Published: September 2021

Aiming at the problem that the control accuracy of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) servo system is easily affected by parameter uncertainty, an adaptive backstepping nonlinear nonsingular terminal sliding mode control (ABNNTSMC) method is proposed in this paper. Based on the existing fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode, a new piecewise nonlinear nonsingular terminal sliding mode is proposed to improve the convergence speed and ensure the steady-state accuracy. At the same time, a new reaching law with attenuation term is proposed to reduce the vibration gradually. Finally, the adaptive law is used to estimate the moment of inertia and viscous friction coefficient of the system to improve the robustness of the system. Simulation results show that ABNNTSMC has higher steady-state accuracy and smaller vibration compared with several existing results.
Liquid Droplet Impact on a Sonically Excited Thin Membrane
Authors: Abubakar Abba , Yilbas Bekir , Al-Qahtani Hussain , Alzaydi Ammar
Published: September 2021

Impacting droplet characteristics on hydrophobic surfaces can be altered by introducing surface oscillations. Impacting water droplet contact duration, spreading, retraction, and rebounding behaviors are examined at various sonic excitation frequencies of the hydrophobic membrane. Membrane oscillation and droplet behavior are analyzed by utilizing a high-speed camera. The restitution coefficient and membrane dynamics are formulated and the findings are compared with those of the experiments. It is found that the mode of membrane oscillation changes as the sonic excitation frequency is changed. The droplet spreading and retraction rates reduce while rebound height and restitution coefficient increase at a sonic excitation frequency of 75 Hz. However, further increase of the excitation frequency results in reduced rebound height because of increased energy dissipation on the impacted surface. The droplet contact (transition time) duration reduces as the excitation frequency increases. Increasing droplet Weber number enhances the droplet contact period on the membrane, which becomes more apparent at low frequencies of sonic excitation.
Optimal State Space Reconstruction via Monte Carlo Decision Tree Search
Authors: Kraemer Kai Hauke , Gelbrecht Maximilian , Pavithran Induja , Sujith R.I. , Marwan Norbert
Published: September 2021

A novel idea for an optimal time delay state space reconstruction from uni- and multivariate time series is presented. The entire embedding process is considered as a game, in which each move corresponds to an embedding cycle and is subject to an evaluation through an objective function. This way the embedding procedure can be modeled as a tree, in which each leaf holds a specific value of the objective function. By using a Monte Carlo ansatz the proposed algorithm populates the tree with many leafs by computing different possible embedding paths and the final embedding is chosen as that particular path, which ends at the leaf with the lowest achieved value of the objective function. The method aims to prevent getting stuck in a local minimum of the objective function and can be used in a modular way, enabling practitioners to choose a statistic for possible delays in each embedding cycle as well as a suitable objective function themselves. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method over the classical time delay embedding methods using a variety of application examples. We compare recurrence plot based statistics inferred from reconstructions of a Lorenz-96 system and highlight an improved forecast accuracy for map-like model data as well as for paleoclimate isotope time series. Finally we utilize state space reconstruction for the detection of causality and its strength between observables of a gas turbine type thermoacoustic combustor.
Comparative Performance of the Genolab M and Novaseq 6000 Sequencing Platforms for Transcriptome and LncRNA Analysis
Authors: Liu Yongfeng , Han Ran , Zhou Letian , Luo Mingjie , Zeng Lidong , Zhao Xiaochao , Ma Yukun , Zhou Zhiliang , Sun Lei
Published: September 2021

Background: GenoLab M is a recently established next-generation sequencing platform from GeneMind Biosciences. Presently, Illumina sequencers are the globally leading sequencing platform in the next-generation sequencing market. Here, we present the first report to compare the transcriptome and LncRNA sequencing data of the GenoLab M sequencer to NovaSeq 6000 platform in various types of analysis.Results: We tested 16 libraries in three species using various library kits from different companies. We compared the data quality, genes expression, alternatively spliced (AS) events, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and insertions–deletions (InDel) between two sequencing platforms. The data suggested that platforms have comparable sensitivity and accuracy in terms of quantification of gene expression levels with technical compatibility. Conclusions: Genolab M is a promising sequencing platform for transcriptomics and LncRNA studies with high performance at low costs.
The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Staging, Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yongjie , Zhang Wen , Ma Jingqin , Zhang Zihan , Yang Minjie , Luo Jianjun , Yan Zhiping
Published: September 2021

Purpose: We conducted this large population-based study to evaluate the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) factors on cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We further assessed the predictive value of a novel TNM-SES staging system which incorporated these SES factors with TNM stage.Methods: A total of 13791 patient diagnosed with HCC from 2012-2016 were retrieved from the large population database. Cox proportional hazards regression model and Harrell's concordance index (C-index) was used to identify the SES factors associated with CSS and analyze the prognostic value of TNM-SES stage. Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank test were performed to evaluate CSS.Results: Four SES factors (marital status, insurance status, education, household income) were identified as the prognostic predictor associated with CSS. The SES-2 (lower SES) stage was significantly correlated to unfavorable CSS of the patients with HCC, with a 32.0% increased risk (HR = 1.32, 95% CI (1.26 - 1.39), P<0.001), after adjusting for several confounders. The C-index of the TNM-SES stage was 0.735(95% CI (0.729 - 0.741)) which was higher than that of the TNM stage (0.718, 95%CI (0.712 - 0.724)), indicating a high accuracy of prognostic prediction.Conclusion: Our comprehensive study revealed that SES was significantly associated with prognosis of patient with HCC after adjusting several confounders. The novel TNM-SES staging system which combined TNM stage and SES stage had more superior predictive value than traditional TNM stage. Disparity on SES should receive more attention for patients with HCC in clinical management.
The Responses of Soil Mineral-associated Organic Carbon to Exogenous Carbon Additions: a Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Futao , Ye Yang , Zhang Bin
Published: September 2021

Background: Increased exogenous carbon inputs into soils under global climate change can induce soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition, which has profound effects on carbon cycle and feedback on climate change. Soil mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) is the SOC protected from decomposition through association with minerals. Recent studies demonstrated that MAOC can be mineralized due to exogenous carbon inputs. The objective of this study is to provide the methods used to explore the effect of exogenous carbon inputs on MAOC and the controlling factors.Methods: We will search for the potential studies that evaluating the influence of carbon additions on MAOC content and decomposition through the Web of Science, Scopus and China National Knowledge Infrastructure until August 2021. If the studies searched by using keywords meet the inclusion criteria, then they were included. The STATA software (version 15.0) will be used to perform data analysis. The results include the content and decomposition intensity of MAOC induced by exogenous carbon additions and the controlling factors. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of bias risk will be conducted by two reviewers independently. Subgroup analysis will be carried out to explore sources of heterogeneity when heterogeneity is observed. Sensitivity analysis will be used to assess the robustness of the analyses.Discussion: This study will provide useful methods for exploring the effect of carbon additions on MAOC and the controlling factors.
Evaluating Methodological Quality of Prognostic Prediction Models on Patient Reported Outcome Measurements after Total Hip Replacement and Total Knee Replacement Surgery: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Chang Wei-Ju , Naylor Justine , Natarajan Pragadesh , Menounos Spiro , Monuja Masiath , Adie Sam
Published: September 2021

Background

Prediction models for poor patient-reported surgical outcomes after total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) may provide a method for improving appropriate surgical care for hip and knee osteoarthritis. There are concerns about methodological issues and the risk of bias of studies producing prediction models. A critical evaluation of the methodological quality of prediction modelling studies in THR and TKR is needed to ensure their clinical usefulness. This systematic review aims to: 1) evaluate and report the quality of risk stratification and prediction modelling studies that predict patient-reported outcomes after THR and TKR; 2) identify areas of methodological deficit and provide recommendations for future research; and 3) synthesise the evidence on prediction models associated with post-operative patient-reported outcomes after THR and TKR surgeries.
Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL electronic databases will be searched to identify relevant studies. Title and abstract and full-text screening will be performed by two independent reviewers. We will include: 1) prediction model development studies without external validation; 2) prediction model development studies with external validation of independent data; 3) external model validation studies; and 4) studies updating a previously developed prediction model. Data extraction spreadsheets will be developed based on the CHARMS checklist and TRIPOD statement and piloted on two relevant studies. Study quality and risk of bias will be assessed using the PROBAST tool. Prediction models will be summarised qualitatively. Meta-analyses on the predictive performance of included models will be conducted if appropriate.
Discussion

This systematic review will evaluate the methodological quality and usefulness of prediction models for poor outcomes after THR or TKR. This information is essential to provide evidence-based healthcare for end-stage hip and knee osteoarthritis. Findings of this review will contribute to the identification of key areas for improvement in conducting prognostic research in this field and facilitate the progress in evidence-based tailored treatments for hip and knee osteoarthritis.
Systematic review registration:
Submitted to PROSPERO on 30 August 2021.
Abundance of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli harbouring mcr-1 and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli co-harbouring blaCTX-M-55 or -65 with blaTEM isolates from chicken meat in Vietnam
Authors: Nakayama Tatsuya , Hien Le Thi , Phong Ngo Thanh , Tran Doan Nguyen Minh , Nguyen Oanh Thi Hoang , Phuong Hoang Hoai , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Jinnai Michio , Nguyen Phuc Do , Dang Chinh Van , Kumeda Yuko , Hase Atsushi
Published: September 2021

Although the spread of plasmid-mediated antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a public health concern, food contamination with plasmid-mediated antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli has not been well investigated in Vietnam. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of colistin-resistant, carbapenem-resistant and endemic blaCTX−M in extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolates. Colistin- and carbapenem-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli were isolated from chickens in Vietnam and Japan. The results showed that 52% and 93% of Vietnamese chicken was isolated with colistin-resistant and AmpC/ESBL-producing E. coli, respectively, while 52.7% of Japanese chickens were isolated with AmpC/ESBL-producing E. coli. Carbapenem-resistant E. coli has not been isolated in Vietnam or Japan. Genotyping revealed that colistin-resistant E. coli harboured mcr-1, and most of the AmpC/ESBL-related genes were blaCTX−M−55 and blaCTX−M−65 together with blaTEM in Vietnamese chickens, and blaCMY−2 in Japanese chickens. Multidrug resistance analysis showed that ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were more resistant to quinolones, streptomycin, and chloramphenicol compared with colistin-resistant E. coli isolates from Vietnam, suggesting selection in ESBL-producing E. coli for multiple antibiotic resistance genes. In conclusion, colistin-resistant E. coli was detected in about half of the chicken meat samples, the majority of which were found to harbour mcr-1. The high prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli has remained constant across the last five years, and the predominant blaCTX−M for ESBL-producing E. coli was found to be blaCTX−M−55 or blaCTX−M−65, with the coexistence of blaTEM in Vietnam. Our results can be implemented in monitoring systems to combat the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Environmental characteristics and changes of bacterial communities in the meltwater runoff of glacier in Ny-Alesund, Arctic
Authors: Lin Lidong , Wang Nengfei , Han Wenbing , Zhang Botao , Zang Jiaye , Li Qinxin , Qin Yiling , Wang Long , Zhang Fang , Liu Jie
Published: September 2021

The present study assessed the diversity and composition of bacterial communities in glacial runoff and glacial soils in the Midre Lovénbreen glacier region of Svalbard. A total of 6,593 operational taxonomic units were identified by high-throughput sequencing. The results showed differences in bacterial community composition between the upper and lower reaches of glacial runoff. The abundance of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria in the upper reaches of glacial runoff was higher than that in the lower reaches. In contrast, the the abundance of Cyanobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria in the downstream of glacial runoff was higher than that in the upstream. In addition, we compared bacterial diversity and composition between glacial runoff areas and soils. The chart analysis showed that bacterial diversity in glacial soil was higher than that in the glacial runoff. Some typical bacteria in the soil, such as Actinobacteria, entered glacial runoff through contact between them. The abundance of Acidobacteria, Sphingobacterium and Flavobacterium was higher in glacial soil. Weighted correlation network analysis showed that the core bacteria in glacial runoff and glacial soil were typical bacteria in different habitats. Distance-based redundancy analysis revealed that NO 2 - -N was the most significant factor affecting the distribution of soil bacterial community, while NO 3 - -N was the most significant factor affecting the distribution of glacial runoff bacterial community.
Stoma location and Parastomal Hernia. A Virtual Simulation Approach.
Authors: Tuset Lluís , López-Cano Manuel , Fortuny Gerard , López Josep M. , Herrero Joan , Puigjaner Dolors
Published: September 2021

An ostomy is a surgical procedure by which an artificial opening in the abdominal wall, known as a stoma, is created. We assessthe effects of stoma location on the abdominal wall mechanics. We perform three–dimensional finite element simulations on ananatomy model which was generated on the basis of medical images. Our simulation methodology is entirely based on opensource software. We consider seventeen different locations for the stoma incision (trephine) and we simulate the mechanicalresponse of the abdominal wall when an intraabdominal pressure as high as 20 kPa is applied. We focus on factors relatedto the risk of parastomal hernia development such as the deformation experienced by the abdominal wall, the stress levelssupported by its tissues and the corresponding level of trephine enlargement.No significant dependence was found between stoma location and the levels of abdominal wall deformations or stress supportedby tissues, except for the case with a stoma located on the linea alba. Trephine perimeter and area respectively increased byas much as 44% and 85%. The level of trephine deformation depends on stoma location with considerably higher trephineenlargements found in stomas laterally located with respect to the rectus abdominis muscle.
Repulsive Guidance Molecule Acts in Axon Branching in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Tsutsui Kaname , Kim Hon-Song , Yoshikata Chizu , Kimura Kenji , Kubota Yukihiko , Shibata Yukimasa , Tian Chenxi , Liu Jun , Nishiwaki Kiyoji
Published: September 2021

Repulsive guidance molecules (RGMs) are evolutionarily conserved proteins implicated in repulsive axon guidance. Here we report the function of the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog DRAG-1 in axon branching. The axons of hermaphrodite-specific neurons (HSNs) extend dorsal branches at the region abutting the vulval muscles. The drag-1 mutants exhibited defects in HSN axon branching in addition to a small body size phenotype. DRAG-1 expression in the hypodermal cells was required for the branching of the axons. Although DRAG-1 is normally expressed in the ventral hypodermis excepting the vulval region, its ectopic expression in vulval precursor cells was sufficient to induce the branching. The C-terminal glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor of DRAG-1 was important for its function, suggesting that DRAG-1 should be anchored to the cell surface. Genetic analyses suggested that the membrane receptor UNC-40 acts in the same pathway with DRAG-1 in HSN branching. We propose that DRAG-1 expressed in the ventral hypodermis signals via the UNC-40 receptor expressed in HSNs to elicit branching activity of HSN axons.
Diagnostic Performance of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Tissue Acquisition by EUS-FNA versus EUS-FNB for Solid Pancreatic Mass Without ROSE: A Retrospective Study.
Authors: Wong Thanawin , Pattarapuntakul Tanawat , Netinatsuton Nisa , Ovartlarnporn Bancha , Sottisuporn Jaksin , Chamroonkul Naichaya , Sripong Pimsiri , Jandee Sawangpong , Kaewdech Apichart , Piratvisuth Teerha
Published: September 2021

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) is an established diagnostic procedure for solid pancreatic mass. However, the diagnostic yield between fineneedle aspiration (FNA) and fine-needle biopsy (FNB) remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic yields between FNA and FNB using conventional FNA and Franseen needles of the same size (22 gauge), respectively, in patients with solid pancreatic mass who underwent EUS-TA without rapid onsite cytopathology evaluation (ROSE). Methods: All cases of EUS-TA by FNA or FNB for solid pancreatic mass between January 2017 and October 2020 in a single center university hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The procedure was performed without an onsite cytologist. After macroscopic onsite evaluation (MOSE), the endoscopist finished the procedure. The diagnostic yield and the average number of needle passes between FNB and FNA were then compared. Results: A total of 151 patients (FNA, n = 77; FNB, n = 74) with solid pancreatic mass detected by cross-sectional imaging underwent EUS-TA. The mean age was 62.3 ± 12.8 years, with 88 (58.3%) males. Age, gender, mass location, tumour size and disease stage from imaging were not significantly different. The diagnostic performance was dramatically higher in EUS-FNB (100%) than in EUS-FNA (89.6%). The mean number of needle passes was clearly fewer in FNB than FNA (2.8 vs. 3.8, p < 0.001). The total procedure time was less in FNB (34.7 minutes) than in FNA (41 minutes). The adverse event rate between FNB and FNA was not significantly different. Conclusions: The diagnostic performance for solid pancreatic mass without ROSE was significantly higher in FNB than in FNA. The number of needle passes and the total procedure time was also lesser in FNB.
Heavy metal contamination and genotoxicity assessment of anthelmintic medicinal plants in Assam, India
Authors: Soren Amar Deep , Yadav Arun Kumar
Published: September 2021

Medicinal plants possess several metals obtained naturally or through pollution. The study evaluates the genotoxic potentials and the presence of essential elements and toxic heavy metals in Sesbania sesban var. bicolor (leaves), Cyperus compressus (roots) and Asparagus racemosus (roots), which are used as anthelmintics in the traditional medicine of the Santhals in India. Genotoxicity study was performed as per Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines in rats. Element contents were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Administration of S. sesban var. bicolor (400 mg/kg), C. compressus (700 mg/kg) and A. racemosus (500 mg/kg) did not cause any abnormalities in the chromosomes. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of lead (5.00 ± 0.05, 4.98 ± 0.01, 4.99 ± 0.07 ppm), cadmium (4.99 ± 0.04, 4.90 ± 0.03, 5.00 ± 0.08 ppm) and arsenic (0.98 ± 0.03, 0.41 ± 0.05, 0.92 ± 0.03 ppm), respectively. Although genotoxic potentials were lacking, the presence of toxic heavy metals in them is a cause of concern.
Type Synthesis of Fully Decoupled Three Translational Parallel Mechanism with Closed loop Units and High Stiffness
Authors: Li Shihua , Wang Sen , Li Haoran , Wang Yongjie , Chen Shuang
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a new synthesis method of fully decoupled three translational (3T) parallel mechanisms (PMs) with closed loop units and high stiffness is proposed based on screw theory. Firstly, a new criterion for the full decoupled of PMs is presented that the reciprocal product of the transmission wrenc h screw matrix and the output twist screw matrix of PMs is a diagonal matrix, and all elements on the main diagonal are nonzero constants. The forms of the transmission wrench screws are determined by the criterion. Secondly, the forms of the actuated and unactuated screws can be obtained according to their relationships with the transmission wrench screws. The basic decoupled limbs are generated by combination of the above actuated and unactuated screws. Finally, a closed loop units construction method is investigated to apply the decoupled mechanisms in a better way on the high stiffness occasion. The closed loop units are constructed in the basic decoupled limbs to generate a high stiffness fully decoupled 3T PM. Kinematic and stiffness analys e s show that the Jacobian matrix is a diagonal matrix, and the stiffness is obviously higher than that of the orthogonal coupling mechanisms, which verifies the correctness of the proposed synthesis method. The mechanism synthesized by this method has a good applicati on prospect in vehicle durability test platform.
Primary Intracranial Malignant Melanoma: A Case Report And Review Of Literature
Authors: Shankar Diwakar , Singh Deepak Kumar , Chand Vipin Kumar , Kaif Mohammad
Published: September 2021

Background

Primary Intracranial Malignant Melanoma (PIMM) is a very rare neoplasm and account for 1% of all melanomas and 0.1% of all intracranial tumors. It carries a poor prognosis with overall poor survival.
Case Presentation:

We here present a case of PIMM in a 35-year-old male presenting with sign and symptoms of a left cerebellar hemisphere tumor with leptomeningeal spread.
Conclusions

Diagnosis on mere imaging findings of an intracranial melanoma is a daunting task. Multimodality treatment with surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy have proved to be effective in improving clinical outcome in these patients.
Adaptive immunity and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern following vaccination in patients with cancer: The CAPTURE study
Authors: Fendler Annika , Shepherd Scott , Au Lewis , Wilkinson Katalin , Wu Mary , Byrne Fiona , Cerrone Maddalena , Schmitt Andreas , Joharatnam-Hogan Nalinie , Shum Ben , Tippu Zayd , Rzeniewicz Karolina , Boos Laura , Harvey Ruth , Carlyle Eleanor , Edmonds Kim , Rosario Lyra Del , Sarker Sarah , Lingard Karla , Mangwende Mary , Holt Lucy , Ahmod Hamid , Koreweg Justine , Foley Tara , Bazin Jessica , Gordon William , Barber Taja , Emslie-Henry Andrea , Xie Wenyi , Gerard Camille , Deng Daqi , Wall Emma , Agua-Doce Ana , Namjou Sina , Caidan Simon , Gavrielides Mike , MacRae James , Kelly Gavin , Peat Kema , Kelly Denise , Murra Aida , Kelly Kayleigh , O'Flaherty Molly , Dowdie Lauren , Ash Natalie , Grounthoud Firza , Shea Robyn , Gardner Gail , Murray Darren , Kinnaird Fiona , Cui Wanyuan , Pascual Javier , Rodney Simon , Mencel Justin , Curtis Olivia , Stephenson Clemency , Robinson Anna , Oza Bhavna , Farag Sheima , Leslie Isla , Rogiers Aljosja , Lyengar Sunil , Ethell Mark , Messiou Christina , Cunningham David , Chau Ian , Starling Naureen , Turner Nicholas , Welsh Liam , As Nicholas van , Jones Robin , DRoney Joanne , Banerjee Susana , Tatham Kate , O'Brien Mary , Harrington Kevin , Bhide Shreerang , Okines Alicia , Reid Alison , Young Kate , Furness Andrew , Pickering Lisa , Swanton Charles , Gandhi Sonia , Gamblin Steve , Bauer David , Kassiotis George , Kumar Sacheen , Yousaf Nadia , Jhanji Shaman , Nicholson Emma , Howell Michael , Walker Susanna , Wilkinson Robert , Larkin James , Turajlic Samra
Published: September 2021

CAPTURE (NCT03226886) is a prospective cohort study of COVID-19 immunity in patients with cancer. Here we evaluated 585 patients following administration of two doses of BNT162b2 or AZD1222 vaccines, administered 12 weeks apart. Seroconversion rates after two doses were 85% and 59% in patients with solid and hematological malignancies, respectively. A lower proportion of patients had detectable neutralizing antibody titers (NAbT) against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) vs wild-type (WT). Patients with hematological malignancies were more likely to have undetectable NAbT and had lower median NAbT vs solid cancers against both WT and VOCs. In comparison with individuals without cancer, patients with haematological, but not solid, malignancies had reduced NAb responses. Seroconversion showed poor concordance with NAbT against VOCs. Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection boosted NAb response including against VOCs, and anti-CD20 treatment was associated with undetectable NAbT. Vaccine-induced T-cell responses were detected in 80% of patients, and were comparable between vaccines or cancer types. Our results have implications for the management of cancer patients during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Development of the T-ALLiPSC-based Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines for T-cell acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Li Zhu , Chen Xuemei , Liu Luning , Zhou Meiling , Zhou Guangqian , Liu Tao
Published: September 2021

PurposeThe T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a kind of hematological malignancy in children. Despite the significant improvement in the cure rate of T-ALL upon treatment with chemotherapy regimens, steroids, and allotransplantation there are relapses. This study focuses on the tumor-specific therapeutic vaccines derived from the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to address the issue of T-ALL recurrence.MethodsPatient-derived tumor cells were reprogrammed into the iPSCs and the RNA-seq data of the T-ALL-iPSCs and H-iPSCs were analyzed. In vitro, the whole cell lysate antigens of iPSCs were prepared to induce the dendritic cells (DC) maturation, which in turn stimulated the tumor-specific T cells to kill the T-ALL tumor cells (Jurkat, CCRF-CEM, MOLT-4).ResultsBoth T-ALL-iPSCs and H-iPSCs were highly related to the tumor-related genes. The transcriptome analysis showed the T-ALL-iPSCs to be similar to the T-ALL tumor cells. The cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) stimulated by the DC-loaded T-ALL-iPSC-derived antigens showed specific cytotoxicity against the T-ALL cells in vitro.Conclusions﻿The T-ALL-iPSC-based therapeutic cancer vaccine can elicit a specific anti-tumor effect on T-ALL.
Naturkundliche Impressionen aus Peru (1. Teil) – Die Umgebung von Oxapampa, insbesondere der Nationalpark Yanachaga Chemillén
Authors: Gerlach Günter
Published: September 2021

Peru ist flächenmäßig nach Brasilien und Argentinien das drittgrößte Land in Südamerika, durch seine Äquatornähe beherbergt es weitgehend tropische Klimata. Durch die Anden und das Amazonische Tiefland ist es geografisch reich gegliedert. So weist es eine Vielzahl ökologischer Nischen auf, in denen sich eine extrem diverse Flora und Fauna entwickelt hat. Durch einen Langzeitaufenthalt war es dem Autor möglich, ausgiebige naturkundliche Studien in verschiedenen Gebieten unterschiedlicher Höhenlagen und somit unterschiedlichstem Klima zu betreiben. Diese werden in Fallbeispielen in lockerer Reihung nacheinander vorgestellt, wobei die faszinierende Bestäubungsbiologie der Pflanzen einen Schwerpunkt bildet. Forschungsbedingt werden hier nur humide Biotope aus verschiedenen Departements Perus vorgestellt.
Wenn es im Frühling in unseren Wäldern bunt wird
Authors: Dörken Veit , Steinecke Hilke
Published: September 2021

Im Gegensatz zu immergrünen tropischen Regenwäldern sind unsere heimischen sommergrünen Laubwälder durch eine Vielzahl an Frühlingsgeophyten geprägt, die bereits im Spätwinter austreiben und ihren jährlichen Lebenszyklus bereits zum Zeitpunkt des Laubaustriebs der Bäume abgeschlossen haben. Im Folgenden wird der Lebensbereich heimischer Laubwald und eine Auswahl an typischen Frühlingsgeophyten vorgestellt.
Nektarschluck im Flug
Authors: Wester Petra
Published: September 2021

Ein lange bestehendes Paradigma in der Bestäubungsbiologie war, dass neuweltliche Kolibris im Schwirrflug Nektar an Blüten trinken und altweltliche Vögel beim Blütenbesuch sitzen. Andererseits weiß man, dass Kolibris landen, wann immer möglich, und dass nektartrinkende Altweltvögel manchmal beim Blütenbesuch fliegen. Eine Übersicht über das Schwebverhalten und seine Häufigkeit bei nektartrinkenden Altweltvögeln gibt es jedoch nicht. Hier werden Beobachtungen über Schwebverhalten in 81 Arten aus 11 Familien von Altweltvögeln zusammengetragen. Schwebverhalten tritt häufiger auf als erwartet – in Bezug auf Vogelarten und Häufigkeit innerhalb der Arten. Begrenzende Faktoren für Schwebverhalten sind weder die geographische Verbreitung der Vogelarten, noch ihre Merkmale wie Größe und Gewicht, jedoch die Merkmale der Pflanzen. Bieten die Pflanzen keine oder nur unzureichende Sitzgelegenheiten, ist Schwebverhalten stärker angebracht oder sogar notwendig.
Naturgartentipp – warum der Woll-Ziest nicht fehlen sollte
Authors: Steinecke Hilke
Published: September 2021

Woll-Ziest (Stachys byzantina) ist eine robuste Gartenpflanze für sonnig-trockene Standorte. Die Staude ist eine wichtige Art für die Garten-Wollbiene (Anthidium manicatum), die wollige Pflanzenhaare für den Nestbau benötigt. Biologie der Garten-Wollbiene und ihr Bezug zum Woll-Ziest werden kurz vorgestellt.
Sabine Börchers: Der Palmengarten. Wo Frankfurts grünes Herz schlägt.
Authors: Bloemer Vera
Published: September 2021

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