bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Link Between Linguistic and Non-Linguistic Cognitive Control in Bilinguals Using Laplacian-Transformed Event Related Potentials
Authors: Mendoza Martha N. , Blumenfeld Henrike K. , Knight Robert T. , Ries Stephanie K.
Published: September 2021

Bilinguals’ need to suppress the activation of their other language while speaking has been proposed to result in enhanced cognitive control abilities outside of language. Several studies therefore suggest shared cognitive control processes across linguistic and non-linguistic tasks. Here we investigate this potential overlap using scalp electroencephalographic recordings and the Laplacian transformation, providing an estimation of the current source density and enabling the separation of EEG components in space. Fourteen Spanish-English bilinguals performed a picture-word matching task contrasting incongruent trials using cross-linguistic false cognates (e.g., a picture – foot, overlaid with distractor text: the English word PIE, i.e., the false cognate for the Spanish pie meaning “foot”) with congruent trials (matching English picture names and words, i.e., a picture – foot, with overlaid text: the English word FOOT), and an unrelated control condition. In addition, participants performed an arrow-version of the Eriksen flanker task. Worse behavioral performance was observed in incongruent compared to congruent trials in both tasks. In the non-linguistic task, we replicated the previously observed congruency effect on a medial-frontal event-related potential (ERP) peaking around 50 ms before electromyography (EMG) onset. A similar ERP was present in the linguistic task, was sensitive to congruency, and peaked earlier, around 150 ms before EMG onset. In addition, another component was found in the linguistic task at a left lateralized anterior frontal site peaking around 200 ms before EMG onset, but was absent in the non-linguistic task. Our results suggest a partial overlap between linguistic and non-linguistic cognitive control processes and that linguistic conflict resolution may engage additional left anterior frontal control processes.
A taxonomic revision of Rhamnus L. and Atadinus Raf. (Rhamnaceae) in Iran
Authors: ALIJANPOOR BEHNAZ , KHODAYARI HAMED , ASSADI MOSTAFA , RAHIMINEJAD MOHAMMADREZA , MEHREGAN IRAJ
Published: September 2021

This study aims to revise the taxonomic status of Rhamnus L. and Atadinus Raf. (Rhamnaceae) for the Flora of Iran. Nine species, including 15 taxa are recognized, described and compared with their closely related taxa. These include one new species, R. rahiminejadii Alijanpoor & Assadi, one new subspecies, R. pallasii subsp. mazandaranica Alijanpoor & Assadi, and one hybrid species, R. ×mehreghanii Alijanpoor & Khodayari (R. persica Boiss. × R. kurdica Boiss. & Hohen.). In addition, a hybrid species i.e, ×R. spathulifolia Fisch. & C. A. Mey., is accepted as a distinct species, R. spathulifolia Fisch. & C. A. Mey. and R. cornifolia and R. cornifolia var. denudata, from sect. Rhamnustrum Rouy. are transfered to genus Atadinus Raf. as A. cornifolius (Boiss. & Hohen.) Alijanpoor and A. cornifolius var. denudatus (Bornm.) Alijanpoor.
Two new species and a new synonym of Neoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from China, with proposal of a new species group
Authors: LI WEIHAI , YAN YANHUA
Published: September 2021

Two new species of the stonefly genus Neoperla, N. jiangae sp. nov. and N. jiaoxihe sp. nov., are described from Shaanxi Province of northwest China. The new species are compared with related congeners. Neoperla flagellata Li & Murányi, 2012 (in Li et al. 2012b) is placed as a synonym of N. bicornua Wu, 1973. The Neoperla sinensis species subgroup in the N. montivaga group is proposed and defined.
Present and future relations between ENSO and winter synoptic temperature variability over the Asian-Pacific-American region simulated by CMIP5/6
Authors: Jian Yuntao , Leung Marco Y. T. , Zhou Wen , Jian Maoqiu , Yang Song
Published: September 2021

In this study, the relationship between ENSO and winter synoptic temperature variability (STV) over the Asian-Pacific-American region is examined in 26 CMIP5/6 model outputs. Compared to observations, most models fail to simulate the correct ENSO-STV relationship in historical simulations. To investigate the possible bias in the ENSO-STV simulations, two possible processes for the connection between ENSO and winter STV are examined in high pattern score (HPS) models and low pattern score (LPS) models, respectively. On the one hand, both HPS and LPS models can overall reproduce a reasonable relationship between STV and the mean-flow conditions supporting extratropical eddy development. On the other hand, only HPS models can well capture the relationship between ENSO and the development of extratropical eddies, while LPS models fail to simulate this feature, indicating that the bias in the simulated ENSO-STV relationship among CMIP5/6 models can be traced back to ENSO simulation. Furthermore, the bias of the ENSO simulation is characterized by an unreasonable SST pattern bias, with an excessive westward extension of warm SST anomalies over the western Pacific and weak warm SST anomalies over the equatorial central-eastern Pacific, resulting in the underestimation of the zonal SST anomaly gradient among models. Therefore, the ENSO pattern bias induces an unrealistic circulation and temperature gradient over the Asian-Pacific-American region, affecting the simulations of the ENSO-STV connection. In addition, the ENSO-STV relationship over the Asian-Pacific-American region is still robust in future projections based on HPS models, providing implications for the selection of future climate predictors.
Water Mass Transformation and Overturning Circulation in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Al-Shehhi Maryam R. , Song Hajoon , Scott Jeffery , Marshall John
Published: September 2021

We diagnose the ocean’s residual overturning circulation of the Arabian Gulf in a high-resolution model and interpret it in terms of water-mass transformation processes mediated by air–sea buoyancy fluxes and interior mixing. We attempt to rationalize the complex three-dimensional flow in terms of the superposition of a zonal (roughly along axis) and meridional (transverse) overturning pattern. Rates of overturning and the seasonal cycle of air–sea fluxes sustaining them are quantified and ranked in order of importance. Air–sea fluxes dominate the budget so that, at zero order, the magnitude and sense of the overturning circulation can be inferred from air–sea fluxes, with interior mixing playing a lesser role. We find that wintertime latent heat fluxes dominate the water-mass transformation rate in the interior waters of the Gulf leading to a diapycnal volume flux directed toward higher densities. In the zonal overturning cell, fluid is drawn in from the Sea of Oman through the Strait of Hormuz, transformed, and exits the Strait near the southern and bottom boundaries. Along the southern margin of the Gulf, evaporation plays an important role in the meridional overturning pattern inducing sinking there.
Are We Stuck in the Predigital Age? Embracing Technology-Mediated Change Management in Organizational Change Research
Authors: Kanitz Rouven , Gonzalez Katerina
Published: September 2021

Technology-mediated change management (TMCM) refers to an organization's use of digital technologies to facilitate change implementation. The use of digital technology is deeply penetrating change practice. However, alarmingly, few have theorized about or empirically investigated TMCM. A rich body of research informs change management, however, less is known about how technologies are changing the nature of managing the change itself. We stimulate new conversations on this topic by discussing how TMCM provides both valuable benefits and creates new risks in terms of the (a) adaptiveness, (b) personalization, and (c) openness of the change process. TMCM requires urgent attention as it has the potential to help shape the future of change research and practice. We call for scholarship that is reflexive about both the benefits and risks associated with TMCM and we offer directions for research in this relatively new area that may very well determine the future of our field.
Measuring Human Rights Abuse from Access to Information Requests
Authors: Ellington Sarah A. V. , Bagozzi Benjamin E. , Berliner Daniel , Palmer-Rubin Brian , Erlich Aaron
Published: September 2021

Existing measures of human rights abuses are often only available at the country-year level. Several more fine-grained measures exhibit spatio-temporal inaccuracies or reporting biases due to the primary sources upon which they rely. To address these challenges, and to increase the diversity of available human rights measures more generally, this study provides the first quantitative effort to measure human rights abuses from textual records of citizen-government interactions. Using a dataset encompassing over 1.5 million access-to-information (ATI) requests made to the Mexican federal government from June 2003 onward, supervised classification is used to identify the subset of these requests that pertain to human rights abuses of various types. The results from this supervised machine learning exercise are validated against (i) gold standard ATI requests pertaining to past human rights abuses in Mexico and (ii) several accepted external measures of sub-national and sub-annual human rights abuses. In doing so, we demonstrate that the measurement of human rights abuses from citizen-submitted ATI request texts can provide measures of human rights abuse that exhibit both high validity and notable spatio-temporal specificity, relative to existent human rights datasets and variables.
Treatment Efficacy of Forced Prolonged Position After Cupulolith Repositioning Maneuver in Apogeotropic HSCC BPPV
Authors: Han Kyujin , Lee Jiyeon , Shin Jung Eun , Kim Chang-Hee
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the forced prolonged position (FPP) in patients with horizontal semicircular canal (HSCC) cupulolithiasis in whom the cupulolith repositioning maneuver (CuRM) failed.

Methods:

Fifty-four consecutive patients with HSCC cupulolithiasis were included, and immediate treatment efficacy of CuRM and short-term treatment efficacy of FPP were investigated.

Results:

We performed the CuRM in HSCC cupulolithiasis, and, if the CuRM did not show immediate success, instructed the patients to perform the FPP or the sham position (by random allocation) at home. The immediate therapeutic success of the CuRM was assessed by the absence of nystagmus and vertigo on positional testing after 30 minutes of the maneuver, which was 14.8% on the first visit day. And the resolution rate of HSCC cupulolithiasis was higher in the FPP group than in the sham position group at the second (78.3% vs 55.6%), third (75.0% vs 42.9%), and fourth visits (100% vs 25.0%).

Conclusion:

Although the CuRM has been considered to be a good therapeutic option for HSCC cupulolithiasis because it theoretically aims to detach otoconial particles attached both on the utricle and canal sides of the cupula, the immediate success rate was only 14.8% at the first visit. The FPP can be additionally recommended to improve the resolution rate in HSCC cupulolithiasis patients in whom the CuRM fails.
A case of tick-transmitted Q fever in Lishui, China diagnosed by next-generation sequencing
Authors: Huang Jinwei , Wang Rui , Gao Can , Lü Yuankai , Cao Zhuo , Deng Shanshan , Yue Changwu
Published: September 2021

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. Most patients have non-specific symptoms at onset. In addition, routine diagnostic tests for C. burnetii are not sensitive, and the bacterium cannot grow in general culture medium. The diagnosis of Q fever therefore poses a challenge. This case study describes a man with a clear history of tick bite who had recurrent fever, pneumonia, and liver damage. Routine tests and bacterial cultures failed to clarify the pathogeny, but laboratory and imaging data suggested infection. After routine tests were exhausted, we detected the presence of C. burnetii in a whole blood sample using next-generation sequencing (NGS). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Q fever associated with Coxiella burnetii detected directly from blood samples in Lishui, China. NGS has revolutionized the diagnosis of infectious diseases, especially those caused by rare or newly discovered pathogens, and patient responses have finally proved its substantial benefits. NGS has important clinical significance for the early diagnosis of chronic Q fever. This proof-of-concept study is worthy of promotion in clinical practice.
Hand-assisted laparoscopic versus open surgery for radical gastrectomy in the treatment of advanced distal gastric cancer: long-term overall and disease-free survival (final results of a single-center study)
Authors: Luo Guode , Wang Xiaohua , Li Yajiao , Chen Guangyu , Cao Yongkuan , Gong Jiaqing , Li Yunming
Published: September 2021

Objective

To compare the surgical effects and long-term efficacy of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) and open surgery (OS) in radical gastrectomy for advanced distal gastric cancer.

Methods

One hundred twenty-four patients who were admitted to the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of the West War Zone General Hospital from May 2008 to April 2012 were randomly divided into a HALS group (n = 62) and an OS group (n = 62). After surgery, 113 patients were followed up for 5 and 8 years, and 11 patients were lost to follow-up. The 5- and 8-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates of the two groups were compared and analyzed.

Results

The 5- and 8-year overall survival rates were 31.90% and 18.40% in the HALS group and 32.50% and 18.60% in the OS group, respectively. The 5- and 8-year disease-free survival rates were 21.50% and 13.00% in the HALS group and 21.90% and 13.10% in the OS group, respectively. No significant differences were found.

Conclusion

Hand-assisted laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for advanced distal gastric cancer has the advantages of less severe trauma, less intraoperative blood loss, more rapid postoperative recovery, and equivalent long-term efficacy compared with OS.
Comparative exergy and energy assessment of a biogas plant with biological purification process: A multigeneration system
Authors: Mahmoodi-Eshkaftaki Mahmood , Rahmanian-Koushkaki Hossein , Rafiee Mohammad Rafie
Published: September 2021

The improved systems of biogas production usually increase the energy consumption of biogas plants. Therefore, it is very important to determine an appropriate improvement system to increase plant efficiency. For this purpose, a biogas plant with a biological self-purification system was energetically and exergetically analyzed, and its performance was compared with that of a base plant. To keep the temperature of digesters up to 310.2 K, a solar water heater was used. It was able to maintain a high level of efficiency for both plants. The energy analysis of the plants indicated that the overall energetic efficiency of both plants was very close. The exergy analysis of the plants showed that the overall exergetic efficiency of the self-purification biogas plant (76.24%) was higher than that of the base plant (66.78%). This is due to the fact that the total exergy destruction rate of the self-purification plant was lower than that of the base plant and the exergy rate of biogas output of the self-purification plant was higher than that of the base plant. The exergy analyses of both plant components showed that although the highest exergy destruction rates were attributed to the principle digester and separation unit, they showed the highest exergetic improvement potential rates. These results confirm that the digesters in biogas plants have a great potential to be improved exergetically, and the self-purification system is a suitable improvement system to increase the plant efficiency exergetically.
Lesson learned from the pandemic: Isolation and hygiene measures for COVID-19 could reduce the nosocomial infection rates in oncology wards
Authors: Guven Deniz C , Eroglu Imdat , Ismayilov Rashad , Ulusoydan Ege , Aktepe Oktay H , Telli Dizman Gulcin , Arik Zafer , Dizdar Omer , Unal Serhat , Metan Gokhan , Kertmen Neyran
Published: September 2021

Introduction

It was previously demonstrated that seasonal influenza incidence was significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly due to respiratory and hygiene precautions. From this point, we hypothesized that the COVID-19 precautions could lead to a decrease in nosocomial infection rates in oncology inpatient wards.

Methods

We evaluated the nosocomial infection rates in an inpatient palliative oncology ward in the first 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in our country and compared this rate with the same time frame of the previous year in our institution.

Results

The percentage of nosocomial infections complicating the hospitalization episodes were significantly reduced in the first 3 months of the pandemic compared to the previous year (43 vs. 55 nosocomial infection episodes; 18.6% vs. 32.2%, p = 0.002). The decrease in the nosocomial infections was consistent in the different types of infections, namely pneumonia (4.8% vs. 7.6%), urinary tract infection (5.2% vs. 7.6%), bacteremia (5.2% vs. 7%) and intraabdominal infections (2.6% vs. 3.5%). The median monthly disinfectant use was significantly increased to 98 liters (interquartile range: 82 – 114) in 2020 compared to 72 L (interquartile range: 36 – 72) in 2019 ( p = 0.046).

Conclusion

The continuation of the simple and feasible hygiene and distancing measures for healthcare workers and patient relatives and adaptations for earlier discharge could be beneficial for preventing nosocomial infections in oncology wards. These measures could be implemented routinely even after the COVID-19 pandemic for patient safety, especially in settings with higher nosocomial infection rates like inpatients palliative care units.
The emergence of creative and digital place-making: A scoping review across disciplines
Authors: Basaraba Nicole
Published: September 2021

The concept of ‘place-making’ emerged in media studies in 2015, but to date, there has been little theoretical engagement with the term. The primary research question this scoping review answers is how is ‘place-making’ defined across disciplines and which methodologies have been applied to creative and digital projects? A bibliometric analysis of 1974 publications from Web of Science (published in the last 30 years) were analysed to (1) define ‘place-making’ across disciplines, (2) model common themes in scholarship, (3) identify the methodologies used and (4) understand the impacts on citizens. The results show that ‘place-making’ first appeared in geography/urban studies in 1960s, was then adopted as ‘creative placemaking’ in the creative industries, and in the past 5 years (since 2015), it has appeared as ‘digital placemaking’ in media studies. It also highlighted areas (i.e. gaps) for future research into ‘creative placemaking’ and ‘digital place-making’ practices for cultural heritage sites.
A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial About the Influence of Kyusho Jitsu Exercise on Self-efficacy, Fear, Depression, and Distress of Breast Cancer Patients within Follow-up Care
Authors: Salchow Jannike L , Strunk Maximilian A , Niels Timo , Steck Jule , Minto Carrie-Ann , Baumann Freerk T
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Breast cancer survivors are faced with several psychological issues. We report the influence on self-efficacy by a holistic orientated training schedule based on the “Kyusho Jitsu” martial art and explore the effects on self-efficacy, distress, fear, and depression.

Methods

Breast cancer survivors (N = 51) were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 30) or control group (n = 21). The intervention group participated in a Kyusho Jitsu intervention twice a week over a period of 6 months, the control group received no intervention. Patients from both groups were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months on level of self-efficacy (German General-Self-Efficacy Scale, SWE), stress (Perceived Stress Questionnaire, PSQ20), and fear and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS).

Results

Analysis of the original data showed a significant difference between both groups regarding the subscale “joy” ( P = .018). Several significant results within the intervention group were seen in self-efficacy ( P = .014), fear ( P = .009) and the overall score for fear and depression ( P = .043). Both groups improved significantly within “worries” (intervention P = .006, control P = .019) and the PSQ20 overall score (both P = .005). The control group also significantly improved in the subscale for “demands” ( P = .019).

Conclusion

To summarize, our pilot study showed that Kyusho Jitsu training is safe and feasible. Though, the intervention alone cannot be considered as being effective enough to help breast cancer survivors regarding relevant psychological issues, but might be an important supplement offer within follow-up care.
Repetitive Peripheral Sensory Stimulation as an Add-On Intervention for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Stroke: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Conforto Adriana B. , Machado André G. , Ribeiro Nathalia H. V. , Plow Ela B. , Liew Sook-Lei , da Costa Leite Claudia , Zavaliangos-Petropulu Artemis , Menezes Isabella , dos Anjos Sarah M. , Luccas Rafael , Peckham Paul Hunter , Cohen Leonardo G.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Repetitive peripheral sensory stimulation (RPSS) followed by 4-hour task-specific training (TST) improves upper limb motor function in subjects with stroke who experience moderate to severe motor upper limb impairments. Here, we compared effects of RPSS vs sham followed by a shorter duration of training in subjects with moderate to severe motor impairments in the chronic phase after stroke.

Methods

This single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial compared effects of 18 sessions of either 1.5 h of active RPSS or sham followed by a supervised session that included 45 min of TST of the paretic upper limb. In both groups, subjects were instructed to perform functional tasks at home, without supervision. The primary outcome measure was the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) after 6 weeks of treatment. Grasp and pinch strength were secondary outcomes.

Results

In intention-to-treat analysis, WMFT improved significantly in both active and sham groups at 3 and 6 weeks of treatment. Grasp strength improved significantly in the active, but not in the sham group, at 3 and 6 weeks. Pinch strength improved significantly in both groups at 3 weeks, and only in the active group at 6 weeks.

Conclusions

The between-group difference in changes in WMFT was not statistically significant. Despite the short duration of supervised treatment, WMFT improved significantly in subjects treated with RPSS or sham. These findings are relevant to settings that impose constraints in duration of direct contact between therapists and patients. In addition, RPSS led to significant gains in hand strength. Trial Registry Name: Peripheral Nerve Stimulation and Motor Training in Stroke Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT0265878 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02658578
A new protocol for exercise testing in COPD; improved prediction algorithm for WMAX and validation of the endurance test in a placebo-controlled double bronchodilator study
Authors: Tufvesson Ellen , Radner Finn , Simonsen Anton , Papapostolou Georgia , Jarenbäck Linnea , Jönsson Saga , Nihlen Ulf , Tunsäter Alf , Ankerst Jaro , Peterson Stefan , Bjermer Leif , Eriksson Göran
Published: September 2021

Background:

Two new protocols have been developed for bicycle exercise testing in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with an individualized cardiopulmonary exercise test (ICPET) and subsequent customized endurance test (CET), which generate less interindividual spread in endurance time compared with the standard endurance test. Main objectives of this study were to improve the prediction algorithm for WMAX for the ICPET and validate the CET by examining treatment effects on exercise performance of indacaterol/glycopyrronium (IND/GLY) compared with placebo.

Methods:

COPD patients, with forced expiratory volume in 1 s ( FEV1) 40–80% predicted, were recruited. Pooled baseline data from two previous studies ( n = 38) were used for the development of an improved WMAX prediction algorithm. Additional COPD patients ( n = 14) were recruited and performed the ICPET, using the new prediction formula at visit 1. Prior to the CET at visits 2 and 3, they were randomized to a single dose of IND/GLY (110/50 µg) or placebo.

Results:

The improved multiple regression algorithm for WMAX includes diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide ( DLCO), FEV1, sex, age and height and correlated to measured WMAX ( R2 = 0.89 and slope = 0.89). Treatment with IND/GLY showed improvement in endurance time versus placebo, mean 113 s [95% confidence interval (CI): 6–220], p = 0.037, with more prominent effect in patients with FEV1 < 70% predicted.

Conclusion:

The two new protocols for ICPET (including the new improved algorithm) and CET were retested with consistent results. In addition, the CET showed a significant and clinically relevant prolongation of endurance time for IND/GLY versus placebo in a small number of patients.
Personal Reflections on Shared Identity and Contemporary Relationships of Mutual Support and Intersectional Solidarity of Rwandan Tutsi and Jewish Human Rights Advocates
Authors: Schimmel Noam
Published: September 2021

This article is a qualitative case study of the relationships being formed between Jews and Rwandan Tutsis and the ways in which six individuals, four Tutsis and two Jews involved in advocating for the human rights and welfare of Rwandan genocide survivors articulate their understanding of the bonds between the two communities, their shared experiences, and how their history of having survived persecution and genocide brings them together. Through their testimonies, it examines similarities and differences between the Jewish and Tutsi experiences of vulnerability and persecution, ways in which Tutsis and Jews work in partnership to advance human rights and, in particular, the rights of Rwandan genocide survivors, and how their narratives of identity have evolved in interaction with one another and continue to develop. It discusses the particular projects and advocacy efforts in which both groups have engaged to advance the human rights of Rwandan genocide survivors and how through these efforts Jews and Rwandan Tutsis give expression to a shared understanding of and commitment to human rights.
On how to generalize species-specific conceptual schemes to generate a species-independent Conceptual Schema of the Genome
Authors: García S. Alberto , Casamayor Juan Carlos
Published: September 2021

Background

Understanding the genome, with all of its components and intrinsic relationships, is a great challenge. Conceptual modeling techniques have been used as a means to face this challenge. The heterogeneity and idiosyncrasy of genomic use cases mean that conceptual modeling techniques are used to generate conceptual schemes that focus on too specific scenarios (i.e., they are species-specific conceptual schemes). Our research group developed two different conceptual schemes. The first one is the Conceptual Schema of the Human Genome, which is intended to improve Precision Medicine and genetic diagnosis. The second one is the Conceptual Schema of the Citrus Genome, which is intended to identify the genetic cause of relevant phenotypes in the agri-food field.

Methods

Our two conceptual schemes have been ontologically compared to identify their similarities and differences. Based on this comparison, several changes have been performed in the Conceptual Schema of the Human Genome in order to obtain the first version of a species-independent Conceptual Schema of the Genome. Identifying the different genome information items used in each genomic case study has been essential in achieving our goal. The changes needed to provide an expanded, more generic version of the Conceptual Schema of the Human Genome are analyzed and discussed.

Results

This work presents a new CS called the Conceptual Schema of the Genome that is ready to be adapted to any specific working genome-based context (i.e., species-independent).

Conclusion

The generated Conceptual Schema of the Genome works as a global, generic element from which conceptual views can be created in order to work with any specific species. This first working version can be used in the human use case, in the citrus use case, and, potentially, in more use cases of other species.
Genetic identification and characterization of chromosomal regions for kernel length and width increase from tetraploid wheat
Authors: Zhou Jieguang , Li Cong , You Jianing , Tang Huaping , Mu Yang , Jiang Qiantao , Liu Yaxi , Chen Guoyue , Wang Jirui , Qi Pengfei , Ma Jun , Gao Yutian , Habib Ahsan , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Lan Xiujin , Ma Jian
Published: September 2021

Background

Improvement of wheat gercTriticum aestivum L.) yield could relieve global food shortages. Kernel size, as an important component of 1000-kernel weight (TKW), is always a significant consideration to improve yield for wheat breeders. Wheat related species possesses numerous elite genes that can be introduced into wheat breeding. It is thus vital to explore, identify, and introduce new genetic resources for kernel size from wheat wild relatives to increase wheat yield.

Results

In the present study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for kernel length (KL) and width (KW) were detected in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between a wild emmer accession ‘LM001’ and a Sichuan endemic tetraploid wheat ‘Ailanmai’ using the Wheat 55 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array-based constructed linkage map and phenotype from six different environments. We identified eleven QTL for KL and KW including two major ones QKL.sicau-AM-3B and QKW.sicau-AM-4B, the positive alleles of which were from LM001 and Ailanmai, respectively. They explained 17.57 to 44.28% and 13.91 to 39.01% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. For these two major QTL, Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers were developed and used to successfully validate their effects in three F3 populations and two natural populations containing a panel of 272 Chinese wheat landraces and that of 300 Chinese wheat cultivars, respectively. QKL.sicau-AM-3B was located at 675.6–695.4 Mb on chromosome arm 3BL. QKW.sicau-AM-4B was located at 444.2–474.0 Mb on chromosome arm 4BL. Comparison with previous studies suggested that these two major QTL were likely new loci. Further analysis indicated that the positive alleles of QKL.sicau-AM-3B and QKW.sicau-AM-4B had a great additive effect increasing TKW by 6.01%. Correlation analysis between KL and other agronomic traits showed that KL was significantly correlated to spike length, length of uppermost internode, TKW, and flag leaf length. KW was also significantly correlated with TKW. Four genes, TRIDC3BG062390, TRIDC3BG062400, TRIDC4BG037810, and TRIDC4BG037830, associated with kernel development were predicted in physical intervals harboring these two major QTL on wild emmer and Chinese Spring reference genomes.

Conclusions

Two stable and major QTL for KL and KW across six environments were detected and verified in three biparental populations and two natural populations. Significant relationships between kernel size and yield-related traits were identified. KASP markers tightly linked the two major QTL could contribute greatly to subsequent fine mapping. These results suggested the application potential of wheat related species in wheat genetic improvement.
Chi-square test under indeterminacy: an application using pulse count data
Authors: Aslam Muhammad
Published: September 2021

Background

The data obtained from the counting process is known as the count data. In practice, the counting can be done at the same time or the time of the count is not the same. To test either the K counts are differed significantly or not, the Chi-square test for K counts is applied.

Results

The paper presents the Chi-square tests for K counts under neutrosophic statistics. The test statistic of the proposed test when K counts are recorded at the same time and different time are proposed. The testing procedure of the proposed test is explained with the help of pulse count data.

Conclusions

From the analysis of pulse count data, it can be concluded that the proposed test suggests the cardiologists use different treatment methods on patients. In addition, the proposed test gives more information than the traditional test under uncertainty.
LncRNA MCF2L-AS1 aggravates the malignant development of colorectal cancer via targeting miR-105-5p/RAB22A axis
Authors: Kong Wencheng , Li Hui , Xie Lesi , Cui Guangxing , Gu Weigang , Zhang Hongchen , Ma Wencong , Zhou Yifeng
Published: September 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents one of the major malignant cancers in the world. It has been demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can cause great influences on various human cancers. Though MCF.2 cell line derived transforming sequence like antisense RNA 1 (MCF2L-AS1) and its carcinogenic effect in CRC has been elucidated by several previous researches, the underlying mechanism remains unknown.

Aim

We aimed at exploring the function and regulatory mechanism of MCF2L-AS1 in CRC.

Methods

MCF2L-AS1 expression in CRC cells was tested via RT-qPCR assay. The effects of MCF2L-AS1 on the biological properties of CRC cells were testified through functional experiments. The molecular mechanism of MCF2L-AS1 was verified through mechanism experiments.

Results

MCF2L-AS1 was highly expressed in CRC cells, and it could enhance the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of CRC cells. MiR-105-5p was sponged by MCF2L-AS1 in CRC cells and Ras-related protein Rab-22A (RAB22A) was verified to be the downstream target of miR-105-5p. It was verified through rescue assays that RAB22A overexpression or miR-105-5p silencing could reverse the repressive impact of MCF2L-AS1 silencing on CRC progression.

Conclusion

MCF2L-AS1 accelerated the malignant development of CRC cells by targeting the miR-105-5p/RAB22A axis.
Iranian healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and use of complementary and alternative medicine: a cross sectional study
Authors: Jafari Alireza , Zanganeh Mohaddeseh , Kazemi Zahra , Lael-Monfared Elaheh , Tehrani Hadi
Published: September 2021

Background

The present study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and performance of Iranian Healthcare Professionals (HP) about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) modalities.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 210 HP in 2019. Samples were selected from healthcare centers, clinics, and hospitals using census sampling. Data collection tools included demographic information, attitude, knowledge, and the amount of use of CAM modalities. Data analysis was performed using SPSS ver. 24.

Results

In this study, the response rate was 85.3% (n=209). A majority of respondents had a positive attitude toward CAM (n=166, 79%), but their level of knowledge was limited (n=154, 73.6%). The most commonly used CAM modalities were herbal medicine (93.2%), exercise therapy (75.4%), and hydrotherapy (75.2%), respectively, and the least commonly used ones were magnetic therapy (2.9%) and hypnosis (4.8%). The most important reasons for the use of CAM modalities by HP included fewer side effects than medical treatments (57.4%), its lowest cost than medical treatments (34.9%), non-serious disease with no need for referral to a clinic (32.1%), and its more convenient access than medical treatments (30.6%). The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the education level and the use of CAM modalities (p<0.05). There was also a significant relationship between the suggestion of CAM modalities and the amount of use of these modalities, and those who used these modalities would also have recommended them to their clients more frequently (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The results showed that most of HP used at least one of the CAM modalities and had a positive attitude towards CAM. As the level of knowledge was limited, training courses should be implemented to increase health practitioner’s level of knowledge on CAM.
Scaling production of GFP1-10 detector protein in E. coli for secretion screening by split GFP assay
Authors: Müller Carolin , Igwe Chika L. , Wiechert Wolfgang , Oldiges Marco
Published: September 2021

Background

The split GFP assay is a well-known technology for activity-independent screening of target proteins. A superfolder GFP is split into two non-fluorescent parts, GFP11 which is fused to the target protein and GFP1-10. In the presence of both, GFP1-10 and the GFP11-tag are self-assembled and a functional chromophore is formed. However, it relies on the availability and quality of GFP1-10 detector protein to develop fluorescence by assembly with the GFP11-tag connected to the target protein. GFP1-10 detector protein is often produced in small scale shake flask cultivation and purified from inclusion bodies.

Results

The production of GFP1-10 in inclusion bodies and purification was comprehensively studied based on Escherichia coli as host. Cultivation in complex and defined medium as well as different feed strategies were tested in laboratory-scale bioreactor cultivation and a standardized process was developed providing high quantity of GFP1-10 detector protein with suitable quality. Split GFP assay was standardized to obtain robust and reliable assay results from cutinase secretion strains of Corynebacterium glutamicum with Bacillus subtilis Sec signal peptides NprE and Pel. Influencing factors from environmental conditions, such as pH and temperature were thoroughly investigated.

Conclusions

GFP1-10 detector protein production could be successfully scaled from shake flask to laboratory scale bioreactor. A single run yielded sufficient material for up to 385 96-well plate screening runs. The application study with cutinase secretory strains showed very high correlation between measured cutinase activity to split GFP fluorescence signal proofing applicability for larger screening studies.
Polydopamine-coated UiO-66 nanoparticles loaded with perfluorotributylamine/tirapazamine for hypoxia-activated osteosarcoma therapy
Authors: Chen Hongfang , Fu You , Feng Kai , Zhou Yifan , Wang Xin , Huang Haohan , Chen Yan , Wang Wenhao , Xu Yuanjing , Tian Haijun , Mao Yuanqing , Wang Jinwu , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: September 2021

Background

Hypoxia is a characteristic of solid tumors that can lead to tumor angiogenesis and early metastasis, and addressing hypoxia presents tremendous challenges. In this work, a nanomedicine based on oxygen-absorbing perfluorotributylamine (PFA) and the bioreductive prodrug tirapazamine (TPZ) was prepared by using a polydopamine (PDA)-coated UiO-66 metal organic framework (MOF) as the drug carrier.

Results

The results showed that TPZ/PFA@UiO-66@PDA nanoparticles significantly enhanced hypoxia, induced cell apoptosis in vitro through the oxygen-dependent HIF-1α pathway and decreased oxygen levels in vivo after intratumoral injection. In addition, our study demonstrated that TPZ/PFA@UiO-66@PDA nanoparticles can accumulate in the tumor region after tail vein injection and effectively inhibit tumor growth when combined with photothermal therapy (PTT). TPZ/PFA@UiO-66@PDA nanoparticles increased HIF-1α expression while did not promote the expression of CD31 in vivo during the experiment.

Conclusions

By using TPZ and PFA and the enhanced permeability and retention effect of nanoparticles, TPZ/PFA@UiO-66@PDA can target tumor tissues, enhance hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment, and activate TPZ. Combined with PTT, the growth of osteosarcoma xenografts can be effectively inhibited.

Graphic abstract
Genetic interference exerted by Salmonella-delivered CRISPR/Cas9 significantly reduces the pathological burden caused by Marek’s disease virus in chickens
Authors: Senevirathne Amal , Hewawaduge Chamith , Lee John Hwa
Published: September 2021

Efficient in vivo delivery of a CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid is of paramount importance for effective therapy. Here, we investigated the usability of Salmonella as a plasmid carrier for in vivo therapy against virus-induced cancer using Marek’s disease virus (MDV) as a model for study in chickens. A green fluorescent protein-expressing CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid encoding the virulence gene pp38 was constructed against Marek’s disease virus. Therapeutic plasmids were transformed into Salmonella carrying lon and sifA gene deletions. The animals in 5 groups were intraperitoneally inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline, vector control, or Salmonella before or after MDV infection, or left uninfected as a naïve control. Therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated by observing disease outcomes and the viral copy number in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The efficacy of plasmid delivery by Salmonella was 13 ± 1.7% in the spleen and 8.0 ± 1.8% in the liver on the 6th day post-infection. The Salmonella-treated groups showed significant resistance to MDV infection. The maximum effect was observed in the group treated with Salmonella before MDV infection. None of the chickens fully recovered; however, the results suggested that timely delivery of Salmonella could be effective for in vivo CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic interference against highly pathogenic MDV. The use of Salmonella in CRISPR systems provides a simpler and more efficient platform for in vivo therapy with CRISPR than the use of conventional in vivo gene delivery methods and warrants further development.
Correlation between estradiol levels on day of HCG trigger and the number of mature follicles, number of oocytes retrieved, and the number of mature oocytes (M2) after oocyte aspiration in ICSI cycles
Authors: Malathi Anitha , Balakrishnan Sheila , B. S. Lakshmi
Published: September 2021

Background

Estradiol is an important marker of ovarian response to ovarian stimulation in ART cycles. The study tries to find the correlation of serum estradiol on the day of HCG trigger to the number of follicles, the number of oocytes retrieved, and the number of mature oocytes, and also, to correlate estradiol per follicle and estradiol per oocyte on the day of HCG, to the number of oocytes retrieved, and to the number of mature oocytes. It is a cross sectional study using retrospective data.

Results

The data of 232 patients were analyzed. Our study showed a positive correlation between estradiol levels and the number of follicles (NF) (r= 0.592,p< 0.001), number of retrieved oocytes (NRO) (r= 0.576,p< 0.001), and number of mature oocytes (NMO) (r= 0.554,p< 0.001). E/follicle ratio did not have a significant correlation with NRO and NMO. E/Oocyte ratio had a strong negative correlation with NMO (r= −0.280,p< 0.001)

Conclusions

Serum estradiol had a positive correlation with NF, NRO, and NMO. But E/O had a strong negative correlation with NMO. These results indicate that estradiol levels can be used as an important clinical tool in the prediction of oocyte and mature oocyte yield in ART cycles. Reproductive outcome in ART cycles is largely dependent on the number of oocytes and mature oocyte yield. Estradiol levels on the day of HCG appear to strongly correlate with the outcome of ART cycles.
Perioperative Electroencephalogram Spectral Dynamics Related to Postoperative Delirium in Older Patients
Authors: Koch Susanne , Windmann Victoria , Chakravarty Sourish , Kruppa Jochen , Yürek Fatima , Brown Emery N. , Winterer Georg , Spies Claudia
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND:

Intraoperative electroencephalography (EEG) signatures related to the development of postoperative delirium (POD) in older patients are frequently studied. However, a broad analysis of the EEG dynamics including preoperative, postinduction, intraoperative and postoperative scenarios and its correlation to POD development is still lacking. We explored the relationship between perioperative EEG spectra-derived parameters and POD development, aiming to ascertain the diagnostic utility of these parameters to detect patients developing POD.

METHODS:

Patients aged ≥65 years undergoing elective surgeries that were expected to last more than 60 minutes were included in this prospective, observational single center study (Biomarker Development for Postoperative Cognitive Impairment [BioCog] study). Frontal EEGs were recorded, starting before induction of anesthesia and lasting until recovery of consciousness. EEG data were analyzed based on raw EEG files and downloaded excel data files. We performed multitaper spectral analyses of relevant EEG epochs and further used multitaper spectral estimate to calculate a corresponding spectral parameter. POD assessments were performed twice daily up to the seventh postoperative day. Our primary aim was to analyze the relation between the perioperative spectral edge frequency (SEF) and the development of POD.

RESULTS:

Of the 237 included patients, 41 (17%) patients developed POD. The preoperative EEG in POD patients was associated with lower values in both SEF (POD 13.1 ± 4.6 Hz versus no postoperative delirium [NoPOD] 17.4 ± 6.9 Hz; P = .002) and corresponding γ-band power (POD −24.33 ± 2.8 dB versus NoPOD −17.9 ± 4.81 dB), as well as reduced postinduction absolute α-band power (POD −7.37 ± 4.52 dB versus NoPOD −5 ± 5.03 dB). The ratio of SEF from the preoperative to postinduction state (SEF ratio) was ~1 in POD patients, whereas NoPOD patients showed a SEF ratio >1, thus indicating a slowing of EEG with loss of unconscious. Preoperative SEF, preoperative γ-band power, and SEF ratio were independently associated with POD (P = .025; odds ratio [OR] = 0.892, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.808–0.986; P = .029; OR = 0.568, 95% CI, 0.342–0.944; and P = .009; OR = 0.108, 95% CI, 0.021–0.568, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Lower preoperative SEF, absence of slowing in EEG while transitioning from preoperative state to unconscious state, and lower EEG power in relevant frequency bands in both these states are related to POD development. These findings may suggest an underlying pathophysiology and might be used as EEG-based marker for early identification of patients at risk to develop POD.
Are the Placement, Maintenance, and Removal of Femoral and Sciatic Catheters Associated With Bleeding Complications in Vascular Patients on Antithrombotics? A Single-Center, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wardhan Richa , Michel Ralph , Vasilopoulos Terrie , Yen Erin
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND:

Information on the safety of placement, maintenance, and removal of peripheral nerve blocks in the presence of therapeutic or prophylactic antithrombotics is limited to case reports.

METHODS:

In this retrospective, descriptive study, we examined the use of femoral and gluteal or subgluteal sciatic perineural catheters in 146 patients on antithrombotics who received lower limb amputation (LLA) above or below the knee at the University of Florida Health Shands Hospital between January 2015 and December 2019. We searched patient surgical records for complications such as bleeding, nerve damage, infection, and hematoma during placement, maintenance, and removal of the perineural catheters.

RESULTS:

In this cohort of 146 patients on antithrombotics, there was 1 episode of hematoma with an estimated incidence of 1 of 146 (0.68%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02–3.76). This patient developed a hematoma at the location of the femoral catheter and required a blood transfusion. This patient was on aspirin daily and subcutaneous heparin 3 times per day and had a normal coagulation profile during their hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS:

This report investigates bleeding complications of femoral and sciatic perineural catheters in patients undergoing LLA on antithrombotics. We found that, except for 1 patient, most patients on varying combinations of antithrombotics did not experience bleeding complications related to the femoral and sciatic perineural catheters.