bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Optimized Experimental Investigation of Foam-Assisted N2 Huff-n-Puff Enhanced Oil Recovery in Fractured Shale Cores
Authors: Xiong Xiaofei , Sheng James Jia
Published: August 2021

Sustainable development of shale reservoirs and enhanced oil recovery have become a challenge for the oil industry in recent years. Shale reservoirs are typically characterized by nano Darcy-scale matrix, natural fractures, and artificially fractures with high permeability. Some of earlier studies have confirmed that gas huff-n-puff has been investigated and demonstrated as the most effective and promising solution for improving oil recovery in tight shale reservoirs with ultra-low permeability. Fractures provide an advantage in enhancing recovery from shale reservoirs but they also pose serious problems such as severe gas channeling, which led to rapid decline production from a single well. More studies are needed to optimize the process.

This paper studies the method of foam-assisted N2 huff-n-puff to enhance oil recovery in fractured shale cores. The influence of foam on oil recovery was analyzed. The effect of matrix permeability, cycle number and production time on oil recovery are also considered. The shale core used in the experiment was from Sichuan Basin, China. For the purpose of comparation and validation, two groups of tests were conducted. One group of tests was N2 huff-n-puff, and the other was foam-N2 huff-n-puff. In the optimization experiment, matrix permeabilities were set as 0.01mD, 0.008mD and 0.001mD, cycle numbers ranged from one to five, the production time is designed to be 1 hour and 24 hours respectively. During the puff period of experiments, the history of oil recovery was closely monitored to reveal the mechanism.

During a round of gas injection of fractured shale cores, foam-assisted N2 huff-n-puff oil recovery is 4.59%, which is significantly higher than that of N2 huff-n-puff is only 0.0126%, and the contrast becomes more obvious with the increase of matrix permeability. The results also showed that the cumulative oil recovery increased as the number of cycles was increased, with the same experimental conditions. There is an optimal production time to achieve maximum oil recovery. The cycle numbers, matrix permeability, and production time played important roles in foam-assisted N2 huff-n-puff injection process. Therefore, under certain conditions, foam-N2 huff-n-puff has a positive effect on oil development in fractured shale.
LINC00152 Acts as a Potential Marker in Gliomas and Promotes Tumor Proliferation and Invasion Through the LINC00152/miR-107/RAB10 Axis
Authors: Liu Qing , peng gang , su jun , xiao songhua
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Aberrant expression of long noncoding RNAs plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis. Recently, several studies have showed that the LINC00152 gene is upregulated in a variety of tumors and plays an oncogene role; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms in glioblastoma remain unclear. In this study,we prepare to investigate the biological role and underlying molecular mechanisms of LINC00152 in glioblastoma cells. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis to identify LINC00152 expression, Cell Counting kit-8 assay and Colony formation assay were used to evaluate proliferation, Flow cytometric analysis was used to evaluate apoptosis, Cell Matrigel invasion assay and Wound healing assay was used to evaluate invasion, Western blot analysis to check protein expression level, Mouse xenograft models was used to check cell proliferation in vivo.Results: In this study, we found that LINC00152 was upregulated in gliomas and its expression was significantly associated with high tumor aggressiveness and poor outcomes for glioma patients. Functionally, the knockdown of LINC00152 not only inhibited malignant behaviors of glioma, such as proliferation and invasion of glioma cells and induced apoptosis in vitro but also suppressed tumorigenesis in vivo. Mechanistically, results of the bioinformatics analysis and experimental studies confirmed that LINC00152 and RAB10 as the targets of miR-107, and LINC00152 might act as a sponge for miR-107 to regulate the expression of RAB10 in glioblastoma. Additionally, silencing miR-107 reversed the effects induced by LINC00152 knockdown on glioblastoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: Our data suggested that LINC00152 is a candidate prognostic marker of glioma, and that the LINC00152/MIR-107/RAB10 axis plays a pivotal role in regulation of the glioma malignancy, and therefore, targeting the axis might be an effective therapeutic strategy to treat glioma.
Climate Scenarios And Your Changes In The Life Zone For Brazil
Authors: de Lima Rafael Fausto , OLIVEIRA-APARECIDO LUCAS Eduardo , Lorençone João Antonio , Lorençone Pedro Antonio , de Moraes José Reinaldo da Silva Cabral , de Meneses Kamila Cunha
Published: August 2021

Climate classification systems are tools capable of facilitating the analysis, grouping, delimitation, and dissemination of climatic characteristics of a region, contributing to the delimitation of areas of fitness in the agricultural sector and validation of various models of climate change. Thus, we seek to determine life zones for Brazil using the ecological classification of Holdridge (1967) in different scenarios of climate change. A 30-year historical series (1989-2019) of climatic data of average air temperature (° C) and rainfall (mm) was used for the entire Brazilian territory, obtained through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration / Prediction of World platform Wide Energy Resources - (NASA/POWER). Potential evapotranspiration (PET) was estimated by the method of Camargo (1971) using combinations between annual precipitation, average annual biotemperature, average annual basal biotemperature, and the relationship between evapotranspiration and altitude, the life zones for the Holdridge (1967) system were defined. The scenarios used were based on the IPCC (2014) projections. The average temperature in Brazil ranges from 13.1 to 28.0 ° C and the average annual precipitation is 1467 (± 46.91) mm. In the current scenario for the classification of Holdridge (1967) the predominant zone of life is the humid basal tropical forest in 60.57% of the territory. The increase in temperature causes a predominance of the living zones Basal tropical rainforest in 48.92% for S2 and Basal tropical rainforest in 48.95% in S3, the reduction in precipitation S4 generates the predominance of the living zone Basal tropical forest drought in 49.87%, with the increase in precipitation S5 there is a predominance of the zone of life Low humid basal tropical forest in 50.12% of the territory. The great variability of the obtained life zones makes the Holdridge system a useful tool to validate climate change scenarios.
Predicting The Potential Distribution of Campsis Grandiflora In China Under Climate Change
Authors: Ouyang Xianheng , Pan Jiangling , Wu Zhitao , Chen Anliang
Published: August 2021

As the research of geographical distribution of species shows significant influence on people’s understanding of specie protection and utilization, it is important to study the influence of climate change onto the geographical distribution pattern of plants. Based on 166 distribution records as well as 11 climate and terrain variables with low correlation in China, we used MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) model and ArcGIS software to predict the potential distribution of Campsis grandiflora under climate change and then determine the dominant climate variables which affect the geographical distribution significantly by analysis. The results show that the area under the curve (AUC) of the train is 0.939, which implies our prediction is accurate. Under the current climate condition, the area of potentially suitable habitat is 238.29×104 km2, mainly distributed in northern China, central China, southern China, and eastern China. The dominant variables affected the geographical distribution of Campsis grandiflora are mean diurnal range, range of annual temperature variation, mean temperature, mean temperature of the coldest season, the driest monthly precipitation, precipitation of the warmest quarter, as well as altitude. In the future climate change scenario, the total area of suitable habitat and highly suitable habitat will increase, whilst the area of moderately suitable habitat and poorly suitable habitat will decrease. In the meantime, the centroid of the potentially suitable area of Campsis grandiflora will migrate to higher latitude areas.
Preliminary Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Brimonidine for General Anesthesia
Authors: Chen Bin , Wang Xiaohui , Shi Mengrou , Li Xin , Zhang Ting , Gao Ping
Published: August 2021

Background:To determine the hypnotic and analgesic effects of brimonidine, and evaluate its efficacy and safety for general anesthesia. Potentiation of pentobarbital sleeping time with brimonidine was observed in mice, as was analgesic activity of brimonidine.Methods:The median effective dose (ED50)and lethal dose (LD50) of intraperitoneally injected brimonidine were determined in hypnotized mice. In addition, LD50 of intravenously injected brimonidine, ED50 of intravenously , intramuscularly and intrarectally injected brimonidine in hypnotized rabbits were determined. The synergistic anesthetic effect of brimonidine and chloral hydrate on rabbits was evaluated. Results:Intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg brimonidine enhanced the hypnotic effect of a threshold dose of pentobarbital. Intraperitoneal injection brimonidine produced dose-related analgesic effects in mice. ED50 of intraperitoneally administered brimonidine in hypnotized mice was 75.7 mg/kg, and LD50 was 379 mg/kg. The ED50 of intravenous, intramuscular and intrarectal brimonidine for hypnosis in rabbits were 5.2 mg/kg, 8.8 mg/kg and 8.7mg/kg, respectively, and LD50 of intravenous brimonidine was 146 mg/kg. Combined intravenous administration of 0.6 mg/kg brimonidine and 0.03 g/kg chloral hydrate had a synergistic anesthetic effects.Conclusions:Brimonidine elicited hypnotic and analgesic effects after systemic administration, and exhibited safety. Brimonidine enhanced the effects of other types of narcotics when combined.
MYB Transcription Factor Family in Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.): Genome-wide Investigation, Evolution, Structure, Characterization and Expression Patterns
Authors: Sabir Irfan Ali , Manzoor Muhammad Aamir , Shah Iftikhar Hussain , Liu Xunju , Zahid Muhmmad Salman , Jiu Songtao , Wang Jiyuan , Abdullah Muhammad , Zhang Caixi
Published: August 2021

Back groundMYB Transcription factors (TFs) are most imperative and largest gene family in plants, which participate in development, metabolism, defense, differentiation and stress response. The MYB TFs has been studied in various plant species. However, comprehensive studies of MYB gene family in the sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) are still unknown. ResultsIn the current study, a total of 69 MYB genes were investigated from sweet cherry genome and classified into 28 subfamilies (C1-C28 based on phylogenetic and structural analysis). Microcollinearity analysis revealed that dispersed duplication (DSD) and whole-genome duplication (WGD) events might play an important role in the expansion of the MYB genes family. Chromosomal localization, the synonymous (Ks) and nonsynonymous (Ka) analysis, molecular characteristics (pI, weight and length of amino acids) and subcellular localization were accomplished using several bioinformatics tools. Moreover, different subfamilies contained different cis-acting elements, conserved motifs analysis and introns-exons structures, representing functional divergence in the MYB family. Subsequently, the transcriptomic data exposed that MYB genes might play vital role in bud dormancy. Subsequently, the quantitative real-time qRT-PCR was carried out and the expression pattern indicated that MYB genes significantly expressed in floral bud as compared to flower and fruit. ConclusionOur comprehensive findings provide supportive insights into the evolutions, expansion complexity and functionality of PavMYB genes. These PavMYB genes should be further investigated as they seem to be brilliant candidates for dormancy manipulation in sweet cherry.
How would COVID-19 protocols have impacted on continuity of care of hypertension patients
Authors: Lee Seo Yoon , Chun Sung Youn , Park Hyeki
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the continuity of care (COC) in hypertension patients. Additionally, the factor of whether participants were treated by telemedicine or not was also considered.MethodsNational Health Insurance and Medical Aid claims This study used data from the Republic of Korea between 2019 and 2020. The multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the differences in visits and the Most Frequent Provider Continuity (MFPC) of hypertensive patients before and after the COVID-19. To confirm the effect of telemedicine, additional analysis was performed with data that deleted cases that received telemedicine.FindingsA total of 5,791,812 hypertensive patients are included in this study. When the confounding variables were adjusted, the MFPC decreased by 0.0031 points after the COVID-19. It also showed the same results for MFPC when telemedicine cases were excluded. The number of outpatient clinic visit days decreased by 0.2930 days after the COVID-19. Without telemedicine cases, the number of outpatient clinic visit days decreased by 0.3330 days after the COVID-19.ConclusionThe COVID-19 protocols did not affect hypertension patients' COC but impacted their outpatient frequency. Additionally, when telemedicine cases are considered, COC was the same, but the patient’s outpatient frequency had decreased, but not as much as when telemedicine cases were considered.
The past, present, and future of multiple wheat and maize breadbasket shocks
Authors: Anderson Weston , Baethgen Walter , Capitanio Fabian , Ciais Philippe , Cook Benjamin , Cunha Gilberto Rocca da , Goddard Lisa , Schauberger Bernhard , Sonder Kai , ́ Guillermo Podesta , Velde M Van der , You Liangzhi
Published: August 2021

Simultaneous yield shocks in multiple breadbaskets pose a potential threat to global food security, yet the historical risks and causes of such shocks are poorly understood. Here, we compile a dataset of subnational maize and wheat yield anomalies in 25 countries dating back to 1900 to better characterize the past, present, and future risk of multiple breadbasket shocks. We find that years in which at least half of all maize or wheat breadbaskets fall 10% (5%) below expected yields has occurred in ~2-3% (~14-16%) of years over the last century. Importantly, multiple breadbasket shocks have been decreasing in frequency from 1930 to 2017. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) most strongly affects the probability of multiple maize breadbasket shocks, while the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) most strongly affects the probability of multiple wheat breadbasket shocks, each influencing the probability by up to 40%. The effect of climate change on climate stress in maize and wheat breadbaskets is mixed; extreme heat will increase uniformly, agricultural soil moisture stress will remain constant or increase, but hydrological stress (as measured by runoff) will remain constant or decrease in breadbasket regions.
Branch Angle and Leaflet Shape are Associated with Canopy Coverage in Soybean
Authors: Virdi Kamaldeep S. , Sreeka Suma , Dobbels Austin , Haaning Allison , Jarquin Diego , Stupar Robert M. , Lorenz Aaron J. , Muehlbauer Gary J.
Published: August 2021

Early canopy coverage is a desirable trait that promotes faster ground coverage, resulting in reduced soil evaporation, increased light interception, biomass production and weed suppression, all of which are important determinants of yield in soybean (Glycine max). Variation in traits comprising shoot architecture can influence canopy coverage, canopy light interception, canopy-level photosynthesis, and source-sink partitioning efficiency. However, little is known about the extent of phenotypic diversity of shoot architecture traits and their genetic control in soybean. Thus, we sought to understand the contribution of shoot architecture traits to canopy coverage and to determine the genetic control of these traits. We examined the natural variation for shoot architecture traits in a set of 399 diverse maturity group I soybean (SoyMGI) accessions to identify relationships between traits, and to identify loci that are associated with canopy coverage and shoot architecture traits. Canopy coverage was correlated with branch angle, number of branches, plant height and leaf shape. Using previously collected 50K SNP data on the SoyMGI panel, we identified QTL associated with branch angle, number of branches, branch density, leaf length/width ratio, days to flowering, maturity, plant height, number of nodes and stem termination. In many cases QTL intervals overlapped with previously described genes or QTL. Of particular note, we found QTL associated with branch angle and leaflet shape located on chromosomes 19 and 4, respectively, and these QTL overlapped with QTL associated with canopy coverage, suggesting the importance of branch angle and leaflet shape in determining canopy coverage. Taken together, our results highlight the role individual architecture traits play in canopy coverage and contribute information on their genetic control that could help facilitate future efforts in their genetic manipulation.
One year monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in a German cohort of patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Jaudszus Anke , Pavlova Mariya , Rasche Marius , Baier Michael , Möser Anne , Lorenz Michael
Published: August 2021

Background: In Germany, the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was registered on 28 January 2020. By February 2021, the third wave of the pandemic began. So far, only few data are available on the SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and the clinical impact of an infection in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).Methods: From February 2020 until March 2021, we screened 156 CF patients for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies (serology) and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in deep throat saliva or nasopharyngeal swabs (molecular testing). From patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, we recorded symptoms and collected clinical data. Results: In total, 13 patients (8.3%) were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, most of them during the second and the beginning third wave of the pandemic. Ten positive tested patients described symptoms linked to COVID-19. The most common symptom was cough followed by fatigue and headache. SARS-CoV-2 infection did not impair lung function. No positive tested patient needed to be hospitalized.Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infections in patients with CF are not as rare as initially anticipated, as frequent testing revealed. However, infected patients did not experience more severe clinical courses or worse clinical outcome. Our observation is in line with published reports indicating that individuals with CF are not at higher risk for severe COVID-19.
Durable Nanocomposite Face Masks with High Particulate Filtration and Rapid Inactivation of Coronaviruses
Authors: Gonzalez Andrew , Aboubakr Hamada A. , Brockgreitens John , Hao Weixing , Wang Yang , Goyal Sagar M. , Abbas Abdennour
Published: August 2021

The COVID−19 pandemic presents a unique challenge to the healthcare community due to the high infectivity rate and need for effective personal protective equipment. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have shown promising antimicrobial properties and are recognized as a safe additive in many food and cosmetic products. This work presents a novel nanocomposite synthesis approach, which allows zinc oxide nanoparticles to be grown within textile and face mask materials, including melt-blown polypropylene and nylon-cotton. The resulting nanocomposite achieves greater than 3 log 10 reduction (≥ 99.9%) in coronavirus titer within a contact time of 10 minutes, by disintegrating the viral envelope. The new nanocomposite textile retains activity even after 100 laundry cycles and has been dermatologist tested as non-irritant and hypoallergenic. Various face mask designs were tested to improve filtration efficiency and breathability while offering antiviral protection, with Claros’ design reporting higher filtration efficiency than surgical masks (> 50%) for particles ranged 200nm to 5µm in size.
Cromolyn Platform Suppresses Fibrosis and Inflammation, Promotes Microglial Phagocytosis and Neurite Outgrowth
Authors: Wang Yi-Jun , Downey Matthew A. , Choi Sungwoon , Shoup Timothy M. , Elmaleh David R.
Published: August 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by chronic neuroinflammation and may perpetuate ongoing fibrotic reactions within the central nervous system. In this report, RNA-seq analysis shows that administration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α to HMC3 human microglia results in a robust upregulation of fibrosis-associated genes. Subsequent treatment with cromolyn and its fluorinated analogue F-cromolyn resulted in reduced secretion of collagen XVIII, fibronectin, and tenascin-c. Additionally, we show that cromolyn and F-cromolyn reduce secretion of pro-inflammatory proteins PLP1, PELP1, HSP90, IL-2, GRO-α, Eotaxin, and VEGF-Α, while promoting secretion of anti-inflammatory IL-4 in HMC3 microglia. Neurite outgrowth in PC12 neuronal cells is augmented by cromolyn and F-cromolyn in concert with nerve growth factor. Treatment also differentially altered secretion of neurogenesis-related proteins TTL, PROX1, Rab35, and CSDE1 in HMC3 microglia. Finally, iPSC-derived human microglia more readily phagocytose Aβ42 with cromolyn and F-cromolyn relative to controls. We propose the cromolyn platform targets multiple proteins upstream of PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, and GSK-3β signaling pathways to affect cytokine, chemokine, and fibrosis-related protein expression.
The Discrepancy between Radiographically-assessed and Self-recognized Hallux Valgus in a Large Population-based Cohort
Authors: Matsumoto Takumi , Higuchi Junya , Maenohara Yuji , Chang Song Ho , Iidaka Toshiko , Horii Chiaki , Oka Hiroyuki , Muraki Shigeyuki , Hashizume Hiroshi , Yamada Hiroshi , Yoshida Munehito , Nakamura Kozo , Tanaka Sakae , Yoshimura Noriko
Published: August 2021

Background: There has been a paucity of literature revealing the discrepancy between self-recognition about hallux valgus (HV) and radiographically-evaluated foot configuration.Questions/Purposes: (1) Is there a discrepancy between radiographically-assessed and self-recognized HV in the general population? (2) What factors affect the self-recognition of HV in the general population?Methods: The fifth survey of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis against Disability study involved 1996 participants who had undergone anterior-posterior radiography of bilateral feet and answered an interviewer-administered questionnaire on self-recognition of HV. Measurements of the HV angle (HVA) and interphalangeal angle of the hallux (IPA) were performed using radiographs. After univariate comparison of the participant backgrounds and radiographic measurements between participants with or without self-recognition of HV, multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted in order to reveal independent factors affecting self-recognition.Results: The mean HVA and IPA were 16.8°and 15.4°, respectively. Significant difference was found between the prevalence of radiographically-assessed and self-recognized HV (29.8% vs. 16.5%, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of self-recognized HV increased with the progression of HV severity from a single-digit percentage (normal grade, HVA < 20°) up to 100% (severe grade, HVA ≥ 40°). A multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that HVA and female sex were independent positive factors for self-recognition of HV (HVA [per 1° increase]: OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.18-1.22; p < 0.0001; and female sex [vs. male sex]: OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 2.14-4.73; p < 0.0001).Conclusions: There was a significant discrepancy between radiographically-assessed and self-recognized HV which narrowed with the progressing severity of HV. HVA and female sex were independent positive factors for self-recognition of HV.
Swallowing Kinematic Analysis Might Be Helpful In Predicting Aspiration And Pyriform Sinus Stasis
Authors: Wei Kuo-Chang , Cheng Sheng-Hao , Hsiao Ming-Yen , Wang Yu-Chen , Weng Chi-Hung , Chen Jo-Yu , Wang Tyng-Guey
Published: August 2021

Aspiration and pyriform sinus stasis resulting from compromised swallowing might cause aspiration pneumonia, which can have a negative impact on the patient’s prognosis. Clinically, videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) is considered the standard instrument that is able to provide clues that contribute to the physiological impairment of swallowing. In addition, according to previously published literature, the parameters of kinematic analyses of VFSS might provide further information for aspiration detection. In this study, 449 files of VFSS studies from 232 patients were divided into three groups: normal, aspiration, and pyriform sinus stasis. Kinematic analyses and between-group comparison were conducted. Significant between-group differences were noted among parameters, including anterior hyoid displacement, maximal hyoid displacement, and average velocity of hyoid movement. No significant difference was detected in superior hyoid displacement. Furthermore, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses using anterior hyoid displacement, velocity of anterior hyoid displacement, and average velocity of maximal hyoid displacement showed acceptable predictability for detecting aspiration. Using 33.0 mm/s as a cutoff value of average velocity of maximal hyoid displacement, the sensitivity of detecting the presence of aspiration could be about 90%. Therefore, we assumed that the average velocity of maximal hyoid displacement could be a potential screening tool to detect aspiration.
Agricultural management and pesticide use reduce the phosphorus uptake capability of beneficial plant symbionts
Authors: Edlinger Anna , Garland Gina , Banerjee Samiran , Degrune Florine , García-Palacios Pablo , Hallin Sara , Herzog Chantal , Jansa Jan , Kost Elena , Maestre Fernando , Pescador David Sánchez , Philippot Laurent , Rillig Matthias , Romdhane Sana , Saghaï Aurélien , Spor Aymé , Frossard Emmanuel , Heijden Marcel van der
Published: August 2021

Phosphorus (P) acquisition is key for global food production. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) help plants acquire P and are considered key for the design of sustainable agroecosystems. However, how the functioning of AMF varies across agricultural soils and responds to management practices is still unknown. Here, we collected soils from 150 cereal fields and 60 non-cropped grassland sites across Europe, and in a greenhouse experiment, we tested the ability of AMF in these soils to forage for radioisotope-labelled 33P from a hyphal compartment. Hyphal-mediated P uptake was 64% higher in non-cropped grassland compared to cropland soils. Soil pH and organic carbon best explained the hyphal-mediated P uptake in the grasslands, while the use of fungicide in croplands reduced P uptake in the croplands by 43%. Our results suggest that land-use intensity and fungicide use are major deterrents to the natural capacity of AMF to contribute to sustainable crop production.
Anti-nuclear Antibody and a Granuloma Could be Biomarkers for iCIs-related Hepatitis by Anti- PD-1 Treatment
Authors: Kondo Yasuteru , Akahira Junichi , Morosawa Tatsuki , Toi Yukihiro , Endo Akashi , Satio Hiroaki , Endo Mareyuki , Sugawara Shunichi , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: August 2021

Background and AimsIt has been reported that various kinds of immune checkpoint inhibitors (iCIs) could induce immune-related liver damage. We should focus on the programmed cell death-receptor-1 (PD-1) antibody and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to analyze the characteristics of hepatitis related to iCIs and find the factors that could be useful biomarkers for the diagnosis. MethodsA single-center retrospective study of 252 NSCLC patients who received PD-1 antibody (nivolumab or pembrolizumab). Some of the biochemical markers and immunological markers were analyzed during PD-1-antibody treatment with or without ALT elevation. Histopathological features were reviewed by a single expert of hepatic pathology focusing on the following features: fibrosis, portal inflammation, lobular inflammation, lobular necrosis. The formation of macro- and micro- granulomas was also evaluated. ResultsThe frequency of liver damage induced by nivolumab including grade 1 to 4 (ALT) was 41.9% (78/186 patients). The positive rate of anti-nuclear antibody in the nivolumab group with iCIs-related hepatitis was significantly higher than that in the nivolumab group without iCIs-related hepatitis (p<0.0001). Granulomatous changes were significantly increased in patients with iCIs-related hepatitis compared with DILI and AIH patients (p<0.05). The ratios of inflammatory cells CD4/CD8, and CD138/CD3 in ICIs-related hepatitis were significantly lower than in those of AIH or DILI patients (p<0.05).ConclusionsWe demonstrated that the pre-existing ANA and characteristic liver histology including CD8+ cells dominancy and granulomatous hepatitis could be biomarkers for the diagnosis of iCIs-related hepatitis in the NSCLC with anti-PD-1 therapy.
Long-Term Bare Fallow Soil Reveals The Temperature Sensitivity of Priming Effect of The Relatively Stabilized Soil Organic Matter
Authors: Zhang Xiuwei , Zhu Biao , Yu Feihai , Wang Peng , Cheng Weixin
Published: August 2021

Priming plays an important role in modifying the decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM), but there are large uncertainties in the temperature effect on priming mainly due to the variation in SOM stability. Long-term bare fallow offers a unique opportunity to isolate the relatively stabilized SOM pool and study its properties. We tested the temperature effect on priming of the relatively stabilized SOM pool by incubating soil samples collected from a bare fallow (representing the relatively stabilized SOM) and its adjacent old field (containing both stabilized SOM and labile SOM) at 10 and 20°C for 815 days. We amended the soil samples with C4 maize leaves to distinguish the CO2 source released from the soils (formed under C3 vegetation) and the substrate added (i.e. maize leaves) based on the natural abundance of δ13C. In all cases, there was a positive priming effect on native SOM decomposition when fresh organic matter (maize leaves) was added. The temperature sensitivity of priming effect (calculated as the difference in SOM decomposition due to the addition of maize leaves) in the bare fallow soil and the old field soil was quite different: increasing temperature significantly enhanced the magnitude of priming effect in the bare fallow soil, whereas had no effect on the magnitude of priming effect in the old field soil. The increase of the amount of microbial biomass C by maize leaves application was higher in the bare fallow soil than in the old field soil. Furthermore, for maize leaves-treated soil, temperature increase significantly increased the rate of microbial N mining throughout the incubation in the bare fallow soil, but had minor effect on microbial N mining in the old field soil at the end of incubation. We conclude that the priming effect of the relatively stabilized SOM was sensitive to temperature increase, which may be mainly driven by greater microbial growth and microbial demand for N. This work highlights the vulnerability of stabilized SOM to priming effect under global warming and reveals the potential role of microbes in regulating soil C dynamics under future climate change.
Emergence of Distinct Electronic States in Epitaxially-Fused PbSe Quantum Dot Superlattices
Authors: Kavrik Mahmut Sami , Hachtel Jordan , Ko Wonhee , Qian Caroline , Abelson Alex , Unlu Eyup Bedirhan , Kashyap Harshil , Li An-Ping , Idrobo Juan-Carlos , Law Matt
Published: August 2021

Quantum coupling in arrayed nanostructures may induce novel mesoscale properties such as electronic minibands that may lead to applications including high efficiency solar cells. Colloidal PbSe quantum dots (QDs) can self-assemble into epitaxially-fused superlattices (epi-SLs), making them a promising material system to study collective phenomena. In the present study, the presence of distinct local electronic states induced by crystalline necks connecting individual PbSe QDs is documented by several techniques that leads to modulation of the band gap energy across the epi-SL. The energy band gap measured by multi-probe scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) shows variation from 0.7 eV at the center of the QDs to 1.1 eV at their necks. Complementary monochromated electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) measurements reveal the presence of distinct electronic states from necks in the epi-SL, confirming the STS measurements and demonstrating band gap modulation in spectral mapping. It is hypothesized that these new electronic states are induced by quantum confinement of carriers in the necks between the QDs, redefining the energy landscape of the PbSe QD epi-SL.
The direct/inverse interplay among 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC)-related biological pathways in gastrointestinal pan-cancer study
Authors: Moraveji Sayyed Sajjad , Khoshbakht Samane , Mokhtari Majid , Lanjanian Hosein , Masoudi-Nejad Ali
Published: August 2021

5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) as an epigenetics marker has significant impacts on cancer progression. Identification of preserved 5-hmC-related subnetworks in pan-cancer studies could lead to a better understanding of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers insights. Here, we conducted a network-based analysis on 5-hmC values of GI cancers, including colon, gastric, pancreatic cancers, and healthy donors. The co-5-hmC network was reconstructed using the weighted gene coexpression network (WGCNA) method. The hierarchical clustering method was implemented to detect pan-cancer-related modules/subnetworks. The preservation of modules was assessed using another dataset. Modules were functionally enriched, and biological pathways were visualized using the ConsensuspathDB. A 5-hmC predictive model was determined using the elastic network classifier to distinguish cancer patients and healthy individuals. To assess the efficiency of the model the recursive operating characteristics (AUC) curve was computed using the 5 cross-fold validation and an external dataset as well. Three pan-cancer-related subnetworks were detected preserved in another dataset. The main biological pathways were the cell cycle, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. The direct association between the cell cycle and ECM, the inverse association between apoptosis and ECM organization, and the inverse association between the cell cycle and ECM organization were detected for the 5-hmC marker in GI cancers. The AUC of 92% (0.73-1.00) was detected for the predictive model. In conclusion, the intricate association among biological pathways of ECM organization, Cell cycle, and apoptosis in GI cancers might be the consequence of epigenetics aberration; such findings could be beneficial in precision medicine using liquid biopsy in early stages.
piRNA/ PIWI protein complex as potential biomarkers in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Abdelhamid Rehab F. , Ogawa Kotaro , Beck Goichi , Ikenaka Kensuke , Takeuchi Eriko , Yasumizu Yoshiaki , Jinno Jyunki , Kimura Yasuyoshi , Baba Kousuke , Nagai Yoshitaka , Okada Yukinori , Saito Yuko , Murayama Shigeo , Mochizuki Hideki , Nagano Seiichi
Published: August 2021

The pathological hallmark in the majority of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases is the mislocalization and aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), an RNA-binding protein. Several studies have attributed disease processes of ALS to abnormal RNA metabolism. However, dysregulated biogenesis of RNA, especially non-coding RNA (ncRNA), is poorly understood. To resolve it, RNA-Seq, biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on sporadic ALS (sALS) and control postmortem brain samples. Here we report perturbation of ncRNA biogenesis in PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) in several sALS brain samples associated with TDP-43 pathology. In addition, we confirmed the dysregulation of two PIWI homologs, PIWI-like-mediated gene silencing 1 (PIWIL1) and PIWIL4, which bind to piRNAs to regulate their expression. PIWIL1 was mislocalized and co-localized with TDP-43 in motor neurons of sporadic ALS lumbar cords. Our results imply that dysregulation of piRNA, PIWIL1, and PIWIL4 is linked to pathogenesis of ALS. Based on these results, piRNAs and PIWI proteins are expected to be potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of ALS.
How Phylogenetics Can Elucidate the Chemical Ecology of Poison Frogs and Their Arthropod Prey
Authors: Coleman Jeffrey L. , Cannatella David C.
Published: August 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Ni-Fe phosphide deposited carbon felt as free-standing bifunctional catalyst electrode for urea electrolysis
Authors: Yun Woo Hyun , Das Gautam , Kim Bohyeon , Park Bang Ju , Yoon Hyon Hee , Yoon Young Soo
Published: August 2021

A free-standing catalyst electrode for the urea oxidation reaction (UOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in a urea electrolysis cell was synthesized by electroplating a Ni-Fe alloy onto carbon felt, followed by phosphidation (P-NiFe@CF). The prepared P-NiFe@CF catalyst consisted of Ni5P4, NiP2, and FeP with 3D flower-like P-NiFe architecture on CF. P-NiFe@CF exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the UOR (demanding only 1.44 V (vs. RHE) to achieve 200 mA cm −2), and for the HER with a low overpotential of 0.065 V (vs. RHE) at 10 mA cm−2, indicating its feasibility as a bifunctional catalyst electrode for urea electrolysis. A urea electrolysis cell with P-NiFe@CF as both the free-standing anode and cathode generated a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a cell potential of 1.42 V (vs. RHE), which is considerably lower than that of water electrolysis, and also lower than previously reported values. The results indicate that the P-NiFe@CF catalyst electrodes can be used as free-standing bifunctional electrodes for urea electrolyzers.
Telehealth Interventions and Outcomes Across Rural Communities in the United States: Narrative Review
Authors: Butzner Michael , Cuffee Yendelela
Published: August 2021

Background

In rural communities, there are gaps in describing the design and effectiveness of technology interventions for treating diseases and addressing determinants of health.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate literature on current applications, therapeutic areas, and outcomes of telehealth interventions in rural communities in the United States.

Methods

A narrative review of studies published on PubMed from January 2017 to December 2020 was conducted. Key search terms included telehealth, telemedicine, rural, and outcomes.

Results

Among 15 included studies, 9 studies analyzed telehealth interventions in patients, 3 in health care professionals, and 3 in both patients and health care professionals. The included studies reported positive outcomes and experiences of telehealth use in rural populations including acceptability and increased satisfaction; they also noted that technology is convenient and efficient. Other notable benefits included decreased direct and indirect costs to the patient (travel cost and time) and health care service provider (staffing), lower onsite health care resource utilization, improved physician recruitment and retention, improved access to care, and increased education and training of patients and health care professionals.

Conclusions

Telehealth models were associated with positive outcomes for patients and health care professionals, suggesting these models are feasible and can be effective. Future telehealth interventions and studies examining these programs are warranted, especially in rural communities, and future research should evaluate the impact of increased telehealth use as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assessing Values and Preferences Toward SARS-CoV-2 Self-testing Among the General Population and Their Representatives, Health Care Personnel, and Decision-Makers: Protocol for a Multicountry Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Shilton Sonjelle , Ivanova Reipold Elena , Roca Álvarez Albert , Martínez-Pérez Guillermo Z
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Accessible, safe, and client-centered SARS-CoV-2 testing services are an effective way to halt its transmission. Testing enables infected individuals to isolate or quarantine to prevent further transmission. In countries with limited health systems and laboratory capacity, it can be challenging to provide accessible and safe screening for COVID-19. Self-testing provides a convenient, private, and safe testing option; however, it also raises important concerns about lack of counseling and ensuring timely reporting of self-test results to national surveillance systems. Investigating community members’ views and perceptions regarding SARS-CoV-2 self-testing is crucial to inform the most effective and safe strategies for implementing said testing.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 self-testing was useful to diagnose and prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 for populations in low-resource settings and under which circumstances it would be acceptable.

METHODS

This multisite, mixed methods, observational study will be conducted in 9 countries—Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, and South Africa—and will consists of 2 components: cross-sectional surveys and interviews (semistructured and group) among 4 respondent groupings: the general population, general population representatives, health care workers, and decision-makers. General population and health care worker survey responses will be analyzed separately from each other, using bivariate and multivariate inferential analysis and descriptive statistics. Semistructured interviews and group interviews will be audiorecorded, transcribed, and coded for thematic comparative analysis.

RESULTS

As of November 19, 2021, participant enrollment is ongoing; 4364 participants have been enrolled in the general population survey, and 2233 participants have been enrolled in the health care workers survey. In the qualitative inquiry, 298 participants have been enrolled. We plan to complete data collection by December 31, 2021 and publish results in 2022 via publications, presentations at conferences, and dissemination events specifically targeted at local decision-makers, civil society, and patient groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The views and perceptions of local populations are crucial in the discussion of the safest strategies for implementing SARS-CoV-2 self-testing. We intend to identify sociocultural specificities that may hinder or accelerate the widespread utilization of SARS-CoV-2 self-testing.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/33088
Morir de azúcar en los Altos de Chiapas
Authors: Guerrero Martínez Fernando
Published: August 2021

La diabetes mellitus es uno de los principales problemas de salud en México. Las maneras de vivir con este padecimiento en los Altos de Chiapas conllevan una serie de aspectos sociales, económicos, culturales y políticos que se entrelazan y hacen de la región una de las zonas más golpeadas por esta epidemia en el país. El objetivo de esta reseña es mostrar, de manera sucinta, la información que los autores del libro Vivir sufriendo de azúcar. Representaciones sociales sobre la diabetes mellitus en tres localidades de los Altos de Chiapas ofrecen sobre el tema. También analizar sus principales propuestas, sin dejar de lado el abordaje teórico con el que sustentan su investigación, sus eleccionesmetodológicas y la contextualización de su obra en el campo tratado.
Therapeutic assessment of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) in reducing periprosthetic joint infection
Authors:   Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy, Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Cancer Center, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612-3806, USA, Hamilton JL , Mohamed MF , Witt BR , Wimmer MA , Shafikhani SH
Published: August 2021

Despite many preventive measures, including prophylactic antibiotics, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a devastating complication following arthroplasty, leading to pain, suffering, morbidity and substantial economic burden. Humans have a powerful innate immune system that can effectively control infections, if alerted quickly. Unfortunately, pathogens use many mechanisms to dampen innate immune responses. The study hypothesis was that immunomodulators that can jumpstart and direct innate immune responses (particularly neutrophils) at the surgical site of implant placement would boost immune responses and reduce PJI, even in the absence of antibiotics. To test this hypothesis, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) (a potent chemoattractant for phagocytic leukocytes including neutrophils) was used in a mouse model of PJI with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Mice receiving intramedullary femoral implants were divided into three groups: i) implant alone; ii) implant + S. aureus; iii) implant + fMLP + S. aureus. fMLP treatment reduced S. aureus infection levels by ~ 2-Log orders at day 3. Moreover, fMLP therapy reduced infection-induced peri-implant periosteal reaction, focal cortical loss and areas of inflammatory infiltrate in mice distal femora at day 10. Finally, fMLP treatment reduced pain behaviour and increased weight-bearing at the implant leg in infected mice at day 10. Data indicated that fMLP therapy is a promising novel approach for reducing PJI, if administered locally at surgical sites. Future work will be toward further enhancement and optimisation of an fMLP-based therapeutic approach through combination with antibiotics and/or implant coating with fMLP.
Design and Analysis of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) Blades Using CFD
Authors: Menghare Ambadas
Published: August 2021

Abstract: Within the current years wind power is extensively taken into consideration and applied as one of the most promising renewable electricity assets. In the recent studies have a look at, aerodynamic analysis of horizontal axis turbine is achieved with the aid of using cfd. Blades which can be often possible for industrial grade wind turbines embody a directly span-wise profile in conjunction with airfoil fashioned go sections. Wind tunnel test is applied in order to check aerodynamic efficiency wind turbine blade. The goal of this study is to design a wind turbine. The layout manner includes the choice of the sun machine for max efficiency and wind turbine kind and the determination of the blade airfoil, pitch attitude distribution along the radius, and chord duration distribution along the radius. The pitch angle and chord period distributions are optimized primarily based on conservation of angular momentum and principle of aerodynamic forces on an airfoil. Blade element momentum (BEM) principle is first derived then used to conduct a parametric observe to be able to determine if the optimized values of blade pitch and chord period create the maximum green blade geometry. This work includes a discussion of the most important parameters in wind turbine blade layout to maximize efficiency. Keywords: Wind Turbine, HAWT, BEM Theory, Parametric Study, Maximization of efficiency etc.