bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Algal Biomass, Lipid and Astaxanthin Production by Mix-Cultivation of Haematococcus Pluvialis With Simplicillium Lanosoniveum DT06
Authors: Yan Ran , Xing Xiang-Ying , Dong Qing-Lin , Yu Xian-Yong , Shi Kang-Li
Published: February 2021

To enhance algal lipid and astaxanthin synthesis, the astaxanthin-producing green alga Haematococcus pluvialis was mix-cultivated with the antibiotic-synthesizing fungus Simplicillium lanosoniveum DT06 under non-aseptic conditions (NM) in this study. Results showed that in contrast to aseptic pure culture (AH) and non-aseptic pure culture (NH) of H. pluvialis , the production of cell (biomass), lipids and astaxanthin increased 56% and 119%, 112.4% and 279%, 74% and 175%, reaching 2.45 g/l, 0.837 g/l and 88.84 mg/l respectively; the average growth rate and the average specific growth rate increased 60.8% and 133.1 %, 19% and 31.6%, reaching 194.2 mg l -1 d -1 and 0.25 d -1 respectively; and the average lipid synthesis rate and average specific lipid synthesis rate increased 112.5% and 278.66%, 36.15% and 97%, reaching 69.75 mg l -1 d -1 and 28.47 mg g -1 d -1 respectively; and also the content of C16-C18 fatty acids that are suitable for biofuels production increased to 83.19%. Therefore, NM provides an efficient and economical way for the production of biofuels.
Non-fatal Senior Pickleball and Tennis-related Injuries Treated in United States Emergency Departments, 2010-2019
Authors: Weiss Harold , Dougherty Jacob , DiMaggio Charles
Published: February 2021

Background: Pickleball is growing rapidly with a passionate senior following. Understanding and comparing players’ injury experience through analysis of a nationally representative hospital emergency department sample helps inform senior injury prevention and fitness goals.Methods: A retrospective population-based cohort study was performed using 2010 to 2019 data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Non-fatal pickleball and tennis-related cases were identified, examined, recoded, and separated by injury versus non-injury conditions. Since over 85% of the pickleball injury-related cases were to players ≥60 years of age we mostly focused on this older age group. Analyses consisted of descriptive statistics, injury frequency, type and trends over time, and comparative measures of risk. Results: Among players ≥60 years of age, non-injuries (i.e., cardiovascular events) accounted for 11% and 21.5% of the pickleball and tennis-related cases, respectively. With non-injuries removed for seniors (≥60 years), the NEISS contained a weighted total of 28,984 pickleball injuries (95% CI=19,463–43,163) and 58,836 tennis injuries (95% CI=44,861-77,164). Pickleball -related injuries grew rapidly over the study period and by 2018, the annual number of senior pickleball injuries reached parity with senior tennis-related injuries. Slip/Trip/Fall/Dive injury mechanisms predominated (63.3%, 95% CI=57.7%-69.5%). The leading diagnoses were strains/sprains (33.2%, 95% CI=27.8%-39.5%), fractures (28.1%, 95% CI=24.3%-32.4%) and contusions (10.6%, 95% CI=8.0%-14.1%). Senior males were three-and-a-half times more likely than females to suffer a pickleball-related strain or sprain (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.2-5.6) whereas women were over three-and-a-half times more likely to suffer a fracture (OR 3.7 95% CI = 2.3-5.7) compared to men and nine times more likely to suffer a wrist fracture (OR 9.3 95% CI 3.6 - 23.9). Patterns of senior tennis and pickleball injuries were mostly similar.Conclusions: NEISS is a valuable data source for describing the epidemiology of recreational injuries. However, careful case definitions are necessary when examining records involving older populations as non-injury conditions related to the activity/product codes of interest are frequent. As pickleball gains in popularity among active seniors, it is becoming an increasingly important cause of injury. Identifying and describing the most common types of injuries may can help inform prevention and safety measures.
PPV Distribution of Sidewalls Induced by Underground Cavern Blasting Excavation
Authors: Luo Yi , Wei Xiaoqing , Huang Junhong , Zhang Guang , Bian Xing , Li Xinping
Published: February 2021

The peak particle velocity (PPV) is an important indicator for predicting blasting excavation disturbances. However, the PPV distribution in the deep underground space is significantly different from that on the outdoor ground. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the underground PPV by Sadovsky’s vibration formula. The PPV sidewall distribution characteristics were studied during site blasting in an underground cavern in the Taohuazui Mine in China, and a similar numerical model was used to verify the site test data. We derived a PPV prediction formula for the underground cavern sidewall surrounding rock using a mechanical analysis model of a simply supported plate and beam in combination with dimensional analysis. The model considered derived boundary constraints, comparison with site measured data, the value predicted by Sadovsky’s vibration formula, and numerical simulation results. The results showed that the PPV distribution on the middle 1/3 section of the underground cavern sidewall showed a “platform” or “bulge” different from the curve from Sadovsky’s vibration formula. The PPV amplification coefficient in this section was distributed in a drum shape. The PPV prediction formula for the middle section of the sidewall derived in this paper was highly consistent with the data measured on-site and the numerical simulation results. The mechanical analysis model with a simply supported plate and beam included an underground cavern sidewall length-height ratio of 5 and effectively supplemented the PPV prediction formula for the middle section of the traditional underground cavern sidewall.
RLIM: A Recursive and Latent Infection Model for COVID-19 Prediction and Turning Point in United States
Authors: Yu Xiang , Lu Lihua , Shen Jianyi , Li Jiandun , Xiao Wei , Chen Yangquan
Published: February 2021

Initially found at Hubei, Wuhan and identified as a novel virus of coronavirus family by WHO, COVID-19 has spread worldwide with an exponentially speed, causing millions of death and public fear. Currently, COVID19 has brought a secondary wave within U.S., India, Brazil and other parts of the world. However, its transmission, incubation, and recovery processes are still unclear from the medical, mathematical and pharmaceutical aspects. Classical Suspect-Infection-Recovery model has limitations to describe the dynamic behavior of COVID-19. Hence, it becomes necessary to introduce a recursive, latent model to predict the number of future COVID-19 infected cases in U.S. In this article, a dynamic model called RLIM based on classical SEIR model is proposed to predict the number of COVID-19 infections with a dynamic secondary infection rate ω in assumption. An intermediate state called SI is introduced between recovery and infection statues to record the number of secondary infected cases from a latent period of recovery. Compared with other models, RLIM fits historical recovery cases and utilizes them to predict future infections. Because RLIM utilizes multiple information sources, and provides error back propagation schematics, it is reasonable to assert that its predictions are more accurate and persuasive. Projections of four U.S. COVID19 states show that with the secondary infectious rate ω varies from 0.01 to 0.3 within a latent period of 14 days chosen, RLIM can predict the newly infected number from January 15 to February 15, 2021 with AFER lower to 14%. It also successfully estimates the turning point of New Yorks infections in January 2021, based on current data records.
Soil Microbial Community Variation With Time and Soil Depth in Eurasian Steppe (Inner Mongolia, China)
Authors: Zhao Hongbin , Zheng Wenling , Zhang Shengwei , Gao Wenlong , Fan Yueyue
Published: February 2021

BackgroundSoil microorganisms play an indispensable role in the material and energy cycle of grassland ecosystem, and were affected by many environmental factors, such as time and space changes. However, there are few studies on the temporal and spatial transformation of soil microbial community in typical degraded steppe. We analyzed the community structure and diversity of soil bacteria and fungi and the effects of environmental factors on the community structure in Xilingol degraded steppe. ResultsThe abundance and diversity of bacteria and fungi were significantly affected by depth. Bacteria and fungi diversity of 10 cm was higher than that of 20 cm and 30 cm. The abundance of Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinomycetes, Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes varies significantly with depth. What’s more, soil pH increased significantly with depth increasing, while SOM, AN, VWC and ST decreased significantly with increasing depth. In addition, Depth, TOC and AN had significant impact on the bacterial and fungi communities (p < 0.05). Conclusions﻿Spatial heterogeneity (depth) is more important than temporal (month) in predicting changes in microbial community composition and soil properties. And the abundance of Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinomycetes, Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes varies significantly with depth. We speculate that SOM and VWC account for the abundance variations of Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria, and pH cause the abundance changes of Actinomycetes, Ascomycetes and Basidiomycota.
Single-inhaler Triple vs Single-inhaler Dual Therapy in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Long Huanyu , Xu Hongxuan , Janssens Jean-Paul , Guo Yanfei
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: A meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of single-inhaler triple therapy combining long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA), long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) versus single-inhaler dual therapy (ICS/LABA and LABA/LAMA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).METHODS: We used the following search terms in PubMed, MEDLINE (OvidSP), EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases to investigate the effect of single-inhaler triple therapy in COPD. The primary end points were the effect of single-inhaler triple therapy on all-cause mortality, risk of acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), and some safety endpoints, compared with single-inhaler dual therapy. Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess quality of each randomized trial and risk of bias. RESULTS: A total of 25,171 patients suffering from COPD were recruited for the 6 studies. This meta-analysis indicated that single-inhaler triple therapy resulted in a significantly lower rate of all-cause mortality than single-inhaler dual therapy (risk ratio, 0.83; 95% CI 0.71‐0.98). Single-inhaler triple therapy reduced the risk of exacerbation (rate ratio, 0.78; 95% CI 0.73‐0.83), prolonged time to first exacerbation (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI 0.84-0.89), improved trough FEV1 (mean difference, 81.35 ml; 95% CI 45.6–117.06) and St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) Score (mean difference, -1.48; 95% CI -1.75–-1.22) vs. single-inhaler dual therapy. Risk of pneumonia was however significantly higher with ICS/LAMA/LABA than with LABA/LAMA (risk ratio, 1.25; 95% CI 1.04‐1.50). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that single-inhaler triple therapy is effective in reducing the risk of moderate or severe exacerbations and death of any causes in COPD patients, compared with single-inhaler dual therapy. However, risk of pneumonia is higher with ICS/LAMA/LABA combination than with dual therapy of LABA/LAMA.TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: CRD42020186726; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.
TaTME Combined with IORT for the Treatment of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer：A case report
Authors: Guo Yu , Wang Shuang , Zhao Zeyun , Xue Wangsheng , Li Jiannan , Shang An , Li Donglin , Wang Min
Published: February 2021

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) which aims to achieve more accurately complete resection of distal mesorectum has arouse much more attention worldwide. TaTME can significantly improve the local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) of the patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), also as a emerging treatment method for locally advanced tumors, can lead to the potential for dose escalation, reduce overall treatment time, and increase patient convenience. Our study firstly combined taTME and IORT for the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer. The tumor involved 60 mm rectal wall and located 30 mm from anal margin. TaTME and IORT were successfully achieved in this patient. There was no obvious complications occurred, including the anastomotic fistula. The patient recovered well and further systematic systematic chemotherapy and radiotherapy were suggested. We conclude that taTME with low-energy X-rays IORT may not only benefit the circumferential resection margin (CRM) but also improve the local control (LC) for the patient with locally advanced rectal cancer.
Effect of Life Satisfaction on Depression Among Childless Married Couples: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ha Ju-Young , Park Hyo-Jin
Published: February 2021

BackgroundDepression among childless middle-aged and elderly people is a serious social problem in Korea. However, few studies examine the influence of life satisfaction on the depression of spouses as actors and partners. Hence, this study analyzes the influence of life satisfaction (a positive factor childless married couples may have) on depression.MethodsThis cross-sectional study employed data on couples to analyze the effect of life satisfaction on the depression of childless married couples as actors and partners via the actor-partner interdependence model. The Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging was employed to investigate life satisfaction and depression among 207 childless middle-aged and elderly couples. ResultsRegarding actor effects, wives’ (β = -0.285, p = 0.004) and husbands’ (β = -0.403, p < 0.001) life satisfaction significantly affected individual depression. Regarding partner effects, husbands’ life satisfaction (β = -0.255, p = 0.011) significantly affected wives’ depression, and the wives’ life satisfaction (β = -0.375, p < 0.001) significantly affected husbands’ depression.ConclusionsA childless actor’s life satisfaction affected own and partner’s depression. Thus, spouses should work together to improve their life satisfaction, thereby improving their depression.
The pragmatic, rapid, and iterative dissemination & implementation (PRIDI) cycle: Adapting to the dynamic nature of public health emergencies
Authors: Nooraie Reza Yousefi , Shelton Rachel C , Fiscella Kevin , Kwan Bethany M , McMahon James M
Published: February 2021

Background
Public health emergencies – such as the 2020 COVID19 pandemic –accelerate the need for both evidence generation and rapid dissemination and implementation (D&I) of evidence where it is most needed. In this paper, we reflect on how D&I frameworks and methods can be pragmatic (i.e., relevant to real-world context) tools for rapid and iterative planning, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of evidence to address public health emergencies. The Pragmatic, Rapid, and Iterative D&I (PRIDI) Cycle: The PRIDI Cycle is based on a “double-loop” learning process, reflecting the iterative and adaptive D&I, along with iterative re-consideration of goals and priorities, interventions and corresponding D&I strategies, and needs and capacities of individuals and contexts. Stakeholder engagement is essential- which itself is an evolving activity. The results of iterative evaluations should be communicated with local implementers and stakeholders through customized feedbacks.
Conclusion
Even when the health system priority is provision of the best care to the individuals in need, and scientists are focused on development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, planning for D&I is critical. Without a flexible and adapting process of D&I, which is responsive to emerging evidence generation cycles, and is closely connected to stakeholders and target users through engagement and feedback, the interventions to mitigate public health emergencies – such as the COVID19 pandemic - will have limited reach and impact on populations that would most benefit. The PRIDI cycle is intended to provide a pragmatic approach to support planning for D&I throughout the evidence generation process.
Host-cell recognition through GRP78 is enhanced in the new variants of SARS-CoV-2; in silico perspective
Authors: Elfiky Abdo , Ibrahim Ibrahim M , Elgohary Alaa M
Published: February 2021

New SARS-CoV-2 variants started in the UK and South Africa in December 2020 and currently spreading worldwide during the last few days. Additionally, another more recent variant sparked in Brazil (B.1.1.248 lineage) this month. The new variant 501.V2 (South African) bears three mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike glycoprotein, K417N, E484K, and N501Y, while the Brazilian B.1.1.248 lineage have 12 mutations. The N501Y mutation is found in South African and Brazilian variants and is also shared with the UK variant VOC-202012/01 (1). This mutation may affect the host-cell receptor ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) recognition (2). Despite its presence in the ACE2 binding surface, we showed that the N501Y mutant shows a remarkable increase in binding of the ACE2-RBD complex to the host-cell surface Glucose Regulated Protein 78 (CS-GRP78) (3). On the other hand, the E484K is found in the spike RBD's binding motif that we reported earlier to be recognized by cell-surface GRP78 (C480-C488 region of the spike) (4). In this study, we simulate the complex ACE2-SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD system in which the RBD is in the wildtype and mutated (K417N, E484K, and N501Y) isoforms. Additionally, the CS-GRP78 association with the ACE2-SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD complex (ACE2-RBD) is modeled at the presence of these mutant variants of the viral spike.
A Simulation Analysis for LED Spatial Distribution for Indoor Visible Light Communication
Authors: Khalifeh Ala , Alakappan Karthikeyan , kumar Barath , Prabakaran Jayanth , Nagaradjane Prabagarane
Published: February 2021

Visible light communication (VLC) is a promising technology that can jointly be used to accomplish the typical lighting functionalities of the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and data transmission, where light intensity can be modulated on a high rate that cannot be noticed by the human eye. In this paper, a VLC simulation framework to study the effect of LEDs’ distributions on different room dimensions is proposed by considering the performance metrics such as light intensity quality in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recommendation, and data transmission efficiency measured in terms of bit error rate (BER). To achieve the abovementioned performance metrics, a VLC communication system is designed that modulates the data, transmits it over the room utilizing the communication channel that is modeled using an accurate ray-tracing algorithm, and receives it by exploiting different receivers that are uniformly distributed in the room. Our work is different from the other published works which either studied the data transmission efficiency or lighting quality but not both. Consequently, this study can be used as a methodological foundation to design an efficient VLC that satisfies the ISO lighting requirement, application-specific BER and quality. Furthermore, a video transmission use case has been demonstrated which shows how the video quality can be significantly improved when increasing the number of transmitters, thus justifying the need for increasing the number of transmitters in scenarios that involves video transmission in an indoor VLC environment.
Biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles by Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans and comparison of their effects with antifungal drugs
Authors: Bafghi Mahdi Hosseini , Nazari Razieh , Darroudi Majid , Zargar Mohsen , Zarrinfar Hossein
Published: February 2021

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles can stand as a replacement for the available chemical and physical methods by offering new procedures as green syntheses that have proved to be simple, biocompatible, safe, and cost-effective. Considering how nanoparticles with a size of 1 to 100 nanometers contain unique physical and chemical properties, recent reports are indicative of observing the antifungal qualities of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs). Recently, the observance of antifungal resistance towards different species of these fungi is often reported. Therefore, due to the antifungal effects of biological nanoparticles, this study aimed to investigate the exertion of these nanoparticles and evaluate their effects on the growth of fungal pathogens. Se-NPs were biosynthesized by the application of wet reduction method, which included specific concentrations of Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans. The presence of nanoparticles was confirmed by methods such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR analysis, and FESEM electron microscope that involved FESEM and EDAX diagram. The fungal strains were cultured in sabouraud dextrose agar medium to perform the sensitivity test based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method in duplicate. The utilization of Se-NPs at concentrations of 1 µg/ ml and below resulted in zero growth of fungal agents. However, their growth was inhibited by antifungal drugs at concentrations of 2 µg/ ml and higher. Based on the obtained results, biological nanoparticles produced by fungal agents at different concentrations exhibited favorable inhibitory effects on the growth of fungal strains.
Prognostic Nomogram for Percutaneous Balloon Compression in the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Liu Mingxing , Tang Siwei , Li Tong , Xu Zhiming , Li Shengli , Zhou Yong , Li Luo , Wang Weimin
Published: February 2021

Because of its convenience and safety, percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) has become a more popular remedy for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) recently. The objective of this study was to establish a nomogram that can be used to preoperatively prognosticate the likelihood of pain-free based on preoperative disease characteristics. Clinical data were collected from those TN cases who had undergone PBC during the period of 2015 and 2020 in Qingdao municipal hospital. We excluded the cases caused by space-occupying lesion or had undergone MVD, Percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy (PGR) and glycerol rhizotomy (GR). A nomogram was established based on the results of multivariable logistic analysis. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was applied to evaluate the reliability of models. The plotted decision curves were also used to assess the net benefit of nomogram-assisted decisions. Internal validation was performed using the ROC by bootstrap sampling. Finally, 16 cases and 69 cases were included into the ineffective and effective groups respectively. In the crude, adjust I and adjust II models, response to carbamazepine positively, the grade II or III compression severity score and classical TN type were all considered to be significant predictors of pain relief (BNI grades I-III) at 3 months follow-up. The AUC, accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of the nomogram system was 0.83, 0.85, 0.75, 0.87 respectively for predicting patient outcomes. The decision curves showed good performance for the nomogram system in terms of clinical application. While, more research with validation in multiple, external independent patient populations is needed.
Structural and Ultrastructural Morphological Evaluation of Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga Tridactyla) Prostate Gland
Authors: de Moura Fernanda B C , Sampaio Letícia H. T. S. , Kobayashi Priscila E. , Laufer-Amorim Renee , Ferreira João Carlos P. , Watanabe Tatiane T. N. , Fonseca-Alves Carlos E.
Published: February 2021

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a vulnerable species from Central and South Americas, that is considered possibly extinct in Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Uruguay. Due to the species conservations and reproduction’s importance, this research aimed to characterize the morphology, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural feature of the giant anteater prostate gland. For this, we collected 11 giant anteater prostate glands and performed macroscopic, morphological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analysis. Nine-prostate glands from adult and two from young subjects were studied. Grossly, the adult giant anteater prostate gland is divided in two distinct zones; the central zones composed mainly of ducts and the peripheral zones of acini formed by secretory cells. The secretory cells showed positive periodic acid–Schiff staining. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical characterization revealed a similar human prostate pattern, with p63 staining basal cells, UPIII superficial cells of prostatic urethra, AR expressing nucleus of secretory and stromal cells, and PSA staining prostatic epithelial cells. Overall, our research provided an indepth morphological description of the giant anteater prostate gland, providing a valuable information for futures studies focused on giant anteater conservation.
Risk of Death: The Death Experience of Persons Admitted to US Nursing Homes
Authors: Morris John N , Howard Elizabeth P , Egge Sabrina , Schachter Erez , Sjostrand Fredrick
Published: February 2021

Background: An increase in both the complexity of nursing home case-mix and corresponding challenges faced by staff in planning for the care of these individuals are notable outcomes from the growth in residential and service alternatives. The purpose of this project was to identify, among long-term care nursing home residents, those personal characteristics that indicate one’s risk of dying and then summarize these items in a Risk of Death Scale. In addition, an assessment of how possible confounding facility-level characteristics might impact on the risk of death model was completed. Methods: The design of the study was a longitudinal analysis of a national cohort of US nursing home admissions from 2011 to 2012, followed over 2 years and a validation study using 2013 data The 2011-2012 sample included 1,536,842 nursing home admissions and the 2013 validation sample consisted of 769,148 admissions We based the Risk of Death Scale on resident characteristics. While it is based on death status at 12 months, we describe death rates under the model from one-month post-admission to two years post-admission. Results: The Risk of Death Scale has seventeen graded levels. The lowest four scale categories (0-3) represent half the cohort with one-year death rates from 2% to 13.8%, whereas the mean of the entire cohort is 24.1% at one year. The top nine categories represent approximately 9% and have one-year death rates ranging from 51.7% to 95.7%. Conclusions/Implications: The Risk of Death Scale includes a broad spectrum of 30 independent variables, including measures of prognosis, treatments, diagnoses, clinical status, function, cognitive status, and age.
An Umbra-related Virus Found in Vasconcellea X Heilbornii (Caricaceae)
Authors: Cornejo-Franco Juan F , Flores Francisco , Mollov Dimitre , quito-avila diego fernando
Published: February 2021

The complete sequence of a new viral RNA from babaco (Vasconcellea x heilbornii) was determined. The genome consisted of 4,584 nucleotides organized in two non-overlapping open reading frames (ORFs 1 and 2), a 9-nt-long noncoding region (NCR) at the 5’ terminus and a 1,843 -nt-long NCR at the 3’ terminus. Sequence comparisons of ORF 2 revealed homology to the RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase (RdRp) of several umbra- and umbra-related viruses. Phylogenetic analysis of the RdRp placed the new virus in a well-supported and cohesive clade that includes umbra-like viruses reported from papaya, citrus, opuntia, maize and sugarcane hosts. This clade shares a most recent ancestor with the umbraviruses but has different genomic features. The creation of a new genus, within the Tombusviridae, is proposed for the classification of these novel viruses.
Fifteen-Year Survival Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Extending Into The Right Atrium Treated By Multidisciplinary Therapies Including Surgical Resection Under Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Case Report And Literature Review
Authors: Nishiwaki Yoshiro , Kusano Toshiomi , Hiraiwa Takane , Ozawa Takachika
Published: February 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombus (TT) extending into the right atrium (RA) is rare, and most cases are at an advanced stage with a poor prognosis. We report a case of HCC with TT in the RA (RATT) with 15-year survival.Case presentation: The patient was a 67-year-old man with a huge HCC with RATT. He developed edema of the lower extremities in November 2002. Then, a liver tumor 6.5 cm in diameter in hepatic segments 7 and 8 was identified by ultrasonography and computed tomography. Cavo-atrial thrombectomy was performed successfully using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with heparinization and cardiac arrest. After the thrombectomy, right hepatectomy was performed using the hanging maneuver. The right hepatic vein was transected, and the stump was closed with a running suture. The total operation time was 10  h 48 min, and the total blood loss was 7267  mL. The patient recovered uneventfully except for right pleural effusion, and he experienced no side effects related to CPB, such as immunosuppression or cerebral infarction. He was cancer-free for approximately 9 years after the surgery. A new lesion in the remnant liver was detected by magnetic resonance imaging in March 2012. He underwent six rounds of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, followed by sequential administration of sorafenib and sunitinib. Radiation therapy was administered to the remnant liver twice and to the spine after he was diagnosed with bone metastasis. Finally, the patient died 6 years after the recurrence. Conclusions: Cavo-atrial thrombectomy under CPB prior to hepatectomy for HCC with RATT can be performed safely to prevent major complications related to CPB. Our patient’s postoperative clinical course followed by multidisciplinary therapies led to an approximately 15-year survival.
Rhodobacter ruber sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater pond
Authors: Chen Wen-Ming , Chang Ting-Hsuan , Sheu Der-Shyan , Jheng Li-Cheng , Sheu Shih-Yi
Published: February 2021

Strain CCP-1T, isolated from a freshwater pond in Taiwan, is characterized using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Cells of strain CCP-1T are Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped and form dark red colored colonies. Growth occurs at 20–40 oC, at pH 6.5-9 and with 0-0.5% NaCl. Strain CCP-1T contains bacteriochlorophyll a, and shows optimum growth under anaerobic condition by photoheterotrophy, but not by photoautotrophy. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity indicates that strain CCP-1T is closely related to species within the genus Rhodobacter (93.9–96.2% sequence similarity), Haematobacter (96.3%) and Xinfangfangia (95.5–96.2%). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and based on up-to-date bacterial core gene set (92 protein clusters) reveal that strain CCP-1T is affiliated with species in the genus Rhodobacter. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization identity between strain CCP-1T and Rhodobacter species are 71.3–76.3%, 70.4–77.9% and 21.4–23.2%, respectively, supporting that strain CCP-1T is a novel species of the genus Rhodobacter. The DNA G + C content is 66.2%. The predominant fatty acid is C18:1ω7c and the major isoprenoid quinone is Q-10. The polar lipids have phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, two uncharacterized aminophospholipids and two uncharacterized phospholipids. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties and phylogenetic inference, strain CCP-1T should represent a novel species of the genus Rhodobacter, for which the name Rhodobacter ruber sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CCP-1T (= BCRC 81189T = LMG 31335T).
Preterm Birth is Associated with Reduction of Maternal Telomere Length During Pregnancy
Authors: Sarkar Soumi , Godara Karishma , Sarkar Sumanta , Ghosh Shekhar , Maity Arpita , Team GARBH-Ini , Sindhu Brahmdeep , Bhatnagar Shinjini ,   Partha P Majumder1, Wadhwa Nitya , Maitra Arindam
Published: February 2021

BackgroundDevelopment of methods to detect risk of preterm birth in pregnant women can result in reduction in occurrence of preterm birth. Our objective was to undertake a longitudinal study to investigate the association of telomere length shortening in peripheral blood DNA of women during pregnancy with preterm birth.MethodsTelomere length reduction in peripheral blood DNA was measured at two time points by Real Time PCR in pregnant women enrolled in a large prospective cohort (GARBH-Ini) in Gurugram, India. Out of 248 women who participated in this study, 60 mothers delivered preterm while 188 mothers delivered at term. ResultsTelomere length was found to be significantly reduced in preterm birth delivering mothers compared to those who delivered at term at less than 20 weeks (p=0.02) and at 26-28 weeks (p=0.84 x 10-15) of pregnancy. Predictive modelling by binary logistic regression analysis revealed that reduction of telomere length (T/S ratio) at 26-28 weeks was found to be significantly (p=7.7181 x 10-06) associated with enhanced risk of preterm birth. A mean odds ratio of 8.4 was found for association of T/S ratio with preterm birth outcome. There was no significant difference in maternal age between the mothers who delivered preterm and those who delivered at term. ConclusionsOur preliminary results indicate that telomere length reduction in maternal peripheral blood DNA might be a potential indicator of risk of preterm delivery.
Genetic Diversity Analysis of Salvadora Oleoides Decne: An Evergreen Dry Land Fruit Tree of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Upendra Juleri M , Nair Shari , Rao Satyawada R , Dagla Harchand R
Published: February 2021

Genetic diversity of Salvadora oleoides Decne is analyzed by cumulative data of 10 Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), 10 Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and 7 Intron Splice Junction (ISJ) markers. The plant is an evergreen fruit tree and well distributed in semi-arid and sub-humid climatic conditions of Rajasthan, India. RAPD, ISSR and ISJ primers accounted for 84.4%, 85.3%, 85.9% polymorphism. Average 0.23 PIC is accounted for RAPD, ISSR and ISJ primers. The genetic similarity ranged between 0.42-0.89. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed higher variation (73%) at intra-population than inter-population (27%) level. Genetic distances based on Un-weighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram and Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) is correlated with physical distances or climatic conditions of Salvadora oleoides Decne in a semi-arid and sub-humid environment of Rajasthan. The present investigation may help in the understanding of gene flow systems between physical distances and environmental heterogeneity of the populations for better management of Salvadora oleoides Decne in the region.
Peripheral and lung resident T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Grau-Expósito Judith , Sánchez-Gaona Nerea , Massana Núria , Suppi Marina , Astorga-Gamaza Antonio , Perea David , Rosado Joel , Falcó Anna , Kirkegaard Cristina , Domingo Ariadna Torrella , Planas Bibiana , Navarro Jordi , Suanzes Paula , Sierra Daniel Alvarez-de la , Ayora Alfonso , Sansano Irene , Esperalba Juliana , Andres Cristina , Anton Andres , Cajal Santiago Ramon y , Almirante Benito , Pujol-Borell Ricardo , Falcó Vicenç , Burgos Joaquin , Buzon Maria J , Genescà Meritxell
Published: February 2021

Considering that SARS-CoV-2 interacts with the host at the respiratory tract mucosal interface, T cells strategically placed within these surfaces, namely resident memory T cells, will be essential to limit viral spread and disease. Importantly, these cells are mostly non-recirculating, which reduces the window of opportunity to examine circulating lymphocytes in blood as they home to the lung parenchyma. Here, we demonstrate that viral specific T cells can migrate and establish in the lung as resident memory T cells remaining detectable up to 10 months after initial infection. Moreover, focusing on the acute phase of the infection, we identified virus-specific T cell responses in blood with functional, migratory and apoptotic patterns modulated by viral proteins and associated with clinical outcome. Our study highlights IL-10 secretion by virus-specific T cells associated to a better outcome and the persistence of resident memory T cells as key players for future protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A systematic genome-wide mapping of oncogenic mutation selection during CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing
Authors: Sinha Sanju , Guerra Karina , Cheng Kuoyuan , Leiserson Mark , Jain Prashant , Deshpande Anagha , Wilson David , Ryan Brid , Luo Ji , Ronai Ze'ev , Lee Joo , Deshpande Aniruddha , Ruppin Eytan
Published: February 2021

Recent studies have reported that genome editing by CRISPR–Cas9 induces a DNA damage response mediated by p53 in primary cells hampering their growth. This could lead to a selection of cells with pre-existing p53 mutations. In this study, employing an integrated computational and experimental framework, we systematically investigated the possibility of selection of additional cancer driver mutations during CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. We first confirm the previous findings of the selection for pre-existing p53 mutations by CRISPR-Cas9. We next demonstrate that similar to p53, wildtype KRAS may also hamper the growth of Cas9-edited cells, potentially conferring a selective advantage to pre-existing KRAS-mutant cells. These selective effects are widespread, extending across cell-types and methods of CRISPR-Cas9 delivery and the strength of selection depends on the sgRNA sequence and the gene being edited. The selection for pre-existing p53 or KRAS mutations may confound CRISPR-Cas9 screens in cancer cells and more importantly, calls for monitoring patients undergoing CRISPR-Cas9-based editing for clinical therapeutics for pre-existing p53 and KRAS mutations.
Spinal astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle contributes to the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide/PAC1 receptor-induced nociceptive behaviors in mice
Authors: Kambe Yuki , Yokai Masafumi , Takasaki Ichiro , Kurihara Takashi , Miyata Atsuro
Published: February 2021

We have previously showed that spinal pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)/PACAP type 1 (PAC1) receptor signaling triggered long-lasting nociceptive behaviors through astroglial activation in mice. Since astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) could be essential for long-term synaptic facilitation, we aimed to elucidate a possible involvement of spinal ANLS in the development of the PACAP/PAC1 receptor-induced nociceptive behaviors. A single intrathecal administration of PACAP induced short-term spontaneous aversive behaviors, followed by long-lasting mechanical allodynia in mice. These nociceptive behaviors were inhibited by 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-arabinitol (DAB), an inhibitor of glycogenolysis, and this inhibition was reversed by simultaneous L-lactate application. In the cultured spinal astrocytes, the PACAP-evoked glycogenolysis and lactate secretion were inhibited by DAB. In addition, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor attenuated the PACAP-induced nociceptive behaviors as well as the PACAP-evoked glycogenolysis and lactate secretion. Finally, an inhibitor for the monocarboxylate transporters blocked the lactate secretion from the spinal astrocytes and inhibited the PACAP- and spinal nerve ligation-induced nociceptive behaviors. These results suggested that spinal PAC1 receptor-PKC-ANLS signaling contributed to the PACAP-induced nociceptive behaviors. This signaling system could be involved in the peripheral nerve injury-induced pain-like behaviors.
P-Wave Duration and Dispersion in Patients with Mitral Stenosis
Authors: Fu Wenxia , Le Jiawei , Wei Xijin , chen lixiu , Li Wenzhao , Li Ruogu
Published: February 2021

Background: Mitral stenosis (MS) is related to prolonged inter- and intra-atrial electromechanical delays and increased P-wave dispersion. The objective of the current study was to investigate the correlation between the P-wave duration, P-wave dispersion (PWD), mitral stenosis (MS) and to explore the cut-off values for predicting the MS in the patients.Methods: We enrolled 62 patients with MS and sinus rhythm as test group, and 62 healthy subjects matched in age- and sex- were selected as control group. We conducted the 12-lead electrocardiogram and echocardiography for all the subjects. The maximum and the minimum P-wave duration and PWD were calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to demonstrate the correlation between P-wave duration and PWD and MS. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to detect the threshold of P-wave duration and PWD for predicting the MS.Results: There were significant differences in the left atrial diameter (45.00±5.78 vs. 32.31±4.24 cm2), pulmonary artery pressure (46.68±17.29 vs. 32.64±2.86 mm Hg), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (47.57±4.80 vs. 45.58±5.04 cm), ejection fraction (63.10±3.05 vs. 65.13±2.56%), aortic root inside diameter (29.60±3.50 vs. 31.58±3.58) and pulmonary trunk (24.17±2.78 vs. 22.23±1.77) values between the test group and the control group. Besides, the test subjects had significantly longer maximum P-wave duration (123.42±12.33 vs. 108.18±9.07) and larger P-wave dispersion (47.24±13.61 vs. 28.94±9.19). In the multivariate analysis, maximum P-wave duration (OR:1.221, 95% CI:1.126-1.324) and P-wave dispersion (OR:1.164, 95% CI:1.094-1.238) were correlated with the occurrence of MS. The optimal threshold for the maximum P-wave duration and PWD were 119.50ms, and 42.50ms, respectively, and the areas under the curve were 0.859 and 0.865, respectively. Conclusions: A longer P-wave duration and a higher PWD are correlated with the increased risk of MS progression.
A Tale of a Two Waves Epidemic: Characteristics and Mortality Risk Factors for COVID-19 ICU Patients in the French West Indies
Authors: Pommier jean-david , Martino frederic , Bleakley Kevin , Flurin Laure , Roy Fabien Van , Carles michel , Valette marc , camous laurent
Published: February 2021

Introduction Guadeloupe, a French West Indies island, has been fiercely affected by two large waves of COVID.Therapeutic approach was different between the two waves in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to compare the two different periods in terms of characteristics and outcomes and to evaluate risk factors associated with 60-day mortality in our overall cohort. Methods All consecutive patients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia and requiring oxygen support admitted in our ICU unit of University Hospital of Guadeloupe were prospectively included. Patients were treated during the first wave with a combination of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin and during the second wave with dexamethasone and reinforced anticoagulation. Results In our cohort, 187 patients were included, 31 during the first one and 156 during the second. Patients were mostly male (69%) with a median age of 64years old. Patients tend to be younger during the second wave and body mass index was higher (respectively 31 vs 27kg/m2, p=0.01). Overall mortality at Day 60 was high (45%) and not different between the two waves. Among patients under mechanical ventilation risk factors associated with death in a multivariate analysis were a high number of comorbidities, a high level of SOFA score and the delay of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) onset after admission in ICU (OR=1.6 (95% CI 1.2 – 2.4). Conclusion Although therapeutics approach evolve, COVID-19 severe pneumonia is still associated with a high mortality rate in ICU.
A Correlation Analysis Between Postoperative Dysphagia and Change of C2-C7 Angle after Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Yu Jie , Tao Xiaohui
Published: February 2021

Background. Dysphagia after cervical spinal surgery is one of highly prevalent comorbidities in clinical practice. Studies suggest that excessive O-C2 angle change at occipital-cervical fusion causes the oropharyngeal volume reduction leading to severe dysphagia and even respiratory distress after operation. However, rare study has accessed the impact of C2-C7 angle change on the occurrence of dysphagia after anterior cervical spinal surgery. Methods. From June 2007 to May 2010, A total of 198 patients was treated with anterior cervical decompression and plate fixation and 12 months follow-up was completed in 172 patients. Within the same session, a total of 154 patients underwent anterior cervical disc replacement and at least 1-year follow-up was completed in 98 patients. All 270 patients who participated in this study completed a questionnaire (Bazaz dysphagia questionnaire) after telephone follow-up including the onset and time of appearance of dysphagia, symptom relief, treatment plan and so on. To determine whether excessive cervical lordosis change (change of C2-C7 angle) and other risk factors were associated with the dysphagia symptom, all patients were divided into the dysphagia group and the control group, followed over 12 months.Results. The results showed that 12.8% presented with postoperative dysphagia in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) group and 5.1% in cervical disc replacement (CDR) group. According to the regression equation, the excessive change of C2-C7 angle can significantly increase the incidence rate of postoperative dysphagia. The incidence rate of postoperative dysphagia in patients whose C2-C7 angle change more than 5 degree was significantly greater than patients less than 5 degree. Sex, age, BMI, operation time, blood loss, surgery approach (anterior/posterior), revision ratio, the number of surgical segments, the highest surgical segment, and C3 segment included or not cannot affect the occurrence of dysphagia. Conclusions. Dysphagia after cervical spinal surgery is one of highly prevalent comorbidities. Cervical lordosis change is an important influencing factor on the occurrence of dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery.