bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and analysis of a Noccaea caerulescens TILLING population
Authors: Wang Yanli , Salt David E. , Koornneef Maarten , Aarts Mark G.M.
Published: April 2022

Background
Metals such as Zn or Cd are toxic to plant and humans when they are exposed in high quantities through contaminated soil or food. Noccaea caerulescens, an extraordinary Zn/Cd/Ni hyperaccumulating species, is used as a model plant for metal hyperaccumulation and phytoremediation studies. Current reverse genetic techniques to generate mutants based on transgenesis is cumbersome due to the low transformation efficiency of this species. We aimed to establish a mutant library for functional genomics by a non-transgenic approach, to identify mutants with an altered mineral profiling, and to screen for mutations in bZIP19, a regulator of Zn homeostasis in N. caerulescens.
Results
To generate the N. caerulescens mutant library, 3000 and 5000 seeds from two sister plants of a single-seed recurrent inbred descendant of the southern French accession Saint-Félix-de-Pallières (SF) were mutagenized respectively by 0.3 or 0.4% ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS). Two subpopulations of 5000 and 7000 M2 plants were obtained after 0.3 or 0.4% EMS treatment. The 0.4% population had a higher mutant frequency and was used for TILLING. A High Resolution Melting curve analysis (HRM) mutation screening platform was optimized and successfully applied to detect mutations for NcbZIP19, encoding a transcription factor controlling Zn homeostasis. Of four identified point mutations in NcbZIP19, two caused non-synonymous substitutions, however, these two mutations did not alter the ionome profile compared to the wild type. Forward screening of the 0.4% population by mineral concentration analysis (ionomics) in leaf material of each M2 plant revealed putative mutants affected in the concentration of one or more of the 20 trace elements tested. Several of the low-Zn mutants identified in the ionomic screen did not give progeny, illustrating the importance of Zn for the species. The mutant frequency of the population was evaluated based on an average of 2.3 knockout mutants per tested monogenic locus.
Conclusions
The 0.4% EMS population is effectively mutagenized suitable for forward mutant screens and TILLING. Difficulties in seed production in low Zn mutants, obtained by both forward and reverse genetic approach, hampered further analysis of the nature of the low Zn phenotypes.
Reveal the Alignment of Defects in a Metal-Organic Framework with Tunable Flexibility
Authors: Fu Yao , Forse Alexander , Kang Zhengzhong , Cliffe Matthew , Cao Weicheng , Yin Jinglin , Gao Lina , Pang Zhenfeng , He Tian , Chen Qinlong , Wang Qi , Long Jeffrey , Reimer Jeffrey , Kong Xueqian
Published: April 2022

Crystalline materials are often considered to have rigid periodic lattices while soft materials are associated with flexibility and non-periodicity. The continuous evolution of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has erased the boundaries between these two distinct conceptions. Flexibility, disorder and defects have been found to be abundant in MOF materials with imperfect crystallinity, and their intricate interplay is poorly understood due to the limited strategies for characterizing disordered structures. Here, we apply advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to elucidate the mesoscale structures in a defective MOF with a partially disordered lattice. We show that engineered defects can tune the degree of lattice flexibility by combining both ordered and disordered compartments. The one-dimensional alignment of defects is the key for the reversible topological transition.
Radiofrequency ablation, a potential cure for Tumour-Induced Osteomalacia; Case reports of short and long-term outcomes
Authors: Boyle Veronica , Pinto Clinton , Hoon Damien , Symmans Pennie , Peters Carl , Orr-Walker Brandon , Elston Marianne , Dissanayake Ajith
Published: April 2022

Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by FGF23-secreting tumours. Although typically benign, TIO may result in severe pain and disability. Surgical resection has been the traditional management however, due to tumour location, even some small lesions may require major surgery. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) provides an alternative to surgery and offers the potential for cure of lesions not easily amenable to surgical resection. We describe the short- and long-term outcomes of three patients following RFA. CT-guided RFA has the potential to cure TIO and should be considered appropriate first-line management for suitable lesions.
The involvement of genetic variation in the cAMP pathway in the family- based cerebral infarction
Authors: Wang Mengdi , Sun Fengjiao , Ren Anyan , Ge Ruli , Chen Jinbo , Wang Hongcai
Published: April 2022

The evaluation of genetic predisposition for early cerebral infarction(ECI)may contribute to the recognition of individuals at increased risks and thereby prevent CI in clinical practice. The study was to investigate genetic risk of ECI with ischemic stroke. The proband, his father, grandfathers, and siblings have early-onset ischemic stroke with the similar clinical symptoms. Based on the MR imaging of brain with high signal on DWI, the proband and affected sibling have ischemic infarction in basal ganglia and without apparent cerebral artery stenosis. There are 19 genes with single-nucleotide mutations in 4 patients with early-onset ischemic stroke depending on whole-exome sequencing and analysis (WES) compared with control group. The mutated AKT2/FFAR2/ATP1A3/GRIN2D genes were enriched in the cAMP pathway by the KEGG pathway analysis. In summary, in this family, polygenes mutations, involved in the cAMP pathway, might be the crucial factors for the predisposition to ischemic stroke. The ascertaining of the role of genetic factors in stroke conduces to the accuracy assessment of future stroke risk among susceptible individuals.
Effects of changing climate extremes on maize yield in Northeast China, 1960–2019
Authors: Dong Meiqi , Zhao Jin , Li E , Liu Zhijuan , Guo Shibo , Zhang Zhentao , Cui Wenqian , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: April 2022

Under climate change, increases in climate extremes have an enormous impact on maize production in Northeast China, which is the largest maize-producing region in the country. In this study, we combined annual mean air temperature and accumulated precipitation, used the 10th and 90th percentiles as extreme thresholds, and divided the years into 9 categories, including 1 normal climate, 4 individual climate extremes, and 4 combined climate extremes. Coupled with the simulated rainfed yield by a well-validated APSIM-Maize model, we compared the changes in the frequencies of climate extremes and their impacts on maize yield between two 30-yr periods (period I: 1960–1989 and period II: 1990–2019). The results showed that the occurrence of normal climate and all 3 cold-related climate extremes (i.e., Cold-Normal, Cold-Humid, and Cold-Dry) decreased during period II, while other climate extremes increased. Compared with the years with normal climate in period I the yield decreased by 4.01%. Compared with period I, years with 3 cold-related climate extremes increased the yield by 26.56%, 12.10%, and 6.68%, respectively. The years with 2 warm-related climate extremes (Warm-Normal, Warm-Dry), as well as Normal-Humid and Normal-Dry years, decreased by 6.39%, 24.12%, 5.10%, and 2.18%, respectively. Only with the increase in the occurrence of Warm-Humid did the yield increase by 11.69%. In future maize production in Northeast China, we can focus on the adverse effects of climate extremes such as Warm-Normal, Warm-Dry, Normal-Humid, and Normal-Dry.
Simultaneous transformation of ginsenoside Rb1 into rare ginsenoside F2 and Compound K by the extracellular enzyme from Aspergillus Niger Wu-16
Authors: Yang Fan , Liu Xiaochen , Tao Zhidong , Fan Daidi , Wu zhansheng
Published: April 2022

Ginsenoside Compound K (CK) has high pharmacological activity for being widely used in the treatment and prevention of diseases. However, the content of CK in ginseng is very low or almost non-existent. In the present study, ginsenoside Rb1 was converted into ginsenoside F2 and CK by using the extracellular protein isolated from Aspergillus niger Wu-16. The results show that the crude enzymes produced by Wu-16 can catalyze the conversion of the substrate Rb1 to ginsenoside F2 and CK. The reaction time, pH, temperature, and ratio of enzyme to substrate for preparing ginsenoside F2 and CK were used as optimization factors. A reaction time of 48 h, pH = 3, temperature of 55°C, and enzyme-to-substrate ratio of 0.8 were obtained. Furthermore, response surface optimization experiment was carried out to further obtain the maximum conversion rates of ginsenoside F2 and CK with 50.11% and 33.50% for 48 h, respectively. On this basis, the effect of metal ions on the enzymatic reaction showed that the conversion rate of ginsenoside Rb1 was increased remarkably by Co2+ with concentrations of 0.5 mM, and the highest conversion rate into rare ginsenoside CK reached 56.10%. Therefore, the advantage of enzymes catalysis from A. Niger Wu-16 could be a simple, convenient, and rapid method to produce rare saponin F2 and CK, this method provides a certain reference value for the production of rare ginsenosides.
Effect of super-specialization in External Cephalic Version: A comparative study
Authors: Sánchez-Romero Javier , Araico-Rodríguez Fernando , Herrera-Giménez Javier , Blanco-Carnero José Eliseo , Gallego-Pozuelo Rosa María , Nieto-Díaz Aníbal , Sánchez-Ferrer María Luisa
Published: April 2022

Background: The introduction of an experienced dedicated team is not a completely studied fact. Several studies reported a high ECV success rate when the procedure is executed by a single operator or a dedicated team. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of the ECV when the procedure is performed by senior experienced obstetricians or by super-specialized professionals who composed a dedicated team.Methods: Longitudinal prospective analysis of ECV performed in a tertiary hospital from 1/1st/2018 to 12/31st/2019. During twenty-one consecutive months, ECV were performed by two senior experienced obstetricians who composed the dedicated team for ECV, designed as Group A. For three consecutive months, ECV was performed by two seniors obstetricians, designed as Group B. Ritodrine was administered during 30 minutes just before the procedure. Propofol was used for sedation.Results: 186 pregnant women were recruited (150 patients in group A and 36 patients in group B). ECV success rate increased from 47.2% (31.7-63.2) in Group B to 74.0% (66.6-80.5) in Group A. The greatest increase in the success rate of ECV was seen in nulliparae, from 38.5% (21.8-57.6) in group B to 69.1% (59.4-77.6). Complications rate decreased from 22.2% (11.1-37.6) in Group B to 9.3% (5.5-14.8) in Group A.Conclusions: The introduction of an experienced dedicated team improves ECV success rate, especially in primiparas, and it also reduces ECV complications rate.
Fatty acid profile of beef from crossbred steers supplemented in grazing
Authors: Cediel Diana , Silva Robério Rodrigues , Silva Fabiano Ferreira da , Santos Laize Vieira , Silva Ana Paula Gomes da , Santos Marceliana da Conceição , Dueñez Wbeimar Yamit Sanchez , Melgar Osman A. , Paixão Tarcísio Ribeiro , Silva João Wilian Dias , Rossa Fernando , Serrano Roman David Castañeda
Published: April 2022

The aim was to evaluate the fatty acid profile of meat of crossbred cattle grazing under different supplementation strategies. Thirty crossbred steers (1/2 Holstein x 1/2 Zebu) were used in a completely randomized design with three groups of different supplementation strategies (SS) according to the climatic season of the year: SS-1 (mineral salt/mineral salt with urea), SS-2 (mineral salt with urea/protein supplement 0.1% PC), and SS-3 (protein supplement 0.1% BW / 0.2% BW protein supplement). Longissimus dorsi muscle samples were collected, stored, and frozen until analysis of the fatty acid (FA) profile. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), using the Tukey test (P < 0.5) (SAS 2008). Our results exhibited that the oleic acid (C18: 1n9cis) was affected by supplementation strategies, the oleic acid was higher (34.91%) in SS-1. In addition, the content Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; P <0.05); C18: 3n3 (α – linolenic), C18: 2c9t11 (Rumenic / CLA), C18: 2t10c12 (Trans-10, cis-12-octadecadienic / CLA) and C20: 5n3 (eicosapentaenoic - EPA) also were higher in SS-1. In contrast, in SS-3 the C20: 4n6 (arachidonic) was higher (1.09%). The total PUFA content was influenced (P <0.05), with a higher content in the SS-1 group (3.58%). SS-3 influenced higher levels of AG n-6 (1.86%), and AG n-3 (1.02%) being higher in SS-1, producing a lower n-6: n-3 ratio in SS-1 (P <0.05) of 1.57. Grazing animals with mineral supplementation SS-1 showed meat with a higher composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly omega-3 and CLA, which provided a reduction in the n-6: n-3 ratio, highly related to human health.
Process Development and Characteristics of Biocalcium from Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) Eyeball Scleral Cartilage
Authors: Pudtikajorn Khamtorn , Sae-leaw Thanasak , Yesilsu Ahmet Faruk , benjakul Soottawat
Published: April 2022

Scleral cartilage biocalcium (SCBC) powder from skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) eyeball scleral cartilage (STESC) was produced using hexane and isopropanol (1:1) for defatting, followed by protein removal using alcalase at different concentrations (1.5–4.5%) for various times (0-180 min). Calcined scleral cartilage (CSC) was also prepared and characterized. The lowest fat remaining in STESC was attained after 6 cycles of defatting (P < 0.05). The use of 1.5% alcalase for 90 min resulted in the highest soluble protein removed, while showed the lowest loss in hydroxyproline. Higher value of calcium (39.90%), phosphorus (18.97%) and L* (87.97) were detected in the CSC powder, compared to SCBC powder (23.28%, 10.99% and 81.77, respectively) (P < 0.05). However, a*, b*, and ∆E* of CSC powder were lower than SCBC counterpart. The mean particle sizes of both powders had a negligible difference (P > 0.05). XRD-diffractogram of both powders confirmed the presence of hydroxyapatite. CSC showed the loss of water, amide I, II, III, and other organic functional group peaks in Fourier transform infrared spectra. Also, smaller number and abundance of volatile compounds were found in CSC powder. STESC showed a higher calcium solubility in gastrointestinal tract than CSC (P < 0.05). Therefore, scleral cartilage of tuna eyeball could be used as an alternative source for producing biocalcium.
WITHDRAWN: Design and fabrication of an exoskeleton for lifting moderate weights with reduced exhaustion
Authors: Pawar Kuldeep Shrirang , Teli Shivagond Nagappa , Rane Divyang Deepak , Ingale Harshad Shahaji , Sharma Manoj Mahesh , Kale Prathamesh Nitin
Published: April 2022

The objective of the following paper is the design, construction and testing of a bare-bones exoskeleton for assistance in lifting weights up to 30 kgs with reduced exhaustion. It focusses on improving the productivity in small scale industries such as refractories, packaging industries etc. with the assistance of pneumatic power so that moderately heavy materials can be handled in limited working space where it is either not possible or feasible to utilize heavy or expensive machinery. The device also seeks to reduce workplace injuries and disorders caused by strenuous lifting or repetitive work.
A Pragmatic Randomized trial Evaluating Pre-operative aqueous antiseptic skin solutions in open fractures (Aqueous-PREP): Statistical Analysis Plan
Authors: O'Hara Nathan N. , Heels-Ansdell Diane , Bzovsky Sofia , Dodds Shannon , Thabane Lehana , Bhandari Mohit , Guyatt Gordon , Devereaux PJ , Slobogean Gerard P. , Sprague Sheila
Published: April 2022

BackgroundApproximately 1 in 10 patients with a surgically treated open fracture will develop a surgical site infection. The Aqueous-PREP trial will investigate the effect of 10% povidone-iodine versus 4% chlorhexidine in aqueous antiseptic solutions in reducing infections after open fracture surgery. The study protocol was published in April 2020.Methods and DesignThe Aqueous-PREP trial is a pragmatic, multicentre, open-label, randomized multiple period cluster crossover trial. Each participating cluster is randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to provide 1 of the 2 study interventions on all eligible patients during a study period. The intervention periods are 2 months in length. After completing a 2-month period, the participating cluster crosses over to the alternative intervention. We plan to enroll a minimum of 1540 patients at 14 sites.ResultsThe primary outcome is surgical site infection guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Healthcare Safety Network reporting criteria (2017). All participants' surgical site infection surveillance period will end 30 days after definitive fracture management surgery for superficial infections and 90 days after definitive fracture management surgery for deep incisional or organ/space infections. The secondary outcome is an unplanned fracture-related reoperation within 12 months of the fracture.ConclusionThis manuscript serves as the formal statistical analysis plan (version 1.0) for the Aqueous-PREP trial. The statistical analysis plan was completed on February 28, 2022.Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov, NCT03385304. Registered December 28 2017, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03385304?term=slobogean&draw=2&rank=3
Metabolomics analysis reveal the molecular responses of rice to elevated CO2 concentration and/or Pb stress
Authors: Wang Lanlan , Cui Jinghui , Wang Jiayu , Wang Xuhao , Ma Lianju , Li Yueying , Li Xuemei
Published: April 2022

Purpose To explore the regulatory mechanisms of rice to elevated CO2 concentration and/or Pb stress. Methods Rice seedling was exposed to two CO2 concentrations (400±20 and 800±20 μmol/mol) and three PbNO3 concentrations (0 µmol/L, 50 µmol/L and 100 µmol/L) for 10 days. Electrical conductivity, MDA content, activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD and CAT) and metabolomics changes were studied. Results Elevated CO2 increased some antioxidant enzymes activities and decreased electrical conductivity. Sugars, polyols, organic acids, amino acid and secondary metabolites contents increased; Pb stress damaged cell membrane system, also increased some antioxidant enzymes activities. Sugar, polyol, amino acid metabolism and fatty acid β-oxidation were all enhanced. Secondary metabolite was increased; Under compound treatments, cell membrane damage was reduced, activities of protective enzymes almost increased compared with only Pb stress. High CO2 increased TCA cycle intermediate products, also caused fatty acid desaturation under mild Pb stress. Most of the sugars, polyols and amino acids contents increased by elevated CO2 under severe Pb stress. High CO2 enhanced secondary metabolite under Pb stress. Conclusion High CO2 cause efficient photosynthesis and dark respiration metabolism changes, regulated some secondary metabolites production; Under Pb stress, many metabolisms were enhanced to improve osmotic adjustments, maintaining cell membrane stability, supply energy, nitrogen assimilates and antioxidant capacity; Under compound treatments, high CO2 played a dominant role, also caused the increase of cells antioxidant capacity and fatty acid desaturation under mild Pb stress. Elevated CO2 increased osmotic regulatory substances and enhanced the shikimic acid pathway under severe Pb stress.
The epidemiological patterns of childhood sexual abuse and bullying in 204 countries and territories during past decades
Authors: Borumandnia Nasrin , Alvani Mohammadamin Sabbagh , Fattahi Payam , Gohari Mahmood Reza , Khani Yashar Kheirolah , Alavimajd Hamid
Published: April 2022

Background
This study presents an image of childhood sexual abuse and bullying (CSAB) longitudinal trends in summary exposure rates from 1990 to 2019 in 204 countries and territories.
Methods
The CSAB summary exposure rates in 1000000 people were extracted from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and analyzed using latent growth approaches.
Results
Our results showed, globally, at the beginning of the study, the summary exposure rate was higher in boys and was increased in both genders over time (increasing rate of 16.6 in boys and 17.8 in girls, P < .001). Also, during past decades, the CSAB summary exposure rate for boys and girls had a significant increasing trend in both developed and low developed countries (p < 0.001). The increasing rate in low developed countries was more than in developed ones, in boys and girls. The CSAB rates among boys in Chile, Spain, and Sweden, and girls in Chile, Lithuania, Netherlands had the sharpest decreasing rate among world countries (decreasing rate of 19.5 and 13.9 per 1000000 persons, respectively, p < .001). The longitudinal trend of CSAB rates in other countries has been mostly increasing in boys and girls.
Conclusion
This study showcases the trend of CSAB rates were heterogeneous among countries and have not decreased during past decades and in most countries. In both developing and developed countries, special attention from relevant policymakers is required, and implementation of national survey, facilitating reporting, and knowledge of the CSAB at a population level are recommended.
Measuring Solid-Liquid Interface by Ultrasonic Detection for Space Directional Solidification Experiment
Authors: Yu Zehua , Luo Xinghong , Liu Xiaoke , Lu Pengfei , Li Xinze , Dai Hongwei , Xu Jigang , Wang Xiaoqing
Published: April 2022

A method for solid–liquid interface detection based on ultrasonic pulse echo is proposed considering its application in directional solidification experiments of materials in space. By using ultrasonic generator, sensor, and electronic measurement system, a detection system suitable for space experimental environment is designed. It monitors and analyses the temperature and ultrasonic data of metal materials during solidification. Especially, a method of using an ultrasonic sensor to measure the solid-liquid interface at somewhat high temperature is proposed. By using this method, the position of solid-liquid interface of aluminium sample have been successfully determined.
Association of Markers of Tumor Aggressivity and Cognition in Women with Breast Cancer Before Adjuvant Treatment: The Thinking and Living with Cancer Study
Authors: Root James C , Zhou Xingtao , Ahn Jaeil , Small Brent J. , Zhai Wanting , Bethea Traci , Carroll Judith E. , Cohen Harvey Jay , Dilawari Asma , Extermann Martine , Graham Deena , Isaacs Claudine , Jacobsen Paul B. , Jim Heather , McDonald Brenna C. , Nakamura Zev M. , Patel Sunita K. , Rentscher Kelly , Saykin Andrew J. , Dyk Kathleen Van , Mandelblatt Jeanne S. , Ahles Tim A.
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Tumor features associated with aggressive cancers may affect cognition prior to systemic therapy. We evaluated associations of pre-treatment cognition and tumor aggressivity in older breast cancer patients. Methods: Women diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer (n=705) ages 60-98 were enrolled from August 2010-March 2020. Cognition was measured post-surgery, pre-systemic therapy using self-reported (FACT-Cog Perceived Cognitive Impairment [PCI]) and objective tests of attention, processing speed, and executive function (APE domain) and learning and memory [LM domain]. Linear regression tested associations of pre-treatment tumor features and cognition, adjusting for age, race, and study site. HER2 positivity and higher stage (II/III vs. 0/I) were a priori predictors of cognition; in secondary analyses we explored associations of other tumor features and cognitive impairment (i.e., PCI score <54 or having 2 tests <1.5 SD or 1 test <2 SD from the mean APE or LM domain score). Results: HER2 positivity and the hormone receptor negative/HER2+ molecular subtype were associated with lower adjusted mean self-reported cognition scores and higher impairment rates (p values <.05). Higher stage of disease was associated with lower objective performance in APE. Other tumor features were associated with cognition in unadjusted and adjusted models, including larger tumor size and lower PCI scores (p = 0.02). Tumor features were not related to LM. Conclusions: Pre-adjuvant therapy cognition was associated with HER2 positivity and higher stage of disease and other features of aggressive tumors. Additional research is needed to confirm these results and assess potential mechanisms and clinical management strategies.
A Coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach as a Viable Tool for Thermal History Assessment of UNS S32205 Duplex Stainless Steels Friction Stir Welded Joints
Authors: Figueiredo Guilherme Gadelha de Sousa , Marques Igor Jordão , Siqueira Lucas Oliveira , Shen Jiajia , Oliveira João Pedro , Santos Tiago Felipe de Abreu
Published: April 2022

Friction stir welding is a manufacturing process with several positive outputs for duplex stainless steel joints, such as improved mechanical resistance and maintenance of optimal phase fraction. Duplex steels are vastly used in naval and petrochemical operations, being commonly manufactured and joined via welding processes. Thus, there is high demand for straightforward methods of thermal evaluation of friction stir welded joints. In this sense, numerical models are a practical tool for assessing the joints’ welding condition. This work focused on the development and application of a more complete coupled numerical model for friction stir welding of UNS S32205 plates in order to correlate processing conditions with microstructure evolution. A peak temperature of 1213 ºC at the joint’s central line was observed. Distributions of temperature and material flow through the joint cross-section indicate that a more intense material flow at retreating side favors coarser grain size. Simulation results indicated that the strain rate plays a more intense effect in microstructure development compared to the welding peak temperatures. The coupled numerical model was additionally used to obtain temperature profile of the tool, which was thermally stable even after standing temperature values greater than 1200ºC. Even after 18 cm of welding procedure, deterioration of tool was not observed, leading to sound welded joints.
Micropropagation of medicinally important enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) landraces
Authors: Nuraga Gizachew Woldesenbet , Tesfaye Kassahun , Demissew Sebsebe , Feyissa Tileye
Published: April 2022

Cultivated enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) is commonly propagated vegetatively due to various reasons. This conventional mode of propagation is vulnerable to transmission of devastating diseases like bacterial wilt, and results in poor propagation rate. Most of the landraces used in traditional medicine are susceptible to diseases, and vulnerable to various other constraints. Micropropagation of two landraces (guarye and kibnar) used in traditional medicine was conducted using shoot tip explants on Murashige and Skoog medium. At the initiation stage, significantly highest systemic contamination (17.67%) was recorded on MS medium without antibiotics (cefotaxime) as compared to the treatments that contain 250 and 500 mg l-1 cefotaxime. The highest mean shoot number (8.8+1.40) per shoot tip was regenerated on MS medium containing 5.0 mgl-1 BAP in combination with 1.0 mg l-1 IBA. From the two enset landraces, higher mean shoot number (6.88) per shoot tip was obtained from guarye. The highest root number (3.0) per shoot was obtained from both full and half-strength MS medium containing 3.0 mgl-1 IBA and 2.0 mgl-1 IBA, respectively. The protocol can be employed for rapid propagation and conservation of the landraces as well as for its future genetic improvement using biotechnological tools.
Covalently-Bonded Single-Site Ru-N2 Knitted into Covalent Triazine Frameworks for Boosting Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Lin , Yuan Saifei , Song Liping , Ren Hao , Xu Yuankang , He Manman , Zhang Yuheng , Wang Hang , Huang Yichao , Wei Tong , Zhang Jiangwei , Fan Zhuangjun , Himeda Yuichiro
Published: April 2022

Developing highly efficient photocatalysts for converting CO2 into solar fuels is of great importance for energy sustainability. However, efficient photoreduction of CO2 over the heterogeneous catalyst is hindered by lack of precisely controlled active sites and poor contact between active sites and the semiconductor, which leads to low selectivity and poor photochemical stability of the catalyst. Herein, utilizing highly stable and readily tunable photoresponsive covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) as intriguing platforms, the well-defined molecular catalysts are directly knitting into CTFs by an in-situ covalent-bonding strategy for the first time to afford photo-responsive single-site Ru CTFs. The robust chemical knitting of molecular catalyst with porous CTFs provides the atomically dispersed catalytic sites, providing enhanced light absorption and CO2 diffusion. Significantly, the resulting Ru-CTF can reduce CO2 to formic acid under visible light with excellent selectivity (98.5%) and activity (6270 μmol·gcat-1), which greatly outperforms most other polymer semiconductors reported so far. However, the homogeneous Ru counterpart (Ru(dcbpy)(CO)2Cl2, dcbpy=2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarbonitrile) exhibits a low activity and deactivates within 1 h. Systematic investigations reveal that the introduction of single sites (Ru-N2) can promote photoinduced charge separation and CO2 activation, thus significantly enhancing the photocatalytic performance. The combination of in-situ fourier transform infrared spectrometer (in-situ FTIR), density functional theory (DFT) calculations and luminescence quench experiments were particularly investigated to confirm the possible photocatalytic CO2 reduction mechanism over Ru-CTF. This work provides a new pathway and significant insights into the design of CTF-based single-site photocatalysts for highly selective CO2 photoreduction.
Alcohol–based Hand Sanitizers amid COVID-19: Chemical Formulation, Analysis, Safety
Authors: Islam Md. Monarul , Ahmed Khondoker Shahin , Karim Md. Rezaul , Nath Bikash Dev , Moulick Shyama Prosad , Islam Rashedul , Ha Sharkar Md. Mahmudul , Hossain Md. Hemayet , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Jahan Md. Sarwar , Shaikh Md. Aftab Ali , Georghiou Paris E.
Published: April 2022

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) containing ethanol (EtOH) or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to inactivate microorganisms help to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. These products have become very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from vaccines or other preventative antiseptic measures, the majority of consumers have relied on different types of ABHSs to disinfect their hands. As a result, there has been a global rush in the demand for these ABHSs and other antiseptic hygiene products. This has resulted in the formation of many new commercial sanitizer producers. There are around fifty companies of varying sizes that have been marketing their ABHSs in Bangladesh, most of which have only been manufacturing their products for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. To monitor the quality and components of these products, the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) analyzed approximately 200 different hand sanitizer samples using GC–FID mass spectrometry. All samples were alcohol-based except for 3 which were alcohol-free aqueous hand sanitizers. Of the supplied formulated ABHSs, 80 samples were found to contain only IPA and 54 contained only EtOH. However, 28 samples were found to be contaminated with methanol (MeOH), 7 samples contained only MeOH and 18 samples contained both EtOH and IPA. This is the first study to explore the analysis of alcohol content in formulated ABHSs and their marketing status in Bangladesh, but the findings could be of use in other jurisdictions as similar issues have been raised in many parts of the world.
Investigating the role of core needle biopsy in evaluating tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) of invasive breast cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Le Minh-Khang , Odate Toru , Kawai Masataka , Oishi Naoki , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: April 2022

PurposeTumor-stroma ratio (TSR) of invasive breast carcinoma has gained attention in recent years due to its prognostic significance. Previous studies showed TSR is a potential biomarker for indicating the tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, it is not clear how well TSR evaluation in biopsy specimens might reflect the TSR in resection specimens. We conducted a study to investigate whether biopsy evaluation of TSR can be an alternative method.MethodWe collected cases with invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC-NST) from University of Yamanashi hospital between 2011 and 2017 whose biopy and resection specimens both had a pathologically diagnosis of IBC-NST (n=146). We conceptualized a method for evaluating TSR in biopsy specimens within a preliminary cohort (n=50). Within the studied cohort (n=96), biopsy-based TSR (b-TSR) and resection-based TSR (r-TSR) were scored by two pathologists. We then evaluated our method’s validity and performance by measuring interobserver variability between the two pathologists, Spearman’s correlation between b-TSR and r-TSR, and the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis for defining stroma-rich and stroma-poor tumors.ResultsIntra-class coefficient between the two pathologists was 0.59. The correlation coefficients between b-TSR and r-TSR in the two pathologists were 0.45 and 0.37. The ROC areas under the curve were 0.7 and 0.67. By considering an r-TSR of < 50% as stroma-poor, the sensitivity and specificity of detecting stroma-poor tumors were 66% and 64.1%, respectively, when b-TSR was <40%.ConclusionAlthough b-TSR provides useful information about r-TSR in breast carcinoma, it should be combined with imaging investigations.
Risk factors and mortality for elderly patients with Bloodstream infection of Carbapenem resistance Klebsiella pneumoniae：a 10-year longitudinal study in China
Authors: Chen Yili , Chen Yao , Liu Pingjuan , Guo Penghao , Wu Zhongwen , Peng Yaqin , Deng Jiankai , Kong Yannan , Cui Yingpeng , Liao Kang , Huang Bin
Published: April 2022

Background: Bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), especially in elderly patients, results in higher morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess risk factors associated with CRKP BSI and mortality among elderly patients in China.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled 252 inpatients aged ≥65 years with BSI caused by KP from January 2011 to December 2020 in China. Data regarding demographic, microbiological characteristics, and clinical outcome were collected.Result: Among the 252 BSI patients, there were 29 patients (11.5%) caused by CRKP and 223 patients (88.5%) by carbapenem-susceptible KP (CSKP). The overall 28-day mortality rate of elderly patients with a KP BSI episode was 10.7% (27/252), of which CRKP BSI patients (14 / 29, 48.3%) were significantly higher than CSKP patients (13 / 223, 5.83%) (P < 0.001). Hypertension (OR: 13.789, [95% CI: 3.883-48.969], P < 0.001), exposure to carbapenems (OR: 8.073, [95% CI: 2.066-31.537], P =0.003), and ICU stay (OR: 11.180, [95% CI: 2.663-46.933], P = 0.001) were found to be associated with the development of CRKP BSI in elderly patients. A multivariate analysis showed that isolation of CRKP (OR 6.032, 95% CI 1.728-21.055, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality of KP BSI.Conclusion: In elderly patients, hypertension, exposure to carbapenems and ICU stay were associated with the development of CRKP BSI. Active screening of CRKP for the high-risk populations, especially elderly patients, is significant for early detection and successful management of CRKP infection.
Evaluating the Visual Landscape Quality and Recreational Potential of Bolu Urban Forest in Turkey
Authors: CENGİZ Bülent
Published: April 2022

The increase in the number of people living in cities leads to an increase in construction and unplanned urbanization, which promotes climate change impacts, a situation that also triggers the longing for nature by people. The Bolu Urban Forest is chosen as the study area because of its proximity to the city, being a D type recreation area and for many ecological benefits it provides to the city. Apart from the benefits provided by the area, for this study, in order to determine the visual landscape quality, a visual landscape quality questionnaire was distributed to a total of 250 university students. This sample was made up of Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning and Forestry Engineering disciplines at Bartın University and Atatürk University to obtain preference data. Analysis was processed with SPSS 17.0 In visual landscape quality analysis; 14 photographs were evaluated separately according to 18 adjective pairs. According to the results of the visual landscape quality analysis preferred the clear and flowering areas in the Bolu Urban Forest the most. The areas with dense woods and fallen trees were the least preferred by the students of all departments. In this study, a low recreational use potential of 42% was determined for the existing recreation potential of the Bolu Urban Forest. The analysis and surveys made were done in order to increase the potential of use in the area, and suggestions were developed for the area by considering the protection-use balance of the area.
Simulation and experimental research on remote field eddy current technique for detecting defects in multi-layer plate structure
Authors: Kai Song , Rui Deng , Shaodong Fu , Huanhuan Ge , Ximing Cui
Published: April 2022

Multi-layer metal plate structure is an important load-bearing component of aircraft, which has the characteristics of large thickness and complex structure. The structure is easy to produce defects in service. Remote field eddy current technique (RFECT) can penetrate the tested component with large thickness. RFECT has the ability of detecting hidden defects with large buried depth. However, the traditional RFECT is limited by the structure of the sensor, which is commonly used in the detection of pipeline defects. In this paper, a plane remote field eddy current technique (PRFECT) sensor that adopts a new structure of coaxial placement of sensing coil and excitation coil is designed by simulation software ANSYS. The new PRFECT sensor can detect deeply buried defects in multi-layer plate structures with higher sensitivity. The influence law of defect size and buried depth on detection signals are obtained by simulation. Both simulation and test results prove the feasibility of the new structural PRFECT sensor for detecting hidden defects in multi-layer plate structure.
The utility of G8 screening for clinical practice of chemotherapy in older patients with gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Doi Ayako , Mizukami Takuro , Takeda Hiroyuki , Umemoto Kumiko , Arai Hiroyuki , Horie Yoshiki , Izawa Naoki , Ogura Takashi , Sunakawa Yu
Published: April 2022

Background:Geriatric 8 (G8) is a useful screening tool for geriatric assessment for predicting survival or risk of serious adverse events (SAEs) in older cancer patients. However, the clinical utility of G8 is not well known in older patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer developing malnutrition. We investigated the association between G8 score and clinical outcomes in older patients with GI cancer.Methods: We retrospectively registered patients with GI cancer aged ≥65 years who received a G8 questionnaire at first visit from April 2018 to March 2020. The G8 score, SAE, dose reduction rate, discontinuation rate, and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Safety was assessed in all patients and OS in GI cancer patients with unresectable tumors.Results:In a total of 207 patients (median age: 75, range: 65–92, 56% of unresectable cancer), the median G8 score was 10.5 and the percentage of normal G8 score was only 6.8%. There was no clear association between G8 score and OS or SAEs in 143 (69%) patients received chemotherapy (CT). However, the median G8 score was significantly higher in patients with CT compared to those without CT (11.5 vs 10.0 months, p < 0.0001). One-hundred seven of 129 (83%) older patients with abnormal G8 score were treated with CT by treatment modification such as dose reduction, and they had no unexpected SAEs and better prognosis than those without CT. The rate of normal instrumental activity of daily life (IADL) was significantly higher in patients with CT compared to those without CT (64% vs. 23%, p < 0.0001). In addition, there was a significant difference in OS according to IADL even in patients with abnormal G8 score.Conclusions:There was no association between G8 score and OS or SAE in older patients with GI cancer; however, most patients with abnormal G8 score could receive CT safely and effectively through treatment modification. The IADL may be clinically useful to predict prognosis and determine the treatment plan for older patients.
Seasonal dynamics in picocyanobacterial abundance and clade composition at coastal and offshore stations in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Zufia Javier Alegria , Legrand Catherine , Farnelid Hanna
Published: April 2022

Picocyanobacteria (< 2 µm in diameter) are significant contributors to total phytoplankton biomass. Due to the high diversity within this group, their seasonal dynamics and relationship with environmental parameters, especially in brackish waters, are largely unknown. In this study, the abundance and community composition of phycoerythrin rich (PE-rich) and phycocyanin rich (PC-rich) picocyanobacteria were monitored at a coastal (K-station) and at an offshore station (LMO; ~10 km from land) in the Baltic Sea over three years (2018–2020). Cell abundances of picocyanobacteria correlated positively to temperature and negatively to nitrate (NO3) concentration. While PE-rich abundance correlated to the presence of nitrogen fixers, PC-rich abundance was linked to stratification/shallow waters. The picocyanobacterial targeted amplicon sequencing revealed an unprecedented diversity of 2169 picocyanobacterial amplicons sequence variants (ASVs). A unique assemblage of distinct picocyanobacterial clades across seasons was identified. Clade A/B dominated the picocyanobacterial community, except during summer when low NO3 and high phosphate (PO4) concentrations and warm temperatures promoted S5.2 dominance. This study, providing multiyear data, bridges the gap between Synechococcus/Cyanobium/Synechocystis phylogenetic classification and ecology. The difference in the response of the two functional groups and clades underscore the need for further high-resolution studies to understand their role in the ecosystem.
Feasibility study of adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 after curative esophagectomy following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Hirahara Noriyuki , Matsubara Takeshi , Kaji Shunsuke , Hayashi Hikota , Sasaki Yohei , Kawakami Koki , Hyakudomi Ryoji , Yamamoto Tetsu , Tajima Yoshitsugu
Published: April 2022

Background
Despite advances in surgical techniques, long-term survival after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer remains unacceptably low, and more effective perioperative chemotherapy is expected. However, an important concern regarding the application of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy is treatment toxicity. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 in patients after esophagectomy.
Methods
We investigated the tolerability of a 2-week administration followed by 1-week rest regimen of S1 as postoperative adjuvant therapy in 20 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and 22 patients who did not receive NAC during 2011–2020.
Results
In the non-NAC group, the mean and median relative dose intensity (RDI) were 78.7% and 99.4%, respectively, and 11 patients (50%) had altered treatment schedules. The corresponding rates in the NAC group were 77.9% and 100%, and 9 patients (45%) had altered treatment schedules, with no significant difference between the groups. Moreover, 17 patients (77.2%) in the non-NAC group and 16 patients (80.0%) in the NAC group continued S-1 treatment as planned for one year postoperatively, with no significant difference in the S-1 continuation rate (p = 0.500). Seventeen of 22 patients (77.3%) and 15 of 20 patients (75.0%) experienced several adverse events in the non-NAC and NAC groups, respectively. The frequency, severity, and type of adverse events were consistent among patients with and without NAC.
Conclusions
S-1 could be safely and continuously administered as adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with esophageal cancer regardless of NAC. Long-term prognosis should be evaluated for S-1 to become the standard treatment after esophagectomy.
Placental vascular alterations lead to early neurodevelopmental and pulmonary impairment in the rabbit fetal growth restriction model
Authors: Valenzuela Ignacio , Basurto David , Regin Yannick , Gie Andre , Veeken Lennart van der , Vergote Simen , Muñoz-Moreno Emma , Leszczynski Bartosz , Deprest Jan , Merwe Johannes
Published: April 2022

Fetal growth restriction is one of the leading causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity and has consequences that extend well beyond the neonatal period. Current management relies on timely delivery rather than improving placental function. Several prenatal strategies have failed to show benefit in clinical trials after promising results in animal models. Most of these animal models have important developmental and structural differences compared to the human and/or are insufficiently characterized. We aimed to describe placental function and structure in an FGR rabbit model, and to characterize the early brain and lung developmental morbidity using a multimodal approach. FGR was induced in time-mated rabbits at gestational day 25 by partial uteroplacental vessel ligation in one horn. Umbilical artery Doppler was measured before caesarean delivery at gestational day 30, and placentas were harvested for computed microtomography and histology. Neonates underwent neurobehavioral or pulmonary functional assessment the day after delivery, followed by brain or lung harvesting, respectively. Neuropathological assessment included multiregional quantification of neuron density, apoptosis, astrogliosis, cellular proliferation, and oligodendrocyte progenitors. Brain region volumes and diffusion metrics were obtained from ex -vivo brain magnetic resonance imaging. Lung assessment included biomechanical tests and pulmonary histology. Fetal growth restriction was associated with labyrinth alterations in the placenta, driven by fetal capillary reduction, and overall reduced vessels volume. FGR caused altered neurobehavior paralleled by regional neuropathological deficits and reduced fractional anisotropy in the cortex, white matter, and hippocampus. In addition, FGR kittens presented functional alterations in the peripheral lung and structurally underdeveloped alveoli. In conclusion, in a uteroplacental insufficiency FGR rabbit model, placental vascular alterations coincide with neurodevelopmental and pulmonary disruption.