bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Access to Care and Worsening Eating Disorder Symptomatology during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Spigel Rebecca , Lin Jessica , Milliren Carly E , Freizinger Melissa , Vitagliano Julia A , Woods Elizabeth R , Forman Sara F , Richmond Tracy K
Published: March 2021

BackgroundShelter-in-place orders and social distancing guidelines, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, have limited traditional face-to-face interactions and led to many clinical providers transitioning to the use of videoconferencing platforms. The present study aims to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted adolescents’/young adults’ (AYA) eating disorder (ED)-related care, and how access to, changes in, perceived disruptions to, and quality of care are associated with ED thoughts and behaviors. MethodsAYA enrolled in the RECOVERY study, a pre-existing web-based longitudinal study, completed a COVID-19-specific survey (n=89). We examined bivariate associations of four markers of care: access to and changes in care as well as perceived disruption to and quality of care. Using multiple logistic regression, we examined the associations of our pandemic-related markers of care with changes in ED thoughts and behaviors. We excluded those not engaged in treatment pre-pandemic (n=16). ResultsIn the remaining 73 participants, reported access to care was high, with 92% of respondents continuing to see at least one ED provider during the pandemic; however, 47% stopped some treatment during the pandemic. Nearly one-third (32%) perceived a disruption in treatment. Quality of care remained high with 67% reporting care to be better than or as good as pre-pandemic. Respondents acknowledged heightened symptomatology: 81% reported increased ED thoughts and 81% reported increased ED behaviors due to COVID-19-related factors. However, none of the markers of care described were significantly associated with ED thoughts or behaviors in regression analyses adjusting for demographic variables and baseline characteristics, except our quality of care measure which was approaching significance (p=0.07). Conclusions﻿Our findings show the majority of AYA who had care prior to the pandemic are still receiving some element of their multi-disciplinary ED treatment and perceive their care as high quality. Although none of the markers of care described were statistically associated with increased ED thoughts and behaviors, our results may indicate that continued access to care may be protective against increased ED behaviors and patients who perceive their quality of care as worse than usual might be more likely to have intrusive ED thoughts.
A New Generation of Earthquake Recurrence Models Based on The Extreme Value Theory and Impact on Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessments
Authors: Dutfoy Anne , Senfaute Gloria
Published: March 2021

Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) procedures require that at least the mean activity rate be known, as well as the distribution of magnitudes. Within the Gutenberg-Richter assumption, that distribution is an Exponential distribution, upperly truncated to a maximum possible magnitude denoted $m_{max}$. This parameter is often fixed from expert judgement under tectonics considerations, due to a lack of universal method.

In this paper, we propose two innovative alternatives to the Gutenberg-Richter model, based on the Extreme Value Theory and that don't require to fix a priori the value of $m_{max}$: the first one models the tail distribution magnitudes with a Generalized Pareto Distribution; the second one is a variation on the usual Gutenberg-Richter model where $m_{max}$ is a random variable that follows a distribution defined from an extreme value analysis.

We use the maximum likelihood estimators taking into account the unequal observation spans depending on magnitude, the incompleteness threshold of the catalog and the uncertainty in the magnitude value itself. We apply these new recurrence models on the data observed in the Alps region, in the south of France and we integrate them into a probabilistic seismic hazard calculation to evaluate their impact on the seismic hazard levels. The proposed new recurrence models introduce a reduction of the seismic hazard level compared to the common Gutenberg-Richter model conventionally used for PSHA calculations. This decrease is significant for all frequencies below 10 Hz, mainly at the lowest frequencies and for very long return periods. To our knowledge, both new models have never been used in a probabilistic seismic hazard calculation and constitute a new promising generation of recurrence models.
Association of Kidney Biopsy Findings With Short- and Medium-Term Outcomes in Children With Moderate-to-Severe Iga Vasculitis Nephritis
Authors: Clavé Stéphanie , Sordet Maud , Tsimaratos Michel , Decramer Stéphane , Fila Marc , Guigonis Vincent , Faudeux Camille , Daniel Laurent , Torrents Julia , Boucekine Mohamed , Harambat Jérôme , Rousset-Rouvière Caroline
Published: March 2021

Assessing the initial severity of immunoglobulin A vasculitis nephritis (IgAV-N) is challenging important due to its determining effect on kidney management and outcomes. This study paper aims to describe describes a multicentre paediatric multicenter pediatric cohort of IgAV-N patients and discusses whilst investigating the relationships among between clinical presentation, histological features, and kidney outcome. A cohort consisting of 170 children requiring early kidney with biopsy because of IgAV-N, which was diagnosed between 2007 and 2017, was assessed including 27% of children with nephrotic syndrome (NS). One-quarter of the cohort (27%) presented with initial nephrotic syndrome (NS). Kidney biopsy revealed International Study of Kidney Disease (ISKDC) grade II or grade III in 83% of cases. An International Study of Kidney Disease (ISKDC) grade II or grade III was revealed through kidney biopsy in 83% of cases. Endocapillary proliferation was were observed in 73% of patients, and chronic lesions were observed in 25%of patients. Data analysis demonstrated showed a significant association between clinical severity (NS at onset and histological findings such asendocapillary proliferation and cellular crescents. After a median follow-up of 21 months (IQR 12-39), 30% of patients had persistent kidney impairment (proteinuria or decreased eGFR. WorseAt the end of follow-up, kidney outcome impairment was significantly associated more often observed in patients with NS at onset and those with cellular crescents and chronic lesions on initial kidney biopsy.Conclusions: This study highlights the relationship between the clinical and histological presentation of IgAV-N and the factors that affect kidney outcome. The ISKDC classification may be improved by including lesions that are more discriminating for disease severity and prognosis.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Novel Disulfide Bond Introduction Site into the Constant Domain of Human Fab
Authors: Nakamura Hitomi , Yoshikawa Moeka , Oda-Ueda Naoko , Ueda Tadashi , Ohkuri Takatoshi
Published: March 2021

Generally, intermolecular disulfide bond contribute to the conformational protein stability. To identify sites where intermolecular disulfide bonds can be introduced into the Fab’s constant domain of the therapeutic IgG, Fab mutants were predicted using the MOE software, a molecular simulator, and expressed in Pichia pastoris. SDS-PAGE analysis of the prepared Fab mutants from P. pastoris indicated that among the nine analyzed Fab mutants, the H: F130C-L: Q124C, H: F174C-L: S176C, H: V177C-L: Q160C, H: F174C-L: S162C, H: F130C-L: S121C, and H: A145C-L: F116C mutants mostly formed intermolecular disulfide bonds. All these mutants showed increased thermal stabilities compared to those without intermolecular disulfide bonds. In the other mutants, the intermolecular disulfide bond could not be completely formed, and the L132C-F118C mutant showed only a slight decrease in binding activity and β-helix content, owing to adverse intermolecular disulfide bond effects. Thus, our comprehensive analysis reveals the introduction of intermolecular disulfide bonds in the Fab’s constant domain is possible at various locations. These findings provide important insights for accomplishing human Fab stabilization.
Perceptions of a Surgical Team About the Ethical and Legal Responsibilities of Forgetting Foreign Bodies in Patient Bodies and Other Errors
Authors: Anderson Díaz-Pérez , González Zilena Ardila , Toro Moraima Del , Quiroz Elkin Navarro
Published: March 2021

Background: Retained surgical items (RSIs) represent a real and ongoing problem, but it is preventable. Its real incidence is unknown because of underreporting resulting from the fear of lawsuits for medical errors. This study aimed to describe the perception of the members of a surgical team about their ethical and legal responsibilities related to medical errors, specifically concerning the presence of RSIs. Methods: This qualitative, descriptive, and interpretative study focused on the perceptions of the members of a surgical team on the ethical and legal problems they may face because of the presence of RSIs. Continuous saturation sampling was performed by interviewing 17 professional members of the surgical team. Atlas Ti 8.0® program was used for analyzing the data obtained. It traced the categories by means of content analysis of the perceptions and practices during possible ethical and legal responsibilities because of medical errors. Results: The interviewees were conflicted between complicity and justice, as it is a duty to report events or actions that put the lives of surgical patients at risk.Conclusions: The lack of awareness about the rules and believing that human errors are inevitable lead to normalizing errors, which does not allow professionals to face the risk and, therefore, to avoid it.
Spatiotemporal Patterns of Early Afterdepolarizations Underlying Abnormal T-Wave Morphologies in a Tissue Model of the Purkinje-Ventricular System
Authors: Yuan Mengya , Li Pan
Published: March 2021

Background
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the majority of SCDs are caused by acute ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Early afterdepolarizations (EADs) are an important trigger of VA under pathological conditions, e.g., inherited or acquired long QT syndrome (LQTS). However, it remains unclear how EAD events at the cellular level are spatially organized at the tissue level to induce and maintain ventricular arrhythmias and whether the spatial-temporal patterns of EADs at the tissue level are associated with abnormal T-wave morphologies that are often observed in LQTS, such as broad-based, notched or bifid; late appearance; and pointed T-waves.
Result
Here, a tissue model of the Purkinje-ventricular system (PVS) was developed to quantitatively investigate the complex spatial-temporal dynamics of EADs during T-wave abnormalities, and we found that (1) while major inhibition of ICaL can substantially reduce the excitability of the PVS leading to conduction failures, moderate ICaL inhibition can promote occurrences of AP alternans at short cycle lengths (CLs), and EAD events preferentially occur with a major reduction of IKr (> 50%) at long CLs; (2) with a minor reduction of ICaL, spatially synchronized steady-state EAD events with inverted and biphasic T-waves can be “weakened” into beat-to-beat concurrences of spatially synchronized EADs and T-wave alternans, and as pacing CLs increase, beat-to-beat concurrences of localized EADs with late-appearing and pointed T-wave morphologies can be observed; (3) under certain conditions, localized EAD events in the midmyocardium may trigger slow uni-directional electric propagation with inverted (antegrade) or upright (retrograde) broad-based T-waves; (4) spatially discordant EADs were typically characterized by desynchronized spontaneous onsets of EAD events between two groups of PVS tissues with biphasic T-wave morphologies, and they can evolve into spatially discordant oscillating EAD patterns with sustained or self-terminated alternating EAD and electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns.
Conclusion
Our results provide new insights into the spatiotemporal aspects of the onset and development of EADs and suggest possible mechanistic links between the complex spatial dynamics of EADs and T-wave morphologies.
Purinergic signaling mediates neuroglial interactions to generate sighs
Authors: Ramirez Jan Marino , Severs Liza , Bush Nicholas , Quina Lely , Burgraff Nicholas , Dashevskiy Tatiana , Baertsch Nathan
Published: March 2021

Sighs prevent the collapse of alveoli in the lungs, initiate arousal under hypoxic conditions, and even express sadness and relief. Sighs are periodically superimposed on normal breaths, known as eupnea. Implicated in the generation of these rhythmic behaviors is the preBötzinger complex (preBötC)1. Yet how this small microcircuit can produce two rhythms with strikingly different periodicities remains unresolved. Our computational simulations predict that sighs are generated by the coincidence of two temporally distinct calcium oscillations and are in agreement with experimental evidence suggesting that astrocytes drive sigh behavior through slower, extrinsically driven calcium oscillations that link the eupnea and sigh rhythms. We found that purinergic signaling is necessary to generate spontaneous and hypoxia- induced sighs, and photo-activation of preBötC astrocytes is sufficient to elicit sigh activity. We conclude that sighs are an emergent property of the preBötC network generated by neuroglial interactions, where the distinct modulatory responses of neurons and glia allow for both rhythms to be independently regulated.
Usefulness of a Medical Interview Support Application for Inexperienced Physicians
Authors: Matsuoka Ayaka , Miike Toru , Yamazaki Hirotaka , Higuchi Masahiro , Komaki Moe , Shinada Kota , Nakayama Kento , Sakurai Ryouta , Asahi Miho , Yoshitake Kunimasa , Narumi Shougo , Koba Mayuko , Sakamoto Yuichiro
Published: March 2021

Background

Medical interviews play an important role in disease diagnosis. Medical interview education and clinical experience are required to perform an appropriate medical interview; however, not all medical staff can perform medical interviews at the same level. This study examined whether a medical interview support application could enable physicians with little clinical experience to perform highly accurate medical interviews.
Methods

Fifteen junior residents (less than two years of post-graduation) performed medical interviews with 20 cases portrayed by simulated patients. In 10 cases, a medical interview support application was used. After the medical interview, the participants were asked to list about 10 differential diagnoses. The interview was considered appropriate if it included the disease portrayed by the simulated patient.
Results

The use of a medical interview support application increased the percentage of appropriate medical interviews. Considering the frequency, the use of a medical interview support application increased the rate of appropriate medical interviews in the rare disease group. It also increased the number of questions and the duration of the interview. No stress-reduction was observed.
Conclusion

The medical interview application may be a useful tool in identifying appropriate differential diseases.
Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of magnesium oxide nanocomposite film in combination with ε-poly-L-lysine against Foodborne pathogens in vacuum packaged beef
Authors: Samadi Masumeh , Shekarforoush Seyed Shahram , Gheisari Hamid Reza
Published: March 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of magnesium oxide nanocomposite (MgO NC) film based on Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) alone or in combination with three concentrations of ε-poly-L-lysine (500, 1000 and 2000 µg/ml) on Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes in culture media and fresh beef. Methods: MgO NC film were prepared by melt mixing LDPE and MgO nanoparticle in the extruder. For in vitro antibacterial analysis, the MgO NC film alone or in combination with polylysine were evaluated in tryptic soy broth for 5 days at 37 °C. For in vivo analysis, beef samples were inoculated with the selected bacteria and packaged in MgO NC film under vacuum and stored at 4 °C and evaluated for up to 20 days. Results: Polylysine had an antibacterial effect against E. coli and L. monocytogenes in TSB. But MgO NC film had a bacteriostatic effect only against E. coli. MgO NC film inhibited the growth of E. coli on the surface of beef samples. Pollysine at concentrations of 500 µg/ml or more showed inhibitory activity against E. coli and L. monocytogenes in beef samples. No additional reduction was observed by combining the different concentrations of polylysine with MgO NC film.Conclusions: Polylysine at all concentrations had an inhibitory effect on E. coli and L. monocytogenes in the culture medium and beef. Although the migration of MgO nanoparticle from the film to beef was very low, but as it has little antimicrobial effect, it is not recommended as a suitable package for improving the safety of raw beef.
Enhancing the Efficacy of Albendazole for Liver Cancer Treatment Using Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Ghaferi Mohsen , Zahra Syeda Warda , Shahmabadi Hasan Ebrahimi , Alavi Seyed Ebrahim
Published: March 2021

The present study aimed to synthesize albendazole (ABZ)-loaded Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (MCM-41) nanoparticles (NPs) to increase the efficacy of the drug against liver cancer. ABZ was loaded into MCM-41 NPs, and after in vitro characterization, such as size, size distribution, zeta potential, morphology, chemical composition, thermal profile, drug release, surface and pore volume, and pore size, their biological effects were evaluated using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell migration assays. The results demonstrated that monodispersed and spherical NPs with a size of 220 ± 11.5 and 293 ± 8.7 nm, for MCM-41 NPs and ABZ-loaded MCM-41 NPs, respectively, and drug loading efficiency of 30% were synthesized. ABZ was loaded physically into MCM-41 NPs, leading to a decrease in surface volume, pore size, and pore volume. Also, MCM-41 NPs could increase the cytotoxicity effects of ABZ by 2.9-fold (IC50 = 23 and 7.9 µM for ABZ and ABZ-loaded MCM-41 NPs, respectively). In addition, ABZ-loaded MCM-41 NPs, compared to that of ABZ, caused a significant decrease in cell migration. Overall, the results of the present study suggest evaluating the potency of MCM-41 NPs, as a potent nanoplatform, for ABZ delivery in vivo environment.
Differentially Evolutionary Pathways and Their Interactions in Genes Expressed in Brain of Human and Macaque
Authors: Ma Yuequn , Cao Changying , Zhao Mengwen , Liu Xinhua , Cheng Feng , Wang Ju
Published: March 2021

As the key organ that separates humans from non-human primates, the brain has continuously evolved to adapt to the changes of environments and climates. Although human shares most genetic, molecular, and cellular features with other primates such as macaques, there are significant differences in the structure and function of the brain between humans and these species. Thus, exploring the differences between the brains of human and non-human primates in the context of evolution will provide insights into the development, functionality, and diseases of the human nervous system. Since the genes involved in many aspects of the human brain are under common pressures of natural selection, their evolutionary features can be analyzed collectively at the pathway-level. In this study, the molecular mechanisms underlying human brain capabilities were explored by comparing the evolutionary features of pathways enriched in genes expressed in the human brain and the macaque brain. 31 differentially expressed evolutionary pathways were identified in the brains of humans and macaques, among which included those related to neurological diseases, signal transduction, immunological response, and metabolic processes. By analyzing differentially expressed genes in brain regions or development stages between humans and macaques, 10 pathways and 4 pathways were found to have evolutionary distinctions, respectively. We further performed crosstalk analysis of pathways in order to obtain an intuitive correlation between the pathways, of which is helpful in understanding the mechanisms of interaction between pathways. Our results shed light on a comprehensive view of the evolutionary pathways of the human nervous system and provide a reference for the study of human brain development.
Community Engagement for the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) Program: an Analysis of Key Stakeholder Roles to Promote a Sustainable Program in Zambia
Authors: Zulu Joseph Mumba , Mwamba Trevor , Rosen Alyssa , Matenga Tulani Francis L. , Mulanda Joseph M , Kaimba Mutale , Chilembo Masitano , Silondwa Madaliso , Kamboyi Royd L. , Simwanza Sylvia Chila , Sichone George , Chavula Malizgani Paul
Published: March 2021

BackgroundWithin the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) programme, community engagement has been central in facilitating the acceptance of VMMC, especially in non-circumcising communities. To date, there has been inadequate mapping of community stakeholders, their power, roles, and strategies in facilitating sustainability of VMMC programmes. We use the case of the development of community engagement plans for sustainability of VMMC in Zambia to illustrate diversity of stakeholders, their power, roles, and strategies in community engagement. The analysis was guided by the power and interest model.MethodsData were collected using document review, in-depth interviews (n=35) and focus group discussions (n=35) with community stakeholders, health workers, health centre committees, counsellors, teachers, community volunteers and parents/caregivers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsDifferences were noted between the rural and urban sites in terms of power/influence and interest rating of community stakeholders who could be involved in the sustainability phase of the VMMC response in Zambia. For example, in the urban setting, neighbourhood health committees (NHCs), health workers, leaders of clubs, community health workers (CHWs), radio, television and social media platforms were ranked highest. From this list, social media and television platforms were not highly ranked in rural areas. Some stakeholders had more sources of power than others. Forms or sources of power included technical expertise (knowledge, skills, roles), local authority (traditional, political, religious leadership), financial resources, collective action (action through schools, churches, media platforms, other community spaces), and relational power (community / family bonds). Key roles and strategies included strengthening community engagement in the planning processes by broadening local coordination and engagement systems, enhancing community involvement in providing VMMC information through the use of locally recognised communication spaces and channels, facilitating ownership of VMMC through promoting a community-led monitoring and evaluation process, as well as improving local accountability processes in VMMC activities.ConclusionBy consulting with the most relevant stakeholders, and considering community needs in programme development, the VMMC programme may be able to leverage the community structures and systems to reduce long term demand generation costs for VMMC and increase the acceptability and frequency of male circumcision.
Production and Electrical Properties of a CuZnAlMn(SMA)/p-Si Diode
Authors: ALDIRMAZ EMINE , Güler M. , Güler E.
Published: March 2021

In this study, the Cu-23.37%Zn-13.73%Al-2.92%Mn (at.%) alloy was used. Phase identification was performed with the Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). We observed in the austenite phase in Cu-23.37%Zn-13.73%Al-2.92%Mn (at.%) alloy. To produce a new Schottky diode, CuZnAlMn alloy was exploited as a Schottky contact on p-type semiconductor silicon substrate. To calculate the characteristics of the produced diode, current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V) and conductance-voltage (G-V) analyzes were taken at room temperature (300 K), in the dark and under various lights. Using electrical measurements, the diode's ideality factor (n), barrier height (Φb), and other diode parameters were calculated. Besides, the conductance / capacitance-voltage (G/C-V) characteristics of the diode were studied and in a wide frequency interval at room temperature. Also, the capacitance and conductance values strongly ​​ rely on the frequency. From the present experimental results, the obtained diode can be used for optoelectronic devices.
An Investigation of the Anisotropic Properties of Heat-Treated Maraging Steel Grade 300 Processed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Hovig Even Wilberg , Azar Amin S , Solberg Klas , Sørby Knut
Published: March 2021

In order to explore the possibilities enabled by laser beam powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M), reliable material models are necessary to optimize designs with respect to weight and stiffness. Due to the unique processing conditions in PBF-LB/M, materials often develop a dominating microstructure that leads to anisotropic mechanical properties, and thus isotropic material models fail to account for the orientation-dependent mechanical properties. To investigate the anisotropy of 18Ni300 maraging steel, tensile specimens were built in seven different orientations. The specimens were heat treated at two different conditions and tested for their tensile properties using digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The microstructure and fracture surfaces are investigated with scanning electron microscope and electron backscatter diffraction. The tensile properties are typical for the material, with a yield strength in the range of 1850 MPa to 1950 MPa, and ultimate tensile strength in the range of 1900 MPa to 2000 MPa. The elastic modulus is 180 GPa, and the elongation at fracture is in the range of 2-6% for all specimens. The strain fields analysed with DIC reveals anisotropic straining in both the elastic and plastic parts of the flow curve for both direct ageing and solution treatment plus ageing specimens. In the former condition, the elastic anisotropy is dictated by the fraction of melt pool boundaries on the transverse surfaces of the specimens. When the material is solution treated prior to ageing, the melt pool boundary effect was supressed.
Dynamic prostate cancer transcriptome analysis delineates the trajectory to disease progression.
Authors: Bolis Marco , Bossi Daniela , Vallerga Arianna , Ceserani Valentina , Cavalli Manuela , Rito Laura di , Zoni Eugenio , Mosole Simone , Rinaldi Andrea , Mestre Ricardo Pereira , D'Antonio Eugenia , Ferrari Matteo , Stoffel Flavio , Jermini Fernando , Sommer Silke Gillessen , Bubendorf Lukas , Schraml Peter , Moch Holger , Spahn Martin , Thalmann George , Julio Marianna Kruithof-de , Rubin Mark , Theurillat Jean-Philippe
Published: March 2021

Comprehensive genomic studies have delineated key driver mutations linked to disease progression for most cancers. However, corresponding transcriptional changes remain largely elusive because of the bias associated with cross-study analysis. Here, we overcome these hurdles and generate a comprehensive prostate cancer transcriptome atlas that describes the roadmap to tumor progression in an unprecedented qualitative and quantitative manner. Most cancers follow a uniform trajectory characterized by upregulation of polycomb-repressive-complex-2, G2-M checkpoints, and M2 macrophage polarization. Using patient-derived xenograft models, we functionally validate our observations and add single-cell resolution. Thereby, we show that tumor progression occurs through transcriptional adaption rather than a selection of pre-existing cancer cell clusters. Moreover, we determine at the single-cell level how inhibition of EZH2 - the top upregulated gene along the trajectory – reverts tumor progression and macrophage polarization. Finally, a user-friendly web-resource is provided that enables the investigation of dynamic transcriptional perturbations linked to disease progression.
PIAS1 Potentiates the Anti-viral Activity of SAMHD1 through SUMOylation
Authors: Saiada Farjana , Zhang Kun , Li Renfeng
Published: March 2021

Background: Sterile alpha motif and HD domain 1 (SAMHD1) is a host restriction factor that suppresses the infection of a variety of RNA and DNA viruses, including herpesviruses. The anti-viral activity of SAMHD1 is finely tuned by post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, acetylation and ubiquitination. Our recent studies also demonstrated that the E3 SUMO ligase PIAS1 functions as an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) restriction factor. However, whether SAMHD1 is regulated by PIAS1 to restrict viral infection remains unknown.Results: In this study, we showed that PIAS1 interacts with SAMHD1 and promotes its SUMOylation. We identified three lysine residues (K469, K595 and K622) located on the surface of SAMHD1 as the major SUMOylation sites. We demonstrated that phosphorylation of SAMHD1 slightly promotes its SUMOylation by PIAS1 and SUMOylated SAMHD1 can still be phosphorylated by viral protein kinases. We further demonstrated that SUMOylation-deficient SAMHD1 loses its anti-EBV activity. Conclusion: Our study reveals that PIAS1-mediated SUMOylation of SAMHD1 enhances its anti-viral activity.
Hope, Depression, Anxiety and Associated Factors Among Parents of Retinoblastoma Patients During the Pneumonia Epidemic in COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zeng Changjuan , Cao Wenting , Zhao Ting , Li Li , Hou Lili
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global public health emergency. So far, only a limited number of studies have investigated the impact of the pneumonia pandemic in COVID-19 on the mental health of parents having children with cancer. This study investigated the hope, depression, anxiety, and relevant influencing factors among parents of retinoblastoma patients during the pneumonia epidemic in COVID-19.MethodsA total of 317 parents having children with retinoblastoma admitted to the Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, and Qilu Children’s Hospital of Shandong University were investigated by cross-sectional investigation and convenient sampling. The survey tools included a Demographic Questionnaire, Herth Hope Index (HHI), The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and The Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ)-2. ResultsThe hope level score of the parents of retinoblastoma patients was (35.36 ±4.42), which was at the medium level. The highest dimension of the hope score was to take positive action (12.07± 1.57), and the lowest dimension was to maintain a close relationship with others (11.50± 1.64). The incidence rates of anxiety and depression were 41.32% (131/317) and 29.97% (95/317), respectively. Hope level was negatively correlated with anxiety and depression. Monoculus or binoculus disease, sleep quality, health status, having anxiety/depression or not, had a statistically significant effect on the research subjects' hope level (p<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the course of the disease, education level, and depression were independent influencing factors (p<0.05), which could explain 22.60% of the variation in hope level.ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 outbreak, medical staff should formulate targeted intervention measures according to the different characteristics of eye disease, the course of the disease, the parents' educational level, health status, and emotional state so as to improve parents' hope level.
Genetic System of  Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii (Royle) Alef. –   (wild cucumber) in Jammu, J&K, India
Authors: Sharma Priya , Devi Jayoti , Sharma Namrata
Published: March 2021

A small population of Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii (wild cucumber) has been localized for the first time from Billawar, Kathua (District) in UT of J&K. This variety as expected is monoecious in sex expression, but shows unique pattern of development of male and female flowers on the vine throughout its blooming period. Keeping provision for both both self and cross pollination, it is found to be self compatible, insect pollinated taxa with high reproductive output and a stable diploid complement (2n = 14). Small proportion of cells (9.92%) shows tetraploidy (2n = 28). The species exhibits high and healthy fruit set on open pollination as well as on manual self and cross pollination.
Identification of Key Immune-Related Genes, Molecular Pathways and Immune Infiltration as Diagnostic and Therapeutic Candidate Targets for RA: an integrated bioinformatics-based analysis
Authors: Fang Sheng , Fang Xiao , Xu Xin , Zhong Lin , Wang An-quan , Gao Wei-lu , yin Zong-Sheng
Published: March 2021

Relevance

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with an aggressive, chronic synovial inflammation as the main pathological change. However, the specific etiology, pathogenesis, and related biomarkers in diagnosis and treatment are still not fully elucidated. This study attempts to provide new perspectives and insights into RA at the genetic, molecular, and cellular levels through the tenet of personalized medicine.
Methods

Gene expression profiles of four individual knee synovial tissues were downloaded from a comprehensive gene expression database, R language was used to screen for significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology Enrichment Analysis, Kyoto Gene Encyclopedia, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were performed to analyze the biological functions and signaling pathways of these DEGs, STRING online database was used to establish protein-protein interaction networks, Cytoscape software to obtain ten hub genes, Goplot to get six inflammatory immune-related hub genes, and CIBERSORT algorithm to impute immune infiltration.
Results

Molecular pathways that play important roles in RA were obtained: Toll-like receptors, AMPK, MAPK, TNF, FoxO, TGF-beta, PI3K and NF-κB pathways, Ten hub genes: Ccr1, Ccr2, Ccr5, Ccr7, Cxcl5, Cxcl6, Cxcl13, Ccl13, Adcy2, and Pnoc. among which Adcy2 and Pnoc have not been reported in RA studies, suggesting that they may be worthy targets for further study. It was also found that among the synoviocytes in RA, the proportions of plasma cells, CD8 T cells, follicular helper T cells, monocytes, γ delta T cells, and M0 macrophages were higher, while the proportions of CD4 memory resting T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), activated NK cells, resting dendritic cells, M1 macrophages, eosinophils, activated mast cells, resting mast cells were lower in proportion, and each cell played an important role in RA.
Conclusions

This study may help understand the key genes, molecular pathways, the role of inflammatory immune infiltrating cells in RA’s pathogenesis and provide new targets and ideas for the diagnosis and personalized treatment of RA.
Extraction and Characterization of Nanocellulose from Eragrostis Teff Straw
Authors: Bacha Ebise Getacho , Demsash Hundessa Dessalegn
Published: March 2021

This work presents the extraction and characterization of nanocellulose from agricultural waste (Eragrostis Teff) straw. The proximate analysis of the straw was done with three triplicates and the average value was recorded. The moisture, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon content were 6.4%, 5.1%, 74.2%, and 15.6%, respectively. The extractives, lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose content were found to be 8.5%, 17.5%, 29.5%, 36.5%, respectively. The cellulose was extracted from teff straw by hot water treatment, acid-chlorite delignification, and alkaline hydrolysis process respectively. The values of process parameters such as temperature, time, and sodium hydroxide concentration for alkaline hydrolysis were 57.6 \(℃\) , 1hour, and 4(w/v) % respectively to obtain a cellulose yield of 78.7%. The nano cellulose particles were extracted from the cellulose by acid hydrolysis process (48%v/v sulfuric acid) at 35\(℃\) for 30 min and the yield was 42.8%. The characterization of nano cellulose was done by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, x-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetry analysis/ derivative thermogravimetry analysis to determine the functional group, particle size distribution, crystallinity, and thermal stability respectively. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy result shows that the reduction and total removal of lignin, hemicellulose, and other amorphous parts found in teff straw. The average particle size was found to be 101.6 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.047. The crystallinity index of teff straw and nano cellulose was 47.7 and 77.1% respectively. The thermogravimetry analysis shows the thermal stability of the nanocellulose sample was lower than that of cellulose and teff straw samples.
Co-variance nexus between ultraviolet index and tropospheric ozone during COVID-19 lockdown over megacities of India
Authors: Bera Biswajit , Bhattacharjee Sumana , Shit Pravat Kumar , Sengupta Nairita , Saha Soumik
Published: March 2021

Worldwide spread out of COVID-19 in a short-time has brought a significant decline of road traffic, tourist flow and industrial ventures. During this emergency period, the restricted human dealings with nature have appeared as blessing for health of the total environment. The variation of atmospheric O3 may modulate the range of UV index (UVI) at any region of the earth. The objective of the study is to examine the alteration of UV index over the megacities of India with respect to tropospheric O3 level modification during COVID-19 lockdown. The spatiotemporal data of UVI, over the major megacities of India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai) have been extracted from Tropospheric Emission Monitoring Internet Service. The monthly average surface ozone concentration throughout the time frame of 2019 and 2020 has been obtained from NASA Earth Observatory (NEO) hub. The meteorological or environmental data (temperature in °C, gust in km/h, wind speed km/h, relative humidity in %, air pressure in mb and cloud cover in okta) of four selective megacities of India (Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai) during and pre lockdown period have been acquired from world weather online. The descriptive statistical applications i.e. standard deviation, standard errors and K-means clustering have been done through standard statistical software. The result shows that the four major megacities in India namely New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai have experienced the vibrant diminution in terms of the concentration of UV index with slightly increasing the tropospheric O3 level during the lockdown phase. In the meantime, the prominent reduction of NOx during the lockdown period decreases the titration impact to O3 and this mechanism helps to revitalize the ozone concentration level. The uniqueness of the current study is highlighted the ground reality regarding reduction of UV index and amplification of tropospheric O3 concentration during lockdown phase. This study definitely assists to make new environmental policy, act and law for recover the health of the total environment.
A Novel Large Animal Model of Smoke Inhalation-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Leiphrakpam Premila , Weber Hannah , McCain Andrea , Matas Roser Romaguera , Duarte Ernesto Martinez , Buesing Keely
Published: March 2021

Background
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is multifactorial and can result from sepsis, trauma, or pneumonia, amongst other primary pathologies. It is one of the major causes of death in critically ill patients with a reported mortality rate up to 45%. The present study focuses on the development of a large animal model of smoke inhalation-induced ARDS in an effort to provide the scientific community with a reliable, reproducible large animal model of isolated toxic inhalation injury-induced ARDS.
Methods
Animals (n = 21) were exposed to smoke under general anesthesia for 1 to 2 hours (median smoke exposure = 0.5 to 1 liter of oak wood smoke) after the ultrasound-guided placement of carotid, pulmonary, and femoral artery catheters. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), vital signs, and ventilator parameters were monitored throughout the procedure. Chest x-ray, carotid, femoral and pulmonary artery blood samples were collected before, during, and after smoke exposure. Animals were euthanized and lung tissue collected for analysis 48 hours after smoke inhalation.
Results
Animals developed ARDS 48 hours after smoke inhalation as reflected by a decrease in SpO2 by approximately 31%, PaO2/FiO2 ratio by approximately 208, and development of bilateral, diffuse infiltrates on chest x-ray. Study animals also demonstrated a significant increase in IL-6 level, lung tissue injury score and wet/dry ratio, as well as changes in other arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters.
Conclusions
This study reports, for the first time, a novel large animal model of isolated smoke inhalation-induced ARDS without confounding variables such as cutaneous burn injury. Use of this unique model may be of benefit in studying the pathophysiology of inhalation injury or for development of novel therapeutics.
Impact of exposures to persistent endocrine disrupting compounds on the sperm methylome in regions associated with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Maggio Angela G. , Shu Henry T. , Laufer Benjamin I. , Hwang Hyeyeon , Bi Chongfeng , Lai Yinglei , LaSalle Janine M. , Hu Valerie W.
Published: March 2021

Background: Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is among the most heritable of neurodevelopmental disorders, the rapidly rising prevalence of ASD suggests that environmental factors may contribute to epigenetic modifications that can influence risk for ASD. Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), such as the long-lived organochlorines, are of particular interest with respect to risk for autism because of their ability to interfere with sex hormones that have been implicated in ASD. Methods: Whole genome bisulfite sequencing was used to identify genome-wide differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in a total of 52 sperm samples from a cohort of Faroese men who were equally divided into high and low exposure groups based on their serum levels of the long-lived organochlorine 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE). Inhabitants of the Faroe Islands, who as a group are considered a genetic isolate, may be exposed to higher than average levels of such persistent EDCs because of their native diet that is enriched in pilot whale meat and blubber. Gene ontology and pathway analyses were used to determine enrichment in ASD-relevant pathways and functions among the DMR-associated genes. Results: DMRs were enriched in autism risk genes and could also discriminate between samples in high and low exposure groups. Functional and pathway analyses of these DMR-associated genes show significant enrichment for neurodevelopmental processes frequently impacted by ASD. Of note, the DMR-associated genes significantly overlap with those previously identified in sperm from fathers of children with ASD versus fathers of neurotypical children, thus suggesting a potential environmental mechanism for introducing ASD-associated epigenetic changes in the sperm methylome. Limitations: A limitation of this study is the relatively low number of samples, although this is somewhat offset by the use of a genetic isolate which reduces the genetic heterogeneity that is often a major challenge in epigenetic studies. Another limitation is the lack of a completely unexposed set of samples for comparisons since persistent EDCs can be detected in a majority of individuals. Conclusion: Results of this study show that elevated exposure to certain organochlorines is associated with genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in sperm affecting genes involved in neurological functions and developmental disorders, including ASD.
Biodegradable composites from bamboo Fibers - Mechanical and Morphological Study
Authors: Rasheed Masrat , Jawaid Mohammad , Parveez Bisma
Published: March 2021

Realizing the need for conservation of environment due to contamination caused as a result of disposal of non-biodegradable waste. It has compelled researchers to search a new green material as a substitute to these toxic materials. The present research work focused on particularly the effective usage of Cellulose nanocrystalline (CNC) extracted from bamboo fibers as reinforcement in PLA/PBS polymeric blend. Polymer blend composites were fabricated using the hot-pressing technique with varying CNC contents. The morphological and mechanical properties of the composite samples with varying CNC contents were investigated. The results revealed that there was a positive effect of incorporation of CNC (extracted from bamboo fibers) on the properties of the polymer matrix.
Distribution of dyslipidemia in Chinese early breast cancer patients at diagnosis and comparison of dyslipidemia incidence following different endocrine therapies: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Wang Junren , Yin Jin , Qiu Jiajun , Jiang Jingwen , Hu Yao , Zheng Hong , Luo Ting , Zhong Xiaorong
Published: March 2021

Background

Dyslipidemia increases the risk of cardiovascular disease death in breast cancer (BC). Based on the large West China Hospital (WCH) BC cohort, we aimed to clarify dyslipidemia prevalence at diagnosis and compare the risk of dyslipidemia induced by different endocrine and menopause status.
Methods

5917 EBC female patients recorded in WCH BC cohort, diagnosed between 2008.10 and 2017.04, were included for baseline analysis. 1883 patients receiving endocrine therapy (selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) or aromatase inhibitor (AI), with or without ovarian function suppression) with initial normal blood lipids were included for comparison study. Dyslipidemia was defined as abnormality of cholesterol/LDL/ HDL/triglyceride. Risk accumulation function was used to calculate the incidence of dyslipidemia to assess absolute risk, and the multivariate COX regression model was used to calculate the relative risk of dyslipidemia between groups.
Results

16.5% of EBC patients had dyslipidemia at diagnosis. Among EBC patients receiving endocrine therapy, the accumulated incidence of dyslipidemia within 5 years in menopausal patients was higher than that in premenopausal patients (Adjusted HR [95%CI], 1.29 [1.04–1.59], 42.6 % vs 32.6%, P = 0.0186). In premenopausal patients, the risk of abnormal TC in OFS + AI group was significantly higher than SERM group (adjusted HR, 3.50 [ 1.74–7.02], P < 0.001, 5-year abnormal rate 22.0% vs 3.5%), and that of abnormal LDL-C was also increased(adjusted HR, 6.71 [ 3.16–14.26], P < 0.001, 5-year abnormal rate 12.2% vs 1.4%). In menopausal patients, the risk of abnormal TC or LDL-C showed the similar trend in AI group compared to SERM group.
Conclusions

Dyslipidemia is common concomitant disease in Chinese BC patients and needs to be closely monitored. Irrespective of menopause, AIs treatment causes higher risk of TC/LDL-C dyslipidemia than SERM.