bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placenta as a target organ for maternal obesity
Authors:   I.P.Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Smirnova N.N. , Kuprienko N.B. ,   I.P.Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation,   Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Novikova V.P. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Khavkin A.I. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: December 2021

Maternal obesity is associated with pregnancy complications and increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in children later in life. The risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in maternal obesity is associated with changes in placental function and morphological structure, including decidual arteriopathy and placental infarction, increased placental disc mass (>90th percentile) and chronic inflammation of villi with a decrease in their number. Maternal obesity is associated with placental hypoxia, intense angiogenesis, and increased levels of glucose and amino acid transporter transcripts, which can cause fetal metabolic disorders. It was found that maternal obesity more often leads to inflammatory changes in the placenta of female fetuses. The review describes the main adipokines operating in the maternal-placental-fetal system: leptin, adiponectin, chemerin, visfatin, resistin, and apelin. Conclusion. The analysis of the literature enabled to identify the main statements characterizing the placenta as a target organ and an organ that changes fetal metabolism in case of maternal obesity. This reveals the prospects for therapeutic intervention since timely initiated dietary correction of obesity can improve the course and prognosis of pregnancy and reduce the risk of adverse effects of intrauterine factors on the fetus. Key words: adipokines, maternal obesity, fetal metabolic disorders, perinatal outcomes
Efficient Exploration of Silicon Derived Benefits to Combat Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Fruit Crops
Authors: Rachappanavar Vinaykumar , Padiyal Arushi , Sharma Jitender Kumar , Gupta Satish Kumar , Negi Narender
Published: December 2021

Silicon (Si) is the most abundant element after oxygen on the earth crust surface. It plays essential role in crop production by stimulating the growth and development. Very substantial efforts have been performed to better explore Si derived benefits for horticulture crops. In the present review, molecular and physiological mechanisms explaining the observed beneficial effects plant derive from the Si supplementations, more particularly in horticultural species have been discussed. In general, horticulture crops need extensive management and higher crop protection measures compared to agronomical crops. Therefore, integrated approaches including Si supplementations will help to improve plant resilience under biotic and abiotic stresses. Application of Si to plants promotes cell walls strength and provides additional support through increased mechanical and biochemical support. Horticultural crop production is frequently subjected to the naturally occurring different biotic and abiotic stresses that can substantially reduce the absorption and translation of essential elements and ultimately decrease the crop yield. Fruit and vegetable production in Drought, salinity, high and low temperature, toxic metals and pest infection prone areas is the key to meet the world minimum nutrients demand. Here, molecular mechanism involved in the Si uptake by root and subsequent transport to areal tissues is also illustrated. However, Si uptake mechanism at molecular level poorly studied in horticulture crops. Here we described the role of Si and its transporters in mitigating abiotic stress condition in horticultural plants.
CRISPR/Cas12a-Based Assay for the Rapid and High-Sensitivity Detection of Streptococcus Agalactiae Colonization in Pregnant Women with Premature Rupture of Membrane
Authors: Yu Donghong , Liang Bin , Xu Haipo , Ye Zhoujie , Wu Zhihui , Wang Xinrui
Published: December 2021

Background
Streptococcus agalactiae or group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading infectious cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aims to establish a novel method, termed as the CRISPR-GBS assay, for the rapid and sensitive detection of GBS that is based on the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system.
Results
The CRISPR-GBS assay detected GBS in the samples within 35 min. The limit of detection was as low as 5 copies/µL and showed no cross-reactivity with other microorganisms. The clinical performance was assessed using vaginal or cervical swab samples that were collected from 179 pregnant women with premature rupture of membrane. Compared with the culture-based matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry method, the CRISPR-GBS assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 96.64% (144/149, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 92.39–98.56%) and a specificity of 100% (30/30, 95% CI = 88.65–100%). It also had a high concordance rate of 98.88% with the real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction assay.
Conclusions
The CRISPR-GBS assay can be used for rapid and high-sensitivity detection of GBS in a simple and cost-efficient manner; thus, it offers a novel method for intrapartum screening.
Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) Analysis of Heavy Metal Contamination in Graveyards with Contrasting Soil Types
Authors: Madden Charles , Pringle Jamie K. , Jeffery Adam J. , Wisniewski Kristopher D. , Heaton Vivienne , Oliver Ian W , Glanville Helen , Stimpson Ian G , Dick Henry , Eeley Madeleine , Goodwin Jonathan
Published: December 2021

Human remains have been interred in burial grounds since historic times. Although the re-use of graveyards differs from one country, region or time-period to another, over time graveyard soil may become contaminated or enriched with heavy metal elements. This paper aims to present heavy metal element soil analysis from two UK church graveyard study sites with contrasting necrosols, but similar burial densities and known burial ages dating back to the 16th Century and some possibly older than 1,000 years. Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) element analyses were undertaken, both in-situ on surface locations and laboratory-based on surface and near-surface soil pellets. Results show elevated levels of Pb, Mn, Cr, Cu, Zn and Ca in both necrosols when compared to background values. Element concentration anomalies remained consistently higher than background samples down to 2 m bgl, where sampled, but reduced away from church buildings which may reflect burial densities. Element concentration anomalies were higher in the clay-rich necrosol than in sandy necrosol. Field-based rapid measurements gave similar relative concentration values to laboratory-based soil pellet measurements, although laboratory-based analyses were more precise. Study results implications suggest that long-used necrosols are likely to be more contaminated with heavy-metal elements than similar soil outside graveyards with implications for burial grounds management, adjacent populations and where burial grounds have been deconsecrated and turned to residential dwellings.
Genome and Transcriptome Sequencing of Novel Pseudomonas sp. NLX-4 Strain Involved in Bio-Restoration of Over Exploited Mining Sites
Authors: Wu Yanwen , Kameshwar Ayyappa Kumar Sista , Zhang Bo , Chen Fei Fei , Qin Wensheng , Meng Miaojing , Zhang Jinchi
Published: December 2021

Microbial weathering processes can significantly promote soil properties and enhance rock to soil ratio. Some soil-inhabiting bacteria exhibit efficient rock-dissolution abilities by releasing organic acids and other chemical elements from the silicate rocks. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved during bacterial rock-dissolution is still limited. In this study, we performed silicate rock-dissolution experiments on a novel Pseudomonas sp. NLX-4 strain isolated from an over-exploited mining site. The results revealed that Pseudomonas sp. NLX-4 strain efficiently accelerates the dissolution of silicate rocks by secreting amino acids, exopolysaccharides, and organic acids. Through employing genome and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), we identified the major regulatory genes. Specifically, fifteen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding for siderophore transport, EPS and amino acids synthesis, organic acids metabolism, and bacterial resistance to adverse environmental conditions were highly up-regulated in silicate rock cultures of NLX-4 strain. Our study proposes a novel bacterial based approach for improving the ecological restoration of over-exploited rock mining-sites.
Dyspnea And Outcome Expectations Are Associated With Physical Activity In Persons With Pneumoconiosis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: kawaji Tomohiro , Hasegawa Takashi , Uchiyama Yasushi
Published: December 2021

Background: There are various reports on factors associated with physical activity in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. However, there are no studies on the relationship between physical activity and psychological or environmental factors. In this study, we investigated the relationship between physical activity and psychological and environmental factors using questionnaires for patients with pneumoconiosis.Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study of patients with pneumoconiosis who underwent pneumoconiosis health examination in 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used to conduct the study. Physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and subjective symptoms (dyspnea and quality of life [QOL]), environmental factors (environment around home and life space), psychological factors (depression, stage of change, self-efficacy, decisional balance, and outcome expectations), and others (e.g., experience with pulmonary rehabilitation) were investigated.Results: The number of respondents in the study was 185 (men: 171, women: 14). Age, dyspnea, stage of change, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, QOL, depression, decisional balance, and life space were significantly correlated with physical activity. In the multivariate analysis, outcome expectations and dyspnea were extracted as independent factors. In the path analysis, outcome expectations and dyspnea had a direct influence on physical activity. Dyspnea directly impacted not only physical activity but also outcome expectations, stage of change, QOL, life space, and depression.Conclusions: Dyspnea and outcome expectations were associated with physical activity in patients with pneumoconiosis. To improve the physical activity of patients with pneumoconiosis, it is necessary not only to improve dyspnea but also to promote an understanding of physical activity.
Regional Heterogeneity of Malaria Prevalence And Associated Risk Factors Among Children Under Five In Togo: Evidence From National Malaria Indicators Survey
Authors: Kombate Gountante , Gmakouba Wakpaouyare , Scott Susana , Azianu Komi Ameko , Ekouevi Didier Koumavi , Sande Marianne A.B. van der
Published: December 2021

Background: Malaria remains one of the main causes of morbidity and death among children less than 5. In Togo, despite intensification of malaria control interventions, persistence in malaria prevalence was observed and appears to vary from one region to another within the country. The aim of this study is to explore further regional heterogeneities in malaria prevalence and to determine associated risk factors.Methods: Data from the cross-sectional survey of the nationally representative 2017 Togo malaria indicator survey was used. Children aged 6–59 months in the selected households were tested for malaria using the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and the microscopy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were preformed using Generalized Linear Models.Results: A total of 3271 children under five (2441 in rural areas and 830 in urban areas was enrolled. Overall 26% of children tested positive for malaria, as confirmed by microscopy, ranging from 5.3% in the Lomé Commune region to 43.6% in the Plateaux region. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with malaria prevalence were living in the Plateaux region (aOR=4.24, 95%CI [2.38-7.65]), and the Maritime region (aOR=2.02, 95%CI [1.13-3.66], compared to Lomé Commune region); age 24 to 35 months (aOR=1.46, 95%CI [1.13-1.88) and age 36 to 59 months (aOR=2.5, 95%CI [2.04-3.09]) ], Compared to those age 6-23 months; households within the richest wealth quintile (a.OR=0.22, 95%CI [0.11-0.41], compared to poorest) and residence in rural areas (aOR=2.02, 95%CI [1.32-3.13], compared to resident in urban). Conclusion: Interventions that targeted use of combined prevention measures, adapted to older children living in rural areas and particularly in the regions of high malaria prevalence, could result in better malaria control in Togo.
Modeling and Characterization of Stochastic Resistive Switching in Single Ag2S Nanowires
Authors: Frick Nikolay , Hosseini Mahshid , Guilbaud Damien , Gao Ming , LaBean Thomas
Published: December 2021

Chalcogenide resistive switches (RS), such as Ag2S, change resistance due to the growth of metallic filaments between electrodes along the electric field gradient. Therefore, they are candidates for neuromorphic and volatile memory applications. This work analyzed the RS of individual Ag2S nanowires (NWs) and extended the basic RS model to reproduce experimental observations. The work models resistivity of the device as a percolation of the conductive filaments. It also addressed continuous fluctuations of the resistivity with a stochastic change in volume fractions of the filaments in the device. As a result, these fluctuations cause unpredictable patterns in current-voltage characteristics and include a spontaneous change in resistance of the device during the linear sweep that conventional memristor models with constant resistivity cannot represent. The parameters of the presented stochastic model of a single Ag2S NW fit the experimental data reproduced key features of RS in the physical devices. Moreover, the model suggested a non-core shell structure of the Ag2S NWs. The outcome of this work is aimed to aid in simulating large self-assembled memristive networks and help to extend existing RS models.
Assessment of the Coastal Sensitivity Using the CS Index in the Gulf of Gabes Tunisia; Southern Mediterranean Coast
Authors: Gzam Maher , Mansouri Basma , Gargouri Dorra , Kharroubi Adel
Published: December 2021

Assessment of the coastal degradation using the coastal sensitivity index (CSI) in the microtidal environment (Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia) shows that 78.6% of the coast is under low to moderate sensitivity. Moderate sensitivity class includes the sheltered zones and the stable sea cliffs. The highest sensitivity was recorded in sandy beaches (12.7%) where the drift actions amplify littoral fragility and flood risk.The coastal sensitivity index (CSI) is resulted from the combination of eight ranked variables: (a) geomorphology (b) coastal slope (c) hinterland topography (d) facies (e) shoreline exposure (f) shoreline changes (g) tide (h) sea-level trend. Fifty six morphodynamic cells are deduced from a strictmorphologic classification of the studied coast. Each specified cell presents a numerical pattern according to the ranked physical and structural variables. Once managed, the beaches with the highest sensitivity are immediately disturbed. Littoral disturbance is irreversible when the foredune unit is damaged but sustainable remediation of coastal areas must emphasize with the adequate planning for the environmental rehabilitation.
The Accountability of Health Facility Governing Committees and its Associated Factors in Selected Primary Health Facilities Implementing Direct Health Facility Financing in Tanzania
Authors: Kesale Anosisye , Mahonge Christopher , Muhanga Mikidadi
Published: December 2021

Users Committees such as Health Facility Governing Committees (HFGCs) are one of the popular mechanisms used to represent communities and civil societies in holding service providers into account. This study embarked on assessing the status of accountability of HFGCs under the DHFF context in Tanzania as experienced by the supply side (HFGCs members). A cross-sectional design was employed in collecting both qualitative and quantitative data at one point in time in 32 selected health facilities. A closed-ended questionnaire, in-depth interview and FGDs were employed to collect data. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Multiple logistics regression, and thematic analyses. The study found high accountability of HFGCs by 78%. specifically, HFGCs have high accountability in mobilizing the community to join community health funds 99.71%, receiving medicines and medical commodities 88.57% and timely health services 84.29%. It was reviled that the accountability of the health facility governance committee was significantly associated with the health planning aspect (p=0.0048) and financial management aspect (p=0.0045). This study concluded that the fiscal decentralization context empowers HFGCs to be accountable in accomplishing their responsibilities hence improving health service delivery in developing countries. This study recommends more efforts to be directed in supporting HFGCs addressing challenges of managing health facilities works and mobilization of resources from other stakeholders.
Magnitude and Breadth of Antibody Cross-reactivity Induced by Recombinant Influenza Hemagglutinin Trimer Vaccine Is Enhanced by Combination Adjuvants
Authors: Hernandez-Davies Jenny , Dollinger Emmanuel , Pone Egest , Felgner Jiin , Strohmeier Shirin , Jan Sharon , Albin Tyler , Jain Aarti , Nakajima Rie , Jasinskas Algimantas , Krammer Florian , Esser-Kahn Aaron , Felgner Philip , Nie Qing , DAVIES Huw
Published: December 2021

The effects of adjuvants for increasing the immunogenicity of influenza vaccines are well known. However, the effect of adjuvants on increasing the breadth of cross-reactivity is less well understood. In this study we have performed a systematic screen of different toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, with and without a squalene-in-water emulsion on the immunogenicity of a recombinant trimerized hemagglutinin (HA) vaccine in mice after single-dose administration. Antibody (Ab) cross-reactivity for other variants within and outside the immunizing subtype (homosubtypic and heterosubtypic cross-reactivity, respectively) was assessed using a protein microarray approach. Of all the formulations tested, a combination of CpG, MPLA and AddaVAX (termed “IVAX-1”) yielded the greatest breadth and magnitude of Ab responses, particularly against the HA1 region (which includes the variable head domain) of HA. Antigen-specific plasma cell labeling experiments show the components of IVAX-1 are synergistic. This adjuvant preferentially stimulates CD4 T cells to produce Th1>Th2 type (IgG2c>IgG1) antibodies and cytokine responses. Moreover, IVAX-1 induces identical homo- and heterosubtypic IgG and IgA cross-reactivity profiles when administered intranasally. Consistent with these observations, a single-cell transcriptomics analysis demonstrated significant increases in expression of IgG1, IgG2b and IgG2c genes of B cells in H5/IVAX-1 immunized mice relative to naïve mice, as well as significant increases in expression of the IFNg gene of both CD4 and CD8 T cells. These data support the use of adjuvants for enhancing the breath and durability of antibody responses of influenza virus vaccines.
Structural and Functional Neuroplasticity Following Bilateral Vestibular Loss: A Longitudinal [18F]-UCB-H/[18F]-FDG Dual Tracer Rat Study
Authors: Antons Melissa , Lindner Magdalena , Grosch Maximilian , Oos Rosel , Palumbo Giovanna , Brendel Matthias , Ziegler Sibylle , Bartenstein Peter , Dieterich Marianne , Zwergal Andreas
Published: December 2021

Neuronal lesions trigger mechanisms of structural and functional neuroplasticity, which can support recovery. However, the temporal and spatial appearance of structure-function changes and their interrelation remain unclear. The current study aimed to directly compare serial whole-brain in vivo measurements of functional plasticity (by [18F]-FDG-PET) and structural synaptic plasticity (by [18F]-UCB-H-PET) before and after bilateral labyrinthectomy in rats and investigate the effect of locomotor training. Complex structure-function changes were found after bilateral labyrinthectomy: in brainstem-cerebellar circuits, regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCGM) decreased early, followed by reduced synaptic density. In the thalamus, increased [18F]-UCB-H binding preceded a higher rCGM uptake. In frontal-basal ganglia loops, an increase in synaptic density was paralleled by a decrease in rCGM. In the group with locomotor training, thalamic rCGM and [18F]-UCB-H binding increased following bilateral labyrinthectomy compared to the no training group. Rats with training had relatively fewer body rotations. In conclusion, combined [18F]-FDG/[18F]-UCB-H dual tracer imaging reveals that adaptive neuroplasticity after bilateral vestibular loss is not a uniform process but is composed of complex spatial and temporal patterns of structure-function coupling in networks for vestibular, multisensory, and motor control, which can be modulated by early physical training.
Blood RNA Sequencing Confirms Upregulated BATF2 and FCGR1A Expression in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Voinsky Irena , Zoabi Yazeed , Shomron Noam , Harel Moria , Cassuto Hanoch , Tam Joseph , Bennuri Sirish , Rose Shannon , Frye Richard E. , Aran Adi , Gurwitz David
Published: December 2021

Mutations in over 100 genes are implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). DNA mutations and epigenomic modifications also contribute to ASD. Transcriptomics analysis of blood samples may offer clues for pathways dysregulated in ASD. To expand and validate published findings of RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) studies, we performed RNA-seq of whole blood samples from a discovery cohort of eight children with ASD compared with nine age- and sex-matched neurotypical children. This revealed 10 genes with differential expression. Using real-time PCR, we compared whole blood samples from 35 children with ASD and 21 matched neurotypical children for the 10 dysregulated genes detected by RNA-seq. This revealed higher expression levels of the proinflammatory transcripts BATF2 and FCGR1A, and lower expression levels of the anti-inflammatory transcripts ISG15 and MT2A in the ASD compared to the control group. BATF2 and FCGR1A were recently reported as upregulated in blood samples of Japanese adults with ASD. Coupled with that publication, our findings support involvement of these genes in ASD phenotypes, independent of age and ethnicity. Upregulation of BATF2 and FCGR1A and downregulation of ISG15 and MT2A were reported to reduce cancer risk. Implications of the dysregulated genes for pro-inflammatory phenotypes, immunity, and cancer risk in ASD are discussed.
miRNA-124-3p.1 Inhibits the Osteogenic and Odontogenic Differentiation of SCAPs via MACF1/smad7 Axis
Authors: Li Na , Li Zehan , Yan Ming , Wang Yanqiu , Gu Yongchun , Wu Jintao , Yan Chaoting , Xiao Tong , Fu Lin , Yu Jinhua
Published: December 2021

Background: Previous research has indicated that altered expression of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) is in connection with differentiation of stem cells from apical papillae (SCAPs). We investigated the mechanisms that miR-124-3p.1 inhibited osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of SCAPs. Methods: SCAPs were isolated from dental apical papilla. MiR-124-3p.1 mimic and inhibitor were used for overexpression and knockdown assays. For overexpression and knockdown of microtubule actin cross‐linking factor 1 (MACF1), lentivirus infection and siRNA transfection were performed. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the relationship between miR-124-3p.1 and MACF1. The osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation potential was analyzed by alkaline phosphatase activity analysis (ALP), alizarin red S (ARS) staining, quantitative real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Results: We observed a time dependent decrease of miR‐124‐3p.1 level in mineralization induction of SCAPs. Further study found that miR‐124‐3p.1 exhibited an inhibitory effect on SCAPs osteo/odontogenic differentiation. Similarly, we found that the overexpression of miR‐124‐3p.1 dramatically inhibited MACF1 protein level in SCAPs and knockdown of miR‐124‐3p.1 significantly increased MACF1 protein level in SCAPs. Moreover, MACF1 was verified as the targeting of miR‐124‐3p.1. Meanwhile, the expression of MACF1 was related to smad7 nuclear translocation.Conclusion: Collectively, diverse data demonstrated that miR‐124‐3p.1 is a regulator of MACF1/smad7, playing plays an important role in osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of SCAPs via MACF1/smad7 axis.
Methodological Perspectives on the Study of the Health Effects of Unemployment – Reviewing the Mode of Unemployment, the Statistical Analysis Method and the Role of Confounding Factors
Authors: Norström Fredrik , Hammarström Anne
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Studying the relationship between unemployment and health raises many methodological challenges. In the current study, the aim was to evaluate how different ways of measuring unemployment and the choice of statistical model affects the effect estimate.
Methods:

The Northern Swedish cohort was used, and two follow-up surveys thereof from 1995 and 2007, as well as register data about unemployment. Self-reported current unemployment, self-reported accumulated unemployment and register-based accumulated unemployment were used to measure unemployment and its effect on self-reported health was evaluated. Analyses were conducted with G-computation, logistic regression and three estimators for the inverse probability weighting propensity scores, and 11 potentially confounding variables were part of the analyses. Results were presented with absolute differences in the proportion with poor self-reported health between unemployed and employed individuals for all estimators but logistic regression.
Results:

Of the initial 1083 pupils in the cohort, 488–693 individuals were defined as employed and 61–214 individuals were defined as unemployed in our different analyses. In the analyses, the deviation was large between the unemployment measures, with a difference of at least 2.5% in effect size when unemployed was compared with employed for the self-reported and register-based unemployment modes. The choice of statistical method only had a small influence on effect estimates and the deviation was in most cases lower than 1%. When models were compared based on the choice of potential confounders in the analytical model, the deviations were rarely above 0.6% when comparing models with 4 and 11 potential confounders. Our variable for health selection was the only one that strongly affected estimates when it was not part of the statistical model.
Conclusions:

Misspecifications of the statistical model or choice of analytical method might not matter much for effect estimates of the relationship between unemployment and health except for the inclusion of a variable measuring earlier health status before becoming unemployed. On the other hand, how unemployment is measured is highly important.
Assessing Integrity Using Vegetation Structure and Composition
Authors: McNellie Megan J , Dorrough Josh , Oliver Ian , Yen Jian DL , Ferrier Simon , Newell Graeme , Gibbons Philip
Published: December 2021

ContextThe draft post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework aims to achieve a 15% net gain in the area, connectivity and integrity of natural systems by 2050. ObjectivesFirst, we analyse the complexity (foliage cover) and composition (native species richness) of 6 plant functional groups relative to their empirically defined benchmark. Second, we extrapolate the spatial patterns in foliage cover and species richness to predict where different plant functional groups are above or below benchmark as spatially-explicit, continuous characteristics across the landscape.MethodsWe assess the integrity of vegetation relative to a numerical benchmark using the log of the response ratio (LRR) to reflect the proportional change in the response variable. We use ensembles of artificial neural networks to build spatially-explicit, continuous, landscape-scale models of cover and species richness to assess locations where functional groups meet or exceed benchmarks.ResultsModels of vegetation cover LRR performed well (R2 0.79 – 0.88), whereas models of the vegetation richness LRR were more variable (R2 0.57 – 0.80). Predicted patterns show that across the landscape (11.5 million ha), there is a larger area that meets or exceeds the cover benchmarks (approximately 112 000 ha or 1%), and an order of magnitude lower (approximately 10 000 ha or 0.1%) for richness benchmarks. ConclusionsSpatially explicit maps of vegetation integrity can provide important information to complement assessments of area and connectivity. Our results highlight that net gains in the area, connectivity and integrity of ecosystems will require significant investment in restoration.
Host Adaptation of Codon Usage in SARS-CoV-2 From Mammals Indicate Natural Selection
Authors: Fu Yanan , Huang Yanping , Rao Jingjing , Zeng Feng , Yang Ruiping , Liu Zhixin , Du Weixing , Liu Long
Published: December 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, spread across hosts from humans to animals, transmitting particularly effectively in mink. How SARS-CoV-2 selects and evolves in the host, and the differences in the evolution of different animals are still unclear. To analysis the mutation and codon usage bias of SARS-CoV-2 in infected humans and animals. The SARS-CoV-2 sequence in mink (Mink-SARS2) and binding energy with receptor were calculated compared with human. The relative synonymous codon usage of viral encoded gene was analyzed to characterize the differences and the evolutionary characteristics. A synonymous codon usage analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 is optimized to adapt in the animals in which it is currently reported, and all of the animals showed decreased adaptability relative to that of humans, except for mink. The neutrality plot showed that the effect of natural selection on different SARS-CoV-2 sequences is stronger than mutation pressure. A binding affinity analysis indicated that the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 variant in mink showed a greater preference for binding with the mink receptor ACE2 than with the human receptor, especially as the mutation Y453F and N501T in Mink-SARS2 lead to improvement of binding affinity for mink receptor. In summary, mutations Y453F and N501T in Mink-SARS2 lead to improvement of binding affinity with mink receptor, indicating possible natural selection and current host adaptation. Monitoring the variation and codon bias of SARS-CoV-2 provides a theoretical basis for tracing the epidemic, evolution and cross-species spread of SARS-CoV-2.
The genomics of exceptional longevity in rockfishes refine genetic foundations of human lifespan variation
Authors: Treaster Stephen , Deelen Joris , Daane Jacob , Murabito Joanne , Karasik David , Harris Matthew
Published: December 2021

Longevity is a defining, heritable trait that varies dramatically between species. To resolve the genetic regulation of this trait, we have mined genomic variation in rockfishes, ranging in longevity from 11 to over 205 years. Shifts in rockfish longevity occurred multiple times independently, and in a short evolutionary time frame, thus empowering convergence analyses. Our analyses reveal a common network of genes under convergent restricted evolution in long-lived lineages, encompassing established aging regulators such as insulin-signaling, yet also identify flavonoid (aryl-hydrocarbon) metabolism as a novel pathway modulating longevity. Further, these genes were used to refine human longevity GWAS, identifying the aryl-hydrocarbon metabolism pathway to be significantly associated with the 99th percentile of human longevity, independently validating its importance and conservation. This evolutionary intersection highlights a novel, conserved genetic architecture that associates with the evolution of longevity across vertebrates and provides actionable targets for research into lifespan and healthspan modulation.
Vision-Based Melt Pool Monitoring for Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing Using Deep Learning Method
Authors: Xia Chunyang , Pan Zengxi , Li Yuxing , Li Huijun
Published: December 2021

Wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technology has been widely recognized as a promising alternative for fabricating large-scale components, due to its advantages of high deposition rate and high material utilization rate. However, some anomalies may occur during the deposition process, such as humping, spattering, and robot suspend. this study proposed to apply Deep Learning in the visual monitoring to diagnose different anomalies during WAAM process. The melt pool images of different anomalies were collected for training and validation by a visual monitoring system. The classification performance of several representative CNN architectures, including ResNet, EfficientNet, VGG-16 and GoogLeNet, were investigated and compared. The classification accuracy of 97.62%, 97.45%, 97.15% and 97.25% was achieved by each model. The results proved that the CNN models are effective in classifying different types of melt pool images of WAAM. Our study is applicable beyond WAAM and should benefit other additive manufacturing or arc welding techniques.
Approaches for Image Reconstruction in Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Obungoloch Johnes , Ahishakiye Emmanuel
Published: December 2021

Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and spectroscopic techniques are frequently employed for clinical diagnostics as well as basic research in areas like cognitive neuroimaging. MRI is a widely used imaging modality for intracranial diseases. However, conventional MRI is expensive to purchase, maintain and sustain, limiting their use in low-income countries. Low field MRI can provide an economical, long-term, and safe imaging option to high-field MRI and computed tomography (CT) for brain imaging. This paper offers a review of the image reconstruction techniques used in low field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is aimed at familiarizing the readers with the relevant knowledge, literature, and the latest updates on the state-of-art image reconstruction techniques that have been used in low field MRI citing their strengths, and areas for improvement. Methods: An in-depth keyword-based search was undertaken for publications on image reconstruction approaches in low-field MRI in the top scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Wiley, Science Direct, Springer, IEEE, Scopus, Nature, Elsevier, and PubMed throughout this study. This research also contained relevant postgraduate theses. For the selection of relevant research publications, the PRISMA flow diagram and protocol were also used.Results: Studies revealed that Inhomogeneities are present in low field MRI, implying that the traditional method of acquiring the image, using the inverse Fourier Transform, is no longer viable. The image reconstruction techniques reviewed include iterative methods, dictionary learning methods, and deep learning methods. Experimental results from the literature revealed improved image quality of the reconstructed images using data driven and learning based methods (deep learning and dictionary learning methods). Conclusion: The study revealed that there is limited literature on the image reconstruction approaches in low field MRI even if though there are sufficient studies on the subject in high field MRI. Data driven and learning based methods improves image reconstruction quality when compared to analytic and iterative approaches.
Vaccination is reasonably effective in limiting the spread of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths with COVID-19
Authors: Damijan Joze , Damijan Sandra , Kostevc Crt
Published: December 2021

This paper uses large cross-country data for 110 countries to examine the effectiveness of COVID vaccination coverage. Our results confirm that vaccines are reasonably effective in both limiting the spread of infections and containing more severe disease progression in symptomatic patients. First, the results show that full vaccination rate is consistently negatively correlated with the number of new COVID cases, whereby a 10 percent increase in vaccination rate is associated with a 1.3 to 1.7 percent decrease in new COVID cases. Second, the magnitude of vaccination is shown to contribute significantly to moderating severe disease progression. On average, a 10 percent increase in the rate of vaccination leads to a reduction of about 5 percent in the number of new hospitalizations, 12 percent decrease in the number of new intensive care patients and 2 percent reduction in the number of new deaths. Finally, by comparing the data for the same period between 2020 and 2021, we also check how good is vaccination as a substitute for lockdowns or other stringent government protection measures. Results suggest that vaccination does not appear to be an effective substitute for more stringent government safety measures to contain the spread of COVID infections until a high vaccination coverage threshold (more than 70 percent) has been achieved. On the other hand, vaccination is shown to be quite effective in limiting the more severe course of the disease in symptomatic patients already at moderate vaccination coverage (between 40 and 70 percent). This suggests that vaccination can also help to reduce pressure on the health system and thus benefit the overall public health of society.
Identification And Expression Analysis of FORMIN Gene Family In Rice (Oryza Sativa)
Authors: Li Bin , Du Zhi-Ye , He Shan , Xiao Kai , Wang Xing , Wang Kai-Shun , Chen Ji , Huang Jin
Published: December 2021

Background: FORMIN proteins, which are composed of proteins containing FH1 and FH2 domains, play crucial roles in the growth and development of organisms. However, the functions of FORMINs in rice (Oryza sativa) remain largely unclear. Results: In this study, a total of 17 FORMIN genes were identified in rice, OsFH17 was the first time identified in this study. In addition, the distribution on chromosomes, gene structure, as well as conserved motifs of rice FORMINs was investigated. According to their protein structural and phylogenetic features, these 17 rice FORMIN genes were classified into two distinct subfamilies. Subcellular localization prediction showed that rice FORMINs were located in cytosol, golgi, endoplasmic reticulum, extracellular, and vacuole. Protein protein interaction (PPI) prediction results shown that FORMIN protein might answer hormone signals and be involved in cytoskeleton dynamics regulation and cell wall morphology regulation. The results of silico analysis and qRT-PCR confirmation of the gene expression showed that the expression of rice FORMINs were related to their tissue distribution. Moreover, OsFH3, OsFH5 and OsFH7 were upregulated under phytohormone treatments. Conclusions: Overall, our research may shed light on the understanding and further investigation of the biological functions of rice FORMINs.
Cytoreductive Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Intrathoracic Oligoprogressive EGFR-mutated Lung Cancer
Authors: Rishi Anupam , Sun Steven , Karimi Ahmad M , Sim Austin J , Shafique Michael , Saltos Andreas N , Gray Jhanelle E , Perez Bradford A , Dilling Thomas J , Rosenberg Stephen A
Published: December 2021

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) shows an impressive initial response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI). However, resistance invariably develops, commonly involving the site of initial gross disease. Cytoreductive stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for thoracic oligoprogressive disease (OPD) may effectively delay progression through EGFR-TKI therapy.Methods: From a prospectively maintained IRB-approved institutional registry, we identified 23 patients consecutively treated between 2011-2019 with thoracic SBRT and received EGFR-TKI within 6-months of SBRT. Radiographic progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Toxicity and patient-reported Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) scores were reviewed.Results: Median follow-up after SBRT was 20-months (range, 4-100), and the median age was 68-years (range, 33-89). Most patients were females (n=21;91.3%). RT dose was 50-60 Gy in 5-10 fractions. EGFR-TKI administered were erlotinib, osimertinib and gefitinib in 15, 5, and 3 patients, respectively. Median PFS and OS following SBRT were 8-months and 31-months, respectively. 1-year PFS and OS were 34.8% and 78.3%. The median duration of EGFR-TKI therapy was 26-months (1-91). Most patients progressed in new distant sites, most commonly bones (n=5;21.7%) and distant lung (n=4;17.4%), with only 2/23 patients having initial progression within the SBRT field. Grade-2 pneumonitis (n=2) and rib fracture (n=1) were noted radiation-related toxicities. Dominant ESAS symptoms were fatigue (21.7%), pain (8.7%), and loss of appetite (8.7%).Conclusions: For EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients with thoracic OPD on EGFR-TKI, SBRT was well tolerated, resulted in changes in subsequent patterns of failure, lengthened PFS, and prolongs the duration of initial TKI therapy.
MRI-Based Radiomics Approach Predicts Tumor Recurrence in ER+/HER2- Early Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Pizzi Andrea Delli , Mastrodicasa Domenico , Chiarelli Antonio Maria , Chiacchiaretta Piero , Luberti Riccardo , Croce Pierpaolo , Sguera Mario , Torrione Concetta , Marinelli Camilla , Marchetti Chiara , Domenico Angelucci , Cocco Giulio , Credico Angela Di , Russo Alessandro , D'Eramo Claudia , Sensi Stefano , Muzi Marzia , Caulo Massimo
Published: December 2021

Oncotype Dx is a genetic assay providing a recurrence score (RS) correlated with the risk of cancer recurrence and adjuvant treatment response in breast carcinoma. We investigated the ability of an MRI-based radiomics approach to predict the risk of tumor recurrence in breast cancer. A total of 62 patients with biopsy-proved ER+/HER2- early breast cancer who underwent pre-treatment MRI and Oncotype Dx were included. An RS>25 was considered discriminant between low-intermediate and high risk of tumor recurrence. Two readers segmented each tumor. Radiomics features were extracted from the tumor and the peritumoral tissues. Partial least square (PLS) regression was used as the multivariate machine-learning algorithm. PLS β-weights of radiomics features included the 5% features with the largest β-weights in magnitude (top 5%). The diagnostic performance of the radiomics model was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A null hypothesis probability threshold of 5% was chosen (p < 0.05). The predictive model delivered an AUC of 0.76. Of the 47 features included in the top 5%, 33 were texture-related and derived from the tumor and the peritumoral tissues. After a prospective evaluation in more extensive clinical trials, this approach may identify non-invasively patients who are more likely to benefit from adjuvant therapy.
Understanding the Implementation of Hierarchical Medical System Policy: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis of a Pilot Scheme in China
Authors: Hu Huajie , Wang Ruilin , Li Huangqianyu , Han Sheng , Shen Peng , Lin Hongbo , Guan Xiaodong , Shi Luwen
Published: December 2021

Background The Chinese healthcare system faces a dilemma between its hospital-centric approach to healthcare delivery and a rapidly aging population that requires strong primary care. To improve system efficiency and continuity of care, the Hierarchical Medical System (HMS) policy package was implemented in 2015 in Zhejiang province, China. This paper investigated the impact of HMS on the local healthcare system.MethodsWe conducted a repeated cross-sectional study with quarterly data collected between 2010 and 2018 from Yinzhou district, Ningbo. The data was analyzed with an interrupted time series (ITS) design to assess the impact of HMS on the changes of three outcome variables: primary care physicians (PCPs) patient encounter ratio (i.e., the mean quarterly number of patient encounters of PCPs divided by that of all other physicians), PCP degree ratio (i.e., the mean degree of PCPs divided by that of all other physicians), PCP betweenness centrality ratio (i.e., the mean betweenness centrality of PCPs divided by that of all other physicians). Results272,267 patients visited doctors for hypertension between 2010 and 2018. Compared to the counterfactual in the fourth quarter of 2018, the PCP patient encounter ratio rose by 42.7% (95%CI: 27.1—58.2, p<0.001), the PCP degree ratio increased by 23.6% (95%CI: 8.6—38.5, p<0.01), and the PCP betweenness centrality ratio grew by 129.4% (95%CI: 87.1—171.7, p<0.001).ConclusionsThe HMS policy can incentivize patients to visit primary care facilities and enhance the centrality of PCPs within their professional network. Local policymakers should sustain HMS policy efforts to obtain long-term and large-scale benefits.
Current Ecological Status of Remote Coral Reefs of Clipperton Island, Tropical Eastern Pacific
Authors: Pogoreutz Claudia , Clua Eric E. G. , LANGARICA JOSE DE JESUS ADOLFO TORTOLERO
Published: December 2021

Clipperton, an uninhabited and remote coral atoll from the Eastern Pacific, is an important steppingstone area that harbors a high marine biodiversity. Despite its biogeographic importance, little information on the ecological status of its coral reefs is available from the last decade. Herein, we characterized the benthic coral community and health status among four different shallow reef-zones (North to South) of Clipperton during the Tara Pacific expedition in 2018. The benthic composition and coverage percentage, as well as occurrence of a pink-spotted coral phenotype (trematodiasis infection) was assessed. Total live coral cover on Clipperton reefs was 66% (55-85%), differing between sites, with massive Porites and branching Pocillopora corals dominating the benthic community with an average 48% (32-66%), and 15% (3-21%), respectively. While Clipperton reefs exhibited significant live coral cover overall, the trematode infection was commonly observed, with a higher occurrence in massive corals (Porites 27%, and Pavona 31%). This observation is possibly related to the combined effects of previously heatwaves, and local inputs of guano-derived nutrients discharged during storms and hurricanes. These results demonstrates that even highly remote reefs supporting high coral cover can be subjected to local and global threats, including but not limited to parasite prevalence, likely in relation to natural disturbances such as thermal stress and tropical cyclones.
Sandblasting Defect Inspection of Investment Castings Based on Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Kuo Jenn-Kun , Wu Jun-Jia , Huang Pei-Hsing , Cheng Chin-Yi
Published: December 2021

Investment castings often have surface impurities and pieces of shell molds can remain on the surface after sandblasting. Identification of defects involves time-consuming manual inspections in working environments of high noise and poor air quality. To reduce labor costs and increase the health and safety of employees, we applied automated optical inspection (AOI) combined with a deep learning framework based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to the detection of sandblasting defects. We applied the following four classic CNN models for training and predictive classification: AlexNet, VGG-16, GoogLeNet, and ResNet-34. In terms of predictive classification, AlexNet, VGG-16, and GoogLeNet v1 could accurately determine whether there were defects. Among the four models, AlexNet was the most accurate, with prediction accuracy of 99.53% for qualifying products and 100% for defective products. We demonstrate a direct detection technique based on the AOI and CNN structure with a fast and flexible computational interface.