bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Observation of Spallation Bombs During The 2021 La Palma Eruption, Canary Islands, Spain
Authors: M.D James , Geiger Harri , Troll Valentin R. , Perez-Torrado Francisco J. , Aulinas Meritxell , Gisbert Guillem , Carracedo Juan Carlos
Published: February 2022

Expulsion of incandescent pyroclasts of >64 mm from active volcanoes are known as ‘volcanic bombs’1-3, which can pose significant hazards to life and manmade structures. Most volcanic bombs are considered to fall ballistically, enabling the prediction of a volcanic hazard radius4,5. Here we describe a bomb type that was ejected ballistically, but subsequently travelled downslope a steep volcanic flank, posing an important but hitherto unrecognized impact and fire hazard. The volcanic bombs were observed to fall from the summit of the newly formed La Palma cone in late October 2021 and fell on a soft tephra substrate, travelling downhill for over a kilometer in some instances. The bombs spalled incandescent lava fragments en route, creating a significant fire hazard far beyond the range of ballistic transport. Spallation bomb hazards ought to be considered in volcanic risk assessment, necessitating an increase of hazard radius exceeding a factor of two on steep-sided volcanoes with ballistic bomb activity.
Single-molecule 3D imaging of HIV cellular entry by liquid-phase electron tomography
Authors: Kong Lingli , Liu Jianfang , Zhang Meng , Lu Zhuoyang , Ren Amy , Liu Jiankang , Li Jinping , Ren Gang (Gary)
Published: February 2022

Enveloped viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and SARS-CoV-2, target cells through membrane fusion process. The detailed understanding of the process is sought after for vaccine development but remains elusive due to current technique limitations for direct three-dimensional (3D) imaging of an individual virus during its viral entry. Recently, we developed a simple specimen preparation method for real-time imaging of metal dynamic liquid-vaper interface at nanometer resolution by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Here, we extended this method to study biology sample through snapshot 3D structure of a single HIV (pseudo-typed with the envelope glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus, VSV-G) at its intermediate stage of viral entry to HeLa cells in a liquid-phase environment. By individual-particle electron tomography (IPET), we found the viral surface release excess lipids with unbound viral spike proteins forming ~50-nm nanoparticles instead of merging cell membrane. Moreover, the spherical-shape shell formed by matrix proteins underneath the viral envelope does not disassemble into a cone shape right after fusion. The snapshot 3D imaging of a single virus provides us a direct structure-based understanding of the viral entry mechanism, which can be used to examine other viruses to support the development of vaccines combatting the current ongoing pandemic.
Identification of Function LncRNAs Associated With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Fang Jun , Wang An , Zhu Wuhui
Published: February 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract. New diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed for HCC. To investigate potential pathogenic and prognostic long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with HCC, we conduct this study. Material and Methods: Gene expression matrix were obtained from TCGA and GEO databases. The overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TCGA and GEO databases were analyzed using the limma package. Then we constructed mRNA-lncRNA-miRNA network. In the end, Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and survival analysis were performed to find hub lncRNAs related to diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. Results: In total, 299 DEGs including 10 lncRNAs and 289 mRNAs were acquired. The mRNA-lncRNA-miRNA network comprised of four lncRNAs (GSEC, LINC00844, LINC01146 and MIR99AHG), 49 miRNAs and 25 mRNAs. GO and KEGG analysis shown that four lncRNAs were mainly enriched in cell cycle. In addition, survival analysis demonstrated that there is a significant correlation between GSEC and overall survival rate. Finally, the expression of LINC00844, LINC01146 and MIR99AHG were down-regulated in HCC tissues, and GSEC was up-regulated. Conclusion: In summary, four lncRNAs including GSEC, LINC00844, LINC01146 and MIR99AHG may play an important part in the development of HCC. The function of these lncRNAs may have a great effect to the overall survival rate of HCC.
The Landscape of Facial Processing Applications in the Context of the European AI Act and the Development of Trustworthy Systems
Authors: Hupont Isabelle , Tolan Songül , Gunes Hatice , Gómez Emilia
Published: February 2022

This work focuses on facial processing, which refers to artificial intelligence (AI) systems that take facial images or videos as input data and perform some AI-driven processing to obtain higher-level information (e.g. a person’s identity, emotions, demographic attributes) or newly generated imagery (e.g. with modified facial attributes). Facial processing tasks, such as face detection, face identification, facial expression recognition or facial attribute manipulation, are generally studied as separate research fields and without considering a particular scenario, context of use or intended purpose. This paper studies the field of facial processing in a holistic manner. It establishes the landscape of key computational tasks, applications and industrial players in the field in order to identify the 60 most relevant applications adopted for real-world usages. These applications are analysed in the context of the new European AI Act and the 7 requirements for Trustworthy AI defined by the European High Level Expert Group on AI. More particularly, we assess the risk level conveyed by each application according to the AI Act and reflect on current research, technical and societal challenges towards trustworthy facial processing systems.
MicroRNA-339-5p inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced rat mesangial cells by regulating the Syk/Ras/c-Fos pathway
Authors: Gao Jia Rong , shi miao miao , Jiang Hui , Zhu Xiao Li , Wei Liang Bing , Qin Xiu Juan
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) is a disease that occurs in the glomeruli. The mechanism of CGN is thought to be involved in a range of inflammatory responses. MicroRNA-339-5p (miR-339-5p) has been reported to be involved in inflammatory responses in many diseases. However, the role of miR -339-5p in CGN remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of miR-339-5p in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced nephritis injury in vitro. Methods: The RNA expression of miR-339-5p and Syk/Ras/c-Fos pathway was detected by qRT-PCR, the protein expression and localization of Syk/Ras/c-Fos pathway was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence (IF), and the targeted binding of miR-339-5p to Syk was detected by double luciferase. Cell viability and cell cycle were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: LPS increased HBZY-1 cell viability, decreased G2 phase, promoted cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine release. Overexpression of miR-339-5p can inhibit HBZY-1 cell viability, decreased the expression of Syk/Ras/c-Fos signaling pathway, down-regulate the expression level of inflammatory cytokines, increase G2 phase, and inhibit cell proliferation.Conclusion: miR-339-5p inhibits the proliferation and inflammation of rat mesangial cell through Syk/Ras/c-Fos signal pathway.
Exploring the Perioperative Infection Control Practices & Incidence of Surgical Site Infections in Rural India
Authors: Nayan Anveshi , Sarang Bhakti , Khajanchi Monty , Roy Nobhojit , Jesudian Gnanaraj , Menon Nandakumar , Patil Mulki , Kataria Raman , Manoharan Ravikumar , Tongaonkar Rajesh , Dev YA , Gadgil Anita
Published: February 2022

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) affect around a third of patients undergoing surgeries worldwide, annually. It is heterogeneously distributed with a higher burden in low and middle-income countries. Although rural and semi-urban hospitals cater to 60-70% of the Indian population, scarce data regarding SSI rates are available from such hospitals. The study aimed to determine the prevalent SSI control practices and existing SSI rates in the smaller rural and semi-urban hospitals in India. Methods: This is a prospective study performed in two phases involving surgeons and their hospitals from Indian rural and semi-urban regions. In the first phase, a questionnaire was administered to surgeons enquiring into the perioperative SSI prevention practices and five interested centres were recruited for phase two which documented the rate of SSIs and factors affecting them, Results: There was full compliance towards appropriate perioperative sterilisation practices and postoperative mop count practice at the represented healthcare setups. But prophylactic antimicrobials were continued in the postoperative period in more than 80% of the setups. The second phase of our study documented an overall SSI rate of 7.0%. The SSI rates were influenced by the surgical wound class with dirty wounds recording six times higher rate of infection than clean cases. Conclusions: SSI prevention practices and protocols were in place in all the less-resourced healthcare sets up surveyed. The SSI rates are comparable or lower than other LMIC settings. However, this is accompanied by poor implementation of the antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.
Enhanced Macroporous Cationic Chitosan Hydrogel by Freezing and Thawing Method with Superadsorption Capacity for Anionic Dyes
Authors: Athab Zahraa H. , Halbus Ahmed F. , Abbas Ahmed S. , Salman Jasim M. , Atiyah Abbas J.
Published: February 2022

In this work, we have developed a simple method to prepare cationic chitosan hydrogel with interconnected porous structure using freeze–thaw process and the obtained hydrogel was named FCS hydrogel. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging revealed that the synthesized hydrogel demonstrated interconnected porous structure in the range of 5–20 µm. We also showed that the FCS hydrogel exhibits pH responsiveness behavior, and demonstrated reversible swelling and de-swelling behaviors maintaining their mechanical stability. We demonstrate that the FCS hydrogel swelling capacity decreased at alkaline pH and increased with a decrease in the pH value. Besides, the FCS hydrogel presented specific surface area of 78.25 ±8.75 m2g−1, due to the cryogenic treatment of glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan hydrogel could increase the surface area and permeability of composite hydrogel and then strongly increasing the adsorption capacity. Subsequently, the FCS monolithic hydrogel tested dyes removal, which provides a high removal efficiency towards anionic dyes including congo red (CR) and sodium fluorescein (SFL) dyes. Significantly, we show that the FCS hydrogel could be regenerated and reused as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment without significant loss of pollutants removal efficiency over a number of adsorption and washing cycles. This study offers a promising environmental friendly and sustainable interconnected porous hydrogel for anionic dye removal from wastewater.
Prevalence of Major Digestive and Respiratory Helminths in Dogs and Cats in France: Results of a Multicentric Study.
Authors: Bourgoin Gilles , Callait-Cardinal Marie-Pierre , Bouhsira Emilie , Polack Bruno , Bourdeau Patrick , Ariza Clarisse Roussel , Carassou Lisa , Lienard Emmanuel , Drake Jason
Published: February 2022

Background: The real local distribution of helminths in dogs and cats and the evaluation of risk of contamination may represent an important challenge for veterinarians due to their effects on animal health and their potential zoonotic risk. The overall goal of this study was to estimate the current apparent prevalence of the digestive and respiratory helminths infecting in client-owned dogs and cats in France.Methods: Faecal samples were collected from 414 dogs and 425 household dogs and cats, respectively, in 2017 - 2018 in 20 study sites and analysed by coproscopy. The sampling included specimens of both genders, various breeds, ages and varieties of living environments, lifestyles, and feeding regimes. Associations between parasitic infection and qualitative factors were explored. Results: Overall, 125 (14.9%) samples (15.2% in dogs and 14.6% in cats) were positive for at least one of the nine species of helminths identified. Infection rates were the highest for Toxocara canis and T. cati (8.5% and 11.3%, respectively), while Toxascaris leonina was found only in one cat (0.2%). The prevalence of Ancylostoma caninum and U. stenocephala in dogs were 1.7% and 4.3%, respectively. No hookworms were found in cats. Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) were identified in 2.7% of the dogs. Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taeniidae) were rarely found (<1% in dogs and <3% in cats). The prevalence of lungworms (Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats) was below 1%. Significantly higher infection rates were identified in young individuals and in animals with outdoor access, living in countryside, and in intact animals (especially in cats). In addition, cats not fed exclusively with commercial diets and living with other animals (dogs and/or cats) were at higher risk of parasites. For dogs, hunting/herding and walking off-leash are additional risk factors. Furthermore, pets never dewormed had significantly more frequently parasites than pets dewormed 1-2 times per year.Conclusions: The overall prevalence of helminths (some of which being zoonotic), the risk factors and the current low deworming frequencies reported in this study (20.5% animals never dewormed), 26.4% dewormed ≥3 times/year) illustrate the need for improving pet owners’ adherence to anthelmintic guidelines in France.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effect of Poly-Gallic Acid (PGAL) in an in vitro Model of Synovitis Induced by Monosodium Urate Crystals
Authors: Zamudio-Cuevas Yessica , Martínez-López Valentín , Luján-Juárez Iván Alejandro , Montaño-Armendariz Nathalie , Martínez-Flores Karina , Fernández-Torres Javier , Gimeno Miquel , Sánchez-Sánchez Roberto
Published: February 2022

Gout is a chronic and degenerative disease that affects the joints and soft tissues because of the crystalline deposit of monosodium urate. The interaction between monosodium urate crystals (MSU) and synoviocytes generates oxidative and inflammatory states. These physiological characteristics have promoted the study of Poly-gallic acid (PGAL), a poly-oxidized form of gallic acid reported to be effective in in vitro models of inflammation. The effect of PGAL in an in vitro model of oxidation and synovial inflammation induced by MSU was evaluated after 24h of stimulation through the morphological changes, the determination of oxidative stress (OS), IL-1β and the phagocytosis of the MSU. A 20% reduction in synovial viability and the generation of vesicles were observed when they were exposed to MSU. When PGAL was used at 100 and 200 µg/ml, cell death was reduced by 30% and 17%, respectively. PGAL both doses reduce the vesicles generated by MSU. OS generation in synoviocytes exposed to 100 µg/ml and 200 µg/ml PGAL decreased by 1.28 and 1.46 arbitrary fluorescence units (AFU), respectively, compared to the OS in synoviocytes exposed to MSU (1.9 AFU). PGAL at 200 µg/ml inhibited IL-1β by 100%, while PGAL at 100 µg/ml inhibited IL-1β by 66%. The intracellular MSU decreased in synoviocytes stimulated with 100 µg/ml PGAL. The PGAL has a cytoprotective effect against damage caused by MSU in synoviocytes and can counteract the oxidative and inflammatory response induced by the crystals probably because it exerts actions at the membrane level that prevent phagocytosis of the crystals.
Exosomes from human urine-derived stem cells combined with hyaluronic acid ameliorate erectile dysfunction in rats of type 2 diabetes by topical administration
Authors: zhuang jingming , Gao Peng , Chen Haoran , Fang Zujun , Zheng Jie , Zhu Daqian , Hou Jiangang
Published: February 2022

Background: The high prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a challenging clinical problem. Researches on exosomes from urinary-derived stem cells (USC-Exo) have shown that they have significant therapeutic effects in a variety of diseases including ED by injection. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is especially useful for delivering bioactive molecules. This study investigated the effects and related mechanisms of local administration of human USC-Exo combined with HA (USC-Exo-HA) on a rat model of DM2ED.Methods: UCSs were extracted from human urine samples, and identified for preparation of the corresponding USC-Exo. The effects of high glucose and USC-Exo on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were assessed in vitro using a CCK-8 assay to determine cell proliferation and pick the most appropriate concentration for subsequent experiments. Scratch and tube formation assays were performed to assess the function of HUVECs. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of genes such as B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (BAX) and superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD2). HA and USC-Exo-HA were prepared at concentrations and then administered topically to DM2ED rats multiple times. Intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured to assess erectile function in rats. Masson, Tunel, Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were performed to assess the fibrosis and endothelial function in corpus cavernosum, respectively. Results: Compared with the control group, the proliferation, migration ability, and tube-forming ability of HUVECs decreased in high glucose environment, while USC-Exo could optimize the function of HUVECs, reverse the expression of apoptotic genes, and enhance the antioxidant capacity. USC-Exo-HA showed improvement in erectile dysfunction compared to the HA group, and the 10-dose group was better than the 5-dose group. Histologically, the USC-Exo-HA group significantly improved apoptosis, angiogenesis and smooth muscle regeneration in the corpus cavernosum compared to the HA group.Conclusions: The topical application of USC-Exo-HA in the treatment of DM2ED rats has been proved effective. The potential mechanism might to promote the proliferation of endothelial cells and smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum, which leads to the remodeling of erectile function. And multiple dosing at intervals may make the effect more pronounced.
COVID-19 in Tunisia (North Africa): Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the general population of the capital city Tunis
Authors: Bettaieb Jihène , Cherif Ines , Kharroubi Ghassen , Chaabane Sana , Yazidi Rihab , Dellagi Mongi , Snoussi Mohamed Ali , Salem Sadok , Marzouki Soumaya , Rebai Wafa Kammoun , Rourou Samia , Dellagi Koussay , Barbouche Mohamed Ridha , Benabdessalem Chaouki , Ahmed Melika Ben
Published: February 2022

Background:Monitoring the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is primarily based on Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As this test is mainly applied on persons with symptomatic disease, it may overlook individuals with pauci- or a-symptomatic infection. Seroprevalence studies are thus essential to get an accurate estimate of the actual SARS-CoV-2 diffusion within the populations. We report on the findings of the first serosurvey conducted in the capital city of Tunisia prior to the implementation of mass vaccination and analyzed factors associated with seropositivity. Methods:A cross sectional survey was conducted among households living in two areas of the governorate of Tunis, the capital city of the country. The survey was realized between March and April 2021, spanning the end of the second wave and the beginning of the third wave of COVID-19 and prior to the implementation of mass vaccination in Tunisia. SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the spike (S-RBD) or the nucleocapsid (N) proteins were detected using an in-house ELISA test. Results were adjusted for test performance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently associated with SARS-COV-2 seropositivity.Results:The survey included 1676 individuals from 431 households. The mean age and sex ratio were 43.3±20.9 years and 0.6 respectively. The weighted and test-performance adjusted prevalence of IgG antibodies to the N and the S-RBD proteins were 26.6% [22.9-30.8] and 25.1% [22.2-28.4] respectively. The weighted seroprevalence of anti-N and/or anti-S-RBD IgG antibodies was equal to 38.0% [34.6-41.5]. In multivariate analysis, age under 10, no tobacco use, previous diagnosis of COVID-19, a history of COVID-19 related symptoms and contact with a COVID-19 case within the household, were independently associated with higher SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence. Conclusions:After the end of the second epidemic wave, more than one third of people living in Tunis got antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Further studies are needed to monitor changes in these figures as Tunisian population is confronted to the subsequent epidemic waves and to guide the vaccine strategy.
Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Analysis for Western Makran Coasts, Southeast Iran
Authors: Zafarani Hamid , Etemadsaeed Leila , Rahimi Mohammad , Kheirdast Navid , Rashidi Amin , Tsai Yu-Lin , Ansari Anooshiravan , Mokhtari Mohammad , Eskandari-Ghadi Morteza
Published: February 2022

Makran subduction zone, along the southern coasts of Iran and Pakistan has a wide potential seismogenic zone and may be capable of generating large magnitude (M~9) tsunamigenic earthquakes. Considering ambiguities exist in tsunamigenic source characterization for subduction megathrusts like Makran, where detailed geologic, seismic, and geodetic data are insufficient, the probabilistic tsunami hazard analysis (PTHA) is the most prevalent approach to handle uncertainties and estimate more reliable tsunami hazard. Here, PTHA is performed for the coastal region of the western Makran, southeastern Iran. Using the logic tree approach, we have considered the uncertainty of maximum seismic magnitude, earthquake occurrence model, continuity of seismic zone, seismic coupling coefficient, depth of rupture, presence or absence of splay faults, fault locations, and fault slip distribution in PTHA calculation for the western Makran region. We have derived uniform tsunami hazard maps for two return periods of 475 and 2475 years for two confidence levels, the mean and the 84th percentile. Ground subsidence effects are also evaluated in a probabilistic manner. According to the PTHA results, Chabahar and Sirik towns are at the highest and lowest tsunami risk, respectively.
Treating Agricultural Runoff With A Mobile Carbon Filtration Unit
Authors: Phillips Bryn M. , McCalla Laura B. , Siegler Katie , Deng Xin , Tjeerdema Ron S.
Published: February 2022

Several classes of pesticides have been shown to impair water quality in California, including organophosphates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids. Vegetative treatment systems (VTS) can reduce pesticide loads and associated toxicity in agricultural runoff, but many water soluble pesticides such as neonicotinoids are not effectively treated by VTS, and VTS installation is not always an option for growers required to remove non-crop vegetation for food safety concerns. Recent studies have shown that biochar filtration can be used to remove soluble contaminants, especially when coupled with other VTS components. We evaluated a mobile carbon filter system consisting of a trailer-mounted tank containing approximately 600L of biochar. Input water from a 1080 acre agricultural drainage was pre-filtered and treated with biochar during two multi-week study periods. Laboratory toxicity tests, and chemical and nutrient analyses were conducted on input and output water. Pesticide concentrations were initially reduced by greater than 99%. Treatment efficacy declined linearly and was expected to remain at least 50% effective for up to 34 weeks. Toxicity was assessed with Ceriodaphnia dubia, Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus. Significant input toxicity was reduced to non-toxic levels in 6 of 16 samples. Some input concentrations of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid and the pyrethroid cypermethrin exceeded organism-specific toxicity thresholds and benchmarks, but the overall causes of toxicity were complex mixtures of agricultural chemicals. Nutrients were not reduced by the biochar. Results demonstrate the utility of biochar in treating agricultural runoff, and provide measures of the longevity of biochar under field conditions.
Making Data Map Worthy - Enhancing Routine Malaria Data to Support Surveillance and Mapping of Plasmodium Falciparum Antimalarial Resistance in a Pre-Elimination Sub-Saharan African Setting: A Molecular and Spatiotemporal Epidemiology Study
Authors: Kagoro Frank M. , Raman Jaishree , Allen Elizabeth , Mabuza Aaron , Workman Lesley , Magagula Ray , Kok Gerdalize , Davies Craig , Malatje Gillian , Guerin Philippe J , Dhorda Mehul , Maude Richard J , Barnes Karen I.
Published: February 2022

Background: Independent emergence and spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria has recently been confirmed in Africa, with molecular markers associated with artemisinin resistance increasingly detected. Surveillance to promptly detect and effectively respond to antimalarial resistance is generally suboptimal in Africa, especially in low transmission settings where therapeutic efficacy studies are often not feasible due to recruitment challenges, yet these communities may be at higher risk of antimalarial resistance. Methods: From March 2018 to February 2020, we conducted a sequential mixed-methods study to evaluate the feasibility of the near-real-time linkage of individual patient antimalarial resistance profiles with their case notifications and treatment response reports and map these to fine scales in Nkomazi sub-district, Mpumalanga, a pre-elimination area in South Africa.Results: Plasmodium falciparum molecular marker resistance profiles were linked to 55.1% (2636/4787) of notified malaria cases, 85% (2240/2636) of which were mapped to healthcare facility, ward and locality levels. Over time, linkage of individual malaria case demographic and molecular data increased to 75.1%. No artemisinin resistance validated/associated kelch13 mutations were detected in the 2385 PCR positive samples. Almost all 2812 samples assessed for lumefantrine susceptibility carried the wildtype mdr86ASN and crt76LYS alleles, potentially associated with decreased lumefantrine susceptibility. Conclusion: Routine near-real-time mapping of molecular markers associated with antimalarial drug resistance on a fine spatial scale provides a rapid and efficient early warning system for emerging resistance. The lessons learnt here could inform scale-up to provincial, national and regional malaria elimination programmes, and may be relevant for other antimicrobial resistance surveillance.
Seismic And Geomorphic Assessment For Coseismic Landslides Zonation In Tropical Volcanic Contexts
Authors: Arroyo-Solórzano Mario , Quesada-Román Adolfo , Barrantes-Castillo Gustavo
Published: February 2022

The Poás volcano is an active volcano of Costa Rica with intense tectonic activity in its flanks. Historically, the volcano has presented strong, surficial earthquakes provoking a large number of landslides with associated casualties and immense economic impacts. One example is the Cinchona earthquake in 2009 (Mw 6.2 and 4.6 km depth). We aim to determine a landslide zonation according to seismic data and a geomorphic assessment in the NW sector of the Poás volcano based on a combination of qualitative methods and morphometric parameters. The results estimated the possible outcome of a 6.8 Mw earthquake. The susceptibility mapping and models showed a positive relationship between this methodology and others previously developed for the area that surrounds the Poás volcano as well as a correspondence with the landslides caused by the Cinchona earthquake in 2009. The final zoning coseismic landslides susceptibility indicated that 52% of the area is prone to landslides. Furthermore, there is a relationship between the areas with high exposure to landslides with conical volcanic geomorphologies, active faulting structural and/or tectonic geomorphological units with slopes greater than 15°. The proposed zoning can be useful in land use planning and by the responsible emergency entities to orientate quick response and reduce the impact of future landslides. Moreover, this method can be applied in active tectonic and volcanic areas worldwide.
COVID-19 in adult acute myeloid leukemia patients: a long-term follow-up study from the European Hematology Association survey (EPICOVIDEHA)
Authors: Marchesi Francesco , Salmanton-Garcia Jon , EMARAH Ziad , PIUKOVICS Klára , Nucci Marcio , Lopez-Garcia Alberto , Racil Zdenek , Farina Francesca , POPOVA Marina , ZOMPI Sofia , Audisio Ernesta , Ledoux Marie-Pierre , VERGA Luisa , Weinbergerova Barbora , Szotkowski Tomas , Silva Maria , Fracchiolla Nicola Stefano , DE JONGE Nick , Collins Graham , Marchetti Monia , MAGLIANO Gabriele , GARCÍA-VIDAL Carolina , BIERNAT Monika M. , Doesum Jaap van , MACHADO Marina , Demirkan Fatih , Khabori Murtadha Al , Zak Pavel , Visek Benjamin , STOMA Igor , MÉNDEZ Gustavo-Adolfo , Maertens Johan , KHANNA Nina , Espigado Ildefonso , DRAGONETTI Giulia , Fianchi Luana , Principe Maria Ilaria Del , CABIRTA Alba , ORMAZABAL-VÉLEZ Irati , Jaksic Ozren , BUQUICCHIO Caterina , BONUOMO Valentina , Batinić Josip , OMRANI Ali S. , Lamure Sylvain , Finizio Olimpia , FERNÁNDEZ Noemí , FALCES-ROMERO Iker , BLENNOW Ola , BERGANTIM Rui , Ali Natasha , WIN Sein , PRAET Jens VAN , Tisi Maria Chiara , SHIRINOVA Ayten , SCHÖNLEIN Martin , PRATTES Juergen , PIEDIMONTE Monica , Petzer Verena , NAVRÁTIL Milan , Kulasekararaj Austin , Jindra Pavel , Jiří  , Glenthøj Andreas , FAZZI Rita , de Ramón Cristina , Cattaneo Chiara , CALBACHO Maria , BAHR Nathan C. , EL-ASHWL Shaimaa Saber , Córdoba Raúl , HANAKOVA Michaela , ZAMBROTTA Giovanni , Sciumè Mariarita , Booth Stephen , NUNES-RODRIGUES Raquel , SACCHI Maria Vittoria , GARCÍA-POUTÓN Nicole , MARTÍN-GONZÁLEZ Juan-Alberto , KHOSTELIDI Sofya , GRÄFE Stefanie , RAHIMLI Laman , busca alessandro , Corradini Paolo , HOENIGL Martin , KLIMKO Nikolai , Koehler Philipp , PAGLIUCA Antonio , Passamonti Francesco , Cornely Oliver , pagano Livio
Published: February 2022

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are at high risk of mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The optimal management of AML patients with COVID-19 has not been established. Our multicenter study included 388 adult AML patients with COVID-19 diagnosis between February 2020 and October 2021. The vast majority were receiving or had received AML treatment in the prior 3 months. COVID-19 was severe in 41.2% and critical in 21.1% of cases. The chemotherapeutic schedule was modified in 174 patients (44.8%), delayed in 68 and permanently discontinued in 106. After a median follow-up of 325 days, 180 patients (46.4%) had died. Death was attributed to COVID-19 (43.3%), AML (26.1%) or to a combination of both (26.7%). Active disease, older age, and treatment discontinuation were associated with death, whereas AML treatment delay was protective. Seventy-nine patients had a simultaneous AML and COVID-19 diagnosis, with an improved survival when AML treatment could be delayed. Patients with COVID-19 diagnosis between January and August 2020 had a significantly lower survival. COVID-19 in AML patients was associated with a high mortality rate and modifications of therapeutic algorithms. The best approach to improve survival was to delay AML treatment.
Optimistic Optimisation of Composite Objective with Exponentiated Update
Authors: Shao Weijia , Sivrikaya Fikret , Albayrak Sahin
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a new family of algorithms for online optimisation of composite objectives. The algorithms can be interpreted as the combination of exponentiated gradient and $p$-norm algorithm. Combined with algorithmic ideas of adaptivity and optimism, the proposed algorithms achieve a sequence dependent regret upper bound, matching the best known bounds for sparse target decision variables. Furthermore, the algorithms have efficient implementations for popular composite objectives and constraints, and can be converted to stochastic optimisation algorithms with optimal accelerated rate for smooth objectives.
Melting phase relations in Fe-Si-H at high pressure: Implications for Earth’s inner core crystallization and core light elements
Authors: Hikosaka Koutaro , Tagawa Shoh , Hirose Kei , Okuda Yoshiyuki , Oka Kenta , Umemoto Koichiro , Ohishi Yasuo
Published: February 2022

Hydrogen could be an important light element in planetary cores, but its effect on phase diagrams of iron alloys is not well known because the solubility of H in Fe is minimal at ambient pressure and high-pressure experiments on H-bearing systems have been challenging. Considering that silicon can be another major light element in planetary cores, here we performed melting experiments on the Fe-Si-H system at ~50 GPa and obtained the ternary liquidus phase relations and the solid/liquid partition coefficient, D of Si and H based on in-situ high-pressure X-ray diffraction measurements and ex-situ chemical and textural characterizations on recovered samples. Liquid crystallized hexagonal close-packed (hcp) (Fe0.93Si0.07)H0.25, which explains the observed density and velocities of the Earth’s solid inner core. The relatively high DSi = 0.94(4) and DH = 0.70(12) suggest that in addition to Si and H, the liquid outer core includes other light elements such as O, which is least partitioned into solid Fe and can thus explain the density difference between the outer and inner core. H and O, as well as Si, are likely to be major core light elements, supporting the sequestration of a large amount of water in the Earth’s core.
Around-The-Pipe Audio Based Water Tracker for Home Residents
Authors: Rana Ryan
Published: February 2022

Water is one of the most necessary resources within an average household that cannot be quantitatively tracked on a regular basis. There are no methods to this without interfering with the pipeline and flow of water itself. This research presents a revolutionary approach that utilizes audio to measure the amount of water going through a household pipe at any given time with supervised machine learning models. First, different amounts of water were run throughout residential homes with a microphone mounted around the pipe. The output of the microphone is converted into a series of vibrations measured in decibels. The microphone was tested on seven different pipes in 7 different homes to decrease the data bias. It outputs the string of decibel values with a micro-computing device connected to it. The amount of water and received audio is documented into a CSV file with over 100 data points. The data was imported into the Jupyter Notebook and the features (water amount, range of decibels, size of pipe) were scaled and the dataset was split into training and testing subsets at a 70/30 ratio in order to assess the model’s accuracy. Neural Networks, K-Nearest Neighbors, Random Forest, Linear Regression, and Logistic Regression were the five models being used. After all the models were trained and edited to improve hyperparameters, they were compared by testing the data, Neural Networks ended up with the highest classification accuracy at 94.6% as reported by ROC methods.
Restoration of spermatogenesis in azoospermic mice by bone marrow mesenchymal stromal/stem cells conditioned medium
Authors: Zhankina Rano , Afshar Alireza , Farrar Zohreh , Khoradmehr Arezoo , Baghban Mandana , Suleiman Mahmud , Dorvash Mohammad Reza , Baghban Neda , Rahmanifar Farhad , Tanideh Nader , Hosseinabadi Omid Koohi , Monfared Ali Arabi , Zare Shahrokh , Khodabandeh Zahra , Farjam Mojtaba , Nabipour Iraj , Shirazi Reza , Zhanbyrbekuly Ulanbek , Tamadon Amin
Published: February 2022

Background
One of the main cause of male infertility is non-obstructive azoospermia, which is not manageable medically. The first aim of the current research was to show the effect of extracellular vesicle-contained conditioned media (CM) instead of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) for treatment of non-obstructive azoospermia. In the next step, we aimed to study the differentiation potential of MSCs into spermatocytes after injection of MSCs in mice seminiferous tubules. This study has provided an applied treatment for busulfan-induced azoospermia using adipose tissue-derived (AT-MSCs) and bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) and bone marrow CM (BMCM) in animal models.
Methods
Thirty male adult Balb/C mice (30±5 g) and two female eGFP+/+Balb/C mice (30±5 g) were used to design experimental groups and to culture stem cells, respectively. Then, six groups including intact control, azoospermia, AT-MSC therapy, BM-MSC therapy, BMCM therapy, and spontaneous healing groups were considered. All groups except intact control were induced azoospermia by injecting two doses of busulfan (10 mg/kg) with 21 days’ interval. Testes of all mice were removed and studied through histomorphometry and flow cytometry analysis 60 days after treatment.
Results
Histomorphometry and flow cytometry evaluation of testes showed normal morphology of most of the seminiferous tubules of therapy groups as well as successful recovery of spermatogenesis, but spermatogenesis was not observed in the azoospermia group. It is worth notable that the results of the BM-MSC therapy group were more favorable than other therapy groups.
Conclusions
AT-MSC, BM-MSC and BMCM can be strongly suggested as candidates in the therapy of azoospermia.
Testing the bounds of compassion in young children
Authors: Kirby James N. , Wilks Matti , Green Mitchell , Tanjitpiyanond Porntida , Chowdhury Nafisa , Kirkland Kelly , Nielsen Mark
Published: February 2022

Extensive research shows that, under the right circumstances, children are highly prosocial. Less in known about their capacity for compassion. Across five experiments (N = 285), we aimed to capture the bounds of 4-5-year-old children’s compassionate behaviour. In the first three experiments we varied cost of compassion by changing the reward (Study 1), using explicit instructions (Study 2), and ownership (Study 3). In the final two experiments we varied the target of the compassionate behaviour, examining adults compared to puppet targets (Study 4), and whether the target was an in-group member (Study 5). We found strong evidence that cost reduces compassionate responding. By contrast, the recipient of compassion did not appear to influence compassionate responding: children were equally likely to help a human adult and a puppet, and an in-group member and neutral agent. Thus, personal cost appears to be a greater inhibitor to compassionate responding than who compassion is directed toward. These findings demonstrate the factors that may reduce compassionate responding in young children, and call for careful consideration of how to mitigate these to create more positive and socially connected environments for children to flourish.
Cold Gas in Massive Galaxies as A Critical Test of Black Hole Feedback Models
Authors: Shi Jingjing , Peng Yingjie , Diemer Benedikt , Stevens Adam , Pillepich Annalisa , Renzini Alvio , Dou Jing , Gao Yu , Gu Qiusheng , Ho Luis , Kong Xu , Lagos Claudia , Li Di , Li Jiaxuan , Maiolino Roberto , Mannucci Filippo , Xie Lizhi , Zhang Chengpeng
Published: February 2022

Black hole feedback has been widely implemented as the key recipe to quench star formation inmassive galaxies in modern semi-analytic models and hydrodynamical simulations. As the theoreticaldetails surrounding the accretion and feedback of black holes continue to be refined, various feedbackmodels have been implemented across simulations, with notable differences in their outcomes. Yet,most of these simulations have successfully reproduced some observations, such as stellar mass functionand star formation rate density in the local Universe. We use the recent observation on the change ofneutral hydrogen gas mass (including both H2 and Hi) with star formation rate of massive central discgalaxies as a critical constraint of black hole feedback models across several simulations. We nd thatthe predictions of IllustrisTNG agree with the observations much better than the other models testedin this work. This favors IllustrisTNG's treatment of active galactic nuclei - where kinetic winds aredriven by black holes at low accretion rates - as more plausible amongst those we test. In turn, thisalso indirectly supports the idea that the massive central disc galaxy population in the local Universewas likely quenched by AGN feedback.
RSL24D1 sustains steady-state ribosome biogenesis and pluripotency translational programs in embryonic stem cells.
Authors: Durand Sébastien , Bruelle Marion , Bourdelais Fleur , Bennychen Bigitha , Blin Juliana , Isaac Caroline , Huyghe Aurélia , Seyve Antoine , Vanbelle Christophe , Meyronet David , CATEZ Frederic , Diaz Jean-Jacques , Lavial Fabrice , Ricci Emiliano , Ducray François , Gabut Mathieu
Published: February 2022

Embryonic stem cell (ESC) fate decisions are regulated by a complex molecular circuitry that requires tight and coordinated gene expression regulations at multiple levels from chromatin organization to mRNA processing. Recently, ribosome biogenesis and translation have emerged as key pathways that efficiently control stem cell homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of these pathways remain largely unknown to date. Here, we analyzed the expression, in mouse ESCs, of over 300 genes involved in ribosome biogenesis and we identified RSL24D1 as the most differentially expressed between self-renewing and differentiated ESCs. RSL24D1 is highly expressed in multiple mouse pluripotent stem cell models and its expression profile is conserved in human ESCs. RSL24D1 is associated with nuclear pre-ribosomes and is required for the maturation and the synthesis of 60S subunits in mouse ESCs. Interestingly, RSL24D1 depletion significantly impairs global translation, particularly of key pluripotency factors, including POU5F1 and NANOG, as well as components of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Consistently, RSL24D1 is required for mouse ESC self-renewal and proliferation. Taken together, we show that RSL24D1-dependant ribosome biogenesis is required to both sustain the expression of pluripotent transcriptional programs and silence developmental programs, which concertedly dictate ESC homeostasis.
Systemic COVID-19 vaccination also enhances the humoral immune response after SARS CoV-2 infection in the population of an oncology hospital in Poland. Criteria for COVID-19 re-immunization are needed.
Authors: Kosiorek Piotr , Kazberuk Dorota , Hryniewicz Anna , Milewski Robert , Stróż Samuel , Stasiak-Barmuta Anna
Published: February 2022

Systemic vaccination of the BNT162b2 mRNA stimulates humoral response. Our study aimed to compare the intensity of humoral immune response, measured by SARS CoV-2 IgG, SARS CoV-2 IgM, and neutralization S-RBD IgG antibodies level, post COVID-19 vaccination versus post-SARS CoV-2 infection. We analyzed 1060 people in the following groups: convalescents, healthy vaccinated, vaccinated with Comirnaty, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and vaccinated SARS CoV-2 convalescents. A concentration of SARS CoV-2 IgG, SARS CoV-2 IgM, and neutralizing S-RBD IgG was estimated in the oncology hospital laboratory by chemiluminescent immunoassay - CLIA, MAGLUMI. Results: 1. We observed a rise of antibodies response in both convalescent SARS CoV-2 and COVID-19 vaccinated groups 2. The level of all antibodies' concentrations in vaccinated COVID-19 convalescents was significantly higher. 3. We differentiated asymptomatic SARS CoV-2 convalescents from the control group. Our analysis suggested that it is essential to monitor SARS CoV-2 IgG antibodies concentrations as an indicator of asymptomatic COVID-19 and equivalent to the effectiveness of humoral response in convalescents and vaccinated people. Considering the time-limited effects of post-infection SARS CoV-2 recovery or vaccination, among others physiological half-life, we suggested monitoring IgG antibodies level as a criterium for the next vaccination.
A Model for Understanding and Changing the Practice of Leadership in Ukraine
Authors: Linville Michael , Kliuchnikov Artem
Published: February 2022

The practice of leadership dates to humankind’s earliest history. However, the study of leadership is a much more recent phenomenon. Leadership is understood and practiced differently from culture to culture, though much academic research has been rooted in Western thought. Leadership exists in every facet of our lives because the societies around us significantly shape our very existence. Groups of people exist because, for most tasks and functions, groups can outcompete individuals. The very nature of groups is that they function best with one or more who serve as leaders while others serve as followers. As a result, the study of leadership facilitates a better understanding of the interpersonal dynamics between leaders and followers. In its simplest form, leadership may be understood as one individual influencing another, especially to work together to accomplish some common goal. The Analytical Center for Leadership Research and Development (ACLRD) has devoted the past several years to studying leadership theory and practice in Ukraine. This white paper summarizes that research, its purpose, methodology, and findings in providing the reader with analysis and insights into how leadership in Ukraine is perceived and practiced. In addition, this white paper proposes specific recommendations and the implementation of a research-based ACLRD Leader Model distinctly unique to Ukrainian culture and practices. Ultimately, this paper serves as a call for changes in the practice of leadership that hold great potential for benefiting Ukrainian organizations of all kinds as well as society at large.
Plataformas educativas: herramientas digitales de mediación de aprendizajes en educación
Authors: Serna Martínez Raúl Efraín , Alvites Huamaní Cleofé Genoveva
Published: February 2022

Los acelerados avances de la ciencia y la tecnología permiten el desarrollo en los diversos ámbitos sociales, así como mejorar las formas de convivencia de los seres humanos, paralelamente a ello la masificación en el uso de las tecnologías de información y la comunicación, especialmente desde la aparición y uso generalizado de las computadoras y más aún con la evolución constante del internet. En este contexto el presente artículo de revisión bibliográfica pretende mostrar la aplicación de la plataforma Moodle como una herramienta de los escenarios educativos. El acopio de los sustentos teóricos se desarrolló mediante la búsqueda, filtración, y posterior selección de información validada que se encontraron en las diferentes bases de datos. En el análisis realizado se concluyó que la plataforma educativa Moodle es una herramienta precisa, funcional, versátil, motivadora, promotora de autoaprendizajes, y tiene la ventaja de ser gratuita, adaptable a las necesidades de los usuarios por ser un software libre.