bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 Pandemic: Socioeconomic and Health Disparities
Authors: Javaheri Behzad
Published: January 2021

Disadvantaged groups around the world have suffered and endured higher mortality during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This contrast disparity suggests that socioeconomic and health-related factors may drive inequality in disease outcome. To identify these factors correlated with COVID-19 outcome, country aggregate data provided by the Lancet COVID-19 Commission subjected to correlation analysis. Socioeconomic and health-related variables were used to predict mortality in the top 5 most affected countries using ridge regression and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models. Our data reveal that predictors related to demographics and social disadvantage correlate with COVID-19 mortality per million and that XGBoost performed better than ridge regression. Taken together, our findings suggest that the health consequence of the current pandemic is not just confined to indiscriminate impact of a viral infection but that these preventable effects are amplified based on pre-existing health and socioeconomic inequalities.
Penerapan Principal Component Analysis dalam Penentuan Faktor Dominan Cuaca Terhadap Penyebaran Covid-19 di Surabaya
Authors: Khikmah Khusnia Nurul
Published: January 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the transmission can mediate human-to human by enviroment. According to Indonesian Meterological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency found that weather and climate were supporting factors of COVID-19 outbreak so, research and analysis is carried out regarding the most factor were supporting the spread of COVID-19. In this study, using secondary data obtained from data reported by Indonesian Meterological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency. According the aims of this study by using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) there are three principal components which represents the most factor were supporting the spread of COVID-19 they are temperature, humidity, and length of sunshine.
Analisis Butir Soal Keterampilan Proses Sains Pada Instrumen Uji Coba Materi Ekosistem
Authors: Nurfauziah Wianda - , Windyariani Sistiana -
Published: January 2021

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kualitas butir soal keterampilan proses sains pada materi ekosistem. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan yaitu penelitian lapangan secara online melalui pendekatan deskriptif. Beberapa uji yang dilakukan di antaranya uji validitas, uji reliabilitas, uji tingkat kesukaran, dan daya pembeda. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di SMA Negeri 4 Kota Sukabumi. Populasi dari penelitian ini yaitu siswa kelas XI IPA. Pengambilan sampel dalam penelitian ini dilakukan secara purposive sampling. Sampel dalam penelitian ini yaitu siswa kelas XI IPA 3 yang berjumlah 35 orang. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa kualitas butir soal dari tingkat validitas soal, persentase soal valid sebesar 63% dan yang tidak valid sebesar 37%. Hasil uji reliabilitas soal dengan menggunakan program AnatesV4 dan taraf signifikan 5%  dengan jumlah N = 35 diperoleh nilai rtabel = 0,334, sedangkan rhitung = 0,76. Karena rhitung 0,76 > rtabel 0,334, maka Instrumen yang digunakan bersifat reliabel. Adapun tingkat kesukaran soal menunjukkan bahwa 70,3% soal berada pada kategori sedang, dan 51,2% memiliki daya pembeda dengan kategori baik atau sangat baik. Hasil analisis butir soal ini mengindikasikan bahwa soal keterampilan proses dikategorikan sudah valid dan reliabel serta dapat digunakan untuk penelitian selanjutnya.

ABSTARCT

This study aims to describe the quality of the item science process skills in the material ecosystem. This type of research is online field research through a descriptive approach. Some tests include validity, reliability, difficulty, and differentiation. This research was conducted at SMA Negeri 4 Sukabumi City. The population of this research is the students of class XI Science. Sampling in this study was conducted by purposive sampling. The sample in this study were 35 students of class XI Science 3. The analysis shows that the quality of the items from the level of validity of the questions, the percentage of valid questions was 63% and the invalid ones were 37%. The reliability test results using the AnatesV4 program and a significant level of 5% with the number N = 35 obtained rtable = 0.334, while rcount = 0.76. Because r count 0.76> r table 0.334, the instrument used is reliable. Then in terms of the level of difficulty, that at a percentage of 70.3% (29) the most difficult category is in the medium category. And in terms of distinguishing power, obtained a percentage of 51.2% which is a good or very good category relative to a very large percentage. In conclusion, questions that are valid and reliable can already be used for further research.
Teams Games and Tournament (TGT) Berbasis Outdoor Study untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Argumentasi Siswa pada Materi Pencemaran Lingkungan
Authors: Fauziah Hanin Niswatul
Published: January 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh Teams Games and Tournament (TGT) berbasis outdoor study terhadap kemampuan argumentasi siswa kelas VII di MTs Negeri 3 Pacitan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif dengan desain Nonequivalent Control Group Design. Sampel pada penelitian ini adalah kelas VII B (eksperimen) dan kelas VII A (kontrol) dengan jumlah 64 peserta didik. Pengambilan data dengan cara membagikan soal essay kepada peserta didik sebelum dan sesudah aplikasi model pembelajaran Teams Games and Tournament (TGT) berbasis outdoor study. Data dianalisis dengan uji-t menggunakan software Minitab. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa nilai P-Value sebesar 0,000. Karena nilai P-Value  kurang dari 0,05 maka Ho ditolak. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara kemampuan argumentasi peserta didik yang menggunakan model pembelajaran Teams Games and Tournament (TGT) berbasis outdoor study dengan kemampuan argumentasi peserta didik yang menggunakan model pembelajaran konvensional
Las palabras femeninas del mal en el Libro de Apolonio
Authors: Zubillaga Carina
Published: January 2021

El discurso de Luciana y Tarsiana en el Libro de Apolonio (las virtuosas esposa e hija del héroe de la historia) se contrapone a las palabras del resto de las mujeres en el poema. La visión clerical negativa acerca de la palabra femenina se analiza en el presente trabajo particularmente en la figura de la nodriza de la joven hija del rey Antíoco y de Dionisa como madrastra de Tarsiana, a partir de los motivos del consejo y cuidado femeninos que ambas mujeres traicionan en el vínculo de sus palabras con lo falso, lo diabólico y el mal en general.
Fort Huachuca history of development : existing reports and contexts
Authors: Morrison Dawn , Smith Adam
Published: January 2021

The Fort Huachuca Environmental and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) tasked ERDC-CERL to compile a history of the development of Fort Huachuca for use in evaluating existing facilities and how they fit within the larger, overarching history of the fort. Fort Huachuca desires a comprehensive history of the fort for use in better understanding how its various facilities integrate into the overall history and development of the fort and its existing National Historic Landmark (NHL) and proposed existing evaluated, eligible, and listed National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) properties and districts. This comprehensive history will help ENRD in making determinations on how to address future National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) nominations and/or recommendations for adding new historic districts or expanding the existing historic district. ERDC-CERL compiled content from 18 existing historic contexts, building inventory and cultural re-sources reports, NRHP nomination and registration forms, and Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) forms previously completed for the ENRD, and used these resources to compile the current history.
Hydrologic impacts on human health : El Niño Southern Oscillation and cholera
Authors: Yeates Elissa , Cotterman Kayla , Rhodes Angela
Published: January 2021

A non-stationary climate imposes considerable challenges regarding potential public health concerns. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which occurs every 2 to 7 years, correlates positively with occurrences of the waterborne disease cholera. The warm sea surface temperatures and extreme weather associated with ENSO create optimal conditions for breeding the Vibrio cholerae pathogen and for human exposure to the pathogenic waters. This work explored the impacts of ENSO on cholera occurrence rates over the past 50 years by examining annual rates of suspected cholera cases per country in relation to ENSO Index values. This study provides a relationship indicating when hydrologic conditions are optimal for cholera growth, and presents a statistical approach to answer three questions: Are cholera outbreaks more likely to occur in an El Niño year? What other factors impact cholera outbreaks? How will the future climate impact cholera incidence rates as it relates to conditions found in ENSO? Cholera outbreaks from the 1960s to the present are examined focusing on regions of Central and South America, and southern Asia. By examining the predictive relationship between climate variability and cholera, we can draw conclusions about future vulnerability to cholera and other waterborne pathogenic diseases.
Aumento en casos de meningitis meningocócica en los estados del sur de México
Authors: Solórzano-Santos Fortino , Echaniz-Avilés Gabriela
Published: January 2021

No disponible
Revisión rápida de la transmisión del SARS-CoV-2 por contacto con objetos y superficies
Authors: Barrera-Núñez David , Torres-Ibarra Leticia , León-Maldonado Leith , Stern Dalia , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh , López-Carrillo Lizbeth
Published: January 2021

Objetivo. Identificar evidencia científica sobre la transmisión indirecta del SARS-CoV-2 en espacios extrahospitalarios y medidas poblacionales para su prevención. Material y métodos. Una revisión rápida de lo publicado en PubMed y MedRxiv entre 01/12/2019 y 24/04/2020 sobre los temas 1) la contaminación y viabilidad del SARS-CoV-2 en distintas superficies inanimadas; 2) la efectividad desinfectante ante SARS-CoV-2 de productos accesibles a nivel domiciliario; 3) los casos y brotes de contagio de SARS-CoV-2 por medio de superficies. Resultados. Una alta proporción de los objetos de personas infectadas con SARS-CoV-2 (inodoro, ollas y tabletas electrónicas) se encuentran contaminados. Este virus permanece viable desde horas hasta días en papel, cartón, tela, vidrio, madera, plástico, acero y cubrebocas. El etanol, 2-propanol, cloro y jabón son efectivos para desactivarlo. Existe poca evidencia sobre casos y brotes por contagio indirecto. Conclusiones. Se requieren estudios que determinen la dosis mínima infectante por autoinoculación. Apelando al principio precautorio, se incluyeron recomendaciones para reducir el riesgo de contagio indirecto.
Precursores, promotores y artífices del servicio social de medicina en México
Authors: Gómez-Dantés Octavio
Published: January 2021

Una de las primeras iniciativas para llevar atención médica a las comunidades rurales de México fue el servicio social de medicina, el cual se implantó en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México y en la Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo en 1936, y cuya paternidad se atribuyeron diversos ilustres médicos mexicanos. Este texto precisa las contribuciones de varios actores a la promoción, diseño e implantación de esta importante innovación educativa y de atención a la salud. La principal conclusión de este artículo es que la prestación de servicios de salud a las comunidades rurales por estudiantes de medicina en su último año de carrera en México no fue idea de una sola persona, sino re­sultado de varios esfuerzos encabezados por diversos actores, entre ellos estudiantes y profesores de medicina, sanitaristas y funcionarios universitarios y gubernamentales.
Analysis of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes in Group B Streptococcus from clinical samples
Authors: Mudzana Raymond , Mavenyengwa Rooyen T , Gudza-Mugabe Muchaneta
Published: January 2021

Background: Streptococcus agalacticae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is one of the most important causative agents of serious infections among neonates. This study was carried out to identify antibiotic resistance and virulence genes associated with GBS isolated from pregnant women.Methods: A total of 43 GBS isolates were obtained from 420 vaginal samples collected from HIV positive and negative women who were 13-35 weeks pregnant attending Antenatal Care at Chitungwiza and Harare Central Hospitals in Zimbabwe. Identification tests of GBS isolates was done using standard bacteriological methods and molecular identification testing. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using the modified Kirby-Bauer method and E-test strips. The boiling method was used to extract DNA and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to screen for 13 genes. Data was fed into SPSS 24.0.Results: Nine distinct virulence gene profiles were identified and hly-scpB-bca-rib 37.2% (16/43) was common. The virulence genes identified were namely hly 97.8% (42/43), scpB 90.1% (39/43), bca 86.0% (37/43), rib 69.8% (30/43) and bac 11.6% (5/43). High resistance to tetracycline 97.7% (42/43) was reported followed by 72.1% (31/43) cefazolin, 69.8% (30/43) penicillin G, 58.1% (25/43) ampicillin, 55.8% (24/43) clindamycin, 46.5% (20/43) ceftriaxone, 34.9% (15/43) chloramphenicol, and 30.2% (13/43) for both erythromycin and vancomycin using disk diffusion. Antibiotic resistance genes among the resistant and intermediate-resistant isolates showed high frequencies for tetM 97.6% (41/42) and low frequencies for ermB 34.5% (10/29), ermTR 10.3% (3/29), mefA 3.4% (1/29), tetO 2.4% (1/42) and linB 0% (0/35). The atr housekeeping gene yielded 100% (43/43) positive results, whilst the mobile genetic element IS1548 yielded 9.3% (4/43).Conclusion: The study showed high prevalence of hly, scpB, bca and rib virulence genes in S. agalactiae strains isolated from pregnant women. Tetracycline resistance was predominantly caused by the tetM gene, whilst macrolide resistance was predominantly due to the presence of erm methylase, with the ermB gene being more prevalent. Multi-drug resistance coupled with the recovery of resistant isolates to antimicrobial agents such as penicillins indicates the importance of GBS surveillance and susceptibility tests. It was also observed that in vitro phenotypic resistance is not always accurately predicted by resistance genotypes.
Controlling tsetse flies and ticks using insecticide treatment of cattle in Tororo district Uganda: cost benefit analysis 
Authors: Okelo Walter O. , MacLeod Ewan T. , Muhanguzi Dennis , Welburn Susan C.
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe endemic vector-borne diseases transmitted by tsetse and ticks impose heavy burdens on Africa’s livestock. Cattle offers the possibility of mitigating these losses at a cost affordable to livestock keepers, by applying deltamethrin just to the belly, legs and ears of cattle. Although studies have quantified the impacts of individual diseases on livestock productivity, little is known about the dual economic benefits of controlling both tsetse and ticks, nor about the number of cattle who need to be treated to confer these benefits. Alongside an epidemiological study in south-east Uganda, a farm level assessment was done to investigate the benefits and costs of spraying different proportions of the village cattle population using this restricted application protocol. MethodsA study comprising 1,902 semi-structured interviews was undertaken over a period of 18 months. Financial data on household income from and expenditure on cattle was collected and cost benefit analysis done, pre and post intervention and for different spraying regimes. The total cost of the intervention was obtained from the epidemiological study’s implementation costs and from expenses incurred by participating farmers enabling examination of benefit-cost ratios and incremental benefit-cost ratios for each treatment regime. ResultsThe benefit-cost analysis of spraying 25%, 50% and 75% of the cattle population yielded average benefit-cost ratios of 1.55, 3.85, 4.51 and 4.46. The incremental benefit-cost ratios from spraying each additional 25% of the cattle population were 11.38, 3.89 and 0.79 respectively, showing a very high return on investment for spraying 50% of the population, with returns reducing thereafter. ConclusionComparing the gross margins per bovine, the study found that increasing the proportion of cattle sprayed yielded increasing benefits to farmers, but that these benefits were subject to diminishing returns. From a practical viewpoint this study recommends spraying only draft cattle to control trypanosomiasis and tick-borne diseases in this area as they make 38.62% of the cattle population, approaching the 50% threshold. In areas with a lower proportion of draft males, farmers could be advised to also include cows.
Synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones through nickel-catalysed aldehyde-free hydroacylation of alkynes
Authors: Rhlee Joon Ho , Maiti Saikat , Lee Ho Seung , Lee Soochan , Park Jaehyun , Kang Seok Ju , Kim Yung Sam , Seo Jeong Kon , Myung Kyungjae , Choe Wonyoung , Hong Sung You
Published: January 2021

α,β-Unsaturated ketones are common feedstocks in functional materials, pharmaceuticals and natural compounds. Transition metal-catalysed hydroacylation reactions of alkynes using aldehydes have been widely applied for the atom-economical synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones through chemoselective aldehydic C–H activation. However, previous hydroacylation reactions using rhodium, cobalt, or ruthenium catalysts require chelating moiety-bearing aldehydes to prevent undesired decarbonylative product via an unstable acyl-metal-H complex. Herein, we report a nickel-catalysed reductive and anti-Markovnikov selective coupling process to afford non-tethered E-enones from terminal alkynes through an acyl-nickel-thiopyridine complex in the presence of zinc metal as a reducing agent. Utilization of a thioester as an acylating agent and water as a hydrogen donor enables this mechanistically distinctive and aldehyde-free hydroacylation of terminal alkynes under mild reaction conditions at room temperature, with a broad substrate scope including versatile functional groups and even simple aryl and alkyl moieties.
Perception of an Ambiguous Figure: Subconscious Social Group Bias or Anchor Effect?
Authors: Brouwer Ambroos , Jin Xuxi , Waldi Aisha , Verheyen Steven
Published: January 2021

Older participants who are briefly presented with the ‘my wife and my mother-in-law’ ambiguous figure estimate its age to be higher than young participants do. This finding is thought to be the result of a subconscious social group bias that influences participants’ perception of the figure. Because people are better able to recognize similarly aged individuals, young participants are expected to perceive the ambiguous figure as a young woman, while older participants are more likely to recognize an older lady. We replicate the difference in age estimates, but find no relationship between participants’ age and their perception of the ambiguous figure. This leads us to conclude that the positive relationship between participants’ age and their age estimates of the ambiguous ‘my wife and my mother-in-law’ figure is better explained by the own-age anchor effect, which holds that people use their own age as a yard stick to determine the age of the figure, regardless of whether the young woman or the older lady is perceived. Assimilation of others’ characteristics to one’s own is particularly likely to occur in uncertain circumstances that provide little information to base judgments on, such as estimating the age of a briefly presented ambiguous figure.
Garcinia Mangostana Extract and Curcumin Ameliorate Oxidative Stress, Dyslipidemia, and Hyperglycemia in High Fat Diet-induced Obese Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Labban Ranyah , fawaz Hanan , Almnaizel Ahmed , Al-Muammar May , Bhat Ramesa , El-Ansary Afaf
Published: January 2021

Background:Obesity is a risk factor for several diseases related to oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Several pharmacological agents have been used to treat obesity, but these commonly exhibit undesirable side effects. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) and Curcuma longa independently and synergistically in modulating selected biochemical markers of oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia commonly observed in high-fat diet-induced obesity in rodent models. Methods:Male albino Wistar rats were divided into eight experimental groups, fed on a normal diet or high-fat diet (HFD), then given mangosteen extract (400 mg /kg body weight/day) and/or curcumin (80 mg/kg body weight/day) for 6 weeks. Oxidative stress markers, glucose, and lipid fractions were measured in the sera. Results:Curcumin was found to be more effective in reducing BMI, while mangosteen extract was found to induce a significant increase in anti-atherogenic marker HDL-C, but was ineffective in reducing dyslipidemia. Mangosteen extract and curcumin effectively reduced blood glucose. Mangosteen did not exhibit any anti-oxidative effects in normal weight rats; however, it induced a significant increase in glutathione in obese rats. Conclusion:The present study demonstrated that mangosteen pericarp extract and curcumin were independently and synergistically effective in treating obesity-induced atherogenesis.
Porous Functionalized Polymers enable Generating and Transporting Hyperpolarized Arbitrary Solutions.
Authors: Darai Théo El , Cousin Samuel , Chappuis Quentin , Ceillier Morgan , Kempf James , Eshchenko Dmitry , Melzi Roberto , Schnell Marc , Gremillard Laurent , Bornet Aurélien , Milani Jonas , Vuichoud Basile , Cala Olivier , Montarnal Damien , Jannin Sami
Published: January 2021

Hyperpolarization by dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (dDNP) has brought highly sensitive magnetic resonance to reality and has triggered the development of a plethora of promising applications in spectroscopy and imaging. Unfortunately, some severe limitations still restrain its widespread use, amongst which the experimental complexity, the need for trained personnel, and excessive prices. Broad democratization of dDNP would require remote preparation of hyperpolarized samples in dedicated facilities and transport over long distances to the point of use. We have recently pioneered a new concept in which transport over hours was enabled by formulation of 13C-labelled molecules into micro-crystallites. However, the proposed methods lacked both versatility and biocompatibility. Here, we propose a new approach relying on a new generation of hyperpolarizing polymers (HYPOPs), extremely easy to synthesize, and that bear a dual function. Arbitrary solutions, easily impregnated into these radical-containing porous HYPOPs, can be hyperpolarized within 20 min with a polarization level exceeding P(13C) > 25% in the solid state, and further stored for hours in view of transport to a remote point of use.
Stenotrophomonas nematodicola sp. nov., a novel intestinal lifespan-prolonging bacterium for Caenorhabditis elegans that assists in host resistance to Bacillus nematocida colonization
Authors: Zhang Lin , Deng Yang , Wei Xuyang , Zhang Yuqin , Niu Qiuhong
Published: January 2021

Background: The gut microbiota of Caenorhabditis elegans, a tiny worm that feeds on bacteria, is significantly dominated by the bacteria upon which it feeds. These bacteria may not only interfere with the intestinal flora of C. elegans but also assist in resisting pathogen infection. Understanding the interactions between the microbiota of C. elegans and pathogens will shed light on how to achieve biological control of agricultural pests. Results: The lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans fed on strain CPCC 101271T was extended by approximately 40% compared with that of worms fed on Escherichia coli OP50. In addition, the colonization of C. elegans by the pathogenic bacterium Bacillus nematocida B16 was inhibited when it was pre-fed with strain CPCC 101271T. Based on a polyphasic taxonomy study including genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics, we propose that strain CPCC 101271T represents a novel bacterial species with the name Stenotrophomonas nematodicola sp. nov. and CPCC 101271T as the type strain. Metagenomic sequence analysis of the intestinal microbiota of C. elegans fed with strain CPCC 101271T and then infected with B16 revealed that pre-feeding with CPCC 101271T improved the diversity of intestinal bacteria, while the community structure varied significantly together with the fluctuation of Stenotrophomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. abundance during competition between strain CPCC 101271T and B16. Conclusions: The nematode microbiota strain CPCC 101271T assisted in its host resistance to the pathogen Bacillus nematocida colonization, so as to act as an intestinal life span-prolonging bacterium for C. elegans. The genotypic and phenotypic properties of strain CPCC 101271T supported to the proposal of strain CPCC 101271T as a novel species of the genus Stenotrophomonas.
Uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria: Mapping the proteome from circulating platelets
Authors: Fernández Diana , Segura Cesar , Arman Mònica , McGill Suzzane , Burchmore Richard , Mesa Tatiana María Lopera
Published: January 2021

Background: Thrombocytopenia is frequent in uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria. Contribution of platelets to pathogenesis is unknown and poorly understood. Our study explores the platelet proteome from uncomplicated P. vivax malaria patients to fingerprint molecular pathways in relation to platelet function. Also, plasma levels of platelet activation (Platelet factor 4 – PF4/CXCL4) and endothelial activation (Von Willebrand factor – VWf) markers, in conjunction with some in vitro interactions between platelets and P. vivax infected erythrocytes ( Pv -IEs) were measured to explore platelet responses during infection and their effect on parasite development. Methods: This study was performed in a cohort of 48 patients and 25 healthy controls. Platelets were purified from a subgroup of 5 patients and 5 healthy controls to be analyzed by LC-MS/MS. In all participants enrolled in this study, PF4/CXCL4 and VWf plasma levels were measured. Finally, a subsample of 10 P. vivax isolates were co-cultured with platelets to measure P v- IE schizonts inhibition as well as platelet activation due to their interaction. Results: In total 28 out of 215 proteins were significantly abundant in the proteomes from patients. The most significantly decreased protein was PF4/CXCL4 followed by other proteins related to platelet activation, cytoskeletal remodeling, and adhesion to endothelial cells. In contrast, acute phase proteins including SERPINs and Amyloid Serum A 1 (SAA1) were increased. High VWf plasma levels in patients suggested endothelial activation. Interestingly, PF4/CXCL4 plasma levels were similar between patients and controls, but high levels of this protein were found in co-cultures, and platelets inhibited Pv -IEs development to schizonts. Conclusions: Platelet proteome from patients with uncomplicated P. vivax malaria suggests platelet degranulation, platelet activation, cytoskeletal remodeling, and adhesion to endothelial cells. According to the evidenced endothelial activation our study plus the suggested specific localization of PF4/CXCL4 during P. vivax infection due to the normal levels in plasma, and the inhibition of Pv -IE schizonts development; our study suggest that platelets are active players during the response to P . vi vax infection. Future studies are needed to further investigate the molecular pathways of interaction between altered platelet proteins and host response; which could affect parasite control as well as disease progression.
A Novel Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique for Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis with Iliac Screws via Two Small Incisions
Authors: Asukai Mitsuru , Suda Kota , Satoko Matsumoto , Komatsu Miki , Takahata Masahiko , Iwasaki Norimasa , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Minami Akio
Published: January 2021

The number of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) is increasing quickly due to the ageing of society, and the treatment remain controversial. Long-term immobilization during conservative treatment can lead to secondary systemic complications, conventional open reduction and internal fixation is highly invasive. We have developed a novel minimally invasive surgical technique for FFP. We made a 3-cm incision along medial borders of the posterior superior iliac spine, inserted one iliac screw on each side, and created a tunnel below the fascia connecting the two incisions. The interconnecting rod was slid across the tunnel on the dorsal surface of the sacrum and then fixed with iliac screws. We evaluated the outcomes of this new stabilization technique in 9 patients, the average age and follow-up period were 80.8 years and 10.0 months. According to the Rommens classification, there was 1 patient with IIIc fracture, 1 with IVa, 6 with IVb and 1 with IVc. The average surgical time was 60.7 minutes with an intraoperative blood loss of 2.0 ml, and bony union of the posterior part of the pelvic ring was achieved in all patients. This method is a useful and safe minimally invasive option for high-risk elderly patients.
Unnatural Biosynthesis by an Engineered Microorganism with Heterologously Expressed Natural Enzymes and an Artificial Metalloenzyme
Authors: Huang Jing , Liu Zhennan , Bloomer Brandon , Clark Douglas , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Keasling Jay , Hartwig John
Published: January 2021

Synthetic biology enables microbial hosts to produce complex molecules that are otherwise produced by organisms that are rare or difficult to cultivate, but the structures of these molecules are limited to those formed by chemical reactions catalyzed by natural enzymes. The integration of artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) that catalyze unnatural reactions into metabolic networks could broaden the cache of molecules produced biosynthetically by microorganisms. We report an engineered microbial cell expressing a heterologous biosynthetic pathway, which contains both natural enzymes and ArMs, that produces an unnatural product with high diastereoselectivity. To create this hybrid biosynthetic organism, we engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) with a heterologous terpene biosynthetic pathway and an ArM containing an iridium-porphyrin complex that was transported into the cell with a heterologous transport system. We improved the diastereoselectivity and product titer of the unnatural product by evolving the ArM and selecting the appropriate gene induction and cultivation conditions. This work shows that synthetic biology and synthetic chemistry can produce, together with natural and artificial enzymes in whole cells, molecules that were previously inaccessible to nature.
Cycloalkane-modified amphiphilic polymers provide direct extraction of membrane proteins for CryoEM analysis
Authors: Higgins Anna , Flynn Alex , Marconnet Anaïs , Musgrove Laura , Postis Vincent , Lippiat Jonathan , Chung Chun-Wa , Ceska Tom , Zoonens Manuela , Sobott Frank , Muench Stephen
Published: January 2021

Membrane proteins are essential for cellular growth and homeostasis, making up a large proportion of therapeutic targets. However, the necessity for a solubilising agent to extract them from the membrane creates significant challenges in their structural and functional study. Although amphipols have been very effective for single-particle electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM) and mass spectrometry, they rely on initial detergent extraction before exchange into the amphipol environment. Therefore, circumventing this pre-requirement would be a significant advantage. Here we use a novel type of amphipol: a cycloalkane-modified amphiphile polymer (CyclAPol) to extract Escherichia coli AcrB directly from the membrane and demonstrate that the protein can be isolated in a one-step purification with the resultant cryoEM structure achieving 3.2 Å resolution. Together this work shows that cycloalkane amphipols provide a powerful detergent-free approach for the study of membrane proteins allowing native extraction and high-resolution structure determination by cryoEM.
SUMOylome Modulates Intraflagellar Transport Machinery and Eukaryotic Cilia Motility
Authors: Sharma Komal , Sizova Irina , Pandey Girdhar , Hegemann Peter , Kateriya Suneel
Published: January 2021

Translocation of channelrhodopsins (ChRs) is mediated by intraflagellar transport (IFT) machinery. However, the functional role of the network containing photoreceptors, IFT and other proteins in controlling cilia motility of the alga is still not fully delineated. In the current study, we identified two important motifs at the C-terminus of ChR1. One of them is similar to a known ciliary targeting sequence that specifically interacts with a small GTPase, and the other is a SUMOylation site. For the first time, experimental data provide an insight into the role of SUMOylation in the modulation of IFT & ChR1. Blocking of SUMOylation affected the phototaxis of C. reinhardtii cells. This implies SUMOylation based regulation of protein network controlling photomotility. The conservation of SUMOylation site pattern as analyzed for the relevant photoreceptors, IFT and its associated signaling proteins in other ciliated green algae suggested SUMOylation based photobehavioural response across the microbes. This report establishes a link between evolutionary conserved SUMOylation and ciliary machinery for the maintenance and functioning of cilia across the eukaryotes. Our enriched SUMOylome of C. reinhardtii comprehends the proteins related to ciliary development and, photo-signaling, along with homologue(s) associated to human ciliopathies as SUMO targets.
Picosecond Optospintronic Tunnel Junctions for Non-volatile Photonic Memories
Authors: Wang Luding , Cheng Houyi , Li Pingzhi , Liu Yang , Hees Youri van , Lavrijsen Reinoud , Lin Xiaoyang , Cao Kaihua , Koopmans Bert , Zhao Weisheng
Published: January 2021

Perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions are one of the building blocks for spintronic memories, which allow fast nonvolatile data access, offering substantial potentials to revolutionize the mainstream computing architecture. However, conventional switching mechanisms of such devices are fundamentally hindered by spin polarized currents, either spin transfer torque or spin orbit torque with spin precession time limitation and excessive power dissipation. These physical constraints significantly stimulate the advancement of modern spintronics. Here, we report an optospintronic tunnel junction using a photonic-spintronic combination. This composite device incorporates an all-optically switchable Co/Gd bilayer coupled to a CoFeB/MgO-based perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction by the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction. A picosecond all-optical operation of the optospintronic tunnel junction is explicitly confirmed by time-resolved measurements. Moreover, the device shows a considerable tunnel magnetoresistance and thermal stability. This proof-of-concept device represents an essential step towards ultrafast photonic memories with THz data access, as well as ultralow power consumption.
Prospective study comparing leukocyte-poor platelet rich plasma combined with hyaluronic acid and autologous microfragmented adipose tissue in patients with early knee osteoarthritis.
Authors: Dallo Ignacio , Szwedowski Dawid , Irlandini Eleonora , Mobasheri Ali , Gobbi Alberto
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of repeated doses of leucocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) plus hyaluronic acid (HA) to a single dose of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue (AMAT) injections in patients with early osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. Eighty knees in fifty patients (mean age: 61.3 years) were randomly allocated into two equal groups in a non-blinded design and prospectively followed for 12 months. Group 1 received three intra-articular injections (1 month apart) using autologous LP-PRP+HA. Group 2 received a single dose of AMAT injection. Outcomes were measured by PROMs Tegner, Marx, VAS, and KOOS at 6 and 12 months. Both groups had significant clinical and functional improvement at 6 and 12 months. The differences between the groups were statistically significant in Tegner score and KOOS Symptoms (p = 0.016 and p = 0.027 respectively) at 6 months in group 2. The test with statistically significant differences (p<0.05) at 12 months was Tegner (p<0.001) with group 2 having a higher median than group 1. LP-PRP+HA and AMAT lead to clinical and functional improvement at 6 and 12 months. AMAT showed better clinical results in Tegner and KOOS Symptoms at 6 months and Tegner at 12 months. Understanding which therapy offers the most benefits with the least amount of risks can significantly improve the quality of life for millions of people affected by OA. Long-term randomized controlled studies are needed to verify differences in efficacy.
Trends of Follow-Up Clinic Visits and Admissions Three-Months Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: an Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Abebe Workeabeba , Worku Alemayehu , Moges Tamirat , Tekle Nuhamin , Amogne Wondowossen , Haile Tewodros , Mekonen Desalew , Habtamu Abebe , Deressa Wakgari
Published: January 2021

Background: Following the first report of the COVID-19 case in Ethiopia on the 13th of March 2020, the country adopted a lockdown policy to contain the spread of the virus. Responding to the health-care burden imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic had to be coupled with ensuring essential health care services. This study assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the trends of non-COVID follow-up visits and admissions at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective, time-series study with the 1st case of COVID-19 report as a reference time examined the trend in follow-up visits and admissions between December 1st, 2019 and May 31st, 2020. A comparison of health care utilization between December 2019 to May 2020 and its equivalent period in 2018/19 was also done. A data abstraction tool was used to collect secondary data from the hospital’s electronic medical recordings and logbooks of each unit. Results: A total of 7,717 visits from eight follow-up clinics and 3,310 admissions were collected during three months before the onset of COVID-19. During the following three months after the pandemic, 4,597 visits and 2,383 admissions were collected. Overall, a 40.4% decrease in follow-up visits and a 28% decline in admissions were observed during the COVID-19. The drop in the daily follow-up visits was observed for both genders. The number of visits in all follow-up clinics in 2019/2020 decreased when compared to the same months in 2018/19(p<0.05). Follow-up visits were substantially lower for renal patients (-68%), patients with neurologic problems (−53.9%), antiretroviral treatment clinics (−52.3%), cardiac patients (−51.4%). Although pediatric emergency admission was significantly lower (−54.1%) from the baseline (p=0.04), admissions from the general pediatric and adult wards did not show a significant difference. Conclusions: Significant decreases in-hospital follow-up clinic visits were observed during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health guidance on how best to access care, more for patients with serious illnesses are required. Promoting self-care, alternatives health-care services like home-based care, and phone clinics might be considered for patients with mild symptoms. Further studies needed to track the long-term effect of the pandemic among non-COVID-19 patients.
Mathematical Modeling and Transcriptome Profiling of Breast Cancer Cells During Tamoxifen Treatment Reveal Multiple Trajectories for Resistant Subtypes
Authors: Magi Shigeyuki , Ki Sewon , Ukai Masao , Naito Atsuhiko , Suzuki Yutaka , Okada Mariko
Published: January 2021

Cancer cells acquire drug resistance through following non-resistant, pre-resitant and resistant stages. Although the molecular mechanism of drug resistance is well investigated, the process of drug resistance acquisition remains largely unknown. Here, we elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the process of drug resistance acquisition by sequential analysis of gene expression patterns in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer cells. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of tamoxifen-treated cells revealed that tamoxifen-resistant cells can be subgrouped into two, one showing cancer stem cell-like metabolic regulation and the other showing high expression of genes encoding adhesion molecules and histone modifying-enzymes. Pseudotime analyses showed a cell transition trajectory to the two resistant subgroups that stems from shared pre-resistant state. An ordinary differential equation model based on the trajectory fitted well with the experimental results of cell growth. Based on the established model, it was predicted that inhibition of transition to both subtype would be required to prevent the appearance of tamoxifen resistance.
CRT Silencing Inhibits ECM Synthesis in HGFs Cultured on Three-Dimensional PLGA Scaffolds Via Inhibiting The CaN/NFAT3 Signalling Pathway
Authors: Wei Hui , Chen Zhixing , Min Hsuyin , Ma Qinqin , You Yuting , Gao Biyun , Mo Shuixue
Published: January 2021

The stability of orthodontic treatment is believed to be greatly affected by the compression and contraction of gum tissue, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. The aim of the current study was to explore the effects of mechanical forces on CRT, CaN, NFAT3, p-NFAT3 and COL-I expression in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) cultured on three-dimensional (3D) poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds. A mechanical force of 25 g/cm2 was applied to HGFs for 0, 6, 24, 48, and 72h. The expression of CRT, CaN, NFAT3, p-NFAT3, and COL-I were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis. The application of mechanical force on HGFs cultured on the 3D PLGA scaffolds led to a significant increase in CRT, CaN, and COL‑I expression, as well as a reduction in p-NFAT3 expression. The mechanical force effects were reversed by silencing CRT. By lowering the CRT expression, p-NFAT3 was upregulated, while CaN and COL‑I were downregulated in HGFs. These findings suggested that downregulation of CRT inhibited extracellular matrix synthesis, potentially via CaN/NFAT3 signalling pathway. Therefore, CRT may serve as a potential therapeutic target against gingival fibrosis.
Identification of the active sites of Cu-ZnO catalysts for water gas shift and CO hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Chen Xuanye , Kang Jincan , Yu Zongyou , Tian Jie , Gong Zhongmiao , Jia Aiping , You Rui , Qian Kun , He Shun , Teng Botao , Cui Yi , Wang Ye , Zhang Wenhua , Huang Weixin
Published: January 2021

Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 catalysts are used as the industrial catalysts for water gas shift (WGS) and CO hydrogenation to methanol reactions. Herein, via a comprehensive experimental and theoretical calculation study of a series of ZnO/Cu nanocrystals inverse catalysts with well-defined Cu structures, we report that the Cu-ZnO catalysts undergo Cu structure-dependent and reaction-sensitive in situ restructuring during WGS and CO hydrogenation reactions under typical reaction conditions, forming the active sites of CuCu(100)-hydroxylated ZnO ensemble and CuCu(611)Zn alloy, respectively. These results conclude the long-existing debates and provide the feasible guideline for optimizing the structures of Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 catalysts.
Long Non-Coding RNA CRNDE is Involved in Resistance to EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer via eIF4A3/MUC1/EGFR Signaling
Authors: Takahashi Satoshi , Noro Rintaro , Seike Masahiro , Zeng Chao , Matsumoto Masaru , Yoshikawa Akiko , Nakamichi Shinji , Sugano Teppei , Hirao Mariko , Matsuda Kuniko , Hamada Michiaki , Gemma Akihiko
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is an intractable challenge for many clinical oncologists. The mechanisms of resistance to EGFR-TKIs are complex. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play an important role in cancer development and metastasis. However, the biological process between lncRNAs and drug resistance to EGFR-mutated lung cancer remains largely unknown.Methods: Osimertinib- and afatinib-resistant EGFR-mutated lung cancer cells were established using a stepwise method. Microarray analysis of non-coding and coding RNAs was performed using parental and resistant EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and evaluated by bioinformatics analysis through medical-industrial collaboration.Results: Colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) and DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 5 (DGCR5) lncRNAs were highly expressed in EGFR-TKI-resistant cells by microarray analysis. RNA-protein binding analysis by medical-industrial collaboration revealed eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 (eIF4A3) bound overlappingly to CRNDE and DGCR5. The CRNDE downregulates the expression of eIF4A3, mucin 1 (MUC1), and phospho-EGFR. Inhibition of CRNDE activated the eIF4A3/MUC1/EGFR signaling pathway and apoptotic activity, and restored sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs.Conclusions: The results showed that lncRNA CRNDE is associated with the development of resistance to EGFR-TKIs in EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells. CRNDE may be a novel therapeutic target to conquer EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of an Improved Double-Lumen Tube Ventilation Control Device Versus A Conventional Device in Thoracic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Chang , Wang Xin , Wang Yue , Zhao Yuanyu , Guan Huiwen , Sun Xufang
Published: January 2021

Background: To improve the conversion efficiency between single-lung and double-lung ventilation after Double-lumen tube(DLT) intubation, we invented a Y-shaped rotatable adjustment between three-lumen tube and double-lumen tube connector (YRC). The performance of YRC was studied with the traditional Y-shaped reconnector (YC) as the control. Methods: A total of 60 adult patients who underwent thoracic surgery with double-lumen endotracheal tube insertion were included in the study. The subjects after endotracheal tube insertion were randomly divided into two groups: YRC connecting group (YRC group, n=30) and a traditional connector connecting group (YC group, n=30), respectively. Primary endpoints were intubation time and conversion time of single-lung ventilation to double-lung ventilation. The secondary endpoints of this study were the internal gas volume of the two joints, airway pressure, and the time required for sputum aspiration during the operation. Results: Intubation time in YRC group was shorter than that in YC group (89.75±14.28s vs 107.80±14.96s, p=0.00). Compared with the YC group, the time required for ventilation conversion between single-lung and double-lung ventilation during the operation in the YRC group were significantly shortened (3.60±1.20svs9.05±2.53s, p=0.00). The internal gas volume in YRC (17.20ml) is smaller than YC (24.12ml). There was no statistical difference in airway pressure and the time required for sputum aspiration between YRC group and YC group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the traditional connectors, the YRC can improve the conversion efficiency between single-lung ventilation and double-lung ventilation with double-lumen endotracheal tube, save positioning time, and can be safely used for the anesthesia management of double-lumen endotracheal tube. Trial registration: This clinical research was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(www.chictr.org.cn,ChiCTR2000040188).