bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collect, extract, pool, and cultivate surface swab samples from built environments
Authors: Shen Jiaxian , Hartmann Erica M.
Published: February 2022

This is a protocol to collect microbiome samples from built environment surfaces using swabs as the collection device, followed by extracting the biomass from swab heads to liquid buffer solutions for downstream processing. The protocol also describes the cultivation pipeline to capture a large fraction of the indoor microbiome diversity. Additionally, it provides steps to pool multiple samples together if needed.
Infrastructure network component vulnerability to damage from the 2015 Illapel tsunami, Coquimbo, Chile
Authors: Williams James Hilton , Paulik Ryan , Aránguiz Rafael , Wild Alec
Published: February 2022

This study presents critical infrastructure network component vulnerability in the 2015 Illapel tsunami at Coquimbo, Chile. We analyse road and utility pole vulnerability to physical damage based on modelled tsunami hazard intensity (depth, velocity and hydrodynamic force) and network component characteristics. A Random Forest Model and Spearman’s Rank correlation test are applied to analyse variable importance and monotonic relationships between tsunami hazards and network component attributes with damage levels. These models and tests revealed scour and debris impacts are highly important and strongly correlated with road and utility pole damage levels, while flow depth correlates higher with damage levels relative to flow velocity and hydrodynamic force. A cumulative link model methodology is used to develop fragility curves, The fragility curves in response to flow depth revealed roads have higher vulnerability than those analysed in previous tsunami events (e.g. 2011 Tohoku, 2018 Sulawesi, 2015 Illapel Tsunami), while utility poles demonstrate lower vulnerability. Although we identify flow depth as the hydrodynamic hazard intensity metric of highest importance for causing road and utility pole physical damage, fragility curves representing multiple hazard intensities provides a holistic curve suite for analysing infrastructure network damage and disruption from future tsunami events.
Effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis as an alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics on performance, egg quality, and health parameters in young laying hens
Authors: D. Balcón-Pacheco Cristina , D. Coronel-Gómez Fabiola , César Ozuna , Maribel Jiménez-Fernández , César Angel-Sahagún , Robles Elena Franco Franco
Published: February 2022

Probiotics are live microorganisms that promote the selective growth of beneficial bacteria in birds and can be an effective alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics (GPAs) in poultry. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary probiotics in the diet of early phase laying hens on laying performance, egg quality, blood parameters, and organs morphological characteristics. Seventy-two 13-week-old Lohman White hens were randomized into three dietary groups feed diets with GPA (0.5% of COLI-ZIN), probiotic (PRO; 0.1% Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis) or without additive (control; CON) for a 90-days feeding trial. Significant differences were observed in feed intake and feed conversion ratio in PRO with respect to GPA and CON at 90-days treatment (p<0.05). PRO-treated group improved egg weight compared with the GPA and CON groups, but with no statistically significant difference. The air cell height, yolk volume, and yellowness of yolk color were lower, and thick and thin albumen were greatest in PRO than CON and GPA groups (p<0.05). Dietary PRO decreased the number of heterophils and increased the number of lymphocytes, improving the H/L index significantly (p<0.05). PRO treatment increases the relative weight of crop and duodenum compared to GPA (p<0.05). No significant changes in the relative weight of reproductive organs were observed. Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp lactis supplementation can be used as a safe alternative in young laying hens.
Livestock owners’ Perceptions in Relation to Ghibe -III Hydroelectric Dam, on Bovine Trypanosomosis, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekuria Solomon
Published: February 2022

Background: Trypanosomosis is affected sub-Saharan African countries which denied vast areas of land from livestock and crop production including Ethiopia. The problem prevails mainly in main Rivers like the Ghibe-Omo rivers. The study was conducted in Loma and Kindo Didaye near the Ghibe-III hydroelectric dam, from upstream and downstream, respectively; from January 2019 to June 2020. A standardized questionnaire survey was employed to collect relevant information. Two hundred questionnaires were administered.Results: A total of 189 questionnaires were returned. Each questionnaire contained 21 questions that include the biography, livestock species and population before and after dam construction, major livestock diseases, clinical signs, transmission, seasonality, susceptibility among species, control practice, type and cost of drugs, treatment frequency and wildlife population status were assessed. Data were analyzed using Mann Whitney U Test. The majority of the interviewee were male with an average age of 39.4+ 10.6 and livestock owners. Herd/flock sizes were non-significantly different before dam construction between the two districts; whereas, the large herd size above six cattle increased by 85% (77/90) in Loma but decreased by 33.3% (33/99) in the Kindo Didaye district after dam construction. Bovine trypanosomosis ranked first among major diseases. Knowledge on clinical signs, transmission, and seasonality of trypanosomosis was in agreement with the literature and experience was not significantly (p>0.05) different between the two districts. Diminazine and Trypamidium were the cheapest and frequently used trypanocidal, accordingly. The majority of the respondent (57.8%) treat animals twice per month per animal indicates the severity of disease, under-dosing or drug resistance problem in the area. 87.8% of respondents in Loma perceived the reduction of trypanosome prevalence and tsetse population; whereas 77% of Kindo Didaye respondents perceived no change in prevalence after dam construction. Reduction of wildlife population perceived on upstream than downstream. Health services improved, disease outbreaks and cattle deaths reduced, fishing started following dam construction.Conclusion: there was a change in health status and wildlife population upstream than downstream indicates the dam impact. The frequency of treatment was also reported. Therefore, monitoring of the disease prevalence and drug resistance study is recommended.
Quantum-limit-breaking Magnetic Gradiometer with Entangled Light
Authors: Wu Shuhe , Bao Guzhi , Guo Jinxian , Chen Jun , Du Wei , Yang Peiyu , Chen L. , Zhang Weiping
Published: February 2022

In the last few decades, the atomic magnetometry [1–7] has experienced remarkable development and reached to an outstanding sensitivity. This exciting technology is finding applications in various of fields [8–18]. The last two obstacles to further improve the sensitivity of magnetometry are quantum fluctuations and ambient magnetic field. For magnetometry based on optical readout of atomic ensemble’s spin precession, the fundamental limitation of sensitivity is restricted by spin projection noise (SPN) and photon shot noise (PSN). Meanwhile, in practical applications, ambient magnetic field noise which is regarded as a common-mode magnetic-field (CMM) noise is also limiting the sensitivity. Several techniques for reducing PSN [19–25], SPN [26, 27], and CMM noise [7, 28–31] have been proposed, respectively. To achieve the best sensitivity, it is essential to find an efficacious way to eliminate the noises from different sources, simultaneously. For this purpose, here we demonstrate a sub-shot-noise magnetic gradiometer utilizing entangled optical detection with quantum-correlated twin beams. This leads to the simultaneous suppression of PSN and CMM noise. The quantum enhancement spans a frequency range from 7 Hz to 6 MHz with maximum squeezing of 5.5 dB below the standard quantum limit (SQL). The sensitivity of gradient magnetic field reaches 18 fT/cm√Hz at 20 Hz with these sophisticated techniques. Our study opens up new possibilities to use quantum-enhanced technology in developing sensitive magnetometry for practical applications with noisy and physically demanding environments.
Shrimp Draft Genome Contains Independent Clusters Of Ancient And Current Endogenous Viral Elements (EVE) Of The Parvovirus IHHNV
Authors: Taengchaiyaphum Suparat , Wongkhaluang Prapatsorn , Flegel Timothy W. , Sritunyalucks Kallaya
Published: February 2022

Background: Shrimp have the ability to accommodate viruses in long term, persistent infections without signs of disease. Endogenous viral elements (EVE) play a role in this process probably via production of negative-sense Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA)-like fragments. These bind with Piwi proteins to dampen viral replication via the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. We searched a draft genome of the giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)(GenBank record JABERT000000000) for the presence of EVE related to a shrimp parvovirus originally named infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV). Results: The shrimp draft genome contained 3 piRNA-like gene clusters containing scrambled IHHNV EVE. Two clusters were located distant from one another in linkage group 35 (LG35). Both LG35 clusters contained multiple DNA fragments with high homology (99%) to GenBank records DQ228358 and EU675312 that were both called “non-infectious IHHNV Type A” (IHHNV-A) when originally discovered. However, our results and those from a recent Australian P. monodon genome assembly indicate that the relevant GenBank records for IHHNV-A are sequence-assembly artifacts derived from scrambled and fragmental IHHNV-EVE. Although the EVE in the two LG35 clusters showed high homology only to IHHNV-A, the clusters were separate and distinct with respect to the arrangement (i.e., order and reading direction) and proportional content of the IHHNV-A GenBank records. We conjecture that these 2 clusters may constitute independent allele-like clusters on a pair of homologous chromosomes. The third EVE cluster was found in linkage group 7 (LG7). It contained EVE with high homology (99%) only to GenBank record AF218266 with the potential to protect shrimp against infectious IHHNV. Conclusions: Our results suggested the possibility of viral-type specificity in EVE clusters. Specificity is important because whole EVE clusters for one viral type would be transmitted to offspring as collective hereditary units. This would be advantageous if one or more of the EVE within the cluster were protective against disease caused by the cognate virus. It would also facilitate gene editing for removal of non-protective EVE clusters or for transfer of protective EVE clusters to genetically improve existing shrimp breeding stocks that might lack them.
Planning Victoria's Energy Transition using n Bottom Line Analysis
Authors: Currie Glen , Foley Matthew , Cousins Riley , Diplaris Alexander , Drimer Sebastian
Published: February 2022

To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Australia must decarbonise the energy sector and other sectors. The 'energy transition' is driven by policy-led construction of renewable infrastructure and regulation changes. However, no holistic analysis of the path forward currently exists. This report aims to develop a clear plan for Victoria's energy transition by evaluating three scenarios. A Business as Usual (BAU) scenario that aims to emulate Victoria's planned trajectory is compared against two alternative solutions, both of which aim to emulate Victoria's planned trajectory is analysed against two alternative solutions that aim for complete renewable energy generation by 2030. Alternative 1 (ALT1) focuses on Victoria being reliant on imported interstate renewable energy, while Alternative 2 (ALT2) involves Victoria becoming self-sufficient through renewable generation. Each of the three scenarios is compared across four bottom lines: technical performance, social, economic, and environmental. Interviews among energy experts revealed that economic and social metrics were considered most important. Application of the n-bottom line (nBL) assessment framework delivers a result that finds ALT2 and ALT1 tied as the preferred solution. Hence, the construction of renewable infrastructure in Victoria and increased interstate transmission capacity should be built. Further research could include a deeper understanding of the embodied carbon in infrastructure built for the energy transition.
The Impact Of Social Participation On Depression Among The Older Adults: The Mediating Role Of Physical Multi-Morbidity
Authors: he Wenbo , Cao Liujiao , Liu Rui , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2022

Background: Social participation and physical multi-morbidity are common influencing factors of mental health conditions in the older adult population. Understanding the trajectories of these will help implement treatments and interventions. With the increasing attention given to geriatric depression in recent years, this study aims to explore the correlation between social participation and depression, and further to detect the mediating effect of physical multi-morbidity. Methods: We screened 6,421 subjects that met the inclusion criteria from the 2018 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) database. Social participant and depressive symptoms were assessed using the 12-item self-made scale and 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10), respectively. Logistic regression and mediating effect model were used to identify the association between the main variables.Results: We found that 13.4% of the elderly are engaged in heavy social participation and 53.38% of them are not engaged in any social participation. In addition, 8.27% of the elderly have depression and 31.38% have depressive symptoms. Female, rural areas, lower education, more negative marital status, poor health status, and more frequent outpatient and inpatient services were associated with higher depression in the Chinese elderly. CESD-10 is negatively correlated with social participation and positively correlated with physical multi-morbidity. Physical multi-morbidity has a mediating effect in the affection of social participation on depression.Conclusions: This study preliminary prompted severe depressive symptoms associated with worse social participation intense in a Chinese elderly community population. Higher levels of social participation and a low level of physical multi-morbidity should be maintained in this population, and additional educational activities should be organized among seniors on a large scale.
Dietary resistant starch ameliorating lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation associated with alteration in gut microbiome and glucagon-like peptide 1 signaling
Authors: Qin Simeng , Bai Weiqiang , Applegate Todd J , Zhang Keying , Tian Gang , Ding Xuemei , Bai Shiping , Wang Jianping , Lv Li , Peng Huanwei , Xuan Yue , Zeng Qiufeng
Published: February 2022

Background
Consumption of resistant starch (RS) has been associated with various intestinal and systemic health benefits, but knowledge of its effects on intestinal health and inflammatory response in stressed birds is limited. Here, we examined how dietary RS supplementation modulated inflammatory severity induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in meat ducks.
Results
LPS administration at 14, 16, and 18 d (chronic challenge) decreased body weight and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) with higher intestinal permeability and inflammation, evidenced by higher pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Dietary RS supplementation enhanced Claudin-1 and GLP-1R expression, along with lower level of inflammatory factors in both ileum and serum. Microbiome analysis showed that RS treatment shifted microbial structure reflected by enriched the proportion of Firmicutes, Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus, etc. Dietary RS addition also significantly increased the concentrations of propionate and butyrate during chronic LPS challenge. Further, handling LPS-challenge only at 14 d (acute challenge) confirmed LPS elevated the concentration of endotoxin and inflammatory cytokines in serum, accompanying with upregulated Toll Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) transcription. Analogous to GLP-1 agonist liraglutide, dietary RS administration decreased endotoxins and inflammation cytokines, whereas it numerically increased serum GLP-1 level and upregulated the GLP-1 synthesis related genes expression. Meanwhile, dietary RS supplementation suppressed the acute LPS challenge-induced TLR4 transcription.
Conclusions
These data suggest that dietary RS supplementation could attenuate the LPS-induced inflammation as well as intestinal injury of meat ducks, which might involve in the alteration in gut microbiota, SCFAs production and the signaling pathways of TLR4 and GLP-1/GLP-1R.
Enhancing wuyiencin productivity of Streptomyces albulus (CK15) by mutagenesis breeding with atmospheric and room temperature plasma
Authors: Thein Yu Wah , Shi Liming , Liu Binghua , Wei Qiuhe , Zhang Kecheng , Ge Beibei
Published: February 2022

Streptomyces species are commonly used for efficient secondary metabolite production, including many antibiotics. Wuyiencin is a secondary metabolite produced by Streptomyces albulus CK15. This antibiotic is used in agriculture for controlling various fungal diseases of vegetables and field crops. In the present study, we used atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis to generate mutant S. albulus strains with the capacity for improved fermentation production of wuyiencin. The wild-type S. albulus CK15 strain was mutagenized by ARTP for one time and screened for two rounds of antimicrobial activity, three genetically stable mutants (M19, M26, and M28) were identified, which showed increased wuyiencin production by 17.41%, 13.57% and 18.46% compared to the CK15 strain in flask culture, respectively. The M28 mutant exhibited a maximum wuyiencin activity of 1442.95±134.61 U/mL in flask culture and 1673.84±127.42 U/mL in a 5 L fermenter. Therefore, our results provide evidence that ARTP is an efficient tool for microbial mutation breeding and the enhancement of wuyiencin production.
Postbiotic Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Camel Milk Intervention as Innovative Trends Against Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Streptozotocin-induced C57BL/6J Diabetic Mice
Authors: Abdelazez Amro , Alshehry Garsa , Algarni Eman , Al-jumayi Huda , Abdelmotaal HEBA MAHMOUD , Meng Xiang-Chen
Published: February 2022

Diabetes is a serious disease that threatens human health worldwide. The study hypothesis is to investigate the novel trends that may aid in the prevention of diabetic complications. Camel milk was presented as a functional food, and Lactobacillus brevis (KLDS1.0727 and KLDS1.0373) strains were shown to synthesize postbiotic GABA as a potential food additive, which can therapeutically intervene against hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in streptozotocin-induced C57BL/6 mice. During a four-week timeframe, body weight and postprandial blood glucose levels were monitored. Post euthanasia, blood plasma was obtained to investigate hyperlipidemia, insulin concentrations, liver, and renal functions. The liver, pancreas, kidney, and spleen underwent histological examinations. The results demonstrated that KLDS1.0727 and KLDS1.0373 (LACS1, LACS2), and camel milk treatments all had a significant influence on hypoglycemic activity, as evidenced by reduced postprandial blood glucose levels. LACS1, LACS2, and camel milk therapy significantly reduced blood hypolipidemic, ALT, and AST levels. Camel milk is recommended for its therapeutic benefits in the treatment of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in the management of diabetes and comorbidities as well as, GABA which is considered a potential food additive.
Sleep and Work Functioning in Nurses Undertaking Inpatient Shifts in a Blue-Depleted Light Environment
Authors: Kjørstad Kaia , Faaland Patrick M. , Sivertsen Børge , Kallestad Håvard , Langsrud Knut , Vethe Daniel , Vestergaard Cecilie L. , Harris Anette , Pallesen Ståle , Scott Jan , Vedaa Øystein
Published: February 2022

Background: Blue-depleted light environments (BDLEs) may in some cases benefit health outcomes for hospital inpatients. However, less is known about the effects on hospital staff. This study aimed to explore the effects of a BDLE compared with a standard hospital light environment (STLE) in a naturalistic setting on nurses’ functioning during shifts and sleep patterns between shifts. Methods: Twenty-five nurses recruited from St. Olavs Hospital in Trondheim, Norway, completed 14 days of actigraphy recordings and self-reported assessments of sleep (e.g., total sleep time/sleep efficiency) and functioning while at work (e.g., mood, stress levels/caffeine use) in two different light conditions. Additionally, participants were asked to complete several validated scales and questionnaires to assess symptoms on medical conditions, mental health conditions, and side effects associated with the light conditions. Results: A multilevel fixed-effects regression model showed a within-subject increase in subjective sleepiness (by 17%) during evening shifts in BDLE compared with STLE (p = .034; Cohen’s d = 0.49) and an 0.2 increase in number of caffeinated beverages during nightshifts in STLE compared with BDLE (p = .027; Cohen’s d = 0.37). There were no significant differences neither on subjective or objective sleep measures, nor on self-reported levels of stress or mood across the two conditions. Exploratory between-groups analyses of questionnaire data showed that there were no significant differences except that nurses working in BDLE reported that the lighting was perceived as warmer (p = .009) and more relaxing (p = .023) than nurses working in STLE. Conclusions: Overall, there was little evidence that the changed light condition had any negative impact on nurses’ sleep and function, despite some indication of increased evening sleepiness in BDLE. We recommend further investigations on this topic before BDLEs are implemented as standard solutions in healthcare institutions and propose specific suggestions for designing future large-scale trials and cohort studies. Trial registration: The study was registered before data collection was completed on the ISRCTN website (ISRCTN21603406).
Sugarcane Bud Detection Method Based onYOLOv3-CSE Network
Authors: Xu Hongzhen , Liu Jiaodi , He Jie , Shen Manlin , Duan Yulong
Published: February 2022

It is specified in agronomic requirements of sugarcane sowing that sugarcane buds should be placed toward the walls on bothsides of the sowing ditch, while the traditional detection model of small sugarcane bud targets cannot meet the requirementsof intelligent directional seeding machine for sugarcane bud identification due to such shortcomings as low accuracy, lowrecognition speed, and low training speed. To this end, a network model targeting sugarcane buds, called YOLOv3-CSE wasproposed in this paper. On the basis of analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the YOLOv3 network, the originalYOLOv3 network was improved to achieve accurate and rapid identification of small and medium-sized targets in sugarcanebuds. Besides, to further enhance the detection ability of the model for small object regions such as sugarcane buds, the originalDarkNet-53 network structure and the complete intersection over union (CIoU) bounding box regression loss function wereimproved to make the real box regression more stable, thus avoiding IoU divergence in the training process and ameliorating theregression effect on sugarcane bud identification. Mosaic data augmentation method was applied to enrich the data diversity,so as to solve the inadequate generalization ability during small dataset training. Finally, SE-ResNet module was embedded toincrease the ability of network model to identify sugarcane bud features. The test results of the YOLOv3-CSE network andthe original YOLOv3 network indicated that the precision and mean average precision (mAP) of the YOLOv3-CSE networkwere 96.93% and 95.87%, which were 5.66% and 4.95%, respectively, higher than those of the original YOLOv3 network.Compared with other object detection models with the same dataset, the YOLO v3-CSE network proposed in this paper boastsstronger robustness, better instantaneity, higher precision and higher detection velocity in identifying small objects of sugarcanebuds. In addition, it can rapidly identify the sugarcane buds, providing a technical guarantee for the application of the intelligentdirectional seeding machine for sugarcane seeds.
Time-series expression profile analysis to identify important modules and biomarkers in early phase of acute lung injury based on WGCNA
Authors: Li Jing , Yang Yanming , Fan Lili , Cui Zhengjun
Published: February 2022

Background: The morbidity and mortality associated with ALI continue to be significant. Few medical therapies have demonstrated efficacy in curbing the progression of ALI or improving its outcomes. However, time-series expression data has enhanced our ability to query dynamical processes, and WGCNA and maSigPro have emerged as a promising approach for processing large datasets. Therefore, it is possible for us to explore the molecular mechanism in the progression of ALI.Methods: Downloaded time series gene expression dataset GSE2565 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and normalized the dataset using the “sva” R package. maSigPro were used to screen Differential expressed genes (DEGs) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed to identify hub modules. Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analyses of genes identified in the hub module were conducted by Metascape. Integration of module analysis and CytoHubba application for identifying hub genes. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was to measure the predictive accuracy of the hub genes.Results: In our study, 3005 DEGs were included in WGCNA and 8 modules were identified. Module-trait analysis presented that red module with the most negative correlation with 8hr mainly involved in the regulation of circadian rhythm; pink module with the most positive correlation with 8hr mainly involved in regulation of cell death. Five hub genes (Bnip3, Cdh11, Fam134b, Sult1a1 and Zbtb16) were identified followed by ROC curve analysis.Conclusion: Our analysis based on time-series expression data identified significant co-expression modules and pathways correlated with early phase of acute lung injury. The hub genes identified may contribute to provide new insights for the molecular mechanisms in acute lung injury.
Association between Exposure to Earthquake in Early Life and Risk of Diabetes Mellitus in Adulthood: Results from the Kailuan Study
Authors: Shui Xinying , Zhao Lei , Li Wenli , Jia Yaning , Liu Ziquan , Li Chen , Yang Xueli , Wu Shouling , Chen Shuohua , Gao Jingli , Li Xiaolan , Wang Aitian , Guo Liqiong , Hou Shike
Published: February 2022

Background Investigations on the potential effects of earthquake exposure in early life are limited. Furthermore, no study has explored specific earthquake exposure windows for early life. This study evaluated the associations between earthquake exposure in early life and the incidence of adulthood diabetes mellitus (DM) and explored critical specific earthquake exposure windows, using the Tangshan Earthquake in 1976 as a natural exposure.MethodsWe analyzed 7,568 participants born around the time of the Tangshan earthquake and free of diabetes at baseline within the Kailuan study based in Tangshan, Hebei, China. Participants born from 28 Jun 1974 to 04 May 1977 were divided into the exposed group, and participants born from 04 May 1977 to 04 May 1979 were divided into nonexposed group. The exposed group was further stratified to fetal, infant, and early childhood exposed group. Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the association between earthquake exposure in early life and incident risk of DM in adulthood.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 5.8 years, compared with nonexposed participants, the exposed participants had increased risk of DM, with multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) of 1.47 (1.19-1.82). Furthermore, the HRs of DM were 1.68 (1.30-2.19) and 1.44 (1.08-1.91) for infant exposed group and early childhood exposed group, respectively, compared with the nonexposed participants. A significant interaction has been detected between early life earthquake exposure and alcohol consumptions on DM developing in adulthood (P for interaction = 0.03).ConclusionsThe increased risk of DM in adulthood was associated with earthquake exposure in early life. Our findings suggest that infant and early childhood are critical time windows of DM development among earthquake survivors, therefore, preventions of metabolic diseases and risk factors deserve more attentions among adults who experienced disasters in their early lives.
The Effect of Inactivation of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase on Pheromone Production by the Gut Bacteria of an Invasive Bark Beetle, Dendroctonus Valens (LeConte)
Authors: Cao Qingjie , Koski Tuuli-Marjaana , Li Huiping , Sun Jianghua
Published: February 2022

Semiochemical-based strategies are important for bark beetle management worldwide. One of the most destructive invasive bark beetles, the causal agent of mass pine (Pinus sp.) mortality in China, is the red turpentine beetle (RTB) Dendroctonus valens (LeConte), originating from North America. For this species, verbenone pheromone regulates the beetles’ attack density in a dosage dependent manner. In addition, we have previously shown that RTB’s gut bacteria is involved in the pheromone production under both anaerobic and micro-oxygen environments. However, although some investigations of anaerobic gut bacteria of bark beetles have been made, functional verification of their role at molecular level is still lacking. To clarify the function of gut bacteria in verbenone production, we investigated the activity of key genes of the primary gut bacteria involved in verbenone production in D. valens under anaerobic environment. These key genes (aldehyde dehydrogenase) identified by transcriptome analysis were then knocked out by homologous recombination to obtain mutant bacteria strains. Our results show that these mutants had significantly decreased ability to convert the monoterpene precursor to verbenone compared to the wild type bacteria. Our ﬁndings provide further evidence of the mechanism of pheromone production of D. valens and a new perspective for functional studies of gut bacteria in general.
Highly Potent Multi-Valent Nanobodies Against Chikungunya with VHH Screened from Alpaca Naïve Phage Display Library
Authors: Li Qianlin , Zhang Fuqiang , Lu Yi , Hu Huan , Wang Jin , Guo Cheng , Deng Qiang , Liao Conghui , Wu Qin , Hu Tingsong , Chen Zeliang , Lu Jiahai
Published: February 2022

Background：Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerged mosquito-borne alphavirus that can cause musculoskeletal disease and impose a substantial threat to public health globally. It would be desirable to develop a high-affinity antibodies for the diagnosis and therapy of CHIKV infection. As potential diagnostic and therapeutic agents, multivalent nanobodies hold a significant promise towards nanomedicine. Here, we developed the highly potent multivalent nanobodies from an alpaca naïve phage display library targeting the E2 glycoprotein of CHIKV virus. Multivalent nanobodies play an important role in the promotion of high-affinity binding to E2 protein.Results: In the present study, we generated 20 nanobodies using a naïve phage display library for binders to the CHIKV E2 glycoprotein. Of which, multivalent nanobodies of Nb-2E8 and Nb-3C5 had specific high-affinity binding to E2 protein with nanomolar range, showing the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 2.59-20.7 nM, which is 100-fold stronger than monovalent nanobodies’ affinity. Moreover, epitope mapping showed that the Nb-2E8 and Nb-3C5 recognized different linear epitopes located on the E2 glycoprotein domain C and A, respectively. A facile protocol of sandwich ELISA was established using the BiNb-2E8 as a capture antibody and HRP-conjugated BiNb-3C5 as a detection antibody. A good linear correlation was achieved between the OD450 value and the E2 protein concentration in the 5-1000 ng/mL range (r=0.9864, P<0.0001), indicating that it can be used for the quantitative detection of E2 protein.Conclusions: Multivalent nanobodies Nb-2E8 and Nb-3C5 exhibit functional features and high affinity distinct from monovalent nanobodies, showing new candidate diagnostic applications to detect sera binding protein and/or virions.
Proper and Common Names in the Semantic System
Authors: Desai Rutvik , Tadimeti Usha , Riccardi Nicholas
Published: February 2022

Proper names are an important part of language and communication. They are thought to have a special status due to their neuropsychological and psycholinguistic profile. To what extent proper names rely on the same semantic system as common names is not clear. In an fMRI study, we presented the same group of participants with both proper and common names in order to compare associated activations. Both person and place names, as well as personally familiar and famous names were used, and compared with words representing concrete and abstract concepts. A whole-brain analysis was followed by a detailed analysis of subdivisions of four regions of interest known to play a central role in the semantic system: angular gyrus, anterior temporal lobe, posterior cingulate complex, and medial temporal lobe. We found that most subdivisions within these regions bilaterally were activated by both proper names and common names. The bilateral perirhinal and right entorhinal cortex showed a response specific to proper names, suggesting an item-specific role in retrieving person and place related information. While activation to person and place names overlapped greatly, place names were differentiated by activating areas associated with spatial memory and navigation. Person names showed greater right hemisphere involvement compared to places, suggesting a wider range of associations. Personally familiar names showed stronger activation bilaterally compared to famous names, indicating representations that are enhanced by autobiographic and episodic details. Both proper and common names are processed in the wider semantic system that contains associative, episodic, and spatial components.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Hyperemesis Gravidarum With Hemoglobin to Red Cell Distribution Width Ratio and Eosinophil to Lymphocyte Ratio
Authors: Uçkan Kazım , Başkıran Yusuf , Çeleğen İzzet
Published: February 2022

Introduction: This study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG) disease and subclinical inflammatory factors such as Hemoglobin to red cell distribution width ratio (HRR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocytes to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), eosinophil to lymphocyteratio (ELR), which are known to be closely associated with inflammation in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum.Material method: This retrospective case control study was conducted between December 2020 and December 2021. A total of 215 pregnant women, 121 with hyperemesis gravidarum and 94 healthy pregnant women, were included in the study. HEG patients were divided into three groups according to the modified PUQE classification as mild (n=38), moderate (n=41), and severe (n=42).Results: HRR, PLR, NLR, and MLR values were found to be statistically significantly higher in the HEG group compared to the control group, and ELR values were lower (p<0.05). MON, NEU, PCT, PLR, NLR, MLR values increase from mild to severe in HEG patients. EO, LYM, and ELR values decreased (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between HEG and PCT (rho=0.45, p< 0.001), PLR (rho=0.76, p< 0.001), NLR (rho=0.79, p< 0.001), MLR (rho=0.81, p< 0.001) values. There was a significant negative correlation between ELR (rho= 0.72, p< 0.001) and HEG.Conclusion: NLR, PLR, and PCT are inflammatory markers that increase in patients with HEG and have predictive value for HEG development. In our study, we suggested the use of two new prognostic markers for patients with HEG. We think that our study will be a source for further studies on the subject.
Social Acceptability of Quarantine in Public Health Emergencies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Munung Nchangwi Syntia , Moon Joshua R. , Chi Primus Che , Ambe Jennyfer Radeino , Ujewe Samuel J , Lumngwena Evelyn N , Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Kombe Francis , Houeto David , Afolabi Muhammed O.
Published: February 2022

Background: Quarantine and isolation is an effective method of controlling outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. However, the effectiveness of these interventions depends on a high compliance rate, which is often compromised by multiple reasons to break quarantine or refuse isolation. In this systematic review, we highlight public attitudes and reactions towards quarantine including factors that may hinder quarantine measures during public health epidemics, public preferences for using quarantine during epidemics or infectious disease outbreaks and key considerations for the use of quarantine in public health epidemics.Methods: We searched five databases for publications on quarantine and isolation, and screened for empirical studies on social acceptability.Results: We found 17 articles that met the inclusion criteria. A review of the articles showed some factors could impede compliance with quarantine and isolation. These include the feelings of guilt and social distress, concern about loss of income, and self and social stigma and/or discrimination. On the other hand, compliance with quarantine and isolation was positively associated with perceptions of being a civic duty or fears of infecting loved ones. The articles concluded that, quarantine compliance can be enhanced through assurance of income and promoting safe interaction with loved ones during isolation/quarantine. Conclusions: This review provides public health experts, emergency planners, and policy makers with key considerations to improve public compliance with isolation and quarantine measures during public health emergencies.
An Adaptive Task Scheduling Algorithm for 3-D Target Imaging in Radar Network
Authors: Zhang Qun , Wang Dan , Luo Ying , Liu Xiaowen , Liang Jia
Published: February 2022

An effective task scheduling method is the premise and guarantee for cooperative imaging in radar network. In this article, an adaptive task scheduling algorithm for three- dimensional (3-D) target imaging in radar network is investigated. The aim of our strategy is to achieve the multiple 3-D target imaging tasks with the minimal task time. Firstly, the 3-D target image can be reconstructed by high-resolution inverse imaging aperture radar (ISAR) images from three views, and the sparse imaging algorithm based on compressed sensing (CS) is adopted to acquire the ISAR images of the targets. Then, the adaptive task scheduling optimization model is constructed. Through the steps of target Information perception, radar selection and adjustment of imaging terminal time, the optimal task scheduling strategy is obtained and the resource utilization of radar network is significantly improved. Finally, the experiments highlight the effectiveness of our proposed task scheduling method.
Research on the Influence of Friction on the Determination of Rock Fracture Toughness
Authors: Xie Qin , Zeng Yuan , Li ShengXiang , Liu XiLing , Du Kun
Published: February 2022

The accurate determination of fracture toughness (KIc) in rock is of great significance to the study of rock fracture characteristics, the earthquake preparation process and the inversion of earthquake occurrence mechanism, especially for earthquakes induced by hydrocarbon extraction and shale gas mining. However, the effect of contact friction in the loading process on the test results of fracture toughness is rarely considered, and the tested KIc in previous studies is generally higher than the inherent KIc of the material. Based on the ABAQUS software, the influence of friction on the test results of KIc was investigated under different material elastic moduli, loading conditions and specimen sizes by the finite element analysis in this study. The results show that for the specimen with the cracked straight through Brazilian disc (CSTBD) configuration, contact friction has little effect on the test results of fracture toughness. For the specimen with the notch semi-circular bend (NSCB) configuration, if the presence of friction is considered, the changes of load level, the span of roller support and the specimen size can significantly affect the test results of fracture toughness, except the elastic modulus of the material; if the influence of friction is not considered, there will be a large deviation in the research results of the size effect of fracture toughness in rock.
Examination on factors affecting symptom change after drug withdrawal in patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease undergoing symptom-controlled maintenance therapy with acid-secretion inhibition drugs
Authors: Tanaka Hironori , Takeuchi Toshihisa , Nishida Shinya , Hongo Hitosi , Takii Michiaki , Higashino Takeshi , Sanomura Makoto , Miyazaki Hirota , Hoshimoto Masahiro , Kimura Tsuguhiro , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Abe Takashi , Hakoda Akitoshi , Sugawara Noriaki , Iwatsubo Taro , Kawaguchi Shinpei , Ota Kazuhiro , Kojima Yuichi , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: February 2022

Background: In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on maintenance therapy with acid-suppressive drugs, it is not clear what background factors allow patients to discontinue the drugs. The aim is to examine the relationship of the changes in the frequency and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms after discontinuation of acid-secretion inhibitors for erosive GERD (eGERD) with possible patient background factors, and to identify factors that influence these changes.Methods: This is a multicenter, open-label, interventional, exploratory study. eGERD patients with mild mucosal injury whose symptoms were under control and who were on maintenance therapy with acid-suppressive drugs were withdrawn from the drug treatment for 4 weeks. We examined the relationship of patient background (sex, age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking habits), esophageal hiatal hernia, H. pylori infection, pepsinogen I and II concentrations and I/II ratios, blood gastrin levels before and after drug discontinuation with total score change in Frequency Scale for the symptoms of GERD (FSSG) .Results: Of the 92 patients whose symptoms could be assessed before and after drug withdrawal, 66 patients (71.7% of the total) had FSSG <8 and no symptom relapse after withdrawal. Furthermore, patient background factors that may be related to symptom relapse/non-relapse were examined, but no related factors were detected. The maintenance medications before discontinuation in the above 92 patients were a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and vonoprazan (VPZ, a potassium ion competitive acid blocker). Since both drugs were administered to about the same number of patients though incidentally, we examined the relationship between patient background factors and symptom relapse/non-relapse by treatment group. As a result, no relevant background factors were detected in both groups. Although there were no significant differences between the two groups, the severity and frequency of symptom recurrence in the VPZ group tended to be higher than in the PPI group.Conclusions: Consideration of background factors is unlikely to be required in the discontinuation of maintenance therapy for eGERD. There was no significant difference in the extent of disease or frequency of recurrence during the discontinuation period, regardless of whether the drug before discontinuation was a PPI or VPZ.Trial registration: The study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000029957).
Perceptual effects of optogenetic stimulation of inferior temporal cortex: hallucination or distortion?
Authors: Azadi Reza , Bohn Simon , Lopez Emily , Lafer-Sousa Rosa , Wang Karen , Afraz Arash
Published: February 2022

Local artificial stimulation in high level visual areas of the brain induces complex perceptual events. Anecdotal descriptions of these events fall into two broad categories: ‘hallucinations’, which add a consistent and specific pictorial element to the contents of perception, and ‘distortions’, which transform the ongoing visual perception. Distortions are not pictorially consistent as they vary based on the visual input. Systematic description of such characteristics of stimulation-induced perceptual events is a necessary step for understanding how neural activity gives rise to perception, and is also critical for development of visual prosthetic devices. Here, we implanted arrays of LEDs over inferior temporal cortices of macaque monkeys and trained them to detect and report short optogenetic impulses delivered to their cortices. In a series of experiments, we observed that the ability to detect cortical stimulation highly depends on the choice of images presented to the eyes and that detection of cortical stimulation is most difficult when the animal fixates on a blank screen. Local stimulation of object selective parts of the visual cortex is shown here to induce perceptual events that are easy to detect and contain a strong distortive component. The causal contribution of inferior temporal neurons to perception does not seem to be strongly predetermined, as it depends on the state of vision. These findings also open the door to expanding the scope of visual prosthetics beyond the primary visual cortex.
Extrachromosomal circular DNA harboring targeted tumor suppressor gene mutations supports intratumor heterogeneity in mouse liver cancer induced by multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Guo Tao , Chen Guoqiao , Li Xufan , Wang Meng , Yang Xiao-Ying , Liu Kun-Ming , Liu Si-Cheng , Feng Yi-Li , Liu Pengyuan , Lin Hui , Xie An-Yong
Published: February 2022

Primary liver cancer has significant intratumor genetic heterogeneity (IGH), which drives cancer evolution and prevents effective cancer treatment. CRISPR/Cas9-induced mouse liver cancer models can be used to elucidate how IGH is developed. However, as CRISPR/Cas9 could induce chromothripsis and extrachromosomal DNA in cells in addition to targeted mutations, we wondered whether this effect contributes to the development of IGH in CRISPR/Cas9-induced mouse liver cancer. Here, using this approach targeting 34 tumor suppressor genes (TSGs), we efficiently induced autochthonous liver tumors in mice within 30-60 days. Analyses of CRISPR/Cas9-induced tumors and single-cell clones derived from tumor nodules revealed multiplexed and heterogeneous mutations at target sites. Many target sites frequently displayed more than two types of allelic variations with varying frequencies in single-cell clones, indicating increased copy number of these target sites. The types and frequencies of targeted TSG mutations continued to change at some target sites between single-cell clones and their subclones. Even the proliferation of a subclone in cell culture and in mouse subcutaneous graft altered the types and frequencies of targeted TSG mutations in the absence of continuing CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, indicating a new source outside primary chromosomes for the development of intratumor genetic heterogeneity (IGH) in these liver tumors. Karyotyping of tumor cells revealed genomic instability in these cells manifested by high levels of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations including chromosomal fragments and chromosomal breaks. Sequencing analysis further demonstrated the generation of extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) harboring targeted TSG mutations in these tumor cells. These findings suggest an important contribution of eccDNA carrying TSG mutations to tumor evolution in mouse liver cancer induced by multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9.