bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prefusion-stabilized RSV F subunit vaccine elicits B cell responses with greater breadth and potency than a postfusion F vaccine
Authors: Chang Lauren A. , Phung Emily , Crank Michelle C. , Morabito Kaitlyn M. , Villafana Tonya , Dubovsky Filip , Falloon Judith , Esser Mark T. , Lin Bob C. , Chen Grace L. , Graham Barney S. , Ruckwardt Tracy J.
Published: December 2022

There is currently no licensed vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Here, we assess the effect of RSV fusion protein (F) conformation on B cell responses in a post hoc comparison of samples from the DS-Cav1 [prefusion (pre-F)] and MEDI7510 [postfusion (post-F)] vaccine clinical trials. We compared the magnitude and quality of the serological and B cell responses across time points and vaccines. We measured RSV A and B neutralization, F-binding immunoglobulin G titers, and competition assays at week 0 (before vaccination) and week 4 (after vaccination) to evaluate antibody specificity and potency. To compare B cell specificity and activation, we used pre-F and post-F probes in tandem with a 17-color immunophenotyping flow cytometry panel at week 0 (before vaccination) and week 1 (after vaccination). Our data demonstrate that both DS-Cav1 and MEDI7510 vaccination robustly elicit F-specific antibodies and B cells, but DS-Cav1 elicited antibodies that more potently neutralized both RSV A and B. The superior potency was mediated by antibodies that bind antigenic sites on the apex of pre-F that are not present on post-F. In the memory (CD27
+
) B cell compartment, vaccination with DS-Cav1 or MEDI7510 elicited B cells with different epitope specificities. B cells preferentially binding the pre-F probe were activated in DS-Cav1–vaccinated participants but not in MEDI7510-vaccinated participants. Our findings emphasize the importance of using pre-F as an immunogen in humans because of its deterministic role in eliciting highly potent neutralizing antibodies and memory B cells.
In Vitro
Activity of Cefepime-Taniborbactam and Comparators against Clinical Isolates of Gram-Negative Bacilli from 2018 to 2020: Results from the Global Evaluation of Antimicrobial Resistance via Surveillance (GEARS) Program
Authors: Karlowsky James A. , Hackel Meredith A. , Wise Mark G. , Six David A. , Uehara Tsuyoshi , Daigle Denis M. , Cusick Susan M. , Pevear Daniel C. , Moeck Greg , Sahm Daniel F.
Published: December 2022

Taniborbactam is a novel cyclic boronate β-lactamase inhibitor in clinical development in combination with cefepime. We assessed the
in vitro
activity of cefepime-taniborbactam and comparators against a 2018–2020 collection of
Enterobacterales
(
n 
= 13,731) and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(
n 
= 4,619) isolates cultured from infected patients attending hospitals in 56 countries.
Multisite Detection of Tn
1549
-Mediated
vanB
Vancomycin Resistance in Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis ST6 in Texas and Florida
Authors: Simar Shelby R. , Tran Truc T. , Rydell Kirsten B. , Panesso Diana , Contreras German A. , Munita Jose M. , Cifuentes Renzo O. , Abbo Lilian M. , Sahasrabhojane Pranoti , Dinh An Q. , Axell-House Dierdre B. , Savidge Tor , Shelburne Samuel A. , Hanson Blake M. , Arias Cesar A.
Published: December 2022

In the United States,
vanB
-mediated resistance in enterococci is rare. We characterized three sequence type (ST) 6, vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecalis
isolates causing bacteremia in unique patients in spatiotemporally distinct settings.
LdtC Is a Key
l
,
d
-Transpeptidase for Peptidoglycan Assembly in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Francis Zanah K. , Sanders Akeisha N. , Crick Dean C. , Mahapatra Sebabrata , Islam M. Nurul , Pavelka Martin S.
Published: December 2022

Mycobacteria have several enzymes to catalyze nonclassical 3-3 linkages in the cell wall peptidoglycan. Understanding the biology of these cross-links is important for the development of antibiotic therapies to target peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Our work provides evidence that LdtC can function as the sole enzyme for 3-3 cross-link formation in
M. smegmatis
and suggests that LdtC may be part of a carbapenem-resistant
l
,
d
-transpeptidase pathway.
A Hands-on Activity for V(D)J Recombination in an Undergraduate Immunology Class
Authors: Hallstrom Kelly N. , Knapp Gwendowlyn S.
Published: December 2022

This learning activity teaches the difficult concept of V(D)J recombination as it occurs in B cells. Following the traditional lecture, this hands-on activity uses pipe cleaners of various colors representing variable, joining, and diversity gene segments and recombination signal sequences.
PRPF19 Limits Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Replication through Targeting and Degrading Viral Capsid Protein
Authors: Zhai Xueying , Kong Ning , Wang Chunmei , Qin Wenzhen , Dong Sujie , Zhai Huanjie , Yang Xinyu , Ye Chenqian , Ye Manqing , Li Guoxin , Tong Wu , Liu Changlong , Zheng Hao , Yu Hai , Zhang Wen , Yang Xia , Tong Guangzhi , Shan Tongling
Published: December 2022

The highly virulent porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) emerged in 2010, and causes high mortality rates in newborn pigs. There are no effective and safe vaccines against the highly virulent PEDV.
An Alternative Splicing Variant of the Mixed-Lineage Leukemia 5 Protein Is a Cellular Adhesion Receptor for ScaA of Orientia tsutsugamushi
Authors: Nguyen Yen Thi Hai , Kim Chaewon , Kim Hong-Il , Kim Yuri , Lee Sang-Eun , Chang Sunghoe , Ha Na-Young , Cho Nam-Hyuk
Published: December 2022

O. tsutsugamushi
is a mite-borne pathogen that causes scrub typhus. As an obligately intracellular pathogen, its adhesion to and invasion of host cells are critical steps for bacterial growth.
Suppressor Mutations in LptF Bypass Essentiality of LptC by Forming a Six-Protein Transenvelope Bridge That Efficiently Transports Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Falchi Federica A. , Taylor Rebecca J. , Rowe Sebastian J. , Moura Elisabete C. C. M. , Baeta Tiago , Laguri Cedric , Simorre Jean-Pierre , Kahne Daniel E. , Polissi Alessandra , Sperandeo Paola
Published: December 2022

The presence of an external LPS layer in the outer membrane makes Gram-negative bacteria intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics. Millions of LPS molecules are transported to the cell surface per generation by the Lpt molecular machine made, in
E. coli
, by seven essential proteins.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain SNMICRO 2047-20, Isolated from Intraocular Infection
Authors: Jeyalatha Mani Vimalin , Vetrivel Umashankar , Harinee Rajagopalan , Lakshmipathy Dhanurekha , Ganesan Suganeswari , Biswas Jyotirmay , Anand Appakkudal R.
Published: December 2022

Here, we communicate the draft genome sequence of an ocular
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strain (SNMICRO 2047-20) that was isolated from the vitreous fluid of a patient diagnosed with endophthalmitis. The genome sequence was 4,391,538 bp long with 3,898 protein-encoding genes and clustered to the East African-Indian lineage.
Cutaneous Surgical Wounds Have Distinct Microbiomes from Intact Skin
Authors: Gupta Sameer , Poret Alexandra J. , Hashemi David , Eseonu Amarachi , Yu Sherry H. , D'Gama Jonathan , Neel Victor A. , Lieberman Tami D.
Published: December 2022

Commensal bacteria on skin may limit the ability of pathogenic bacteria to cause clinically significant infections. The bacteria on healing acute wounds, which might provide such a protective effect, have not been described using culture-independent approaches in the absence of antibiotics.
Paediatric surgeons’ current knowledge and practices of obtaining assent from adolescents for elective reconstructive procedures
Authors: Lai Krista , Rubalcava Nathan S , Weidler Erica M , van Leeuwen Kathleen
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Adolescents develop their decision-making ability as they transition from childhood to adulthood. Participation in their medical care should be encouraged through obtaining assent, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In this research, we aim to define the current knowledge of AAP recommendations and surgeon practices regarding assent for elective reconstructive procedures.

Methods

An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to North American paediatric surgeons and fellows through the American Pediatric Surgical Association (n=1353).

Results

In total, 220 surgeons and trainees responded (16.3%). Fifty per cent of the surgeons who are familiar with the concept of assent had received formal training; 12% of the respondents had not heard of assent before the survey. Forty-seven per cent were aware of the 2016 AAP policy statement regarding assent in paediatric patients. Eighty-nine per cent always include adolescents as part of the consent discussion. Seventy-seven per cent solicit an expression of willingness to accept the proposed care from the patient. The majority (74%) of the surgeons perceived patient cooperation/understanding as the biggest barrier to obtaining assent. Over half of the respondents would consider proceeding with elective surgery despite the adolescent patient’s refusal. Reasons cited for proceeding with elective surgery include surgeons’ perception of medical necessity, perceptions of disease urgency, and lack of patient maturity.

Conclusion

Paediatric surgeons largely acknowledge the importance of assent, but variably practice the principles of obtaining assent from adolescent patients undergoing elective reconstructive procedures. Fewer surgeons are explicitly aware of formal policy statements or received formal training. Additional surgeon education and institutional policies are warranted to maximise inclusion of adolescents in their medical care.
Long-term multisystemic efficacy of migalastat on Fabry-associated clinical events, including renal, cardiac and cerebrovascular outcomes
Authors: Hughes Derralynn A , Bichet Daniel G , Giugliani Roberto , Hopkin Robert J , Krusinska Eva , Nicholls Kathleen , Olivotto Iacopo , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Sakai Norio , Skuban Nina , Sunder-Plassmann Gere , Torra Roser , Wilcox William R
Published: December 2022

Background

Fabry disease is a rare, multisystemic disorder caused byGLAgene variants that lead to alpha galactosidase A deficiency, resulting in accumulation of glycosphingolipids and cellular dysfunction. Fabry-associated clinical events (FACEs) cause significant morbidity and mortality, yet the long-term effect of Fabry therapies on FACE incidence remains unclear.

Methods

Thisposthocanalysis evaluated incidence of FACEs (as a composite outcome and separately for renal, cardiac and cerebrovascular events) in 97 enzyme replacement therapy (ERT)-naïve and ERT-experienced adults with Fabry disease and amenableGLAvariants who were treated with migalastat for up to 8.6 years (median: 5 years) in Phase III clinical trials of migalastat. Associations between baseline characteristics and incidence of FACEs were also evaluated.

Results

During long-term migalastat treatment, 17 patients (17.5%) experienced 22 FACEs and there were no deaths. The incidence rate of FACEs was 48.3 events per 1000 patient-years overall. Numerically higher incidence rates were observed in men versus women, patients aged >40 years versus younger patients, ERT-naïve versus ERT-experienced patients and men with the classic phenotype versus men and women with all other phenotypes. There was no statistically significant difference in time to first FACE when analysed by patient sex, phenotype, prior treatment status or age. Lower baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was associated with an increased risk of FACEs across patient populations.

Conclusions

The overall incidence of FACEs for patients during long-term treatment with migalastat compared favourably with historic reports involving ERT. Lower baseline eGFR was a significant predictor of FACEs.
HDAC1 overexpression promoted by METTL3-IGF2BP2 inhibits FGF21 expression in metabolic syndrome-related liver injury
Authors: Chen Yunjiang , Cai Kaiyu , Du Yueling , Liu Zixiong , Gong Yanchun
Published: December 2022

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of diseases that includes diabetes and insulin resistance. A combination of these metabolic disorders damages liver function. We hypothesized here that histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) inhibits fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) expression through histone deacetylation, thereby accentuating liver injury in rats with MetS. MetS rats induced by a high-fat diet were monitored weekly for blood pressure and body weight measurement. The changes of hepatic injury parameters were also measured. The pathological changes in the liver were observed by HE staining and oil red O staining. We found that HDAC1 was increased in the liver of rats with MetS, while sh-HDAC1 reduced blood pressure, body weight, and hepatic injury parameters. Improvement of structural pathological alterations and reduction of lipid deposition were observed after HDAC1 inhibition. Notably, HDAC1 inhibited FGF21 expression through histone deacetylation. The hepatoprotective effects of sh-HDAC1 on rats were reversed by adenovirus-mediated knockdown of FGF21. Moreover, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) mediated the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of HDAC1 mRNA and increased its binding to IGF2BP2. Consistently, sh-METTL3 inhibited HDAC1 and increased FGF21 expression, thereby ameliorating liver injury in MetS rats. This study discovered that HDAC1 is capable of managing liver injury in MetS. Targeting HDAC1 may be an optimal treatment for MetS-related liver injury.
Bianchi type II modified holographic Ricci dark energy model in Barber’s self-creation theory of gravitation
Authors: Ram Shri , Verma M.K. , Chandel S.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we studied a spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type II space-time in the presence of matter and modified holographic Ricci dark energy in Barber’s second self-creation theory of gravitation. We obtained exact solution of the field equations by assuming ( i) a special law of variation of the mean Hubble parameter and ( ii) the component [Formula: see text] of the shear tensor [Formula: see text] is proportional to the expansion scalar in the model. Some physical and dynamical parameters were determined and their significant roles are discussed with respect to cosmic evolution of the universe. We observe that the model is consistent with modern cosmological observational data.
Six decades of soybean breeding in Ontario, Canada: a tradition of innovation
Authors: Yoosefzadeh-Najafabadi Mohsen , Rajcan Istvan
Published: December 2022

Soybean has been widely grown by Canadian farmers for more than 80 years, especially in southern Ontario. In recent decades, the Canadian growing region has expanded east and north. An average of 1% soybean yield improvement is achieved annually, thanks to efforts by public and private soybean breeding programs. However, to meet future food demands, an average 2.4% annual increase in soybean yield is required. Soybean breeders are mostly dealing with complex traits that are under control by several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, so sufficient information about past and current breeding efforts is required to modify future breeding programs accordingly. Here, we review public soybean breeding efforts over the past 25 years in southern Ontario, one of the most productive regions for Canadian soybean growers. Furthermore, we explain how recent advances could facilitate soybean breeding programs by reducing the time and cost and increasing selection accuracy in a large breeding population. Finally, we summarize future directions in three important sections, that is, multi-omics, environmental, and data-driven approaches, and provide a vision for future soybean breeding programs.
Investigating the effects of seed treatments on the economically optimal seeding rate of conventional soybean in Atlantic Canada
Authors: McKenzie-Gopsill Andrew , Beaton Alec , Foster Adam J.
Published: December 2022

Soybean seeding rates in the cool growing environment of Atlantic Canada are much higher than other regions impacting economic return. Recent studies across North America have suggested that soybean seeding rates can be lowered to maximize profitability. Seed treatments have been shown to improve abiotic stress tolerance and may be another mechanism to reduce seeding rates. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to ( i) determine the economically optimal seeding rate (EOSR) for conventional soybean in Atlantic Canada and ( ii) determine if fungicide seed treatments can reduce this rate. Field studies were conducted in 2020 and 2021 to evaluate the effects of four seeding rates and four fungicide seed treatments on soybean stand establishment, growth, resource use efficiency, yield, and profitability. Price received had a dramatic effect on producer return and the EOSR which ranged from 243 000 seeds ha−1 under a low price received scenario ($0.45 kg−1) up to 613 000 seeds ha−1 under a high price received scenario ($0.82 kg−1). In contrast, seed and pesticide costs had a minimal impact on expected returns. Soybean resource use efficiency was not impacted by seeding rate or by seed treatments. Further seed treatments did not impact soybean stand establishment or profitability. Soybean yield increased with seeding rate and plateaued at a seeding rate of 741 000 seeds ha−1, whereas individual plant yield dramatically declined as seeding rate increased. Results of this study suggest that soybean producers in Atlantic Canada should base their seeding rates on contracted or expected price received to maximize profitability.
How Can AI Help Improve Food Safety?
Authors: Qian C. , Murphy S.I. , Orsi R.H. , Wiedmann M.
Published: December 2022

With advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, the development and implementation of digital food systems are becoming increasingly possible. There is tremendous interest in using different AI applications, such as machine learning models, natural language processing, and computer vision to improve food safety. Possible AI applications are broad and include, but are not limited to, ( a) food safety risk prediction and monitoring as well as food safety optimization throughout the supply chain, ( b) improved public health systems (e.g., by providing early warning of outbreaks and source attribution), and ( c) detection, identification, and characterization of foodborne pathogens. However, AI technologies in food safety lag behind in commercial development because of obstacles such as limited data sharing and limited collaborative research and development efforts. Future actions should be directed toward applying data privacy protection methods, improving data standardization, and developing a collaborative ecosystem to drive innovations in AI applications to food safety.
Assessing the Impact of Electrode Structure on the Fast Charge Performance of Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Patel Prehit , Zhang Guangsheng , Nelson George J.
Published: December 2022

Increasing electrode thickness can increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries. However, increasing electrode thickness increases transport limitations and the risk of lithium plating. This work analyzes prospective improvements to the conventional lithium-ion cell that may facilitate high energy density and fast charging capabilities. A 2D lithium-ion battery model is applied to understand the impact of thick electrode at different C-rates in a single cell stack. Five different cell geometries were analyzed for this work: one conventional cell and four test cases in which the conventional electrode geometries were modified by adding electrolyte channels to increase the rate transfer capability of lithium ions at high C-rates and reduce the risk of lithium plating. All five configurations were simulated in discharge at C/10, C/2, and 1 C followed by simulated charging at 1 C, 3 C, and 5 C with no rest period prior to charge. The addition of electrolyte channels in the anode only results in improved performance with respect to reduced plating risk. Dimensionless parameter analysis was performed to compare the battery performance with different electrode modifications at different C-rates. Scaling behavior based on these parameters clarifies the benefits and limitations of the varied electrode modification approaches.
Construction of Dielectric Model of Nonaqueous Reactive Polyurethane Grouting Materials
Authors: Meng Meili , Chen Zhanglan
Published: December 2022

In order to reveal the dielectric properties of the nonaqueous reactive polyurethane grouting material, combined with the electron microscope test analysis, it can be seen that the nonaqueous reactive polyurethane material is a porous two-phase body composed of a polyurethane matrix and closed cells. At the microscopic scale, the porous two-phase physical model is established, and the dielectric model of the material is constructed on this basis. In order to verify the dielectric model, 40 groups of nonaqueous reactive polyurethane specimens with different densities were designed and prepared in this paper. The dielectric permittivity was measured by a vector network analyzer (VNA) with an open coaxial probe within the frequency range of 1050 MHz~5010 MHz for the first time, and the dielectric properties and influencing factors were revealed according to the test data. The result shows that the dielectric permittivity of nonaqueous reactive polyurethane materials increases with the increase of density, and decreases slightly with the increase of frequency. Compared with the three models of the Rule of Mixture, Clausius-Mossotti Model and Lichtenecker Model, the calculation accuracy of the Maxwell-Garnett Model is higher, and the calculation results are more consistent with the experimental results of nonaqueous reactive polyurethane grouting materials. The experimental results can be applied to the nondestructive testing of polyurethane grouting materials and provide reference and basis for the quality evaluation of polymer structures.
Developments and Clinical Applications of Biomimetic Tissue Regeneration using 3D Bioprinting Technique
Authors: Abu Owida Hamza
Published: December 2022

Tissue engineers have made great strides in the past decade thanks to the advent of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology, which has allowed them to create highly customized biological structures with precise geometric design ability, allowing us to close the gap between manufactured and natural tissues. In this work, we first survey the state-of-the-art methods, cells, and materials for 3D bioprinting. The modern uses of this method in tissue engineering are then briefly discussed. Following this, the main benefits of 3D bioprinting in tissue engineering are outlined in depth, including the ability to rapidly prototype the individualized structure and the ability to engineer with a highly controllable microenvironment. Finally, we offer some predictions for the future of 3D bioprinting in the field of tissue engineering.
The Possible Emergence of an Attractive Inverse-Square Law from the Wave-Nature of Particles
Authors: Zhang Dong , Kroupa Pavel , Pflamm-Altenburg Jan , Schmid Manfred
Published: December 2022

A model of a particle in finite space is developed and the properties that the particle may possess under this model are studied. The possibility that particles attract each other due to their own wave nature is discussed. The assumption that the particles are spatially confined oscillations (SCO) in the medium is used. The relation between the SCO and the refractive index of the medium in the idealized universe is derived. Due to the plane wave constituents of SCOs, the presence of a refractive index field with a nonzero gradient causes the SCO to accelerate. The SCO locally changes the refractive index such that another SCO is accelerated towards it, and vice versa. It is concluded that the particles can attract each other due to their wave nature and an inverse-square-type acceleration emerges. The constant parameter in the inverse-square-type acceleration is used to compare with the gravitational constant

G

N

, and the possibility of non inverse-square-type behavior is preliminary discussed.
Risk Perception and Preparedness of Undergraduate Dental Students to Treat Patients in View of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Nair Anuprita , Singla Nishu , Singla Ritesh , De Arhana
Published: December 2022

With the gradual resumption of dental services worldwide, it is crucial to focus on returning dental undergraduates to their clinical postings. The assessment of foreseeable concerns from a student’s point of view will help the dental schools tailor a comprehensive plan of action that would be in the best interest of everyone. Aim. Hence, this survey was planned to assess dental undergraduates’ risk perception and preparedness to provide patient care amidst the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Material and Methods. It was an online survey carried out among students involved in clinical work at two dental colleges in Manipal and Mangalore, respectively, in Karnataka, India. The online questionnaire was sent to approximately 500 students, with responses from 301 students. The survey comprised 21 closed-ended questions about demographics, risk perception, and preparedness. The descriptive statistics were done on the data. Results. It was found that all the students (99.7%) perceived COVID-19 to be dangerous, and 73.4% chose to avoid treating those patients suspected to have an active COVID-19 infection. The fear of being infected was perceived by 55.1% of students, while 46.2% feared transmitting the infection to friends and family. A majority (87.7%) believed standard infection controls practiced prior to the pandemic were insufficient to work in the current scenario. Nearly 33.6% could not view the guidelines for dental procedures during the pandemic. A majority (87.7%) were not/little confident, and 61.7% were unsure/unprepared to manage suspected patients. Conclusion. It is the prime need of the hour for dental schools to instill self-reliance within students in managing patient care under these circumstances by strictly reinforcing the official protective care guidelines.
Coinfection Dynamics of HBV-HIV/AIDS with Mother-to-Child Transmission and Medical Interventions
Authors: Endashaw Engida Endriyas , Gebru Dawit Melese , Alemneh Haileyesus Tessema
Published: December 2022

In this study, we analyzed the effect of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on the transmission dynamics of their coinfection to make a recommendation based on reasons to public health sector, policy makers, and programme implementers. We proved that the solutions of the sub and full models are positive and bounded. The effective reproduction numbers of the models are derived using the next generation matrix method. The disease-free and endemic equilibria of the submodels and the coinfection model are computed, and the stability of those equilibria is analyzed using Routh-Hurwitz criteria after computing the associated effective reproduction numbers. We performed a sensitivity analysis to show the influence of different parameters on the effective reproduction number of HBV-HIV/AIDS coinfection model, and we identified the most sensitive parameters are

 

τ

2

and

α

1

, which are the rate of MTCT of HIV and treatment rate for HBV infected class, respectively. The numerical simulation of the model is done using MATLAB and the findings from the simulations are discussed. From the results of numerical simulations, we observed that an increase in the rates of MTCT of HBV and HIV exacerbated HBV-HIV/AIDS coinfection, while a decrease in the rates of MTCT of these infections would decline the number of cases, minimize the spread, and help to eliminate HBV-HIV/AIDS coinfection from the society gradually.
A Combined Study on Optimization, In Silico Modeling, and Genetic Modification of Large Scale Microbial Cellulase Production
Authors: Rabby Md. Raisul Islam , Ahmed Zabed Bin , Paul Gobindo Kumar , Chowdhury Nafisa Nusrat , Akter Fatema , Razu Mamudul Hasan , Karmaker Pranab , Khan Mala
Published: December 2022

Cellulase is a biocatalyst that hydrolyzes cellulosic biomass and is considered a major group of industrial enzymes for its applications. Extensive work has been done on microbial cellulase but fungi are considered a novel strain for their maximum cellulase production. Production cost and novel microbial strains are major challenges for its improvement where cheap agro wastes can be essential sources of cellulose as substrates. The researcher searches for more cellulolytic microbes from natural sources but the production level of isolated strains is comparatively low. So genetic modification or mutation can be employed for large-scale cellulase production before optimization. After genetic modification than in silico molecular modeling can be evaluated for substrate molecule’s binding affinity. In this review, we focus not only on the conventional methods of cellulase production but also on modern biotechnological approaches applied to cellulase production by a sequential study on common cellulase-producing microbes, modified microbes, culture media, carbon sources, substrate pretreatment process, and the importance of optimum pH and temperature on fermentation. In this review, we also compare different cellulase activity determination methods. As a result, this review provides insights into the interrelationship between the characteristics of optimizing different culture conditions, genetic modification, and in silico enzyme modeling for the production of cellulase enzymes, which may aid in the advancement of large-scale integrated enzyme manufacturing of substrate-specific enzymes.
Thick-Anchored Dual-Layer Locking Supporting Technique in Gob-Side Entry Driving with the Narrow Pillar: A Case Study
Authors: Han Changliang , Yuan Yuxin , Zhang Nong , Zhao Yi , Zhang Qisheng , Song Kai , Wei Min , Guo Yuxin
Published: December 2022

Roadway maintenance of the gob-side entry driving with narrow pillars is a key issue that needs to be considered in underground mining. In this paper, a thick-anchored dual-layer locking (TADL) supporting technique is proposed, in which, the flexible bolt and the cable are used as the main bodies of the foundation supporting layer and the deep reinforcement layer, respectively. In the instantaneous deformation stage after excavation, TADL is applied to form a thick-anchored bearing structure in time, aiming to achieve the following effects: (1) prevent the delamination of the roadway at the initial stage of excavation, (2) avoid the reduction of the bearing capacity of the surrounding rock structure, and (3) effectively control the plastic zone development and surrounding rock deformation of roof strata. Finally, the mining conditions of gob-side entry driving with narrow pillars are selected for engineering application and verification. The results of numerical simulation and field industrial tests show that the TADL support technique can effectively control the deformation of surrounding rock and drive away tensile stress. Compared with the original support scheme, the roof displacement of the roadway is significantly reduced by more than 16% after TADL support. This study provides a reference for the stability control of roadway roofs under similar conditions.
Antibiotic Sensitivity of Proteus mirabilis Urinary Tract Infection in Patients with Urinary Calculi
Authors: Mo Licai , Wang Jiajia , Qian Jiao , Peng Minfei
Published: December 2022

Background. The study’s objective was to determine Proteus mirabilis susceptibility in individuals with urinary tract infections and stones to antibiotics and prescribe optimal antimicrobial treatment. Methods. Nonrepetitive Proteus mirabilis strains were isolated from urine specimens obtained from 317 patients diagnosed with urinary stones from January, 2018, to December, 2021. A VITEK mass spectrometer was used for species identification, and a VITEK-compact 2 automatic microbial system was used for the antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST). Susceptibility to imipenem and cefoperazone/sodium sulbactam was tested by the disc diffusion method (K-B method). The antibiotic sensitivity of the strains was analyzed by sex and season. Results. A total of 317 patients were reviewed: 202 females (63.7%) and 115 males (36.3%). Proteus mirabilis infections were observed during spring (21.8%, n = 69), summer (26.2%, n = 83), autumn (33.8%, n = 107), and winter (18.2%, n = 57). Proteus mirabilis infections in females were diagnosed most often during the fall (24.3%, n = 77) and during the summer in males (11.0%, n = 35) (

p

 = 0.010). Female patients responded best to levofloxacin (

p

 = 0.014), and male patients responded best to sulfamethoxazole (

p

 = 0.023). Seasonal variation in antibiotic sensitivity was confirmed, with significantly higher rates in the winter for cefuroxime (

p

 = 0.002) and sulfamethoxazole (

p

 = 0.002). Significant seasonal increases were also found in levofloxacin sensitivity during the summer (

p

 = 0.005). Conclusions. Highly effective antibiotics such as cefoxitin and ceftazidime should be used empirically by considering antibiotic sensitivity changes by sex, season, and year. Regional studies should be conducted frequently.
PVDF-Based Fluoropolymer Modifications via Photoinduced Atom Transfer Radical Polymerizations
Authors: Xu Nuo , Pan Guangyu , Zhang Hui , Lu Peng , Shen Lei , Li Yuguang , Ji Dong , Duan Jindian , Hu Xin , Lu Chunhua , Xu Zhongzi , Zhu Ning , Guo Kai
Published: December 2022

Graft modifications of PVDF fluoropolymers have been identified as the efficient route to improve the properties and expand the applications. Taking advantage of C-F and C-Cl bonds in the repeat units, atom transfer radical polymerizations (ATRP) were widely used for graft modification. Recently, photoinduced ATRP has shown good spatial and temporal control over the polymerization process in contrast to thermal activation mode. This minireview highlights the progress in PVDF-based fluoropolymer modifications by using photoinduced Cu(II)-mediated ATRP and organocatalyzed ATRP. The challenges and opportunities are proposed with the aim at advancing the development of synthesis and applications of fluoropolymer.
Characterizing Jordan Derivable Maps on Triangular Rings by Local Actions
Authors: Ghahramani Hoger , Nader Ghosseiri Mohammad , Rezaei Tahereh
Published: December 2022

Suppose that is a 2‐torsion free triangular ring, and , where P is the standard idempotent of and Q = I − P. Let be a mapping (not necessarily additive) satisfying, , where A∘B = AB + BA is the Jordan product of . We obtain various equivalent conditions for δ, specifically, we show that δ is an additive derivation. Our result generalizes various results in these directions for triangular rings. As an application, δ on nest algebras are determined.
Dynamically Resource Allocation in Beyond 5G (B5G) Network RAN Slicing Using Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient
Authors: Munir Rizwan , Wei Yifei , Ma Chao , Yang Bizhu
Published: December 2022

Network slicing makes it possible for future applications with a variety of adaptability requirements and performance requirements by spliting the physical network into several logical networks. Radio access network (RAN) slicing’s main goal is to assign physical resource blocks (RBs) to mMTC, eMBB, and uRLLC services while ensuring the Quality of service (QoS). Consequently, it is challenging to determine the optimal strategies for 5G radio access network (5G-RAN) slicing because of dynamically changes in slice needs and environmental data, and conventional approaches have difficulty addressing resource allocation issues. In this paper, we present an energy-efficient deep deterministic policy gradient resource allocation (EE-DDPG-RA) method for RAN slicing in 5G networks to choose the resource allocation policy that increases long-term throughput while satisfying the requirements of B5G systems for quality of service. This method’s main goal is to remove unnecessary actions in order to lower the amount of available action space. The numerical outcomes demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms boundaries by enhancing deep-rooted throughput and effectively managing resources.
Impacted Common Bile Duct Stone Managed by Hepaticoduodenostomy
Authors: Weledji Elroy Patrick , Mbengawoh Ndiformuche Zikirou , Zouna Frank
Published: December 2022

A bypass procedure such as a hepaticoduodenostomy may be an alternative to the traditional choledochoduodenostomy in the management of the retained, impacted distal common bile duct (CBD) stone, especially in the presence of sepsis. We present herein a hepaticoduodenotomy performed for a retained, impacted distal CBD stone in a low-resource setting with a good outcome. This impacted stone had complicated an open cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis by causing the dehiscence of the cystic duct stump as a result of distal biliary obstruction.
Neonatal Intensive Care Quality Level-Dependent Variations in the Survival Rate of Infants with a Birth Weight of 500 g or Less in Korea: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Misun , Chang Yun Sil , Ahn So Yoon , Sung Se In , Park Won Soon
Published: December 2022

Objective: Recent evidence suggests that the survival of peri-viable infants with birth weight (BW) ≤500 g could be improved with better care practices in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This study aimed to investigate the care quality level of NICU-dependent variations in the survival rate of infants with BW ≤500 g. Methods: To determine the quality of NICU care-dependent variations in the survival rate, 226 eligible infants of BW ≤500 g and ≥22 weeks gestation registered in the Korean Neonatal Network between 2013 and 2017 were grouped according to the survival rates of infants at 23–24 weeks gestation, reflecting the care quality level of each NICU as group I (≥50%, n = 107) and group II (<50%, n = 119). Results: The survival rate of group I infants (40.2%, 43/107) was significantly higher than that of group II infants (14.3%, 17/119). Significantly reduced deaths from birth to the age of 7 days due to cardiorespiratory causes were the primary contributors to improved survival. In multivariable Cox hazard model analyses, besides the gestational age and BW, antenatal steroid use, cesarean section, pH, and base excess at admission were associated with improved infant survival. Conclusions: The survival rate of pre-viable infants with BW ≤500 g could be improved by providing better NICU quality care practices, including better cardiorespiratory management starting from delivery room resuscitation.
Comparison of Omalizumab Treatment Response in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria and Symptomatic Dermographism: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Cakmak Mehmet Erdem , Yeğit Osman Ozan , Öztop Nida
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Omalizumab is a humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, which is effective in the treatment in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) who are unresponsive to antihistamine therapy. There are few studies in the literature evaluating omalizumab treatment response in patients with symptomatic dermographism (SDerm). The aim of this study was to compare the response to omalizu­mab treatment in patients with CSU and SDerm. Methods: Patients treated with omalizumab for the diagnosis of CSU and SDerm were evaluated retrospectively. Treatment response to omalizumab was evaluated with the urticaria control test (UCT). Quality of life was evaluated with the dermatology quality of life questionnaire (DLQI). Baseline UCT and DLQI were compared with UCT and DLQI after omalizumab treatment. Results: Evaluation was made of a total of 116 patients (CSU: 92, SDerm: 24), comprising 36 (31%) males and 80 (69%) females with a mean age of 38.95 ± 13.64 years. The most common accompanying comorbid disease was allergic rhinitis (n = 40, 34.5%). There was no statistically significant difference between patients with CSU and SDerm in respect of response to omalizumab treatment (p = 0.890). After omalizumab treatment, the increase in UCT and decrease in DLQI was statistically significant in all patient groups (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively), patients with CSU (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively) and SDerm (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between baseline (before omalizumab treatment) UCT (p = 0.804) and UCT after omalizumab treatment (p = 0.933) between patients with CSU and patients with SDerm. There was no statistically significant difference between baseline (before omalizumab treatment) DLQI (p = 0.356) and DLQI after omalizumab treatment (p = 0.145) between patients with CSU and patients with SDerm. Conclusion: Omalizumab treatment improved disease control and quality of life in patients with SDerm. The findings of this study should be supported by randomized placebo-controlled studies.
Percepções conceituais e atitudinais de professores e alunos no processo de ensino-aprendizagem esportivo
Authors: Frederico Luan Felipe , Testa Junior Ademir , Dourado Camila Gabriele dos Santos , Lopes Wagner Guilherme , Ferrinho Guilherme Felipe
Published: December 2022

A finalidade desse trabalho foi descrever as percepções dos professores e alunos sobre aspectos conceituais e atitudinais do processo de ensino-aprendizagem esportiva. A pesquisa foi composta por 18 alunos e 10 professores de iniciação aos esportes coletivos. A coleta de dados foi realizada de forma remota, utilizando questionários para os professores e alunos. Os resultados mostraram que os professores foram atletas na modalidade que lecionam. Com relação ao conhecimento e utilização dos métodos os professores mencionaram conhecer o princípio analítico-sintético e global-funcional, mas utilizam o método misto. Para eles, os jogos são essenciais nas aulas e seu objetivo principal foi o bem-estar e a socialização. Nesse sentido, os professores são responsáveis por transmitirem conceitos e habilidades importantes, estimulando os alunos com situações desafiadoras. Com relação aos alunos, observou-se que eles preferem participar em vez de vencer e tentar recuperar a bola a dar um pontapé. As vivências metodológicas contribuem para a percepção dos alunos sobre o contexto do jogo. Portanto, conclui-se que os professores foram atletas, conhecem o princípio analítico-sintético e global funcional, mas utilizam o método misto. Os professores manifestaram entendimento de que os jogos são essenciais e os principais objetivos das aulas são o bem estar e a socialização. Por outro lado, os alunos optaram por participar ao invés de vencer e por tentar recuperar a bola ao invés de dar um pontapé. As escolhas metodológicas feitas pelos professores repercutiram no modo como os alunos se desenvolvem, veem e agem no esporte.
Efeitos agudos da música sobre a força máxima, a força de resistência e o estado de humor em mulheres praticantes de musculação
Authors: Medeiros Jean Carlos de Lima , Antonio Dayanne Sampaio Antonio , Laux Rafael Cunha
Published: December 2022

A música é considerada um eficiente recurso ergogênico, tendo essa eficiência evidenciada no treinamento de todos os tipos de força e também nos aspectos psicológicos dos indivíduos, porém havendo uma escassez dessas evidências especificamente em mulheres. Por isso, este estudo teve como objetivo verificar o efeito agudo da música preferida, não preferida e ausência de música sobre a força máxima, a resistência de força e o estado de humor em mulheres praticantes de musculação de uma academia em Xanxerê-SC. O estudo caracterizou-se como experimental e foi composto por uma intervenção realizada em quatro momentos, divididos ao longo de quatro semanas, com três grupos de mulheres, expondo-as aos testes de mensuração de força e estado de humor em condições com músicas preferidas, não preferidas e sem música nos exercícios supino reto e extensão de joelhos na máquina, utilizando ~60% e ~85% de 1RME para avaliar força de resistência e força máxima, respectivamente. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva e inferencial utilizando o programa SPSS® para Windows® versão 21.0. Verificou-se que houve diferença (p=0.031) somente no exercício de extensão de joelhos na máquina, com 85% de 1RME quando comparado o experimento com músicas que não gostavam (12,11 ± 2,62) em relação ao mesmo exercício utilizando músicas que gostavam (14,44 ± 2,88). Os resultados foram de que não houve diferença na força de resistência em nenhuma das condições. Já na força máxima houve uma diferença apenas na extensão de joelhos na máquina. No estado de humor, não ocorreu mudanças entre os períodos em todas as condições. Conclui-se que a música teve um papel ergogênico sobre a força máxima na extensão de joelhos.
The center-periphery dynamics in Juri Lotman’s later works: A way forward for new epistemological dialogues
Authors: Gherlone Laura
Published: December 2022

In this contribution I will explore an aspect of Lotman’s culturological method, which consists of his unwavering focus on the conflictual-energetic dimension of the semiotic life of human beings: a dimension he identified, since the 1970s works, in a kind of “original” tension, that is, the center-periphery dynamics.
Taking up this idea extensively in his latest writings and emphasizing the concept of “conflict” (конфликт) with all its synonymic variants (бинарность, противоречие, столкновение, борьба, драка, etc.), the Russian-Estonian semiotician seems to suggest that oppositional tension (difference) is a primary, maybe ancestral, energy that drives the semiosphere.
In this contribution I will explore an aspect of Lotman’s culturological method, which consists of his unwavering focus on the conflictual-energetic dimension of the semiotic life of human beings: a dimension he identified, since the 1970s works, in a kind of “original” tension, that is, the center-periphery dynamics. Taking up this idea extensively in his later writings and emphasizing the concept of “conflict” (конфликт) with all its synonymic variants (бинарность - binarity, противоречие - contradiction, столкновение - collision, борьба - struggle, драка – fight etc.), the Russian-Estonian semiotician seems to suggest that oppositional tension (difference) is a primary, maybe ancestral, energy that drives the semiosphere. In this perspective, the vision of conflict in Lotman, in addition to finding its highest expression in the conceptualization of the “explosion”, can be a way forward for new epistemological dialogues.
Coffee and Green Tea Consumption and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Among People With and Without Hypertension
Authors: Teramoto Masayuki , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Muraki Isao , Tamakoshi Akiko , Iso Hiroyasu
Published: December 2022

Background

This study was conducted to examine the impacts of coffee and green tea consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among people with severe hypertension.

Methods and Results

In the JACC (Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for Evaluation of Cancer Risk), 18 609 participants (6574 men and 12 035 women) aged 40 to 79 years at baseline who completed a lifestyle, diet, and medical history questionnaire, and health examinations, were followed up until 2009. We classified the participants into four blood pressure (BP) categories: optimal and normal BP, high‐normal BP, grade 1 hypertension, and grade 2–3 hypertension. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate the multivariable hazard ratios with 95% CIs of CVD mortality. During the 18.9 years of median follow‐up, a total of 842 CVD deaths were documented. Coffee consumption was associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality among people with grade 2–3 hypertension; the multivariable hazard ratios (95% CI) of CVD mortality were 0.98 (0.67–1.43) for <1 cup/day, 0.74 (0.37–1.46) for 1 cup/day, and 2.05 (1.17–3.59) for ≥2 cups/day, compared with non–coffee drinkers. Such associations were not found among people with optimal and normal, high‐normal BP, and grade 1 hypertension. Green tea consumption was not associated with an increased risk of CVD across any BP categories.

Conclusions

Heavy coffee consumption was associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality among people with severe hypertension, but not people without hypertension and with grade 1 hypertension. In contrast, green tea consumption was not associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality across all categories of BP.