bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STING mediates immune responses in the closest living relatives of animals
Authors: Woznica Arielle , Kumar Ashwani , Sturge Carolyn R , Xing Chao , King Nicole , Pfeiffer Julie K
Published: November 2021

Animals have evolved unique repertoires of innate immune genes and pathways that provide their first line of defense against pathogens. To reconstruct the ancestry of animal innate immunity, we have developed the choanoflagellate Monosiga brevicollis, one of the closest living relatives of animals, as a model for studying mechanisms underlying pathogen recognition and immune response. We found that M. brevicollis is killed by exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Moreover, M. brevicollis expresses STING, which, in animals, activates innate immune pathways in response to cyclic dinucleotides during pathogen sensing. M. brevicollis STING increases the susceptibility of M. brevicollis to P. aeruginosa-induced cell death and is required for responding to the cyclic dinucleotide 2’3’ cGAMP. Furthermore, similar to animals, autophagic signaling in M. brevicollis is induced by 2’3’ cGAMP in a STING-dependent manner. This study provides evidence for a pre-animal role for STING in antibacterial immunity and establishes M. brevicollis as a model system for the study of immune responses.
The predictive role of preoperative serum glutamate dehydrogenase levels in microvascular invasion and hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis following liver transplantation—a single center retrospective study
Authors: Gong Jinlong , Li Yaxiong , Yu Jia , Wang Tielong , Duan Jinliang , Hu Anbin , He Xiaoshun , Zhu Xiaofeng
Published: November 2021

Background

As a critical metabolic substrate, glutamine is not only involved in the progression of many cancers but is also related to angiogenesis. Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), a key enzyme in glutamine metabolism, has been reported to regulate tumor proliferation; however, its relationship with microvascular invasion (MVI) is unclear. This study evaluated the ability of preoperative serum GLDH levels to predict MVI and the long-term survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

HCC patients that underwent LT from January 2015 to May 2020 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University were enrolled in our retrospective analysis. Clinicopathological variables were extracted from medical records. A receiver operating characteristic curve was created to determine the optimal cut-off value of GLDH for MVI.

Results

Preoperative GLDH was significantly elevated in the MVI-positive group (U = 454.00, p = 0.000). The optimal cut-off value of GLDH for MVI was 7.45 U/L, with an area under the curve of 0.747 (95% CI [0.639–0.856], p = 0.000). The sensitivity was 79.3%, while the specificity was 64.5%. GLDH > 7.45 U/L (p = 0.023) and maximum diameter >5 cm (p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for the presence of MVI. Patients with GLDH > 7.45 U/L had significantly poorer overall survival (p = 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.001) after LT than patients with GLDH ≤ 7.45 U/L. Similarly, patients with MVI were associated with poor survival (p = 0.000).

Conclusions

Preoperative elevated serum GLDH levels predict MVI and poorer long-term survival for HCC after LT.
Mental Health of Pregnant Women during Covid-19: A Systematic Review Study
Authors: Adediran God’s Favour , Dupuis Derma , Fritz Kasinda , Leso Olebogeng , Ike Emeka , Morebise Olugbenga
Published: November 2021

Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created avenues for physical and mental stress on individuals worldwide.  Pregnant women especially, with the onset of COVID-19 have been challenged greatly by an array of disorders, all with varying cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses.  The aim of our research is to conduct a review of the different mental health issues experienced by pregnant women in various geographical locations and analyze the prevalence of specific mental issues.

Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted.  Databases PubMed, Google Scholar, BioMed Central, CrossRef and British Medical Journal were thoroughly examined by the authors for the purpose of locating the relevant articles as per specific geographical location. 

Results: From the applicable studies identified, twenty-eight (28) were selected for review.  As per the North American studies, levels of depression and anxiety in pregnant women at and around the time of the pandemic ranged from 33.2 to 70%.  This differs in European countries where there were levels of 14.0 to 60%. Prevalence of stress among pregnant women in Asia was 32.7% while 17% of North American women reported the same. In the studies of Australia and South America, the prevalence of anxiety ranged 6% to 13.9% while studies in Africa reported severe and extremely stress, 7.2% (n=33) and 64% (n=29) respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and anxiety among pregnant women was shown to be relatively high in all regions as per the COVID-19 pandemic, owing to many factors.  Based on the studies analyzed, adequate support, resources and better healthcare systems are imperative for ensuring that depression and anxiety levels be reduced among this demographic.
Kinetics Studies on the Coagulation of Abattoir Wastewater Using Groundnut Shell Extract as a Natural Coagulant
Authors: Mary Nweke Mmasinachi , O. Chukwuma Franklin , O. Evbuomwan Benson , Oji Akuma
Published: November 2021

This paper investigated the use of extract from groundnut shells as a natural coagulant for the reduction of turbidity in abattoir wastewater using the coagulation process. The ideal concentration of NaCl for coagulant extraction was established through a series of jar tests. The effects of process variables of coagulant dosage (1-5 g/L), settling time (0-60 min), pH (2-10) and temperature (298-318 K) on the turbidity reduction efficiency were examined using a bench-scale jar test. At an optimal condition of 4g/L, pH 8, temperature of 318K, and settling period of 20 minutes, a reduction efficiency of 94.33% was achieved. The Second-order per-kinetic theory of Von-Smoluchowski’s was used for kinetic evaluation at temperatures of 298 K, 308 K and 318 K. At a temperature of 298 K, the experimental data fit perfectly into the Von-Smoluchowski second-order per-kinetics theory, with a correlation coefficient of 0.952, coagulation rate constant of 0.00002 L/(mg.min), collision efficiency of 8.703exp12 and coagulation time of 48.27 min, establishing that the rapid coagulation theory holds true for the coagulation of abattoir wastewater using groundnut shell extract and under the experimental conditions. As a result of the findings, it is proposed that groundnut shell extract, which is readily available and environmentally safe, is effective for turbidity reduction of sewage water and can be used as an alternative to chemical coagulants for the pre-treatment of abattoir wastewater.
Effect of Mulligan’s Pain Release Phenomenon on Ted in Subjects with Subacute Lateral Epicondylitis
Authors: Chintamani Radhika
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Lateral Epicondylitis is a overuse syndrome usually seen in people who          perform repeated extension and supination movement of elbow against resistance.                Tissue Extensibility Dysfunction (TED) is a term which suggests apparent                            tightness of the muscle which has occurred due to spasm, lactic acid accumulation, inflammation or over use.

Need of The Study: Many Studies involving manual therapy with different techniques have already demonstrated manual therapy is effective in reducing pain in subjects with lateral epicondylitis. Very few studies have focused on Mulligan’s Pain Release Phenomenon (PRP) which is established to reduce pain and improving range of motion. Also, there is dirth in literature related to tissue extensibility dysfunction occurring in subacute variant of tennis elbow and the effect of PRP on TED. Hence this study is been undertaken. 

Methodology: A total of 50 sample size was randomized into 25 per group. Group A consisted of Conventional therapy and Group B consisted of Conventional therapy with Mulligan’s PRP. Outcome measures were noted pre therapy and on the 7th day that is post therapy and results were tabulated.

Results: The results declare that pain (0.05 and 0.001), grip strength (0.001, 0.001) and disability (0.001, 0.001) showed significant improvement in the scores in both the group whereas muscle stiffness (0.341 and 0.001) significantly improved only in Group B.

Conclusion: Mulligan’s Pain Release Phenomenon technique can be used to treat Subacute tennis elbow effectively and is known to reduce the muscle stiffness along with pain and disability and improving strength.
Optimization of Xylanase Production from Aspergillus spp. under Solid-state Fermentation Using Lemon Peel as Substrate
Authors: Hombalimath Veeranna S. , Achappa Sharanappa , Patil Laxmikant R. , Shet Anil R. , Desai Shivalingasarj V.
Published: November 2021

Xylanase is an enzyme that acts on xylan and degrades it into xylose. Xylanase may be produced by several different microbes such as bacteria and fungi. Xylanase has significant applications in  food industries for improving dough handling and improving the quality of baked products in the extraction of starch, coffee, and plant oils. Xylanase, along with pectinase and cellulose, has enormous application in the clarification of fruit juices. In the present study, xylanase was produced by solid-state fermentation using lemon peel as substrates. Aspergillus Niger was induced to produce xylanase by frequent sub-culturing on a medium containing 2% xylan.  OFAT was analyzed by using several fermentation parameters such as moisture content, particle size, incubation period, incubation temperature, peptone concentration, and pH of the extraction buffer. Under optimized conditions, the maximum xylanase activity was found for particle size of 1.7mm, moisture content of 80%, peptone concentration in nutrient solution at 0.3%, and extraction pH of 7.0. Hence, xylanase can be further subjected to down streaming processes and therefore for various applications.
Yield Curve and Monetary Policy in Nigeria: Investigating the Predictive Power of the Yield Curve
Authors: Tawose J. B. , Adedeji K. E. , Ajayi K. J. , Onah A. O. , Emma-Nwachukwu F.
Published: November 2021

This research paper examines the effectiveness of the yield spread in forecasting future economic activity and inflation in Nigeria. Quarterly data on GDP, Open Buy Back (OBB) Nigerian Treasury Bill (NTB), FGN Bond yields and inflation rates from 2010Q1 – 2020Q1 were employed in conducting this study. The Regression Model was used to establish the relationship among the variables of interest; the yield spread (10-year less 3-month bond) was used to predict output and inflation using the Dynamic and Static Forecasting Model. The projected variables, however, depicted co-movement between the actual and the forecasts in most of the periods. Nevertheless, the behavioral movement of the model was dissimilar at some points (2015-2017). Generally, the results indicated a significant predictive power of the yield spread in forecasting economic activities in the future as stipulated in the literature. The paper recommends the validity and use of the predictive information content embedded in the yield spread as a guide or signal for monetary policy actions and decisions.
Exploring the perceived negative and positive long‐term impact of adolescent bullying victimization: A cross‐national investigation
Authors: Pabian Sara , Dehue Francine , Völlink Trijntje , Vandebosch Heidi
Published: November 2021

Adolescent bullying victimization can have long‐term mental health and well‐being outcomes. This study focused on the potential mediating role of the perceived long‐term negative and positive impact of adolescent bullying victimization to understand its relations with mental health and well‐being problems during emerging adulthood. A retrospective study consisting of closed and open‐ended questions was conducted among 1010 Flemish and 650 Dutch emerging adults aged 18–26. Path analyses among early victims (NFlemish = 644; NDutch = 217) demonstrated that the relations between bullying victimization intensity and current self‐esteem, social interaction anxiety, and life satisfaction were all mediated by the perceived negative long‐term impact of adolescent bullying victimization. Additionally, the open‐ended questions provided a better understanding of the perceived negative and positive impact of adolescent bullying victimization. The present study offers insights into the importance of considering subjective perceptions of the overall impact of being bullied to understand long‐term bullying victimization outcomes. Implications and limitations are discussed, including the need for longitudinal data—for instance, a three‐wave panel study—to establish the temporal order of effects.
Significance of Flexible Substrates for Wearable and Implantable Devices: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Hassan Muhammad , Abbas Ghulam , Li Ning , Afzal Annum , Haider Zeeshan , Ahmed Saad , Xu Xiuru , Pan Caofeng , Peng Zhengchun
Published: November 2021

In the past decade, flexible electronics have attracted significant research attention due to their distinct features and emerging applications in numerous fields such as, flexible displays, implantable sensors, and energy storage systems, among other applications. Due to the development of flexible electronics, this paper details the substrates employed to produce flexible electronic devices, given that substrates generally govern the overall device properties. The increase in research attention can be attributed to the use of films as flexible substrates, which enable the implementation of numerous design strategies and engineering methodologies, thus leading to extensive advances in the manufacturing quality and prospect of flexible electronics in various applications. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the significance of substrates in flexible wearable electronics over the past decade, such as, the substrate properties requirements, processing classification, important flexible devices, and applications, including sensing, energy storage, and other electronic devices.
Organic Light‐Emitting Diode Based Fluorescence Sensing System for DNA Detection
Authors: Lian Cheng , Yoshida Kou , Nogues Claude , Samuel Ifor D. W.
Published: November 2021

Conventional fluorescence sensing equipment for disease detection is expensive and bulky, restricting access of patients to accurate diagnosis. Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) have the potential to enable compact fluorescence sensing compatible with point‐of‐care (POC) testing. However, the limited brightness and broad emission spectra of OLEDs can be a challenge for achieving good sensitivity. Here, co‐host microcavity OLEDs with narrowed spectra, high conductivity, and high brightness are developed for fluorescence sensing. The OLEDs are driven in pulsed mode for achieving higher brightness and stable light output. To sense the presence of single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA), two complementary ssDNA labelled with Cyanine dyes – Cy3 (ssDNA‐Cy3) or Cy5 (ssDNA‐Cy5) are used to form a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair when the DNA hybridized. The dye‐labelled DNA is then excited by the OLED at the Cy3 excitation wavelength, and the fluorescence is detected at the emission wavelength of Cy5. As a result, the device shows a very high sensitivity that can detect as low as 1 × 10−9 m of ssDNA‐Cy5 in fetal bovine serum (FBS). This work shows a simple approach to highly sensitive fluorescence sensing with OLED light sources that is promising for use in POC diagnostics.
High‐Accuracy and Broadband Wavelength Sensor with Detection Region Ranging from Deep Ultraviolet to Near Infrared Light
Authors: Li Chun‐Yan , Xiao Yu‐Tian , Fu Can , Liang Feng‐Xia , Chen Li‐Miao , Wu Di , Luo Lin‐Bao
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a broadband wavelength sensor which is composed of two horizontally stacked photodetectors is reported. The top part is a monolayer graphene (MLG)/thin Si/MLG heterojunction device and the bottom part is a MLG/Ge Schottky junction device. Owing to the thin thickness of the Si and the wavelength‐dependent absorption coefficients of both Si and Ge, the two photodetectors exhibit sharp contrast in photon‐generation rate when illuminated with different wavelengths of light. This distinction in photon generation leads to completely different evolution in photocurrent, and the corresponding relationship between the photocurrent ratio and wavelength can be easily expressed as a monotonic function, via which the wavelength in a broad range from deep ultraviolet (265 nm) to near infrared light (1550 nm) can be easily calculated. Notably, the average relative error and the average absolute error of the wavelength sensor are estimated to be 2.1% and 2.3 nm, respectively, which are much better than previously reported values.
Liquid Phase‐Induced Solid Solution Phase Mechanisms for Highly Stable and Ultrafast Energy Storage
Authors: Huang Meng , Zhu Jiexin , Yu Ruohan , Liu Yu , Liu Xiong , Wu Jinsong , An Qinyou , Mai Liqiang
Published: November 2021

Phase transitions induce large changes of the lattice parameters, and thus have negative effects on the electrochemical energy storage of electrode materials. In contrast, solid solution phase energy storage mechanisms can ensure smaller shrinkage/expansion of the structure, and therefore better cyclability and fast reaction kinetics of the electrode materials. In this work, the liquid phase is found to control the energy storage mechanisms of K2.55Zn3.08[Fe(CN)6]2·0.28H2O (KZnHCF). Via in situ characterization techniques, phase‐transition and a solid solution phase hybrid mechanism with large chemical structural decay are observed in electrolytes with low K+ concentration, while only a solid solution phase type with a highly stable structure occurs in 5.0 m KCF3SO3 and 3.0 m KCF3SO3+2.0 m Zn(CF3SO3)2 electrolytes. Consequently, the solid solution phase ionic storage mechanism ensures a high rate capability at 20 A g−1 (capacity retention of 66.6%) and a long cyclability of 10 000 cycles (capacity retention of 93.7%) of the KZnHCF cathode.
Investigation of x‐ray response for flexible nanocomposite membranes of metal oxides and poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Ayesh Ahmad I. , Salah Belal , Nawwas Rama , Almarri Asmaa S. , Al‐Thani Aisha N. , Al‐Ahbabi Alanoud M. , Al Haidous Noof A.
Published: November 2021

In this work, flexible composite membranes of nanoparticles (CuO, ZnO, or both), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and glycerol (GL) plasticizer are fabricated of for X‐ray detector applications. The nanoparticles are synthesized by a modified solvothermal technique and introduced to PVA + GL solution to fabricate the membranes. The mean sizes of nanoparticles are and , for CuO and ZnO in order. The composition of nanoparticles and membranes are investigated by energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy and x‐ray spectroscopy. Increasing nanoparticle concentration within the membranes causes their glass transition temperature to shift to low temperatures and enhances their thermal resistance. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrates the formation of hydrogen bonds between nanoparticles and PVA that are generated by the intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Impedance spectroscopy characterization reveals that the membranes hold negative temperature coefficient of the resistance. The activation energy decreases with increasing nanoparticle concentration. The composite membranes exhibit a decent response to x‐ray that is proportional to its energy. The best x‐ray response is for the membranes with both CuO and ZnO nanoparticles, because of their different bandgaps that cause a wide range of excitation energy to be involved. The fabricated membranes have numerous advantages such as their semiconductor features, flexibility, and feasibility of fabrication on a large scale with reasonable cost.
HER2 targeting near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy for a CDDP‐resistant small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Takahashi Kazuomi , Taki Shunichi , Yasui Hirotoshi , Nishinaga Yuko , Isobe Yoshitaka , Matsui Toshinori , Shimizu Misae , Koike Chiaki , Sato Kazuhide
Published: November 2021

Background

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is tyrosine kinase receptor that belongs to the ErbB family and is overexpressed on the membrane surface of various cancer cells, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC); however, no HER2 targeted therapy for SCLC have yet been established. Near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR‐PIT) is a novel cancer therapy based on photo‐absorber, IRDye‐700DX (IR700), ‐antibody conjugates, and near‐infrared (NIR) light.

Methods

We used HER2‐positive SCLC parental cell lines (SBC‐3) and its chemoresistant cell lines, and examined therapeutic efficacy of HER2 targeting NIR‐PIT using anti HER2 antibody trastuzumab.

Results

We found that HER2 expression was upregulated on chemoresistant cell lines, especially cisplatin‐resistance (SBC‐3/CDDP). In vitro, the rate of cell death increased with the amount of NIR‐light irradiation, and it was significantly higher in SBC‐3/CDDP than in SBC‐3. In vivo, tumor growth was more suppressed in SBC‐3/CDDP group than in SBC‐3 group, and survival period tended to be prolonged.

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated that HER2 targeting NIR‐PIT using trastuzumab is promising therapy for HER2‐positive SCLC, and is more effective when HER2 expression is upregulated due to CDDP resistance, suggesting that the HER2 expression level positively corelated with the efficacy of NIR‐PIT.
Beyond Practice Adoption: Keeping Producers Engaged in Sustainability Initiatives
Authors: Young Kelly Murray
Published: November 2021

This article is brought to you by the SPARC Initiative created in partnership between the American Society for Agronomy, the Agricultural Retailers Association, Environmental Defense Fund, and Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture to empower trusted advisers to deliver services that drive continuous improvement in the productivity, profitability, and environmental outcomes of farmers’ operations. Learn more about the SPARC Initiative and access additional resources, including the six‐module series on sustainability at www.fieldtomarket.org/SPARC. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Sustainability by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://bit.ly/3vaQSwJ. View all CEUs online at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Ecophysiological modeling of yield and yield components in winter wheat using hierarchical Bayesian analysis
Authors: Poudel Pratishtha , Bello Nora M. , Marburger David A. , Carver Brett F. , Liang Ye , Alderman Phillip D.
Published: November 2021

Yield components are widely recognized as drivers of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield across environments and genotypes. In this study, we used a hierarchical Bayesian approach to model wheat grain yield in Oklahoma on an eco‐physiological basis using yield component traits thousand kernel weight (TKW) and nonyield biomass (NYB). The Bayesian approach allowed us to quantify uncertainties around the parameter values rather than obtaining a single value estimate for a parameter. The main objectives of this study were to (a) explain wheat yield as a function of component traits TKW and NYB, and thereby examine the implications for source‐sink balance; and (b) assess their association with weather conditions during key stages of wheat development. A secondary objective was to introduce Bayesian estimation for eco‐physiological modeling. Fifteen wheat genotypes planted in three locations in Oklahoma (Altus, Chickasha, and Lahoma) were evaluated across three harvest years (2017 to 2019), whereby the combination of location and year defined an environment. Results indicate that the environment explained a greater proportion of the variability in yield than genotypes or than genotype × environment (G × E) interaction; however, evidence for G × E was substantial. Yield was expected to increase with increasing TKW and NYB, which would suggest a source limitation to achieve potential yield. Yet, the contribution of early reproductive stage weather variables to the relationship between yield and NYB pointed in the direction of sink strength being compromised. In summary, our approach provides evidence for source‐sink co‐limitation in grain yield of this sample of hard red winter wheat genotypes.
IFN‐γ facilitates liver fibrogenesis by CD161+CD4+ T cells through a regenerative IL‐23/IL‐17 axis in chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Li Jing , Cheng Lisha , Jia Haoyu , Liu Chun , Wang Siqi , Liu Yun , Shen Yue , Wu Shengdi , Meng Fanli , Zheng Beishi , Yang Changqing , Jiang Wei
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the role of CD161+CD4+ T cells in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Methods

A total of 94 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 73 with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 28 healthy controls were enrolled to determine frequency, cytokine production and chemokine receptor expression of circulating CD161+CD4+ T cells. Among these, 50 CHB and 34 LC patients were followed up for a period of 52‐week entecavir monotherapy to assess the association of CD161+CD4+ T cells with seroconversion of HBV e antigen (HBeAg). In addition, 15 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 15 with hepatic haemangioma (HHA) were enrolled to compare the paired circulating and intrahepatic CD161+CD4+ T cells.

Results

CD161+CD4+ T cells were found to accumulate in the circulation of HBV cohorts, which showed a significant correlation with the clinical parameters of disease progression. In addition, higher numbers of circulating CD161+CD4+ T cells were associated with an improved serological response of HBeAg to antiviral treatment. Moreover, CD161+CD4+ T cells as compared to homologous CD161‐CD4+ T cells produced more pro‐inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)‐17 and interferon (IFN)‐γ and expressed higher levels of liver‐homing chemokine receptors including CCR6, CXCR6 and CX3CR1. Notably, a significant enrichment of CD161+CD4+ T cell subsets co‐expressing IFN‐γ and IL‐17 was observed in HBV‐associated cirrhotic livers. During in vitro co‐cultures, circulating CD161+CD4+ T cells in the chronic HBV setting exhibited prominent pro‐fibrogenic effects by regulating primary hepatic stellate cells through a regenerative IFN‐γ/IL‐23/IL‐17 axis.

Conclusions

In chronic HBV infection, CD161+CD4+ T cells play antiviral, pro‐inflammatory and pro‐fibrogenic roles.
Association between physical activity before diagnosis and the presence of clinical remission in type 1 diabetes – InlipoDiab1 study
Authors: Flotyńska Justyna , Jaz Kamila , Cieluch Aleksandra , Grzelka‐Woźniak Agata , Kaczmarek Anita , Pypeć Aleksandra , Ciepłucha Wiktoria , Nowicka Aleksandra , Zozulińska‐Ziółkiewicz Dorota , Uruska Aleksandra
Published: November 2021

Aim

To investigate whether physical activity is associated with the occurrence of remission in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Ninety nine adult participants with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes were enroled into a prospective, observational study. The participants were advised to exercise 2–3 times a week with moderate intensity for a one‐year period. Physical activity was assessed by a self‐administrated questionnaire on every fourth visit. We counted the months in which participants fulfiled a partial‐remission criteria: HbA1c < 6.5%, C‐peptide > 0.5 ng/ml, and daily dose of insulin <0.3 U/kg/day. We assigned the participants to two groups: MORE EFFORT and LESS EFFORT, depending on the median value of physical activity in the studied population.

Results

The occurrence of the remission achieved statistical significance at 6th month with a greater prevalence in MORE EFFORT group (55% vs. 35% p = 0.047). In multivariate logistic regression analysis for the occurrence of remission at 12th month, physical activity before the diagnosis was the only variable that influences the occurrence of the remission (adjusted odds ratios = 3.32 [95% confidence intervals 1.25–8.80]; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

In adults with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes physical activity before the diagnosis is associated with higher occurrence of remission.
Shift in competitive ability mediated by soil biota in an invasive plant
Authors: Huang Fangfang , Huang Qiaoqiao , Gan Xianhua , Zhang Weiqiang , Guo Yuedong , Huang Yuhui
Published: November 2021

Understanding the shifts in competitive ability and its driving forces is key to predict the future of plant invasion. Changes in the competition environment and soil biota are two selective forces that impose remarkable influences on competitive ability. By far, evidence of the interactive effects of competition environment and soil biota on competitive ability of invasive species is rare. Here, we investigated their interactive effects using an invasive perennial vine, Mikania micrantha. The competitive performance of seven M. micrantha populations varying in their conspecific and heterospecific abundance were monitored in a greenhouse experiment, by manipulating soil biota (live and sterilized) and competition conditions (competition‐free, intraspecific, and interspecific competition). Our results showed that with increasing conspecific abundance and decreasing heterospecific abundance, (1) M. micrantha increased intraspecific competition tolerance and intra‐ vs. interspecific competitive ability but decreased interspecific competition tolerance; (2) M. micrantha increased tolerance of the negative soil biota effect; and (3) interspecific competition tolerance of M. micrantha was increasingly suppressed by the presence of soil biota, but intraspecific competition tolerance was less affected. These results highlight the importance of the soil biota effect on the evolution of competitive ability during the invasion process. To better control M. micrantha invasion, our results imply that introduction of competition‐tolerant native plants that align with conservation priorities may be effective where M. micrantha populations are long‐established and inferior in inter‐ vs. intraspecific competitive ability, whereas eradication may be effective where populations are newly invaded and fast‐growing.
Left ventricular epicardial pacing achieved hyper‐responsiveness in young children with dilated cardiomyopathy with left bundle branch block
Authors: Sun Sijuan , Guo Xiaofeng , Chen Yiwei , Shen Jie , Zhu Diqi , Zhang Zhifang , Fu Lijun , Ji Wei , Li Fen
Published: November 2021

Aims

The management of heart failure (HF) in young children is challenging. The present study aimed to clarify the effect of left univentricular epicardial pacing on dilated cardiomyopathy with left bundle branch block (LBBB) in children.

Methods and results

A total of five cases (30.86 ± 16.39 months, three female) of children weighing 5.8–15 kg with dilated cardiomyopathy and LBBB were included in this study. LBBB in one child occurred after device closure of peri‐membranous ventricular septal defects, and the remaining four were idiopathically discovered early after birth. Before implantation, all children suffered from refractory HF and cardiac dilatation; the left ventricular ejection fraction was 33.48 ± 5.84% with Ross Heart Failure Classification III–IV. Electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony were observed in all children with QRS duration >140 ms and prolonged septal‐to‐left posterior wall motion delay. Left univentricular epicardial pacing was successfully implanted via left axillary minithoracotomy in the five children. Sensed atrioventricular delays (83 ± 15 ms) were optimized by velocity time integral of aortic blood flow before discharge. During the follow‐up period (10.8 ± 2.68 months), the dilated failing heart was reversed significantly in terms of decreased left ventricular dimension (55.62 ± 3.46 vs. 38.94 ± 3.69 mm, P = 0.005), while the left ventricular ejection fraction improved to 60.18 ± 8.78% (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

In young children with low body weight, if HF is caused by or related to LBBB, left ventricular epicardial pacing still has an excellent effect.
Notch1 deficiency alters the migratory behavior of developing T cells and calcium signaling in the thymus of medaka
Authors: Aghaallaei Narges , Inoue Daigo , Hasel de Carvalho Eva , Dick Advaita M. , Wittbrodt Joachim , Leptin Maria , Bajoghli Baubak
Published: November 2021

The differentiation of T cells from lymphoid progenitors in the thymus follows sequential developmental stages that constantly require interaction with thymic epithelial cells. Several distinct aspects of early T cell development depend on the activation of Notch receptors on thymocytes, while the selection of thymocytes at later stages are believed to be Notch independent. Using reverse genetic approaches and whole‐thymus live imaging in an in vivo teleost model, the medaka, we report that Notch1 signals is required for proliferation and specification of developing T cells as well as involved in their selection in the thymus. We reveal that Notch1 controls the migratory behavior of thymocytes through controlling the chemokine receptor Ccr9b and thereby influence the T cell receptor (TCR) activation. Hence, we propose that, in lower vertebrates, the function of Notch signaling extends to all stages of T cell development, except when thymocytes undergo TCRβ rearrangement.
Lifelong bilingualism and mechanisms of neuroprotection in Alzheimer dementia
Authors: Sala Arianna , Malpetti Maura , Farsad Mohsen , Lubian Francesca , Magnani Giuseppe , Frasca Polara Giulia , Epiney Jean‐Benoit , Abutalebi Jubin , Assal Frédéric , Garibotto Valentina , Perani Daniela
Published: November 2021

Lifelong bilingualism is associated with delayed dementia onset, suggesting a protective effect on the brain. Here, we aim to study the effects of lifelong bilingualism as a dichotomous and continuous phenomenon, on brain metabolism and connectivity in individuals with Alzheimer's dementia. Ninety‐eight patients with Alzheimer's dementia (56 monolinguals; 42 bilinguals) from three centers entered the study. All underwent an [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) imaging session. A language background questionnaire measured the level of language use for conversation and reading. Severity of brain hypometabolism and strength of connectivity of the major neurocognitive networks was compared across monolingual and bilingual individuals, and tested against the frequency of second language life‐long usage. Age, years of education, and MMSE score were included in all above mentioned analyses as nuisance covariates. Cerebral hypometabolism was more severe in bilingual compared to monolingual patients; severity of hypometabolism positively correlated with the degree of second language use. The metabolic connectivity analyses showed increased connectivity in the executive, language, and anterior default mode networks in bilingual compared to monolingual patients. The change in neuronal connectivity was stronger in subjects with higher second language use. All effects were most pronounced in the left cerebral hemisphere. The neuroprotective effects of lifelong bilingualism act both against neurodegenerative processes and through the modulation of brain networks connectivity. These findings highlight the relevance of lifelong bilingualism in brain reserve and compensation, supporting bilingual education and social interventions aimed at usage, and maintenance of two or more languages, including dialects, especially crucial in the elderly people.
Household‐level perceptions of governance in smallholder irrigation schemes in KwaZulu‐Natal Province*
Authors: Phali Lerato , Mudhara Maxwell , Ferrer Stuart , Makombe Godswill
Published: November 2021

Good governance is a prerequisite for better management of common‐use resources. Awareness of institutions, inclusion of members in decision‐making processes, stakeholder engagement and transparency are needed for good governance, which enhances the sustainable use of communal water resources. This paper therefore considers perceptions of farmers on irrigation scheme governance in its various dimensions. The study uses household data of 341 farmers drawn from four irrigation schemes in KwaZulu‐Natal. The results show that farmers who are satisfied with the informal institutions, being the rules and norms set locally to govern the scheme farmers, value the involvement of the tribal authorities in scheme management, including their contribution to rule enforcement. Age, agricultural training, water adequacy, participation in scheme activities, psychological capital and land tenure have a positive effect on perceptions of governance constructs. Farmers are satisfied with the informal institutions governing the schemes and therefore the study recommends the inclusion of informal institutions in policy formulation. Farmers should be empowered through training and be made aware of formal institutions applicable to their irrigation scheme, and stakeholder engagement in the schemes should be strengthened.
Research and scholarly methods: Pragmatic clinical trials
Authors: Oche Onyeche , Wu Chaorong , Murry Logan T. , Kennelty Korey A.
Published: November 2021

Pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) have received increased attention within health services and pharmacy practice research due to their ability to test interventions in the real world, with emphasis on implementation and scalability in diverse practice environments. The purpose of this article is to introduce the PCT research design to health service and pharmacy practice researchers, followed by considerations and recommendations for conducting successful PCT research. It is organized into three parts, including a definition of PCTs, the process of selecting a PCT design, and general considerations and recommendations of PCTs. We conclude with the applications and trends in the use of PCTs in pharmacy research.
Physics‐based learning with channel attention for Fourier ptychographic microscopy
Authors: Zhang Jizhou , Xu Tingfa , Li Jianan , Zhang Yuhan , Jiang Shenwang , Chen Yiwen , Zhang Jinhua
Published: November 2021

Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) is a computational imaging technology for large field‐of‐view, high resolution and quantitative phase imaging. In FPM, low‐resolution intensity images captured with angle‐varying illumination are synthesized in Fourier space with phase retrieval approaches. However, system errors such as pupil aberration and light‐emitting diode (LED) intensity error seriously affect the reconstruction performance. In this article, we propose a physics‐based neural network with channel attention for FPM reconstruction. With the channel attention module, which is introduced into physics‐based neural networks for the first time, the spatial distribution of LED intensity can be adaptively corrected. Besides, the channel attention module is used to synthesize different Zernike modes and recover the pupil function. Detailed simulations and experiments are carried out to validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that our method achieves better performance in high‐resolution complex field reconstruction, LED intensity correction and pupil function recovery compared with the state‐of‐art methods. The combination with deep neural network structures like channel attention modules significantly enhance the performance of physics‐based neural networks and will promote the application of FPM in practical use.
Dynamical transition and chaos for a five‐dimensional Lorenz model
Authors: Zhang Dongpei , Deng Dong
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we study the dynamical transition and chaos for a five‐dimensional Lorenz system. Based on the eigenvalue analysis, the principle of exchange of stabilities conditions is obtained. By using the dynamical transition theory, three different types of dynamical transition for the five‐dimensional Lorenz system are derived. More precisely, when the control parameter
, the system has a continuous transition and bifurcates to two stable steady states. As r further increases, the system undergoes two successive transitions. That is, under some condition, the transition is continuous and a stable limit cycle is bifurcated; if not, the system undergoes a jump transition and an unstable periodic orbit occurs. Especially, the chaotic orbits occur when
. Finally, numerical results are given to illustrate our theoretical analysis.
A 6–18 GHz high dB‐linear attenuator based on variable gain amplifier for ultra‐wideband phased array systems
Authors: Wang Zeyuan , Li Zhenrong , Wang Xudong , Cheng Xiayu , Li Zhen , Zhuang Yiqi
Published: November 2021

The letter presents a high dB‐linear attenuator based on variable gain amplifier (VGA) for ultra‐wideband phased array systems. An effective dB‐linear compensation structure is proposed to improve the gain range and accuracy. The bandwidth and gain flatness of the proposed VGA are increased by the emitter resistor–capacitor negative feedback and transistor segmentation technique. The proposed VGA is implemented with the 0.18 μm SiGe bipolar complementary metal oxide semiconductor (BiCMOS) process. The measured results show that the VGA can operate from 6 to 18 GHz with a controlled variable gain range of 20 dB, the root‐mean‐square gain error is less than 0.55 dB. The input 1 dB compression point (IP1dB) of the fabricated VGA is more than −5 dBm. The proposed VGA consumes 71 mW and occupies a chip area of 0.98 mm × 0.98 mm.
Technical note: Personalized treatment gating thresholds in frameless stereotactic radiosurgery using predictions of dosimetric fidelity and treatment interruption
Authors: MacDonald R. Lee , Lee Young , Schasfoort Jannie , Soliman Hany , Sahgal Arjun , Ruschin Mark
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Gamma Knife Icon (GKI) enables a user‐defined gating threshold for intrafraction motion during stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). An optimal threshold would ensure dosimetric fidelity of the planned distribution and minimize treatment time extension by gating. A prediction of motion characteristics for a patient based on a retrospective database of motion traces could be beneficial to evaluating the choice of gating threshold. A short acquisition of motion may help to define a personalized threshold that balances dosimetric accuracy and treatment length. This study aims to evaluate the performance of a prediction of motion and the resultant dosimetric consequences for a range of motion gating thresholds.

Methods

A database of 2552 motion traces (776 patients) was analyzed using previously published methods to characterize patient intrafraction motion on the GKI. For a selection of six fractionated SRS patient cases (two patients with single brain metastasis, four vestibular schwannomas), a 10‐min sample of motion was used to classify motion and identify traces in the database with similar metrics. The similar motion traces were used to perform a predictive reconstruction of the selected patient's delivered dose for a range of motion thresholds. The remaining fractions were reconstructed and compared to that predicted. From the six cases, 26 fractions were used to predict the number of interruptions (n = 26), change in target coverage (n = 26), and change in brainstem maximum dose (vestibular cases only, n = 20). The difference between mean predicted and reconstructed values was compared for accuracy.

Results

The difference between mean prediction and reconstructed values was 0.32 ± 0.38% in target coverage, 2.36 ± 5.06 interruptions, and 0.15 ± 0.24 Gy for the brainstem maximum dose. Sixty‐seven of the 72 predictions (26 coverage, 26 interruptions, and 20 brainstem maximum dose) were within one standard deviation of the predicted mean.

Conclusions

Large databases of motion traces were used to characterize patient performance and predict motion performance. Dosimetric deterioration due to motion and extension of treatment duration can be predicted in some cases using only a short acquisition of motion and the treatment plan. This reconstruction may provide benefit in generating a patient‐specific motion threshold.
A new automated model brings stability to finite‐element simulations of capacitive deionization
Authors: Nordstrand Johan , Dutta Joydeep
Published: November 2021

The massive need for freshwater is driving new desalination technologies such as capacitive deionization (CDI), wherein an applied electric field between porous electrodes removes salt ions from water. In this work, we present substantial advances in numerical approaches to 2D finite‐element models that make it possible to tractably and accurately simulate the local transport, charge‐transfer, and ion‐adsorption processes. This is achieved by introducing a new numerical approach that improves the stability of the method (SmD), which further allows precise and effective modeling that was previously too unstable for use in the state‐of‐the‐art 2D models. The results show that the model now accurately and reliably simulates CDI processes while being effectively applicable to a wider range of structural (device level) and operational conditions (like flow). Crucially, this opens up new opportunities that allow us to provide novel insights into the CDI processes, especially relating to ion‐starved conditions. Finally, novel algorithms support fully automatic implementation with simultaneous fit to multiple data sets and we openly provide all software code to increase accessibility. Thus, we fundamentally believe that the developed model will provide a solid foundation for 2D spatiotemporal simulations of capacitive deionization and aid the future development of CDI technology.
SwissPKcdw – A clinical data warehouse for the optimization of pediatric dosing regimens
Authors: Goers Roland , Coman Schmid Diana , Jäggi Vera F. , Paioni Paolo , Okoniewski Michal J. , Parker Althea , Bangerter Beat , Georgakopoulou Sofia , Sengstag Thierry , Bielicki Julia , Tilen Romy , Vermeul Swen , Krämer Stefanie D. , Berger Christoph , Rinn Bernd , Meyer zu Schwabedissen Henriette E.
Published: November 2021

Clinical trials have been performed mainly in adults and accordingly the necessary information is lacking for pediatric patients, especially regarding dosage recommendation for approved drugs. This gap in information could be filled with results from pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling, based on data collected in daily clinical routine. In order to make this data accessible and usable for research, the Swiss Pharmacokinetics Clinical Data Warehouse (SwissPKcdw) project has been set up, including a clinical data warehouse (CDW) and the regulatory framework for data transfer and use within. Embedded into the secure BioMedIT network, the CDW can connect to various data providers and researchers in order to collaborate on the data securely. Due to its modularity, partially containerized deployment and open‐source software, each of the components can be extended, modified, and re‐used for similar projects that require integrated data management, data analysis, and web tools in a secure scientific data and information technology (IT) environment. Here, we describe a collaborative and interprofessional effort to implement the aforementioned infrastructure between several partners from medical health care and academia. Furthermore, we describe a real‐world use case where blood samples from pediatric patients were analyzed for the presence of genetic polymorphisms and the results were aggregated and further analyzed together with the health‐related patient data in the SwissPKcdw.