bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SCC-FRET: single-cell-based calibration of a FRET system
Authors: Liu Zhi , Cao Gengqiang , Wu Ge , Chen Tongsheng
Published: June 2022

Reliable measurements of calibration parameters are crucial for quantitative three-cube Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements. Here we have developed a single-cell-based calibration method (SCC-FRET), which can simultaneously obtain spectral crosstalk correction parameters (β and δ) and calibration parameters (G and k) of a quantitative FRET system by imaging a cell expressing one kind of standard FRET plasmid with a known FRET efficiency (E) and the donor-to-acceptor concentration ratio (RC). We performed the SCC-FRET method on a three-cube FRET microscopy for the cells expressing C5V, and obtained β = 0.150 ± 0.000, δ = 0.610 ± 0.000, G = 2.840 ± 0.065, and k = 0.847 ± 0.013. These parameters were used to measure the E and RC values of C17V and C32V constructs in living cells and obtained EC17V = 0.382 ± 0.010 and EC32V = 0.311 ± 0.007, RC17V = 1.010 ± 0.023 and RC32V = 1.050 ± 0.022, consistent with the reported values, demonstrating the effectiveness of the the SCC-FRET method. We also performed the SCC-FRET method for the cells with different S/N levels (S/N > 10, 10 > S/N > 3, 3 > S/N > 1, respectively), and obtained consistent system calibration parameters under different S/N levels, indicating excellent robustness. SCC-FRET requires only imaging a cell expressing one kind of standard FRET plasmid for measuring all calibration parameters under identical imaging conditions, rendering the SCC-FRET method extremely convenient, accurate, and robust. The SCC-FRET provides strong support for expanding the biological application of quantitative FRET analysis in living cells.
Graphene composite structure based optical absorption pressure sensor
Authors: Li Yan , Xiao Yifeng , Liang Shuai , Wang Zelong , Chang Hudong , Yang Fuling
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a graphene composite structure based optical absorption pressure sensor is proposed. First, a composite structure which is composed of PDMS micro-pyramid structure, graphene film, and waveguide is introduced. The sensitive mechanism and dynamic working state of the pressure sensor are analyzed continuously. Second, the mapping between the pressure on PDMS and its contact area with the graphene film is deeply analyzed, as well as the optical transmission properties of graphene combined with waveguides, followed by a series of simulations about the optical power output performance facing different pressure conditions. Finally, the designed sensor samples are prepared and a series of performance verification experiments were carried out. The experimental results show that the range of the pressure sensor is 0-870kPa. The sensitivity in the pressure range of 0-100kPa is 2.83×10−1µW/kPa. The experimental results effectively prove that the designed graphene composite structure based optical absorption pressure sensor has high sensitivity and good repeatability, which further verifies the feasibility of the design and analysis method.
694 W sub-GHz polarization-maintained tapered fiber amplifier based on spectral and pump wavelength optimization
Authors: Li Wei , Ma Pengfei , Chen Yisha , Song Jiaxin , Lai Wenchang , Liu Wei , Zhou Pu , Si Lei
Published: June 2022

The comprehensive suppression of the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and transverse mode instability (TMI) is a critical issue for the power scaling of fiber laser with sub-GHz spectral linewidth. In this manuscript, a narrow linewidth and polarization-maintained (PM) fiber amplifier based on tapered Yb-doped fiber (T-YDF) is established, and the effects of spectral linewidth, spectral shape and pump wavelength on the SBS and/or TMI thresholds are investigated. Up to 694 W polarization-maintained fiber laser with just ∼790 MHz linewidth is obtained by combining the advantages of tapered Yb-doped fiber, near-rectangular spectral injection and 915 nm pump manner. This work could provide a well reference solution for the realization of high-power ultra-narrow linewidth fiber lasers.
Study of diffractive fringes caused by tool marks for fast axis collimators fabricated by precision glass molding
Authors: Zhou Tianfeng , Zhou Jia , Chen Hailong , Wang Zifan , Ruan Benshuai , Zhao Wenxiang , Wang Xibin
Published: June 2022

Aspheric cylindrical lenses, including fast axis collimators (FACs), are commonly used to collimate laser beams in the fast axis direction. Precision glass molding (PGM) is applied in the production of these optical lenses due to its high accuracy and efficiency. However, the profile errors and surface topography transferred from the mold reduce the optical performance of aspheric cylindrical lenses. In this paper, the surface errors of a FAC fabricated by combining ultraprecision diamond cutting and precision glass molding are analyzed. An optical simulation model is then established to qualitatively analyze the effects of tool marks on the optical defects, and the numerical calculations are carried out to determine the relative intensity distribution of light spots. Experiments are conducted to verify the theoretical results, which prove that the tool marks cause diffractive fringes and that the geometric parameters of the tool marks that are caused by cutting conditions affect the distribution of the fringe line defects. Finally, the critical conditions to eliminate diffractive fringes and improve the optical performance of the FAC are determined based on the experimental results.
Large-angle broadband transmission of electromagnetic waves through dielectric plates by embedding meta-atoms
Authors: Li Tiefu , Chu Zuntian , Wang Jiafu , Qiu Wenbo , Xia Song , Fu Xinmin , Qu Shaobo
Published: June 2022

In many practical applications, dielectric electromagnetic (EM) windows are usually under large-angle incidence of EM waves rather than normal incidence. To guarantee normal operation of devices inside, high transmission must be maintained under large incident angles, especially for TE-polarized waves. In this work, we propose a method of achieving broadband transmission of TE-polarized waves under large incident angles by embedding meta-atoms within dielectric plates. To this end, long metallic wires and S-shaped structures are embedded in the original dielectric plate, the former of which will dilute the effective permittivity due to plasma oscillation and the latter will increase the effective permeability due to induced strong current loops under large incident angles. In this way, two consecutive transmission peaks can be generated, forming a broad transmission band under large incident angles. A proof-of-principle Ku-band prototype was designed, fabricated, and measured to verify this strategy. Both simulated and measured results show that the prototype can operate in the whole Ku-band under incident angle [60°, 85°] for TE-polarized waves, with significantly enhanced transmission. This work provides an effective method of enhancing large-angle transmission of EM waves and may find applications in radar, communications and others.
Research on high-temperature characteristics of a miniature Fabry–Pérot cavity acoustic sensor
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Bai Jiandong , Zheng Yongqiu , Chen Jiamin , Wu Liyun , Gao Xiaoyu , Li Zonghao , Zhang Junping , Xue Chenyang
Published: June 2022

The applications of fiber-optic acoustic sensors are expanded to the high-temperature field, but it still faces challenges to realize the wide-band and high-sensitivity acoustic signal detection in high-temperature environments. Here, we propose a miniature membrane-free fiber-optic acoustic sensor based on a rigid Fabry–Pérot (F-P) cavity and construct an acoustic signal detection system. The system can achieve high-sensitivity acoustic detection while maintaining a wide frequency band in temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 200 °C. The prepared F-P cavity based on optical contact technology is the sensitive unit of the sensor, and has a high-quality factor of 8.8×105. Specifically, with the increasing of temperature, the sensitivity gradually increases, and the frequency response range does not change. A maximum sensitivity of 491.2 mV/Pa and a high signal-to-noise ratio of 60.9 dB are achieved at 200 °C. The sensor has an excellent acoustic signal response in the frequency range of 10 Hz-50 kHz with a flatness of ±2 dB. This study is important for the application of the fiber-optic acoustic sensor in high-temperature environments.
Metabolic and epigenetic dysfunctions underlie the arrest of in vitro fertilized human embryos in a senescent-like state
Authors: Yang Yang , Shi Liyang , Fu Xiuling , Ma Gang , Yang Zhongzhou , Li Yuhao , Zhou Yibin , Yuan Lihua , Xia Ye , Zhong Xiufang , Yin Ping , Sun Li , Zhang Wuwen , Babarinde Isaac A. , Wang Yongjun , Zhao Xiaoyang , Hutchins Andrew P. , Tong Guoqing
Published: June 2022

Around 60% of in vitro fertilized (IVF) human embryos irreversibly arrest before compaction between the 3- to 8-cell stage, posing a significant clinical problem. The mechanisms behind this arrest are unclear. Here, we show that the arrested embryos enter a senescent-like state, marked by cell cycle arrest, the down-regulation of ribosomes and histones and down-regulation of MYC and p53 activity. The arrested embryos can be divided into 3 types. Type I embryos fail to complete the maternal-zygotic transition, and Type II/III embryos have low levels of glycolysis and either high (Type II) or low (Type III) levels of oxidative phosphorylation. Treatment with the SIRT agonist resveratrol or nicotinamide riboside (NR) can partially rescue the arrested phenotype, which is accompanied by changes in metabolic activity. Overall, our data suggests metabolic and epigenetic dysfunctions underlie the arrest of human embryos.
Predicting resistance to fluoroquinolones among patients with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis using machine learning methods
Authors: You Shiying , Chitwood Melanie H. , Gunasekera Kenneth S. , Crudu Valeriu , Codreanu Alexandru , Ciobanu Nelly , Furin Jennifer , Cohen Ted , Warren Joshua L. , Yaesoubi Reza
Published: June 2022

Background

Limited access to drug-susceptibility tests (DSTs) and delays in receiving DST results are challenges for timely and appropriate treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (TB) in many low-resource settings. We investigated whether data collected as part of routine, national TB surveillance could be used to develop predictive models to identify additional resistance to fluoroquinolones (FLQs), a critical second-line class of anti-TB agents, at the time of diagnosis with rifampin-resistant TB.

Methods and findings

We assessed three machine learning-based models (logistic regression, neural network, and random forest) using information from 540 patients with rifampicin-resistant TB, diagnosed using Xpert MTB/RIF and notified in the Republic of Moldova between January 2018 and December 2019. The models were trained to predict the resistance to FLQs based on demographic and TB clinical information of patients and the estimated district-level prevalence of resistance to FLQs. We compared these models based on the optimism-corrected area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (OC-AUC-ROC). The OC-AUC-ROC of all models were statistically greater than 0.5. The neural network model, which utilizes twelve features, performed best and had an estimated OC-AUC-ROC of 0.87 (0.83,0.91), which suggests reasonable discriminatory power. A limitation of our study is that our models are based only on data from the Republic of Moldova and since not externally validated, the generalizability of these models to other populations remains unknown.

Conclusions

Models trained on data from phenotypic surveillance of drug-resistant TB can predict resistance to FLQs based on patient characteristics at the time of diagnosis with rifampin-resistant TB using Xpert MTB/RIF, and information about the local prevalence of resistance to FLQs. These models may be useful for informing the selection of antibiotics while awaiting results of DSTs.
Diversified dietary intake and associated factors among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care follow-up in public health facilities of Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Nigussie Efrata , Ferede Abebe , Markos Melese
Published: June 2022

Poor diversity dietary intake has great significance to women, pregnancy outcome and on her fetus or the growing and development of their baby collectively. Uncertainty of studies to examine whether pregnant women have been utilizing diversity dietary in their frequent intake and this has changed nutritional status. Therefore, this study aims to assess diversified dietary intake and associated factors among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care follow-up in public health facilities of Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 453 pregnant mothers randomly selected from the antenatal care unit at public health facilities from November 1-30/2020. Study subjects were selected with a systematic random sampling method from randomly selected antenatal care unity of health facilities in Dire Dawa Administration. A structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were used to collect data. Data were entered with kobo software and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science statistical software version 20 for analysis. Binary and multiple logistic regression models were used to declare the significance of independent variables at P<0.05. This study shows 55% (95% CI = (50–59.5) were inadequate diversified dietary intake. Having lower monthly income (Adjusted Odds Raito [AOR] = 4.4, Confident interval [95%CI] = 1.3–14.6), elementary educational status of mothers (AOR = 3.8, 95%CI = 1.5–9.9), consumption of two meals per day (AOR = 16.6, 95% CI = 2.04–135.8), didn’t get antenatal care counseling (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.1–2.8) were significantly associated with diversified dietary. The result revealed that around 55% of respondents had inadequate dietary diversity. low household income, had less maternal education level and, consuming two meals per day, and no information about dietary diversity has contributed to inadequate dietary diversity. Accordingly, go forward in the right side of those variables were the core recommendation of this study.
The effect of weather and climate on dengue outbreak risk in Peru, 2000-2018: A time-series analysis
Authors: Dostal Tia , Meisner Julianne , Munayco César , García Patricia J. , Cárcamo César , Pérez Lu Jose Enrique , Morin Cory , Frisbie Lauren , Rabinowitz Peter M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Dengue fever is the most common arboviral disease in humans, with an estimated 50-100 million annual infections worldwide. Dengue fever cases have increased substantially in the past four decades, driven largely by anthropogenic factors including climate change. More than half the population of Peru is at risk of dengue infection and due to its geography, Peru is also particularly sensitive to the effects of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Determining the effect of ENSO on the risk for dengue outbreaks is of particular public health relevance and may also be applicable to other Aedes-vectored viruses.

Methods

We conducted a time-series analysis at the level of the district-month, using surveillance data collected from January 2000 to September 2018 from all districts with a mean elevation suitable to survival of the mosquito vector (<2,500m), and ENSO and weather data from publicly-available datasets maintained by national and international agencies. We took a Bayesian hierarchical modeling approach to address correlation in space, and B-splines with four knots per year to address correlation in time. We furthermore conducted subgroup analyses by season and natural region.

Results

We detected a positive and significant effect of temperature (°C, RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.13, 1.15, adjusted for precipitation) and ENSO (ICEN index: RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.15, 1.20; ONI index: RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02, 1.07) on outbreak risk, but no evidence of a strong effect for precipitation after adjustment for temperature. Both natural region and season were found to be significant effect modifiers of the ENSO-dengue effect, with the effect of ENSO being stronger in the summer and the Selva Alta and Costa regions, compared with winter and Selva Baja and Sierra regions.

Conclusions

Our results provide strong evidence that temperature and ENSO have significant effects on dengue outbreaks in Peru, however these results interact with region and season, and are stronger for local ENSO impacts than remote ENSO impacts. These findings support optimization of a dengue early warning system based on local weather and climate monitoring, including where and when to deploy such a system and parameterization of ENSO events, and provide high-precision effect estimates for future climate and dengue modeling efforts.
The polymorphic landscape analysis of GATA1 exons uncovered the genetic variants associated with higher thrombocytopenia in dengue patients
Authors: Al Rimon Razoan , Sayem Mohammad , Alam Saruar , Al Saba Abdullah , Sanyal Mousumi , Amin Md. Robed , Kabir Ahmedul , Chakraborty Sajib , Nabi A. H. M. Nurun
Published: June 2022

The current study elucidated an association between gene variants and thrombocytopenia through the investigation of the exonic polymorphic landscape of hematopoietic transcription factor—GATA1 gene in dengue patients. A total of 115 unrelated dengue patients with dengue fever (DF) (N = 91) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) (N = 24) were included in the study. All dengue patients were confirmed through detection of NS1 antigen, IgM, and IgG antibodies against the dengue virus. Polymerase chain reaction using specific primers amplified the exonic regions of GATA1 while Sanger sequencing and chromatogram analyses facilitated the identification of variants. Variants G>A (at chX: 48792009) and C>A (at chX: 4879118) had higher frequency out of 13 variants identified (3 annotated and 10 newly recognized). Patients carrying either nonsynonymous or synonymous variants had significantly lower mean values of platelets compared to those harboring the reference nucleotides (NC_000023.11). Further analyses revealed that the change in amino acid residue leads to the altered three-dimensional structure followed by interaction with neighboring residues. Increased stability of the protein due to substitution of serine by asparagine (S129N at chX: 48792009) may cause increased rigidity followed by reduced structural flexibility which may ultimately disturb the dimerization (an important prerequisite for GATA1 to perform its biological activity) process of the GATA1 protein. This, in turn, may affect the function of GATA1 followed by impaired production of mature platelets which may be reflected by the lower platelet counts in individuals with such variation. In summary, we have identified new variants within the GATA1 gene which were found to be clinically relevant to the outcome of dengue patients and thus, have the potential as candidate biomarkers for the determination of severity and prognosis of thrombocytopenia caused by dengue virus. However, further validation of this study in a large number of dengue patients is warranted.

Trial Registration: number SLCTR/2019/037.
Two hidden taxa in the Japanese encephalitis vector mosquito, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, and the potential for long-distance migration from overseas to Japan
Authors: Arai Satoru , Kuwata Ryusei , Higa Yukiko , Maekawa Yoshihide , Tsuda Yoshio , Roychoudhury Sudipta , Bertuso Arlene Garcia , Phong Tran Vu , Yen Nguyen Thi , Etoh Tomoki , Otuka Akira , Matsumura Masaya , Nabeshima Takeshi , Taya Keiko Tanaka , Okabe Nobuhiko , Kobayashi Mutsuo , Sawabe Kyoko
Published: June 2022

TheCulex vishnuisubgroups, particularlyCulex tritaeniorhynchus, are considered the primary vectors of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in Asia. Recent molecular phylogenetic analyses of JEV isolates from Asian countries have shown that JEVs with diverse genetic variants are present in Asia. Furthermore, some JEV strains have been found to have crossed the East China Sea and been introduced into Japan. In this study, the possibility of overseas migration of the JE vector mosquito,Cx.tritaeniorhynchuswas examined from the genetic, physical, and meteorological perspectives. Molecular phylogenetic analysis was performed based on both whole coding sequences and on the barcoding region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene ofCx.vishnuisubgroups collected from Asian countries.Culex tritaeniorhymchuswas classified into two genetically independent taxa byCOIsequences: the Japanese type (Ct-J), which inhabits Japan except for the Amami Islands of southern Japan, and the continental type (Ct-C), which inhabits the Asian region except for Japan. It was confirmed that approximately 10% ofCx.tritaeniorhynchustrapped during the summer in western Kyushu wereCt-C, and that they could fly for up to 38 h continuously. The meteorological analysis also confirmed that the atmospheric flow occurring over the continent coincided with the date ofCt-C capture. This is the first report showing the existence of two taxa inCx.tritaeniorhynchus. Their physical and physiological characteristics suggest the possibility of long-distance migration from overseas regions to Japan across the East China Sea. Future efforts are expected to provide evidence to support the occurrence of long-distance migration ofCx.tritaeniorhynchuswith JEV.
Comprehensive proteomic quantification of bladder stone progression in a cystinuric mouse model using data-independent acquisitions
Authors: Rose Jacob , Basisty Nathan , Zee Tiffany , Wehrfritz Cameron , Bose Neelanjan , Desprez Pierre-Yves , Kapahi Pankaj , Stoller Marshall , Schilling Birgit
Published: June 2022

Cystinuria is one of various disorders that cause biomineralization in the urinary system, including bladder stone formation in humans. It is most prevalent in children and adolescents and more aggressive in males. There is no cure, and only limited disease management techniques help to solubilize the stones. Recurrence, even after treatment, occurs frequently. Other than a buildup of cystine, little is known about factors involved in the formation, expansion, and recurrence of these stones. This study sought to define the growth of bladder stones, guided by micro-computed tomography imaging, and to profile dynamic stone proteome changes in a cystinuria mouse model. After bladder stones developed in vivo, they were harvested and separated into four developmental stages (sand, small, medium and large stone), based on their size. Data-dependent and data-independent acquisitions allowed deep profiling of stone proteomics. The proteomic signatures and pathways illustrated major changes as the stones grew. Stones initiate from a small nidus, grow outward, and show major enrichment in ribosomal proteins and factors related to coagulation and platelet degranulation, suggesting a major dysregulation in specific pathways that can be targeted for new therapeutic options.
Conservation genomics of urban populations of Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri)
Authors: Hubbs N. Wade , Hurt Carla R. , Niedzwiecki John , Leckie Brian , Withers David
Published: June 2022

In Tennessee, populations of the state endangered Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri) are in decline as their distribution lies mostly within rapidly developing areas in the Nashville Basin. Information regarding the partitioning of genetic variation among populations ofA.barbouriand the taxonomic status of these populations relative to northern populations and their congener, the Small-mouthed Salamander (A.texanum), have important implications for management and conservation of this species. Here we combined mitochondrial sequencing and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data generated using Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) to investigate patterns of genetic variation within Tennessee populations ofA.barbouri, to assess their relationship to populations in Kentucky, and to examine their phylogenetic relationship to the closely relatedA.texanum. Results from phylogenetic reconstructions reveal a complex history of TennesseeA.barbouripopulations with regards to northern populations, unisexualA.barbouri, andA.texanum. Patterns of mitochondrial sequence variation suggest thatA.barbourimay have originated within Tennessee and expanded north multiple times into Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on genome-wide SNP data contradict results based on mitochondrial DNA and correspond to geographic and taxonomic boundaries. Variation in allele frequencies at SNP genotypes, as identified by multivariate analyses and Bayesian assignment tests, identified three evolutionary significant units (ESUs) forA.barbouriwithin Tennessee. Collectively, these results emphasize the need for prioritizing conservation needs for Tennessee populations ofA.barbourito ensure the long-term persistence of this species.
The effectiveness of a motivational enhancement smartphone application promoting lifestyle improvement for brain health: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Roh Hyun Woong , Ryu Hankyel , Jeong Sooin , Han Jieun , Park Bumhee , Moon So Young , Choi Seong Hey , Son Sang Joon , Hong Chang Hyung
Published: June 2022

Multidomain lifestyle modification is considered an effective intervention for dementia prevention due to its multifactorial nature. Recognizing that participants’ activity adherence is crucial for successful lifestyle modification, our team developed a smartphone application to enhance motivation toward brain health behavior based on gamification theory, which influences behaviors by enhancing motivation. The developed smartphone application has two main functions: delivering supporting videos from family, friends, and medical staff, and self-evaluation. We assessed the effectiveness of this smartphone application with regard to brain health behavior. In this eight-week randomized controlled trial, 40 participants were randomly assigned to the smartphone application intervention group or control group. The primary outcome reflected participants’ brain health behavior in three categories: physical activity, cognitive activity, and healthy diet. Each brain health behavior was measured by the Korean version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, Cognitive Activity Score, and Mediterranean DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay Diet Score. Furthermore, we investigated the change in motivation, measured by the Situational Motivation Scale. Additionally, we reviewed participants’ self-record diary during the first, fourth, and eighth week of intervention for evaluation of adherence. The intervention group was found to have a positive association with moderate metabolic equivalent activities (P = 0.01) and intrinsic motivation change (P = 0.01). There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding average physical activity at week 8 (P = 0.037). An eight-week intervention with the smartphone application induced physical activity of moderate intensity through intrinsic motivation enhancement. We suggest that the motivation enhancement application could be an efficient option for maintaining and promoting psychosocial health behavior. This smartphone application can be applied to any other disease that needs behavioral change. Through the application, a broader spectrum of the population, regardless of time, space, and human resources, can benefit from community health services.

Trial registration: Korean National Clinical Trial Registry CRIS identifier: KCT0005231.
Complement component 3 haplotypes influence serum complement activity and milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cattle
Authors: Wang Yonghui , Zhai Junyu , Yang Chunhong , Wang Jingpeng , Sun Yan , Li Yuhua , Ju Zhihua , Huang Jingming , Wang Changfa
Published: June 2022

Complement component 3 (C3) is the key molecule of the three pathways of complement activation (alternative, classical, and lectin pathways), which are involved in phagocytosis, inflammation, and immunoregulation processes to destroy infectious microorganisms. In this study, three novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (g.-1293C>G located in the 5′-flanking region, g.56T>C in exon I, and g.7017C>T in exon XII) of the C3 gene were detected using created restriction site polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and DNA sequencing in 952 cattle from three Chinese breeds. The genotypes and haplotypes were analyzed to investigate the polymorphisms and their possible implications, with particular investigative focus on their associations with serum C3 level, complement hemolytic activity (CH50 and ACH50), and milk production traits. The g.56T>C SNP in exon I affected the serum ACH50 (P<0.01) and the milk somatic cell score (SCS) (P<0.05), and the g.7017C>T SNP in exon XII significantly affected the serum ACH50 values (P<0.01). Moreover, statistical analyses revealed that individuals with genotypic combination CCC/GCC showed significantly lower SCS and the lowest C3 concentration in serum compared with cows with CCC/GTT (P = 0.0007) and CTT/CTT (P = 0.0021); the individuals with CCC/CCT had significantly higher ACH50 values than those with CCC/CTC (P = 0.0008) and CTC/GTC (P = 0.001); cows with CCT/CTT had higher values of CH50 and 305-day milk yield (P>0.05). The C3 expression levels were significantly increased in lung and mammary tissues (P<0.05), while significantly decreased in heart, spleen, liver, and kidney tissues in mastitis cows compared with those in healthy animals (P<0.01), respectively. Bacterial counts of serum antibacterial activities were also completed to verify the effect of SNPs on resistance to mastitis pathogens. Genetically resistant cows (CCC/GCC) had serum with noticeably higher antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli in vitro than the genetically susceptible CCC/GTT cows (P<0.05). Results from this study imply that the C3 gene plays a role in resistance to bacterial infection and that it can be used as a molecular marker for complement activity and traits related to milk production.
Interferon gamma release assays for diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ren Chunnian , Tang Jie , Xia Liangfeng
Published: June 2022

Background

Although the Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRA) is often used to identify latent tuberculosis, it also plays a crucial role in diagnosing active extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Some studies have assessed the use of IGRA as a biomarker for osteoarticular tuberculosis (OATB), which is elevated following TB infection. Still, conclusive results about its effectiveness have not been reported.

Method

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochran databases. We obtained literature related to the diagnosis of OATB by IGRA, and the retrieval period was from the establishment of the database to June 2021. The bivariate random effect model was used to summarize the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of other indicators in diagnosing OATB by IGRA, and the forest plot and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for testing.

Results

We included seven studies involving 643 subjects in diagnosing OATB by IGRA. The comprehensive sensitivity and specificity were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.70–0.92) and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.66–0.87), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.87.

Conclusion

In blood samples, the diagnostic accuracy of IGRAS is poor in patients with suspected OAT. We conclude that IGRA may not be appropriate for patients with OATB.
Machine learning-based classification of the movements of children with profound or severe intellectual or multiple disabilities using environment data features
Authors: Herbuela Von Ralph Dane Marquez , Karita Tomonori , Furukawa Yoshiya , Wada Yoshinori , Toya Akihiro , Senba Shuichiro , Onishi Eiko , Saeki Tatsuo
Published: June 2022

Communication interventions have broadened from dialogical meaning-making, assessment approaches, to remote-controlled interactive objects. Yet, interpretation of the mostly pre-or protosymbolic, distinctive, and idiosyncratic movements of children with intellectual disabilities (IDs) or profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) using computer-based assistive technology (AT), machine learning (ML), and environment data (ED: location, weather indices and time) remain insufficiently unexplored. We introduce a novel behavior inference computer-based communication-aid AT system structured on machine learning (ML) framework to interpret the movements of children with PIMD/IDs using ED. To establish a stable system, our study aimed to train, cross-validate (10-fold), test and compare the classification accuracy performance of ML classifiers (eXtreme gradient boosting [XGB], support vector machine [SVM], random forest [RF], and neural network [NN]) on classifying the 676 movements to 2, 3, or 7 behavior outcome classes using our proposed dataset recalibration (adding ED to movement datasets) with or without Boruta feature selection (53 child characteristics and movements, and ED-related features). Natural-child-caregiver-dyadic interactions observed in 105 single-dyad video-recorded (30-hour) sessions targeted caregiver-interpreted facial, body, and limb movements of 20 8-to 16-year-old children with PIMD/IDs and simultaneously app-and-sensor-collected ED. Classification accuracy variances and the influences of and the interaction among recalibrated dataset, feature selection, classifiers, and classes on the pooled classification accuracy rates were evaluated using three-way ANOVA. Results revealed that Boruta and NN-trained dataset in class 2 and the non-Boruta SVM-trained dataset in class 3 had >76% accuracy rates. Statistically significant effects indicating high classification rates (>60%) were found among movement datasets: with ED, non-Boruta, class 3, SVM, RF, and NN. Similar trends (>69%) were found in class 2, NN, Boruta-trained movement dataset with ED, and SVM and RF, and non-Boruta-trained movement dataset with ED in class 3. These results support our hypotheses that adding environment data to movement datasets, selecting important features using Boruta, using NN, SVM and RF classifiers, and classifying movements to 2 and 3 behavior outcomes can provide >73.3% accuracy rates, a promising performance for a stable ML-based behavior inference communication-aid AT system for children with PIMD/IDs.
The complete plastid genome of the endangered shrub Brassaiopsis angustifolia (Araliaceae): Comparative genetic and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Dong Zhanghong , Zhang Ruli , Shi Ming , Song Yu , Xin Yaxuan , Li Feng , Ma Jianzhong , Xin Peiyao
Published: June 2022

Brassaiopsis angustifoliaK.M. Feng belongs to the family Araliaceae, and is an endangered shrub species in southwest China. Despite the importance of this species, the plastid genome has not been sequenced and analyzed. In this study, the complete plastid genome ofB.angustifoliawas sequenced, analyzed, and compared to the eight species in the Araliaceae family. Our study reveals that the complete plastid genome ofB.angustifoliais 156,534 bp long, with an overall GC content of 37.9%. The chloroplast genome (cp) encodes 133 genes, including 88 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. All protein-coding genes consisted of 21,582 codons. Among the nine species of Araliaceae, simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and five large repeat sequences were identified with total numbers ranging from 37 to 46 and 66 to 78, respectively. Five highly divergent regions were successfully identified that could be used as potential genetic markers ofBrassaiopsisand Asian Palmate group. Phylogenetic analysis of 47 plastomes, representing 19 genera of Araliaceae and two related families, was performed to reconstruct highly supported relationships for the Araliaceae, which highlight four well-supported clades of theHydrocotylegroup, GreaterRaukauagroup,Aralia-Panaxgroup, and Asian Palmate group. The genusBrassaiopsiscan be divided into four groups using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) data. The results indicate that plastome and ITS data can contribute to investigations of the taxonomy, and phylogeny ofB.angustifolia. This study provides a theoretical basis for species identification and future biological research on resources of the genusBrassaiopsis.
Benefits and detriments of interdisciplinarity on early career scientists’ performance. An author-level approach for U.S. physicists and psychologists
Authors: Unger Saïd , Erhard Lukas , Wieczorek Oliver , Koß Christian , Riebling Jan , Heiberger Raphael H.
Published: June 2022

Is the pursuit of interdisciplinary or innovative research beneficial or detrimental for the impact of early career researchers? We focus on young scholars as they represent an understudied population who have yet to secure a place within academia. Which effects promise higher scientific recognition (i.e., citations) is therefore crucial for the high-stakes decisions young researchers face. To capture these effects, we introduce measurements for interdisciplinarity and novelty that can be applied to a researcher’s career. In contrast to previous studies investigating research impact on the paper level, hence, our paper focuses on a career perspective (i.e., the level of authors). To consider different disciplinary cultures, we utilize a comprehensive dataset on U.S. physicists (n= 4003) and psychologists (n= 4097), who graduated between 2008 and 2012, and traced their publication records. Our results indicate that conducting interdisciplinary research as an early career researcher in physics is beneficial, while it is negatively associated with research impact in psychology. In both fields, physics and psychology, early career researchers focusing on novel combinations of existing knowledge are associated with higher future impact. Taking some risks by deviating to a certain degree from mainstream paradigms seems therefore like a rewarding strategy for young scholars.
Prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in East Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Molla Kindu Alem , Reta Melese Abate , Ayene Yonas Yimam
Published: June 2022

Background

The rate of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is increasing at an alarming rate throughout the world. It is becoming an emerging public health problem in East Africa. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis among pulmonary tuberculosis positive individuals in the region has not been thoroughly investigated.

Aim

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to estimate the pooled prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis among newly diagnosed and previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis cases in East African countries.

Methods

English published articles were systematically searched from six electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Science direct, Web of Science, and Google scholar. The pooled prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and associated risk factors were calculated using Der Simonian and Laird’s random Effects model. Funnel plot symmetry visualization confirmed by Egger’s regression asymmetry test and Begg rank correlation methods was used to assess publication bias. A total of 16 articles published from 2007 to 2019 were included in this study. STATA 14 software was used for analysis.

Results

Out of 1025 articles identified citations, a total of 16 articles were included in final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis among newly diagnosed tuberculosis cases and previously treated tuberculosis patients was 4% (95%CI = 2–5%) and 21% (95%CI: 14–28%), respectively. Living conditions, lifestyles (smoking, alcohol use, and drug abuse), previous medical history, diabetes history, and human immunodeficiency virus infection were risk factors contributing to the higher prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in East Africa.

Conclusion

The review found a significant prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the region. An early diagnosis of tuberculosis and rapid detection of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a critical priority to identify patients who are not responding to the standard treatment and to avoid transmission of resistant strains. It is also very important to strengthen tuberculosis control and improve monitoring of chemotherapy.
How emotional changes affect skin odor and its impact on others
Authors: Katsuyama Masako , Narita Tomomi , Nakashima Masaya , Kusaba Kentaro , Ochiai Masatoshi , Kunizawa Naomi , Kawaraya Akihiro , Kuwahara Yukari , Horiuchi Masahiro , Nakamoto Koji
Published: June 2022

The gas emanating from human skin is known to vary depending on one’s physical condition and diet. Thus, skin gas has been gaining substantial scholarly attention as an effective noninvasive biomarker for understanding different physical conditions. This study focuses on the relationship between psychological stress and skin gas, which has remained unclear to date. It has been deduced that when participants were subjected to interviews confirmed as stressful by physiological indicators, their skin emitted an odor similar to stir-fried leeks containing allyl mercaptan and dimethyl trisulfide. This characteristic, recognizable odor appeared reproducibly during the stress-inducing situations. Furthermore, the study deduced that individuals who perceive this stress odor experience subjective tension, confusion, and fatigue (Profile of Mood States scale). Thus, the study findings indicate the possibility of human nonverbal communication through odor, which could enhance our understanding of human interaction.
A computational model of rabbit geometry and ECG: Optimizing ventricular activation sequence and APD distribution
Authors: Moss Robin , Wülfers Eike M. , Lewetag Raphaela , Hornyik Tibor , Perez-Feliz Stefanie , Strohbach Tim , Menza Marius , Krafft Axel , Odening Katja E. , Seemann Gunnar
Published: June 2022

Computational modeling of electrophysiological properties of the rabbit heart is a commonly used way to enhance and/or complement findings from classic lab work on single cell or tissue levels. Yet, thus far, there was no possibility to extend the scope to include the resulting body surface potentials as a way of validation or to investigate the effect of certain pathologies. Based on CT imaging, we developed the first openly available computational geometrical model not only of the whole heart but also the complete torso of the rabbit. Additionally, we fabricated a 32-lead ECG-vest to record body surface potential signals of the aforementioned rabbit. Based on the developed geometrical model and the measured signals, we then optimized the activation sequence of the ventricles, recreating the functionality of the Purkinje network, and we investigated different apico-basal and transmural gradients in action potential duration. Optimization of the activation sequence resulted in an average root mean square error between measured and simulated signal of 0.074 mV/ms for all leads. The best-fit T-Wave, compared to measured data (0.038 mV/ms), resulted from incorporating an action potential duration gradient from base to apex with a respective shortening of 20 ms and a transmural gradient with a shortening of 15 ms from endocardium to epicardium. By making our model and measured data openly available, we hope to give other researchers the opportunity to verify their research, as well as to create the possibility to investigate the impact of electrophysiological alterations on body surface signals for translational research.
Governance, financial development and China’s outward foreign direct investment
Authors: Gao Chen , Wen Ya , Yang Deyong
Published: June 2022

Deeply investigating the relationship between governance, financial development, and outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) is beneficial to formulating effective policies to accelerate Chinese firms’ pace of overseas expansion. Based on the theoretical mechanism analysis, this paper empirically analyzes the impact of Asian governance and financial development on China’s OFDI using the panel data of 37 Asian countries from 2003 to 2017. The results show that the host country governance has a negative and statistically significant impact on China’s direct investment in Asia. The conclusion remains valid even after overcoming the interference of endogenous and economic cycle fluctuations. Moreover, using the mediating effect model, we find that financial development is an important channel through which host country governance affects China’s OFDI. In further discussion, the findings suggest that with the scale of OFDI expanding, the role of governance takes an inverted "U" shape, and the "Belt and Road" initiative (BRI) weakens the negative impact of governance quality on China’s OFDI. Furthermore, governance has shown more remarkable restraint on China’s OFDI in neighboring, coastal, and low-income countries in the heterogeneity test. ​From the perspective of host country governance, this paper provides more specific guidance to formulate China’s direct investment policy in Asia.
Perioperative changes in haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations from preoperative intravenous iron isomaltoside for iron deficiency anaemia in patients with colorectal cancer: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fung Pui Lam Polly , Lau Vivian Nga Man , Ng Floria Fung , Leung Wing Wa , Mak Tony Wing Chung , Lee Anna
Published: June 2022

Background

Patients with colorectal cancer have a high risk of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) due to chronic tumour induced blood loss, a reduced dietary iron intake from poor nutrition or gastrointestinal malabsorption. This pilot, double blinded, randomised controlled trial (RCT) examined the effect and feasibility of using preoperative iron isomaltoside for treating iron deficiency anaemia.

Methods

Forty eligible adults with IDA were randomised to receive either intravenous iron isomaltoside (20 mg.kg-1 up to 1000 mg over 30 minutes) or usual preoperative care (control) three weeks before scheduled colorectal surgery. The primary outcomes were perioperative changes in haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations.

Results

The recruitment rate was 78% of all eligible referred patients (1.9 patients/month). The haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations were higher in the iron isomaltoside group than the control group over the perioperative period (group*time interaction P = 0.042 and P < 0.001 respectively). Mean haemoglobin change from baseline to before surgery was higher in the iron isomaltoside group (7.8, 95% CI: 3.2 to 12.3 g.l-1) than the control group (1.7, 95% CI: -1.9 to 5.3 g.l-1) [mean difference 6.1, 95% CI: 0.3 to 11.8 g.l-1; P = 0.040]. The ferritin change from baseline to before surgery between groups was large in favour of the iron isomaltoside group (mean difference 296.9, 95% CI: 200.6 to 393.2 μg.l-1; P < 0.001]. There were no differences between groups in packed red blood cell transfusions needed, surgical complications, quality of recovery and days (alive and) at home within 30 days after surgery.

Conclusion

Iron isomaltoside therapy was safe and had a minimal effect on perioperative changes in haemoglobin concentration. Given the slow recruitment and new evidence emerging during the conduct of this study, conducting a multi-centre RCT based on the current pilot trial protocol is unlikely to be feasible.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03565354.