bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometry symmetry-free and higher-order optical bound states in the continuum
Authors: Zhou Qingjia , Fu Yangyang , Huang Lujun , Wu Qiannan , Miroshnichenko Andrey , Gao Lei , Xu Yadong
Published: July 2021

Geometrical symmetry plays a significant role in implementing robust, symmetry-protected, bound states in the continuum (BICs). However, this benefit is only theoretical in many cases since fabricated samples’ unavoidable imperfections may easily break the stringent geometrical requirements. Here we propose an approach by introducing the concept of geometrical-symmetry-free but symmetry-protected BICs, realized using the static-like environment induced by a zero-index metamaterial (ZIM). We find that robust BICs exist and are protected from the disordered distribution of multiple objects inside the ZIM host by its physical symmetries rather than geometrical ones. The geometric-symmetry-free BICs are robust, regardless of the objects’ external shapes and material parameters in the ZIM host. We further show theoretically and numerically that the existence of those higher-order BICs depends only on the number of objects. By practically designing a structural ZIM waveguide, the existence of BICs is numerically confirmed, as well as their independence on the presence of geometrical symmetry. Our findings provide a way of realizing higher-order BICs and link their properties to the disorder of photonic systems.
Development of double antibody sandwich ELISA as potential diagnostic tool for rapid detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus
Authors: Shrivastava Neha , Kumar Jyoti S. , Yadav Pragya , Shete Anita M. , Jain Rajlaxmi , Shrivastava Ambuj , Dash Paban Kumar
Published: July 2021

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus, a highly pathogenic viral agent is responsible for severe fatal hemorrhagic infections in many parts of the world. The early diagnosis of CCHF infection is important for successful clinical management and epidemiological control. The nucleoprotein (NP) of CCHFV being highly conserved and immunogenic is used as early diagnostic marker. In this study, we report a rapid and sensitive double antibody based antigen capture ELISA to detect Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Highly specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibody against NP has been generated and used as capture and detector antibody respectively. The assay was able to detect viral nucleoprotein in different matrices including human serum, ticks and culture supernatant. The detection limit of the developed sandwich ELISA assay was 25 ng of purified antigen. Comparison with a real time RT-PCR revealed its detection limit to be 1000 genome equivalents of CCHFV. Further the assay was comparatively evaluated with a commercial kit employing gamma irradiated CCHFV, revealing a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. This newly developed sandwich ELISA (sELISA) with high sensitivity and specificity could be used as an efficient method for the detection of CCHF virus in humans, ticks and culture supernatant. The assay will be useful as alternate tool for diagnosis of acute infection and is amenable for screening of large scale samples in resource limited settings.
Electrophysiological characterization of a diverse group of sugar transporters from Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Havukainen Sami , Pujol-Giménez Jonai , Valkonen Mari , Westerholm-Parvinen Ann , Hediger Matthias A. , Landowski Christopher P.
Published: July 2021

Trichoderma reesei is an ascomycete fungus known for its capability to secrete high amounts of extracellular cellulose- and hemicellulose-degrading enzymes. These enzymes are utilized in the production of second-generation biofuels and T. reesei is a well-established host for their production. Although this species has gained considerable interest in the scientific literature, the sugar transportome of T. reesei remains poorly characterized. Better understanding of the proteins involved in the transport of different sugars could be utilized for engineering better enzyme production strains. In this study we aimed to shed light on this matter by characterizing multiple T. reesei transporters capable of transporting various types of sugars. We used phylogenetics to select transporters for expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes to screen for transport activities. Of the 18 tested transporters, 8 were found to be functional in oocytes. 10 transporters in total were investigated in oocytes and in yeast, and for 3 of them no transport function had been described in literature. This comprehensive analysis provides a large body of new knowledge about T. reesei sugar transporters, and further establishes X. laevis oocytes as a valuable tool for studying fungal sugar transporters.
Levels and health risk assessment of heavy metals in dried fish consumed in Bangladesh
Authors: Rakib Md. Refat Jahan , Jolly Y. N. , Enyoh Christian Ebere , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Hossain M. Belal , Akther Shirin , Alsubaie Abdullah , Almalki Abdulraheem S. A. , Bradley D. A.
Published: July 2021

As a cheap source of high-quality protein, healthy fats and essential nutrients, dried fish is a common item in the daily diet of the Bangladesh populace. In this study, ten types of widely consumed dried fish (H. neherius, T. lepturu, P.chinensis, P. affinis, A. mola, P. microdon, I. megaloptera, C. dussumieri, L. calcarifer, and G. chapra) were analyzed for Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Hg, Pb, Ni and As by using an Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. The concentration of the studied metals was found in the order Fe > Zn > Hg > Cu > Se > Cr > Mn > Co > Rb > Pb, while As and Ni were below the limit of detection. All fish species showed moderate to high pollution, where the speciesH. NeheriusandP. Chinensisare the most and least polluted ones, respectively. The probable source of contamination is the leaching from the drying pans into the fish samples, atmospheric deposition, anthropogenic contamination, etc. of the water body where these fish were harvested. The calculated hazard index for the general population was below the maximum limiting value (i.e., < 1) except for Hg to children. The carcinogenic risk showed values lower than the acceptable limit for cancer risks (10–6to 10–4). Periodic monitoring of trace metals in the aquatic organisms along with fish is recommended to avoid any unexpected health hazards caused by the toxic heavy metals via fish consumption.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The role of ascorbic acid combined exposure on Imidacloprid-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in Nile tilapia
Authors: El-Garawani Islam M. , Khallaf Elsayed A. , Alne-na-ei Alaa A. , Elgendy Rehab G. , Mersal Gaber A. M. , El-Seedi Hesham R.
Published: July 2021

Imidacloprid (Imid), a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, is broadly used worldwide. It is reported to contaminate aquatic systems. This study was proposed to evaluate oxidative stress and genotoxicity of Imid on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and the protective effect of ascorbic acid (Asc). O. niloticus juveniles (30.4 ± 9.3 g, 11.9 ± 1.3 cm) were divided into six groups (n = 10/replicate). For 21 days, two groups were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of Imid (8.75 ppm, 1/20 of 72 h-LC50 and 17.5 ppm, 1/10 of 72 h-LC50); other two groups were exposed to Asc (50 ppm) in combination with Imid (8.75 and 17.5 ppm); one group was exposed to Asc (50 ppm) in addition to a group of unexposed fish which served as controls. Oxidative stress was assessed in the liver where the level of enzymatic activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in addition to mRNA transcripts and, Lipid peroxidation (LPO) were evaluated. Moreover, mitotic index (MI) and comet assay were performed, in addition, the erythrocytic micronucleus (MN), and nuclear abnormalities (NA) were observed to assess genotoxicity in fish. Imid exposure induced significant (p ˂ 0.05) changes in the antioxidant profile of the juveniles' liver by increasing the activities and gene expression of SOD, CAT and GPX as well as elevating the levels of LPO. DNA strand breaks in gill cells, erythrocytes and hepatocytes along with erythrocytic MN and NA were also significantly elevated in Imid-exposed groups. MI showed a significant (p ˂ 0.05) decrease associated with Imid exposure. Asc administration induced a significant amelioration towards the Imid toxicity (8.75 and 17.5 ppm). A significant protective potency against the genotoxic effects of Imid was evidenced in Asc co-treated groups. Collectively, results highlight the importance of Asc as a protective agent against Imid-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in O. niloticus juveniles.
Metabolic factors and the risk of Dupuytren’s disease: data from 30,000 individuals followed for over 20 years
Authors: Rydberg Mattias , Zimmerman Malin , Löfgren Jin Persson , Gottsäter Anders , Nilsson Peter M. , Melander Olle , Dahlin Lars B.
Published: July 2021

Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a fibroproliferative disorder affecting the palmar fascia of the hand. Risk factors include diabetes mellitus (DM), whereas a high body mass index (BMI) is associated with a lower prevalence of DD. The aim of this study was to further elucidate risk and protective factors for the development of DD using longitudinal population-based data from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (MDCS). During 1991–1996, the inhabitants aged 46–73 years in the city of Malmö, Sweden were invited to participate in the population-based MDCS (41% participation rate). Data on incident DD were retrieved from Swedish national registers. Associations between DM, alcohol consumption, BMI, and serum apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) at baseline were analysed in multivariable Cox regression models adjusted for known confounders. Among 30,446 recruited participants, 347 men and 194 women were diagnosed with DD during a median follow-up time of 23 years. DM (men HR 2.23; 95% CI 1.50–3.30, women HR 2.69; 95% CI 1.48–4.90) and alcohol consumption (men HR 2.46; 95% CI 1.85–3.27, women HR 3.56; 95% CI 1.95–6.50) were independently associated with incident DD in the Cox regression models. Furthermore, inverse associations with incident DD were found for obesity among men, and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio among both sexes. DM and excess alcohol consumption constituted major risk factors for the development of DD. Furthermore, an inverse association between obesity among men and DD, and also between ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and DD was found in both sexes.
Investigation of energy metabolic dynamism in hyperthermia-resistant ovarian and uterine cancer cells under heat stress
Authors: Kanamori Taisei , Miyazaki Natumi , Aoki Shigeki , Ito Kousei , Hisaka Akihiro , Hatakeyama Hiroto
Published: July 2021

Despite progress in the use of hyperthermia in clinical practice, the thermosensitivity of cancer cells is poorly understood. In a previous study, we found that sensitivity to hyperthermia varied between ovarian and uterine cancer cell lines. Upon hyperthermia, glycolytic enzymes decreased in hyperthermia-resistant SKOV3 cells. However, the mechanisms of glycolysis inhibition and their relationship with thermoresistance remain to be explored. In this study, metabolomic analysis indicated the downregulation of glycolytic metabolites in SKOV3 cells after hyperthermia. Proteomic and pathway analyses predicted that the ubiquitin pathway was explicitly activated in resistant SKOV3 cells, compared with hyperthermia-sensitive A2780 cells, and STUB1, a ubiquitin ligase, potentially targeted PKM, a glycolytic rate-limiting enzyme. PKM is degraded via ubiquitination upon hyperthermia. Although glycolysis is inactivated by hyperthermia, ATP production is maintained. We observed that oxygen consumption and mitochondrial membrane potential were activated in SKOV3 cells but suppressed in A2780 cells. The activation of mitochondria could compensate for the loss of ATP production due to the suppression of glycolysis by hyperthermia. Although the physiological significance has not yet been elucidated, our results demonstrated that metabolomic adaptation from the Warburg effect to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation could contribute to thermoresistance in ovarian and uterine cancer cells.
Cultivation of Kabul Dhingri (Pleurotus eryngii) mushroom by standardizing protocols in subtropical zones of world
Authors: Deora Akansha , Sharma S. S. , Kumari Poonam , Dahima Vinita , Kumar Suresh , Rohith M.
Published: July 2021

The study is of great relevance with present day pandemic era where mushrooms have immunity enhancing properties and they convert agro-wastes into protein rich food. India is having a youth population of about 750 million and mushroom cultivation has good potential to contribute in national income as well as enhanced immunity. The key aspects undertaken during research were the spawn production, cultivation methodology, and the suitability of various factors affecting the production and yield attributes of Pleurotus eryngii under ambient conditions in subtropical areas. Study includes yield enhancing substrate, sterilization method, spawn and substrate quantity in the growing of King Oyster i.e. Pleurotus eryngii in subtropical zones. Paddy straw was found to be the best substrate giving the highest biological efficiency and producing maximum number of fruiting bodies which is otherwise burnt by farmers in India and it is a major cause of air pollution. Whereas, maize straw showed fastest spawn run and pin head emergence out of six tested substrates and supplements. But, due to the unavailability of paddy straw in this region, the other straws resulting in optimum yields are to be recommended. Chemical steeping of substrate with chlorine water at 0.4% + carbendazim at 2% + dichlorovos at 0.1% of water used for soaking showed best results in terms of biological efficiency whereas, water and aerated steam treatment of substrate at 85 °C-90°C for about 60–90 min supported the results in leaching of nutrients and thus, biological efficiency gets lower. Out of four spawn rates used, spawn rate of 5% was found significantly best resulting in maximum biological efficiency, fastest mycelial run, primordial initiation and highest average fruit body weight. All the experiments were found statistically significant except the experiment that was performed for evaluating the optimum quantity of substrate for bag preparation. There was not much difference in the obtained yields with respect to increase in the amounts of substrate. So, growing this mushroom from the obtained best results will result in better production with higher income even for the marginal farmers in subtropical zones of world.
Observing the silent world under COVID-19 with a comprehensive impact analysis based on human mobility
Authors: Wang Shaobin , Tong Yun , Fan Yupeng , Liu Haimeng , Wu Jun , Wang Zheye , Fang Chuanglin
Published: July 2021

Since spring 2020, the human world seems to be exceptionally silent due to mobility reduction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To better measure the real-time decline of human mobility and changes in socio-economic activities in a timely manner, we constructed a silent index (SI) based on Google’s mobility data. We systematically investigated the relations between SI, new COVID-19 cases, government policy, and the level of economic development. Results showed a drastic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on increasing SI. The impact of COVID-19 on human mobility varied significantly by country and place. Bi-directional dynamic relationships between SI and the new COVID-19 cases were detected, with a lagging period of one to two weeks. The travel restriction and social policies could immediately affect SI in one week; however, could not effectively sustain in the long run. SI may reflect the disturbing impact of disasters or catastrophic events on the activities related to the global or national economy. Underdeveloped countries are more affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Skin tolerant inactivation of multiresistant pathogens using far-UVC LEDs
Authors: Glaab Johannes , Lobo-Ploch Neysha , Cho Hyun Kyong , Filler Thomas , Gundlach Heiko , Guttmann Martin , Hagedorn Sylvia , Lohan Silke B. , Mehnke Frank , Schleusener Johannes , Sicher Claudia , Sulmoni Luca , Wernicke Tim , Wittenbecher Lucas , Woggon Ulrike , Zwicker Paula , Kramer Axel , Meinke Martina C. , Kneissl Michael , Weyers Markus , Winterwerber Ulrike , Einfeldt Sven
Published: July 2021

Multiresistant pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cause serious postoperative infections. A skin tolerant far-UVC (< 240 nm) irradiation system for their inactivation is presented here. It uses UVC LEDs in combination with a spectral filter and provides a peak wavelength of 233 nm, with a full width at half maximum of 12 nm, and an irradiance of 44 µW/cm2. MRSA bacteria in different concentrations on blood agar plates were inactivated with irradiation doses in the range of 15–40 mJ/cm2. Porcine skin irradiated with a dose of 40 mJ/cm2 at 233 nm showed only 3.7% CPD and 2.3% 6-4PP DNA damage. Corresponding irradiation at 254 nm caused 11–14 times higher damage. Thus, the skin damage caused by the disinfectant doses is so small that it can be expected to be compensated by the skin's natural repair mechanisms. LED-based far-UVC lamps could therefore soon be used in everyday clinical practice to eradicate multiresistant pathogens directly on humans.
Homogeneous 2D and 3D alignment of cardiomyocyte in dilated cardiomyopathy revealed by intravital heart imaging
Authors: Masuyama Kiyoshi , Higo Tomoaki , Lee Jong-Kook , Matsuura Ryohei , Jones Ian , Bakal Chris , Higo Shuichiro , Morimoto Sachio , Miyagawa Shigeru , Sawa Yoshiki , Sakata Yasushi
Published: July 2021

In contrast to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, there has been reported no specific pattern of cardiomyocyte array in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), partially because lack of alignment assessment in a three-dimensional (3D) manner. Here we have established a novel method to evaluate cardiomyocyte alignment in 3D using intravital heart imaging and demonstrated homogeneous alignment in DCM mice. Whilst cardiomyocytes of control mice changed their alignment by every layer in 3D and position twistedly even in a single layer, termed myocyte twist, cardiomyocytes of DCM mice aligned homogeneously both in two-dimensional (2D) and in 3D and lost myocyte twist. Manipulation of cultured cardiomyocyte toward homogeneously aligned increased their contractility, suggesting that homogeneous alignment in DCM mice is due to a sort of alignment remodelling as a way to compensate cardiac dysfunction. Our findings provide the first intravital evidence of cardiomyocyte alignment and will bring new insights into understanding the mechanism of heart failure.
Optimized procedures for testing plasma metanephrines in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Pamporaki Christina , Prejbisz Aleksander , Małecki Robert , Pistrosch Frank , Peitzsch Mirko , Bishoff Steffen , Mueller Petra , Meyer Iris , Reimann Doreen , Hanus Katarzyna , Januszewicz Andrzej , Bornstein Stefan R. , Parmentier Simon , Kunath Carola , Lenders Jacques W. M. , Eisenhofer Graeme , Passauer Jens
Published: July 2021

Diagnosis of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas in patients receiving hemodialysis is troublesome. The aim of the study was to establish optimal conditions for blood sampling for mass spectrometric measurements of normetanephrine, metanephrine and 3-methoxytyramine in patients on hemodialysis and specific reference intervals for plasma metanephrines under the most optimal sampling conditions. Blood was sampled before and near the end of dialysis, including different sampling sites in 170 patients on hemodialysis. Plasma normetanephrine concentrations were lower (P < 0.0001) and metanephrine concentrations higher (P < 0.0001) in shunt than in venous blood, with no differences for 3-methoxytyramine. Normetanephrine, metanephrine and 3-methoxytyramine concentrations in shunt and venous blood were lower (P < 0.0001) near the end than before hemodialysis. Upper cut-offs for normetanephrine were 34% lower when the blood was drawn from the shunt and near the end of hemodialysis compared to blood drawn before hemodialysis. This study establishes optimal sampling conditions using blood from the dialysis shunt near the end of hemodialysis with optimal reference intervals for plasma metanephrines for the diagnosis of pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas among patients on hemodialysis.
Ipsilateral somatic nerves mediate histamine-induced vasosensory reflex responses involving perivascular afferents in rat models
Authors: Revand Ravindran , Singh Sanjeev K.
Published: July 2021

Reflex cardiorespiratory alterations elicited after instillation of nociceptive agents intra-arterially (i.a) are termed as ‘vasosensory reflex responses’. The present study was designed to evaluate such responses produced after i.a. instillation of histamine (1 mM; 10 mM; 100 mM) and to delineate the pathways i.e. the afferents and efferents mediating these responses. Blood pressure, electrocardiogram and respiratory excursions were recorded before and after injecting saline/histamine, in a local segment of femoral artery in urethane anesthetized rats. Paw edema and latencies of responses were also estimated. Separate groups of experiments were conducted to demonstrate the involvement of somatic nerves in mediating histamine-induced responses after ipsilateral femoral and sciatic nerve sectioning (+NX) and lignocaine pre-treatment (+Ligno). In addition, another set of experiments was performed after bilateral vagotomy (+VagX) and the responses after histamine instillation were studied. Histamine produced concentration-dependent hypotensive, bradycardiac, tachypnoeic and hyperventilatory responses of shorter latencies (2–7 s) favouring the neural mechanisms in eliciting the responses. Instillation of saline (time matched control) in a similar fashion produced no response, excluding the possibilities of ischemic/stretch effects. Paw edema was absent in both hind limbs indicating that the histamine did not reach the paws and did not spill out into the systemic circulation. +NX, +VagX, +Ligno attenuated histamine-induced cardiorespiratory responses significantly. These observations conclude that instillation of 10 mM of histamine produces optimal vasosensory reflex responses originating from the local vascular bed; afferents and efferents of which are mostly located in ipsilateral somatic and vagus nerves respectively.
Efficacy of hypertonic dextrose injection (prolotherapy) in temporomandibular joint dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sit Regina Wing-Shan , Reeves Kenneth Dean , Zhong Claire Chenwen , Wong Charlene Hoi Lam , Wang Bo , Chung Vincent Chi-ho , Wong Samuel Yeung-shan , Rabago David
Published: July 2021

Hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy (DPT) has been reported to be effective for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in clinical trials but its overall efficacy is uncertain. To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of DPT for TMDs. Eleven electronic databases were searched from their inception to October, 2020. The primary outcome of interest was pain intensity. Secondary outcomes included maximum inter-incisal mouth opening (MIO) and disability score. Studies were graded by “Cochrane risk of bias 2” tool; if data could be pooled, a meta-analysis was performed. Ten RCTs (n = 336) with some to high risk of bias were included. In a meta-analysis of 5 RCTs, DPT was significantly superior to placebo injections in reducing TMJ pain at 12 weeks, with moderate effect size and low heterogeneity (Standardized Mean Difference: − 0.76; 95% CI − 1.19 to − 0.32, I2 = 0%). No statistically significant differences were detected for changes in MIO and functional scores. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, evidence from low to moderate quality studies show that DPT conferred a large positive effect which met criteria for clinical relevance in the treatment of TMJ pain, compared with placebo injections.

Protocol registration at PROSPERO: CRD42020214305.
Arterial hypertension assessment in a population with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Roa-Chamorro Ricardo , Jaén-Águila Fernando , Puerta-Puerta José Manuel , Torres-Quintero Lucía , González-Bustos Pablo , Mediavilla-García Juan Diego
Published: July 2021

Treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is based on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), whose introduction in 2001 improved the survival rate after 5 years from 40 to 90%. The longevity increase has been accompanied by a higher incidence of cardiovascular events (CVE) that can be explained due to the sum of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) together with the secondary effects of the TKI. The effect of the TKI over the blood pressure control is still unknown. An observational cross-sectional study of patients with CML under treatment with TKI (imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib) was conducted. Blood pressure was analyzed through sphygmomanometer and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). A total of 73 patients were included, 57 treated with a single line of treatment. 32.9% of the total of individuals under this study showed uncontrolled blood pressure according to the ABPM. The factors related to uncontrolled BP were overweight, dyslipidemia, alcohol use, pulse wave velocity a high/very high cardiovascular risk. The subjects who received treatment with nilotinib did present worse control of their blood pressure in ABPM than those treated with imatinib and dasatinib (p = 0.041). This finding could indicate that an uncontrolled blood pressure is implied in the pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic mechanism underlying the development of the cardiovascular disease in those patients under treatment with nilotinib. The ABPM is a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of HT, being the reason why it should be included in the assessment of patients with CML whose HT diagnosis proves uncertain.
A hypoxia risk signature for the tumor immune microenvironment evaluation and prognosis prediction in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Jiang Feng , Mao Yan , Lu Binbin , Zhou Guoping , Wang Jimei
Published: July 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most prevalent form of acute leukemia. Patients with AML often have poor clinical prognoses. Hypoxia can activate a series of immunosuppressive processes in tumors, resulting in diseases and poor clinical prognoses. However, how to evaluate the severity of hypoxia in tumor immune microenvironment remains unknown. In this study, we downloaded the profiles of RNA sequence and clinicopathological data of pediatric AML patients from Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) database, as well as those of AML patients from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). In order to explore the immune microenvironment in AML, we established a risk signature to predict clinical prognosis. Our data showed that patients with high hypoxia risk score had shorter overall survival, indicating that higher hypoxia risk scores was significantly linked to immunosuppressive microenvironment in AML. Further analysis showed that the hypoxia could be used to serve as an independent prognostic indicator for AML patients. Moreover, we found gene sets enriched in high-risk AML group participated in the carcinogenesis. In summary, the established hypoxia-related risk model could act as an independent predictor for the clinical prognosis of AML, and also reflect the response intensity of the immune microenvironment in AML.
A study on movement characteristics and distribution law of dust particles in open-pit coal mine
Authors: Wu Tong , Yang Zhuo , Wang Aiai , Zhang Kai , Wang Bo
Published: July 2021

Previous simulation studies of dust particles movement behavior in open-pit coal mines only aimed at a single operation link, and the macro simulation is lacking. This study seeks to explore microscopic migration and macroscopic diffusion of dust particles in the mining area by numerical simulation method. The movement characteristics revealed, and the distribution law of the dust particles in a stable state with the corresponding migration paths in the mining area were obtained respectively. The results showed that the increase amplitude of dust particles diffusion velocity was inversely proportional to particle size, which was vital for dust pollution in the mine. And the larger the particle size in the mining pit was, the lower the escape rate of the dust particles was. Dust particles distributed over a wide range that were not limited by space height, and the distribution characteristics of dust particles at different heights were basically the same. Meanwhile, it is found that the dust distribution in the two places is relatively concentrated due to the circulation phenomenon of the mining pit and the west dump. And wind action would accelerate the moving dust particles to reach a stable distribution state.
Comparative and phylogenetic analyses of the chloroplast genomes of species of Paeoniaceae
Authors: Wu Liwei , Nie Liping , Wang Qing , Xu Zhichao , Wang Yu , He Chunnian , Song Jingyuan , Yao Hui
Published: July 2021

Plants belonging to family Paeoniaceae are not only economically important ornamental plants but also medicinal plants used as an important source of traditional Chinese medicine. Owing to the complex network evolution and polyploidy evolution of this family, its systematics and taxonomy are controversial and require a detailed investigation. In this study, three complete chloroplast genomes of sect. Paeonia, one of the sections of Paeonia, were sequenced and then analysed together with 16 other published chloroplast genomes of Paeoniaceae species. The total lengths of the chloroplast genomes of these species were 152,153–154,405 bp. A total of 82–87 protein-coding genes, 31–40 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes were annotated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed 61–74 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in the chloroplast genomes, most of which have A/T base preference. Codon usage analysis showed that A/U-ending codons were more positive than C/G-ending codons, and a slight bias in codon usage was observed in these species. A comparative analysis of these 19 species of Paeoniaceae was then conducted. Fourteen highly variable regions were selected for species relationship study. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the species of sect. Paeonia gathered in one branch and then divided into different small branches. P. lactiflora, P. anomala, P. anomala subsp. veitchii and P. mairei clustered together. P. intermedia was related to P. obovata and P. obovata subsp. willmottiae. P. emodi was the sister to all other species in the sect. Paeonia.
Niacinamide and undenatured type II collagen modulates the inflammatory response in rats with monoiodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis
Authors: Sahin Kazim , Kucuk Osman , Orhan Cemal , Tuzcu Mehmet , Durmus Ali Said , Ozercan Ibrahim Hanifi , Sahin Nurhan , Juturu Vijaya
Published: July 2021

The current work aimed to examine the properties of oral supplementation of niacinamide and undenatured type II collagen (UCII) on the inflammation and joint pain behavior of rats with osteoarthritis (OA). Forty-nine Wistar rats were allocated into seven groups; control (no MIA), MIA as a non-supplemental group with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced knee osteoarthritis, MIA + undenatured type II collagen (UCII) at 4 mg/kg BW, MIA + Niacinamide at 40 mg/kg BW (NA40), MIA + Niacinamide at 200 mg/kg BW (NA200), MIA + UCII + NA40 and MIA + UCII + NA200. Serum IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF-α, COMP, and CRP increased in rats with OA and decreased in UCII and NA groups (p < 0.05). Rats with osteoarthritis had greater serum MDA and knee joint MMP-3, NF-κB, and TGβ protein levels and decreased in treated groups with UCII and NA (p < 0.05). The rats with OA also bore elevated joint diameters with joint pain behavior measured as decreased the stride lengths, the paw areas, and the paw widths, and increased the Kellgren-Lawrence and the Mankin scores (p < 0.05) and decreased in UCII treated groups. These results suggest the combinations with the UCII + NA supplementation as being most effective and reduce the inflammation responses for most OA symptoms in rats.
Silica and graphene mediate arsenic detection in mature rice grain by a newly patterned current–volt aptasensor
Authors: Uda M. N. A. , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Hashim Uda , Halim N. H. , Parmin N. A. , Uda M. N. Afnan , Adam Tijjani , Anbu Periasamy
Published: July 2021

Arsenic is a major global threat to the ecosystem. Here we describe a highly accurate sensing platform using silica nanoparticles/graphene at the surface of aluminum interdigitated electrodes (Al IDE), able to detect trace amounts of arsenic(III) in rice grain samples. The morphology and electrical properties of fabricated Al IDEs were characterized and standardized using AFM, and SEM with EDX analyses. Micrometer scale Al IDEs were fabricated with silicon, aluminum, and oxygen as primary elements. Validation of the bare Al IDE with electrolyte fouling was performed at different pH levels. The sensing surface was stable with no electrolyte fouling at pH 7. Each chemical modification step was monitored with current–volt measurement. The surface chemical bonds were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and revealed different peaks when interacting with arsenic (1600–1000 cm−1). Both silica nanoparticles and graphene presented a sensitive limit of detection as measured by slope calibration curves at 0.0000001 pg/ml, respectively. Further, linear regression was established using ΔI (A) = 3.86 E−09 log (Arsenic concentration) [g/ml] + 8.67 E−08 [A] for silica nanoparticles, whereas for graphene Y = 3.73 E−09 (Arsenic concentration) [g/ml] + 8.52 E−08 on the linear range of 0.0000001 pg/ml to 0.01 pg/ml. The R2 for silica (0.96) and that of graphene (0.94) was close to the maximum (1). Modification with silica nanoparticles was highly stable. The potential use of silica nanoparticles in the detection of arsenic in rice grain extract can be attributed to their size and stability.
Evaluating the results of long tubular bone distraction with an advanced rod monolateral external fixator for achondroplasia
Authors: Dossanov Bolatbek , Trofimchuk Vitaliy , Lozovoy Vassiliy , Khmyzov Sergey , Dossanova Assem , Zhukenov Olzhas , Tuktiyeva Nazym , Angelov Aleksandr
Published: July 2021

The work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed distraction system based on the rod external monolateral fixation mechanisms by comparing it with the classical technique of long tubular bones distraction based on the circular multi-axial system. The study included patients with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of achondroplasia. The experimental group consisted of 14 patients who underwent surgical limb lengthening by the rod monolateral external fixator with a distraction system developed by the authors. The lengthening was performed on 28 segments of tubular bones. The majority of the experimental group patients achieved the lengthening value close to the planned one and the deformation correction. The fixation period was averagely 83.8 ± 3.7 days, the regenerate length was 8.5 ± 0.6 cm, and the mechanical strength of the distraction regenerate was 10.3° ± 2.18°. The rod external fixator with a control distraction system developed by the authors has small dimensions and low weight of the external supporting elements of high durability. It is reported to provide a good psychological tolerance of the treatment process and significantly outperforms the circular multi-axis system. Considering the aforementioned, the proposed apparatus can grant good orthopedic care to patients with achondroplasia.
Frontal midline theta differentiates separate cognitive control strategies while still generalizing the need for cognitive control
Authors: Eisma Jarrod , Rawls Eric , Long Stephanie , Mach Russell , Lamm Connie
Published: July 2021

Cognitive control processes encompass many distinct components, including response inhibition (stopping a prepotent response), proactive control (using prior information to enact control), reactive control (last-minute changing of a prepotent response), and conflict monitoring (choosing between two competing responses). While frontal midline theta activity is theorized to be a general marker of the need for cognitive control, a stringent test of this hypothesis would require a quantitative, within-subject comparison of the neural activation patterns indexing many different cognitive control strategies, an experiment lacking in the current literature. We recorded EEG from 176 participants as they performed tasks that tested inhibitory control (Go/Nogo Task), proactive and reactive control (AX-Continuous Performance Task), and resolving response conflict (Global/Local Task-modified Flanker Task). As activity in the theta (4–8 Hz) frequency band is thought to be a common signature of cognitive control, we assessed frontal midline theta activation underlying each cognitive control strategy. In all strategies, we found higher frontal midline theta power for trials that required more cognitive control (target conditions) versus control conditions. Additionally, reactive control and inhibitory control had higher theta power than proactive control and response conflict, and proactive control had higher theta power than response conflict. Using decoding analyses, we were able to successfully decode control from target trials using classifiers trained exclusively on each of the other strategies, thus firmly demonstrating that theta representations of cognitive control generalize across multiple cognitive control strategies. Our results confirm that frontal midline theta-band activity is a common mechanism for initiating and executing cognitive control, but theta power also differentiates between cognitive control mechanisms. As theta activation reliably differs depending on the cognitive control strategy employed, future work will need to focus on the differential role of theta in differing cognitive control strategies.
Bioavailability of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury as measured by intestinal permeability
Authors: Bolan Shiv , Seshadri Balaji , Keely Simon , Kunhikrishnan Anitha , Bruce Jessica , Grainge Ian , Talley Nicholas J. , Naidu Ravi
Published: July 2021

In this study, the intestinal permeability of metal(loid)s (MLs) such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) was examined, as influenced by gut microbes and chelating agents using an in vitro gastrointestinal/Caco-2 cell intestinal epithelium model. The results showed that in the presence of gut microbes or chelating agents, there was a significant decrease in the permeability of MLs (As-7.5%, Cd-6.3%, Pb-7.9% and Hg-8.2%) as measured by apparent permeability coefficient value (Papp), with differences in ML retention and complexation amongst the chelants and the gut microbes. The decrease in ML permeability varied amongst the MLs. Chelating agents reduce intestinal absorption of MLs by forming complexes thereby making them less permeable. In the case of gut bacteria, the decrease in the intestinal permeability of MLs may be associated to a direct protection of the intestinal barrier against the MLs or indirect intestinal ML sequestration by the gut bacteria through adsorption on bacterial surface. Thus, both gut microbes and chelating agents can be used to decrease the intestinal permeability of MLs, thereby mitigating their toxicity.
Prognostic factors related to ambulation deterioration after 1-year of geriatric hip fracture in a Chinese population
Authors: Wong Ronald Man Yeung , Qin Jianghui , Chau Wai Wang , Tang Ning , Tso Chi Yin , Wong Hiu Wun , Chow Simon Kwoon-Ho , Leung Kwok-Sui , Cheung Wing-Hoi
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors predicting the ambulation recovery of fragility hip fracture patients. 2286 fragility hip fracture patients were collected from the Fragility Fracture Registry in Hong Kong. Predictive factors of ambulation deterioration including age, gender, pre-operation American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, pre-fracture mobility, delay to surgery, length of stay, fracture type, type of surgery, discharge destination and complications were identified. Patients with outdoor unassisted and outdoor with aids ambulatory function before fracture had 3- and 1.5-times increased risk of mobility deterioration, respectively (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.556 and 1.480, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.101–3.111 and 1.246–1.757, both p < 0.001). Patients living in old age homes had almost 1.4 times increased risk of deterioration when compared to those that lived in their homes (OR = 1.363, 95% CI 1.147–1.619, p < 0.001). The risk also increased for every 10 years of age (OR = 1.831, 95% CI 1.607–2.086, p < 0.001). Patients in the higher risk ASA group shows a decreased risk of ambulation deterioration compared to those in lower risk ASA group (OR = 0.831, 95% CI 0.698–0.988, p = 0.038). Patients who suffered from complications after surgery did not increased risk of mobility decline at 1-year post-surgery. Delayed surgery over 48 h, delayed discharge (> 14 days), early discharge (less than 6 days), and length of stay also did not increased risk of mobility decline. Male patients performed worse in terms of their mobility function after surgery compared to female patients (OR = 1.195, 95% CI 1.070–1.335, p = 0.002). This study identified that better premorbid good function, discharge to old age homes especially newly institutionalized patients, increased age, lower ASA score, and male patients, correlate with mobility deterioration at 1-year post-surgery. With the aging population and development of FLS, prompt identification of at-risk patients should be performed for prevention of deterioration.
Effects of different straw biochar combined with microbial inoculants on soil environment in pot experiment
Authors: Qi Yuqi , Liu Haolang , Wang Jihong , Wang Yingping
Published: July 2021

Ginseng is an important cash crop. The long-term continuous cropping of ginseng causes the imbalance of soil environment and the exacerbation of soil-borne diseases, which affects the healthy development of ginseng industry. In this study, ginseng continuous cropping soil was treated with microbial inocula using broad-spectrum biocontrol microbial strain Frankia F1. Wheat straw, rice straw and corn straw were the best carrier materials for microbial inoculum. After treatment with microbial inoculum prepared with corn straw biochar, the soil pH value, organic matter, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium were increased by 11.18%, 55.43%, 33.07%, 26.70%, 16.40%, and 9.10%, the activities of soil urease, catalase and sucrase increased by 52.73%, 16.80% and 43.80%, respectively. A Metagenomics showed that after the application of microbial inoculum prepared with corn straw biochar, soil microbial OTUs, Chao1 index, Shannon index, and Simpson index increased by 19.86%, 16.05%, 28.83%, and 3.16%, respectively. Three classes (Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Sphingobacteria) were the dominant bacteria in ginseng soil, and their abundance increased by 7.87%, 9.81% and 1.24%, respectively, after treatment with microbial inoculum with corn straw biochar. Results indicated that the most effective treatment in ginseng soil would be the combined application of corn straw biochar and Frankia F1.
Frequency and phenotype of headache in covid-19: a study of 2194 patients
Authors: García-Azorín David , Sierra Álvaro , Trigo Javier , Alberdi Ana , Blanco María , Calcerrada Ismael , Cornejo Ana , Cubero Miguel , Gil Ana , García-Iglesias Cristina , Lozano Ana Guiomar , Martínez Badillo Cristina , Montilla Carol , Mora Marta , Núñez Gabriela , Paniagua Marina , Pérez Carolina , Rojas María , Ruiz Marta , Sierra Leticia , Hurtado María Luisa , Guerrero Peral Ángel Luis
Published: July 2021

To estimate the frequency of headache in patients with confirmed COVID-19 and characterize the phenotype of headache attributed to COVID-19, comparing patients depending on the need of hospitalization and sex, an observational study was done. We systematically screened all eligible patients from a reference population of 261,431 between March 8 (first case) and April 11, 2020. A physician administered a survey assessing demographic and clinical data and the phenotype of the headache. During the study period, 2194 patients out of the population at risk were diagnosed with COVID-19. Headache was described by 514/2194 patients (23.4%, 95% CI 21.7–25.3%), including 383/1614 (23.7%) outpatients and 131/580 (22.6%) inpatients. The headache phenotype was studied in detail in 458 patients (mean age, 51 years; 72% female; prior history of headache, 49%). Headache was the most frequent first symptom of COVID-19. Median headache onset was within 24 h, median duration was 7 days and persisted after 1 month in 13% of patients. Pain was bilateral (80%), predominantly frontal (71%), with pressing quality (75%), of severe intensity. Systemic symptoms were present in 98% of patients. Headache frequency and phenotype was similar in patients with and without need for hospitalization and when comparing male and female patients, being more intense in females.

Trial registration: This study was supported by the Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), code 07.04.467804.74011 and Regional Health Administration, Gerencia Regional de Salud, Castilla y Leon (GRS: 2289/A/2020).
Entropy production and mixed convection within trapezoidal cavity having nanofluids and localised solid cylinder
Authors: Ishak Muhamad S. , Alsabery Ammar I. , Hashim Ishak , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: July 2021

The entropy production and mixed convection within a trapezoidal nanofluid-filled cavity having a localised solid cylinder is numerically examined using the finite element technique. The top horizontal surface moving at a uniform velocity is kept at a cold temperature, while the bottom horizontal surface is thermally activated. The remaining surfaces are maintained adiabatic. Water-based nanofluids ($$\text {Al}_2\text {O}_3$$

Al
2

O
3

nanoparticles) are used in this study, and the Boussinesq approximation applies. The influence of the Reynolds number, Richardson number, nanoparticles volume fraction, dimensionless radius and location of the solid cylinder on the streamlines, isotherms and isentropic are examined. The results show that the solid cylinder’s size and location are significant control parameters for optimising the heat transfer and the Bejan number inside the trapezoidal cavity. Furthermore, the maximum average Nusselt numbers are obtained for high R values, where the average Nusselt number is increased by 30% when R is raised from 0 to 0.25.
Accurate prediction of breast cancer survival through coherent voting networks with gene expression profiling
Authors: Pellegrini Marco
Published: July 2021

For a patient affected by breast cancer, after tumor removal, it is necessary to decide which adjuvant therapy is able to prevent tumor relapse and formation of metastases. A prediction of the outcome of adjuvant therapy tailored for the patient is hard, due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease. We devised a methodology for predicting 5-years survival based on the new machine learning paradigm of coherent voting networks, with improved accuracy over state-of-the-art prediction methods. The ’coherent voting communities’ metaphor provides a certificate justifying the survival prediction for an individual patient, thus facilitating its acceptability in practice, in the vein of explainable Artificial Intelligence. The method we propose is quite flexible and applicable to other types of cancer.