bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate policies loom large in German election
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: September 2021

Chancellor Angela Merkel, a former scientist, will cede power
Genome Sequences of Community Carriage Strains of Staphylococcus aureus from Yuma, Arizona
Authors: Pearson Talima , Hepp Crystal , Trotter Robert T. , Mbegbu Mimi , Russakoff Benjamin , Panisello Yagüe David , Wood Colin , Tucker-Morgan Kara , Ceniceros Kathya , Padilla Cristina , Kyman Shari , Villa Francisco
Published: September 2021

Staphylococcus aureus
exists as a pathogen and commensal. Individuals with asymptomatic carriage serve as a reservoir for transmission and are at increased risk of infecting themselves. In order to characterize the genomic diversity of
S. aureus
circulating in the community, we sequenced 166 genomes collected from individuals in Yuma, AZ.
Draft Genome Sequence of Vibrio chagasii 18LP, Isolated from Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Larvae Reared in Aquaculture
Authors: Sanches-Fernandes Gracinda M. M. , Califano Gianmaria , Keller-Costa Tina , Castanho Sara , Soares Florbela , Ribeiro Laura , Pousão-Ferreira Pedro , Mata Leonardo , Costa Rodrigo
Published: September 2021

We report the draft genome sequence of
Vibrio chagasii
strain 18LP, isolated from gilthead seabream larvae at a fish hatchery research station in Portugal. The genome presents numerous features underlying opportunistic behavior, including genes coding for toxin biosynthesis and tolerance, host cell invasion, and heavy metal resistance.
Complete Genome Sequence of Erwinia amylovora Strain TS3128, a Korean Strain Isolated in an Asian Pear Orchard in 2015
Authors: Kang In-Jeong , Park Duck Hwan , Lee Young-Kee , Han Sang-Wook , Kwak Youn-Sig , Oh Chang-Sik
Published: September 2021

Erwinia amylovora
causes fire blight, a devastating disease of apples and pears. Here, we report the complete genome sequence and annotation of
E. amylovora
strain TS3128, which was isolated from Anseong, South Korea, where fire blight first occurred in 2015, using the PacBio RS II system.
Complete Genome Sequence of Cupriavidus sp. Strain EM10, Isolated from Sewage Sludge
Authors: Jeong Sun-Wook , Choi Yong Jun
Published: September 2021

Cupriavidus
species have been known as versatile microorganisms in the field of industrial biotechnology.
Cupriavidus
sp. strain EM10 was isolated from sewage sludges. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this bacterium, which contains 6,658,510 bp (GC content, 65.12%) and 6,248 genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Fungi Isolated from the International Space Station during the Microbial Tracking-2 Experiment
Authors: Simpson Anna C. , Urbaniak Camilla , Bateh John R. , Singh Nitin K. , Wood Jason M. , Debieu Marilyne , O’Hara Niamh B. , Houbraken Jos , Mason Christopher E. , Venkateswaran Kasthuri
Published: September 2021

As part of the Microbial Tracking-2 study, 94 fungal strains were isolated from surfaces on the International Space Station, and whole-genome sequences were assembled. Characterization of these draft genomes will allow evaluation of microgravity adaption, risks to human health and spacecraft functioning, and biotechnological applications of fungi.
Scoping future outbreaks: a scoping review on the outbreak prediction of the WHO Blueprint list of priority diseases
Authors: Jonkmans Nils , D’Acremont Valérie , Flahault Antoine
Published: September 2021

Background

The WHO’s Research and Development Blueprint priority list designates emerging diseases with the potential to generate public health emergencies for which insufficient preventive solutions exist. The list aims to reduce the time to the availability of resources that can avert public health crises. The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic illustrates that an effective method of mitigating such crises is the pre-emptive prediction of outbreaks. This scoping review thus aimed to map and identify the evidence available to predict future outbreaks of the Blueprint diseases.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science related to the evidence predicting future outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg virus, Zika virus, Lassa fever, Nipah and Henipaviral disease, Rift Valley fever, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome and Disease X. Prediction methods, outbreak features predicted and implementation of predictions were evaluated. We conducted a narrative and quantitative evidence synthesis to highlight prediction methods that could be further investigated for the prevention of Blueprint diseases and COVID-19 outbreaks.

Results

Out of 3959 articles identified, we included 58 articles based on inclusion criteria. 5 major prediction methods emerged; the most frequent being spatio-temporal risk maps predicting outbreak risk periods and locations through vector and climate data. Stochastic models were predominant. Rift Valley fever was the most predicted disease. Diseases with complex sociocultural factors such as Ebola were often predicted through multifactorial risk-based estimations. 10% of models were implemented by health authorities. No article predicted Disease X outbreaks.

Conclusions

Spatiotemporal models for diseases with strong climatic and vectorial components, as in River Valley fever prediction, may currently best reduce the time to the availability of resources. A wide literature gap exists in the prediction of zoonoses with complex sociocultural and ecological dynamics such as Ebola, COVID-19 and especially Disease X.
Safety, feasibility and efficacy of metformin and sitagliptin in patients with a TIA or minor ischaemic stroke and impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Osei Elizabeth , Zandbergen Adrienne , Brouwers Paul J A M , Mulder Laus J M M , Koudstaal Peter , Lingsma Hester , Dippel Diederik W J , den Hertog Heleen
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is highly prevalent after stroke and is associated with recurrent stroke and unfavourable outcome.

Objectives

We aimed to assess the feasibility, safety and effects on glucose metabolism of metformin or sitagliptin in patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor ischaemic stroke and IGT.

Design

We performed a multicentre, randomised, controlled, open-label phase II trial with blinded outcome assessment.

Interventions

Patients were randomised in a 2:1:1 ratio to ‘no medication’, sitagliptin or metformin.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome measures were baseline adjusted differences of 2-hour postload glucose; secondary outcome measures fasting glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin 1c (HbA1c) levels, tolerability and safety of metformin and sitagliptin at 6 months. Patients on metformin or sitagliptin were contacted by telephone for recording of possible adverse events and to support continuation of treatment at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months after inclusion. These events were not analysed as outcome measures.

Results

Fifty-three patients were randomised to control group, 26 to metformin and 22 to sitagliptin. We found no significant differences in 2-hour postload glucose between patients on antidiabetic drugs and controls ((−0.04 mmol/L (95% CI −0.53 to 0.45)). Patients in the treatment arms had reduced fasting glucose: ((−0.21 mmol/L (95% CI −0.36 to −0.06)) and HbA1c levels ((−1.16 mmol/mol (95% CI −1.84 to −0.49)). Thirteen patients (50%) on metformin and 7 (32%) on sitagliptin experienced side effects. Sixteen patients (61%) in the metformin and 13 (59%) in the sitagliptin group were still on treatment after 6 months.

Conclusions

Metformin and sitagliptin were both effective in reducing fasting glucose and HbA1c levels in patients with recent TIA or minor ischaemic stroke and IGT. However, the reduction of glucose levels and sample size was relatively small. The clinical relevance, therefore, needs to be tempered. A phase III trial is needed to investigate whether medical treatment, compared with lifestyle intervention or a combination of both, not only improves glucose metabolism in IGT, but also leads to reduction of recurrent TIA or ischaemic stroke in these patients.

Trial registration number

NL3048.
Comparing lung ultrasound: extensive versus short in COVID-19 (CLUES): a multicentre, observational study at the emergency department
Authors: Kok Bram , Schuit Frederik , Lieveld Arthur , Azijli Kaoutar , Nanayakkara Prabath WB , Bosch Frank
Published: September 2021

Background

Bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) is an affordable diagnostic tool that could contribute to identifying COVID-19 pneumonia. Different LUS protocols are currently used at the emergency department (ED) and there is a need to know their diagnostic accuracy.

Design

A multicentre, prospective, observational study, to compare the diagnostic accuracy of three commonly used LUS protocols in identifying COVID-19 pneumonia at the ED.

Setting/patients

Adult patients with suspected COVID-19 at the ED, in whom we prospectively performed 12-zone LUS and SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription PCR.

Measurements

We assessed diagnostic accuracy for three different ultrasound protocols using both PCR and final diagnosis as a reference standard.

Results

Between 19 March 2020 and 4 May 2020, 202 patients were included. Sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value compared with PCR for 12-zone LUS were 91.4% (95% CI 84.4 to 96.0), 83.5% (95% CI 74.6 to 90.3) and 90.0% (95% CI 82.7 to 94.4). For 8-zone and 6-zone protocols, these results were 79.7 (95% CI 69.9 to 87.6), 69.0% (95% CI 59.6 to 77.4) and 81.3% (95% CI 73.8 to 87.0) versus 89.9% (95% CI 81.7 to 95.3), 57.5% (95% CI 47.9 to 66.8) and 87.8% (95% CI 79.2 to 93.2). Negative likelihood ratios for 12, 8 and 6 zones were 0.1, 0.3 and 0.2, respectively. Compared with the final diagnosis specificity increased to 83.5% (95% CI 74.6 to 90.3), 78.4% (95% CI 68.8 to 86.1) and 65.0% (95% CI 54.6 to 74.4), respectively, while the negative likelihood ratios were 0.1, 0.2 and 0.16.

Conclusion

Identifying COVID-19 pneumonia at the ED can be aided by bedside LUS. The more efficient 6-zone protocol is an excellent screening tool, while the 12-zone protocol is more specific and gives a general impression on lung involvement.

Trial registration number

NL8497.
Association between facility-level adherence to phosphorus management guidelines and mortality in haemodialysis patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Itaya Takahiro , Shimizu Sayaka , Hara Takashi , Matsuoka Yoshinori , Fukuhara Shunichi , Yamamoto Yosuke
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To examine the association between facility-level adherence to phosphorus management guidelines and mortality among patients with haemodialysis, and to explore the facility-related factors associated with facility-level guideline adherence.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Pattern Study, which included 57 representative dialysis facilities in Japan between 2012 and 2015.

Participants

A total of 2054 adult patients who received maintenance haemodialysis were included. We defined exposure according to the following four categories, depending on whether facility-level target ranges of serum phosphorus concentration adhered to the Japanese clinical practice guidelines: adherence group (lower limit ≥3.5 mg/dL and upper limit ≤6.0 mg/dL), low-target group (lower limit <3.5 and upper limit ≤6.0), wide-target group (lower limit <3.5 and upper limit >6.0) and high-target group (lower limit ≥3.5 and upper limit >6.0).

Primary outcome measure

The primary outcome was the patient all-cause mortality rate.

Results

The mortality rate among the patients was 7.3 per 100 person-years; 27 facilities (47%) set targets according to the guidelines. HRs for mortality with reference to the adherence group were 1.04 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.43) in the low-target group, 1.11 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.81) in the wide-target group and 1.95 (95% CI 1.12 to 3.38) in the high-target group. Involvement of dieticians in dialysis treatment was associated with facility-level guideline adherence (OR 4.51; 95% CI 1.15 to 17.7).

Conclusions

A higher facility-level target range for phosphorus was associated with increased patient mortality. Among facilities that set the target according to the guidelines, dieticians tended to be involved in dialysis care. These findings suggest the importance of reviewing facilities’ treatment policies in relation to updated guidelines and the need to work with relevant professionals.
Towards a global framework for assessing male involvement in maternal health: results of an international Delphi study
Authors: Galle Anna , Griffin Sally , Osman Nafissa , Roelens Kristien , Degomme Olivier
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Currently, no standard instrument exists for assessing the concept of male involvement in maternal health, hampering comparison of results and interpretation of the literature. The aim of this study was to construct the key elements of a global multidimensional male involvement framework, based on the latest evidence and input of experts in the field.

Methods

For this purpose, a Delphi study, including an international panel of 26 experts, was carried out. The study consisted of three rounds, with 92% of respondents completing all three surveys. Experts were asked to rate indicators within six categories in terms of validity, feasibility, sensitivity, specificity and context robustness. Furthermore, they were encouraged to clarify their rating with open text responses. Indicators were excluded or adapted according to experts’ feedback before inclusion. A 85% agreement was used as threshold for consensus.

Results

A general consensus was reached for a global framework for assessing male involvement in maternal health, consisting of five categories: involvement in communication, involvement in decision-making, practical involvement, physical involvement and emotional involvement.

Conclusions

Using the male involvement framework as a tool to assess the concept of male involvement in maternal health at local, national, and international levels could allow improved assessment and comparison of study findings. Further research is needed for refining the indicators according to context and exploring how shared decision-making, gender equality and women’s empowerment can be assessed and facilitated within male involvement programmes.
Protective Effects of Sunscreen (50+) and Octatrienoic Acid 0.1% in Actinic Keratosis and UV Damages
Authors: Pinto Daniela , Trink Anna , Giuliani Giammaria , Rinaldi Fabio
Published: September 2021

Actinic keratosis is a form of dysplastic epidermal lesion resulting from chronic and excessive UV exposure with a certain risk of becoming cancerous. Current guidelines advocated the use of sunscreens to prevent photodamage. An efficient photoprotection must involve both primary protective factors such as UV filters and secondary factors (eg, antioxidants) able to disrupt the photochemical and genetic cascade triggered by UVs. An in vitro model of human skin (Phenion FT) was used to assess the photoprotective potential of a sunscreen containing inorganic sun-filters (50+ SPF) and 0.1% octatrienoic acid (KERA’+) after UVA (10 J/cm2) and UVB (25 mJ/cm2) by means of evaluation of the number of sunburn cells (SBCs) and apoptotic keratinocytes. Also resulting alterations in the gene expression of markers involved in apoptosis (Tumor protein 53), inflammation/immunosuppression (IL-6 and IL-8), oxidative stress (oxidative stress response enzyme heme oxygenase 1), remodeling (metalloproteinase 1) and cell-cell adhesion (E-cadherin) were investigated. Gene expression was investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. This work demonstrated that the sunscreen preparations under study (with and without 0.1% octatrienoic acid, respectively) can be distinguished about their ability to prevent UVs-induced damage. Synergism between the inorganic filters and 0.1% octatrienoic acid was found (KERA’+) on all end points analyzed and this effect was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Our data revealed that topical application of a sunscreen containing inorganic filters (50+SPF) and 0.1% octatrienoic acid can protect from SBC formation, reduce the number of apoptotic keratinocytes and protect from the main molecular alterations caused by UV radiations.
Pembrolizumab with low-dose carboplatin for recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer: survival and immune correlates
Authors: Liao John B , Gwin William R , Urban Renata R , Hitchcock-Bernhardt Katie M , Coveler Andrew L , Higgins Doreen M , Childs Jennifer S , Shakalia Hania N , Swensen Ron E , Stanton Sasha E , Tinker Anna V , Wahl Tanya A , Ancheta Richard G , McGonigle Kathryn F , Dai James Y , Disis Mary L , Goff Barbara A
Published: September 2021

Background

Anti-programmed death 1 (PD1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapies have shown modest activity as monotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer. Platinum chemotherapies induce T-cell proliferation and enhance tumor recognition. We assessed activity and safety of pembrolizumab with carboplatin in recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Patients and methods

This phase I/II, single-arm clinical trial studied concurrent carboplatin and pembrolizumab in recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer. Primary platinum refractory patients were excluded. Patients were treated after progression on subsequent non-platinum systemic therapy after becoming platinum resistant or refractory. Pembrolizumab 200 mg was given on day 1 and carboplatin area under the curve 2 on days 8 and 15 of a 3-week cycle until progression. Imaging was assessed by blinded independent review. PD-L1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometry on peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed for CD3, CD4, CD8, PD1, CTLA4 and Ki67.

Results

The most common treatment-related adverse events were lymphopenia (18%) and anemia (9%) with most being grade 1 or 2 (93%). Of 29 patients treated, 23 patients were evaluable for best objective response: 10.3% (95% CI 2.2 to 27.4) had partial response (PR), 51.7% (95% CI 32.5 to 70.6) had stable disease (SD). 56.5% of patients had decreases in target lesions from baseline. All PD-L1-positive patients achieved PR (3/7, 42.8%) or SD (4/7, 57.2%). Median progression-free survival was 4.63 months (95% CI 4.3 to 4.96). Median OS was 11.3 months (95% CI 6.094 to 16.506). Peripheral CD8+PD1+Ki67+ T cells expanded after 3 (p=0.0015) and 5 (p=0.0023) cycles. CTLA4+PD1+CD8+ T cells decreased through the course of treatment up to the 12th cycle (p=0.004). When stratified by ratio of peripheral CD8+PD1+Ki67+ T cells to tumor burden at baseline, patients with a ratio ≥0.0375 who had a significantly longer median OS of 18.37 months compared with those with a ratio <0.0375 who had a median OS of 8.72 months (p=0.0099). No survival advantage was seen with stratification by tumor burden alone (p=0.24) or by CD8+PD1+Ki67+ T cells alone (p=0.53).

Conclusions

Pembrolizumab with carboplatin was well-tolerated and active in recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. A ratio of peripheral T-cell exhaustion to radiographic tumor burden may identify patients more likely to benefit from this chemoimmunotherapy.

Trial registration number

NCT03029598.
Systematic preclinical evaluation of CD33-directed chimeric antigen receptor T cell immunotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia defines optimized construct design
Authors: Qin Haiying , Yang Lila , Chukinas John A , Shah Nirali N , Tarun Samiksha , Pouzolles Marie , Chien Christopher D , Niswander Lisa M , Welch Anthony R , Taylor Naomi A , Tasian Sarah K , Fry Terry J
Published: September 2021

Background

Successful development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy for children and adults with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is highly desired given their poor clinical prognosis and frequent inability to achieve cure with conventional chemotherapy. Initial experiences with CD19 CAR T cell immunotherapy for patients with B-cell malignancies highlighted the critical impact of intracellular costimulatory domain selection (CD28 vs 4-1BB (CD137)) on CAR T cell expansion and in vivo persistence that may impact clinical outcomes. However, the impact of costimulatory domains on the efficacy of myeloid antigen-directed CAR T cell immunotherapy remains unknown.

Methods

In this preclinical study, we developed six CAR constructs targeting CD33, a highly expressed and validated AML target, comprised of one of three single-chain variable fragments with CD3ζ and either CD28 or 4-1BB costimulatory domains. We systematically compared the preclinical in vitro and in vivo efficacy of T cells lentivirally transduced with CD33 CAR constructs (CD33CARTs) against human AML.

Results

We observed potent in vitro cytokine production and cytotoxicity of CD33CARTs incubated with human CD33+ AML cell lines, as well as robust in vivo antileukemia activity in cell line and childhood AML patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Gemtuzumab-based CD33CARTs were unexpectedly toxic in vivo in animal models despite observed in vitro anti-leukemia activity. CD28-based CD33CARTs consistently induced more robust inhibition of leukemia proliferation in AML cell line and PDX models than did 4-1BB-based CD33CARTs. A ‘best-in-class’ lintuzumab-CD28/CD3ζ CAR construct was thus selected for clinical translation.

Conclusions

CD33 is a critical antigen for potential immunotherapeutic targeting in patients with AML. Based on this rigorous preclinical evaluation, our validated clinical grade lintuzumab-CD28/CD3ζ CD33CART immunotherapy is now under evaluation in a first-in-child/first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial for children and adolescents/young adults with relapsed/refractory AML.

Trial registration number

clinicaltrials.gov;NCT03971799.
Thioflavin T fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy suggesting a non-G-quadruplex structure for a sodium binding aptamer embedded in DNAzymes
Authors: Saran Runjhun , Piccolo Kyle A. , He Yanping , Kang Yongqiang , Huang Po-Jung Jimmy , Wei Chunying , Chen Da , Dieckmann Thorsten , Liu Juewen
Published: September 2021

Recently, a Na+-binding aptamer was reported to be embedded in a few RNA-cleaving DNAzymes, including NaA43, Ce13d, and NaH1. The Na+ aptamer consists of multiple GG stretches, which is a prerequisite for the formation of G-quadruplex (G4) structures. These DNAzymes require Na+ for activity but show no activity in the presence of K+ or other metal ions. Given that DNA can selectively bind K+ by forming a G4 structure, this work aims to answer whether this Na+ aptamer also uses a G4 to bind Na+. Through comparative ThT fluorescence spectrometry studies, while a control G4 DNA exhibited notable fluorescence enhancement up to 5 mM K+ with a Kd of 0.28 ± 0.06 mM, the Ce13d DNAzyme fluorescence was negligibly perturbed with similar concentrations of K+. Opposed to this, Ce13d displayed specific remarkable fluorescence decrease with low millimolar concentrations of Na+. NMR experiments at two different pH values suggest that Ce13d adopts a significantly different conformation or equilibrium of conformations in the presence of Na+ versus K+ and has a more stable structure in the presence of Na+. Additionally, absence of characteristic G4 peaks in one-dimensional 1H NMR suggest that G4 is not responsible for the Na+ binding. This hypothesis is confirmed by the absence of characteristic peaks in the CD spectra of this sequence. Therefore, we concluded that the aptamer must be selective for Na+ and that it binds Na+ using a structural element that does not contain G4.
NMR and X-ray studies of apetalic acid isolated from Calophyllum brasiliense and of its chiral amides
Authors: Van Calsteren Marie-Rose , Reyes-Chilpa Ricardo , Jankowski Christopher K. , Gagnon Fleur , Hernández-Ortega Simón , Díaz-Torres Eduardo
Published: September 2021

The tropical tree Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. (Clusiaceae) grows in rain forests from Brazil to Mexico. Its leaves, as well as those of other Calophyllum species, are rich sources of chromanone acids, such as apetalic acid, isoapetalic acid, and their derivatives. Apetalic acid has shown significant antimycobacterial activity. The biological activity of apetalic acid has been related to the configuration of three asymmetric centers and the stereochemistry of the molecule; however, the C-19 configuration in the acidic side chain has not been fully resolved. For this reason, the unequivocal determination of the absolute configuration by means of X-ray crystallography in a sample of unique homogeneous apetalic acid stereoisomer was the most important point to start this study. Chiral amides were prepared using the carboxyl group. We determined the C-19 stereochemistry of apetalic acid and its specific chiral derivatives using NMR, X-ray diffraction, and molecular mechanics. Finally, we observed that steric hindrance in the side chain of apetalic acid leads to restriction of rotation around the pivotal linkage C-10–C-19, establishing chiral centers at C2(R), C3(S), and C19(R). We were able to separate the derivatives of these two high-rotatory-barrier conformers of apetalic acid by forming diastereoisomeric amides with phenylglycine methyl ester having a chiral center at C-2′. Our results confirmed the existence of atropisomerism in the apetalic acid molecule.
Features of electrochemical reduction of silk fibroin in the presence of phosphate tricalcium in the form of nanocating
Authors: Mardonovich Khakkulov Jakhongir , Akhatovich Kholmuminov Abdufatto , Shukurulloevich Temirov Zokir
Published: September 2021

The possibilities of movement and electrochemical reduction of fibroin macroions in the presence of tricalcium phosphate ions in the form of a nanocoating during electrolysis have been studied. The manifestation of a non-Newtonian flow of a mixture of macroions and ions in a shear flow, the conditions for their electrochemical reduction in the form of a nanocoating with uniform morphology, and thickness on the electrode surface are revealed. It was found that the excess ions in the mixture and the uneven relief of the electrode surface contribute to the formation of a nanocoating with an inhomogeneous and uneven thickness.
Owlet
Authors: Roy Nirupam
Published: September 2021

Miniaturization is an inherent trend in ubiquitous computing. Insect-scale robots add new capabilities to disaster management, tiny headphones are emerging as complete computing devices, and small wearable health monitors can track vital signs around the clock. Advancements in sensing technologies play a pivotal role in this development. Spatial sensing at this form factor, however, is a skill yet to be mastered, particularly at low-frequency signals like audible sounds. Traditionally, spatial sensing requires sampling in both time and space using an array of microphones, which comes with a strict size requirement and multiplies its power requirement. In this article, we explore the possibility of an alternative design for spatial sensing for miniaturized and power-constrained devices.
Blood volume versus deoxygenated NIRS signal: computational analysis of the effects muscle O2 delivery and blood volume on the NIRS signals
Authors: Koirala B. , Concas A. , Sun Yi , Gladden L. B. , Lai N.
Published: September 2021

Deoxygenated is preferred to the oxygenated near-infrared spectroscopy signal in evaluating skeletal muscle oxygen extraction because it is assumed to be insensitive to blood volume changes. The quantitative analysis proposed in this study indicates that even in absence of skin blood flow effects, both NIRS signals in presence of either normal or reduced oxygen delivery are affected by blood volume changes. These changes should be considered to properly quantify muscle oxygen extraction by NIRS methods.
Study on Supporting Protection of Tunnel Opening near a Rock Layer under Elastic Deformation of Surrounding Rock
Authors: Jia Zhigang , Li Yongsong
Published: September 2021

Due to the limitation of geological conditions and route alignment, tunnel engineering will inevitably pass through special sections such as shallow buried section, broken rock layer, and loss and weak rock stratum. Tunnel construction in these special sections will easily lead to tunnel collapse, landslide of portal slope, excessive deformation of supporting structure, and even deformation and damage accidents, which are high-incidence areas of engineering safety accidents. In this paper, a 3D numerical model is established based on a practical engineering to analyze the deformation and stress variation of surrounding rock of the tunnel with the in-advance support technology. According to the monitoring results of the actual project, the deformation law of the soft rock section at the tunnel entrance is mastered. The deformation of surrounding rock of the tunnel under the support condition of changing the three main parameters, such as ring spacing, pipe diameter, and pipe length, is analyzed, and the effect of controlling the deformation of surrounding rock with different parameters is studied. The deformation, stress characteristics, and plastic zone distribution of surrounding rock by a single side wall guide method and ring excavation and retaining core soil method in advance support are numerically simulated and studied.
Cancer-Derived Exosomal miR-651 as a Diagnostic Marker Restrains Cisplatin Resistance and Directly Targets ATG3 for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Zhu Xiaofan , Long Ling , Xiao He , He Xuan
Published: September 2021

Objective. Cancer-derived exosomes can facilitate drug resistance in cervical cancer. However, the mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we observed the roles of exosomal miR-651 in cisplatin resistance of cervical cancer. Methods. Circulating miR-651 was detected in cervical cancer and healthy individuals. The diagnostic efficacy was determined. When transfected with miR-651 mimics, cisplatin resistance, apoptosis, and proliferation were assessed. The cancer-derived exosomes were separated and identified. We observed the uptake of PKH67-labeled exosomes by HeLa/S cells. After coculture with exosomes secreted by HeLa/S or HeLa/DDP cells, malignant behaviors were examined in HeLa/S cells. The interactions between ATG3 and miR-651 were validated by dual luciferase report. Biological behaviors were investigated for HeLa/S cells cocultured with exosomes secreted by miR-651 mimic-transfected HeLa/DDP cells. Results. Downregulated circulating miR-651 was found in cancer subjects than healthy individuals. It possessed high sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosing cervical cancer (

AUC
=
0.9050

). Lower miR-651 expression was confirmed in HeLa/DDP than HeLa/S cells. Forced miR-651 lessened cisplatin resistance and proliferation and elevated apoptosis in HeLa cells. ATG3 was a direct target of miR-651. The exosomes isolated from HeLa cells were rich in CD63, CD9, and CD81 proteins, thereby identifying the isolated exosomes. Exosomes secreted by HeLa/DDP cells can be absorbed by HeLa/S cells. When being cocultured with exosomes secreted by HeLa/DDP cells, malignant behaviors of HeLa/S cells were enhanced, which were ameliorated by miR-651 mimic exosomes. Conclusion. Our findings showed that cancer-derived exosomal miR-651 restrained cisplatin resistance and directly targeted ATG3, indicating that exosomal miR-651 could be a therapeutic agent.
Review of the Evolution of Mining‐Induced Stress and the Failure Characteristics of Surrounding Rock Based on Microseismic Tomography
Authors: Zhu Qiankun , Zhao Xingdong , Westman Erik
Published: September 2021

With the gradual depletion of shallow resources, deep mining has become an inevitable trend and has become an important part of the world mining industry. The high stress concentration caused by redistribution of original stress field will lead to stress‐driven failure of surrounding rock; conventional methods, such as point‐location stress measurement, analytical analysis, numerical simulation, and physical modeling, are not able to completely reflect the distribution and evolution characteristics of the mining‐induced stress field in real time and at mine scale, so it is difficult to fully understand, control, and prevent mining‐induced injuries and fatalities. In the past decades, microseismic monitoring technology, velocity tomography, numerical simulation, and laboratory test technology have been successfully applied to better understand mining‐induced stress and rock mass failures. The combination of these methods has led to innovative ways to investigate the mining‐induced stress field, surrounding rock failure, and hazard prevention. This review focuses on the mining‐induced stress and velocity tomography based on microseismic monitoring data. Research progress in analysis and measurement methods of mining‐induced stress, rock mechanics for mining, and velocity tomography practices are presented.
Image Recognition Method for Pitching Fingers of Basketball Players Based on Symmetry Algorithm
Authors: Chen Wanquan
Published: September 2021

In the basketball game, the accuracy and standardization of pitching are directly related to the score. So it is very important to analyze the pitching figure movement to have a better positioning of the fingers. There are limited techniques to recognize the movement. The human motion recognition method is one of them. It utilizes the spatiotemporal image segmentation and interactive region detection to recognize images of pitching finger movement of basketball players. This method has a limitation that the symmetrical information of the human body and sphere cannot be excavated, which leads to certain errors in recognition effect. This paper presents a method of recognizing pitching finger movement of basketball players based on symmetry algorithm, constructs an acquisition model, carries out edge contour detection and adaptive feature segmentation of images of pitching finger movement of basketball players, and uses a fixed threshold to segment finger image to extract players’ hand contour and locate the middle axis of the finger. On this basis, the symmetry recognition method based on nematode recognition algorithm is used to recognize the symmetry of basketball pitching finger movement image and complete the accurate recognition of basketball pitching finger movement image. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively recognize the basketball player’s finger movement image. The average recognition accuracy is 98%, the growth rate of recognition speed is 98%, and the maximum recognition time is 12 s. The robustness of the proposed method is 0.45.
Relationship between Perineal Body Length and Degree of Perineal Tears in Primigravidas Undergoing Vaginal Delivery with Episiotomy
Authors: Djusad Suskhan , Purwosunu Yuditiya , Hidayat Fadil
Published: September 2021

Background. Perineal tears are one of the most common complications of vaginal delivery. Severe perineal tears can cause various morbidities. There are many factors that affect the occurrence of perineal tears. One of the major factors related to the occurrence of perineal tears is the length of the perineal body. However, until now, no research in Indonesia has concluded that the length of perineal body can predict the perineal tears. Objective. To find the relationship between perineal body length and perineal tears, so it can provide a reference on the use of perineal body length to predict severe perineal tears in vaginal delivery with episiotomy. Methods. This nested case-control study was conducted at RSUD Tangerang and RSUD Karawang in Indonesia from February to September 2017. A total of 126 primigravida patients participated in the study consecutively. The length of the perineal body was then measured and followed until the start of the second stage of labor. Afterwards, the perineal length and degree of perineal tears were assessed using unpaired T-test for bivariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and scoring test to predict the occurrence of third- and fourth-degree of perineal tears with power calculation (β) 80% and Zβ 0.842. Results. There was a significant difference in mean length of the perineal body between the group with first- and second-degree perineal tears and the group with third- and fourth-degree perineal tears (

p
<
0.001

). From the multivariate analysis, adjusted OR was 5.26 (95% CI 1.52–18.17). Score test was performed to predict the occurrence of third- and fourth-grade perineal tears. Perineal body length and head circumference could be used as predicting factors of perineal tears. Perineum length ≤ 3.0 cm and head circumference ≥ 33.5 cm posed a risk of perineal tears of third and fourth degrees (70.52%). Conclusion. The length of the perineal body has a good ability to predict the occurrence of perineal tears.
Few-Shot Website Fingerprinting Attack with Data Augmentation
Authors: Chen Mantun , Wang Yongjun , Qin Zhiquan , Zhu Xiatian
Published: September 2021

This work introduces a novel data augmentation method for few-shot website fingerprinting (WF) attack where only a handful of training samples per website are available for deep learning model optimization. Moving beyond earlier WF methods relying on manually-engineered feature representations, more advanced deep learning alternatives demonstrate that learning feature representations automatically from training data is superior. Nonetheless, this advantage is subject to an unrealistic assumption that there exist many training samples per website, which otherwise will disappear. To address this, we introduce a model-agnostic, efficient, and harmonious data augmentation (HDA) method that can improve deep WF attacking methods significantly. HDA involves both intrasample and intersample data transformations that can be used in a harmonious manner to expand a tiny training dataset to an arbitrarily large collection, therefore effectively and explicitly addressing the intrinsic data scarcity problem. We conducted expensive experiments to validate our HDA for boosting state-of-the-art deep learning WF attack models in both closed-world and open-world attacking scenarios, at absence and presence of strong defense. For instance, in the more challenging and realistic evaluation scenario with WTF-PAD-based defense, our HDA method surpasses the previous state-of-the-art results by nearly 3% in classification accuracy in the 20-shot learning case. An earlier version of this work Chen et al. (2021) has been presented as preprint in ArXiv (https://arxiv.org/abs/2101.10063).
Evaluation of Phytoremediation Potential of Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty) for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Mahmoudpour Mahdi , Gholami Siamak , Ehteshami Majid , Salari Marjan
Published: September 2021

Water pollution is one of the most critical global issues. Meanwhile, the problem of water pollution of rivers especially in Iran is rising due to expansion of agricultural and industrial applications. Due to a large number of sewer catchments, there are some dam reservoirs like ZHAVE in Iranian state of Kurdistan that have not been able to collect significant amount of water since last 10 years. Removal of heavy metals as contaminants from runoffs and recycling of water is a necessity and a vital issue in the world. Various methods and standards are invented and used to isolate and remove all types of pollutants. This study focuses on the purification and removal of contaminants in water sources using the phytoremediation method by introducing Vetiver grass species in the case of floating treatment wetland (FTW). This study’s preliminary purpose is to investigate a practical remedial solution and improvement methodology for the water quality of reservoirs and rivers by growing the floating Vetiver island method. The results show that following parameters such as COD by 97%, TN by 90%, phosphorus by 66%, TDS by 26%, and evapotranspiration by 40% were reduced. Therefore, we concluded that for a wastewater with varying neutrient concentrations such as in ZHAVE dam, concentration of nutrients N and P was controlled and consequently inhibition and prevention of the eutrophication of water resources in the medium and long term became possible due to reduction in the rate of evaporation from reservoirs.
Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Seasonal Influenza and Influenza Vaccination among Patients and Their Companions in North Palestine Hospitals
Authors: Alawneh Issa , Al-Sayeh Hamza , Zaid Mahdi , Alawneh Maysa , Al-Tatari Hossam
Published: September 2021

Background. Seasonal influenza is a common highly infectious disease that can affect the upper and lower airway in children and adults mainly in wintertime which is caused by many different influenza viruses and, in some cases, may cause serious complications such as pneumonia. We conducted this study to assess the knowledge and attitudes among patients and their companions in North Palestine hospitals regarding seasonal influenza and influenza vaccination and factors influencing the uptake of this vaccine so that we can identify gaps in their knowledge and give feedback to health authorities for future quality improvement projects by increasing awareness of its effectiveness and safety. Methods. A cross-sectional 17-item survey included randomly selected samples of 327 North Palestinian patients and their companions at North Palestine hospitals. Result. A total of 327 completed questionnaires were received with a response rate of 92%. Of these, 129 participants (39.4%) believed that influenza is the same as common cold. The majority of participants (85.3%) had heard of the influenza vaccine before. Although nearly half of them (53.6%) believed that the influenza vaccine is safe, only 112 (34.7%) of the participants considered vaccination an effective means in preventing serious influenza-related complications and only 89 (27.2%) participants were previously vaccinated. The main reasons for not being vaccinated included that vaccination is not necessary because flu is not a serious disease (67%), concerns about vaccine efficacy and its side effects (25.6%), fear of needles and injection (25.2%), and 17.8% of the participants believed that this vaccine is expensive. Conclusion. The uptake and knowledge of the influenza vaccine among Palestinians are low. Vaccinated participants in our survey showed a higher level of knowledge compared to nonvaccinated participants. Half of the participants believed in the safety of the vaccine and one-third of them believed in its efficacy in preventing flu illness and its complications. Extensive and sustained efforts are needed by public health programs to promote the flu vaccine among the public by increasing awareness of its effectiveness and safety.
The Short‐Term Load Forecasting for Special Days Based on Bagged Regression Trees in Qingdao, China
Authors: Dong Huanhe , Gao Ya , Fang Yong , Liu Mingshuo , Kong Yuan
Published: September 2021

There are many factors that affect short‐term load forecasting performance, such as weather and holidays. However, most of the existing load forecasting models lack more detailed considerations for some special days. In this paper, the applicability of the bagged regression trees (BRT) model combined with eight variables is investigated to forecast short‐term load in Qingdao. The comparative experiments show that the accuracy and speed of forecasting have some improvements using the BRT than the artificial neural network (ANN). Then, an indicator variable is newly proposed to capture the abnormal information during special days, which include national statutory holidays, bridging days, and proximity days. The BRT model combined with this indicator variable is tested on the load series measured in 2018. Experiments demonstrate that the improved model generates more accurate predictive results than BRT model combined with previously variables on special days.
Applications of piggyBac Transposons for Genome Manipulation in Stem Cells
Authors: Sun Yi , Liu Guang , Huang Yue
Published: September 2021

Transposons are mobile genetic elements in the genome. The piggyBac (PB) transposon system is increasingly being used for stem cell research due to its high transposition efficiency and seamless excision capacity. Over the past few decades, forward genetic screens based on PB transposons have been successfully established to identify genes associated with drug resistance and stem cell-related characteristics. Moreover, PB transposon is regarded as a promising gene therapy vector and has been used in some clinically relevant stem cells. Here, we review the recent progress on the basic biology of PB, highlight its applications in current stem cell research, and discuss its advantages and challenges.
Film Properties, Water Retention, and Growth Promotion of Derivative Carboxymethyl Cellulose Materials from Cotton Straw
Authors: Wu Yongni , Yu Mengfan , Li Yanju , Wu Yue , Shao Ziqiang , Liu Yanhua
Published: September 2021

Three kinds of derivative carboxymethyl cellulose (DCMC) materials, CMC-Na, CMC-K, and CMC-NH4, were prepared from cotton straw fiber. Their chemical structure, film morphology, water retention, biodegradability, and growth promotion were investigated with infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and field experiments. The results showed that the infrared absorption peaks of the three materials were similar. It was observed that the DCMC materials could form films after being sprayed at the amount of 4.00 g/m2 and 12.00 g/m2, and the film thickness was showed in the order of CMC-K, CMC-NH4, and CMC-Na. The largest water holding capacity increased significantly after DCMC was sprayed on the soil. The water retention of CMC-Na, CMC-K, and CMC-NH4 increased by 47.74%, 72.85%, and 61.40% severally while sprayed with 12.00 g/m2 compared to the control group (CK), and the water retention rate increased with 6.93, 9.75, and 8.67 times, respectively, on the seventh day. The total number of soil microorganisms increased with the DCMC materials being sprayed; the number in the upper layer increased by 92.31%, 123.08%, and 138.46%, respectively, compared with CK. When the three materials were used to the cornfield at the amount of 100.00 kg/hm2, the corn yield increased by 33.11%, 70.93%, and 50.60%, respectively. The DCMC materials, as the sole carbon source, could be degraded by soil microorganisms. The nutrient elements such as NH4+ in the materials could further promote the growth of microorganisms and crops. This study might provide a new way to apply straw-based DCMC in soil water retention, soil amendment, and high value-added transformation of straws in arid areas.
Measurement of Apparent Building Damage by Using a Single Image
Authors: Lyu Junda , Gao Jiacheng , Gao Dejun
Published: September 2021

In the proposed detection method, a single image was used for the rapid quantitative measurement of the damage area of a building. By using cross‐ratio invariability between real and image coordinates, the damage area and the side lengths of the selected region were measured using the vanishing point, the vanishing line, and a line segment with a known length. Perspective transformation and image binarisation were performed on the selected frame to convert the length into area information. The damage area was obtained rapidly from the proportion of pixels in the damage region to pixels in the selected region. Corner detection and subpixel methods were combined to determine measurement errors because of the selection of measurement points. The experimental results from the example test revealed that quantitative area measurement of surface damage on buildings could be realised using the proposed method.