bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mindfulness Intervention Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults by Enhancing the Level of miRNA-29c in Neuron-Derived Exosomes
Authors: Hashizume Shin , Nakano Masako , Kubota Kenta , Kobayashi Eiji , Fujimiya Mineko
Published: February 2021

Although mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) improves cognitive function, the mechanism is not clear. In this study, people aged 65 years and older were recruited from elderly communities in Chitose City, Japan, and assigned to the non-MBSR group or MBSR group. In the MBSR group, the program was performed three times a week for 4 weeks. After the intervention, the score of Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J) as well as the expression of microRNA (miR)-29c in neuron-derived exosomes (NDEs) in blood was significantly increased in the MBSR group, compared to the non-MBSR group. Analysis of miR-29c target genes showed that the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A), DNA methyltransferase 3 beta (DNMT3B), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in NDEs was significantly decreased in the MBSR group. We also found that intracerebroventricular injection of a miR-29c mimic into 5xFAD mice prevented cognitive decline as well as neuronal loss in the subiculum area by down-regulating DNMT3A and STAT3 in the hippocampus. The results of the present study suggest that MBSR can prevent neuronal loss and cognitive impairment in elderly people by increasing the neuronal expression of miR-29c.
Passively Mode-Locked Thulium- and Thulium/Holmium-Doped Fiber Lasers Using MXene Nb2C-Coated Microfiber
Authors: Ahmad Harith , Ramli Rizal , Ismail Nor Najwa , Aidit Siti Nabila , Yusoff Norazriena , Samion Muhamad Zharif
Published: February 2021

As a result of the emergence of two-dimensional (2D) materials for various opto-electronics applications, a new class of materials named MXenes have been attracting interests due to their outstanding nonlinear properties. In this work, an MXene niobium carbide (Nb2C) was proposed and demonstrated as a saturable absorber to induce mode-locking in thulium- and thulium/holmium-doped fiber lasers. The Nb2C solution was first prepared using the liquid exfoliation technique, and then deposited onto a microfiber for integration into the laser cavity. Stable mode-locking operation was observed in both laser cavities, where the center wavelengths of the laser were recorded at 1944 nm for the TDFL and 1950 nm for the THDFL. The generated pulses in the TDFL and THDFL had repetition rates of 9.35 and 11.76 MHz respectively, while their corresponding pulse widths were 1.67 and 1.34 ps. Both of the lasers were highly stable, having SNR values of more than 52 dB and showed no major fluctuations when tested for their long-term stabilities. The results demonstrate an excellent performance of the Nb2C as a saturable absorber, offering opportunities to further explore MXenes for future photonics devices.
COVID-19 Uncertainty and Sleep: The Roles of Perceived Stress and Intolerance of Uncertainty during the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Wu Dan , Yang Tingzhong , Hall Daniel , Jiao Guihua , Jiao Can
Published: February 2021

Background.

The COVID-19 pandemic brings unprecedented uncertainty and stress. This study aimed to characterize sleep behaviors among Chinese residents during the early stage of the outbreak and to test the extent to which sleep quality was driven by COVID-19 uncertainty, intolerance of uncertainty, and perceived stress.
Methods.

A cross-sectional correlational survey was conducted online. A total of 2,534 Chinese residents were recruited from February 7 to 14, 2020, the third week of lockdown. Self-report measures assessed uncertainty about COVID-19, intolerance of uncertainty, perceived stress, and sleep quality. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the relationships among uncertainty about COVID-19, intolerance of uncertainty, perceived stress, and sleep quality.
Results.

Sleep disturbance was common, with approximately half of participants (47.1%) reporting going to bed after 12:00am, 23.0% taking 30 minutes or longer to fall asleep, and 30.3% sleeping a total of 7 hours or less. Higher uncertainty about COVID-19 was significantly positively correlated with higher intolerance of uncertainty (r = 0.506, p < 0.001). Uncertainty about COVID-19 had a weak direct effect on poor sleep (β = 0.043, p < 0.05); however, there was a robust indirect effect on poor sleep through intolerance of uncertainty (β = 0.506, p < 0.001) and perceived stress (β = 0.479, p < 0.001).
Conclusions.

These findings suggest that intolerance of uncertainty and perceived stress are critical targets for reducing sleep disturbance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the sustained uncertainties and challenges managing COVID-19, it is likely that, if unmanaged, COVID-19 related uncertainty will persist and continue to impact sleep outcomes.
Collaboration between the Fab and Fc contribute to maximal protection against SARS-CoV-2 following NVX-CoV2373 subunit vaccine with Matrix-M™ vaccination
Authors: Alter Galit , Gorman Matthew , Patel Nita , Guebre-Xabier Mimi , Zhu Alex , Atyeo Caroline , Pullen Krista , Loos Carolin , Goez-Gazi Yenny , Carrion Ricardo , Tian Jing-Hui , Yuan Dansu , Bowman Kathryn , Zhou Bin , Maciejewski Sonia , McGrath Marisa , Logue James , Frieman Matthew , Montefiori David , Schendel Sharon , Saphire Erica Ollmann , Lauffenburger Douglas , Greene Ann , Portnoff Alyse , Massare Michael , Ellingsworth Larry , Glenn Gregory , Smith Gale , Mann Colin , Amanat Fatima , Krammer Florian
Published: February 2021

Recently approved vaccines have already shown remarkable protection in limiting SARS-CoV-2 associated disease. However, immunologic mechanism(s) of protection, as well as how boosting alters immunity to wildtype and newly emerging strains, remain incompletely understood. Here we deeply profiled the humoral immune response in a cohort of non-human primates immunized with a stable recombinant full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein (NVX-CoV2373) at two dose levels, administered as a single or two-dose regimen with a saponin-based adjuvant Matrix-M™. While antigen dose had some effect on Fc-effector profiles, both antigen dose and boosting significantly altered overall titers, neutralization and Fc-effector profiles, driving unique vaccine-induced antibody fingerprints. Combined differences in antibody effector functions and neutralization were strongly associated with distinct levels of protection in the upper and lower respiratory tract, pointing to the presence of combined, but distinct, compartment-specific neutralization and Fc-mechanisms as key determinants of protective immunity against infection. Moreover, NVX-CoV2373 elicited antibodies functionally target emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, collectively pointing to the critical collaborative role for Fab and Fc in driving maximal protection against SARS-CoV-2. Collectively, the data presented here suggest that a single dose may prevent disease, but that two doses may be essential to block further transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants.
Visual Outcome and Treatment Frequency of Anti-VEGF Therapy using the Treat-and-extend and Treatment Cessation Regimen for Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration and Pachychoroid Neovasculopathy
Authors: Kinoshita Takamasa , Mori Junya , Hatanaka Akira , Akaiwa Kei , Shimizu Miho , Imaizumi Hiroko
Published: February 2021

Compared with fixed dosing regimens, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy using treat-and-extend (TAE) and treatment cessation regimens for exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PN) may reduce the treatment burden on chronic patients. To confirm this, and to determine the factors related to the successful treatment cessation, we retrospectively examined the visual outcome and treatment frequency of 101 eyes with exudative AMD and PN that underwent treatment using TAE and treatment cessation regimen. We found that visual acuity was maintained at the last visit with a mean follow-up period of four years. At the last visit, nearly half of the eyes were being treated at an interval of ≥ 12 weeks, or were under treatment cessation. Further, more than a quarter of the eyes were under successful treatment cessation with a median treatment-free period of 126 weeks. There was a significant association of successful treatment cessation at the last visit with good early treatment response and a small recurrence number. Moreover, eyes with ≥ 2 recurrences were unlikely to achieve long-term treatment cessation. This information could help physicians predict the achievement of treatment cessation for a considerable period.
Ethical and Procedural Issues For Applying Researcher-Driven Multi-National Paediatric Clinical Trials in and Outside The European Union: The Challenging Experience of The DEEP Project
Authors: Giannuzzi Viviana , Felisi Mariagrazia , Bonifazi Donato , Devlieger Hugo , Papanikolaou George , Ragab Lamis , Fattoum Slaheddine , Tempesta Bianca , Reggiardo Giorgio , Ceci Adriana
Published: February 2021

Background. We describe our experience from a multi-national application of a European Union-funded research-driven paediatric trial (DEEP-2, EudraCT 2012-000353-31; NCT01825512).This paper aims to evaluate the impact of the local and national rules on the trial authorisation process in European and non-European countries. National/local provisions and procedures, number of Ethics Committees and Competent Authorities to be addressed, documentation required, special provisions for the paediatric population, timelines for completing the authorisation process and queries received were collected; compliance with the European provisions were evaluated.Descriptive analysis, Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test and General Linear Model analysis were used to determine factors potentially influencing the timelines. The Cluster Analysis procedure was used to identify homogenous groups of cases.Result. The authorisation process was completed in 7,7 to 53,8 months in European countries and in 17,1 to 27,1 months in non-European countries. The main factors influencing these timelines resulted the requests for changes/clarifications in European countries and the different national legislations in non-European countries.Conclusion. This work confirms that the procedures and requirements for the clinical trial application of a paediatric trial are different. In the European Union, the timeframes for submission were generally harmonised but longer. In non-EU countries, delays were caused by national dispositions but the entire authorisation process resulted faster with less requests from ECs/CAs. The upcoming application of Regulation (EU) 536/2014 is expected to harmonise practices in Europe and possibly outside. Networks on paediatric research acting at international level will be crucial in this effort.
Tracking the Maturity of Industry 4.0: The Perspective of a Real Scenario
Authors: Alcácer Vítor , Rodrigues Carolina , Carvalho Helena , Cruz-Machado Virgilio
Published: February 2021

In order to track industry 4.0 status, readiness models can be used to analyze the state of indus-try 4.0 technologies’ implementation allowing the quantification and qualification of its readiness level, focusing on different dimensions. To this matter, there are companies unable to relate the industry 4.0 with their business models, leading to a lack of a correct self-assess in order to understand the reached readiness level. Not all companies are adopting these new technologies with the same ease and with the same pace. Into this purpose, it is important to understand how to assess the industry 4.0’ readiness so far and what are the barriers on the adoption of these enabling technologies by the industry. This paper aims to assess the industry 4.0’ readiness level of companies, understand the perception of companies due to the barriers on the adoption of industry 4.0 enabling technologies and bring new barriers for discussion on academic community. To this end, empirical data was collected on a sample of 15 companies belonging to an important industrial cluster in Portugal.
Combined Polyhexamethylene Quanidine and Nanocellulose for the Conservation and Enhancement of Ancient Paper
Authors: Ma Xiaochun , Tian Shenglong , Li Xiaohong , Fan Huiming , Fu Shiyu
Published: February 2021

Here a new reinforcement and mold-resistant method for ancient books is proposed based on the suspension of nanocellulose (CNCS) and polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG). The paper documents were treated with the reinforcement suspension under the optimum ratio obtained by response surface methodology (RSM), then tested for mildew resistance and accelerated aging experiments to evaluate the anti-mildew effect, mechanical strengthening properties and durability of CNCS/PHMG compound solution on ancient books. The results showed the mechanical properties of the paper treated by CNCS/PHMG were significantly improved at the optimum ratio (0.3 wt%:0.3 wt%), with the folding endurance increased by 1.78 times and the increase ratio of tensile strain was 46.62%. Meanwhile, the treated paper maintained the same good zero-span tensile strength after aging 7 days as the sample unaged untreated, indicating superior aging resistance of this treatment method. In addition, excellent biocidal activity with the growth trace of mold less than 10% was observed on treated paper. In conclusion, it is a method that simple to operate, which can be a promising treatment of conservation and enhancement of ancient paper.
Educational and Psychological Support Combined with Minimally Invasive Surgery Reduces Perioperative Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Bladder Cancer Treated with Radical Cystectomy.
Authors: Lemiński Artur , Kaczmarek Krystian , Słojewski Marcin
Published: February 2021

PurposeRadical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is an extensive and morbid operation, often associated with a permanent alteration of body image. Combined with aggressive malignant potential of MIBC and considerable risk of complications, it may pose a serious threat to psychological well-being of patients. Educational deficiencies not infrequently encountered in everyday hospital practice, may lead to confusion and further aggravate procedure-related emotional distress. We conceived a preoperative informational and supportive program named “Cystocare”, with monthly meetings held by a team of urologists, stoma therapist, psychologists and cancer survivors to facilitate patients’ adaptation and coping. We aimed to evaluate whether participation in Cystocare meetings would alleviate emotional distress in patients undergoing RC.MethodsWe included 95 consecutive patients who agreed to participate and returned Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) questionnaires before RC and on discharge. The intervention arm (A) comprised 32 patients who participated in meetings, the remaining 63 constituted controls (B). Patients from arm A were significantly younger than controls (mean age arm A: 64.7 SD 8.25; arm B: 68.8 SD 7.87), there were no further differences between study arms.ResultsWe found no differences between groups in median anxiety and depression scores preoperatively. In postoperative measurement, the intervention arm showed significantly lower median depression score than controls: 3 vs 8 points, p=0.015, while the anxiety score remained comparable. On multivariate analysis we found lower odds of preoperative anxiety in patients planned for laparoscopic RC OR=0.351 (95%CI: 0.139-0.884), p=0.026, lower risk of postoperative depression in patients from arm A OR=0.253 (95% CI: 0.087-0.732) p=0.011 and higher risk of postoperative anxiety in patients whose length of stay exceeded 7 days OR=9.48 (95%CI: 1,146-78,428) p=0.037. ConclusionsPreoperative educational and supportive intervention combined with minimally invasive approach to RC seem effective in alleviation of surgery-related anxiety and depression.
Stationary Response of Flag-shaped Hysteretic System under Combined Harmonic and White Noise Excitations
Authors: Chen L.C. , HU Huiying , Ye Shushen
Published: February 2021

The dynamical system containing flag-shaped hysteretic behavior is common in practice. In this paper, the stationary response of flag-shaped hysteretic system excited by harmonic excitation as well as Gaussian white noise is determined with the technique of stochastic averaging. The reliability of the presented approach is demonstrated by relevant digital simulation. The stochastic jump under a certain combination of parameters is found. The stochastic P-bifurcation phenomenon, i.e., the disappearance or appearance of bimodal shape of stationary response, occurs concerning to the variation of system’s parameters. Besides, the response of the system exposed to only harmonic excitation or non-resonance case is also examined for comparison, respectively. The numerical results show that the stationary amplitude response displays typical “soft” system behavior, and the deterministic jump may occur under pure harmonic excitation. Moreover, the non-resonance response is always weaker than that of resonant case.
A Comparison of Techniques for PET Data-Driven Tracking of Head Motion
Authors: Gillman Ashley , Rose Stephen , Smith Jye , Dowling Jason A , Dowson Nicholas
Published: February 2021

Background / AimsPatient motion during positron emission tomography (PET) imaging can corrupt the image by causing blurring and quantitation error due to misalignment with the attenuation correction image. Data-driven techniques for tracking motion in PET imaging allow for retrospective motion correction, where motion may not have been prospectively anticipated.MethodsA two minute PET acquisition of a Hoffman phantom was acquired on a Bi- ograph mCT Flow, during which the phantom was rocked, simulating periodic motion with varying frequency. Motion was tracked using the sensitivity method, the axial centre-of-mass (COM) method, a novel 3D-COM method, and the principal component analysis (PCA) method. A separate two minute acquisition was acquired with no motion as a gold standard. The tracking signal was discretised into 10 gates using k-means clustering. Motion was modelled and corrected using the reconstruct-transform-add (RTA) technique, leveraging Multimodal Image Registration using Block-matching and Robust Regression (Mirorr) for rigid registration of non- attenuation-corrected 4D PET and Software for Tomographic Image Reconstruction (STIR) for PET reconstructions. Evaluation was performed by segmenting white matter (WM) and grey matter (GM) in the attenuation correction computed tomography (CT). The mean uptake in the region of GM was compared with that in the WM region. Additionally, the difference between the intensity distributions of WM and GM regions was measured with the t-statistic from a Welch's t-test.ResultsDifference in the mean distribution of WM to GM ranked the techniques in order of efficacy: no correction, sensitivity, axial-COM, 3D-COM, PCA, no motion. PCA correction had a great WM/GM separation measured by the t-value than the no motion scan. This was attributed to interpolation blurring during motion correction reducing class variance.ConclusionOf the techniques examined, PCA was found to be most effective for tracking rigid motion. The sensitivity and axial-COM techniques are mostly sensitive to axial motion, and so were ineffective in this phantom experiment. 3D-COM demonstrates improved transaxial motion sensitivity, but not to the level of effectiveness of PCA.
Interleukin-1 Blockade Attenuates White Matter Inflammation and Oligodendrocyte Loss After Progressive Systematic Lipopolysaccharide Exposure in Near-Term Fetal Sheep
Authors: Kelly Sharmony B. , Stojanovska Vanesa , Zahra Valerie , Moxham Alison , Miller Suzanne L , Moss Timothy JM , Hooper Stuart B , Nold Marcel F. , Nold-Petry Claudia A. , Dean Justin M. , Bennet Laura , Polglase Graeme R. , Gunn Alistair J. , Galinsky Robert
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIncreased systemic and tissue levels of interleukin(IL)-1β are associated with greater risk of impaired neurodevelopment after birth. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that systemic IL-1 receptor antagonist (Ra) administration can attenuate neuroinflammation and injury in near-term fetal sheep exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MethodsChronically instrumented near-term fetal sheep at 0.85 of gestation were randomly assigned to saline (control, n=9), LPS infusions (0 h=300 ng, 24 h=600 ng, 48 h=1200 ng, n=8) or LPS plus 3 infusions of IL-1Ra (13 mg/kg infused over 4 h) started 1 h after each LPS infusion (n=9). Sheep were euthanized 4 days after starting infusions for histology.ResultsLPS infusions were associated with electroencephalogram (EEG) suppression with transiently reduced mean arterial blood pressure, and increased carotid artery perfusion and fetal heart rate (P<0.05 vs. control). In the periventricular and intragyral white matter, LPS-exposure increased IL-1β immunoreactivity, apoptosis and microglial activation, and reduced astrocyte and total oligodendrocyte survival, but did not change myelin expression or numbers of neurons in the cortex and subcortical regions. IL-1Ra infusions reduced circulating cytokines and improved recovery of EEG activity and carotid artery perfusion. Histologically, IL-1Ra reduced microgliosis, IL-1β expression and apoptosis, and improved total oligodendrocyte survival.ConclusionIL-1Ra improved EEG activity and markedly attenuated systemic inflammation, microgliosis and oligodendrocyte loss, but did not improve survival of astrocytes after LPS-induced inflammation in near-term fetal sheep. Further studies of long term brain maturation are now needed.
Periostin Expression and Its Roles in Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules: an Immunohistochemical Study of 105 Cases
Authors: Kusafuka Kimihide , Yamashita Masaru , Iwasaki Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Chinatsu , Kubota Aki , Hirata Kazuki , Murakami Akinori , Muramatsu Aya , Arai Kazumori , Suzuki Makoto
Published: February 2021

Background. Thyroid tumors are often difficult to histopathologically diagnose, especially follicular adenoma (FA) and follicular carcinoma (FC). Papillary carcinoma (PAC) has several histological subtypes. Periostin (PON), which is a non-collagenous extracellular matrix molecule, is related to tumor invasiveness. We aimed to elucidate the role of PON in thyroid tumors.Method. We collected 105 cases of thyroid nodules, which included cases of adenomatous goiter, FA, microcarcinoma (MIC), PAC, FC, poorly differentiated carcinoma (PDCa), and undifferentiated carcinoma (UCa), and immunohistochemically examined the PON expression patterns of these lesions. Results. PAC and MIC exhibited stromal PON deposition, especially in the solid/sclerosing subtype, whereas FA and FC showed weak deposition on the fibrous capsule. However, the invasive and/or extracapsular regions of microinvasive FC demonstrated quite strong PON expression.Except for it, we could not find any significantly histopathological differences between FA and FC. Although PDCa showed a similar PON expression pattern to PAC, UCa exhibited stromal PON deposition in its invasive portions and cytoplasmic expression in its carcinoma cells. Although there was only one case of UCa, it demonstrated strong PON immunopositivity. PAC and MIC showed similar patterns of stromal PON deposition, especially at the invasive front.Conclusions. PON plays a role in the invasion of thyroid carcinomas, especially PAC and UCa, whereas it acts as a barrier against the growth of tumor cells in FA and minimally invasive FC.
Hybrid emergency room reduces blood transfusion for patients with severe trauma
Authors: Watanabe Hiroaki , Matsumoto Ryo , Kuramoto Shunsuke , Muronoi Tomohiro , Oka Kazuyuki , Shimojo Yoshihide , Kidani Akihiko , Hira Eiji , Kawamura Toshihiko
Published: February 2021

Background: A hybrid emergency room (hybrid ER) is defined as an emergency unit with four functions: resuscitation, computed tomography (CT) scanning, performing operations, and angiography. The safety and efficacy of performing CT scans in a hybrid ER is not well known in the primary survey. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical effects of hybrid ERs. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study using the Shimane University Hospital Trauma Databank from January 2016 to February 2019. Hospitalized patients with severe trauma and an injury severity score ≥ 16 were divided into two groups: the non-hybrid ER group (n=134) and the hybrid ER group (n=145). The time from arrival to CT scan and interventions, and number of in-hospital survivors, preventable trauma deaths (PTD), and unexpected survivors (US) were assessed between both groups. The amount of blood transfused was also compared between the groups. Results: The time from arrival to CT scan and interventions was significantly reduced in the hybrid ER group compared with than in the non-hybrid ER group (25 vs. 6 minutes; p <0.0001, 101 vs. 41 minutes; p =0.0007). There was no significant difference in the rate of in-hospital survivors (96.9 vs. 96.3%; p=0.770), PTD (0 vs. 0%), and US (9.0 vs. 6.2%; p=0.497) between the groups. The amount of blood transfused was significantly reduced in the hybrid ER group compared to the non-hybrid ER group (red blood cell: 6 vs. 2, p =0.012, fresh frozen plasma: 9 vs. 6, p =0.021). Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that trauma treatment in a hybrid ER is as safe as previous conventional treatment in a non-hybrid ER, and that hybrid ERs, which can reduce the time for trauma surveys and treatment and do not require patient transfer, can reduce the amount of blood transfusion required for resuscitation.
Cobalt−Tetracyanoquinodimethane Monolayer as Efficient Bi-Functional Single Atom Electrocatalyst: A First Principles Investigation
Authors: Mukherjee Biswanath
Published: February 2021

A bi-functional electrocatalyst is a stable and catalytically active material for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the development of which is highly challenging, although essential for application in fuel cells. Herein, the first principle based density functional theory (DFT) computations have been carried out to investigate a series of transition metal-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TM-TCNQ: TM = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Rh, Pd) monolayer for bi-functional single atom electrocatalyst towards ORR and OER. Amongst various first transition metal row based TCNQ substrates, Cobalt-TCNQ (Co-TCNQ) monolayer was predicted to exhibit best bi-functional catalytic activity. At equilibrium potential (1.23 V, vs RHE), the free energy portraits of Co-TCNQ monolayer for OER in acidic or alkaline media are not completely downhill, measuring an excess potential of 0.6 V, equal to the overpotential, which is needed to be supplied externally to promote the OER activity. On the other hand, an onset potentials of 0.34 V (vs RHE) in acidic media are measured for ORR to proceed. The promising catalytic activity of two dimensional Co-TCNQ monolayer towards ORR and OER as revealed by DFT investigations has been explained in terms of density of states and Bader charge analysis.
Identification of Novel QTLs for Spikelet Fertility, Panicle Compactness and Phytohormone Ethylene to Decipher Poor Grain Filling of Basal Spikelets in Dense Panicle Rice
Authors: Sekhar Sudhanshu , Kumar Jitendra , Mohanty Soumya , Mohanty Niharika , Panda Rudraksh Shovan , Das Swagatka , Shaw Birendra Prasad , Behera Lambodar
Published: February 2021

High grain number is positively correlated with grain yield in rice, but it is compromised because of poor filling of basal spikelets in dense panicle bearing numerous spikelets. The phenomenon that turns the basal spikelets of compact panicle sterile in rice is largely unknown. In order to understand the factor(s) that possibly determines such spikelet sterility in compact panicle cultivars, QTLs and candidate genes were identified for spikelet fertility percentage, panicle compactness and ethylene production that significantly influence the grain filling using recombinant inbred lines developed from a cross between indica rice cultivars, PDK Shriram (compact, high spikelet number) and Heera (lax, low spikelet number). Novel QTLs, qSFP1.1, qSFP3.1 and qSFP6.1 for spikelet fertility percentage; qIGS3.2 and qIGS4.1 for panicle compactness; and qETH1.2, qETH3.1 and qETH4.1 for ethylene production were consistently identified in both kharif seasons of 2017 and 2018. The comparative expression analysis of candidate genes like ERF3, AP2-like ethylene-responsive transcription factor, EREBP, GBSS1, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase GW2, and LRR receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase ERL1 associated with identified QTLs revealed their role in poor grain filling of basal spikelets in dense panicle. These candidate genes thus could be important for improving grain filling in compact-panicle rice cultivars through biotechnological interventions.
Photo-electrochemical Characterization of New Lead-free Ferroelectric Ba0.975Ho0.017(Zr0.2Ti0.75)Sn0.05O3) Ceramic. Application to Bezacryl Oxidation Under Solar Light
Authors: Smail S. , Rekhila Gharib , Taïbi K. , Lahmar A. , Trari M.
Published: February 2021

Ba0.975Ho0.017(Zr0.20Ti0.75)Sn0.05O3 (abbreviated BHZ20TS) was elaborated by solid-state reaction at high temperature. The X-ray diffraction pattern, refined by the Rietveld method, indicated that the ceramic has a perovskite structure with a cubic symmetry. The Scanning electron microscopy revealed a high density and low porosity with reduced particle sizes upon substitution ofBa2+ by the rare earth ion Ho3+. The dielectric study as a function of temperature (-150 – 200 °C) and frequency (102 - 106 Hz) showed relaxor ferroelectric behavior. The modified Curie-Weiss law allowed us to evaluate the diffuse phase transition parameters. BHZ20TS obeys the empirical Vogel–Fulcher relation which confirms the relaxor behavior of this composition. With an optical band gap of 2.56 eV, BHZ20TS is attractive for photocatalytic applications. The capacitance-potential (C-2 - E) characteristic plotted in Na2SO4 (0.1 M) indicates n type behavior with a flat band potential (Efb) of -0.60 VSCE and electronic density (NA) of 2.2×1016cm-3. The semicircle in the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measured in the range (10-3 – 105 Hz) is ascribed to the bulk material BHZ20TS (80 kW cm2) with a constant phase element (CPE) and a depletion angle of -5°. As application, the oxide was tested with success for the photooxidation under solar light of Bezacryl (BEZ), a hazardous dye. The energy band diagram shows an electron transfer from the conduction band of BHZ20TS to dissolved oxygen, generating O2· and OH·- radicals, responsible of the BEZ mineralization whose disappearance was followed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. An abatement of 60% is obtained in BEZ solution (10 mg L-1) within 100 min under a solar irradiance of 97 mWcm-2; the mineralization obeys a first order kinetic model with a half photocatalytic life of 57 min.
Climate Change and Risk of Arboviral Diseases in the State of Rio De Janeiro (Brazil)
Authors: Júnior Antonio Carlos da Silva Oscar , Mendonça Francisco de Assis
Published: February 2021

Arboviral diseases are a theme of high interest in the field of public and collective health worldwide. Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya, in particular, have shown significant expansion in terms of morbidity and mortality in different portions of the ecumene. These diseases are of great interest in geographic studies due to the characteristics of their vector (Aedes aegypti), adapted to the environmental and unequal context of the urbanization process. Given this background, this study assesses the relationship between global climate change and the risk of arboviral diseases for the state of Rio de Janeiro. To this end, the characteristics of future climate susceptibility to vector proliferation in the scenarios RCP 4.5 and 8.5 (2011-2040 and 2041-2070) were assessed using two models: Eta HadGEM2-ES and Eta MIROC5, as well as the vulnerability conditions that favor the spread of arboviruses. The results indicate that the tendency of thermal and hygrometric elevation, in association with vulnerability, may have repercussions on the intensification and spatial expansion of the risk of arboviral diseases in the state of Rio de Janeiro, since there is a spatial and temporal expansion of the optimal environmental conditions for the development of the vector.
Transcriptome Comparison of Rhizome and Leaf of Rhizome of Ligusticum Chuanxiong on the Effects of Active Metabolites
Authors: HE Xianhong , HAO Qing , cai Zhengxue , Li Gaolei , Wei Ping , Zhang Zhonglin , Yan Zhixiang , ZHANG Yi-guan , ZHAO Jun-ning
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine. The major bioactive compounds found in Ligusticum chuanxiong are Ferulic Acid with 4- hydroxyl -3- methoxybenzene acrylic acid. However, the epigenetic mechanisms and biosynthetic pathways of active metabolites based on the transcriptomic analysis of Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome have remained unclear. To clarify the key genes in rhizome formation and active metabolite synthesis pathways of Rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong, we focus on the change between the investigate the rhizome and leaf of Ligusticum chuanxiong through transcriptomic analysis.MethodsThe RNA extracted from rhizomes and leaves of Ligusticum chuanxiong were sequenced using the Illumina platform, yielding 295,725 unique transcripts with N50 of 778 bp. The transcripts against annotation databases including GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs).Resultsystematic analysis of transcriptome profiles revealed that a total of 1707 differentially expressed unigenes were found in the two tissues, among which 1246 were down-regulated and 462 were up-regulated. Remarkably, some DEGs are enriched in the biosynthetic pathway of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, one of the key enzymes in the pathway of ferulic acid synthesis.Conclusions﻿Through the transcriptome analysis, we have identified the regulatory mechanisms and epigenetic influences in the secondary metabolic biosynthetic pathway of Ligusticum chuanxiong. Among them, DEGs analysis revealed ferulic acid and other secondary metabolites are some of the major products in the biosynthetic pathway of Ligusticum chuanxiong.
Impact of Intervention Practices on Malaria Treatment Outcomes Among Patients in Bushenyi District, Uganda
Authors: Maniga Josephat Nyabayo , Atuhaire David Kalenzi , Mugasa Claire Mack
Published: February 2021

BackgroundMalaria remains a major vector borne disease causing both mortalities and morbidities in the world. Uganda as a country has currently scaled out major campaigns to reduce and eliminate the disease using different interventions. However, there is no clear data on the impact of such interventions on malaria treatment outcomes. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the impact of malaria intervention practices on Artemether- Lumefantrine (AL) treatment outcomes among the residents of Bushenyi district, Uganda, a high intensity malaria transmission area.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among 184 study participants for a period of one year (August 2017 to August 2018) in four selected health centers in Bushenyi district, Uganda. The investigative methods used included a researcher administered questionnaire, laboratory and clinical evaluations of participants. Data analysis was done by using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 10 windows) for descriptive statistics. ResultsStatistically significant factors for treatment outcome at p ≤0.05 were; practicing indoor residual spraying (IRS) at home (𝑃 = 0.001; CI), source of prescription (𝑃 = 0.018; CI), finishing dosage (𝑃 = 0.006; CI), frequency of malaria infection (𝑃 = 0.028; CI), Frequency of antimalaria usage (𝑃 = 0.042; CI) and sleeping under insecticide treated nets (ITNs) (𝑃 = 0.039; CI) respectively. ConclusionsIRS and ITNs were found to be the major intervention practice of malaria reduction after treatment with ACTs.
Bovine Coronavirus Infections in Turkey: Molecular Analysis of the Full-Length Spike Gene Sequences of Viruses From Digestive and Respiratory Infections
Authors: Temizkan Secil Sevinc , Alkan Feray
Published: February 2021

BCoV can be spread by animal activity. Despite the widespread cattle farming in the region, limited studies exist in Turkey about BCoV. The aim of this study was to reveal the latest aspects in Turkey about BCoV and evaluate the data. This is the first study reporting the full-length sequences of S genes of BCoV in Turkey.In this study samples were collected from 119 cattle, presenting clinical signs of respiratory (n=78) or digestive tract infection (n=41) in distinctive farms located in widely different provinces of Turkey. Samples were screened for bovine coronavirus (BCoV) by a RT-nested PCR targeting the N gene. BCoV was found positive in 35 samples (9 faeces and 26 nasal discharge) and RT-PCR analysis of the S gene was performed. The partial/full-length S gene sequences were able to be obtained from 11 samples (8 faeces and 3 nasal discharge). Phylogenetic tree of the S gene sequences was analyzed for the genetic relationships among BCoVs from Turkey and other countries. Results showed that many different amino acid changes exist in local strains and these changes were persistent in faeces and nasal discharge origin. Likewise, some nucleotide and amino acid changes were compatible with previous studies which have critical importance for tropism. These results could represent a novelty in the current literature adding new data on BCoV from Turkey and these data could have potentially positive effects on the vaccination approach and control strategies due to lack of information.
Improving the External Quantum Efficiency of High Power GaN Based Flip-Chip LEDs using Ag/SiO2/DBR/SiO2 Composite ReflectiveStructure
Authors: Xu Liang , Zhan Jinglin , Sun Huiqing , Chen Zhizhong , Guo Zhiyou
Published: February 2021

Improve the light extraction efficiency and light output in the vertical direction of LEDs for high-power applications, flip-chip LEDs (FCLEDs) with an Ag/SiO2/distributed Bragg reflector/SiO2 composite reflection structure (CRS) were fabricated. The enhanced opto-electrical properties were thoroughly investigated. Compared with the normal Ag-based FCLEDs, the light output power of the CRS-FCLEDs is increased by 6.3% at an operational current of 1500 mA, with the corresponding external quantum efficiency improved by 6.0%. Further investigation proved that the CRS structure exhibited higher reflectance compared with the commonly used Ag-mirror reflective structure, which originates from the increased reflective area in the sidewall and partial area of the n-GaN contact holes. Moreover, the light emission intensity distributions and far-field angular light emission measurements show that the CRS-FCLED has a strengthened light output in the vertical direction, which shows great potential for applications in high-power fields, such as headlamps for automobiles.
Establish a teleost skin explant model for studying the fish-pathogen interaction
Authors: Siao Ru-Fang , Lin Chia-Hsuan , Wang Liang-Chun
Published: February 2021

Teleost fish skin serves as the first line of defense against pathogens. The interaction between pathogen and host skin determines the infection outcome. However, the interaction and infection mechanisms remain largely unknown due to the lack of a proper tissue model that can quantitatively and qualitatively monitor infection progress. Here, we use striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) to establish an ex vivo skin explant tissue model that has not been explored in teleost fish before. The skin explant model, cultured by creating epithelial polarity, resembles the in vivo skin in tissue morphology, integrity, and mucous cell and immune functionality. Inoculation of Aeromonas hydrophila in this model induces epidermal exfoliation along with epithelial cell junction disassembly and inflammation. We therefore concluded that this ex vivo skin explant model could serve as a teleost skin infection model for monitoring pathogenesis under various infection conditions. The model can also potentially be translated into a platform to study prevention and treatment for aquatic infection on mucosal surface in aquaculture applications.
Blocking SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein binding to ACE2 receptor through Narcotinic Compounds Combined with Adjuvants: an in silico Insight
Authors: Mohammadi Saeedeh , Esmailpour Ayoub , Sakhaee Nader , Doustkhah Esmail
Published: February 2021

Protein products of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) coding gene sequence, were all analyzed and compared to other SARS-CoV S proteins to elucidate structural similarities of spike proteins. A homology modeling of SARS-CoV-2 S protein was obtained and used in molecular docking studies to find binding affinities of spike protein for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The two most important binding sites of S protein, namely, RBD and CTD, critically responsible for binding interactions, were identified. Finally, binding affinity of RBD and CTD domains of S protein with narcotic analgesics are studied. Moreover, interactions of ACE2 receptor- S protein with narcotic compounds when mixed with small molecule adjuvants to improve the immune response and increase the efficacy of potential vaccines, were taken into consideration. In-silico results suggest that the combination of narcotine hemiacetal with mannide monooleate shows a stronger binding affinity with CTD, while carprofen-muramyl dipeptide and squalene have stronger binding affinities for the RBD portion of S protein. Thus, a suitable combination of these narcotic is proposed to yield potent site-blocking efficacy for ACE2 receptor against SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins.
Impact of COVID-19 on Residents’ Willingness to Consume Wild Animals: Empirical Insights From China
Authors: Ruishi Si , Qian Lu , Aziz Noshaba
Published: February 2021

Background: It is argued that wild animals are the culprit of transmission of COVID-19 and poor health of the people, though any evidence is not found, the government has widely publicized the risk allied with eating wild animals. Therefore, this study attempts to explore the effect of COVID-19 on residents’ willingness to consume wild animals (WCWA) and their amount of willingness to pay (AWP). Methods: Data were gathered online from 1250 household heads of both urban and rural residents of Hubei, Hunan, and Guangdong provinces during the period of 19th to 26th March 2020 and Probit and Tobit model is employed to meet the study objectives. Results: The results showed that around 39.20% of residents are willing to consume wild animals and their amount of willingness to pay was 34.65 USD/year. In the context of market control policy & home restriction policy, the mediating effect is 34.20% & 27.73% respectively. In contrast, in the context of ecological environment risk and food security risk perception, the mediating effects are 7.94% and 10.16% respectively. Conclusions: Although COVID-19 reduced the probability of residents’ WCWA, the effect on AWP was not significant. Moreover, COVID-19’s effects on residents’ WCWA through market control and home restriction policies were strong, but perceptions of the ecological environment and food safety risk were relatively weak. These results provide insights for policymakers in terms of raising public awareness of the negative consequences of consuming wild animals and increasing knowledge of the animals’ protection.
APOL1 risk variants and kidney transplantation: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alao Michael Abel , Raji Yemi Raheem , Asinobi Adanze Onyenunachi , Akinboro Adeolu Oladayo , Ngene Samuel Osobuchi , Olayinka Ibrahim Rasheed , Okoye Prof Ifeoma , Nna Emmanuel
Published: February 2021

Background Graft survival post-kidney transplant may be influenced by APOL1 risk variant status of both donors and recipients. There are several conflicting reports on screening, eligibility and inclusion of APOL1 risk variant testing in the Kidney Donor Risk Index. We aimed to produce a protocol for synthesizing evidence from available data on Apoprotein L1 risk variants and kidney transplantation.Methods We developed a search strategy using MeSH, text words and entry terms. Nine databases will be searched: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, AJOL, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Research gate and Scopus. Only observational studies retrievable in the English Language will be included. The primary measurable outcome is the recipient’s post-transplant graft survival time from APOL1 high-risk variant donors. The secondary outcomes are the proportion of APOL1 high-risk variants in End-Stage Kidney Disease requiring kidney transplant, the proportion in graft recipients and kidney donors; effect of APOL1 high-risk variant on donor's kidney function post-kidney donation, recipient kidney allograft survival in APOL1 low and high-risk recipients. Deduplication, screening and selection of identified studies will be done using Covidence software while CMA software version 3 will be used for meta-analysis. All studies will be assessed for methodological, clinical and statistical heterogeneity. Publication bias will be visually assessed using the funnel plot. Results will be presented in forest plots with pooled survival time, standard error and variance. Subgroup analysis will be performed using moderators such as socio-demographics: race, age, gender and socio-economic status; hypertension, HIV status, forms of rejection and other environmental factors.Discussion: The effect size for primary outcome is standardized mean difference in survival time for APOL1 high risk variants in kidney transplants. The changes in kidney functions of donors and recipients pre and post-transplantation would be examined. The suitability of donors who have APOL1 high risk variants will explored in relation to graft survival time, donors kidney function and moderating effects of socio-demographics and environmental determinants. Trial Registration Number: This protocol is registered in PROSPERO, with registration number CRD42021230358
An invasive shrub Lantana camara L. alters the flora and soils in tropical dry deciduous forests of Central India
Authors: Lone Parvaiz Ahmad , Dar Javid Ahmad , Kothandaraman Subashree , Khan Mohammed Latif
Published: February 2021

Background and AimsLantana camara is a highly noxious invasive weed species of global concern. However, its impacts on floristic and soil properties in tropical dry deciduous forests are elusive and fragmented. We aimed to assess the changes in the flora and soil properties following the invasion by Lantana camara in Central Indian forest ecosystems.MethodsThree study sites were selected and each site was further divided into two subsites: Lantana-invaded (LI) and uninvaded (UI). In total, 60 plots of 0.25 ha each (10 plots in each subsite) were laid randomly. Within each plot floristic structure, composition, diversity and soil SOC, STN, M%, pH and bulk density were assessed.ResultsLantana-invaded sites showed a significant decrease in density (D), basal area (BA), species richness (SR) and evenness (E) of seedlings (< 3cm diameter at breast height (DBH)), juveniles (> 3-9.9cm DBH), and herbs. In LI sites, a reduction of 57 and 25% has been observed in lower DBH class of trees (< 3cm and > 3-9.9cm). In all LI sites, a significant increase of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (STN) and soil moisture (M%) and a significant decrease of pH and bulk density (BD) were recorded.ConclusionsLantana may greatly impact the vegetation and soil properties and, successively, these strong changes increase its invasive potential and ability to replace native species by averting their natural regeneration potential. Therefore, a proper management strategy of this noxious weed is imperative to prevent its further expansion and future problems.