bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF LONG-TERM USE OF MINERAL FERTILIZERS FOR AGROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES SOD-PODZOLIC SOIL OF HAYFIELD
Authors: Chuykov Viktor , Teberdiev Dalhat , Rodionova Anna , Zapivalov Sergey
Published: December 2021

The effect of long-term use of mineral fertilizers on the accumulation of heavy metals in soils of various compositions is an urgent problem in the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. The main objective of the research conducted at the Federal Williams Research Center of Forage Production and Agroecology was to determine the effect of long-term use of mineral fertilizers on agrochemical soil parameters and accumulation of heavy metals. Systematic application of mineral fertilizers on the sod-podzolic loamy soil of hayfield for 74 years has not had a negative impact on its agrochemical indicators. On the contrary, the organic matter content increased by 30-40% according to the experimental variants. The acidity of the soil decreased from a pH of 4.3 to 4.5–5.3. The effect of mineral fertilizers on the content of mobile forms of copper, zinc, cadmium, lead in the soil and their accumulation in plants is shown. Analysis of the soil by layers showed that 15–20% more humus, mobile macroelements, microelements – copper, zinc are concentrated in the 0–10 cm layer. The content of toxic elements – cadmium and lead – was characterized by their uniform distribution over the 0–20 cm horizon. An annual balance calculation of the use of microelements supplied with mineral fertilizers to plants is presented. The obtained results showed that the forage grasses during the growing season fully used the copper, zinc, cadmium, lead introduced with mineral fertilizers and additionally consumed from the soil: copper – 68, zinc – 268, cadmium – 0.2, lead – 3 g/ha.
ALFALFA – HIGH-PROTEIN FORAGE CROP
Authors: Lomov Mikhail , Piskovatsky Yuri
Published: December 2021

The results of selection studies conducted at the Central Experimental Base of the V.R. Williams in the Non-Chernozem Zone of the Russian Federation are presented. Brief data on promising varieties of alfalfa created in the department of alfalfa breeding for the yield of green and dry mass, crude protein and other indicators are presented. Alfalfa varieties of a new generation adapted to local soil and climatic conditions have been created. Alfalfa is one of the best legume grasses for the preparation of high-protein feed. Alfalfa is a culture that is characterized by ecological plasticity, longevity, capable in many regions of Russia to solve the problem of eliminating the deficiency of vegetable protein in the diets of farm animals. It can be used as a legume component of grass mixtures on pastures and hayfields of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. The level of productivity and sustainability of fodder agrophytocenoses is determined by the competitiveness of species and varieties. Alfalfa varieties have a low competitive ability, do not withstand three or four times mowing, quickly fall out of the grass stand. It is known that the use of mineral nitrogen in meadow and field feed production is limited due to high energy costs in the production of nitrogen fertilizers. Therefore, the need for nitrogen in meadows and pastures should be met by legume-cereal grass mixtures, for which it is necessary to create new varieties of legumes, in particular alfalfa variable or hybrid.
Genetic Algorithm-Based Optimization of Curved-Tube Nozzle Parameters for Rotating Spinning
Authors: Li Wenhui , Liu Kang , Guo Qinghua , Zhang Zhiming , Ji Qiaoling , Wu Zijun
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes an optimization paradigm for structure design of curved-tube nozzle based on genetic algorithm. First, the mathematical model is established to reveal the functional relationship between outlet power and the nozzle structure parameters. Second, genetic algorithms transform the optimization process of curved-tube nozzle into natural evolution and selection. It is found that curved-tube nozzle with bending angle of 10.8°, nozzle diameter of 0.5 mm, and curvature radius of 8 mm yields maximum outlet power. Finally, we compare the optimal result with simulations and experiments of the rotating spinning. It is found that optimized curved-tube nozzle can improve flow field distribution and reduce the jet instability, which is critical to obtain high-quality nanofibers.
Network Integration Analysis and Immune Infiltration Analysis Reveal Potential Biomarkers for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Wang Liyuan , Yu Tianyang , Zhang Xiaohui , Cai Xiaojun , Sun He
Published: December 2021

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a progressive optic neuropathy and its damage to vision is irreversible. Therefore, early diagnosis assisted by biomarkers is essential. Although there were multiple researches on the identification of POAG biomarkers, few studies systematically revealed the transcriptome dysregulation mechanism of POAG from the perspective of pre- and post-transcription of genes. Here, we have collected multiple sets of POAG’s aqueous humor (AH) tissue transcription profiles covering long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), mRNA and mircoRNA (miRNA). Through differential expression analysis, we identified thousands of significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the AH tissue of POAG and non-glaucoma. Further, the DEGs were used to construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network and 1,653 qualified lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory units were identified. Two ceRNA regulatory subnets were identified based on the random walk algorithm and revealed to be involved in the regulation of multiple complex diseases. At the pre-transcriptional regulation level, a transcriptional regulatory network was constructed and three transcription factors (FOS, ATF4, and RELB) were identified to regulate the expression of multiple genes and participate in the regulation of T cells. Moreover, we revealed the immune desert status of AH tissue for POAG patients based on immune infiltration analysis and identified a specific AL590666.2-hsa−miR−339−5p-UROD axis can be used as a biomarker of POAG. Taken together, the identification of regulatory mechanisms and biomarkers will contribute to the individualized diagnosis and treatment for POAG.
Fine-Tuning of Nonlinear Optical Contrasts of Hexaphyrin-Based Molecular Switches Using Inverse Design
Authors: Desmedt Eline , Woller Tatiana , Teunissen Jos L. , De Vleeschouwer Freija , Alonso Mercedes
Published: December 2021

In the search for new nonlinear optical (NLO) switching devices, expanded porphyrins have emerged as ideal candidates thanks to their tunable chemical and photophysical properties. Introducing meso-substituents to these macrocycles is a successful strategy to enhance the NLO contrasts. Despite its potential, the influence of meso-substitution on their structural and geometrical properties has been scarcely investigated. In this work, we pursue to grasp the underlying pivotal concepts for the fine-tuning of the NLO contrasts of hexaphyrin-based molecular switches, with a particular focus on the first hyperpolarizability related to the hyper-Rayleigh scattering (βHRS). Building further on these concepts, we also aim to develop a rational design protocol. Starting from the (un)substituted hexaphyrins with various π-conjugation topologies and redox states, structure-property relationships are established linking aromaticity, photophysical properties and βHRS responses. Ultimately, inverse molecular design using the best-first search algorithm is applied on the most favorable switches with the aim to further explore the combinatorial chemical compound space of meso-substituted hexaphyrins in search of high-contrast NLO switches. Two definitions of the figure-of-merit of the switch performance were used as target objectives in the optimization problem. Several meso-substitution patterns and their underlying characteristics are identified, uncovering molecular symmetry and the electronic nature of the substituents as the key players for fine-tuning the βHRS values and NLO contrasts of hexaphyrin-based switches.
Synthetic Strategy Towards Heterodimetallic Half-Sandwich Complexes Based on a Symmetric Ditopic Ligand
Authors: Green Lewis P. M. , Steel Tasha R. , Riisom Mie , Hanif Muhammad , Söhnel Tilo , Jamieson Stephen M. F. , Wright L. James , Crowley James D. , Hartinger Christian G.
Published: December 2021

Multimetallic complexes have been shown in several examples to possess greater anticancer activity than their monometallic counterparts. The increased activity has been attributed to altered modes of action. We herein report the synthesis of a series of heterodimetallic compounds based on a ditopic ligand featuring 2-pyridylimine chelating motifs and organometallic half-sandwich moieties. The complexes were characterized by a combination of 1H NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Investigations into the stability of representative complexes in DMSO-d6 and 10% DMSO-d6/D2O revealed the occurrence of solvent-chlorido ligand exchange. Proliferation assays in four human cancer cell lines showed that the Os-Rh complex possessed minimal activity, while all other complexes were inactive.
Cyclohexanohemicucurbit[8]uril Inclusion Complexes With Heterocycles and Selective Extraction of Sulfur Compounds From Water
Authors: Shalima Tatsiana , Mishra Kamini A. , Kaabel Sandra , Ustrnul Lukas , Bartkova Simona , Tõnsuaadu Kaia , Heinmaa Ivo , Aav Riina
Published: December 2021

Solid-phase extraction that utilizes selective macrocyclic receptors can serve as a useful tool for removal of chemical wastes. Hemicucurbiturils are known to form inclusion complexes with suitably sized anions; however, their use in selective binding of non-charged species is still very limited. In this study, we found that cyclohexanohemicucurbit[8]uril encapsulates five- and six-membered sulfur- and oxygen-containing unsubstituted heterocycles, which is investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and thermogravimetry. The macrocycle acts as a promising selective sorption material for the extraction of sulfur heterocycles, such as 1,3-dithiolane and α-lipoic acid, from water.
Imbalanced Dermic Microbiome Aggravates Inflammation in Toenail Paronychia
Authors: Li Ying , Ma Han , Xue Liang , Chen Huizhen , Pang Rui , Shang Yanyan , Luo Juan , Xie Xinqiang , Zhang Jumei , Ding Yu , Chen Moutong , Wang Juan , Wu Qingping
Published: December 2021

The commensal microbiome influences skin immunity, but its function in toenail health remains unclear. Paronychia is one of the most common inflammatory toenail diseases, but antibiotic treatment is seldom effective in clinical cases. In this study, we performed 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate the characteristics of microbes associated with paronychia in order to identify the key microorganisms involved in inflammation. Seventy dermic samples were collected from patients with paronychia and the differences in dermic microbiota were analyzed in patients with different inflammation severities. Distinct clustering of dermal microbiota was observed in the dermis with different inflammation severities. A higher relative abundance of anaerobic microorganisms such as Parvimona, Prevotella, and Peptoniphilus was observed in severe paronychia, whereas Lactobacillus disappeared with disease progression. Co-occurring network analysis suggested that the disturbance of the dermic microbiome and attenuation of antagonism by Lactobacillus against anaerobic pathogens may aggravate inflammation in paronychia. Functional analysis showed that dermic microbiome disturbance may worsen microbial metabolism and tissue repair in the skin. In conclusion, we revealed that an increased abundance of anaerobic microorganisms and loss of Lactobacillus in the dermis may promote paronychia progression and microbiological imbalance may aggravate inflammation in patients with paronychia.
Isolation and Characterization of Novel Phages Targeting Pathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Li Na , Zeng Yigang , Bao Rong , Zhu Tongyu , Tan Demeng , Hu Bijie
Published: December 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a dominant cause of community-acquired and nosocomial infections, specifically among immunocompromised individuals. The increasing occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates has significantly impacted the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents. As antibiotic resistance is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, the use of bacteriophages to treat pathogenic bacterial infections has recently gained attention. Elucidating the details of phage-bacteria interactions will provide insights into phage biology and the better development of phage therapy. In this study, a total of 22 K. pneumoniae isolates were assessed for their genetic and phenotypic relatedness by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), endonuclease S1 nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE), and in vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing. In addition, the beta-lactamase gene (blaKPC) was characterized to determine the spread and outbreak of K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing enterobacterial pathogens. Using these ST11 carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates, three phages (NL_ZS_1, NL_ZS_2, and NL_ZS_3) from the family of Podoviridae were isolated and characterized to evaluate the application of lytic phages against the MDR K. pneumoniae isolates. In vitro inhibition assays with three phages and K. pneumoniae strain ZS15 demonstrated the strong lytic potential of the phages, however, followed by the rapid growth of phage-resistant and phage-sensitive mutants, suggesting several anti-phage mechanisms had developed in the host populations. Together, this data adds more comprehensive knowledge to known phage biology and further emphasizes their complexity and future challenges to overcome prior to using phages for controlling this important MDR bacterium.
Knowledge Gaps Update to the 2019 IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere: Prospects to Refine Coastal Flood Hazard Assessments and Adaptation Strategies With At-Risk Communities of Alaska
Authors: Williams Dee M. , Erikson Li H.
Published: December 2021

This article reviews the status of knowledge gaps and co-production process challenges that impede coastal flood hazard resilience planning in communities of northwestern Alaska, where threat levels are high. Discussion focuses on the state of knowledge arising after preparation of the 2019 IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate and highlights prospects to address urgent needs. The intent is to identify some key steps necessary to advance the integration of relevant multidisciplinary observations with flood modeling and infrastructure mapping to co-produce new online hazard and risk assessment tools that inform local community planning and improve science collaboration among Federal, state, and regional partners for enhanced pre-storm preparations and post-storm recovery, including partial or complete relocation. By focusing coastal data integration for delivery of priority geospatial hazard map products through a consistent yet customized approach to adaptation planning, the broad collaborative effort in Alaska may yield a path of stakeholder service delivery that can be applied to many Arctic communities and other vulnerable regions of the world.
Temperature-Driven Hydrocarbon Generation-Expulsion and Structural Transformation of Organic-Rich Shale Assessed by in situ Heating SEM
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Yang Jijin
Published: December 2021

Mud shale can serve as source or cap rock but also as a reservoir rock, and so the development of pores or cracks in shale has become of great interest in recent years. However, prior work using non-identical samples, varying fields of view and non-continuous heating processes has produced varying data. The unique hydrocarbon generation and expulsion characteristics of shale as a source rock and the relationship with the evolution of pores or cracks in the reservoir are thus not well understood. The present work attempted to monitor detailed structural changes during the continuous heating of shale and to establish possible relationships with hydrocarbon generation and expulsion by heating immature shale samples while performing in situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and monitoring the chamber vacuum. Samples were heated at 20°C/min from ambient to 700°C with 30 min holds at 100°C intervals during which SEM images were acquired. The SEM chamber vacuum was found to change during sample heating as a consequence of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion. Two episodic hydrocarbon expulsion stages were observed, at 300 and 500°C. As the temperature was increased from ambient to 700°C, samples exhibited consecutive shrinkage, expansion and shrinkage, and the amount of structural change in the vertical bedding direction was greater than that in the bedding direction. At the same time, the opening, closing and subsequent reopening of microcracks was observed. Hydrocarbon generation and expulsion led to the expansion of existing fractures and the opening of new cracks to produce an effective fracture network allowing fluid migration. The combination of high-resolution SEM and a high-temperature heating stage allowed correlation between the evolution of pores or cracks and hydrocarbon generation and expulsion to be examined.
Interaction Between Animal Burrowing and Loess Cave Formation in the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Geng Haopeng , Liu Ru , Zheng Weishan , Zhang Yunbo , Xie Rong , Guo Yu , Pan Baotian
Published: December 2021

Although the interactions between biotic and geomorphic processes usually occur on small spatial and short temporal scales, many of the mechanisms remain to be investigated. This study provides the first direct evidence of the interaction between biotic burrowing and loess cave formation in the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). The study area is the Qingshui Valley in the western CLP, near Lanzhou. We surveyed the target site (with an area of ∼13,367 m2) four times from Jul 2019 to Dec 2020, using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). High resolution UAV images enabled us to determine the temporal and spatial dynamics of biotic burrowing and loess caves. The results show that loess caves tended to develop down valley below collapses, while animal burrows were preferentially located upslope away from collapses. Despite the distinct “topographic niches” for both biotic and abiotic processes, we observed an interaction between the two processes in space when tracking their temporal dynamics. Three out of seven new loess caves were in the process of formation at typical “topographic niches” of animal burrows and there was a significantly high animal burrow density around these three caves before their initiation. These results indicate that the three caves were directly initiated from animal burrows and/or developed under the influence of biotic activities. Therefore, biotic burrowing promotes the spatial heterogeneity of loess cave distribution. We also found significant decreases in animal burrow density surrounding the newly-formed loess caves after their initiation. This may reflect a risk avoidance strategy of animal burrowing, which causes animals to avoid areas of recent mass movement (i.e., collapses and new caves). The formation and expansion of loess caves can dictate the distribution of active areas of biotic disturbance. Our results demonstrate a clear interaction between biotic burrowing and loess cave formation, and they emphasize the role of biological agents as a mechanism for the formation of loess caves, which enrich the understanding of searching fingerprints of life during landscape evolution.
Education Exchange Storage Protocol: Transformation Into Decentralized Learning Platform
Authors: Rahardja Untung , Ngadi M. A , Budiarto Rahmat , Aini Qurotul , Hardini Marviola , Oganda Fitra Putri
Published: December 2021

The current micro-teaching process is readily online, and it is functional anywhere and anytime ubiquitously. All or most teaching and learning activities are accessible in centralized storage. However, centralized storage has inherent problems, such as a single point of failure with many possible data breaches, much duplication of data stored repeatedly in one location, and the lack of trust in third parties for data stored in centralized storage. Further issues include the high cost and low performance of the online systems that hinder the quality of the education process. In this paper, we propose a new framework Education Exchange Storage Protocol (EESP). EESP aims to improve the efficiency of the decentralized storage ecosystem in micro-teaching, coupled with blockchain technology acting as a control layer. Blockchain empowers the decentralized system by bringing together the most incompatible unstructured entities and integrate them. The decentralized storage system is armed with a blockchain smart contract that acts as a control layer, featuring impregnable security, immutability, trace-ability, and transparency. The EESP framework aims to elevate teaching and learning through blockchain decentralized storage systems in a transformational way, including but not limited to things like micro-credential, massive open online courses, and gamification, all in a single immersive learning platform. Finally, we tested and evaluated this framework using the truffle simulator, and the results demonstrate that the EESP model significantly improves performance.
Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance Is Mediated by High Uric Acid in Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Niu Yang , Tang Qingya , Zhao Xuan , Zhao Xuelin , Mao Xiaomeng , Sheng Jinye , Cai Wei , Feng Yi
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate whether serum uric acid (SUA) plays a mediating role in the development of insulin resistance (IR) in obese children and adolescents.

Methods

A total of 369 participants aged 4-17 years with obesity who attended the Nutrition Outpatient Clinic for Obesity at Xinhua Hospital from January 2012 to January 2019 were recruited for this retrospective study. We classified participants into two groups on the basis of HOMA-IR values: the low HOMA-IR group (< 3.16) (n = 222) and the high HOMA-IR group (≥ 3.16) (n = 147).

Results

The univariate analysis found that the high HOMA-IR group had higher BMI, SUA, and fasting insulin (FINS) (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis and mediating effect analysis indicated that body mass index (BMI) could directly regulate FINS and HOMA-IR (both P < 0.05). The results from the mediating effect analysis found that UA partially played an indirect role in the link between BMI, FINS and HOMA-IR (both P < 0.05) but had no effect on fasting blood glucose (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

SUA should be investigated in obesity and plays a partial mediating role in insulin resistance induced by obesity in obese children and adolescents.
A Type 2 Fuzzy Logic–Based Maintenance Solution for Power System in Renewable Energy Applications
Authors: Xiang Li , Sang Haitao , Qu Fayi
Published: December 2021

Power systems are crucial for low-carbon energy applications. Condition maintenance plays a vital role in reducing the maintenance cost of renewable power systems without sacrificing system reliability. This paper proposes a hybrid method to effectively deal with the operational changes and uncertainties of state maintenance within the power system of renewable energy applications. Specifically, a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is first adopted to maintain key components when only considering system variables and overall performance. During operation, numerous variations in offshore substations are detected from power grids and other equipment, such as continuous aging, weather, load factors, measurement, and human-judgment factors. Then, the advisor implements a system optimization maintenance plan in the substation, which can predict changes in load reliability based on the type 2 fuzzy logic and hidden Markov model technology. The reliability of the load point of each substation would also be obtained. Illustrative results indicate that these serious deteriorations would cause substation for the re-optimization maintenance and optimization activities to meet expected reliability. Through connecting an offshore substation to a medium-sized offshore substation, the uncertainties in condition-based maintenance of renewable energy applications can be well handled.
An Integrated Analysis of Tumor Purity of Common Central Nervous System Tumors in Children Based on Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Yang Jian , Wang Jiajia , Tian Shuaiwei , Wang Qinhua , Zhao Yang , Wang Baocheng , Cao Liangliang , Liang Zhuangzhuang , Zhao Heng , Lian Hao , Ma Jie
Published: December 2021

Background: Tumor purity is defined as the proportion of cancer cells in the tumor tissue, and its effects on molecular genetics, the immune microenvironment, and the prognosis of children’s central nervous system (CNS) tumors are under-researched.

Methods: We applied random forest machine learning, the InfiniumPurify algorithm, and the ESTIMATE algorithm to estimate the tumor purity of every child’s CNS tumor sample in several published pediatric CNS tumor sample datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), aiming to perform an integrated analysis on the tumor purity of children’s CNS tumors.

Results: Only the purity of CNS tumors in children based on the random forest (RF) machine learning method was normally distributed. In addition, the children’s CNS tumor purity was associated with primary clinical pathological and molecular indicators. Enrichment analysis of biological pathways related to the purity of medulloblastoma (MB) revealed some classical signaling pathways associated with MB biology and development-related pathways. According to the correlation analysis between MB purity and the immune microenvironment, three immune-related genes, namely, CD8A, CXCR2, and TNFRSF14, were negatively related to MB purity. In contrast, no significant correlation was detected between immunotherapy-associated markers, such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA4; most infiltrating immune cells; and MB purity. In the tumor purity–related survival analysis of MB, ependymoma (EPN), and children’s high-grade glioma, we discovered a minor effect of tumor purity on the survival of the aforementioned pediatric patients with CNS tumors.

Conclusion: Our purity pediatric pan-CNS tumor analysis provides a deeper understanding and helps with the clinical management of pediatric CNS tumors.
Adoptive Cell Transfer of Allogeneic Epstein–Barr Virus-Specific T Lymphocytes for Treatment of Refractory EBV-Associated Posttransplant Smooth Muscle Tumors: A Case Report
Authors: Hansen Bjoern-Thore , Bacher Petra , Eiz-Vesper Britta , Heckl Steffen M. , Klapper Wolfram , Koch Karoline , Maecker-Kolhoff Britta , Baldus Claudia D. , Fransecky Lars
Published: December 2021

Posttransplant smooth muscle tumors (PTSMTs) are rare Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated neoplasms, mostly occurring after solid organ transplantation. Current therapeutic strategies include surgery and reduction of immunosuppressive medication. We describe for the first time a novel treatment approach for PTSMT by adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of EBV-specific T cells to a 20-year-old patient with a medical history of cardiac transplantation, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease, and multilocular PTSMT. During ACT, mild cytokine release syndrome occurred, while no unexpected safety signals were recorded. We observed in vivo expansion of EBV-specific T cells and reduction of EBV viremia. Best response was stable disease after 4 months with reduction of EBV viremia and normalization of lactate dehydrogenase levels. ACT with EBV-specific T cells may be a safe and efficacious therapeutic option for PTSMT that warrants further exploration.
Perceptions of Rheumatologists on Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis in China
Authors: Chen Miao , Zhang Hua , Chen Zhiyong , Dai Sheng-Ming
Published: December 2021

Objective

High prevalence of undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and prolonged diagnostic delay are key troubles in the appropriate management of PsA. To analyze the possible causes for this phenomenon, a web-based nationwide survey was conducted to investigate rheumatologists’ perceptions on PsA diagnosis in China.

Methods

The electronic questionnaire consisting of 38 questions were designed by an expert panel and distributed with the online survey tool Sojump, which is a professional online survey platform. The completed questionnaires by real-name rheumatologists were collected.

Results

A total of 1594 valid questionnaires were included. More than half of Chinese rheumatologists reported it was challenging to make a diagnosis of PsA. The four major challenges were “Difficulties in identification of atypical or hidden psoriasis”, “Absence of diagnostic biomarkers”, “No active self-report of history or family history of psoriasis” and “Various musculoskeletal manifestations”. In diagnosing PsA, minor participants had incorrect knowledge of inflammatory arthropathy (13.7%), acute phase reactant (23.8%), and rheumatoid factor (28.7%). There were no significant differences in the knowledge of PsA and practice habits in diagnosing PsA between modern western medicine (WM)- and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-rheumatologists. The part-time rheumatologists were not as good as full-time rheumatologists in diagnosing PsA.

Conclusions

About three quarters of Chinese rheumatologists are familiar with the elements in PsA diagnosis and have good practice habits in diagnosing PsA. Four main challenges in making PsA diagnosis are revealed. There was no significant difference in the knowledge of PsA between WM- and TCM-rheumatologists.
Inducible T-Cell Costimulator Mediates Lymphocyte/Macrophage Interactions During Liver Repair
Authors: Ramavath Naresh Naik , Gadipudi Laila Lavanya , Provera Alessia , Gigliotti Luca C. , Boggio Elena , Bozzola Cristina , Albano Emanuele , Dianzani Umberto , Sutti Salvatore
Published: December 2021

The liver capacity to recover from acute liver injury is a critical factor in the development of acute liver failure (ALF) caused by viral infections, ischemia/reperfusion or drug toxicity. Liver healing requires the switching of pro-inflammatory monocyte-derived macrophages(MoMFs) to a reparative phenotype. However, the mechanisms involved are still incompletely characterized. In this study we investigated the contribution of T-lymphocyte/macrophage interaction through the co-stimulatory molecule Inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS; CD278) and its ligand (ICOSL; CD275) in modulating liver repair. The role of ICOS/ICOSL dyad was investigated during the recovery from acute liver damage induced by a single dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Flow cytometry of non-parenchymal liver cells obtained from CCl4-treated wild-type mice revealed that the recovery from acute liver injury associated with a specific up-regulation of ICOS in CD8+ T-lymphocytes and with an increase in ICOSL expression involving CD11bhigh/F4-80+ hepatic MoMFs. Although ICOS deficiency did not influence the severity of liver damage and the evolution of inflammation, CCl4-treated ICOS knockout (ICOS-/-) mice showed delayed clearance of liver necrosis and increased mortality. These animals were also characterized by a significant reduction of hepatic reparative MoMFs due to an increased rate of cell apoptosis. An impaired liver healing and loss of reparative MoMFs was similarly evident in ICOSL-deficient mice or following CD8+ T-cells ablation in wild-type mice. The loss of reparative MoMFs was prevented by supplementing CCl4-treated ICOS-/- mice with recombinant ICOS (ICOS-Fc) which also stimulated full recovery from liver injury. These data demonstrated that CD8+ T-lymphocytes play a key role in supporting the survival of reparative MoMFs during liver healing trough ICOS/ICOSL-mediated signaling. These observations open the possibility of targeting ICOS/ICOSL dyad as a novel tool for promoting efficient healing following acute liver injury.
Socially Complex Breeding Interactions in Humpback Whales Are Mediated Using a Complex Acoustic Repertoire
Authors: Cusano Dana A. , Paton David , Noad Michael J. , Dunlop Rebecca A.
Published: December 2021

Intraspecific conflict can be costly; therefore, many species engage in ritualized contests composed of several stages. Each stage is typically characterized by different levels of aggression, arousal, and physical conflict. During these different levels of “intensity,” animals benefit from communicating potential information related to features such as resource holding potential, relative fighting ability, level of aggression, intent (i.e., fight or flight), and whether or not the competitor currently holds the resource (e.g., a receptive female). This information may be conveyed using both visual displays and a complex acoustic repertoire containing fixed (e.g., age, sex, and body size) and flexible information (e.g., motivation or arousal). Calls that contain fixed information are generally considered “discrete” or stereotyped, while calls that convey flexible information are more “graded,” existing along an acoustic continuum. The use of displays and calls, and the potential information they convey, is likely dependent on factors like intensity level. The breeding system of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) involves intense male competition for access to a relatively limited number of breeding females (the resource). Here, we investigated the behavior and acoustic repertoire of competitive groups of humpback whales to determine if an increase in intensity level of the group was correlated with an increase in the complexity of the vocal repertoire. We categorized the behavior of humpback whales in competitive groups into three mutually exclusive stages from low to high intensity. While discrete calls were infrequent compared to graded calls overall, their use was highest in “low” and “moderate” intensity groups, which may indicate that this stage of contest is important for assessing the relative resource holding potential of competitors. In contrast, visual displays, call rates, and the use of graded call types, were highest during “high intensity” competitive groups. This suggests that flexible information may be more important in “high intensity” levels as males continue to assess the motivation and intent of competitors while actively engaged in costly conflict. We have shown that the relatively complex social call repertoire and visual displays of humpback whales in competitive groups likely functions to mediate frequently changing within-group relationships.
Identification and Structure Prediction of Human Septin-4 as a Biomarker for Diagnosis of Asthenozoospermic Infertile Patients—Critical Finding Toward Personalized Medicine
Authors: Vickram A. S. , Anbarasu K. , Jeyanthi Palanivelu , Gulothungan G. , Nanmaran R. , Thanigaivel S. , Sridharan T. B. , Rohini Karunakaran
Published: December 2021

Semen parameters are been found as a key factor to evaluate the count and morphology in the given semen sample. The deep knowledge of male infertility will unravel with semen parameters correlated with molecular and biochemical parameters. The current research study is to identify the motility associated protein and its structure through thein-silicoapproach. Semen samples were collected and initial analysis including semen parameters was analyzed by using the World Health Organization protocol. Semen biochemical parameters, namely, seminal plasma protein concentration, fructose content, and glucosidase content were calculated and evaluated for correlation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) were carried out for identification of Septin-4 presence in the semen sample. Mascot search was done for protein conformation andin-silicocharacterization of Septin-4 by structural modeling in Iterative Threading Assembly Refinement (I-TASSER). Twenty-five nanoseconds molecular dynamics (MD) simulations results showed the stable nature of Septin-4 in the dynamic system. Overall, our results showed the presence of motility-associated protein in normospermia and control samples and not in the case of asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia. Molecular techniques characterized the presence of Septin-4 and as a novel biomarker for infertility diagnosis.
Case Report: Bortezomib Plus CDOP Followed by Sequential Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Lenalidomide-Based Maintenance Therapy in Plasmablastic Lymphoma
Authors: Cai Jiao , Qiu Ling , Ma Lei , Zhang Nan , Fan Fang-yi
Published: December 2021

The standardized treatment plan for patients with plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) remains controversial. Taking morphological characteristics and immunophenotypes into consideration may provide superior options for the treatment of PBL. In this case, we report that a myeloma-type regimen containing bortezomib plus cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vindesine and prednisolone (CDOP) followed by sequential autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and lenalidomide-based maintenance therapy to treat PBL may represent a promising regimen to improve the prognosis.
Clinical Applicable AI System Based on Deep Learning Algorithm for Differentiation of Pulmonary Infectious Disease
Authors: Zhang Yu-han , Hu Xiao-fei , Ma Jie-chao , Wang Xian-qi , Luo Hao-ran , Wu Zi-feng , Zhang Shu , Shi De-jun , Yu Yi-zhou , Qiu Xiao-ming , Zeng Wen-bing , Chen Wei , Wang Jian
Published: December 2021

Objective: To assess the performance of a novel deep learning (DL)-based artificial intelligence (AI) system in classifying computed tomography (CT) scans of pneumonia patients into different groups, as well as to present an effective clinically relevant machine learning (ML) system based on medical image identification and clinical feature interpretation to assist radiologists in triage and diagnosis.

Methods: The 3,463 CT images of pneumonia used in this multi-center retrospective study were divided into four categories: bacterial pneumonia (n = 507), fungal pneumonia (n = 126), common viral pneumonia (n = 777), and COVID-19 (n = 2,053). We used DL methods based on images to distinguish pulmonary infections. A machine learning (ML) model for risk interpretation was developed using key imaging (learned from the DL methods) and clinical features. The algorithms were evaluated using the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs).

Results: The median AUC of DL models for differentiating pulmonary infection was 99.5% (COVID-19), 98.6% (viral pneumonia), 98.4% (bacterial pneumonia), 99.1% (fungal pneumonia), respectively. By combining chest CT results and clinical symptoms, the ML model performed well, with an AUC of 99.7% for SARS-CoV-2, 99.4% for common virus, 98.9% for bacteria, and 99.6% for fungus. Regarding clinical features interpreting, the model revealed distinctive CT characteristics associated with specific pneumonia: in COVID-19, ground-glass opacity (GGO) [92.5%; odds ratio (OR), 1.76; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.71–1.86]; larger lesions in the right upper lung (75.0%; OR, 1.12; 95% CI: 1.03–1.25) with viral pneumonia; older age (57.0 years ± 14.2, OR, 1.84; 95% CI: 1.73–1.99) with bacterial pneumonia; and consolidation (95.8%, OR, 1.29; 95% CI: 1.05–1.40) with fungal pneumonia.

Conclusion: For classifying common types of pneumonia and assessing the influential factors for triage, our AI system has shown promising results. Our ultimate goal is to assist clinicians in making quick and accurate diagnoses, resulting in the potential for early therapeutic intervention.
Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Peng Linbo , Wang Kexin , Zeng Yi , Wu Yuangang , Si Haibo , Shen Bin
Published: December 2021

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on quadriceps muscle strength, pain, and function outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods: PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, Scopus, PsycINFO, PEDro, CINAHL, CNKI, and Wanfang were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception to 18 June 2021.

Results: Nine RCTs that involving 691 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Our pooled analysis showed that NMES improved quadriceps muscle strength after TKA within 1 months [standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.81; 95% CI: 0.51–1.11], 1–2 months (SMD: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.13–0.97), 3–4 months (SMD: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.18–0.66), and 12–13 months (SMD: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.18–0.74), pain between 1 and 2 months [mean difference (MD): −0.62; 95% CI: −1.04 to −0.19], pain between 3 and 6 months (MD: −0.44; 95% CI: −0.74 to −0.14) Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) between 3 and 4 months (MD: −0.43; 95% CI: −0.82 to −0.05), timed up and go test (TUG) within 1 month (MD: −2.23; 95% CI: −3.40 to −1.07), 3 minutes walk test between 3 and 6 months (MD: 28.35; 95% CI: 14.55–42.15), and SF-36 MCS between 3 and 6 months after TKA (MD: 4.20, 95% CI: 2.41–5.98).

Conclusion: As a supplementary treatment after TKA, postoperative NMES could improve the short-term to long-term quadriceps muscle strength, mid-term pain, and mid-term function following TKA. However, many outcomes failed to achieve statistically meaningful changes and minimal clinically important difference (MCID), thus the clinical benefits remained to be confirmed.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic level I.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42021265609.
Microbiology and Outcomes of Institutionalized Patients With Stroke-Associated Pneumonia: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Lei-qing , Zhen Ning-xin , Du Lin-lin , Shan Hui , Yu Yang , Zhang Zhao-cai , Cui Wei , Tian Bao-ping
Published: December 2021

Background: The attributable mortality and microbial etiology of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) vary among different studies and were inconsistent.

Purpose: To determine the microbiology and outcomes of SAP in the lower respiratory tract (LRT) for patients with invasive mechanical ventilation (MV).

Methods: In this observational study, included patients were divided into SAP and non-SAP based on a comprehensive analysis of symptom, imaging, and laboratory results. Baseline characteristics, clinical characteristics, microbiology, and outcomes were recorded and evaluated.

Results: Of 200 patients, 42.5% developed SAP after the onset of stroke, and they had a lower proportion of non-smokers (p = 0.002), lower GCS score (p < 0.001), higher serum CRP (p < 0.001) at ICU admission, and a higher proportion of males (p < 0.001) and hypertension (p = 0.039) than patients with non-SAP. Gram-negative aerobic bacilli were the predominant organisms isolated (78.8%), followed by Gram-positive aerobic cocci (29.4%). The main pathogens included K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, H. influenzae, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, E. aerogenes, Serratia marcescens, and Burkholderia cepacia. SAP prolonged length of MV (p < 0.001), duration of ICU stay (p < 0.001) and hospital stay (p = 0.027), shortened MV-free days by 28 (p < 0.001), and caused elevated vasopressor application (p = 0.001) and 60-day mortality (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis suggested that patients with coma (p < 0.001) have a higher risk of developing SAP.

Conclusion: The microbiology of SAP is similar to early phase of HAP and VAP. SAP prolongs the duration of MV and length of ICU and hospital stays, but also markedly increases 60-day mortality.
Characteristics of a Bacteriophage, vB_Kox_ZX8, Isolated From Clinical Klebsiella oxytoca and Its Therapeutic Effect on Mice Bacteremia
Authors: Li Ping , Zhang Yangheng , Yan Fuhua , Zhou Xin
Published: December 2021

Klebsiella oxytoca is an important nosocomial and community-acquired opportunistic pathogenic Klebsiella and has become the second most prevalent strain in the clinic after K. pneumoniae. However, there have been few reports of bacteriophages used for treating K. oxytoca. In this study, a novel bacteriophage, vB_Kox_ZX8, which specifically infects K. oxytoca AD3, was isolated for the first time from human fecal samples. The biological characteristics of vB_Kox_ZX8 showed an incubation period of 10 min, a burst size of 74 PFU/cell, and a stable pH range of 3–11. Genomic bioinformatics studies of vB_Kox_ZX8 showed that it belongs to the genus Przondovirus, subfamily Studiervirinae, family Autographiviridae. The genome of vB_Kox_ZX8 is 39,398 bp in length and contains 46 putative open reading frames encoding functional proteins, such as DNA degradation, packaging, structural, lysin-holin, and hypothetical proteins. We further investigated the efficacy of vB_Kox_ZX8 phage in the treatment of mice with bacteremia caused by K. oxytoca infection. The results showed that vB_Kox_ZX8 (5 × 109 PFU/mouse) injected intraperitoneally alone was metabolized rapidly in BALB/c mice, and no significant side effects were observed in the control and treatment groups. Importantly, intraperitoneal injection with a single dose of phage vB_Kox_ZX8 (5 × 107 PFU/mouse) for 1 h post-infection saved 100% of BALB/c mice from bacteremia induced by intraperitoneal challenge with a minimum lethal dose of K. oxytoca AD3. However, all negative control mice injected with PBS alone died. Owing to its good safety, narrow host infectivity, high lysis efficiency in vitro, and good in vivo therapeutic effect, phage vB_Kox_ZX8 has the potential to be an excellent antibacterial agent for clinical K. oxytoca-caused infections.
c-di-GMP Homeostasis Is Critical for Heterocyst Development in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120
Authors: Huang Min , Zhang Ju-Yuan , Zeng Xiaoli , Zhang Cheng-Cai
Published: December 2021

c-di-GMP is a ubiquitous bacterial signal regulating various physiological process. Anabaena PCC 7120 (Anabaena) is a filamentous cyanobacterium able to form regularly-spaced heterocysts for nitrogen fixation, in response to combined-nitrogen deprivation in 24h. Anabaena possesses 16 genes encoding proteins for c-di-GMP metabolism, and their functions are poorly characterized, except all2874 (cdgS) whose deletion causes a decrease in heterocyst frequency 48h after nitrogen starvation. We demonstrated here that c-di-GMP levels increased significantly in Anabaena after combined-nitrogen starvation. By inactivating each of the 16 genes, we found that the deletion of all1175 (cdgSH) led to an increase of heterocyst frequency 24h after nitrogen stepdown. A double mutant ΔcdgSHΔcdgS had an additive effect over the single mutants in regulating heterocyst frequency, indicating that the two genes acted at different time points for heterocyst spacing. Biochemical and genetic data further showed that the functions of CdgSH and CdgS in the setup or maintenance of heterocyst frequency depended on their opposing effects on the intracellular levels of c-di-GMP. Finally, we demonstrated that heterocyst differentiation was completely inhibited when c-di-GMP levels became too high or too low. Together, these results indicate that the homeostasis of c-di-GMP level is important for heterocyst differentiation in Anabaena.