bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new value-based method for decomposing profit efficiency
Authors: Yu Ming-Miin , Chao Shih-Liang
Published: March 2021

Conventional profit and allocative efficiencies suffer from a critical deficiency if input and output prices are different between decision-making units (DMUs) in the market when assuming given uniform input and output prices under a homogeneous technology. Price differences and technology gap considerations are more relevant to firms in reducing profit loss under a non-homogeneous technology with non-perfect market competition. This study proposes a new value-based meta-profit inefficiency decomposition considering the presence of both a new technology gap and price inefficiency. As an illustrative empirical application, we present an example of 35 Taiwanese banks representing two types of banking organizations: financial holding companies (FHCs) and non-FHCs. The new decomposition we propose helps to identify the profit–loss due to group technical, group price, new technology gap and meta-mix inefficiencies of DMUs.
Clinical and Epidemiological Findings from Enhanced Monkeypox Surveillance in Tshuapa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo During 2011–2015
Authors: Whitehouse Erin R , Bonwitt Jesse , Hughes Christine M , Lushima Robert Shongo , Likafi Toutou , Nguete Beatrice , Kabamba Joelle , Monroe Benjamin , Doty Jeffrey B , Nakazawa Yoshinori , Damon Inger , Malekani Jean , Davidson Whitni , Wilkins Kimberly , Li Yu , Radford Kay W , Schmid D Scott , Pukuta Elisabeth , Muyamuna Elisabeth , Karhemere Stomy , Tamfum Jean-Jacques Muyembe , Okitolonda Emile Wemakoy , McCollum Andrea M , Reynolds Mary G
Published: March 2021

Background

Monkeypox is a poorly described emerging zoonosis endemic to Central and Western Africa.

Methods

Using surveillance data from Tshuapa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo during 2011–2015, we evaluated differences in incidence, exposures, and clinical presentation of polymerase chain reaction–confirmed cases by sex and age.

Results

We report 1057 confirmed cases. The average annual incidence was 14.1 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval, 13.3–15.0). The incidence was higher in male patients (incidence rate ratio comparing males to females, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.37), except among those 20–29 years old (0.70; .51–.95). Females aged 20–29 years also reported a high frequency of exposures (26.2%) to people with monkeypox-like symptoms.The highest incidence was among 10–19-year-old males, the cohort reporting the highest proportion of animal exposures (37.5%). The incidence was lower among those presumed to have received smallpox vaccination than among those presumed unvaccinated. No differences were observed by age group in lesion count or lesion severity score.

Conclusions

Monkeypox incidence was twice that reported during 1980–1985, an increase possibly linked to declining immunity provided by smallpox vaccination. The high proportion of cases attributed to human exposures suggests changing exposure patterns. Cases were distributed across age and sex, suggesting frequent exposures that follow sociocultural norms.
Evaluation of Trapping Schemes to Detect Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
Authors: Tobin Patrick C , Strom Brian L , Francese Joseph A , Herms Daniel A , McCullough Deborah G , Poland Therese M , Ryall Krista L , Scarr Taylor , Silk Peter J , Thistle Harold W
Published: March 2021

Management responses to invasive forest insects are facilitated by the use of detection traps ideally baited with species-specific semiochemicals. Emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is currently invading North American forests, and since its detection in 2002, development of monitoring tools has been a primary research objective. We compared six trapping schemes for A. planipennis over 2 yr at sites in four U.S. states and one Canadian province that represented a range of background A. planipennis densities, canopy coverage, and ash basal area. We also developed a region-wide phenology model. Across all sites and both years, the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile of adult flight occurred at 428, 587, and 837 accumulated degree-days, respectively, using a base temperature threshold of 10°C and a start date of 1 January. Most trapping schemes captured comparable numbers of beetles with the exception of purple prism traps (USDA APHIS PPQ), which captured significantly fewer adults. Trapping schemes varied in their trap catch across the gradient of ash basal area, although when considering trap catch as a binary response variable, trapping schemes were more likely to detect A. planipennis in areas with a higher ash component. Results could assist managers in optimizing trap selection, placement, and timing of deployment given local weather conditions, forest composition, and A. planipennis density.
Control Failures Following Insecticide Applications in Commercial Agriculture: How Often Do They Occur? A Case Study of Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae) Control in Cotton
Authors: Rosenheim Jay A
Published: March 2021

Although surveys of pest populations documenting evolved insecticide resistance often suggest abundant potential for insecticide control failures, studies documenting the actual occurrence of such failures in commercial agriculture are rare. If farmers currently practice adaptive management, abandoning the use of insecticides once resistance emerges, actual control failures could be rare. Here I use data gathered by independent pest management consultants to describe a case study of the realized efficacy of commercial field applications of insecticides, examining the control of Lygus hesperus Knight on cotton. On average, insecticides reduced target pest populations to 19% of their preapplication densities. Short-term efficacy of insecticides was variable, but only one severe control failure was observed (1 of 50, 2%). The rarity of severe control failures observed in this study is in agreement with the few other studies conducted in commercial settings, but additional research is needed to assess the generality of this result. Although pesticides can cause longer-term problems, including target pest resurgences and secondary pest outbreaks, risk-averse attitudes among farmers coupled with relatively consistent short-term insecticide efficacy may be potent forces propelling farmers toward the use of insecticides.
Quality of Life and Adverse Events: Prognostic Relationships in Long-Term Ovarian Cancer Survival
Authors: Wenzel Lari , Osann Kathryn , McKinney Chelsea , Cella David , Fulci Giulia , Scroggins Mary J , Lankes Heather A , Wang Victoria , Nephew Kenneth P , Maxwell George L , Mok Samuel C , Conrads Thomas P , Miller Austin , Mannel Robert S , Gray Heidi J , Hanjani Parviz , Huh Warner K , Spirtos Nick , Leitao Mario M , Glaser Gretchen , Sharma Sudarshan K , Santin Alessandro D , Sperduto Paul , Lele Shashikant B , Burger Robert A , Monk Bradley J , Birrer Michael
Published: March 2021

Background

There is a critical need to identify patient characteristics associated with long-term ovarian cancer survival.

Methods

Quality of life (QOL), measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Ovarian-Trial Outcome Index (FACT-O-TOI), including physical, functional, and ovarian-specific subscales, was compared between long-term survivors (LTS) (8+ years) and short-term survivors (STS) (<5 years) of GOG 218 at baseline; before cycles 4, 7, 13, 21; and 6 months post-treatment using linear and longitudinal mixed models adjusted for covariates. Adverse events (AEs) were compared between survivor groups at each assessment using generalized linear models. All P values are 2-sided.

Results

QOL differed statistically significantly between STS (N = 1115) and LTS (N = 260) (P < .001). Baseline FACT-O-TOI and FACT-O-TOI change were independently associated with long-term survival (odds ratio = 1.05, 95% confidence interval = 1.03 to 1.06 and odds ratio = 1.06, 95% confidence interval = 1.05 to 1.07, respectively). A 7-point increase in baseline QOL was associated with a 38.0% increase in probability of LTS, and a 9-point increase in QOL change was associated with a 67.0% increase in odds for LTS. QOL decreased statistically significantly with increasing AE quartiles (cycle 4 quartiles: 0-5 vs 6-8 vs 9-11 vs ≥12 AEs, P = .01; cycle 21 quartiles: 0-2 vs 3 vs 4-5 vs ≥6 AEs, P = .001). Further, LTS reported statistically significantly better QOL compared with STS (P = .03 and P = .01, cycles 4 and 21, respectively), with similar findings across higher AE grades.

Conclusions

Baseline and longitudinal QOL change scores distinguished LTS vs STS and are robust prognosticators for long-term survival. Results have trial design and supportive care implications, providing meaningful prognostic value in this understudied population.
Purpurin, a anthraquinone induces ROS-mediated A549 lung cancer cell apoptosis via inhibition of PI3K/AKT and proliferation
Authors: Bo Su , Lai Jing , Lin Honyu , Luo Xue , Zeng Yiqiong , Du Tianying
Published: March 2021

Objectives

In this study, we sought to evaluate purpurin, a natural biomedicine and a potential inhibitor in decreasing the growth rate of lung cancer cells by modulating the role of PI3K/AKT signalling-associated proliferation and apoptosis.

Methods

A549 cells were treated with purpurin (30 μM) for 24 and 48 h incubation, respectively, and it has been analysed for cytotoxicity, ROS-mediated apoptotic staining. Moreover, purpurin-mediated lipid peroxidation and GSH were measured by biochemical estimation. Furthermore, PI3K/AKT signalling-mediated cell proliferation and apoptotic gene expression done were by western blot.

Key findings

In this study, we observed that purpurin could effectively kill A549 cancer cell lines and leads to cell death, thus conforming increased cytotoxicity, production of ROS-mediated enhancement of lipid peroxidation, nuclear fragmentation and apoptosis. Moreover, the GSH content of A549 cell lines was also diminished after treatment with purpurin. This study demonstrates that purpurin inhibits the phosphorylated PI3K/AKT molecules mediated cyclin-D1 and PCNA, thereby inducing apoptosis by observing increased proapoptotic mediators Bax, cleaved PARP, cytochrome-c, caspase-9 and caspase-3; and decreased Bcl-2 expression in the lung cancer cell lines.

Conclusion

This result concluded that purpurin eliminates the A549 lung cancer cells by blocking the PI3K/AKT pathway thereby inducing apoptosis.
Adenocarcinoma of the jejunum: management of a rare small bowel neoplasm
Authors: Pereira Raquel , Tojal André , Gomes Aline , Casimiro Carlos , Moreira Sara , Vieira Fortunato , Rodrigues Pedro
Published: March 2021

Small bowel adenocarcinomas are rare malignant tumors that account for less than 2% of gastrointestinal tumors. Despite a thorough history, physical examination and complete diagnostic workup, the correct diagnosis of small intestinal neoplasm has been established preoperatively in only 50% of cases. Due to the rarity of this disease, there are very few established guidelines for its management and it has been primarily treated the same way as colorectal cancer, even though patient’s prognostic outcome is worse. With new guidelines in 2020, we review a clinical case of a 64-year-old male patient with adenocarcinoma of the jejunum treated in our institution.
Recognizing the hidden half in wheat: root system attributes associated with drought tolerance
Authors: Li Chaonan , Li Long , Reynolds Matthew P , Wang Jingyi , Chang Xiaoping , Mao Xinguo , Jing Ruilian
Published: March 2021

Improving drought tolerance in wheat is crucial for maintaining productivity and food security. Roots are responsible for the uptake of water from soil, and a number of root traits are associated with drought tolerance. Studies have revealed many quantitative trait loci and genes controlling root development in plants. However, the genetic dissection of root traits in response to drought in wheat is still unclear. Here, we review crop root traits associated with drought, key genes governing root development in plants, and quantitative trait loci and genes regulating root system architecture under water-limited conditions in wheat. Deep roots, optimal root length density and xylem diameter, and increased root surface area are traits contributing to drought tolerance. In view of the diverse environments in which wheat is grown, the balance among root and shoot traits, as well as individual and population performance, are discussed. The known functions of key genes provide information for the genetic dissection of root development of wheat in a wide range of conditions, and will be beneficial for molecular marker development, marker-assisted selection, and genetic improvement in breeding for drought tolerance.
Multifrequency observations of SGR J1935+2154
Authors: Bailes M , Bassa C G , Bernardi G , Buchner S , Burgay M , Caleb M , Cooper A J , Desvignes G , Groot P J , Heywood I , Jankowski F , Karuppusamy R , Kramer M , Malenta M , Naldi G , Pilia M , Pupillo G , Rajwade K M , Spitler L , Surnis M , Stappers B W , Addis A , Bloemen S , Bezuidenhout M C , Bianchi G , Champion D J , Chen W , Driessen L N , Geyer M , Gourdji K , Hessels J W T , Kondratiev V I , Klein-Wolt M , Körding E , Le Poole R , Liu K , Lower M E , Lyne A G , Magro A , McBride V , Mickaliger M B , Morello V , Parthasarathy A , Paterson K , Perera B B P , Pieterse D L A , Pleunis Z , Possenti A , Rowlinson A , Serylak M , Setti G , Tavani M , Wijers R A M J , ter Veen S , Venkatraman Krishnan V , Vreeswijk P , Woudt P A
Published: March 2021

Magnetars are a promising candidate for the origin of fast radio bursts (FRBs). The detection of an extremely luminous radio burst from the Galactic magnetar SGR J1935+2154 on 2020 April 28 added credence to this hypothesis. We report on simultaneous and non-simultaneous observing campaigns using the Arecibo, Effelsberg, LOFAR, MeerKAT, MK2, and Northern Cross radio telescopes and the MeerLICHT optical telescope in the days and months after the April 28 event. We did not detect any significant single radio pulses down to fluence limits between 25 mJy ms and 18 Jy ms. Some observing epochs overlapped with times when X-ray bursts were detected. Radio images made on 4 d using the MeerKAT telescope revealed no point-like persistent or transient emission at the location of the magnetar. No transient or persistent optical emission was detected over seven days. Using the multicolour MeerLICHT images combined with relations between DM, NH, and reddening, we constrain the distance to SGR J1935+2154, to be between 1.5 and 6.5 kpc. The upper limit is consistent with some other distance indicators and suggests that the April 28 burst is closer to two orders of magnitude less energetic than the least energetic FRBs. The lack of single-pulse radio detections shows that the single pulses detected over a range of fluences are either rare, or highly clustered, or both. It may also indicate that the magnetar lies somewhere between being radio-quiet and radio-loud in terms of its ability to produce radio emission efficiently.
Resonant shattering flares as multimessenger probes of the nuclear symmetry energy
Authors: Neill Duncan , Newton William G , Tsang David
Published: March 2021

The behaviour of the nuclear symmetry energy near saturation density is important for our understanding of dense nuclear matter. This density dependence can be parametrized by the nuclear symmetry energy and its derivatives evaluated at nuclear saturation density. In this work, we show that the core–crust interface mode of a neutron star is sensitive to these parameters, through the (density-weighted) shear speed within the crust, which is in turn dependent on the symmetry energy profile of dense matter. We calculate the frequency at which the neutron star quadrupole (ℓ = 2) crust–core interface mode must be driven by the tidal field of its binary partner to trigger a resonant shattering flare (RSF). We demonstrate that coincident multimessenger timing of an RSF and gravitational wave chirp from a neutron star merger would enable us to place constraints on the symmetry energy parameters that are competitive with those from current nuclear experiments.
Gravitational polarization of the quantum vacuum caused by two point-like bodies
Authors: Hajdukovic Dragan Slavkov , Walter Sergej
Published: March 2021

In a recent paper, quantum vacuum was considered as a source of gravity, and the simplest, phenomenon, the gravitational polarization of the quantum vacuum by an immersed point-like body, was studied. In this paper, we have derived the effective gravitational charge density of the quantum vacuum, caused by two immersed point-like bodies. Among others, the obtained result proves that quantum vacuum can have regions with a negative effective gravitational charge density. Hence, quantum vacuum, the ‘ocean’ in which all matter of the Universe is immersed, acts as a complex fluid with a very variable gravitational charge density that might include both positive and negative densities; a crucial prediction that can be tested within the Solar system. In the general case of ${N \ge {\rm{3}}}$ point-like bodies, immersed in the quantum vacuum, the analytical solutions are not possible, and the use of numerical methods is inevitable. The key point is that an appropriate numerical method, for the calculation of the effective gravitational charge density of the quantum vacuum induced by N immersed bodies, might be crucial in description of galaxies, without the involvement of dark matter or a modification of gravity. The development of such a valuable numerical method, is not possible, without a previous (and in this study achieved) understanding of the impact of a two-body system.
The star formation reference survey – IV. Stellar mass distribution of local star-forming galaxies
Authors: Bonfini P , Zezas A , Ashby M L N , Willner S P , Maragkoudakis A , Kouroumpatzakis K , Sell P H , Kovlakas K
Published: March 2021

We constrain the mass distribution in nearby, star-forming galaxies with the Star Formation Reference Survey (SFRS), a galaxy sample constructed to be representative of all known combinations of star formation rate, dust temperature, and specific star formation rate (sSFR) that exist in the Local Universe. An innovative 2D bulge/disc decomposition of the 2MASS/Ks-band images of the SFRS galaxies yields global luminosity and stellar mass functions (MFs), along with separate MFs for their bulges and discs. These accurate MFs cover the full range from dwarf galaxies to large spirals, and are representative of star-forming galaxies selected based on their infrared luminosity, unbiased by active galactic nucleus content and environment. We measure an integrated luminosity density j  = 1.72 ± 0.93 × 109 L$_{\odot }\, h^{-1}$ Mpc−3 and a total stellar mass density ρM  = 4.61 ± 2.40 × 108 M$_{\odot }\, h^{-1}$ Mpc−3. While the stellar mass of the average star-forming galaxy is equally distributed between its sub-components, discs globally dominate the mass density budget by a ratio 4:1 with respect to bulges. In particular, our functions suggest that recent star formation happened primarily in massive systems, where they have yielded a disc stellar mass density larger than that of bulges by more than 1 dex. Our results constitute a reference benchmark for models addressing the assembly of stellar mass on the bulges and discs of local (z = 0) star-forming galaxies.
Conserved DNA sequence features underlie pervasive RNA polymerase pausing
Authors: Gajos Martyna , Jasnovidova Olga , van Bömmel Alena , Freier Susanne , Vingron Martin , Mayer Andreas
Published: March 2021

Pausing of transcribing RNA polymerase is regulated and creates opportunities to control gene expression. Research in metazoans has so far mainly focused on RNA polymerase II (Pol II) promoter-proximal pausing leaving the pervasive nature of pausing and its regulatory potential in mammalian cells unclear. Here, we developed a pause detecting algorithm (PDA) for nucleotide-resolution occupancy data and a new native elongating transcript sequencing approach, termed nested NET-seq, that strongly reduces artifactual peaks commonly misinterpreted as pausing sites. Leveraging PDA and nested NET-seq reveal widespread genome-wide Pol II pausing at single-nucleotide resolution in human cells. Notably, the majority of Pol II pauses occur outside of promoter-proximal gene regions primarily along the gene-body of transcribed genes. Sequence analysis combined with machine learning modeling reveals DNA sequence properties underlying widespread transcriptional pausing including a new pause motif. Interestingly, key sequence determinants of RNA polymerase pausing are conserved between human cells and bacteria. These studies indicate pervasive sequence-induced transcriptional pausing in human cells and the knowledge of exact pause locations implies potential functional roles in gene expression.
Rational design of high-quality 2D/3D perovskite heterostructure crystals for record-performance polarization-sensitive photodetection
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Li Lina , Ji Chengmin , Liu Xitao , Li Qing , Zhang Kun , Peng Yu , Hong Maochun , Luo Junhua
Published: March 2021

Polarization-sensitive photodetection is central to optics applications and has been successfully demonstrated in photodetectors of two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as layered hybrid perovskites; however, achieving high polarization sensitivity in such a photodetector remains extremely challenging. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate a high-performance polarization-sensitive photodetector using single-crystalline 2D/3D perovskite heterostructure, namely, (4-AMP)(MA)2Pb3Br10/MAPbBr3 (MA = methylammonium; 4-AMP = 4-(aminomethyl)piperidinium), which exhibits ultrahigh polarization sensitivity up to 17.6 under self-driven mode. To our knowledge, such a high polarization selectivity has surpassed all of the reported perovskite-based devices, and is comparable to, or even better than, the traditional inorganic heterostructure-based photodetectors. Further studies reveal that the built-in electric field formed at the junction can spatially separate the photogenerated electrons and holes, reducing their recombination rate and thus enhancing the performance for polarization-sensitive photodetection. This work provides a new source of polarization-sensitive materials and insights into designing novel optoelectronic devices.
Hepatitis C Virus Relapse After Ultrashort Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy Associates With Expression of Genes Involved With Natural Killer-Cell and CD8+ T-Cell Function
Authors: Orr Cody , Masur Henry , Kottilil Shyam , Meissner Eric G
Published: March 2021

To identify immunologic correlates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) relapse after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, we quantified select immune transcripts in whole blood from noncirrhotic HCV subjects treated with 4–6 weeks of DAAs. We identified specific markers of natural killer-cell and CD8+ T-cell function (GZMB, PRF1, NKp46) with higher expression in subjects who relapsed. These findings suggest a role for host immunity in HCV eradication with ultrashort DAA therapy.

We quantified whole blood immune transcripts in noncirrhotic HCV subjects treated with shortcourse antiviral therapy. Markers of natural killer-cell and CD8+ T-cell function had higher expression in virologic relapsers, suggesting a role for host immunity in HCV eradication.
Management in education systems
Authors: Hwa Yue-Yi , Leaver Clare
Published: March 2021

There is increasing interest in measuring management in schools. This paper discusses a popular measurement tool: the World Management Survey (WMS) for schools. Drawing on WMS data, secondary sources, and the recent literature on school management, we take stock of the WMS and make recommendations for its use in future research and policy. We conclude that the WMS remains a highly useful tool for its stated purpose—the standardized measurement of (a subset of) management practices within schools—and make two sets of recommendations. First, we encourage those seeking to benchmark management practices in schools to take a systems perspective by extending the WMS approach upwards into the education bureaucracy. Second, when measuring practices within schools, we recommend that researchers consider: how best to assess alignment across practices in the operations domain; the challenge of measuring student learning for monitoring and target-setting; and the context specificity of people management.
Do Anti-Elitist Parties Use Their Parliamentary Tools Differently?
Authors: Otjes Simon , Louwerse Tom
Published: March 2021

Populist parties have become an important factor in opposition politics all over Europe. While we know a lot about the behaviour of populist parties in the electoral arena and even in the governmental arena, we know surprisingly little about their behaviour in parliament. This article studies the behaviour of populist opposition parties in parliament. We hypothesise that it is the anti-elitism of populism that is the ‘active’ element that shapes their parliamentary behaviour. Anti-elitist parties are more likely to be ‘responsive’ parties, using parliament as a bully pulpit to amplify citizens’ objections to policy and less likely to be ‘responsible’ parties, using the legislature as a place to find support for policy alternatives. We hypothesise anti-elitist parties to use parliamentary scrutiny tools more often than other parties. We make use of recently collected cross-national data on parliamentary behaviour in seven European democracies to test this hypothesis. Our results indicate that parties that have been characterised as anti-elitist tend to vote more against legislation, but they do not ask more parliamentary questions.
Altered chromatin architecture and gene expression during polyploidization and domestication of soybean
Authors: Wang Longfei , Jia Guanghong , Jiang Xinyu , Cao Shuai , Chen Z Jeffrey , Song Qingxin
Published: March 2021

Polyploidy or whole-genome duplication (WGD) is widespread in plants and is a key driver of evolution and speciation, accompanied by rapid and dynamic changes in genomic structure and gene expression. The 3D structure of the genome is intricately linked to gene expression, but its role in transcription regulation following polyploidy and domestication remains unclear. Here, we generated high-resolution (∼2 kb) Hi-C maps for cultivated soybean (Glycine max), wild soybean (Glycine soja), and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). We found polyploidization in soybean may induce architecture changes of topologically associating domains and subsequent diploidization led to chromatin topology alteration around chromosome-rearrangement sites. Compared with single-copy and small-scale duplicated genes, WGD genes displayed more long-range chromosomal interactions and were coupled with higher levels of gene expression and chromatin accessibilities but void of DNA methylation. Interestingly, chromatin loop reorganization was involved in expression divergence of the genes during soybean domestication. Genes with chromatin loops were under stronger artificial selection than genes without loops. These findings provide insights into the roles of dynamic chromatin structures on gene expression during polyploidization, diploidization, and domestication of soybean.
3D-printed gelatin methacrylate (GelMA)/silanated silica scaffold assisted by two-stage cooling system for hard tissue regeneration
Authors: Choi Eunjeong , Kim Dongyun , Kang Donggu , Yang Gi Hoon , Jung Bongsu , Yeo MyungGu , Park Min-Jeong , An SangHyun , Lee KyoungHo , Kim Jun Sik , Kim Jong Chul , Jeong Woonhyeok , Yoo Hye Hyun , Jeon Hojun
Published: March 2021

Among many biomaterials, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), a photocurable protein, has been widely used in 3D bioprinting process owing to its excellent cellular responses, biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, GelMA still shows a low processability due to the severe temperature dependence of viscosity. To overcome this obstacle, we propose a two-stage temperature control system to effectively control the viscosity of GelMA. To optimize the process conditions, we evaluated the temperature of the cooling system (jacket and stage). Using the established system, three GelMA scaffolds were fabricated in which different concentrations (0, 3 and 10 wt%) of silanated silica particles were embedded. To evaluate the performances of the prepared scaffolds suitable for hard tissue regeneration, we analyzed the physical (viscoelasticity, surface roughness, compressive modulus and wettability) and biological (human mesenchymal stem cells growth, western blotting and osteogenic differentiation) properties. Consequently, the composite scaffold with greater silica contents (10 wt%) showed enhanced physical and biological performances including mechanical strength, cell initial attachment, cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation compared with those of the controls. Our results indicate that the GelMA/silanated silica composite scaffold can be potentially used for hard tissue regeneration.
An effective method to generate controllable levels of ROS for the enhancement of HUVEC proliferation using a chlorin e6-immobilized PET film as a photo-functional biomaterial
Authors: Hong Seung Hee , Koo Min-Ah , Lee Mi Hee , Seon Gyeung Mi , Park Ye Jin , Jeong HaKyeong , Kim Dohyun , Park Jong-Chul
Published: March 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of cellular metabolism; they play a significant role as secondary messengers in cell signaling. In cells, high concentrations of ROS induce apoptosis, senescence, and contact inhibition, while low concentrations of ROS result in angiogenesis, proliferation, and cytoskeleton remodeling. Thus, controlling ROS generation is an important factor in cell biology. We designed a chlorin e6 (Ce6)-immobilized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film (Ce6-PET) to produce extracellular ROS under red-light irradiation. The application of Ce6-PET films can regulate the generation of ROS by altering the intensity of light-emitting diode sources. We confirmed that the Ce6-PET film could effectively promote cell growth under irradiation at 500 μW/cm2 for 30 min in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We also found that the Ce6-PET film is more efficient in generating ROS than a Ce6-incorporated polyurethane film under the same conditions. Ce6-PET fabrication shows promise for improving the localized delivery of extracellular ROS and regulating ROS formation through the optimization of irradiation intensity.
Therapeutic effects of EGF-modified curcumin/chitosan nano-spray on wound healing
Authors: Li Yue , Leng QingQing , Pang XianLun , Shi Huan , Liu YanLin , Xiao SuSu , Zhao Ling , Zhou Ping , Fu ShaoZhi
Published: March 2021

Dermal injury, including trauma, surgical incisions, and burns, remain the most prevalent socio-economical health care issue in the clinic. Nanomedicine represents a reliable administration strategy that can promote the healing of skin lesions, but the lack of effective drug delivery methods can limit its effectiveness. In this study, we developed a novel nano-drug delivery system to treat skin defects through spraying. We prepared curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles modified with epidermal growth factor (EGF) to develop an aqueous EGF-modified spray (EGF@CCN) for the treatment of dermal wounds. In vitro assays showed that the EGF@CCN displayed low cytotoxicity, and that curcumin was continuously and slowly released from the EGF@CCN. In vivo efficacy on wound healing was then evaluated using full-thickness dermal defect models in Wistar rats, showing that the EGF@CCN had significant advantages in promoting wound healing. On day 12 post-operation, skin defects in the rats of the EGF@CCN group were almost completely restored. These effects were related to the activity of curcumin and EGF on skin healing, and the high compatibility of the nano formulation. We therefore conclude that the prepared nano-scaled EGF@CCN spray represents a promising strategy for the treatment of dermal wounds.
Older rationales and other challenges in handling causes of death in historical individual-level databases: the case of Copenhagen, 1880–1881
Authors: Revuelta-Eugercios Barbara , Castenbrandt Helene , Løkke Anne
Published: March 2021

Large-scale historical databases featuring individual-level causes of death offer the potential for longitudinal studies of health and illnesses. There is, however, a risk that the transformation of the primary sources into ‘data’ may strip them of the very qualities required for proper medical historical analysis. Based on a pilot study of all 11,100 deaths registered in Copenhagen in 1880–1881, we identify, analyse and discuss the challenges of transcribing and coding cause of death sources into a database. The results will guide us in building Link-Lives, a database featuring close to all nine million Danish deaths from 1787 to 1968. The main challenge is how to accommodate different older medical rationales in one classification system. Our key finding is multi-coding with more than one version of the ICD system (e.g. ICD-1893 and ICD-10) can be used as a novel method to systematically handle historical causes of death over time.
Improved Whole-Genome Sequence of Phytophthora capsici Generated by Long-Read Sequencing
Authors: Shi Jinxia , Ye Wenwu , Ma Dongfang , Yin Junliang , Zhang Zhichao , Wang Yuanchao , Qiao Yongli
Published: March 2021

The soilborne oomycete Phytophthora capsici is the most destructive pathogen of vegetable crops and is responsible for substantial economic losses worldwide. Here, we present an improved genome assembly of P. capsici generated by Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing (for de novo assembly) and Illumina short-read sequencing (for polishing). The genome of P. capsici is 100.5 Mb in length (GC content = 50.8%) and contains 26,069 predicted protein-coding genes. The whole genome of P. capsici is assembled into 194 scaffolds, 90% of which are larger than 300 kb. The N50 scaffold length and maximum scaffold length are 1.0 and 4.1 Mb, respectively. The whole-genome sequence of P. capsici will broaden our knowledge of this pathogen and enhance our understanding of the molecular basis of its pathogenicity, which will facilitate the development of effective management strategies.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Genotyping Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Isolates with SSR and SP-SNP Markers Reveals Dynamics of the Wheat Stripe Rust Pathogen in the United States from 1968 to 2009 and Identifies Avirulence-Associated Markers
Authors: Liu Tinglan , Bai Qing , Wang Meinan , Li Yuxiang , Wan Anmin , See Deven R. , Xia Chongjing , Chen Xianming
Published: March 2021

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is a devastating disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in the United States. The fungal pathogen can rapidly evolve, producing new virulent races infecting previously resistant cultivars and genotypes adapting to different environments. The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term population dynamics of P. striiformis f. sp. tritici in the United States. Through genotyping 1,083 isolates taken from 1968 to 2009, using 14 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and 92 secreted protein single nucleotide polymorphism (SP-SNP) markers, 614 and 945 genotypes were detected, respectively. In general, the two types of markers produced consistent genetic relationships among the P. striiformis f. sp. tritici populations over the 40-year period. The prior-to-2000 and the 2000-to-2009 populations were significantly different, with the latter showing higher genotypic diversity and higher heterozygosity than the earlier populations. Clustering analyses using genotypes of either SSR or SP-SNP markers revealed three molecular groups (MGs), MG1, MG2, and MG3. The prior-to-2000 and the 2000-to-2009 groups both had evidence of MG1 and MG2; however, MG3 was only found in the 2000-to-2009 population. Some of the isolates in the period of 2000 to 2009 formed individual clusters, suggesting exotic incursions. Other isolates of the same period were clustered with prior-to-2000 isolates, indicating that they were developed from the previously established populations. The data suggest the coexistence of newly introduced populations alongside established populations in the United States. Twenty SP-SNP markers were significantly associated to individual avirulence genes. These results are useful for developing more accurate monitoring systems and provide guidance for disease management.
The Use of Detached Leaf Inoculation for Selecting Cercospora kikuchii Resistance in Soybean Genotypes
Authors: Kashiwa Takeshi , Lavilla Miguel Angel , Paleo Antonio Diaz , Ivancovich Antonio Juan Gerardo , Yamanaka Naoki
Published: March 2021

Cercospora leaf blight (CLB) causes extensive losses in soybean production in worldwide, including major soybean-producing countries such as Argentina. Cercospora kikuchii, C. cf. sigesbeckiae, C. cf. flagellaris, and C. cf. nicotianae are identified as pathogens of CLB. Soybean resistance against CLB is still unknown. Also, chemical control for CLB is losing effectiveness because of fungicide resistance of pathogens such as C. kikuchii. We urgently need to breed a CLB-resistant cultivar. Unfortunately, efficient methods for the screening of a resistant soybean genotype have not yet been established. In this study, we designed a new, high-throughput inoculation method for identifying resistance against one of the CLB pathogens, C. kikuchii. We used liquid-cultured mycelia of the pathogen C. kikuchii on detached soybean leaves. Lesions on soybean leaflets appeared 9 days postinoculation by this method. We used this method to select four C. kikuchii-resistant genotypes from 80 genotypes in the World Soybean Core Collection. The high-throughput screening method developed in this study can contribute to the research about C. kikuchii resistance by facilitating identification of resistant varieties.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Manifestation of Sexual Minority Identity in First‐Year Medical Students
Authors: Smith Theodore , Flinders David , O'Loughlin Valerie
Published: March 2021

How do sexual minority medical students navigate their first year of medical school? How do their sexual identities affect this learning environment and wellness? Two theories about underrepresented individuals offer general perspectives to social experiences. Queer theory establishes that sexual identity is a vital part of the human experiences, while minority stress theory indicates that minorities experience higher levels of stress in situations than their majority counterparts. How can these theories be used to be proactive and supportive of sexual minority students? This qualitative research examines first‐year sexual minority medical students at Indiana University School of Medicine–Bloomington as they experience encounters with peers, instructors and LGBTQA+ specific curriculum. This research was approved by the Indiana University Institutional Review Board (IRB # 1810842950). Each sexual minority medical student volunteer completed 2 interviews about their experiences and were observed during a classroom activity. Thematic analysis of field notes and interview transcripts was performed. Five major themes of identity manifestation were identified and will be discussed in this poster: Advocacy, Representation, Ignorance/Disrespect, Heteronormativity, and Humor. A model for manifestation of LGBTQA+ identity in medical school is also proposed using the tenets of queer and minority stress theories. Understanding the unique experience of sexual minority medical students may provide instructors with more tools to better assist students during a major life transition.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Conformational and Mechanistic Studies of AlkB and AlkBH2 DNA Demethylases
Authors: Karabencheva‐Christova Tatyana , Waheed Sodic , Chaturvedi Shobhit , Ramanan Rajeev , Christov Christo
Published: March 2021

DNA demethylases play a crucial role in DNA repair mechanisms and have been linked to pathologies. AlkB enzyme and its human homolog AlkBH2 have been very intensively studied both experimentally and computationally. It is well known also that AlkB exhibits broader substrate specificity than AlkBH2. Applying MD and QM/MM methods here we focus on: i) on the differences between the dynamical properties and collective motions between both enzymes: ii) the different impact on the protein environment on the reaction mechanisms in AlkB and AlkBH2. The provided atomistic insight can be used in designing enzyme‐selective inhibitors and demonstrate the power of computational methods to complement experimental studies.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Weekly Internal Ethical Case Discussions in an ICU—Results Based on 9 Years of Experience With a Highly Structured Approach
Authors: Meyer-Zehnder Barbara , Barandun Schäfer Ursi , Wesch Conrad , Reiter-Theil Stella , Pargger Hans
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

Various ethical challenges are prevalent in ICUs. In order to handle these problems, a highly structured internal ethical case discussion within the multiprofessional team was implemented in 2011 in a Swiss ICU and has been regularly practiced almost weekly until present. To explore the results of all ethical case discussions taking place in a general ICU and to discuss the outcomes of the patients. To identify the conditions facilitating the implementation of regular ethical case discussions.

Design:

Retrospective case series analysis.

Setting:

Mixed academic ICU.

Patients AND INTERVENTION:

All patients who had an ethical case discussion between January 2011 and December 2019 following the approach called Modular, Ethical, Treatment decisions, Allocation of resources at the micro-level, and Process.

MEASUREMENTS AND Main Results:

Weekly ethical case discussions held regularly on a fixed date were found to be practical for the observed ICU. A total of 314 ethical case discussions were realized in 281 patients. Median patient age was 70 years (interquartile range, 62–77 yr); two thirds were men. The results were categorized into the following groups: established therapy continues, complications to be treated (n = 53; 16.9%); therapy continues, patient’s will to be explored further (n = 77; 24.5%); therapy continues, complications to be treated only after evaluation (n = 62; 19.7%); therapy continues with limitations (e.g., do-not-resuscitate order) (n = 98; 31.2%); and change of treatment plan to end-of-life care (n = 17; 5.4%). Of the discussed patients, 115 (40.9%) died in the ICU and 29 (10.3%) after transfer to the normal ward. Seven patients (2.5%) were transferred to a hospice and 55 (19.6%) to another hospital. Sixty-nine (24.6%) were discharged to a rehabilitative facility and six returned home.

Conclusions:

Regular ethical case discussions can be successfully implemented, enabling careful review of the patient’s will and balancing it with the prognosis of the disease. This facilitates a necessary change of the therapeutic goal whenever appropriate.
Optimal positive end-expiratory pressure to prevent anaesthesia-induced atelectasis in infants
Authors: Park Sujung , Lee Jae Hoon , Kim Hyun Joo , Choi Haegi , Lee Jeong-Rim
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Paediatric patients have a particularly high incidence of anaesthesia-induced atelectasis. Applying positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) with an alveolar recruitment manoeuvre has been substantially studied and adopted in adults; however, few studies have been conducted in children.

OBJECTIVE

We compared the effects of three levels of PEEP (3, 6 and 9 cmH2O) on anaesthesia-induced atelectasis measured by ultrasound in infants between 6 and 12 months of age who were undergoing general anaesthesia.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomised, double-blind trial.

SETTING

Department of Anaesthesia, single centre, South Korea, from May 2019 to March 2020.

PATIENTS

Children who were 6 to 12 months of age, whose American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status was 1 or 2, whose height and weight were within two standard deviations of those of their peers, and who were scheduled for elective urological or general surgery were included in the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the lung ultrasound score at the end of the procedure. The secondary outcomes included dynamic compliance, peak inspiratory pressure, driving pressure, cardiac index, mean arterial pressure and heart rate before and after applying PEEP.

RESULTS

The mean lung ultrasound score at the end of operation was 12.8 at PEEP 6 cmH2O and 12.1 at PEEP 9 cmH2O. Both were significantly lower than 18.4 at PEEP 3 cmH2O (P = 0.0002 and 0.00003, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the scores of PEEP 6 cmH2O and PEEP 9 cmH2O. The Δ cardiac index (the cardiac index after PEEP – the cardiac index at 3 cmH2O of PEEP) was comparable among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

To reduce anaesthesia-induced atelectasis measured by ultrasound in healthy infants undergoing low abdominal, genitourinary or superficial regional operations, 6 cmH2O of PEEP was more effective than 3 cmH2O. PEEP of 9 cmH2O was comparable with 6 cmH2O.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03969173
New Guidance on Cytochrome P450 2C19 Phenotype-based Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Sabet Samie , McGhee Jessica E.
Published: March 2021

Since the approval of the first proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in 1989, our knowledge regarding this class of medications has further developed. An increasing amount of data now supports the association between cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) phenotype and PPI safety and efficacy. This includes pediatric studies, such as those published here and in other pediatric journals within the past year. Moreover, the most recent pediatric Helicobacter pylori guidelines stated that using the PPIs that are less dependent on CYP2C19 for inactivation may be preferred for H pylori eradication among populations that are more likely to have rapid clearance of CYP2C19-metabolized PPIs. Conversely, pantoprazole package insert recommends a dose reduction in known pediatric CYP2C19 poor metabolizers (PMs), citing a 6-fold increase in serum concentrations compared with normal metabolizers (NMs). The purpose of this communication is to introduce a recently published Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guideline for CYP2C19 and PPI dosing.