bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qtl Mapping of Clavibacter Michiganensis Subsp. Michiganensis (cmm) Resistance Originating from Solanum Pimpinellifolium g1.1554
Authors: Sen Yusuf , Manrique Mary Jane , Kabaş Aylin , Visser Richard G.F. , Heusden A.W.(Sjaak van
Published: March 2021

Bacterial canker of tomato, caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm), is considered the most serious bacterial threat in tomato and causes large damages in production areas. Worldwide, Cmm is subjected to quarantine regulations. There is no cultivar on the market containing Cmm resistance. A mapping study was done in order to identify Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for resistance in a cross between Solanum lycopersicum and S. pimpinellifolium GI.1554, a wild relative of tomato. Besides wilting, symptoms like stem discoloration and bacterial titer were considered. Using single trait and multi-trait approaches, we have identified five QTL regions that are associated with wilting, stem discoloration and bacterial titer in three different environments. These QTLs can be used in breeding programs to develop cultivars with higher levels of resistance.
The Diversity Analysis and Functional Prediction of Endophytic Fungi Community of Gymnadenia Conopsea from Different Altitudes in Tibet
Authors: Yin Xiu , Zhang Erhao , Lu Yazhou , Quan Hong , Li Lianqiang , Yuan Lei , Yuan Fang , Lan Xiaozhong
Published: March 2021

Gymnadenia conopsea has high economic value, and can be used as a medicinal and ornamental plant. Due to its low natural reproduction rate and overexploitation, the extinction of this plant is gradually accelerating. Understanding the composition and diversity of endophytic fungi is of great significance in promoting its propagation and the utilization of beneficial fungal strains. In this study, the diversity of fungal communities from roots, stems, leaves, fruits, and soils at four different elevations was studied with Illumina MiSeq sequencing. A total of 3,707,871 sequences were detected from all samples, and the number of clustering OTUs was 14,800. The OTUs were assigned to 4 phyla, 17 classes, 41 orders, 73 families, and 99 genera. The predominant fungal groups included Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, accounting for 33.71%-86.38% and 6.98%-58.30% of the total species, respectively. According to the alpha diversity index analysis, the diversity and richness of endophytic fungal communities in plant tissues at low altitudes were higher than those at high altitudes, while the diversity and richness of soil fungi were the opposite. In addition, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) not only showed that the fungal community structure was correlated with altitude but also indicated tissue specificity of the community structure. Our study explored the composition of the endophytic fungal community among different tissues from different altitudes and included functional analysis, which might provide new ideas for saving the endangered species G. conopsea.
Permanent His-Bundle Pacing in the Right Atrium in a Patient With a Mobitz II Atrioventricular Block: A Case Presentation
Authors: Zhang Zaiqiang , Ding Jiawang
Published: March 2021

Background: This case report presents a patient diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome who was successfully treated with permanent His-bundle pacing (PHBP).Case presentation: A 36-year-old man was transferred to our hospital due to recurrent syncope. He was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome based on the 24-hour Holter and a history of syncope. He was admitted to hospital and successfully treated with PHBP. The postoperative examination showed that the pacing rhythm, pacemaker pacing and perception function were normal. He was discharged without any complications after a successful pacemaker implantation. Conclusions: We described a case in which PHBP may become an optimal approach to the management of patients with sick sinus syndrome. Right ventricular pacing has been attempted with inconsistent efficacy outcomes. HBP provides a promising alternative pacing option that might provide symptom resolution to patients with sick sinus syndrome.
Fully-Automated Synthesis of 177Lu Labelled FAPI Derivatives On The Module Modular Lab-Eazy
Authors: Eryilmaz Kurtulus , KILBAS Benan
Published: March 2021

Backround:
To the best of our knowledge, manually production of [177Lu]Lu-FAPI radiopharmaceutical derivatives has been only described in literature. In this work, a fully-automated [177Lu]Lu-FAPI synthesis has been well designed for the first time using commercially available synthesis module. In addition to the development of an automated system with disposable cassette, quality control (QC) and stability studies were comprehensively employed.
Results
A fully automated synthesis of [177Lu]Lu-FAPI derivatives was achieved on the Modular Lab Eazy (ML Eazy) with high radiochemical yield (85–90%). Chromatographic analysis indicated the formation of radiosynthesis with an absolute radiochemical purity (99%). Stability experiments clarified the durability of the products within 4 days. All obtained specifications are consistent to European Pharmacopoeia.
Conclusion
A fully automated synthesis of [177Lu]Lu-FAPI radiopharmaceuticals were accomplished regarding quality control standards and quality assurance by using commercially available a modular approach namely ML Eazy with disposable customized cassette and template.
Enhanced Biodegradation of Anthracene by Multi-Substrate Progressive Domestication of a Mixed Microbial Consortium With Pseudomonas_Aeruginosa DM3
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Yanzehua , Li Dan , Wang Liping , Mao Zhen , Wang Qi
Published: March 2021

The degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons has attracted much attention. Based on toluene-catechol-anthracene multi-substrate progressive domestication, a mixed microbial consortium with synergistic metabolic activity was screened from the activated sludge of coking wastewater. High-throughput sequencing showed that the consortium was dominated by Flavobacteriia at the class level, with the proportion increasing from 8.88% to 56.41% after domestication, and that Myroides and Brevundimonas dominated at the genus level, increasing from less than 1% to 55.53% and 12.28%, respectively. Under temperature conditions of 30 °C, a pH of 7, and an initial anthracene concentration of 40 mg L-1, the degradation ratio reached 85.7% just 16 days after inoculation. Degradation ratio of Anthracene (40 mg L-1) via the consortium plus an indigenous strain Pseudomonas_aeruginosa DM3 on the sixth day (83%) equated to that in the control group without DM3 on the 12th day. The first-order rate constant (k=0.240 and 0.159 d-1) was calculated for the anthracene degradation within 10 days, with a corresponding half-life by the consortium of 2.9 days with DM3 and 4.4 days without DM3. The metabolites 1-naphthol, dibutyl phthalate, and 1,2-benzene dicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester were presented in the reaction, inferring the metabolic pathway of phthalic acid. Our work revealed that inoculating the mixed microbial consortium with indigenous Pseudomonas aeruginosa DM3 has the potential for removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Occupational Class Differences in Outcomes After Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Zhu Yinwei , Lu Yaling , Zhou Mo , Huang Ping , Zhang Peipei , Guo Yumei , Lv Liying , Zhang Yonghong , Zhong Chongke , Xu Tan
Published: March 2021

Background
Occupational class is an integral part of socioeconomic status. The studies focused on the occupational difference in ischemic stroke outcome in a Chinese population are limited. We aimed to investigate the associations between occupational class and the prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke in China.
Methods
We included 1484 ischemic stroke participants (mean age: 63.42 ± 11.26 years) from the prospective cohort study: Infectious Factors, Inflammatory Markers, and Prognosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke (IIPAIS). Occupational class was categorized into white-collar workers, blue-collar workers and farmers in our study. Study outcomes were cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality and the composite outcome of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality within 12 months after ischemic stroke onset. We applied Cox proportional hazard model to evaluate the associations between the occupational class and study outcomes after ischemic stroke.
Results
Within 12 months after ischemic stroke, there were 106 (7.5%) cardiovascular events, 69 (4.9%) all-cause deaths and 155 (10.4%) composite outcomes. The Kaplan–Meier plots showed that white-collar workers had highest risk of cardiovascular events after 12-month follow-up (Log-rank P = 0.02). Multivariate adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of farmers versus white-collar workers was 0.57 (95% CIs, 0.34–0.96) for cardiovascular events. No significant difference showed in blue-collar workers versus white-collar workers, with fully adjusted hazard ratio 0.74 (95% CIs, 0.47–1.18).
Conclusions
Compared with white-collar workers, farmers are associated with less risk of cardiovascular events at 12 months after ischemic stroke, while there are no significant differences in blue-collar workers.
Evidence on Scaling in Health and Social Care: Protocol for a Living Umbrella Review
Authors: Légaré France , Plourde Karine V. , Charif Ali Ben , Gogovor Amédé , Brundisini Francesca Katherine , McLean Robert K.D. , Milat Andrew , Rheault Nathalie , Wolfenden Luke , Zomahoun Hervé Tchala Vignon
Published: March 2021

Background: There is a growing interest in scaling effective health innovations to promote equitable access to high-quality health services worldwide. However, multiple challenges persist in scaling innovations. In this study, we aim to summarize the scaling evidence in the health and social care literature and identify current knowledge gaps.Methods: We will conduct a living umbrella review according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual. We will consider all knowledge syntheses addressing scaling in health or social care (e.g. any setting, any clinical area), and conducted in a systematic way. We will search the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, PsychINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Sociological Abstract (Proquest), Academic Search Premier (EBSCO) and Proquest Dissertations & Theses Global, from inception. Furthermore, we will conduct searches of the grey literature. No restriction regarding date or language will be applied. Each phase of the review will be processed by two independent reviewers. We will develop a data extraction form on Covidence. We will assess the methodological quality of the included reviews using AMSTAR2 and the risk of bias using ROBIS. Results will be presented in tabular form and accompanied by a narrative synthesis covering the traditional themes of scaling science that emerge from the analysis, such as coverage, range and sustainability, as well as themes less covered in the literature, including reporting guidance, models, tools, barriers and/or facilitators to scaling innovations, evidence regarding application in high-income or low-income countries, and end-user engagement. We will disseminate the findings via publications and through relevant networks. Discussion: The findings of the umbrella review will facilitate access to scaling evidence in the literature and help strengthen the science of scaling for researchers, policy makers and program managers. Finally, this work will highlight important knowledge gaps and help prioritize future research questions. Review registration: This protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on November 11, 2020 (registration number: CRD42020183774).
Feasibility of Conebeam CT-based Online Adaptive Radiotherapy for Neoadjuvant Treatment of Rectal Cancer.
Authors: de Jong Rianne , Visser Jorrit , Wieringen Niek van , Wiersma Jan , Geijsen Debby , Bel Arjan
Published: March 2021

BackgroundOnline adaptive radiotherapy has the potential to reduce toxicity for patients treated for rectal cancer because smaller planning target volumes (PTV) margins around the entire clinical target volume (CTV) are required. The aim of this study is to describe the first clinical experience of a Conebeam CT(CBCT)-based online adaptive workflow, evaluating timing of different steps in the workflow, plan quality, target coverage and patient compliance.MethodsTwelve consecutive patients eligible for 5 x 5 Gy pre-operative radiotherapy were treated on a ring-based linear accelerator with a multidisciplinary team present at the treatment machine for each fraction. The accelerator is operated using an integrated software platform for both treatment planning and delivery. In all directions for all CTVs a PTV margin of 5 mm was used, except for the cranial/caudal borders of the total CTV where a margin of 8mm was applied. A reference plan was generated based on a single planning CT. After aligning the patient the online adaptive procedure started with acquisition of a CBCT. The planning CT scan was registered to the CBCT using deformable registration and a synthetic CT scan was generated. With the support of artificial intelligence, structure guided deformation and the synthetic CT scan contours were adapted by the system to match the anatomy on the CBCT. If necessary, these contours were adjusted before a new plan was generated. A second and third CBCT were acquired to validate the new plan with respect to CTV coverage just before and after treatment delivery, respectively. Treatment was delivered using volumetric modulated arc treatment (VMAT). All steps in this process defined and timed. ResultsOn average the timeslot needed at the treatment machine was 34 minutes. The process of acquiring a CBCT, evaluating and adjusting the contours, creating the new plan and verifying the CTV on the CBCT scan took on average 20 minutes. Including delivery and post treatment verification this was 26 minutes. Manual adjustments of the target volumes were necessary in 50% of fractions. Plan quality, target coverage and patient compliance were excellent.ConclusionsFirst clinical experience with CBCT-based online adaptive radiotherapy shows it is feasible for rectal cancer. Trial registrationMedical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (WMO) does not apply to this study and was retrospectively approved by the Medical Ethics review Committee of the Academic Medical Center (W21_087 # 21.097; Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands).
Feasibility and Safety of a Novel Leg Exercise Apparatus for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Total Joint Arthroplasty of the Lower Extremities
Authors: Tanaka Kenta , Shimizu Yukiyo , Kamada Hiroshi , Aikawa Shizu , Mishima Hajime , Kanamori Akihiro , Nishino Tomofumi , Sakane Masataka , Ochiai Naoyuki , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: March 2021

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a severe complication of orthopedic surgeries. Although mechanical measures such as graduated compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression are widely used for VTE prevention, complications (e.g. lower limb pain or skin disorders) may result from prolonged usage. Early postoperative ambulation and active ankle movements are recommended but have low patient acceptance due to surgical pain and the lack of motivation. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel leg exercise apparatus (LEX) to encourage limb movement in bedridden patients in the early postoperative period in order to prevent VTE. Here, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the LEX in individuals at high risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) postoperatively. Methods: Twenty subjects (4 men, 16 women) who underwent total joint arthroplasty in the lower extremity were enrolled in this prospective study. Exercise using LEX was performed for 5 minutes at 30 cycles/min, four times per day from postoperative days 1 to 7. Clinical assessments included the evaluation of vital signs before and after exercise with LEX, venous ultrasonography and blood tests within 7 days postoperatively, and evaluation of adverse events, including pulmonary embolism and cerebral hemorrhage.Results: Overall, 16/20 (80%) patients completed the exercise regimen of 7 days, while 4 dropped out. All four subjects who dropped out had undergone total hip arthroplasty; three of them refused to start exercises with LEX because of leg pain related to surgery. No severe adverse events occurred. There were no severe changes in vital signs. No DVT of the lower extremities was confirmed during postoperative week 1. The average preoperative D-dimer level was 0.85 µg/mL (range, 0.4-2.2), whereas the corresponding value in postoperative week 1 was 7.93 µg/mL (range, 2.0-13.8).Conclusions: In this study, no DVT cases or severe adverse events occurred postoperatively in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty of the lower extremities who performed exercises with LEX. A study protocol analyzing the efficacy of this tool to prevent VTE after joint arthroplasty of the lower extremities may be safe and feasible.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis: A Long-Term Follow-up Analysis of the Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Shi Ming , Li Yuan-Yuan , Xu Ruo-Nan , Meng Fan-Ping , Yu Shuang-Jie , Fu Jun-Liang , Hu Jin-Hua , Li Jing-Xin , Wang Li-Feng , Jin Lei , Wang Fu-Sheng
Published: March 2021

BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSC) infusion was reported to improve liver function in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC), however, whether the medication can improve outcome of these patients is poorly understand.MethodsThis prospective, open-labeled, randomized controlled study enrolled 219 patients with HBV-related DLC who were divided into control group (n=111) and umbilical cord-derived MSC (UC-MSC) treated group (n=108), then all of them received a follow-up check from October 2010 to October 2017. The treated patients received three times of UC-MSC infusions at 4-week intervals plus conventional treatment that was only used for control group. The overall survival rate and HCC-free survial rate were calculated as primary endpoints and the liver function and adverse events associated with the medication were also evaluated.ResultsDuring the follow-up check period from 13th to 75th months, there was a significantly higher overall survival rate in the treated group than the control group, while the difference of the hepatocellular carcinoma event-free survival rate between the treated and control groups was not observed during the 75-month follow-up. UC-MSC treatment markedly improved liver function, as indicated by the levels of serum albumin, prothrombin activity, cholinesterase, and total bilirubin during 48 weeks of follow-up. No significant side effects or treatment-related complications were observed in the UC-MSC group.ConclusionsTherapy of UC-MSC is not only well tolerated, but also significantly improves long-term survival rate, as well as the liver function in patients with DLC. UC-MSC medication, therefore, might present a novel therapeutic approach for the disease.
Functional and Healthy Properties of Yoghurt adding to Green Tea and Coffee Extracts on Reducing Obese and its Complications in Rats
Authors: shalaby hanan , Elhassaneen Yousif
Published: March 2021

The chemical composition and sensory evaluation of yoghurt adding to green tea (GTE) and coffee (GCE) extracts on obese rats were investigated. Ethanol extracts were prepared from green tea and green coffee and their total phenolic compounds and identified phenolic compounds were evaluated. Results showed that the GTE and GCE have highly antioxidant activities. Yoghurt was prepared from low fat buffalo's milk (1.5% fat) blended with 1 % of GTE or GCE. Addition of GTE or GCE had no significant effects on the chemical composition and sensory evaluation. Higher sensory scores were reported flavor for GTE and GCE yoghurt than control. It was also noticed that addition of GTE or GCE to yoghurt increased viscosity a key defensive effect on the gel-factors. Feeding of obese rats on yoghurt adding to GTE or GCE showed that significant differences low of weight compared to positive group. There were no significant differences of heart weights tissue while, kidney and liver weights tissues were significant differences. Also, fed obese rats on yoghurt supplemented with GTE or GCE decreased the lipids profile comparative with positive control group and improvement of liver and kidney functions. The best treatment was observed in yoghurt adding to green coffee beans extract which had lowest value of liver and kidney function parameters followed by yoghurt adding to green tea extract. The histopathological examination observed normalized in the groups fed yoghurt supplemented green tea and coffee beans extracts. According to this study, when added to green tea and coffee beans extracts could be increased the useful health effects of yogurt by intensifying antioxidant activity. Yoghurt adding to GTE or GCE had therapeutic effects on obese rats. Also improve the liver and kidney functions.
Cheap, Versatile, and Turnkey Fabrication of Microfluidic Master Molds Using Consumer Grade LCD Stereolithography 3D Printing
Authors: Colin Vincent G. , Travers Théo A. , Gindre Denis , Barillé Régis , Loumaigne Matthieu
Published: March 2021

The recent development of 3D printers allowed a lot of limitations in the field of microfabrication to be circumvented. The ever-growing chase for smaller dimensions has come to an end in domains such as microfluidics, and the focus now shifted to a cost-efficiency challenge. In this paper, the use of a high-resolution stereolithography LCD 3D printer is investigated for fast and cheap production of microfluidic master molds. More precisely, we use the UV LED array and the LCD matrix of the printer as an illuminator and a programmable photomask for soft lithography. The achieved resolution of around 100µm is mainly limited by the pixel geometry of the LCD matrix. A tree-shape gradient mixer was fabricated using the presented method. It shows very good performances despite the presence of sidewall ripples due to the uneven pixel geometry of the LCD matrix. Given its sub-€1,000 cost, this method is a very good entry point for labs wishing to explore the potential of microfluidic devices in their experiments, as well as a teaching tool for introducing students to microfluidics.
Tuning the Non-Linear Optical Absorption Properties of Eu3+ Doped NiWO4 Nanostructures
Authors: Karthika PC , sharath RA , rahulan K Mani , vinitha g , sasidharan M , Prakashbabu D
Published: March 2021

NiWO4 nanostructures doped with different ratios of Eu3+ have been prepared by a chemical precipitation method. The influence of Eu3+ on NiWO4 nanostructures were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman. XRD patterns display that the samples crystallize to monoclinic wolframite structure. SEM images reveal that the particles are well uniformly dispersed with average particle size lies around 40-50nm. Third-order nonlinear optical properties were studied by a Z-scan technique at 532 nm using continuous wave diode pumped Nd:YAG laser. Open and closed aperture results reveal the nanostructures to possess reverse saturation absorption and negative nonlinear refraction. The calculated absorption coefficients (β), imaginary part of third-order susceptibilities Imχ(3) are in the order of 10-6(cm/W) and 10-7 esu. These results indicated that the synthesized nanostructures could be promising materials for optical device applications.
Role of Pituitary Stalk and Gland Radiological Status on Endocrine Function and Outcomes after Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Sánchez Catalina Vivancos , Flores Alexis Palpán , Domínguez Víctor Rodríguez , Pérez Álvaro Zamarrón , Álvarez-Escolá Cristina , López Carlos Pérez
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo investigate endocrine function changes after nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) transsphenoidal surgery and to search for predictors of hypopituitarism resolution and development.MethodsWe included 117 patients with NFPA who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery from 2005 to 2019 by two neurosurgeons. 21 patients were excluded because of previous pituitary surgery or radiotherapy. We assessed symptoms at diagnosis, tumour volume, tumour removal, hormonal status at diagnosis, hormonal outcomes at 2- and 12-months follow-up, and complications. Pituitary stalk and gland MRI status (visible or not) were included, and its association to hormonal function was studied for the first time, to our knowledge.ResultsPituitary gland visualization was more frequent in those patients who showed a smaller number of axes affected at 12 months (p=0.011). Pituitary stalk status showed no association to hormonal function. Hormonal normalization rate at 12 months was 13%. Endocrine improvement rate at 12 months was 16.7%. Worsening of hormonal function occurred in 19.8% of patients. Younger age was associated to hormonal improvement (p=0.004). Higher preoperative tumour volume and absence of gross total resection (GTR) (p=0.049) were associated with worsening in at least one hormonal axis after surgery (p=0.015).Conclusionituitary gland visibility was higher in those patients who showed better hormonal outcomes. Assessment of initial hormonal function and outcome after surgery regarding pituitary stalk status showed no significant association. Higher preoperative tumor volumes and absence of GTR were associated to postoperative endocrine function worsening, while younger age was associated to its improvement.
Knowledge of Radiation Safety Among Medical Interns in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alduraibi Sharifa K. , Alahmad Ahmad , Alghadhiyah Darren , Alduraibi Abdulaziz , Algazlan Maha , Alduraibi Alaa
Published: March 2021

Background: Exposure to high-dose radiation is linked to an increased risk of cancer. The use of good radiation protection protocols improves the quality of education and research.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical interns in Saudi Arabia during the period from 2019-2020. A cluster multistage random sampling technique was used to recruit medical interns. All the participants were contacted through e-mail and asked to participate in the study. After informed consent was completed, the questionnaire was administered.Results: Among 346 participants, 64.2% were male and 35.8% were female. The most common age group was 25 years old, which accounted for 36.7%. In total, 38.7% of the participants had a sufficient level of knowledge about ionizing radiation (IR)-related risks, while the vast majority (76%) had never attended events and/or refresher courses on radiation protection. The knowledge score for radiation protection was classified into two levels: poor (0 to 2), which was achieved by 69.7% of the participants, and good (3 to 7), which was achieved by 30.3%. Chi-square tests indicated that there is a significant association between the knowledge score and age (p < 0.01) in favour of the participants who were 25 years old and that there is a significant association between the knowledge score and attendance at training events and/or refresher courses on radiation protection (p < 0.01) in favour of the participants who frequently attended training. The assessment score was classified into two levels: poor (0 to 2), which was achieved by 80.9% of the participants, and good (3 to 7), which was achieved by 19.1%. Chi-square tests indicated that there is a significant association between radiation dose assessment and age (p <0.01) in favour of the participants who were 24 years old.Conclusions: This study revealed that the vast majority of interns have insufficient knowledge of radiation protection, which is related to a lack of attendance at training events. Overall, our study results underscore the need for more successful education and training of radiology professionals with regard to radiation protection.Clinical Trial Registration: Not applicable.
Utilizing Single-cell RNA Sequencing for Analyzing the Characteristics of PBMC in Patients with Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Fan Xue , Zhou Yuhan , Guo Xin , Xu Mingguo
Published: March 2021

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is the main cause of acquired heart disease in children and can lead to coronary artery lesions. This present study was designed to analyze the characteristics of KD peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) through single-cell RNA sequecing (scRNA-seq) and to explore the potential molecular mechanism of KD.Methods: PBMC was collected from one healthy child and one KD patient, and was used to single-cell RNA sequencing for cell clusters identification and differently expressed gene (DEG) determination. GO function enrichment analysis of DEG in B cell and T cells were performed to explore the most active biological function in KD immune cells. Results: 13 cell clusters can be identified in two samples. Compared with healthy child, naive CD8+ T cell, T helper cell and B cell in KD child were decreased, mainly immune-related T cells, and natural killer T (NKT) cell and neutrophil were increased. Cell activation, lymphocyte activation and regulation of immune system process were 3 GO function shared by all four types of T cells and B cell.Conclusions: Immune cell disorder appears in the KD patient at single cell level by scRNA-seq.
A Systematic Review of the Sensitivity and Specificity of Lateral Flow Devices in the Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Mistry Dylan A , Wang Jenny Y , Moeser Mika-Erik , Starkey Thomas , Lee Lennard YW
Published: March 2021

Background: Lateral flow devices (LFDs) are viral antigen tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 that produce a rapid result, are inexpensive and easy to operate. They have been advocated for use by the World Health Organisation to help control outbreaks and break the chain of transmission of COVID-19 infections. There are now several studies assessing their accuracy but as yet no systematic review. Our aims were to assess the sensitivity and specificity of LFDs in a systematic review and summarise the sensitivity and specificity of these tests. Methods: A targeted search of Pubmed and Medxriv, using PRISMA principles, was conducted identifying clinical studies assessing the sensitivity and specificity of LFDs as their primary outcome compared to reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Based on extracted data sensitivity and specificity was calculated for each study. Data was pooled based on manufacturer of LFD and split based on operator (self-swab or by trained professional) and sensitivity and specificity data were calculated. Results: Twenty-four papers were identified involving over 26,000 test results. Sensitivity from individual studies ranged from 37.7% (95% CI 30.6-45.5) to 99.2% (95% CI 95.5-99.9) and specificity from 92.4% (95% CI 87.5-95.5) to 100.0% (99.7-100.0). BD Veritor was the best performing manufacturer of LFD with a sensitivity of 99.2% (95% CI 95.5-99.9) and specificity of 100.0% (98.9-100.0). Operation of the test by a trained professional or by the test subject with self-swabbing produced comparable results. Conclusions: This systematic review identified that the performance of lateral flow devices is heterogeneous and dependent on the manufacturer. Some perform with high specificity with reasonable sensitivity. Test performance does appear dependent on the operator. Potentially, LFDs could support the scaling up of mass testing to aid track and trace methodology and break the chain of transmission of COVID-19 with the additional benefit of providing individuals with the results in a much shorter time frame.
WITHDRAWN: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Health Legislation and Regulations by Dentists and Stomatologists in the Valencian Community: A KAP Analysis.
Authors: Gisbert Martina Sánchez , Grifo Marina Gisbert , Sheth Chirag C.
Published: March 2021

Background
The main objective of this study is to analyse the background and knowledge, attitudes and practices of Spanish dentists and stomatologists registered in Alicante, Castellón and Valencia, the three provinces that make up the Valencian Community, with regard to current Spanish health legislation and regulations, and to try to quantify the relationship between level of training, specialisation, work experience, position and workplace, and degree of knowledge.
Methods
An anonymous survey was designed, consisting of thirty-three multiple-choice questions, checked beforehand by a statistician and validated by nine dentists and stomatologists from different specialisations, via an online platform called SurveyMonkey®. The validated survey included questions regarding their professional background and key questions regarding current dental law and expertise. The link and QR code (Quick Response) for taking the survey was sent via the official email address of each province's College of Dentists and Stomatologists, so that members could take the survey online for a limited period of time.
Results
Members' level of knowledge of health legislation and regulations in the Valencian Community is moderate, with only 63% of the questions answered correctly. Neither their level of education nor work experience correlates significantly with their degree of knowledge. Dentists specialising in General and Aesthetics Dentistry were found to be more knowledgeable about ethical issues. Regarding the workplace, those working as university teachers tended to stand out from the other professionals in terms of legal and ethical knowledge whilst self-employed and employee dentists show a lower level of knowledge than the rest of the sample.
Conclusions
The conclusions obtained from this study highlight the need for dentists to complete and update their knowledge of current health legislation, as having proper knowledge is a means of avoiding possible legal problems, which not only means better legal protection for the dentist but is also a means of guaranteeing adequate patient care.
Assessing the Predictability of Existing Water-to-enamel Geolocation Models Against Known Human Teeth: Do We Need Tissue-Specific δ 18O Reference Maps?
Authors: Ueda Momoko , Bell Lynne S.
Published: March 2021

Stable isotope analysis of human tissues has become a valuable tool for mapping human geolocation. This study adds to the existing knowledge of the relationship between oxygen stable isotopes in human enamel (δ 18Oenam) and drinking water (δ 18Odw) by presenting δ 18Oenam values in clinic-extracted human dental enamel with known provenance. The results from this study indicate that the theoretical isotopic relationship between 18Oenam and 18Odw is valid although weak at the city and country-level. However, differences of up to 15‰ were observed between predicted δ 18Odw values using existing models and observed values, highlighting the complexity of using enamel-to-water conversion equations. A city-specific range of δ 18Oenam values is now understood for Metro Vancouver [δ 18Ocarbonate = − 9.7‰ to − 7.2‰] and presents the possibility of both including within the city of Vancouver and excluding individuals, utilizing stable oxygen analysis as an exclusionary tool. Overall, this study’s results support the development of tissue-specific d 18Oenam geographical reference maps for human geolocation.
Efficacy of Two-Week Therapy With Bismuth Quadruple Versus Levofloxacin Concomitant for Helicobacter Pylori Infection: A Prospective Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Alhalabi Marouf , Alassi Mohammed Waleed , Eddin Kamal Alaa , Cheha Khaled
Published: March 2021

Antibiotic-resistance reduces the efficacy of conventional therapy for H.pylori infection worldwide, which necessitates using various protocols according to location. This was an open‑label randomized controlled trial. We used two modified protocols, bismuth quadruple and concomitant levofloxacin. The aim was to compare the eradication rates of previous protocols as empirical first-line treatment to cure H.pylori infection in intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analyses (PPA) in Syrian population. We assigned seventy-eight eligible naïve patients, with a 1:1 ratio to receive two-week therapy of (bismuth subsalicylate 524 mg four times daily, doxycycline 100 mg, tinidazole 500 mg, and esomeprazole 20 mg, each twice daily) (B-group), or (levofloxacin 500 mg daily, tinidazole 500 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and esomeprazole 20 mg, each twice daily) (L-group). We confirmed H.Pylori eradication by stool antigen test at eight weeks. According to IIT, the eradication rates were 76.92%, and 82.05%, for the B-group and L-group respectively. According to PPA, the eradication rates were 78.9%, and 82.1% for the B-group and L-group respectively. P-value was 078. We didn’t report serious adverse effects. The eradication rates in both regimens were fair. Further trials are required to identify the preferred first-line treatment for H.pylori infection in the Syrian population.
Azobenzene-Containing Liquid Crystalline Composites for Robust Ultraviolet Detectors Based on Conversion of Illuminance-Mechanical Stress-Electric Signals
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxiong , Jia Yining , Chen Aihua
Published: March 2021

Wearable ultraviolet (UV) detectors have attracted considerable interest in the military and civilian realms. However, semiconductor-based UV detectors are easily interfered by elongation due to the elastic modulus incompatibility between rigid semiconductors and polymer matrix. Polymer detectors containing UV responsive moieties seriously suffer from slow response time. Herein, a novel UV illuminance-mechanical stress-electric signal conversion has been proposed based on well-defined ionic liquid (IL)-containing liquid crystalline polymer (ILCP) and highly elastic polyurethane (TPU) composite fabrics, to achieve a robust UV monitoring and shielding device with a fast response time of 5 s. Due to the electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds between ILs and LC networks, the ILCP-based device can effectively prevent the exudation of ILs and maintain stable performance upon stretching, bending, washing and 1000 testing cycles upon 365 nm UV irradiation. This work provides a generalizable approach toward the development of full polymer-based wearable electronics and soft robots.
Novel Folliculin Gene Mutations in Polish Patients With Birt-hogg-dubé Syndrome
Authors: Radzikowska Elzbieta , Lechowicz Urszula , Winek Jolanta , Opoka Lucyna
Published: March 2021

Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) is a rare, autosomal dominant, inherited disease caused by mutations in the folliculin gene (FLCN). The disease is characterised by skin lesions (fibrofolliculomas, trichodiscomas, acrochordons), pulmonary cysts with pneumothoraces and renal tumours. We present the features of Polish patients with BHDS.Materials and MethodsThe first case of BHDS in Poland was diagnosed in 2016. Since then, 15 cases from 10 families have been identified. Thirteen patients were confirmed via direct FLCN sequencing, and two according to their characteristic clinical and radiological presentations.ResultsBHDS was diagnosed in 15 cases (13 women and 2 men) from 10 families. The mean ages at the time of first pneumothorax and diagnosis were 38.4 ± 13.9 and 47.7 ± 13 years, respectively. Five patients (33%) were ex-smokers (2.1 ± 1.37 packyears), and 10 (67%) had never smoked cigarettes. Twelve patients (83%) had a history of recurrent symptomatic pneumothorax. Three patients had small, asymptomatic pneumothoraces, which were only detected upon computed tomography examination. All patients had multiple bilateral pulmonary cysts, distributed predominantly in the lower and middle, peripheral, and subpleural regions of the lungs. Generally, patients exhibited preserved lung function. Skin lesions were seen in four patients (27%), one patient had renal angiomyolipoma, and one had bilateral renal cancer. Different mutations of the FLCN gene were identified (mainly in exon 6), with two novel heterozygous variants: c.490delA p.(Arg164GlyTer13) and c.40delC p.(His14ThrsfTer41). ConclusionsAll analysed patients with BHDS presented with lung lesions and with less frequent skin and renal lesions than previously reported in other populations. In addition, more frequent mutations located in exon 6 were detected, and two novel FLCN gene mutations were identified.
Consecutive Daily Administration of Intratracheal Surfactant and Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuates Hyperoxia-induced Lung Injury in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Chou Hsiu-Chu , Chang Chien-Hsiang , Chen Chien-Han , Lin Willie , Chen Chung-Ming
Published: March 2021

Background: Surfactant therapy is a standard of care for preterm infants with respiratory distress and reduces the incidence of death and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in these patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) attenuated hyperoxia-induced lung injury. Surfactant reduced the in vitro viability of human MSCs, and the combination therapy of surfactant and MSCs did not have additive effects on hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats. The effects of 2 consecutive days of intratracheal administration of surfactant and MSCs on hyperoxia-induced lung injury were undetermined. Methods: Neonatal Sprague Dawley rats were reared in either room air (RA) or hyperoxia (85% O2) from postnatal days 1 to 14. On postnatal day 4, the rats received intratracheal injections of either 20 μL of normal saline (NS) or 20 μL of surfactant. On postnatal day 5, the rats reared in RA received intratracheal NS, and the rats reared in O2 received intratracheal NS or human MSCs (3 × 104 or 3 × 105 cells). Six study groups were examined: RA + NS + NS, RA + surfactant + NS, O2 + NS + NS, O2 + surfactant + NS, O2 + surfactant + MSCs (3 × 104 cells), and O2 + surfactant + MSCs (3 × 105 cells). The lungs were excised for analysis on postnatal day 14.Results: The rats reared in hyperoxia and treated with NS yielded significantly higher mean linear intercepts (MLIs) and cytokine levels and significantly lower vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), platelet-derived growth factor protein expression, and vascular density than did those reared in RA and treated with NS or surfactant. The lowered MLIs and cytokine levels and the increased VEGF expression and vascular density indicated that the surfactant and surfactant + MSCs (3 × 104 cells) treatment attenuated hyperoxia-induced lung injury. The surfactant + MSCs (3 × 105 cells) group exhibited a significantly lower MLI and significantly higher VEGF expression and vascular density than the surfactant + MSCs (3 × 104 cells) group did.Conclusions: Consecutive daily administration of intratracheal surfactant and MSCs can be an effective regimen for treating hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonates.
Oocyte Arrested at Metaphase II Stage Were Derived From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Vitro
Authors: Yu Xiaoli , Wang Ning , Zhang Yingxin , Wang Xiang , Qiu Yikai , Wang Hongyan , Wang Guoping , Pei Xiuying , Ren Yahui , Ha Chunfang , Chen Ping , Wang Li , Wang Huayan
Published: March 2021

BackgroundGeneration and maturation of human oocyte in vitro could facilitate studies of folliculogenesis and oogenesis. We have previously shown that human aminotic fluid stem cells giving rise to oocyte-like cells (OLCs), However, it was difficult to observe whether these OLCs enter meiotic stage. MethodsHuman induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were cultured by follicle fluid, cytokines and small molecule to induced oocyte-like cells (OLCs) formation through a three-step induction procedure. Surface marker expression and differentiation potential of germ cells were analyzed in vitro by flow cytometry, gene expression, immunocytochemistry, western blotting and RNA Sequencing.ResultsTo induce hiPSCs differentiation into OLCs, cells were firstly cultured in a primordial germ cell medium for 10 days. The cells showed the morphology similar to primordial germ cells (PGCs), highly expressing germ cell markers and primordial follicle development associated genes. The induced PGCs were then cultured in the primordial follicle-like cell medium for 5 days to form the induced follicle-like structures (iFLs), which retained both primordial oocytes-like cells and granulosa-like cells. In the third step, the detached iFLs were harvested and transferred to the OLC-medium for additional 10 days. The cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COC) structures and OLCs in different sizes (50-150 μm diameter) with zona pellucida were observed. The in vitro matured OLCs presented the polar body and arrested at metaphase II (MII) stage. Some OLCs were self-activated and spontaneously developed into multiple-cell structures similar to preimplantation embryos, indicating that OLCs were parthenogenetically activated though in vitro fertilization potential of OLCs are yet proved.ConclusionsIn vitro maturation of OLCs derived from hiPSCs provides a new means to study human germ cell formation and oogenesis.
Modeling and Optimization of Mobile Signal Strength in challenging Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Choudhary Shilpa , Sharma Abhishek , Srivast Kashish
Published: March 2021

For the network planning in the field of telecommunication networks received signal strength plays an important role. The received signal strength gets affected due to the varying environment condition through which the signal propagates and it also depends on the distance between the location of signal transmitter and the receiver. So complete information about these parameters are very much requires for proper mobile network planning. By keeping all these challenges in mind, this study was aimed to determine the received signal strength for Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Second Generation (2G) and Third Generation (3G) wireless technologies with challenging environment conditions. All the experiments were conducted at Lajpat Nagar residential area which is located in New Delhi. During the experiments received signal strength for all the three above mentioned wireless technologies were monitored with respect to varying environment conditions (Temperature, Relative Humidity and Air quality index for Particulate Matter 2.5) and distance from the base station. Later the optimization of received signal strength was carried out by using response surface methodology. Measurement results showed that Second Generation (2G) signal strengths was significantly higher than Third Generation (3G) and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and the best values obtained for received signal strength for Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Third Generation (3G) and Second Generation (2G) were -77.9264dBm, -60.0345dBm and -58.1280dBm respectively. ANOVA results shows good mathematical modeling between input and output responses.
A Study from Turkey: Identification of Copy Number Variants in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Özaslan Ahmet , Kayhan Gülsüm , İşeri Elvan , Ergün Mehmet Ali , Güney Esra , Perçin Ferda Emriye
Published: March 2021

Recent studies suggest that copy number variations (CNVs) play a significant role in the aetiology of ASD. This study aims to investigate CNVs, which are thought to be an important factor in ASD etiology. In addition it was aimed to specify the clinical usefulness of chromosomal microarrays (CMA) in the examination of ASD patients in Turkish population. Of 47 children (60.34±25.60 months; 82.9% boys) with ASD were constructed the sample. The karyotype structure of all participants was found to be normal using conventional cytogenetic methods. DNA obtained from the venous blood samples of the participants was evaluated using SurePrint G3 ISCA V2 CGH 8x60K Array (Agilent Technologies Santa Clara, CA, USA). We have identified 8 CNVs, ranging in size from 55 kb to 6.5 Mb in 7 (5 boys) of 47 children with ASD of the 4 of 8 CNVs were classified as pathogenic, which were 9p24.3p24.2 deletion in 3 Mb size, 15q11-q13 duplication in 6.5 Mb size, 16p11.2 deletion in 598 kb size and 22q13.3 deletion in 55 kb size. According to results has been demonstrated that diagnostic yield of CMA in Turkish children with ASD was 8.5%. Our results indicate that CNVs contribute a part to the genetic aetiology of Turkish children with ASD. In accordance with the literature, these results emphasize the clinical importance of CMA to investigate the aetiology of ASD.