bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass modeling of guava (cv. Allahabad safeda) fruit with selected dimensional attributes: Regression analysis approach
Authors: Bibwe Bhushan , Mahawar Manoj Kumar , Jalgaonkar Kirti , Meena Vijay Singh , Kadam Dattatreya M.
Published: February 2022

The correlation between physical parameters of guava like axial dimensions, projected area, volume, and mass is essential for developing postharvest machineries especially grading systems. The present study focused on measuring physical characteristics (dimensions, projected area, and volume) of guava (cv. Allahabad safeda), and the development of predictive linear and nonlinear (linear, quadratic, power, and S‐curve) models to determine the mass of guava. The fruits were graded based on the maximum equatorial diameter in three grades that is, large (Φ = 66–75 mm), medium (Φ = 54–65 mm), small (Φ = 43–53 mm), and mass modeling was performed. The model equations were also fitted on ungraded fruits samples for comparison purpose. The major, intermediate, minor intercepts, geometric mean diameter, weight, volume, and criteria projected area of the ungraded lot were 63.76 ± 6.03 mm, 59.90 ± 4.71 mm, 59.66 ± 4.43 mm, 61.05 ± 4.76 mm, 126.80 ± 30.88 g, 132.6 ± 35.0 cm3, and 33.10 ± 8.17 cm2, respectively. It was observed that predictions of mass models fitted on ungraded fruit lots were found superior to fitted on individual grades. The higher coefficient of determination (R2) and low mean relative deviation (MRD) indicated that quadratic models based on geometric mean diameter (R2 ≥.984, MRD = 2.32) and ellipsoidal volume (R2 ≥.986, MRD = 2.28) can effectively predict the mass of guava fruits. The possible applications of established mass models for developing an integrated and effective grading system and the prospective utilization of graded fruits for processing into a variety of value‐added products are also discussed.

Practical Application

Fruits with uniform grades usually have higher demand and consumer preference. Grading is the essential unit operation in postharvest management to achieve dimensional uniformity. The grading process becomes complex when fruits are graded with a similar appearance but difference in mass; therefore, mass‐based grading of fruit plays a vital role in the design of advanced machineries. Recent advancements and automation employ mass as a parameter that enhances the overall efficacy of grading operations. The developed mass models and outcome of this study will be beneficial for developing advanced grading machineries. The possible integration of machine vision systems with developed mass models will simultaneously enable the grading of guava with both dimension and mass. Additionally, information on some grade‐specific physical properties and their potential utilization will be necessary for the design of process equipment and the development of various value‐added products.
Extraction of compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves using supercritical CO2 plus ethanol as a cosolvent
Authors: da Silva Marina , Trancoso Julia , Tormen Luciano , Bombardelli Michele M. , Corazza Marcos L. , Bainy Eduarda M.
Published: February 2022

Extracts of compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves were obtained by supercritical extraction with CO2 using ethanol as a cosolvent (scCO2 + EtOH). The experimental conditions were investigated by varying temperature (35–80°C), pressure (15–25 MPa), and mass ratio between ethanol and raw material. The phenolic acids (gallic, vanillic, and p‐coumaric acids) and flavonoids (catechin) were identified in all extracts, except for the extract obtained without the cosolvent. The main compounds by GC–MS were 1‐triacontanol, nonacosane, heptacosane, phytol, γ‐tocopherol, and α‐tocopherol. Extracts obtained at 35°C showed the highest values of total phenolic compounds, DPPH, and FRAP, however, the lowest extraction yield. The central point extraction conditions (60°C and 20 MPa) had the best‐combined results for yield (4.4%), total phenolic compounds (24 ± 1 mg GAE/g), DPPH (77 ± 2 μmol Trolox/g), FRAP (265 ± 9 μmol Trolox/g) and the presence of bioactive compounds.

Practical Applications

Supercritical fluid extraction with CO2 is a clean technology that employs low temperatures, producing high‐quality extracts. Moringa oleifera leaf extracts showed different compositions according to the experimental conditions evaluated. The use of ethanol as a cosolvent and high temperatures positively influenced the extraction yield. All extracts showed antioxidant potential. Catechin, gallic, vanillic, and p‐coumaric acids were the main phenolic compounds. The extract obtained at the central point condition had better antioxidant potential, yield, and bioactive compounds.
Therapeutic effects of turmeric topical cream in vitiligo: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study
Authors: Jalalmanesh Samin , Mansouri Parvin , Rajabi Mehdi , Monji Faezeh
Published: February 2022

Background

Vitiligo is an autoimmune and acquired disease characterized by the destruction of epidermal melanocytes leading to depigmentation of the skin. Although vitiligo is a common disease, there is not a definite cure and conventional therapies can lead to serious adverse effects. Turmeric has been widely studied for its anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti‐cell proliferation, while it is a cost‐benefit and available treatment for a variety of diseases.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical turmeric cream on vitiligo's lesion appearance including size and repigmentation.

Patients/Methods

Following the screening, 30 patients were enrolled according to inclusion criteria. The patients received training to apply turmeric and placebo cream at the specified side of their body twice a day for 4 months. Patients were evaluated at the baseline and at monthly intervals to access possible side effects. Lesion size, vitiligo area scoring index (VASI), vitiligo noticeability scale (VNS), and physician global assessment (PGA) were evaluated at the baseline and after four months to compare the changes induced by turmeric and placebo cream.

Results

Twenty‐four patients completed the trial. Applying turmeric cream reduced the size of lesions and improved lesion's appearance significantly compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001), and also, patient's satisfaction score was higher following applying turmeric cream compared to placebo (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Turmeric cream can be used as an alternative remedy or adjuvant therapy in mild to moderate vitiligo lesions and in those who cannot tolerate the adverse effects of conventional therapies.
Rosacea management: A comprehensive review
Authors: Sharma Anuj , Kroumpouzos George , Kassir Martin , Galadari Hassan , Goren Andy , Grabbe Stephan , Goldust Mohamad
Published: February 2022

Rosacea is a chronic cutaneous disorder affecting primarily the face, characterized by erythema, transient or persistent, telangiectasia, and inflammatory lesions including papulo‐pustules and swelling. The essential component of the disease is the persistent erythema of facial skin. Episodes of flushing (acute‐subacute intermittent vasodilation) are common. Swelling and erythema of the nose along with dilatation of the pilosebaceous poral orifices, known as rhinophyma, can be noted in chronic cases. Rosacea affects up to 10% of the world population and is especially noted in fair‐skinned individuals aged 35–50. Women are affected more often than men. Several treatment modalities including topical medications, systemic drugs, lasers, and light‐based therapies have been used for the management of rosacea with variable results. Topical medications such as azelaic acid, metronidazole, and sulfacetamide/sulfur, oral antibiotics such as tetracyclines, and oral retinoids alone or, most commonly, in combination form the mainstay of treatment. Light therapies such as intense pulsed light and pulsed dye laser are best used for the erythemato‐telangiectatic type. Topical brimonidine, oxymetazoline, ivermectin, tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, low‐dose modified‐release tetracyclines and botulinum toxin are the new additions to the therapeutic armamentarium. This article provides a comprehensive review of the various therapies used for rosacea.
Rise and shine: The use of polychromatic short‐wavelength‐enriched light to mitigate sleep inertia at night following awakening from slow‐wave sleep
Authors: Hilditch Cassie J. , Wong Lily R. , Bathurst Nicholas G. , Feick Nathan H. , Pradhan Sean , Santamaria Amanda , Shattuck Nita L. , Flynn‐Evans Erin E.
Published: February 2022

Sleep inertia is the brief period of performance impairment and reduced alertness experienced after waking, especially from slow‐wave sleep. We assessed the efficacy of polychromatic short‐wavelength‐enriched light to improve vigilant attention, alertness and mood immediately after waking from slow‐wave sleep at night. Twelve participants (six female, 23.3 ± 4.2 years) maintained an actigraphy‐confirmed sleep schedule of 8.5 hr for 5 nights, and 5 hr for 1 night prior to an overnight laboratory visit. In the laboratory, participants were awakened from slow‐wave sleep, and immediately exposed to either dim, red ambient light (control) or polychromatic short‐wavelength‐enriched light (light) for 1 hr in a randomized crossover design. They completed a 5‐min Psychomotor Vigilance Task, the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, and Visual Analogue Scales of mood at 2, 17, 32 and 47 min after waking. Following this testing period, lights were turned off and participants returned to sleep. They were awakened from their subsequent slow‐wave sleep period and received the opposite condition. Compared with the control condition, participants exposed to light had fewer Psychomotor Vigilance Task lapses (χ2[1] = 5.285, p = 0.022), reported feeling more alert (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale: F1,77 = 4.955, p = 0.029; Visual Analogue Scalealert: F1,77 = 8.226, p = 0.005), and reported improved mood (Visual Analogue Scalecheerful: F1,77 = 8.615, p = 0.004). There was no significant difference in sleep‐onset latency between conditions following the testing period (t10 = 1.024, p = 0.330). Our results suggest that exposure to polychromatic short‐wavelength‐enriched light immediately after waking from slow‐wave sleep at night may help improve vigilant attention, subjective alertness, and mood. Future studies should explore the potential mechanisms of this countermeasure and its efficacy in real‐world environments.
COI gene‐based mitochondrial DNA variation of horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas) reveals high genetic variation and occurrence of distinct populations in the Bay of Bengal, India, and its comparison with other populations
Authors: Tudu Sanatan , Gupta Sandeep Kumar , Dash Bisnu Prasad
Published: February 2022

Horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas) is an archaic group of marine species which plays a vital role in the saline ecosystem. We attempted to develop a baseline database about the ecology, phylogeography, and genetic variation among the horseshoe crab population from Odisha, India. We collected 152 samples of horseshoe crab from the coastal area of the Bay of Bengal. The generated cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) sequences of T. gigas were compared with the GenBank sequences of five populations from Bangladesh, Thailand, Singapore, South China, and Malaysia. A total of 33 unique haplotypes were observed in six populations of T. gigas. Pairwise F‐statistic distance (FST) between South China‐India, Malaysia‐India, Singapore‐India, Thailand‐India, and Bangladesh‐India were 0.021, 0.020, 0.017, 0.015, and 0.008, respectively. It indicated that the Indian and Bangladesh populations were genetically close and distinct from the other four populations. Furthermore, the migrant per generation (Nm) was 0.16, which indicated a low gene flow among T. gigas populations. The haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) were 0.7482 and 0.00313, respectively. It signifies the ecological importance of the Indian population that would help in formulating the future strategy for the conservation of horseshoe crab.
Changing face of epidemiology of dermatophytoses in Chinese Mainland: A 30 years nationwide retrospective study from 1991 to 2020
Authors: Song Ge , Zhang Meijie , Liu Weida , Liang Guanzhao
Published: February 2022

Background

Dermatophytoses are the most common infectious skin disease. Its epidemiology varies in different countries and regions, and its prevalence in China is still unknown.

Objectives

We aimed to reveal the epidemiological features of dermatophytoses in Chinese mainland in the past thirty years.

Methods

From 1991 to 2020, a 30‐year retrospective epidemiological study was carried out. All published literatures containing dermatophytoses and dermatophytes were collected and analysed.

Results

A total of more than 180,000 cases in 124 articles from more than 100 hospitals were included and analysed. Among dermatophytoses, tinea cruris (24.92%) was the predominant clinical type, followed by tinea pedis (22.97%) and tinea corporis (18.12%). In recent 10 years, tinea pedis (25.40%) was more common than tinea cruris (22.39%) and became the most common infection. Among dermatophytes, T rubrum (69.48%) has always been the most common isolates, followed by T mentagrophytes (16.45%) and M canis (8.09%). Other species were found below 3%. In superficial mycoses, dermatophytes accounted for 75.52%, higher than that of yeasts/yeast‐like (21.83%) and moulds (2.65%). The prevalence of tinea capitis was lower in economically developed eastern region than that in central and western regions. Tinea cruris was more common in warm zones than cold zones.

Conclusions

The top three dermatophytoses are tinea cruris, tinea pedis and tinea corporis, while the top three dermatophytes are T rubrum, T mentagrophytes and M canis. The distribution of dermatophytoses may be influenced by socioeconomic status and geographical‐meteorological conditions.
Contribution of soil algae to the global carbon cycle
Authors: Jassey Vincent E. J. , Walcker Romain , Kardol Paul , Geisen Stefan , Heger Thierry , Lamentowicz Mariusz , Hamard Samuel , Lara Enrique
Published: February 2022

Soil photoautotrophic prokaryotes and micro‐eukaryotes – known as soil algae – are, together with heterotrophic microorganisms, a constitutive part of the microbiome in surface soils. Similar to plants, they fix atmospheric carbon (C) through photosynthesis for their own growth, yet their contribution to global and regional biogeochemical C cycling still remains quantitatively elusive.

Here, we compiled an extensive dataset on soil algae to generate a better understanding of their distribution across biomes and predict their productivity at a global scale by means of machine learning modelling.

We found that, on average, (5.5 ± 3.4) × 106 algae inhabit each gram of surface soil. Soil algal abundance especially peaked in acidic, moist and vegetated soils. We estimate that, globally, soil algae take up around 3.6 Pg C per year, which corresponds to c. 6% of the net primary production of terrestrial vegetation.

We demonstrate that the C fixed by soil algae is crucial to the global C cycle and should be integrated into land‐based efforts to mitigate C emissions.
Evaluating an online self‐help intervention for parents of children with food allergies
Authors: Sugunasingha Naomi , Jones Fergal W. , du Toit George , Jones Christina J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Parents of children with food allergies (CwFA) experience reduced quality of life (QoL) and may have reduced access to in‐person interventions in the COVID‐19 pandemic. This trial developed and evaluated an online, self‐help, information provision website, aimed at improving QoL in parents of CwFA.

Methods

In a single‐blinded, randomised controlled trial (RCT), participants were randomised to either receive access to the website or a waiting‐list control. At baseline, post‐intervention (week 4) and follow‐up (week 8), measures of parental food allergy‐related QoL, depression, anxiety, stress, intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and self‐efficacy were obtained.

Results

A total of 205 participants were randomised; 97% were females, 91% white and 78% educated ≥ degree level, with a mean age of 38.95 years (SD = 6.89). 44.9% (n = 92) were retained at follow‐up. The arms did not significantly differ on any outcome at any time point. For a sub‐group of participants above the clinical cut‐off for depression at baseline, the intervention may have improved QoL. Participants reported the website content as useful and accessible, but accessed it infrequently. In baseline data, IU and self‐efficacy were significantly associated with QoL.

Conclusion

While the COVID‐19 pandemic has encouraged greater provision of online interventions, our RCT suggests this particular website is not suitable for this population in general, although future research could examine its efficacy for depressed parents of CwFA, to increase confidence that the sub‐group finding was not a Type 1 error. The baseline data suggest IU and self‐efficacy remain potential proximal targets for intervention.
Phenotypic and molecular characterization of the resistance to azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin inFusarium graminearumpopulations from Brazil
Authors: Andrade Sheila M. P. , Augusti Guilherme R. , Paiva Gabriel F. , Feksa Heraldo R. , Tessmann Dauri J. , Machado Franklin J. , Mizubuti Eduardo S. G. , Del Ponte Emerson M.
Published: February 2022

Wheat farmers rely on fungicides to protect fields against several foliar and flowering diseases, including Fusarium head blight (FHB). A range of active ingredients is used in isolation or in dual premixes that include a dimethylation inhibitor (DMI) or a quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicide. Comprehensive information about fungicide resistance inF.graminearumis available for DMIs, while for QoIs the data are scarce. We characterized 225 strains obtained from two states in southern Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and Paraná (PR), in relation to their response to two QoIs. The median EC50(effective concentration leading to 50% inhibition of conidial germination) value for azoxystrobin (n = 25 isolates) was 2.20 μg/ml in the PR population and 4.04 μg/ml in the RS population. For pyraclostrobin (n = 50), the median EC50was 0.28 μg/ml in the PR population and 0.24 μg/ml in the RS population. Evidence of cross‐resistance could not be detected. Screening using a discriminatory dose (DD) for azoxystrobin in a larger number of isolates from PR (n = 75) and RS (n = 100) states allowed the detection of 50% and 28% sensitive strains, respectively. Using the DD for pyraclostrobin, 33% and 18.8% were classified as less sensitive in the PR and RS isolates, respectively. In RS, the frequency of less‐sensitive isolates increased over time (2007–2011). No point mutation at any of the target spots (F129L, G137R, G143A) was detected. Our results represent an important step towards the establishment of a sensitivity profile for two of the most commonly used QoIs in commercial premixes targeting FHB control.
Effects of elevated air temperature coupling with soil drought on carbohydrate metabolism and oil synthesis during cottonseed development
Authors: Xu Bingjie , Hu Wei , Gao Min , Zhao Wenqing , Wang Youhua , Zhou Zhiguo
Published: February 2022

Cotton, as the fifth‐largest oilseed crop, often faces the coupling stress of heat and drought. Still, the effects of combined stress on cottonseed oil synthesis and its closely related carbon metabolism are poorly investigated. To this end, experiments were conducted with two cultivars (Sumian 15 and PHY370WR) under two temperature regimes: ambient temperature (AT) and elevated temperature (ET, which was 2.5°C–2.7°C higher than AT) and three water regimes: optimum soil moisture (soil relative water content [SRWC] at 75% ± 5%), and drought (SD) including SRWC 60% ± 5% and SRWC 45% ± 5%, during 2016–2018. Results showed that ET plus SD decreased cottonseed kernel yield, seed index, kernel weight, and kernel percentage more than either single stress. The content of hexoses, the carbon skeleton source for oil synthesis, was decreased by ET while increased by SD. The combined stress increased the hexose content by increasing the activities of sucrose synthase (SuSy, EC 2.4.1.13) and invertase (Inv, EC 3.2.1.26) and upregulating GhSuSy expression; however, hexose content under combined stress was lower than that under SD alone. Increased oil content under SD was attributed to the high phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase, EC 4.1.1.31), acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase, EC 6.4.1.2), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT, EC 2.3.1.20) activities, whereas the opposite effects were seen under ET. Under combined stress, although ACCase activity decreased, PEPCase and DGAT activities, and GhPEPC‐1 and GhDGAT‐1 expression upregulated, enhancing carbon flow into oil metabolism and triacylglycerol synthesis, ultimately generating higher oil content.
Prosthetic failures in dental implant therapy
Authors: Sailer Irena , Karasan Duygu , Todorovic Ana , Ligoutsikou Maria , Pjetursson Bjarni Elvar
Published: February 2022

Both fixed and removable implant‐supported prostheses are well‐established methods for replacing missing teeth in partially or fully edentulous patients. Numerous systematic reviews have been performed in recent years to evaluate the survival and complication rates of implant‐retained fixed dental prostheses and implant‐retained overdentures, displaying high 5‐year survival rates ranging from 97.1% for fixed dental prostheses to 95%‐100% for implant‐retained overdentures. However, the survival rates only represent the prostheses remaining in use for a defined follow‐up time, and do not account for the potential prosthetic complications that may have arisen and influence the general success of the implant treatment. The most common technical complications of fixed implant‐retained single crowns are crown fracture, fractures of ceramic implant abutments, and esthetic problems. The predominant technical complication at multiple‐unit, implant‐retained fixed dental prostheses is fracture/chipping of the veneering ceramic. Reported technical complications for implant‐retained overdentures are overdenture fracture or chipping of the veneer materials, whereas mechanical complications include implant fracture, attachment failure, and attachment housing or insert complications. To reduce the risk of such failures, a comprehensive pretreatment diagnostic work‐up is essential, including defining the prosthetic goal with the aid of a wax‐up or set‐up and the associated ideal, prosthetically oriented three‐dimensional implant position. Furthermore, selection of the ideal type of prosthesis, including the respective implant components and materials, is important for clinical long‐term treatment success.
Compensatory growth: Fitness cost in farmed fish and crustaceans
Authors: Py Clara , Elizondo‐González Regina , Peña‐Rodríguez Alberto
Published: February 2022

Feed restriction in fish and crustaceans is gaining interest due to its unusual acceleration of growth after a feed deprivation period. This phenomenon, known as compensatory growth, allows deprived organisms to reach the weight of never‐stressed counterpart organisms. Since feed is the major economic and ecological burden of fish and crustaceans farming, succeeding to reduce its quantity without loss of production may enhance a sustainable aquaculture development. A wide variety of restriction/feeding protocols, involving differences in nature, duration and intensity, have been tested on aquatic organisms. However, not all of them lead to optimal compensatory growth. Furthermore, before extending this practice to industrial setting, it is essential to assess physiological costs associated with both food restriction and compensatory growth. Indeed, although fish and crustaceans appear to be tolerant to dietary restriction, it involves metabolic, digestive, oxidative and immune changes. Nevertheless, return to basal values is not always achieved through refeeding. Compensatory growth has been observed and described in many taxa; however, physiological mechanisms during this process are poorly understood. On the other hand, the acceleration of growth itself appears to generate physiological consequences in organisms, particularly through the generation of oxidative stress. This review provides an overview of the fitness consequences associated with dietary restriction and the subsequent enigmatic compensatory growth in fish and crustaceans.
(Re)Constructing Community after Disaster: Survivors’ Use of Facebook Groups 1 Year after the Camp Fire
Authors: Brown Adrienne R.
Published: February 2022

Due to the widespread destruction of the Camp Fire in Paradise, California in November 2018, residents faced long‐term displacement and disruption to community life. In response, digital spaces emerged as an important gathering space for survivors. While research has addressed the role of social media during disasters, less is known about the long‐term uses of digital platforms in post‐disaster recovery. This study presents a content analysis of the use of public Facebook groups created by and for survivors of the Camp Fire approximately 1 year after the event. It examines 480 posts from seven groups during a 2‐week period from November 19, 2019 through December 2, 2019. Users were most often seeking or providing informational support, but they also frequently used the groups for community‐building. Less frequent uses included instrumental, material, and emotional supports. Social media provide an alternative space for these community functions and also enable the recovery of the town itself.
Verification, Validation, and Uncertainty Quantification in Thermal Hydraulics, Freeman Scholar Lecture (2019)
Authors: Rohatgi Upendra S.
Published: February 2022

Engineering problems are generally solved by analytical models or computer codes. These models, in addition to conservation equations, also include many empirical relationships and approximate numerical methods. Each of these components contributes to the uncertainty in the prediction. A systematic approach to judge the applicability of the code to the intended application is needed. It starts from verification of implementation of formulation in the code, identification of important phenomena, finding relevant tests with quantified uncertainty for these phenomena, and validation of the code by comparing predictions with the relevant test data. The relevant tests must address phenomena as expected in the intended application. In case of small size or limited condition tests, the scaling analyses are needed to assess the relevancy of the tests. Finally, a statement of uncertainty in the prediction is needed. Systematic approaches are described to aggregate uncertainties from different components of the code for intended application. In this paper, verification, validation, and uncertainty quantifications (VVUQs) are briefly described.
Digital biosensor for human cerebrospinal fluid detection with single-use sensing strips
Authors: Xian Minghan , Chiu Chan-Wen , Carey Patrick H. , Fares Chaker , Chen Liya , Wu Rena , Ren Fan , Tsai Cheng-Tse , Shan Siang-Sin , Liao Yu-Te , Esquivel-Upshaw Josephine F. , Pearton Stephen J.
Published: February 2022

Leakage of human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) caused by trauma or other reasons presents exceptional challenges in clinical analysis and can have severe medical repercussions. Conventional test methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofixation electrophoresis testing, typically are performed at a few clinical reference laboratories, which may potentially delay proper diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, medical imaging can serve as a secondary diagnosis tool. This work presented here reports the use of a point-of-care electrochemical sensor for detection of beta-2-transferrin (B2T), a unique isomer of transferrin that is present exclusively in human CSF but is absent in other bodily fluids. Limits of detection were examined via serial dilution of human samples with known B2T concentrations down to 7 × 10−12 g B2T/ml while maintaining excellent sensitivity. Nine human samples with varying levels of B2T were compared using up to 100 times dilution to confirm the validity of sensor output across different patient samples.
The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase RNF5 Facilitates SARS-CoV-2 Membrane Protein-Mediated Virion Release
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Hu Bing , Xiao Hurong , Tan Xuan , Li Yan , Tang Ke , Zhang Yonghui , Cai Kun , Ding Binbin
Published: February 2022

Enveloped virus particles are released from the membranes of host cells, and viral membrane proteins (M) are critical for this process. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 assembly and budding is critical for the development of antiviral therapies.
Gasdermin D Inhibits Coronavirus Infection by Promoting the Noncanonical Secretion of Beta Interferon
Authors: Zhao Liyuan , Li Liang , Xue Mei , Liu Xiang , Jiang Chengfan , Wang Wenzhe , Tang Lijie , Feng Li , Liu Pinghuang
Published: February 2022

Coronaviruses, primarily targeting respiratory and gastrointestinal epithelia
in vivo
, have a serious impact on humans and animals. GSDMD, a main executioner of pyroptosis, is highly expressed in epithelial cells and involves viral infection pathogenesis.
An Analysis of the Novel Fluorocycline TP-6076 Bound to Both the Ribosome and Multidrug Efflux Pump AdeJ from Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Morgan Christopher E. , Zhang Zhemin , Bonomo Robert A. , Yu Edward W.
Published: February 2022

Treatment of antibiotic-resistant organisms such as
A. baumannii
represents an ongoing issue for modern medicine. The multidrug efflux pump AdeJ serves as a major resistance determinant in
A. baumannii
through its action of extruding antibiotics from the cell.
Force-Induced Changes of PilY1 Drive Surface Sensing by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Webster Shanice S. , Mathelié-Guinlet Marion , Verissimo Andreia F. , Schultz Daniel , Viljoen Albertus , Lee Calvin K. , Schmidt William C. , Wong Gerard C. L. , Dufrêne Yves F. , O’Toole George A.
Published: February 2022

Most bacteria live on abiotic and biotic surfaces in surface-attached communities known as biofilms. Surface sensing and increased levels of the second-messenger molecule c-di-GMP are crucial to the transition from planktonic to biofilm growth.
Low-Dose Exposure to Ganglioside-Mimicking Bacteria Tolerizes Human Macrophages to Guillain-Barré Syndrome-Associated Antigens
Authors: Patry Robert T. , Essler Lauren , Andresen Silke , Quinn Frederick D. , Szymanski Christine M.
Published: February 2022

In this study, we demonstrated that it is possible to tolerize immune cells to potentially dampen the autoreactive proinflammatory immune response against Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)-associated antigens. The innate immune response functions to arm the host against bacterial attack, but it can be tricked into recognizing the host’s own cells when infectious bacteria display sugar structures that mimic human glycans.
Using Community Ecology Theory and Computational Microbiome Methods To Study Human Milk as a Biological System
Authors: Shenhav Liat , Azad Meghan B.
Published: February 2022

Human milk is a complex and dynamic biological system that has evolved to optimally nourish and protect human infants. Yet, according to a recent priority-setting review, “our current understanding of human milk composition and its individual components and their functions fails to fully recognize the importance of the chronobiology and systems biology of human milk in the context of milk synthesis, optimal timing and duration of feeding, and period of lactation.” We attribute this critical knowledge gap to three major reasons as follows. (i) Studies have typically examined each subsystem of the mother-milk-infant “triad” in isolation and often focus on a single element or component (e.g., maternal lactation physiology or milk microbiome or milk oligosaccharides or infant microbiome or infant gut physiology).
Reliability and agreement of point-of-care carotid artery examinations by experts using hand-held ultrasound devices in patients with ischaemic stroke or transitory ischaemic attack
Authors: Saxhaug Lars Mølgaard , Graven Torbjorn , Olsen Øystein , Kleinau Jens Olaf , Skjetne Kyrre , Ellekjær Hanne , Dalen Havard
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To investigate the reliability and agreement of hand-held ultrasound devices (HUDs) compared with conventional duplex ultrasound (HIGH) in examination for carotid stenosis in patients with suspected transitory ischaemic attack (TIA) or ischaemic stroke.

Methods

Cardiologists, experienced in carotid ultrasound, examined patients admitted to a community hospital with suspected stroke or TIA. Patients were first examined by an HUD and second by HIGH as per usual care. Different operators performed HUD and HIGH blinded to each other. On clinical discretion, CT angiography (CTA) was performed, and analysed by a radiologist blinded to the results from the ultrasound.

Results

Of 80 patients included, 9 (11%) were found to have >50% internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis on reference examination. Agreement for classification of the degree of ICA stenosis was good for HUD versus HIGH (weighted Kappa 0.76) and HUD versus CTA (weighted Kappa 0.66). Agreement between HUD and HIGH examinations was excellent when ICA was classified as <50% diameter stenosis by HUD (99% agreement), but significantly lower when ICA diameter stenosis was classified as >50% by HUD (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.42). Overall, HUD tended to overestimate the degree of carotid stenoses rather than underestimate (p=0.048).

Conclusion

Hand-held carotid ultrasound performed by experts demonstrated good agreement with conventional duplex ultrasound. The use of HUDs was reliable for ruling out significant carotid artery disease, but less reliable for ruling in significant disease.
Impact of invasive aortic pulse pressure on coronary microvascular endothelial-independent dysfunction and on mortality in non-obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Park Hyun Woong , Corban Michel , Toya Takumi , Ahmad Ali , Ozcan Ilke , Lerman Lilach , Lerman Amir
Published: February 2022

Background

Pulse pressure (PP), a raw index of arterial stiffness, is inversely related to coronary microvascular function, even among patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), as per non-invasive studies. We aimed to determine whether invasive aortic PP is associated with coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction (CMED) and/or coronary microvascular endothelial independent dysfunction (CMEID) in patients with non-obstructed CAD.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed a cohort of 1894 patients (mean age, 51.2 years; 1261 (66.6%) women) who presented with chest pain and non-obstructive CAD (angiographic stenosis <50%); coronary vasoreactivity was assessed in the mid-left anterior descending artery. The patients were classified based on whether aortic PP was high (≥50 mm Hg). CMEID was defined as abnormal coronary flow reserve (<2.5) or hyperaemic myocardial resistance (>2.0 mm Hg/cm/s), CMED was defined as abnormal acetylcholine-induced per cent change of coronary blood flow (≤50%).

Results

Patients with high aortic PP had a higher rate of CMEID than those with low aortic PP (40.9 vs 25.2%, p<0.001). Conversely, aortic PP was not associated with CMED. On multivariate analysis, high aortic PP was associated with CMEID occurrence (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.78; p=0.003). On follow-up (median, 150 months), all-cause death was more frequent among patients with vs without high aortic PP (20.1% vs 7.3%, log-rank p<0.001) and HR was 2.08 (95% CI 1.34 to 3.32, p=0.002) on multivariate cox regression analysis. Furthermore, among patients with low aortic PP, CMEID was an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.16, p=0.048).

Conclusion

In patients with non-obstructive CAD, invasive aortic PP was significantly associated with CMEID, but not with CMED. High aortic PP was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, but CMEID was an independent risk factor in patients with low aortic PP.
Association of strength, power, and function with muscle thickness, echo intensity, and lean tissue in older males
Authors: Paris Michael T. , Bell Kirsten E. , Avrutin Egor , Mourtzakis Marina
Published: February 2022

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) appendicular lean tissue is used to screen older adults for sarcopenia. However, emerging data indicates that ageing-related muscle atrophy largely occurs within specific muscles, which may be masked using appendicular lean tissue. Comparisons between appendicular lean tissue and site-specific measures of muscle in relation to strength and physical function are needed to advance our understanding of these features in the context of poor muscle function in aged adults. Our primary objective was to compare correlations between lean tissue and site-specific muscle characteristics in relation to strength and physical function in older males. Older males (≥65 years) were evaluated for muscle strength, physical function (6-minute walk and 30-second sit-to-stand), and muscle size (appendicular and site-specific) and composition (echo intensity) using DXA and ultrasound. Of the 32 older males (75.4 ± 7.9 years), 12 had low appendicular lean tissue. All DXA and ultrasound muscle characteristics were associated (r = 0.39 to 0.83, p < 0.05) with torque or power producing capabilities. Except for the knee flexors, no differences in correlation coefficients were observed between muscle thickness or regional lean tissue in relation to muscle strength. Neither DXA nor ultrasound muscle characteristics were associated with physical function. In older males, ultrasound-based muscle thickness and DXA lean tissue provided similar associations with strength.

Novelty: Lean tissue and muscle thickness provide similar associations with strength. Muscle thickness can distinguish low and normal appendicular lean tissue in older adults.
Assessing
Nummulites
geochemistry as a proxy for early Eocene palaeotemperature evolution in the North Sea Basin
Authors: Martens Lise , Stassen Peter , Steurbaut Etienne , Speijer Robert P.
Published: February 2022

The early Eocene climate is characterized by gradual warming towards the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO). Environmental changes related to this global long-term warming trend are recorded in Ypresian marine sediments in Belgium. The test geochemistry of
Nummulites
enables the reconstruction of palaeotemperature changes based on the incorporation of Mg into the calcite test without complications connected to other proxies. Early Eocene
Nummulites
occur in high abundances in the inner shelf deposits of the southern edge of the North Sea Basin, providing multiple sample locations. Because this palaeotemperature proxy has only recently been developed, we investigated a methodological approach. We assessed the relationship between test geochemistry and (1) preservation state, (2) test size and (3) a cleaning procedure to evaluate the use of this new proxy. We propose a simplified cleaning procedure (ethanol–methanol–peroxide) for well-preserved specimens within the smaller size range (radius <3 mm). Using this methodology, a long-term palaeotemperature increase of 7°C is reconstructed from the pre-EECO (±54 Ma) to the EECO (±51 Ma), with a mean EECO palaeotemperature of 28°C. This corresponds with previous studies, strengthening the use of
Nummulites
geochemistry as a proxy for reconstructing long-term climate change in the Southern North Sea Basin.

Supplementary material:
All geochemical data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5811457
The kidney releases a nonpolymerizing form of uromodulin in the urine and circulation that retains the external hydrophobic patch domain
Authors: Micanovic Radmila , LaFavers Kaice A. , Patidar Kavish R. , Ghabril Marwan S. , Doud Emma H. , Mosley Amber L. , Sabo Angela R. , Khan Shehnaz , El-Achkar Tarek M.
Published: February 2022

In this work, we discovered and characterized a novel form of uromodulin that does not polymerize because it retains an external hydrophobic patch at the COOH-terminus. These findings establish an alternative form of cellular processing of this protein and elucidate new aspects of its biology. We also provide evidence suggesting that measuring urinary nonpolymerizing uromodulin could be a promising assay to assess the risk of acute kidney injury.
Defect Prediction Technology of Aerospace Software Based on Deep Neural Network and Process Measurement
Authors: Yao Tianwen , Zhang Ben , Peng Jun , Han Zhiqiang , Yang Zhaobing , Zhang Zhi , Zhang Bo
Published: February 2022

In order to ensure high reliability, the efficiency of traditional aerospace software testing is often low. With the rapid development of machine learning, its powerful data feature extraction ability has great potential in improving the efficiency of aerospace software testing. Therefore, this paper proposed a software defect prediction method based on deep neural network and process measurement. Based on the NASA data set and combined with the software process data, the software defect measurement set is constructed. 35 measurement elements are used as the original input, and multiple single-layer automatic coding networks are superimposed to form the deep neural network model of software defect. The model is finally trained by the layer-by-layer greedy training method to realize software defect prediction. Experimental verification shows that the prediction method has a good prediction effect on aerospace software defects, and the accuracy rate reached 90%, which can greatly improve the efficiency and effect of aerospace software testing.
Research on Cold Chain Logistics Traceability System of Fresh Agricultural Products Based on Blockchain
Authors: Zhang Xinghua , Sun Yongjie , Sun Yongxin
Published: February 2022

Traditional cold chain logistics has problems such as centralized data storage, low data reliability, easy data tampering, and difficulty in locating responsible persons, which leads to the inability to guarantee consumer rights. To solve these problems, a cold chain logistics traceability system is proposed for fresh agricultural products based on blockchain. Both alliance chain and private chain are used in the paper in order to ensure that the product traceability system not only has certain openness but also must contain enough privacy and security. Alliance chain is mainly used to query and share product traceability information. The private chain will be used to collect and store the product traceability information of each enterprise and then connected to the alliance chain via hash pointers. The proposed system is beneficial for reducing the burden of network transmission of alliance chain and improving the efficiency of consumer product data query. At the same time, the private chain ensures the security and privacy of enterprise product data, which not only has high data storage efficiency but also can meet the requirements of all participants for the traceability system. In the experimental part, the feasibility of this system is verified through simulation experiments, which provides a reference for the combination of blockchain technology and cold chain logistics traceability system.
Mask Detection and Social Distance Identification Using Internet of Things and Faster R-CNN Algorithm
Authors: Meivel S. , Sindhwani Nidhi , Anand Rohit , Pandey Digvijay , Alnuaim Abeer Ali , Altheneyan Alaa S. , Jabarulla Mohamed Yaseen , Lelisho Mesfin Esayas
Published: February 2022

The drones can be used to detect a group of people who are unmasked and do not maintain social distance. In this paper, a deep learning-enabled drone is designed for mask detection and social distance monitoring. A drone is one of the unmanned systems that can be automated. This system mainly focuses on Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) monitoring using Raspberry Pi 4. This drone automation system sends alerts to the people via speaker for maintaining the social distance. This system captures images and detects unmasked persons using faster regions with convolutional neural network (faster R-CNN) model. When the system detects unmasked persons, it sends their details to respective authorities and the nearest police station. The built model covers the majority of face detection using different benchmark datasets. OpenCV camera utilizes 24/7 service reports on a daily basis using Raspberry Pi 4 and a faster R-CNN algorithm.
Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhanced Proangiogenic Potential of Cardiac Fibroblasts via Angiopoietin-Like 4
Authors: Li Jiejie , Xu Xin , Fei Suyan , Wang Ren , Wang Hua , Zhu Wei , Zhao Yuanyuan
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives. After myocardial hypoxic injury, it is important to enhance vascular formation and restore blood supply for injury repair. Previous studies have suggested that cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) play a crucial role in angiogenesis after myocardial injury. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) promote fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation in inflammatory environment and have cardioprotective effects. It remains unknown whether sEVs regulate cardiac fibroblasts to promote angiogenesis after myocardial injury. Methods and Results. We isolated primary CFs from Sprague-Dawley rats (1–3 days old) and treated them with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS+sEVs. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) was increased in the LPS+sEVs group more than in the LPS group. After inhibition of Angptl4 expression in sEVs and CFs, cell proliferation, Transwell migration, and tube formation assays were used to detect the angiogenic activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. β-Catenin expression in CFs was detected by western blotting. The β-catenin inhibitor ICG001 was used to examine whether β-catenin was involved in the proangiogenic potential of CFs promoted by sEVs. sEVs enhanced the proangiogenic potential of CFs under inflammatory conditions, which was associated with β-catenin signaling. The proangiogenic potential of CFs was decreased when Angptl4 was knocked down in CFs and in hucMSCs. Conclusions. The sEVs regulated CFs to promote angiogenesis via Angptl4 in an inflammatory environment. This may provide a research basis for treating myocardial injury with sEVs.
Transcript Expression Profiles and MicroRNA Regulation Indicate an Upregulation of Processes Linked to Oxidative Stress, DNA Repair, Cell Death, and Inflammation in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Takahashi Paula , Xavier Danilo J. , Lima Jessica E. B. F. , Evangelista Adriane F. , Collares Cristhianna V. A. , Foss-Freitas Maria C. , Rassi Diane M. , Donadi Eduardo A. , Passos Geraldo A. , Sakamoto-Hojo Elza T.
Published: February 2022

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) arises from autoimmune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing β-cells leading to impaired insulin secretion and hyperglycemia. T1D is accompanied by DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation, although there is still scarce information about the oxidative stress response and DNA repair in T1D pathogenesis. We used the microarray method to assess mRNA expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 19 T1D patients compared to 11 controls and identify mRNA targets of microRNAs that were previously reported for T1D patients. We found 277 differentially expressed genes (220 upregulated and 57 downregulated) in T1D patients compared to controls. Analysis by gene sets (GSA and GSEA) showed an upregulation of processes linked to ROS generation, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, ER stress, and DNA repair in T1D patients. Besides, genes related to oxidative stress responses and DNA repair (PTGS2, ATF3, FOSB, DUSP1, and TNFAIP3) were found to be targets of four microRNAs (hsa-miR-101, hsa-miR148a, hsa-miR-27b, and hsa-miR-424). The expression levels of these mRNAs and microRNAs were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Therefore, the present study on differential expression profiles indicates relevant biological functions related to oxidative stress response, DNA repair, inflammation, and apoptosis in PBMCs of T1D patients relative to controls. We also report new insights regarding microRNA-mRNA interactions, which may play important roles in the T1D pathogenesis.