bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intermuscular coherence in spinocerebellar ataxias 3 and 6: a preliminary study
Authors: Issa Naoum P. , Aydin Serdar , Bhatnagar Shail , Baumgartner Nicholas W. , Hill Jacquelyn , Aluri Sravya , Valentic Chloe S. , Gomez Christopher M. , Rezania Kourosh
Published: April 2023

Objective: Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are familial neurodegenerative diseases involving the cerebellum and spinocerebellar tracts. While there is variable involvement of corticospinal tracts (CST), dorsal root ganglia, and motor neurons in SCA3, SCA6 is characterized by a pure, late-onset ataxia. Abnormal intermuscular coherence in the beta-gamma frequency range (IMCbg) implies lack of integrity of CST or the afferent input from the acting muscles. We test the hypothesis that IMCbg has the potential to be a biomarker of disease activity in SCA3 but not SCA6.
Methods:Intermuscular coherence between biceps and brachioradialis muscles was measured from surface EMG waveforms in SCA3 (N=16) and SCA6 (N=20) patients, and in neurotypical subjects (N=23).
Results: IMC peak frequencies were present in the b range in SCA patients and in the g range in neurotypical subjects. The difference between IMC amplitudes in the g and b ranges was significant when comparing neurotypical control subjects to SCA3 (p < 0.01) and SCA6 (p = 0.01) patients. IMCbg amplitude was smaller in SCA3 patients compared to neurotypical subjects (p<0.05), but not different between SCA3 and SCA6 patients or between SCA6 and neurotypical subjects.
Conclusion/significance:IMC metrics can differentiate SCA patients from normal controls.
High incidence and risk factors associated with contrast-induced nephropathy among adults undergoing coronary intervention in a tertiary hospital in Dodoma, Tanzania
Authors: Komanya Francisca B. , Meremo Alfred , Meda John R.
Published: April 2023

Introduction:
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third most prevalent cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury. CIN may result in complications that might require renal replacement therapy thus early identification of patients at risk of CIN for better primary prevention is necessary.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, we included all patients in whom coronary intervention procedures were done from August 2021 to April 2022 at Benjamin Mkapa cardiac catheterization unit in Dodoma, Tanzania. Patients’ data were collected at baseline and patients were reviewed and laboratory investigations were done within 48 hours post-coronary interventions. Data analysis was done by the SPSS version 25 statistical program, descriptive statistics were used to summarize data; continuous data were reported as Mean (SD) or Median (IQR), and categorical data were summarized using proportions and frequencies. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with the development of contrast-induced nephropathy
Results:
A total of 187 patients were recruited for the study, the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy was 100 (53.5%) patients. Among those with CIN, the median age was 61 years, 50.3% were female, 78.1% were married, 66.8% lived in urban, 84.5%were non-smokers, and 57.2% were not taking any alcohol. Patients with CIN had baseline median serum creatinine of 101.69 µmol/L, a hemoglobin level of 13.3 g/dl, random blood glucose of 5.55 mmol/l, systolic blood pressure of 145 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of 86 mmHg. For patients with CIN the prevalence of hypertension was 97(97%) patients, CKD was found in 38 (38%) patients, heart failure was present in 39(39%) patients and diabetes mellitus was present in 29 (29%) patients. Variables with higher odds for CIN were; advanced age ≥ 70 years [OR 2.7 (95% CI: 1.12–6.52) P = 0.027], hypertension [OR 7.9(95% CI: 1.99–31.08) P = 0.003] and diabetes mellitus [ OR 3.3(95% CI: 1.39–7.84) P = 0.007].
Conclusion:
The incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy after coronary interventions in our settings is high as compared to literature reports. Patients aged 70 years and above, those with hypertension and those with diabetes mellitus were at increased risk for CIN.
Buffering Against Exposure to Mental Health Misinformation in Online Communities: The Interplay of Depression Literacy and Expert Moderation
Authors: Bizzotto Nicole , de Bruijn Gert-Jan , Schulz Peter Johannes
Published: April 2023

Background
The proliferation of health misinformation on social media is a growing public health concern. Online communities for mental health (OCMHs) are also considered an outlet for exposure to misinformation. This study explored the impact of the self-reported volume of exposure to mental health misinformation in misinformation agreement and the moderating effects of Depression literacy and Type of OCMHs participation (expert vs. peer-led).
Methods
Participants (n = 403) were recruited in Italian-speaking OCMHs on Facebook. We conducted regression analyses using PROCESS macro (moderated moderation, Model 3). Measures included: the Depression Literacy Questionnaire (Griffiths et al., 2004), the Self-reported Misinformation Exposure in the OCMHs (3 items), and Misinformation Agreement with the exposure items (3 items). Whether participants were members of expert or peer-led OCMHs was also investigated.
Results
The final model explained the 12% variance in the Agreement. There was a positive and significant relationship between Misinformation Exposure and Misinformation Agreement (β = .3221, p < 0.001), a significant two-way interaction between Misinformation Exposure and Depression Literacy (β = -.2179, p < 0.01), and between Self-reported Misinformation Exposure and type of OCMH (β = -.2322, p < 0.05), such that at higher levels of Depression Literacy and in case of participation to in expert-led OCMHs, the relationship Misinformation Exposure-Misinformation Agreement was weaker. Finally, a three-way interaction was found (β =.2497, p < 0.05) that showed that Depression Literacy moderated the positive relationship between Misinformation Exposure and Misinformation Agreement such that the more misinformation participants were exposed to, the more they agreed with it unless they had higher levels of Depression Literacy; this, however, occurred only if they participated in peer-led groups.
Conclusions
Results provide evidence that the more members reported being exposed to mental health misinformation, the more they tended to agree with it, however this was only visible when participants had lower depression literacy and were participating in peer-led OMCH.
Results of this study suggest that both internal factors (i.e., high depression literacy) and external factors (the type of online community individuals were participating to) can buffer about the negative effects of misinformation exposure. It also suggests that increasing depression literacy and expert community moderation could curb the negative consequences of misinformation exposure related to mental health. Results will guide interventions to mitigate the effects of misinformation in OCMHs, including encouraging health professionals in their administration and implementing health education programs.
Proteomics and machine learning identify a distinct biomarker panel to detect prodromal and early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hällqvist Jenny , Bartl Michael , Dakna Mohammed , Schade Sebastian , Garagnani Paolo , Bacalini Maria-Giulia , Pirazzini Chiara , Bhatia Kailash , Schreglmann Sebastian R. , Xylaki Mary , Weber Sandrina , Ernst Marielle , Muntean Maria-Lucia , Sixel-Döring Friederike , Franceschi Claudio , Doykov Ivan , Trenkwalder Claudia , Heywood Wendy E. , Consortium PROPAGE-AGEING , Mills Kevin , Mollenhauer Brit
Published: April 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an increasingly prevalent neurodegenerative disease for which readily available and non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers are scarce. Here, we present a panel of proteomic plasma biomarkers, capable of discriminating between PD and healthy controls with 100% accuracy in a machine learning model. We performed a discovery proteomics study on newly diagnosed PD patients and controls, followed by a multiplexed targeted proteomic assay applied to 99 de novo PD patients and 36 controls. The machine learning model correctly classified all patients, and multiple markers correlated with motor, non-motor symptom severity and cognitive decline. We also evaluated 18 prodromal subjects with iRBD and predicted 72 - 94% of the iRBD samples as PD. This figure matches the clinical conversion rate observed in PD, identifying a pattern already evident in iRBD and indicating pre-symptomatic molecular events. These findings may advance our understanding and supporting of future clinical trials.
Interactive Voice System for Political Education Innovation based on the Era of 5G Converged Media
Authors: Yan Liyan , Zhao Renhui
Published: April 2023

As an emerging technology in the new era, voice interaction technology has always been extremely popular. The development of science and technology in the new era has pushed the research process of various technical points of voice interaction technology to a new era. Intelligent chat is a technology of a new era born in such a trend of the times. With the influence of intelligence in life, it is constantly strengthened, making it a human-computer dialogue intelligent system that can communicate freely like people. In this article, 5G integrated media technology is used to optimize the interactive voice system. This article first introduces the research background of the voice interactive system and analyzes the structure of 5G in detail. At the same time, from the perspective of networks and wireless networks, it explained the potential development potential of 5G, including large-scale channel models, full-scale, and channel coding, and showed its own ideas in terms of advantages and disadvantages and future research directions. In addition, this article also applies 5G integrated media technology to the innovative research of ideological and political education. This research uses 5G integrated media technology as a guide to deeply analyze the generation, development, characteristics and functions of new media, and the characteristics of new media. And its influence on students' moral education, and take Weibo as an example. This article discusses the current status of the application of new media in ideological and political education in contemporary colleges and universities, and the influence of new media on ideological and political education in modern colleges and universities. 5G media technology provides a new idea of ​​an interactive voting system, and provides new ideas for the development of ideological and political education in colleges and universities.
Synthesis of dandelion-like bimetallic nickel-cobalt metal-organic framework as an efficient cathode for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Chii-Rong , Li Yu-Chiao , Lin Jeng-Yu , Huang Mao-Jung
Published: April 2023

In this current work, pyromellitic acid (PMA) was employed to synthesize a NiCo metal-organic framework (MOF) for supercapacitors. The resultant NiCo-MOF (PMA) showed dandelion-like structure and therefore its surface area was reached as high as 500.7 m2 g− 1. The NiCo-MOF (PMA) delivered an impressive specific capacitance value of 918.8 F g− 1 at the current density of 1 A g− 1. Upon increasing the current density to 10 A g− 1, it retained 61.1% of the capacitance obtained at 1 A g− 1. Moreover, the capacitance retention of 64.3% was achieved even after being charged/discharged at 10 A g− 1 for 10,000 cycles. More importantly, the asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) based on the NiCo-MOF (PMA) cathode showed specific capacitance of 83.47 F g− 1 at 0.5 A g− 1 and 80.34% of its initial capacitance was still maintained after 5,000 cycles at 5 A g− 1. Furthermore, the ASC delivered an energy density of 23.88 Wh kg− 1 at a power density of 750 Wkg− 1. Additionally, two ASCs in series successfully drove 120 green LEDs lighting for 21 minutes, demonstrating its potential practical applications.
Simulation of the Training Path of Film Creation Talents Based on Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Ma Yanli
Published: April 2023

In today's changing social background, film creative talents cultivated through higher education are difficult to fully adapt to the environment. This paper tries to break the bottleneck of film creation talents by introducing artificial neural network technology, and is committed to cultivating innovative talents. By using artificial neural network technology, the optimal model can be obtained based on target training samples. The main unit of this network technology is neuron. Through the design experiment, we can know that if we want to obtain the best convolutional network reconstruction model, the probability p value must be set to 0.1. Under this environment, the accuracy and convergence speed of the model will be greatly improved, so as to effectively analyze the research on creative talent training path. Then, this paper analyzes the feasibility and necessity of film creation talent training by establishing a talent development prediction function. Through the innovation ability test of the target group and the comprehensive description of the function realization, the following characteristics are obtained: the target student group lacks innovation awareness, but has strong skills and rich imagination. Although the innovation personality is outstanding, the overall innovation ability is still low. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the innovation level of the target student group. Based on this, this paper puts forward several suggestions for talent cultivation. This paper designs several training paths by introducing artificial neural network into the training process of film creation talents.
Verification of the existence of copper-based antifouling paint particles in the sea and their implications for marine microplastic degradation
Authors: NAKATANI Hisayuki , YAMASHIRO Kaito , UCHIYAMA Taishi , MOTOKUCHO Suguru , DAO Anh Thi Ngoc , KIM Hee-Jin , YAGI Mitsuharu , KYOZUKA Yusaku
Published: April 2023

Marine microplastics (MP) and microdebris were retrieved from the five sampling stations between Nagasaki port and Goto Island and were classified into six types. Three of these types, MP (A), Si-based (B), and Cu-based (C) paint particles, were predominant. Type C had no depth dependence, regardless of the presence of cuprous oxide with high specific gravity. The dominant size of type C was less than 10 μm and contained 30 to 50 mol% of Cu content. The long stay behavior of type C suggested that it had implications for degrading type A. To clarify this, polypropylene (PP) film samples containing cuprous oxide were prepared, and their accelerated degradation behavior in seawater was investigated using the advanced oxidation process method using the sulfuric acid radical initiator in seawater of different salinity concentrations. Infrared spectroscopy revealed the formation of a copper soap compound in seawater. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis indicated that the chemical reactions between Cl− and cuprous oxide produced Cu+ ions. Changes in the number of polymer chain scissions were investigated at various salinity concentrations of seawater. These findings confirm that Cu+ species promote PP autoxidation.
Developmental Impairment in Children Exposed to Sars-Cov-2 in Utero: A Brazilian Cohort Study.
Authors: Santos Carolina Araujo Damasio , Paula Artemis , Filho Gentil Fonseca , Alves Manoella , Nery Andréia , Pontes Monise , Macedo Erianna , Oliveira Ruy , Freitas Sabrinna , Lima Sarah , Varela Fernanda , Viana Andrezza , Silva Aline , Silva Érika , D’Souza-Li Lília
Published: April 2023

Background The effects of in-utero exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on the offspring's neurodevelopment are still unknown.Methods We performed a prospective cohort of babies exposed to SARS-Cov-2 during pregnancy, and a control group of unexposed babies in a low-income area in Northeastern Brazil. All data were prospectively collected from medical records. Children’s neurodevelopment was assessed using the guide for Monitoring Child Development in the IMCI context and the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3), at ages 4, 6, and 12 months. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).Results We followed 127 children for one year, 69 children in the COVID-19 exposed Group (EG), and 68 in the control group (CG). All mothers were unvaccinated at the time included in the cohort. Maternal demographics were similar in the two groups, but prematurity was more prevalent in mothers infected with COVID-19 (21.7% vs. 8.8%, p = .036) and EPDS scores were also significantly higher among the EG (M = 11.00, SD = 6.00 vs. M = 8.68, SD = 4.72, p = 0.04). Both groups had similar rates of cesarean delivery, Apgar scores, average birth weight, head circumference and length at birth. 20.3% of EG children and 5.9% of the CG received a diagnosis of neurodevelopmental delay within 12 months of life (p = 0.013, RR = 3.44; 95% CI, 1.19–9.95). 10% of EG children presented abnormalities at the cranial ultrasound.Conclusions COVID-19 exposure was associated with neurodevelopmental impairment. This study highlights the importance of specific guidelines in the follow-up of children exposed to in-utero SARS-CoV-2 in order to mitigate or prevent long-term effects on children’s health.
Developing a Dual VEGF/PDL1 Inhibitor Based on High-Affinity scFv Heterodimers as an Anti- cancer Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Tzuri Noam , Yegodayev Ksenia M , Elkabets Moshe , Aharoni Amir , Papo Niv
Published: April 2023

Cancer progression is enhanced by the interaction of programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1), which is associated with inhibition of the immune response against tumors, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which inhibits immune cell activity while inducing angiogenesis and proliferation of cancer cells. Dual inhibition of PDL1 and VEGF may therefore confer a synergistic anti-cancer therapeutic effect. We present a novel strategy for developing a therapeutic that simultaneously binds and inhibits both PDL1 and VEGF. We generated a bi-specific protein, designated DuRan-Bis, comprising a single chain variable fragment (scFv)-based inhibitor of PDL1 fused to an scFv-based inhibitor of VEGF, with the latter being attached to an Fc fragment. We found that DuRan-Bis binds to both PDL1 and VEGF with high affinity. Compared to treatments with mono-specific proteins, alone or in combination, the DuRan-Bis chimera showed superior inhibition of the proliferation of glioblastoma cells. In comparison to treatment with immune cells alone, a combination of immune cells with DuRan-Bis decreased the viability of head and neck cancer cells. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to use a single polypeptide chain scFv-scFv-Fc scaffold for engineering a high-affinity bi-specific inhibitor of PDL1 and VEGF.
Association between the MTNR1B, HHEX, SLC30A8, and TCF7L2 single nucleotide polymorphisms and cardiometabolic risk profile in a mixed ancestry South African population
Authors: Ngwa Ndonwi Elvis , Matshazi Don Makwakiwe , Davison Glenda Mary , Kengne Andre Pascal , Matsha Tandi Edith
Published: April 2023

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the TCF7L2, HHEX, SLC30A8, MTNR1B, SLC2A2 and GLIS3 genes are well established candidate genes for cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) across different ethnic populations. We investigated their association with CMDs in a mixed ancestry population of South Africa. rs10830963, rs1111875, rs11920090, rs13266634, rs7034200 and rs7903146 SNPs were genotyped by quantitative real time PCR in 1650 participants and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) analyses performed on the SNPs. Diabetes, obesity, hypertension and cardiometabolic traits were compared across genotypes of SNPs in HWE. Linear and logistic regressions adjusting for age, gender and body mass index were used to determine the risk of T2D, obesity and hypertension. rs7903146 (p = 0.055), rs1111875 (p = 0.465), rs13266634 (p = 0.828), and rs10830963 (p = 0.158) were in HWE. The rs10830963 recessive genotype was able to predict FPG, insulin and HOMA-IR, while the rs1111875 recessive genotype was able to predict total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and FPG. The rs7903146 recessive genotype was able to predict SBP and LDL cholesterol. The recessive genotypes of MTNRIB and HHEX SNPs were associated with T2D traits in the study population and could partially explain the high prevalence of T2D. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and establish candidate genes in the African population.
Intraoperative challenges and complications of cataract surgery between cataract surgery alone and phacovitrectomy in eyes with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Hwang Sung Ha , Kim Haram , Lee Dae Yeong , Nam Dong Heun
Published: April 2023

Background To compare the intraoperative challenges, complications, and operation time of illuminated chopper-assisted cataract surgery between cataract surgery only and phacovitrectomy in eyes with diabetic retinopathy.Methods One university hospital, retrospective case series. Two hundred ninety-five eyes of 295 consecutive patients with diabetic retinopathy who underwent cataract surgery only or phacovitrectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Intraoperative challenges and complications of cataract surgery were thoroughly analyzed by 3D viewing of digitally recorded videos. The pupil diameter, operation time, and improved efficacy (100/operation time × pupil diameter) were compared between the cataract surgery only and phacovitrectomy groups. Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson’s chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests were performed for statistical analysis.Results Of the 295 eyes, 211 underwent cataract surgery only, and 84 underwent phacovitrectomy. Intraoperative challenges such as small pupil, miosis, or poor red reflex occurred more frequently (46 [21.8%] vs. 28 [33.3%], p = 0.029); pupil diameter was smaller (7.34 ± 0.94 vs. 6.89 ± 0.88 mm, p < 0.001) in the phacovitrectomy group than in the cataract surgery only group; however, rates of posterior capsule rupture and operation time were not different between the two groups (0 [0%] vs. 1 [1.2%], p = 0.285; 16.54 ± 2.65 vs. 16.31 ± 4.30 min, p = 0.434). Improved efficacy was higher in the phacovitrectomy group (0.85 ± 0.18 vs. 0.97 ± 0.28, p = 0.002).Conclusions The use of an illuminated chopper is a potential solution for diabetic cataract surgery, particularly in phacovitrectomy, by decreasing the use of supplemental devices, operation time, and posterior capsule rupture.Trial registration: retrospectively registered.
Transcatheter Ventilation with a Modified Rapid-O2 Oxygen Insufflation Device
Authors: Jang Jaewon , Kim Hye Jin , Kim Hyun Joo , Park Wyun Kon
Published: April 2023

Rapid-O2™ oxygen insufflation device (Rapid-O2®) has been primarily designed to provide rescue oxygenation; thus, hypercarbia is inevitable. We modified Rapid-O2 to augment ventilation by providing negative pressure during expiration. To determine the most effective combination between the 20 G, 18 G, 16 G, 14 G, or 2-mm internal diameter (ID) transtracheal catheter (TTC) (inner catheters) to create sub-atmospheric pressure and the 16 G, 14 G or 2-mm ID TTC to achieve insufflating flow (insufflating catheters), the corresponding insufflating and expiratory flows and pressures were measured using a gas flow analyzer. Insufflating and expiratory volumes were assessed using a trachea-lung model. Based on the flow measurements of combination between inner and insufflating catheters, the 18 G was chosen as the inner catheter. Insufflating pressures ranged from 97 (2-mm ID TTC) to 377 cmH2O (16 gauge) at oxygen flow rate of 15 L/min. During expiration, negative pressures of ~ 50 cmH2O were measured in three insufflating catheters at 15 L/min. At a lung compliance of 100 mL/cmH2O, with a rate of ~ 12 breathes/min, minute volumes through a 14 G or 2-mm ID TTC were 5.53 and 6.53 L/min, respectively, at 15 L/min. The modified Rapid-O2 could achieve adequate minute ventilation in adults.
The “island sign” on diffusion-weighted imaging predicts early neurological deterioration in penetrating artery territory infarctions: a retrospective study
Authors: Yang Yang , Si Zhihua , Wang Dawei , Dong Dong , Liu Rutao , Yu Xianwen , Tang Jiyou , Wang Aihua
Published: April 2023

Background Early neurological deterioration (END) sometimes occurs in patients with penetrating artery territory infarction (PATI) and leads to poor prognosis. In this study, we analyzed clinical and neuroimaging characteristics, especially the infarct patterns of PATI on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to investigate whether the “island sign” pattern is associated with END.Methods One hundred thirteen patients with acute PATI admitted within 48 h after onset from May 2020 to July 2022 were enrolled in this study. They were divided into two groups according to infarct location: the territories of the lenticulostriate arteries (LSA) and paramedian pontine arteries (PPA). The patients in each group were further classified into the END and non-END groups according to whether they developed END. The PATI patterns were divided into with and without the “island sign” as observed on DWI. The clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of the patients were analyzed within the LSA and PPA groups.Results END was found in 17 patients (27.9%) in the LSA group and 20 patients (38.5%) in the PPA group. In the multivariate analysis, the independent predictors were the “island sign” (OR 4.88 95% CI 1.03–23.2 P = 0.045) and high initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (OR 1.79 95% CI 1.08–2.98 P = 0.024) in the LSA group and lesions extending to the ventral pontine surface (OR 7.53 95% CI 1.75–32.37 P = 0.007) in the PPA group.Conclusions The predictive factors for END were different in the LSA and PPA groups. The “island sign” was particularly associated with END in the LSA group.
Few-photon Detection of Ge Quantum-dot Single-hole Transistors in Few-hole Regime under Visible Irradiation
Authors: Hong Po-Yu , Lai Chi-Cheng , Lin Horng-Chih , George Thomas , Kuo David M. T. , Li Pei-Wen
Published: April 2023

We reported few-photon detection and exciton binding-energy determination using tunneling-current spectroscopy of Ge-quantum dot (QD) single-hole transistors (SHTs) operating in the few-hole regime under 400 nm–1550 nm illumination. When the photon energy is smaller than the bandgap energy (1.46 eV) of the 20 nm Ge QD (for instance, under 1310 nm and 1550 nm illuminations), the peak voltage of tunneling current peaks remain intact even irradiation power is as high as mW. In contrast, 850 nm illumination (i.e., the photon energy is equal to the bandgap energy of the Ge QD) induces a considerable shift in the first hole-tunneling current peak towards positive VG (VG 0.08 V at 25.8 nW and 0.15 V at 112 nW) and even creates new additional photocurrent peaks at more positive VG (VG 0.2 V) at W irradiation. The abovementioned experimental observations were further strengthened for Ge-QD SHTs illuminated by 405 nm lasers with much lower power. The observed newly-photogenerated current peaks are ascribed to the interactions between few photoexcitons and single-hole tunneling within the Ge QD.
Induction of the CtsR regulon improves Xylanase production in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Wang Biwen , Kloet Frans van der , Hamoen Leendert W.
Published: April 2023

Background The bacterium Bacillus subtilis is extensively used for the commercial production of enzymes due to its efficient protein secretion capacity. However, the efficiency of secretion varies greatly between enzymes, and despite many years of research, optimization of enzyme production is still largely a matter of trial-and-error. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis seems a useful tool to identify relevant secretion bottlenecks, yet to this day, only a limited number of transcriptome studies have been published that focus on enzyme secretion in B. subtilis. Here, we examined the effect of high-level expression of the commercially important enzyme endo-1,4-β-xylanase XynA on the B. subtilis transcriptome using RNA-seq.Results Using the novel gene-set analysis tool GINtool, we found a reduced activity of the CtsR regulon when XynA was overproduced. This regulon comprises several protein chaperone genes, including clpC, clpE and clpX, and is controlled by transcriptional repression. CtsR levels are directly controlled by regulated proteolysis, involving ClpC and its cognate protease ClpP. When we abolished this negative feedback, by inactivating the repressor CtsR, the XynA production increased by 25%.Conclusions Overproduction of enzymes can reduce the pool of Clp protein chaperones in B. subtilis, presumably due to negative feedback regulation. Breaking this feedback can improve enzyme production yields. Considering the conserved nature of Clp chaperones and their regulation, this method might benefit high-yield enzyme production in other organisms.
The probability distributions of the movement of dairy and beef cattle in Japan: a data note
Authors: Murato Yoshinori , Hayama Yoko , Kondo Sonoko , Sawai Kotaro , Yamaguchi Emi , Yamamoto Takehisa
Published: April 2023

Objectives:
Animal movement is an important factor in the transmission of infectious diseases among livestock. A better understanding of animal movement characteristics provides a more reliable estimation of disease spread and promotes modeling studies. In Japan, all the cattle movement information is recorded in a national database called the Individual Cattle Identification Register (ICIR).” Our previous studies using this information demonstrated heterogeneity in the movement of dairy and beef cows according to location, season, and age. The present study describes the probability distributions of the movement of Japanese dairy and beef cows in the following month on a regional basis.
Data description:
This publication contains four probability distribution datasets for the predicted locations of dairy and beef cows in Japan in the following month, which were developed using individual cattle movement information obtained from the ICIR. These datasets provide information on cattle movement in the following month on a regional basis, given properties such as birth region, location, time, and age.
Estimating Disease-Free Survival of Thyroid Cancer Based on Novel Cuprotosis-Related Gene Model
Authors: Du Rui , Li Jingting , li Fang , Mi Lusi , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Sun Hui , Liang Nan
Published: April 2023

Background: Cuprotosis is a newlydiscovered form of cell death that differs from other types of cell death. The aim of this study wasto investigate the functional role and a possible prognosticmodel for thyroid cancer.
Methods: TCGA and GEO were used to investigate the differential expression of CRGs in THCA. KEGG and GO enrichment analyses were applied to investigate the possible molecular functions. The features of CRGs were selected by LASSO regression. 20 pairs of samples were randomly collected from the hospital to compare expression between tumor and normal.
Results: Among the 19 CRGs related to thyroid cancer recurrence, 16 genes were differentially expressed in thyroid cancer. KEGG analysis showed that the 19 CRGs were mainly enriched in cell death, cell cycle and ribosomal pathways. K-M survival analysis and subsequent multiple logistic regression revealed that the expression of BUB1 and GINS2 were potential risk factors for disease-free survival (DFS) of thyroid cancer. In addition, further LASSO-regression selected the following three DFS-related CRGs: FDX1, BUB1 and RPL3. A novel prognostic prediction model was constructed by nomogram, and the prediction probability for 1-, 3- and 5-year survival approached the actual time. As for the possible mechanisms, FDX1, BUB1 and RPL3 were associated with immune infiltration. The cell model experiment illustrated that the ATM signaling pathway might be involved in thyroid cancer cell death.
Conclusion: Three CRG models (FDX1, BUB1, RPL3) could better predict the prognosis of thyroid cancer. Immune cell infiltration and the ATM pathway were the possible mechanisms.
Clinical, epidemiological, and genotypic characteristics of rotavirus infection in hospitalized infants and young children in Yunnan Province
Authors: Jiang Hongjun , Zhang Yu , Xu Xiaoyan , Li Xiaohan , Sun Yi , Fan Xin , Xu Ya , Su Ting , Zhang Guiqian , Dian Qin Zi
Published: April 2023

Rotavirus is the most important pathogenic cause of non-bacterial diarrhea in infants and children. Approximately 60% of hospital admissions for acute diarrhea worldwide are caused by rotavirus infection. Rotavirus infection and hospitalization among children in China are a social burden, resulting in economic loss. The prevalence and geographical distribution of rotavirus genotypes is variable partially due to population migration. Due to the unique geographical conditions and climatic in Yunnan Province, several viruses with new genotypes have emerged and multiple genotypes have become co-endemic. In this study, rotavirus infection screening and genetic characterization of epidemic strains were performed in 149,492 infants and children admitted to hospitals in six representative prefectures in Yunnan Province between 2019 and 2021. The prevalence of rotavirus infection was 13.39%, and was highest in January and lowest in September. G9P[8] was the main endemic rotavirus genotype. Other endemic genotypes included G2P[4], G8P[8], G9P[4], G2P[8], G3P[8], G4P[8], G3P[4], and G4P[6]. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that locally endemic strains were influenced by importation of strains from neighboring provinces and other Asian countries. These findings provide a scientific basis for rotavirus prevention and control, and lay a foundation for preliminary studies to establish a rotavirus surveillance network in Yunnan Province.
Sporadic occurrence of haemosporidian parasites in two species of marsh terns
Authors: Dubiec Anna , Atamas Natalia , Ledwoń Mateusz
Published: April 2023

Vector-transmitted haemosporidians are among the most common parasites in birds, but our knowledge of the inter-specific patterns of infection rates and the parasite community composition is far from complete because of the unequal distribution of the screening effort across bird families and genera. To assess infection rates and the diversity of haemosporidians from the generaPlasmodium,Haemoproteus, andLeucocytozoonin marsh terns, which represent poorly explored in this regard genus of the family gulls, terns, and skimmers (Laridae), we screened two species: the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) and the Black Tern (Chlidonias niger). We sampled these long-distance migratory birds on breeding grounds: the Whiskered Tern in south-central Poland and north-central Ukraine, and the Black Tern – in north-central Ukraine. We found that birds from both species were infected only sporadically, with prevalence at the population level not exceeding 3.4%. Only parasites from the generaPlasmodiumandLeucocytozoonwere detected. There was neither an inter-specific difference nor a difference between populations of the Whiskered Tern in infection rates. In total, we registered three lineages – onePlasmodiumand twoLeucocytozoon– that were previously recorded in other bird species, and two unidentifiedPlasmodiuminfections. One of the lineages (LeucocytozoonLARCAC02) represents a specialist parasite with the host range restricted to larids and geographic range restricted to Poland, and two others (PlasmodiumSGS1 andLeucocytozoonCIAE02) represent generalist parasites with very broad host and geographic ranges. This study reinforces the existing evidence that terns host parasites from generaHaemoproteus,Plasmodium, andLeucocytozoononly sporadically.
Charge properties and fingerprints of some urban and peri-urban garden soils in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Neina Dora , Osei Bismark , Dodor Daniel Etsey
Published: April 2023

Urban soils are exposed to many pressures such as Urban and peri-urban gardening (UPG) that lead to environmental pollution. This study assessed charge properties of selected UPG soils in Accra, Ghana. Basic soil properties were measured using standard laboratory methods. Afterward, pH0 and charge fingerprints were measured in Whole soils (untreated soils) and Stripped soils (soils stripped of their native soil organic matter (SOM)) using the Gillman potentiometric titration method using CaCl2 and NH4NO3. The G soils were dominantly Acrisols with ferric properties except for two Vertisols. The soil properties were characteristic of the soil types with pH ranging from 5.5–7.6 and exchangeable acidity < 1 cmolc/kg, yielding CEC > ECEC values of 6.7–27.8 cmolc/kg. In both the Whole and Stripped soils, the δpH and the difference between the pH0 of the Whole (5.3–6.6) and the Stripped (5.6–6.9) soils and the Gillman field pH (pH(0.002)) showed that soils were negatively charged. The pH0 of the Whole and Stripped soils highlighted the importance of SOM in the charge properties, particularly in basic CEC. The charge properties depict the ability of soils to retain charged substances and ions introduced thereby restricting their mobility.
Acidification and increase of phosphorus levels in Pampean streams after 12 years of agricultural intensification
Authors: Feijoó Claudia , Hegoburu Cecilia , Messetta María Laura , Guerra-López José , Rigacci Laura , Anselmo Julieta , Franco Leonardo , Marcé Rafael
Published: April 2023

Agricultural intensification is a process that is still undergoing in many emergent economies. In the Pampas (central Argentina), the former low-external input farming was replaced by a model based on genetically modified crops and the intensive use of pesticides (mainly glyphosate) in the last decades. Here, we analyzed changes in water chemistry (pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and carbonates) in 41 streams of Buenos Aires province between 2003/04 and 2015/16, and the impact of geology, soil type and land use change on water chemistry. We also used the SPARROW model to further analyze possible drivers of stream phosphorus loads. We observed modifications at reach scale in several streams, including changes in channel morphology, riparian vegetation and land use, and a moderate expansion of agriculture in most basins. Mean nitrate concentration did not significantly change between 2003/04 and 2015/16, and it was related to cropland cover in the basins. Dissolved phosphorus concentration increased in the streams, especially in the southern fluvial regions, but contrary to our expectations, phosphorus levels were not associated to land use but to pH. The SPARROW model also supported the link between water acidification and phosphorus concentration, and indicated that the whole basin acts as a phosphorus source. Possible explanations of fluvial acidification may be related to current agricultural practices, including higher inputs of labile carbon from croplands, soil acidification by nitrogenous fertilizers, and the generalized use of glyphosate. This highlights the necessity of adopting new agricultural paradigms to reduce the use of agrochemicals in Pampean basins.
Application, Utilization and Uptake of Artificial Insemination Technology to Smallholder Farmers in the Traditional Agro-Pastoral Livestock Farming System: A Case of Mpwapwa District in the Central Zone of Tanzania
Authors: Kabuni Kabuni Thomas , Komba Erick Vitus Gabriel , Kabululu Mwemezi , Mwalingo Malongo , Matimya Geofrey , Laven Richard , Parkinson Timothy , Peters Andrew
Published: April 2023

Cattle breeding in the central zone of Tanzania is largely by unproven homebred bulls, with very limited use of artificial insemination (AI). Hence, beef herds in the region remain largely unimproved, with relatively low genetic merit and productivity. An outreach program was developed by the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI) to pilot AI service delivery to smallholder farmers in the central zone of Tanzania, with the objectives of: identifying the processes required to develop an AI service; and improving farmers’ understanding of the potential benefits to their herds through using AI. Smallholder farmers (100) in the Mpwapwa district of the Dodoma region of Tanzania were recruited into the program. 200 cows were involved in the programme composed of the following breeds: Mpwapwa (100), Tanzania Short-horned Zebu (70) and Boran (30). The AI bulls used were from Mpwapwa and Boran breeds kept at the National Artificial Insemination Centre (NAIC) in Tanzania, selected based on pedigree information and growth performance. All cows were synchronized prior to AI using a prostaglandin (PG)-based programme. Of the 200 cows, 110 cows were inseminated following oestrus observed after 1st PG, with 90 non-responding cows receiving a 2nd PG injection at day 11 with fixed time AI (FTAI) 72 hours later. Of the 200 cows, 110 (55%; 95%CI 48-62%) became pregnant to AI. Bulls were introduced into the herd for 60 days, starting 60 days after FTAI, with 80/90 cows (89%; 95%CI 81-94%) which did not get pregnant to AI becoming pregnant during this period. For widespread uptake of AI, the following issues need to be addressed: (i) the inability of farmers to accurately detect oestrus, probably necessitating use of low-cost whole herd FTAI programs; (ii) the dearth of trained AI technicians; and (iii) low background fertility of cows.
Association of dynamic change of triglyceride-glucose index during hospital stay with all- cause mortality in critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort study from MIMIC IV2.0
Authors: Cheng Long , Zhang Feng , Xue Wenjing , Yu Peng , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Hairong , Wang Jun , Hu Tianyang , Gong Hui , Lin Li
Published: April 2023

Background Biomarker of insulin resistance, namely triglyceride-glucose index, is potentially useful in identifying critically ill patients at high risk of hospital death. However, the TyG index might have variations over time during ICU stay. Hence, the purpose of the current research was to verify the associations between the dynamic change of the TyG index during the hospital stay and all-cause mortality.Methods The present retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV 2.0 (MIMIC-IV) critical care dataset, which included data from 8,835 patients with 13,674 TyG measurements. The primary endpoint was 1-year all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital all-cause mortality, the need for mechanical ventilation during hospitalization, length of stay in the hospital. Cumulative curves were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Propensity score matching was performed to reduce any potential baseline bias. Restricted cubic spline analysis was also employed to assess any potential non-linear associations. Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to examine the association between the dynamic change of TyG index and mortality.Results The follow-up period identified a total of 3,010 all-cause deaths (35.87%), of which 2,477 (29.52%) occurred within the first year. The cumulative incidence of all-cause death increased with a higher quartile of the TyGVR, while there were no differences in the TyG index. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a nearly linear association between TyGVR and the risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality (P for non-linear = 0.449, P for overall = 0.004) as well as 1-year all-cause mortality (P for non-linear = 0.909, P for overall = 0.019). The area under the curve of all-cause mortality by various conventional severity of illness scores significantly improved with the addition of the TyG index and TyGVR. The results were basically consistent in subgroup analysis.Conclusions Dynamic change of TyG during hospital stay is associated with in-hospital and 1-year all-cause mortality, and may be superior to the effect of baseline TyG index. By incorporating the dynamic change of the TyG index into clinical practice, clinicians can gain a more nuanced understanding of a patient's condition and tailor their treatment accordingly. This approach may lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced mortality rates, and more efficient use of healthcare resources.
Automating High-throughput Screening for Anthracnose Resistance in Common Bean Using Allele Specific PCR
Authors: Zaleski-Cox Marysia , Miklas Phillip N. , Soler-Garzón Alvaro , Hoyos-Villegas Valerio
Published: April 2023

Background: Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) provide important protein and calories globally. Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magnus) Briosi & Cavara, 1889) is a major disease in common bean and causes significant yield losses in bean production areas. Screening for markers linked to known disease resistance genes provides useful information for plant breeders to develop improved common bean varieties. The Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) assay is an affordable genetic screening technique that can be used to accelerate breeding programs, but manual DNA extraction and KASP assay preparation are time-consuming. Several KASP markers have been developed for genes involved in resistance to bean anthracnose, which can reduce yield by up to 100%, but their usefulness is hindered by the labor required to screen a significant number of bean lines. Our research objective was to develop publicly available protocols for DNA extraction and KASP assaying using a liquid handling robot (LHR) which would facilitate high-throughput genetic screening with less active human time required. Anthracnose resistance markers were used to compare manual and automated results.
Results: The 12 bean anthracnose differential cultivars were screened for four anthracnose KASP markers linked to the resistance genes Co-1, Co-3 and Co-42 both by hand and with the use of an LHR. A protocol was written for DNA extraction and KASP assay thermocycling to implement the LHR. The LHR protocol reduced the active human screening time of 24 samples from 3h44 to 1h23. KASP calls were consistent across replicates but not always accurate for their known linked resistance genes, suggesting more specific markers still need to be developed. Using an LHR, information from KASP assays can be accumulated with little active human time.
Conclusion: Results suggest that LHRs can be used to expedite time-consuming and tedious lab work such as DNA extraction or PCR plate filling. Notably, LHRs can be used to prepare KASP assays for large sample sizes, facilitating higher throughput use of genetic marker screening tools.